Effect of ozone gas on cultures of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus: evaluation of two ozonation devices.

INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus are two important agents of Healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of ozone (O3) gas produced by two commercial devices against cultures of these two species. METHODOLOGY: Sterile plastic plates were inoculated with C. albicans and A. fumigatus and placed on a countertop at three distances (30 cm, 1 m, and 2 m) and three positions in relation to the wall (near, middle, and away), considering the source of O3. Plates were exposed to O3 for one hour and incubated. After incubation, the counting of colony-forming units was performed. As a control, an inoculated plate was incubated, without being exposed to O3. Tests were carried out with two different devices (namely, Mod.I and Mod.II), with the air conditioner on and off, in triplicate. RESULTS: Both devices showed antifungal activity. Mod. I presented better results, due to a higher flow rate. The best activity was on plates at 30 cm, middle position. Contrarily, on plates at 2m, near the wall, the inhibition activity was lower. The best results were obtained with the air conditioner off. Candida albicans was more sensitive to O3 than A. fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS: This method of decontamination by O3 gas shows potential due to its fast and easy execution. The establishment of new protocols for hygiene and hospital disinfection using this approach should be considered, which may reduce environmental contamination by fungi and, consequently, the burden of fungal infections.

Electron Scattering from Methyl Formate (HCOOCH3): A Joint Theoretical and Experimental Study.

Elastic low-energy electron collisions with methyl formate have been studied theoretically at the level of various theories. The elastic integral cross section was calculated using Schwinger multichannel and R-matrix methods, in the static-exchange and static-exchange plus polarization levels of approximations for energies up to 15 eV. The absolute total cross section for electron scattering from methyl formate has been measured in a wide energy range (0.2-300 eV) using a 127° electron spectrometer working in the linear transmission configuration. The integral elastic and the absolute total cross sections display a π* shape resonance at around 1.70-1.84 eV, which can be related to the resonance visible for formic acid, and a broad structure located at 7-8 eV, which can be associated to a superposition of σ* shape resonances. Our results were compared with theoretical and experimental results available in the literature and with the results of electron collisions with formic acid. The additivity rule was used to estimate the total cross section of methyl formate and the results agree well with the experimental data.

Low-Energy Electron and Positron Scattering by para-Difluorobenzene.

The Schwinger multichannel method is employed in calculations of the elastic integral and differential cross sections for collisions of low-energy electrons and positrons with para-difluorobenzene (1,4-C6H4F2). The present calculations involving electron scattering have been performed using both static-exchange and static-exchange plus polarization levels of approximation. Our results indicate the presence of three resonances of π*-character in the low-energy region and a fourth resonance, of σ*-character, at higher energy levels. With respect to the positron scattering, the calculations were conducted using the static plus polarization approximation at three different polarization levels. The present calculated electron and positron cross sections show a reasonable agreement with the total cross sections measured by Makochekanwa et al. (J. Phys. B, 2004, 37, 1841). It is also important to highlight that our computed integral cross section for electron scattering indicates the presence of a Ramsauer-Townsend minimum, while the integral cross section for positron scattering indicates the presence of a virtual state.

Electronic State Spectroscopy of Nitromethane and Nitroethane.

High-resolution photoabsorption cross-sections in the 3.7-10.8 eV energy range are reinvestigated for nitromethane (CH3NO2), while for nitroethane (C2H5NO2), they are reported for the first time. New absorption features are observed for both molecules which have been assigned to vibronic excitations of valence, Rydberg, and mixed valence-Rydberg characters. In comparison with nitromethane, nitroethane shows mainly broad absorption bands with diffuse structures, which can be interpreted as a result of the side-chain effect contributing to an increased number of internal degrees of freedom. New theoretical quantum chemical calculations performed at the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) level were used to qualitatively help interpret the recorded photoabsorption spectra. From the photoabsorption cross-sections, photolysis lifetimes in the terrestrial atmosphere have been obtained for both compounds. Relevant internal conversion from Rydberg to valence character is noted for both molecules, while the nuclear dynamics of CH3NO2 and C2H5NO2 along the C-N reaction coordinate have been evaluated through potential energy curves at the TD-DFT level of theory, showing that the pre-dissociative character is more prevalent in nitromethane than in nitroethane.

Low-Energy Positron Scattering by Pyridine and Aniline.

Calculated differential and integral cross sections for elastic scattering of low-energy positrons by pyridine and aniline are presented here. The cross sections were obtained using the Schwinger multichannel method in the static-plus polarization approximation, and the Born closure procedure was employed to account for the long-range potential due to the permanent dipole moment of the molecule. The elastic integral cross sections are compared with available theoretical and experimental data for the same molecules finding an overall good agreement. The present results are also compared with available calculated cross sections for the close-related molecules benzene and pyrimidine, where an overall similar angular behavior of the differential cross sections is found.

Dor e fatores associados em pacientes atendidos em um serviço de urgência odontológica no sul do Brasil / Pain and associated factors in patients attending an emergency dental service in southern Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi avaliaro desfecho dor e fatores associados em pacientes atendidos em um serviço de urgência odontológica no sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados 137 prontuários provenientes de um projeto de extensão para capacitação em atendimento odontológico de urgência da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Santa Maria/RS), referentes ao período de abril de 2017 a dezembro de 2018. Os dados contidos na ficha clínica, autorrelatados pelos pacientes, foram coletados e variáveis relacionadas às características socioeconômicas, médicas e odontológicas foram submetidas à análise estatística descritiva e regressão de Poisson multivariada. A prevalência de dor nestes pacientes foi de 65,2%e a hipótese diagnósticamais prevalente foi de pulpite aguda irreversível (46,2% dos casos). A procura por atendimento foi maiorna faixa etária entre 40-59 anos (48,6%), no sexo feminino (64%), em pacientes sem nível superior (85,3%) e os dentes mais frequentemente tratados foram os posteriores (82,7%). Houve associação entre a presença de dor e variáveis médicas, sendo queos pacientes com mais de duas doençassistêmicas apresentaram maior prevalência de dor. O preenchimento inadequado dos prontuários odontológicos foi um achado comum, o que pode prejudicar o estabelecimento do perfil epidemiológico destes pacientes e o planejamento dos atendimentos futuros de forma eficiente, além de poder acarretar problemas jurídicos (AU).

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the pain outcome and associated factorsin patients attending an emergency dental service in southern Brazil. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) patient records from an extension project for emergency dental care training at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Santa Maria, RS, Brazil), relative to the period from April 2017 to December 2018, were evaluated. The data in the records, self-reported by the patients, were collected, and variables related to socioeconomic, medical and dental characteristics were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and multivariate Poisson regression. The prevalence of pain in these patients was 65.2%, and the most prevalent diagnostic hypothesis was irreversible acute pulpitis (46.2% of the cases). The demand for care was greater in the age group between40-59 years (48.6%), in women (64%), in patients without university education (85.3%), and posterior teeth were the most frequently treated (82.7%). There was an association between the presence of pain and medical variables, being that patients with morethan two systemic diseases had a higher prevalence of pain. The inadequate completion of dental records was a common finding, which can impair the establishment of the epidemiological profile of these patients and the efficient planning of future dental care services, as well as cause legal problems (AU).

Elastic Positron Collisions with 1,1-Difluoroethylene.

This work reports a theoretical investigation on the elastic-positron collision with the 1,1-difluoroethylene molecule for energies up to 10 eV. We have employed the Schwinger multichannel method in the static-plus polarization level of approximation to obtain the integral and differential cross sections. In order to account for the long-range potential due to the permanent dipole moment of the target, the Born-closure procedure has been employed. Also, our present differential cross sections have been applied to estimate a correction to the total cross section measurements available in the literature.

Effects of resistance training on postural control in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postural instability affects Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' postural control right from the early stages of the disease. The benefits of resistance training (RT) for balance and functional capacity have been described in the literature, but few studies have been conducted showing its effects on PD patients' postural control. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a three-month RT intervention on static posturography (SP) measurements and clinical functional balance assessment among PD patients. METHODS: Seventy-four patients were randomly assigned to a three-month RT intervention consisting of using weightlifting machines at a gym (gym group) or RT consisting of using free weights and elastic bands (freew group), or to a control group. The participants were evaluated at baseline, three months and six months. We evaluated changes of SP measurements under eyes-open, eyes-closed and dual-task conditions (primary endpoint), along with motor performance and balance effects by means of clinical scales, dynamic posturography and perceptions of quality of life (secondary endpoints). RESULTS: There were no significant interactions in SP measurements among the groups. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) motor scores decreased in both RT groups (p<0.05). Better perceived quality of life for the mobility domain was reported in the gym group while functional balance scores improved in the freew group, which were maintained at the six-month follow-up (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study was not able to detect changes in SP measurements following a three-month RT intervention. Both RT groups of PD patients showed improved motor performance, with positive balance effects in the freew group and better perceived quality of life in the gym group.

Effects of resistance training on postural control in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial / Efeitos de um treinamento de resistência muscular no controle postural em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: um estudo aleatorizado controlado

ABSTRACT Background: Postural instability affects Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' postural control right from the early stages of the disease. The benefits of resistance training (RT) for balance and functional capacity have been described in the literature, but few studies have been conducted showing its effects on PD patients' postural control. Objective: To investigate the effects of a three-month RT intervention on static posturography (SP) measurements and clinical functional balance assessment among PD patients. Methods: Seventy-four patients were randomly assigned to a three-month RT intervention consisting of using weightlifting machines at a gym (gym group) or RT consisting of using free weights and elastic bands (freew group), or to a control group. The participants were evaluated at baseline, three months and six months. We evaluated changes of SP measurements under eyes-open, eyes-closed and dual-task conditions (primary endpoint), along with motor performance and balance effects by means of clinical scales, dynamic posturography and perceptions of quality of life (secondary endpoints). Results: There were no significant interactions in SP measurements among the groups. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) motor scores decreased in both RT groups (p<0.05). Better perceived quality of life for the mobility domain was reported in the gym group while functional balance scores improved in the freew group, which were maintained at the six-month follow-up (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study was not able to detect changes in SP measurements following a three-month RT intervention. Both RT groups of PD patients showed improved motor performance, with positive balance effects in the freew group and better perceived quality of life in the gym group.

RESUMO Introdução: A instabilidade postural afeta o controle postural desde os estágios iniciais da doença de Parkinson (DP). A literatura descreve benefícios do programa de fortalecimento muscular no equilíbrio, na capacidade funcional, porém poucos estudos investigaram seus efeitos no controle postural na DP. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de um programa de três meses de fortalecimento nas medidas da posturografia estática (PE) e nos testes clínicos na DP. Métodos: Participaram do ensaio aleatório controlado 74 pacientes, designados em um dos seguintes grupos: fortalecimento utilizando aparelhos de musculação (gmusc); fortalecimento com pesos livres e elásticos (gpeso); e grupo controle. As avaliações ocorreram antes da intervenção, 3 e 6 meses após intervenção. Foram avaliados alterações nas medidas da PE nas condições de olhos abertos, olhos fechados e dupla tarefa (desfecho primário), efeitos sobre sintomas motores, equilíbrio por meio de escalas clínicas, posturografia dinâmica e percepção da qualidade de vida (desfechos secundários). Resultados: Não houve interações significativas nas medidas da PE entre os grupos. As pontuações motoras da Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson (UPDRS-III) diminuíram em ambos os grupos de fortalecimento (p<0,05). Houve melhora da percepção da qualidade de vida para o domínio mobilidade no gmusc, assim como ganhos nas pontuações dos testes funcionais no gpeso, mantido no seguimento após seis meses (p<0,05). Conclusões: O programa de fortalecimento não altera o controle postural medida pela PE. Apesar disso, ambos os grupos de fortalecimento apresentaram melhor desempenho motor, efeitos positivos a médio prazo no equilíbrio no gpeso e melhor desempenho na qualidade de vida no gmusc.

Assistance to planned home childbirth: professional trajectory and specificities of the obstetric nurse care / Asistencia al parto domiciliario planificado: trayectoria profesional y especificidades de la atención de la enfermera especializada en obstetricia / Assistência ao parto domiciliar planejado: trajetória profissional e especificidades do cuidado da enfermeira obstétrica

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the professional trajectory of obstetric nurses, who work in planned home childbirth. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted with 12 obstetric nurses who work in planned home childbirth. The participants were recruited using the non-probabilistic Snowball Sampling technique. In this perspective, semi-structured interviews were used, applied during the months of August to November 2018, in private places in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The collected data were submitted to content analysis in the thematic modality. Results: the research pointed out the value of experience and professional training - important milestones - in the setting of planned home childbirth, and motivators for the work of the professionals, as they enable autonomy. It is also emphasized the need for the obstetric nurse to acquire different skills for home childbirth, not covered during the training process. Conclusion: the results consolidate that obstetric nurses, who work in planned home childbirth and have a professional trajectory focused on the constant theoretical improvement associated with an approximation with "experts" in the area, provide experience, safety and quality of obstetric care, as well as autonomous action, in this care-related setting.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la trayectoria profesional de las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia, que se desempeñan en el parto domiciliario planificado. Método: estudio descriptivo y exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo, realizado con 12 enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia que se desempeñan en el parto domiciliario planificado. Las participantes fueron captadas por medio de la técnica no probabilística Snowball Sampling. Desde esta perspectiva, se emplearon entrevistas semiestructuradas, aplicadas durante los meses de agosto a noviembre de 2018, en lugares privados de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. Los datos recolectados fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido bajo la modalidad temática. Resultados: la investigación señaló el valor de la experiencia y de la capacitación profesional, marcos importantes en el ámbito del parto domiciliario planificado, además de ser factores motivadores para el desempeño de las profesionales, por posibilitar su autonomía. También se destaca la necesidad de que las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia adquieran habilidades diferenciadas para el parto domiciliario, no contempladas durante el proceso de formación académica. Conclusión: los resultados consolidan que las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia, que se desempeñan en el parto domiciliario planificado y tienen una trayectoria profesional enfocada, en la mejora teórica constante asociada a un acercamiento a "expertos" en el área, proporcionan experiencia, seguridad y calidad de asistencia obstétrica, así como un desempeño autónoma, en este ámbito de atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a trajetória profissional das enfermeiras obstétricas, que atuam em parto domiciliar planejado. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com 12 enfermeiras obstétricas que atuam no parto domiciliar planejado. O recrutamento das participantes ocorreu por meio da técnica não probabilística Snowball Sampling. Nessa perspectiva, foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicadas durante os meses de agosto a novembro de 2018, em locais privados na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. Resultados: a pesquisa apontou o valor da experiência e da capacitação profissional - marcos importantes - no cenário do parto domiciliar planejado, e motivadores para a atuação das profissionais, por possibilitarem a autonomia. Ressalta-se, também, a necessidade da enfermeira obstétrica em adquirir habilidades diferenciadas para o parto domiciliar, não contempladas durante o processo de formação. Conclusão: os resultados consolidam que as enfermeiras obstétricas, as quais atuam no parto domiciliar planejado têm uma trajetória profissional focada, no constante aprimoramento teórico associado a uma aproximação com "experts" na área, conferindo experiência, segurança e qualidade da assistência obstétrica, bem como uma atuação autônoma, neste cenário de cuidado.

A Complete Cross Section Data Set for Electron Scattering by Pyridine: Modelling Electron Transport in the Energy Range 0-100 eV.

Electron scattering cross sections for pyridine in the energy range 0-100 eV, which we previously measured or calculated, have been critically compiled and complemented here with new measurements of electron energy loss spectra and double differential ionization cross sections. Experimental techniques employed in this study include a linear transmission apparatus and a reaction microscope system. To fulfill the transport model requirements, theoretical data have been recalculated within our independent atom model with screening corrected additivity rule and interference effects (IAM-SCAR) method for energies above 10 eV. In addition, results from the R-matrix and Schwinger multichannel with pseudopotential methods, for energies below 15 eV and 20 eV, respectively, are presented here. The reliability of this complete data set has been evaluated by comparing the simulated energy distribution of electrons transmitted through pyridine, with that observed in an electron-gas transmission experiment under magnetic confinement conditions. In addition, our representation of the angular distribution of the inelastically scattered electrons is discussed on the basis of the present double differential cross section experimental results.

Demência rapidamente progressiva por linfoma primário do sistema nervoso central: um relato de caso / Rapidly progressive dementia due to primary central nervous system lymphoma: a case report

As demências rapidamente progressivas são condições que impactam a vida do paciente, entretanto nem sempre são consideradas durante a investigação da síndrome demencial. Este relato descreve uma paciente portadora de artrite reumatoide em uso crônico de corticoterapia que evoluiu com um quadro de demência rapidamente progressiva no período de cinco meses. Durante a investigação, evidenciou-se o linfoma primário de sistema nervoso central como causa de sua síndrome demencial. Faz-se importante destacar que o uso prolongado de corticoide pode estar associado a um estado de imunossupressão, o que é fator de risco para o surgimento do linfoma de sistema nervoso central.

Rapidly progressive dementias are conditions that worsening the patient's life; however they are not always considered during the investigation of dementia syndrome. This report describes the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic use of corticosteroid therapy, who developed rapidly progressive dementia within 5 months. During the investigation, the primary lymphoma of the central nervous system was evidenced as the cause of its dementia syndrome. Importantly, prolonged use of corticosteroids may be associated with a state of immunosuppression, which is a risk factor for the onset of central nervous system lymphoma.

Is virtual reality beneficial for dual-task gait training in patients with Parkinson's disease? A systematic review.

This systematic review examined the evidence about the effects of virtual reality (VR) on dual-task gait training in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: this study (PROSPERO registration CRD42019114736) aimed to answer the question: "Is VR beneficial for dual-task gait training in patients with PD?" We searched for studies from 2008 to 2018 on Medline/PubMed and Web of Science/Web of knowledge databases. The keywords were Parkinson AND gait training AND virtual reality OR Parkinson AND gait training AND game. A total of 55 articles were retrieved, of which 11 systematic reviews, 11 opinions, letters to the editor, posters or conferences abstracts and 17 studies not evaluating the effects of VR gait training were excluded. Three further studies addressing VR dual-task gait training in PD (found in references of studies selected) were also included. Therefore, 19 studies were included and analysed. RESULTS: all studies reported gait improvement after VR training. Many clinical scales were used, hampering comparison of the effects of each protocol. CONCLUSION: VR dual-task gait training should be part of rehabilitation protocols for PD. The studies showed that VR training was effective, although specific guidelines have not yet been established.

Essa revisão sistemática examinou as evidências sobre os efeitos da realidade virtual (RV) no treinamento de marcha com tarefa-dupla na doença de Parkinson (DP). MÉTODOS: esse estudo (registro PROSPERO: CRD42019114736) visou responder à questão: "A RV é benéfica no treinamento de marcha com tarefa-dupla em pacientes com DP?" A busca, de 2008 a 2018, foi feita nos bancos de dados Medline/PubMed e Web of Science/Web of Knowledge. Os descritores foram Parkinson, treinamento de marcha, realidade virtual e jogos eletrônicos. Foram encontrados 55 artigos e eliminadas 11 revisões sistemáticas, 11 cartas ao editor, resumos de pôsteres ou conferências e 17 estudos que não avaliaram os efeitos do treinamento da marcha em RV. Três outros estudos (encontrados nas referências dos estudos selecionados) foram incluídos porque também abordaram o treinamento de marcha com dupla tarefa de RV em DP. Portanto, 19 estudos foram incluídos e analisados. RESULTADOS: todos os estudos relataram melhora da marcha após o treinamento com RV. Muitas escalas clínicas foram usadas e foi difícil comparar os efeitos de cada protocolo. CONCLUSÃO: RV deve fazer parte dos protocolos de reabilitação em DP. O treinamento com RV é eficaz, embora recomendações específicas ainda não tenham sido estabelecidas.

Is virtual reality beneficial for dual-task gait training in patients with Parkinson's disease? A systematic review / A realidade virtual é benéfica para o treino de marcha com tarefa dupla em pacientes com doença de parkinson? revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT This systematic review examined the evidence about the effects of virtual reality (VR) on dual-task gait training in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: this study (PROSPERO registration CRD42019114736) aimed to answer the question: "Is VR beneficial for dual-task gait training in patients with PD?" We searched for studies from 2008 to 2018 on Medline/PubMed and Web of Science/Web of knowledge databases. The keywords were Parkinson AND gait training AND virtual reality OR Parkinson AND gait training AND game. A total of 55 articles were retrieved, of which 11 systematic reviews, 11 opinions, letters to the editor, posters or conferences abstracts and 17 studies not evaluating the effects of VR gait training were excluded. Three further studies addressing VR dual-task gait training in PD (found in references of studies selected) were also included. Therefore, 19 studies were included and analysed. Results: all studies reported gait improvement after VR training. Many clinical scales were used, hampering comparison of the effects of each protocol. Conclusion: VR dual-task gait training should be part of rehabilitation protocols for PD. The studies showed that VR training was effective, although specific guidelines have not yet been established.

RESUMO Essa revisão sistemática examinou as evidências sobre os efeitos da realidade virtual (RV) no treinamento de marcha com tarefa-dupla na doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos: esse estudo (registro PROSPERO: CRD42019114736) visou responder à questão: "A RV é benéfica no treinamento de marcha com tarefa-dupla em pacientes com DP?" A busca, de 2008 a 2018, foi feita nos bancos de dados Medline/PubMed e Web of Science/Web of Knowledge. Os descritores foram Parkinson, treinamento de marcha, realidade virtual e jogos eletrônicos. Foram encontrados 55 artigos e eliminadas 11 revisões sistemáticas, 11 cartas ao editor, resumos de pôsteres ou conferências e 17 estudos que não avaliaram os efeitos do treinamento da marcha em RV. Três outros estudos (encontrados nas referências dos estudos selecionados) foram incluídos porque também abordaram o treinamento de marcha com dupla tarefa de RV em DP. Portanto, 19 estudos foram incluídos e analisados. Resultados: todos os estudos relataram melhora da marcha após o treinamento com RV. Muitas escalas clínicas foram usadas e foi difícil comparar os efeitos de cada protocolo. Conclusão: RV deve fazer parte dos protocolos de reabilitação em DP. O treinamento com RV é eficaz, embora recomendações específicas ainda não tenham sido estabelecidas.

Elastic collisions of low-energy positrons with tetrahydrofuran.

We report a study on the scattering of low-energy positrons by the biological relevant molecule tetrahydrofuran. The present calculated integral and differential cross sections were obtained with the Schwinger multichannel method in the static plus polarization approximation. The Born closure procedure was employed to account for the long range potential due to the permanent dipole moment of the molecule. The present results are compared with the available experimental data of Zecca et al. [J. Phys. B 38, 2079 (2005)] and Chiari et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 138, 074301 (2013)], and with the theoretical results of Franz and Gianturco [J. Chem. Phys. 139, 204309 (2013)] and Chiari et al. In general, we found a good agreement between our results and the experimental data, whereas the calculated integral cross sections (ICSs) obtained with different methods differ in magnitude. We also found a very good agreement between our calculated differential cross sections and the results of Franz and Gianturco and also with the experimental data of Chiari et al. Moreover, we also employed our calculated differential cross sections to provide a correction of the experimental total cross section of Zecca et al., due to the angular resolution errors, which improved the agreement between our ICSs and the experimental data of Zecca et al.

Relationship Between Posturography, Clinical Balance and Executive Function in Parkinson´s Disease.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between posturography, clinical balance, and executive function tests in Parkinson´s disease (PD). Seventy-one people participated in the study. Static posturography evaluated the center of pressure fluctuations in quiet standing and dynamic posturography assessed sit-to-stand, tandem walk, and step over an obstacle. Functional balance was evaluated by Berg Balance Scale, MiniBESTest, and Timed Up and Go test. Executive function was assessed by Trail Making Test (TMT) and semantic verbal fluency test. Step over obstacle measures (percentage of body weight transfer and movement time) were moderately correlated to Timed Up and Go, part B of TMT and semantic verbal fluency (r > 0.40; p < 0.05 in all relationships). Stepping over an obstacle assesses the responses to internal perturbations. Participants with shorter movement times and higher percentage of body weight transfer (higher lift up index) on this task were also faster in Timed Up and Go, part B of TMT, and semantic verbal fluency. All these tasks require executive function (problem solving, sequencing, shifting attention), which is affected by PD and contribute to postural assessment.

Low-energy electron collisions with proline and pyrrolidine: A comparative study.

We present a comparative study on the calculated cross sections obtained for the elastic collisions of low-energy electrons with the amino acid proline (C5H9NO2) and its building block pyrrolidine (C4H9N). We employed the Schwinger multichannel method implemented with pseudopotentials to compute integral, differential, and momentum transfer cross sections in the static-exchange plus polarization approximation, for energies up to 15 eV. We report three shape resonances for proline at around 1.7 eV, 6.8 eV, and 10 eV and two shape resonances for pyrrolidine centered at 7 eV and 10.2 eV. The present resonance energies are compared with available experimental data on vertical attachment energies and dissociative electron attachment, where a good agreement is found. From the comparison of the present results with available calculated cross sections for the simplest carboxylic acid, formic acid (HCOOH), and from electronic structure calculations, we found that the first resonance of proline, at 1.7 eV, is due the presence of the carboxylic group, whereas the other two structures, at 6.8 eV and 10 eV, clearly arise from the pyrrolidine ring. A comparison between the differential cross sections for proline and pyrrolidine at some selected energies of the incident electron is also reported in this paper.

Avaliação interdisciplinar da diadococinesia: um estudo piloto / Evaluación interdisciplinaria de la diadococinesia: un estudio piloto / Interdisciplinary diadochokinesis assessment: a pilot study

RESUMO Diadococinesia é a capacidade de executar movimentos rápidos, repetidos e alternados. Testes de diadococinesia podem avaliar tanto a fala quanto os membros superiores. O objetivo primário foi apresentar um protocolo interdisciplinar de avaliação da diadococinesia. Os objetivos secundários foram comparar o desempenho com os diferentes fonemas do teste de diadococinesia oral (/papapa/, /tatata/, /kakaka/ e /pataka/), comparar o desempenho com as diferentes condições do teste de diadococinesia de membros superiores (realizado com ambos os membros superiores de forma espelhada, apenas com o membro superior direito, apenas com o membro superior esquerdo, com ambos os membros superiores de forma alternada) e investigar possíveis relações entre diadococinesia oral e de membros superiores. Participaram quinze adultos/idosos saudáveis de 40 a 70 anos. Os dados foram representados por estatística descritiva. Os números de sílabas nas condições /papapa/, /tatata/, /kakaka/ e /pataka/ e os números de movimentos nas condições espelhado, direito, esquerdo e alternado foram comparados por ANOVA e correlacionados pelo teste de Pearson. Não houve diferença significativa nos resultados entre os fonemas do teste de diadococinesia oral (p<0,001). Houve diferença entre as condições avaliadas no teste de diadococinesia dos membros superiores (p<0,001). O número de fonemas repetidos esteve correlacionado com o desempenho alternado de membros superiores. Concluiu-se que a correlação entre os escores dos testes de diadococinesia oral e de membros superiores pode ser explicada pelo fato de a programação motora e a linguagem estarem predominantemente representadas no hemisfério esquerdo. Áreas cerebrais comuns/conectadas ou programas motores em comum podem nortear essas tarefas.

RESUMEN Diócocinesia es la capacidad de realizar movimientos rápidos, repetidos y alternados. Las pruebas de diadococinesia pueden evaluar tanto el habla como los miembros superiores. El objetivo primario ha sido presentar un protocolo interdisciplinario de evaluación de la diadococinesia. Los objetivos secundarios han sido comparar el rendimiento con los diferentes fonemas de la prueba de diadococinesia oral (/papapa/, /tatata/, /kakaka/ y /pataka/), comparar el rendimiento con las diferentes condiciones de la prueba de diadococinesia de miembros superiores (realizado con ambos miembros superiores de forma reflejada, sólo con el miembro superior derecho, sólo con el miembro superior izquierdo, con ambos los miembros superiores de forma alternada) e investigar posibles relaciones entre diadococinesia oral y de miembros superiores. Participaron quince adultos/ancianos sanos de 40 a 70 años. Se representaron los datos por estadística descriptiva. Los números de sílabas en las condiciones /papapa/, /tatata/, /kakaka/ y /pataka/ y los números de movimientos en las condiciones reflejada, derecha, izquierda y alternada han se comparado por ANOVA y se correlacionado por la prueba de Pearson. No hubo diferencia significativa en los resultados entre los fonemas de la prueba de diadococinesia oral (p<0.001). Se observó diferencia entre las condiciones evaluadas en la prueba de diadococinesia de los miembros superiores (p<0.001). El número de fonemas repetidos estuvo correlacionado con el rendimiento alternado de miembros superiores. Se concluyó que la correlación entre los escores de las pruebas de diadococinesia oral y de miembros superiores puede ser explicada por el hecho de que la programación motora y el lenguaje están predominantemente representadas en el hemisferio izquierdo. Las áreas cerebrales comunes/conectadas o programas motores en común pueden guiar esas tareas.

ABSTRACT Diadochokinesis is the ability to perform fast, repeated and alternate movements. Diadochokinesis tests can assess both speech and upper extremities. The primary objective was to present an interdisciplinary diadochokinesis assessment protocol. The secondary objectives were to compare the performance with different phonemes of the oral diadochokinesis test (/papapa/, /tatata/, /kakaka/ and /pataka/); to compare the performance with different conditions of the upper extremities diadochokinesis test (conducted with both upper extremities in a mirrored manner, only with the right upper extremity, only with the left upper extremity, with both upper extremities in an alternately manner); and to investigate possible relationships between oral and upper extremities diadochokinesis. A total of fifteen healthy adults/seniors from 40 to 70 years old participated. Data were represented by descriptive statistics. The syllable numbers in /papapa/, /tatata/, /kakaka/ and /pataka/ conditions and the numbers of movements in mirrored, right, left and alternated conditions were compared by ANOVA and correlated by Pearson test. There was no significant difference in results between the phonemes of oral diadochokinesis test (p<0.001). There was difference between the conditions assessed in the upper extremities diadochokinesis test (p<0.001). The number of repeated phonemes was correlated with the alternate performance of upper extremities. We concluded that the correlation between scores of oral and upper extremities diadochokinesis tests can be explained by the fact that motor and language programs are predominantly represented in the left hemisphere. Common/connected brain areas or motor programs in common can guide these tasks.

Cognitive or Cognitive-Motor Executive Function Tasks? Evaluating Verbal Fluency Measures in People with Parkinson's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Executive function deficits are observed in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) from early stages and have great impact on daily living activities. Verbal fluency and oral diadochokinesia involve phonarticulatory coordination, response inhibition, and phonological processing and may also be affected in people with PD. This study aimed to describe the performance of PD patients and an age- and education-matched control group on executive function, verbal fluency, and oral diadochokinesia tests and to investigate possible relationships between them. METHODS: Forty people with PD and forty controls were evaluated with Trail Making Test (TMT, executive function) and phonemic/semantic verbal fluency and oral diadochokinesia (/pataka/) tests. Groups were compared by ANOVA and relationships were investigated by Pearson tests. RESULTS: People with PD showed longer times in parts A and B of TMT. They also said fewer words in phonemic/semantic verbal fluency tests and less syllables in the diadochokinesia test. Oral diadochokinesia strongly correlated to parts A and B of TMT and to phonemic verbal fluency. CONCLUSION: Oral diadochokinesia was correlated to executive function and verbal fluency. The cognitive-motor interaction in verbal fluency and oral diadochokinesia must be considered not to overestimate the cognitive or motor impairments in people with PD.

Shape resonances, virtual state, and Ramsauer-Townsend minimum in the low-energy electron collisions with benzene.

In this work, we revisit the low-energy electron scattering by benzene. We employed the Schwinger multichannel method implemented with pseudopotentials to carry out systematic cross section calculations with different schemes of polarization for the resonant and the totally symmetric irreducible representations within the D2h symmetry group. We present integral and differential cross sections for incident electron energies up to 12 eV and discuss the shape resonances and the presence of a Ramsauer-Townsend minimum and a virtual state in the former. We also discuss the relation of these physical phenomena with the different schemes of the polarization effects employed in our calculations. Finally, the comparison of our calculated integral and differential cross sections with the available data from the literature suggests improvement in the agreement between theory and experiment.