Search

Background: Interactions between the somatosensory and motor cortices are of fundamental importance for motor control. Although physically distant, face and hand representations are side by side in the sensorimotor cortex and interact functionally. Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) interferes with upper limb sensorimotor function, causes bilateral cortical reorganization, and is associated with chronic pain. Thus, TBPI may affect sensorimotor interactions between face and hand representations. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in hand-hand and face-hand sensorimotor integration in TBPI patients using an afferent inhibition (AI) paradigm. Method: The experimental design consisted of electrical stimulation (ES) applied to the hand or face followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor cortex to activate a hand muscle representation. In the AI paradigm, the motor evoked potential (MEP) in a target muscle is significantly reduced when preceded by an ES at short-latency (SAI) or long-latency (LAI) interstimulus intervals. We tested 18 healthy adults (control group, CG), evaluated on the dominant upper limb, and nine TBPI patients, evaluated on the injured or the uninjured limb. A detailed clinical evaluation complemented the physiological investigation. Results: Although hand-hand SAI was present in both the CG and the TBPI groups, hand-hand LAI was present in the CG only. Moreover, less AI was observed in TBPI patients than the CG both for face-hand SAI and LAI. Conclusion: Our results indicate that sensorimotor integration involving both hand and face sensorimotor representations is affected by TBPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global consumption of oilseeds has been growing progressively in the last five growing seasons, in which soybean represents 60% of this sector. Thus, in order to maintain a high production in the region of Rio Verde, State of Goiás, against the phytopathological problems, this study aimed to define the best spectral range for the detection of H. glycines and P. brachyurus by linear regressions in soybean at R3 stage, as well as the elaboration of mathematical models through multiple linear regressions. For this, soil and root were sampled in the experimental area, as well as a flight was performed with the Sentera sensor. Data were used for the elaboration of regressions and for the validation of 2 mathematical models. Significant values were observed in simple linear regression only for cysts, in the visible range, with a good R² value for the Green, Red and 568 nm bands, to nonviable cysts. When working with the stepwise statistics, better results are found for H. glycines, which now has an R²(aj) of 0.7430 and P. brachyurus is then detected. From the mathematical model obtained with the multiple linear regression for non-viable cysts with an R²(aj) of 0.7430, it is possible to detect the spatial distribution of nematodes across the soybean field, in order to perform a localized management, optimizing the applications. Good results are also possible using the mathematical model obtained by simple linear regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve crop development, commercial substrates are recommended without distinction for different crops and/or varieties without considering their characteristics and needs; therefore, their composition and nutritional condition must be studied for each type of plant in its initial formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of shoot and root systems of two lettuce cultivars produced in 10 different substrates. Great Lakes and Simpson Black Seed cultivars were evaluated in 10 substrates formulated by mixing a commercial substrate, organic compounds (swine, cattle, poultry) and sugarcane bagasse. Great Lakes cultivar had a higher development of the aerial part, whereas Simpson Black Seed cultivar had a more robust root system. The substrate with swine and poultry favored the development of the aerial part of the seedlings and lettuce, while the substrates with 33% of sugarcane bagasse improved the development of the root system. The commercial substrate used in isolation showed the lowest performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of lettuce in a hydroponic system is an alternative to optimize the production. Lettuce is an important food, being one of the most consumed vegetables in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic behavior of commercial cultivars of lettuce under a single nutritive solution in a hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replicates. The treatments were composed of commercial lettuce cultivars (Americana Great Lakes, Rafaela-Americana, and Simpson Black Seed). At the time of harvest, the following parameters were evaluated: number of leaves, length of leaves and roots, fresh mass of shoot and root, and stem diameter. The collected data were submitted to an ANOVA. The cv. Rafaela-Americana presented higher leaf length. The evaluated cultivars did not present significant differences in the number of leaves, aerial green mass, green root mass, root length, and stem diameter. The cultivars showed similar variations in the number of leaves, aerial green mass, green root mass, root length, and stem diameter. The cultivar Rafaela-Americana presented a superior performance in the development of leaf length regarding the other cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]