Modified ex-PRESS technique versus Ahmed glaucoma valve as primary glaucoma surgery for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy of modified Ex-PRESS technique (ExP) versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) as primary surgery in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) secondary glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective study at the national amyloidosis centre. Success was defined as an IOP ≥ 6 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg with no need for further glaucoma surgery or laser trabeculoplasty and without loss of light perception at the time of the last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications, need for hypotensive drugs, and endothelial cell loss. Patients submitted to previous glaucoma surgery were excluded. RESULTS: We included 180 eyes of 150 patients, 121 in AGV and 59 in ExP group. No significant baseline differences were found between groups. At the time of last follow-up, both groups exhibited significant intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction (p < .001) and number of glaucoma medications (p < .001). Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed higher cumulative probability of success for AGV group (80.1% vs. 41.1%, p < .001) and higher mean time to failure (54.5 vs. 36.9 months, respectively, p < 0.001) at 60 months follow-up. AGV showed lower hazard (HR 0.21, 95% CI [0.111-0.407], p < .001) for failure. CONCLUSION: AGV and ExP are safe and effective techniques in the treatment of ATTRv secondary glaucoma. However, AGV's efficacy seems to be more durable.

Case report: Introduction of an Ahmed valve implant tube into the ciliary sulcus using a guide-wire.

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and it is the main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable one and trabeculectomy is commonly considered the surgical "gold standard" to decrease IOP. In particular cases, other kind of surgeries, as the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implant, are a reliable alternative. Usually, the silicone tube of AGV surgery is inserted into the anterior chamber. Sometimes it is necessary to place the AGV silicone tube in the ciliary sulcus, especially in cases of endothelial decompensation. This surgical procedure is not always easy to perform. CASE PRESENTATION: This article describes and presents a technique for inserting the AGV tube into the posterior chamber using a guide-wire, in a total of 12 cases are reported. This procedure has been mostly applied in a group of pseudophakic patients who need AGV placement to control elevated IOP. In exceptional situations, this procedure was applied in pseudophakic patients previously with AGV tube implanted in the anterior chamber and with loss of endothelial cells or in phakic patients with previously implanted AGV anterior chamber tube, simultaneously to cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: The purpose of these cases presentations attended at our service is to demonstrate the passage of the AGV silicone tube was performed with the aid of a guide wire.

Pigment deposits in the retrolental space of Berger: a rare feature of pigment dispersion syndrome? / Depósitos de pigmento no espaço de Berger: uma característica rara de síndrome de dispersão pigmentar?

ABSTRACT Pigment dispersion syndrome is associated with clinical features such as Krukenberg's spindles, trabecular pigmentation, Scheie's stripe and Zentmayer's ring. Another less common feature of this syndrome is retrolental pigment deposits due to anterior hyaloid detachment or a defect in the Wieger's ligament. We present two cases of pigment deposits on the posterior lens capsule. In both cases, there is bilateral dispersion of pigment throughout the anterior segment. The retrolental deposits are unilateral in the first case and bilateral in the second. Both patients report a history of ocular trauma. This is a possible important clinical sign of pigment dispersion syndrome, rarely described.

RESUMO A síndrome de dispersão pigmentar associa-se a sinais clínicos característicos como fuso de Krukenberg, hiperpigmentação da malha trabecular, linha de Scheie e anel de Zentmeyer. Um sinal menos comum dessa síndrome é o depósito de pigmento posterior ao cristalino, que ocorre por um descolamento da hialoide anterior ou um defeito no ligamento de Wieger. Apresentamos dois casos de depósitos de pigmento posterior à cápsula posterior do cristalino. Em ambos os casos, existia dispersão bilateral de pigmento por todo o segmento anterior. No primeiro caso, os depósitos eram unilaterais e, no segundo, estavam presentes em ambos os olhos. Este pode corresponder a um sinal potencialmente importante da síndrome de dispersão pigmentar, raramente descrito.

Modified Technique of Ex-PRESS® Filtration Device Combined with a Scleral Pocket for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (hATTR) Secondary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a modified approach using the Ex-PRESS® implant combined with a scleral pocket in the management of secondary open-angle glaucoma in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) at our department. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis. The primary endpoints included Intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation (baseline, 1st day, 1st week, 1, 3, 6, 12 months and at last follow-up) and number of hypotensive drugs (baseline, 6th, 12th months and at last follow-up). As secondary endpoints surgical complications, the need for additional glaucoma surgery and LogMAR BCVA were evaluated. Qualified and complete success were defined as ≥ 30% IOP decrease from baseline, with or without additional medications, respectively. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Results: A total of 32 eyes were included with a mean follow-up of 2.4±2.9 years. IOP decreased significantly from baseline (27.4±4.4 mmHg) to 1st day (5.00±2.9 mmHg), 1st week (6.9±4.1 mmHg), 1st month (11.7±7.8 mmHg), 3rd month (11.6±6.1 mmHg), 6th month (13.1±6.8 mmHg), 12th month (12.0±3.5 mmHg) and last visit (11.8±2.4 mmHg), p<0.001. There was also a significant reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medications from baseline (3.8±0.6) and last follow-up (0.4±0.8), p<0.001. LogMAR BCVA remained stable (0.25±0.26 at baseline and 0.25±0.24 at last follow-up), p=0.767. Transient hypotony occurred in 17 eyes (53.1%), but only 11 (34.4%) exhibited anterior chamber shallowing and needed additional care, namely cycloplegic drops and viscoelastic injection. Complete surgical success was achieved in 22 eyes (68.8%) and qualified success in 6 eyes (18.8%). Four eyes (12.5%) needed additional glaucoma surgery. Conclusion: The modified ExPRESS® technique appears to be effective, especially when low levels of IOP are required. Additionally, fewer anti-glaucoma drugs were necessary. In the other hand, hypotony was a common side effect with this procedure, although all patients were properly handled, preserving the surgical outcomes.

Corneal Biomechanics for Ocular Hypertension, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, and Amyloidotic Glaucoma: A Comparative Study by Corvis ST.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate biomechanical parameters of the cornea provided by Corvis ST in patients with ocular hypertension, primary open-angle glaucoma, and amyloidotic glaucoma and to compare with healthy controls. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with ocular hypertension, primary open-angle glaucoma, and amyloidotic glaucoma that underwent Corvis ST imaging. Primary outcome was the comparison of corneal biomechanical parameters between study groups after adjusting for age, gender, Goldmann intraocular pressure (GAT-IOP), and prostaglandin analogues medication. Secondary outcome was the comparison of different IOP measurements in each group. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-three eyes from 115 patients were included: 61 with primary open-angle glaucoma, 32 with amyloidotic glaucoma, 37 with ocular hypertension and 53 were healthy controls. Amyloidotic glaucoma group had smaller radius (p=0.025), lower deflection amplitude at highest concavity (p=0.019), and higher integrated radius (p=0.014) than controls. Ocular hypertension group had higher stiffness parameter at first applanation (p=0.043) than those with primary open-angle glaucoma, and higher stress-strain index (p=0.049) than those with amyloidotic glaucoma. Biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure was significantly lower than Goldmann intraocular pressure in group with primary open-angle glaucoma (p=0.005) and control group (p=0.013), and Goldmann intraocular pressure adjusted for pachymetry in group with primary open-angle glaucoma (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Eyes with amyloidotic glaucoma have more deformable corneas, while eyes with ocular hypertension have less deformable corneas. These findings may be linked to the susceptibility to glaucomatous damage and progression. There were significant differences between Goldmann applanation tonometry and biomechanically corrected intraocular ocular pressure provided by Corvis ST.

XEN Gel Stent Implantation in Eyes With Previous Glaucoma Filtering Surgeries: A Case Series.

Background In this study, we aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of ab interno XEN® gel stent (Allergan Inc., Dublin, Ireland) implantation in a series of eyes with open-angle glaucoma and a history of previous filtering glaucoma surgeries. Methodology This retrospective, single-center study included all eyes that underwent XEN gel implantation with a minimum follow-up of 18 months that had previously undergone a filtering glaucoma surgery. The main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) variation (baseline, first day, first week, and first, third, sixth, 12th, and 18th months), the number of hypotensive eyedrops at 18 months, intraoperative and postsurgical complications, and the need for subsequent glaucoma surgery. Results A total of 10 eyes from nine patients were enrolled in the study. IOP significantly decreased from 24.0 ± 2.4 mmHg to 7.8 ± 1.6 mmHg on the first day, 9.4 ± 2.2 mmHg in the first week, and 12.3 ± 4.8 mmHg, 14.7 ± 4.3 mmHg, 13.3 ± 3.8 mmHg, 11.7 ± 1.9 mmHg, and 12.3 ± 1.9 at the first, third, sixth, 12th, and 18th month, respectively (p < 0.001), with a 49.5% reduction in IOP at the end of the follow-up. The number of hypotensive eyedrops decreased significantly from 3.5 ± 0.5 (3-4) to 0.7 ± 0.7 (0-2) (p = 0.026). No intraoperative or postsurgical complications were recorded. In total, seven (70%) eyes achieved controlled IOP of <18 mmHg without any anti-glaucomatous medications, and one (10%) eye with the use of topical prostaglandin. One (10%) eye was submitted to a surgical revision, and another needed an additional glaucoma surgery during follow-up, with appropriate IOP control at the last follow-up. Conclusions This case series aims to highlight that the XEN implant can be an option in eyes with IOP levels in the low 20s and previously failed filtering surgeries, with satisfactory efficacy and high safety.

Ahmed valve for secondary glaucoma in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR-FAP) who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with a diagnosis of TTR-FAP secondary glaucoma, who underwent AGV implantation in our department, between November 2010 and July 2019. The cumulative probability of treatment success was measured with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The primary outcome was success, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 6 mmHg and ≤21 mmHg with or without medication, with no need for further glaucoma surgery and without loss of light perception at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes were postoperative IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, and rates of complications. RESULTS: The study included 114 eyes of 87 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 3.81 ± 2.11 years (y) [range, 1.00-8.28 y]. Compared to the preoperative values, the mean IOP was reduced from 28.20 ± 7.01 to 12.87 ± 3.76 mmHg at the final visit (p < 0.001), with a reduction in the number of medications from 3.89 ± 0.66 to 1.86 ± 1.43 (p < 0.001). Early and late postoperative complications occurred in 20 (17.09%) and 9 (7.89%) eyes, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated probabilities of success of 0.98 at 1 y, 0.97 at 2 y, 0.95 at 3 y, 0.89 at 4 y, 0.77 at 5 y and 0.72 at 6 y. The linear correlation analysis showed a correlation between some characteristics of the natural history of TTR-FAP patients and AGV implantation success. CONCLUSION: Although glaucoma in TTR-FAP patients is very difficult to manage, AGV implantation is an effective and relatively safe procedure.

Biometric Predictability in Combined Cataract Surgery and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Depending on Tube Position.

PURPOSE: To compare the predictability of biometric results in patients undergoing cataract surgery combined with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation according to tube position. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery combined with AGV implantation with the tube in posterior (group PC) and anterior (group AC) chamber, between November 2012 and April 2020. The main outcome was the mean biometric prediction error, according to tube position, using different formulas. RESULTS: The study included 49 eyes of 36 patients, 23 eyes in group PC and 26 eyes in group AC. Gender (p=0.774), age (p=0.822), type of glaucoma (p=0.168), preoperative correct distance visual acuity (p=0.139), axial length (p=0.765), anterior chamber depth (p=0.351), keratometry (p=0.577) and intraocular lens power (p=0.608) were similar between groups. Only preoperative intraocular pressure was higher in group PC (p=0.005). The mean prediction errors using Haigis, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Barrett Universal II, Kane and Hill RBF formulas were all positive in group PC (hyperopic) and all negative (myopic) in group AC. In group PC, there was no significant difference in prediction error between these formulas (p>0.05). In group AC, the formula with the worst prediction error was Haigis (p=0.001), and the best was Barrett Universal II (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: The biometric predictability and expected final refraction in phacoemulsification surgery combined with AGV implantation are modified by the position of the tube.

Protocolo de assistência do serviço de condicionamento físico para indivíduos com doenças neuromusculares e musculoesqueléticas / Assistance protocol physical conditioning department for individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases

O condicionamento físico supervisionado por profissionais de Educação Física inserido em um programa de reabilitação para pacientes com distúrbios neuromusculares e musculoesqueléticos visa o aumento da força muscular, melhora da coordenação motora, equilíbrio dinâmico, capacidade aeróbia, capacidade funcional e da aptidão física voltada à saúde. Trata-se de importante intervenção para prevenir e atenuar a sinergia entre a perda de função física e a exacerbação de várias comorbidades que comprometem a independência funcional, modificar fatores de risco, aumentar a qualidade de vida e longevidade com redução da mortalidade. O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar o protocolo de assistência do Serviço de Condicionamento Físico do Instituto de Medicina Física e Reabilitação do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (IMREA-HCFMUSP), elaborado para que a intervenção de exercícios físicos seja adequada, respeitando o perfil e limitações físicas desses pacientes, bem como na observação de seus marcadores clínicos.

The Physical Conditioning Department supervised by physical education professionals included in the rehabilitation program for neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders aims to increase muscular strength, improve motor capacity, dynamic balance, aerobic capacity, functional capacity and physical fitness for health. It is an important function to prevent and attenuate a synergy between physical function and the exacerbation of several comorbidities, compromising functional independence, removing risk factors, increasing quality of life and longevity with mortality. The objective of this article is to present the physical conditioning protocol of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (IMREA-HCFMUSP), elaborated so that the intervention of physical exercises is adequate, respecting the profile and physical limitations of these patients, as well as in the observation of their clinical markers.

Consecutive bilateral decompression retinopathy after mitomycin C trabeculectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: After a successful trabeculectomy, a sudden intraocular pressure decrease may alter the intracranial to intraocular pressure ratio and cause decompression retinopathy. Frequent Valsalva maneuvers may also play a role in its pathogenesis. This condition may manifest as multiple retinal hemorrhages, edema of the optic disc, macular edema, or a sudden decrease in visual acuity postoperatively. Outcomes for patients are usually good, with spontaneous resolution occurring within a matter of weeks. It has been rarely reported in the literature as a bilateral condition. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of consecutive bilateral decompression retinopathy in a 54-year-old severely obese Caucasian woman (body mass index 37 kg/m(2)) with open angle glaucoma and a poor history of medical therapeutic compliance, who chose surgical treatment based on her inability to consistently use ocular drops. Our patient underwent a trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in both eyes, with surgeries taking place 3 months apart. After the first surgery, 2 weeks postoperatively, she complained of decreased visual acuity. Examination of her right eye fundus revealed multiple retinal hemorrhages and disc edema. There was a similar pattern in her left eye, this time including maculopathy. Her visual acuity and fundoscopic changes resolved spontaneously over a period of a month in both cases. Currently, our patient has well-controlled bilateral intraocular pressure, ranging between 14 and 16 mmHg, without hypotensive medication. CONCLUSIONS: Decompression retinopathy is a potential complication after glaucoma surgery, but has rarely been described as a bilateral consecutive condition. A comprehensive approach could help to anticipate its occurrence and manage it.

Rastreio de patologia respiratória em crianças em idade escolar com o uso de espirometria portátil / Respiratory disease screening in school-aged children using portable spirometry

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de doença respiratória em crianças em idade escolar e determinar o valor da espirometria de campo. MÉTODOS: Avaliaram-se 313 alunos do primeiro e quarto ano de quatro escolas de Lisboa. Aplicou-se questionário respiratório auto-preenchido, e efetuou-se espirometria. Realizou-se análise descritiva e bivariada seguida de análise de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Trinta e cinco por cento das crianças tiveram pelo menos um episódio de sibilância (18 por cento > 2 episódios), e 4 por cento tiveram diagnóstico de asma. Sibilância foi mais frequente com história familiar de atopia (OR ajustado = 2,7, IC95 por cento 1,4-5,1), tabagismo na gravidez, infecção respiratória baixa (IRB) (OR ajustado = 2,8; IC95 por cento 1,2-6,2), bronquiolite (OR ajustado = 3,3; IC95 por cento 1,3-8,2) e alergia a aeroalérgenos (OR ajustado = 3,2; IC95 por cento 1,4-7,2). Asma foi mais frequente com história de IRB (OR ajustado = 14,6; IC95 por cento 1,7-122,9) e alergia a aeroalérgenos (OR ajustado = 8,2; IC95 por cento 2,0-34,2). Cento e sessenta e nove (54 por cento) valores espirométricos preencheram critérios de aceitabilidade. O grupo com sibilância tinha em média valores de escore z inferiores para volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), razão entre VEF1 e capacidade vital forçada (CVF) (VEF1/CVF) e fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25 e 75 por cento (FEF25-75) (p < 0,05), além de maior percentagem de crianças com valores anormais para VEF1, VEF1/CVF e FEF25-75 (FEF25-75, p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo piloto revelou frequência elevada de sintomatologia respiratória obstrutiva em escolares em Lisboa. Verificou-se boa correlação entre o questionário e os valores espirométricos. A baixa prevalência de asma leva-nos a especular que este diagnóstico esteja subestimado nesta população.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of respiratory disease in school-aged children and to determine the value of field spirometry. METHODS: Data on 313 1st and 4th graders from four public schools in Lisbon were analyzed. A respiratory self-answered questionnaire and standard spirometry were performed. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of the children presented at least one episode of wheezing (18 percent > 2 episodes), and 4 percent had asthma. Wheezing was more frequent with family history of atopy (adjusted OR = 2.7; 95 percentCI 1.4-5.1), maternal smoking during pregnancy, lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (adjusted OR = 2.8; 95 percentCI 1.2-6.2), bronchiolitis (adjusted OR = 3.3; 95 percentCI 1.3-8.2), and allergy to aeroallergens (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95 percentCI 1.4-7.2). Asthma was more frequent with previous history of LRTI (adjusted OR = 14.6; 95 percentCI 1.7-122.9) and allergy to aeroallergens (adjusted OR = 8.2; 95 percentCI 2.0-34.2). Fifty-five percent of spirometry measurements met the acceptability criteria of the American Thoracic Society and of the European Respiratory Society. Wheezers presented mean lower z scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ratio between FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent (FEF25-75) (p < 0.05), as well as higher percentage of abnormal FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 (FEF25-75, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed a high prevalence of obstructive airway symptoms in school-aged children in Lisbon. Symptoms assessed by the questionnaire showed good correlation with spirometric values. The small prevalence of asthma leads us to speculate that asthma is under-diagnosed in this population.

Respiratory disease screening in school-aged children using portable spirometry.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of respiratory disease in school-aged children and to determine the value of field spirometry. METHODS: Data on 313 1st and 4th graders from four public schools in Lisbon were analyzed. A respiratory self-answered questionnaire and standard spirometry were performed. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of the children presented at least one episode of wheezing (18% ≥ 2 episodes), and 4% had asthma. Wheezing was more frequent with family history of atopy (adjusted OR = 2.7; 95%CI 1.4-5.1), maternal smoking during pregnancy, lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (adjusted OR = 2.8; 95%CI 1.2-6.2), bronchiolitis (adjusted OR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.3-8.2), and allergy to aeroallergens (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95%CI 1.4-7.2). Asthma was more frequent with previous history of LRTI (adjusted OR = 14.6; 95%CI 1.7-122.9) and allergy to aeroallergens (adjusted OR = 8.2; 95%CI 2.0-34.2). Fifty-five percent of spirometry measurements met the acceptability criteria of the American Thoracic Society and of the European Respiratory Society. Wheezers presented mean lower z scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ratio between FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% (FEF25-75) (p < 0.05), as well as higher percentage of abnormal FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75/ (FEF25-75, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed a high prevalence of obstructive airway symptoms in school-aged children in Lisbon. Symptoms assessed by the questionnaire showed good correlation with spirometric values. The small prevalence of asthma leads us to speculate that asthma is under-diagnosed in this population.

The influence of bromazepam on cortical power distribution

The EEG has been widely employed in the assessment of electrophysiological changes induced by distinct medications. Its sensibility in detecting alterations produced by a specific substance may be enhanced by methods of quantitative analyses (qEEG). The present study aimed at investigating the modulatory effects of bromazepam on brain dynamics. The effects of bromazepam (3mg) on EEG power distribution were tested in 10 healthy individuals, in a double-blind experiment. The electrophysiological measure was analyzed across experimental conditions, moments, and electrodes, in the delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands separately. A significant decrease of relative power was observed in delta and theta (main effect of condition). No interactions were observed. Although the expected anxiolytic EEG profile was not observed (increased beta and decreased alpha activity), this specific result may be related to other factors such as dosage used and the subjects' general physiological state, and not necessarily to the drug itself.

O EEG tem sido amplamente empregado na avaliação de mudanças eletrofisiológicas induzidas por medicações distintas.A sensibilidade desta técnica em detectar alterações produzidas por uma substância pode ser aprimorada por métodos de análise quantitativa (EEGq). O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar os efeitos modulatórios do bromazepam na dinâmica cerebral. Os efeitos de 3mg de bromazepam na distribuição de potência cortical foram observados em 10 indivíduos sadios, em um desenho duplo-cego. A medida eletrofisiológica foi analisada nas diferentes condições experimentais, momentos e eletrodos, em delta, teta, alfa e beta separadamente. Uma diminuição significativa de potência relativa foi observada em delta e teta (efeito principal para condição). Não foram observadas interações. Embora o perfil ansiolítico do EEG (aumento de beta e diminuição de alfa) não tenha sido observado, esteresultado específico pode estar relacionado a outros fatores, tais como dose utilizada e estado fisiológico dos sujeitos, e não necessariamente à droga propriamente dita.

The effects of bromazepam on the early stage of visual information processing (P100)

The early stages of visual information processing, involving the detection and perception of simple visual stimuli, have been demonstrated to be sensitive to psychotropic agents. The present study investigated the effects of an acute dose of bromazepam (3 mg), compared with placebo, on the P100 component of the visual evoked potential and reaction time. The sample, consisting of 14 healthy subjects (6 male and 8 female), was submitted to a visual discrimination task, which employed the "oddball" paradigm. Results suggest that bromazepam (3 mg) impairs the initial stage of visual information processing, as observed by an increase in P100 latency.

Os estágios iniciais do processamento da informação visual, envolvendo a percepção e detecção de um estímulo visual simples, tem demonstrado serem sensíveis a agentes psicotrópicos. O presente estudo investigou os efeitos de uma dose aguda de bromazepam (3 mg), comparado com placebo, no componente P100 do potencial evocado visual e no tempo de reação. A mostra consistiu de 14 sujeitos sadios (6 homens e 8 mulheres), submetidos a uma tarefa de discriminação visual, a qual empregou o paradigma "oddball". Os resultados sugerem que o bromazepam (3 mg) prejudica o estágio inicial do processamento da informação visual, como observado pelo aumento da latência do P100.

Influence of bromazepam on cortical interhemispheric coherence

Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications due to their therapeutic efficacy in reducing anxiety and inducing sleep. Consequently, they have been widely employed in the pharmacological treatment of several disorders. Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed the effects of bromazepam in electroencephalographic activity (EEG). The present study aimed at investigating the modulatory effects of this drug on brain dynamics. Specifically, the effects of bromazepam (3mg) on EEG coherence were tested in a double-blind experiment. The sample, consisting of 10 healthy subjects (5 male and 5 female), was submitted to ten minutes of EEG recording. The electrophysiological measure (coherence) was analyzed across three experimental conditions: bromazepam, placebo 1, and placebo 2. Results indicate that bromazepam significantly increases cortical interhemispheric coherence.

Benzodiazepínicos estão entre as medicações mais comumente prescritas devido à sua eficácia terapêutica para reduzir ansiedade e induzir sono. Conseqüentemente, eles têm sido amplamente empregados no tratamento de diversas desordens. No entanto, poucos estudos têm analisado os efeitos do bromazepam na atividade eletrencefalográfica (EEG). Assim, o presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar os efeitos modulatórios desta droga na dinâmica cerebral. Especificamente, os efeitos de 3 mg de bromazepam na coerência eletrocortical foram analisados em um experimento duplo-cego. A amostra consistiu de 10 sujeitos sadios (5 homens e 5 mulheres), submetidos a dez minutos de captação do sinal de EEG. A medida eletrofisiológica (coerência) foi analisada em três condições experimentais: bromazepam, placebo 1 e placebo 2. Os resultados sugerem que o bromazepam aumenta significativamente a coerência cortical inter-hemisférica.

Leitura e redação entre universitários: avaliação de um programa de intervenção / Reading and writing among undergraduates students: evaluation of a remedial program

Este trabalho avalia a aplicação de um programa de intervenção em leitura e redação realizado com alunos ingressantes de dois cursos da área de Negócios de uma universidade particular, período noturno, num total de 42 participantes. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as diferenças de desempenho não foram estatisticamente significativas entre o pré e o pós-teste, mas que houve mudanças qualitativas nas atitudes dos alunos em relação a esses temas. O estudo enfatiza a necessidade de incorporação de disciplinas especificas ou atividades de longa duração aos currículos dos cursos de graduação, destinadas a oferecer aos alunos a oportunidade de superarem deficiências da escolarização anterior.

Competências e habilidades cognitivas: diferentes definições dos mesmos construtos / Cognitive abilities and competencies: distinct terms for the same constructs

Recentemente, os programas de avaliação implementados pelo governo brasileiro têm chamado a atenção para uma dimensão humana com uma longa tradição de pesquisa na Psicologia, as habilidades cognitivas. Neste artigo procura-se analisar o modelo conceitual de habilidades e competências subjacente ao Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) e compará-lo com os modelos contemporâneos da inteligência humana pela ótica da psicometria e psicologia cognitiva. Embora empreguem terminologias diferentes, os modelos referem-se a dimensões comuns da capacidade humana, nomeadamente a inteligência fluida e cristalizada mas ainda faltam estudos de validade de construto para evidenciar com mais clareza o que o ENEM avalia