Revisiting the term neuroprotection in chronic and degenerative diseases

Thanks to the development of several new researches, the lifetime presented a significant increase, even so, we still have many obstacles to overcome - among them, manage and get responses regarding neurodegenerative diseases. Where we are in the understanding of neuroprotection? Do we really have protective therapies for diseases considered degeneratives such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its variants, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and many others? Neuroprotection is defined by many researches as interactions and interventions that can slow down or even inhibit the progression of neuronal degeneration process. We make some considerations on this neuroprotective effect.Department of Neurology, Antonio Pedro University Hospital, Fluminense Federal University , NiteróiNeurology Service, Nova Iguaçu Hospital , PosseBrain Mapping Laboratory and Electroencephalogram, Federal University of Rio de JaneiroBrain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of PiauíSeverino Sombra University Center, School of Medicine , VassourasDepartment of Neurology, Federal University of São Paulo , BrazilDepartment of Neurology, Federal University of São Paulo , BrazilWeb of Scienc

MENINGITE AGUDA BACTERIANA NA POPULAÇÃO INFANTOJUVENIL: PRINCIPAIS AGENTES E MÉTODOS PARA DIAGNÓSTICO -- UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA

A meningite bacteriana é uma afecção de grande significância devi- do a sua relação com alta mortalidade e morbidade na população neonatal a jovem. Devido a este fato é importante o conhecimento sobre esta doença e os seus principais agentes etiológicos. Com o objetivo de relatar os principais métodos de diagnóstico, assim como os principais agentes etiológicos envolvidos na fisiopatologia da me- ningite bacteriana em população jovem foi realizada uma busca por artigos publicados nos últimos 5 anos nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo, Bireme e Lilacs. A literatura atual aponta como microrganis- mos predominantes na incidência dessa doença a N. meningitidis S. pneumoniae, sendo as mais recorrentes na população de faixa etária entre 29 dias e 17 anos. Os fatores relacionados ao prognóstico estão intimamente relacionados com a distinção da classificação do agente etiológico em bacteriano ou viral, importante para a determinação da terapia adequada

Mobile Applications for Assessing Human Posture: A Systematic Literature Review

Smartphones are increasingly incorporated with features such as sensors and high resolution cameras that empower their capabilities, enabling their use for varied activities including human posture assessments. Previous reviews have discussed methods used in postural assessment but none of them focused exclusively on mobile applications. This paper systematically reviews mobile applications proposed for analyzing human posture based on alignment of the body in the sagittal and coronal plane. The main digital libraries were searched, 26 articles published between 2010 and 2020 were selected, and 13 mobile applications were identified, classified and discussed. Results showed that the use of mobile applications to assist with posture assessment have been demonstrated to be reliable, and this can contribute to clinical practice of health professionals, especially the assessment and reassessment phases of treatments, despite some variations when compared to traditional methods. Moreover, in the case of image-based applications, we highlight the advantage that measurements can be taken with the assessor at a certain distance with respect to the patient’s position, which is an important function for assessments performed in pandemic times such as the outbreak of COVID-19

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Neurology: Update

This paper reviews the current and most neurological (central nervous system, CNS) uses of the botulinum neurotoxin type A. The effect of these toxins at neuromuscular junction lends themselves to neurological diseases of muscle overactivity, particularly abnormalities of muscle control. There are seven serotypes of the toxin, each with a specific activity at the molecular level. Currently, serotypes A (in two preparations) and B are available for clinical purpose, and they have proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of dystonia, spasticity, headache, and other CNS disorders in which muscle hyperactivity gives rise to symptoms. Although initially thought to inhibit acetylcholine release only at the neuromuscular junction, botulinum toxins are now recognized to inhibit acetylcholine release at autonomic cholinergic nerve terminals, as well as peripheral release of neuro-transmitters involved in pain regulation. Its effects are transient and nondestructive, and largely limited to the area in which it is administered. These effects are also graded according to the dose, allowing individualized treatment of patients and disorders. It may also prove to be useful in the control of autonomic dysfunction and sialorrhea. In over 20 years of use in humans, botulinum toxin has accumulated a considerable safety record, and in many cases represents relief for thousands of patients unaided by other therapy