Rogério Valois Laurentino

Introduction: Scaling and root planing (SRP) is traditionally the initial therapy in the treatment of periodontitis. So, clinicians should develop a solid theoretical knowledge of instrumentation and the required clinical skills. This study aimed to evaluate the educational exposure, pedagogical perceptions, and the level of clinical and technical knowledge of undergraduate dental students regarding SRP to identify knowledge gaps. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted between January and August 2025 with 105 students distributed into G1 (1st–3rd semester), G2 (4th–7th semester) and G3 (8th–10th semester). Data were collected using a digital form containing epidemiological and technical questions in dichotomous and multiple‐choice formats, addressing identification of periodontal instruments, specific clinical indications for SRP instruments, operative principles, post‐SRP clinical effects, grasp techniques and professional‐patient ergonomics. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi‐square and G tests ( p ≤ 0.05). Results: Significant differences in theoretical and practical exposure to SRP were observed ( p < 0.0001). Technical performance demonstrated significant knowledge gaps; for instance, only 63.8% correctly identified Gracey curettes, and approximately half demonstrated mastery over sickle scalers (52.4%) and less than half for hoes (46.7%). There were significant differences among groups in distinguishing between surgical and non‐surgical instruments ( p < 0.0001). A deficit in operative skills was noted, particularly in professional‐patient ergonomics, with 53.3% correct answers, and in grasp technique, with a correct response rate of 6.7%, indicating gaps in preclinical psychomotor training. Conclusion: The study reveals potential gaps in the retention of technical‐scientific knowledge among students, suggesting that exploring continuous reinforcement strategies may benefit the teaching of scaling and root planing in northern Brazilian dental schools.

The epidemiology of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) among sexual minority cisgender women (SMCW) remains poorly understood globally. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 251 SMCW in Belém, Brazilian Amazon, between March 2023 and April 2025. Participants underwent serological screening (ELISA) with molecular confirmation (qPCR). The prevalence of HTLV infection was 0.4% (1/251), with HTLV-2 identified in a 46-year-old asymptomatic bisexual woman with previous male partners and a current female partner. Serological testing showed strong ELISA reactivity (OD ratio 3.8), and qPCR confirmed HTLV-2 with a Ct value of 28.4 for the pol gene, while HTLV-1 remained negative. This represents the first documented HTLV-2 case in SMCW in the Amazon region, demonstrating viral circulation in an understudied population. Despite the low prevalence, comparable to the general population, these findings highlight the need for inclusive epidemiological surveillance and culturally sensitive prevention strategies for LGBTQIA+ communities in endemic regions.

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally, linked to severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. In the Brazilian Amazon, socioeconomic vulnerability and the absence of screening policies exacerbate risks, particularly among female sex workers (FSWs). Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-C. trachomatis IgG antibodies among FSWs in five municipalities of Pará State, Brazilian Amazon, and identify epidemiological factors associated with infection. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study (2005–2007) included 348 FSWs recruited via convenience sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected through questionnaires, and blood samples were analyzed by ELISA for anti-C. trachomatis IgG. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact tests, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using SPSS 21.0. Results: Overall seroprevalence was 93.9% (327/348; 95% CI: 83.1–90%). Significant associations included a household income of 1–3 minimum wages (98.4%; p = 0.0002), sexual partners from the same region (98.8%; p = 0.0421), and age >42 years (96.3%). Most reported inconsistent condom use (43.7%), multiple monthly partners (54.6%), and illicit drug use (53.4%). Discussion: The extremely high seroprevalence reflects chronic C. trachomatis exposure, driven by socioeconomic deprivation and limited healthcare access. Comparisons with global data underscore the urgent need for screening policies, absent in Brazil for FSWs, and highlight the vulnerability of this population. Conclusions: The findings reveal an alarming burden of C. trachomatis exposure among Amazonian FSWs. Integrated strategies, including routine screening, sexual health education, and inclusion of FSWs in priority health programs, are critical to reduce transmission and associated complications.

A Síndrome Pós-Poliomielite (SPP) é uma condição neuromuscular progressiva que pode surgir décadas após a infecção pelo poliovírus, manifestando-se principalmente por fadiga, fraqueza muscular e dor crônica, comprometendo a funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida. Este estudo, baseado em uma revisão integrativa da literatura, teve como objetivo analisar o impacto da polifarmácia e do acompanhamento farmacêutico na gestão terapêutica de indivíduos com SPP. Os resultados evidenciam a importância da atuação do farmacêutico na otimização da farmacoterapia, na prevenção de interações medicamentosas e na redução de eventos adversos, favorecendo maior adesão ao tratamento. Verificou-se ainda que a polifarmácia é frequente nesses pacientes, sobretudo pela presença de comorbidades, o que reforça a necessidade de monitoramento contínuo e de protocolos clínicos específicos. Conclui-se que o acompanhamento farmacêutico, aliado a uma abordagem multiprofissional, é estratégico para garantir segurança, eficácia e melhor qualidade de vida a indivíduos com SPP.

Este artigo apresenta e analisa a experiência do projeto de extensão NEC Comunidade, vinculado ao Núcleo de Excelência em Cuidados Farmacêuticos da Universidade Federal do Pará (NECFAR/UFPA), que tem como finalidade divulgar informações científicas em saúde pública por meio do Instagram®. A pesquisa é de natureza aplicada, com abordagem mista, exploratória e descritiva, sob o delineamento de estudo ex post facto. Foram analisadas sete postagens realizadas entre outubro de 2023 e março de 2025, produzidas com base em curadoria científica, utilizando descritores controlados (DeCS/MeSH) e operadores booleanos em bases de dados como Web of Science e SciELO. As temáticas das publicações foram definidas a partir de temas vinculados com maiores frequências em veículos de mídias e dados epidemiológicos da Região Metropolitana de Belém. Os resultados revelam que conteúdos com maior conexão com o cotidiano da população geraram mais interações, e que o uso de linguagem acessível e elementos visuais contribuíram para o engajamento.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a public health problem in resource-poor settings, such as the Brazilian Amazon. HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Oxidative stress is an adjuvant in HPV carcinogenesis. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of HPV and its association with oxidative stress biomarkers among women from Belém, Pará. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 71 sexually active women from Belém, Pará, between March 2021 and March 2022. Sociodemographic, epidemiological, and reproductive health data were collected. Endocervical samples were analyzed for HPV DNA using PCR, and oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured in blood samples. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The prevalence of HPV infection was 28.2% (20/71). Participants aged 39–48 years had significantly higher MDA levels (≥3.54 nmol/mL), with 34% exhibiting elevated levels (p-value = 0.036). No significant differences in GSH levels were observed between HPV-positive and HPV-negative women, although HPV-positive women tended to have lower GSH levels (p-value = 0.090). Most HPV-positive women had low income, limited education, and cytologic atypia/inflammation. Discussion: These findings suggest that oxidative stress may play a role in HPV persistence and cervical carcinogenesis, warranting further investigation. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of HPV infection and oxidative stress among women in the Brazilian Amazon. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) are valuable and cost-effective options.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative period of diode laser frenectomies of the lower labial frenulum (LLF) with anomalous insertions and the perceptions of postoperative pain and wound healing. This cross-sectional pilot study evaluated 3 patients who underwent mandibular labial frenectomy with a diode laser between April 2024 and July 2024. Individuals were divided into two groups according LLF insertion type and the parameters evaluated were gender, age, traumatic brushing, dentin hypersensitivity (DH), traumatic brushing, postoperative pain presence, healing, analgesic use and periodontal parameters, with follow-up occurring up to 90 days after frenectomy. Statistical analyses were performed by frequency of categorical variables, Fisher’s exact test and G test were used for intra and intergroup comparisons and the Wilcoxon test was used to compare different postoperative times, with the level of significance set at 0.05 (p < 0.05). The mean age of the sample was 34.6 years and there was a predominance of female participants (n = 2/ 66.6%), we verified that 2 (66.6%) patients presented a bifurcated frenulum insertion and 100% presented mild to intense DH and gingival recession. In the postoperative period, 100% of individuals reported pain and visual dissatisfaction with the scar until the 4th day of follow-up and after 30 days of follow-up only 1 individual remained with pain and visual dissatisfaction with the scar and no evaluated parameter showed statistical significance. Diode laser frenectomy proved to be effective in controlling postoperative pain, improving healing and reducing bleeding.

Sabe-se que o consultório farmacêutico é um cenário de atuação oriundo das atribuições clínicas, as quais visam proporcionar o cuidado individualizado pelos serviços farmacêuticos. Diante disso, implantou-se um consultório em uma Organização Não Governamental (ONG) de Belém do Pará, a partir da análise de resultados de um projeto de extensão de rastreabilidade para Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) e Diabetes Mellitus (DM), e de um diagnóstico situacional entre os gestores da ONG. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo-qualitativo descritivo, realizado no período entre agosto de 2023 a julho de 2024, desde a estruturação inicial do consultório, aos primeiros atendimentos realizados. A avaliação da necessidade de implantação do consultório farmacêutico na ONG, por meio do diagnóstico situacional, resultou como um parecer favorável á implantação. A ONG cedeu uma sala para a realização das consultas, as quais utilizam a ficha de atendimento conforme o modelo disponibilizado no portal gov.br, com adaptações. 45 individuos foram atendidos no consultório, nos primeiros meses de atividades de sua implantação, a ONG avaliou a atividade como “necessária e um ganho para a comunidade” e ressaltou a surpresa em “saber que o profissional farmacêutico atuar nesses protocolos clínicos”, o que pôde ser compreendida como uma quebra de barreira na visualização do profissional farmacêutico restrita à dispensação de medicamentos. A partir disso, o farmacêutico se torna um profissional de referência à porta de entrada ao acesso para o cuidado em saúde.