Progressive muscle-strength protocol for the functionality of upper limbs and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease: Pilot study.

The effects of physical-therapy intervention on the motor function of upper limbs and the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are not fully understood. We evaluated the effects of a progressive muscle-strengthening protocol for upper limbs on the functionality and quality of life. Patients were divided into two groups: Intervention (n = 6) and Control (n = 7). Assessment tools used were: Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Test d'Évaluation des Membres Supérieurs de Personnes Âgées (TEMPA), 10-Repetition Maximum (10-RM) and handgrip dynamometer, which were applied pre- and post-intervention, with follow-up for one month after the last training session. Only, the Intervention group (post-intervention) showed significant statistical differences, with the following outcomes: UPDRS III (p = 0.042); 9HPT, right (p = 0.028) and left side (p = 0.028); TEMPA for total right side (p = 0.028), left side (p = 0.028) and total bilateral tasks (p = 0.028); TEMPA task 2 - open a jar and take a spoonful of coffee (p = 0.028), task 3 - pick up a pitcher and pour water into a glass for right (p = 0.046) and left side (p = 0.028), task 5 - write on an envelope and stick on a stamp (p = 0.028), and task 6 - shuffle and deal playing cards (p = 0.028). We observed significant statistical differences between groups (post-intervention) for TEMPA task 6 (p = 0.032), total right side (p = 0.032), and total bilateral tasks (p = 0.032). An increase in the maximum load in the post-intervention stage, based on the 10-RM test, was observed on the right (p = 0.003) and left (p = 0.007) sides. Our results showed an improvement in upper-limb functionality in PD patients submitted to progressive muscle-strength training, although not in quality of life.

Effects of H+ concentration on amorphous mineral granules: structural stability and elemental mobilization.

Phosphate-rich amorphous mineral granules (AMG) have been studied in a number of organisms, and show different physical and chemical properties according to their organic and mineral composition. We studied AMG isolated from the hepatopancreas of the land crab Ucides cordatus, which were subjected to different pHs in order to mimic the possible effects of H(+) on these structures. We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). TEM showed that granules were structurally disrupted when subjected to pH 5. The granules contain a soluble fraction that is rich in orthophosphate, which was the most abundant form of phosphate, although pyrophosphate and glucose-6-phosphate were also detected by (31)P NMR analysis. The redistribution of elements in the structure and pH conditions is discussed, focusing on their possible implications for AMG structure, function and dynamics.