Identification of a historic horse ecotype analyzing speech content in central Brazil / Resgate de um ecótipo equino histórico mediante análise de conteúdo de discurso no Brasil central

This study represents a first attempt to rescue germplasm of a traditional domestic equine cited in early Iberian and South American literature as Curraleiro horse. As an effort to identify and possibly characterize this type of horse we accessed traditional knowledge in strategic rural areas. Most areas were configured by hinterland settlements founded by runaway slave communities from the sixteenth century. Twenty interviews were conducted and analyzed using classical Speech Content Analysis. As a result, five response categories were recognized: 1) Identification and location of Curraleiro horses; 2) Characterization of Curraleiro horses; 3) Historical aspects; 4) Curraleiro horse conservation prospects and 5) Sanitary and productive aspects of Curraleiro horse breeding. We concluded that although scarce, the Curraleiro horse, cited in literature, still exists and showed phenotypical features which allow fine discrimination from any officially recognized breed in Brazil. Our findings may open the door for the recognition of a genuine animal resource which could play a role in rural development for specific regions and traditional communities. Speech Content Analysis was effective for in loco identification and characterization of rare traditional livestock. Thus, we encourage the usage of this tool as an alternative to subsidize identification and genetic conservation programs worldwide.(AU)

Esse estudo representa uma primeira tentativa de resgate de germoplasma em um equino doméstico tradicional citado em literatura precoce Iberiana e Sul Americana como um cavalo Curraleiro. Num esforço de identificar e possivelmente caracterizar esse tipo de cavalo, acessamos conhecimento tradicional em diversas áreas rurais estratégicas. A maioria consistia em assentamentos rurais fundados por comunidades escravas foragidas no século dezesseis. Vinte entrevistas foram conduzidas e analisadas utilizando análise de conteúdo de discurso clássico. Como resultado, cinco categorias de resposta foram reconhecidas: 1) Identificação e localização de cavalos Curraleiros; 2) Caracterização de cavalos curraleiros; 3) Aspectos históricos, 4) Perspectivas de conservação, e 5) Aspectos sanitários e produtivos da criação de cavalos Curraleiros. Concluímos que, apesar de escasso, o cavalo Curraleiro, citado na literatura, ainda existe e apresenta características fenotípicas que permitem discriminação de raças oficialmente reconhecidas no Brasil. Nossos achados podem abrir alas para o reconhecimento de um recurso animal genuíno que pode ter um papel no desenvolvimento rural em regiões específicas e comunidades tradicionais. Análise de conteúdo de discurso foi eficaz para identificação e caracterização in loco de criação tradicional rara. Desta forma, encorajamos o uso dessa ferramenta como alternativa para subsídio de identificação e programas de conservação genética ao redor do mundo.(AU)

Concentrado proteico de arroz na alimentação do jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) / Rice protein concentrate in the feeding of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a inclusão do concentrado proteico da destilação de etanol obtido de arroz (CPA) na alimentação do jundiá. Trezentos e setenta e cinco peixes foram distribuídos em sistema de recirculação de água com 15 caixas (125L). Foram testadas três dietas (37% PB e 3200kcal/kg de energia digestível), sendo uma controle e duas testando a substituição da proteína da farinha de peixe em 25% (CPA-25%) ou 50% (CPA-50%) pelo CPA. Aos 30 dias, foram avaliadas as variáveis de desempenho, composição corporal e índices somáticos. Os animais submetidos ao tratamento CPA-25% apresentaram resposta de crescimento equivalente aos que receberam o tratamento controle, mas superior aos peixes submetidos ao CPA-50%. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos para os índices somáticos avaliados. Os animais submetidos às dietas contendo CPA apresentaram maior teor de gordura corporal. Já a deposição de gordura corporal foi superior para os peixes alimentados com CPA-25%, e a deposição de proteína corporal menor para os alimentados com CPA-50%. Os resultados indicam que o CPA pode substituir em até 25% a proteína da farinha de peixe, sem comprometer o crescimento dos jundiás, tendo esse nível de substituição proporcionado, inclusive, uma redução de 8% no custo da dieta.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of protein concentrate from the distillation of ethanol from rice (CPA) in jundia feed. A total of 375 fish were distributed in water recirculation system with 15 boxes (125L). Three diets (37% PB and 3200kcal / kg digestible energy), one control and two were to test for the replacement of fishmeal protein by 25 (CPA-25%) and 50% (CPA-50%) by CPA. At 30 days, the variables of performance, body composition and somatic indexes were evaluated. The animals submitted to the CPA-25% treatment presented a growth response equivalent to those that received the Control treatment, but superior to the fish submitted to the CPA-50%. There were no significant differences between treatments for the somatic indices evaluated. Animals submitted to diets containing CPA had higher body fat content. Body fat deposition was higher for fish fed with CPA-25% and lower body protein deposition for those fed with CPA-50%. The results indicate that CPA can substitute up to 25% fish meal protein, without compromising the growth of jundias, and this level of substitution provided an 8% reduction in diet cost.(AU)

Effect of sweet potato vines on performance parameters and some carcass characteristics of rabbits.

Conventional feedstuffs in Brazil are expensive, which has led to the search for less conventional cheaper and locally available feedstuffs. Thus, this study was carried out to determine the dietary effect of dry sweet potato vines (SPV) on the performance and some carcass characteristics of rabbits. A total of twenty-seven weaned White New Zealand rabbits (14 male and 13 female) 35 days old with an average initial weight of 755 g were allocated into three treatments. Nine rabbits were assigned to each treatment in a completely randomized design. Three diets were formulated to similar protein and energy levels: 0SPV - diet without inclusion of dry sweet potato vines; 10SPV - diet with 10% alfalfa hay replaced by dry sweet potato vines; and 15SPV - diet with 15% of alfalfa hay replaced by dry sweet potato vines. The experiment lasted for 49 days during which data for feed intake and body weight were recorded. The daily feed intake ranged from 73.17 to 78.02 g; daily weight gain from 22.32 to 23.17 g; feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 3.16 to 3.49 and final live weight ranged from 1839.44 to 1880.55 g. None of the evaluated performance parameters as well as carcass weight, heart weight and percentages of fat and protein in meat were significantly affected by any of the tested dietary treatments. However, the liver weight was statistically lower in animals fed the diets containing 10% of SPV, mainly due to lower glucose content. Glycogen within the tissue, did not differ significantly among treatments. It was therefore concluded that up to 15% of SPV can successfully be included in the diet of rabbits as a cheaper replacement for alfalfa hay without adversely affecting performance.

Effect of dietary fiber concentrates on growth performance, gut morphology and hepatic metabolic intermediates in jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) / Efeito de concentrados de fibra alimentar sobre o desempenho de crescimento, morfologia intestinal e intermediários metabólicos hepáticos de jundiás (Rhamdia quelen)

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of Dietary Fiber Concentrates (DFCs) on growth performance, gut morphology, and hepatic metabolic intermediates in jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). At the end of the trial, growth and intestinal villus height was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in fish fed diets supplemented with DFCs. However, the animals in commercial prebiotic group showed higher values for this variable compared to the other treatments. Regarding the thickness of the epithelium bowel, it was greater in the Control group compared to animals supplemented with ß-glucan+mannan. Likewise, treatment with commercial prebiotic showed higher values of epithelium bowel compared to the DFCs. The fish supplemented with DFCs, had higher glycogen storage compared to the control group. These results indicate that DFCs can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving growth performance, gut morphology, and hepatic metabolic intermediates of jundiá.(AU)

O presente estudo foi conduzido para investigar o efeito de concentrados de fibras alimentares (CFAs) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, a morfologia intestinal e os parâmetros intermediários metabólicos hepáticos de jundiás (Rhamdia quelen). No final do experimento, o crescimento e a altura das vilosidades intestinais foram significativamente (P<0,05) maiores em peixes alimentados com dietas suplementadas com CFAs. No entanto, os animais suplementados com prebiótico comercial apresentaram valores mais elevados para essa variável em comparação com os outros tratamentos. Em relação à espessura do epitélio intestinal, esta foi maior nos animais do grupo controle em comparação com os animais suplementados com ß-glucano + manano. Da mesma forma, os peixes suplementados com prebiótico comercial apresentaram valores mais elevados do epitélio intestinal em comparação com os peixes suplementados com CFAs. Os peixes suplementados com CFAs obtiveram maior armazenamento de glicogênio em relação ao grupo controle. Esses resultados indicam que os CFAs podem ser utilizados como um suplemento alimentar benéfico para melhorar o desempenho do crescimento, a morfologia intestinal e os intermediários metabólicos hepáticos do jundiá.(AU)

Farelo de tungue in natura ou detoxificado na alimentação de carpa húngara (Cyprinus carpio) / In natura or detoxified tung meal in feeding Hungarian carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Este estudo avaliou a substituição parcial de farinhas de origem animal pelo farelo de tungue como fonte proteica no arraçoamento de carpa húngara. Os tratamentos compreenderam a inclusão de farelo de tungue in natura ou detoxificado (obtido após aplicação de tratamento químico ao farelo), e o tratamento referência consistiu de base proteica composta por farinha de carne e ossos suína e farinha de peixe. O período de alimentação foi de 63 dias. No decorrer de 30 dias experimentais não foi observada diferença em indicadores de crescimento entre os animais que consumiram as rações controle e com farelo de tungue tratado quimicamente, porém o consumo da ração com farelo de tungue in natura provocou redução no desempenho até o final do período experimental. Após 63 dias de arraçoamento, alguns indicadores de crescimento mostraram-se inferiores também para o tratamento que continha farelo de tungue tratado em relação ao controle. A análise bioquímica no plasma e no fígado revelou aumento de triglicerídeos, glicogênio, glicose e a utilização de outras fontes, possivelmente aminoácidos, como precursores energéticos na produção de energia quando os animais consumiram a dieta com farelo de tungue in natura em relação às demais, o que refletiu na menor concentração de proteína e na maior deposição de gordura na carcaça. Em relação à atividade de enzimas digestivas, tripsina apresentou atividade aumentada no tratamento com farelo de tungue in natura e protease ácida, quimotripsina, amilase e lipase não foram alteradas em nenhum dos tratamentos avaliados...

This study evaluated the partial replacement of animal meal by tung meal as protein source in feeding Hungarian carp. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of in natura or detoxified tung meal (obtained after chemical treatment applied to tung meal) as well as the reference treatment in which the protein basis was composed of meat and bone pork meal and fish meal. The feeding period was 63 days. During 30 experimental days no difference was observed in growth indicators among animals fed the control diet or with chemically treated tung meal, however, the consumption of diets with in natura tung meal caused reduced performance until the end of the experimental period. After 63 days of feeding, some growth indicators were also are lower for the treatment containing treated tung meal compared to control. Biochemical analysis in plasma and liver revealed increased triglycerides, glycogen, glucose and use of other sources, possibly amino acids, as precursors in the production of energy when animals consumed the diet with in nature tung meal in relation to others, which reflected in lower levels of protein and higher fat deposition in the carcass. Regarding the activity of digestive enzymes, trypsin showed increased activity in the treatment with in natura tung meal and acid protease, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase were not changed in any of the treatments...

The role of melanism in oncillas on the temporal segregation of nocturnal activity.

The occurrence of coat colour polymorphisms in populations may promote the ecological success of species by permitting a wider spectrum of use of different subsets of available resources. We conducted an analysis of temporal segregation by comparing night brightness with nocturnal activity of spotted and melanistic oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). Melanistic oncillas were more active during bright nights and spotted oncillas and other species were more active during dark nights. Each colour morph occupied a temporal niche outside the confidence interval of the other colour morph, demonstrating the ecological significance of polymorphic colour patterns in this felid species.

Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae) essential oil in mammalian cells in vivo.

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil is widely used by the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries as a fragrance component of soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Although it is popular, potential harmful side-effects of the oil have been described. We investigated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of essential oil of R. officinalis in rodents, using comet, micronucleus and chromosome aberration assays. The animals were treated by gavage with one of three dosages of rosemary oil (300, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg). Liver and peripheral blood cells were collected from Swiss mice 24 h after treatment for the comet assay (genotoxicity endpoint), along with bone marrow cells for the micronucleus test (mutagenicity endpoint). Bone marrow cells were collected from Wistar rats 24 h after oil treatment for the micronucleus and chromosome aberration assays. Based on the comet assay, all three doses of rosemary oil induced significant increases in DNA damage in the mouse cells. There was a significant increase in micronucleated cells and chromosome aberrations only at the two higher doses. We conclude that rosemary essential oil provokes genotoxic and mutagenic effects when administered orally.

Fatigue in a cohort of geriatric patients with and without Parkinson's disease.

We evaluated the frequency of fatigue in geriatric patients with and without Parkinson's disease (PD) and correlated it with depression and excessive daytime sleepiness. We evaluated 100 patients from Hospital São Paulo, 50 with PD from the Neurologic Outpatient Clinic and 50 with non-neurologic diseases or oncologic diseases from the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic (controls). All patients who scored 28 or more on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were considered to have fatigue. Also, all patients were submitted to a structured interview to diagnose depression by the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV, 4th version) and were evaluated by the Modified Impact of Fatigue Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESE) to detect excessive daytime sleepiness. Demographic and disease details of all PD patients were recorded and the patients were examined and rated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Sale (UPDRS) and Hoehn-Yahr staging. Frequency of fatigue (FSS >or=28) was 70% for PD and 22% for controls. Twenty of 35 PD patients with fatigue had concomitant depression. Compared to controls, PD patients were found more frequently to have depression by DSM-IV criteria (44 vs 8%, respectively) and excessive daytime sleepiness by the ESE (44 vs 16%), although only depression was associated with fatigue. Fatigue was more frequent among depressed PD and control patients and was not correlated with PD duration or with UPDRS motor scores. ESE scores did not differ between patients with or without fatigue.

Fatigue in a cohort of geriatric patients with and without Parkinson's disease

We evaluated the frequency of fatigue in geriatric patients with and without Parkinson’s disease (PD) and correlated it with depression and excessive daytime sleepiness. We evaluated 100 patients from Hospital São Paulo, 50 with PD from the Neurologic Outpatient Clinic and 50 with non-neurologic diseases or oncologic diseases from the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic (controls). All patients who scored 28 or more on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were considered to have fatigue. Also, all patients were submitted to a structured interview to diagnose depression by the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV, 4th version) and were evaluated by the Modified Impact of Fatigue Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESE) to detect excessive daytime sleepiness. Demographic and disease details of all PD patients were recorded and the patients were examined and rated by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Sale (UPDRS) and Hoehn-Yahr staging. Frequency of fatigue (FSS ≥28) was 70% for PD and 22% for controls. Twenty of 35 PD patients with fatigue had concomitant depression. Comparedto controls, PD patients were found more frequently to have depression by DSM-IV criteria (44 vs 8%, respectively) and excessive daytime sleepiness by the ESE (44 vs 16%), although only depression was associated with fatigue. Fatigue was more frequent among depressed PD and control patients and was not correlated with PD duration or with UPDRS motor scores. ESE scores did not differ between patients with or without fatigue.

ZnCl2 exposure protects against behavioral and acetylcholinesterase changes induced by HgCl2.

This study examined the effects of inorganic mercury exposure on behavioral and biochemical parameters and investigated the possible preventive effects of zinc on the alterations induced by mercury. Pups were exposed from 3rd to 7th postnatal day to ZnCl2 (27 mg/kg/day, s.c.) and subsequently to HgCl2 (5 doses of 5 mg/kg/day, s.c.). Each litter contained two rats for each treatment. The rats were submitted to behavioral task and litters were killed at 13 or 33 days old for acetylcholinesterase activity assays and for the determination of metal levels. Based on the results obtained from 13-day-old rats, they were divided in two groups of litters that were defined at the end of the experimental period (33 days) as less sensitive rats to mercury and more sensitive rats to mercury in accordance with the recovery of body weight until day 33. The mercury exposure caused accumulation of this metal in cerebrum and cerebellum in all mercury treated rats, and inhibited the cerebellum acetylcholinesterase activity from 13-day-old rats. Besides, the mercury-animals of the most sensitive litters to mercury presented impairment in motor function and muscular strength verified in the beaker test, as well as a reduction of the locomotor and exploratory activities in the open field task. Zinc partially prevented all the alterations induced by mercury exposure and reduced the mercury level accumulated in cerebrum and cerebellum. This study confirms the preventive effect of zinc on behavioral alterations induced by mercury in young rats and demonstrates that the mercury behavioral effects are present even for a long time after the end of the exposure.

Electromyographic activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of levo-dopa, which means without effect-off state and under effect-on state, on the sternocleidomastoid muscle electromyographic activity (SCM-EA) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) at rest and to compare it to asymptomatic subjects. Ten patients with PD, mean age 64.6+/-6.2 (SD) years and nine asymptomatic subjects, mean age 61.4+/-5.9 (SD) years were studied. The SCM-EA was evaluated during maximal inspiratory pressure and breathing at rest through surface electromyography. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test (anthropometric data and SCM-EA of patients in off state to asymptomatic), Mann-Whitney (SCM-EA of patients in on state to asymptomatic) and Wilcoxon test (SCM-EA off and on states). The effect size index (d) was calculated for statistically significant differences. There were no significant differences in SCM electromyographic activity between patients with PD comparing off to on (p=0.13) or among on state to asymptomatic subjects (p=0.06). However, when subjects with PD in off where compared to asymptomatic there was a significantly higher SCM electromyographic activity (p=0.03, d=1.09). These patients, without levo-dopa effect, when compared with asymptomatic subjects, present a significantly higher electromyographic activity of SCM, the main accessory respiratory muscle, which could be related to an increased work of breathing.

Percepção da qualidade de vida de indivíduos com doença de parkinson através do PDQ-39 / Perception of quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease using the PDQ-39

A Doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma doença crônica e degenerativa do sistema nervoso central que afeta principalmente pessoas acima de 50 anos. Estudos que avaliaram a qualidade de vida (QV) em parkinsonianos revelaram significativo impacto negativo da doença nesses indivíduos. O Parkinson Disease Questionnaire39 (PDQ-39) tem sido indicado como instrumento mais apropriado para avaliação da QV do indivíduo com DP. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção da QV de indivíduos com DP do Ambulatório de Distúrbios do Movimento da Instituição, através do PDQ-39. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo indivíduos com diagnóstico de DP, entre os estágios 1 e 3 da escala de Hoehn & Yahr Modificada e com idade igual ou superior a 40 anos. RESULTADOS: Trinta e três indivíduos com média de idade de 64,65 (±10,44) anos e tempo médio de evolução da doença de 9,27 (±4,40) anos participaram deste estudo. A análise descritiva mostrou que a mediana do escore total no PDQ-39 foi 25 por cento, ocorrendo pior percepção da QV nas dimensões "Atividade de Vida Diária (AVD)" (41,67 por cento) e "Mobilidade" (34,32 por cento). Encontrou-se alta associação entre o escore total e a dimensão "Mobilidade" (r s= 0,82) e moderada associação das dimensões "AVD" (r s= 0,68) e "Comunicação" (r s= 0,53) com o escore total. CONCLUSÕES: As limitações motoras relacionadas à mobilidade, AVDs e comunicação possuem relação significativa com a percepção geral da QV dos indivíduos com DP. Estes achados sugerem que programas de reabilitação que tenham como objetivo a melhora da QV na DP devem enfocar tais limitações.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects mainly individuals older than 50 years of age. Studies evaluating quality of life (QOL) in individuals with PD have revealed that this disease has a significant negative impact. The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) has been indicated as one of the most appropriate instrument for evaluating QOL in individuals with PD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perception of QOL in individuals with PD at our Institution's outpatient service for movement disorders, using the PDQ-39. METHOD: Individuals with a diagnosis of PD who were aged 40 years and older and classified in stages 1 to 3 of the Modified Hoehn & Yahr scale were included in this study. RESULTS: Thirty-three individuals of mean age 64.65 ± 10.44 years and mean duration of the disease of 9.27 ± 4.40 years participated in this study. The descriptive analysis showed that the median total score in the PDQ-39 was 25 percent, with worst perceptions of QOL in the dimensions of "Activities of Daily Living" (ADL) (41.67 percent) and "Mobility" (34.32 percent). A high association was found between the total score and the dimension of "Mobility" (r s= 0.82) and a moderate association between the total score and the dimensions of "ADL" (r s= 0.68) and "Communication" (r s = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Motor limitations relating to mobility, ADL and communication were significantly related to the general perception of QOL among individuals with PD. These findings suggest that rehabilitation programs aiming to improve QOL among individuals with PD should focus on these limitations.

Treinamento fisico e destreinamento em hemiplegicos cronicos: impacto na qualidade de vida / Physical training and detraining among chronic stroke surviors: impact on quality of life

A alta incidencia de Acidentes Vasculares Encefalicos (AVE), a significativa taxa de sobrevida e a permanencia de incapacidades pos-AVE justificam a importancia de avaliar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes a (QV). Objetivo: avaliar os ganhos na QV de hemiple cronicos comunitarios apos a realizacao de um programa de treinamento fisico em grupo e apontar os dominios de QV significativamente responsaveis por tais ganhos. Metodo: 30 individuos de ambos os sexos realizaram 30 sessoes de um programa de treinamento fisico envolvendo atividades aerobicas associadas a exercicios de musculacao e foram avaliados antes e imediatamente apos a intervencao. Desses, 22(57,66+=11,95 anos0 foram reavaliados apos um ano do termino das atividades (follow-up). A QV foi investigada nas tres avaliacoes mediante o Perfil de Saude de Nottingham, questionario com seis dominios de QV...

Assimetria e desempenho funcional em hemiplegicos cronicos antes e apos programa de treinamento em academia / Asymmetriy and functional performance among chronic hemiplegic individuals before and after a training program in a fitness center

E bem documentado que hemiplegicos apresentam assimetria, fraqueza muscular e baixa tolerancia ao exercicio. Tradicionalmente, programas de reabilitacao procuram focar a melhora da simetria corporal como objetivo do tratamento, entretanto, os ganhos funcionais que isso representa nao sao bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: avaliar os comportamentos da simetria e do desempenhofuncional e a relacao entre o grau de assimetria e de desempenho funcional antes e apos o treinamento de hemiplegicos utilizando a musculacao e o condicionamento aerobico. Metodos: trinta participantes com media de idade de 56,36+-10,86 anos e tempo de evolucao pos-AVC variando de 1 a 14 anos foram avaliados antes e apos o treinamento. As medidas de simetria foram obtidas em ortostatismo, durante o movimento de passar de sentado para de pe e durante a marcha pelo Balance Master, enquanto o desempenho funcional foi avaliado por meio da velocidade natural da marcha e da habilidade para subir escadas. Estatistica descritiva, testes de normalidade, testes t pareados e coeficientes de correlacao de Pearson foram utilizados para essa analise. Resultados: apos o treinamento, melhoras significativas foram observadas apenas nas medidas de desempenho funcional (p<0,001), sem alteracao significativa de nenhum dos valores de simetria. Alem diss, nao foram observadas correlacoes significativas entre as variaveis funcionais e de simetria (r=0,12-0,27). Conclusoes: os achados indicaram que medidas de simetria nao se mostraram sensiveis para demonstrar mudancas associadas ao treinamento, sugerindo que esse parametro pode ser um desfecho relevante no processo de reabilitacao para obter ganhos funcionais em hemiplegicos cronicos

O impacto de umprograma de atividade fisica na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenca de Parkinson / Impact of a physical activity program on quality of life among Parkinsons disease patients

A doenca de Parkinson (DP) e uma doenca cronico-degenerativa do sistema nervoso central que afeta 1 em cada 1.000 pessoas acima de 65 anos e 1 em cada 100 acima de 75 anos. Individuos com DP apresentam bradicinesia, tremor, rigidez, diminuicao da forca muscular e da aptidao fisica, alteracoes cognitivas, tendencia ao isolamento e depressao. tais alteracoes favorecem o sedentarismo, a dependencia e a piora na qualidade de vida (QV). Objetivos: avaliar o impacto de um programa de fortalecimento muscular e condicionamento aerobico na funcao e na QV de parkinsonianos. Metodos: dezoito inddividuos classificados nos estagios 1 a 3 da escala Hoehn e Yahr e com idade de 60,94 +- 10,35 anos participaram do programa, 3 vezes por semana, durante 12 semanas. A avaliacao clinico funcional foi realizada por meio da Unified Parkinson`s Disease Scale (UPDRS) e a QV, pelo Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). A UPDRS avaliou a atividade mental, comportamento e humor; atividades de vida diaria (AVD); e as atividades motoras. O NHP avaliou a QV, considerando o bem-estar fisico, social e emcional. Resultados: observou-se melhoras significativas nas AVD (p=0,004), nas atividades motoras (p=0,009), na UPDRS total (p=0,001). Houve correlacao significativa entre ganho obtido na UPDRS total e o obtido no NHP (r=0,61; p=0,01) e entre o ganho na dimensao AVD com o do NPH (r=0,82; p=0,01). Conclusao: este estudo mostrou que o programa utilizado teve impacto positivo na melhoria da QV de parkinsonianos leve a moderadamente afetados

O impacto da doença de parkinson na qualidade de vida: uma revisão de literatura / The impact of Parkinson`s disease in quality of life: a review of literature

A doenca de Parkinson (DP) e uma enfermidade cronica de carater progressivo que acomete um em cada mil individuos e apresenta caracteristicas que afetam a qualidade de vida (QV) dessas pessoas. O objetivo dessa revisao e descrever e discutir fatores encontrados na literatura que influenciam a QV dos portaores de tal patologia. Tem sido destacado que o foco de tratamento de individuos com DP deve ser a manuntencao da QV e, para isso, a avaliacao sistematica do paciente e imprescindivel. Tal avaliacao tem sido realizada por meio de instrumentos de medida genericos, especificos ou por uma combinacao de ambos. A DP apresenta sinais e sintomas que afetam a QV do individuo no aspecto fisico, mental/emocional, social e economico. OS sinais e sintomas mais encontrados na literatura e que apresentam maior relevancia sao: bradicinesia, tremor, rigidez, instabilidade postural, disturbios da marcha, dor, fadiga, depressao, disturbios cognitivos sexuais. Alem disso, a limitacao social e as sobrecarga economica sao fatores que tambem afetam diretamente a QV desses individuos. E importante destacar a relacao entre todos os aspectos citados, embora as dimensoes fisica e mental/emocional parecam ser as mais relevantes, uma vez que podem ser as responsaveis pelo desenvolvimento de outras limitacoes. Sendo assim, qualquer programa de tratamento para individuos portadores da DP deve buscar minimizar as limitacoes. Sendo assim, qualquer programa de tratamento para individuos portadores da DP deve buscar minimizar as limitacoes decorrentes da progressao da doenca e procurar contribuir para a melhora da QV dos portadores de tal enfermidade

Musculacao e condicionamento aerobico em hemiplegicos: impacto no desempenho motor / Strengthening and aerobic conditioning in stroke: impact on motor performance

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto de um programa de condicionamento aerobico e fortalecimento muscular utilizando a musculacao como recurso, no desempenho motor de individuos emiplegicos cronicos. trinta participantes (17 homens e 13 mulheres) com media de idade de 56,36+-10,86 anos, com tempo medio de evolucao pos-AVC variando de 1 a 14 anos, foram avaliados antes e apos treinamento. O programa de treinamento, de 30 sessoes (3 vezes/semana), consisitiu em sessoes supervisionadas de exercicios subdivididas em periodos de aquecimento, exercicios aerobicos, fortalecimento por meio da musculacao e rsefriamento. Medidas de toque dos principasi grupos musculares dos membros inferiores e tronco, de espaticidade do quadriceps, flexores plantares e flexores do cotovelo e punho e medidas de simetria foram utilizadas para avaliar o impacto do programa. Apos o treinamento, foram observados valores de torque significativamente maiores que os iniciais em todos os grupos musculares avaliados, sendo os ganhos observados no lado afetado (35,85 por cento) maiores que os do lado naoa fetado (27,42 por cento) sem aumento concomitante do grau de espasticidade. Alem disso, foi observada melhora significativa (p=0,019) na simetria na posicao ortostatica. A musculacao mostrou-se alternativa viavel na melhora do desempenho motor em pacientes hemiplegicos cronicos

Effects of maternal exposure to picrotoxin during lactation on physical and reflex development, square crossing and sexual behavior of rat offspring.

The effects of maternal exposure during the first 10 days of lactation to picrotoxin (0.75 mg/kg sc) on maternal behavior, offspring physical and neurobehavioral development as well as sexual behavior were studied. Results showed that (1) dam food and water consumption, maternal behavior and body weight were not different between control and experimental animals, (2) male and female pup body weight and the development of physical landmarks did no differ between control and experimental groups, (3) negative geotaxis was improved in female experimental offspring and palmar grasp reflex did not differ between groups, (4) at 75 days of age the square crossing by female rats of the experimental group was increased in relation to the control group; no differences were observed between male control and experimental animals, (5) male experimental rats exhibited a significant increase in the number of mounts, intromissions and ejaculations parallel to a decrease in latency to first mount, intromissions and ejaculation as well as in the latencies of first postejaculatory mount and intromission and (6) the intromission frequency per minute (hit rate) was increased in these animals. These results suggest that postnatal exposure to picrotoxin improved the sexual behavior of rats. Three hypotheses were proposed to explain the mechanisms underlying this effect: (1) the development of subsensitivity of GABAergic receptors, (2) an interference with early receptor development or (3) with neurotransmitter balance, mainly involving the dopaminergic system.

Reciprocal changes of excitability between tibialis anterior and soleus during the sit-to-stand movement.

The excitability of spinal motoneurons is modified by central preparatory commands before muscle activation. In relatively complex long duration motor tasks such as the sit-to-stand (STS) movement, the central nervous system commands have to take into account the inputs from muscle, skin, and joint afferents during muscle contraction. We have investigated the changes occurring in tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) motoneuronal excitability prior to and during the STS movement in normal subjects. Twelve healthy volunteers received the instruction to rise from a chair at the perception of an acoustic 'go' signal. Cortical transcranial magnetic stimuli (TMS) or peripheral nerve electrical stimuli (PNS) were used as test stimuli to elicit, respectively, the motor evoked potential (MEP) and the H reflex, at intervals of 50-1500 ms after the 'go' signal. Both the MEP and the H reflex were enhanced in the TA between 100 and 900 ms after the 'go' signal. At the same time there was inhibition of the H reflex but not of the MEP in the SOL. At the end of the STS movement, during quiet standing, the size of both the H reflex and the MEP of the TA were not different from those obtained in the sitting position. However, in SOL, the H reflex was smaller, and the MEP was larger, than at rest. Our observations suggest the participation of several mechanisms of control of motoneuronal excitability during the STS, ultimately leading to a dominant role of presynaptic inhibitory mechanisms in SOL during standing.

Posture-related changes of soleus H-reflex excitability.

We investigated whether the modulatory effects of segmental and descending inputs on the soleus H reflex are modified by postural conditions. Fourteen healthy volunteers received a transcranial magnetic stimulus (TMS) or percutaneous electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (PTN), preceding by 0 to 400 ms the elicitation of the soleus H reflex in supine, sitting, and standing positions. In all positions, TMS induced an early period of facilitation at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging between 5 and 35 ms. In supine and sitting positions, there was a second period of facilitation at ISIs between 60 and 90 ms, which was absent or significantly reduced in the standing position. PTN induced a strong inhibition of the H reflex in all positions up to 125 ms. In supine and sitting positions, inhibition continued up to 400 ms, whereas it was significantly reduced or completely absent beyond 125 ms in the standing position. These results demonstrate posture-related differences in the modulatory effects of descending and segmental inputs on the excitability of the H-reflex circuit.