Abstract Context: Vehicle driving depends on the integration of motor, visual, and cognitive skills to respond appropriately to different situations that occur in traffic. Objectives: To analyze a model of performance predictor for braking time in the driving simulator, using a battery of tests divided by gender. Methods: Selected were 100 male drivers with a mean age of 72.6 ± 5.7 years. Sociode-mographic variables, braking time in the driving simulator, and motor, visual, and cognitive skills were evaluated. Results: Comparing genders, men were older than women (p = 0.002) and had longer driving times (p = 0.001). Men had more strength in hand grip (p ≤ 0.001). In the linear regression analysis, the model explained 68 % of the braking time in men and 50.8 % in women. In the stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the variable that remained in the model was the strength of the right plantar flexors, which explained 13 % of the braking time in women and men, and the cognitive variables explained 38.9 %. Conclusion: Sociodemographic, motor, visual, and cognitive variables, explained a substantial portion of the variability in braking time for both older women and men, the specific variables driving this performance differed between the sexes. For older women, factors such as muscle strength emerged as critical determinants of braking ability, highlighting the importance of physical health in maintaining driving skills. On the other hand, cognitive conditions emerged as the primary predictor of braking performance in older men, underscoring the role of mental acuity and decision-making processes in safe driving. Context motor visual traffic Objectives simulator gender Methods 10 726 72 6 72. 57 5 7 5. years Sociodemographic Sociode mographic evaluated Results genders p 0.002 0002 0 002 0.001. 0001 0.001 . 001 0.001) analysis 508 50 8 50. flexors 1 389 38 9 38. Conclusion sexes ability decisionmaking decision making 0.00 000 00 3 0.0 0.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate differences in the prevalence of frailty between LGBT+ and non-LGBT+ older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving Brazilians aged 50 and over was performed. The participants were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey between August 2019 and January 2020. The survey was widely distributed in neighborhood associations, day centers, non-governmental organizations, and social media. Those who identified as homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, non-heterosexual, transgender, travesti, or non-binary were grouped as LGBT+. Participants who were both cisgender and heterosexual were categorized as non-LGBT+. Frailty was measured using the FRAIL scale, and the participants were categorized as robust, prefrail, or frail. Generalized ordered logistic models were used to examine the adjusted association between LGBT+ status and frailty according to age and sex. Results: The study sample included 6,693 participants with a median age of 60 years. Overall, 1,332 patients were LGBT+ (19.9%), and 5,361 were non-LGBT+ (80.1%). Pre-frailty or frailty was observed in 656 (49%) LGBT+ participants and 2,460 (46%) non-LGBT+ participants (p=0.03). Multivariate analyses showed that being LGBT+ was independently associated with frailty in female participants aged ≥50 years (OR=1.52, 95%CI=1.08-2.13, p=0.02) and male participants aged ≥60 years (OR=2.83, 95%CI=1.41-5.69, p=0.004). Non-cisgender participants were also more likely to be frail than cisgender participants (OR=2.21, 95%CI=1.42-3.42, p<0.001). Conclusion: LGBT+ status was independently associated with frailty in female adults aged >50 years and males aged > 60 years. More research in this area and inclusive government policies are needed to promote the healthy aging of the LGBT+ population. Objective LGBT nonLGBT+ nonLGBT non non-LGBT Methods crosssectional cross sectional 5 performed 201 2020 associations centers nongovernmental governmental organizations media homosexual bisexual pansexual nonheterosexual, nonheterosexual heterosexual, non-heterosexual transgender travesti nonbinary binary nonLGBT+. scale robust prefrail sex Results 6693 6 693 6,69 Overall 1332 1 332 1,33 19.9%, 199 19.9% , 19 9 (19.9%) 5361 361 5,36 80.1%. 801 80.1% . 80 (80.1%) Prefrailty Pre 65 49% 49 (49% 2460 2 460 2,46 46% 46 (46% p=0.03. p003 p p=0.03 0 03 (p=0.03) ≥5 OR=1.52, OR152 OR 52 (OR=1.52 95%CI=1.082.13, 95CI108213 CI 95%CI=1.08 2.13, 95 08 13 95%CI=1.08-2.13 p=0.02 p002 02 ≥6 OR=2.83, OR283 83 (OR=2.83 95%CI=1.415.69, 95CI141569 95%CI=1.41 5.69, 41 69 95%CI=1.41-5.69 p=0.004. p0004 p=0.004 004 p=0.004) Noncisgender Non OR=2.21, OR221 21 (OR=2.21 95%CI=1.423.42, 95CI142342 95%CI=1.42 3.42, 42 3 95%CI=1.42-3.42 p<0.001. p0001 p<0.001 001 p<0.001) Conclusion >5 population 20 202 669 6,6 133 33 1,3 19.9 (19.9% 536 36 5,3 80.1 8 (80.1% 4 (49 246 2,4 (46 p00 p=0.0 (p=0.03 ≥ OR=1.52 OR15 (OR=1.5 082 95%CI=1.082.13 95CI10821 95CI108 95%CI=1.0 213 2.13 95%CI=1.08-2.1 OR=2.83 OR28 (OR=2.8 415 95%CI=1.415.69 95CI14156 95CI141 95%CI=1.4 569 5.69 95%CI=1.41-5.6 p000 p=0.00 00 OR=2.21 OR22 (OR=2.2 423 95%CI=1.423.42 95CI14234 95CI142 342 3.42 95%CI=1.42-3.4 p<0.00 66 6, 1, 19. (19.9 53 5, 80. (80.1 (4 24 2, p0 p=0. (p=0.0 OR=1.5 OR1 (OR=1. 95%CI=1.082.1 95CI1082 95CI10 95%CI=1. 2.1 95%CI=1.08-2. OR=2.8 OR2 (OR=2. 95%CI=1.415.6 95CI1415 95CI14 56 5.6 95%CI=1.41-5. OR=2.2 95%CI=1.423.4 95CI1423 34 3.4 95%CI=1.42-3. p<0.0 (19. (80. ( p=0 (p=0. OR=1. (OR=1 95%CI=1.082. 95CI1 95%CI=1 2. 95%CI=1.08-2 OR=2. (OR=2 95%CI=1.415. 5. 95%CI=1.41-5 95%CI=1.423. 3. 95%CI=1.42-3 p<0. (19 (80 p= (p=0 OR=1 (OR= 95%CI=1.082 95CI 95%CI= 95%CI=1.08- OR=2 95%CI=1.415 95%CI=1.41- 95%CI=1.423 95%CI=1.42- p<0 (1 (8 (p= OR= (OR 95%CI p< (p

Abstract Objectives: To compare variables of access to healthcare between the LGBT+ population aged 50 and over and those non-LGBT+. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Brazil through a confidential online questionnaire. The use of the health system was characterized by the number of preventive tests performed and measured by the PCATool-Brasil scale (a 10-point scale in which higher scores were associated with better assistance in healthcare). The association between being LGBT+ and access to health was analyzed in Poisson regression models. Results: 6693 participants (1332 LGBT+ and 5361 non-LGBT+) with a median age of 60 years were included. In the univariate analysis, it was observed not only lower scores on the PCATool scale (5.13 against 5.82, p < 0.001), but a greater proportion of individuals among those classified with the worst quintile of access to healthcare (< 4 points), 31% against 18% (p < 0.001). Being LGBT+ was an independent factor associated with worse access to health (PR = 2.5, 95% CI 2.04‒3.06). The rate of screening cancer, for breast, colon, and cervical cancer was also found to be lower in the LGBT+ population. Conclusion: Healthcare access and health service experiences were worse in the LGBT+ group than in their non-LGBT peers. Inclusive and effective healthcare public policies are essential to promote healthy aging for all. Objectives LGBT 5 nonLGBT+. nonLGBT non LGBT+. non-LGBT+ Methods crosssectional cross sectional questionnaire PCAToolBrasil Brasil 10point point 10 healthcare. . healthcare) models Results 669 1332 (133 536 nonLGBT+ 6 included analysis 5.13 513 13 (5.1 582 82 5.82 0.001, 0001 0.001 , 0 001 0.001) ( points, points points) 31 18 0.001. PR 25 2 2.5 95 2.04‒3.06. 204306 2.04‒3.06 04 3 06 2.04‒3.06) breast colon Conclusion peers all 1 66 133 (13 53 5.1 51 (5. 58 8 5.8 000 0.00 00 2. 9 20430 2.04‒3.0 (1 5. (5 0.0 2043 2.04‒3. 0. 204 2.04‒3 20 2.04‒ 2.04 2.0

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to correlate oral and general health in frail and non-frail older adults. Methods This observational study included 52 older adults, of whom 35 were frail (Frail Group), and 17 were non-frail (Non-Frail Group), according to Fried’s self-reported test addressing oral health variables, number of systemic diseases, and medications in use. The geriatric oral health assessment index was used to assess the oral hygiene of the groups. Results The number of preserved teeth in dentulous older adults was significantly higher in the Non-Frail Group (p=0.048). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the use of dental prostheses or in the detection of soft tissue lesions. Overall, 74.3% of the Frail Group had a “bad” geriatric oral health index score, which significantly differed from that of the Non-Frail Group (p=0.045). The numbers of systemic diseases and medicines used were higher in the Frail Group than in the Non-Frail Group (p<0.001), demonstrating the pathophysiological characteristics of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in frailty syndrome. Conclusion The results showed a clear correlation between oral and general health conditions and frailty syndrome. nonfrail non 5 3 Group, , Group) 1 NonFrail Non Frieds Fried s selfreported self reported variables p=0.048. p0048 p p=0.048 . 0 048 (p=0.048) lesions Overall 743 74 74.3 bad “bad score p=0.045. p0045 p=0.045 045 (p=0.045) p<0.001, p0001 p<0.001 001 (p<0.001) syndrome p004 p=0.04 04 (p=0.048 7 74. (p=0.045 p000 p<0.00 00 (p<0.001 p00 p=0.0 (p=0.04 p<0.0 (p<0.00 p0 p=0. (p=0.0 p<0. (p<0.0 p=0 (p=0. p<0 (p<0. p= (p=0 p< (p<0 (p= (p< (p

Resumo: Introdução: A ampliação da educação superior no Brasil é recente. Na área médica, com o advento do Programa Mais Médicos, essa expansão tornou-se viável e culminou com a publicação de novas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) para o curso de graduação em Medicina. O projeto pedagógico do curso (PPC) traduz o que se realiza no curso e funciona como instrumento de comunicação entre a instituição e a sociedade. A análise dos PPC das instituições de ensino superior propicia a identificação de elementos que apontam para convergência ou se afastam do preconizado nas mudanças pretendidas pelas DCN de 2014. Objetivo: Este estudo descreve demograficamente no Brasil o número de cursos de Medicina públicos e privados por estado e região da Federação, o número de vagas disponíveis e o acesso aos PPC dessas escolas por meio de metodologia sistematizada. Método: Realizou-se um levantamento de todas as faculdades com curso de Medicina no Brasil, no ano de 2021. A procura dos PPC foi realizada no site institucional. Em caso de ausência da informação, encaminhamos mensagem eletrônica à coordenação do curso de Medicina. Na indisponibilidade de contato direto com a coordenação pelo site institucional, encaminhamos mensagem ao coordenador por meio do acesso ao seu Currículo Lattes. Resultado: Foram identificadas 336 escolas médicas, 115 (34,2%) públicas e 226 (65,8%) privadas. Observamos a maior concentração de cursos na Região Sudeste (41,3%), seguida da Região Nordeste (24,6%). Das instituições públicas, o Nordeste é a região que mais concentra as escolas (35,6%), seguida da Região Sudeste (26%). Quanto às instituições privadas, ocorre o inverso. Obteve-se um total de 134 PPC (39,8%), sendo 111 (83%) das escolas públicas e 23 (17%) das privadas. Conclusão: Embora a disponibilização do documento de informação pedagógica no site da instituição seja obrigatória, isso não foi verificado em realidade, o que corrobora a necessidade de políticas de valorização e fiscalização da disponibilidade do PPC para facilitar o seu acesso pelos maiores interessados: alunos, comunidade acadêmica e pesquisadores da área da educação médica. Resumo Introdução recente médica Médicos tornouse tornou (DCN (PPC sociedade 2014 Objetivo Federação sistematizada Método Realizouse Realizou 2021 institucional Lattes Resultado 33 médicas 11 34,2% 342 34 2 (34,2% 22 65,8% 658 65 8 (65,8% privadas 41,3%, 413 41,3% , 41 3 (41,3%) 24,6%. 246 24,6% . 24 6 (24,6%) 35,6%, 356 35,6% 35 (35,6%) 26%. 26 26% (26%) inverso Obtevese Obteve 13 39,8%, 398 39,8% 39 (39,8%) 83% 83 (83% 17% 17 (17% Conclusão obrigatória realidade interessados alunos 201 202 1 34,2 (34,2 65,8 (65,8 41,3 4 (41,3% 24,6 (24,6% 35,6 (35,6% (26% 39,8 (39,8% (83 (17 20 34, (34, 65, (65, 41, (41,3 24, (24,6 35, (35,6 (26 39, (39,8 (8 (1 (34 (65 (41, (24, (35, (2 (39, ( (3 (6 (41 (24 (35 (39 (4

Abstract Introduction: The expansion of higher education in Brazil is recent. In the medical field, with the advent of the “Mais Médicos” Program, this expansion became feasible and culminated with the publication of new National Curricular Guidelines (DCN, Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais) for undergraduate medical courses. The Pedagogical Course Project (PCP) translates what is accomplished in the course and works as an instrument of communication between the institution and society. The analysis of the PCPs of Higher Education Institutions provides the identification of elements that point to the convergence or move away from the changes proposed by the DCN 2014. Objective: To describe demographically in Brazil the number of public and private medical courses by state and region of the federation, the number of available vacancies, and access to the PCPs of these schools through a systematized methodology. Method: A study was carried out in all institutions with medical courses in Brazil by the year 2021. The search for the PCPs was carried out in the institutional website. In case of lack of information, an electronic message was sent to the medical course coordination. When it was not possible to contact the coordinator directly through the institutional website, a message was sent to the coordinator by accessing their curriculum lattes. Results: A total of 336 medical schools were identified, 115 (34.2%) of which were public and 226 (65.8%) private ones. A higher concentration of courses was observed in the southeast region (41.3%), followed by the northeast region (24.6%). Of the public institutions, the northeast region has the highest concentration of schools (35.6%), followed by the southeast region (26%). The opposite was observed regarding the private institutions. A total of 134 PCPs were obtained (39.8% of the total), 83% from public schools and 17% from private ones. Conclusion: Although the availability of the pedagogical information document on the institution’s website is an obligation, this was not verified in reality, which makes it necessary to implement policies for valuing and monitoring PCP availability, thus facilitating its access by the most interested parties: students, the academic community and researchers in the field of medical education. Introduction recent Mais Médicos Program DCN, (DCN Nacionais (PCP society 2014 Objective federation vacancies methodology Method 2021 coordination lattes Results 33 identified 11 34.2% 342 34 2 (34.2% 22 65.8% 658 65 8 (65.8% ones 41.3%, 413 41.3% , 41 3 (41.3%) 24.6%. 246 24.6% . 24 6 (24.6%) 35.6%, 356 35.6% 35 (35.6%) 26%. 26 26% (26%) 13 39.8% 398 39 (39.8 total, total) 83 17 Conclusion s obligation reality parties students 201 202 1 34.2 (34.2 65.8 (65.8 41.3 4 (41.3% 24.6 (24.6% 35.6 (35.6% (26% 39.8 (39. 20 34. (34. 65. (65. 41. (41.3 24. (24.6 35. (35.6 (26 39. (39 (34 (65 (41. (24. (35. (2 (3 (6 (41 (24 (35 ( (4

Abstract Context: Many studies show the importance of evaluating the adaptation time of subjects in a virtual driving environment, looking forwards to a response as closest as a possible real vehicle. Objectives: This study aimed to identify and analyze the adaptation to the driving simulator in older adults and middle-aged adults with and without a distraction, and a secondary aim was to identify predictors of safe performance for older adults’ drives. Design: Male and female middle-aged adults (n = 62, age = 30.3 ± 7.1 years) and older adults (n = 102, age = 70.4 ± 5.8 years) were evaluated for braking time performance in a driving simulator; cognition performance assessment included the Mini-Mental State Examination; motor evaluation included ankle flexor muscle strength with the isokinetic dynamometer and handgrip strength; the postural balance was evaluated with Timed Up and Go test, with and without a cognitive distraction task. Results: Older adults (men and women) and middle-aged adult women require more time to adapt to the driving simulator. The distractor increases the adaptation time for all groups. The main predictors of braking time for older women are age, muscle strength, and postural balance associated with distraction, and for older men, muscle strength. Conclusions: Age, sex, and distractor interfere in the adaptation of the virtual task of driving in a simulator. The evaluation model developed with multi-domains demonstrated the ability to predict which skills are related to braking time with and without the presence of the distractor. Context environment vehicle Objectives middleaged middle aged drives Design n 62 303 30 3 30. 71 7 1 7. years 102 704 70 4 70. 58 5 8 5. MiniMental Mini Mental Examination test Results men groups Conclusions Age sex multidomains multi domains 6 10

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the first COVID-19 pandemic at Casa Ondina Lobo, a philanthropic nursing home in São Paulo city, and the containment measures against the pandemic that proved to be effective. Methods: Several preventive measures were taken before and during the pandemic, with emphasis on universal testing by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19. All residents and employees were tested twice in a D9 period. Results: Among the 62 residents and 55 employees, in both testing, eight residents and nine employees tested positive for COVID-19. Of 22% of employees and 75% of residents evolved asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of universal testing for the detection and isolation of these cases. A quarter of residents evolved without any symptoms, however, with COVID-19 signs, reinforcing the importance of monitoring vital signs. The second testing did not detect any new cases among residents, demonstrating the effectiveness of the containment measures, however, it found four new cases among employees. This emphasized their role in COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes. Only one patient died, a 12.5% lethality among those known to be infected and a 1.6% mortality in the total population of residents were seen. Conclusion: The adoption of appropriate containment measures enabled to contain an COVID-19 pandemic in studied nursing home. Universal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing for COVID-19 has proved to be particularly important and effective.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To establish a microcephaly cut-off size in adults using head circumference as an indirect measure of brain size, as well as to explore factors associated with microcephaly via data mining. METHODS In autopsy studies, head circumference was measured with an inelastic tape placed around the skull. Total brain volume was also directly measured. A linear regression was used to determine the association of head circumference with brain volume and clinical variables. Microcephaly was defined as head circumference that were two standard deviations below the mean of significant clinical variables. We further applied an association rule mining to find rules associating microcephaly with several sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS In our sample of 2,508 adults, the mean head circumference was 55.3 ± 2.7cm. Head circumference was related to height, cerebral volume, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). Microcephaly was present in 4.7% of the sample (n = 119). Out of 34,355 association rules, we found significant relationships between microcephaly and a clinical dementia rating (CDR) > 0.5 with an informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) ≥ 3.4 (confidence: 100% and lift: 5.6), between microcephaly and a CDR > 0.5 with age over 70 years (confidence: 42% and lift: 2.4), and microcephaly and males (confidence: 68.1% and lift: 1.3). CONCLUSION Head circumference was related to cerebral volume. Due to its low cost and easy use, head circumference can be used as a screening test for microcephaly, adjusting it for gender and height. Microcephaly was associated with dementia at old age.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To establish a microcephaly cut-off size in adults using head circumference as an indirect measure of brain size, as well as to explore factors associated with microcephaly via data mining. METHODS In autopsy studies, head circumference was measured with an inelastic tape placed around the skull. Total brain volume was also directly measured. A linear regression was used to determine the association of head circumference with brain volume and clinical variables. Microcephaly was defined as head circumference that were two standard deviations below the mean of significant clinical variables. We further applied an association rule mining to find rules associating microcephaly with several sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS In our sample of 2,508 adults, the mean head circumference was 55.3 ± 2.7cm. Head circumference was related to height, cerebral volume, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). Microcephaly was present in 4.7% of the sample (n = 119). Out of 34,355 association rules, we found significant relationships between microcephaly and a clinical dementia rating (CDR) > 0.5 with an informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) ≥ 3.4 (confidence: 100% and lift: 5.6), between microcephaly and a CDR > 0.5 with age over 70 years (confidence: 42% and lift: 2.4), and microcephaly and males (confidence: 68.1% and lift: 1.3). CONCLUSION Head circumference was related to cerebral volume. Due to its low cost and easy use, head circumference can be used as a screening test for microcephaly, adjusting it for gender and height. Microcephaly was associated with dementia at old age.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine associations between potentially inappropriate medication, use and the risk of falls, unplanned hospitalization and death in older patients receiving initial care in a geriatric day hospital due to acute conditions. Methods Cohort study with older adults referred to a geriatric day hospital from 2014 to 2017 due to acute conditions. Patients were submitted to comprehensive geriatric assessment. Use of medications was analyzed according to Beers Criteria 2019. Outcome assessment was based on monthly follow-up telephone calls made over the course of one year. Results In this sample, 40.6% of patients had been prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medication, particularly proton pump inhibitors (66.5%). Over the course of follow-up, 44.7% of patients receiving potentially inappropriate medications sustained at least one fall (p=0.0043) and 70% visited the emergency department (p=0.0452). These outcomes were more common among patients using two or more of drugs. Use of potentially inappropriate medication was associated with a 64% increase in the odds of unplanned hospitalization and a two-fold increase in risk of death. Conclusion Associations between potentially inappropriate medication use and unfavorable outcomes such as falls and unplanned hospitalizations within one year of admission to a geriatric day hospital support the application of Beers Criteria and emphasize the importance of periodic prescription review, deprescription and rational use of these drugs whenever possible.

RESUMO. Estudos dos efeitos da atividade física relataram melhora nos sintomas e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP). Além disso, alterações morfológicas do cérebro após o exercício físico foram relatadas em modelos animais da DP. No entanto, essas mudanças relacionadas ao estilo de vida não foram avaliadas em tecido cerebral post-mortem. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão de astrócitos, tirosina hidroxilase (TH) e a expressão de proteínas estruturais (neurofilamentos e microtúbulos — MAP2) por imuno-histoquímica, em amostras cerebrais post-mortem de indivíduos com corpos de Lewy. Métodos: Amostras com estágio de Braak para DP≥III, classificação neuropatológica, fornecidas pelo biobanco de estudos do envelhecimento foram classificadas em grupos ativos (n=12) e não ativos (n=12), de acordo com o estilo de vida (atividade física), e pareados por idade, sexo e estadiamento de Braak. Analisou-se a substância negra e gânglios da base. Resultados: Idade, sexo e classificação para DP foram semelhantes (p=1,00). Observou-se maior expressão de TH no grupo ativo (p=0,04). Amostras de não ativos revelaram maior expressão de astrócitos no mesencéfalo (p=0,03) e nos gânglios da base (p=0,0004); MAP2 nos gânglios da base (p=0,003); os níveis de neurofilamentos foram maiores na substância negra (p=0,006). Conclusão: O estilo de vida ativo parece promover efeitos positivos no cérebro, mantendo a síntese de dopamina e a expressão estrutural de proteínas no sistema nigrostriatal e com diminuição da ativação de astrócitos em indivíduos com a mesma classificação neuropatológica para a DP.

ABSTRACT. Clinical trials of the effects of physical activity have reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, morphological brain changes after exercising were reported in PD animal models. However, these lifestyle-related changes were not evaluated in postmortem brain tissue. Objective: We aimed to evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, astrocytes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and structural proteins expression (neurofilaments and microtubules — MAP2) changes in postmortem brain samples of individuals with Lewy body pathology. Methods: Braak PD stage≥III samples, classified by neuropathology analysis, from The Biobank for Aging Studies were classified into active (n=12) and non-active (n=12) groups, according to physical activity lifestyle, and paired by age, sex and Braak staging. Substantia nigra and basal ganglia were evaluated. Results: Groups were not different in terms of age or gender and had similar PD neuropathological burden (p=1.00). We observed higher TH expression in the active group in the substantia nigra and the basal ganglia (p=0.04). Astrocytes was greater in the non-active subjects in the midbrain (p=0.03) and basal ganglia (p=0.0004). MAP2 levels were higher for non-active participants in the basal ganglia (p=0.003) and similar between groups in the substantia nigra (p=0.46). Neurofilament levels for non-active participants were higher in the substantia nigra (p=0.006) but not in the basal ganglia (p=0.24). Conclusion: Active lifestyle seems to promote positive effects on brain by maintaining dopamine synthesis and structural protein expression in the nigrostriatal system and decrease astrogliosis in subjects with the same PD neuropathology burden.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate if posturography can be considered a recurrent fall predictor in elderly individuals. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 124 subjects aged 60 to 88 years were evaluated and divided into two groups—the recurrent fallers (89) and single fallers (35) groups. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics were assessed, and clinical testing was performed. The functional test assessment instruments used were timed up and go test (TUGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), five times sit-to-stand test, and Falls Efficacy Scale (to measure fear of falling). Static posturography was performed in a force platform in the following three different situations—eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and EO dual task. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the single and recurrent fallers groups regarding the fear of falling, the Geriatric Depression Scale score, the mean speed calculated from the total displacement of the center point of pressure (COP) in all directions with EO, and the root mean square of the displacement from the COP in the mediolateral axis with EC. Based on the hierarchical logistic regression model, none of the studied posturographic variables was capable of significantly increasing the power of differentiation between the recurrent and single fallers groups. Only TUGT with a cognitive distractor (p<0.05) and the BBS (p<0.01) presented with significant independent predictive power. CONCLUSION: TUGT with a cognitive distractor and the BBS were considered recurrent fall predictors in elderly fallers.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze hypertension and its relationship with the causes of death identified by the autopsy. Method: Cross-sectional study analyzed 356 participants belonging to the Brazilian Aging Brain Study Group, over 50 years of age, autopsied at the Sao Paulo Autopsy Service between 2004 to 2014. A clinical interview was conducted with the informant of the deceased. Hypertension was defined by reporting the disease and/or use of antihypertensive medication, by the informant of the deceased. Descriptive analyzes and bivariate and multivariable associations were performed. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 66.2% and it was the second leading cause of death (25.6%) identified by autopsy, preceded by atherosclerosis (37.8%). The variables associated with hypertension were: female gender (OR=2.30 (1.34-3.90)); living with partner [OR=0.55 (0.32-0.92)]; Body Mass Index [OR=1.14 (1.08-1.22)] and history of diabetes [OR=2.39 (1.34-4.27)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high, and it was the second most common underlying cause of death. The gold standard for the definition of cause of death, the autopsy, shows important results, which confirmed the relevance of hypertension as a public health problem.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la hipertensión y su relación con las causas de muerte identificadas por la autopsia. Método: Estudio transversal, que analizó a 356 participantes del Biobanco para Estudios en el Envejecimiento, con edad mayor a 50 años, autopsiados en el Servicio de Verificación de Defunciones entre los años 2004 y 2014. Una entrevista clínica fue realizada con el informante del fallecido. La hipertensión fue definida por el relato de la enfermedad y/o uso de medicación antihipertensiva por el informante del fallecido. Se llevaron a cabo análisis descriptivos y asociaciones bivariadas y multivariables. Resultados: La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial fue del 66,2% y fue la segunda causa básica de defunción (25,6%) identificada en la autopsia, precedida de aterosclerosis (37,8%). Las variables asociadas con la hipertensión fueron: género femenino (OR = 2,30 (1,34-3,90); tener a una pareja [OR = 0,55 (0,32-0,92)]; índice de masa corporal [OR = 1,14 (1,08-1,22)] e historia de diabetes [OR = 2,39 (1,34-4,27)]. Conclusión: La prevalencia de hipertensión fue elevada y representó la segunda causa básica de defunción más frecuente. El uso de la autopsia como regla de oro para definir la causa de la muerte confirmó la relevancia de la hipertensión como un problema de salud pública.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a hipertensão e sua relação com as causas de morte identificadas pela autópsia. Método: Estudo transversal, que analisou 356 participantes do Biobanco para Estudos no Envelhecimento, com idade maior do que 50 anos, autopsiados no Serviço de Verificação de Óbitos entre os anos de 2004 a 2014. Uma entrevista clínica foi realizada com o informante do falecido. A hipertensão foi definida pelo relato da doença e/ou o uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva pelo informante do falecido. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e associações bivariadas e multivariáveis. Resultados: A prevalência de hipertensão arterial foi de 66,2% e foi a segunda causa básica de óbito (25,6%) identificada na autópsia, precedida de aterosclerose (37,8%). As variáveis associadas à hipertensão foram: gênero feminino (OR = 2,30 (1,34-3,90); ter um parceiro [OR = 0,55 (0,32-0,92)]; índice de massa corporal [OR = 1,14 (1,08-1,22)] e história de diabetes [OR = 2,39 (1,34-4,27)]. Conclusão: A prevalência de hipertensão foi elevada e representou a segunda causa básica de óbito mais frequente. O uso da autópsia como padrão-ouro para definir a causa da morte confirmou a relevância da hipertensão como um problema de saúde pública.