Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology.

Importance: Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues. Objective: This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points. Methods: In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at p < 0.001. Results: TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls. Conclusions: and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.

Static magnetic field blocked alprazolam-induced behavior of Wistar rats in the elevated plus-maze test.

Studies have shown that psychotropic drugs change rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze test (EPM). This study investigated whether static magnetic fields could alter alprazolam-induced rat behavior in the EPM. 66 male Wistar rats (270-300 g weight) were assigned to one of the following groups: Sham Magnetic + Saline (SMS), North Pole + Saline (NPS), South Pole + Saline (SPS), Sham magnetic + alprazolam (SMA), NP + alprazolam (NPA), and SP + alprazolam (SPA). After five days of static magnetic stimulation (3200 Gauss), they received alprazolam or saline (1 mg/kg), and their behavior was evaluated. Two-way ANOVA and Holm-Sidak post-hock were used, with a significant P value of <0.05. The SMA and NPA groups showed an increased number of entries and time in the open arms compared with the SMS group. SPA showed a decrease in these measures when compared to SMA [F(2,61) = 6.43 and F(2,61) = 3.72, respectively]. The SMA and NPA groups showed increased head dipping and end-arm activity compared with the SMS group. SPA showed a decrease in these measures when compared to SMA [F(2,61) = 3.37 and [F(2,61) = 4.72, respectively]. These results show that the south magnetic pole of a static magnetic field blocked the alprazolam effect in the space-time variables of the open arms and ethological anxiolytic-like behavior in the EPM.

Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture Effects of ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-9 (Yinlingquan) on Motor Behavior in Ischemic Gerbils.

Objective: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. To find ways to reduce behavioral disabilities, researchers study animal models. By targeting ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-9 (Yinlingquan), this study investigated the effects of traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) on motor behavior in gerbils following global cerebral ischemia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male gerbils were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n = 6 in each): control (C); sham-surgical (S); ischemia (I); acupuncture (Ac); EA (Ea); and sham-EA (SEa). The animals were habituated in an activity cage (AC) 72 hours before surgery. After induction of global ischemia, the Ac, Ea, and SEa groups received bilateral stimulation at ST-36 and SP-9. In the Ea group, an alternating electrical current was used. The animals were tested in the AC 4 days after surgery, and the results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunn's posthoc test. Results: Statistical analysis revealed increased distance traveled and sensors triggered by the I, Ea, and SEa groups, compared to the C, Ac, and S groups. The animals' movement tracks had a similar pattern between the I and Ea groups, with increased exploration along the walls of the AC. Meanwhile, the Ac, S, and SEa groups explored the AC similarly to the C group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that acupuncture may normalize motor behavior in gerbils with ischemia and could be a promising treatment for stroke-induced motor deficits.

Aerobic Exercise After Left-Sided Stroke Improves Gait Speed and Endurance: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on individuals who have had a stroke and showed baseline scores lower than the standard scores for the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests. DESIGN: Individuals were assigned to groups according to gait performance, defined by the standard values in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests (standard baseline score and lower baseline score), and brain injury side. Aerobic exercise, 30 mins per day, 2 times a week, for a total of 12 wks. The 6-min and 10-meter walk tests in five assessments: initial, after 4, 8, 12 wks, and 4 wks of follow-up, analyzed by multivariate analysis, with P value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: The 6-min walk test data showed an increase in endurance for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 4, and follow-up, compared with standard baseline score (F4,84 = 14.64). Lower baseline score showed endurance increase for assessments 2, 3, 4, and follow-up compared with assessment 1 (F4,84 = 7.70). The 10-meter walk test data showed an increase in speed for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 3, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 1, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 2 (F4,84 = 5.33). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise increases gait endurance and speed in individuals who have had a stroke, with left-brain injury, and lower baseline score in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests.

Polycystic ovary syndrome associated with increased adiposity interferes with serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 differently from leptin and adiponectin.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to explore the relationship between body fat percentage and metabolic markers. Subjects and methods Sedentary women were assigned to PCOS (N = 60) and CONTROL (N = 60) groups. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups according to body fat percentage (22-27%, 27-32% and 32-37%). The protocol consisted of assessments of glucose, insulin, androgens, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results The PCOS subgroups showed higher concentrations of androgens, LH and 17-OHP. Leptin showed direct relationship with increased body fat percentage, whereas adiponectin showed the inverse effect. However, both were unaffected by PCOS. TNF-α and IL-6 were higher in PCOS women and showed a direct relationship with increased body fat percentage. Glucose showed direct relationship with body fat percentage, whereas insulin presented higher values in PCOS women and direct relationship with increased body fat percentage. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PCOS and body fat percentage directly influence concentrations of insulin, TNF-α and IL-6, whereas leptin and adiponectin are influenced only by the increase in body fat percentage in these women. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):4-10.

Polycystic ovary syndrome associated with increased adiposity interferes with serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 differently from leptin and adiponectin

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to investigate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to explore the relationship between body fat percentage and metabolic markers. Subjects and methods Sedentary women were assigned to PCOS (N = 60) and CONTROL (N = 60) groups. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups according to body fat percentage (22-27%, 27-32% and 32-37%). The protocol consisted of assessments of glucose, insulin, androgens, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results The PCOS subgroups showed higher concentrations of androgens, LH and 17-OHP. Leptin showed direct relationship with increased body fat percentage, whereas adiponectin showed the inverse effect. However, both were unaffected by PCOS. TNF-α and IL-6 were higher in PCOS women and showed a direct relationship with increased body fat percentage. Glucose showed direct relationship with body fat percentage, whereas insulin presented higher values in PCOS women and direct relationship with increased body fat percentage. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PCOS and body fat percentage directly influence concentrations of insulin, TNF-α and IL-6, whereas leptin and adiponectin are influenced only by the increase in body fat percentage in these women. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):4-10

Lower limb auriculotherapy points improves balance in young healthy subjects-assessed by computerized baropodometry.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Lower Limb (LL) auricular stimulation points on the static equilibrium of healthy subjects, assessed by computerized baropodometry. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty volunteers were assigned to one of two groups: Auriculotherapy (AT) who received unilateral needle stimulation of the coxofemoral, knee, and ankle points. Control (C) who did not receive any stimulation. We analyzed the contact area (CA) and the peak pressure (PP) for both feet at baseline, 20 and 25 min after the baseline was recorded. Three-Way ANOVA (P < 0.05) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: AT showed an increase in CA (F:6.49) and a decrease in PP (F:3.11) at 20 and 25 min, when compared to C. The PP decreased was only for the right LL at 20 and 25 min (F:6.45). CONCLUSION: The auriculotherapy points were able to modify the ipsilateral weight discharge on the same side of the stimulated auricular pavilion.

Ipsilateral proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns improve overflow and reduce foot drop in patients with demyelinating polyneuropathy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of the tibialis anterior muscle (TAm) using surface electromyography in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT-IA), after ipsilateral proprioceptive neuromuscular patterns (PNF). Thirteen CMT-IA patients (both sexes) were treated twice a week, for 5 weeks, with bilateral PNF pattern, four times per treatment. During the execution of the patterns, we recorded the bilateral activation of the TAm in root mean square (RMS). We used the Student paired t-test for the first and last treatments, P-value set at <0.05. Clinical significance (CS) was obtained by subtracting the values of the first treatment from the last. Chopping pattern to the right side increased RMS for the right (t=-3.52, CS=52%), but not the left TAm (t= -3.35). Flexion-abduction with external rotation pattern to the right (t= -2.46, CS=55%) and left (t=-2.07, CS=53%) significantly increased RMS for TAm on both sides. Extension-adduction with internal rotation pattern to the right (t=-0.25) and left (t=-1.84) did not produce any changes in TAm. Ipsilateral PNF patterns selectively produce TAm overflow in peripheral polyneuropathy patients and can be successfully used as supportive therapy for foot drop.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces astrogliosis and helps to recovery brain damage in hydrocephalic young rats.

PURPOSE: We investigated the possible beneficial effects that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could offer in different brain structures affected by ventriculomegaly in pup rats submitted to experimental hydrocephalus. METHODS: Seven-day-old Wistar rats were submitted to hydrocephalus by intracisternal injection of 10% kaolin into the cisterna magna. The animals were divided into four groups: control (n = 5); control with HBOT (3ATA/2 h/day) (n = 5); untreated hydrocephalic (n = 10); hydrocephalic treated with HBOT (3ATA/2 h/day) (n = 10). The treatment with HBOT was performed daily for 14 days post-induction of hydrocephalus. To evaluate the response to treatment, behavioral tests (open field, Morris water maze, and activity monitor) were performed. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized, and the brain was removed for histological (hematoxylin-eosin and solochrome-cyanine) and immunohistochemical (GFAP and Ki-67) studies. RESULTS: The hyperbaric treatment, although not causing changes in ventricular enlargement, resulted in a significant improvement in the behavioral performance (p = 0.0001), with greater agility and exploration of the environment, preservation of spatial memory, and greater learning capacity (p = 0.0001). Through the immunohistochemical study, the astrocytic activity (glial fibrillary acidic protein) in the corpus callosum (p = 0.0001) and in the germinative matrix (p = 0.0033) was significantly reduced as compared to that in the H group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that hyperbaric treatment bettered the behavioral performance and offered benefits to the structures affected by the ventricular increase helping to recover the brain damages. In this way, the HBOT it can be considered an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of hydrocephalus.

Continuous and not continuous 2-week treadmill training enhances the performance in the passive avoidance test in ischemic gerbils.

This study aims to investigate the frequency and total duration effects of the 2-week treadmill training after experimental ischemic stroke in the passive avoidance test. We performed bilateral occlusion of common external carotid arteries, for five minutes, in Mongolian gerbils. The training groups were: continuous training for twelve consecutive days or not continuous training for six non-consecutive days. The groups remained in the treadmill for 15min, with the speed set at 10m/min, and the training started 24h after the stroke. In the Shuttle Box, each animal had ten trials during the Learning Session (LS), which occurred 24h before the stroke. The Retention Test (RT) occurred 24h after the stroke and started on the second, third, seventh and twelfth day after LS. After the experiments, the brains were perfused, and coronal sections of the CA1 area of the hippocampus were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. ANOVA on Ranks was used for Behavioral data analysis and morphological data by percentage. Ischemic training groups showed preservation in neuron density in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, when compared to the control groups. Animals subjected to continuous training, showed a higher latency in the RT when compared to ischemic animals in both weeks [(2nd, H=39.81; P<0.05), (3rd, H=38.08; P<0.05), (7th, H=44.17; P<0.05), and (12th, H=39.55; P<0.05). Animals in the not continuous training showed higher latency in the RT, in the second week only [(2nd, H=39.81; P<0.05), (3rd, H=38.08; P<0.05), (7th, H=44.17; P<0.05), and (12th, H=39.55; P<0.05). These findings suggest that improvement of memory after stroke after treadmill training is dependent on the frequency and total duration of training.

Physical training associated with Enalapril but not to Losartan, results in better cardiovascular autonomic effects.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the cardiovascular autonomic effects of physical training associated with Enalapril or Losartan pharmacological treatments in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: SHRs, 18weeks of age (N=48) was assigned to either sedentary (N=24) and trained (N=24; aerobic training by swimming for 10wk). Each group was subdivided in 3 subgroups (N=8) vehicle (control); Enalapril (10mg·kg-1·d-1); and Losartan (5mg·kg-1·d-1). All animals received a 10-week treatment in drinking water. In the last week of the treatments, the animals had their femoral artery and vein cannulated for blood pressure recording and drug injection, respectively. The autonomic assessment was performed by means of different approaches: double cardiac autonomic block with atropine and propranolol, spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic arterial pressure (SAPV) and assessment of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). RESULTS: The groups treated with Enalapril, sedentary and trained, showed more significant decrease in blood pressure when compared to the other groups. Autonomic evaluation showed that the sedentary group treated with Enalapril or Losartan had similar results, characterized by decreased effect of sympathetic tone and/or increased effect of cardiac vagal tone associated with improved BRS. Isolated physical training attenuated only the effect of sympathetic tone. The association of physical training with Enalapril showed the best results, characterized by the predominance of vagal tone in cardiac autonomic balance, increased HRV, reduced SAPV and increased BRS. CONCLUSIONS: Enalapril and Losartan promoted similar beneficial cardiovascular autonomic effects in sedentary animals, while only the association of physical training with Enalapril potentiated these effects.

Laser photobiomodulation (830 and 660 nm) in mast cells, VEGF, FGF, and CD34 of the musculocutaneous flap in rats submitted to nicotine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) on the viability of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap in rats subjected to the action of nicotine. We evaluated 60 albino Wistar rats, divided into six groups of ten animals. Group 1 (saline) underwent the surgical technique to obtain a TRAM flap; group 2 (laser 830 nm) underwent the surgical technique and was irradiated with a laser 830 nm; group 3 (laser 660 nm) underwent the surgical technique and was irradiated with a laser 660 nm; group 4 was treated with nicotine subcutaneously (2 mg/kg/2×/day/4 weeks) and underwent surgery; group 5 (nicotine + laser 830 nm) was exposed to nicotine, underwent the surgical technique, and was irradiated with a laser 830 nm; group 6 (nicotine + laser 660 nm) was exposed to nicotine, underwent the surgical technique, and was irradiated with a laser 660 nm. The application of PBM occurred immediately after surgery and on the two following days. The percentage of necrosis was assessed using the AxioVision® software. The number of mast cells (toluidine blue staining) was evaluated, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect vascular endothelial growth factor expression (anti-VEGF-A), fibroblasts (anti-basic FGF), and neoformed vessels (anti-CD34). PBM with a wavelength of 830 nm increased the viability of the TRAM flap, with a smaller area of necrosis, increased number of mast cells, and higher expression of VEGF and CD34. PBM increases the viability of musculocutaneous flaps treated with to nicotine.

Behavioral effects and neural changes induced by continuous and not continuous treadmill training, post bilateral cerebral ischemia in gerbils.

This study aims to investigate the effects of treadmill training and the possible influences of the start, regularity, and duration after experimental ischemic stroke. We performed bilateral occlusion of both the carotid arteries for 5 min in Mongolian gerbils. The training groups were: continuous training for 5 consecutive days or not continuous training for 3 non-consecutive days. The groups remained in the treadmill for 15 min, and the training started 12 or 24h after the stroke. In the activity cage (AC), behaviors of crossing and distance traveled were registered. The forced motor behavior was analyzed by a Rota Rod test. After the experiments, the brains were perfused, and coronal sections of the striatum, motor cortex M1, and CA1 area of the hippocampus were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Behavioral and morphological data analysis was performed by an ANOVA and MANCOVA. Results showed an increased density of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, motor cortex M1, and the striatum in ischemic training groups compared to the not training ischemic groups. Animals subjected to continuous training that started 24h after ischemia showed a satisfactory behavior in the AC and a higher number of striatal neurons when compared to ischemic animals. The animals in the not continuous training started 12h after the stroke showed an unsatisfactory performance in the AC and Rota Rod. These findings suggest that early training and not continuous training are inadequate for motor behavior improvement after stroke.

Behavioural profile of Wistar rats with unilateral striatal lesion by quinolinic acid (animal model of Huntington disease) post-injection of apomorphine and exposure to static magnetic field.

We analysed the motor behaviour of Wistar rats after 7 days lesion in the left striatum, injected with apomorphine (APO) and stimulated by a continuous magnetic field of 3,200 Gauss. For the behaviour assessment, we utilised the activity cage test and the rotarod test. Sixty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, sham, sham magnetic, lesion, and stimulated South and North Poles. After the experiments, coronal sections of the striatum were taken and stained with Nissl for analysis of the lesion. In the activity cage test for distance (F = 3.19), time of activity (F = 5.46) and crossings (F = 3.31) in all groups, except for the North Pole-stimulated group, we observed a significant increase in these behaviours when compared to the control group. Considering the number of counterclockwise turns, we observed a significant increase in the lesion in the South and North Pole stimulation groups compared with the control group. Highlighting the minor number of counterclockwise turns observed in the North Pole-stimulated group in relation to the South Pole-stimulated and Lesion groups (F = 16.01). The rotarod test revealed a decrease in the time spent in this apparatus for the Lesion group when compared to all other groups (F = 5.46). The morphometric analysis showed a reduction in the number of neurons in the Lesion group in relation to all other groups (F = 5.13). Thus, the results suggest that the static magnetic field north and south promoted a distinct behavioural profile and morphological preservation after 7 days of lesion with quinolinic acid associated with APO.

Electromyographic and strength analyses of activation patterns of the wrist flexor muscles after acupuncture.

This study analyzed the electromyographic and strength responses of the flexor muscles of the wrist following stimulation of acupuncture points. A total of 52 participants were randomly divided into four groups: local (heart 3, HT3), distant (heart 4, HT4), control (bladder 60, BL60), and naïve control groups. To obtain the root mean square electromyographic activity, we placed surface electrodes over the wrist flexors. To obtain kilogram force (kgf) values, we attached a force transducer to the floor and to the hands of participants. Both values were recorded over three repetitions of maximal isometric wrist flexion contractions. Data were analyzed using one-way analyses of variance, followed by Dunnett's post-hoc tests. We found reductions in electromyographic activity contralateral to the stimulated point in the distant group 10 minutes after removal of the needles (F(3,48) = 3.25; p < 0.05). Regarding muscle strength, ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation in the distant group produced kgf levels prior to and 10 minute and 20 minutes after withdrawal of the acupuncture needle that were lower than that obtained prior to insertion of the needle (F(3,48) = 5.82; p < 0.05). Thus, stimulation of the acupuncture points distant from the wrist flexors reduced ipsilateral and contralateral muscle strength and decreased the root mean square values contralateral to the site of stimulation.

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy in the approach of post-stroke chronic hemiparetic child: a case report / Terapia de constricción y inducción al movimiento modificada en el planteamiento terapêutico de un niño hemiparético crónico después de un accidente cerebrovascular isquémico infantil: un reporte de caso / Terapia de constrição e indução ao movimento modificada na abordagem terapêutica de uma criança hemiparética crônica pós-acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico infantil: um relato de caso

Stroke is the result of disorientation of brain activity of vascular origin, with more than 24 hours. The constrain induction movement therapy (CIMT) is a highlighting method for motor rehabilitation that provides cortical reorganization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the motor function after stroke in a child before and after CIMT. Participated in this study, a female child, nine years old and with chronic left hemiparesis. For the simultaneous analysis of the flexor and extensor muscles of the wrist in maximal voluntary isometric contraction, at the start and the end of CIMT protocol, we used surface electromyography and stabilometry to balance access. The patient had constricted close to the body the non-paretic upper limb, enabling only the use of the paretic upper limb. Still, 14 consecutive sessions of physiotherapy were performed. For constriction, we use a tubular mesh for 23 hours per day. The analysis revealed a root mean square (RMS) increase in flexors and extensors to the wrist, improves balance and weight bearing. Thus, fourteen days CIMT associated a functional activities protocol resulted in an improved of extensors and flexors of the wrist muscle activation pattern and a significant improvement of the balance of the patient.

El accidente vascular encefálico (AVE) es resultado de la desorientación de la actividad encefálica, de origen vascular, con más de 24 horas de duración. La terapia de constricción con inducción al movimiento (TCIM) se destaca como un método de rehabilitación motora que proporciona la reorganización cortical. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la función motora de un niño pos-AVE, antes y después de la TCIM. Participó de este estudio un niña de nuevo años y con hemiparesia crónica a la izquierda. Al principio y al final del protocolo de TCIM para el análisis simultáneo de los músculos flexores y extensores de la muñeca en la contracción isométrica voluntaria máxima, se utilizó la electromiografía de superficie para evaluar el equilibrio. El paciente tuvo el miembro superior (MS) no parético inmovilizado junto al cuerpo, lo que permitió sólo el uso del MS parético. Además, fueron realizadas 14 sesiones consecutivas de fisioterapia. Para la contención, se utilizó una malla tubular durante 23 horas al día. El análisis reveló un aumento de la root mean square (RMS) de flexores y extensores de la muñeca, mejora del equilibrio y descarga de peso después de la intervención. Por lo tanto, 14 días de TCIM asociada con el protocolo de actividades funcionales en la fisioterapia resultaron un mejor patrón de activación muscular de los extensores y flexores de la muñeca y una mejora significativa del equilibrio de la paciente.

O acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) é resultado de desorientação da atividade encefálica, de origem vascular, com mais de 24 horas de duração. A terapia de constrição com indução ao movimento (TCIM) destaca-se como método de reabilitação motora que proporciona reorganização cortical. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a função motora em uma criança pós-AVE, antes e após a TCIM. Participou deste estudo uma criança do sexo feminino, com nove anos e hemiparesia crônica à esquerda. No início e no final do protocolo de TCIM, para a análise simultânea dos músculos flexores e extensores de punho em contração isométrica voluntária máxima, foi utilizada a eletromiografia de superfície para avaliar o equilíbrio a estabilometria. A paciente teve o membro superior (MS) não parético imobilizado junto ao corpo, possibilitando somente a utilização do MS parético. Ainda, foram realizadas 14 sessões consecutivas de fisioterapia. Para a contenção, foi utilizada uma malha tubular, durante 23 horas por dia. A análise revelou um aumento da root mean square (RMS) de flexores e extensores de punho, melhora do equilíbrio e descarga de peso após a intervenção. Assim, 14 dias de TCIM associada ao protocolo de atividades funcionais na fisioterapia resultaram em um melhor padrão de ativação muscular dos extensores e flexores do punho e uma importante melhora do equilíbrio da paciente.

Neuropathology and behavioral impairments in Wistar rats with a 6-OHDA lesion in the substantia nigra compacta and exposure to a static magnetic field.

Studies have sought to assess various potential neuroprotective therapeutics in Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of static magnetic field stimulation 14 days after a 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) substantia nigra compacta (SNc) lesion on motor behavior, as assessed by the rotarod (RR) test and brain tissue morphology. Forty male Wistar rats were used and were divided into five groups: control group, sham group (SG), lesion group (LG), lesion north pole group (LNPG) and lesion south pole group (LSPG). In groups with magnetic stimulation, a 3200-gauss magnet was fixed to the skull. After the experiments, the animals were anesthetized for brain perfusion. Coronal sections of the SNc were stained with Nissl. The RR test showed a decrease in the time spent on the apparatus in the LG compared with all groups. The LNPG and LSPG had significant increases in the time spent when compared to the LG. A morphometric analysis revealed a significant reduction in the number of neurons in the LG, LNPG and LSPG in relation to the SG. There were a higher number of neurons in the LNPG and LSPG than the LG, and a higher number of neurons in the LSPG than the LNPG. We observed that the LG, LNPG and LSPG showed a higher number of glial cells than the SG, and the LNPG and LSPG showed a lower number of glial cells than the LG. Our results demonstrate a potential therapeutic use of static magnetic fields for the preservation of motor behavior and brain morphology in the SNc after 14 days with 6-OHDA lesion.

Neuropathology and behavioral impairments after bilateral global ischemia surgery and exposure to static magnetic field: Evidence in the motor cortex, the hippocampal CA1 region and the neostriatum.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of continuous magnetic field stimulation after four days of global encephalic ischemia on motor behavior and brain morphology in gerbils. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty Mongolian gerbils were divided into five groups: Control (CG), sham (SG), ischemia (IG), ischemia north (INPG) and south (ISPG) pole. Experimental animals underwent bilateral occlusion of the carotid artery. In groups with magnetic stimulation, a 3200 gauss magnet was fixed to the skull. After brain perfusion, coronal sections of the striatum, motor cortex (M1) and CA1 area of the hippocampus (CA1) were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS: In the open field test (OF) we observed an increase in crossing in the IG compared to the CG, INPG and ISPG (F = 20.19), and a reduction in the time spent on the Rota-rod test (RR) with the IG compared to CG, IPNG and ISPG (F = 17.59). Morphometric analysis revealed a reduction in the density of the neurons in the CA1, in the number of M1 and striatal neurons in the IG compared to the CG, INPG and ISPG. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a potential therapeutic application of static magnetic fields for the preservation of motor behavior and neurons in regions analyzed after global cerebral ischemia.