Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often accompanied by stigma, which could contribute to a worse prognosis. The objective of this study is to identify the variables associated with stigma in PD patients who are candidates for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Methods: We investigated sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with stigma in a sample of 54 PD patients indicated for DBS. The independent variables were motor symptoms assessed by the Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III), depressive symptoms measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, age, disease duration and the presence of a general medical condition. The Mobility, Activities of daily living and Emotional well-being domains of the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) were also investigated as independent variables, and the Stigma domain of the PDQ-39 scale was considered the outcome variable. Results: After multiple linear regression analysis, activities of daily living remained associated with the Stigma domain (B = 0.42 [95%CI 0.003-0.83], p = 0.048). The full model accounted for 15% of the variance in the Stigma domain (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Although causal assumptions are not appropriate for cross-sectional studies, the results suggest that ADL difficulties could contribute to greater stigma in PD patients with refractory motor symptoms who are candidates for DBS.

The effect of the increase in crystalline defects in the structure generated by high-pressure torsion (HPT) on the corrosion behavior of metallic materials is not well understood. This report evaluates the influence of HPT on the corrosion behavior of a solution treated Al-3wt% Mg-0.2wt% Sc alloy in a 3.5 wt./v.% NaCl solution. The electrochemical behavior of the alloy was evaluated using cyclic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Mott Schottky, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry testing. The passive current density decreased after HPT processing, indicating a more protective oxide layer was formed on the surface of the HPT-processed alloy. Mott Schottky analysis confirmed the higher protection efficiency of the passive layer on the HPT-processed alloy. The film formed in the solution-treated alloy was a p-type and an n-type semiconductor while the alloy processed by HPT exhibited only an n-type semiconductor behavior. EIS showed that corrosion resistance in a saline medium increased with HPT processing.

Abstract This study examined the relationship between resting heart rate (RHRr) and anthropometric, metabolic and hemodynamic parameters in subjects aged 80 years and over. One hundred thirteen individuals were divided into two groups (RHR:<66 beats/min and ≥66 beats/min). Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressure) were measured and pulse pressures (PP) were obtained. Metabolic parameters were fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol. In elderly aged 80 and over, RHR influenced the changes observed in DBP, PP and triglycerides. Additionally, subjects with RHR≥66 beats/min had higher DBP, glucose, total cholesterol and lower PP as compared with elderly with RHR<66 beats/min. Men demonstrated greater weight, height, and WC than women while women had higher percentage of body fat, trunk fat, and higher total cholesterol. Thus, subjects with 80 years old and over who present RHR≥66 have higher DBP and lower PP and heart rate variability compared with the elderly with RHR<66.

RESUMOSchizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) Barneby (paricá) ocorre naturalmente na Amazônia e tem grande importância comercial devido ao seu rápido crescimento e excelente performance no sistema de silvicultura extensiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a inoculação de inoculantes microbianos como fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA) e Rhizobium sp. que promovem o crescimento da planta. O inóculo foi composto de 10 g de raízes colonizadas e esporos de Glomus clarum e, ou, 1 mL da suspensão de células de Rhizobiumsp. (107UFC/mL) e, ou, 100 g de fertilizante químico NPK 20-05-20 por cova. O desenho experimental foi em bloco completamente ao acaso, com cinco repetições e oito tratamentos (n = 800). Foram avaliados o comprimento da Planta, o diâmetro do caule e a sobrevivência da planta. Os resultados foram testados quanto à normalidade e homogeneidade da variância e as diferenças significativas, determinadas pela ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A inoculação do Rhizobium sp e G. clarum não tiveram diferenças significativas em relação ao crescimento das plantas-controle. Fatores ambientais provavelmente influenciaram a efetividade da simbiose de ambos os microrganismos e o crescimento da planta. O fertilizante aumentou o crescimento de S. parahyba. Durante os primeiros 120 dias, as plantas sofreram condições de estresse com períodos de seca e geada; aos 180 dias, as plantas inoculadas com microrganismos e adubadas tiveram maior crescimento quando comparada com o controle. Os inoculantes tiveram importação em função do controle da mortalidade das plantas durante os períodos de estresse, mas não foi observado efeito no crescimento da planta. Também, concluiu-se que o período de plantio deve ser entre novembro e dezembro, para evitar que as plantas com porte pequeno entrem no período de inverno, que é seco e frio.

ABSTRACTSchizolobium parahyba pv. amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) Barneby (paricá) occurs naturally in the Amazon and is significant commercial importance due to its rapid growth and excellent performance on cropping systems. The aim of this paper was to evaluate a microbial inoculants such as arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium sp. that promote plant growth. The inocula was 10 g of root colonized and spores of Glomus clarum and/or 1 mL of cell suspension (107 CFU/mL) of Rhizobium sp. and/or 100 g of chemical fertilizer NPK 20-05-20 per planting hole. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with five replications and eight treatments (n = 800). Plant height, stem diameter and plant survival were measured. The results were tested for normality and homogeneity of variances and analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). Rhizobium sp and AM fungi showed no effect on plant growth. Environmental factors probably influenced the effectiveness of symbiosis of both microorganisms and plant growth. The chemical fertilizer increased S. parahyba growth. During the first 120 days plants suffered with drought and frost, and at 180 days plants inoculated with microorganism plus chemical fertilizer showed higher survival when compared with control. The results showed that the microbial inoculants used showed an important role on plant survival after high stress conditions, but not in plant growth. Also was concluded that the planting time should be between November to December to avoid the presence of young plants during winter time that is dry and cold.

O interesse por polímeros biodegradáveis tem aumentado devido ao baixo impacto ambiental dos mesmos. No entanto, muitos desses produtos disponíveis no mercado são frágeis, difíceis de processar e têm alto custo. Uma das técnicas para superar essas deficiências é através de blenda com outros polímeros. Este trabalho avaliou várias composições de blenda PHB/PP, utilizando-se um aditivo pró-degradante deste último, de forma a tornar a formulação oxibiodegradável em solo simulado (ASTM D6003). O comportamento mecânico, térmico e químico de corpos de prova de tração das amostras enterradas foi acompanhado através de medidas de resistência à tração, DSC, FTIR, GPC e SEM. Parte das amostras foi envelhecida em estufa a 90 ºC por 10 dias, de forma a acelerar a oxidação do PP pelo aditivo. A blenda composta por 56 wt% de PP / 40 wt% de PHB / 3 wt% de GMA / 1 wt% de MnSt foi a mais susceptível à oxibiodegradação, tendo reduzido depois de 180 dias de enterramento em solo, a tensão de tração em 40%, alongamento na ruptura em 46% e a massa em 24%. Estes valores foram superiores ao próprio PHB puro e o efeito sinérgico ocorrido nestas blendas foi atribuído à aceleração da degradação do PHB pelo PP oxidado.

The interest in biodegradable polymers has increased because of their environmental advantages. Blending them with other polymers is one of the techniques currently employed to overcome their brittleness, poor processing and cost. This work evaluated different blend compositions of PHB/PP, using a pro-degrading additive for this latter, to make the formulation prone to oxo-biodegradability in simulated soil (ASTM D6003). The mechanical, thermal and chemical behavior of buried injection molded tensile bars was monitored through measurements of tensile strength, DSC, FTIR, GPC and SEM. Part of the samples was oven aged at 90 ºC for 10 days in order to accelerate the PP oxidation by the additive. The blend made of 56 wt% of PP / 40 wt% of PHB / 3 wt% of GMA / 1 wt% of MnSt was the most susceptible to oxo-biodegradation, having reduced after 180 days of burring in soil, its tensile stress by 40%, tensile elongation by 46% and mass by 24%. These values were even higher than the ones for the pure PHB. This synergic effect was attributed to the acceleration of PHB degradation by the oxidized PP.

OBJETIVO: Inibidores da 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzima A (HMG-CoA) redutase, ou estatinas, têm sido associados com melhora do prognóstico após eventos encefálicos isquêmicos e hemorragia subaracnóidea, mas com um aumento do risco de evento encefálico hemorrágico (AVEh). Nós investigamos se o uso de estatinas prévio ao sangramento é associado com independência funcional em 90 dias. MÉTODO: Analisamos 124 pacientes consecutivos com AVEh com 90 dias de seguimento, selecionando 83 para um estudo coorte prospectivo entre 2006 e 2009. O uso de estatinas foi determinado pela entrevista ao paciente no momento da entrada ao hospital e complementado pela revisão do prontuário. Foi definido como independência funcional um GOS (Glasgow Outcome Scale) 4 ou 5. RESULTADOS: Estatinas eram usadas por 20/83 (24%) antes do AVEh. Não houve efeito benéfico do uso prévio ao AVEh de estatinas nas taxas de independência funcional (28% versus 29%, P=0,84) ou mortalidade (46% versus 45%, P=0,93). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de estatina pré-AVEh não é associado com melhora do prognóstico funcional ou taxa de mortalidade.

OBJECTIVE: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been associated with improved clinical outcomes after ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage, but with an increased risk of incidental spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated whether the statin use before ICH, was associated with functional independence, 90 days after treatment. METHOD: We analyzed 124 consecutive ICH patients with 90-day outcome data who were enrolled in a prospective cohort study between 2006 and 2009. Eighty-three patients were included in this study. Among ICH survivors, univariate Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier plots were used to determine subject characteristics that were associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Statin usage was determined through interviewing the patient at the time of ICH and confirmed by reviewing their medical records. Independent status was defined as Glasgow Outcome Scale grades 4 or 5. RESULTS: Statins were used by 20 out of 83 patients (24%) before ICH onset. There was no effect from pre-ICH statin use on functional independence rates (28% versus 29%, P=0.84) or mortality (46% versus 45%, P=0.93). CONCLUSION: Pre-ICH statin use is not associated with changes to ICH functional outcome or mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a atividade do ambulatório multiprofissional formado por neonatologista e fisiatra, fisioterapeuta, terapeuta ocupacional, fonoaudiólogas e psicóloga que realizaram avaliações aos 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 e 24 meses de idade corrigida. Métodos: Foram realizadas avaliações multiprofissionais pela equipe, incluindo avaliação pela escala de desenvolvimento Bayley III. A amostra foi constituída por 20 crianças nascidas em hospital de nível terciário em São Paulo, Brasil, com peso inferior a 1250 g ou idade gestacional abaixo de 32 semanas no período de Abril de 2006 a Abril de 2007. Resultados: A idade gestacional média ao nascimento foi de 28.8 semanas, peso médio 1055 g, tempo de internação médio de 46,3 dias, e idade materna média de 35 anos. Observou-se que 15% das crianças apresentaram alterações sensório-motoras, 20% alterações no desenvolvimento auditivo e 10% alterações motoras. Pela aplicação da Bayley III, observou-se 10% dos casos com alteração na área de comunicação e 10% com alteração na área motora. Os pais foram orientados a estimularem a criança ou foi sugerida intervenção específica. Observou-se que entre 6 e 18 meses de idade corrigida houve maior ocorrência de atrasos do desenvolvimento, que se adequou aos 24 meses. Conclusões: A maioria das crianças avaliadas alcançou crescimento e desenvolvimento adequado aos 24 meses de idade corrigida. Recomendam-se estudos futuros com amostra ampliada, assim como a possibilidade de um acompanhamento dessa população até o período de alfabetização.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the activities of a multiprofessional outpatient clinic performed by neonatologist, physiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, audiologist and psychologist, who evaluated the development of premature newborns. Methods: Twenty children born at a tertiary-care hospital (São Paulo, Brazil), between April 2006 and April 2007, with birth weight below 1250 g or less than 32 weeks of gestation, were evaluated. The multiprofessional evaluation included assessment of development using the Bayley III scale, at the corrected age of 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Results: The mean gestation age at birth was 28.8 weeks; mean birth weight was 1055 g. The mean maternal age was 35 years and the mean length of stay of neonates was 46.3 days. Fifteen percent of children presented impaired sensory motor skills, 20% had hearing abnormalities and 10% motor alterations. Bayley III showed alterations in the communication area in 10% of subjects and in the motor area in 10% of individuals. The parents were oriented to stimulate the child or a specific intervention was suggested. The major development delay was observed between 6 and 18 months of age and the development was improved at 24 months of age. Conclusions: Most children evaluated had improved growth and development at 24 corrected-age months. Further studies with a larger sample are recommended, as well as the possibility to follow this population group up till the primary school.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência de rinite alérgica em um grupo aleatório de escolares de Brasília (DF), com idade entre 13-14 anos; avaliar suas tendências ao longo de 6 anos e comparar as taxas de prevalência entre diferentes grupos socioeconômicos. MÉTODOS: Dois estudos de corte transversal foram realizados com intervalo de 6 anos, usando o questionário escrito do protocolo ISAAC (fases I e III). Nesta pesquisa, 39 escolas foram escolhidas aleatoriamente, em oito regiões administrativas de Brasília, e divididas em três grupos, segundo as condições socioeconômicas da população. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 3.009 questionários, sendo 53,5% do sexo feminino e 80% de alunos de escolas públicas. As prevalências de rinite diagnosticada, rinite recente e rinite alérgica foram 20, 29,3 e 12,2%, respectivamente. A prevalência de rinite foi maior nas escolas privadas do que nas escolas públicas (17,8 versus 14,1%) e predominou no sexo feminino. Também foi maior nas populações de melhor nível socioeconômico (23,5 versus 12,2%). Comparando com dados de 1996, houve aumento significativo da prevalência de rinite diagnosticada (12,7 versus 20%, p = 0,001), aumento que ocorreu em todos os níveis socioeconômicos. CONCLUSÃO: Um grande número de crianças de 13 e 14 anos de idade do Distrito Federal está apresentando os sintomas relacionados à rinite, a maioria dos quais representa rinite alérgica. Em um período de 6 anos, a prevalência de rinite alérgica aumentou de maneira significativa, predominando no sexo feminino, e foi maior em crianças de escolas privadas e de nível socioeconômico mais elevado.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in a random group of schoolchildren aged 13 to 14 years in Brasilia, Brazil, to evaluate tendencies over 6 years and to compare prevalence rates among different socioeconomic groups. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were undertaken 6 years apart, using the ISAAC (phases I and III) written questionnaire. Thirty-nine schools were chosen at random from eight administrative regions in Brasilia, and were classified into three groups according to the socioeconomic conditions of the population. RESULTS: A total of 3,009 questionnaires were collected. Of these 53.5% related to female children and 80% to students from public schools. Prevalence rates for diagnosed rhinitis, recent rhinitis and allergic rhinitis were 20, 29.3 and 12.2%, respectively. Rhinitis was more prevalent in private schools than in public ones (17.8 versus 14.1%) and sufferers were predominantly female. Prevalence rates were also higher among populations with higher socioeconomic status (23.5 versus 12.2%). Comparison with the 1996 data revealed significant increases in the prevalence of diagnosed rhinitis (12.7 versus 20%, p = 0.001). These increases were observed at all socioeconomic levels. CONCLUSION: A large number of 13 and 14-year-old children resident in the Distrito Federal exhibit symptoms indicative of rhinitis and the majority of them have allergic rhinitis. Over a six-year period the prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased significantly, predominantly affecting females and with greater prevalence among students at private school and from families with higher socioeconomic status.