Search

An increasing body of experimental data have suggested that aberrant functional interactions between large-scale networks may be the most plausible explanation of psychopathology across multiple mental disorders, including substance-related and addictive disorders. In the current research, we have investigated the association between problematic cannabis use (PCU) and triple-network electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity. Twelve participants with PCU and 24 non-PCU participants were included in the study. EEG recordings were performed during resting state (RS). The exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA) was used for all EEG analyses. Compared to non-PCU, PCU participants showed an increased delta connectivity between the salience network (SN) and central executive network (CEN), specifically, between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and right posterior parietal cortex. The strength of delta connectivity between the SN and CEN was positively and significantly correlated with higher problematic patterns of cannabis use after controlling for age, sex, educational level, tobacco use, problematic alcohol use, and general psychopathology (rp = 0.40, p = 0.030). Taken together, our results show that individuals with PCU could be characterized by a specific dysfunctional interaction between the SN and CEN during RS, which might reflect the neurophysiological underpinnings of attentional and emotional processes of cannabis-related thoughts, memories, and craving.

This study investigates the potential factors that contribute to frequent high levels of ozone in Bangu, one of the most critical areas in the city of Rio de Janeiro, regarding ozone levels and air quality. Speciated non-oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured using method TO-15 (US EPA). The measured concentrations and kinetic and mechanistic analysis of VOC reactivity showed that alkanes were the most important compounds. Ozone concentrations were simulated for a base case representing a day with high ozone levels. Simulated results and statistical multivariate analysis showed that the high ozone concentrations did not seem to be closely related to local emissions but rather were related to pollutant transport and low measured NOx levels and were triggered by photochemical activity. The differences between weekdays and weekends were also investigated, showing that ozone concentrations were also higher during weekends, mainly on Sunday, when the diesel heavy vehicle fleet was reduced and lower NO emissions were observed. The VOC/NOx ratios correspond to a VOC-limited process, which leads to higher ozone concentrations under low NOx conditions.

Ehrlichia canis is the main etiological agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a globally canine infectious disease. In Brazil, CME is considered to be endemic, and its prevalence can reach 65% in some states. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis is important for treatment and epidemiological purposes. The E. canis TRP36 (Tandem Repeat Protein) protein elicits the earliest acute-phase antibody response observed during the course of the disease. This study aimed to generate the recombinant TRP36 protein from E. canis São Paulo strain and to evaluate its potential as a tool for the serologic diagnosis of CME. The E. canis São Paulo isolate was cultivated in DH82 lineage cells, and its genomic DNA was obtained. The bacterial DNA fragment encoding the entire ORF of TRP36 was cloned into the pBAD/Thio-TOPO vector and transformed into Escherichia coli DH10B competent cells with the trp36-bearing plasmid for protein expression. To evaluate the protein antigenicity, 16 canine serum samples were previously tested (by PCR and the commercial SNAP®4Dx® serological test). The results were in accordance with the SNAP®4Dx® test. Experiments using this recombinant protein as an antigen, targeting the development of a serologic test based on ELISA methodology, are the next step to produce a reliable, affordable and useful diagnostic tool for CME in Brazil. Resumo Ehrlichia canis é o principal agente etiológico da erliquiose monocítica canina (EMC), uma doença infecciosa canina globalmente dispersa. No Brasil, a EMC é considerada endêmica, e a infecção pode atingir 65% em cães em alguns estados. O diagnóstico de erliquiose é importante para fins de tratamento e epidemiológicos. A proteína TRP36 de E. canis leva a uma resposta humoral com produção de anticorpos em fase aguda, encontrada durante o curso da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter a proteína TRP36 recombinante da amostra São Paulo de E. canis e avaliar seu potencial como ferramenta para o diagnóstico sorológico da CME. O isolado de E. canis São Paulo foi cultivado em células da linhagem DH82 e o DNA genômico foi obtido. O fragmento de DNA bacteriano que codifica toda a ORF de TRP36 foi clonado no vetor pBAD / Thio-TOPO e transformado em células competentes Escherichia coli DH10B, com o plasmídeo portador de trp36 para expressão de proteínas. Para avaliar a antigenicidade da proteína, 16 amostras de soro canino foram previamente analisadas (por PCR e teste sorológico comercial SNAP®4Dx®). Os resultados estavam de acordo com o teste SNAP®4Dx®. Os experimentos que utilizam essa proteína recombinante como antígeno, visando ao desenvolvimento de um teste sorológico baseado no ELISA, são o próximo passo para produzir um teste de diagnóstico confiável, acessível e útil para o diagnóstico da EMC no Brasil.

The synthesis and characterization of a new complex, cis-[Ru(NO)(NO2)bpy(AO)2](PF6)2, was reported, and the release of NO from ruthenium-nitrosyl complexes with dye ligands was investigated using DFT and TDDFT methods. The complexes are cis-[Ru(NO)(NO2)bpy(dye)]n+, where the dye is either proflavine (1), acridine orange (2), neutral red (3), resorufin (4), thionol (5), or methylene violet (Bernthsen) (6). The optimized structures are in agreement with the experimental data of analogue complex from the literature. Simulated UV–Visible spectrum of complex 2 showed good agreement with the experimental results. The calculated electron affinities (EA) indicated that the N-coordinated complexes 1–3 should be more easily reduced and that this reduction weakens the Ru–NO bond, thus facilitating the NO release. Reduced complexes (Ru-NO0) presented lower bond dissociation energies (BDE) than the complexes (Ru-NO+). Complexes 1–3 showed the lowest BDE. This suggests a lower energy cost to release NO, and therefore, the N-coordinated complexes are the most promising NO donors among the investigated complexes.

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a perceção de divertimento em diferentes grupos etários, nomeadamente entre jovens, adultos e idosos. Acrescido, analisámos os efeitos diretos e indiretos na relação da motivação intrínseca, do divertimento e da intenção, de forma a compreender a validade preditiva do divertimento na intenção de continuar na prática de atividade física. Métodos: Participaram ao todo 425 indivíduos Portugueses praticantes de atividade física regular. Todos os participantes preencheram o questionário online tendo em consideração todas as variáveis em análise.Resultados: Os resultados da análise do modelo de medida evidenciam que este apresentou ser invariante entre as faixas etárias. Tal como teoricamente proposto, o divertimento demonstrou ser um preditor significativo da intenção e uma consequência de maiores níveis de motivação intrínseca. Conclusão: A escala utilizada na medição da perceção de divertimento demonstra ser um instrumento fiável, ao qual é equivalente tanto para jovens, como para adultos e idosos. O divertimento deve ser medido e considerado como variável chave na análise dos níveis de atividade física reportados por indivíduos em diferentes faixas etárias. ABSTRACT:Objective: This study aimed to analyze the perception of enjoyment in different age groups, namely among young people, adults and elderly. In addition, we analyzed the predictive validity of enjoyment as a predictor of intentions to continue physical activity and as a consequence of intrinsic motivation. Methods: A total of 425 Portuguese individuals practicing regular physical activity participated in this study. All participants completed the online questionnaire considering all the variables under analysis.Results: Results showed that the measurement model was invariant among the age groups. As theoretically proposed, enjoyment showed to be a significant predictor of intention and a consequence of higher levels of intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: The scale used to measure the perception of enjoyment proves to be a reliable instrument, which is equivalent for both young people, adults and elderly. Enjoyment should be measured and considered as a key variable in the analysis of physical activity levels reported by individuals in different age groups. RESUMEN: Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la percepción de diversión en diferentes grupos de edad, es decir, entre jóvenes, adultos y ancianos. Además, analizamos la validez predictiva de la diversión como un predictor de la intención de continuar la actividad física y como consecuencia de la motivación intrínseca. Métodos: Participaron un total de 425 portugueses que practicaban actividad física regular. Todos los participantes completaron el cuestionario en línea teniendo en cuenta todas las variables bajo análisis. Resultados: Los resultados del análisis del modelo de medición muestran que era invariante entre los grupos de edad. Como se propone teóricamente, se ha demostrado que la diversión es un predictor significativo de intención y una consecuencia de niveles más altos de motivación intrínseca. Conclusión: La escala utilizada para medir la percepción de la diversión demuestra ser un instrumento confiable, que es equivalente tanto para jóvenes, adultos y ancianos. La diversión debe medirse y considerarse como una variable clave en el análisis de los niveles de actividad física informados por individuos en diferentes grupos de edad

© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020., Rationale: The nuclear receptor retinoid X receptor (RXR) belongs to a nuclear receptor superfamily that modulates diverse functions via homodimerization with itself or several other nuclear receptors, including PPARα. While the activation of PPARα by natural or synthetic agonists regulates the sleep-wake cycle, the role of RXR in the sleep modulation is unknown. Objectives: We investigated the effects of bexarotene (Bexa, a RXR agonist) or UVI 3003 (UVI, a RXR antagonist) on sleep, sleep homeostasis, levels of neurochemical related to sleep modulation, and c-Fos and NeuN expression. Methods: The sleep-wake cycle and sleep homeostasis were analyzed after application of Bexa or UVI. Moreover, we also evaluated whether Bexa or UVI could induce effects on dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine epinephrine, adenosine, and acetylcholine contents, collected from either the nucleus accumbens or basal forebrain. In addition, c-Fos and NeuN expression in the hypothalamus was determined after Bexa or UVI treatments. Results: Systemic application of Bexa (1 mM, i.p.) attenuated slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, Bexa increased the levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine epinephrine, adenosine, and acetylcholine sampled from either the nucleus accumbens or basal forebrain. Moreover, Bexa blocked the sleep rebound period after total sleep deprivation, increased in the hypothalamus the expression of c-Fos, and decreased NeuN activity. Remarkably, UVI 3003 (1 mM, i.p.) induced opposite effects in sleep, sleep homeostasis, neurochemicals levels, and c-Fos and NeuN activity. Conclusions: The administration of RXR agonist or antagonist significantly impaired the sleep-wake cycle and exerted effects on the levels of neurochemicals related to sleep modulation. Moreover, Bexa or UVI administration significantly affected c-Fos and NeuN expression in the hypothalamus. Our findings highlight the neurobiological role of RXR on sleep modulation., This work was supported by the Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab (PresInvEMR2018), given to E. MR.

Este estudo compara a qualidade do ar de duas localidades da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, a saber: uma área predominantemente impactada pelas emissões veiculares na Taquara (TQ), Jacarepaguá e a outra pelas emissões industriais em Jardim Primavera (JP), Duque de Caxias. Os dados utilizados correspondem às médias horárias entre 2014 a 2016 para óxidos de nitrogênio (NOx, NO2e NO), ozônio (O3), monóxido de carbono (CO), dióxido de enxofre (SO2) e material particulado (MP10), além dos dados meteorológicos. Para interpretar os resultados utilizou-se a Linguagem R. A razão calculada entre as duas localidades para os valores de concentração mediana (JP: 10,7 ppb; TQ: 5,4 ppb) e máxima (JP: 197 ppb; TQ: 146 ppb) para O3foi de 1,98 e 1,35, respectivamente. É mostrada a importância da utilização de softwareestatístico para o manuseio e tratamento dos dados e apresentação de resultados provenientes de estações de qualidade do ar.

Highlights • Supplementation effect was found, suggesting distinct interaction mechanisms between attention and SRT (simple reaction time). • The change in the SRT magnitude increased after 60 min from caffeine intake, and even more after exercise. • The decrease in the SRT magnitude after caffeine intake and exercise suggests additional effects of caffeine on exercise., To evaluate the acute effects of ingestion of 500 mg of caffeine in addition to aerobic exercise on the optimization of cognitive attention tasks and simple reaction time. Twenty men were randomly divided into two groups, caffeine (CAF) and placebo (PLA), and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and cognitive testing (D2SLK, D2GZ, D2F% and TRS). Then, both ingested 500 mg of caffeine or placebo (double blind), and after 60 min performed a 30-minute continuous exercise session at 70 % VO2Max. Cognitive tests were repeated immediately after exercise, and after 30 min. D2SLK, D2GZ, D2F% and TRS scores were compared by repeated measures ANOVA. The magnitude of the effect was established, and it was considered meaningful p = 0.05. CAF is able to alter D2SLK and also reduce D2F% (0.001 - moderate effect, 0.82) and improve the task after 30 min of exercise (p = 0.014 - moderate effect 0.95). The TRS showed significant gains for the CAF group compared to PLA (0.000 - high effect 1.76). Caffeine induces significant effects in attention and reaction time domains independent of the effect of aerobic exercise.

BackgroundZika virus (ZIKV) was recently introduced in the American continent, probably transmitted by Aedes aegypti and possibly by Ae. albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus in urban environments. ZIKV represents a known public health problem as it has been involved in newborn cases of congenital microcephaly in South America since 2005. The transmission of this virus in forested areas of other countries and its relative ubiquity in relation to its vectors and reservoirs raises suspicions of its adaptation to non-human modified environments (i.e., natural forests reserve) or on this continent, similar to those seen for Yellow fever virus (YFV). The objective of this work was to have an epidemiological monitoring tool mapping insects as well as circulating arboviruses in wild areas with low human interference. This study was based on the history of the insect flavivirus spreading cycle.Methods/Principal FindingsUsing a previously described sensitive PCR-based assay to assess the conserved NS5 region of the Flavivirus genus, both YFV partial genome and ZIKV were found in pools of Aedes albopictus, a sylvatic mosquito adapted to human-modified environments, and in Haemagogus leucocelaenus, a sylvatic mosquito.ConclusionsThis is the first report of natural infection by ZIKV in mosquitoes in a sylvatic environment on the American continent. The wide distribution of these mosquitoes is probably important in the transmission of ZIKV. Vertical transmission indicates a higher efficiency for the maintenance and transmission of the virus in nature as well as the presence of the ZIKV in permanent character in the forest areas as it occurs with the YFV thus making more difficult the prevention of new cases of Zika in humans.Author SummaryArboviruses are diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors, hence the origin of the term ARthropod BOrne VIRUS, which is adopted since 1942. This work had as objective to survey the circulating insects as well as to detect the presence of viruses in them. Arboviruses circulate between insects and vertebrate hosts, having importance for promoting diseases in humans and animals. The diseases most known at the time, due to the recent cases reported by South America, are Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever and Chikungunya. For this study, we used appropriate traps to collect the insects and their eggs in wild areas where there is little human interference. After collection, mosquitoes and / or eggs were identified and separated as to the source and species. The eggs were kept in laboratory conditions for the hatching of new insects. All the insects obtained were separated into pools to be macerated and thus extract the RNA from the viruses to be studied. Using molecular biology techniques, in our case the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction), we amplified the RNA and in sequentially, we performed the sequencing reaction. With sequencing, it is possible to identify which virus material is present since each virus has a characteristic arrangement. For the identification of the sequences, we need to use some computational programs that guarantee us the correct result.

Submitted by Diogo Monteiro (diogomonteiro@esdrm.ipsantarem.pt) on 2019-06-19T13:05:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Machado_et_al.(2019).ViewPageProof_SCISPO_3347_R.pdf: 638309 bytes, checksum: 17d4e28635c7c79786aa0a12e6f247d3 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Helena Vicente (helenavicente@esdrm.ipsantarem.pt) on 2019-06-25T14:18:13Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Machado_et_al.(2019).ViewPageProof_SCISPO_3347_R.pdf: 638309 bytes, checksum: 17d4e28635c7c79786aa0a12e6f247d3 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2019-06-25T14:18:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Machado_et_al.(2019).ViewPageProof_SCISPO_3347_R.pdf: 638309 bytes, checksum: 17d4e28635c7c79786aa0a12e6f247d3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019-06-19 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Zika virus (ZIKV) was recently introduced into the Western Hemisphere, where it is suspected to be transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti in urban environments. ZIKV represents a public health problem as it has been implicated in congenital microcephaly in South America since 2015. Reports of ZIKV transmission in forested areas of Africa raises the possibility of its dispersal to non-human-modified environments in South America, where it is now endemic. The current study aimed to detect arboviruses in mosquitoes collected from areas with low human interference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Using a sensitive pan-flavivirus RT-PCR, designed to detect the NS5 region, pools of Ae. albopictus and Haemagogus leucocelaenus, were positive for both ZIKV and yellow fever (YFV). Virus RNA was detected in pools of adult males and females reared from field-collected eggs. Findings presented here suggest natural vertical transmission and infection of ZIKV in Hg. leucocelaenus and Ae.albopitcus in Brazil.

Otto cycle vehicles with gasoline direct injection (GDI) can reduce fuel consumption by 5–20%. In compliance with current legislation in Brazil, this technology was introduced to the domestic market in the form of a first flex-fuel GDI vehicle in 2013. However, despite gains in efficiency, studies in the literature have shown that GDI engines tend to have higher particulate matter emissions than port fuel injection (PFI) engines. This paper provides measurements of the emissions of GDI flex-fuel vehicles fuelled with gasoline containing 22% anhydrous ethanol (E22), hydrous ethanol (E100) and a 50% mixture of both (E61). The blending fuels were tested in accordance with the recommendations made in the widely known FTP 75 and HWFET cycles. The particulate-matter emissions formed during the combustion process were closely linked to fuel-type properties. The results showed the particles that adhere to sampling filters have higher concentrations of fluorine and carbon and lower amounts of silicon and oxygen, as well as sizes of around 2 μm. The black carbon emissions tend to increase directly with the gasoline content in the fuel. The results also provided evidence that the HWFET test cycle showed a higher emission rate of total particulate matter than the FTP 75 test cycle, and that overall, there were higher emissions for E22 than E100.

Despite the extensive industrial use of xanthates (alkyl dithiocarbonates) for the retrieval of many minerals and several applications with metal cations, the characterization of its properties with modern techniques is still a challenge to be surpassed. This study presents a complete characterization using IR, Raman, UV-Vis spectra, anda crystallographic analysis for tris(O-propyldithiocarbonate)cobalt(III) and a comparison with the O-ethyldithiocarbonate analog complex to improve the knowledge about its properties. The analysis was conducted with both experimental and theoretical procedures. The complexes’ synthesis was made according to theZeisereaction and the theoretical properties were calculated with a DFT level of M06L/6-31++G(d,p), in a vacuum, and CPCM. The solid-state calculation was performed using a plane wave method (GPW) with a PBE-D3 exchange-correlation function. The results presented a good agreement between the experimental and calculated properties so that the octahedral structure was confirmed. The color and d-d transitions of both complexes were confirmed by the UV-Vis and the electronic transition analyses.

© 2017 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license., The liver is the organ by which the majority of substances are metabolized, including psychotropic drugs. There are several pharmacokinetic changes in end-stage liver disease that can interfere with the metabolization of psychotropic drugs. This fact is particularly true in drugs with extensive first-pass metabolism, highly protein bound drugs and drugs depending on phase I hepatic metabolic reactions. Psychopharmacological agents are also associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity. The evidence is insufficient for definite conclusions regarding the prevalence and severity of psychiatric drug-induced liver injury. High-risk psychotropics are not advised when there is pre-existing liver disease, and after starting a psychotropic agent in a patient with hepatic impairment, frequent liver function/lesion monitoring is advised. The authors carefully review the pharmacokinetic disturbances induced by end-stage liver disease and the potential of psychopharmacological agents for liver toxicity.

Em um mundo em constante transformacao, as concentracoes crescentes de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) e os processos que podem levar ao sequestro de CO2 e a mitigacao das concentracoes destes gases para conter o aquecimento global sao relevantes. Neste trabalho foram determinadas as concentracoes de CO2, CH4 e N2O em cinco capitais brasileiras, pertencentes aos tres principais biomas brasileiros: Curitiba, Sao Paulo e Rio de Janeiro na Mata Atlântica, Brasilia no Cerrado e Belem na Amazonia. As coletas e analises quimicas foram realizadas utilizando um metodo de analise de baixo custo recentemente desenvolvido por alguns dos autores deste estudo. As concentracoes de CO2, CH4 e N2O se encontram nos intervalos 391-542 ppmv, 1,74-2,31 ppmv e 263-342 ppbv, respectivamente. Os valores encontrados neste trabalho sao consistentes com os reportados para outras areas urbanas no mundo e nao apresentaram diferencas importantes dentro de uma mesma cidade, ao se comparar a area verde com a area livre de cobertura vegetal, devido provavelmente a rapida mistura das massas de ar e o efeito global das areas verdes como sumidouro de carbono. Contudo, para a cidade do Rio de Janeiro as concentracoes de CO2 foram claramente menores, tanto no inverno quanto no verao, que nas outras cidades, sugerindo a importância das areas compactas de florestas, especialmente de floresta secundaria e outras areas de reflorestamento recente, no processo de sequestro de carbono.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique increasingly explored for Parkinson's disease (PD). Although evidence is still inconsistent, there are preliminary findings suggesting its efficacy to improve motor function in individuals with PD, as the role of secondary motor areas remains unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tDCS on balance and functional mobility of individuals with PD. Seventeen individuals with PD, on-medication, aged between 40 and 90 years were recruited to enroll in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial. Each participant completed two conditions at least 48h apart, namely anodal-tDCS and sham-tDCS (placebo). The a-tDCS condition targeted the left DLPC (F3) and was applied during 20min using a 2mA current intensity. In the sham-tDCS condition, electrode position remained the same but the stimulator was turned off after 30s. Functional mobility and balance were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index and Timed Up and Go. There were significant differences between conditions on all outcome measures, as the a-tDCS condition was associated with better performance in comparison to the sham condition (p

Introduction:Mental exertion is a psychophysiological state caused by sustained and prolonged cognitive activity. The understanding of the possible effects of acute mental exertion on physical performance, and their physiological and psychological responses are of great importance for the performance of different occupations, such as military, construction workers, athletes (professional or recreational) or simply practicing regular exercise, since these occupations often combine physical and mental tasks while performing their activities. However, the effects of implementation of a cognitive task on responses to aerobic exercise and sports are poorly understood. Our narrative review aims to provide information on the current research related to the effects of prior acute mental fatigue on physical performance and their physiological and psychological responses associated with exercise and sports.Methods:The literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and PsycInfo using the following terms and their combinations: “mental exertion”, “mental fatigue”, “mental fatigue and performance”, “mental exertion and sports” “mental exertion and exercise”.Results:We concluded that prior acute mental exertion affects effectively the physiological and psychophysiological responses during the cognitive task, and performance in exercise.Conclusion:Additional studies involving prior acute mental exertion, exercise/sports and physical performance still need to be carried out in order to analyze the physiological, psychophysiological and neurophysiological responses subsequently to acute mental exertion in order to identify cardiovascular factors, psychological, neuropsychological associates.

Facebook is notably the most widely known and used social network worldwide. It has been described as a valuable tool for leisure and communication between people all over the world. However, healthy and conscience Facebook use is contrasted by excessive use and lack of control, creating an addiction with severely impacts the everyday life of many users, mainly youths. If Facebook use seems to be related to the need to belong, affiliate with others and for self-presentation, the beginning of excessive Facebook use and addiction could be associated to reward and gratification mechanisms as well as some personality traits. Studies from several countries indicate different Facebook addiction prevalence rates, mainly due to the use of a wide-range of evaluation instruments and to the lack of a clear and valid definition of this construct. Further investigations are needed to establish if excessive Facebook use can be considered as a specific online addiction disorder or an Internet addiction subtype.

Age-related neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, are becoming a major issue to public health care. Currently, there is no effective pharmacological treatment to address cognitive impairment in these patients. Here, we aim to explore the role of exercise-induced trophic factor enhancement in the prevention or delay of cognitive decline in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. There is a significant amount of evidence from animal and human studies that links neurodegenerative related cognitive deficits with changes on brain and peripheral trophic factor levels. Several trials with elderly individuals and patients with neurodegenerative diseases report exercise induced cognitive improvements and changes on trophic factor levels including BDNF, IGF-I, among others. Further studies with healthy aging and clinical populations are needed to understand how diverse exercise interventions produce different variations in trophic factor signaling. Genetic profiles and potential confounders regarding trophic factors should also be addressed in future trials.

Lattari, E, Vieira, LAF, Oliveira, BRR, Unal, G, Bikson, M, de Mello Pedreiro, RC, Marques Neto, SR, Machado, S, and Maranhao-Neto, GA. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation with caffeine intake on muscular strength and perceived exertion. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1237-1243, 2019-The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) associated with caffeine intake on muscular strength and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Fifteen healthy young males recreationally trained (age: 25.3 ± 3.2 years, body mass: 78.0 ± 6.9 kg, height: 174.1 ± 6.1 cm) were recruited. The experimental conditions started with the administration of caffeine (Caff) or placebo (Pla) 1 hour before starting the anodal tDCS (a-tDCS or sham). There was an intake of 5 mg·kg of Caff or 5 mg·kg of Pla. After the intake, a-tDCS or sham was applied in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with intensity of 2 mA and 20 minutes of duration. The experimental conditions were defined as Sham + Pla, a-tDCS + Pla, Sham + Caff, and a-tDCS + Caff. After the conditions, muscular strength and RPE were verified. Muscular strength was determined by volume load performed in bench press exercise. Muscular strength in Sham + Pla condition was lower compared with all others conditions (p < 0.05). The RPE in the Sham + Pla was greater compared with a-tDCS + Caff (p < 0.05). Muscular strength was greater in all experimental conditions, and a-tDCS + Caff had lower RPE compared with placebo. When very little gains in muscle strength are expected, both caffeine and tDCS were effective in increasing muscle strength. Besides, the improvement in RPE of the caffeine associated with a-tDCS could prove advantageous in participants experienced in strength training. In fact, coaches and applied sport scientists quantitating the intensity of training based on RPE.

Background: The assessment of pain and its impact on quality of life is central to the evaluation of chronic pain syndromes. However, most available tools focus on the nociceptive experience of pain, and at best only consider the occurrence of anxious, depressive, or cognitive problems. Here is a new questionnaire aimed at measuring the multifaceted impact of pain in chronic pain syndromes, the Bodily and Emotional pErception of Pain (BEEP). Methods: All consecutive patients who accessed a center for the treatment of pain were invited to take part in the study. The sample included 222 participants (51 with fibromyalgia, 84 with low back pain; 87 with other chronic pain syndromes). Women were 77% of the sample, the mean age was 61 ± 15. Participants completed the BEEP, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). Results: Reliability was good for all questionnaires. The expected three dimensions of the BEEP were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, and a bifactor model with three orthogonal factors showed a good fit as well. Participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia showed higher scores on the BEEP than the participants who had been diagnosed with low back pain or other chronic pain syndromes. The prevalence of probable cases of major depression and bipolar disorder in the sample was higher than expected for non-clinical samples. Levels of depression, as measured by the PHQ-9, were associated with the three dimensions of the BEEP and with the intensity of pain. Conclusions: The BEEP is a promising measure of the impact of pain in daily life and differentiates fibromyalgia from other chronic pain syndromes. The BEEP may be helpful to evaluate the patient's response to the treatment over time and may favor the identification of unmet needs in patients' personal, social, and daily functioning.

The current study investigated the comprehension of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT) by patients with resistant depression at the Psychiatry Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the first time the model was used in the institution to treat these patients. In this study, 45 patients were invited to participate in a baseline session of MBCT that consisted in the explanation of the model and experimental exercises conducted by two experienced therapists. Twenty eight patients accepted to participate. At the end of the intervention, the patients completed a self-administered questionnaire designed by our ambulatory to assess their understanding of the method's goals. Patients with anxiety disorder was also accessed for group comparison. More than 75% of the patients rated the intervention as comprehensible and workable. Compared to patients with depression, patients with anxiety had a better understanding of the mindfulness framework (6.5%) and the meaning of cognitive behavioral therapy (17.6%). Patients that completed the intervention described the baseline session of MBCT as comprehensive and acceptable. These results may allow possible future developments in the practice of mindfulness as a treatment applicable in many condition and settings even in the Brazilian context.

There is preliminary evidence suggesting that hippocampal functioning is associated with attachment style. However, it is unknown if attachment is also associated with hippocampal-related cognitive function such as spatial learning and recall. This study aims to verify if attachment dimensions are associated with spatial learning and recall. Sixty-five female participants were recruited and were evaluated using the Adult Attachment Scale-R and tested on a virtual maze navigation task (VMT) at one moment (exploratory trial + 3 trials) and 24 h later (3 trials). There was a significant Moment × Trial × Close-Depend interaction for the outcome time, F(2,126) = 3.807, p = 0.025, with post hoc analysis indicating that the High Close-Depend group displayed significant improvements between Trial 1 and Trial 3 in the post-test assessment. Conversely, the Low Close-Depend group displayed significant improvements between Trial 1and Trial 3 but on the pre-test assessment. Furthermore, the Low Close-Depend group presented significant better performance in pre-test Trial 3 in comparison to the High Close-Depend group. Thereby, it seems that low comfort with proximity and trust in others is associated with reduced spatial recall, although spatial learning performance was actually superior in these participants. It is possible that reduced exposure to social interaction and meaningful relationships may be reduced in the Low Close-Depend group, leading to modifications in hippocampal function and, ultimately, reduced spatial recall. Oppositely, participants in the High Close-Depend group may not display typical spatial learning in the proposed task as they are more willing to freely explore the presented environment.

This study aimed to analyze measurement invariance of the Behavioral Regulation Sports Questionnaire (BRSQ) across gender and four different sports. In addition, we examined nomological validity via basic psychological needs satisfaction. Participants totaled 1,812 Portuguese athletes (1,220 males and 592 females; aged 15–59 years, Mage = 17.72, SD = 5.51) from football ( n = 596), basketball ( n = 273), swimming ( n = 800), and parasport ( n = 143). The BRSQ measurement model was invariant across gender and these four sports. The scale confirmed nomological validity in that satisfaction of basic psychological needs positively predicted autonomous forms of motivation and negatively predicted more controlled motivation and amotivation as suggested by self-determination theory. In light of this evidence for BRSQ construct validity, composite reliability, nomological validity, and invariance across gender and four different sports, this scale is a useful tool for coaches of the aforementioned sports in their efforts to evaluate their athletes' motivation.

The main of the present study was to identify the heart rate threshold based on heart rate kinetics during graded maximal exercise in football players. Twenty-six male football players performed a maximal exercise test (Bruce protocol) on a motor-driven treadmill. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were monitored, recorded and resampled at 3.5Hz. The ventilatory threshold (VT), and respiratory compensation (RC), heart rate deflection points (HRDP1 and HRDP2) and heart rate kinetics threshold (HRT) were determined by computerized methods. The heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed in the frequency domain. The HRT averaged 89.9 ± 1.2 % of the VO2 peak. The HRT showed poor correlations and significant differences compared with HRDP1 (r = 0.46) and VT (r = 0.51), but was not different from, and highly correlated with, HRDP2 (0.98) and RC (0.90). Bland Altman plots showed all athletes into 95% of limits of agreement, and intraclass correlation coefficient showed good agreements between points obtained from HRT compared with HRDP2 (0.96) and RC (0.98). The HRT was highly correlated with HRDP2 and RC, suggesting it could be a marker for cardiorespiratory fatigue. Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar o limiar de frequência cardíaca baseado na cinética da frequência cardíaca durante o exercício máximo graduado em jogadores de futebol. Vinte e seis jogadores de futebol masculino realizaram um teste de exercício máximo (protocolo de Bruce) em uma esteira motorizada. O consumo de oxigênio (VO2) e a freqüência cardíaca (FC) foram monitorados, registrados e reamostrados a 3,5Hz. O limiar ventilatório (LV), a compensação respiratória (CR), os pontos de deflexões da frequência cardíaca (PDFC1 e PDFC2) e o limiar da cinética da frequência cardíaca (LCFC) foram determinados por métodos computadorizados. A variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) foi avaliada no domínio da frequência. A média do LCFC foi de 89,9 ± 1,2% do VO2 de pico. O LCFC demonstrou correlações e diferenças significativas em relação ao PDFC1 (r = 0,46) e ao LV (r = 0,51), mas não foi diferente e altamente correlacionado com PDFC2 (0,98) e CR (0,90). Os gráficos de Bland Altman mostraram todos os atletas em 95% dos limites de concordância, e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse apresentou boas concordâncias entre os pontos obtidos com o LCFC em comparação com o PDFC2 (0,96) e CR (0,98). A LCFC foi altamente correlacionada com PDFC2 e CR, sugerindo que poderia ser um marcador de fadiga cardiorrespiratória.

Atmospheric processes in an urban scenario are very complex and depend on meteorological parameters, emission, transport and deposition processes and the chemical mechanism. Simple air quality models can be used to understand the main aspects of ozone formation and provide information to adopt pollution control strategies. In this work the detailed simulation of ozone concentrations using the air quality model OZIPR (Ozone Isopleth Package for Research) coupled with the SAPRC (Statewide Air Pollution Research Center) chemical model is presented. First, the methods to determine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are described as well as the statistical treatment of experimental data: Meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed and direction), concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO2 + NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3), which are needed to characterize the problem. Then, the construction and adjust of the model (base case) is detailed using, as an example, data for a typical urban area in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Finally, the limitations and the potential of the model are discussed. Clearly the quality of experimental data, mainly NOx and COVs concentrations and the COVs speciation, are a key information to obtain a correct estimation of O3 levels.

The sleep–wake cycle is a neurobiological phenomenon that shows intervals of activity alternating with restfulness that appears with a periodicity approximating the 24-hour day-night cycle. The sleep–wake cycle is under the control of diverse neuroanatomical and neurochemical systems, including monoaminergic, cholinergic, adenosinergic among many other systems. In addition, neuroanatomical centers linked to sleep promotion, such as the hypothalamus, project to the cerebral cortex, subcortical relays, and brainstem. In addition, the sleep–wake cycle has been associated to aberrant features known as sleep disorders. Here, we will discuss the role of specific gene expression on sleep disturbances. Given the expansion of the knowledge in the sleep–wake cycle area, it is indeed ambitious to describe all the genetics involved in the sleep modulation. However, in this chapter we reviewed the current understanding of the sleep disorders and gene expression.

Hallucination-like experiences (HLEs) are typically defined as sensory perceptions in the absence of external stimuli. Multidimensional tools, able to assess different facets of HLEs, are helpful for a better characterization of hallucination proneness and to investigate the cross-national variation in the frequencies of HLEs. The current study set out to establish the validity, factor structure, and measurement invariance of the Launay-Slade Hallucinations Scale-Extended (LSHS-E), a tool to assess HLEs. A total of 4419 respondents from 10 countries were enrolled. Network analyses between the LSHS-E and the 3 dimensions of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) were performed to assess convergent and divergent validity of the LSHS-E. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test its measurement invariance. The best fit was a 4-factor model, which proved invariant by country and clinical status, indicating cross-national stability of the hallucination-proneness construct. Among the different components of hallucination-proneness, auditory-visual HLEs had the strongest association with the positive dimension of the CAPE, compared with the depression and negative dimensions. Participants who reported a diagnosis of a mental disorder scored higher on the 4 LSHS-E factors. Small effect size differences by country were found in the scores of the 4 LSHS-E factors even after taking into account the role of socio-demographic and clinical variables. Due to its good psychometric properties, the LSHS-E is a strong candidate tool for large investigations of HLEs. Keywords: hallucination proneness, cross-national, measurement invariance Issue Section: supplement articles © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Spin crossover is a property found in some coordination compounds formed by the first series of transition metals with d4-d7 configuration. These complexes, when stimulated by an external factor (temperature, light, etc.), can be converted from their low spin states to high spin states, or vice versa. However, this issue is not addressed in the Inorganic Chemistry literature used in undergraduate courses. In this work, the Density Functional Theory is used to predict which complexes may present the Spin Cross Over property. In addition to establish a methodology to predict in which situations this process will occur, this computational tool can also be used in undergraduate or postgraduate classes to explore this property in the study of coordination compounds.

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the caused effect on reactivity of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) by substituent groups (-H, -CH3, -OCH3, -Cl and -NO2) on different positions of the 8-HQ structure. DFT was also used to obtain the electronic profile of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) bind site to Zinc. The energies and absolute hardness (η) values, besides participation percentages values and graphical representation of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of 8-HQ derivatives and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of Aβ bind site to Zinc (ZnAβ) were analysed. The calculations indicated that the hardest ligands with each substituent formed the most stable complexes with Zinc, and the electronic nature of substituent points to a preferential position on 8-HQ structure. The LUMO profile of ZnAβ showed that the ligands dislocate one of histidine residues for interacting with Zinc.

O processo de formação e decomposição de NOx e ozônio estão intimamente ligados a diversos problemas respiratórios e ambientais, tornando o estudo destes compostos de grande importância e levando a diversos trabalhos na literatura. Com o número de automóveis crescendo constantemente, além da industrialização desenfreada em certos países em desenvolvimento, acabou acarretando um grave problema, principalmente nos centros urbanos industrializados que é a poluição do ar, inclusive gerando óbitos devido a toxicidade de certos componentes. Neste trabalho foram utilizados os softwares Statistica e Excel para a análise mais concisa dos resultados e das relações dos parâmetros. Com o Statistica conseguimos obter a análise a partir da estatística multi-variacional, acoplando os parâmetros e elucidando as relações entre eles. Utilizando o Excel por sua vez, conseguimos obter uma melhor avaliação da variação dos compostos em relação ao tempo, podendo assim, em seguida fazer as médias de cada mês para dividir o estudo entre as estações do ano. O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar e verificar a relação do ozônio com o NOx, além de observar quais parâmetros meteorológicos estão intimamente ligados a maior ou menor formação desses compostos, baseado na coleta de dados meteorológicos de compostos NOx e ozônio, além de diversos dados obtidos no CETESB, estação da USP, São Paulo. De acordo com os dados obtidos, foram selecionados alguns pontos para a análise mais precisa das concentrações de ozônio. Foram coletados dados durante 24 horas, e após observar-se um padrão de concentração significativa, foi verificado que esse intervalo é de 06h00min até 18h00min. Com isso, selecionaram-se dados nesses períodos de tempo durante doze meses. Com todos os dados obtidos, analisados e gerados em gráficos e comparações observou-se a ligação direta entre NOx e ozônio, tendo variação conforme as estações do ano, sendo mais especifico conforme as mudanças de temperatura, pressão, chuvas, e inclusive com a quantidade de carros transitando.

Previous studies investigating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on muscle strength showed no consensus. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to systematically review the literature on the effects of single dose tDCS to improve muscle strength. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMeb, ISI Web of Science, SciELO, and Scopus using search terms regarding tDCS and muscle strength. Studies were included in accordance with Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Setting (PICOS) including criteria. Healthy men and women, strength training practitioners or sedentary were selected. The acute effects of single dose anode stimulus of tDCS (a-tDCS) and the placebo stimulus of tDCS (sham) or no interventions were considered as an intervention and comparators, respectively. Measures related to muscle strength were analyzed. To conduct the analyses a weighted mean difference (WMD) and the standardized mean difference (SMD) were applied as appropriate. A total of 15 studies were included in this systematic review and 14 in meta-analysis. Regarding the maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), a small effect was seen between tDCS and Sham with significant difference between the conditions (SMD = 0.29; CI95% = 0.05 to 0.54; Z = 2.36; p = 0.02). The muscular endurance measured by the seconds sustaining a percentage of MIVC demonstrated a large effect between tDCS and Sham (WMD = 43.66; CI95% = 29.76 to 57.55; Z = 6.16; p < 0.001), showing an improvement in muscular endurance after exposure to tDCS. However, muscular endurance based on total work showed a trivial effect between tDCS and Sham with no significant difference (SMD = 0.22; CI95% = -0.11 to 0.54; Z = 1.32, p = 0.19). This study suggests that the use of tDCS may promote increase in maximal voluntary contraction and muscular endurance through isometric contractions., This study was supported by German Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft); BU 1837/5-1, BU 1837/5-2 to Henning Budde.

Physical exercise has beneficial effects on neurocognitive function, including hippocampus-dependent episodic memory. Exercise intensity level can be assessed according to whether it induces a stress response; the most effective exercise for improving hippocampal function remains unclear. Our prior work using a special treadmill running model in animals has shown that stress-free mild exercise increases hippocampal neuronal activity and promotes adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, improving spatial memory performance. However, the rapid modification, from mild exercise, on hippocampal memory function and the exact mechanisms for these changes, in particular the impact on pattern separation acting in the DG and CA3 regions, are yet to be elucidated. To this end, we adopted an acute-exercise design in humans, coupled with high-resolution functional MRI techniques, capable of resolving hippocampal subfields. A single 10-min bout of very light-intensity exercise (30%[Formula: see text]) results in rapid enhancement in pattern separation and an increase in functional connectivity between hippocampal DG/CA3 and cortical regions (i.e., parahippocampal, angular, and fusiform gyri). Importantly, the magnitude of the enhanced functional connectivity predicted the extent of memory improvement at an individual subject level. These results suggest that brief, very light exercise rapidly enhances hippocampal memory function, possibly by increasing DG/CA3-neocortical functional connectivity.

In this work, Density Functional Theory was used in the theoretical study of the coordination of three ligands derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) with N-acylhydrazone: 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (INHHQ), 2-[(8-hydroxyquinolinyl)methylene] acetohydrazide (8-H2QH) and 2-[(8-hydroxyquinolinyl)methylene] hydrazinecarboxamide (8-H2QS); with the Zn2+ion. These complexes prevent interactions of the metal ions present in the brain, with the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), avoiding the formation of aggregates that are responsible for the development of the Alzheimer's disease. The results show that the three ligands coordinate the Zn2+ion in a tridentate form through the O and N atoms of the 8-hydroxyquinoline center and the N of the hydrazonic group, completing the coordination sphere with two chloride ions, creating a bipyramidal structure trigonal, different from the structures of the complexes reported in the literature.

Background: The neurophysiological mechanisms of cognitive reactivity, the primary vulnerability factor of major depressive disorder (MDD) recurrence, remain unclear in individuals with recovered MDD (rMDD). Because gamma-band responses (GBRs) can be used to measure cognitive processing, they may also be useful for elucidating the mechanisms underlying cognitive reactivity. Identifying these mechanisms may permit the development of an index for predicting and preempting MDD recurrence. Here, to identify the neurophysiological mechanisms of cognitive reactivity, we examined the characteristics of the GBRs evoked/induced by emotional words in participants with and without rMDD after inducing a negative mood. Methods: Thirty-three healthy control participants and 18 participants with rMDD completed a lexical emotion identification task during electroencephalography along with assessments of cognitive reactivity after negative mood induction. Results: No between-group differences were identified for the task reaction times; however, the rMDD group had significantly higher cognitive reactivity scores than did the control group. Furthermore, the power of late GBRs to positive words was significantly greater in the rMDD group, with the greater power of late GBRs being related to higher cognitive reactivity. Limitations: Considering the population studied, our findings cannot be completely generalized to populations other than adolescents, people with rMDD, and those without a history of co-morbid disorders and early life stress. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the dysfunction of neural circuits related to higher-order processes like memory and attention might underlie cognitive reactivity. Altered late GBRs to positive information may be persistent biomarkers of the depression recurrence risk.

The Brazilian legislation does not establish limits or methodology for the measurement of aldehydes in the exhaust of heavy diesel engines. No conclusive studies on aldehyde emissions by such engines have been found in the literature available. This work measured the aldehyde emissions from a P7 diesel cycle engine (EURO V), which was tested on an engine test bench according to ETC (European Transient Cycle) and ESC (European Stationary Cycle) cycles using fuels with 5, 7 and 20% v/v of biodiesel and 10 and 500 ppm of sulphur. The results showed that biodiesel participation in the mixture did not significantly affect the aldehyde emissions of the tested engine and that the emission level generated in the ETC cycle is higher than that obtained with the ESC cycle. The diesel content in the blend was weakly and negatively correlated with the pollutant emissions, and the inverse pattern was observed for biodiesel. This finding indicates that an increase in biodiesel content causes a slight increase in pollutant emissions. Regarding the sulphur content, positive correlations between the sulphur content and particulate matter, NOx, CO and total hydrocarbon emissions were observed. When comparing the test cycles, the results were significantly different, with higher values for the ETC cycle.

Generation of newborn neurons that form functional synaptic connections in the dentate gyrus of adult mammals, known as adult hippocampal neurogenesis, has been suggested to play critical roles in regulating mood, as well as certain forms of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Environmental stress suppresses structural plasticity including adult neurogenesis and dendritic remodeling in the hippocampus, whereas physical exercise exerts opposite effects. Here, we review recent discoveries on the potential mechanisms concerning how physical exercise mitigates the stressrelated depressive disorders, with a focus on the perspective of modulation on hippocampal neurogenesis, dendritic remodeling and synaptic plasticity. Unmasking such mechanisms may help devise new drugs in the future for treating neuropsychiatric disorders involving impaired neural plasticity.

Cognitive processes are carried out during wakefulness by means of extensive interactions between cortical and subcortical areas. In psychiatric conditions, such as psychosis, these processes are altered. Interestingly, REM sleep where most dreams occurs, shares electrophysiological, pharmacological, and neurochemical features with psychosis. Because of this fact, REM sleep is considered a natural model of psychosis. Ketamine is a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that at sub-anesthetic dose induces psychotomimetic-like effects in humans and animals, and is employed as a pharmacological model of psychosis. Oscillations in the gamma frequency band of the electroencephalogram (EEG), mainly at about 40 Hz, have been involved in cognitive functions. Hence, the present study was conducted to analyze the EEG low gamma (30-45 Hz) band power and coherence of the cat, in natural (REM sleep) and pharmacological (sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine) models of psychosis. These results were compared with the gamma activity during alert (AW) and quiet wakefulness (QW), as well as during non-REM (NREM) sleep. Five cats were chronically prepared for polysomnographic recordings, with electrodes in different cortical areas. Basal recordings were obtained and ketamine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, i.m.) was administrated. Gamma activity (power and coherence) was analyzed in the abovementioned conditions. Compared to wakefulness and NREM sleep, following ketamine administration gamma coherence decreased among all cortical regions studied; the same coherence profile was observed during REM sleep. On the contrary, gamma power was relatively high under ketamine, and similar to QW and REM sleep. We conclude that functional interactions between cortical areas in the gamma frequency band decrease in both experimental models of psychosis. This uncoupling of gamma frequency activity may be involved in the cognitive features shared by dreaming and psychosis.

INTRODUCTION Exergames represent a way to perform physical activity through active video games, serving as potentially useful tool in the field of neurorehabilitation. However, little is known regarding the possible role of exergames in improving cognitive functions in persons suffering from neurological disabilities. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A search for relevant articles was carried out on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, PEDro, and Google Scholar. Only randomized controlled studies and non-randomized but controlled studies were retained. The following additional inclusion criteria were applied: studies focused on physical activity interventions carried out by means of exergames; populations targeted were affected by neurological disabilities; and reported results were related to cognitive outcomes. We calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) and pooled results using a random effects meta-analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Of 520 abstracts screened, thirteen studies met the criteria to be included yielding a total of 465 participants, 233 randomized to exergames, and 232 allocated to the alternative or no intervention. The included studies varied in terms of studied populations (e.g., multiple sclerosis, post-stroke hemiparesis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, dyslexia, Down syndrome), type and duration of interventions, and cognitive outcome measures. Exergames significantly improved executive functions (SMD=0.53, P=0.005; 8 studies, N.=380) and visuo-spatial perception (SMD=0.65, P

Background: Emotional stress is frequently associated with otologic symptoms as tinnitus and dizziness. Stress can contribute to the beginning or worsening of tinnitus. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the presence of stress symptoms in patients with chronic, subjective tinnitus, and correlate its presence to annoyance associated with tinnitus. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. One hundred and eighty patients with chronic, subjective tinnitus were included. Patients answered the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) to evaluate the impact of tinnitus in the quality of life and answered the Lipp's inventory symptoms of stress for adults (ISSL). The data obtained was organized using Excel® 2010, mean values, linear regression and p-value were calculated. Results: Of the 180 patients included in the study, 117 (65%) had stress symptoms, 52 of the 117 (44%) were in the resistance phase and 23 of the 117 (20%) in the exhaustion phase, the remaining was in the alert phase. There was a clear progressive increase in stress as THI raised, with more impact of tinnitus in quality of life. Conclusion: The presence of stress symptoms, measured by ISSL was observed in most of our patients with chronic subjective tinnitus, specially in the resistance and exhaustion phases and it is directly associated with tinnitus annoyance.

Epidemiological studies found an increased risk of cancers in occupants exposed to traffic air pollution. Fine particulate matter is toxic, can enter into the respiratory tract and circulatory system, and can adsorb various substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its amino, alkyl, and nitro derivates. The study was carried out with Reboucas tunnel workers (exposed group) and 11 healthy men (control group). This tunnel is very representative of Brazilian cities and the biggest tunnel of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Samples of buccal mucosa cells and peripheral blood were evaluated using micronucleus assay. Urine samples were used to estimate the concentration of 1-hydroxyprene (1-HOP) and 2-naphthol (2-NAP). A significantly higher frequency of micronucleus in buccal cells and binucleated lymphocytes was observed for the exposed workers than for the control group. Higher concentrations of 1-HOP and 2-NAP were detected in the exposure group. In conclusion, damage to the genetic material and the high concentrations of metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected in the biological samples taken from control group can be related to daily exposure to pollutants.

Schools are an ideal setting to implement physical activity programs targeted at youths' learning and intellectual abilities, as exercise has been associated with improvement in cognitive skills and academic proficiency. A systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the effects of school-based physical activity interventions on academic achievement and cognitive outcomes. A search for relevant papers was carried out on PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar. Only quasi-experimental and experimental studies were included, if focused on school-based physical activity interventions targeting 3 to 18 year-old healthy pupils, and designed to establish a relationship between exercise performed in a school setting and cognitive/academic performance. Thirty-one papers were retrieved by the search, reporting the findings of twenty-eight school-based physical activity interventions. Most of the included studies were published in the past five years. A large majority of the studies showed positive results in terms of academic achievement and, above all, cognitive skills. In the recent years, the number of studies on school-based physical interventions aimed to establish a relationship between physical activity performed in school setting and cognitive/academic outcomes significantly increased, as well as high quality assessments and designs. This review highlights the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions on academic achievement and, above all, on youths' cognitive performance. Some interesting findings come from studies assessing brain functional changes, from interventions targeting culturally diverse or low-income samples, and from interventions where physical activity is in the form of active videogames.

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders observed currently. It is a normal adaptive response to stress that allows coping with adverse situations. Nevertheless, when anxiety becomes excessive or disproportional in relation to the situation that evokes it or when there is not any special object directed at it, such as an irrational dread of routine stimuli, it becomes a disabling disorder and is considered to be pathological. The traditional treatment used is medication and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, however, last years the practice of physical exercise, specifically aerobic exercise, has been investigated as a new non-pharmacological therapy for anxiety disorders. Thus, the aim of this article was to provide information on research results and key chains related to the therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise compared with other types of interventions to treat anxiety, which may become a useful clinical application in a near future. Researches have shown the effectiveness of alternative treatments, such as physical exercise, minimizing high financial costs and minimizing side effects. The sample analyzed, 66.8% was composed of women and 80% with severity of symptoms anxiety as moderate to severe. The data analyzed in this review allows us to claim that alternative therapies like exercise are effective in controlling and reducing symptoms, as 91% of anxiety disorders surveys have shown effective results in treating. However, there is still disagreement regarding the effect of exercise compared to the use of antidepressant symptoms and cognitive function in anxiety, this suggests that there is no consensus on the correct intensity of aerobic exercise as to achieve the best dose-response, with intensities high to moderate or moderate to mild.