School performance of students with cleft lip and palate in their teachers' point of view

OBJETIVO: Verificar o desempenho escolar de alunos com fissura labiopalatina sem anomalias associadas e correlacionar os possíveis fatores interferentes, segundo a opinião dos professores de 1ª a 8ª séries do Ensino Fundamental. MÉTODOS: A metodologia deste estudo compreendeu duas etapas. Na primeira etapa foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 61 prontuários de pacientes com fissura labiopalatina sem anomalias associadas, regularmente matriculados em classes de 1ª a 8ª séries do Ensino Fundamental. Esta etapa foi realizada a fim de caracterizar o perfil dos mesmos, quanto ao gênero, nível socioeconômico, tipo de fissura, timpanometria e inteligibilidade de fala. A segunda etapa incluiu a aplicação de um questionário com o intuito de verificar a percepção dos professores sobre o desempenho escolar destes alunos. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: A análise dos questionários mostrou que somente 20,7% dos professores consideraram que seus alunos com fissura labiopalatina têm desempenho escolar abaixo da média da classe. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa na associação entre o desempenho escolar e os possíveis fatores interferentes, a saber, gênero, nível socioeconômico, tipo de fissura, timpanometria e inteligibilidade de fala. CONCLUSÃO: O desempenho escolar da maioria dos alunos com fissura labiopalatina sem anomalias associadas foi percebido pelos respectivos professores como satisfatório, ou seja, dentro da média, considerando os demais alunos de sua sala de aula.PURPOSE: To assess the school performance of students from 1st to 8th grade of Elementary School with cleft lip and palate without associated anomalies, and to correlate possible interfering factors, according to the opinion of their teachers. METHODS: The methodology of this study was divided into two stages. The first stage was a retrospective analysis of 61 medical records of patients with cleft lip and palate without associated anomalies, regularly enrolled in Elementary School (1st to 8th grades). The first stage had the aim to characterize the profile of the participants regarding gender, socioeconomic status, type of cleft, tympanometry, and speech intelligibility. The second stage involved the application of a questionnaire to be answered by the teachers of these subjects, in order to verify their perceptions regarding the school performance of these students. Results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis of questionnaires showed that only 20.7% of the teachers believed that their students with cleft lip and palate have school performance below the average of the class. There was no significant difference in the association between school performance and the possible intervening factors, such as gender, socioeconomic status, type of cleft, tympanometry, and speech intelligibility. CONCLUSION: The school performance of most students with cleft lip and palate without associated anomalies was considered satisfactory by their teachers, that is, within the average, considering the performance of other students in their classes

Comparing follow-up of patients with vitamin K antagonists in a health center: pre- and post- COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction and objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the follow-up of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) may have been affected. This study aims to compare how these patients were monitored preand post-COVID-19 pandemic and understand the impact of non-face-to-face appointments on their follow-up. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a Portuguese Health Center. The study included patients treated with VKAs and followed at the Health Center for international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring between March 2019 and March 2021. Data collected: sex, age, type of VKA; INR; date of INR assessment, type of appointment (face-to-face or phone/e-mail). Rosendaal’s method was used to calculate pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 time in therapeutic range (TTR). Good TTR control was defined if values ≥ 70%. Results: 44 patients were included. The mean TTR in the pre-COVID-19 period was 64.55% (95% CI: 58.10 - 71.00%). The post-COVID-19 mean was slightly higher (+ 2.26%), 66.81% (95% CI: 59.66 - 73.97%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.576). The use of non-face-to-face appointments did not contribute to worsening post-pandemic TTR, showing no lower follow-up than during pre-pandemic period in which all contacts were face-to-face [CI (95%) -0.397 - 0.196 for a reference range -0.489 - 0.693]. Conclusions: The TTR value in both periods was similar and lower than the value defined for effective hypocoagulation. The use of non-face-to-face consultation in the post-COVID-19 period does not seem to have influenced the quality of hypocoagulation.Introdução e objetivos: Durante a pandemia COVID-19 o acompanhamento de doentes medicados com antagonistas da vitamina K (AVKs) pode ter sido afetado. Este estudo pretende comparar a forma como estes doentes foram monitorizados antes e depois da pandemia COVID-19 e compreender o impacto da consulta não presencialno seu seguimento. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospetivo num Centro de Saúde em Portugal. O estudo incluiu doentes tratados com AVKs e seguidos no Centro de Saúde para monitorização do International Normalized Ratio (INR) entre março de 2019 e março de 2021. Dados recolhidos: sexo, idade, tipo de AVK; INR; data da avaliação do INR, tipo de consulta (presencial ou por telefone/e-mail). Foi utilizado o método de interpolação linear de Rosendaal para calcular o tempo em intervalo terapêutico (TTR) pré- e pós-COVID-19. Foi definido um bom controle se valores de TTR ≥ 70%. Resultados: Foram incluídos 44 doentes. A média de TTR no período pré-COVID-19 foi de 64,55% (95% IC: 58,10 - 71,00%). A média pós-COVID-19 foi ligeiramente superior (+ 2,26%), 66,81% (95%IC: 59,66 - 73,97%), mas a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,576). A utilização da consulta não presencial não contribuiu para o agravamento do TTR no período pós-pandemia, não mostrando um seguimento inferior ao do período pré-pandemia em que todos os contatos foram presenciais [IC (95%) -0,397 - 0,196 para um intervalo de referência -0,489 - 0,693]. Conclusões: O valor de TTR em ambos os períodos foi semelhante e inferior ao valor definido para hipocoagulação eficaz. A utilização da consulta não presencial no período pós-COVID-19 não parece ter influenciado a qualidade da hipocoagulação

ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ACTIVITY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION DURING NEUROMUSCULAR EXERCISES

The aim of this study was to compare the muscular activity of knee stabilizers in different neuromuscular exercises in individuals with ACL reconstruction and nonlesioned individuals. Eight males submitted to ACL reconstruction and eight nonlesioned males participated. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of each muscle was used for signal normalization. The electromyographic signal was quantified by the root mean square. The MVIC % between groups was different for extensor muscles of the nonlesioned group, when compared to flexor muscles of the reconstructed group

A review of novel heat transfer materials and fluids for aerospace applications

The issue of thermal control for space missions has been critical since the early space missions in the late 1950s. The demands in such environments are heightened, characterized by significant temperature variations and the need to manage substantial densities of heat. The current work offers a comprehensive survey of the innovative materials and thermal fluids employed in the aerospace technological area. In this scope, the materials should exhibit enhanced reliability for facing maintenance and raw materials scarcity. The improved thermophysical properties of the nanofluids increase the efficiency of the systems, allowing the mass/volume reduction in satellites, rovers, and spacecraft. Herein are summarized the main findings from a literature review of more than one hundred works on aerospace thermal management. In this sense, relevant issues in aerospace convection cooling were reported and discussed, using heat pipes and heat exchangers, and with heat transfer ability at high velocity, low pressure, and microgravity. Among the main findings, it could be highlighted the fact that these novel materials and fluids provide enhanced thermal conductivity, stability, and insulation, enhancing the heat transfer capability and preventing the malfunctioning, overheating, and degradation over time of the systems. The resulting indicators will contribute to strategic mapping knowledge and further competence. Also, this work will identify the main scientific and technological gaps and possible challenges for integrating the materials and fluids into existing systems and for maturation and large-scale feasibility for aerospace valorization and technology transfer enhancement.This work has been funded by FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) through the base funding from the following research units: UIDP/50009/2020-FCT and UIDB/50009/2020-FCT, UIDB/00532/2020, LA/P/0045/2020, UIDB/04077/2020, and UIDP/04077/2020. The authors are also grateful for FCT funding through 2022. 03151.PTDC, PTDC/EME-TED/7801/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016861, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028159, 2022. 02085.PTDC (https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.02085.PTDC, accessed on 25 March 2024), funded by COMPETE2020, NORTE2020, PORTUGAL2020, and FEDER. Glauco Nobrega was supported by the doctoral grant PRT/BD/153088/2021, financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under the MIT Portugal Program. Pinho D. and Susana O. Catarino thank FCT for her contract funding provided through 2021.00027.CEECIND, 2020.00215.CEECIND (DOI: https://doi.org/10.54499/2020.00215.CEECIND/CP1600/CT0009, accessed on 25 March 2024), respectively. The authors are also grateful to the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Avenida D. Carlos I, 126, 1249–074 Lisboa, Portugal, for partially financing the Project “Estratégias interfaciais de arrefecimento para tecnologias de conversão com elevadas potências de dissipação”, ref. PTDC/EMETED/7801/2020, Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e o Desenvolvimento (IST-ID). José Pereira also acknowledges FCT for his PhD fellowship (Ref. 2021. 05830.BD). The authors are also grateful for FCT funding through 2022.03151.PTD and LA/P/0083/2020 IN + -IST-ID. The authors are also grateful for FCT funding through 2022.03151.PTD and LA/P/0083/2020 IN + -IST-ID and through UIPD/50009/2020-FCT and UIDB/50009—FCT. Ana Moita also acknowledges FCT for partially financing her contract through CEECINST/00043/2021/CP2797/CT0005, doi:https://doi.org/10.54499/CEECINST/00043/2021/CP2797/CT0005, accessed on 25 March 2024. The authors also acknowledge Exército Português for their support through projects CINAMIL Desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Gestão Térmica e Climatização de equipamento NBQ and COOLUAV—Sistema de arrefecimento da componente eletrónica e baterias em veículos militares não tripulados

Epidemiological evaluation of notified cases of tuberculosis in Minas Gerais, Brasil / Avaliação epidemiológica de casos notificados de tuberculose em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Due to the situation of growing poverty in the state of Minas Gerais and the tuberculosis’ severity, a pathology associated with poor living conditions, it is necessary to study the incidence of new cases of this pathology so that public health measures can be taken to revert this scenario. So, the objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of notified cases of tuberculosis in the state of Minas Gerais between 2015 and 2020. The number of confirmed and notified cases of tuberculosis in the state of Minas Gerais from 2015 to 2020 was collected in the Information System of Notifiable Diseases of the IT department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS), through the Tabnet system. Between 2015 and 2020, 24717 new cases of tuberculosis were reported in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Regarding the year, 4053 occurred in 2015, 4071 in 2016, 4055 in 2017, 4214 in 2018, 4349 in 2019 and 3975 in 2020. For all of the foregoing, the great significance and need for attention focused on the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis is highlighted

Toxicological effects of the rare earth element neodymium in Mytilus galloprovincialis

The wide range of applications of rare earth elements (REE) is leading to their occurrence in worldwide aquatic environments. Among the most popular REE is Neodymium (Nd), being widely used in permanent magnets, lasers, and glass additives. Neodymium–iron–boron (NdFeB) magnets is the main application of Nd since they are used in electric motors, hard disk drives, speakers and generators for wind turbines. Recent studies have already evaluated the toxic potential of different REE, but no information is available on the effects of Nd towards marine bivalves. Thus, the present study evaluated the biochemical alterations caused by Nd in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to this element for 28 days. The results obtained clearly demonstrated that Nd was accumulated by mussels, leading to mussel’s metabolic capacity increase and GLY expenditure, in an attempt to fuel up defense mechanisms. Antioxidant and biotransformation defenses were insufficient in the elimination of ROS excess, resulting from the presence of Nd and increased electron transport system activity, which caused cellular damages (measured by lipid peroxidation) and loss of redox balance (assessed by the ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione). The results obtained clearly highlight the potential toxicity of REEs and, in particular of Nd, with impacts at cellular level, which may have consequences in mussel’s survival, growth and reproduction, affecting mussel’s population.publishe

Electromyographic activity of knee muscles in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under different perturbations: case report

The aim of this case study was to describe electromyographic (EMG) activity of the knee stabilizing muscles in subjects having received different autografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgical reconstruction: two subjects with anterior bone-tendon-bone graft, two with hamstring graft and two controls. Normalised EMG signal was collected during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of each muscle (vastus medialis obliques, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius) and then under six perturbation stimuli at one-leg stance: on the ground, inclined and round board, balance board, anterior-posterior (AP) and medium-lateral (ML) roller-board. When comparing only extensor muscles between cases, a higher percent of MVIC was found in vastus medialis obliques and vastus lateralis in the anterior graft group (during one-leg stance, inclined board, and AP roller-board), whereas in hamstring graft cases this occurred on the round and balance boards. The analysis of flexor muscles showed greater activity on balance board and ML roller-board in subjects with hamstring graft. The amount of muscle activation thus may vary according to the stimulus. It may be said that muscles are most activated in subjects with anterior graft. These findings may guide rehabilitation of patients submitted to ACL reconstruction.O objetivo deste foi descrever a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos estabilizadores do joelho de indivíduos que receberam diferentes enxertos na cirurgia de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Foram avaliados dois casos de enxerto patelar, dois de enxerto posterior e dois controle, durante seis estímulos proprioceptivos ao indivíduo em apoio unipodal (em solo, prancha inclinada, prancha redonda, balancinho e rollerboard em sentido ântero-posterior, AP, e médio-lateral, ML). O sinal eletromiográfico normalizado foi captado durante contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) de cada músculo (vasto medial oblíquo, vasto lateral, semitendinoso, bíceps femoral e gastrocnêmio). Ao comparar os músculos vasto medial oblíquo e vasto lateral entre os casos, foi encontrada porcentagem da CIVM maior na amostra com enxerto patelar durante os estímulos solo, prancha inclinada e rollerboard AP, enquanto nos casos de enxerto posterior isso ocorreu sob os estímulos de balancinho e prancha redonda. Ao analisar somente os músculos flexores, os sujeitos com enxerto posterior apresentaram maior atividade sob os estímulos de balancinho e rollerboard ML. Conclui-se que os casos com enxerto patelar ativam mais sua musculatura que aqueles com enxerto posterior; e a quantidade de ativação muscular parece variar para cada estímulo sensório-motor, conforme o tipo de enxerto usado. Estes achados podem orientar a reabilitação de indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia de reconstrução do LCA

Relação entre destreza manual e legibilidade da escrita em crianças: estudo piloto

AIM: To examine the relationship between handwriting legibility, manual dexterity, visuomotor coordination and manual tactile discrimination in 1st and 2nd grade children. METHODS: Forty children divided in four groups were evaluated with the Avaliação da Coordenação e Destreza Motora (ACOORDEM) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). Legibility was rated as good or poor by two pedagogues. RESULTS: When comparing the performance of the 1rst grade children, Mann-Whitney test identified significant differences in five ACOORDEM's items and in the VMI. Considering the 2nd graders, statistical differences were found only in seven items of the ACOORDEM. CONCLUSION: The results reaffirm the idea that visuomotor coordination is a relevant component for children in 1rst grade who are in the initial stages of handwriting acquisition; however, data on manual dexterity and manual tactile discrimination were inconsistent.OBJETIVO: Examinar a relação entre legibilidade de escrita, destreza manual, coordenação visomotora e discriminação tátil na mão em crianças de 1ª e 2ª séries do ensino fundamental. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 40 crianças, divididas em quatro grupos, com os instrumentos: Avaliação da Coordenação e Destreza Motora (ACOORDEM) e o Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). A classificação da legibilidade como boa ou ruim foi realizada por duas pedagogas. RESULTADOS: Ao comparar o desempenho dos grupos da 1ª série, o teste Mann-Whitney identificou diferenças significativas em 5 itens da ACOORDEM e no VMI. Entre os grupos da 2ª série, o teste estatístico apontou diferenças significativas em 7 itens da ACOORDEM. CONCLUSÃO: Resultados refirmam a idéia de que a coordenação visomotora é componente relevante para crianças que 1ª série, que estão na fase inicial de aquisição da escrita, entretanto os dados relativos à destreza manual e discriminação tátil na mão foram inconsistentes