Association between clinical evaluation and self perception of deglutition with motor disability scale in patients with multiple sclerosis. / Associação entre avaliação clínica e autopercepção da deglutição com a escala de incapacidade motora em pacientes com esclerose múltipla.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between the clinical evaluation and self-perception of deglutition with the motor disability scale in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, prospective study that was conducted with individuals with Multiple Sclerosis treated by the Neuroimmunology outpatient clinic of a hospital in southern Brazil. We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients to extract the score from the last Expanded Disability Status Scale. After the analysis of the inclusion criteria, and in clinical consultation, two protocols were applied: one of self-perception for the risk of dysphagia, through the Brazilian equivalence instrument of the Eating Assessment Tool; and the clinical evaluation of swallowing, with food, through the scale Gugging Swallowing Screen. The data were analyzed through tables, descriptive statistics and the tests: Fisher's Exact Association Test and Chi-square Test to assess the association between the results of the applied scales. We considered a maximum significance level of 5% (p <0.05). RESULTS: It was possible to observe that there was a significant association between the scores of the Gugging Swallowing Screen scales with the Expanded Disability Status Scale of the patients. In addition, there was also a relation between the results of both protocols with the Expanded Disability Status Scale. CONCLUSION: The patients with Multiple Sclerosis in this study presented oropharyngeal dysphagia, what was confirmed by the association between the clinical evaluation of swallowing and the results of the instrument of self-perception of swallowing and the motor disability scale.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a associação entre a avaliação clínica e autopercepção da deglutição com a escala de incapacidade motora em pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, prospectivo realizado com indivíduos com Esclerose Múltipla atendidos pelo ambulatório de Neuroimunologia de um hospital do sul do Brasil. Realizamos a revisão dos prontuários eletrônicos dos pacientes para extração do escore da última Expanded Disability Status Scale. Após a análise dos critérios de inclusão, e em consulta clínica, foram aplicados dois protocolos, o de autopercepção para o risco de disfagia, através do instrumento de equivalência brasileira do Eating Assessment Tool e a avaliação clínica da deglutição, com alimentos, através da escala Gugging Swallowing Screen. Os dados foram analisados através de tabelas, estatísticas descritivas e pelos testes: Teste de Associação Exato de Fisher e Teste Qui-quadrado para avaliar a associação entre os resultados das escalas aplicadas. Consideramos um nível de significância máximo de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Foi possível observar que houve associação significativa entre os escores das escalas Gugging Swallowing Screen com a Expanded Disability Status Scale dos pacientes. Além disso, também se observou relação entre os resultados de ambos protocolos com a Expanded Disability Status Scale. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla deste estudo apresentaram disfagia orofaríngea. Houve associação entre os achados da avaliação clínica, do instrumento de autopercepção da deglutição e da escala de incapacidade motora em pacientes com esclerose múltipla.

Recommendations by the Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) on vaccination in general and specifically against SARS-CoV-2 for patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.

The Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) provide recommendations in this document for vaccination of the population with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) against infections in general and against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. We emphasize the seriousness of the current situation in view of the spread of COVID-19 in our country. Therefore, reference guides on vaccination for clinicians, patients, and public health authorities are particularly important to prevent some infectious diseases. The DCNI/ABN and BCTRIMS recommend that patients with CNS demyelinating diseases (e.g., MS and NMOSD) be continually monitored for updates to their vaccination schedule, especially at the beginning or before a change in treatment with a disease modifying drug (DMD). It is also important to note that vaccines are safe, and physicians should encourage their use in all patients. Clearly, special care should be taken when live attenuated viruses are involved. Finally, it is important for physicians to verify which DMD the patient is receiving and when the last dose was taken, as each drug may affect the induction of immune response differently.

Immunohistochemical expression of markers Ki-67, neun, synaptophysin, p53 and HER2 in medulloblastoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in childhood. The alterations found include: presence of oncoproteins p53 and HER2, elevated mitotic index, and presence of neuronal differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of markers Ki-67, NeuN, synaptophysin, HER2 and p53 in 40 MB samples and their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. In 29 patients (72.5%), >20% of cells were positive for Ki-67. Males showed greater ki-67 expression (p=0.02) and smaller survival rates (p=0.002). NeuN and synaptophysin were negative in 16 (40%) and 8 (20%) cases, respectively. P53 was positive in 18 (45%) cases, with 11 (61%) weakly positive and 7 (39%) strongly positive. HER2 was positive in 23 (57.5%) of the samples and did not show statistical association with survival (p=0.07).

Serological profile of John Cunningham virus (JCV) in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) have changed over the last few years, bringing about a new category of drugs with more efficient profiles. However, these drugs have come with a whole new profile of potential adverse events that neurologists have to learn well and quickly. One of the most feared complications of these MS treatments is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). OBJECTIVE: To identify the serologic profile of JCV in patients with MS. METHODS: Data on serum antibodies for JCV were obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provided by the STRATIFY-JCV program. RESULTS: A total of 1,501 blood tests were obtained from 1,102 patients with MS. There were 633 patients (57.1%) who were positive for antibodies for JCV and 469 patients who were negative (42.9%). Twenty-three patients became positive after initially having negative JCV antibody status. The rate of seroconversion was 18.5% over 22 months. CONCLUSION: The JCV serologic profile and seroconversion in Brazilian patients were similar to those described in other countries.

Associação entre avaliação clínica e autopercepção da deglutição com a escala de incapacidade motora em pacientes com esclerose múltipla / Association between clinical evaluation and self perception of deglutition with motor disability scale in patients with multiple sclerosis

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a associação entre a avaliação clínica e autopercepção da deglutição com a escala de incapacidade motora em pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla. Método Estudo transversal, prospectivo realizado com indivíduos com Esclerose Múltipla atendidos pelo ambulatório de Neuroimunologia de um hospital do sul do Brasil. Realizamos a revisão dos prontuários eletrônicos dos pacientes para extração do escore da última Expanded Disability Status Scale. Após a análise dos critérios de inclusão, e em consulta clínica, foram aplicados dois protocolos, o de autopercepção para o risco de disfagia, através do instrumento de equivalência brasileira do Eating Assessment Tool e a avaliação clínica da deglutição, com alimentos, através da escala Gugging Swallowing Screen. Os dados foram analisados através de tabelas, estatísticas descritivas e pelos testes: Teste de Associação Exato de Fisher e Teste Qui-quadrado para avaliar a associação entre os resultados das escalas aplicadas. Consideramos um nível de significância máximo de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados Foi possível observar que houve associação significativa entre os escores das escalas Gugging Swallowing Screen com a Expanded Disability Status Scale dos pacientes. Além disso, também se observou relação entre os resultados de ambos protocolos com a Expanded Disability Status Scale. Conclusão Os pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla deste estudo apresentaram disfagia orofaríngea. Houve associação entre os achados da avaliação clínica, do instrumento de autopercepção da deglutição e da escala de incapacidade motora em pacientes com esclerose múltipla.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the association between the clinical evaluation and self-perception of deglutition with the motor disability scale in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods It is a cross-sectional, prospective study that was conducted with individuals with Multiple Sclerosis treated by the Neuroimmunology outpatient clinic of a hospital in southern Brazil. We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients to extract the score from the last Expanded Disability Status Scale. After the analysis of the inclusion criteria, and in clinical consultation, two protocols were applied: one of self-perception for the risk of dysphagia, through the Brazilian equivalence instrument of the Eating Assessment Tool; and the clinical evaluation of swallowing, with food, through the scale Gugging Swallowing Screen. The data were analyzed through tables, descriptive statistics and the tests: Fisher's Exact Association Test and Chi-square Test to assess the association between the results of the applied scales. We considered a maximum significance level of 5% (p <0.05). Results It was possible to observe that there was a significant association between the scores of the Gugging Swallowing Screen scales with the Expanded Disability Status Scale of the patients. In addition, there was also a relation between the results of both protocols with the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Conclusion The patients with Multiple Sclerosis in this study presented oropharyngeal dysphagia, what was confirmed by the association between the clinical evaluation of swallowing and the results of the instrument of self-perception of swallowing and the motor disability scale.

No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South.

Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

Expression of nestin and vimentin in gliomatosis cerebri.

Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is a rare form of CNS neoplasia in which there is diffuse involvement of the nervous tissue with or without the presence of tumor mass. The origin of the tumor is unknown, nor whether it represents a disease with diffuse onset or infiltration from a neoplastic focus. Here we studied the histopathologic characteristics of 6 cases with a diagnosis of GC and performed an immunohistochemical analysis using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), synaptophysin, nestin and vimentin. Most tumor cells were negative for GFAP, even though there were foci of positivity for this marker in all cases. We detected the presence of many positive cells for nestin and vimentin in all studied samples. The presence of these cells may indicate origin of the tumor from undifferentiated cells with a high degree of mobility.

Association between neurological injury and the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke.

PURPOSE: To associate the degree of biomechanical impairment in the swallowing process with the severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale - NIHSS) and type of neurological injury in patients post stroke. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted with 42 patients (22 females), aged 65.7 years on average diagnosed with stroke. All patients underwent clinical neurological evaluation and application of the NIHSS in the first 48 hours after stroke. The swallowing function was evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and the Protocol for the Investigation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults. The Fisher's Exact Probability Test was used to assess the correlation between the degree of swallowing impairment and the severity (NIHSS score) and type of stroke. The study results were statistically analyzed at 5% significance level (p≤0.05). RESULTS: 92.9% of the patients presented ischemic stroke; 59.5% presented impairment of the anterior cerebral circulation. Statistically significant correlation was found between the neurological scale (NIHSS) scores and the swallowing impairment scale (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: An association between stroke severity and oropharyngeal dysphagia severity was observed. A high proportion of patients with ischemic stroke with circulation affected in the anterior cerebral region presented severe oropharyngeal dysphagia. No statistically significant correlation was observed between the FOIS scale and stroke severity.

Recommendations by the Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) on vaccination in general and specifically against SARS-CoV-2 for patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system / Recomendações do Departamento Científico de Neuroimunologia da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (DCNI/ABN) e do Comitê Brasileiro de Tratamento e Pesquisa em Esclerose Múltipla e Doenças Neuroimunológicas (BCTRIMS) sobre vacinação em geral e contra a SARS-CoV-2 para pacientes com doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central

ABSTRACT The Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) provide recommendations in this document for vaccination of the population with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) against infections in general and against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. We emphasize the seriousness of the current situation in view of the spread of COVID-19 in our country. Therefore, reference guides on vaccination for clinicians, patients, and public health authorities are particularly important to prevent some infectious diseases. The DCNI/ABN and BCTRIMS recommend that patients with CNS demyelinating diseases (e.g., MS and NMOSD) be continually monitored for updates to their vaccination schedule, especially at the beginning or before a change in treatment with a disease modifying drug (DMD). It is also important to note that vaccines are safe, and physicians should encourage their use in all patients. Clearly, special care should be taken when live attenuated viruses are involved. Finally, it is important for physicians to verify which DMD the patient is receiving and when the last dose was taken, as each drug may affect the induction of immune response differently.

RESUMO O DC de Neuroimunologia da ABN e o BCTRIMS trazem, nesse documento, as recomendações sobre vacinação da população com doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central (SNC) contra infecções em geral e contra o coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causador da COVID-19. Destaca-se a gravidade do atual momento frente ao avanço da COVID-19 em nosso País, o que torna mais evidente e importante a criação de guia de referência para orientação aos médicos, pacientes e autoridades de saúde pública quanto à vacinação, meio efetivo e seguro no controle de determinadas doenças infecciosa. O DCNI/ABN e o BCTRIMS recomendam que os pacientes com doenças desmielinizantes do SNC (ex., EM e NMOSD) sejam constantemente monitorados, quanto a atualização do seu calendário vacinal, especialmente, no início ou antes da mudança do tratamento com uma droga modificadora de doença (DMD). É importante também salientar que as vacinas são seguras e os médicos devem estimular o seu uso em todos os pacientes. Evidentemente, deve ser dada especial atenção às vacinas com vírus vivos atenuados. Por fim, é importante que os médicos verifiquem qual DMD o paciente está em uso e quando foi feita a sua última dose, pois cada fármaco pode interagir de forma diferente com a indução da resposta imune.

The role of apoptosis, cell proliferation index, bcl-2, and p53 in glioblastoma prognosis.

UNLABELLED: Glioblastoma is the most common neuroectodermic tumor. It is also the most malignant one. Many genetic changes are found in glioblastomas, among them, the presence of oncoproteins p53 and blc-2, as well as a high mitotic level and the presence of apoptosis. The utility of such findings through immunohistochemistry for the prognosis of patients remains uncertain. Our objectives in this study were to verify the presence of apoptosis, blc-2, p53, and the proliferative index (MIB-1), through immunohistochemistry, in 30 glioblastomas obtained by surgical resection between August 2000 and August 2001, as well as correlations between those immunohistochemical variables and the patient's age and survival time. Correlations between immunohistochemical variables themselves were also examined. For correlation calculations, Pearson's and Spermann's correlations were used and the time of survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: No correlation was found between immunohistochemical variables and survival time. There was also no correlation between those variables and the patients' age. A moderate inverse correlation was found between the apoptotic index (AI) and the mitotic index (MI) (p = 0.058), besides an inverse correlation between blc-2 and MI. CONCLUSION: Our study has not demonstrated any of the examined immunohistochemical findings as having a predictive value in the prognosis of glioblastomas. A reverse correlation was found between AI and MI, which has already been demonstrated by a few studies, as well as an inverse correlation between blc-2 and MI. This finding can demonstrate blc-2 as having a pro-apoptotic role in this group of tumors.

Corpora amylacea in temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis.

UNLABELLED: Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the commonest pathology in epileptic patients undergoing temporal lobe epilepsy surgery. Beside, there are an increased density of corpora amylacea (CA) founded in 6 to 63% of those cases. OBJECTIVE: verify the presence of CA and the clinical correlates of their occurrence in a consecutive series of patients undergoing temporal surgery with diagnosis of HS. METHOD: We reviewed 72 hippocampus specimens from January 1997 to July 2000. Student's t test for independent, samples, ANOVA and Tukey test were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: CA were found in 35 patients (49%), whose mean epilepsy duration (28.7 years) was significantly longer than that group of patients without CA (19.5 years, p=0.001). Besides, when CA were found, duration was also significantly correlated with distribution within hippocampus: 28.7 years with diffuse distribution of CA, 15.4 with exclusively subpial and 17.4 years with distribution subpial plus perivascular (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings corroborate the presence of CA in patients with HS and suggest that a longer duration of epilepsy correlate with a more distribution of CA in hippocampus.

Functional and psychological features immediately after discharge from an intensive care unit: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional and psychological features of patients immediately after discharge from the intensive care unit. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Questionnaires and scales assessing the degree of dependence and functional capacity (modified Barthel and Karnofsky scales) and psychological problems (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), in addition to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, were administered during interviews conducted over the first week after intensive care unit discharge, to all survivors who had been admitted to this service from August to November 2012 and had remained longer than 72 hours. RESULTS: The degree of dependence as measured by the modified Barthel scale increased after intensive care unit discharge compared with the data before admission (57 ± 30 versus 47 ± 36; p < 0.001) in all 79 participants. This impairment was homogeneous among all the categories in the modified Barthel scale (p < 0.001) in the 64 participants who were independent or partially dependent (Karnofsky score ≥ 40) before admission. The impairment affected the categories of personal hygiene (p = 0.01) and stair climbing (p = 0.04) only in the 15 participants who were highly dependent (Karnofsky score < 40) before admission. Assessment of the psychological changes identified mood disorders (anxiety and/or depression) in 31% of the sample, whereas sleep disorders occurred in 43.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who remained in an intensive care unit for 72 hours or longer exhibited a reduced functional capacity and an increased degree of dependence during the first week after intensive care unit discharge. In addition, the incidence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disorders was high among that population.

Serological profile of John Cunningham virus (JCV) in patients with multiple sclerosis / Perfil sorológico do vírus John Cunningham (JCV) em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) have changed over the last few years, bringing about a new category of drugs with more efficient profiles. However, these drugs have come with a whole new profile of potential adverse events that neurologists have to learn well and quickly. One of the most feared complications of these MS treatments is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). Objective: To identify the serologic profile of JCV in patients with MS. Methods: Data on serum antibodies for JCV were obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provided by the STRATIFY-JCV program. Results: A total of 1,501 blood tests were obtained from 1,102 patients with MS. There were 633 patients (57.1%) who were positive for antibodies for JCV and 469 patients who were negative (42.9%). Twenty-three patients became positive after initially having negative JCV antibody status. The rate of seroconversion was 18.5% over 22 months. Conclusion: The JCV serologic profile and seroconversion in Brazilian patients were similar to those described in other countries.

RESUMO As opções terapêuticas para esclerose múltipla (EM) modificaram-se ao longo dos últimos anos, trazendo uma nova categoria de drogas com melhor perfil de eficácia. No entanto, estas drogas vieram com um novo perfil de potenciais eventos adversos que exigem que o neurologista os reconheça bem e rapidamente. Uma das complicações mais temidas destes tratamentos para a EM é a leucoencefalopatia multifocal progressiva (LEMP), causada pela reativação do vírus John Cunningham (JCV). Objetivo: Identificar o perfil sorológico de JCV em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Dados sorológicos de JCV foram obtidos através do ensaio por enzimas imuno-adsorvidas (ELISA) fornecido pelo programa STRATIFY-JCV. Resultados: Um total de 1.501 testes sanguíneos foram obtidos de 1.102 pacientes com EM. O grupo teve 633 pacientes (57,1%) soropositivos para anticorpos anti-JCV e 469 pacientes negativos (42,9%). Vinte e três pacientes se tornaram posivitos após resultados iniciais negativos para anticorpos anti-JCV. A taxa de soroconversão foi 18,5% em 22 meses. Conclusão: O perfil sorológico do JCV e a soroconversão nos pacientes brasileiros foi semelhante àquela descrita em outros países.

No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South / Não foi observada correlação entre os níveis séricos de vitamina D e a incapacidade em pacientes com esclerose múltipla entre as latitudes Sul 18° e 30°

ABSTRACT Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Vitamina D assumiu um papel central na pesquisa e tratamento da esclerose múltipla (EM). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis séricos de vitamina D de pacientes com EM e controles que residem em uma área tropical. Métodos: Foram analisados dados de 535 pacientes com EM e 350 indivíduos controle em 14 cidades próximas ao Trópico de Capricórnio. Resultados: O valor médio da determinação de 25-OH vitamina D foi 26,07 ± 10,27 ng/mL para controles e 28,03 ± 12,19 ng/mL para pacientes com EM. Não houve correlação entre os níveis de vitamina D e o grau de incapacidade ao longo da duração da doença. Conclusão: Pelo menos na região que cerca o Trópico de Capricórnio, os níveis séricos de vitamina D estão entre valores de 20 a 30 ng/mL tanto para controles quanto para pacientes com EM.

Dysphagia and cerebrovascular accident: relationship between severity degree and level of neurological impairment.

The aim of this case study was to verify the occurrence of dysphagia in acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours after the onset of the first symptoms, in order to establish a possible relationship between the level of neurologic impairment and the severity degree of dysphagia. After emergency hospital admission, three patients underwent neurological clinical evaluation (general physical examination, neurological examination, and application of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale - NIHSS), and clinical assessment of swallowing using the Protocolo Fonoaudiológico de Avaliação do Risco para Disfagia (PARD--Speech-Language Pathology Protocol for Risk Evaluation for Dysphagia). One of the patients presented functional swallowing (NIHSS score 11), while the other two had mild and moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia (NIHSS scores 15 and 19, respectively). The service flow and the delay on the patients' search for medical care determined the small sample. The findings corroborate literature data regarding the severity of the neurological condition and the manifestation of dysphagia.

Association between neurological injury and the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke

ABSTRACT Purpose To associate the degree of biomechanical impairment in the swallowing process with the severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale – NIHSS) and type of neurological injury in patients post stroke. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted with 42 patients (22 females), aged 65.7 years on average diagnosed with stroke. All patients underwent clinical neurological evaluation and application of the NIHSS in the first 48 hours after stroke. The swallowing function was evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and the Protocol for the Investigation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults. The Fisher’s Exact Probability Test was used to assess the correlation between the degree of swallowing impairment and the severity (NIHSS score) and type of stroke. The study results were statistically analyzed at 5% significance level (p≤0.05). Results 92.9% of the patients presented ischemic stroke; 59.5% presented impairment of the anterior cerebral circulation. Statistically significant correlation was found between the neurological scale (NIHSS) scores and the swallowing impairment scale (p=0.016). Conclusion An association between stroke severity and oropharyngeal dysphagia severity was observed. A high proportion of patients with ischemic stroke with circulation affected in the anterior cerebral region presented severe oropharyngeal dysphagia. No statistically significant correlation was observed between the FOIS scale and stroke severity.

Aspectos funcionais e psicologicos imediatamente apos alta da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: coorte prospectiva / Functional and psychological features immediately after discharge from an Intensive Care Unit: prospective cohort study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar aspectos funcionais e psicológicos dos pacientes imediatamente após alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva. Na primeira semana após alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, por meio de uma entrevista estruturada, foram aplicados questionários e escalas referentes à avaliação do grau de dependência e da capacidade funcional (escalas de Barthel modificada e Karnofsky), e aos problemas psíquicos (questionário hospitalar de ansiedade e depressão), além da escala de sonolência de Epworth, em todos os sobreviventes com mais de 72 horas de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva, admitidos de agosto a novembro de 2012. RESULTADOS: Nos 79 pacientes incluídos no estudo, houve aumento do grau de dependência após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, quando comparados aos dados pré-hospitalização, por meio da escala de Barthel modificada (57±30 versus 47±36; p<0,001). Nos 64 pacientes independentes ou parcialmente dependentes previamente à internação (Karnofsky >40), o prejuízo foi uniforme em todas as categorias da escala de Barthel modificada (p<0,001). Já nos 15 pacientes previamente muito dependentes (Karnofsky <40), o prejuízo ocorreu somente nas categorias de higiene pessoal (p=0,01) e na capacidade de subir escadas (p=0,04). Na avaliação dos distúrbios psicológicos, os transtornos do humor (ansiedade e/ou depressão) ocorreram em 31% dos pacientes e os distúrbios do sono em 43,3%. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva por 72 horas ou mais, observaram-se redução da capacidade funcional e aumento do grau de dependência na primeira semana após alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, bem como elevada incidência de sintomas depressivos, de ...

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional and psychological features of patients immediately after discharge from the intensive care unit. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Questionnaires and scales assessing the degree of dependence and functional capacity (modified Barthel and Karnofsky scales) and psychological problems (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), in addition to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, were administered during interviews conducted over the first week after intensive care unit discharge, to all survivors who had been admitted to this service from August to November 2012 and had remained longer than 72 hours. RESULTS: The degree of dependence as measured by the modified Barthel scale increased after intensive care unit discharge compared with the data before admission (57±30 versus 47±36; p<0.001) in all 79 participants. This impairment was homogeneous among all the categories in the modified Barthel scale (p<0.001) in the 64 participants who were independent or partially dependent (Karnofsky score ≥40) before admission. The impairment affected the categories of personal hygiene (p=0.01) and stair climbing (p=0.04) only in the 15 participants who were highly dependent (Karnofsky score <40) before admission. Assessment of the psychological changes identified mood disorders (anxiety and/or depression) in 31% of the sample, whereas sleep disorders occurred in 43.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who remained in an intensive care unit for 72 hours or longer exhibited a reduced functional capacity and an increased degree of dependence during the first week after intensive care unit discharge. In addition, the incidence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disorders was high among that population. .

Time course of aquaporin expression after transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

Cerebral edema contributes to morbidity and mortality in stroke. Aquaporins (AQPs)-1, -4, and -9 have been identified as the three main water channels in the brain. To clarify their role in water movement, we have compared their expression patterns with brain swelling after transient focal brain ischemia. There were two peaks of maximal hemispheric swelling at 1 hr and at 48 hr after ischemia, coinciding with two peaks of AQP4 expression. At 1 hr after occlusion, AQP4 expression was significantly increased on astrocyte endfeet in the core and in the border of the lesion. At 48 hr, AQP4 expression was increased in astrocytes in the border of the lesion over the whole cell. AQP9 showed a significant induction at 24 hr that increased gradually with time, without correlation with the swelling. The expression of AQP1 remained unchanged. These results suggest that AQP4, but not AQP1 or AQP9, may play an important role in water movement associated with the pathophysiology of edema after transient cerebral ischemia in the mouse.

Disfagia e acidente vascular cerebral: relação entre o grau de severidade e o nível de comprometimento neurológico / Dysphagia and cerebrovascular accident: relationship between severity degree and level of neurological impairment

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de disfagia após acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico agudo durante as primeiras 48 horas de aparecimento dos sintomas para o estabelecimento de uma possível relação entre o nível de comprometimento neurológico e o grau de severidade da disfagia. Após a admissão hospitalar de emergência, três pacientes passaram por avaliação clínica neurológica, composta por exame físico geral, exame neurológico e aplicação da NationalInstitute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); e avaliação clínica da deglutição por meio do Protocolo Fonoaudiológico de Avaliação do Risco para Disfagia (PARD). Dos pacientes avaliados, um apresentou deglutição funcional, com NIHSS 11, e dois apresentaram disfagia orofaríngea leve e moderada, sendo o NIHSS 15 e 19, respectivamente. O fluxo do serviço e a procura tardia dos pacientes por auxílio médico determinaram o baixo número de amostra. Os resultados obtidos confirmam os dados da literatura em relação à gravidade do paciente neurológico e à manifestação de disfagia.

The aim of this case study was to verify the occurrence of dysphagia in acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours after the onset of the first symptoms, in order to establish a possible relationship between the level of neurologic impairment and the severity degree of dysphagia. After emergency hospital admission, three patients underwent neurological clinical evaluation (general physical examination, neurological examination, and application of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale - NIHSS), and clinical assessment of swallowing using the Protocolo Fonoaudiológico de Avaliação do Risco para Disfagia (PARD - Speech-Language Pathology Protocol for Risk Evaluation for Dysphagia). One of the patients presented functional swallowing (NIHSS score 11), while the other two had mild and moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia (NIHSS scores 15 and 19, respectively). The service flow and the delay on the patients' search for medical care determined the small sample. The findings corroborate literature data regarding the severity of the neurological condition and the manifestation of dysphagia.

Immunohistochemical expression of markers Ki-67, neun, synaptophysin, p53 and HER2 in medulloblastoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters / Expressão imunoistoquímica dos marcadores Ki-67, neun, sinaptofisina, p53 e HER2 em meduloblastoma e sua correlação com os parâmetros clínico-patológicos

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in childhood. The alterations found include: presence of oncoproteins p53 and HER2, elevated mitotic index, and presence of neuronal differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of markers Ki-67, NeuN, synaptophysin, HER2 and p53 in 40 MB samples and their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. In 29 patients (72.5 percent), >20 percent of cells were positive for Ki-67. Males showed greater ki-67 expression (p=0.02) and smaller survival rates (p=0.002). NeuN and synaptophysin were negative in 16 (40 percent) and 8 (20 percent) cases, respectively. P53 was positive in 18 (45 percent) cases, with 11 (61 percent) weakly positive and 7 (39 percent) strongly positive. HER2 was positive in 23 (57.5 percent) of the samples and did not show statistical association with survival (p=0.07).

Meduloblastoma (MB) é o tumor maligno encefálico mais freqüente na infância. dentre as alterações encontradas estão: a presença das oncoproteínas p53 e HER2, elevado índice mitótico e presença de diferenciação neuronal. o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a expressão imunoistoquímica (IMQ) dos marcadores Ki-67, NeuN, sinaptofisina, HER2 e p53 em 40 amostras de MB, correlacionando-as com parâmetros clinicopatológicos e com a sobrevida. Vinte e nove pacientes (72,5 por cento) apresentaram 20 por cento ou mais das células positivas para Ki-67. os pacientes do sexo masculino apresentaram maior expressão do Ki-67 (p=0,02) e também menor sobrevida (p=0,002). NeuN e sinaptofisina foram negativos em 16 (40 por cento) e 8 (20 por cento) casos, respectivamente. P53 foi positivo em 18 (45 por cento) casos, sendo 11 (61 por cento) fracamente positivos e 7 (39 por cento) fortemente positivos. HER2 foi positivo em 23 (57,5 por cento) das amostras e não demonstrou associação estatística com a sobrevida (p=0.07).