Normal values for maximal respiratory pressures in children and adolescents: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The non-invasive assessment of maximal respiratory pressures (MRP) reflects the strength of the respiratory muscles. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the studies which have established normative values for MRP in healthy children and adolescents and to synthesize these values through a meta-analysis. METHODS: The searches were conducted until October 2023 in the following databases: ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SciELO, and Web of Science. Articles that determined normative values and/or reference equations for maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in children and adolescents published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish regardless of the year of publication were included. Two reviewers selected titles and abstracts, in case of conflict, a third reviewer was consulted. Articles that presented sufficient data were included to conduct the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Initially, 252 studies were identified, 28 studies were included in the systematic review and 19 in the meta-analysis. The sample consisted of 5798 individuals, and the MIP and MEP values were stratified by sex and age groups of 4-11 and 12-19 years. Values from females 4-11 years were: 65.8 cmH2O for MIP and 72.8 cmH2O for MEP, and for males, 75.4 cmH2O for MIP and 84.0 cmH2O for MEP. In the 12-19 age group, values for females were 82.1 cmH2O for MIP and 90.0 cmH2O for MEP, and for males, they were 95.0 cmH2O for MIP and 105.7 cmH2O for MEP. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests normative values for MIP and MEP in children and adolescents based on 19 studies.

Rehabilitation Improves Persistent Symptoms of COVID-19: A Nonrandomized, Controlled, Open Study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-wk face-to-face rehabilitation program on subjects with persistent symptoms of COVID-19 compared with a remote monitoring group. DESIGN: This is clinical, nonrandomized, controlled, and open study. The face-to-face supervised rehabilitation lasted eight consecutive weeks, twice a week. The remote monitoring group received health guidance. The allocation was carried out by preference because of the emergency period without vaccination during the pandemic. Fatigue, dyspnea (Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire), and exercise capacity (Incremental Shuttle Walk Test) were the primary outcome measures. Lung function, functional status (Post-COVID-19 Functional Status), symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), attention (d2-R), memory (Rey's Auditory-Verbal Learning Test), handgrip strength, and knee extensor strength were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects (24.3% hospitalized) completed the baseline and final assessment, rehabilitation ( n = 22, 40.8 [SD, 10.0] yrs, 54.5% female), or remote guidance ( n = 15, 45.4 [SD, 10.5] yrs, 40% female). Both groups showed improved fatigue and exercise capacity. Exercise rehabilitation improved dyspnea, anxiety, attention, and short-term memory. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation is essential for dyspnea in subjects with persistent symptoms of COVID-19 while fatigue naturally reverses.

Socioemotional Factors and Cardiovascular Risk: What Is the Relationship in Brazilian Older Adults?

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular risk is composed of several modifiable factors that cannot be explained only at the individual level. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioemotional factors and cardiovascular risk in older adults. Research Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study with data from The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros, ELSI-Brazil), population based with data collected between 2015 and 2016. Cardiovascular risk-the study outcome-was assessed using the WHO/ISH Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Charts. The exposure variables were perceived social support from those who would receive help in situations and productive and leisurely social participation carried out in the last 12 months. We used crude and adjusted logistic regression for socioeconomic conditions, health conditions, and lifestyle habits to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of the outcome. Results: There were 6,005 participants between 50 and 74 years old with complete data. Of these, 18.7% (95% CI: 16.9-20.6) had high cardiovascular risk. Being in the highest tertile of greater social participation is associated with a lower prevalence of high cardiovascular risk (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50-0.95), adjusted for all variables, when compared to the lowest tertile. Furthermore, the absence of perceived social support is associated with a higher prevalence in different models. Perceived social support from close family members (son/daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law) for material issues is associated with a higher prevalence, whereas having support from friends for affective resources is associated with a lower prevalence of high cardiovascular risk. Discussion and Implications: Socioemotional factors such as lack of perceived social support and social participation were significantly associated with cardiovascular risk. This suggested that the development of strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk during aging needs to consider socioemotional factors and social relationships.

Heterogeneity of Response to Methylphenidate in Apathetic Patients in the ADMET 2 Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (ADMET 2) found that methylphenidate was effective in treating apathy with a small-to-medium effect size but showed heterogeneity in response. We assessed clinical predictors of response to help determine individual likelihood of treatment benefit from methylphenidate. DESIGN: Univariate and multivariate analyses of 22 clinical predictors of response chosen a priori. SETTING: Data from the ADMET 2 randomized, placebo controlled multi-center clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Alzheimer's disease patients with clinically significant apathy. MEASUREMENTS: Apathy assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory apathy domain (NPI-A). RESULTS: In total, 177 participants (67% male, mean [SD] age 76.4 [7.9], mini-mental state examination 19.3 [4.8]) had 6-months follow up data. Six potential predictors met criteria for inclusion in multivariate modeling. Methylphenidate was more efficacious in participants without NPI anxiety (change in NPI-A -2.21, standard error [SE]:0.60) or agitation (-2.63, SE:0.68), prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) (-2.44, SE:0.62), between 52 and 72 years of age (-2.93, SE:1.05), had 73-80 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure (-2.43, SE: 1.03), and more functional impairment (-2.56, SE:1.16) as measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living scale. CONCLUSION: Individuals who were not anxious or agitated, younger, prescribed a ChEI, with optimal (73-80 mm Hg) diastolic blood pressure, or having more impaired function were more likely to benefit from methylphenidate compared to placebo. Clinicians may preferentially consider methylphenidate for apathetic AD participants already prescribed a ChEI and without baseline anxiety or agitation.

Cost consequence analysis of Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (ADMET 2).

BACKGROUND: This paper used data from the Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (NCT02346201) to conduct a planned cost consequence analysis to investigate whether treatment of apathy with methylphenidate is economically attractive. METHODS: A total of 167 patients with clinically significant apathy randomized to either methylphenidate or placebo were included. The Resource Utilization in Dementia Lite instrument assessed resource utilization for the past 30 days and the EuroQol five dimension five level questionnaire assessed health utility at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Resources were converted to costs using standard sources and reported in 2021 USD. A repeated measures analysis of variance compared change in costs and utility over time between the treatment and placebo groups. A binary logistic regression was used to assess cost predictors. RESULTS: Costs were not significantly different between groups whether the cost of methylphenidate was excluded (F(2,330) = 0.626, ηp2 = 0.004, p = 0.535) or included (F(2,330) = 0.629, ηp2 = 0.004, p = 0.534). Utility improved with methylphenidate treatment as there was a group by time interaction (F(2,330) = 7.525, ηp2 = 0.044, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Results from this study indicated that there was no evidence for a difference in resource utilization costs between methylphenidate and placebo treatment. However, utility improved significantly over the 6-month follow-up period. These results can aid in decision-making to improve quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease while considering the burden on the healthcare system.

Short physical performance battery in the pre and postoperative myocardial revascularization surgery in older adults: Reliability, hemodynamic responses, subjective perceived exertion, and adverse events.

INTRODUCTION: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) may be feasible for evaluating older adults undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS). However, it is necessary to verify its measurement properties and safety to use it for clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability, hemodynamic responses, subjective perceived exertion (SPE), and adverse events during and after SPPB in older adults undergoing MRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and methodological study conducted with 85 older adults in the pre and postoperative periods of MRS. The hemodynamic responses [heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP)], SPE, and adverse events were evaluated before and after the SPPB. Two researchers performed the inter-rater reliability within a 30-minute interval, while the interval between measures for intra-rater reliability was 24 hours. The Friedman test was used to analyze hemodynamic and SPE responses. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient variation of method error (CVME) were used for the reliability analysis. RESULTS: Increases in HR (p < 001), SBP (p < 0.01), and SPE (p < 0.01) were observed immediately after the SPPB. Only seven volunteers reported minor adverse events. Regarding reliability results, ICC(3,1) for intra-rater reliability varied from 0.66 to 0.87 and CVME from 4.80 to 8.82%. For inter-rater reliability, ICC(2,1) varied from 0.66 to 0.91 and CVME from 4.04 to 9.02%. CONCLUSION: The SPPB increased the HR, SBP, and SPE immediately after its execution. In addition, it showed light changes in SPE, few adverse events, and good reliability in older adults in the pre and postoperative MRS period.

Acute effects of expiratory positive airway pressure on exercise tolerance in patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effects of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) on exercise tolerance, dyspnea, leg discomfort, and breathing pattern in patients with COPD. METHODS: Fifteen patients with COPD were assessed with the following three different protocols: EPAP of 7.5 cmH2O used during a constant cycle ergometer exercise test (Protocol-1); EPAP of 7.5 cmH2O used for 15 minutes before the test (Protocol-2); and a sham system without pressure used for 15 minutes before the test (Protocol-3). Dyspnea and leg discomfort were assessed using Borg scale, whereas breathing pattern by optoelectronic plethysmography. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations and Bonferroni tests (α = 5%), considering the protocols (1, 2, and 3) and moment (resting and the end of exercise). RESULTS: Exercise tolerance was lower in protocol 1: 108 ± 45 seconds compared to protocols 2: 187 ± 99 seconds (p= .011) and 3: 183 ± 101 seconds (p= .021). No difference was observed between protocols 2 and 3 (p> .999). Dyspnea in protocol 1: 7.0 ± 2.08 was higher than protocols 2: 4.10 ± 2.45 (p= .001) and 3: 3.90 ± 2.21 (p< .001), but no differences were observed between protocols 2 and 3 (p> .999). No significant difference was observed for leg discomfort among the protocols (p= .137). There were no statistically significant differences for most variables of breathing pattern among the protocols. CONCLUSION: A reduction on exercise tolerance and an increase in dyspnea were found with EPAP of 7.5 cm H2O during a constant cycle ergometer exercise test in patients with COPD.

Boron originating from produced water discharged to Brazilian coastal waters: Ecological risk assessment with marine organisms.

Deterministic and probabilistic ecological risk assessments were performed for the boron present in coastal waters in the region of the São Sebastião channel (coast of São Paulo State, Brazil) surrounding the outfall of the São Sebastião waterway terminal (TEBAR) and in reference areas far from the outfall. A set of ecotoxicity tests with 9 marine organisms (Lytechinus variegatus, Arbacia lixula, Skeletonema costatum, Asterionellopsis glacialis, Parablenius pilicornis, Artemia salina, Megabalanus coccopoma, Mysidopsis juniae and Hypnea musciformes) was performed in the laboratory. Ecotoxicity tests confirmed that boron presents low ecotoxicity, with Lytechinus variegatus being the most sensitive species studied, with an EC50 of 14.6 mg L-1 and a no-observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 6.75 mg L-1. According to the deterministic ecological risk assessment, no significant environmental impact is expected if we consider the most sensitive of the organisms tested and the highest concentration of boron found in the coastal waters (5.82 mg L-1).

Shprintzen-goldberg craniosynostosis: craniofacial and oral characteristics, diagnosis, and clinical management of a very rare syndrome / Craniossinostose de shprintzen-goldberg: características craniofaciais e orais, diagnóstico e manejo clínico de uma síndrome muito rara

ABSTRACT Shprintzen-Goldberg craniosynostosis syndrome, characterized by craniosynostosis and marfanoid habitus, is a very rare entity described in 75 individuals worldwide. This study aimed to present a case report of a 6-year-old female Brazilian child with Shprintzen-Goldberg's craniosynostosis syndrome. We described the craniofacial and oral characteristics and its clinical management, comparing to the existing literature. The patient presented with intellectual disability, craniosynostosis, ocular proptosis, low-set anomalous ears, and other skeletal and connective tissue defects. Oral features included malocclusion, micrognathia, pseudo-cleft palate, dental caries, and inefficient biofilm control. The treatment started with guidance on cariogenic foods, oral hygiene, and an indication to discontinue bottle feeding. Subsequently, the carious lesions were restored with composite resins, and the patient was referred for orthopedic surgery, orthodontic treatment, speech therapy, and nutritional counseling. The patient was followed for 5 years. This case report emphasizes the importance of knowing the craniofacial and oral characteristics for the diagnosis and clinical management of a female child with a rare Shprintzen-Goldberg's craniosynostosis syndrome. The case also highlights the need for oral health care in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

RESUMO A síndrome Shprintzen-Goldberg é uma entidade muito rara descrita em 75 pessoas, caracterizada por craniossinostose e habitus marfanóide. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar o relato de um caso clínico de uma criança brasileira de 6 anos com síndrome da craniossinostose de Shprintzen-Goldberg, apresentando as características craniofaciais e orais e seu manejo clínico, comparando com a literatura. O paciente apresentava deficiência intelectual, craniossinostose, proptose ocular, orelhas anômalas de implantação baixa e outros defeitos esqueléticos e do tecido conjuntivo. As características orais incluíram má oclusão, micrognatia, pseudo fenda palatina, atividade de cárie e controle ineficiente do biofilme. O tratamento foi iniciado com orientações sobre alimentos cariogênicos, higiene oral e indicação de suspensão do uso de mamadeira. Em seguida, as lesões cariosas foram restauradas com resina composta e o paciente encaminhado para cirurgia ortopédica, tratamento ortodôntico, fonoaudiologia e nutricionista. O paciente foi acompanhado periodicamente por 5 anos. Este relato de caso enfatiza a importância do conhecimento das características craniofaciais e orais para o diagnóstico e manejo clínico de uma criança do sexo feminino com síndrome de craniossinostose de Shprintzen-Goldberg rara, destacando a necessidade de cuidados com a saúde bucal em indivíduos com deficiência intelectual.

Exercise priming with transcranial direct current stimulation: a study protocol for a randomized, parallel-design, sham-controlled trial in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive type of brain stimulation that uses electrical currents to modulate neuronal activity. A small number of studies have investigated the effects of tDCS on cognition in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and have demonstrated variable effects. Emerging evidence suggests that tDCS is most effective when applied to active brain circuits. Aerobic exercise is known to increase cortical excitability and improve brain network connectivity. Exercise may therefore be an effective, yet previously unexplored primer for tDCS to improve cognition in MCI and mild AD. METHODS: Participants with MCI or AD will be randomized to receive 10 sessions over 2 weeks of either exercise primed tDCS, exercise primed sham tDCS, or tDCS alone in a blinded, parallel-design trial. Those randomized to an exercise intervention will receive individualized 30-min aerobic exercise prescriptions to achieve a moderate-intensity dosage, equivalent to the ventilatory anaerobic threshold determined by cardiopulmonary assessment, to sufficiently increase cortical excitability. The tDCS protocol consists of 20 min sessions at 2 mA, 5 times per week for 2 weeks applied through 35 cm2 bitemporal electrodes. Our primary aim is to assess the efficacy of exercise primed tDCS for improving global cognition using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Our secondary aims are to evaluate the efficacy of exercise primed tDCS for improving specific cognitive domains using various cognitive tests (n-back, Word Recall and Word Recognition Tasks from the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory). We will also explore whether exercise primed tDCS is associated with an increase in markers of neurogenesis, oxidative stress and angiogenesis, and if changes in these markers are correlated with cognitive improvement. DISCUSSION: We describe a novel clinical trial to investigate the effects of exercise priming before tDCS in patients with MCI or mild AD. This proof-of-concept study may identify a previously unexplored, non-invasive, non-pharmacological combination intervention that improves cognitive symptoms in patients. Findings from this study may also identify potential mechanistic actions of tDCS in MCI and mild AD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03670615 . Registered on September 13, 2018.

Are elevated plasma fibrinogen associated with lung function? An 8-year follow-up of the ELSA study.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen is an important biomarker of inflammation, but findings from longitudinal studies that correlated fibrinogen with lung function in older adults are inconsistent. AIM: To investigate the relationship between fibrinogen plasma levels and lung function impairment later in life. METHODS: Longitudinal analysis of 2,150 participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) aged 50 years and older. Associations between changes in plasma fibrinogen between waves 2 (2004-05) and 4 (2008-09) and lung function in wave 6 (2012-13) were performed using multiple linear regression adjusted by potential confounders. RESULTS: Regarding the fibrinogen profile, 18.5% of the participants presented higher levels in both waves. In the adjusted models, the maintenance of high fibrinogen levels was associated with a significant reduction of lung function only for men. FEV1 showed a reduction of 0.17L, FVC of 0.22L, and the percentages predicted were 5.16% for FEV1 and 6.21% for FVC compared to those that maintained normal levels of fibrinogen. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study investigating the relationship between changes in fibrinogen levels over a long follow-up period and lung function in older adults without pre-existing chronic diseases. ELSA has information on critical demographic and clinical parameters, which allowed to adjust for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSION: It was found that the persistence of high levels of plasma fibrinogen in older English men, but not women, is associated with lung function decline. Therefore, plasma fibrinogen showed to be an important biomarker of pulmonary dysfunction in this population.

Rib cage distortion and dynamic hyperinflation during two exercise intensities in people with COPD.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between rib cage (RC) motion abnormalities, dynamic hyperinflation (DH), and exercise capacity in people with COPD is controversial. AIM: To investigate RC distortion and operational chest wall volumes during moderate and high constant-rate exercises in people with COPD. METHODS: Seven male participants [median(Q1-Q3) age: 63(60.0-66.0) years; FEV1: 39.0(38.0-63.0)% of predicted] performed a symptom-limited incremental exercise testing on cycle ergometer, followed by constant-rate tests (60 % and 80 % of peak work rate). Optoelectronic plethysmography was used to evaluate RC distortion: phase angle-PhAng, inspiratory phase ratio-PhRIB, expiratory phase ratio-PhREB; and chest wall volumes: end-inspiratory volume-Vei and end-expiratory volume-Vee. RESULTS: PhRIB and PhREB significantly increased during both constant-rate exercise tests, without difference between them. In general, Vei of the chest wall significantly increased in both exercise intensities while Vee did not change. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of RC distortion seemed not to limit the exercise capacity in people with COPD evaluated, and it was present even in the absence of DH.

A novel receptor for platelet-activating factor and lysophosphatidylcholine in Trypanosoma cruzi.

The lipid mediators, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), play relevant pathophysiological roles in Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Several species of LPC, including C18:1 LPC, which mimics the effects of PAF, are synthesized by T. cruzi. The present study identified a receptor in T. cruzi, which was predicted to bind to PAF, and found it to be homologous to members of the progestin and adiponectin family of receptors (PAQRs). We constructed a three-dimensional model of the T. cruzi PAQR (TcPAQR) and performed molecular docking to predict the interactions of the TcPAQR model with C16:0 PAF and C18:1 LPC. We knocked out T. cruzi PAQR (TcPAQR) gene and confirmed the identity of the expressed protein through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays using an anti-human PAQR antibody. Wild-type and knockout (KO) parasites were also used to investigate the in vitro cell differentiation and interactions with peritoneal mouse macrophages; TcPAQR KO parasites were unable to react to C16:0 PAF or C18:1 LPC. Our data are highly suggestive that PAF and LPC act through TcPAQR in T. cruzi, triggering its cellular differentiation and ability to infect macrophages.

Measuring Apathy in Alzheimer's Disease in the Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (ADMET 2): A Comparison of Instruments.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic criteria for apathy have been published but have yet to be evaluated in the context of clinical trials. The Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (ADMET 2) operationalized the diagnostic criteria for apathy (DCA) into a clinician-rated questionnaire informed by interviews with the patient and caregiver. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to compare the classification of apathy using the DCA with that using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-apathy (NPI-apathy) subscale in ADMET 2. Comparisons between NPI-Apathy and Dementia Apathy Interview Rating (DAIR) scale, and DCA and DAIR were also explored. METHODS: ADMET 2 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial examining the effects of 20 mg/day methylphenidate on symptoms of apathy over 6 months in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants scoring at least 4 on the NPI-Apathy were recruited. This analysis focuses on cross-sectional correlations between baseline apathy scale scores using cross-tabulation. RESULTS: Of 180 participants, the median age was 76.5 years and they were predominantly white (92.8%) and male (66.1%). The mean (±standard deviation) scores were 7.7 ± 2.4 on the NPI-apathy, and 1.9 ± 0.5 on the DAIR. Of those with NPI-defined apathy, 169 (93.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 89.3%-96.9%) met DCA diagnostic criteria. The DCA and DAIR overlapped on apathy diagnosis for 169 participants (93.9%, 95% CI 89.3%-96.9%). CONCLUSION: The measurements used for the assessment of apathy in patients with AD had a high degree of overlap with the DCA. The NPI-apathy cut-off used to determine apathy in ADMET 2 selects those likely to meet DCA criteria.

Respiratory Therapeutic Strategies in Children and Adolescents with COVID-19: A Critical Review.

Evidence on the treatment strategies for the child population with critical conditions due to COVID-19 is scarce and lacks consensus. Thus, this study aimed to critically review non-pharmacological respiratory strategies for this population. Original studies were searched in six databases considering predefined inclusion criteria. Other studies and recommendations were also included after a manual search. Oxygen therapy, invasive (IMV) and non-invasive (NIV) ventilation were the most frequently addressed interventions. In general, the original studies have cited these strategies, but detailed information on the parameters used was not provided. The recommendations provided more detailed data, mainly based on experiences with other acute respiratory syndromes in childhood. In the context of oxygen therapy, the nasal catheter was the most recommended strategy for hypoxemia, followed by the high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). However, the risks of contamination due to the dispersion of aerosols in the case of the HFNC were pointed out. Lung protective IMV with the use of bacteriological or viral filters was recommended in most documents, and there was great variation in PEEP titration. Alveolar recruitment maneuvers were mentioned in a few recommendations. NIV was not consensual among studies, and when selected, several precautions must be taken to avoid contamination. Airway suctioning with a closed-circuit was recommended to reduce aerosol spread. Information on prone positioning and physiotherapy was even more scarce. In conclusion, oxygen therapy seems to be essential in the treatment of hypoxemia. If necessary, IMV should not be delayed, and protective strategies are encouraged for adequate pulmonary ventilation. Information about techniques that are adjuvant to ventilatory support is superficial and requires further investigation.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on resting breathing pattern in patients with advanced lung disease.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of interval high intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on resting breathing pattern in patients with advanced lung disease. METHODS: IMT was performed daily and training load set at 50 % of the maximal inspiratory pressure. Participants were evaluated at pre-IMT, post 8 weeks of IMT and follow-up (3 months after the end of IMT). Breathing pattern (volume and time variables as well as percentages of contribution to tidal volume) was evaluated by Optoelectronic Plethysmography at rest. Friedman test was used to verify the differences between the three time-points (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Nineteen patients (54 ± 16 years old; 5 males) were evaluated at pre-IMT and post-IMT and fourteen were assessed at follow-up. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in any comparison for all evaluated breathing pattern variables at the three time-points. CONCLUSION: Resting breathing pattern was not significantly changed after 8 weeks of IMT in patients with advanced lung disease.

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant and antioxidant activity of alkylated cardanol in rodents.

The present study aims to evaluate the anticonvulsant and antioxidant activity of the alkylated cardanol in mice, as well as the possible mechanisms involved. Albino mice were used. The pentylenetetrazol, picrotoxin, and pilocarpine were used to induce seizures clonic. The effect of selective receptor antagonist GABAA on anticonvulsant activity was investigated with flumazenil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the formation of lipid peroxides, nitrite content, and concentration of reduced glutathione. The largest dose of alkylated cardanol increased the latency of the first seizure induced by pentylenetetrazol acting on the GABAergic receptors. The treatment did not alter body weight and did not cause death in animals. It was observed a reduction in locomotor activity and motor coordination. Treatment reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and contents of nitrite and increased levels of GSH in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Alkylated cardanol showed a protective effect against convulsions induced in mice.

Abandono do tratamento e cessação do tabagismo: análise dos dados de um programa de controle / Abandono del tratamiento de la cesación tabáquica: análisis de datos de un programa de control / Abandonment of treatment and smoking cessation: analysis of data from a control program

Objetivo: analisar o perfil dos tabagistas em tratamento e os fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento e cessação do tabagismo em um programa municipal. Método: estudo transversal realizado em Araranguá, Santa Catarina com 109 pessoas do Programa Controle do Tabagismo, entre março e dezembro de 2018. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas e de saúde, incluindo sintomas depressivos, impulsividade e capacidade de enfrentamento. Realizou-se análises descritivas e inferenciais. Resultados: 40,4% dos participantes abandonaram o tratamento, grupo que obteve maior média para impulsividade. Os principais motivos relatados para o abandono do tratamento foram: "estar bem sem fumar", situações relacionadas ao trabalho e sintomas de abstinência. Observou-se que 7,64% cessaram o tabagismo e 93,8% apresentavam dependência leve à nicotina. Conclusão: apesar do abandono ser alto, alguns permaneceram em cessação. Os com 49 anos ou menos tiveram abandono significativamente maior e a dependência à nicotina apresenta-se como dificultador significativo da cessação.

Objective: to analyze the profile of smokers undergoing treatment and the factors associated with smoking cessation and smoking cessation in a municipal programo of treatment. Method: cross-sectional study carried out in Araranguá, state of Santa Catarina, with 109 people from the Tobacco Control Program, between March and December of the year 2018. Sociodemographic and health information, including depressive symptoms, impulsivity and coping skills, were collected. Descriptive and inferential analyzes were carried out. Results: 40.4% of the participants abandoned the treatment, group that obtained the highest mean for impulsivity. The main reasons reported for abandoning treatment were: "being well without smoking", work-related situations and withdrawal symptoms. It was observed that 7.64% quit smoking and 93.8% had mild dependence on nicotine. Conclusion: although abandonment is high, some remained in cessation. Those aged 49 years or less were significantly more abandoned and nicotine addiction is a significant impediment to cessation.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil de los tabaquistas en tratamiento y los factores asociados al abandono del tratamiento y cesación del tabaquismo en un programa municipal. Método: estudio transversal realizado en Araranguá, Santa Catarina con 109 personas Programa Controle del Tabaquismo, entre marzo y diciembre de 2018. Fueron colectadas informaciones sociodemográficas y de salud, incluindo síntomas depresivos, impulsividad y capacidad de enfrentamiento. Se realizó análisis descriptivas e inferenciales. Resultados: 40,4% de los participantes abandonaron el tratamiento, grupo que obtuvo mayor media para impulsividad. Los principales motivos relatados para el abandono del tratamiento fueron: "estar bien sin fumar", situaciones relacionadas al trabajo y síntomas de abstinencia. Se observo que 7,64% cesaran el tabaquismo y 93,8% presentaban dependencia leve a la nicotina. Conclusión: a pesar del abandono ser alto, algunos siguieron con la cesación. Los con 49 años o menos tuvieron abandono significativamente mayor y la dependencia a la nicotina se presentaba como dificultador significativo de la cesación.

Prevalence of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, oral behaviors, anxiety, and depression in Dentistry students during the period of social isolation due to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), anxiety, and depression are disorders that, due to the current lifestyle, are affecting an increasing portion of the population. Investigating the prevalence of the symptoms of these disorders during the quarantine due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) is important to outline clinical strategies for patient care. This study assessed the prevalence of TMD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and oral behaviors and their associations during the social isolation due to COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: Questionnaires were used to assess TMD symptoms in accordance with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: clinical protocol and assessment instruments, a questionnaire to verify oral behaviors and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in students of dentistry at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Brasília in May 2020. Qualitative data were subjected to descriptive statistics and chi-squared analysis (p<0.05). The relationship between quantitative and qualitative data was evaluated using Spearman's rho correlation (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of TMD symptoms, anxiety, and depression in the participants, resulting in association between gender and anxiety symptoms (p=0.029). There was a positive correlation between oral behaviors and TMD symptoms (r=0.364; p<0.001), between oral behaviors and anxiety symptoms (r=0.312; p=0.001), and between oral behaviors and symptoms of depression (r=0.216; p=0.021). CONCLUSION: Social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on the prevalence of TMD symptoms, anxiety, and depression.

Validity and Responsiveness of the Glittre-ADL Test without a Backpack in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The Glittre-ADL test assesses the functional capacity for activities of daily living of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the test, a weighted backpack is worn (2.5 kg for women and 5.0 kg for men). The differential in weight between men and women is not common in other tests of exercise capacity and may limit the comparison of the test between sexes. The primary aim of this study was to validate the Glittre-ADL test performed without the backpack in people with COPD. Forty participants with mild to severe COPD (mean ± SD age: 70 ± 6 years; FEV1: 48 ± 20%predicted) were recruited and performed two six-minute walk tests (visit 1); two Glittre-ADL tests with backpack (visit 2), and the Glittre-ADL test with and without the backpack, in random order (visit 3). The Glittre-ADL test time was shorter without the backpack than with the backpack [mean difference -0.37 min (95%CI -0.59 to -0.15)] and heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were equivalents between tests [-1.31 beats/minute (-3.92 to 1.30) and -0.95% (-2.27 to 0.37), respectively]. The Glittre-ADL test without the backpack elicited similar HR and SpO2 responses as the test with the backpack, indicating equivalence of physiological demand. Thus, the Glittre-ADL test without the backpack was a valid, responsive, and appropriate test to assess functional capacity for activities of daily living.