Bromazepam increases the error of the time interval judgments and modulates the EEG alpha asymmetry during time estimation.

AIM: This study investigated the bromazepam effects in male subjects during the time estimation performance and EEG alpha asymmetry in electrodes associated with the frontal and motor cortex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a double-blind, crossover study with a sample of 32 healthy adults under control (placebo) vs. experimental (bromazepam) during visual time-estimation task in combination with electroencephalographic analysis. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the bromazepam increased the relative error in the 4 s, 7 s, and 9 s intervals (p = 0.001). In addition, oral bromazepam modulated the EEG alpha asymmetry in cortical areas during the time judgment (p ≤ 0.025). CONCLUSION: The bromazepam decreases the precision of time estimation judgments and modulates the EEG alpha asymmetry, with greater left hemispheric dominance during time perception. Our findings suggest that bromazepam influences internal clock synchronization via the modulation of GABAergic receptors, strongly relating to attention, conscious perception, and behavioral performance.

Feature alignment as a generative process.

Reversibility in artificial neural networks allows us to retrieve the input given an output. We present feature alignment, a method for approximating reversibility in arbitrary neural networks. We train a network by minimizing the distance between the output of a data point and the random output with respect to a random input. We applied the technique to the MNIST, CIFAR-10, CelebA, and STL-10 image datasets. We demonstrate that this method can roughly recover images from just their latent representation without the need of a decoder. By utilizing the formulation of variational autoencoders, we demonstrate that it is possible to produce new images that are statistically comparable to the training data. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the quality of the images can be improved by coupling a generator and a discriminator together. In addition, we show how this method, with a few minor modifications, can be used to train networks locally, which has the potential to save computational memory resources.

Effect of the fertilization and growth promoting microrganisms on Schizolobium parahyba / Efeito da adubação e microrganismos promotores de crescimento sobre Schizolobium parahyba

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the chemical and biological fertilizing on the development of two varieties of Schizolobium parahyba, paricá and guapuruvú. The chemical fertilizer NPK 20-05-20 and the plant growth promoting microorganisms, Rhizobium sp. (Rhi) and Rhizophagus clarus (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus - AMF). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five replicates and eight treatments. Forty-six day old seedlings of each variety were planted in pits containing hydroretent gel. Then the treatments were added: 1. Control; 2. Rhi; 3. AMF; 4. NPK; 5. Rhi + NPK; 6. Rhi + AMF; 7. AMF + NPK; 8. Rhi + AMF + NPK. Plant length, stem diameter and survival in the environment were evaluated. The ANOVA followed by the Duncan test (α = 0,05) was used to compare the means of the treatments. In the four evaluated periods (37, 111, 250 and 360 days), both varieties had a positive effect on height, diameter and survival when applied to NPK treatments. The interaction AMF and Rhizobium sp. favored the growth in diameter of the guapuruvú. For paricá variety that same treatment provided higher growth in height, however, AMF impaired development in diameter of this variety. Thus, it was observed that under low fertility conditions, the interaction AMF + Rhi favored a greater resistance of guapuruvú to abiotic stress compared to treatment 3, and the presence of grasses in the experimental area may have contributed to the reduction on the development of S. parahyba.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação química e biológica no desenvolvimento de duas variedades de Schizolobium parahyba, paricá e guapuruvú. O adubo químico NPK 20-05-20 e os microrganismos promotores de crescimento de plantas, Rhizobium sp. (Rhi) e Rhizophagus clarus (fungo micorrízico arbuscular - FMA). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e oito tratamentos. Plântulas com 46 dias de idade de cada variedade foram plantadas em covas contendo gel hidratante. Em seguida, os tratamentos foram adicionados: 1. Controle; 2. Rhi; 3. FMA; 4. NPK; 5. FMA + Rhi; 6. Rhi + NPK; 7. FMA + NPK; 8. FMA + Rhi + NPK. O comprimento das plantas, o diâmetro do caule e a sobrevivência no ambiente foram avaliados. A ANOVA seguida do teste de Duncan (α = 0,05) foi utilizada para comparar as médias dos tratamentos. Nos quatro períodos avaliados (37, 111, 250 e 360 dias), ambas as variedades tiveram efeito positivo na altura, diâmetro e sobrevivência quando aplicadas aos tratamentos com NPK. A interação FMA e Rhizobium sp. favoreceu o crescimento em diâmetro do guapuruvú. Para a variedade paricá, o mesmo tratamento proporcionou maior crescimento em altura, entretanto, o FMA prejudicou o desenvolvimento em diâmetro dessa variedade. Assim, observou-se que sob condições de baixa fertilidade, a interação FMA + Rhi favoreceu uma maior resistência do guapuruvú ao estresse abiótico comparado ao tratamento 3, e a presença de gramíneas na área experimental pode ter contribuído para a redução no desenvolvimento de S parahyba.

Effect of the fertilization and growth promoting microrganisms on Schizolobium parahyba / Efeito da adubação e microrganismos promotores de crescimento sobre Schizolobium parahyba

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the chemical and biological fertilizing on the development of two varieties of Schizolobium parahyba, paricá and guapuruvú. The chemical fertilizer NPK 20-05-20 and the plant growth promoting microorganisms, Rhizobium sp. (Rhi) and Rhizophagus clarus (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus - AMF). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five replicates and eight treatments. Forty-six day old seedlings of each variety were planted in pits containing hydroretent gel. Then the treatments were added: 1. Control; 2. Rhi; 3. AMF; 4. NPK; 5. Rhi + NPK; 6. Rhi + AMF; 7. AMF + NPK; 8. Rhi + AMF + NPK. Plant length, stem diameter and survival in the environment were evaluated. The ANOVA followed by the Duncan test (α = 0,05) was used to compare the means of the treatments. In the four evaluated periods (37, 111, 250 and 360 days), both varieties had a positive effect on height, diameter and survival when applied to NPK treatments. The interaction AMF and Rhizobium sp. favored the growth in diameter of the guapuruvú. For paricá variety that same treatment provided higher growth in height, however, AMF impaired development in diameter of this variety. Thus, it was observed that under low fertility conditions, the interaction AMF + Rhi favored a greater resistance of guapuruvú to abiotic stress compared to treatment 3, and the presence of grasses in the experimental area may have contributed to the reduction on the development of S. parahyba.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação química e biológica no desenvolvimento de duas variedades de Schizolobium parahyba, paricá e guapuruvú. O adubo químico NPK 20-05-20 e os microrganismos promotores de crescimento de plantas, Rhizobium sp. (Rhi) e Rhizophagus clarus (fungo micorrízico arbuscular - FMA). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e oito tratamentos. Plântulas com 46 dias de idade de cada variedade foram plantadas em covas contendo gel hidratante. Em seguida, os tratamentos foram adicionados: 1. Controle; 2. Rhi; 3. FMA; 4. NPK; 5. FMA + Rhi; 6. Rhi + NPK; 7. FMA + NPK; 8. FMA + Rhi + NPK. O comprimento das plantas, o diâmetro do caule e a sobrevivência no ambiente foram avaliados. A ANOVA seguida do teste de Duncan (α = 0,05) foi utilizada para comparar as médias dos tratamentos. Nos quatro períodos avaliados (37, 111, 250 e 360 dias), ambas as variedades tiveram efeito positivo na altura, diâmetro e sobrevivência quando aplicadas aos tratamentos com NPK. A interação FMA e Rhizobium sp. favoreceu o crescimento em diâmetro do guapuruvú. Para a variedade paricá, o mesmo tratamento proporcionou maior crescimento em altura, entretanto, o FMA prejudicou o desenvolvimento em diâmetro dessa variedade. Assim, observou-se que sob condições de baixa fertilidade, a interação FMA + Rhi favoreceu uma maior resistência do guapuruvú ao estresse abiótico comparado ao tratamento 3, e a presença de gramíneas na área experimental pode ter contribuído para a redução no desenvolvimento de S parahyba.(AU)

Methylphenidate modifies activity in the prefrontal and parietal cortex accelerating the time judgment.

Methylphenidate produces its effects via actions on cortical areas involved with attention and working memory, which have a direct role in time estimation judgment tasks. In particular, the prefrontal and parietal cortex has been the target of several studies to understand the effect of methylphenidate on executive functions and time interval perception. However, it has not yet been studied whether acute administration of methylphenidate influences performance in time estimation task and the changes in alpha band absolute power in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. The current study investigates the influence of the acute use of methylphenidate in both performance and judgment in the time estimation interpretation through the alpha band absolute power activity in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. This is a double-blind, crossover study with a sample of 32 subjects under control (placebo) and experimental (methylphenidate) conditions with absolute alpha band power analysis during a time estimation task. We observed that methylphenidate does not influence task performance (p > 0.05), but it increases the time interval underestimation by over 7 s (p < 0.001) with a concomitant decrease in absolute alpha band power in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex (p < 0.001). Acute use of methylphenidate increases the time interval underestimation, consistent with reduced accuracy of the internal clock mechanisms. Furthermore, acute use of methylphenidate influences the absolute alpha band power over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and parietal cortex.

Chronic adaptations of lung function in breath-hold diving fishermen.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to verify and analyze the existence of chronic adaptations of lung function in free-diving fishermen whose occupation is artisanal fishing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 11 breath-hold diving fishermen and 10 non-breath-hold diving fishermen (control) from the village of Bitupitá in the municipality of Barroquinha (Ceará - Brazil). Anthropometric measurements, chest and abdominal circumferences as well as spirometric and respiratory muscle strength tests were conducted according to the specifications of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS). In order to compare the measured values versus the predicted values, Student t test was used in the case of parametric test and Wilcoxon test in the case of nonparametric test. To compare the inter-group means Student t test was used for parametric test and Mann-Whitney test for the nonparametric one. The level of significance was set at α = 5%. RESULTS: The forced vital capacity (FVC) (4.9 ± 0.6 l vs. 4.3 ± 0.4 l) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (4.0 ± 0.5 l vs. 3.6 ± 0.3 l) were, respectively, higher in the group of divers compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, in the group of free divers, the measured FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratios were significantly greater than the predicted ones. No differences were found between the measured respiratory pressures. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that breath-hold diving seems to produce chronic adaptations of the respiratory system, resulting in elevated lung volumes with no airway obstruction.

Constipation in children with isolated overactive bladders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of constipation in children with isolated overactive bladder (IOAB) and no micturition complaints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was used to evaluate constipation in 51 children with IOAB, as well as in a control group of 74 children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. The Rome III criteria for children were used to assess constipation. IOAB was defined as the presence of symptoms such as urgency with or without daytime incontinence or frequency, a bell-shaped uroflow, and no post-residual urine. RESULTS: Mean patient ages were 7.94 (±2.8) and 8.28 (±3.4) years in the OAB and control group, respectively (p = 0.54). Twenty-eight (54.9%) of the OAB group were girls, and 34 (45.9%) were girls in the control group (p = 0.32). More of the children with IOAB had constipation than those without urinary symptoms (54.9% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.005; or 2.87, 95% CI: 1.3-6.0). The results were statistically significant regarding the following Rome III criteria: "history of stool retention", "presence of painful or hard bowel movements", "the presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum" and "large diameter stools which may obstruct the toilet". Within the group with OAB, constipation was more common among males (p = 0.05). There was no association between the type of OAB symptoms and constipation. The average dysfunctional voiding symptom score was 9.76 (±4.1). Eleven children (21.6%) presented alterations on ultrasound. Girls with OAB presented more frequently with UTI than boys (18 vs. 10, p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: This was the first comparative study with respect to constipation in children with IOAB and without urinary symptoms. Children with IOAB have a greater risk of having constipation compared to those with no urinary symptoms.

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation vs parasacral transcutaneous neuromodulation for overactive bladder in children.

PURPOSE: Parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation have emerged as effective methods to treat overactive bladder in children. However, to our knowledge no study has compared the 2 methods. We evaluated the results of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation in children with overactive bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied children with overactive bladder without dysfunctional voiding. Success of treatment was evaluated by visual analogue scale and dysfunctional voiding symptom score, and by level of improvement of each specific symptom. Parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was performed 3 times weekly and posterior tibial nerve stimulation was performed once weekly. RESULTS: A total of 22 consecutive patients were treated with posterior tibial nerve stimulation and 37 with parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding demographic characteristics or types of symptoms. Concerning the evaluation by visual analogue scale, complete resolution of symptoms was seen in 70% of the group undergoing parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and in 9% of the group undergoing posterior tibial nerve stimulation (p = 0.02). When the groups were compared, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.55). The frequency of persistence of urgency and diurnal urinary incontinence was nearly double in the group undergoing posterior tibial nerve stimulation. However, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We found that parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is more effective in resolving overactive bladder symptoms, which matches parental perception. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the evaluation by dysfunctional voiding symptom score, or in complete resolution of urgency or diurnal incontinence.

Evaluation of constipation after parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction--a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the treatment of constipation in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 9 boys and 5 girls with a mean age of 8.07 ± 2.72 years. 10 (71.4%) had overactive bladder and 4 (28.6%) had voiding dysfunction. A total of 20 parasacral TENS sessions, 20 min each (10 Hz), were performed 3 times per week. The criteria used to assess constipation were the Rome III criteria for children, the Bristol Stool Chart, and a visual analog scale (pain from 0 to 10). The children were reassessed immediately after treatment. No specific treatment of constipation was performed. RESULTS: After treatment, 85.7% (p < 0.001) of the children's constipation symptoms had improved following the Rome III criteria. Parasacral TENS significantly impacted the following symptoms: "the presence of at least one episode of fecal incontinence per week", "history of stool retention", and "the presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum." There was no significant change in the Bristol Stool Chart evaluation (p < 0.25), but there was a significant improving trend in level of pain before and after treatment (p < 0.063). All urinary symptoms evaluated showed improvement after TENS treatment. There was a decrease in post-void residual urine. CONCLUSION: In this first study to evaluate the results of parasacral TENS on constipation in children with LUTD, satisfactory results were obtained for both complaints.

Alterações do equilíbrio escapular em escolares de 10 a 12 anos no município de Parnaíba/PI / Changes in the scapular balance of 10 to 12 years old children at Parnaíba/PI

Crianças adaptam-se rapidamente a uma nova postura e, se esteposicionamento for inadequado, pode acarretar em comprometimentoscorporais, prejudicando sua postura. Os padrões posturaisassumidos na infância progressivamente podem formar a posturado adulto. São inúmeras as variáveis que influenciam a ergonomiacorporal, dentre elas estão os distúrbios no equilíbrio escapular.Este estudo objetivou analisar quantitativamente as alteraçõesescapulares em escolares no município de Parnaíba/PI. Trata-se deum estudo transversal, onde foi realizada uma avaliação posturalem 148 crianças entre 10 e 12 anos de ambos os sexos. O testeutilizado na análise da verificação da variação de frequências e dograu de associação entre as variáveis foi o Qui-Quadrado. O nívelde significância estabelecido foi o equivalente a p < 0,05. O presenteestudo observou as seguintes alterações no equilíbrio estáticoda cintura escapular: (5,2%) protusão, (16,5%) adução, (20,6%)abdução, (27,8%) elevação. A taxa de normalidade foi 29,9%. Aalteração escapular mais comum nos alunos avaliados foi a elevaçãoescapular com 27,8%. Concluiu-se que 66,2% dos escolaresavaliados apresentaram alterações do alinhamento escapular e aocompararmos as outras alterações, há variação significativamentedistinta na prevalência da adução e protusão escapular...

Children adapt quickly to a new position but, if this position isinadequate, can lead to physical impairments, affecting definitivelythe posture. The postural patterns in childhood can gradually modifythe adult posture. There are numerous variables that influence thebody posture, among which are disturbances in the scapular balance.This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the changes in scapularbalance in children at Parnaíba/PI. It was a cross-sectional study onpostural evaluation in 148 children of both genders, 10 to 12 yearsold. The tests used in the analysis of verification of frequency rangesand the degree of association between variables were chi-square. Thesignificance level was equivalent to p < 0.05. The present study observedthe following changes in static balance of the shoulder girdle:(5.2%) protrusion, (16.5%) adduction, (20.6%) abduction (27.8%)increase. The rate of normality was 29.9%. The most commonchange in scapular balance students was elevation with 27.8%. It wasconcluded that 66.2% of schoolchildren present scapular alignmentchanges and, comparing to other changes, they present a significantprevalence of scapular adduction and protrusion...