Protocol for a controlled, randomized, blind, clinical trial to assess the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation dorsolateral prefrontal cortex associated with balance training using games in the postural balance of older people.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the additional effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) applied on dorsolateral pré-frontal cortex on training postural balance with the use of video games in the aged. Methods: This is a blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial protocol, with older people of both genders. Participants will be randomized into three training groups: Group 1 (videogame balance training), group 2 (videogame balance training associated with anodal tDCS), group 3 (videogame balance training associated with sham tDCS). The training will be carried out twice a week for four weeks, totaling eight sessions, and will be performed with the Nintendo Wii videogame console, using games that stimulate the postural balance associated with tDCS, with anode applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cathode on the contralateral supraorbital region at 2 mA for 20 minutes. The postural balance will be assessed using the Mini Test of the Balance Assessment System and posturography. Evaluations will be carried out before and after eight training sessions and 30 days after the end of treatment. Discussion: Some studies show favorable results from the use of video games in improving postural balance in older people; however, their effect does not remain long-term. TDCS associated with other therapies can potentiate and prolong the effects of these therapies owing to its ability to stimulate neurotrophins important for neurogenesis, facilitating tasks that require attention, and helping to consolidate learning and memory. The effect of the two associated techniques on balance has not yet been tested in this population. Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ID U1111-1213-4266; registered on 15 October 2018.

Evaluation of synergism and development of a formulation with thymol, carvacrol and eugenol for Rhipicephalus microplus control.

The acaricidal activity of combinations of thymol, carvacrol and eugenol was evaluated on larvae and engorged females of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The first step assessed the compounds separately, in concentrations of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/mL. Then tests were performed with the compounds combined in the ratio of 1:1 at concentrations of 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL, along with the control group treated with the solvent (3% DMSO). In the second step, combinations were tested incorporated in a formulation at the concentration de 6.25 mg/mL, using the larval packet and adult immersion tests. The associations carvacrol + thymol (3.125 mg/mL), carvacrol + eugenol and thymol + eugenol (6.25 mg/mL) presented synergism, while the other associations had an additive effect. In the experiments with formulation, all combinations caused 100% larval mortality, but the efficacy was under 15% against engorged females. Therefore, the combinations of thymol + carvacrol (3.125 mg/mL) as well as carvacrol + eugenol and eugenol + thymol (6.25 mg/mL) had a synergistic effect on engorged females, but when incorporated in the formulation, the acaricide activity was strong against larvae but weak against engorged females.