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ABSTRACT Objective: To compare swallowing and bolus transit time through the oral cavity and pharynx between well-fitted complete denture wearers and toothed individuals. Methods: Altogether, 27 complete denture wearers (43 to 77 years old) and 26 controls (41 to 74 years old) were examined with videofluoroscopic swallowing study using liquid, pureed, and solid (crackers and toasts) bolus, twice and in a random sequence. Denture wearers were assessed with and without dentures. Results: Individuals wearing dentures had oral residues after swallowing liquid (in 56% of swallows) and pureed boluses (in 71% of swallows) and with toasts (in 41% of swallows), more often than controls (liquid 13%, pureed 43% and toast 15% of swallows, p ≤ 0.04). In denture wearers, the oral, upper esophageal sphincter, and pharyngeal transit times were longer after swallowing liquid bolus; the pharyngeal and oropharyngeal transit times were longer after swallowing pureed bolus; and the oropharyngeal transit time was longer after eating crackers. Assessment results without dentures were closer to that of controls when swallowing pureed bolus. Laryngeal aspiration was not observed in any of the individuals. Conclusion: Removable complete denture wearers tend to have longer pharyngeal transit time than toothed individuals. Although oral residues and longer pharyngeal transit in individuals wearing dentures increase the risk of airway aspiration, this investigation did not verify such a condition.

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease causes digestive anatomic and functional changes, including the loss of the myenteric plexus and abnormal esophageal radiologic and manometric findings. Objective: To evaluate the association of abnormal esophageal radiologic findings, cardiac changes, distal esophageal contractions, and complaints of dysphagia and constipation in upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter basal pressure in Chagas disease patients. Methods: The study evaluated 99 patients with Chagas disease and 40 asymptomatic normal volunteers. The patients had normal esophageal radiologic examination (n=61) or esophageal retention without an increase in esophageal diameter (n=38). UES and LES pressure was measured with the rapid pull-through method in a 4-channel water-perfused round catheter. Before manometry, the patients were asked about dysphagia and constipation and submitted to electrocardiography and chest radiography. Results: The amplitude of esophageal distal contraction decreased from controls to chagasic patients with esophageal retention. The proportion of failed and simultaneous contractions increased in patients with abnormal radiologic examination (P

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study are to compare absolute values of acromial index (AI) and critical shoulder angle (CSA) obtained in both radiographs and magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the shoulder; and to compare the interobserver and intra-observer agreement for AI and CSA values measured in these image modalities. Methods Patients who had medical indication of investigating shoulders conditions through radiographs and MRI were included. Images were taken to two fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons, which conducted measurements of AI and CSA in radiographs and in MRI. Twelve weeks after the first evaluation, a second evaluation was conducted. Inter- and intra-observer reliability was presented as an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and agreement was classified according to Landis & Koch criteria. The differences between two measurements were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Results 134 shoulders in 124 subjects were included. Mean intra-observer ICC for CSA in X-rays and in MRI were 0.936 and 0.940, respectively; for AI, 0.908 and 0.022. Mean inter-observer ICC for CSA were 0.892 and 0.752 in X-rays and MRI respectively; for AI, ICC values were 0.849 and 0.685. All individual analysis reached statistical power (p< 0.001). Mean difference for AI values measured in X-rays and in MRI was 0.01 and 0.03 for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Mean difference for CSA values obtained in X-rays and MRI was 0.16 and 0.58 for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion Both MRI and X-rays provided high intra- and interobserver agreement for measurement of AI and CSA. Absolute values found for AI and CSA were highly correlated in both image modalities. These findings suggest that MRI is a suitable method to measure AI and CSA. Level of Evidence II, Diagnostic Study.

ABSTRACT Background: Diets with modified consistencies for patients with dysphagia in long term care health institutions may be associated with malnutrition. Objective : To assess the nutritional status of adult patients with cerebral palsy and dysphagia hospitalized in a health institution for more than 10 years. Methods : This prospective investigation was performed in 56 patients with cerebral palsy (ages 25 to 71 years, mean: 44±12 years) and no other neurological diagnosis in hospital stay for more than 10 years had their nutritional status, dysphagia, and food ingestion capacity assessed in two moments with a 12-month interval in between them, respectively using the body mass index, the dysphagia risk assessment protocol (PARD), and the functional oral ingestion scale (FOIS). Results : There were no differences between December 2015 and December 2016 in the patients’ weight, nutritional status, diet consistency classification, PARD, and FOIS. The limits of prescribed diet consistency (IDDSI-FDS) and the assessments of dysphagia and functional eating level influenced the nutritional status. More intense dysphagia and greater eating restrictions were associated with a worse nutritional status. Conclusion : The nutritional status of adult patients with cerebral palsy hospitalized in a health long term institution who had modified diets according to their swallowing and mastication capacity did not worsen between assessments with a 12-month interval in between them. The severity of dysphagia and diet restrictions interfere with the patients’ nutritional status: dysphagia and more intense eating restrictions are associated with a worse nutritional status.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the recognition of salty, sweet, and citrus tastes in complete denture wearers. Methods: the study included toothless individuals (experimental group) who had been using, for at least 3 months and at the most 5 years, acrylic resin removable bimaxillary complete dentures in good condition and with adequate maxillo-mandibular relationship. The same assessment was performed in the control group, which had 26 toothed individuals. Volunteers had no difficulties ingesting any type of food. Salty, sweet, and citrus tastes were assessed with filter paper strips soaked in such solutions and placed on the tongue dorsum. Assessments were performed in duplicate and in random order. Results: the percentage rate of errors was similar between the control (9.6±13.5%) and experimental groups (10.5±15.5%) (p=0.80). There was no difference in the frequency of correct perception of tastes between denture wearers and toothed individuals. Conclusion: individuals who wore acrylic resin removable bimaxillary complete dentures perceived salty, sweet, and citrus tastes like toothed individuals did.

Global environmental impacts such as climate change require behavior from society that aims to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the substitution of fossil fuels with other energy sources. An important aspect of efficient and sustainable management of the electricity supply in Brazil is the prediction of some variables of the national electric system (NES), such as the price of differences settlement (PLD) and wind speed for wind energy. In this context, the present study investigated two distinct forecasting approaches. The first involved the combination of deep artificial neural network techniques, long short-term memory (LSTM), and multilayer perceptron (MLP), optimized through the canonical genetic algorithm (GA). The second approach focused on machine committees including MLP, decision tree, linear regression, and support vector machine (SVM) in one committee, and MLP, LSTM, SVM, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) in another. The results indicate that the hybrid AG + LSTM algorithm demonstrated the best performance for PLD, with a mean squared error (MSE) of 4.68. For wind speed, there is a MSE of 1.26. These solutions aim to contribute to the Brazilian electricity market’s decision making.

Abstract Immunity with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the acute phase is not sufficiently well understood to differentiate mild from severe cases and identify prognostic markers. We evaluated the immune response profile using a total of 71 biomarkers in sera from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by RT-PCR and controls. We correlated biological marker levels with negative control (C) asymptomatic (A), nonhospitalized (mild cases-M), and hospitalized (severe cases-S) groups. Among angiogenesis markers, we identified biomarkers that were more frequently elevated in severe cases when compared to the other groups (C, A, and M). Among cardiovascular diseases, there were biomarkers with differences between the groups, with D-dimer, GDF-15, and sICAM-1 higher in the S group. The levels of the biomarkers Myoglobin and P-Selectin were lower among patients in group M compared to those in groups S and A. Important differences in cytokines and chemokines according to the clinical course were identified. Severe cases presented altered levels when compared to group C. This study helps to characterize biological markers related to angiogenesis, growth factors, heart disease, and cytokine/chemokine production in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, offering prognostic signatures and a basis for understanding the biological factors in disease severity.

Abstract In this study, the manufacturing process of lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (AZT) tablets (150+300 mg respectively) was evaluated using statistical process control (SPC) tools. These medicines are manufactured by the Fundação para o Remédio Popular “Chopin Tavares de Lima” (FURP) laboratory, and are distributed free of charge to patients infected with HIV by the Ministry of Health DST/AIDS national program. Data of 529 batches manufactured from 2012 to 2015 were collected. The critical quality attributes of weight variation, uniformity of dosage units, and dissolution were evaluated. Process stability was assessed using control charts, and the capability indices Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk (process capability; process capability adjusted for non-centered distribution; potential or global capability of the process; and potential process capability adjusted for non-centered distribution, respectively) were evaluated. 3TC dissolution data from 2013 revealed a non-centered process and lack of consistency compared to the other years, showing Cpk and Ppk lower than 1.0 and the chance of failure of 2,483 in 1,000,000 tablets. Dissolution data from 2015 showed process improvement, revealed by Cpk and Ppk equal to 2.19 and 1.99, respectively. Overall, the control charts and capability indices showed the variability of the process and special causes. Additionally, it was possible to point out the opportunities for process changes, which are fundamental for understanding and supporting a continuous improvement environment.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is the most frequent digestive symptom in Chagas disease, although other symptoms are reported. These symptoms can be associated with the degree of radiological impairment of the esophagus and the duration of dysphagia. OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed to assess the symptoms and the time of dysphagia related to the different degrees of megaesophagus in patients with Chagas disease. METHODS: A total of 29 patients aged 48 to 73 years participated in this investigation. All of them had dysphagia and a positive serum result for Chagas disease. They were submitted to the assessment of symptoms and radiological examination of the esophagus to assess the degree of megaesophagus, which ranged from I (mild change) to IV (intense change). Dysphagia was quantified with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). RESULTS: Twelve (41%) patients had megaesophagus degree I, 9 (31%) had degree II, and 8 (28%) had degrees III (6) and IV (2). The intensity of dysphagia was not related to the result of the radiological examination, with EAT-10 median of 5.5 for the degree I, 9.0 for degree II, and 5.5 for degrees III and IV (P>0.25). Choking (14%), regurgitation (21%), voice complaint (21%), weight loss (17%), and odynophagia (17%) were not related to the degree of megaesophagus. Voice changes and odynophagia were related to the patients’ time of dysphagia. Likewise, the frequency of symptoms and EAT-10 values were related to the duration of dysphagia. CONCLUSION: The longer the patient had dysphagia, the more frequent were the symptoms reported by the patients. There was no relationship between the degrees of megaesophagus and the symptoms and intensity of dysphagia.

Introduction The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a muscular structure located at the transition from the pharynx to the esophagus, with the cricopharyngeal muscle as the most important component. During gastroesophageal reflux, the pressure in the UES elevates, which is apparently a protective mechanism to prevent esophagopharyngeal reflux and airway aspiration. In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there may be functional changes in the UES. Objective The objective of the present review was to determine UES functional changes in GERD. Data Synthesis In healthy individuals, gastroesophageal reflux causes an increase in the UES pressure. This response of the sphincter is at least partially impaired in patients with GERD. In the disease, the UES has a reduced length and decreased resting pressure. However, other publications found that in chronic gastroesophageal reflux the basal sphincter pressure increase, differences which may be consequent to the measurement method or to disease severity. The UES opening during swallowing has a smaller diameter, and the bolus transit time through the sphincter is longer. Conclusion The UES of patients with GERD does not open as expected and the bolus flow through the sphincter is longer. This behavior may be associated with dysphagia, a frequent complaint in patients with GERD.

O crédito é fundamental para o acesso as necessidades especiais do homem, tais como moradia, educação e saúde, principalmente para satisfazer a dignidade humana. No Direito Romano, a substituição da posição de devedor e credor era inadmissível, sendo frequentemente utilizada a figura da novação, mediante a delegatio, a expromissio e as ações úteis. Somente a partir do século XIX, o Direito passou a explorar a criação de instrumentos jurídicos que viabilizassem a substituição da posição do credor e do devedor. Dessa forma, a presente pesquisa se propõe a examinar a disciplina da transmissão das obriçações no Direito Civil, através das semelhanças e diferenças entre os institutos da cessão de crédito e da assunção de dívida.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the number of citations in papers conducted in Brazil and published in the journal Dysphagia between 2001 and 2020 with that of papers conducted in other countries and published in the same number, volume, and year. Methods: in September 2021, the study assessed the number of citations received by Brazilian papers (n = 34) and reference group papers - which counted two for every Brazilian one (n = 68), published in the same number, volume, and year, between 2001 and 2020. Results: Brazilian papers published in the period had a lower mean number of citations (14.6) than those in the reference group (23.1, p = 0.01). From 2001 to 2010, the mean number of citations in the reference group (31.1) was greater than that of the Brazilian papers (16.7, p = 0.03), though not between 2011 and 2020 (Brazilians: 13.1, reference group: 17.5, p = 0.23). Two Brazilian papers (5.9%) and 18 from other countries (26.5%) received more than 30 citations between 2001 and 2020. Conclusion: the results suggest that the number of citations received by Brazilian papers is not influenced by the time since they have been published, unlike the papers in the reference group.

This paper provided a list of all new Brazilian Hexapoda species described in 2020. Furthermore, based on the information extracted by this list, we tackled additional questions regarding the taxa, the specialists involved in the species descriptions as well as the journals in which those papers have been published. We recorded a total of 680 new Brazilian species of Hexapoda described in 2020, classified in 245 genera, 112 families and 18 orders. These 680 species were published in a total of 2019 articles comprising 423 different authors residing in 27 countries. Only 30% of these authors are women, which demonstrates an inequality regarding sexes. In relation to the number of authors by species, the majority of the new species had two authors and the maximum of authors by species was five. We also found inequalities in the production of described species regarding the regions of Brazil, with Southeast and South leading. The top 10 institutions regarding productions of new species have four in the Southeast, two at South and with one at North Region being the outlier of this pattern. Out of the total 219 published articles, Zootaxa dominated with 322 described species in 95 articles. The average impact factor was of 1.4 with only seven articles being published in Impact Factors above 3, indicating a hardship on publishing taxonomic articles in high-impact journals. The highlight of this paper is that it is unprecedent, as no annual record of Hexapoda species described was ever made in previous years to Brazil.

Resumo: Neste trabalho, descrevemos os resultados da aplicação, do exame clínico objetivo estruturado por estações, com emprego de pacientes padronizados, para avaliação final de 41 estudantes que concluíram a disciplina de Semiologia Geral da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto . Foram construídas 6 estações, com duração de 6 minutos cada, para avaliação de aspectos da tomada da história clínica em pacientes simulados e da realização do exame clínico em pacientes reais. Uma semana após o exame, os estudantes responderam a um questionário com itens sobre sua percepção da prova. A aplicação destes métodos permitiu a obtenção de informações muito detalhadas, tanto sobre o desempenho geral dos estudantes, como sobre virtudes e defeitos da disciplina que os mesmos haviam acabado de cursar. A percepção dos estudantes sobre aspectos gerais do exame, como seleção de tarefas, casos e conteúdos foi satisfatória. No entanto, relataram dificuldades importantes com o controle do tempo em cada estação e referiram que o exame foi muito estressante. Estes fatores, que podem estar ligados a aspectos de ordem cultural mais amplos, devem ser levados em consideração quando da introdução, em outros centros, destes métodos inovadores de avaliação de habilidades clínicas, já consagrados em outros países.

Resumo Neste trabalho, descreve-se a sistemática adotada para a aplicação, de dois métodos inovadores de avaliação objetiva de habilidades clínicas. A técnica de exame clínico objetivo estruturado por estações, com o uso de pacientes padronizados, foi preparada para ser aplicada na avaliação final dos estudantes que concluirem uma disciplina que visa ensinar a realização da Observação Clínica (Anamnese e Exame Físico) na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Foram elaboradas 6 estações com duração de 6 minutos cada. Duas estações foram ocupadas por pacientes simulados, para avaliação de tomada de história clínica. As 4 estações restantes foram ocupadas com pacientes reais para a avaliação de aspectos do exame físico. Em todas as estações previu-se também, avaliar a interação do estudante com os pacientes. Nas 4 estações de exame físico, o estudante tem, ainda, que responder a questões breves sobre os achados encontrados. O desempenho dos estudantes em cada estação será avaliado por docentes com o emprego de protocolos de observação estruturados e padronizados, cujos conteúdos são descritos neste artigo.

ABSTRACT Background: Few Brazilian studies investigated risk factors for dysphagia and associated complications in a large cohort. Objective: To investigate frequency, predictors, and associated outcomes of dysphagia in patients up to three months post-stroke. Methods: Prospective cohort study of consecutively admitted patients in a specialized center for acute stroke. Patients with a transient ischemic attack, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, hemorrhagic stroke with secondary cause, non-acute stroke, or those who did not consent to participate were excluded. Swallowing was evaluated by speech language pathologists using Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test. General function at three months post-stroke was assessed using the following instruments: Modified Rankin scale, Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure. Results: A total of 831 patients were admitted and 305 patients were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 63.6±13.3 years, mean time from stroke to swallowing assessment was 4.2±4.1 days, and 45.2% of the patients had dysphagia. Age (OR=1.02; 95%CI 1.00-1.04; p=0.017), known medical history of obstructive sleep apnea (OR=5.13; 95%CI 1.74-15.15; p=0.003), and stroke severity at hospital admission (OR=1.10; 95%CI 1.06-1.15; p

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with slower transit of the bolus through the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter. Functional heartburn has similar symptoms to gastroesophageal reflux disease, however, the symptoms are not caused by reflux. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate oral and pharyngeal transit in patients with functional heartburn, with the hypothesis that, similar to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, they have changes in pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter transit time. METHODS: Oral and pharyngeal transit was evaluated by videofluoroscopy in eight women with functional heartburn, five with mild dysphagia for solid foods, and 12 female controls. Controls and patients swallowed in duplicate 5 mL and 10 mL of liquid and paste boluses. RESULTS: No difference in the oral or pharyngeal transit time was found between patients and controls. No aspiration of bolus into the airways was detected in any individual. Pharyngeal residues were detected in the same proportion of swallows, in patients (12.5%) and controls (15.0%), after swallows of 10 mL paste bolus. CONCLUSION: Oral, pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter transit time are similar in patients with functional heartburn to healthy controls.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The perception of bolus transit through the thoracic esophagus may be caused by altered esophageal anatomy and function. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hypothesis that, in healthy volunteers, swallows followed by perception of esophageal bolus transit are associated with changes in esophageal motility. METHODS: Simultaneous evaluation of motility and perception of esophageal bolus transit was performed in 22 healthy volunteers. Esophageal motility was evaluated by high-resolution manometry with a 32-channel solid state catheter. Each volunteer performed, in the sitting position, 10 swallows of a 5 mL bolus of saline and 10 swallows of pieces of 1 cm3 of bread, with an interval of at least 30 seconds between swallows. After each swallow the volunteers were asked about the perception of bolus transit through the esophagus. RESULTS: Perception of bolus transit occurred in 11.7% of liquid swallows and in 48.1% of solid swallows. In liquid swallows the perception was associated with higher distal contractile integral and shorter proximal contraction length. Perception of solid bolus transit was associated with a longer distal latency, longer proximal contraction length, lower proximal contractile integral and shorter proximal contraction duration. CONCLUSION: The perception of swallowed bolus transit through the esophagus in healthy individuals is more frequent with solid than liquid swallows and is associated with changes in proximal esophageal contractions.

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar os processos trabalhistas em quatorze cooperativas agropecuárias da região central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul nos últimos dez anos. A metodologia é qualitativa e descritiva. Quanto aos meios, a pesquisa foi documental e bibliográfica. A pesquisa revelou que não existe nenhum requerimento trabalhista que se destacasse, pois todos tinham uma quantidade relativamente equilibrada em números. Constatou-se que a quantidade de unidades de uma cooperativa também não está associada diretamente a quantidade de processos, pois notou-se que a cooperativa que mais possuía, tanto requerimentos trabalhistas como processos trabalhistas não era a que possuía mais unidades. Também pôde-se considerar que a quantidade de processos não tem relação com número de requerimentos trabalhistas. Acredita-se que tal estudo possa contribuir para a visualização de falhas dentro das cooperativas. Percebe-se ainda oportunidade de ampliação da mesma temática para outras regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, podendo ser aplicado em outros ramos cooperativistas.

Abstract Background Developers often have to locate design problems in the source code. Several types of design problems may manifest as code smells in the program. A code smell is a source code structure that may reveal a partial hint about the manifestation of a design problem. Recent studies suggest that developers should ignore smells occurring in isolation in a program location. Instead, they should focus on analyzing stinkier code, i.e., program locations—e.g., a class or a hierarchy—affected by multiple smells. There is evidence that the stinkier a program location is, the more likely it contains a design problem. However, there is no empirical evidence on whether developers can effectively identify a design problem in stinkier code. Developers may struggle to make an analysis of inter-related smells affecting the same program location. Besides that, the analysis of stinkier code may require proper tool support due to its analysis complexity. However, there is little knowledge on what are the requirements for a tool that helps developers in revealing stinkier program locations. As a result, developers may not be able to identify design problems due to tool issues. Method To address this matter, we aimed at achieving three goals. In the first case, we proposed Organic—a tool supporting the analysis of stinky code. In the second case, we applied a mixed-method approach to analyze if and how developers can effectively find design problems when reflecting upon stinky code—i.e., a program location affected by multiple smells. We conducted a study with 11 software professionals. Finally, in the third case, we aimed at understanding if Organic could be used by developers to identify design problems. To achieve this goal, we used a method from the Semiotic Engineering theory. This method enabled us to evaluate what are the tool issues that may hinder the identification of design problems in stinky code. Result Our study revealed that only 36.36% of the developers found more design problems when explicitly reasoning about multiple smells as compared to single smells. Moreover, 63.63% of the developers reported much lesser false positives when using the first approach as compared to the latter. The second study, in its turn, showed that most developers may be unable to identify design problems in stinky code without proper tool support. Conclusion Our experiences, in particular the second study, helped us to refine the features of Organic for better supporting developers in reflecting upon stinkier code. For example, analyses of stinky code scattered in class hierarchies or packages is often difficult, time-consuming, and requires proper visualization support. Moreover, without effective support, it remains time-consuming to discard stinky program locations that do not represent design problems.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify, in the clinical assessment of swallowing, signs indicating silent aspiration in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: forty-six patients were assessed, 17 days being the mean time elapsed from the stroke to the swallowing assessment. The clinical assessment encompassed structural and functional aspects, oximetry monitoring, and cervical auscultation. During the videofluoroscopy examination, the patients were also monitored with pulse oximetry. In both assessments, the patients were given 100 ml of liquid. In the statistical analysis, the exact logistic regression test and odds ratio calculation were used, with a 0.05 significance level. Results: seven, out of the 46 patients, presented aspiration, which was silent in six of them. Change in the cervical auscultation, in the clinical assessment (OR: 18.8; 95% CI: 1.2 - 1000, p = 0.03), was associated with silent aspiration, as detected in the videofluoroscopy. The hawking present in the analysis of the recording (OR: 12.2; 95% CI: 1.23 - ∞, p = 0.03), was associated with possible non-silent laryngotracheal penetrations and aspirations. No change was identified regarding oxygen saturation in patients presented with silent aspiration. Conclusion: the change in cervical auscultation observed in the clinical assessment can indicate silent aspiration in patients affected by an ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Heartburn and regurgitation are the most common gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and dysphagia could be a possible symptom. This investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence of non-obstructive dysphagia in patients with heartburn and regurgitation. METHODS: A total of 147 patients (age, 20-70 years; women, 72%) complaining of heartburn and regurgitation, without esophageal stricture, previous esophageal surgery, or other diseases, were evaluated. Twenty-seven patients had esophagitis. The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) was employed to screen for dysphagia; EAT-10 is composed of 10 items, and the patients rate each item from 0 to 4 (0, no problems; 4, most severe symptom). Results of the 147 patients were compared with those of 417 healthy volunteers (women, 62%; control group) aged 20-68 years. RESULTS: In the control group, only two (0.5%) had an EAT-10 score ≥5, which was chosen as the threshold to define dysphagia. EAT-10 scores ≥5 were found in 71 (48.3%) patients and in 55% of the patients with esophagitis and 47% of the patients without esophagitis. This finding indicates a relatively higher prevalence of perceived dysphagia in patients with heartburn and regurgitation and in patients with esophagitis. We also found a positive correlation between EAT-10 scores and the severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms based on the Velanovich scale. CONCLUSION: In patients with heartburn and regurgitation symptoms, the prevalence of dysphagia was at least 48%, and has a positive correlation with the overall symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the difficulty in swallowing medications and correlate it with age and gender in healthy adults and elderly. Methods: a total of 439 asymptomatic healthy volunteers (270 females and 169 males), who were not taking any medication on a regular basis, aged from 20 to 84 years, were questioned as for dysphagia, by using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Question number five of the EAT-10, specifically, approached the difficulty in swallowing drugs, considering zero as “no swallowing problem” and 1 to 4 as “some degree of difficulty” (4 as great difficulty).The chi-square test (x2) was used for the statistical analysis. Results: a total of 365 (83%) volunteers reported having no difficulty in swallowing medications (89% of men and 80% of women), whereas 74 (17%) reported some degree of difficulty (11% of men and 20% of women)(p = 0.01). These represented 20% of those aged between 20 and 49, and 9% of those aged 50 and over (p = 0.02). Conclusion: in this study, it was observed that both age and gender influence on medication swallowing, a difficulty more frequent among women and young adults. Some degree of difficulty was reported by 17% of the volunteers.

A pesquisa tem o objetivo de verificar a relação entre a adoção de inventários de emissões de GEE e os desempenhos operacional e financeiro das empresas entre 2008 a 2015. Para alcançar o objetivo do estudo foram comparados os desempenhos de dois grupos empresas: o primeiro com as empresas que elaboram o inventário de emissões de GEE por obrigação contratual e o segundo grupo composto pelas empresas pertencentes ao Índice Amplo Brasil-100 da BM&FBovespa (IBrX-100). Para mensurar os desempenhos operacional e financeiro, foi utilizado o modelo F_Score de Piotroski (2000) com o apoio de análise de painel. Os dados financeiros foram extraídos das demonstrações contábeis, a partir do software Economática®. A coleta das informações sobre os inventários de emissões de GEE foi realizada no site do programa brasileiro GHG Protocol; e as informações sobre a emissão de ações foram extraídas do site da Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM). Os resultados do estudo mostraram que não é possível estabelecer relação entre a adoção dos inventários de emissões de GEE e os desempenhos operacional e financeiro, rejeita-se a hipótese do estudo. As contribuições desse estudo são de demonstrar aos stakeholders e outros pesquisadores que o uso da ferramenta contábil inventários de emissões de GEE não gera impacto direto nos desempenhos operacional e financeiro das empresas.

Introduction: Since anesthesia complications associated with unexpected difficult airway are potentially catastrophic, they should be avoided. The modified Mallampati test and jaw-thrust maneuver enable the identification of difficult airway. The aim of this study was to associate the modified Mallampati test and the jaw-thrust maneuver with laryngoscopy (Cormack–Lehane) in an attempt to identify a better predictor of difficult airway in an adult population undergoing elective surgery. Method: A cross-sectional study in which 133 adult patients undergoing elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were analyzed. The accuracy and specificity of the modified Mallampati test and jaw-thrust maneuver were assessed by correlating them with difficult laryngoscopy (Cormack–Lehane Degrees 3 and 4). Results: In the 133 patients evaluated the difficult intubation rate found was 0.8%; there was association between the two predictive tests proposed (p = 0.012). The values of 94.5% for specificity and 95.4% for accuracy were found for the jaw-thrust maneuver and for the modified Mallampati test, the values found were 81.1% and 81.2%, respectively. Kappa agreement identified a result of 0.240 between jaw-thrust maneuver and Cormack–Lehane, which was considered reasonable. On the other hand, a poor agreement (κ = 0.06) was seen between modified Mallampati test and Cormack–Lehane test. Conclusion: The jaw-thrust maneuver presented superior accuracy and agreement than the modified Mallampati test, showing the ability to identify a difficult airway. It is necessary to emphasize the association of tests in the evaluation of patients, emphasizing their complementarity to minimize the negative consequences of repeated laryngoscopies. Resumo: Introdução: As complicações anestésicas associadas às vias aéreas difíceis inesperadas por serem potencialmente catastróficas devem ser evitadas. O teste de Mallampati modificado e a manobra de protrusão mandibular possibilitam a identificação da via aérea difícil. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar o teste de Mallampati modificado e a manobra de protrusão mandibular com a laringoscopia (Cormack-Lehane) e tentar identificar um melhor preditor de via aérea difícil na população adulta submetida à cirurgia eletiva. Método: Estudo corte transversal, foram analisados 133 pacientes adultos submetidos a cirurgias eletivas que necessitavam de intubação orotraqueal. Avaliaram-se a acurácia e especificidade do teste de Mallampati modificado e da manobra de protrusão mandibular, correlacionados com laringoscopia difícil (Cormack-Lehane Graus 3 e 4). Resultados: Entre os 133 pacientes avaliados, a taxa de intubação difícil encontrada foi 0,8%, houve associação entre os dois testes preditores propostos (p = 0,012). Foram encontrados os seguintes valores para a especificidade 94,5% e a acurácia 95,4% na manobra de protrusão mandibular. Já para o teste de Mallampati modificado valores de 81,1% e de 81,2% respectivamente. A análise de concordância Kappa identificou entre manobra de protrusão mandibular e Cormarck-Lehane um resultado de 0,240; considerado razoável. Por outro lado, observou-se uma fraca (κ = 0,06) concordância entre o teste de Mallampati modificado e o Cormarck-Lehane. Conclusão: A manobra de protrusão mandibular apresentou acurácia e concordância superiores ao teste de Mallampati modificado, mostrou a capacidade de identificar uma via aérea difícil. Faz-se necessário enfatizar a associação dos testes na avaliação do paciente, destacar a complementariedade deles, minimizar as consequências negativas de laringoscopias repetidas. Keywords: Difficult airway, Airway, Intubation, Laryngoscopy, Mallampati test, Jaw-thrust maneuver, Palavras-chave: Via aérea difícil, Via aérea, Intubação, Laringoscopia, Teste Mallampati, Manobra de protrusão da mandíbula

Background. Our aim in this investigation was to evaluate maximum phonation time in people with obesity not submitted to surgery and in people with obesity submitted to bariatric surgery and compare it with maximum phonation time of healthy volunteers. The hypothesis was that the reduced maximum phonation time in people with obesity would be corrected after surgery due to weight loss. Method. Maximum phonation time was evaluated in 52 class III patients (Group A), 62 class III patients who were treated by surgery 3 to 115 months before (Group B), 20 controls (Group C), and 15 class III patients whose maximum phonation time was evaluated before and two to six months after surgery (Group D). Maximum phonation time was measured in the sitting position with the vowels /A/, /I/, and /U/. Results. Maximal phonation time was shorter in groups A and B compared with that of controls. There was an increase in maximal phonation time after surgery (Group B); however, the difference was not significant when compared with that in group A. In group D, maximal phonation time for /A/ increased after the surgery. In group A, there was a negative correlation between maximal phonation time and weight or body mass index and a positive correlation between maximal phonation time and height. In group B, there was an almost significant positive relation between percentage of weight loss and maximal phonation time for /A/ (p=0.08) and /I/ (p=0.07). Mean values of spirometry testing (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC) in people with obesity (groups A and B), expressed as percentage of the predicted value, were within the normal range. Conclusion. Compared with healthy controls, maximal phonation time is shorter in people with obesity, with a tendency to increase after bariatric surgery, as a possible consequence of weight loss.

We present the first record of Leptophis ahaetulla for the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Between November and December 2014, and February 2015, three specimens were found, respectively: one male dead on a highway at the Parque Estadual do Espinilho, a conservation unit located at the municipality of Barra do Quaraí; and two females collected in an anthropic landscape of Salso farm at the municipality of Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Meristic data and coloration enables the identification of these specimens as Leptophis ahaetulla marginatus.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Esophageal motility has been described in the literature as having differences between men and women. Most of these investigations use the water perfusion method for esophageal manometry. In this investigation the esophageal motility of men and women was compared with high-resolution manometry of the esophagus. OBJECTIVE To compare the esophageal motility of men and women with the high-resolution manometry method for esophageal manometry, performed in the sitting position. The hypothesis was that men and women have differences in esophageal motility. METHODS High-resolution manometry was performed in normal volunteers, 10 men [mean age: 37.5 (8.1) years] and 12 women [mean age: 38.7 (7.5) years], in the sitting position and with 10 swallows of a 5 mL bolus of saline, with an interval of at least 30 seconds between consecutive swallows. We evaluated the integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, contraction front velocity, distal contraction integral, distal latency, proximal contraction extension, proximal contraction duration >30 mmHg, proximal contraction duration, proximal contraction integral and maximal upper esophageal sphincter pressure. RESULTS There was no significant difference between men and women in the variables measured. CONCLUSION There was no difference in esophageal motility of men and women evaluated by the high resolution manometry method, in the sitting position with swallows of a liquid bolus.

BACKGROUND:Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease. About 6 to 8 million people are chronically infected and 10% to 15% develop irreversible gastrointestinal disorders, including megaesophagus. Treatment focuses on improving symptoms, and isosorbide and nifedipine may be used for this purpose. METHODOLOGY:We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment for Chagas' megaesophagus. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS databases up to January 2018. We included both observational studies and RCTs evaluating the effects of isosorbide or nifedipine in adult patients with Chagas' megaesophagus. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, selected eligible studies and extracted data. We assessed the risk of bias using NIH 'Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group' and RoB 2.0 tool. Overall quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:We included eight studies (four crossover RCTs, four before-after studies). Three studies evaluated the effect of isosorbide on lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), showing a significant reduction (mean difference -10.52mmHg, 95%CI -13.57 to-7.47, very low quality of evidence). Three studies reported the effect of isosorbide on esophageal emptying, showing a decrease in esophageal retention rates (mean difference -22.16%, 95%CI -29.94 to -14.38, low quality of evidence). In one study, patients on isosorbide reported improvement in the frequency and severity of dysphagia (moderate quality of evidence). Studies evaluating nifedipine observed a decrease in LESP but no effect on esophageal emptying (very low and low quality of evidence, respectively). Isosorbide had a higher incidence of headache as a side effect than nifedipine. CONCLUSIONS:Although limited, available evidence shows that both isosorbide and nifedipine are effective in reducing esophageal symptoms. Isosorbide appears to be more effective, and its use is supported by a larger number of studies; nifedipine, however, appears to have a better tolerability profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION:PROSPERO CRD42017055143. ClinicalTrials.gov CRD42017055143.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Achalasia is a disease that affects esophageal bolus transit due to the absence of esophageal peristaltic contractions and impaired or absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was: a) to evaluate the dynamics of water ingestion in patients with achalasia, idiopathic or caused by Chagas’ disease; b) to evaluate the influence of sex and age on water ingestion dynamics. METHODS: The investigation was conducted with 79 patients with achalasia (27 idiopathic and 52 Chagas’ disease) and 91 healthy volunteers, all evaluated by the water-drinking test. The individuals drank, in triplicate, 50 mL of water without interruption. The time and the number of swallows for this task were counted. We also measured: (a) inter-swallow interval - the time to complete the task, divided by the number of swallows during the task; (b) swallowing rate - volume drunk divided by the time; (c) volume per swallow - volume drunk divided by the number of swallows. RESULTS: Patients with achalasia took longer to ingest all the volume (mean 12.2 seconds) than healthy controls (mean 5.4 seconds), had greater number of swallows, longer interval between swallows, lower swallowing rate (5.2 mL/s vs 10.9 mL/s in controls) and lower volume per swallow (9.1 mL vs 14.4 mL in controls, P

BackgroundEructation is a physiologic event which allows gastric venting of swallowed air and most of the time is not perceived as a symptom. This is called gastric belching. Supragastric belching occurs when swallowed air does not reach the stomach and returns by mouth a short time after swallowing. This situation may cause discomfort, life limitations and problems in daily life.ObjectiveOur objective in this investigation was to evaluate if gum chewing increases the frequency of gastric and/or supragastric belches.MethodsEsophageal transit of liquid and gas was evaluated by impedance measurement in 16 patients with complaint of troublesome belching and in 15 controls. The Rome III criteria were used in the diagnosis of troublesome belching. The esophageal transit of liquid and gas was measured at 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm from the lower esophageal sphincter. The subjects were evaluated for 1 hour which was divided into three 20-minute periods: (1) while sitting for a 20-minute base period; (2) after the ingestion of yogurt (200 mL, 190 kcal), in which the subjects were evaluated while chewing or not chewing gum; (3) final 20-minute period in which the subjects then inverted the task of chewing or not chewing gum. In gastric belch, the air flowed from the stomach through the esophagus in oral direction and in supragastric belch the air entered the esophagus rapidly from proximal and was expulsed almost immediately in oral direction. Air swallows were characterized by an increase of at least 50% of basal impedance and saliva swallow by a decrease of at least 50% of basal impedance, that progress from proximal to distal esophagus.ResultsIn base period, air swallowing was more frequent in patients than in controls and saliva swallowing was more frequent in controls than in patients. There was no difference between the medians of controls and patients in the number of gastric belches and supragastric belches. In six patients, supragastric belches were seen at least once during the 20-minute base period. None of the controls had supragastric belches. In the control group, the ingestion of yogurt caused no significant alteration in the number of air swallows, saliva swallows, gastric belches and supragastric belches. In the patient group, there was an increase in the number of air swallows. If the subjects were chewing gum during this 20-minute period, there was an increase in the number of saliva swallows in both groups, without alterations of the number of air swallow, gastric belches and supragastric belches. There was no alteration in the number of the saliva swallows, air swallows, gastric belches and supragastric belches in both groups for subjects who did not chew gum in the 20-40 minute period after yogurt ingestion. When the subjects were chewing the gum, there was an increase in saliva swallows in the control and patients groups and in air swallows in the patients group.ConclusionGum chewing causes an increase in saliva swallowing in both patients with excessive belching and in controls, and an increase in air swallowing in patients with excessive belching 20 minutes after yogurt ingestion. Gum chewing did not increase or decrease the frequency of gastric or supragastric belches.

Background The esophagus has a different response in relation to the characteristics of a swallowed bolus. Bolus viscosity and body position may affect esophageal contraction and transit. Objectives To investigate the effect of bolus viscosity and body position on esophageal contraction, transit and perception. Methods Esophageal contraction, transit and perception of transit were evaluated in 26 asymptomatic volunteers, 13 men and 13 women aged 18-60 years, mean: 33.6 (12.2) years. Esophageal contraction (manometry) and transit (impedance) were measured with a solid state catheter with sensors located 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm from the lower esophageal sphincter. Each volunteer swallowed in duplicate and in random sequence a 5 mL low viscous (LV) liquid bolus of an isotonic drink with pH 3.3, and a 5 mL high viscous (HV) paste bolus, which was prepared with 7.5 g of instant food thickener diluted in 50 mL of water (pH: 6.4). Results Total bolus transit time, in the sitting position, was longer with the HV bolus than with the LV bolus. Esophageal transit was longer in the supine position than in the sitting position. Bolus head advance time was longer with the HV bolus than with the LV bolus in both positions. Contraction esophageal amplitude was higher in the supine position than in the sitting position. The perception of bolus transit was more frequent with the HV bolus than with the LV bolus, without differences related to position. Conclusions The viscosity of the swallowed bolus and body position during swallows has an influence on esophageal contractions, transit and perception of transit.

Background Swallow function has a decline with aging, mainly in those over 80 years old. In the population over 69 years, about 11% of subjects reported symptoms indicative of significant dysphagia. Objectives Our objective was to evaluate the hypothesis that older asymptomatic subjects before 80 years old have compensations to sustain a safe and efficient swallow, at least with swallows of liquid bolus. Methods We performed videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallows in 55 normal volunteers, a younger group with 33 subjects (16 men and 17 women) aged 19 to 55 years, mean 35.5±9.8 years, and an older group with 22 subjects (15 men and 7 women) aged 56 to 77 years, mean 64.8±6.8 years. The subjects swallowed in duplicate 5 mL and 10 mL of liquid barium with a pH of 7.9, density of 1.82 g/cm3, and viscosity of 895 cp. Results The mean duration of pharyngeal transit, pharyngeal clearance, upper esophageal sphincter opening, hyoid movement and oral-pharyngeal transit were longer in the younger group compared with the older group. The relation between pharyngeal clearance duration and hyoid movement duration was similar in younger and older subjects, for 5 mL and 10 mL bolus volumes. Conclusions On average, a highly viscous liquid bolus crosses the pharynx faster in older subjects (56-77 years old) than in younger subjects (19-55 years old), which suggested an adaptation to the aging process to maintain a safe swallow.

O objetivo foi descrever como a não aderência ao tratamento fonoaudiológico em um caso de disfagia na encefalopatia crônica não progressiva pode levar a pneumonias de repetição. É seguida no HCPR uma criança, atualmente com cinco anos de idade, com diagnóstico de encefalopatia crônica não progressiva e disfagia desde o nascimento, com episódios repetidos de pneumonia cuja mãe não seguia as orientações terapêuticas determinadas pela fonoaudióloga. Na videofluoroscopia foi observada aspiração com a consistência liquida e não com a pastosa. Foi indicada gastrostomia para alimentação e hidratação, sendo permitida a ingestão via oral da consistência pastosa. A família não seguiu as orientações indicadas, a criança continuou ingerindo líquidos por via oral e, sendo assim, teve vários episódios de pneumonia. Embora a mãe tenha sido orientada a não fornecer alimentação líquida por via oral e sim pela gastrostomia, tal orientação não foi seguida, sem motivo aparente para que tal fato ocorresse. Fica evidente a importância da aderência familiar às orientações terapêuticas para que sejam evitadas complicações pulmonares decorrentes da aspiração de alimentos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and correlate the amplitude of esophageal contractions triggered by swallowing water with dynamic extension and habitual, strong and weak sound intensity in total laryngectomees wearing a tracheoesophageal prosthesis. METHODS: Thirty total laryngectomees using tracheoesophageal voice with a phonatory prosthesis were evaluated by measuring the amplitude of contractions in the proximal, middle and distal esophagus and the pressure of the pharyngoesophageal transition by manometry. In order to measure vocal intensity the subject was asked to emit phonation of the vowel /a/ at habitual, strong and weak intensity which was captured with a sound pressure meter. Dynamic extension was calculated by subtracting strong intensity from weak intensity. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between contraction amplitude and dynamic extension in the proximal (rho: 0.45; p=0.01) and distal (rho: 0.41; p=0.02) esophagus There was no correlation with other parameters.. Total laryngectomees wearing a phonatory prosthesis with a dynamic extension above 21 dBNPS had greater contraction amplitude than laryngectomees with a dynamic extension below this value. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between pressure amplitude in the proximal and distal esophagus and increased dynamic extension. The individuals with normal dynamic extension had greater contraction amplitude in the proximal esophagus than individuals with dynamic extension lower than the expected values for age.

Context Supragastric belches are the main determinants of troublesome belching symptoms. In supragastric belches, air is rapidly brought into the esophagus and is immediately followed by a rapid expulsion before it has reached the stomach. Objective To evaluate the esophageal contraction and transit after wet swallows in patients with troublesome belching. Methods Esophageal contraction and transit were evaluated in 16 patients with troublesome belching and 15 controls. They were measured at 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) by a solid state manometric and impedance catheter. Each subject swallowed five 5 mL boluses of saline. Results The amplitude, duration and area under the curve of contractions were similar in patients with troublesome belching and control subjects. The total esophageal bolus transit time was 6.2 (1.8) s in patients with troublesome belching and 6.1 (2.3) s in controls (P = 0.55). The bolus presence time was longer in controls than in patients at 5 cm from the LES [controls: 6.0 (1.1) s, patients: 4.9 (1.2) s, P = 0.04], without differences at 10, 15 and 20 cm from the LES. The bolus head advanced time was longer in patients than controls from 20 cm to 15 cm [controls: 0.1 (0.1) s, patients: 0.7(0.8)s, P = 0.01] and from 15 cm to 10 cm [controls: 0.3 (0.1) s, patients: 1.6 (2.6) s, P = 0.01] of the LES, without difference from 10 cm to 5 cm [controls: 0.7 (0.3) s, patients: 1.0 (1.1) s, P = 0.37]. There was no difference in segment transit time. Conclusion There was no difference in esophageal contractions between patients with troublesome belching and controls. The swallowed bolus went slower into the proximal and middle esophageal body in patients than in control, but cross the distal esophageal body faster in patients than in controls.

Context During swallowing, boluses stimulate sensory receptors of the oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal regions. Sweet and tasteless foods are more acceptable for swallowing than bitter foods. A bitter bolus is unpleasant for most subjects. Our hypothesis was that the ingestion of a bitter bolus might alter the oral behavior, pharyngeal and esophageal transit when compared to a sweet bolus. Objective To evaluate whether the bitter taste of a liquid bolus causes alteration on oral, pharyngeal and/or esophageal transit in normal subjects in comparison with sweet bolus.' Method Scintigraphic evaluation of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal transit was performed in 43 asymptomatic subjects, 22 women and 21 men, ages 23-71 years, without problems with the ingestion of liquid and solid foods, and without digestive, cardiac or neurologic diseases. Each subject swallowed in random sequence and at room temperature 5 mL of a liquid bolus with bitter taste, prepared with 50 mL of water with 2 g of leaves of Peumus boldus, heated until boiling (boldus tea), and 5 mL of a liquid bolus with sweet taste, prepared with 50 mL of water with 3 g of sucrose, both labeled with 37 MBq of technetium phytate (Tc99m). Results There was no difference between the bitter bolus and the sweet bolus in mouth, pharynx and esophageal transit and clearance duration and in the amount of residues. Conclusion A bitter bolus, considered an unpleasant bolus, does not alter the duration of oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing, when compared with a sweet bolus, considered a pleasant bolus.

CONTEXT: Esophageal dysphagia is the sensation that the ingested material has a slow transit or blockage in its normal passage to the stomach. It is not always associated with motility or transit alterations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in normal volunteers the possibility of perception of bolus transit through the esophagus after swallows of liquid and solid boluses, the differences in esophageal contraction and transit with these boluses, and the association of transit perception with alteration of esophageal contraction and/or transit. METHODS: The investigation included 11 asymptomatic volunteers, 4 men and 7 women aged 19-58 years. The subjects were evaluated in the sitting position. They performed swallows of the same volume of liquid (isotonic drink) and solid (macaroni) boluses in a random order and in duplicate. After each swallow they were asked about the sensation of bolus passage through the esophagus. Contractions and transit were evaluated simultaneously by solid state manometry and impedance. RESULTS: Perception of bolus transit occurred only with the solid bolus. The amplitude and area under the curve of contractions were higher with swallows of the solid bolus than with swallows of the liquid bolus. The difference was more evident in swallows with no perception of transit (n = 12) than in swallows with perception (n = 10). The total bolus transit time was longer for the solid bolus than for the liquid bolus only with swallows followed by no perception of transit. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the perception of esophageal transit may be the consequence of inadequate adaptation of esophageal transit and contraction to the characteristics of the swallowed bolus.CONTEXTO: Disfagia esofágica é a sensação de que o alimento ingerido tem trânsito lento ou é bloqueado em sua passagem para o estômago. Nem sempre o sintoma é associado com alterações em trânsito ou motilidade. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar, em voluntários normais, a possibilidade de percepção do trânsito através do esôfago de bolo sólido e líquido, as diferenças nas contrações esofágicas e no trânsito pelo esôfago com estes bolos, e a associação entre percepção do trânsito com alterações nas contrações e/ou trânsito. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 11 voluntários assintomáticos, 4 homens e 7 mulheres com idades entre 19 e 58 anos. Os voluntários foram avaliados na posição sentada. Eles deglutiram, em duplicata, o mesmo volume de bolo sólido (macarrão) e líquido (bebida isotônica). Após cada deglutição foi perguntado sobre sensação da passagem do bolo pelo esôfago. Contrações e trânsito foram avaliados simultaneamente por manometria de estado sólido e impedância. RESULTADOS: Percepção do trânsito ocorreu apenas com o bolo sólido. A amplitude e área sob a curva das contrações foram maiores com a deglutição do bolo sólido do que com a deglutição de bolo líquido. A diferença foi mais evidente nas deglutições em que não houve percepção do trânsito (n = 12) do que nas deglutições com percepção (n = 10). O tempo total de trânsito foi mais longo para o bolo sólido do que para o bolo líquido somente com as deglutições seguidas pela não percepção do trânsito. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a percepção da passagem do bolo pelo esôfago deve estar relacionada à adaptação inadequada das contrações esofágicas e do trânsito às características do bolo deglutido.

CONTEXT: Stroke is a frequent cause of dysphagia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a tertiary care hospital the prevalence of swallowing dysfunction in stroke patients, to analyze factors associated with the dysfunction and to relate swallowing dysfunction to mortality 3 months after the stroke. METHODS: Clinical evaluation of deglutition was performed in 212 consecutive patients with a medical and radiologic diagnosis of stroke. The occurrence of death was determined 3 months after the stroke. RESULTS: It was observed that 63% of the patients had swallowing dysfunction. The variables gender and specific location of the lesion were not associated with the presence or absence of swallowing dysfunction. The patients with swallowing dysfunction had more frequently a previous stroke, had a stroke in the left hemisphere, motor and/or sensitivity alterations, difficulty in oral comprehension, alteration of oral expression, alteration of the level of consciousness, complications such as fever and pneumonia, high indexes on the Rankin scale, and low indexes on the Barthel scale. These patients had a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing evaluation should be done in all patients with stroke, since swallowing dysfunction is associated with complications and an increased risk of death.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a concordância entre distintas escalas para grau de comprometimento em disfagia orofaríngea neurogênica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo clínico transversal. Participaram 200 indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea neurogênica, 108 do gênero masculino e 92 do gênero feminino, com idades de 3 meses a 91 anos. Foram aplicadas quatro escalas para classificar o grau de comprometimento da disfagia orofaríngea, sendo duas escalas clínicas e duas videofluoroscópicas. Análises estatísticas foram realizadas para verificar a concordância entre as escalas clínicas e objetivas. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram concordância muito boa entre as escalas clínicas estudadas (Kappa=0,92) e concordância moderada entre as escalas objetivas (Kappa=0,52). CONCLUSÃO: Embora a concordância entre as escalas clínicas tenha sido muito boa e entre as escalas objetivas tenha sido moderada, ainda é necessária ampla discussão e possível revisão dos parâmetros que definem o grau de comprometimento da disfagia orofaríngea em pacientes neurológicos.PURPOSE: To analyze the agreement among different severity scales for neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia. METHODS: A clinical cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were 200 individuals (108 male, 92 female) with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia, aged between three months and 91 years. Four severity scales were applied to classify the oropharyngeal dysphagia: two clinical scales and two videofluoroscopic scales. Statistical analysis were conducted to verify the agreement between clinical and objective scales. RESULTS: Results showed very good agreement between the clinical scales (kappa=0.92) and moderate agreement between the objective scales (kappa=0.52). CONCLUSION: Although the agreement between the clinical scales was very good and between the objective scales was moderate, further discussion and possible revision of the parameters that define the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia in neurological patients are required.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a percepção dos sabores amargo, azedo, doce e neutro. MÉTODO: foram estudados 36 pacientes com Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) (5 hemorrágicos e 31 isquêmicos) e 30 sujeitos controles. Foi realizada avaliação fonoaudiológica estrutural e funcional incluindo postura, vedamento labial, presença de resíduos, tosse, engasgo, e ausculta cervical. Cada sujeito deglutiu em sequência aleatória 5 mL de líquido com os 4 sabores [chá de boldo (amargo), suco de limão diluído (azedo), sacarose diluída (doce) e água (neutro)] na temperatura ambiente. Entre as deglutições os participantes eram questionados sobre a dificuldade em deglutir e qual o sabor do líquido daquela deglutição. RESULTADOS: entre os pacientes houve maior freqüência de erros na identificação dos sabores amargo (controles: 16,7%, AVE: 47,3%, p=0,01) e azedo (controles: 6,7%, AVE: 27,8%, p=0,05), sem diferenças para o sabores neutro (controles: 10,0%, AVE: 16,7%, p=0,50) e doce (controles: 13,3%, AVE: 16,7%, p=0,80). Os pacientes com AVE tiveram maior dificuldade para deglutir os líquidos do que os controles (pPURPOSE: to assess the perception of bitter, sour, sweet and neutral flavors in stroke patients. METHOD: we studied 36 patients with stroke (5 hemorrhagic and 31 ischemic) and had a 30 subjects' control group. W performed a structural and functional oral and pharyngeal evaluation including posture, lip sealing, presence of residues, cough, choking, and cervical auscultation. Five ml of fluids with the 4 flavors ["boldus" tea (bitter), diluted lemon juice (sour), diluted sucrose (sweet), and water (neutral)] were offered in random sequence under room temperature. Participants were questioned, between swallows, on the difficulty in swallowing and which flavor they had just swallowed. RESULTS: patients with stroke had greater difficulty in swallowing the fluids than control group (p

CONTEXT: The swallowing behavior is affected by age and possibly by gender. However, the interaction of the effects of age and gender on swallowing is not completely known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possibility of interaction of gender and age on human swallowing behavior. METHOD: Swallowing was evaluated in 89 healthy subjects by the water swallowing test, 43 men and 46 women aged 20-40 years (younger, n = 38), 41-60 years (middle-aged, n = 31) and 61-80 years (older, n = 20). Each subject ingested in triplicate 50 mL of water while precisely timed and the number of swallows needed to ingest all the volume was counted. RESULTS: The interval between swallows was shorter and the volume in each swallow was smaller in women compared to men. In older subjects the time to ingest the 50 mL of water was longer, the interval between swallows was longer, and swallowing flow and volume in each swallow were smaller than in younger and middle-aged subjects. The swallowing flow was lower in women compared to men in younger subjects. The volume of each swallow was smaller in women than in men in younger and middle-aged subjects. There was no difference in swallowing flow and volume between older men and older women. CONCLUSION: Age and gender influence swallowing behavior, with the effect of gender being more evident in younger subjects and the effect of age being more evident in men.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar clinicamente a deglutição orofaríngea de pacientes portadores da doença de Chagas com disfagia e comparar os achados da anamnese entre os doentes chagásicos de acordo com o grau do megaesôfago. MÉTODOS: Utilizando protocolo de avaliação, estudamos a deglutição de 21 pacientes com doença de Chagas e comprometimento do esôfago diagnosticado por sorologia e exame radiológico do esôfago, e de 18 sujeitos sadios assintomáticos pareados por idade e gênero. Nos dois grupos foi realizada anamnese contendo questões relacionadas à queixa de disfagia. Após este procedimento, foi realizada avaliação clínica da deglutição, sem introdução de dieta via oral e com dieta via oral nas consistências líquida e pastosa, abrangendo aspectos estruturais e funcionais. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente. Este é um estudo experimental e transversal. RESULTADOS: Maior proporção de pacientes chagásicos apresentou deglutições múltiplas e elevação laríngea reduzida na deglutição das consistências líquida e pastosa, em relação aos sujeitos sadios. Os pacientes com aumento do diâmetro do esôfago referiram mais frequentemente queixa de perda de peso quando comparados aos pacientes sem aumento do diâmetro do esôfago. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes chagásicos podem apresentar alterações na deglutição orofaringeana e pacientes com maior comprometimento do esôfago apresentam maior perda de peso do que os pacientes com menor comprometimento.PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate oropharyngeal swallowing in dysphagic patients with Chagas disease, and to compare anamnesis data among chagasic subjects according to the degree of megaesophagus. METHODS: An evaluation protocol was used to assess the swallowing of 21 patients with Chagas disease and involvement of the esophagus, diagnosed through serology and radiologic evaluation of the esophagus, and 18 asymptomatic healthy subjects paired by age and gender. Both groups answered an anamnesis that addressed questions related to dysphagia complaint. After this procedure, it was carried out a clinical evaluation of swallowing, involving both structural and functional aspects, with and without the introduction of oral feeding with liquid and pasty consistencies. The results were statistically analyzed. This is an experimental and transversal study. RESULTS: A larger number of chagasic patients presented multiple swallows and reduced laryngeal elevation during deglutition of food with pasty and liquid consistencies, when compared to healthy subjects. Patients with increased esophageal diameter reported weight loss more frequently, when compared to patients with normal esophageal diameter. CONCLUSION: Chagasic patients might present oropharyngeal swallowing alterations, and patients with more significant esophageal involvement present more weight loss than patients with less esophageal involvement.

CONTEXT: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity; however, after surgery the patient may have difficulty in swallowing liquid and solid foods. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate liquid ingestion in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. METHOD: We studied 43 volunteers with normal body mass index (BMI) (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), 55 subjects with class III obesity (BMI: >40.0 kg/m²), and 48 subjects with bariatric surgery for treatment of class III obesity. The method chosen for evaluation was the water swallowing test. The subjects drank in triplicate 50 mL of water while being precisely timed and the number of swallows were counted. RESULTS: There was no difference between subjects with normal BMI and subjects with class III obesity. During the first 2 months after bariatric surgery the patients showed an increase in the time needed to drink the entire volume, in the number of swallows, and in the inter-swallow interval, and a decrease in the volume swallowing capacity (volume/swallowing) and swallowing flow rate (volume swallowed/second). After 2 months, the results of the swallowing measurements moved in the direction of normal values. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery may cause more intense alterations of liquid bolus swallowing within 2 months after the procedure, which moved to normal values after this time.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate a possible relationship between the duration of the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. INTRODUCTION: The oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing are independent from each other but may be related. METHODS: We used videofluoroscopy to evaluate 30 healthy volunteers between 29 and 77 years of age who swallowed 5- and 10-ml liquid and paste boluses in duplicate. The duration of the oral phase, pharyngeal transit, and pharyngeal clearance were measured. RESULTS: There were no differences in oral or pharyngeal transit times between the liquid and paste boluses or between the volumes of 5 and 10 ml (p>0.40). The pharyngeal clearance time for the paste bolus (0.48 ± 0.27 s) was longer than for the liquid bolus (0.38 ± 0.11 s, p = 0.03) with no difference between the volumes of 5 and 10 ml. There was no significant correlation between the oral transit time and the duration of pharyngeal transit for the liquid (5 ml, Spearman's coefficient p: -0.14; 10 ml, p: 0.18) or the paste (5 ml, p: 0.08; 10 ml, p: 0.10). The correlation between the oral transit time and the pharyngeal clearance time was not significant for the liquid bolus (5 ml, p: 0.31; 10 ml, p: 0.18), but it was significant for both the 5 ml (p: 0.71) and 10 ml (p: 0.64) paste boluses. DISCUSSION: The relationship between the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing can be affected by bolus consistency. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between the duration of oral transit and the duration of pharyngeal clearance during the swallowing of paste boluses.

CONTEXT: It has been demonstrated that the ageing process affects esophageal motility. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the age on the proximal esophageal response to wet swallows. METHOD: We measured the proximal esophageal response to swallows of a 5 mL bolus of water in 69 healthy volunteers, 20 of them aged 18-30 years (group I), 27 aged 31-50 years (group II), and 22 aged 51-74 years (group III). We used the manometric method with continuous perfusion. The proximal esophageal contractions were recorded 5 cm from a pharyngeal recording site located 1 cm above the upper esophageal sphincter. The time between the onset of the pharyngeal and of the proximal esophageal recording (pharyngeal-esophageal time) and the amplitude, duration and area under the curve of the proximal esophageal contraction were measured. RESULTS: The pharyngeal-esophageal time was shorter in group I subjects than in group II and III subjects (P