Monitoring auditory cortical plasticity in hearing aid users with long latency auditory evoked potentials: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare long-latency auditory evoked potentials before and after hearing aid fittings in children with sensorineural hearing loss compared with age-matched children with normal hearing. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects of both genders aged 7 to 12 years participated in this study and were divided into two groups as follows: 14 children with normal hearing were assigned to the control group (mean age 9 years and 8 months), and 18 children with mild to moderate symmetrical bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were assigned to the study group (mean age 9 years and 2 months). The children underwent tympanometry, pure tone and speech audiometry and long-latency auditory evoked potential testing with speech and tone burst stimuli. The groups were assessed at three time points. RESULTS: The study group had a lower percentage of positive responses, lower P1-N1 and P2-N2 amplitudes (speech and tone burst), and increased latencies for the P1 and P300 components following the tone burst stimuli. They also showed improvements in long-latency auditory evoked potentials (with regard to both the amplitude and presence of responses) after hearing aid use. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the central auditory pathways can be identified using P1-N1 and P2-N2 amplitude components, and the presence of these components increases after a short period of auditory stimulation (hearing aid use). These findings emphasize the importance of using these amplitude components to monitor the neuroplasticity of the central auditory nervous system in hearing aid users

Auditory evoked potentials: predicting speech therapy outcomes in children with phonological disorders

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether neurophysiologic responses (auditory evoked potentials) differ between typically developed children and children with phonological disorders and whether these responses are modified in children with phonological disorders after speech therapy. METHODS: The participants included 24 typically developing children (Control Group, mean age: eight years and ten months) and 23 children clinically diagnosed with phonological disorders (Study Group, mean age: eight years and eleven months). Additionally, 12 study group children were enrolled in speech therapy (Study Group 1), and 11 were not enrolled in speech therapy (Study Group 2). The subjects were submitted to the following procedures: conventional audiological, auditory brainstem response, auditory middle-latency response, and P300 assessments. All participants presented with normal hearing thresholds. The study group 1 subjects were reassessed after 12 speech therapy sessions, and the study group 2 subjects were reassessed 3 months after the initial assessment. Electrophysiological results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Latency differences were observed between the groups (the control and study groups) regarding the auditory brainstem response and the P300 tests. Additionally, the P300 responses improved in the study group 1 children after speech therapy. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that children with phonological disorders have impaired auditory brainstem and cortical region pathways that may benefit from speech therapy

Study of suppression effect in the brainstem auditory evoked potential

TEMA: o efeito de supressão com ruído branco contralateral verificado sobre o potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico pode ter influência do sistema auditivo eferente. OBJETIVOS: avaliar o efeito de supressão com ruído branco contralateral no potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico em indivíduos com limiares auditivos dentro da normalidade. MÉTODOS: participaram desta pesquisa 25 indivíduos, de 18 a 30 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, que foram submetidos à anamnese, inspeção do meato acústico externo, audiometria tonal liminar, logoaudiometria e medidas de imitância acústica, com o objetivo de selecionar os indivíduos com acuidade auditiva normal. Em seguida os indivíduos selecionados realizaram o potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico sem e com ruído branco contralateral. RESULTADOS: na comparação entre as condições sem e com ruído branco contralateral verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante para a amplitude da onda I e para as latências absolutas das ondas III e V, porém não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante com relação às latências interpicos. CONCLUSÕES: o presente estudo verificou aumento nas latências e diminuição nas amplitudes das ondas I, III e V na presença de ruído contralateral, quando comparadas as condições com e sem ruído. Estes resultados sugerem uma possível influência do sistema nervoso auditivo eferente na modulação das respostas do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico quando se utiliza ruído branco contralateral.BACKGROUND: the suppression effect with contralateral white noise observed in the brainstem auditory evoked potential can be influenced by the efferent auditory system. AIM: to evaluate the suppression effect with contralateral white noise in the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential of individuals with normal hearing. METHODS: 25 individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years, of both genders, were submitted to a clinical history questionnaire, inspection of the external auditory canal, conventional audiometry, speech audiometry and acoustic immittance measurements. Only individuals with normal hearing thresholds were selected. The selected individuals underwent brainstem auditory evoked potential testing with and without contralateral white noise. RESULTS: a significant statistical difference was observed between the situations with and without contralateral white noise, for wave I amplitude and waves III and V latencies. No statistical differences were observed for the interpeak latencies. CONCLUSION: the present study indicated increased latencies and reduced amplitudes of waves I, III and V with contralateral noise, when comparing the situations with and without noise. These results suggest a possible influence of the efferent auditory system on the response modulation of Brainstem auditory evoked potential when contralateral white noise is used

A percepção dos atuais e futuros gestores da região do Triângulo Mineiro sobre as práticas de corrupção no cotidiano e no ambiente organizacional

Este estudo analisou a percepção dos atuais e futuros gestores em relação às diferentes condutas ilícitas cotidianas e organizacionais, classificando-as em corrupção branca (jeitinho), cinza (malandragem) ou preta (ato de corrupção). Foi realizada uma Survey com estudantes de universidades públicas e privadas da região do Triângulo Mineiro. Os resultados evidenciaram que 75,7% da amostra alegaram utilizar-se do "jeitinho" para se dar bem e que há uma maior rigor com atos corruptos (corrupção preta) nas organizações que nas situações cotidianas, classificadas como malandragem (corrupção cinza). Revelou, ainda, diferenças de percepção em relação aos dados demográficos

Sensoriamento Remoto e SIG aplicados ao estudo da preservação e supressão da mata ciliar na bacia do rio Catolé - MG

O intenso uso dos recursos naturais tem provocado em muitos casos o seu esgotamento, como perda da cobertura vegetal, o que tem provocado uma perda na biodiversidade tanto na fauna como na flora. Esta degradação e provocada pela implantação dos agronegócios como a monocultura do eucalipto, bovinocultura e os projetos de irrigação. Uma grave conseqüência desse uso desordenado do solo e a supressão das APPs, sendo esta uma vegetação de suma importância para a qualidade e quantidade de água no rio. Tendo em vista a deficiência na fiscalização dessas áreas foi feito um estudo de uso e ocupação do solo na bacia do rio Catolé na qual foram utilizadas as Geotecnologias que são ferramentas fundamentais no monitoramento e gerenciamento dos recursos naturais, sobretudo o Sensoriamento Remoto - os SIGs -, que permite a analise das informações de uso e ocupação do solo e suas influências nas áreas de APPs, de forma mais ágil, fácil e rápida

Prevalence of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) Clone Harboring sfa Gene in Brazil

Escherichia coli sfa+ strains isolated from poultry were serotyped and characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Isolates collected from 12 Brazilian poultry farms mostly belonged to serogroup O6, followed by serogroups O2, O8, O21, O46, O78, O88, O106, O111, and O143. Virulence genes associated were: iuc 90%, fim 86% neuS 60%, hly 34%, tsh 28%, crl/csg 26%, iss 26%, pap 18%, and 14% cnf. Strains from the same farm presented more than one genotypic pattern belonging to different profiles in AFLP. AFLP showed a clonal relation between Escherichia coli sfa+ serogroup O6. The virulence genes found in these strains reveal some similarity with extraintestinal E. coli (ExPEC), thus alerting for potential zoonotic risk

Why do We Want Trees? Potential for Improvement in Food and Income in Brazilian Rural Settlements

The aim of this study was to investigate tree species cultivated and maintained by family farmers in five rural settlements, to understand the motivations for farmers to cultivate them and analyze their potential to provide income and food improvement. We have studied trees distribution in 16 lots and surveyed tree species cultivated by farmers, as well as their functions within the lots. We listed food and medicinal species, and those already commercialized, and the main market channels for their products. The main reason the families cultivate or maintain trees in their lots is for food supply but there are other motivations, related to well-being and cultural issues. Farmers plant trees motivated mainly by direct use (food) and for the possibility of generating income through the sale of tree products. We found 94 tree species, being half of them cultivated for food and medicinal uses. Approximately 45% of these species are commercialized by farmers in different channels. We conclude that trees are important for farming and livelihoods in rural settlements and have potential to be inserted in local productive systems

Utilização de recursos ergogênicos e suplementos alimentares por praticantes de musculação em academias

A alimentação adequada ao tipo de exercício realizado é fundamental para obter os resultados almejados. A suplementação alimentar é indicada quando o organismo necessita de complementação na alimentação, porém é feita frequentemente sem necessidade. Diante disso, o presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar os recursos ergogênicos e os suplementos alimentares mais consumidos, bem como o nível de conhecimento por parte de seus usuários. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, em 62 praticantes de musculação nas cidades de Coimbra, Ervália e Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Utilizou-se um questionário validado com 17 perguntas discursivas e objetivas. Os suplementos proteicos foram os mais consumidos nas três cidades, seguidos da creatina na cidade de Viçosa. Embora os indivíduos apresentem conhecimento sobre os efeitos adversos dos esteroides anabolizantes, foi observada uma alta prevalência no uso destas substâncias. Conclui-se que o consumo é frequente, com orientação profissional na cidade de Viçosa e auto prescrição em Coimbra e Ervália, e que o nível de conhecimento é insuficiente. ABSTRACTErgogenic of resource use and dietary supplements by resistance training practitioners in gymsAdequate food to the type of exercise performed is critical to get desired results. Supplementation is indicated when the body needs to complement the food, but it is often done without. Thus, the present study aims to identify the ergogenic resources and the most consumed food supplements as well as the level of knowledge on the part of its members. A descriptive study was conducted in 62 resistance training practitioner in the cities of Coimbra, Ervália and Viçosa, Minas Gerais. We used a validated questionnaire with 17 discursive and multiple choice questions. The protein supplements were the most consumed in the three cities, followed by creatine in Viçosa. Although individuals have knowledge about the unfavorable effects of anabolic steroids, a high prevalence in the use of these substances was observed. It was concluded that consumption is frequent, with professional guidance in Viçosa and self prescription in Coimbra and Ervália, and that the level of knowledge is insufficient

Associação entre o nível de atividade física e autoestima de adolescentes praticantes e não praticantes de taekwondo

BACKGROUND: Practicing taekwondo is a dynamic form of physical activity that not only strengthens the body but can also boost teenagers’ self-esteem. Through overcoming physical and mental challenges, taekwondo practitioners develop a sense of personal accomplishment and self-confidence.OBJECTIVE: Compare the level of physical activity and self-esteem of adolescents who practice and do not practice taekwondo.METHODS: The study was cross-sectional, in which the sample was composed of 60 adolescents, 30 practitioners and 30 non-practitioners of taekwondo from a school in the interior of Minas Gerais. The instruments used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Rosemberg Self-Esteem Scale. For all statistical treatments, a significance level of p<0.05 was adopted.RESULTS: It can be observed that among taekwondo practitioners, 80% were very active. When comparing the self-esteem scale between taekwondo practitioners and non-taekwondo practitioners, it was possible to observe that taekwondo practitioners had a lower average (6.70±3.02 and 19.03±3.85, respectively), which reflects a level better self-esteem.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there is a difference between the level of physical activity and self-esteem of taekwondo practitioners and non-taekwondo practitioners, with practitioners having better self-esteem.INTRODUÇÃO: A prática do taekwondo é uma forma dinâmica de atividade física que não só fortalece o corpo, mas também pode elevar a autoestima dos adolescentes. Através da superação de desafios físicos e mentais, os praticantes de taekwondo desenvolvem um senso de realização pessoal e autoconfiança.OBJETIVO: Comparar o nível de atividade física e autoestima de adolescentes praticantes e não praticantes de taekwondo.MÉTODOS: O estudo foi de corte transversal, em que a amostra foi composta por 60 adolescentes, 30 praticantes e 30 não praticantes de taekwondo de uma escola do interior de Minas Gerais. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) e a Escala de Autoestima de Rosemberg. Para todos os tratamentos estatísticos foi adotado um nível de significância de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Pode-se observar que entre os praticantes de taekwondo 80% eram muito ativos. Quando comparado a escala da autoestima entre os praticantes de taekwondo e não praticantes foi possível observar que os praticantes de taekwondo apresentavam menor média (6,70±3,02 e 19,03±3,85, respectivamente), o qual reflete um nível de autoestima melhor. CONCLUSÃO: It is concluded that there is a difference between the level of physical activity and self-esteem of taekwondo practitioners and non-taekwondo practitioners, with practitioners having better self-esteem