Degree Of Physical Disability Research Articles

Cognitive impairment and its association with clinical variables in Mexican persons with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

IntroductionCognitive impairment has a substantial impact on the daily function of people living with demyelinating diseases. However, the study of cognitive failures and their association with clinical variables in people suffering from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has been scarce, especially in the latin american (Mexican) population at early and middle stages of the disease. MethodWe applied the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological tests and obtained data of lesion burden through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), expression of AQPQ4-IgG antibodies, and degree of disability in 30 patients with NMOSD and 30 healthy participants as a control group. ResultsAbout half of the NMOSD patients (47%) showed some degree of cognitive impairment, especially in the executive domain compared to the control group. Executive function scores were positively associated with the degree of physical disability. We found no associations between cognitive dysfunction and disease duration, AQPQ4-IgG antibodies, lesion burden, nor depression. ConclusionsExecutive functioning impairment is present in NMOSD and may predict the degree of functional disability in patients. Cognitive failures were not associated with immunological or radiological data, which emphasizes the relevance of applying systematic neuropsychological assessments in this clinical population.

Performance of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases disability scale in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.

HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic disabling disease. However, there is a lack of an adequate and specific health measurement instrument validated and with good performance to assess their degree of physical disability. This led us to carry out this study and to evaluate the performance of Fiocruz's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDS) disability scale, a specific instrument for HAM/TSP. Ninety-two HAM/TSP patients participated in the study. One researcher applied the IDS, IPEC scale, Disability Status Scale (DSS), Expanded DSS (EDSS), Osame scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. In parallel, blindly, and separately, other researchers applied the IDS. An inter-rater reliability analysis of the IDS, correlation analysis with the other scales, and depression and quality of life questionnaires were performed. The applicability of the IDS was also evaluated. The IDS showed high reliability in all scores. The inter-rater reliability test for the total IDS score was 0.94 (0.82-0.98) on its four dimensions. The scale adequately indicated the different degrees of disability, presenting a distribution similar to normal. There was a high correlation with the other scales (Spearman coefficients > 0.80, p < 0.001). The scale had good acceptance among users and a short application time. IDS for HAM/TSP was reliable, consistent, easy, and fast to use. It can be used for both prospective evaluations and clinical trials. The present study supports the IDS as a valid instrument to measure disability in patients with HAM/TSP compared to previously used scales.

Aglomerados de risco para ocorrência de hanseníase e as incapacidades em menores de 15 anos em Cuiabá: um estudo geoespacial

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of leprosy and disabilities in children under 15 years of age in Cuiabá. Methods Ecological study carried out in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study population consisted of leprosy cases in children under 15 years old notified in the Notifiable Diseases Information System, between 2008 and 2018. Based on residential addresses, cases were georeferenced. In the analysis of the spatial distribution of the cases, the estimation of the Kernel density was used and, later, the statistics of spatial, spatio-temporal and Spatial Variation in Temporal Trends were applied. Results 514 cases of leprosy were reported in children under 15 years of age in Cuiabá, with a percentage of 10.1% of cases with degree of physical disability 1 and 2.3% with degree of physical disability 2 at the time of diagnosis. With the techniques of spatial and spatio-temporal scanning, clusters of risk for leprosy were identified in the North, West, East and South regions of Cuiabá, and with the technique of Spatial Variation in Temporal Trends, a cluster was identified in the West region of Cuiabá. Conclusion In Cuiabá, cases of leprosy in children under 15 years of age with disabilities were distributed throughout the urban area of the city, with the highest density of cases in the North and West regions, followed by the East region. The clusters with the highest Relative Risk were identified in the East and West regions, characterized by having low and medium income levels

Clusters of risk for the occurrence of leprosy and disabilities in children under 15 years of age in Cuiabá: a geospatial study

This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of leprosy and disabilities in children under 15 years of age in Cuiabá. Ecological study carried out in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study population consisted of leprosy cases in children under 15 years old notified in the Notifiable Diseases Information System, between 2008 and 2018. Based on residential addresses, cases were georeferenced. In the analysis of the spatial distribution of the cases, the estimation of the Kernel density was used and, later, the statistics of spatial, spatio-temporal and Spatial Variation in Temporal Trends were applied. 514 cases of leprosy were reported in children under 15 years of age in Cuiabá, with a percentage of 10.1% of cases with degree of physical disability 1 and 2.3% with degree of physical disability 2 at the time of diagnosis. With the techniques of spatial and spatio-temporal scanning, clusters of risk for leprosy were identified in the North, West, East and South regions of Cuiabá, and with the technique of Spatial Variation in Temporal Trends, a cluster was identified in the West region of Cuiabá. In Cuiabá, cases of leprosy in children under 15 years of age with disabilities were distributed throughout the urban area of the city, with the highest density of cases in the North and West regions, followed by the East region. The clusters with the highest Relative Risk were identified in the East and West regions, characterized by having low and medium income levels.

Profile of the leprosy endemic in the district of Murrupula, Nampula, Mozambique: A population-based study

Leprosy is a neglected chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae, that is curable. The magnitude of the disease and severity of the debilitation it causes renders leprosy a public health problem. This study aimed to analyze the endemic profile of leprosy in the Murrupula district and evaluate the socioeconomic, clinical, and serological profiles of leprosy contacts. A cross-sectional study of patients with leprosy diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 and their household and community contacts was conducted in Murrupula District, Nampula Province, Mozambique. Interviews, simplified dermatoneurological examinations, Mycobacterium leprae flow (ML Flow) tests, and Mitsuda tests were performed. Most of the leprosy cases were multibacillary. The patients had some degree of physical disability. ML Flow positivity was more common in household contacts of the patients diagnosed with leprosy and in community individuals who spontaneously presented for testing. In total, 17 patients were diagnosed with leprosy. This study revealed an active chain of transmission, hidden prevalence, and operational deficiencies in leprosy surveillance and care. The results suggest that the implementation of a public health policy for leprosy prevention and control in Nampula Province is necessary. In future, the possibility of expanding the policy to the entire country should be considered.

Sleep Disturbances, Degree of Disability and the Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Sleep disturbances are pervasive in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with incidence about four times higher compared to the general population. The most frequent primary sleep problems include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep-related movement disorders, and sleep-disordered breathing. This study aims to assess the relationships between sleeping problems and the quality of life (QoL) in MS patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 MS patients (mean age: 36.27 ± 9.60) between November 2018 and February 2019 at a neurological health center in Wroclaw, Poland. The study was based on a questionnaire that included questions concerning sociodemographic and clinical data in addition to the following standardized questionnaires: Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL). The degree of physical disability was evaluated following the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Analysis of the research material showed that 66.45% of MS patients had insomnia, and 41.45% presented with daytime sleepiness. The QoL of respondents was assessed as average (50.73). Univariate linear regression model analysis showed the effects of professional status, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and degree of disability on the QoL of MS patients. Sleep disturbances are widespread in MS patients. The presence of sleep disturbances (insomnia and daytime sleepiness) significantly affects the QoL of MS patients.

Physical Disabilities and Individual Vulnerability: Perspectives in Hyperendemic Municipalities for Leprosy

Introduction:Epidemiological, operational and socio-demographic data on leprosy, as well as its direct and indirect impact on the affected person, his/her family, and community, are included in the group of neglected diseases.Objective:To analyze the association between the occurrence of physical disabilities in leprosy cases and individual vulnerability in hyperendemic municipalities.Methodology:population-based cross-sectional study of leprosy cases reported from 2001 to 2014 in two municipalities of Piauí/Brazil. Interviews and descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to study eventual associations.Results:Of the 603 cases evaluated, the most frequent were female (52%), brown (46%), with low schooling, married/united (50%) and retired (28%). A significant proportion of cases was multibacillary (46%), Virchowian clinical form (14%), reactional episodes (20%), disability degree I or II (70%). The explanatory variables for the presence of some degree of physical disability were gender, age group, perceived health, operational classification, clinical form, and hypertension (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion:The physical disabilities caused by leprosy involve, in addition to dermatoneurological damage, psychological damage resulting from the strong stigma they produce. This result reinforces the need for differentiated care and nursing in disability prevention, physical rehabilitation and psychological follow-up to ensure comprehensive care.

Risk factors for physical disability due to leprosy: a case-control study

ABSTRACT Background The main consequence of leprosy is physical disability. Objective To identify risk factors of physical disabilities due to leprosy. Method Case-control study carried out at the Notifiable Diseases Information System – Leprosy in the 9th Regional Health District of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, between 2001 and 2014. Cases were individuals who presented degree of physical disability 1 or 2 at diagnosis or discharge; and controls included individuals with degree of physical disability 0 also at diagnosis and discharge. A 1:1 (case:control) proportion was used. Data were analyzed using the Epi Info and BioEstat software packages. Results The following cases and controls (428 each) at risk for physical disability were analyzed: aged ≥15 years (96.5%, OR=0.33, p&lt;0.01), males (59.3%, OR=1.82, p&lt;0.01), low education level (70.4%, OR=2.66, p&lt;0.01), multibacillary classification (72.9%, OR=9.29; p&lt; 0.01), number of lesions ≥5 (34.3%, OR=0.18, p&lt;0.01), and number of nerves affected ≥1 (12.6%, OR=0.05; p&lt;0.01). Late diagnosis, missing/inadequately filled data, absence/non-registration of dermato-neurological evaluation, and low control of contacts were observed. Conclusion The need for active surveillance and early detection of leprosy cases and contacts is highlighted.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of new leprosy cases in Northeastern Brazil, 2020.

This study analyzed the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the detection of new cases of leprosy in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The periods January–September 2019 and January–September 2020 were compared. There was a 44.40% reduction in the diagnosis of leprosy when comparing the two periods (1,705 in 2019 and 948 in 2020). There was a reduction in the number of municipalities with reported cases: 251 municipalities in 2019 and 202 in 2020, expressing a reduction of 24.25%. Considering only the months following the arrival of the virus (April–September), the reduction was 51.10%. An inverse correlation was observed between the number of new cases of leprosy and the cumulative number of cases of COVID‐19 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = −0.840; P < 0.001) and the number of new monthly cases of COVID‐19 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = −0.817; P < 0.001). A slight increase was also observed in the proportion of multibacillary cases in the state (70.38% in 2019 and 72.69% in 2020) as well as in the proportion of individuals with the degree of physical disability not assessed at diagnosis, whose proportion rose from 16.39% in 2019 to 22.53% in 2020. The negative impact of COVID‐19 in tackling leprosy should be seen as a warning sign for health and political authorities.

Relevância do grau de incapacidade física como preditor do diagnóstico tardio em hanseníase: Uma revisão de escopo

O grau de incapacidade física é um indicador que pode determinar a presença de diagnóstico tardio e ineficácia nas ações de controle. O objetivo desta revisão foi analisar os artigos que apresentaram evidências científicas sobre a avaliação do grau de incapacidade física como preditor de diagnóstico tardio em hanseníase. A metodologia utilizada seguiu a estratégia de busca recomendada pelo The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual, assim como o protocolo PRESS (Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies), a pesquisa foi realizada em 3 etapas, usando as palavras-chave e executada por dois pesquisadores de forma independente, nas seguintes bases de dados: Scopus, National Library of Medicines (NLM) - MEDLINE via Pubmed, Web Of Science, Cochrane Library e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Dos 510 artigos, inicialmente, selecionados resultou numa eleição de sete artigos analisados. Nos resultados foi observada uma frequência expressiva de casos novos com registro do grau de incapacidade física e com a classificação operacional multibacilar, indicadores estes que confirmam o atraso no diagnóstico. A conclusão deste estudo evidencia que o grau de incapacidade física é relevante no diagnóstico da hanseníase como indicador e preditor do diagnóstico tardio e possivelmente de endemia oculta.

Correlation of cortical lesions of multiple sclerosis at double inversion recovery with cognition screening scores

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting both white and gray matters of the central nervous system. It has been approved that the degree of gray matter involvement is closely associated with the degree of physical disability and the extent of cognitive impairment. Thus, it is necessary to incorporate widely available simple methods for neurocognitive evaluation and gray matter detection in the periodic assessment of MS patients that will influence treatment decisions.ObjectivesTo assess the correlation of cortical lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS) at double inversion recovery (DIR) with cognition screening scoresMethodsThis study was conducted on 30 patients with MS with an average age of 31.3±13.6 years. All of them underwent MRI and clinical assessment with the calculation of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) scores. The image analysis was performed by 2 reviewers for cortical lesion number, shape, and subtypes, and total lesion load.ResultsBoth MoCA and SDMT scales had a significant inverse correlation with cortical lesions number (r=− 0.68, − 0.72) respectively and total lesion load (r=− 0.53, − 0.65) respectively. Besides, there was a significant inverse correlation between the MoCA test, varied cortical subtypes: leukocortical, juxtacortical, and intracortical subtypes (r = − 0.63, − 0.56, − 0.52) respectively, and different cortical lesion shapes: oval, wedge, and curvilinear shaped (r = − 0.62, − 0.69, − 0.49) respectively. As well, the SDMT scale showed a significant inverse correlation with varied cortical subtypes: intracortical, leukocortical, and juxtacortical subtypes (r = − 0.63, − 0.61, − 0.57) respectively, and different cortical lesion shapes: oval, curvilinear, and wedge shaped (r = − 0.61, − 0.59, − 0.46) respectively. Interestingly, there was an excellent inter-observer correlation of cortical lesion number (r = 0.96), total lesion load (r = 0.95), subtypes of cortical lesion (r = 0.94), and cortical lesion shapes (r = 0.77).ConclusionWe concluded that DIR can detect cortical lesions of MS, and MRI findings were well-correlated with cognitive dysfunction in these patients.

Assisting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis using a set of regional brain volumes: A classification model for patients and healthy controls

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology in the central nervous system characterized by dissemination in time and space. Difficulties are associated with definitively diagnosing MS early because there are no disease-specific symptoms or diagnostic markers; therefore, a comprehensive judgment to differentiate MS from other diseases is made based on the clinical features of repeated relapses and remission and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. In this study, we attempted to construct a predictive classification model using a machine learning method that accurately distinguishes healthy controls (HC) and MS patients based on a quantitative assessment of brain atrophy characteristics caused by MS. We used brain volumes from 55 segments of each brain region calculated from the MRI images of 72 MS patients and 21 HC. These data were input into supervised learning methods (Bayesian regularized neural networks (BRNN) and support vector machine (SVM)) for training on fluctuation patterns in brain atrophy. The obtained accuracy of the model was 77.8% for sensitivity and 95.2% for specificity with cross-validation. The MS prediction rate, calculated by this model, was correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (r = 0.413, p < 0.0001), which indicates the severity of physical disability due to MS. We also constructed a model using self-organizing maps (SOM) to confirm fluctuations in 15 segments of the brain regions that contributed the most to the classification based on the automatic relevance determination (ARD) function of BRNN. Confirmed fluctuations may be a characteristic of MS brain atrophy, consistent with previous findings. Based on the results obtained herein, we concluded that the model constructed to differentiate between healthy and MS might appropriately reflect the complex data structure of brain atrophy in MS patients. Furthermore, this model's MS predictive rate has potential as a quantifiable pseudo-marker in MS medical care. Although the present model has some limitations, such as the extent of age alterations, this method has the advantage of not including a subjective evaluation depending on individual doctors' experience. Therefore, it may provide an objective indicator that facilitates the diagnosis of MS, which is now mainly being evaluated by a qualitative approach. • Learning model using a set of regional brain volumes can predict multiple sclerosis. • Especially 15 brain regions among all 55 regions were essential to prediction. • The model's output significantly correlated with the degree of physical disability. • There are no quantifiable markers to identify multiple sclerosis by MRI at present. • The model's output has the potential to develop a quantifiable pseudo-biomarker.

Evaluation of ocular involvement in patients with Hansen's disease.

Hansen’s disease (HD) belongs to the group of neglected diseases and can cause physical deformities and disabilities, in addition to leading to social discrimination. Ocular involvement in HD is estimated at 70–75% worldwide. About 10–50% suffer from severe ocular symptoms and loss of vision occurs in approximately 5% of cases. Ocular changes may persist or worsen even after patients are considered cured and it is necessary to better understand these conditions in order to determine the need for additional public policies. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of ocular involvement in patients with HD at two specialist referral centers for treatment of the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted with ophthalmological evaluations of patients with HD from June 2017 to June 2018. Diagnostic ocular findings, corrected visual acuity, and refractive error were described. Findings were correlated with patients’ clinical and epidemiological variables. A total of 86 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 50.1 years, predominantly males (59.3%), and with multibacillary HD (92%). The prevalence of ophthalmologic changes was 100% and the most common were dysfunction of the Meibomian glands (89.5%) and dry eye syndrome (81.4%). Cataracts were observed in 22 patients (25.6%), but best corrected visual acuity was normal or near normal in 84 patients (97.7%) and there were no cases of bilateral blindness. Patients with some degree of physical disability had more ophthalmological alterations, involving both the ocular adnexa (p = 0.03) and the ocular globe (p = 0.04). Ocular involvement is common in patients with Hansen’s disease, reinforcing the importance of ophthalmologic examination in the evaluation and follow-up of these patients.

EVOLUÇÃO DE GRAU DE INCAPACIDADE FÍSICA EM PESSOAS COM HANSENÍASE: ESTUDO LONGITUDINAL

Introdução: A hanseníase é um agravo infectocontagioso e incapacitante em que mesmo após a alta por cura pode suceder o desenvolvimento de sequelas. Objetivo: avaliar a evolução do grau de incapacidade física (GIF) de pessoas com hanseníase. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa observacional, descritiva, de delineamento longitudinal. O estudo foi desenvolvido em duas etapas com interstício mínimo de dois anos entre as etapas em um município hiperendêmico do Piauí. Foram avaliadas 256 pessoas e analisou-se a forma clínica, classificação operacional e o grau de incapacidade física. Resultados: Os participantes do estudo apresentavam forma clínica indeterminada (41,8%), classificação operacional paucibacilar (55,5%), no primeiro momento 54% apresentavam GIF I e no segundo momento 63,5% também GIF I. A avaliação longitudinal evidenciou aumento entre os classificados como GIF I de 17,64%. Conclusões: A avaliação dos dois momentos possibilitou constatar que houve aumento entre as pessoas classificadas com algum grau de incapacidade física, ocorrendo aumento percentual entre o GIF I.

Distribuição espacial da hanseníase em menores de 15 anos de idade, no município de Belém, estado do Pará, Brasil

OBJETIVOS: Identificar a distribuição espacial dos casos de hanseníase em menores de 15 anos de idade, no município de Belém, estado do Pará, Brasil, entre 2005 e 2014, e correlacionar a indicadores socioeconômicos.

0857 Factors Associated With Sleep Health Among Middle-aged And Older Adults

Abstract Introduction The concept of Sleep Health (SH) was developed to provide a multidimensional framework consisting of characteristics of sleep that have been closely associated with physical and mental well-being. Identification of key factors associated with SH can identify targets for intervention for its improvement. This study aimed to identify factors related to SH among middle-aged and older adults. Methods A valid Sleep Health Composite Measure was recently developed from the data of the 2014 Core Survey of the Health and Retirement Survey and was used to assess overall SH in middle-aged and older adults. Spearman’s correlations, T-test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to explore the association of SH with age, gender, self-rated health, chronic disease burden, disability, pain, and modifiable lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, smoking, alcohol, sleep medication). Results Our sample included 6,095 adults with mean age of 68 years (SD=10.1; range 50-99 years). The majority were female (59.7%) and white (77%). Correlations showed significant moderate associations between SH and self-rated health (r=.404), sleep medications (r=.390), pain (r=-.315). There were significant but small associations between vigorous activity (r=-.193), alcohol (r=.112), currently smoking (r=-.089) and SH. SH was significantly worse among women compared to men (t(6093)=6.996, p&amp;lt;0.001). Furthermore, SH scores were significantly different between middle-aged versus older adults (p&amp;lt;0.001); varying levels of self-rated health (p&amp;lt;0.001), number of chronic diseases (p&amp;lt;0.001), and degree of physical disability (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion These findings provide evidence of factors related to SH among middle-aged and older adults, providing targets for intervention to improve health in this population. Age-related differences in relation to SH indicate intervention tailored for middle-aged adults may improve health outcomes as they age. Future studies are warranted to extend these findings using multivariable statistical approaches. Support This study was supported by the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) funded by the National Institutes of Health (Lorenz PI).

Sensitive Damage in Leprosy: A Longitudinal and Retrospective Study

Background: The evaluation of leprosy patients requires a careful dermatological and neurological examination in order to monitor the possible damage to the peripheral nerves. This study focused on evaluate the sensitivity at the time of diagnosis and discharge of leprosy patients from Dermatology Department of the State University of the State of Pará. &#x0D; Methods and Findings: this is a longitudinal, retrospective and descriptive study based on medical records that presented neurological assessment and degree of physical disability of 30 patients assisted at a referral service between 2016 and 2019, applying descriptive statistical analysis. Concerning neural involvement, 88.89% of the patients with neural damage were male, 100% of patients in this group were multibacillary (p-value: 0.02), 42.8% were borderliners (p-value: 0.04), 88.8% had some type of leprosy reaction (p-value: 0.02) and 44.4% of the patients had a diagnosis of leprosy with more than one year of disease evolution; most patients with neural involvement (N = 16) had more than one nerve affected, with the right tibial nerve being the most affected (24.14%); It was noted that a considerable portion of multibacillary patients did not improve or worsened (75%), and the borderline form was the one with the worst prognosis, showing 50% of patients did not respond to treatment.&#x0D; Conclusions: Most of the patients with neural damage were multibacillary, and borderliners, with many of those without presenting improvement, or showing worsening of clinical condition after multidrug therapy. Thus, it is highlighted the primary role of longitudinal assessment of those patients, in view of the possibility of chronification and sequel development.

Epidemiological, temporal and spatial dynamics of leprosy in a municipality in northeastern Brazil (2008-2017): an ecological study.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, temporal, and spatial dynamics ofleprosy in a municipality in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological study on new leprosy cases in the population of Arapiraca (Alagoas, Northeast Region, Brazil), from 2008 to 2017. Data extracted from a national database were analyzed forepidemiological indicators, factors associated with physical disabilities, and spatialanalysis in the neighborhoods of Arapiraca. RESULTS: A total of 292 new cases of leprosy were recorded, particularly occurring among the following groups: women, the age group of 46-59 years, brown-skinned individuals, people with less than eight years of schooling, and urban residents; the new cases were also predominantly the tuberculoid form and were of the paucibacillary classification of the disease. Almost 1/3 of the people had some degree of physical disability, which was mainly associated with the group 60 years of age and older, black ethnicity, and the multibacillary clinical form of leprosy. The joinpoint regression showed a stationary temporal behavior of indicators. There was a heterogeneous spatial distribution with active transmission areas, especially in the neighborhoods Primavera, Baixão, Ouro Preto, and downtown. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological indicators revealed complexity in the process of leprosy development. These spatial and temporal studies are relevant to help in the planning, monitoring, and guidance of interventions in the municipality. The spatial analysis showed heterogeneous distribution in the analyzed neighborhoods.

Effects of motor imagery training of Parkinson's disease: a protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundGait disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may be associated with alterations in the motor control system and aggravated by psychoemotional and cognitive issues. Therapeutic strategies aimed at self-perception and motor regulation seem to be promising. Motor imagery (MI) has been shown to be one of these strategies, but there is still no clear evidence of its applicability in this population. The aim of this trial is to determine the effects of motor-imagery training on the gait and electroencephalographic activity of individuals with PD.Methods/designThe sample will consist of 40 individuals, aged between 45 and 75 years, in the mild and moderate phase of the disease, with the ability to generate voluntary mental images. They will be assessed for cognitive level, degree of physical disability, mental-image clarity, kinematic gait variables, electroencephalographic activity and mobility. Next, subjects will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG will perform motor imagery and gait, while the CG will only engage in gait exercises. Twelve training sessions will be conducted lasting up to 90 min each, three times a week, for 4 weeks. The subjects will be reassessed on the kinematic variables of gait, electroencephalographic activity and mobility at 1, 7 and 30 days after the final training session.DiscussionThe results may provide an important advance in neurological rehabilitation where an easy-access and low-cost intervention may help to improve gait, electroencephalographic activity and mobility in individuals with PD.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT03439800. Registered on 15 November 2017.

Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with depressive symptoms and physical disability

ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with depressive symptoms and physical health. MethodA total of 117 patients clinically diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) were studied. The MSQOL-54 scale was applied. The depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), while degree of physical disability was evaluated with the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). The results of these last two instruments were associated with MSQOL-54 to determine its influence on the perception of quality of life. ResultsWe evaluated 65 women (56%) and 52 men (44%), with a mean age of 35 years, a mean age of 27 years at the time of diagnosis, and a mean evolution of 8 years. 88% of the patients showed the relapsing-remitting subtype; 42% had paid employment; 29% of the studied patients required help to perform daily activities; 75% took disease-modifying medications. They obtained on average a score of 3.62 ± 2.30 on the EDSS and 11.5 ± 9.21 on the BDI. The general average in MSQOL-54 was 64.67 ± 17.52. ConclusionsQuality of life, in patients with multiple sclerosis is an issue that worries health personnel, it is essential to implement strategies for reducing the impact of the disease on patients' lives, mainly through the application of programs aimed to decrees depression and improve social support.