The impact of cognitive performance on quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease

Background: Evidence points to the occurrence of cognitive impairment in all stages of PD, constituting a frequent and debilitating symptom, due to high impact on quality of life and mortality of patients. Objective: To correlate cognitive performance with quality of life in PD. Methods: The sample was drawn from a Movement Disorders Clinic of a reference hospital in Porto Alegre. Inclusion criteria were: PD diagnosis, according to the United Kingdom Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank criteria for idiopathic PD (Hughes et al. 1992) and patient consent to participate. Patients with other neurological pathologies and those submitted to deep brain stimulation were excluded. The evaluation consisted of a cognitive testing battery (composed of eight tests for assessing cognitive performance), and a questionnaire on quality of life (PDQ-39) and depression (BDI). Results: The sample comprised 85 individuals with PD, with a mean age of 62.9 years (±10.7), mean disease duration of 10.4 years (±5.7), and mean educational level of four years (±4.3). There was a significant relationship between total score on the PDQ and all cognitive tests, showing that poor cognitive performance was correlated with poor quality of life. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between cognitive tests and depression, H&Y, education level, and age. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the individuals with PD in this sample showed a correlation between poorer quality of life and worse cognitive performance. Poor performance was also correlated with more advanced stage, older age, low level of education and depression.Embasamento: As evidências apontam a ocorrência de comprometimento cognitivo em todas as fases da doença de Parkinson (DP), sendo este um sintoma não motor frequente e incapacitante, devido ao alto impacto na qualidade de vida e mortalidade dos pacientes. Objetivo: correlacionar a performance cognitiva com qualidade de vida na DP. Métodos: A amostra foi oriunda de um Ambulatório de Distúrbios do Movimento de um hospital referência de Porto Alegre. Os critérios de inclusão utilizados foram ter diagnóstico de DP e consentir em participar do estudo. Exclui-se pacientes com outras patologias neurológicas ou pacientes com estimulação cerebral profunda. A avaliação foi composta por uma anamnese, bateria de testes cognitivos (composta por oito testes), questionários sobre qualidade de vida (PDQ-39) e depressão (BDI). Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 85 indivíduos com DP, com média de idade de 62,9 anos (±10,7), média do tempo de doença de 10,4 anos (±5,7) e média de escolaridade de 7,4 anos (±4,3). Verificou-se relação significativa entre escore total do PDQ com todos os testes cognitivos, demonstrando que pior performance cognitiva está relacionada com pior qualidade de vida. Além disso, foi observado correlação significativa entre os testes cognitivos com depressão, H&Y, escolaridade e idade. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que na presente amostra indivíduos com DP apresentaram correlação entre pior qualidade de vida com pior desempenho cognitivo. Isto também foi observado com estágio avançado da doença, idade avançada, baixa escolaridade e depressão

The impact of deep brain stimulation on the quality of life and swallowing in individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Introduction Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is little evidence regarding the effect of DBS on dysphagia. Objective To assess the swallowing and quality of life of individuals with PD before and after DBS surgery. Methods Our sample consisted of people who had undergone DBS surgery in a referral hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of PD and having undergone DBS surgery. A cognitive screening, through a questionnaire about depression and quality of life, was conducted. Evaluations of each patient’s swallowing were performed before and after surgery. The assessment consisted of anamnesis, clinical assessment, the Functional Oral Intake Scale, clinical evaluation of swallowing, and the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Results The sample included 10 individuals, all male, with a mean age of 57.3 years ( 4.7), a mean disease duration of 13.0 years ( 2.4), and mean level education of 8.1 years ( 4.0). In the clinical evaluation of the swallowing, a significant improvement after DBS was not observed. However, little changes in the signs and symptoms of dysphagia that had a positive impact on the quality of life were observed. Furthermore, there was no relation between the patients’ motor subtype and swallowing pre- and post-DBS. Conclusion There was an improvement in the quality of life of the patients after DBS. However, the improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of dysphagia did not cause an overall improvement in the swallowing function

The impact of dysphagia therapy on quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s Disease as measured by the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWALQOL)

Introduction Dysphagia is a common symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and it has been associated with poor quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in individuals with PD before and after SLP therapy. Methods The program consisted of four individual therapy sessions. Each session comprised guidelines regarding food and postural maneuvers (chin down). The Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire was applied before and after therapy. Results The sample comprised of 10 individuals (8 men), with a mean (SD) age of 62.2 (11.3) years, mean educational attainment of 7.5 (4.3) years, and mean disease duration of 10.7 (4.7) years. Thirty percent of patients were Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage 2, 50% were H&Y stage 3, and 20% were H&Y stage 4. Mean scores for all SWAL-QOL domains increased after the intervention period, with significant pre- to post-therapy differences in total score (p ¼ 0.033) and domain 4 (symptom frequency) (p ¼ 0.025). There was also a bias significance for domain 5 (food selection) (p ¼ 0.095). Conclusion Patients exhibited improvement in swallowing-related quality of life after a SLP therapy program. The earlier in the course of PD, greater the improvement observed after therapy

Dierences in spontaneous speech fluency between Parkinson’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3

Background: The basal ganglia and cerebellum both have a role in speech production although the eect of isolated involvement of these structures on speech fluency remains unclear. Objective: The study aimed to assess the dierences in the articulatory pattern in patients with cerebellar vs. basal ganglia disorders. Methods: A total of 20 individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 20 with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), and 40 controls (control group, CG) were included. Diadochokinesis (DDK) and monolog tasks were collected. Results: The only variable that distinguished SCA3 carriers from the CG was the number of syllables in the monolog, with SCA3 patients of a significantly lower number. For patients with PD, the number of syllables, phonation time, DDK, and monolog were significantly lower than for CG. Patients with PD were significantly worse compared to patients with SCA3 in the number of syllables and phonation time in DDK, and phonation time in monolog. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between the number of syllables in the monolog and the MDS-UPDRS III for participants with PD, and the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale for participants with SCA3 suggesting a relationship between speech and general motor functioning. Conclusion: The monolog task is better at discriminating individuals with cerebellar vs. Parkinson’s diseases as well as dierentiating healthy control and was related to the severity of the disease

Flora of the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais: Lecythidaceae

The study of the family Lecythidaceae is part of the project “Flora of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil.” The family is represented in the area by two genera and three species, namely: Cariniana estrellensis (Raddi) Kuntze, Lecythis lanceolata Poir., and Lecythis pisonis Cambess. Identification keys to the genera and species, descriptions, illustrations, photographic images, comments on the geographic distribution and phenology are provided.O estudo da família Lecythidaceae está incluído no projeto “Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil”. A família está representada na área por dois gêneros e três espécies, a saber: Cariniana estrellensis (Raddi) Kuntze, Lecythis lanceolata Poir. e L. pisonis Cambess. São apresentadas chaves de identificação para os gêneros e espécies, descrições, ilustrações, imagens fotográficas, bem como comentários sobre sua distribuição geográfica e fenologia

Qualidade e Consumo do Leite Bovino do Vale do Ribeira

Preocupados con el perfil del consumo de leche en la región de Vale do Ribeira/PR el proyecto pertenecienteal programa “Universidade Sem Fronteras” de la SETI/PR en sociedad con el PROLAC – ProjetoLeite, Alimento de Criança, decidió mejorar la calidad de leche bovina y analizar el perfil del consumode leche y derivados de la población de la región. Para alcanzar los objetivos fueron realizadas visitas en39 propiedades rurales, evidenciando los problemas higiénico-sanitarios siendo estos corregidos. Resultoen la mejora de 33% en la producción de leche y considerables mejorías en la calidad de leche. También,como herramienta de la acción, fueron dadas conferencias en escuelas municipales y estatales de primariay secundaria, para el análisis del perfil de la consumición de leche de los alumnos de la región. Todos losalumnos de Adrianópolis (100%) con hasta 10 años dicen injerir 2 vasos de la leche por día, mientras que30.3% de los alumnos de Bocaiúva do Sul con esta venda del etária consumen cantidad inferior recomendadapara los nutricionistas. Importantes cantidad de individuos (40.89% en Adrianópolis y 21.3% en Bocaiúvadel Sul) consume derivados de origen casera y artesanal, sin garantías higiénicas y sanitarias. El consumode leche es inferior al recomendado por el “National Institute of Heath” (Instituto Nacional de la Salud),para los niños de hasta 12 años, siendo aproximadamente 4 y 5 vasos de leche por día. Hace necesaria lacontinuación del trabajo para concientizar el producto rural de la importancia para mejorar la calidad deleche producida y estimular el consumo de leche y derivados de la derivación de estas características.Worried about the profile of milk consumption in the region of the Vale do Ribeira/PR, the pertaining Projectof the Program Universidade sem Fronteiras from SETI/PR, in partnership with the PROLAC – Projeto Leite,Alimento de Criança, targeted to improve the quality of bovine milk and to analyze the profile of the milkconsumption and derivatives of the population of the Region. To reach the objectives, visits in 39 countryproperties had been carried through, evidencing hygienical-sanitary problems,wich were solved. This redisposultedin the improvement of 33% in the production of milk and considerable improvements in the qualityof this milk. Also, as action tools, lectures in municipal and state elementary and high schools been given,to an analysis of the profile of milk consumption of the pupils from the region. All the pupils of Adrianópolis(100%) under 10 years old reported that they ingested 2 cupsoper day, while 30.3% of the children fromBocaiúva do Sul uder that age consumed an inferior amount i relation to the recommended nutritionists.Some important parcel of individuals (40.89% in Adrianópolis and 21.3% in Bocaiúva do Sul) consumesdairy products from homemade and artisanal origin, without hygienical-sanitary guarantees. The daily milkconsumption is inferior to what is recommended byf the National Institute of Health for children up to 12years old, that is approximately 4-5 cups of milk per day. The continuation of that work becomes necessaryto the agricultural producer’s awareness of the importance in improving the productive quality of milk andstimulating the consumption of milk and dairy products which come from those properties.Preocupados com o perfil de consumo de leite na região do Vale do Ribeira/PR, o Projeto pertencente aoPrograma Universidade Sem Fronteiras da SETI/PR em parceria com o PROLAC - Projeto Leite, Alimentode Criança, objetivou melhorar a qualidade do leite bovino e analisar o perfil do consumo de leite e derivadosda população dessa Região. Para alcançar os objetivos foram realizadas visitas em 39 propriedadesrurais, constatando problemas higiênico-sanitários e corrigindo-os. Isso resultou na melhora de 33% naprodução de leite e consideráveis melhorias na qualidade. Também, como ferramentas de ação, foramministradas palestras em escolas municipais e estaduais de nível fundamental e médio, para análise doperfil do consumo de leite dos alunos da região. Todos os alunos de Adrianópolis (100%) com até 10 anosrelatam ingerir 2 copos leite/dia, enquanto 30,3% dos alunos de Bocaiúva de Sul, com esta faixa etária,consomem quantidade inferior à recomendada por nutricionistas. Importante parcela de indivíduos (40,89%em Adrianópolis e 21,3% em Bocaiúva do Sul) consome derivados de origem caseira e artesanal, semgarantias higiênico-sanitárias. O consumo de leite diário é inferior ao recomendado pelo National Instituteof Health para crianças de até 12 anos, que é de aproximadamente 4 a 5 copos leite/dia. Faz-se necessáriauma intensa ação extensionista para conscientizar o produtor da importância de melhorar a qualidadeprodutiva e estimular o consumo de leite e derivados oriundos dessas propriedades

Nascidos vivos com hemangioma e linfangioma no Brasil: estudo epidemiológico.

Introduction: Hemangiomas and lymphangiomas represent congenital vascular conditions affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems, respectively. Hemangiomas consist of abnormal blood vessels, while lymphangiomas are composed of altered lymphatic vessels. Both conditions are typically identified in newborns or young children, though they can manifest at any age. Methodology: This study constitutes a descriptive epidemiological analysis focused on investigating cases of hemangioma and lymphangioma in live births in Brazil. Data collection will be conducted through the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) during the period from 2017 to 2021. Results: In the Northern region, 25 cases were recorded, representing 4.86% of the total live births with hemangioma and lymphangioma in the sample. In the Northeast region, this proportion is slightly higher, with 76 cases, accounting for 14.79% of the total. The Southeast holds the highest proportion, with 316 cases, representing a significant 61.48% of the sample. In the Southern region, 69 cases were recorded, comprising 13.42% of the total. Finally, in the Central-West region, 28 cases were counted, representing 5.45% of the sample. Conclusion: This meticulous analysis of variables related to live births with these conditions provides valuable insights that go beyond mere numerical understanding. The relevance of this profile is evident when considering various aspects.Introdução: Hemangiomas e linfangiomas representam condições vasculares congênitas que afetam o sistema circulatório e linfático, respectivamente. Os hemangiomas são formados por vasos sanguíneos anormais, enquanto os linfangiomas são compostos por vasos linfáticos alterados. Ambas as condições são geralmente identificadas em recém-nascidos ou crianças pequenas, embora possam se manifestar em qualquer idade. Metodologia: Esta pesquisa configura uma análise epidemiológica descritiva voltada para a investigação de casos de hemangioma e linfangioma em nascidos vivos no Brasil. A coleta de dados será conduzida por meio do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) no período compreendido entre 2017 e 2021. Resultado: Na região Norte, foram registrados 25 casos, representando 4,86% do total de nascidos vivos com hemangioma e linfangioma na amostra. Já na região Nordeste, essa proporção é um pouco maior, com 76 casos, correspondendo a 14,79% do total. O Sudeste detém a maior proporção, com 316 casos, representando expressivos 61,48% da amostra. Na região Sul, foram registrados 69 casos, compreendendo 13,42% do total. Por fim, na região Centro-Oeste, foram contabilizados 28 casos, representando 5,45% da amostra. Conclusão: Essa análise minuciosa das variáveis relacionadas a nascidos vivos com essas condições proporciona insights valiosos que transcendem a simples compreensão numérica. A relevância desse perfil é evidente ao considerar vários aspectos