Reduced Frequency of Knowledge of Results Enhances Learning in Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder, known to cause a large number of motor and non-motor limitations. Research related to factors that affect motor control and learning in people with PD is still relatively limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different frequencies (100 versus 66%) of knowledge of results (KR) on the learning of a motor skill with spatial demands in participants with PD. Twenty individuals with PD were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The 100% group received KR after each trial, while the 66% group received KR on two thirds of the trials. A linear positioning task with a spatial target was used. Participants carried out the task with the dominant hand while blindfolded. In the acquisition and retention phases, the goal was to position the cursor at a distance of 60 cm from the starting point. The hypothesis was that participants with PD, who practiced with a reduced KR frequency, would demonstrate more effective learning than those who practiced with a 100% KR frequency, similar to previous findings with adults without neurological disorders. The results showed differences between the groups in the retention phase (without KR): The 66% KR group was more accurate and less variable in their performance than the 100% KR group. Thus, reducing KR frequency can enhance motor learning in persons with PD, similar to what has previously been found for unimpaired participants

Atividade física de lazer entre as gestantes da coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas de 2004

OBJECTIVE: Physical activity during pregnancy is a poorly investigated subject on population level. The study aimed to describe duration, type and frequency of leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy, and to explore its associated factors. METHODS: A population-based study was carried out during 2004 in Southern Brazil. A total of 4,471 mothers were interviewed soon after delivery. Physical activity was measured using a questionnaire, developed for the study. Results were obtained by Poisson regression. RESULTS: In the sample, 14.8% of women reported to engage in some type of physical activity prior to pregnancy and 12.9% during pregnancy. In the first trimester, 10.4% of all mothers engaged in some type of physical activity; 8.5% in the second trimester and 6.5% in the third trimester. Only 194 mothers (4.3%) were active during the whole pregnancy. In the adjusted analysis, leisure-time physical activity was positively associated with schooling, physical activity advice during prenatal care, and family income (pOBJETIVO: A atividade física durante a gestação é pouco estudada em nível populacional. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a duração, tipo e freqüência de atividade física de lazer durante a gravidez e explorar fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo de base populacional, realizado durante o ano de 2004 em Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Logo após o parto, 4.471 mães foram entrevistadas. Utilizou-se questionário, desenvolvido para o estudo, para verificar a atividade física de lazer. Os resultados foram obtidos por regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Antes da gravidez, 14,8% das mulheres relataram algum tipo de atividade física de lazer e durante, 12,9%. No primeiro trimestre, 10,4% de todas as mães fizeram alguma atividade física de lazer; no segundo, 8,5% e no terceiro, 6,5%. Apenas 194 mães (4,3%) foram ativas durante toda a gestação. Na análise ajustada, atividade física de lazer esteve positivamente associada com escolaridade, aconselhamento para atividade física durante o pré-natal e renda familiar (

Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados por crianças de uma Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas

OBJETIVO Avaliar o consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados aos 24 meses de idade por crianças pertencentes à Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015 e os principais fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e comportamentais relacionados ao consumo desses produtos. MÉTODOS Coorte de base populacional na cidade de Pelotas-RS, onde foram avaliadas 4.275 crianças ao nascimento, das quais 95,4% foram acompanhadas até os 24 meses. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por meio de um questionário de consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados, coletando informações sobre sexo, renda familiar, cor da pele, escolaridade e idade da mãe, frequentar creche, ter irmãos, status de amamentação e obesidade. O desfecho foi a somatória de alimentos ultraprocessados consumidos habitualmente pela criança. Análise multivariada por regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para estimar a associação entre consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados e as variáveis de exposição. RESULTADOS O número médio de alimentos ultraprocessados consumidos habitualmente foi de 4,8 (DP = 2,3). O consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados foi associado positivamente à cor da pele preta e ter irmãos e negativamente associado com renda familiar, escolaridade e idade materna. CONCLUSÕES A média de consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados por crianças pertencentes à Coorte de Nascimentos de 2015 da cidade de Pelotas é elevada, o que pode causar um efeito negativo na dieta das crianças. O risco de consumo desses alimentos foi maior entre crianças de famílias de menor posição socioeconômica, filhas de mães de baixa escolaridade, de cor da pele preta, mais jovens e de baixa renda.OBJECTIVE Assessing the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods by children at 24 months of age from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort and the main demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors related to the consumption of these products. METHODS Population-based cohort in the city of Pelotas, RS, where 4,275 children were assessed at birth and 95.4% of them were followed up until 24 months of age. Food consumption was assessed by a questionnaire on regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, which collected information regarding sex, household income, maternal skin color, schooling level, and age, the child attending day care and having siblings, breastfeeding status, and obesity. The outcome was the sum of ultra-processed foods regularly consumed by a child. A multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the association between the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure variables. RESULTS The mean number of ultra-processed foods consumed was 4.8 (SD = 2.3). The regular consumption of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with black skin color and having siblings, and negatively associated with household income and maternal schooling level and age. CONCLUSION The mean regular consumption of ultra-processed foods by children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort is high, which can negatively affect the children’s diet. The risk of consuming this kind of food was higher among children from families of lower socioeconomic status, whose mothers present lower education level, black skin color, and younger age

Fatores associados ao uso de medicamentos na coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas 2004

OBJETIVO: Identificar factores asociados al uso de medicamentos en los niños de la cohorte de nacimientos de 2004 de Pelotas, Sur de Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudio de delineamiento prospectivo, utilizando como resultado final el uso de medicamentos por los niños a los tres, 12 y 24 meses (independientemente del motivo, indicación o grupo terapéutico). El estudio incluye 3.985 niños en el seguimiento a los tres meses, 3.907 en el de 12 meses y 3.868 en el último seguimiento a los 24 meses. Se realizó entrevista con las madres, con relación al uso de medicamento durante el período recordatorio de 15 días anteriores. El desenlace fue analizado de acuerdo con variables sociodemográficas, perinatales, de la percepción materna de salud del niño y de amamantamiento. Se realizaron análisis bruto y ajustado utilizando regresión de Poisson y siguiendo un modelo jerarquizado del análisis. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia del uso de medicamentos varió entre 55% y 65% en los tres seguimientos. Posterior al análisis ajustado algunas variables permanecieron asociadas al uso de medicamentos sólo en el acompañamiento de los tres meses, con mayor utilización entre los niños con madres más jóvenes, cuando hubo algún problema de salud en el momento del parto, bajo peso al nacer, en los niños que nunca mamaron y cuando hubo internación hospitalaria del niño. También se asoció al mayor uso de medicamentos: a los tres y 12 meses el hecho de ser primogénito, a los 12 y 24 meses la percepción de salud del niño por la madre como regular o mala y el hecho de la madre poseer seguro de salud; y en los tres acompañamientos, la mayor escolaridad de las madres. CONCLUSIONES: Variables diferentes influencian la utilización de medicamentos en los dos primeros años de vida en función del avance de la edad del niño, en particular factores asociados a la madre del niño y a problemas de salud del niño.OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores associados ao uso de medicamentos nas crianças da coorte de nascimentos de 2004 de Pelotas, RS. MÉTODOS: Estudo de delineamento prospectivo, utilizando como desfecho o uso de medicamentos pelas crianças aos três, 12 e 24 meses (independentemente do motivo, indicação ou grupo terapêutico). O estudo inclui 3.985 crianças no seguimento aos três meses, 3.907 no de 12 meses e 3.868 no último seguimento aos 24 meses. Foi realizada entrevista com as mães, referente ao uso de medicamento durante período recordatório de 15 dias anteriores. O desfecho foi analisado de acordo com variáveis sociodemográficas, perinatais, da percepção materna de saúde da criança e de amamentação. Foram realizadas análises bruta e ajustada utilizando regressão de Poisson e seguindo um modelo hierarquizado de análise. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do uso de medicamentos variou entre 55% e 65% nos três seguimentos. Após análise ajustada, algumas variáveis permaneceram associadas ao uso de medicamentos apenas no acompanhamento dos três meses, com maior utilização entre as crianças com mães mais jovens, quando houve algum problema de saúde no momento do parto, baixo peso ao nascer, nas crianças que nunca mamaram e quando houve internação hospitalar da criança. Também se associou ao maior uso de medicamentos: aos três e 12 meses o fato de ser primogênito; aos 12 e 24 meses a percepção de saúde da criança pela mãe como regular ou ruim e o fato de a mãe possuir plano de saúde; e nos três acompanhamentos, a maior escolaridade das mães. CONCLUSÕES: Variáveis diferentes influenciam a utilização de medicamentos nos primeiros dois anos de vida em função do avanço da idade da criança, sobretudo fatores associados à mãe da criança e a problemas de saúde da criança.OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated to medicine use among children from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil. METHODS: Prospective study to evaluate medicine use in children aged 3, 12 and 24 months regardless of the reasons, therapeutic indication or class. The study included 3,985 children followed up at three months of age, 3,907 at 12 months, and 3,868 at the last follow-up time of 24 months. Mothers were interviewed to collect information on medicine use during the recall period of 15 days prior to the interview. The outcome was studied according to sociodemographic and perinatal variables, mother's perception of child's health and breastfeeding status. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed by Poisson regression following a hierarchical model. RESULTS: The prevalence of medicine use ranged from 55% to 65% in the three follow-ups. After controlling for confounders, some variables remained associated to medicine use only at the three-month follow-up with greatest use among children of younger mothers, those children who had intrapartum complications, low birthweight, were never breastfed and were admitted to a hospital. Greatest medicine use was also associated with being a firstborn child at 3 and 12 months; mother's perception of their child health as fair or poor and children whose mothers have private health insurance at 12 and 24 months; highest maternal education level at all follow-up times. CONCLUSIONS: Different variables influence medicine use among children during the first two years of life and they change as the child ages especially maternal factors and those associated to the child's health problems

Waist circumference and pulmonary function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported an impact of central obesity on people’s health. The literature is scarce on the effects of waist circumference (WC) on pulmonary function. Our objective was to review the literature on the association between WC and pulmonary function. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out in the PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search included published, in press and online documents up to December 2011. A meta-analysis was carried out to obtain the pooled effect, and a meta-regression was performed to evaluate sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: From the 547 studies identified, 10 were included. The meta-analysis revealed an inverse relationship between WC and pulmonary function parameters, indicating that the effect was greater among men (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1) β = −15.9 (95% confidence interval = −23.2, −8.5); forced vital capacity (FVC) β = −16.6 (95% confidence interval = −21.0, −12.2)) compared with women (FEV(1) β = −5.6 (95% confidence interval = −9.1, −2.1); FVC β = −7.0 (95% confidence interval = −9.1, −4.8)). The meta-regression identified sex as the characteristic that most contributed to the heterogeneity (R(2) = 54.8% for FEV(1) and R(2) = 85.7% for FVC). CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be an inverse relationship between WC and pulmonary function, mainly in men. More population-based studies should be performed, especially among children and adolescents, to confirm these findings

Assisted reproductive technology: prevalence and associated factors in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of successful assisted reproductive technology and to identify the associated factors. METHODS: This population-based birth cohort study was carried out with 4,333 pregnant women expected to deliver in 2015 in the urban area of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Use of an assisted reproductive technology procedure, type of assisted reproductive technology [in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection or artificial insemination], number of embryos transferred, success of embryo transfer, number of attempts, and reported reasons for seeking assisted reproductive technology were the main outcomes measured. Use of an assisted reproductive technology procedure was analyzed according to sociodemographic, nutritional, reproductive history, and behavioral characteristics. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 4,275 newborns enrolled in the Pelotas 2015 Birth Cohort Study, 18 births (0.4%) were conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Most cases of assisted reproductive technology were by in vitro fertilization (70.6%). All cycles were performed in private clinics under direct out-of-pocket payment. Even after controlling for confounders, maternal age > 35 years, nulliparity and high family monthly income were strongly associated with assisted reproductive technology. CONCLUSIONS: The use of assisted reproductive technology services was reported by only a few women in the Pelotas 2015 Birth Cohort Study. Our study highlights sociodemographic factors associated to assisted reproductive technology procedures. To better understand the patterns and barriers in overall use of assisted reproductive technology services over time, national-level trend studies in assisted reproductive technology treatments and outcomes, as well as studies exploring the characteristics of women who have sought this kind of treatment are needed in low-middle income countries

Maternal smoking in successive pregnancies and recurrence of low birthweight: the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort study, Brazil

To evaluate the frequency of maternal smoking in successive pregnancies and its association with repetition of low birthweight, a study was conducted of a subsample of mothers from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort in Brazil. Only women with previous histories of low birthweight newborns were included. Women with ≥ 2 previous births were eligible only if at least one of the two births immediately preceding the 2004 birth had low birthweight. From 4,458 births, 565 were included in this study. Frequency of smoking was 32.4%. Considering past pregnancies, 67.1% of mothers never smoked, 21.4% smoked during all pregnancies, 6.5% were ex-smokers, and 5% smoked only during the current pregnancy. In the adjusted analyses, when compared to mothers who never smoked, those who smoked during all pregnancies had 2.5 times greater probability of low birthweight recurrence in 2004 (PR = 2.5; 95%CI: 1.32-4.80). Smoking persistence is an important factor for the recurrence of low birthweight in successive pregnancies

Uso de medicamentos do nascimento aos dois anos: Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas, RS, 2004

OBJECTIVE: To describe medicine use by children at three, 12 and 24 months of age. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort (Southern Brazil), including: 3,985 children at three months, 3,907 children at 12 months, and 3,868 children at 24 months of age. The outcome investigated was use of medicine in the 15 days preceding the interview. Information on independent variables (medicine used, who indicated it, how it was obtained, periodicity of use, and therapeutic group) were collected using a standardized questionnaire administered during a home interview with the child's parents. RESULTS: Prevalence of medicine use at three, 12, and 24 months was 65.0% (95% CI: 63.5;66.5), 64.4% (95% CI: 62.9;65.9), and 54.7% (95% CI: 53.1;56.2), respectively. As age increased, there was a reduction in the total number of medicines used and an increase in self-medicine, which reached 34% at 24 months. Furthermore, frequency of sporadic medicine use increased, while that of continuous use decreased. Medicine was purchased mainly using private resources, with roughly 10% of drugs being purchased through the Brazilian National Health Care System. The profile of medicine types used also changed with age. The type of medicine most frequently used were dermatological products (36%) at three months; respiratory system drugs (24%) at 12 months; and analgesics (26%) at 24 months of age. Compared to three months, medicine use at 24 months was characterized by decreased use of digestive tract and metabolism drugs, drugs for the sensory organs, cardiovascular system drugs, and dermatological products, and an increase in systemic anti-infectious drugs, medicine for the skeletomuscular and respiratory systems, analgesics, insecticides, and repellents. CONCLUSIONS: Medicine use in this cohort was high and indicates the need for prioritizing rational use of medicine in early life.OBJETIVO: Describir la utilización de medicamentos en niños a los tres, 12 y 24 meses de edad. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal utilizando datos de la Cohorte de Nacimientos de Pelotas, Sur de Brasil, de 2004. Fueron incluidas 3.985 niños a los tres meses, 3.907 a los 12 meses y 3.868 a los 24 meses de edad. El hecho considerado fue el uso de medicamentos por los niños en los 15 días anteriores a la entrevista. Informaciones sobre las variables independientes (medicamentos utilizados, fuente de indicación, forma de adquisición, regularidad en el uso y grupos terapéuticos) fueron colectadas por medio de cuestionario estandarizado, en entrevista a los padres en los domicilios. RESULTADOS: Las prevalencias en el uso de medicamentos a los tres, 12 y 24 meses fueron de 65,0% (IC 95%: 63,5;66,5), 64,4% (IC 95%: 62,9;65,9) e 54,7% (IC 95%: 53,1;56,2), respectivamente. Con el avance de la edad se observó disminución en el número total de medicamentos utilizados y aumento en la automedicación, ésta última alcanzando el 34% a los 24 meses. También, la frecuencia en el uso de medicamentos en carácter eventual aumentó y disminuyó con relación al uso continuo. Los medicamentos fueron adquiridos principalmente con recursos propios y cerca de 10% fue adquirido por el Sistema Único de Salud. Se observó cambio en el perfil de los grupos terapéuticos más utilizados en función de la edad. A los tres meses, el mayor uso fue de medicamentos dermatológicos (36%); a los 12 meses, de medicamentos para el sistema respiratorio (24%); e, a los 24 meses, de analgésicos (26%). Al compararse el uso a los 24 meses con el de los tres meses de edad se observó disminución en la utilización de: medicamentos destinados al tracto alimenticio y metabolismo, a los órganos de los sentidos, sistema cardiovascular y productos dermatológicos. Hubo aumento en la utilización de: medicamentos anti-infecciosos sistémicos, destinados al sistema músculo esquelético, al sistema respiratorio, analgésicos, antiparasitarios, insecticidas y repelentes. CONCLUSIONES: La utilización de medicamentos en esta cohorte fue elevada y remite a la necesidad de priorizar el uso racional de medicamentos en los primeros años de vida.OBJETIVO: Descrever a utilização de medicamentos em crianças aos três, 12 e 24 meses de idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal utilizando dados da Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas, RS, de 2004. Foram incluídas 3.985 crianças aos três meses, 3.907 aos 12 meses e 3.868 aos 24 meses de idade. O desfecho considerado foi o uso de medicamentos pelas crianças nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista. Informações sobre as variáveis independentes (medicamentos utilizados, fonte de indicação, forma de aquisição, regularidade do uso e grupos terapêuticos) foram coletadas por meio de questionário padronizado, em entrevista aos pais nos domicílios. RESULTADOS: As prevalências de uso de medicamentos aos três, 12 e 24 meses foram de 65,0% (IC 95%: 63,5;66,5), 64,4% (IC 95%: 62,9;65,9) e 54,7% (IC 95%: 53,1;56,2), respectivamente. Com o avanço da idade observou-se diminuição no número total de medicamentos utilizados e aumento na automedicação, essa última chegando a 34% aos 24 meses. Também, a freqüência do uso de medicamentos em caráter eventual aumentou e diminuiu a de uso contínuo. Os medicamentos foram adquiridos principalmente com recursos próprios e cerca de 10% foi adquirido pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Observou-se mudança no perfil dos grupos terapêuticos mais utilizados em função da idade. Aos três meses, o maior uso foi de medicamentos dermatológicos (36%); aos 12 meses, de medicamentos para o sistema respiratório (24%); e, aos 24 meses, de analgésicos (26%). Comparando-se o uso aos 24 meses com o dos três meses de idade observou-se diminuição na utilização de: medicamentos destinados ao trato alimentar e metabolismo, aos órgãos dos sentidos, sistema cardiovascular e produtos dermatológicos. Houve aumento na utilização de: medicamentos anti-infecciosos sistêmicos, destinados ao sistema musculoesquelético, ao sistema respiratório, analgésicos, antiparasitários, inseticidas e repelentes. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização de medicamentos nesta coorte foi elevada e remete à necessidade de priorização do uso racional de medicamentos nos primeiros anos de vida

Influence of center-based child care on development of two-year-olds in a Brazilian cohort

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between child care attendance since birth and development in two-years-old Brazilian children. METHODS The study used longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. The childhood development (cognitive, fine and gross motor skills, and language) at two-years-old children was assessed using INTER-NDA (INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment). The child care attendance was measured at ages one and two years and categorized as: a) never attended child care; b) attended some child care (one or two years); and c) always attended child care (one and two years). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and child stimulation variables were considered as confounders. Crude and adjusted analyses of child care attendance and development were carried out using linear regression. RESULTS Out of the 3,870 infants included in the analyses, around 1/3 attended center-based child care. In crude analyses, attending center-based child care was associated with positive developmental outcomes, except in motor domains. In adjusted analyses, compared to those children that have never attended child care, children who did attend presented higher scores for cognitive development (always in child care: β: 2.44, 95%CI: 0.83–4.05; some child care: β: 1.35, 95%CI: 0.17–2.53). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that center-based child care may help improve child cognitive development in the Brazilian context. Furthermore, the association was higher for early and continued attendance. Considering the low prevalence of children in external care, it is recommended to improve child care opportunities in early childhood