Does Physical Activity Improve Cognition and Academic Performance in Children? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decades, different studies have investigated the effects of exercise or physical activity (PA) on cognitive functions and academic performance in children and adolescents. But given the inconsistencies regarding methodologies and the fact that many studies do not have controlled or randomized designs, a more recent review is needed in order to summarize the different outcomes and methodologies employed and correlate them from an applied perspective. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present review is to systematically review and analyze the effects of acute and chronic PA interventions exclusively from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on cognitive functions and academic performance of children and adolescents. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases for all RCTs published between January 2014 and July 2020. Authors searched these databases using controlled vocabularies, keywords, and Boolean logic, and data were later extracted from the studies. Effect sizes were calculated based on means and SDs at posttest using Hedge's g formula. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. They were assessed for eligibility and later included in the review. Although most of the articles did not show any robust effect size and had significant methodological differences, 80% of the studies analyzed showed positive results, indicating a significant impact of exercise or PA on cognition. DISCUSSION: Due to the heterogeneity in the design of the interventions and the variables analyzed, most of the studies showed small or medium effect sizes. Studies with big effect size in all variables had in common the fact that they involved team game variations and coordination activities. The combination of physical exertion (high intensity) and cognitive engagement with social interactions seems to have the strongest effect on executive functions. This ecological and attractive model reflects children's typical PA and might represent an ideal model for exercise in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Although grouping different studies based on PA type, control groups, and comparison treatments is a limitation and results should be interpreted with caution, this review suggests that PA interventions, in particular, team game variations and coordination activities, have positive effects on children's cognitive functions.

The genotoxic effects of fruit extract of Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) in mice.

Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Rosaceae) is a medicinal plant with a long history of use in European, Chinese, and American. The majority of pharmacological activities associated with fruit extracts of C. oxyacantha L. are related to cardio-stimulant properties utilized in the treatment of atherosclerosis, hypertension with myocardic insufficiency, angina pectoris, cardiac rhythm alterations, and heart failure. Some other therapeutic uses for renal calculi, dyspnea, as well as a diuretic, sedative, and anxiolytic were also reported. Due to the beneficial potential of C. oxyacantha fruits extract but evidence in vitro of genetic toxicity, the aim of the present study was to examine the genotoxic potential of plant extract in vivo in mice. The extract was administered orally, daily by gavage at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight for seven days. Data demonstrated that C. oxyacantha extract did not markedly induce DNA damage in leukocytes and bone marrow cells by the comet assay; however, the extract produced a significant rise in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) at all tested doses in a non-dose dependent manner as evidenced by the micronucleus test. The PCE/normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) ratio indicated no significant cytotoxicity. Under our experimental conditions, C. oxyacantha fruits extract exhibited weak clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects in bone marrow cells of male mice, confirming our previous in vitro findings that this plant extract induced genotoxicity suggesting that prolonged or high dose use needs to be undertaken with caution.

Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory.

The hippocampus shrinks in late adulthood, leading to impaired memory and increased risk for dementia. Hippocampal and medial temporal lobe volumes are larger in higher-fit adults, and physical activity training increases hippocampal perfusion, but the extent to which aerobic exercise training can modify hippocampal volume in late adulthood remains unknown. Here we show, in a randomized controlled trial with 120 older adults, that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory. Exercise training increased hippocampal volume by 2%, effectively reversing age-related loss in volume by 1 to 2 y. We also demonstrate that increased hippocampal volume is associated with greater serum levels of BDNF, a mediator of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Hippocampal volume declined in the control group, but higher preintervention fitness partially attenuated the decline, suggesting that fitness protects against volume loss. Caudate nucleus and thalamus volumes were unaffected by the intervention. These theoretically important findings indicate that aerobic exercise training is effective at reversing hippocampal volume loss in late adulthood, which is accompanied by improved memory function.

Development of a Website for Disseminating Knowledge About listening Effort for Professionals.

Introduction Permanent education in health aims to ensure that professionals are constantly learning in the workplace and in the last few years institutions resorted to the technology-mediated education modality and new teaching possibilities were explored. In Brazil, between 2017 and 2021, only six articles and five monographs were published about listening effort. Objective The objective of this study was to develop a website with scientific content on the topic listening effort for Speech -Language Therapist and Audiologist with free online access. Methods The study was carried out in five stages: Analysis, contemplating the search for scientific materials to prepare the material. Design, in which the writing and design of the website was carried out. Development, carrying out the adequacy of the online material. Implementation, a stage in which professionals in the area evaluated the quality of the material after consenting to participation through a free and informed consent term. Review, stage in which the researcher analyzed the evaluators' responses. Results The five stages of elaboration of the website were carried out, which was evaluated by professionals in the area. The average of responses to all applied questions rated the website as "superior". Conclusion The website development was validated for online availability.

The influence of aerobic fitness on cerebral white matter integrity and cognitive function in older adults: results of a one-year exercise intervention.

Cerebral white matter (WM) degeneration occurs with increasing age and is associated with declining cognitive function. Research has shown that cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise are effective as protective, even restorative, agents against cognitive and neurobiological impairments in older adults. In this study, we investigated whether the beneficial impact of aerobic fitness would extend to WM integrity in the context of a one-year exercise intervention. Further, we examined the pattern of diffusivity changes to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms. Finally, we assessed whether training-induced changes in WM integrity would be associated with improvements in cognitive performance independent of aerobic fitness gains. Results showed that aerobic fitness training did not affect group-level change in WM integrity, executive function, or short-term memory, but that greater aerobic fitness derived from the walking program was associated with greater change in WM integrity in the frontal and temporal lobes, and greater improvement in short-term memory. Increases in WM integrity, however, were not associated with short-term memory improvement, independent of fitness improvements. Therefore, while not all findings are consistent with previous research, we provide novel evidence for correlated change in training-induced aerobic fitness, WM integrity, and cognition among healthy older adults.

Neurobiological markers of exercise-related brain plasticity in older adults.

The current study examined how a randomized one-year aerobic exercise program for healthy older adults would affect serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - putative markers of exercise-induced benefits on brain function. The study also examined whether (a) change in the concentration of these growth factors was associated with alterations in functional connectivity following exercise, and (b) the extent to which pre-intervention growth factor levels were associated with training-related changes in functional connectivity. In 65 participants (mean age=66.4), we found that although there were no group-level changes in growth factors as a function of the intervention, increased temporal lobe connectivity between the bilateral parahippocampus and the bilateral middle temporal gyrus was associated with increased BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF for an aerobic walking group but not for a non-aerobic control group, and greater pre-intervention VEGF was associated with greater training-related increases in this functional connection. Results are consistent with animal models of exercise and the brain, but are the first to show in humans that exercise-induced increases in temporal lobe functional connectivity are associated with changes in growth factors and may be augmented by greater baseline VEGF.

Disrupted waiting behavior in ADHD: exploring the impact of reward availability and predictive cues.

Altered motivational processing is purported to contribute to ADHD symptoms. A stronger preference for immediate over delayed reward is well documented in ADHD. However, little attention has been paid to children's capacity to withhold responding until a "better" reward becomes available, and their actions while waiting. Using a novel computer task, we examine the ability of children with and without ADHD to wait to collect a large reward in the presence of a small available reward. The effects of a reward-predicting cue on response times and response choices are also explored. Data from 136 children (6-12 years), 90 with ADHD and 46 typically developing (TD) children, are included. The children could collect a small immediately available reward or wait to access a larger reward after a variable delay, its imminent availability sometimes signaled by a cue. Subsequent probe trials explored the effects of longer waiting times and disruption of the cue-reward association. As expected, children with ADHD collected the small immediately available reward more often than TD children. Importantly, they were more likely to terminate waiting once commenced, collecting the small reward or attempting to collect the large reward early. The cue decreased their response time but disrupted their waiting when it no longer consistently predicted reward. Children with ADHD were more likely to abandon efforts to wait, especially when wait times were extended and when expected rewards failed to appear. Behavioral interventions for ADHD should take into account reduced waiting capacity that extends beyond children's preference for immediate reward.

Three-dimensional study of different skeletal craniofacial patterns from the eighteenth to the twenty-first century in a Portuguese population.

Objective: To evaluate the most frequent skeletal craniofacial pattern.Methods: Cone beam computed tomography images were obtained for a sample of 332 skulls from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A sample of 150 individuals from the twenty-first century was also included. The different skeletal craniofacial patterns were then classified into subclasses according to Slavicek´s method.Results: Over the centuries, skeletal Class II malocclusion has been more prevalent, mainly in the nineteenth century. The skeletal Class I subclass neutral maxilla and neutral mandible (N-N) has presented higher values since the nineteenth century (above 60%), and the skeletal Class II subclass prognathic maxilla and neutral mandible (P-N) have been increasing.Conclusion: In the Portuguese population, the most common skeletal pattern was skeletal Class II malocclusion. From the nineteenth to twenty-first century, there is an increase in the value of skeletal Class I malocclusion, and subclass N-N is undoubtedly the most frequent.

Evidence for Monocyte Reprogramming in a Long-Term Postsepsis Study.

This study sought to identify monocyte alterations from septic patients after hospital discharge by evaluating gene expression of inflammatory mediators and monocyte polarization markers. It was hypothesized that sepsis reprograms the inflammatory state of monocytes, causing effects that persist after hospital discharge and influencing patient outcomes. DESIGN: The gene expression patterns of inflammatory receptors, M1 and M2 macrophage polarization markers, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes were assessed. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients from the University of São Paulo Hospital, during the acute sepsis phase (phase A), immediately after ICU discharge (phase B), and 3 months (phase C), 6 months (phase D), 1 year (phase E), and 3 years (phase F) after discharge, were included. Patients that died during phases A and B were grouped separately, and the remaining patients were collectively termed the survivor group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The gene expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 (inflammatory receptors), NLRP3, NFκB1, adaptor molecule apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, caspase 1, caspase 11, and caspase 12 (NLRP3 inflammasome components), interleukin-1α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-18, and high-mobility group box 1 protein (proinflammatory cytokines), interleukin-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11, and interleukin-12p35 (M1 inflammatory polarization markers), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 14, C-C motif chemokine ligand 22, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), SR-B1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (M2 anti-inflammatory polarization and tissue repair markers) was upregulated in monocytes from phase A until phase E compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis reprograms the inflammatory state of monocytes, probably contributing to postsepsis syndrome development and mortality.

Born to move: a review on the impact of physical exercise on brain health and the evidence from human controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has been found to impact neurophysiological and structural aspects of the human brain. However, most research has used animal models, which yields much confusion regarding the real effects of exercise on the human brain, as well as the underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To present an update on the impact of physical exercise on brain health; and to review and analyze the evidence exclusively from human randomized controlled studies from the last six years. METHODS: A search of the literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases for all randomized controlled trials published between January 2014 and January 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-four human controlled trials that observed the relationship between exercise and structural or neurochemical changes were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Even though this review found that physical exercise improves brain plasticity in humans, particularly through changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), functional connectivity, basal ganglia and the hippocampus, many unanswered questions remain. Given the recent advances on this subject and its therapeutic potential for the general population, it is hoped that this review and future research correlating molecular, psychological and image data may help elucidate the mechanisms through which physical exercise improves brain health.

Development of a Classical Conditioning Task for Humans Examining Phasic Heart Rate Responses to Signaled Appetitive Stimuli: A Pilot Study.

Cardiac responses to appetitive stimuli have been studied as indices of motivational states and attentional processes, the former being associated with cardiac acceleration and latter deceleration. Very few studies have examined heart rate changes in appetitive classical conditioning in humans. The current study describes the development and pilot testing of a classical conditioning task to assess cardiac responses to appetitive stimuli and cues that reliably precede them. Data from 18 adults were examined. They were shown initially neutral visual stimuli (putative CS) on a computer screen followed by pictures of high-caloric food (US). Phasic cardiac deceleration to food images was observed, consistent with an orienting response to motivationally significant stimuli. Similar responses were observed to non-appetitive stimuli when they were preceded by the cue associated with the food images, suggesting that attentional processes were engaged by conditioned stimuli. These autonomic changes provide significant information about classical conditioning effects in humans.

Features of Neutrophils From Atopic and Non-Atopic Elite Endurance Runners.

We collected peripheral blood from thirty-nine elite male endurance runners at rest (24 hours after the last exercise session) and used the Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes score and plasma specific IgE level to separate them into atopic and non-atopic athletes. Neutrophils obtained from atopic and non-atopic athletes were subsequently stimulated in vitro with fMLP (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine), LPS (lipopolysaccharide), or PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate). Neutrophils from non-atopic runners responded appropriately to LPS, as evidenced by the production of pro (IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. Neutrophils from atopic elite runners exhibited lower responses to LPS stimulus as indicated by no increase in IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 production. Neutrophils from non-atopic and atopic runners responded similarly to fMLP stimulation, indicating that migration function remained unaltered. Both groups were unresponsive to PMA induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Training hours and training volume were not associated with neutrophil IgE receptor gene expression or any evaluated neutrophil function. Since non-atopic runners normally responded to LPS stimulation, the reduced neutrophil response to the stimuli was most likely due to the atopic state and not exercise training. The findings reported are of clinical relevance because atopic runners exhibit a constant decline in competition performance and are more susceptible to invading microorganisms.

Glutamine deprivation induces metabolic adaptations associated with beta cell dysfunction and exacerbate lipotoxicity.

Studies have reported that plasma glutamine is reduced in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Glutamine supplementation improves glycaemic control, however the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we evaluated in vitro the pancreatic beta cell bioenergetic and insulin secretory responses to various levels of glutamine availability, or treatment in the presence of an inhibitor of intracellular glutamine metabolism. The impact of glutamine deprivation to the pathological events induced by the saturated fatty acid palmitate was also investigated. Glutamine deprivation induced a reduction in mitochondrial respiration and increase in glucose uptake and utilization. This phenotype was accompanied by impairment in beta cell function, as demonstrated by diminished insulin production and secretion, and activation of the unfolded protein response pathway. Palmitate led to insulin secretory dysfunction, loss of viability and apoptosis. Importantly, glutamine deprivation significantly exacerbated these phenotypes, suggesting that low glutamine levels could participate in the process of beta cell dysfunction in T2D.

Prevalência e fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo relacionados con la conducta suicidal en trabajadores sexuales / Prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behavior in sex workers

Introdução: O trabalho sexual consentido é, historicamente, permeado por estigmas, proporcionando a marginalização social de profissionais do sexo e sua maior exposição a fatores de riscos que tendenciam a condutas suicidas. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e dos fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo, tendo em vista a vulnerabilidade social desse grupo. Metodologia: Este estudo é uma revisão integrativa de literatura, determinada a partir da seguinte questão de pesquisa: "Qual a prevalência e os fatores de riscos relacionados a comportamentos suicidas entre profissionais do sexo?". Em seguida, aplicou os subsequentes Descritores em Ciências da Saúde: "Suicide" e "Sex workers", que foram combinados com o operador booleano "AND", nas plataformas National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Completee WorldWideScience. Foram selecionados 19 artigos relacionados ao objeto de estudo. Resultados: A prevalência de suicídio em profissionais do sexo foi classificada em três subcategorias: tentativas de suicídio, com predominância de 31,57% (n=6), ideação suicida com 15,78% (n=3) e o risco de suicídio com 5,26% (n=1). Os riscos de comportamentos suicidas foram associados a diversos fatores, sobretudo a violência (47,36%; n=9), depressão (26,31%; n=5) e a pobreza (15,78%; n=3). Conclusões: Há uma alta prevalência de comportamentos suicidas em profissionais do sexo que está associada a diversos fatores de riscos, verificando a carência de abordagens comunitárias direcionadas à vulnerabilidade social desse grupo (AU).

Introduction: Consensual sex work has historically been permeated by stigma, leading to the social marginalization of sex workers and their increased exposure to risk factors that tend to correlate with suicidal behaviors. Objective:To explore the prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behavior in sex workers, considering the social vulnerability of this group. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review, guided by the research question: "What is the prevalence and risk factors related to suicidal behaviors among sex workers?" The following Health Science Descriptors were applied: "Suicide" and "Sex workers," combined with the boolean operator "AND," on platforms such as the National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Complete, and WorldWideScience. Nineteen articles related to the study's objectivewere selected. Results:The prevalence of suicide among sex workers were classified into three subcategories: suicide attempts, with a predominance of 31.57% (n=6), suicidal ideation with 15.78% (n=3) and the risk of suicide with a prevalence of 5.26% (n=1). The risks of suicidal behavior were associated with several factors, especially violence (47,36%; n=9), depression (26.31%; n=5) and poverty (15.78% /n=3). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among sex workers, associated with various risk factors, highlighting the need for community-based approaches addressing the social vulnerability of this group (AU).

Introducción: El trabajo sexual consensuado ha estado históricamente impregnado de estigmas, llevando a la marginación social de los profesionales del sexo y a una mayor exposición a factores de riesgo que tienden a asociarse con conductas suicidas. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con comportamientos suicidas en profesionales del sexo, considerando la vulnerabilidad social de este grupo. Metodología: Este estudio es una revisión integradora de la literatura, derivada de la siguiente pregunta de investigación: "¿Cuál es laprevalencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con comportamientos suicidas entre los profesionales del sexo?". Posteriormente, se aplicaron los siguientes Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud: "Suicide" y "Sex workers", combinados con el operador booleano "AND", en plataformas como la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, Science Direct, Portal de Periódicos de la Coordinación de Perfeccionamiento de Personal de Nivel Superior, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe, Scientific Electronic Library Online, BioMed Central, Business Source Complete y WorldWideScience. Se seleccionaron 19 artículos relacionados con el objeto de estudio. Resultados: La prevalencia de suicidio en profesionales del sexo se clasificó en tres subcategorías: intentos de suicidio, con una predominancia del 31,57% (n=6), ideación suicida con el 15,78% (n=3) y el riesgo de suicidio con el 5,26% (n=1). Los riesgos de comportamientos suicidas se asociaron con varios factores, especialmente la violencia (47,36%; n=9), la depresión (26,31%; n=5) y la pobreza (15,78%; n=3). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de comportamientos suicidas en profesionales del sexo asociada con diversos factores de riesgo, destacando la necesidad de enfoques comunitarios dirigidos a la vulnerabilidad social de este grupo (AU).

Cognitive deficits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment in a two-year follow-up study.

Characterizing cognitive decline in older adults with MCI over time is important to identify the cognitive profile of those who convert to dementia. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the two-year cognitive trajectory of elderly adults diagnosed with MCI, from geriatrics and neurology outpatient clinics of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: 62 older adults with MCI were submitted to a neuropsychological battery and re-evaluated after two years. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to assess differences between groups with respect to education, functioning, the Geriatric Depression Scale and diagnosis. RESULTS: 24.2% converted to dementia after two years. The group with declines in two or more cognitive functions had a higher conversion rate to dementia than the group with decline in executive functions (EF) only (Z = -2.11, p = .04). The EF decline group had higher scores on the depression scale than both the memory decline group (Z = -1.99, p = .05) and multiple decline group (Z = -2.23, p = .03). CONCLUSION: The present study found different cognitive decline profiles in elderly adults with MCI and differences between them regarding depressive symptoms and rate of conversion to dementia.

Caracterizar o declínio cognitivo em idosos com Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve (CCL) ao longo do tempo é importante para identificar o perfil cognitivo de quem converte para demência. OBJETIVO: Estudar as trajetórias evolutivas de dois anos de acompanhamento de idosos com CCL assistidos em clinicas de geriatria e neurologia de um Hospital Federal na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: 62 idosos com CCL foram submetidos a uma bateria neuropsicológica e reavaliados após dois anos. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos quanto a escolaridade, funcionalidade, escala de depressão geriátrica e diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: 24,2% converteram-se em demência após dois anos. O grupo com declínio em duas ou mais funções cognitivas apresentou maior porcentagem de conversão para demência do que o grupo com declínio apenas nas funções executivas (Z = -2,11, p = 0,04). O grupo de declínio das FEs, apresentou escores maiores na escala de depressão do que o grupo de declínio na memória (Z = -1.99, p = .05) e múltiplos declínios (Z = -2.23, p = .03). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou que existem perfis diferentes de declínio cognitivo em idosos com CCL e que existem diferenças entre eles em relação a sintomas depressivos e a taxa de conversão para demência.

Correlation of salivary immunoglobulin A with Body Mass Index and fat percentage in overweight/obese children.

Obesity is considered a risk factor for periodontal health due to the low- grade inflammation promoted by the increased adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine correlations and associations between gingival inflammation (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and Gingival Index), salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA), and salivary parameters (salivary flow and osmolality) in normal-weight and overweight/obese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-one children, aged 6 to 12 years old (8.6±1.9 years), were divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI), circumferences, skinfold measurements and body fat percentage: normal- weight group (NWG; n =50) and overweight/obese group (OG; n =41). A calibrated examiner performed the clinical examination using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, Gingival Index, and salivary collection. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests ( p <0.05). RESULTS: OG presented statistically higher s-IgA values compared with NWG, especially among the obese children ( p <0.05). Significant positive correlations between s-IgA and salivary osmolality in OG ( p <0.05), and between s-IgA and BMI values ( p <0.05) and body fat percentage ( p <0.05) were observed among all the children. Effect size varied from moderate for s-IgA values ( d =0.57) to large for BMI ( d =2.60). CONCLUSION: Gingival inflammation and salivary parameters were similar for NWG and OG; however, s-IgA presented higher values in OG, with correlations between BMI and body fat percentage.

Scoring systems for the Clock Drawing Test: A historical review.

The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a simple neuropsychological screening instrument that is well accepted by patients and has solid psychometric properties. Several different CDT scoring methods have been developed, but no consensus has been reached regarding which scoring method is the most accurate. This article reviews the literature on these scoring systems and the changes they have undergone over the years. Historically, different types of scoring systems emerged. Initially, the focus was on screening for dementia, and the methods were both quantitative and semi-quantitative. Later, the need for an early diagnosis called for a scoring system that can detect subtle errors, especially those related to executive function. Therefore, qualitative analyses began to be used for both differential and early diagnoses of dementia. A widely used qualitative method was proposed by Rouleau et al. (1992). Tracing the historical path of these scoring methods is important for developing additional scoring systems and furthering dementia prevention research.

O Teste do Desenho do Relógio (TDR) é um instrumento de rastreio neuropsicológico simples bem aceito pelos pacientes e com sólidas propriedades psicométricas. Em meio aos métodos de pontuação, não existe consenso com relação aos que tenham maior acurácia. Esse artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão histórica sobre os sistemas de pontuação mais utilizados e as mudanças ocorridas com os mesmos ao longo dos anos. No decorrer do caminho histórico, diferentes tipos de sistemas de pontuação surgiram. Inicialmente, o foco era no rastreio de demência e os métodos utilizados eram quantitativos e semi-quantitativos. Contudo, em um segundo momento, a necessidade de diagnóstico precoce demandou o uso de um sistema de pontuação que pudesse especificar erros sutis especialmente aqueles relacionados a funções executivas. Assim, análise qualitativa começou a ser mais usada em ambos no diagnóstico diferencial e precoce de demência. Um método qualitativo amplamente utilizado é o de Rouleau et al. (1992). O caminho histórico é importante para o desenvolvimento dos sistemas de pontuação e também para as pesquisas de prevenção de demência.

Performance on cognitive tests, instrumental activities of daily living and depressive symptoms of a community-based sample of elderly adults in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the performance on basic cognitive tasks, instrumental activities of daily living, and depressive symptoms of a community-based sample of elderly adults in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) who participated in multiple physical, social, and cognitive activities at government-run community centers. METHODS: A total of 264 educated older adults (> 60 years of age of both genders) were evaluated by the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Lawton's and Pfeffer's activities of daily living indexes, and the Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS). RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 75.7 years. The participants had a mean of 9.3 years of formal education. With the exception of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), mean scores on the cognitive tests were consistent with the values in the literature. Only 6.4% of the sample had some kind of dependence for activities of daily living. The results of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) indicated mild symptoms of depression in 16.8% of the sample. CONCLUSION: This study provided important demographic, cognitive, and functional characteristics of a specific community-based sample of elderly adults in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Descrever o desempenho em testes cognitivos, atividades instrumentais da vida diária e sintomas depressivos em uma comunidade de idosos participantes de atividades físicas, sociais e cognitivas em centros de convivência da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 264 idosos acima de 60 anos, de ambos os sexos e escolarizados, através de uma Bateria Breve de Rastreio Cognitiva (BBRC), escalas funcionais de atividades instrumentais Lawton e Pfeffer, bem como Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS). RESULTADOS: Os dados descritivos indicaram que a idade média da amostra foi 75,7 anos e a escolaridade média 9,3 anos. Com exceção do Teste do Desenho do Relógio (TDR), as médias dos testes cognitivos ficaram dentro dos valores encontrados com grupos similares. No desempenho funcional detectou-se independência e autonomia nas atividades cotidianas. Os resultados da Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (EDG-15) evidenciaram sintomas leves de depressão em 16,8% da amostra. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostrou as características demográficas, cognitivas, funcionais de uma amostra de idosos residentes da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil que realizam múltiplas atividades em centros comunitários.

Symptoms of depression in patients with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the most frequent depressive symptoms and their association with cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: 48 patients with PD and 44 controls (CG), aged between 50 and 80 years and with at least 4 years of formal education, all with MCI and none diagnosed with depression, were assessed. Patients and controls were matched for age, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Participants underwent clinical evaluation with a neurologist followed by neuropsychological assessment employing the instruments: MMSE, Clock Drawing Test, Verbal Fluency Test (semantic and phonemic), Figures Memory Test (FMT), Stroop Test, Trail Making Test, Digit Span (WAIS III), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Hooper Visual Organization Test, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The most frequent depressive symptoms in the PD group were: difficulty working, fatigue and sleep disorders (the latter also being present in CG). BDI score correlated negatively with learning and recognition memory in both groups. Episodic memory, evaluated by the FMT and RAVLT tests, was the cognitive function showing greatest impairment. CONCLUSION: Some of the depressive symptoms observed in PD patients with MCI seem to be attributable to complications of PD, while others are common to both PD and MCI, making differential diagnoses complex but crucial.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os sintomas depressivos mais frequentes e sua associação com a cognição de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP) e declínio cognitivo leve (DCL). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 48 pacientes com DP e 44 Controles (GC), com idade entre 50 e 80 anos e escolaridade superior a 4 anos, todos com DCL e sem diagnóstico de depressão. Pacientes e controles foram pareados quanto à idade, escolaridade e pontuação do Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM). Os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica com neurologista seguida de avaliação neuropsicológica com os instrumentos MEEM, Teste do Desenho do Relógio, Teste de Fluência Verbal Semântica e Fonêmica, Teste de Memória de Figuras (FMT), Teste Stroop de Cores e Palavras, Teste das Trilhas (TMT), Span de Dígitos WAIS III, Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT), Teste de Organização Visual de Hooper e Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). RESULTADOS: Os sintomas depressivos mais frequentes no grupo DP foram dificuldade para trabalhar, fatigabilidade e distúrbios do sono, sendo este comum ao grupo controle. A pontuação do BDI correlacionou-se negativamente com aprendizagem e memória de reconhecimento em ambos os grupos. Neste estudo, a memória episódica, avaliada pelos testes FMT e RAVLT, apresentou-se como a função cognitiva com maior comprometimento. CONCLUSÃO: Alguns sintomas depressivos prevalentes nos Parkinsonianos com DCL podem ser atribuídos à DP, dificultando o diagnóstico diferencial.

Born to move: a review on the impact of physical exercise on brain health and the evidence from human controlled trials / Nascidos para o movimento: uma revisão sobre o impacto do exercício físico na saúde do cérebro e as evidências de estudos controlados em humanos

Abstract Background: Physical exercise has been found to impact neurophysiological and structural aspects of the human brain. However, most research has used animal models, which yields much confusion regarding the real effects of exercise on the human brain, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Objective: To present an update on the impact of physical exercise on brain health; and to review and analyze the evidence exclusively from human randomized controlled studies from the last six years. Methods: A search of the literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases for all randomized controlled trials published between January 2014 and January 2020. Results: Twenty-four human controlled trials that observed the relationship between exercise and structural or neurochemical changes were reviewed. Conclusions: Even though this review found that physical exercise improves brain plasticity in humans, particularly through changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), functional connectivity, basal ganglia and the hippocampus, many unanswered questions remain. Given the recent advances on this subject and its therapeutic potential for the general population, it is hoped that this review and future research correlating molecular, psychological and image data may help elucidate the mechanisms through which physical exercise improves brain health.

RESUMO Introdução: Evidências das últimas décadas têm mostrado que o exercício físico impacta de forma significativa aspectos neurofisiológicos e estruturais do cérebro humano. No entanto, a maioria das pesquisas emprega modelos animais, o que gera confusão no que diz respeito aos efeitos reais do exercício no cérebro humano, assim como os mecanismos adjacentes. Objetivo: Apresentar uma atualização sobre o impacto do exercício no cérebro; revisar e analisar sistematicamente as evidências provenientes exclusivamente de estudos randomizados controlados em humanos, dos últimos seis anos. Métodos: Foi conduzida uma busca na literatura usando as bases de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science e PsycINFO, para todos os estudos randomizados e controlados publicados entre janeiro de 2014 e janeiro de 2020. Resultados: Foram revisados 24 estudos randomizados controlados em humanos, que observavam a relação entre exercício físico e alterações neuroquímicas e estruturais no cérebro. Conclusões: Ainda que esta revisão tenha observado que o exercício físico melhora a plasticidade cerebral em humanos, particularmente por meio de alterações no fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF), conectividade funcional, núcleos da base e hipocampo, muitas questões ainda precisam ser respondidas. Dados os avanços recentes nessa temática e seu potencial terapêutico para a população em geral, espera-se que este manuscrito e pesquisas futuras que correlacionem estudos moleculares e variáveis psicológicas e de imagem possam ajudar na elucidação dos mecanismos pelos quais o exercício físico melhora a saúde cerebral.