Imaging GRPr Expression in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer with [68Ga]Ga-RM2-A Head-to-Head Pilot Comparison with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11.

BACKGROUND: The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) is highly overexpressed in several solid tumors, including treatment-naïve and recurrent prostate cancer. [68Ga]Ga-RM2 is a well-established radiotracer for PET imaging of GRPr, and [177Lu]Lu-RM2 has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative for patients with heterogeneous and/or low expression of PSMA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of GRPr and PSMA in a group of patients diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) by means of PET imaging. METHODS: Seventeen mCRPC patients referred for radio-ligand therapy (RLT) were enrolled and underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [68Ga]Ga-RM2 PET/CT imaging, 8.8 ± 8.6 days apart, to compare the biodistribution of each tracer. Uptake in healthy organs and tumor lesions was assessed by SUV values, and tumor-to-background ratios were analyzed. RESULTS: [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 showed significantly higher uptake in tumor lesions in bone, lymph nodes, prostate, and soft tissues and detected 23% more lesions compared to [68Ga]Ga-RM2. In 4/17 patients (23.5%), the biodistribution of both tracers was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that in our cohort of mCRPC patients, PSMA expression was higher compared to GRPr. Nevertheless, RLT with [177Lu]Lu-RM2 may be an alternative treatment option for selected patients or patients in earlier disease stages, such as biochemical recurrence.

Fiber-reinforced silicone for tracheobronchial stents: An experimental study.

A trachea is a tubular structure composed of smooth muscle that is reinforced with cartilage rings. Some diseases can cause sagging in smooth muscle and cartilaginous tissue. The end result is reduction (narrowing) of the trachea diameter. A solution to this problem is the use of tracheal stents, which are small tubular devices made of silicone. One is inserted into the trachea to prevent or correct its constriction. The purpose of tracheal stent use is to maintain cartilage support that would otherwise be lost in the airway. Current tracheal stent models present limitations in terms of shape and characteristics of the silicone used in their production. One of the most important is the large thickness of the wall, which makes its placement difficult; this mainly applies to pediatric patients. The wall thickness of the stent is closely related to the mechanical properties of the material. This study aims to test the reinforcement of silicone with three kinds of fibers, and then stents that were produced using fiber with the best compressive strength characteristics. Silicone samples were reinforced with polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), and carbon fiber (CF) at concentrations of 2% and 4% (vol%), which then underwent tensile strength and Shore A hardness testing. Samples with fiber showed good characteristics; surface analyses were carried out and they were used to produce stents with an internal diameter of 11 or 13mm and a length of 50mm. Stents underwent compression tests for qualitative evaluation. Samples with 2% and 4% CF blends showed the best mechanical performance, and they were used to produce stents. These samples presented similar compressive strengths at low deformation, but stents with a 4% CF blend exhibited improved compressive strength at deformations greater than 30-50% of their diameter (P ≤ 0.05). The addition of 2% and 4% CF blends conferred greater mechanical strength and resistance to the silicone matrix. This is particularly true at low deformation, which is the condition where the stent is used when implanted. In the finite element compression strength tests, the stent composite showed greater compression strength with the addition of fiber, and the results were in accordance with mechanical compression tests performed on the stents. In vivo tests showed that, after 30 days of post-implantation in sheep trachea, an inflammatory process occurred in the region of the trachea in contact with the stent composite and with the stent without fiber (WF). This response is a common process during the first few days of implantation.

Patient-Controlled Biofeedback Device for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence: A Pilot Study.

Although biofeedback has been used as a first-line therapy for fecal incontinence, it is known to be time consuming and demands attendance to a hospital during the whole period of treatment. In this study, we describe a new biofeedback device specifically developed for home treatment of fecal incontinence, which consists of a microprocessor controlled unit able to register and store the anal pressure waves corresponding to exercises performed by patients at home. In order to test the new device, a pilot study including ten patients with fecal incontinence was conducted. Evaluation of patients before and after the biofeedback training showed significant improvement in manometric and clinical parameters of anal continence. The new method may improve compliance of patients with the training program and reduce their need to be supervised during the treatment. It might represent a new alternative for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

High prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization among HIV-positive patients in southern Brazil.

A high prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization was observed in patients positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) admitted to a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil between August 2012 and December 2012. Amplification of the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene in oropharyngeal samples through nested polymerase chain reaction identified P. jirovecii colonization in 26 of 58 (44.8%) HIV-positive patients admitted for causes other than Pneumocystis pneumonia. Colonization was more frequent among patients with an absolute CD4 count ≤200 cells/µl. These findings suggest that the HIV-infected population is a major reservoir and source of P. jirovecii infection and that identification of such individuals may contribute to future strategies for improving management of HIV-infected patients.

Oxygen desaturation during the six-minute walk test in COPD patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the behavior of oxygen saturation curves throughout the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with COPD. METHODS: We included 85 patients, all of whom underwent spirometry and were classified as having moderate COPD (modCOPD, n = 30) or severe COPD (sevCOPD, n = 55). All of the patients performed a 6MWT, in a 27-m corridor with continuous SpO2 and HR monitoring by telemetry. We studied the SpO2 curves in order to determine the time to a 4% decrease in SpO2, the time to the minimum SpO2 (Tmin), and the post-6MWT time to return to the initial SpO2, the last designated recovery time (RT). For each of those curves, we calculated the slope. RESULTS: The mean age in the modCOPD and sevCOPD groups was 66 ± 10 years and 62 ± 11 years, respectively. At baseline, SpO2 was > 94% in all of the patients; none received supplemental oxygen during the 6MWT; and none of the tests were interrupted. The six-minute walk distance did not differ significantly between the groups. The SpO2 values were lowest in the sevCOPD group. There was no difference between the groups regarding RT. In 71% and 63% of the sevCOPD and modCOPD group patients, respectively, a ≥ 4% decrease in SpO2 occurred within the first minute. We found that FEV1% correlated significantly with the ΔSpO2 (r = -0.398; p < 0.001), Tmin (r = -0.449; p < 0.001), and minimum SpO2 (r = 0.356; p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In the sevCOPD group, in comparison with the modCOPD group, SpO2 was lower and the Tmin was greater, suggesting a worse prognosis in the former.

Oxygen desaturation during the six-minute walk test in COPD patients / Análise da dessaturação de oxigênio durante o teste de caminhada de seis minutos em pacientes com DPOC

Objective: To evaluate the behavior of oxygen saturation curves throughout the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with COPD. Methods: We included 85 patients, all of whom underwent spirometry and were classified as having moderate COPD (modCOPD, n = 30) or severe COPD (sevCOPD, n = 55). All of the patients performed a 6MWT, in a 27-m corridor with continuous SpO2 and HR monitoring by telemetry. We studied the SpO2 curves in order to determine the time to a 4% decrease in SpO2, the time to the minimum SpO2 (Tmin), and the post-6MWT time to return to the initial SpO2, the last designated recovery time (RT). For each of those curves, we calculated the slope. Results: The mean age in the modCOPD and sevCOPD groups was 66 ± 10 years and 62 ± 11 years, respectively. At baseline, SpO2 was > 94% in all of the patients; none received supplemental oxygen during the 6MWT; and none of the tests were interrupted. The six-minute walk distance did not differ significantly between the groups. The SpO2 values were lowest in the sevCOPD group. There was no difference between the groups regarding RT. In 71% and 63% of the sevCOPD and modCOPD group patients, respectively, a ≥ 4% decrease in SpO2 occurred within the first minute. We found that FEV1% correlated significantly with the ΔSpO2 (r = −0.398; p < 0.001), Tmin (r = −0.449; p < 0.001), and minimum SpO2 (r = 0.356; p < 0.005). Conclusions: In the sevCOPD group, in comparison with the modCOPD group, SpO2 was lower and the Tmin was greater, suggesting a worse prognosis in the former. .

Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento da curva de saturação de oxigênio durante o teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) em pacientes com DPOC. Métodos: Incluímos 85 pacientes e todos realizaram espirometria, sendo classificados como portadores de DPOC moderada (DPOCm, n = 30) ou grave (DPOCg, n = 55). Todos os pacientes realizaram TC6 em um corredor de 27 m com monitoramento contínuo da SpO2 e FC por telemetria. A partir das curvas de SpO2, foram analisados os tempos para atingir a queda de 4% da SpO2, para atingir a SpO2 mínima (Tmin) e para a recuperação da SpO2 após o TC6 (TR). Foram calculadas as inclinações dessas curvas. Resultados: A média de idade nos grupos DPOCm e DPOCg foi de 62 ± 11 anos e 66 ± 10 anos, respectivamente. Todos os pacientes iniciaram o teste com SpO2 > 94%, nenhum recebeu suplementação de oxigênio durante o TC6, e não houve interrupções. A distância percorrida no TC6 não apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Os menores valores da SpO2 ocorreram no grupo DPOCg. Não houve diferença no TR entre os grupos, e 71% e 63% dos pacientes nos grupos DPOCg e DPOCm, respectivamente, apresentaram queda de SpO2 ≥ 4% até o primeiro minuto. O VEF1% apresentou correlações significativas com ΔSpO2 (r = −0,398; p < 0,001), Tmin (r = −0,449; p < 0,001) e SpO2 mínima (r = 0,356; p < 0,005). Conclusões: As curvas dos pacientes do grupo DPOCg em relação às do grupo DPOCm apresentaram valores menores de SpO2 e maior Tmin, sugerindo um pior prognóstico nos primeiros. .

Detection of Treponema pallidum by semi-nested PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid of asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with latent syphilis.

BACKGROUND: Neurosyphilis diagnosis is frequently dependent upon the results of serological tests and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, but the reliability of findings in patients with HIV-1 infection has been questioned, especially in asymptomatic patients with latent syphilis. In this study, we present the data on the presence of T. pallidum DNA in CSF from asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with the diagnosis of syphilis. METHODS: CSF and serum samples were collected from 12 HIV-infected patients attending a tertiary care clinic located in southern Brazil, during the period 2012 to 2013. RESULTS: In CSF samples from five of 12 patients (40%), we detected T. pallidum DNA. Unexpectedly, in these patients, the CSF cell count, protein and glucose levels were normal. In addition, none of these 5 CSF samples presented a positive VDRL reaction. Serum VDRL titers were similar between patients with positive and negative CSF T. pallidum DNA. Most patients with detectable T. pallidum DNA presented low serum VDRL titers. A higher serum VDRL titer of 1:64 was observed in only one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have shown that asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with evidence of latent syphilis and normal CSF might present detectable T. pallidum DNA in the CSF. The detection of T. pallidum DNA by our seminested PCR provides additional information beyond conventional CSF analysis for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The detection of T. pallidum DNA in CSF despite normal CSF findings in HIV-infected patients could also provide a different therapeutic approach including the use of intravenous aqueous crystalline penicillin.

Repeatability of the evaluation of perception of dyspnea in normal subjects assessed through inspiratory resistive loads.

PURPOSE: Study the repeatability of the evaluation of the perception of dyspnea using an inspiratory resistive loading system in healthy subjects. METHODS: We designed a cross sectional study conducted in individuals aged 18 years and older. Perception of dyspnea was assessed using an inspiratory resistive load system. Dyspnea was assessed during ventilation at rest and at increasing resistive loads (0.6, 6.7, 15, 25, 46.7, 67, 78 and returning to 0.6 cm H2O/L/s). After breathing in at each level of resistive load for two minutes, the subject rated the dyspnea using the Borg scale. Subjects were tested twice (intervals from 2 to 7 days). RESULTS: Testing included 16 Caucasian individuals (8 male and 8 female, mean age: 36 years). The median scores for dyspnea rating in the first test were 0 at resting ventilation and 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7 and 1 point, respectively, with increasing loads. The median scores in the second test were 0 at resting and 0, 0, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4 and 0.5 points, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.57, 0.80, 0.74, 0.80, 0.83, 0.86, 0.91, and 0.92 for each resistive load, respectively. In a generalized linear model analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between the levels of resistive loads (p<0.001) and between tests (p=0.003). Dyspnea scores were significantly lower in the second test. CONCLUSION: The agreement between the two tests of the perception of dyspnea was only moderate and dyspnea scores were lower in the second test. These findings suggest a learning effect or an effect that could be at least partly attributed to desensitization of dyspnea sensation in the brain.

Efeito do broncodilatador no tempo de apneia voluntária máxima em pacientes com distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos / Bronchodilator effect on maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease

OBJETIVO: Identificar o papel do broncodilatador no tempo de apneia voluntária máxima em pacientes com distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos (DVOs). MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle incluindo pacientes com DVOs e grupo controle. Foram realizadas espirometrias antes e após o uso de broncodilatador, assim como testes de apneia respiratória, utilizando-se um microprocessador eletrônico e um pneumotacógrafo como transdutor de fluxo. As curvas de fluxo respiratório foram exibidas em tempo real em um computador portátil, e os tempos de apneia voluntária inspiratória e expiratória máximos (TAVIM e TAVEM, respectivamente) foram determinados a partir do sinal adquirido. RESULTADOS: Um total de 35 pacientes com DVOs e 16 controles foram incluídos no estudo. O TAVIM sem o uso de broncodilatador foi significativamente menor no grupo DVO que no grupo controle (22,27 ± 11,81 s vs. 31,45 ± 15,73; p = 0,025), mas essa diferença não foi significativa após o uso de broncodilatador (24,94 ± 12,89 s vs. 31,67 ± 17,53 s). Os valores de TAVEM foram significativamente menores no grupo DVO que no grupo controle antes (16,88 ± 6,58 s vs. 22,09 ± 7,95 s; p = 0,017) e após o uso de broncodilatador (21,22 ± 9,37 s vs. 28,53 ± 12,46 s; p = 0,024). CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados fornecem uma evidência adicional da utilidade clínica do teste de apneia na avaliação da função pulmonar e do papel do broncodilatador nesse teste.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of bronchodilators in the maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD). METHODS: We conducted a case-control study including patients with OLD and a control group. Spirometric tests were performed prior to and after the use of a bronchodilator, as were breath-hold tests, using an electronic microprocessor and a pneumotachograph as a flow transducer. Respiratory flow curves were displayed in real time on a portable computer. The maximal breath-hold times at end-inspiratory volume and at end-expiratory volume (BHTmaxV EI and BHTmaxV EE, respectively) were determined from the acquired signal. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with OLD and 16 controls were included. Prior to the use of a bronchodilator, the BHTmaxV EI was significantly lower in the OLD group than in the control group (22.27 ± 11.81 s vs. 31.45 ± 15.73 s; p = 0.025), although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the post-bronchodilator values (24.94 ± 12.89 s vs. 31.67 ± 17.53 s). In contrast, BHTmaxV EE values were significantly lower in the OLD group than in the control group, in the pre- and post-bronchodilator tests (16.88 ± 6.58 s vs. 22.09 ± 7.95 s; p = 0.017; and 21.22 ± 9.37 s vs. 28.53 ± 12.46 s; p = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide additional evidence of the clinical usefulness of the breath-hold test in the assessment of pulmonary function and add to the existing knowledge regarding the role of the bronchodilator in this test.

Bronchodilator effect on maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of bronchodilators in the maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD). METHODS: We conducted a case-control study including patients with OLD and a control group. Spirometric tests were performed prior to and after the use of a bronchodilator, as were breath-hold tests, using an electronic microprocessor and a pneumotachograph as a flow transducer. Respiratory flow curves were displayed in real time on a portable computer. The maximal breath-hold times at end-inspiratory volume and at end-expiratory volume (BHTmaxV EI and BHTmaxV EE, respectively) were determined from the acquired signal. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with OLD and 16 controls were included. Prior to the use of a bronchodilator, the BHTmaxV EI was significantly lower in the OLD group than in the control group (22.27 ± 11.81 s vs. 31.45 ± 15.73 s; p = 0.025), although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the post-bronchodilator values (24.94 ± 12.89 s vs. 31.67 ± 17.53 s). In contrast, BHTmaxV EE values were significantly lower in the OLD group than in the control group, in the pre- and post-bronchodilator tests (16.88 ± 6.58 s vs. 22.09 ± 7.95 s; p = 0.017; and 21.22 ± 9.37 s vs. 28.53 ± 12.46 s; p = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide additional evidence of the clinical usefulness of the breath-hold test in the assessment of pulmonary function and add to the existing knowledge regarding the role of the bronchodilator in this test.

Correlação do escore de Oxford modificado com as medidas perineométricas em pacientes incontinentes / Correlation between the modified Oxford scale and perineometry measurements in incontinent patients

Introdução: Diversas técnicas foram propostas para avaliação da musculatura do assoalho pélvico, porém, nenhum método mostrou-se capaz de medir as duas funções desses músculos: elevação e força de compressão. Na rotina de avaliação clínica é comumente empregada a palpação vaginal e, especialmente, o escore de Oxford modificado; entretanto, alguns trabalhos questionam a sensibilidade da escala de Oxford e sua correlação com medidas objetivas de força de contração muscular. Objetivo: neste estudo, propõe-se correlacionar as variáveis medidas na perineometria com o escore de Oxford modificado. Métodos: foram incluídas no estudo 45 pacientes com incontinência urinária que procuraram o ambulatório de Uroginecologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. As pacientes foram submetidas à palpação vaginal, realizada por uma fisioterapeuta treinada na escala de Oxford, e a medição da força de compressão da musculatura pélvica por meio de balonete conectado a transdutor de pressão. As duas avaliações foram realizadas no mesmo dia. Resultados: encontrou-se correlação significativa (P <0,001) entre o escore de Oxford e as variáveis pressão máxima de contração e tempo de ativação muscular com coeficientes de Pearson de 0,69 e -0,532, respectivamente. Contudo, observa-se uma superposição entre as medidas perineométricas e do escore de Oxford entre categorias adjacentes. Conclusões: Os resultados mostram que apesar de estar incorporada a rotina clínica de avaliação, deve haver restrições quanto ao uso do escala de Oxford com propósitos científicos.

Background: Several techniques have been proposed for the assessment of pelvic floor muscles; however, none of them were able to measure the two main functions of these muscles: lifting and compressive force. Vaginal palpation and especially the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) are frequently used during routine clinical evaluation, but some studies have questioned the sensitivity of the MOS and its correlation with objective measurements of muscle contraction force. Aim: the objective of this study is to correlate perineometry measurements with the MOS.Methods: Forty-five patients with urinary incontinence treated at the Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre were included. The patients were submitted to vaginal palpation performed by a physical therapist trained in the MOS. The compression force of their pelvic muscles was measured by means of an air-filled ballonet connected to a pressure transducer. Both tests were carried out on the same day. Results: we found significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the MOS and the variables maximum contraction pressure andmuscular activation time with Pearson's coefficients of 0.69 and -0.532, respectively. However, we found overlapping results between the perineomtry measurements and the MOS scores in neighboring categories. Conclusions: these findings show that, although incorporated into routine clinical evaluation, there should be restrictions to the use of the MOS for scientific purposes.

Vaginal probe transducer: characterization and measurement of pelvic-floor strength.

The pelvic-floor muscles (PFM) play an important role in urinary and fecal continence. Several investigators have studied the PFM using intra-vaginal pressure measurements, but their methods have not been validated. We describe the characteristics of a probe transducer developed to measure PFM strength according to its dynamic response and the effects of temperature variation. This probe transducer was used to evaluate changes in the contraction strength of pelvic muscles in a group of patients who participated in a PFM training program. Experiments allowed the identification of the probe's characteristics at different temperatures, definition of a calibration equation, and measurements of the dynamic response to pressure pulse. Evaluation of patients before and after the PFM training program showed significant differences in the peak pressure achieved during the contraction (p<0.001) and in pressure-rise time (p<0.01). The tests performed with the probe allowed the characterization of the proposed transducer, and the intra-vaginal pressure measurements in volunteers undergoing a PFM training program allowed a quantitative evaluation of the PFM strength.

Dispositivo para emulação de mouse dedicado a pacientes tetraplégicos ou portadores de doença degenerativa do sistema neuromuscular / Device for emulating of a special cord injurury or with degenerative disease of the neurovascular system

O trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo que emula um mouse serial Microsoft. Este dispositivo permite ao deficiente físico tetraplégico acessar os recursos de informática em ambiente Windows 95/98 (ler e editar textos, navegar na Internet e utilizar o correio eletrônico) e auxilia o paciente de doenças degenerativas do sistema neuromuscular, como a esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA), com disartria, a comunicar-se com as pessoas ao seu redor. O movimento do cursor na tela do computador é produzido a partir do movimento de flexão e extensão da cabeça do usuário, sendo utilizado para medir os ângulos de inclinação um sensor de aceleração estática e dinâmica de dois eixos. Para emular o botão do mouse, são captados os sinais EMG (eletromiográficos) produzidos a partir do movimento voluntário dos músculos mímicos da região frontal do usuário. O processamento digital é realizado por microcontrolador de oito bits e os dados são transmitidos para um computador padrão IBM-PC através da interface RS232C.

Avaliaçäo da funcionalidade em seres humanos de microcautério otológico com dispositivo de aspiraçäo e descolamento / Assessment of the effectiveness in human beings of an otologic microcautery with a device for aspiration and detachment

O trabalho avaliou cirurgias de ouvido médio em seres humanos, realizadas com microcautério com dispositivo de aspiraçäo e descolamento, concebido pelo primeiro autor, em comparaçäo com cirurgias do mesmo tipo, realizadas sem uso do dispositivo. Vinte e quatro pacientes com indicaçäo para estapedectomias e timpanoplastias unilaterais ou bilaterais foram selecionados. Foram excluídos pacientes com doenças sistêmicas como hipertensäo arterial sistêmica näo controlada e discrasias sanguíneas. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: 12 foram operados com o microcautério; 12, sem uso de cautério. O microcautério permite controle de tempo de exposiçäo e temperatura em baixas potências de saída (máximo de 35 W). A corrente elétrica concentrada pode explodir as células do tecido ou aquecer localmente o tecido. Isto permite a execuçäo de corte, cauterizaçäo e descolamento em regiöes de difícil acesso. As cirurgias foram gravadas em vídeo e avaliadas por dois cirurgiöes otológicos. A avaliaçäo foi cega: os cirurgiöes näo sabiam quais procedimentos haviam sido executados com o microcautério. Os procedimentos foram qualificados como ótimo, Bom, Regular ou Ruim. O parâmetro utilizado na avaliaçäo foi hemostasia. Os avaliadores qualificaram como ótimo o resultado global de todas as cirurgias realizadas com o microcautério. No grupo controle, o avaliador 1 qualificou 42 por cento das cirurgias como Ruim e 58 por cento como Regular. O avaliador 2 qualificou 25 por cento das cirurgias do grupo controle como Ruim e 75 por cento como Regular. O uso do microcautério demonstrou benefícios concretos, quando comparado com métodos convencionais. Portanto, consideramos aconselhável sua aplicaçäo neste tipo de cirurgia

Biofeedback eletromiográfico / Eletromyographic biofeedback

O equipamento de Biofeedback eletromiográfico utiliza circuitos eletrônicos para detetar e amplificar sinais biológicos associados às atividades musculares, fornecendo informações precisas sobre o estado de contração muscular do paciente e possibilitando que ele interaja no sentido de modificá-lo.

Abstract : The electromyographic Biofeedback detects and amplifies biological signals related to muscular activities using electronic circuits. It provides some information about the muscular aotivity of the patients helping them to modify wrong habits

Equipamentos para avaliaçäo de técnicas de osteotomia / Equipment for osteotomy technical evaluation

O sistema proposto visa avaliar, qualitativa e quantitativamente, o comportamento de diferentes técnicas de síntese pós-osteotomia em metatarsos, mediante aplicação de esforços conhecidos em suas extremidades.

The equipment measures the deviation of the first metatarsal head as a result of forces applied through its plantar surface. Load displacement curves were obtained and the stiffness of severa! metatarsal osteotomy j!xation techniques were then compared

Equipamentos para estimulaçäo elétrica funcional / Equipament for functional electric stimulation

Objetivos: Avaliaçäo da técnica FES em pacientes com patologias neurológicas diversas, utilizando equipamentos desenvolvidos pela Engenharia Biomédica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Os objetivos principais deste trabalho säo: reduçäo da espasticidade muscular, fortalecimento muscular e melhora no padräo de marcha. Material: FES-II portátil, 2 canais, Engenharia Biomédica - HCPA; FES-II clínico, 2 canais, Engenharia Biomédica - HCPA. Estes equipamentos FES possuem as seguintes características principais: Canais: 2 canais isolados; Amplitude da corrente de saída: 0 a 80 mA; Largura dos pulsos: 100 a 700µs; Freqüência dos pulsos: 10 a 60 Hz; Trem de pulsos (Tempos de ataque, sustentaçäo, descida e repouso): ajustáveis; Controle Automático e Manual; Marcha automaticamente assistida (utilizando duas palmilhas especialmente desenvolvidas). Métodos: Metodologia da Escola de Lubljana. Sessöes periódicas de 10 minutos cada, aplicadas a pacientes previamente selecionados. Os resultados foram avaliados pela análise dos padröes de marcha e o exame clínico dos músculos estimulados.