Open collaborative smart plugs for energy management.

Given the growth of domotics and home automation, there is a need to use smart devices that integrate energy management systems and enable the automation of the environment. Considering the need to study the relationship between the environmental parameters in which the equipment is located and the energy parameters, an Environmental Awareness smart Plug (EnAPlug) is proposed with the application of machine learning (Tiny ML).This article presents a demonstration of EnAPlug applied to a refrigerator for predictions on internal humidity and activation motor for 5 min-ahead prediction on its operation, i.e., turning on or off. The two models for forecasting humidity presented Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) results of 0.055 and 0.058 and a Coefficient of determination (r2 score) of 0.97 and 0.99, respectively. For the motor activation prediction, the results obtained were an accuracy of 94.74% and 94.84%, an F1 score of 0.97 for OFF, 0.94 for ON for Forecast 1 and 0.97 for OFF and 0.93 for ON for Forecast 2. Although the prototype does not have commercial purposes, what differs from existing smart plugs is the option to store data locally. The results are promising, as it allows for better energy management with implementation of machine learning.

Single-operator cholangioscopy unveiling a pinehole post-cholecystectomy biliary strictures.

77-year-old female with history of cholecystectomy was admitted at emergency department with fever and myalgia, without other complaints. Physical examination revealed fever, and laboratory tests indicated cholestasis (total bilirubin: 1.5xULN, glutamyltransferase: 20xULN, alkaline phosphatase: 5xULN). Computed Tomography revealed common bile duct (CBD) dilation (9mm), with suspected choledocholithiasis. Given the diagnosis of acute cholangitis, antibiotics were started and ERCP was performed. ERCP revealed a short CBD stenosis (< 2mm length), close to surgical clip, with upstream dilation of the CBD; an 8mm stone in the distal CBD was observed and successfully removed. As guidewire advancement failed after multiple attempts, a SpyGlass DS cholangioscopy was performed showing a fibrotic pinehole stenosis. Guidewire was passed through the stenosis under direct visualization, and an 80-mmx10mm fully covered metal stent deployed.

A Stratified Approach for Managing Patients With Low Back Pain in Primary Care (SPLIT Program): A Before-and-After Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of stratified primary care for low back pain (SPLIT program) in decreasing back-related disability for patients with low back pain (LBP) in primary care. METHODS: We conducted a before-and-after study. We compared health-related outcomes for 2 sequential, independent cohorts of patients with LBP recruited at 7 primary care units in Portugal. The first prospective cohort study characterized usual care (UC) and collected data from February to September 2018. The second was performed when the SPLIT program was implemented and collected data from November 2018 to October 2021. Between cohorts, physical therapists were trained in the implementation of the SPLIT program, which used the STarT Back Screening Tool to categorize patients for matched treatment. We compared back-related disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, 0-24 points), pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, 0-10 points), perceived effect of treatment (Global Perceived Effect Scale, -5 to +5 points), and health-related quality of life (EuroQoL 5 dimensions 3 levels index, 0-1 points). RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 447 patients: 115 in the UC cohort (mostly treated with pharmacologic treatment) and 332 in the SPLIT cohort (all referred for a physical therapy intervention program). Over the study period of 6 months, patients in the SPLIT program showed significantly greater improvements in back-related disability (ß, -2.94; 95% CI, -3.63 to -2.24; P ≤ .001), pain (ß, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.18 to -0.57; P ≤ .001), perceived effect of treatment (ß, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.82; P ≤ .001), and health-related quality of life (ß, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.14; P ≤ .001) compared with UC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the SPLIT program for LBP showed greater benefits regarding health-related outcomes than those receiving UC.

Intrapancreatic accessory spleen: there can be smoke without fire.

Case 1: A 69-year-old male underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate hepatic hemangiomas that incidentally revealed a homogeneous hypervascular solid nodule (19 mm) in pancreatic tail. Differential diagnosis included neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Normal chromogranin A and CA19.9 levels. PET-68Ga-DOTANOC scan showed pancreatic tail enhancement consistent with NET. Suspicion of neoplasia persisted after two Endoscopic Ultrasounds with Fine-Needle Aspiration without neoplastic cells. Consequently, distal pancreatectomy was performed, revealing an accessory intrapancreatic spleen. Case 2: A 77-year-old female with dyspepsia performed an abdominal CT followed by MRI and both revealed a solid nodule (11.7 mm) in pancreatic tail with regular margins, suggestive of accessory spleen or pancreatic neoplasia. EUS confirmed a hypoechoic, homogeneous nodule consistent with accessory spleen (11.7mm). A scintigraphy using fragile erythrocytes (4) confirmed intrapancreatic accessory spleen, which requires no treatment.

Exploring Professional Practice Environments and Organisational Context Factors Affecting Nurses' Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review, conducted within the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, analysed the recent literature (January 2018 to March 2023) addressing factors inherent to professional practice environments and organisational contexts influencing nurses' adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP). This review included studies involving nurses regardless of sector, practice setting, and scope of practice. A systematic search was undertaken across the PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and MEDLINE databases, as well as the EThOS, OATD, and RCAAP platforms. The extracted textual elements underwent a content analysis, resulting in a coding structure established through an inductive approach that categorised information into main categories and subcategories linked by similarity and thematic affinity. Forty-one studies were included, revealing four main categories of factors impacting EBP adoption by nurses: (1) organisational dynamics, (2) management and leadership, (3) teamwork and communication, and (4) resources and infrastructure. The study's limitations acknowledge the subjective nature of categorisation, recognising potential variations based on individual perspectives despite adopting procedures to minimise the risk of bias. The results provide a substantial foundation for developing interventions to cultivate environments conducive to EBP adoption by nurses, thereby enhancing the integration of evidence into nurses' professional practice contexts. This review was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (registration no. osf.io/e86qz).

Mechanisms of muscle stretching exercises for reduction of low back pain: narrative review / Mecanismos de exercícios de alongamento muscular para redução de dor lombar: revisão narrativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stretching exercises are present in physical training and muscle rehabilitation programs. Within the context of rehabilitation of patients with low back pain (lombalgy), there is still a gap about the mechanisms that these exercises should reduce pain and disability in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate what are the possible mechanisms through which muscle stretching exercise could reduce pain in individuals with chronic low back pain.CONTENTS: Pain in the lumbar region is one of the most disabling pains when it comes to limitations for daily functions, so it's necessary to investigate alternatives that provide relief for these patients. As the cause of non-specific chronic low back pain is multifactorial, the treatment of the pathology occurs mainly to reduce the sensation of pain. As an alternative, the flexibility training through stretching exercises can be efficient because they generate biomechanical and sensory changes, which would result in an analgesic effect. Additionally, it's still possible that these two effects occur together to explain the reduction in low back pain after performing stretching exercises. CONCLUSION: There is theoretical basis in the literature to support the performance of stretching exercises as a non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms can be pointed out to explain these benefits.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Exercícios de alongamento estão presentes em programas de treinamento físico e reabilitação muscular. Dentro do contexto da reabilitação de indivíduos com dor na região lombar (lombalgia), ainda existe uma lacuna sobre os mecanismos pelos quais esses exercícios reduzem dor e incapacidade nesses pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os possíveis mecanismos pelos quais o exercício de alongamento pode reduzir dor em indivíduos com lombalgia crônica. CONTEÚDO: A dor na região lombar é uma das dores mais incapacitantes quando se trata de limitações para as funções no cotidiano. Por isso, é necessário investigar alternativas que possam proporcionar o seu alívio nesses pacientes. Considerando que a causa da lombalgia crônica não específica é multifatorial, o tratamento desta doença ocorre principalmente na tentativa de reduzir a sensação dolorosa. Como alternativa, o treinamento da flexibilidade por meio de exercícios de alongamento pode agir reduzindo a dor lombar por gerarem alterações biomecânicas e sensoriais que resultam em efeito analgésico. Adicionalmente, ainda é possível que esses dois efeitos possam atuar em conjunto para explicar a redução da dor lombar após a realização de exercícios de alongamento. CONCLUSÃO: Existe suporte teórico na literatura para sustentar a realização dos exercícios de alongamento como estratégia não farmacológica para o tratamento da dor lombar crônica. Mecanismos biomecânicos e neurofisiológicos poderiam ser apontados para explicar tais benefícios.

Consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products is associated with aerobic and anaerobic performance in Brazilian athletes - A cross-sectional study / El consumo de carne, huevos y productos lácteos se asocia al rendimiento aeróbico y anaeróbico en los deportistas brasileños: un estudio transversal

Objective: to associate food consumption according to the groups that make up the food pyramid with the aerobic and anaerobic performance of Brazilian athletes. Method: a cross-sectional study of 168 athletes with a mean age and BMI of 20.84 ± 7.74 years and 22.88 ± 3.1 kg/m², respectively. Results: maximum power output was significantly associated with the meat and eggs groups (ß = 0.31; p < 0.05). VO2max exhibited a positive relationship with the fruit group (ß = 0.29; p < 0.05). A significant inverse relation between VO2max and the legumes group was observed (ß = -0.76; p < 0.05). The meat and eggs group and the dairy products group had an inverse and significant association with VO2max (ß = -0.43; p < 0.01). Conclusions: consumption of meat and eggs showed a positive association with anaerobic performance, whereas the same group and the dairy products group had a negative association with aerobic performance

Objectivo: asociar el consumo de alimentos según los grupos que componen la pirámide de alimentos con el rendimiento aeróbico y anaeróbico de deportistas brasileños. Método: estudio transversal de 168 deportistas con una media de edad e IMC de 20,84 ± 7,74 años y 22,88 ± 3,1 kg/m², respectivamente. Resultados: la potencia máxima se asoció significativamente con el consumo de los grupos de carne y huevos (ß = 0,31; p < 0,05). El VO2max mostró una relación positiva con el grupo de la fruta (ß = 0,29; p < 0,05). Se observó una relación inversa significativa entre el VO2max y el grupo de las leguminosas (ß = -0,76; p < 0,05). El grupo de carnes y huevos y el grupo de productos lácteos tuvieron una asociación inversa y significativa con el VO2max (ß = -0,43; p < 0,01). Conclusiones: el consumo de carne y huevos mostró una asociación positiva con el rendimiento anaeróbico, mientras que el mismo grupo y los productos lácteos se asociaron de forma negativa al rendimiento aeróbico

Thermoregulation in Hypertensive Rats during Exercise: Effects of Physical Training / Termorregulação durante o Exercício em Ratos Hipertensos: Efeitos do Treinamento Físico

Abstract Background: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) show deficit in thermal balance during physical exercise. Objective: To assess the effects of low-intensity physical exercise training on thermal balance of hypertensive rats undergoing an acute exercise protocol. Methods: Sixteen-week-old male Wistar rats and SHR were allocated into four groups: control Wistar rats (C-WIS), trained Wistar (T-WIS), control SHR (C-SHR) and trained SHR (T-SHR). Treadmill exercise training was performed for 12 weeks. Blood pressure, resting heart rate and total exercise time was measured before and after the physical exercise program. After the exercise program, a temperature sensor was implanted in the abdominal cavity, and the animals subjected to an acute exercise protocol, during which internal body temperature, tail skin temperature and oxygen consumption until fatigue were continuously recorded. Mechanical efficiency (ME), work, heat dissipation threshold and sensitivity were calculated. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Physical training and hypertension had no effect on thermal balance during physical exercise. Compared with C-WIS, the T-WIS group showed higher heat production, which was counterbalanced by higher heat dissipation. Hypertensive rats showed lower ME than normotensive rats, which was not reversed by the physical training. Conclusion: Low-intensity physical training did not affect thermal balance in SHR subjected to acute exercise.

Resumo Fundamento: Ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) apresentam déficits no balanço térmico durante o exercício físico. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do treinamento físico de baixa intensidade sobre o balanço térmico de ratos hipertensos submetidos a um protocolo de exercício físico agudo. Métodos: Ratos machos Wistar e SHR, com 16 semanas de idade, foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: Wistar controle (WIS-C), Wistar treinado (WIS-T), SHR controle (SHR-C) e SHR treinado (SHR-T). O treinamento físico em esteira rolante foi realizado durante 12 semanas. A pressão arterial, a frequência cardíaca de repouso e o tempo de exercício foram medidos previamente e após o programa de treinamento físico. Após o programa de treinamento físico, um sensor de temperatura foi implantado na região intraperitoneal e os ratos foram submetidos a um protocolo de exercício físico agudo com registros contínuos da temperatura corporal interna, temperatura da pele da cauda e do consumo de oxigênio até a fadiga. A eficiência mecânica (EM), o trabalho, o limiar e a sensibilidade para dissipação de calor foram calculados. Para as análises estatísticas o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: O treinamento físico e a hipertensão arterial não alteraram o balanço térmico durante o exercício físico. O grupo WIS-T quando comparado ao WIS-C, apresentou maior produção de calor, que foi contrabalanceado por uma maior dissipação de calor. Os animais hipertensos apresentaram menor EM em comparação aos animais normotensos, e o treinamento físico não foi capaz de reverter esta alteração. Conclusão: O treinamento físico de baixa intensidade não provocou alterações no balanço térmico de ratos hipertensos submetidos a um protocolo de exercício físico agudo.

Serum Levels of Infliximab and Anti-Infliximab Antibodies in Brazilian Patients with Crohn's Disease

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative serum level of infliximab (IFX) as well as the detection of anti-infliximab antibodies (ATIs) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHOD: Forty patients with CD under treatment at a tertiary center in southeastern Brazil were evaluated. Their use of infliximab was continuous and regular. We analyzed and compared the differences in the IFX and ATI levels between the patients with active CD (CDA) and those with CD in remission (CDR). RESULTS: There was no difference in the IFX level between the CDA and CDR groups (p>0.05). Eighty percent of all patients had IFX levels above the therapeutic concentration (6-10 μg/mL). Two (9%) of the 22 patients with active disease and four (22.2%) of the 18 patients in remission had undetectable levels of IFX. Four (66.6%) of the six patients with undetectable levels of IFX had positive ATI levels; three of these patients were in remission, and one had active disease. In addition, the other two patients with undetectable levels of IFX presented ATI levels close to positivity (2.7 and 2.8 AU/ml). None of the patients with therapeutic or supratherapeutic IFX levels had positive ATI levels. CONCLUSIONS: The undetectable levels of IFX correlated with the detection of ATIs, which was independent of disease activity. Immunogenicity was not the main factor for the loss of response to IFX in our study, and the majority of patients in both groups (CDA and CDR) had supratherapeutic levels of IFX.

Ethical, pedagogical, socio-political and anthropological implications of quaternary prevention / Implicações éticas, pedagógicas, sócio-políticas e antropológicas da prevenção quaternária / Implicaciones éticas, pedagógicas, sociopolíticas y antropológicas de la prevención cuaternaria

The concept of quaternary prevention, resulting from a reflection on the doctor-patient relationship, is presented as a renewal of the age-old ethical requirement: first, a doctor must do no harm; second, the doctor must control himself/herself. The origin of the concept, its endorsement by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and the European Union of General Practitioners (UEMO), its dissemination, and the debates to which it has given rise, are presented by a panel of authors from 10 countries. This collective text deals more specifically with: the bioethics of prevention, the importance of teaching Quaternary prevention and factual medicine, the social and political implications of the concept of quaternary prevention, and its anthropological dimensions.

Nascidos para correr: a importância do exercício para a saúde do cérebro / Born to run: the importance of exercise for the brain health / Nacidos para correr: la importancia del ejercicio para la salud del cerebro

RESUMO A hipótese evolutiva da corrida de resistência afirma que o movimento teve um papel crucial no aparecimento de características anatômicas tipicamente humanas, assim como na modelação da estrutura e forma do cérebro humano. A íntima ligação entre exercício e evolução humana é evidenciada pelo fato de a inatividade nos tornar doentes. Efetivamente, o corpo humano, incluindo o cérebro, evoluiu para suportar períodos prolongados de estresse cardiovascular. O movimento é de tal modo essencial para o cérebro, que a atividade física regular é imprescindível para que funcione de modo adequado. Estudos vêm demonstrando que o exercício aeróbico aumenta a proliferação de neurônios, a síntese de fatores neurotróficos, gliogênese, sinaptogênese, regula sistemas de neurotransmissão e neuromodulação, além de reduzir a inflamação sistêmica. Todos esses efeitos têm impacto significativo no sentido de melhorar a saúde mental, reduzir o declínio de massa cinzenta associado à idade e melhorar as funções cognitivas. Deste modo, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma atualização sobre a temática de exercício físico e saúde mental. Dados os recentes avanços apresentados neste original, sobre a neurobiologia do exercício e seu potencial terapêutico e econômico para a população em geral, espera-se que pesquisas futuras que correlacionem estudos básicos a variáveis psicológicas e estudos de imagem possam elucidar os mecanismos pelos quais o exercício melhora a saúde cerebral.

ABSTRACT The evolutionary hypothesis of endurance running states that movement played a crucial role in the emergence of typically human anatomical features, as well as in the shaping and structure of the human brain. The close relationship between exercise and human evolution is evidenced by the fact that inactivity make us sick. Effectively, the human body, including the brain, has evolved to withstand extended periods of cardiovascular stress. Movement is so essential to the brain that regular physical activity is imperative for it to function properly. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise increases neuron proliferation, neurotrophic factors synthesis, gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, regulates neurotransmission and neuromodulation systems, and reduce systemic inflammation. All of these effects have a significant impact on improving mental health, reducing age-related gray matter decline, and improving cognitive functions. Thus, the purpose of this article is to present an update on the subject of physical exercise and mental health. Given the recent advances presented in this manuscript on the neurobiology of exercise and its therapeutic and economic potential for the general population, it is expected that future research that correlate basic studies with psychological variables and imaging studies may elucidate the mechanisms by which exercise improves brain health.

RESUMEN La hipótesis evolutiva de la carrera de resistencia afirma que el movimiento tuvo un papel crucial en la aparición de características anatómicas típicamente humanas, así como en el modelado de la estructura y forma del cerebro humano. La íntima conexión entre ejercicio y evolución humana es evidenciada por el hecho de que la inactividad nos hace enfermos. De hecho, el cuerpo humano, incluido el cerebro, ha evolucionado para soportar períodos prolongados de estrés cardiovascular. El movimiento es tan esencial para el cerebro, que la actividad física regular es imprescindible para que funcione adecuadamente. Los estudios vienen demostrando que el ejercicio aeróbico aumenta la proliferación de neuronas, la síntesis de factores neurotróficos, gliogénesis, sinaptogénesis, regula sistemas de neurotransmisión y neuromodulación, además de reducir la inflamación sistémica. Todos estos efectos tienen un impacto significativo en la mejora de la salud mental, reducir la declinación de materia gris asociada a la edad y mejorar las funciones cognitivas. De este modo, el objetivo del artículo es presentar una actualización sobre el tema ejercicio físico y salud mental. De acuerdo con los recientes avances presentados en este original, sobre la neurobiología del ejercicio y su potencial terapéutico y económico para la población en general, se espera que investigaciones futuras que correlacionen estudios básicos a variables psicológicas y a estudios de imagen puedan esclarecer los mecanismos por los cuales el ejercicio mejora la salud del cerebro.

Avaliação da ingestão nutricional de pacientes com doença renal crônica em tratamento hemodialítico / Nutritional intake assessment in patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialitic treatment

Introdução: A hemodiálise é um tratamento comumente realizado em pacientes que apresentam perda da função renal, com o intuito de liberar resíduos prejudiciais à saúde do corpo. Esta terapêutica ocasiona perdas de nutrientes do sangue, sendo, dessa forma, contribuinte para a desnutrição, o que reforça o papel da nutrição como tratamento coadjuvante.A análise da ingestão alimentar é capaz de fornecer informações para nortear as condutas dietéticas,portanto, este estudo objetivou verificar a adequabilidade da ingestão nutricional com as recomendações nutricionais específicas e sua relação com o estado nutricional de pacientes submetidos a tratamento hemodialítico em uma clínica do município de Vitória da Conquista, BA. Método: A avaliação da ingestão nutricional foi procedida determinando a ingestão proteica por quilo de peso, de quilocalorias por quilo de peso, cálcio, ferro, potássio e fósforo,comparando-as com as recomendações específicas. O estado nutricional foi determinado por meio da Avaliação Subjetiva Global modificada. Resultados: Um total de 122 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, estando a maioria em risco nutricional e nenhum com desnutrição gravíssima. A maioria também apresentou inadequação quanto à ingestão de calorias e dos nutrientes avaliados. Não foram encontradas correlações entre a ingestão calórica vs. estado nutricional e ingestão proteica vs. estado nutricional, mas analisando a ingestão calórica e proteica foi observada forte correlação (r=0,799). Conclusão: As ingestões de proteínas, quilocalorias, cálcio, ferro, potássio e fósforo apresentaram-se inadequadas na população estudada, o que pode influenciar o estado clínico e nutricional destes pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: Hemodialysis is a treatment commonly performed in patients who had loss of kidney function, in order to release harmful waste to body's health. This therapy causes loss of nutrients from the blood, and thus contributes to malnutrition, which reinforces the role of nutrition as adjuvant treatment. Analysis of food intake is able to provide information to guide dietetic conducts, so this study aimed to verify the nutritional intake adequacy with specific nutritional recommendations and their relation with the nutritional status of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment at a clinic in the city of Vitória da Conquista, BA. Method: The assessment of nutritional intake was done determining the protein intake per kilogram of weight, kilocalories per kilogram of weight, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus comparing it to the specific recommendations. Nutritional status was determined using the Subjective Global Assessment modified. Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study, with the majority in nutritional risk and none had very serious malnutrition. Similarly, most also had impairments as to intake of calories and nutrients evaluated. No correlations were found between calorie intake vs. nutritional status and protein intake vs. nutritional status, but in the analyse caloric and protein intake was found strong correlation (r=0.799). Conclusion: The intake of protein, kilocalories, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus showed to be inadequate in the study population, which may influence the clinical and nutritional status of these patients.(AU)

New human case reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi in the Amazon region, Brazil / Novos relatos de casos de leishmaniose cutânea por Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi na região amazônica, Brasil

Few cases of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania naiffi were described in the medical literature. The aim of this study was to report and analyze new cases of L. naiffi in the period between the years 1992 to 2011. The strains were characterized by isoenzyme analysis. All patients assisted had small lesions; ranging from 1.0x1.0 mm and 13.5x11.5 mm. The lesions observed were widely distributed: 55.5% on the lower limb, 5.5% in the abdominal area, 16.6% on upper limb and 22.2% in upper limb and back. Seventy-two percent of patients had ulcerated lesions. Clinical course of the disease varied from 1 to 10 months. According to gender, most infected individuals were men (83.3%). The patients came from Amazonas (10), Pará (01) and Rondônia (01), north States of Brazil. Five patients were infected in experimental stations of the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA). Although the results of this study were similar to other reports in the literature, some of the patients had more of one skin lesion. It is also reported the first case of CL caused by L. naiffi in the State of Rondônia and identified an area of disease transmission in the experimental station of INPA.

Poucos casos de leishmaniose cutânea humana (LC) causada por Leishmania naiffi foram descritos na literatura médica. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi relatar e analisar novos casos de infecção por L. naiffi no período compreendido entre os anos de 1992 a 2011. As cepas foram caracterizadas por análise de isoenzimas. Todos os pacientes atendidos apresentavam lesões pequenas; variando entre 1,0x1,0 mm e 13,5x11,5 mm. As lesões observadas foram amplamente distribuídas: 55,5% no membro inferior, 5,5% na área abdominal, 16,6% no membro superior e 22,2% no membro superior e para trás. Setenta e dois por cento dos pacientes tiveram lesões ulceradas. O curso clínico da doença variou de 1 a 10 meses. De acordo com o sexo, a maioria dos indivíduos infectados eram homens (83,3%). Os pacientes vieram de Amazonas (10), Pará (01) e Rondônia (01), estados do norte do Brasil. Cinco pacientes foram infectados em estações experimentais do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA). Embora os resultados encontrados neste estudo fossem semelhantes às outras descrições na literatura, alguns dos pacientes apresentavam mais de uma lesão cutânea. Também é relatado o primeiro caso de LC causada por L. naiffi no Estado de Rondônia e identificada uma área de transmissão da doença na estação experimental do INPA.

Intensity-dependent effects of cycling exercise on corticospinal excitability in healthy humans: a pilot study

Abstract Aims the aim of this study was to verify the effects of different intensities of locomotor exercise on corticospinal excitability. Methods 18 healthy subjects (27.6 ± 6.5 years,) participated in a design study of three different exercise protocols on a cycle ergometer: (i) 10 min at 75% Wmax (high intensity); (ii) 15min at 60% Wmax (moderate intensity) or (iii) 30 min at 45% Wmax (low intensity). The protocols of lower body cycling were assigned in random order in separate sessions. A control session was done with subjects at rest. Corticospinal excitability was assessed before (baseline) and every 5 min for 15min after the end of exercise/rest (time: 0, 5, 10 and 15) by measurement of the motor evoked potential (MEP) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation in the relaxed first-dorsal interosseus muscle. Results Compared to the resting session, a significant decrease (64%) in the motor evoked potential amplitudes was found only in the session of exercise of high intensity. This result seems depend on the level of physical activity of subject. No change was found after rest, low and moderate exercises. Conclusions These findings suggest that changes in the corticospinal excitability depend on exercise intensity and level of physical activity of subjects.(AU)

Free-hand placement of C7 pedicle screws: a cadaveric study / Inserção de parafusos pediculares em C7 com a técnica à mão livre: um estudo em cadáveres / Inserción de tornillos pediculares en C7 a manos libres: un estudio en cadáveres

Objective : To evaluate the accuracy of free-hand pedicle screws placement at the seventh cervical vertebra. Methods : The authors have exposed the cervicothoracic junction of 9 adult cadavers (7 male and 2 female) preserved in formalin from the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez, city of Juliaca, Puno - Peru, locating the C7 vertebra based on anatomical parameters. According to previous publications, the entry point for the C7 pedicle was determined as 3-4mm lateral and 5-6mm superior to the center of the lateral mass, and the pedicle was drilled manually and instrumented with 3.5mm screws. After the screws placement, the C7 vertebrae were removed for radiographic analysis. Results : The authors were able to adequately locate the C7 entry point in 12 pedicles (66.6% accuracy), finding a great variability both laterally (2-5mm) and cranially (3-10mm). The angulation in the coronal plane was correct in 13 pedicles (72.3%), despite the incorrect location of the entry point. Angle values in the coronal plane ranged from 38 to 62 degrees. In the sagittal plane angulation, 2 screws were placed in the C6-C7 disc. The midtransversal diameter of the 18 pedicles ranged from 4 to 7mm. Conclusions : The location of the entry point for placement of C7 pedicle screws with pure free-hand technique is very variable due to anatomical differences and the authors recommend some type of guidance for increased safety and accuracy.

Objetivo : Avaliar a acurácia do posicionamento de parafusos pediculares na sétima vértebra cervical pela técnica à mão livre. Métodos : Os autores dissecaram a junção cervicotorácica de nove cadáveres de adultos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidad Andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez, da cidade de Juliaca, Puno, Peru, localizando a sétima vértebra cervical com base em parâmetros anatômicos. De acordo com publicações prévias, o ponto de entrada do pedículo de C7 foi determinado como 3-4 mm lateral e 5-6 mm superior ao centro da massa lateral; o pedículo foi perfurado manualmente e instrumentado com parafusos de 3,5 mm. As vértebras foram removidas para avaliação radiográfica. Resultados : Os autores foram capazes de localizar precisamente o ponto de entrada para C7 em 12 pedículos (acurácia de 66,6%), encontrando grande variabilidade tanto no sentido lateral (2 a 5 mm) quanto no craniano (3 a 10 mm). A angulação no plano coronal foi correta em 13 pedículos (72,3%), apesar da localização incorreta do ponto de entrada. Os valores dos ângulos no plano coronal variaram de 38 a 62 graus. Na angulação do plano sagital, foram colocados dois parafusos no disco de C6-C7. O diâmetro mesotransversal dos 18 pedículos variou de 4 a 7 mm. Conclusão : A localização do ponto de entrada dos parafusos pediculares em C7 com a técnica à mão livre é muito variável em decorrência das diferenças anatômicas e os autores recomendam algum tipo de orientação auxiliar para aumentar a segurança e a acurácia.

Objetivo : Evaluar la exactitud de la colocación de tornillos pediculares enla séptima vértebra cervical con la técnica de manos libres. Métodos : Los autores disecaron la unión cervicotorácica de 9 cadáveres adultos (7 hombres y 2 mujeres) conservados en formol de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez de la ciudad de Juliaca, Puno - Perú, localizando la vértebra C7 con base en los parámetros anatómicos. De acuerdo con publicaciones anteriores, el punto de entrada para la colocación de tornillos pediculares en la vértebra C7 se determinó como 3-4 mm lateral y 5-6 mm superior al punto central de la masa lateral, y se procedió al drilado del pedículo manualmentey a la colocación de tornillos pediculares de 3,5 mm. Luego de la colocación de los tornillos las vértebras C7 fueron retiradas del cadáver para el análisis radiográfico. Resultados : Los autores fueron capaces de localizar adecuadamente el punto de entrada de C7 en 12 pedículos (66,6% de exactitud), se encontrando gran variabilidad en lo que se refiere tanto en la distancia hacia lateral (2-5 mm) como hacia craneal (3-10 mm). La angulación en el plano coronal estuvo correcta en 13 pedículos (72,3%), a pesar de la ubicación incorrecta del punto de entrada. Los valores de los ángulos en el plano coronal variaron de 38 a 62 grados. En la angulación del plano sagital, dos tornillos se colocaron en el disco C6-C7. El diámetro medio transversal de los 18 pedículos osciló entre 4 a 7 mm. Conclusiones : La localización del punto de entrada para la colocación de tornillos pediculares C7 con la técnica de manos libres es muy variable debido a las diferencias anatómicas. Los autores recomiendan utilizar algún tipo de guía para incrementar la precisión y seguridad.

Teaching and learning quaternary prevention / O ensino e a aprendizagem da prevenção quaternária / La enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la prevención cuaternaria

This article presents an overview of different techniques and skills necessary for teaching and learning quaternary prevention (P4). It adopts the Expertise Model that defines the competences required in P4 for each level: novice, competent, proficient, and expert. This framework should be used as a step-wise roadmap for teachers in order to achieve high levels of performance. This proposal is complemented by a list of methods applied in teaching and assessment of learners' performance and competence. By covering a range of learning and teaching issues, those who aim to teach quaternary prevention can explore the proposed framework. Quaternary prevention is a research and teaching fertile medical field that entails the integration of different areas such as health service organisation, epidemiology, communication skills, and andragogy either at the macro or the micro levels of health related activities.

Este artigo apresenta uma visão geral das diferentes técnicas e habilidades necessárias para o ensino e a aprendizagem da prevenção quaternária (P4). Ele adota o Expertise Model que define as competências exigidas na P4 para cada nível: iniciante, competente, proficiente e expert. Essa estrutura pode ser utilizada como um roteiro passo a passo para os professores, a fim de alcançar elevados níveis de desempenho. Esta proposta é complementada por uma lista de métodos usados no ensino e na avaliação de desempenho e competências dos alunos. Ao cobrir uma série de questões de ensino e aprendizagem, aqueles que visam ensinar prevenção quaternária podem explorar a grade proposta. A prevenção quaternária é um campo fértil para a investigação e o ensino da medicina que envolve a integração de diferentes áreas, como a organização de serviços de saúde, epidemiologia, habilidades de comunicação e andragogia, tanto no nível macro como no micro das atividades relacionadas à saúde.

Este artículo presenta una visión general de las diferentes técnicas y habilidades necesarias para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la prevención cuaternaria (P4). El adopta el Expertise Model que define las competencias requeridas en P4 para cada nivel: principiante, competente, proficiente y experto. Esta estructura puede ser utilizada como un guía paso a paso para los profesores con el fin de alcanzar altos niveles de rendimiento. Esta propuesta se complementa con una lista de métodos utilizados en la enseñanza y la evaluación del desempeño y competencia de los educandos. Al hacer referencia a una serie de cuestiones de enseñanza y aprendizaje, los que tienen como objetivo enseñar prevención cuaternaria pueden explorar el marco propuesto. La prevención cuaternaria es un campo fértil de investigación y enseñanza de la medicina que requiere la integración de diferentes áreas como la organización de servicios de salud, epidemiología, habilidades de comunicación, y la andragogía, ya sea en el nivel macro como micro de las actividades relacionadas con la salud.