A ventral brainstem neurenteric cyst - A case report and review of the pre-brainstem location.

Background: Neurenteric cysts are uncommon, benign endoderm-derived lesions that result from aberrant embryologic development of the notochord. They are typically located in the intradural extramedullary spinal cord and rarely located intracranially. Contrary to spinal-located cysts, intracranial cysts are rarer in the pediatric population. Clinically, they may present with symptoms of mass effect, or they can be incidentally discovered. Case Description: A 10-year-old healthy female child presented with recurrent headaches. The physical and neurological examination was unremarkable. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well-demarcated lesion anterior to the pontomedullary junction with striking T1 and T2/T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery high-signal intensity and a small rounded nodule within of low signal on T1, T2, and T2*. On initial conservative strategy with serial brain MRI, there was a progressive enlargement of the lesion with significant mass effect on the brainstem. The patient underwent a right retrosigmoid craniotomy, and the cyst wall was fenestrated and drained. Part of the cyst wall and the solid nodule were adherent to the brainstem and basilar artery and were not removed. The histologic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a benign endodermal cyst. The postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusion: We report a successful surgical treatment of this rare congenital cyst located in the ventral brainstem. We present pre-and post-operative imaging findings, intraoperative microscopic images of the procedure, and a brief review of relevant clinical literature on the topic.

Cadherin Expression Profiles Define Glioblastoma Differentiation and Patient Prognosis.

Cadherins are cell-cell adhesion proteins which have been strongly implicated in cancer invasion, dissemination and metastasis capacity; thus, they are key players in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. However, their role in glioblastoma (GBM), a primary central nervous system aggressive tumor, remains to be clarified. N-, E- and P-cadherin expression was analyzed on a large series of GBMs, characterized with clinical, imaging and neuropathological parameters, as well as with patients' survival data. In addition, cadherins' expression was studied in match-recurrent cases. Using TCGA data, cadherin expression profiles were also evaluated according to GBM transcription subtypes. N-cadherin expression was observed in 81.5% of GBM, followed by E-cadherin in 31% and P-cadherin in 20.8%. Upon tumor recurrence, P-cadherin was the only significantly upregulated cadherin compared with the primary tumor, being positive in 65.8% of the cases. Actually, P-cadherin gain was observed in 51.4% of matched primary-recurrent cases. Cadherins' co-expression was also explored. Interestingly, E- and N-cadherin co-expression identified a GBM subgroup with frequent epithelial differentiation and a significant survival benefit. On the other hand, subgroups with P-cadherin expression carried the worse prognosis. P- and N-cadherin co-expression correlated with the presence of a mesenchymal phenotype. Expressions of isolated P-cadherin or E- and P-cadherin co-expression were associated with imaging characteristics of aggressiveness, to highly heterogeneous tumors, an d to worse patient survival. Classical cadherins co-expression subgroups present consistent clinical, imaging, neuropathological and survival differences, which probably reflect different states of an EMT-like program in GBM.

Metopic craniosynostosis: Dynamic cranioplasty for trigonocephaly versus fronto-orbital remodeling and advancement - A retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to compare a traditional fronto-orbital remodeling and advancement (FORA) with the dynamic cranioplasty for trigonocephaly (DCT). The authors analyzed patients who underwent surgery for trigonocephaly. Perioperative data were compared. Parents were asked to use a visual analog scale to evaluate the pre- and postoperative distance between the eyes, the forehead shape, and the global appearance of the face. A panel of observers was asked to grade pre- and postoperative photographs using a similar visual analog scale. Pre- and postoperative anthropometric data were collected and analyzed in a subset of the study population aged 9 years or older. The total sample size was 51 patients (DCT n = 39; FORA n = 12). Durations of surgery and anesthesia were shorter in the DCT group (115 vs 194 min, p = 0.001; 226 vs 289 min, p = 0.001). Patients in the DCT group received similar preoperative ratings to those in the FORA group, but significantly higher postoperative ratings by parents for all three questions. There were no significant differences in postoperative ratings by the panel or postoperative anthropometric data. DCT is safe and effective. It is preferred over FORA because it is associated with shorter durations of surgery and anesthesia, while providing higher degrees of parental satisfaction and similar aesthetic and anthropometric outcomes.

Tranexamic acid decreases transfusion requirements during the modified pi-plasty procedure for sagittal craniosynostosis.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in decreasing transfusion needs in patients undergoing modified pi-plasty. A retrospective study was performed using a population of 59 patients who underwent modified pi-plasty, wherein patients who received TXA during surgery (study group, n = 26) were compared with patients who did not receive TXA (control group, n = 33). The primary study endpoints were intraoperative red blood cell substitution (%), postoperative red blood cell substitution (%), total red blood cell substitution (%), and hematocrit variation. Perioperative administration of TXA significantly decreased the total red blood cell substitution (62.90% vs 86.70%; p = 0.002) and resulted in a higher postoperative hematocrit (29.47% vs 27.53%; p = 0.060). In conclusion, perioperative administration of TXA significantly decreased blood transfusion requirements in patients with sagittal craniosynostosis undergoing modified pi-plasty.

The ALT pathway generates telomere fusions that can be detected in the blood of cancer patients.

Telomere fusions (TFs) can trigger the accumulation of oncogenic alterations leading to malignant transformation and drug resistance. Despite their relevance in tumour evolution, our understanding of the patterns and consequences of TFs in human cancers remains limited. Here, we characterize the rates and spectrum of somatic TFs across >30 cancer types using whole-genome sequencing data. TFs are pervasive in human tumours with rates varying markedly across and within cancer types. In addition to end-to-end fusions, we find patterns of TFs that we mechanistically link to the activity of the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. We show that TFs can be detected in the blood of cancer patients, which enables cancer detection with high specificity and sensitivity even for early-stage tumours and cancers of high unmet clinical need. Overall, we report a genomic footprint that enables characterization of the telomere maintenance mechanism of tumours and liquid biopsy analysis.

Lumbar pseudo-tail associated with dermal sinus - A case report / Pseudocola lumbar asociada a seno dérmico - Caso clínico

Background: Lumbosacral and coccygeal skin covered appendages are a rare malformation, considered human-tails. Case report: The authors describe the case of a full term newborn girl with lumbar skin appendage and a normal neurologic examination. The magnetic resonance of the spine revealed a dermal sinus continuous with the skin appendage and with extension into to the spinal canal. Due to the infection risk, a surgery was performed on the third day of life, with dermal sinus ligation and appendage removal. At 12 months of follow-up the girl has a normal neurologic examination. Conclusions: With the description of this case the authors aim to emphasize that although rare, lumbar skin appendages can be associated with spinal dysraphism and other lesions, requiring extensive work-up and long-term surveillance

Antecedentes: Los apéndices humanos lumbosacros y coccígeos recubiertos de piel son malformaciones raras, consideradas colas humanas. Caso clínico: Describimos el caso de una niña recién nacida a término, con un apéndice cutáneo lumbar y con una exploración neurológica normal. La resonancia magnética lumbosacra demostró un seno dérmico contiguo al apéndice cutáneo con extensión al canal vertebral. Dado el riesgo de infección, fue operada al tercer día de vida realizándose ligación del seno dérmico y resección del apéndice cutáneo. Pasados 12 meses la niña continúa presentando un examen neurológico normal. Conclusiones: Con la descripción de este caso los autores pretenden realzar que, aunque raros, los apéndices cutáneos lumbares suelen asociarse a disrafismos espinales. Precisan, por ello, un estudio exhaustivo y seguimiento a largo plazo

Idiopathic scoliosis: Static analysis of the influence of shim use on postural angles / Escoliose Idiopática: Análise estática da influência do uso de calço nos ângulos posturais

Abstract Introduction: Scoliosis is characterized as a three-dimensional deformity. In this scenario, the use of shims can promote correction of postural imbalances. Objective: To verify the static changes associated with unilateral manipulation of shims in idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: Two experimental groups composed of participants with scoliosis with double and single curves, and a control group of participants without scoliosis. 10 reflective markers were used, filmed for 15 seconds in the static position in three conditions (no shim; low shim of 1 cm, and high shim of 3 cm) on the right and left foot. The following postural angles were calculated: alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, and alpha 4. Results: There were differences in the shim condition between the control group (CG) and experimental scoliosis with "S" (GES) for alpha 2 and 4 and Scoliosis "C" (GEC) for alpha 2. For shims under the right foot, there were differences between the control group and GES for alpha 4 and the GEC for alpha 1, 2 and 4, and between shims for the GES for alpha 3 and 4. Shims under the left foot were responsible for significant differences between the control group and the GES and GEC groups. Conclusion: These static postural changes indicate that scoliosis curves show adaptability and postural reorganization in response to manipulation with shims, and the greatest influence is seen in the lower segments, both in simple and double curves. According to the results it is concluded that residual scoliotic curvatures have flexibility that allows postural adjustment with shims.

Resumo Introdução: A escoliose é caracterizada como uma deformidade tridimensional. Neste cenário, o uso de calços pode promover correções de assimetrias posturais. Objetivo: Verificar as alterações estáticas associadas com manipulações unilaterais de calços na escoliose idiopática. Métodos: Dois grupos experimentais compostos de participantes com escoliose de curvas duplas e simples, e um grupo controle de participantes sem escoliose. Foram utilizados 10 marcadores reflexivos, filmados durante 15 segundos na posição estática em três condições (sem calço; com calço baixo de 1 cm; e alto de 3 cm) sob o pé direito e esquerdo. Foram calculados ângulos posturais: alfa 1, alfa 2, alfa 3 e alfa 4. Resultados: Houve diferenças na condição sem calço, entre grupos controle (GC) e experimental com escoliose em "S" (GES) para alfa 2 e 4 e com escoliose em "C" (GEC) para alfa 2. Calços sob o pé direito, houve diferenças entre os grupos controle e GES para alfa 4 e GEC para alfa 1, 2 e 4, e entre calços para GES para alfa 3 e 4. Calços sob o pé esquerdo foram responsáveis por diferenças significantes entre grupos controle e GES e GEC. Conclusão: Estas alterações posturais estáticas indicam que curvas escolióticas apresentam capacidade de adaptação e reorganização postural em resposta à manipulação dos calços, sendo que a maior influência é observada nos segmentos inferiores, tanto em curvas simples como duplas. De acordo com os resultados observados, conclui-se que as curvaturas escolióticas apresentam flexibilidade residual que permite ajustes posturais na presença de calços.

Vasculopathy associated with peripheral neuropathy in gait parameters of diabetic people

Abstract Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus when glycemic levels are poorly controlled. Sometimes DPN is accompanied by vasculopathy (DPV), which can worsen the clinical prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the gait parameters of nondiabetic individuals and diabetic individuals with DPN with or without DPV. METHOD The study included 68 individuals (50 to 65 years old) divided into three groups: people without diabetes mellitus (n = 33), diabetic patients with DPN (n = 18), and diabetic patients with both DPN and DVP (n = 17). The participants underwent a gait evaluation using electronic baropodometry to obtain the single and double support, velocity, and pressure-time integral. RESULTS The pressure-time integral, velocity, and single support variables were lower, and the double support and double support/single support ratio were higher in the diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy group. The velocity was lower the greater the degree of impairment of the diabetic foot. Some correlations were identified with velocity. CONCLUSION In diabetic individuals, there was a significant worsening of the gait parameters analyzed according to increasing degree of clinical impairment.

Composição corporal e expansibilidade toracoabdominal em idosas praticantes de programa exercício físico supervisionado / Body composition and thoracoabdominal expansion in elderly women submitted to a supervised physical exercise program

Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos do exercício físico supervisionado sobre a composição corporal e a expansibilidade toracoabdominal de mulheres idosas inseridas em um programa de exercício físico regular e supervisionado. Métodos: Foram incluídas mulheres com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, integrantes de um programa de exercício físico supervisionado, com frequência superior a 75%. As participantes foram dividas em dois grupos: programa duas vezes por semana (P2) e programa três vezes por semana (P3), sendo avaliadas antes do início do programa e após seis meses. Para as medidas de circunferência durante os movimentos respiratórios, foi realizada a cirtometria nas regiões axilar, xifoide, 12as costelas e região umbilical; e para a avaliação da composição corporal, a bioimpedância. Resultados: A amostra constou de 60 idosas, 29 pertencentes ao P2, com média de idade de 73,93±6,76 anos, e 31 pertencentes ao P3, com média de idade de 67,41±5,61 anos. A cirtometria demonstrou que em P2 houve aumento do coeficiente respiratório das 12as costelas entre o início (média 1,94±1,67 cm) e o fim do programa (média 3,07±1,67 cm), p=0,018; e em P3 houve aumento do coeficiente respiratório na região axilar entre a avaliação inicial (média 2,17±0,97 cm) e a final (média 2,84±1,81 cm), p=0,030. Nas outras variáveis em estudo não houve modificações. Na comparação entre os grupos, não houve diferenças significativas entre as medidas correspondentes a cada período da avaliação. Com relação à composição corporal, o grupo P2 apresentou aumento em massa magra e diminuição de gordura corporal entre o início e o fim do programa, enquanto as participantes do P3 mantiveram os mesmos valores. Conclusões: Após seis meses de participação em um programa de exercício físico supervisionado com sessões duas ou três vezes por semana, mulheres idosas demonstraram alguma melhora na expansibilidade toracoabdominal, aumento da massa magra e diminuição e/ou manutenção da gordura corporal.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of supervised exercise on body composition and thoracoabdominal expansion of women submitted to a regular and supervised exercise program. Methods: Women aged 60 years or older participating in a supervised exercise program, with attendance greater than 75%, were included in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: exercises twice a week (P2) and three times a week (P3), evaluated before the program and after six months. The circumference measurements during respiratory motion were obtained in the axillary, xiphoid, and umbilical regions, and in the 12th pair of ribs, whereas body composition was assessed by bioimpedance. Results: The sample consisted of 60 elderly women, 29 of whom belonged to P2, with a mean age of 73.93±6.76 years, and 31 to P3, with a mean age of 67.41±5.61 years. Cirtometry demonstrated a higher respiratory coefficient for the 12th pair of ribs in P2 between the beginning (mean 1.94±1.67 cm) and end of the program (mean of 3.07±1.67 cm), p=0.018, and a higher respiratory coefficient in the axillary region in P3 at baseline (mean of 2.17±0.97 cm) and at the end of the program (mean of 2.84±1.81 cm), p=0.030. The other variables remained unchanged. No significant differences were observed when the groups were compared. Regarding body composition, the P2 group had an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in body fat between the beginning and end of the program, while the P3 group maintained the same indices. Conclusions: The elderly women revealed some improvement in thoracoabdominal expansion, increase in lean body mass, and a decrease or maintenance of body fat after six months in the supervised exercise program, with sessions twice or three times a week.

Efficiency of occlusal splints on police officers with TMD

Aim: To evaluate of the effect of two different occlusal splints on police officers with TMD. Methods: Thirty police officers were selected based on Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD and on clinical exams. Volunteers (ten per group) were distributed according to occlusal splints: group A - Control, group B - Michigan Occlusal Splint (MOS), and group C - Planas Appliance (PA). Experimental groups were analyzed using a visual analog pain scale (VAPS), subject to a clinical evaluation of temporomandibular joint. Bilateral surface electromyographic activities of anterior and posterior temporal, masseter and suprahyoid muscles were analyzed at rest and during clenching, before and after four weeks using the occlusal splints. Results: The left and right temporal and masseter muscles sensitivity decreased after using both splints. Pain symptoms increased for group A (Control) and decreased for group C. Conclusions: Planas Appliance was more efficient on pain reduction than the Michigan Occlusal Splint.

Força muscular isométrica nas neuropatias diabética e hansênica / Isometric muscle strength on diabetic and leprosy neuropathies

Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a força muscular do tornozelo de portadores de hanseníase ou diabetes mellitus acometidos por neuropatia periférica (NP), comparando-os com sujeitos sadios e, assim, verificar se NPs com fisiopatologias distintas culminam em déficit muscular semelhante. Cinquenta indivíduos (60,72 ± 8,36 anos de idade), sendo 21 do grupo diabético (GD), nove do grupo hansênico (GH) e 20 do grupo controle (GC), participaram do estudo. Inicialmente coletou-se os dados gerais, seguido do teste de sensibilidade somatossensitiva com os monofilamentos Semmes-Weinstein da Sorri-Bauru® e, por fim, realizou-se o teste de força muscular do tornozelo, por meio de dinamômeto isométrico digital. No GD e no GH houve insensibilidade ao monofilamento de 10g, confirmando a presença de NP. A dinamometria muscular, em ambos os tornozelos acusou déficits da força muscular de dorsiflexores e plantiflexores no GD e mais acentuadamente no GH em comparação ao GC. A plantiflexão apontou alterações mais significantes porque, além de referir alteração da variável em relação ao GC, também indicou diminuição da força muscular do GH em relação ao GD. Ao final, verificou-se diminuição da força muscular do tornozelo de neuropatas, no entanto, esse déficit divergiu entre os grupos analisados sugerindo-se, assim, que o motivo da alteração pode estar relacionado à sua respectiva etiopatologia, uma vez que os dados indicaram maior agressividade da NP hansênica no comprometimento neuromuscular em relação à NP diabética. Torna-se evidente, portanto, considerar esse fator no planejamento de intervenções.

This study aims to evaluate ankle muscle strength in patients with leprosy or diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy (PN), when compared to healthy subjects, and thus verify if PNs with different patho-physiologies culminate in similar muscular deficit. Fifty subjects (60.72 ± 8.36 years old), 21 of them from the diabetic group (DG), nine from the leprosy group (LG) and 20 from the control group (CG), have participated in the study. Initially, general data were collected, followed by the somatosensory test with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SORRI-BAURU®) and, finally, the ankle muscle strength was tested using an isometric digital dynamometer. In DG and LG groups, no sensitivity was found for the 10-g monofilament, confirming the PN diagnosis. The muscle dynamometry, in both ankles, presented strength deficits of the dorsal and plantar flexors in DG and more markedly in LG, when compared to CG. The deficit in plantar flexion was more significant because, in addition to demonstrating deficit in relation to the CG, it has also showed decreased muscle strength from LG in relation to DG. In the end, a decreased ankle muscle strength of subjects with neuropathy was noticed; however, this deficit differed among the groups suggesting, therefore, that the reason for such change may be related to their respective aetiopathology, since the data indicated more neuromuscular aggression in leprosy PN in relation to diabetic PN. Thus, this fact can be clearly considered when planning interventions.

Conferências locais, distritais e municipais de saúde: mudança de escala e formação de um sistema participativo, representativo e deliberativo de políticas públicas / Texto para Discussão (TD) 1727: Conferências locais, distritais e municipais de saúde: mudança de escala e formação de um sistema participativo, representativo e deliberativo de políticas públicas

Analisa em que medida a mudança de escala impacta as dinâmicas participativa, representativa e deliberativa das conferências de saúde realizadas em Belo Horizonte nos níveis local, distrital e municipal.

TSH neurosecretory dysfunction (TSH-nd) in Down syndrome (DS): low risk of progression to Hashimoto's thyroiditis / Disfunção neurossecretora de TSH na síndrome de Down: baixo risco de progressão para a tireoidite de Hashimoto

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) often have elevated TSH (hypothalamic origin), which is called TSH neurosecretory dysfunction (TSH-nd). In these cases, there is slight elevation in TSH (5-15 µUI/mL), with normal free T4 and negative thyroid antibodies (AB). OBJECTIVE: To recognize the risk of progression to Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 40 DS patients (mean age = 4.5 years), followed up for 6.8 years. RESULTS: HT was diagnosed in 9/40 patients, three early in monitoring, and six during evolution. In 31/40 patients, TSH-nd diagnosis remained unchanged over the years, with maximum TSH values ranging from 5 to 15 µUI/mL. In this group, free T4 also remained normal and AB were negative. There was a significant TSH reduction (p = 0.017), and normal TSH concentrations (< 5.0 µUI/mL) were observed in 29/31 patients, in at least one moment. No patient had TSH > 15 µUI/mL. CONCLUSION: DS patients with TSH-nd present low risk of progression to HT (10 percent for females and 6 percent for males).

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com síndrome de Down (SD) geralmente apresentam TSH elevado (de origem hipotalâmica), uma desordem chamada de disfunção neurossecretora de TSH (TSH-nd). Nesses casos, há uma leve elevação do TSH (5-15 µUI/mL), com T4 livre normal e anticorpos antitireoide (AB) negativos. OBJETIVO: Reconhecer o risco de progressão para a tireoidite de Hashimoto (HT). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente 40 pacientes com SD (idade média = 4,5 anos), acompanhados por 6,8 anos. RESULTADOS: A HT foi diagnosticada em 9/40 pacientes, três logo no início da avaliação e seis durante a evolução. Em 31/40 dos pacientes, o diagnóstico de TSH-nd permaneceu estável durante os anos, com valores máximos de TSH variando de 5 a 15 µUI/mL. Neste grupo, o T4 livre também permaneceu normal e os AB foram negativos. Houve uma redução significativa do TSH (p = 0,017), e concentrações normais de TSH (< 5,0 µUI/mL) foram observadas em 29/31 pacientes, em pelo menos um momento. Nenhum paciente apresentou TSH > 15 µUI/mL. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com SD e TSH-nd apresentam baixo risco de progressão para a HT (10 por cento para o sexo feminino e 6 por cento para o sexo masculino).

Estudo de alguns aspectos microbiológicos e microscópicos em ovos de páscoa produzidos artesanalmente / Study of some aspects of microbiological and microscopic in easter eggs

Ovos de Páscoa de chocolate são obtidos a partir de uma massa de chocolate recheada ou não. O conjunto de características que distinguem estes ingredientes determina o grau, o tipo de contaminação e as condições higiênicas durante a preparação e comercialização, temperatura e tempo de aquecimento, podendo conduzir a transferência de micro-organismos patogênicos e incentivar o crescimento de bolores e leveduras. Este é um estudo dos resultados analíticos obtidos através de análises microbiológicas para determinação de coliformes totais a 35°C, termotolerantes a 45°C e Salmonella, de acordo com APHA (1992).(...) Todas as amostras apresentaram fibras sintéticas, duas das quais continham presença de inseto e fragmentos, e uma amostra apresentou material carbonizado. Isso sugere que a investigação de materiais estranhos nesses produtos seja contínua, porque esses resultados indicam alimentos que podem apresentar riscos à saúde humana, sendo necessário um programa de monitoramento mais adequado nos locais de produção de chocolate e seus produtos, incluindo a formação dos manipuladores e cumprimento das Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF), bem como a Análise dos Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC).

Hormônio de crescimento e hipersensibilidade por imunocomplexo (Tipo III): uma contraindicação para a dessensibilização / Growth hormone therapy and hypersensitivity type III reaction: a contraindication for desensitization

As reações alérgicas ao GH são raras e usualmente representadas por reações de hipersensibilidade tipo I (IgE mediadas), passíveis de tratamento por dessensibilização. Neste relato de caso, descrevemos a presença de reação alérgica ao GH mediada por imunocomplexo (hipersensibilidade tipo III). Nesta situação, a tentativa de dessensibilização pode perpetuar a formação de imunocomplexo, cujo depósito pode determinar insuficiência renal e respiratória.

Allergic reactions against GH are rare, and usually represented by the hypersensitivity type I (IgE-mediated). This type of reaction can be treated by desensitization. In this case report, we present a patient showing an allergic reaction soon after starting GH therapy mediated by immune complex (hypersensitivity type III reaction). In this condition, the attempt to perform the desensitization procedure can perpetuate immune complex deposition determining a life threatening renal and respiratory insufficiency.

Avaliação da coluna vertebral: relação entre gibosidade e curvas sagitais por método não-invasivo / Spine evaluation: Determination of the relationship between thoracic spinal deformity and sagittal curves by a noninvasive method

Os objetivos do estudo foram avaliar o alinhamento, no plano sagital, da coluna de indivíduos com alterações na medida da gibosidade, comparando com um grupo sem alterações; testar a confiabilidade do instrumento utilizado e verificar se existem correlações entre as medidas da gibosidade e os valores das curvaturas vertebrais. Foram avaliados 40jovens, divididos em grupo controle ? ausência ou presença de gibosidades inferiores a 0,5 cm na curvatura torácica e 0,7 cm na lombar (n=20) e, grupo experimental ? gibosidades superiores às descritas (n=20). A gibosidade e as curvaturas no plano sagital foram mensuradascom um instrumento adaptado a um nível d?água e o teste de Adams. As coletas foram realizadas em duas datas distintas, nos dois grupos. Após aplicação do teste Mann- Whitney não foi encontrada diferença entre as ocasiões de coletas e, emparelhando-se os grupos, foi encontrada diferença apenas na medida cervical. Na verificação de existênciade relação entre as medidas coletadas, foi encontrada correlação linear (Spearmann) no grupo controle ? curvatura torácica e gibosidade torácica; em ambos os grupos ? curvaturas torácica e lombar; e no grupo experimental ? gibosidade torácica e as curvaturas lombar esacral e, curvatura sacral e curvaturas torácica e lombar. Pôde-se concluir que a medida da gibosidade tem relações com as curvaturas no plano sagital. Por ser um método confiável, simples e acessível, pode ser reproduzido sem altos custos financeiros e sem causar prejuízoà saúde do paciente.

The objectives of this study were to compare sagittal plane alignment between subjects with spinal deformities and a group presenting no changes; to test the reliability of the tool used, and to determine the existence of correlations between spinal deformity and sagittal curvaturemeasures. Forty young subjects were divided into two groups: a control group (n=20) presenting no changes or spinal deformity less than 0.5 cm in the dorsal curvature and 0.7 cm in the lumbar curvature, and an experimental group (n=20) with spinal deformities greater than those described for the control group. Spinal deformity and sagittal plane curvatures were measured using a water level-based tool and by the Adams test. Data were collected from the two groups on two distinctoccasions. The Mann-Whitney test showed no difference between sampling times. A significant difference between the two groups was only observed in terms of cervical curvature. Spearman?s test revealed a linear correlation between dorsal curvature and dorsal spinal deformity in thecontrol group, between dorsal and lumbar curves in the two groups, and between dorsal spinal deformity and lumbar and sacral curves and between sacral curvature and dorsal and lumbar curves in the experimental group. In conclusion, spinal deformity measurement is associated with sagittal plane curvatures. The method proposed here is reliable, simple and accessible and can be reproduced without high costs and damage to the patient?s health.

Avaliação da força muscular isométrica do tornozelo. dinamometria: descrição de uma nova técnica / Measurement of ankle isometric muscular strength. dynamometer: a new method description

A quantidade de força exercida por um músculo traduz seu grau de eficiência, que pode ser analisado pela dinamometria. Existem dois grandes grupos de dinamômetros no mercado: o isocinético e o portátil. São encontrados numerosos estudos que validam o uso do dinamômetro portátil de diversas maneiras e com vários segmentos do corpo. Boa parte desses estudos realiza o teste de força muscular da articulação do tornozelo, partindo-se de total extensão e em decúbito dorsal, mesmo esse não sendo o posicionamento mais adotado durante as atividades cotidianas. O estudo descreve uma forma de avaliação da força de tornozelos, utilizando um dinamômetro digital portátil, adaptado a uma pequena mesa de dois andares, com a articulação posicionada em 90º. No andar mais baixo é fixada a célula de carga do dinamômetro, na qual é acoplada uma das extremidades de um cabo de aço. A outra extremidade é presa a uma catraca. No andar superior da mesa, encontram-se dois orifícios para passagem do cabo, sob o qual será posicionado ora o pé, ora a coxa do voluntário. O indivíduo realizará, ora dorsiflexão, ora plantiflexão de maneira isométrica, sendo assim quantificada a força de tornozelo a partir do posicionamento de 90º. Dando devida atenção aos procedimentos e considerações do texto, a adaptação torna-se uma ferramenta útil para avaliação da força muscular dessa articulação.

The amount of force exerted by a muscle reflects their degree of efficiency that can be examined by dynamometry. There are two major groups of dynamometers on the market: the isokinetic and the portable. They are found numerous studies that validate the use of portable dynamometer in different ways and in different body segments. Much of these studies shall test the muscular strength of the ankle joint, starting from the total ankle extension and supine position, even this is not the position adopted during most daily activities. This study describes a way of assessing the ankle strength, using a handheld digital dynamometer, adapted to a small table with two floors, with the joint positioned in 90º. On the lower floor is fixed to a load cell dynamometer, which is coupled one end of a steel cable. The other end is attached to a ratchet. Upstairs from the table, there are two openings for cable passage, which will be positioned, sometimes, on the foot, sometimes on the subject thigh. The individual will execute isometric dorsiflexion or plantarflexion, therefore, ankle (in 90º position) strength will be quantified. Giving due attention to procedures and considerations of the text, the adaptation becomes a useful tool for evaluating muscle strength of this joint.

Simultaneous evaluation of in vivo glucocorticoid sensitivity and expression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha-isoform in rheumatoid arthritis patients / Avaliação concomitante da sensibilidade in vivo aos glicocorticóides e da expressão da isoforma alfa do receptor de glicocorticóide em pacientes com artrite reumatóide

OBJECTIVES: To analyze glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity using intravenous very low dose dexamethasone suppression test (IV-VLD-DST) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with glucocorticoid receptor alpha-isoform (GRα) gene expression. METHODS: We evaluated 20 healthy controls and 32 RA patients with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS) scores and IV-VLD-DST and GRα expression in mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Basal cortisol and the percentage of cortisol reduction after IV-VLD-DST were lower in RA patients than in controls, whereas GRα expression was similar among groups. In the RA group there was an inverse correlation between GRα expression and the percentage of cortisol suppression that was not observed in controls. There was a direct relationship between DAS and GRα expression. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanisms involved in GC resistance observed in patients with RA are possibly not at the level of GRα gene expression, since it was similar among groups and GRα increased with disease activity.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a sensibilidade aos glicocorticóides (GC) utilizando teste de supressão com dexametasona em doses muito baixas (IV-VLD-DST) em pacientes com artrite reumatóide (AR) e sua correlação com a expressão gênica da isoforma alfa do receptor glicocorticóide (GRα). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 20 controles saudáveis e 32 pacientes com AR com Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) e Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS), IV-VLD-DST e expressão do GRα em células mononucleares. RESULTADOS: Cortisol basal e porcentagem de redução do cortisol após IV-VLD-DST foram menores no grupo AR do que nos controles, enquanto a expressão de GRα foi similar entre eles. No grupo com AR, ocorreu correlação negativa entre a expressão do GRα e a porcentagem de supressão do cortisol, enquanto nos controles não houve correlação. Ocorreu relação direta entre DAS e expressão de GRα . CONCLUSÕES: Sugerimos que os mecanismos envolvidos na resistência aos GC observada na AR não estejam ao nível da expressão gênica do GRα, já que esta é igual entre os grupos e aumenta com a gravidade da doença.