Chitosan-based films filled with nanoencapsulated essential oil: Physical-chemical characterization and enhanced wound healing activity.

The economic burden of chronic wounds, the complexity of the process of tissue repair and the possibility of resistant bacterial infections, have triggered a significant research interest in the application of natural alternative therapies for wound healing. Biomolecules are intrinsically multi-active, as they affect multiple mechanisms involved in tissue repair phenomenon, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cell proliferation, extra cellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. Chitosan features a unique combination of attributes, including intrinsic hemostatic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, that make it an exceptional candidate for wound management, in the development of wound dressings and scaffolds. In this study, we produced nanoemulsions (NE) loaded with SFO, characterized them, and evaluated their tissue repairing properties. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis confirmed the formation of a nanoemulsion with a droplet size of 21.12 ± 2.31 nm and a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.159, indicating good stability for up to 90 days. To investigate the potential wound healing effects, SFO-loaded NE were applied on male C57BL/6 mice for seven consecutive days, producing a significantly higher wound closure efficiency (p < 0.05) for the group treated with SFO-loaded NE compared to the control group treated with the saline solution. This finding indicates that the SFO-loaded NE exhibits therapeutic properties that effectively promote wound healing in this experimental model. Then, SFO-loaded NE were incorporated into chitosan:polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based films. The inclusion of NE into the polymer matrix resulted in increased lipophilicity reflected by the contact angle results, while decreasing moisture absorption, water solubility, and crystallinity. Moreover, FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of new bonds between SFO-NE and the film matrix, which also impacted on porosity properties. Thermal analysis indicated a decrease in the glass transition temperature of the films due to the presence of SFO-NE, suggesting a plasticizing role of NE, confirmed by XRD results, that showed a decrease in the crystallinity of the blend films upon the addition of SFO-NE. AFM images showed no evidence of NE droplet aggregation in the Chitosan:PVA film matrix. Moisture absorption and water content decreased upon incorporation of SFO-loaded NE. Although the inclusion of NE increased hydrophobicity and water contact angle, the values remained within an acceptable range for wound healing applications. Overall, our results emphasize the significant tissue repairing properties of SFO-loaded NE and the potential of Chitosan:PVA films containing nanoencapsulated SFO as effective formulations for wound healing with notable tissue repairing properties.

Analysis of Heart Rate, Perception of Physical Effort and Performance of Individuals with Down Syndrome Submitted to a Protocol of Virtual Games for Home-Based Telerehabilitation.

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition associated with impairments in several body systems, which may negatively influence the habit of practicing physical activities (PAs), increasing sedentary habits and the risk of comorbidities. Additionally, difficulty in accessing services, financial limitations and lack of interest may interfere with the practice of PAs. Considering the necessity of developing effective treatment alternatives, to increase the possibility of access and the interest of participants, we conducted a study using telerehabilitation with a virtual task to promote PA and analyze the motor performance of DS individuals. Our protocol consisted of 11 sessions of the virtual game called MoveHero. A total of 34 individuals with DS and 34 individuals with typical development participated in the study. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived effort (RPE) were collected at rest and during the game. Our results show that virtual reality presents a great possibility to promote PA and a way out of a sedentary lifestyle for DS individuals, considering the enhancement in HR and RPE found during the protocol for both groups. Moreover, our results show positive outcomes regarding motor performance, with significant improvement in the task with practice, demonstrating that individuals with DS are able to improve their motor proficiency with adequate stimuli in the virtual environment.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein induces TLR4-mediated long-term cognitive dysfunction recapitulating post-COVID-19 syndrome in mice.

Cognitive dysfunction is often reported in patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome, but its underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein or its fragments are released from cells during infection, reaching different tissues, including the CNS, irrespective of the presence of the viral RNA. Here, we demonstrate that brain infusion of Spike protein in mice has a late impact on cognitive function, recapitulating post-COVID-19 syndrome. We also show that neuroinflammation and hippocampal microgliosis mediate Spike-induced memory dysfunction via complement-dependent engulfment of synapses. Genetic or pharmacological blockage of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling protects animals against synapse elimination and memory dysfunction induced by Spike brain infusion. Accordingly, in a cohort of 86 patients who recovered from mild COVID-19, the genotype GG TLR4-2604G>A (rs10759931) is associated with poor cognitive outcome. These results identify TLR4 as a key target to investigate the long-term cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 infection in humans and rodents.

Nanosystems for gene therapy targeting brain damage caused by viral infections.

Several human pathogens can cause long-lasting neurological damage. Despite the increasing clinical knowledge about these conditions, most still lack efficient therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy (GT) approaches comprise strategies to modify or adjust the expression or function of a gene, thus providing therapy for human diseases. Since recombinant nucleic acids used in GT have physicochemical limitations and can fail to reach the desired tissue, viral and non-viral vectors are applied to mediate gene delivery. Although viral vectors are associated to high levels of transfection, non-viral vectors are safer and have been further explored. Different types of nanosystems consisting of lipids, polymeric and inorganic materials are applied as non-viral vectors. In this review, we discuss potential targets for GT intervention in order to prevent neurological damage associated to infectious diseases as well as the role of nanosized non-viral vectors as agents to help the selective delivery of these gene-modifying molecules. Application of non-viral vectors for delivery of GT effectors comprise a promising alternative to treat brain inflammation induced by viral infections.

Autonomic Modulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy During a Computer Task: A Prospective Transversal Controlled Trial Assessment by Non-linear Techniques.

Introduction: Due to functional and autonomic difficulties faced by individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the use of assistive technology is critical to provide or facilitate functional abilities. The key objective was to investigate acute cardiac autonomic responses, by application of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), during computer tasks in subjects with DMD via techniques based on non-linear dynamics. Method: HRV was attained via a Polar RS800CX. Then, was evaluated by Chaotic Global Techniques (CGT). Forty-five male subjects were included in the DMD group and age-matched with 45 in the healthy Typical Development (TD) control group. They were assessed for 20 min at rest sitting, and then 5 min whilst performing the maze task on a computer. Results: Both TD and DMD subjects exhibited a significantly reduced HRV measured by chaotic global combinations when undertaking the computer maze paradigm tests. DMD subjects presented decreased HRV during rest and computer task than TD subjects. Conclusion: While there is an impaired HRV in subjects with DMD, there remains an adaptation of the ANS during the computer tasks. The identification of autonomic impairment is critical, considering that the computer tasks in the DMD community may elevate their level of social inclusion, participation and independence.

The Use of Cardiac Autonomic Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Elderly Stroke Patients: Functional Rehabilitation as a Public Health Policy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The development of public policies must be guided by full knowledge of the health-disease process of the population. Aerobic exercises are recommended for rehabilitation in stroke patients, and have been shown to improve heart rate variability (HRV). Our aim was to compare the cardiac autonomic modulation of elderly stroke patients with that of healthy elderly people during and after an acute bout of aerobic exercise. METHODS: A total of 60 elderly people participated in the study (30 in the control group, mean age of 67 ± 4 years; 30 in the stroke group, mean age of 69 ± 3 years). HRV was analyzed in rest-10 min of rest in supine position; exercise-the 30 min of peak exercise; and recovery-30 min in supine position post-exercise. RESULTS: Taking rest and exercises together, for SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, RRTri, and TINN, there was no difference between the stroke and control groups (p = 0.062; p = 0.601; p = 0.166; p = 0.224, and p = 0.059, respectively). The HF (ms2) was higher and the LF/HF ratio was lower for the stroke group than the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). The SD2 was lower for the stroke group than for the control group (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Stroke patients present reduced variability at rest, sympathetic predominance during exercise, and do not return to baseline after the 30 min of recovery, with similar responses found in the healthy elderly group.

Comparison of cardiac autonomic modulation of athletes and non-athletes individuals with spinal cord injury at rest and during a non-immersive virtual reality task.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To compare cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) that practice different amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and able-bodied controls at rest and during a non-immersive Virtual Reality task. SETTING: Athletes with SCI of wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair handball, WCMX (wheelchair motocross), and para-swimming were assessed at the Faca na Cadeira Institute, ICEL and Clube Espéria in São Paulo, Brazil; non-athletes with SCI and able-bodied controls were assessed at the Acreditando Centro de Recuperação Neuromotora, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: One-hundred forty-five individuals were assessed: 36 athletes with traumatic SCI (41.1 ± 16.8 years old), 52 non-athletes with traumatic SCI (40.2 ± 14.1 years old), and 57 able-bodied individuals (39.4 ± 12.5 years old). Cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) measured in the sitting position at rest and during a VR game activity. RESULTS: We found significantly more favourable HRV for athletes with SCI when compared to non-athletes with SCI, but no differences between athletes with SCI and able-bodied controls. In addition, athletes and able-bodied controls showed adequate autonomic nervous system (ANS) adaptation (rest versus physical activity in VR), i.e., they experienced parasympathetic withdrawal during VR physical activity, which was not found in non-athletes with SCI. CONCLUSION: The practice of moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with healthier cardiac autonomic modulation in adults with SCI, which may lead to more favourable health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04618003, retrospectively registered.

Organisational and relational factors that influence return to work and job retention: The contribution of activity ergonomics.

BACKGROUND: Work is a determinant of employee health, and the same conditions that contribute to an illness do not favour return to work; consequently, they hinder job retention, other employees can become ill and new leaves are generated. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the nursing technicians work in intensive and semi-intensive care units (ICUs and SICUs) and discuss the influence of organisational and relational factors on return to work and job retention. This study also discusses the contributions of activity ergonomics to these processes. METHOD: Qualitative case study based on ergonomic work analysis (EWA). Data were collected using documentary analyses, and global, systematic, and participant observations involving nursing technicians working in ICUs and SICUs. RESULTS: Task planning and the staff size adjustment to respond to the work demands of these units were ineffective in real-world situations and were aggravated by cases of absenteeism, medical leave, and employees returning to work. CONCLUSIONS: Work structure limits return to work and job retention. An EWA based on the activities developed by professionals is a valid tool for understanding working processes by applying transforming actions to real-world work situations.

Factores relacionados con los síntomas depresivos en estudiantes universitarios / Factors Related to Depressive Symptoms in University Students / Fatores relacionados à sintomatologia depressiva em universitários

Objetivo: identificar e discutir a frequência da sintomatologia depressiva e seus fatores associados em estudantes universitários. Materiais e método: trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em uma instituição de ensino superior. O estudo foi desenvolvido por amostra de conveniência com 571 estudantes de graduação de diferentes áreas. Utilizou-se um questionário para a coleta de dados sociodemográficos/acadêmicos, da sintomatologia depressiva e suas associações, dos hábitos de vida, dos aspectos emocionais e dos possíveis distúrbios alimentares. Para a análise dos dados, utilizaram-se a estatística descritiva e o teste de Qui-Quadrado de Pearson para associações, com o nível de significância de 5 % (valor p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: os universitários apresentaram sintomatologia depressiva como sono perturbado (61,1 %) e autoconfiança reduzida (50,9 %). Houve associação da sintomatologia depressiva com o curso, com a satisfação do rendimento acadêmico, com a obesidade, com o consumo de açúcares e doces, com a prática e a frequência de atividade física. Conclusões: espera-se que os resultados desta pesquisa possam contribuir para o pensamento crítico e reflexivo da população, a fim de expandir a visibilidade e os estudos científicos referentes à temática, bem como de aumentar os recursos para o manejo da saúde mental e diminuir os estigmas gerados.

Objective: To identify and discuss the frequency of depressive symptoms and their associated factors in university students. Materials and method: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative approach, conducted in a Higher Education Institution. The study was developed with a convenience sample consisting of 571 undergraduate students from different areas. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic/academic data, as well as depressive symptoms and their associations, life habits, emotional aspects, and possible eating disorders. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test were used for associations, with a significance level of 5 % (p-value ≤ 0.05). Results: The university students presented depressive symptoms such as sleep disorders (61.1 %) and reduced self-confidence (50.9 %). There was an association of depressive symptoms with the course, satisfaction with academic performance, obesity, consumption of sugars and sweets, and practice and frequency of physical activity. Conclusions: It is expected that the results of this research contribute to the population's critical and reflective thinking to expand visibility and scientific studies referring to the theme, as well as to increase resources for the management of mental health and reduce the stigmas generated.

Objetivo: identificar y discutir la frecuencia de los síntomas depresivos y sus factores asociados en estudiantes universitarios. Materiales y método: se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en una institución de educación superior. El estudio se desarrolló a partir de un muestreo de conveniencia con 571 estudiantes de diferentes facultades. Se utilizó cuestionario para recolectar los datos sociodemográficos/académicos, de la sintomatología depresiva y sus asociaciones, los hábitos de vida, los aspectos emocionales y los posibles disturbios alimenticios. Para el análisis de los datos, se emplearon la estadística descriptiva y la prueba de Qui-Cuadrado de Pearson para asociaciones, con nivel de significancia del 5 % (valor p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: los universitarios presentaron sintomatología depresiva como sueño perturbado (61,1 %) y autoconfianza reducida (50,9 %). Hubo asociación de la sintomatología depresiva con el grado, con la satisfacción del desempeño académico, con el sobrepeso, con el consumo de azúcares y dulces, con la práctica y la frecuencia de actividad física. Conclusiones: se espera que los resultados de la investigación puedan aportar al pensamiento crítico y reflexivo de la población, con el intuito de expandir la visibilidad y los estudios científicos sobre la temática, así como aumentar los recursos para la gestión de la salud mental y disminuir los estigmas generados.

Influence of Different Types of Corticosteroids on Heart Rate Variability of Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-A Pilot Cross Sectional Study.

Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have an impairment of cardiac autonomic function categorized by parasympathetic reduction and sympathetic predominance. The objective of this study was to assess the cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with DMD undergoing therapy with Prednisone/Prednisolone and Deflazacort and compare with individuals with DMD without the use of these medications and a typically developed control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was completed, wherein 40 boys were evaluated. The four treatment groups were: Deflazacort; Prednisone/Prednisolone; no corticoid use; and typical development. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was investigated via linear indices (Time Domain and Frequency Domain) and non-linear indices Results: The results of this study revealed that individuals with DMD undertaking pharmacotherapies with Prednisolone demonstrated HRV comparable to the Control Typically Developed (CTD) group. In contrast, individuals with DMD undergoing pharmacotherapies with Deflazacort achieved lower HRV, akin to individuals with DMD without any medications, as demonstrated in the metrics: RMSSD; LF (n.u.), HF (n.u.), LF/HF; SD1, α1, and α1/α2, and a significant effect for SD1/SD2; %DET and Ratio; Shannon Entropy, 0 V%, 2 LV% and 2 ULV%. Conclusions: Corticosteroids have the potential to affect the cardiac autonomic modulation in adolescents with DMD. The use of Prednisone/Prednisolone appears to promote improved responses in terms of sympathovagal activity as opposed to Deflazacort.

Comparison Between Conventional Intervention and Non-immersive Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Individuals in an Inpatient Unit for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Background: The new human coronavirus that leads to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has spread rapidly around the world and has a high degree of lethality. In more severe cases, patients remain hospitalized for several days under treatment of the health team. Thus, it is important to develop and use technologies with the aim to strengthen conventional therapy by encouraging movement, physical activity, and improving cardiorespiratory fitness for patients. In this sense, therapies for exposure to virtual reality (VR) are promising and have been shown to be an adequate and equivalent alternative to conventional exercise programs. Aim: This is a study protocol with the aim of comparing the conventional physical therapy intervention with the use of a non-immersive VR software during COVID-19 hospitalization. Methods: Fifty patients hospitalized with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 will be divided in two groups under physiotherapy treatment using conventional or VR intervention: Group A: participants with COVID-19 will start the first day of the protocol with VR tasks in the morning and then in the second period, in the afternoon, will perform the conventional exercises (n = 25) and Group B: participants with COVID-19 will start the first day with conventional exercises in the morning and in the second period, in the afternoon, will perform activity with VR (n = 25). All participants will be evaluated with different motor and physiologic scales before and after the treatment to measure improvements. Conclusion: Considering the importance of benefits from physical activity during hospitalization, VR software shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving physical activity. The results of this study may provide new insights into hospital rehabilitation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04537858. Registered on 01 September 2020.

Open and Closed Endotracheal Suction Systems Divergently Affect Pulmonary Function in Mechanically Ventilated Subjects.

BACKGROUND: In mechanically ventilated subjects, intra-tracheal secretions can be aspirated with either open suction systems (OSS) or closed suction systems (CSS). In contrast to CSS, conventional OSS require temporarily disconnecting the patient from the ventilator, which briefly diminishes PEEP and oxygen supply. On the other hand, CSS are more expensive and less effective at aspirating secretions. Thus, it was hypothesized that the 2 procedures differentially affect pulmonary and cardiovascular parameters after suction. METHODS: Subjects in the ICU (N = 66) were quasi-randomized for initial treatment with OSS or CSS in a crossover design. To compare the potential for these suction systems to compromise cardiorespiratory stability, changes in cardiopulmonary physiology were assessed from before to just after use of each suction system (three 10-s aspirations). RESULTS: For most pulmonary and cardiovascular parameters (ie, peak inspiratory pressure, airway resistance, pressure plateau, heart rate, and arterial pressures), the effects of aspiration inversely correlated with baseline values for that parameter, with a similar regression slope between suction systems. However, when controlling for baseline values, OSS caused significantly greater increases in airway resistance and peak inspiratory pressure (P < .001 and < .01 vs CSS, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated airway resistance prior to endotracheal suction may justify use of a CSS and contraindicate a conventional OSS in mechanically ventilated subjects. Adoption of this approach into clinical guidelines may prevent suction-induced pulmonary injury in subjects, especially for those with underlying diseases involving increased airway resistance or increased alveolar pressure. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03256214.).

Prevalência, severidade e fatores associados à depressão em estudantes universitários / Prevalence, severity and factors associated with depression in university students / Prevalencia, severidad y factores asociados a la depresión en estudiantes universitarios

OBJETIVO: identificar a prevalência, a severidade e os fatores associados à depressão entre estudantes universitários no Distrito Federal. MÉTODO: estudo transversal realizado com 521 estudantes universitários, com idade entre 18 e 60 anos. Os sintomas depressivos foram avaliados através da escala Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e o teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: dentre os 521 indivíduos estudados, houve predomínio do sexo feminino. A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi de 521 (96,6%) estudantes universitários, sendo 31,3% com depressão suave, 23,4%, depressão mínima, 13,1% depressão moderadamente grave, 9,6% depressão grave e 9,2% depressão moderada. A renda familiar e o semestre cursado são fatores associados para a severidade da depressão. CONCLUSÃO: a prevalência da depressão no ambiente universitário é comum, sendo uma proporção alta e preocupante. É crucial o rastreamento da depressão, sua severidade e seus fatores associados, a fim de estimular reflexão sobre a temática e pensar em estratégias de intervenção para a prevenção e promoção da saúde mental.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence, severity and factors associated with depression among university students in the Federal District. METHOD: a cross-sectional study carried out with 521 university students, aged between 18 and 60 years old. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used. RESULTS: among the 521 individuals studied, there was predominance of females. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 521 (96.6%) university students; 31.3% with mild depression; 23.4%, minimal depression, 13.1%, moderately severe depression; 9.6%, severe depression; and 9.2%, moderate depression. Family income and the semester attended are associated factors for the severity of depression. CONCLUSION: the prevalence of depression in the university environment is common, being at a high and worrying proportion. It is crucial to track depression, its severity and its associated factors, in order to stimulate reflection on the theme and to think of intervention strategies for the prevention and promotion of mental health.

OBJETIVO: identificar la prevalencia, la gravedad y los factores asociados a la depresión entre los estudiantes universitarios del Distrito Federal. MÉTODO: estudio transversal realizado con 521 estudiantes universitarios, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 60 años. Los síntomas depresivos se evaluaron mediante la escala del Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y la prueba de chi-cuadrado. RESULTADOS: Entre los 521 individuos estudiados, predominó el sexo femenino. La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos fue de 521 (96.6%) estudiantes universitarios, 31.3% con depresión leve, 23.4%, depresión mínima, 13.1% depresión moderadamente severa, 9.6% depresión severa y 9, 2% de depresión moderada. Los ingresos familiares y el semestre asistido son factores asociados para la gravedad de la depresión. CONCLUSIÓN: la prevalencia de depresión en el entorno universitario es común, siendo una proporción alta y preocupante. Es crucial rastrear la depresión, su gravedad y sus factores asociados, para estimular la reflexión sobre el tema y pensar en estrategias de intervención para la prevención y promoción de la salud mental.

Serious Game Platform as a Possibility for Home-Based Telerehabilitation for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy During COVID-19 Quarantine - A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to maintain rehabilitation activities and motivate movement and physical activity during quarantine in individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE: This paper sets out to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of using computer serious game in a non-immersive virtual reality (VR) implemented and evaluated completely remotely in participants with CP for Home-Based Telerehabilitation during the quarantine period for COVID-19. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 44 individuals participated in this study between March and June 2020, 22 of which had CP (14 males and 8 females, mean age = 19 years, ranging between 11 and 28 years) and 22 typically developing individuals, matched by age and sex to the individuals with CP. Participants practiced a coincident timing game1 and we measured movement performance and physical activity intensity using the rating of perceived exertion Borg scale. RESULTS: All participants were able to engage with the VR therapy remotely, reported enjoying sessions, and improved performance in some practice moments. The most important result in this cross-sectional study was the significant increasing in rating of perceived exertion (through Borg scale) in both groups during practice and with CP presenting a higher rating of perceived exertion. CONCLUSION: Children with CP enjoyed participating, were able to perform at the same level as their peers on certain activities and increased both their performance and physical activity intensity when using the game, supporting the use of serious games for this group for home therapy and interactive games. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: https://Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04402034. Registered on May 20, 2020.

Seating and positioning system in wheelchairs of people with disabilities: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and quantify the seating and positioning items in wheelchairs prescribed and dispensed from 2005-2018 in relation to the necessities of the diagnoses served. METHODS: A convenience cross-sectional sample survey was used in the setting of an occupational therapy service from a specialized orthopaedic hospital. Records of people with disabilities who use a wheelchair (n = 1730) were surveyed for the following data: sociodemographic information (gender and age), diagnosis, whether a new wheelchair was received, whether wheelchair seating and positioning system were received, and the prescribed items. RESULTS: Of the 1730 users, 73.7% received a new wheelchair and 26.3% already had one donated by other services and/or purchased by the patient. Almost all the wheelchairs needed seating and positioning system in their structure (82.3%), and only 307 wheelchairs (17.7%) did not require any. The most frequent item was the hip belt (82.3%), followed by the removable solid wooden seat, and removable solid wooden backrest (81.3 and 80.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It is noted that the sample studied required many seating and positioning items for their wheelchairs. Despite the high demand for these assistive technological resources, research in this area is scarce. Little is known about which seating and positioning system is ideal for each user profile, which makes it difficult to organize the services that act in the provision of such equipment and the professional practice based on evidence.Implications for RehabilitationSeating and positioning system in wheelchair provide the user with the postural control necessary for daily activities, the maintenance of independence, and interaction with the environment.Indicating the best seating and positioning system is one of the most challenging tasks for healthcare professionals specializing in its prescription because it can be difficult to assess which components best meet the needs of an individual.The research proposed by this study has produced important evidences for the clinical practice of professionals that act on the prescription of wheelchairs and seating and positioning items for people with disabilities, presenting data that contribute to a better indication of these equipment's.

Laser therapy increases the proliferation of preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on poly(lactic acid) films.

This study aimed to verify the efficacy of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts cultured on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films. The produced films were characterized by contact angle tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured as three different groups: Control-cultured on polystyrene plastic surfaces; PLA-cultured on PLA films; and PLA + Laser-cultured on PLA films and submitted to laser irradiation (660 nm; 30 mW; 4 J/cm2 ). Cell proliferation was analyzed by Trypan blue and Alamar blue assays at 24, 48, and 72 h after irradiation. Cell viability was assessed by Live/Dead assay, apoptosis-related events were evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) expression, and cell cycle events were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell morphology on the surface of films was assessed by SEM. Cell counting and biochemical assay results indicate that the PLA + Laser group exhibited higher proliferation (p < 0.01) when compared with the Control and PLA groups. The Live/Dead and Annexin/PI assays indicate increased cell viability in the PLA + Laser group that also presented a higher percentage of cells in the proliferative cell cycle phases (S and G2/M). These findings were also confirmed by the higher cell density observed in the irradiated group through SEM images. The evidence from this study supports the idea that LLLI increases the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on PLA surfaces, suggesting that it can be potentially applied in bone tissue engineering.

Effect of Combined Therapy of Virtual Reality and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol for a Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and therapy-based virtual reality (VR) have been investigated separately. They have shown promise as efficient and engaging new tools in the neurological rehabilitation of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the recent literature encourages investigation of the combination of therapy tools in order to potentiate clinic effects and its mechanisms. Methods: A triple-blinded randomised sham-controlled crossover trial will be performed. Thirty-six individuals with gross motor function of levels I to IV (aged 4-14 years old) will be recruited. Individuals will be randomly assigned to Group A (active first) or S (sham first): Group A will start with ten sessions of active tDSC combined with VR tasks. After a 1-month washout, this group will be reallocated to another ten sessions with sham tDCS combined with VR tasks. In contrast, Group S will carry out the opposite protocol, starting with sham tDCS. For the active tDCS the protocol will use low frequency tDCS [intensity of 1 milliampere (mA)] over the primary cortex (M1) area on the dominant side of the brain. Clinical evaluations (reaction times and coincident timing through VR, functional scales: Abilhand-Kids, ACTIVLIM-CP, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-PEDI- and heart rate variability-HRV) will be performed at baseline, during, and after active and sham tDCS. Conclusion: tDCS has produced positive results in treating individuals with CP; thus, its combination with new technologies shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving neurological functioning. The results of this study may provide new insights into motor rehabilitation, thereby contributing to the better use of combined tDCS and VR in people with CP. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04044677. Registered on 05 August 2019.

Effect of Contextual Interference in the Practicing of a Computer Task in Individuals Poststroke.

OBJECTIVES: Sensory and motor alterations resulting from stroke often impair the performance and learning of motor skills. The present study is aimed at investigating whether and how poststroke individuals and age- and sex-matched healthy controls benefit from a contextual interference effect on the practice of a maze task (i.e., constant vs. random practice) performed on the computer. METHODS: Participants included 21 poststroke individuals and 21 healthy controls, matched by sex and age (30 to 80 years). Both groups were divided according to the type of the practice (constant or random) presented in the acquisition phase of the learning protocol. For comparison between the groups, types of practice, and blocks of attempts, the analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05) was used. RESULTS: Poststroke individuals presented longer movement times as compared with the control group. In addition, only poststroke individuals who performed the task with random practice showed improved performance at the transfer phase. Moreover, randomized practice enabled poststroke individuals to perform the transfer task similarly to individuals without any neurological impairment. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicated a significant effect of contextual interference of practice in poststroke individuals, suggesting that applying randomized training must be considered when designing rehabilitation protocols for this population.

Noninvasive assessment of autonomic modulation of heart rate variability in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome: A proof of principle study.

INTRODUCTION: The Ts65Dn mouse is the most widely used animal model of Down syndrome (DS). Differences in autonomic regulation of heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with DS have been hypothesized. Pharmacological studies in animal models may help us understand mechanisms underlying observed changes in HRV in people with DS. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use a new, noninvasive technique to assess cardiac autonomic modulation in Ts65Dn mice under the effect of adrenergic and cholinergic agonists. METHOD: We recorded electrocardiograms (ECGs) from 12 Ts65Dn and 12 euploid control mice. A 30-min baseline recording was followed by the injection of an adrenergic (isoproterenol [Iso]) or cholinergic (carbachol [CCh]) agonist. Heart rate and HRV were analyzed using a series of methods customized for mice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The ECG apparatus described here allowed us to detect noninvasively long series of heartbeats in freely-moving animals. During baseline conditions, the yield of detectable heartbeats was 3%-27% of the estimated total number of events, which increased to 35%-70% during the 15-min period after either Iso or CCh injections. Ts65Dn mice displayed a robust enhanced Iso-induced negative chronotropic rebound response compared with euploid control mice. We observed a significantly smaller CCh response in Ts65Dn versus control euploid mice in the 6- to 10-min-interval postcarbachol injection. CONCLUSION: This work showed that the techniques described here are sufficient for this type of study. However, future studies involving the use of more selective pharmacological agents and/or genetic manipulations will be key to advance a mechanistic understanding of cardiac autonomic regulation in DS.