Trabalhadores em processo de reabilitação profissional: percepções sobre o grupo de Terapia Ocupacional

This research aimed at verifying the perceptions of workers undergoing professional rehabilitation through occupational therapy group intervention. The study was qualitative and adopted thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 5 workers in sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. Participants mentioned that the group intervention is carried out through different activities such as simulation of school tests (access to high education), interviews of employment, discussions about perspectives for the future, professions’fairs, and consultancy with workers who have passed through the program and by the group intervention. According to the reports of the participants, the occupational therapy group intervention is of great importance as it provides guidance, stimulates learning, promotes professional qualification and vocational rehabilitation. In addition to these practical aspects and benefits for rehabilitation, participants stated that the groups provide emotional well-being, satisfaction, and reduce negative thoughts and unwanted feelings.Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a percepção de trabalhadores submetidos à reabilitação profissional por meio da intervenção grupal desenvolvida pela terapia ocupacional. O estudo foi qualitativo e utilizou a análise temática. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, com 5 trabalhadores afastados por distúrbios músculo-esqueléticos e em reabilitação profissional no INSS de São Carlos – SP. Os participantes mencionaram que a intervenção em grupos é realizada por meio de diferentes atividades como simulação de provas escolares (acesso à educação superior), entrevistas de emprego, discussões sobre perspectivas para o futuro, profissionais e consultoria com trabalhadores que passaram pelo programa e pelas intervenções em grupo. Também foi relatado que a intervenção em grupo, proposta pela terapia ocupacional, é de grande importância, pois fornece orientação, estimula a aprendizagem, promove qualificação profissional e a reabilitação vocacional. Além desses aspectos práticos e dos benefícios para a reabilitação, os participantes declararam que os grupos oferecem bem-estar emocional, satisfação pessoal e redução de pensamentos negativos e sentimentos inadequados

Xenogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Formation of Hyaline Cartilage in Osteochondral Goat Failure

Background: Osteochondral knee failures are among the most common causes of disability among the elderly human population and animal athletes. The xenogeneic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells is a questionable therapeutic alternative that, despite the low expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex type II by these cells, still has relevantuncertainties about the safety and clinical efficacy. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the xenogeneic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells induces hyaline cartilage formation, without histopathological evidence of rejection, in osteochondralfailures of goats.Materials, Methods & Results: Five female goats were used, submitted to three surgical osteocondral failures in the right knee, treated with xenogenic mesenchymal stem cells of dental pulp, xenogenic platelet-rich plasma and hemostatic sponge of hydrolyzed collagen, respectively. The lesions were evaluated after 60 days of treatment, aiming to identify thepresence of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage and the subchondral bone pattern (regenerated or disorganized). Transplantation of xenogenic mesenchymal stem cells induced predominant formation of hyaline cartilage (P 0.05). Macroscopically, the lesions of the stem cell treated group showed formation of firm repair tissue, opaque staining, integrated with adjacent cartilage and with the failure filling almost completely. The groups treated with PRP and hemostatic sponge of hydrolyzed collagen presented, on average, partial filling of the lesion, with irregular shape and darkened coloration.Discussion. The absence of macroscopic and histopathological evidences of an inflammatory process on the surface and in the internal portion of the osteochondral lesions treated with xenogeneic stem cells, probably due to the low expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex type II by these cells, which would theoretically induce low rejection response. Such observations are of great importance, since graft-versus- host disease syndrome is a serious condition, responsible for the low therapeutic efficacy with transplantation of cells or grafts in humans. The formation of fibrocartilage, although without macro and microscopic evidence of degeneration or necrosis, in the osteochondral failures treated with PRP and hemostatic collagen sponge suggest that paracrine factors of the local microenvironment of the osteochondral failure are possibly responsible for the formation of fibrocartilaginous tissue or by inhibition of normal cartilage formation. The fibrocartilage formed in the Plasmaand Control groups, contributed to the commitment in the filling of the lesion, contrasting with the almost complete fill of the lesions treated with stem cells. The xenotransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells induced formation of hyaline cartilage and did not promote histopathological evidence of rejection in osteochondral lesions of goat knees. The treatments with PRP and hemostatic sponge of hydrolyzed collagen induced greater formation of fibrocartilaginous cartilaginous surface in the osteochondral failures

Parasitic Encephalitis in a Bitch

ABSTRACTBackground: Encephalitis is common in most inflammatory and infectious diseases of the central nervous system, and bacterial and viral pathogens, protozoa, fungi, and erythematous parasites are recognized as etiological agents. Clinical signs vary according to the anatomical location and severity of the inflammation. Some parasites may undergo aberrant migration into the brain of dogs and cats, which is are considered a rare clinical phenomenon. This case report describes the occurrence of parasitic encephalitis in a mixed breed bitch about 4 year-old.Case: A mixed breed bitch, about 4 year-old, rescued from the street with weakness of the pelvic limbs, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí - UFPI. After A clinical and neurological examination, the patient was hospitalized for diagnosis, treatment, confirmation and follow-up of her clinical evolution. Complementary tests were performed to evaluate her general condition, given her unknown history because she was a rescue dog. Complete blood count (CBC), hemoparasite screening, biochemical function (urea, creatinine, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin and globulin), abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, serological and parasitological tests for leishmaniasis, distemper antigen and ehrlichiosis antibody detection tests were performed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected for analysis. The CBC revealed normocytic hypochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical functions were within normal limits, except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was slightly low. The ultrasound examination showed splenomegaly. The canine distemper, ehrlichiosis and leishmaniasis tests were negative. The results of the CSF analysis revealed the presence of spherical structures compatible with parasitic cysts, suggestive of Echinococcus granulosus. After the laboratory diagnosis of parasitic encephalitis, the animal was treated with prednisolone, albendazole, praziquantel and doxycycline. Three days after starting treatment for parasitic encephalitis, the patient presented significant clinical improvement, began to feed again and to move around.Discussion: The presence of parasitic cysts in cerebrospinal fluid is uncommon; however, encephalitis due to aberrant parasite migration has been described in dogs and cats. The migration and growth of the parasite causes extensive damage to the neural parenchyma. The clinical signs of worm encephalitis tend to show acute to super-acute onset, and the definitive diagnosis depends on the identification of the parasitic agent in the patient’s brain. This type of diagnosis has so far been performed only during necropsy. In the case reported here, parasitic cysts were identified in CSF, thus confirming and formulating a definitive diagnosis. It is rare to find microorganisms and tumor cells in samples of cerebrospinal fluid; however, if this occurs, a definitive diagnosis can be formulated. The use of cerebrospinal fluid is therefore an important diagnostic tool when other imaging tests such as tomography and magnetic resonance provide limited access. Praziquantel and Albendazole are recommended for the treatment of Echinococcus, prednisolone is recommended for cases of encephalitis, and prophylactic antibiotic therapy is used to prevent secondary bacterial meningoencephalitis. The recommended treatment was efficient for this patient, and could be adopted to treat other dogs with parasitic encephalitis. The main forms of prevention in dogs are periodic worming, and the ingestion of only processed or cooked foods and treated water

Trabalhadores em processo de reabilitação profissional

This research aimed at verifying the perceptions of workers undergoing professional rehabilitation through occupational therapy group intervention. The study was qualitative and adopted thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 5 workers in sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. Participants mentioned that the group intervention is carried out through different activities such as simulation of school tests (access to high education), interviews of employment, discussions about perspectives for the future, professions’fairs, and consultancy with workers who have passed through the program and by the group intervention. According to the reports of the participants, the occupational therapy group intervention is of great importance as it provides guidance, stimulates learning, promotes professional qualification and vocational rehabilitation. In addition to these practical aspects and benefits for rehabilitation, participants stated that the groups provide emotional well-being, satisfaction, and reduce negative thoughts and unwanted feelings.Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a percepção de trabalhadores submetidos à reabilitação profissional por meio da intervenção grupal desenvolvida pela terapia ocupacional. O estudo foi qualitativo e utilizou a análise temática. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, com 5 trabalhadores afastados por distúrbios músculo-esqueléticos e em reabilitação profissional no INSS de São Carlos – SP. Os participantes mencionaram que a intervenção em grupos é realizada por meio de diferentes atividades como simulação de provas escolares (acesso à educação superior), entrevistas de emprego, discussões sobre perspectivas para o futuro, profissionais e consultoria com trabalhadores que passaram pelo programa e pelas intervenções em grupo. Também foi relatado que a intervenção em grupo, proposta pela terapia ocupacional, é de grande importância, pois fornece orientação, estimula a aprendizagem, promove qualificação profissional e a reabilitação vocacional. Além desses aspectos práticos e dos benefícios para a reabilitação, os participantes declararam que os grupos oferecem bem-estar emocional, satisfação pessoal e redução de pensamentos negativos e sentimentos inadequados

Excision of a Fibrosarcoma in the Right Forelimb and Reconstruction with Full-Thickness Autologous Graft in a Dog

Background: Fibrosarcomas are malignant neoplasms originating from fibroblasts that are normally located in the skin, subcutaneous tissue and adjacent to bones. The main treatment for fibrosarcoma is surgery. The removal of large neoplasms from dogs’ limbs usually leads to the formation of large skin defects, often preventing primary occlusion and thus requiring reconstructive surgery to close the wound. This paper reports on the surgical procedure and postoperative complications pursuant to the excision of a fibrosarcoma in the right forelimb and reconstruction with a full-thickness autologous graft in a dog.Case: We report a case of a 12-year-old Brazilian mastiff presenting a nodule located in the distal segment of the right forelimb, which had grown over a 2-year period.  Blood and imaging tests were performed, which showed no changes and excluded the possibility of metastasis. The cytological examination was suggestive of a mesenchymal neoplasm.  The patient underwent tumor excision surgery followed by reconstructive surgery with a full-thickness autologous graft to close the defect. The neoplasm was excised by means of a circular geometric figure incision using a 3 cm margin. The defect resulting from removal of the tumor was kept constantly moistened and wrapped in surgical compresses until grafting was performed. The graft was harvested from the region of the right flank based on a surgical field mold taken from the recipient bed. After harvesting the graft, all the subcutaneous tissue was removed until the hair follicles were visible. Fenestrations were then made throughout the entire graft and it was placed in the recipient bed and closed with 4-0 nylon using simple interrupted sutures. After the surgical procedure, the graft was covered with a water-based lubricating gel and bandaged, and the limb was immobilized. Cephalexin, meloxicam, tramadol and dipyrone were used as postoperative medications. The bandage was changed every 72 h. The postoperative complications observed involved the formation of seroma, infection and necrosis of the graft, which was removed and debrided on the 9th postoperative day. The defect generated after removal of the graft was treated using hydrocolloid dressings, which were changed every 5 days.  Seven changes of the hydrocolloid dressings were required to ensure complete closure of the defect. A histopathological examination of the neoplasia revealed that it was a fibrosarcoma. Discussion: Fibrosarcomas are neoplasms with a low degree of malignancy, which metastasize only in an advanced stage of the disease. Treatment consists of surgical resection with a wide safety margin. Full-thickness skin grafts include the epidermis and the entire dermis and are applied to cover major defects in flexor surfaces and defects in distal extremities. The main reasons for skin graft failure are separation between the graft and the recipient bed, infection and movement. The formation of seroma mechanically separates the graft from its bed, impairing nutrition and revascularization. Hydrocolloids, which are flexible and highly absorbent membranes composed of pectin, gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose, are useful in treating a variety of wounds. The complications that occurred in this case are consistent with others reported in the literature. The treatment of the open wound with hydrocolloid dressings proved to be quite satisfactory, allowing for complete healing of the wound

Parasitic Encephalitis in a Bitch

ABSTRACTBackground: Encephalitis is common in most inflammatory and infectious diseases of the central nervous system, and bacterial and viral pathogens, protozoa, fungi, and erythematous parasites are recognized as etiological agents. Clinical signs vary according to the anatomical location and severity of the inflammation. Some parasites may undergo aberrant migration into the brain of dogs and cats, which is are considered a rare clinical phenomenon. This case report describes the occurrence of parasitic encephalitis in a mixed breed bitch about 4 year-old.Case: A mixed breed bitch, about 4 year-old, rescued from the street with weakness of the pelvic limbs, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí - UFPI. After A clinical and neurological examination, the patient was hospitalized for diagnosis, treatment, confirmation and follow-up of her clinical evolution. Complementary tests were performed to evaluate her general condition, given her unknown history because she was a rescue dog. Complete blood count (CBC), hemoparasite screening, biochemical function (urea, creatinine, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin and globulin), abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, serological and parasitological tests for leishmaniasis, distemper antigen and ehrlichiosis antibody detection tests were performed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected for analysis. The CBC revealed normocytic hypochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical functions were within normal limits, except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was slightly low. The ultrasound examination showed splenomegaly. The canine distemper, ehrlichiosis and leishmaniasis tests were negative. The results of the CSF analysis revealed the presence of spherical structures compatible with parasitic cysts, suggestive of Echinococcus granulosus. After the laboratory diagnosis of parasitic encephalitis, the animal was treated with prednisolone, albendazole, praziquantel and doxycycline. Three days after starting treatment for parasitic encephalitis, the patient presented significant clinical improvement, began to feed again and to move around.Discussion: The presence of parasitic cysts in cerebrospinal fluid is uncommon; however, encephalitis due to aberrant parasite migration has been described in dogs and cats. The migration and growth of the parasite causes extensive damage to the neural parenchyma. The clinical signs of worm encephalitis tend to show acute to super-acute onset, and the definitive diagnosis depends on the identification of the parasitic agent in the patient’s brain. This type of diagnosis has so far been performed only during necropsy. In the case reported here, parasitic cysts were identified in CSF, thus confirming and formulating a definitive diagnosis. It is rare to find microorganisms and tumor cells in samples of cerebrospinal fluid; however, if this occurs, a definitive diagnosis can be formulated. The use of cerebrospinal fluid is therefore an important diagnostic tool when other imaging tests such as tomography and magnetic resonance provide limited access. Praziquantel and Albendazole are recommended for the treatment of Echinococcus, prednisolone is recommended for cases of encephalitis, and prophylactic antibiotic therapy is used to prevent secondary bacterial meningoencephalitis. The recommended treatment was efficient for this patient, and could be adopted to treat other dogs with parasitic encephalitis. The main forms of prevention in dogs are periodic worming, and the ingestion of only processed or cooked foods and treated water