Victor Zanetti Drumond

1 Introduction Thalassemia syndromes constitute a heterogeneous group of inherited anemias caused by impaired synthesis of one or more globin chains of the hemoglobin (Hb) tetramer. The clinical manifestations result from both reduced Hb production and the imbalance of globin chain accumulation. The former leads to hypochromia and microcytosis, whereas the latter contributes to ineffective erythropoiesis (IE) and hemolytic anemia [1, 2].

1 Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, age-related neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impairs motor performance, profoundly affecting patients' autonomy and quality of life [1]. The term PD originates from the seminal work of James Parkinson, a British polymath and surgeon, who, in 1817, published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, the first detailed description of paralysis agitans.

Halitosis is a long-recognized term used to describe alterations in exhaled air. Etymologically, the term derives from the combination of two words: halitus, from Latin, meaning breath, and nosos, from Greek, meaning disease. Since the 19th century, physicians have stated that halitosis may have distinct origins (Howe 1874). Certain physical or psychological conditions may lead individuals to perceive an alteration in their breath and to report this complaint to a physician or health practitioner.