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1.
Somatosens Mot Res ; : 1-7, 2023 Mar 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36950966

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE/AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between digital media use and expressive language skills in the semantic and morphosyntactic domains, of pre-school-aged children (3 years-and-0 months to 5 years-and-11 months). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Verbal oral expression (VOE) tasks of the Pre-school Assessment of Language Test (Teste de Linguagem-Avaliação da Linguagem Pré-Escolar) were administered to 237 pre-school children with no previous identified neurological or developmental conditions associated with language disorders to assess expressive language skills in the semantic and morphosyntactic domains. Parents completed a questionnaire about their children's medical conditions, development (using the milestones of the Survey of Well-being of Young Children and the Pre-school Paediatric Symptom Checklist), and exposure to screens (using ScreenQ). Correlations between VOE and continuous variables such as ScreenQ were computed and a regression model incorporating all variables significantly associated with total language verbal expression was created. RESULTS: ScreenQ revealed a negative and significant correlation with children's verbal oral expression as well as significance in the regression model. Parents' education was the most significant predictor in this regression model. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of parents establishing limits for digital media use and promote good practices such as co-viewing.

2.
Acta Paediatr ; 111(10): 1950-1955, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35648466

ABSTRACT

AIM: Digital media use is prevalent among children and linked to potential developmental and health risks, but validated measures of children's digital media use are lacking. The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the ScreenQ with three distinct children's age groups. METHODS: Parents of children living in Portugal completed an online survey including the 16-item version of the ScreenQ and items related to home activities and digital media use. A combination of classical and modern theory (Rasch) methods was used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 549 mothers and 51 fathers of 325 girls and 322 boys from 6 months to 9 years and 11 months old responded to the survey. Point-measure correlations were all positive and endorsement of item values were within acceptable ranges. Cronbach's coefficient α was acceptable for a new measure, and test-retest reliability was high. Statistically significant correlations were found between ScreenQ total scores and relevant demographic, play-related, parenting and digital media use items. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese version of the ScreenQ exhibited sound psychometric properties, including internal consistency and concurrent validity referenced to external items. Higher ScreenQ scores were correlated with higher digital media multitasking, lower parent-child interaction, and higher concerns regarding child's learning and behaviour.


Subject(s)
Internet , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Portugal , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires
3.
Nucleic Acids Res ; 47(6): 2906-2921, 2019 04 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30590722

ABSTRACT

The Topo2a-dependent arrest is associated with faithful segregation of sister chromatids and has been identified as dysfunctional in numerous tumour cell lines. This genome-protecting pathway is poorly understood and its characterization is of significant interest, potentially offering interventional opportunities in relation to synthetic lethal behaviours in arrest-defective tumours. Using the catalytic Topo2a inhibitor ICRF193, we have performed a genome-wide siRNA screen in arrest-competent, non-transformed cells, to identify genes essential for this arrest mechanism. In addition, we have counter-screened several DNA-damaging agents and demonstrate that the Topo2a-dependent arrest is genetically distinct from DNA damage checkpoints. We identify the components of the SMC5/6 complex, including the activity of the E3 SUMO ligase NSE2, as non-redundant players that control the timing of the Topo2a-dependent arrest in G2. We have independently verified the NSE2 requirement in fibroblasts from patients with germline mutations that cause severely reduced levels of NSE2. Through imaging Topo2a-dependent G2 arrested cells, an increased interaction between Topo2a and NSE2 is observed at PML bodies, which are known SUMOylation hotspots. We demonstrate that Topo2a is SUMOylated in an ICRF193-dependent manner by NSE2 at a novel non-canonical site (K1520) and that K1520 sumoylation is required for chromosome segregation but not the G2 arrest.


Subject(s)
DNA Topoisomerases, Type II/genetics , G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/genetics , Ligases/genetics , Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/genetics , Sumoylation/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Cell Line , Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/genetics , DNA Damage/drug effects , Diketopiperazines , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Genome, Human/genetics , Germ-Line Mutation/genetics , Humans , Multiprotein Complexes/genetics , Piperazines/pharmacology , Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , RNA Interference , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
4.
J Adv Nurs ; 77(2): 999-1012, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33222210

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of metacognitive group training in reducing psychotic symptoms and improving cognitive insight and functions in people with schizophrenia. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. It was carried out between July 2019 -February 2020. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with schizophrenia were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a control group (N = 29) or a metacognitive training group (N = 27). Blinded assessments were made at baseline, 1-week post-treatment and at follow-up 3 months after treatment. The primary outcome measure was psychotic symptoms based on the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS). Secondary outcomes were assessed by the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS), the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). RESULTS: Completion at follow-up was high (92.86%). The intention-to-treat analyses demonstrated that patients in the metacognitive training group had significantly greater improvements of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales delusion score and total score and the Personal and Social Performance Scale, after 3 months, compared with the control group. The effect size was medium to large. The intention-to-treat analyses also demonstrated that patients in the metacognitive training group had significantly greater reductions of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales hallucination score and Beck Cognitive Insight Scale self-certainty score post-treatment, compared with the control group. The effect size was medium to large. CONCLUSION: The metacognitive training administered by psychiatric and mental health nurses was effective in ameliorating delusions and social functioning over time and it immediately reduced hallucinations post-treatment. IMPACT: Metacognitive training for treating psychosis in patients with schizophrenia is efficacious and administration is clinically feasible in the Portuguese context. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03891186.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Nurses , Psychotic Disorders , Schizophrenia , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Mental Health , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Psychotic Disorders/therapy , Schizophrenia/therapy , Treatment Outcome
5.
J Adv Nurs ; 76(1): 356-363, 2020 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31642084

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of the Portuguese version of the metacognitive training (MCT) programme for schizophrenia and its effects on psychotic symptoms, insight into the disorder and functionality. DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial that will be undertaken in six psychiatric institutions in Portugal. METHODS: This study was approved in March 2019. The sample will consist of people with schizophrenia. The evaluation instruments will include sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales, the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, the World Health Disability Assessment Schedule, and the Personal and Social Performance Scale, applied to both groups at three different times. In the experimental group, the eight MCT modules will be applied over 4 weeks. DISCUSSION: It is expected that at the end of the programme, the experimental group will have reduced severity of psychotic symptoms and improved insight into the disease and functionality. IMPACT: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that, in most cases, leads to the deterioration of cognitive and social functioning as a result of psychotic symptoms. Metacognitive training for schizophrenia has been used in several countries, but its efficacy remains unclear. It is a type of programme that consists of changing the cognitive infrastructure of delusions.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Nurse-Patient Relations , Psychiatric Nursing , Schizophrenia/nursing , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Portugal , Reproducibility of Results , Young Adult
6.
J Strength Cond Res ; 34(1): 89-96, 2020 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29329154

ABSTRACT

Lattari, E, Rosa Filho, BJ, Fonseca Junior, SJ, Murillo-Rodriguez, E, Rocha, N, Machado, S, and Maranhão Neto, GA. Effects on volume load and ratings of perceived exertion in individuals' advanced weight training after transcranial direct current stimulation. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 89-96, 2020-The aim of this study was investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on volume load and ratings of perceived exertion. Fifteen young healthy individuals, aged between 20 and 30 years in advanced strength training were recruited. Test and retest of the 10 maximum repetitions (10RM) were performed to determine the reliability of load used. Subjects performed 3 experimental conditions in a randomized, double-blinded crossover design: anodic stimulation (a-tDCS), cathodic stimulation (c-tDCS), and sham (2 mA for 20 minutes targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex left). Immediately after the experimental conditions, subjects completed 1 set of maximum repetitions with 10RM load (volume load) and answered to OMNI-RES (poststimulation) (level of significance p ≤ 0.05). The volume load showed main effect for condition (F(2, 28) = 164.801; p < 0.001). In poststimulation, a-tDCS was greater than c-tDCS (p ≤ 0.001) and sham (p ≤ 0.001). For ratings of perceived exertion (OMNI-RES), the results showed main effect for condition (F(2, 28) = 9.768; p ≤ 0.05). In poststimulation, c-tDCS was greater than a-tDCS (p ≤ 0.05) and sham (p ≤ 0.05). We conclude that the use of a-tDCS may promote increase in volume load for the LP45 exercise. Moreover, higher volume loads are necessary to maximize muscle strength and anabolism.


Subject(s)
Muscle Strength , Physical Exertion , Resistance Training , Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation , Adult , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , Young Adult
7.
J Strength Cond Res ; 34(1): 97-103, 2020 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28426515

ABSTRACT

Lattari, E, Campos, C, Lamego, MK, Legey, S, Neto, GM, Rocha, NB, Oliveira, AJ, Carpenter, CS, and Machado, S. Can transcranial direct current stimulation improve muscle power in individuals with advanced weight-training experience? J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 97-103, 2020-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in men with advanced strength-training experience. Ten healthy male subjects with advanced strength training and squatting exercise experience were included. Participants took part in an initial visit to the laboratory to complete anthropometric measurements and CMJ kinematic test-retest reliability. Participants then completed 3 experimental conditions, 48-72 hours apart, in a randomized, double-blinded crossover design: anodal, cathodal, and sham-tDCS (2 mA for 20 minutes targeting the motor cortex bilaterally). Participants completed 3 CMJ tests before and after each experimental condition, with 1-minute recovery interval between each test. The best CMJ in each moment was selected for analysis. Two-way (condition by moment) repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for CMJ height, flight time (FT), and muscular peak power (PP). Effect sizes and interindividual variability of tDCS responses were also analyzed. There was a significant condition by moment interaction for all outcome measures, with a large prepost increase in CMJ height, FT, and PP in the anodal condition. All the participants displayed CMJ performance improvements after the anodal condition. There were no significant differences in both cathodal and sham conditions. Anodal tDCS may be a valuable tool to enhance muscle power-related tasks performance, which is extremely relevant for sports that require vertical jumping ability. Anodal tDCS may also be used to support strength training, enhancing its effects on performance-oriented outcome measures.


Subject(s)
Athletic Performance , Muscle Strength , Resistance Training , Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation , Adult , Biomechanical Phenomena , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Exercise Test , Humans , Lower Extremity , Male , Motor Cortex , Reproducibility of Results , Young Adult
8.
Psychiatr Danub ; 32(2): 210-213, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32796786

ABSTRACT

The auditory N1 component has been gaining interest as a possible biomarker in schizophrenia (SCZ). N1 to right (RE) and left ear (LE) amplitudes and latencies were assessed using a monoaural auditory oddball paradigm in 12 SCZ subjects and 15 matched healthy controls (M=40.1±8.53 and 39.4±7.73, respectively). T-student test revealed no differences between RE and LE stimulation for N1 amplitude and latency to both groups. However, there were differences in peak-to-peak N1 amplitudes between the two groups for both LE (t=-3.067; ρ=0.003) and RE (t=-2.794; ρ=0.007). These findings strengthen auditory N1 has an electrophysiological biomarker for schizophrenia.


Subject(s)
Evoked Potentials, Auditory , Schizophrenia , Biomarkers , Electroencephalography , Humans , Reaction Time , Schizophrenia/diagnosis
9.
Proteomics ; 18(7): e1700260, 2018 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29466620

ABSTRACT

In the obese state, as adipose tissue expands, adipocytes become hypoxic and dysfunctional, leading to changes in the pattern of adipocyte-secreted proteins. To better understand the role of hypoxia in the mechanisms linked to obesity, we comparatively analyzed the secretome of murine differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 24 h. Proteins secreted into the culture media were precipitated by trichloroacetic acid and then digested with trypsin. The peptides were labeled with dimethyl labeling and analyzed by reversed phase nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer. From a total of 1508 identified proteins, 109 were differentially regulated, of which 108 were genuinely secreted. Factors significantly downregulated in hypoxic conditions included adiponectin, a known adipokine implicated in metabolic processes, as well as thrombospondin-1 and -2, and matrix metalloproteinase-11, all multifunctional proteins involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Findings were validated by Western blot analysis. Expression studies of the relative genes were performed in parallel experiments in vitro, in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and in vivo, in fat tissues from obese versus lean mice. Our observations are compatible with the concept that hypoxia may be an early trigger for both adipose cell dysfunction and ECM remodeling.


Subject(s)
Adipocytes/metabolism , Obesity/metabolism , Secretory Pathway , 3T3-L1 Cells , Adiponectin/genetics , Adiponectin/metabolism , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Animals , Cell Hypoxia , Chromatography, Liquid , Gene Expression Regulation , Male , Mass Spectrometry , Matrix Metalloproteinase 11/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 11/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Proteomics , Sequence Analysis, Protein , Thrombospondin 1/genetics , Thrombospondin 1/metabolism , Thrombospondins/genetics , Thrombospondins/metabolism
10.
Neurochem Res ; 43(8): 1511-1518, 2018 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29876791

ABSTRACT

Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains more than 500 components, of which the most studied are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Several studies have indicated that CBD displays neurobiological effects, including wake promotion. Moreover, experimental evidence has shown that injections of CBD enhance wake-related compounds, such as monoamines (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). However, no clear evidence is available regarding the effects of CBD on additional wake-related neurochemicals such as acetylcholine (ACh). Here, we demonstrate that systemic injections of CBD (0, 5, 10 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.) at the beginning of the lights-on period, increase the extracellular levels of ACh collected from the basal forebrain and measured by microdialysis and HPLC means. Moreover, the time course effects on the contents of ACh were present 5 h post-injection of CBD. Altogether, these data demonstrate that CBD increases ACh levels in a brain region related to wake control. This study is the first to show the effects of ACh levels in CBD-treated rats and suggests that the basal forebrain might be a site of action of CBD for wakefulness modulation.


Subject(s)
Acetylcholine/metabolism , Basal Forebrain/drug effects , Cannabidiol/pharmacology , Animals , Cannabidiol/administration & dosage , Male , Rats, Wistar , Time Factors , Wakefulness/drug effects , Wakefulness-Promoting Agents/administration & dosage , Wakefulness-Promoting Agents/pharmacology
11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29785199

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: National projections about the increase in the elderly population over 60 years bring with it an increase in the number of people affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD), making it an important public health problem. Therefore, the establishment of effective strategies for intervention in people with PD needs to be more clearly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to report the effectiveness of exercise on functional capacity and neurobiological mechanisms in people with PD. METHODS: This study is a critical review of the literature. RESULTS: The progressive death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is described as one of the main physiological mechanisms manifested before PD, directly interfering with motor behavior. However, PD is not only related to motor symptoms, but also to cognitive, autonomic, and mood impairments. Such effects may be attenuated by pharmacological influence, but also evidence suggests that the implementation of regular physical exercise programs may exhibit potential benefits over PD. The synthesis and expression of monoaminergic neurotransmitters can act positively on motor disorders, as well as directly or indirectly influence the neuronal plasticity of the brain, restoring neuronal pathways previously affected. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise contributes effectively to the treatment of PD, and can play a preventive and maintenance role of physical fitness and mental health.

12.
Am J Hum Biol ; 29(5)2017 Sep 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28370849

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To understand the relation between 2D:4D ratio, frailty, and cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly people. METHODS: A total of 175 community-dwelling elderly people were included. To determine frailty, participants completed the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE-FI). Cognitive functioning was determined using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). 2D and 4D finger lengths of each hand were measured using a scanner. Barthel Index, Lawton, and Brody scale were also completed for each participant to determine the level of daily living functioning. RESULTS: We did not find any correlations between 2D:4D ratio and frailty measures. We found a significant correlation between 2D:4D ratio and MMSE scores in the women sampled. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot ascertain any contribution of prenatal exposure to androgens to the frailty status of community-dwelling elderly people. We found that reduced prenatal exposure to testosterone in women may contribute to the prevention of cognitive decline in elderly women.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction/epidemiology , Fingers/anatomy & histology , Frailty/epidemiology , Independent Living , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Female , Frailty/etiology , Frailty/psychology , Health Surveys , Humans , Male , Portugal/epidemiology
13.
Int Rev Psychiatry ; 29(5): 436-444, 2017 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28893114

ABSTRACT

The association between panic disorder (PD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been extensively studied in recent years and, although some studies have shown anxiety disorders co-existing or increasing the risk of heart disease, no causal hypothesis has been well established. Thus, a critical review was performed of the studies that evaluated the association between PD and cardiovascular diseases; synthesizing the evidence on the mechanisms mediators that theoretically would be the responsible for the causal pathway between PD and CVD, specifically. This overview shows epidemiological studies, and discusses biological mechanisms that could link PD to CVD, such as pleiotropy, heart rate variability, unhealthy lifestyle, atherosclerosis, mental stress, and myocardial perfusion defects. This study tried to provide a comprehensive narrative synthesis of previously published information regarding PD and CVD and open new possibilities of clinical management and pathophysiological understanding. Some epidemiological studies have indicated that PD could be a risk factor for CVD, raising morbidity and mortality in PD, suggesting an association between them. These studies argue that PD pathophysiology could cause or potentiate CVD. However, there is no evidence in favour of a causal relationship between PD and CVD. Therefore, PD patients with suspicions of cardiovascular symptoms need redoubled attention.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology , Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy , Panic Disorder/physiopathology , Panic Disorder/therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Heart Rate , Humans , Panic Disorder/epidemiology , Risk Factors
14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29081825

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical activity level (PAL) is known to play an important role in reducing risk factors associated with sedentarism, in addition to improving the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQL). OBJECTIVE: Investigate the relationship of PAL and their domains with HRQL, mood state (MS) and anxiety. Method: 140 Physical Education students (23.6 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated. The Baecke Habitual Physical Activity and Quality of Life (QOL-36) questionnaires, State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI-S and STAI-T) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale were used to investigate PAL, HRQL and mental health indicators. Pearson's correlation coefficient examined the association between PAL and both mental health and HRQL parameters. RESULTS: There was a correlation between state anxiety and both the domain leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) (p = 0.013) and total PAL score (p = 0.010). In relation to MS, a negative correlation was found between LTPA and total mood disorder (TMD) (p = 0.004). However, there were positive correlations between the vigor subscale and both LTPA (p=0.001) and total PAL (p=0.019). With respect to HRQL, analysis of the relationship between LTPA and total PAL demonstrated positive coefficients with the physical component summary (PCS) (p=0.000; p = 0.005), mental component summary (MCS) (p = 0.000; p = 0.006) and total HRQL (p = 0.000; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the rise in LTPA was related to an increase in HRQL and MS. However, PAL was positively related to anxiety.

15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29299044

ABSTRACT

The Brain-Derived Neurotrofic Factor (BDNF) is one of the most important neurotrophins in the brain and it is suggested influences the activity of the serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic pathways. In the last few years, it has been hypothesized that BDNF level is related with depression and sleep. Several studies show that depressive subjects present low levels of BDNF in the brain. Poor sleep quality is also related with alterations in the BDNF concentration. Some authors argue that most of the cases show that impaired sleep quality increases the stress and, consequently, the vulnerability to depressive disorders, suggesting that there is a relationship between sleep, depression and BDNF levels.

16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29238394

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Mental health decline is one of the main responsible factors for augments in health care costs, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Some studies stated physical exercise is useful for reduction in cognitive decline and AD. Moreover, a recent review argued that evidence are scarce due to few studies published and lack of configuration information of exercise protocol, such as intensity and duration of exercise, number of sessions and other relevant data, to allow appropriate assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we discussed the possible confounders or factors responsible for these differences and possible neurophysiological mechanisms. RESULTS: Most studies revealed a possible positive association between physical exercise and cognitive assessments. There are inconsistencies in studies design responsible for varying use of cognitive assessments and different assessments of fitness. However, these studies do not fail to provide evidence about the benefits of exercise, but fail to make it possible because of the lack of dose-response information in AD patients. Physical exercise of moderate intensity should be considered as standard recommendation to reduce cognitive decline, probably due to the improvement in neurodegenerative mechanisms, and the increase in neuroplastic and neuroprotective neurotrophic factors. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is suggested that physical exercise is an important neuroprotective modulator, bringing significant control of the disease and amplifying brain functions.

17.
Actas Esp Psiquiatr ; 45(2): 56-61, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28353290

ABSTRACT

The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS) is a clinical assessment tool that focuses on the detailed measurement of delusions and hallucinations in patients with psychosis. The goal of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the PSYRATS. A sample of 92 outpatients suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders and presenting persistent psychotic symptoms was assessed using the PSYRATS and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Good inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and internal consistency were found. Factor analysis of the auditory hallucinations scale items disclosed a four-factor solution: emotion characteristics and disruption factor (factor 1), a physical characteristics factor (factor 2), a control characteristics factor (factor 3) and a cognitive attribution factor (factor 4). Regarding the delusions scale items, a two-factor solution was found: cognitive interpretation and disruption factor (factor 1) and an emotional characteristics (factor 2). The Portuguese version of the PSYRATS partially replicates previously published results in other countries.


Subject(s)
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Psychometrics , Translations
18.
Neuropsychol Rev ; 26(3): 310-328, 2016 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27541742

ABSTRACT

Social cognitive impairment is a key feature of schizophrenia and social cognition training (SCT) is a promising tool to address these deficits. Neurobiological dysfunction in schizophrenia has been widely researched, but neuronal changes induced by SCT have been scarcely explored. This review aims to assess the neuroplastic effects of SCT in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for clinical trials testing the effects of SCT in functional and structural brain measurements of adult patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders. A total of 11 studies were included: five used fMRI, two used EEG and ERP, one used ERP only, two used MEG and one study used MRI. Data extracting and processing regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables, intervention characteristics, neuroimaging procedures, neuroplastic findings, effect sizes and study quality criteria was completed by two raters. Results indicate a wide range of structural and functional changes in numerous regions and circuits of the social brain, including early perceptual areas, the limbic system and prefrontal regions. Despite the small number of trials currently available, evidence suggests that SCT is associated with neuroplastic changes in the social brain and concomitant improvements in social cognitive performance. There is a lack of extensive knowledge about the neural mechanisms that underlie social cognitive enhancement after treatment, but the reported findings may shed light on the neural substrates of social cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and how improved treatment procedures can be developed and applied.


Subject(s)
Brain/physiopathology , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Schizophrenia/physiopathology , Schizophrenia/therapy , Schizophrenic Psychology , Social Perception , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Neuronal Plasticity , Schizophrenia/diagnostic imaging
19.
Somatosens Mot Res ; 33(2): 67-71, 2016 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27147421

ABSTRACT

Postural instability is one of the most incapacitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and appears to be related to cognitive deficits. This study aims to determine the cognitive factors that can predict deficits in static and dynamic balance in individuals with PD. A sociodemographic questionnaire characterized 52 individuals with PD for this work. The Trail Making Test, Rule Shift Cards Test, and Digit Span Test assessed the executive functions. The static balance was assessed using a plantar pressure platform, and dynamic balance was based on the Timed Up and Go Test. The results were statistically analysed using SPSS Statistics software through linear regression analysis. The results show that a statistically significant model based on cognitive outcomes was able to explain the variance of motor variables. Also, the explanatory value of the model tended to increase with the addition of individual and clinical variables, although the resulting model was not statistically significant The model explained 25-29% of the variability of the Timed Up and Go Test, while for the anteroposterior displacement it was 23-34%, and for the mediolateral displacement it was 24-39%. From the findings, we conclude that the cognitive performance, especially the executive functions, is a predictor of balance deficit in individuals with PD.


Subject(s)
Cognition Disorders/etiology , Executive Function/physiology , Parkinson Disease/complications , Postural Balance/physiology , Sensation Disorders/diagnosis , Sensation Disorders/etiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cognition Disorders/diagnosis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Reproducibility of Results , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and Questionnaires
20.
J Strength Cond Res ; 30(12): 3381-3387, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27100314

ABSTRACT

Lattari, E, Andrade, ML, Filho, AS, Moura, AM, Neto, GM, Silva, JG, Rocha, NB, Yuan, T-F, Arias-Carrión, O, and Machado, S. Can transcranial direct current stimulation improve the resistance strength and decrease the rating perceived scale in recreational weight-training experience? J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3381-3387, 2016-The goal of this study was to evaluate the acute efficacy of anodic transcranial direct current stimulation on the total volume of repetitions and perceived exertion in recreationally trained individuals in strength. The sample consisted of 10 participants trained in exercise against resistance for at least 3 months. Participants underwent elbow flexion exercise at barbell with a specific load of 10 repetition maximum (10RM), responded immediately after the OMNI-RES scale, and were stimulated for 20 minutes with a tDSC protocol (2 mA), depending on randomization. After applying the tDSC, subjects were again subjected to perform elbow flexion with 10RM load and, soon after, again responded to OMNI-RES scale. All subjects underwent the 3 experimental conditions of the study, c-tDSC, a-tDSC, and sham-tDSC, which were randomized. A range of 48-72 hours was allowed between each assessment visit. An interaction to condition and time (F = 52.395; p ≤ 0.001) has shown that repetitions completed after anodic condition were higher compared with the other conditions in the postsession. In relation to perceived exertion, verified by OMNI-RES scale, 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures showed an interaction between condition and time (F = 28.445; p ≤ 0.001), where the perceived exertion was decreased after the a-tDSC condition and increased after the c-tDSC condition. In strict terms of performance, it seems to be beneficial to attend a session of 20 minutes a-tDSC, when strength training practitioners can no longer support high-volume training and have increased responses in the perceived exertion.


Subject(s)
Physical Exertion/physiology , Resistance Training/methods , Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods , Weight Lifting/physiology , Adult , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Male , Perception/physiology
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