The effects of a laser-guided postural reeducation program on pain, neck active range of motion, and functional improvement in a 75-year-old patient with cervical dystonia.

Background and Purpose: Limited research exists regarding physical therapy management for patients with cervical dystonia (CD). The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical management of a patient with CD using manual techniques, cervical traction, and laser-guided postural reeducation. Case Description: The patient was a 75-year-old female with CD, diagnosed 40 years prior, with a 10-year history of botulinum neurotoxin injections. She reported a 1-year history of worsening neck pain and cervical range of motion loss which was significantly affecting her ability to sleep and drive. The patient was seen for 12 visits over a 6-week period. Outcomes: Discharge scores indicated marked improvements in active range of motion, neck disability index, and the CDIP-58 questionnaire. Improvement in motor control as measured during the SenMorCor™ Laser Functional Error Assessment was demonstrated in the motions of "looking right" (53%) and up (48%). Discussion: This case report indicates that a physical therapy program consisting of a daily laser-guided home program for head postural reeducation in conjunction with classic physical therapy techniques may be an option for patients with CD; however, further research is needed prior to adoption of these techniques as standard of care for patients with CD.

Three genomes from the phylum Acidobacteria provide insight into the lifestyles of these microorganisms in soils.

The complete genomes of three strains from the phylum Acidobacteria were compared. Phylogenetic analysis placed them as a unique phylum. They share genomic traits with members of the Proteobacteria, the Cyanobacteria, and the Fungi. The three strains appear to be versatile heterotrophs. Genomic and culture traits indicate the use of carbon sources that span simple sugars to more complex substrates such as hemicellulose, cellulose, and chitin. The genomes encode low-specificity major facilitator superfamily transporters and high-affinity ABC transporters for sugars, suggesting that they are best suited to low-nutrient conditions. They appear capable of nitrate and nitrite reduction but not N(2) fixation or denitrification. The genomes contained numerous genes that encode siderophore receptors, but no evidence of siderophore production was found, suggesting that they may obtain iron via interaction with other microorganisms. The presence of cellulose synthesis genes and a large class of novel high-molecular-weight excreted proteins suggests potential traits for desiccation resistance, biofilm formation, and/or contribution to soil structure. Polyketide synthase and macrolide glycosylation genes suggest the production of novel antimicrobial compounds. Genes that encode a variety of novel proteins were also identified. The abundance of acidobacteria in soils worldwide and the breadth of potential carbon use by the sequenced strains suggest significant and previously unrecognized contributions to the terrestrial carbon cycle. Combining our genomic evidence with available culture traits, we postulate that cells of these isolates are long-lived, divide slowly, exhibit slow metabolic rates under low-nutrient conditions, and are well equipped to tolerate fluctuations in soil hydration.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy for Parents Raising a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Many couples raising children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often resilient in confronting unique parental demands, while others experience greater risk for relational distress. Research has shown that Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is efficacious with couples raising chronically ill children and relevant to the relational demands of parents of children diagnosed with an ASD. This pilot study tested the effectiveness of EFT with seven couples presenting with moderate to severe distress, who were also parents of a child diagnosed with an ASD. Results demonstrated significant decreases in marital distress at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. The study also identified several unique themes associated with couple distress and the parenting experiences of this population.

Toward a mini-theory of the blamer softening event: tracking the moment-by-moment process.

In this article we present the results of a discovery-oriented task analysis research study identifying specific therapist behaviors that facilitate softening events in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples. Therapy sessions conducted by an expert EFT therapist were examined. Six therapist content theme shifts were identified and specific interventions were delineated within each using an EFT coding scheme (EFT-CS) created for this study. This study extends the theoretical understanding of the softening process--a key change event in an empirically validated couples therapy approach--and provides a detailed clinical map for the training of therapists.

Therapist presence in emotionally focused couple therapy blamer softening events: promoting change through emotional experience.

The blamer softening event has been associated with successful treatment outcomes in emotionally focused couple therapy. Previous research has highlighted the critical role of softening events and heightened emotional experience in best sessions of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT). This study examined the effects of a therapist's emotional presence in predicting heightened levels of client emotional experience in blamer softening events. Findings from a detailed analysis of successful and unsuccessful EFT softening attempts demonstrated that a therapist's emotional presence and corresponding evocative vocal quality were more likely to predict heightened levels of client emotional experience in successful softening attempts. Implications of these findings are reviewed in light of EFT research and practice.