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Students in over 150 countries experienced school closures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years following, a growing body of literature seeks to estimate the impacts of these education disruptions on a diverse set of outcomes, including student learning. This article adds to this research by examining causal evidence through a difference-in-differences framework (DID). Results suggest that school closures led to learning losses in math for high school seniors in public schools in the Federal District (DF) in Brazil. And while all racial groups experienced learning loss, White and Asian students experienced the most significant losses in 2020. We find no evidence of learning recovery from 2020 to 2021 for any racial groups, suggesting that learning losses persisted into school reopening. We do find, however, possible signs of recovery for female senior students compared to male students. Nevertheless, male and female performance differences are still prominent when analyzing data from 2016 to 2021. The utilization of critical policy analysis and the effectively maintained inequality frameworks can offer insights into significant learning disparities experienced by students.

To analyze the pain, the muscle profile of some muscles actively and passively involved in the stomatognathic system, and stress traits. A clinical, randomized and double-blind study (n = 35) was performed analyzed by the Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular Dysfunction (RDC/TMD), with subjects allocated in experimental group (EG) which received acupuncture at the meridian points according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and another placebo group (PG) which received acupuncture at random points. The degree of discomfort was evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), tissue sensitivity, somatic and psychic anxiety level, salivary cortisol levels, electrical activity of the masseter, anterior temporal, sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezoid muscles before and after the proposed treatment. The Wilcoxon test, Chi-squared test, Signal test, Mann-Whitney U-test, paired and independent Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation test and the symmetry index of the muscles were used for statistical analysis, considering a significance level equal to 0.05. There was a reduction of physical non-specific TMD symptoms, and the degree of discomfort decreased by fifty percent in the EG, with a trend curve pointing to an evolution in the repair process. Tissue sensitivity decreased in the EG and increased in the PG. The treated group presented a reduction of physical and psychological manifestations in the anxiety situation, while the reduction was only for physical manifestations in the PG. Salivary cortisol levels did not change. The masticatory musculature presented an increase in the temporal activity and a decrease in the masseter/temporal ratio in the PG. The EG showed a better relationship between the trapezium and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Therefore, acupuncture treatment was efficient for reducing the pain symptoms and the physical and mental conditions of anxiety in people with TMD, as well as to improve the relationship of postural muscles.

Background: College students experience high stress levels during emergency remote classes in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is not clear whether this is due to the summation effect of both stressors (classes and pandemic). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate predictors of stress in college students before and during remote classes five months after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted before (BRC, July-August 2020) and during remote classes (DRC, October-November 2020). The sample consisted of 177 individuals (80 in BRC, 97 in DRC). Students were asked to self-collect saliva for cortisol analysis at each moment of the study, and to fill out a form to characterize the individual and assess the chronotype (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and the stress (Perceived Stress Scale–10). Results: There was no difference between the evaluated periods for cortisol, perceived stress or sleep quality. Predictors for cortisol levels were gender, academic semester, chronotype, sleep quality and sadness due to pandemic (p

ABSTRACT Background: Individuals with migraine usually complain about lower memory performance. Diagnostic methods such as neuroimaging may help in the understanding of possible morphologic and functional changes related to the memory of those individuals. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze the available literature on neuroimaging changes related to memory processing in migraine. Methods: We searched the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, Psycinfo, Science Direct, Cochrane and Web of Science. We used articles without restriction of year of publication. The combination of descriptors used for this systematic review of literature were Neuroimaging OR Imaging OR Brain AND Migraine OR Chronic Migraine AND Memory. Results: Of the 306 articles found, nine were selected and all used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The studies used structural and functional MRI techniques with a predominance of 3 Tesla equipment and T1-weighted images. According to the results obtained reported by these studies, migraine would alter the activity of memory-related structures, such as the hippocampus, insula and frontal, parietal and temporal cortices, thereby suggesting a possible mechanism by which migraine would influence memory, especially in relation to the memory of pain. Conclusions: Migraine is associated to global dysfunction of multisensory integration and memory processing. This condition changes the activity of structures in various regions related to memory of pain, prospective memory, as well as in short- and long-term verbal and visuospatial memories. However, it is necessary to perform studies with larger samples in association with cognitive tests, and without the interference of medications to verify possible alterations and to draw more concrete conclusions.

Objective: Hydration can favor cognitive functions during childhood and adolescence, helping with daily and school activities. This study aimed to identify possible interactions between hydration and memory in children and adolescents. Methods: This is a systematic review with meta-analysis. The bibliographic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, through a combination of the descriptors: “hydration” AND “memory”; “hydration” AND “memory” AND “child”; “hydration” AND “memory” AND “children”; “organism hydration status” AND “memory”; “organism hydration status” AND “memory” AND “child”. Results: The search resulted in 816 articles, of which ten were selected for qualitative synthesis and two for the meta-analysis. The results indicated that hydration could not enhance working, visual and visuomotor memories, or visual attention (Line Tracing Task, MD 0.67, 95% CI -0.87 to 2.22; Indirect Image Difference, MD 0.32, 95% CI -0.75 to 1.40; Letter Cancellation, MD 1.68, 95% CI -0.81 to 4.17). Conclusion: From the obtained results, hydration per se does not reinforce working, visual and visuomotor memories, or visual attention. However, there are still gaps regarding other types of memory and cognitive, motor, nutritional and environmental integration.

Copyright of Education Policy Analysis Archives / Archivos Analíticos de Políticas Educativas / Arquivos Analíticos de Políticas Educativas is the property of Educational Policy Analysis Archives & Education Review and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim was to evaluate the sleep-wake cycle pattern, mood, perceived stress and some behaviors, such as physical exercise and exposure to natural light of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study conducted between June and August 2020 using an electronic form provided by Google. The sample consisted of undergraduate students aged between 18 and 30 years old and residents of the northeast region of Brazil. The students generally had sleepiness and poor sleep quality, high levels of anxiety, mild to moderate depressive symptoms and moderate perceived stress. Some of these aspects were worse in women. The college students showed three sleep patterns: one group had good sleep quality without excessive daytime sleepiness; another group had poor sleep quality, but no excessive daytime sleepiness; and a third group had high daytime sleepiness, and less expressive sleep quality impairment. Greater exposure to sunlight and practicing physical exercise predominated in individuals with better sleep quality, suggesting that they are protective factors. In addition, excessive daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality were separately associated with higher anxiety, depression and stress perception levels, proving to be important aspects for care in order to favor mental health during the pandemic. In conclusion, it is suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the sleep of college students in a heterogeneous way. The differentiated sleep patterns are associated with exposure to natural light and exercising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the sleep, sunlight exposure, chronotype, mood and physical activity of college students in two consecutive years during the COVID-19 pandemic (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-4m5j4s). The students (n = 318) answered questionnaires in two moments (2020 - time 1 and 2021 – time 2). The data showed that there was less sunlight exposure and a chronotype with more morning tendencies in the time 2, but with no difference in sleep quality. College students walked more and sat less on weekends, but with no difference in the physical activity level. Physical activity and morning chronotype were associated with lower psychological impact. Therefore, college students, despite being less exposed to sunlight and having greater morning trends in 2021, maintained psychological symptoms, sleep quality and physical activity in the first two years of the pandemic. However, students who practiced physical activity and were mornings suffered less psychological impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria is the property of Thieme Medical Publishing Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To investigate the neuromodulating effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Neuropathic Pain (NP). Method A systematic review of articles published in the past five years in MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PEDro. The search was carried out from February to May 2017 using the keywords: neuropathic pain, neuralgia, nerve pain, central pain, peripheral nerve pain, tDCS. The selected studies were full articles written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish with at least one control group, and no less than one pre- or post-intervention variable, with the exclusion of case studies or case series, animal model studies, and studies with combined therapy. The quality of the selected articles was evaluated through PEDro scale, whereas the level of agreement among reviewers was measured with the Cohen’s κ test, considering P < 0.05 to be significant. Results Eight articles were selected (PEDro: 8.5 ± 0.6; Cohen’s κ test: 0.703, P < 0.01), six of which were randomized controlled trials and two were controlled clinical trials. The following causes of NP were observed: spinal cord injury (SCI), amputation, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and radiculopathy. All of the studies showed significant effects of tDCS on NP when compared to the control group, except for one with SCI and another related to radiculopathy. Discussion The shortage of good quality articles, the varying of ramp-on and ramp-off durations, and number of sessions, as well as the diversity of results found did not allow any definite conclusion on the efficacy of the neuromodulating effect of tDCS on NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Manual Therapy, Posturology & Rehabilitation Journal is the property of Revista Terapia Manual and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The findings of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) on a clinical genetic testing report pose a challenge for attending healthcare professionals (HCPs) in patient care. Here, we describe the outcomes of multidisciplinary VUS Rounds, implemented at a neurological disease tertiary care centre, which aid in interpreting and communicating VUS identified in our neurogenetics patient population., Methods: VUS Rounds brought together genetic counsellors, molecular geneticists and scientists to evaluate VUS against genomic and phenotypic evidence and assign an internal temperature classification of 'VUS Hot', 'True VUS' or 'VUS Cold', corresponding to potential pathogenicity. Biweekly meetings were held among the committee to deliberate variant classifications, determine additional clinical management actions and discuss nuances of VUS result communication., Results: In total, 143 VUS identified in 72 individuals with neurological disease were curated between October 2022 and December 2023. Of these, 12.6% were classified as VUS Hot, carried by 22.2% of the individuals, allowing for prioritisation of additional evaluation to determine potential pathogenicity of the variants, such as clinical follow-up or segregation analysis. In contrast, 45.4% of VUS were Cold and could be eliminated from further consideration in the carrier's care. We thoroughly evaluated the various evidence that contributed to our VUS classifications and resulting clinical actions., Conclusions: The assessment of VUS leveraging multidisciplinary collaboration allowed us to delineate required follow-up analyses for our neurology patient population. Integration of VUS Rounds into healthcare practices ensures equitable knowledge dissemination among HCPs and effective incorporation of uncertain genetic results into patient care., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Individuals with migraine usually complain about lower memory performance. Diagnostic methods such as neuroimaging may help in the understanding of possible morphologic and functional changes related to the memory of those individuals. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze the available literature on neuroimaging changes related to memory processing in migraine., Methods: We searched the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, Psycinfo, Science Direct, Cochrane and Web of Science. We used articles without restriction of year of publication. The combination of descriptors used for this systematic review of literature were Neuroimaging OR Imaging OR Brain AND Migraine OR Chronic Migraine AND Memory., Results: Of the 306 articles found, nine were selected and all used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The studies used structural and functional MRI techniques with a predominance of 3 Tesla equipment and T1-weighted images. According to the results obtained reported by these studies, migraine would alter the activity of memory-related structures, such as the hippocampus, insula and frontal, parietal and temporal cortices, thereby suggesting a possible mechanism by which migraine would influence memory, especially in relation to the memory of pain., Conclusions: Migraine is associated to global dysfunction of multisensory integration and memory processing. This condition changes the activity of structures in various regions related to memory of pain, prospective memory, as well as in short- and long-term verbal and visuospatial memories. However, it is necessary to perform studies with larger samples in association with cognitive tests, and without the interference of medications to verify possible alterations and to draw more concrete conclusions.