Study of Speech Recognition in Noise and Working Memory in Adults and Elderly with Normal Hearing.

Introduction In clinical practice, patients with the same degree and configuration of hearing loss, or even with normal audiometric thresholds, present substantially different performances in terms of speech perception. This probably happens because other factors, in addition to auditory sensitivity, interfere with speech perception. Thus, studies are needed to investigate the performance of listeners in unfavorable listening conditions to identify the processes that interfere in the speech perception of these subjects. Objective To verify the influence of age, temporal processing, and working memory on speech recognition in noise. Methods Thirty-eight adult and elderly individuals with normal hearing thresholds participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: The adult group (G1), composed of 10 individuals aged 21 to 33 years, and the elderly group (G2), with 28 participants aged 60 to 81 years. They underwent audiological assessment with the Portuguese Sentence List Test, Gaps-in-Noise test, Digit Span Memory test, Running Span Task, Corsi Block-Tapping test, and Visual Pattern test. Results The Running Span Task score proved to be a statistically significant predictor of the listening-in-noise variable. This result showed that the difference in performance between groups G1 and G2 in relation to listening in noise is due not only to aging, but also to changes in working memory. Conclusion The study showed that working memory is a predictor of listening performance in noise in individuals with normal hearing, and that this task can provide important information for investigation in individuals who have difficulty hearing in unfavorable environments.

Deciphering the Diversity in Bacterial Transporters That Salvage Queuosine Precursors.

Queuosine (Q) is a modification of the wobble base of tRNA harboring GUN anticodons with roles in decoding accuracy and efficiency. Its synthesis is complex with multiple enzymatic steps, and several pathway intermediates can be salvaged. The only two transporter families known to salvage Q precursors are QPTR/COG1738 and QrtT/QueT. Analyses of the distribution of known Q synthesis and salvage genes in human gut and oral microbiota genomes have suggested that more transporter families remain to be found and that Q precursor exchanges must occur within the structured microenvironments of the mammalian host. Using physical clustering and fusion-based association with Q salvage genes, candidate genes for missing transporters were identified and five were tested experimentally by complementation assays in Escherichia coli. Three genes encoding transporters from three different Pfam families, a ureide permease (PF07168) from Acidobacteriota bacterium, a hemolysin III family protein (PF03006) from Bifidobacterium breve, and a Major Facilitator Superfamily protein (PF07690) from Bartonella henselae, were found to allow the transport of both preQ0 and preQ1 in this heterologous system. This work suggests that many transporter families can evolve to transport Q precursors, reinforcing the concept of transporter plasticity.

Beyond blast: enabling microbiologists to better extract literature, taxonomic distributions and gene neighbourhood information for protein families.

Capturing the published corpus of information on all members of a given protein family should be an essential step in any study focusing on specific members of that family. Using a previously gathered dataset of more than 280 references mentioning a member of the DUF34 (NIF3/Ngg1-interacting Factor 3) family, we evaluated the efficiency of different databases and search tools, and devised a workflow that experimentalists can use to capture the most information published on members of a protein family in the least amount of time. To complement this workflow, web-based platforms allowing for the exploration of protein family members across sequenced genomes or for the analysis of gene neighbourhood information were reviewed for their versatility and ease of use. Recommendations that can be used for experimentalist users, as well as educators, are provided and integrated within a customized, publicly accessible Wiki.

Beyond Blast: Enabling Microbiologists to Better Extract Literature, Taxonomic Distributions and Gene Neighborhood Information for Protein Families.

Capturing the published corpus of information on all members of a given protein family should be an essential step in any study focusing on specific members of that said family. Using a previously gathered dataset of more than 280 references mentioning a member of the DUF34 (NIF3/Ngg1-interacting Factor 3), we evaluated the efficiency of different databases and search tools, and devised a workflow that experimentalists can use to capture the most published information on members of a protein family in the least amount of time. To complement this workflow, web-based platforms allowing for the exploration of protein family members across sequenced genomes or for the analysis of gene neighborhood information were reviewed for their versatility and ease of use. Recommendations that can be used for experimentalist users, as well as educators, are provided and integrated within a customized, publicly accessible Wiki.

The association of hearing loss with depressive symptoms and cognitive function among older people: Results from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging.

OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss, depression, and cognitive decline are common among older people. We investigated the association of hearing loss with depressive symptoms and cognitive function in a nationally representative sample of people aged 50+ in Brazil. METHODS: Data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) included information on self-reported hearing loss, hearing aid use (effective or not effective), depressive symptoms (CES-D-8), and a global cognitive score (composed of immediate and late recall, verbal fluency, orientation and prospective memory) in a sample of 9412 individuals. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association of hearing loss and hearing aid use with both depressive symptoms and cognitive performance. The analyses were conducted with 7837 participants with complete data, and then repeated with data from the whole sample after multiple imputation. RESULTS: Compared to those without hearing loss, those with hearing loss were more likely to have a higher number of depressive symptoms (ß: 0.53 (0.40-0.67) p < 0.001) but not worse cognitive performance (ß: -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.19) p = 0.631). Among those with hearing loss, the use of hearing aid was neither associated with cognitive performance (ß: -0.08 (-0.19 to 0.03) p = 0.169) or depressive symptoms (ß: -0.42 (-0.98 to 0.14) p = 0.143); its effective use was associated with less depressive symptoms (ß: -0.62 (-1.23 to -0.01) p = 0.045) but not worse cognitive performance (ß: -0.15 (-0.030 to 0.03) p = 0.057). Sensitivity analyses revealed that hearing loss is associated with a worse performance in two non-amnestic cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss may negatively affect specific cognitive domains and depressive symptoms among older people, and the use of a hearing aid may mitigate the association with depressive symptoms.

Improved chemometric approach for XRF data treatment: application to the reverse glass paintings from the Lipari collection.

The Aeolian cultural heritage preserves hundreds of testimonies of the past that have passed through six millennia of history. Among these, the Archeological Park of the Aeolian Islands with the Museum Luigi Bernabò Brea (Italy) preserves a valuable set of artworks, which are related to a little-known 'popular' figurative heritage. It is an assemblage of small glass foils decorated using the technique of reverse painting, datable to between the end of the 17th century and the end of the 18th century, and actually under investigation by historians. Here, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy study (performed with portable equipment) is combined with a multivariate approach that allows us to define the best way to process the data to detect compositional differences and similarities among the glass supports. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were applied both on normalized spectra and on normalized peak areas in order to establish the chemometric approach with the highest grouping ability. Results showed that the analysis of the normalized area provides the most reliable grouping based on the different elemental compositions, without problems coming from the background or peak-shape distortions. The obtained results can be used by researchers involved in the analysis of XRF data as a guideline to perform chemometrics. Furthermore, regarding the reverse glass, they can be divided into different typologies based on composition differences, providing a further discrimination criterion for historians involved in the study of the collection to determine the provenance and dating of the items.

CUDC907, a dual phosphoinositide-3 kinase/histone deacetylase inhibitor, promotes apoptosis of NF2 Schwannoma cells.

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a rare tumor disorder caused by pathogenic variants of the merlin tumor suppressor encoded by NF2. Patients develop vestibular schwannomas (VS), peripheral schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. There are no approved drug therapies for NF2. Previous work identified phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) as a druggable target. Here we screened PI3K pathway inhibitors for efficacy in reducing viability of human schwannoma cells. The lead compound, CUDC907, a dual histone deacetylase (HDAC)/PI3K inhibitor, was further evaluated for its effects on isolated and nerve-grafted schwannoma model cells, and primary VS cells. CUDC907 (3 nM IG50) reduced human merlin deficient Schwann cell (MD-SC) viability and was 5-100 fold selective for MD over WT-SCs. CUDC907 (10 nM) promoted cell cycle arrest and caspase-3/7 activation within 24 h in human MD-SCs. Western blots confirmed a dose-dependent increase in acetylated lysine and decreases in pAKT and YAP. CUDC907 decreased tumor growth rate by 44% in a 14-day treatment regimen, modulated phospho-target levels, and decreased YAP levels. In five primary VS, CUDC907 decreased viability, induced caspase-3/7 cleavage, and reduced YAP levels. Its efficacy correlated with basal phospho-HDAC2 levels. CUDC907 has cytotoxic activity in NF2 schwannoma models and primary VS cells and is a candidate for clinical trials.

Efeito do treinamento musical em idosos candidatos ao uso de próteses auditivas / Effect of musical training in older adults candidates to the use of hearing aids / Efecto de la formación musical en ancianos candidatos al uso de audífonos

Introdução: Associação entre adaptação de próteses auditivas e treinamento auditivo pode melhorar a comunicação do indivíduo e reduzir os déficits funcionais. Objetivo: verificar o benefício na qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos, aspectos cognitivos, resolução temporal e limitação em atividades de vida em idosos com perda auditiva, após adaptação de próteses auditivas associadas ou não ao treinamento auditivo musical. Métodos: Grupo Experimental - GE: cinco idosos (64 a 79 anos) e Grupo Controle - GC: cinco idosos (62 a 77 anos), todos com perda auditiva neurossensorial simétrica de grau moderado. Foram submetidos à anamnese, miniteste de triagem cognitiva CASI-S, avaliação audiológica incluindo Índice Porcentual de Reconhecimento de Fala (IPRF), Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), resolução temporal (teste GIN), triagem para sintomas depressivos (EDG-15), questionários de qualidade de vida (SF-36) e de autoavaliação para próteses auditivas (QI-AASI). Todos receberam próteses auditivas, e apenas o GE, o treinamento auditivo musical. Avaliação realizada em três momentos: antes da adaptação das próteses auditivas; 11 semanas após a adaptação das mesmas, sendo o GE submetido ao treinamento musical por sete semanas; e quatro meses depois. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre grupos segundo idade, escolaridade e triagem cognitiva. Todos apresentaram melhores limiares no teste de resolução temporal após a intervenção. Os escores dos testes de qualidade de vida e sintomas depressivos não foram significantemente diferentes entre grupos e avaliações. Conclusão: O uso efetivo de próteses auditivas, associado ou não ao treinamento musical, melhorou a resolução temporal. Não houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos, cognição e COSI.

Introduction: Association between hearing aid fitting and auditory training can improve an individual's communication and reduce functional deficits. Objective: to verify benefit in quality of life, depressive symptoms, cognitive aspects, temporal resolution, and limitation in daily activities for elderly people with hearing loss, after adaptation of hearing aids associated or not with musical auditory training. Methods: Experimental Group - EG: five elderly (64 to 79 years old) and Control Group - CG: five elderly (62 to 77 years old), all with moderate symmetric sensorineural hearing loss. They underwent anamnesis, cognitive screening CASI-S, audiological evaluation including Percentage Index of Speech Recognition (PISR), Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), temporal resolution (GIN), screening for depressive symptoms (GDS-15), quality of life questionnaires (SF-36) and IOI-HA self-assessment. All received hearing aids but only the EG received the auditory musical training. Evaluation performed in three moments: before the fitting of the hearing aids; 11 weeks after their adaptation, with the EG undergoing musical training for seven weeks; and four months later. Results: There was no difference between groups according to age, education, and cognitive screening. All had better thresholds in the GIN after the intervention. The GDS-15 and SF-36 scores were not significantly different between groups and assessments. Conclusion: Using hearing aids associated or not with musical training improved temporal resolution. There was no improvement in the quality of life, depressive symptoms, cognition, and COSI scale.

Introducción: Asociación entre adaptación de prótesis auditivas y entrenamiento auditivo puede mejorar la comunicación del individuo y reducir los déficits funcionales. Objetivo: verificar el beneficio en la calidad de vida, síntomas depresivos, aspectos cognitivos, resolución temporal y limitación de la vida de las personas mayores con hipoacusia, tras adaptación de audífonos asociada o no al entrenamiento auditivo musical. Métodos: Grupo Experimental ­ GE: cinco ancianos (64 a 79 años) y Grupo Control - GC: cinco ancianos (62 a 77 años) todos con hipoacusia neurosensorial simétrica moderada. Fueron sometidos a la anamnesis, miniprueba de triaje cognitiva CASI-S, evaluación audiológica incluyendo Índice Porcentual de Reconocimiento de Habla (IPRH), Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), resolución temporal (prueba GIN), classificación para síntomas depresivos (EDG-15), cuestionarios de calidad de vida (SF-36) y autoevaluación de audífonos (QI-AASI). Todos recibieron los audífonos, sólo el GE, el entrenamiento auditivo musical. Evaluación realizada en tres momentos: antes de la adaptación de los audífonos; 11 semanas después de la adaptación de las mismas siendo el GE sometido al entrenamiento musical por siete semanas; y cuatro meses después. Resultados: No hubo diferencia entre grupos según edad, escolaridad y triaje cognitivo. Todos presentaron mejores umbrales en la prueba de resolución temporal después de la intervención. Los resultados de las pruebas de calidad de vida y los síntomas depresivos no fueron significativamente diferentes entre grupos y evaluaciones. Conclusión: Usar audífonos asociados o no con entrenamiento musical mejoró la resolución temporal. No hubo mejora significativa en la calidad de vida, síntomas depresivos, cognición y COSI.

COVID-19 emergency and palliative medicine: an intervention model'.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to describe the multidisciplinary model of intervention applied and the characteristics of some COVID-19 patients assisted by the hospital palliative care unit (UCP-H) of an Italian hospital in Lombardy, the Italian region most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to the A. Manzoni Hospital (Lecco, Lombardy Region, Italy) and referred to the UCP-H between 11 March 2020 and 18 April 2020, the period of maximum spread of COVID-19 in this area. Data were collected on the type of hospitalisation, triage process, modality of palliative care and psychological support provided. RESULTS: 146 COVID-10 patients were referred to the UCP-H. Of these, 120 died during the observation time (82%) while 15 (10.2%) improved and were discharged from the UCP-H care. 93 had less favourable characteristics (rapid deterioration of respiratory function, old age, multiple comorbidities) and an intensive clinical approach was considered contraindicated, while 48 patients had more favourable presentations. Mean follow-up was 4.8 days. A mean of 4.3 assessments per patient were performed. As to respiratory support, 94 patients were treated with oxygen only (at different volumes) and 45 with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CONCLUSION: The ongoing pandemic highlighted the need for dedicated palliative care teams and units for dying patients. This work highlights how palliative medicine specialist can make a fundamental contribution thanks to their ability and work experience in an organised multiprofessional context.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials with speech stimulus in neonates / Potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico por estímulo de fala em neonatos

Abstract Introduction: Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in response to complex sounds, such as speech sounds, investigate the neural representation of these sounds at subcortical levels, and faithfully reflect the stimulus characteristics. However, there are few studies that utilize this type of stimulus; for it to be used in clinical practice it is necessary to establish standards of normality through studies performed in different populations. Objective: To analyze the latencies and amplitudes of the waves obtained from the tracings of brainstem auditory evoked potentials using speech stimuli in Brazilian neonates with normal hearing and without auditory risk factors. Methods: 21 neonates with a mean age of 9 days without risk of hearing loss and with normal results at the neonatal hearing screening were evaluated according to the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing protocols. Auditory evoked potentials were performed with speech stimuli (/da/ syllable) at the intensity of 80 dBNA and the latency and amplitude of the waves obtained were analyzed. Results: In the transient portion, we observed a 100% response rate for all analyzable waves (Wave I, Wave III, Wave V and Wave A), and these waves exhibited a latency <10 ms. In the sustained portion, Wave B was identified in 53.12% of subjects; Wave C in 75%; Wave D in 90.62%; Wave E in 96.87%; Wave F in 87.5% and Wave O was identified in 87.5% of subjects. The observed latency of these waves ranged from 11.51 ms to 52.16 ms. Greater similarity was observed for the response latencies, as well as greater amplitude variation in the studied group. Conclusions: Although the wave morphology obtained for brainstem evoked potentials with speech stimulation in neonates is quite similar to that of adults, a longer latency and greater variation in amplitude were observed in the waves analyzed.

Resumo Introdução: Os potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico para sons complexos, como, por exemplo, sons de fala, investigam a representação neural desses sons em níveis subcorticais e refletem com fidelidade as características do estímulo. No entanto, existem ainda poucos estudos que usam esse tipo de estímulo e para que possa ser usado na prática clínica é necessário estabelecer padrões de normalidade por meio de estudos em diferentes populações. Objetivo: Analisar as latências e as amplitudes das ondas obtidas nos traçados dos potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico por estímulo de fala em neonatos brasileiros com audição normal e sem risco auditivo. Método: Foram avaliados 21 neonatos com média de 9 dias, sem risco auditivo segundo o Joint Committe on Infant Hearing e com resultado normal para triagem auditiva neonatal. Fizeram-se potenciais evocados auditivos por estímulo de fala (sílaba /da/) na intensidade de 80 dBNA e analisaram-se a latência e a amplitude das ondas obtidas. Resultados: Na porção transiente observaram-se 100% de ocorrência de resposta para todas as ondas analisáveis (Onda I, Onda III, Onda V e Onda A) e esse conjunto de ondas apresentou latência inferior a 10 ms. Na porção sustentada a frequência de ocorrência da Onda B foi de 53,12%; da Onda C 75%; da Onda D 90,62%; da Onda E 96,87%; da Onda F 87,5% e da Onda O 87,5% e a latência observada dessas ondas variou de 11,51 ms a 52,16 ms. Observou-se maior similaridade nas latências das respostas e maior variação da amplitude no grupo estudado. Conclusões: Embora a morfologia das ondas obtidas para os potenciais evocados de tronco encefálico para o estímulo de fala em neonatos seja bastante semelhante às dos adultos, observou-se maior latência e maior variação da amplitude das ondas analisáveis.

Loss of Elongator- and KEOPS-Dependent tRNA Modifications Leads to Severe Growth Phenotypes and Protein Aggregation in Yeast.

Modifications found in the Anticodon Stem Loop (ASL) of tRNAs play important roles in regulating translational speed and accuracy. Threonylcarbamoyl adenosine (t6A37) and 5-methoxycarbonyl methyl-2-thiouridine (mcm5s2U34) are critical ASL modifications that have been linked to several human diseases. The model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is viable despite the absence of both modifications, growth is however greatly impaired. The major observed consequence is a subsequent increase in protein aggregates and aberrant morphology. Proteomic analysis of the t6A-deficient strain (sua5 mutant) revealed a global mistranslation leading to protein aggregation without regard to physicochemical properties or t6A-dependent or biased codon usage in parent genes. However, loss of sua5 led to increased expression of soluble proteins for mitochondrial function, protein quality processing/trafficking, oxidative stress response, and energy homeostasis. These results point to a global function for t6A in protein homeostasis very similar to mcm5/s2U modifications.

Cognition and benefit obtained with hearing aids: a study in elderly people. / Cognição e benefício obtido com o uso de próteses auditivas: um estudo em idosos.

PURPOSE: To verify the effects of cognition on the benefit obtained with the use of hearing aids and on the quality of life of elderly people with hearing loss. METHODS: 17 elderly people with moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) bilateral were evaluated. The elderly people were divided into two groups according to the results of 10-point cognitive screening 10-CS: G1- seven elderly people without change and G2-10 elderly people with a suggestive result of cognitive alteration. Study protocol: self-evaluation questionnaire - (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE)), geriatric depression scale (GDS), quality of life questionnaire - (Short-Form 36 (SF36)) and evaluation of the listening effort through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After the evaluation, the elderly people received hearing aids. After three months of effective amplification, the protocol was reapplied with the inclusion of the International Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Hearing Aids - (IOI-HA). RESULTS: The sample was characterized according to age, schooling, Critério de Classificação Econômico Brasil Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP), degree of loss, Índice Percentual de Reconhecimento da Fala (IPRF) and Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) of the ear with better audibility. The statistical study revealed that there was significant difference only in relation to age. The comparative study before and after the intervention revealed a significant improvement in the 10-CS scores in the group G2, in the participation restriction - HHIE, in the listening effort and in some areas of the SF36. There was no difference in QI-AASI between groups second the factor 1, factor 2 and Total Score. CONCLUSION: There was improvement of the quality of life after three months of amplification use. There was no effect of cognition on the benefit obtained with the use of hearing aids.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da cognição no benefício obtido com o uso de próteses auditivas e na qualidade de vida de idosos com perda auditiva. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 17 idosos com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau moderado bilateral. Os idosos foram distribuídos em dois grupos segundo os resultados da triagem cognitiva 10-CS: G1- sete idosos sem alteração e G2- dez idosos com resultado sugestivo de alteração cognitiva. Protocolo de estudo: questionário de avaliação de restrição de participação - HHIE, escala de depressão geriátrica ­ EDG, questionário de qualidade de vida ­ SF36 e avaliação do esforço de escuta por meio da escala visual analógica. A seguir, os idosos receberam as próteses auditivas. Após três meses de uso efetivo da amplificação, o protocolo foi reaplicado com a inclusão do Questionário Internacional ­ QI-AASI. RESULTADOS: Caracterizou-se a amostra quanto à idade, escolaridade, Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil - ABEP, grau da perda, reconhecimento de fala e índice de Inteligibilidade de fala (SII) da orelha com melhor audibilidade. O estudo estatístico revelou diferença somente com relação à idade. O estudo comparativo antes e após intervenção revelou melhora significante nos escores do 10-CS no grupo G2, na restrição de participação, esforço de escuta e alguns domínios do questionário de qualidade de vida. Não houve diferença no QI-AASI entre grupos segundo Fator 1, Fator 2 e Escore Total. CONCLUSÃO: Houve melhora da qualidade de vida após três meses de uso de amplificação. Não houve efeito da cognição no benefício obtido com o uso de próteses auditivas.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials with speech stimulus in neonates.

INTRODUCTION: Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in response to complex sounds, such as speech sounds, investigate the neural representation of these sounds at subcortical levels, and faithfully reflect the stimulus characteristics. However, there are few studies that utilize this type of stimulus; for it to be used in clinical practice it is necessary to establish standards of normality through studies performed in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the latencies and amplitudes of the waves obtained from the tracings of brainstem auditory evoked potentials using speech stimuli in Brazilian neonates with normal hearing and without auditory risk factors. METHODS: 21 neonates with a mean age of 9 days without risk of hearing loss and with normal results at the neonatal hearing screening were evaluated according to the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing protocols. Auditory evoked potentials were performed with speech stimuli (/da/ syllable) at the intensity of 80 dBNA and the latency and amplitude of the waves obtained were analyzed. RESULTS: In the transient portion, we observed a 100% response rate for all analyzable waves (Wave I, Wave III, Wave V and Wave A), and these waves exhibited a latency <10ms. In the sustained portion, Wave B was identified in 53.12% of subjects; Wave C in 75%; Wave D in 90.62%; Wave E in 96.87%; Wave F in 87.5% and Wave O was identified in 87.5% of subjects. The observed latency of these waves ranged from 11.51ms to 52.16ms. Greater similarity was observed for the response latencies, as well as greater amplitude variation in the studied group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the wave morphology obtained for brainstem evoked potentials with speech stimulation in neonates is quite similar to that of adults, a longer latency and greater variation in amplitude were observed in the waves analyzed.

Cognição e benefício obtido com o uso de próteses auditivas: um estudo em idosos / Cognition and benefit obtained with hearing aids: a study in elderly people

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o efeito da cognição no benefício obtido com o uso de próteses auditivas e na qualidade de vida de idosos com perda auditiva. Método Foram avaliados 17 idosos com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau moderado bilateral. Os idosos foram distribuídos em dois grupos segundo os resultados da triagem cognitiva 10-CS: G1- sete idosos sem alteração e G2- dez idosos com resultado sugestivo de alteração cognitiva. Protocolo de estudo: questionário de avaliação de restrição de participação - HHIE, escala de depressão geriátrica - EDG, questionário de qualidade de vida - SF36 e avaliação do esforço de escuta por meio da escala visual analógica. A seguir, os idosos receberam as próteses auditivas. Após três meses de uso efetivo da amplificação, o protocolo foi reaplicado com a inclusão do Questionário Internacional - QI-AASI. Resultados Caracterizou-se a amostra quanto à idade, escolaridade, Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil - ABEP, grau da perda, reconhecimento de fala e índice de Inteligibilidade de fala (SII) da orelha com melhor audibilidade. O estudo estatístico revelou diferença somente com relação à idade. O estudo comparativo antes e após intervenção revelou melhora significante nos escores do 10-CS no grupo G2, na restrição de participação, esforço de escuta e alguns domínios do questionário de qualidade de vida. Não houve diferença no QI-AASI entre grupos segundo Fator 1, Fator 2 e Escore Total. Conclusão Houve melhora da qualidade de vida após três meses de uso de amplificação. Não houve efeito da cognição no benefício obtido com o uso de próteses auditivas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the effects of cognition on the benefit obtained with the use of hearing aids and on the quality of life of elderly people with hearing loss. Methods 17 elderly people with moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) bilateral were evaluated. The elderly people were divided into two groups according to the results of 10-point cognitive screening 10-CS: G1- seven elderly people without change and G2-10 elderly people with a suggestive result of cognitive alteration. Study protocol: self-evaluation questionnaire - (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE)), geriatric depression scale (GDS), quality of life questionnaire - (Short-Form 36 (SF36)) and evaluation of the listening effort through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After the evaluation, the elderly people received hearing aids. After three months of effective amplification, the protocol was reapplied with the inclusion of the International Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Hearing Aids - (IOI-HA). Results The sample was characterized according to age, schooling, Critério de Classificação Econômico Brasil Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP), degree of loss, Índice Percentual de Reconhecimento da Fala (IPRF) and Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) of the ear with better audibility. The statistical study revealed that there was significant difference only in relation to age. The comparative study before and after the intervention revealed a significant improvement in the 10-CS scores in the group G2, in the participation restriction - HHIE, in the listening effort and in some areas of the SF36. There was no difference in QI-AASI between groups second the factor 1, factor 2 and Total Score. Conclusion There was improvement of the quality of life after three months of amplification use. There was no effect of cognition on the benefit obtained with the use of hearing aids.

Revista Serviço Social & Sociedade: 40 anos contribuindo para o pensamento crítico do Serviço Social brasileiro / Journal Serviço Social & Sociedade: 40 years contributing to the critical thinking of the Brazilian Social Work

Resumo: Este texto tem como objetivo realizar uma análise retrospectiva do significado da revista Serviço Social & Sociedade para o desenvolvimento de um pensamento crítico sobre a profissão e a sociedade brasileira nos seus quarenta anos de existência. Pretendeu evidenciar que sua criação deve ser tributada a um duplo movimento convergente de luta contra a ditadura e de ruptura do Serviço Social com o conservadorismo profissional.

Abstract: This paper aims to conduct a retrospective analysis of the meaning of the journal Social Work & Society for the development of critical thinking about the profession and Brazilian society in its 40 years of existence. It aimed to show that its creation must be taxed to a double convergent movement of struggle against the dictatorship and of rupture of the Social Work with the professional conservatism.

A sociabilidade das pessoas travestis e transexuais na perícia social / The transsexual people's sociability and transvestites in the social expertise

Resumo: Na busca pelo reconhecimento legal de sua identidade de gênero, as pessoas transexuais e travestis recorrem ao Judiciário e para isso podem passar por perícias sociais. A atuação nessas demandas na perspectiva social traz a discussão para o campo cultural. O presente artigo dialoga com a atuação profissional nos processos de retificação/alteração de nome e sexo jurídico das pessoas trans. Para a construção do laudo, valemo-nos de diversos aspectos, dentre eles a sociabilidade.

Abstract: In search of legal recognition of gender identify, transgender and travestite appel to the Judiciary and fpr that they can pass though social skills. Acting on these demands from a social perspective brings the discussion to the cultural fiel. This article engage with the juridical social workers in the process of rectification/change of name and legal sex of transgender people. To build the report we use several aspects, being, sociability.