Seeing emotions in others: Improving cognitive and neuronal mechanisms of facial expression processing

In the conceptual framework of affective neuroscience, this thesis intends to advance the understanding of the plasticity mechanisms of other’s emotional facial expression representations. Chapter 1 outlines a description of the neurophysiological bases of Hebbian plasticity, reviews influential studies that adopted paired associative stimulation procedures, and introduces new lines of research where the impact of cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation protocols on higher order cognitive functions is investigated. The experiments in Chapter 2 aimed to test the modulatory influence of a perceptual-motor training, based on the execution of emotional expressions, on the subsequent emotion intensity judgements of others’ high (i.e., full visible) and low-intensity (i.e., masked) emotional expressions. As a result of the training-induced learning, participants showed a significant congruence effect, as indicated by relatively higher expression intensity ratings for the same emotion as the one that was previously trained. Interestingly, although judged as overall less emotionally intense, surgical facemasks did not prevent the emotion-specific effects of the training to occur, suggesting that covering the lower part of other’s face do not interact with the training-induced congruence effect. In Chapter 3 it was implemented a transcranial magnetic stimulation study targeting neural pathways involving re-entrant input from higher order brain regions into lower levels of the visual processing hierarchy. We focused on cortical visual networks within the temporo-occipital stream underpinning the processing of emotional faces and susceptible to plastic adaptations. Importantly, we tested the plasticity-induced effects in a state dependent manner, by administering ccPAS while presenting different facial expressions yet afferent to a specific emotion. Results indicated that the discrimination accuracy of emotion-specific expressions is enhanced following the ccPAS treatment, suggesting that a multi-coil TMS intervention might represent a suitable tool to drive brain remodeling at a neural network level, and consequently influence a specific behavior.

Absenteísmo às consultas odontológicas programadas dos escolares adscritos à equipe de saúde da família da Pedra Vermelha: uma aproximação descritiva

O município mineiro de Moeda adotou a Estratégia de Saúde da Família em 2003, contando, atualmente, com duas Equipes de Saúde da Família (ESF) implantadas, cada qual apresentando uma Equipe de Saúde Bucal (ESB). A estratégia em saúde bucal adotada pelas mesmas tem sido, nos últimos sete anos, sistematicamente voltada aos escolares, remontando ao Sistema Incremental, adotado na década de 50. Contrapondo-se ao relativo êxito obtido em termos de melhores indicadores de saúde bucal dos escolares da rede municipal, tem sido observado um elevado índice de faltas às consultas odontológicas agendadas dos mesmos, com seus impactos à saúde e custos ao sistema. O presente estudo, exploratório e, predominantemente descritivo, propõe, como indicado por sua caracterização, a descrição do absenteísmo às consultas odontológicas programadas para os escolares do 2º período ao 9º ano do ensino fundamental da rede pública municipal, adscritos à ESF da Pedra Vermelha, com idades variando de cinco a 19 anos, no período de abril de 2009 a março de 2010. A revisão de literatura foi realizada a partir de consultas à base de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, Biblioteca Digital da Unicamp, Biblioteca Digital da USP, Rede de Bibliotecas da Fiocruz e Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFMG, no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2010. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: mês da consulta agendada; dia da semana do agendamento; sexo do escolar; escola em que estuda; série; microárea em que reside; sua faixa etária; profissional responsável pelo seu atendimento e sua codificação de acordo com o nível de necessidade curativa (N1: escolar que apresenta seis ou mais dentes cariados; N2: de quatro a cinco dentes cariados; N3: até três dentes cariados; SN: sem necessidades curativas). A análise estatística foi realizada com o Programa R, a partir do teste não-paramétrico do Qui-Quadrado e do Modelo Logístico. O Teste de Pearson e o Envelope de Probabilidade comprovaram a adequação global do modelo estatístico utilizado. Foram encontradas associações significativas (p 0,05) da variável principal com duas variáveis: codificação do escolar e dia da semana. Os agendamentos relativos a escolares codificados como N3, apresentaram duas vezes mais não comparecimentos, comparando-se às demais codificações. Os agendamentos às sextas-feiras apresentaram aproximadamente duas vezes mais comparecimentos, quando comparados aos demais dias da semana. A partir dos resultados foram formuladas hipóteses explicativas para o absenteísmo às consultas, visando à construção de um conhecimento útil que, associado a abordagens qualitativas posteriores, possa subsidiar uma intervenção sobre a realidade. A alta prevalência do absenteísmo no período analisado, 28,52, repercute negativamente no âmbito da abordagem clínica e saúde bucal dos escolares, e impacta a eficiência da ESB na utilização da capacidade instalada, o que representa prejuízo também institucional, constituindo-se, pois, em um desafio a ser superado.

A visão de gestantes sobre as ações educativas do enfermeiro - uma breve aproximação

O pré-natal é a principal forma de conhecimento prévio materno ao parto e ao puerpério que possibilita prevenir e detectar alterações da gestação como também tratá-las de modo precoce, diminuindo danos e perdas à mãe e ao feto. Este estudo teve como objetivo fazer uma aproximação à percepção das mulheres em relação ao trabalho educativo desenvolvido pela enfermeira da Unidade durante o pré-natal. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo com abordagem qualitativa no qual foram entrevistadas seis gestantes que têm como referência o Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) de um município do sul de Minas Gerais. Como referencial metodológico para nortear este estudo foi adotado a Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin e como referencial teórico a Teoria da Prática de Relação Interpessoal Terapêutica de Hidegard E. Peplau. Os dados foram coletados no mês de agosto de 2009 no PSF do município de Nazareno - MG. Após a análise dos resultados foram estabelecidas quatro categorias: orientando claramente a futura mãe quanto aos cuidados, conquistando a confiança da gestante, diagnosticando a gravidez e atendimento com compromisso do profissional. A importância do atendimento e vínculo por meio de um atendimento de qualidade realizado por este profissional mostra-se fundamental instrumento para a Atenção Básica à Saúde da Família.

Discutindo a comunicação como ação de aproximação do profissional enfermeiro com a família do usuário

A comunicação é uma das maneiras pelas quais os homens se ligam uns aos outros. Existe comunicação cada vez que um organismo qualquer, e particularmente um ser vivo pode afetar outro organismo modificando-o ou modificando a sua ação, a partir da transmissão de uma informação. A família como unidade de pesquisa e cuidado, tem recebido crescente interesse por parte da enfermagem, mais ainda é pouco explorada. Os fundamentos da abordagem do cuidado centrado na família enfatizam o papel integral que os membros da família têm de realizar na vida e no bem estar do paciente. Transformar a principal meta a criação de um clima de colaboração entre enfermeiras e famílias, os dois lados podem tentar a confiança mútua, comunicação eficaz e uma cooperação no encontro das demandas de cuidados. O exercício de uma nova prática se enquadra, com base em outra racionalidade, partindo de uma premissa solidária e construída de forma democrática e participativa, capaz de transformar os indivíduos em verdadeiros atores sociais e sujeitos do próprio conhecimento. O cuidado complexo envolve as necessidades espirituais e afetivas bio-psico-sócio e que está diretamente relacionada ao processo de comunicação entre os homens e enfermeiro-cliente-família. Para se ter um atendimento eficaz, tanto indivíduos quanto enfermeiros precisam entender os sinais que determinam os relacionamentos interpessoais, sejam para os gestos, expressões ou palavras. A comunicação é um aspecto importante para se estabelecer o cuidado de enfermagem que visa um atendimento de qualidade e comprometida com os usuários de saúde e sua satisfação.

Comparison Of Postoperative Stability Of Three Rigid Internal Fixation Techniques After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy For Mandibular Advancement.

The aim of this investigation was to compare the skeletal stability of three different rigid fixation methods after mandibular advancement. Fifty-five class II malocclusion patients treated with the use of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy and mandibular advancement were selected for this retrospective study. Group 1 (n = 17) had miniplates with monocortical screws, Group 2 (n = 16) had bicortical screws and Group 3 (n = 22) had the osteotomy fixed by means of the hybrid technique. Cephalograms were taken preoperatively, 1 week within the postoperative care period, and 6 months after the orthognathic surgery. Linear and angular changes of the cephalometric landmarks of the chin region were measured at each period, and the changes at each cephalometric landmark were determined for the time gaps. Postoperative changes in the mandibular shape were analyzed to determine the stability of fixation methods. There was minimum difference in the relapse of the mandibular advancement among the three groups. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in postoperative stability. However, a positive correlation between the amount of advancement and the amount of postoperative relapse was demonstrated by the linear multiple regression test (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that all techniques can be used to obtain stable postoperative results in mandibular advancement after 6 months.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction Post-craniotomy: Evaluation Between Pre- And Post-operative Status.

To identify risk factors associated with post-operative temporomandibular joint dysfunction after craniotomy. The study sample included 24 patients, mean age of 37.3 ± 10 years; eligible for surgery for refractory epilepsy, evaluated according to RDC/TMD before and after surgery. The primary predictor was the time after the surgery. The primary outcome variable was maximal mouth opening. Other outcome variables were: disc displacement, bruxism, TMJ sound, TMJ pain, and pain associated to mandibular movements. Data analyses were performed using bivariate and multiple regression methods. The maximal mouth opening was significantly reduced after surgery in all patients (p = 0.03). In the multiple regression model, time of evaluation and pre-operative bruxism were significantly (p < .05) associated with an increased risk for TMD post-surgery. A significant correlation between surgery follow-up time and maximal opening mouth was found. Pre-operative bruxism was associated with increased risk for temporomandibular joint dysfunction after craniotomy.

Perception Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontists And Laypersons In Relation To The Harmony Of The Smile.

Harmony is one of the main objectives in surgical and orthodontic treatment and this harmony must be present in the smile, as well as in the face. The aim of the present study was to assess the perceptions of professionals and laypersons in relation to the harmony of the smile of patients with or without vertical maxillary alterations. Sixty observers (oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists and laypersons) reported the degree of harmony of six smiles using an objective questionnaire and the participants indicated if there was a need for corrective surgery or not. The classification of observers was recorded on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Mixed regression was used to determine differences between the three groups. Statistically significant differences were found only for the harmony of the smile between the oral and maxillofacial surgeons and laypersons, with laypersons being more critical when assessing the smile. There was no statistical difference between the other groups for the harmony of the smile or the indication of corrective surgery. The patterns of greater or lesser harmony determined by observers during the smile were similar to those found in the literature as the ideal standard in relation to vertical maxillary positioning. Laypersons had a tendency to be more critical in relation to facial harmony than surgeons, although no statistical differences were found in the other groups in relation to the harmony of the smile or indication for the corrective surgery. In addition, the patterns of greater or lesser harmony of the smile determined by the participants were similar to those found in the literature as the ideal standard in relation to vertical maxillary positioning. Overall, the present study demonstrates that adequate interaction between surgeons, orthodontists and laypersons is essential in order to achieve facial harmony with orthodontic and/or surgical treatment. Opinion of specialists and laypersons about the smile in relation to the vertical positioning of the maxilla.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology In The Diagnosis Of Perioral Adverse Reactions To Cosmetic Dermal Fillers.

Facial cosmetic procedures are increasingly requested, and dermal filler materials have been widely used as a nonsurgical option since the 1980s. However, injectable fillers have been implicated in local adverse reactions. Therefore, the aim of this article was to describe the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of foreign-body reactions to the perioral injection of dermal fillers. A 69-year-old woman presented with a painful nodule on her right nasolabial fold. Intraoral FNAC was performed, and cytologic smears were examined under optical and polarized light microscopy, showing birefringent microspheres, confirming the diagnosis of an adverse reaction caused by polymethyl methacrylate filler. FNAC is a less invasive method to confirm the diagnosis of adverse reactions caused by perioral cosmetic dermal fillers.

The Inadequacy Of The Y-axis Of Growth (sngn) For The Vertical Pattern Assessment In Patients With Sagittal Discrepancies.

The aim of this cephalometric study was to evaluate the influence of the sagittal skeletal pattern on the 'Y-axis of growth' measurement in patients with different malocclusions. Lateral head films from 59 patients (mean age 16y 7m, ranging from 11 to 25 years) were selected after a subjective analysis of 1630 cases. Sample was grouped as follows: Group 1 - class I facial pattern; group 2 - class II facial pattern; and Group 3 - class III facial pattern. Two angular measurements, SNGoGn and SNGn, were taken in order to determine skeletal vertical facial pattern. A logistic regression with errors distributed according to a binomial distribution was used to test the influence of the sagittal relationship (Class I, II, III facial patterns) on vertical diagnostic measurement congruence (SNGoGn and SNGn). RESULTS show that the probability of congruence between the patterns SNGn and SNGoGn was relatively high (70%) for group 1, but for groups II (46%) and III (37%) this congruence was relatively low. The use of SNGn appears to be inappropriate to determine the vertical facial skeletal pattern of patients, due to Gn point shifting throughout sagittal discrepancies. Clinical Significance: Facial pattern determined by SNGn must be considered carefully, especially when severe sagittal discrepancies are present.

Sinonasal Disorders In Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with more respiratory infections due to immunosuppression. this study aimed to verify the frequency of rhinosinusitis after HSCT, and the association between rhinosinusitis and chronic graft vs. host disease (GVHD) and type of transplantation, clinical treatment, surgical treatment, and survival. this was a retrospective study in a tertiary university hospital. A total of 95 patients with hematological diseases undergoing HSCT between 1996 and 2011 were selected. chronic myeloid leukemia was the most prevalent disease. The type of transplant most often performed was the allogenic type (85.26%). The frequency of rhinosinusitis was 36%, with no difference between the autologous and the allogenic types. Chronic GVHD occurred in 30% of patients. Patients with GVHD had a higher frequency and recurrence of rhinosinusitis, in addition to more frequent need for endoscopic sinusectomy and decreased overall survival. there was a higher frequency of rhinosinusitis in HSCT and GVHD. The type of transplant does not appear to predispose to the occurrence of rhinosinusitis. GVHD seems to be an aggravating factor and requires a more stringent treatment.

Histologic Correlation Of Expression Of Ki-67 In Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Glottis According To The Degree Of Cell Differentiation.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the larynx and glottis, and its prognosis depends on the size of the lesion, level of local invasion, cervical lymphatic spread, and presence of distant metastases. Ki-67 (MKI67) is a protein present in the core, whose function is related to cell proliferation. To evaluate the expression of marker Ki-67 in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and glottis and its correlation to pathological findings. Experimental study with immunohistochemistry analysis of Ki-67, calculating the percentage of the cell proliferation index in glottic squamous cell carcinomas. Sixteen cases were analyzed, with six well-differentiated and 10 poorly/moderately differentiated tumors. There was a correlation between cell proliferation index and degree of cell differentiation, with higher proliferation in poorly/moderately differentiated tumors. The cell proliferation index, as measured by Ki-67, may be useful in the characterization of histological degree in glottic squamous cell tumors.

Anatomical Study Of Minor Alterations In Neonate Vocal Folds.

Minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover are frequent causes of voice abnormalities. They may be difficult to diagnose, and are expressed in different manners. Cases of intracordal cysts, sulcus vocalis, mucosal bridge, and laryngeal micro-diaphragm form the group of minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover investigated in the present study. The etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of these alterations are poorly known. To evaluate the existence and anatomical characterization of minor structural alterations in the vocal folds of newborns. 56 larynxes excised from neonates of both genders were studied. They were examined fresh, or defrosted after conservation via freezing, under a microscope at magnifications of 25× and 40×. The vocal folds were inspected and palpated by two examiners, with the aim of finding minor structural alterations similar to those described classically, and other undetermined minor structural alterations. Larynges presenting abnormalities were submitted to histological examination. Six cases of abnormalities were found in different larynges: one (1.79%) compatible with a sulcus vocalis and five (8.93%) compatible with a laryngeal micro-diaphragm. No cases of cysts or mucosal bridges were found. The observed abnormalities had characteristics similar to those described in other age groups. Abnormalities similar to sulcus vocalis or micro-diaphragm may be present at birth.

Basilar Invagination: Surgical Results.

Basilar invagination (BI) is a congenital craniocervical junction (CCJ) anomaly represented by a prolapsed spine into the skull-base that can result in severe neurological impairment. In this paper, we retrospective evaluate the surgical treatment of 26 patients surgically treated for symptomatic BI. BI was classified according to instability and neural abnormalities findings. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Nürick grade system. A total of 26 patients were included in this paper. Their age ranged from 15 to 67 years old (mean 38). Of which, 10 patients were male (38%) and 16 (62%) were female. All patients had some degree of tonsillar herniation, with 25 patients treated with foramen magnum decompression. Nine patients required a craniocervical fixation. Six patients had undergone prior surgery and required a new surgical procedure for progression of neurological symptoms associated with new compression or instability. Most of patients with neurological symptoms secondary to brainstem compression had some improvement during the follow-up. There was mortality in this series, 1 month after surgery, associated with a late removal of the tracheal cannula. Management of BI requires can provide improvements in neurological outcomes, but requires analysis of the neural and bony anatomy of the CCJ, as well as occult instability. The complexity and heterogeneous presentation requires attention to occult instability on examination and attention to airway problems secondary to concomitant facial malformations.

[larynx Cancer: Quality Of Life And Voice After Treatment].

Treatments for patients with laryngeal cancer often have an impact on physical, social, and psychological functions. To evaluate quality of life and voice in patients treated for advanced laryngeal cancer through surgery or exclusive chemoradiation. Retrospective cohort study with 30 patients free from disease: ten total laryngectomy patients without production of esophageal speech (ES); ten total laryngectomy patients with tracheoesophageal speech (TES), and ten with laryngeal speech. Quality of life was measured by SF-36, Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL), and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) protocols, applied on the same day. The SF-36 showed that patients who received exclusive chemoradiotherapy had better quality of life than the TES and ES groups. The V-RQOL showed that the voice-related quality of life was lower in the ES group. In the VHI, the ES group showed higher scores for overall, emotional, functional, and organic VHI. Quality of life and voice in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy was better than in patients treated surgically. The type of medical treatment used in patients with laryngeal cancer can bring changes in quality of life and voice.

[balloon Laryngoplasty For Acquired Subglottic Stenosis In Children: Predictive Factors For Success].

The treatment of subglottic stenosis in children remains a challenge for the otorhinolaryngologist, and may involve both endoscopic and open surgery. To report the experience of two tertiary facilities in the treatment of acquired subglottic stenosis in children with balloon laryngoplasty, and to identify predictive factors for success of the technique and its complications. Descriptive, prospective study of children diagnosed with acquired subglottic stenosis and submitted to balloon laryngoplasty as primary treatment. Balloon laryngoplasty was performed in 37 children with an average age of 22.5 months; 24 presented chronic subglottic stenosis and 13 acute subglottic stenosis. Success rates were 100% for acute subglottic stenosis and 32% for chronic subglottic stenosis. Success was significantly associated with acute stenosis, initial grade of stenosis, children of a smaller age, and the absence of tracheostomy. Transitory dysphagia was the only complication observed in three children. Balloon laryngoplasty may be considered the first line of treatment for acquired subglottic stenosis. In acute cases, the success rate is 100%, and although the results are less promising in chronic cases, complications are not significant and the possibility of open surgery remains without prejudice.