Salutis Scientia

5

Authors: Helder Soares da Cruz

Cellular therapy has been used recently in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction but the results show only a modest improvement in left ventricular structure and function, due to limitations of the cellular product and of the variable dose, often sub-therapeutic. Mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord tissue, when administered into the mice myocardium after induction of myocardial infarction, have decreased the negative impact in the cardiac function, decreasing remodeling, increasing capillary density, limiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and favoring the proliferation of cardiac progenitor cells.

7

Authors: Ana Filipa Dias, Liliana Andrade e Raposo

Spirometry has been used over the past decades as a way to assess respiratory function in adults and children, applied mostly to individuals older than six. Currently, a significant number of papers are reporting success in training children in preschool age (from two to six years) to perform a spirometry. The aim of the present review is to analyze the most recent and relevant papers, regarding the use of spirometry in preschool children, identifying the criteria to be used to assess the performance of the spirometry and the quality control standards that are better to apply to this age group. After searching the Pubmed database, a total of 30 papers were analyzed after exclusion of studies that did not address the subject of interest. The assessment parameters in this age group are different from those used in adults, being suggested the use of FEV0.5 and FEV0.75 instead of FEV1 due to the inability of these children to maintain an expiration time greater than 1 second. It seems that the most important parameter with a higher influence in reference equations is the child height. It is important to use incentive programs that proved to be effective in improving the children’s adherence collaboration to the tests. The methods for the interpretation of spirometry are different in children and adults, using preferably the Z-scores in the first group. It is expected, in the near future, that the validation of this technique in this age group, as well as its application in daily clinical practice, will happen.

11

Authors: Cátia Concórdia, Rodrigo Martins, Sandra Alves

The temporomandibular joint is part of a complex system involving the teeth, jaw, skull, cervical spine and shoulder girdle. Its dysfunction affects largely the adult population between 20 and 40 years old and comprises a complex and multifactorial condition involving a number of different signs and symptoms. There is no consensus on its etiology or diagnostic criteria. Also, there is some disagreement regarding the type of treatment, namely concerning the type of health professionals and techniques involved. This study aimed to understand the contribution of physiotherapy in this type of conditions and the relevance of its integration in the evaluation and treatment process leveraging a maximum functionality and quality of life of the patient.