Anatomical characterization of hoof growth pattern in six Iranian sheep breeds and its possible implication for trimming recommendations.

The objective of this study was to compare hoof anatomy, hoof growth pattern, and hoof weight-bearing surface of six different Iranian sheep breeds to identify possible differences in the hoof anatomical features that could help to minimize adverse effects of hoof trimming methods. Front and hind hooves of 2-year-old, previously untrimmed, pastured dairy ewes of six Iranian breeds (Afshari, Moghani, Kurdi, Makoui, Chaleshtori, and Lori-Bakhtiari; n = 180 ewes; 30 ewes per breed) were collected after slaughter. Medial and lateral claws were incised sagittally and anatomical measurements such as toe length, heel height, toe height, sole thickness, sole length, and toe angle were recorded in each claw. Data were analyzed using mixed model equations including breed, claw (lateral or medial), hoof (front or hind) and their interactions as fixed effects, and ewe as random effect. Breed differences were observed for all hoof measurements (P < 0.05). Chaleshtori sheep had higher measurements for most of the traits studied while Afshari and Makoui sheep had lower measurements. All measurements, except for toe length and toe height to solar surface to heel height ratio, were significantly greater in the front hooves than in the hind hooves (P < 0.05). Soles were longer in the medial claws compared to the lateral claws of the front hooves (P < 0.05). Results suggest the observed breed differences could interfere with establishing a standard, uniform hoof trimming method for sheep. For instance, it might be possible that while Afshari and Makoui sheep could require more conservative trimming, Chaleshtori sheep could require to be trimmed more. In consequence, hoof trimming methods might need to be adjusted to specific breed characteristics to avoid possible tissue damage.

Pooling/bootstrap-based GWAS (pbGWAS) identifies new loci modifying the age of onset in PSEN1 p.Glu280Ala Alzheimer's disease.

The literature on GWAS (genome-wide association studies) data suggests that very large sample sizes (for example, 50,000 cases and 50,000 controls) may be required to detect significant associations of genomic regions for complex disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because of the challenges of obtaining such large cohorts, we describe here a novel sequential strategy that combines pooling of DNA and bootstrapping (pbGWAS) in order to significantly increase the statistical power and exponentially reduce expenses. We applied this method to a very homogeneous sample of patients belonging to a unique and clinically well-characterized multigenerational pedigree with one of the most severe forms of early onset AD, carrying the PSEN1 p.Glu280Ala mutation (often referred to as E280A mutation), which originated as a consequence of a founder effect. In this cohort, we identified novel loci genome-wide significantly associated as modifiers of the age of onset of AD (CD44, rs187116, P=1.29 × 10⁻¹²; NPHP1, rs10173717, P=1.74 × 10⁻¹²; CADPS2, rs3757536, P=1.54 × 10⁻¹°; GREM2, rs12129547, P=1.69 × 10⁻¹³, among others) as well as other loci known to be associated with AD. Regions identified by pbGWAS were confirmed by subsequent individual genotyping. The pbGWAS methodology and the genes it targeted could provide important insights in determining the genetic causes of AD and other complex conditions.

[Interventions for functionally dependent adults and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Intervenciones para adultos con dependencia funcional y sus cuidadores durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world population, especially people from social groups in a situation of greater vulnerability among people with some functional dependency. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe interventions during the pandemic to preserve general health, maintain function and independence, and prevent COVID-19 infection for functionally dependent adults (FDA). A systematic search in databases was carried out. Titles and abstracts of each publication were reviewed for relevance. Full-text articles were accessed by two independent reviewers. The information found was classified into three categories: 1) FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic according to a specific condition (neurological conditions, sensory disabilities/impairments, and cognitive impairment), and 3) Older adults with functional dependence. The FDAs have faced difficulties and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening strategies such as telerehabilitation is suggested to avoid deterioration or aggravation of the functionality of dependent people.

Quantitative measurement of airborne cockroach allergen in New York City apartments.

UNLABELLED: We designed and tested a sampling and analysis system for quantitative measurement of airborne cockroach allergen with sufficient sensitivity for residential exposure assessment. Integrated 1-week airborne particle samples were collected at 10-15 LPM in 19 New York City apartments in which an asthmatic child who was allergic to cockroach allergen resided. Four simultaneous air samples were collected in each home: at heights of 0.3 and 1 m in the child's bedroom and in the kitchen. Extracts of air samples were analyzed by ELISA for the cockroach allergen Bla g2, modified by amplifying the colorimetric signal generated via use of AMPLI-Q detection system (DAKO Corporation, Carpinteria, CA, USA). Settled dust samples were quantified by conventional ELISA. Of the homes where cockroach allergen was detected in settled dust, Bla g2 also was detected in 87% and 93% of air samples in the bedroom and kitchen, respectively. Airborne Bla g2 levels were highly correlated within and between the bedroom and kitchen locations (P < 0.001). Expressed as picogram per cubic meter, the room average geometric mean for Bla g2 concentrations was 1.9 pg/m³ (95% CI 0.63, 4.57) and 3.8 pg/m³ (95% CI 1.35, 9.25) in bedrooms and kitchens, respectively. This method offers an attractive supplement to settled dust sampling for cockroach allergen exposure health studies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Until now, cockroach allergen exposures have usually been assessed by collection and analysis of settled dust, on the assumption that airborne cockroach allergen cannot be reliably measured. In this study, a sensitive and quantitative method for measuring indoor airborne exposures to cockroach allergens involving a 7-day integrated total suspended particulate (TSP) sample collected at approximately 10-15 l/min was developed. Investigators are now empowered with an alternative exposure assessment method to supplement their studies and the understanding of allergen aerodynamics in the homes of children with asthma. We report airborne cockroach allergen in apartments, suggesting an ongoing burden of inhalation exposure.

Dual Effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the acute lung inflammation induced by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion: Action on anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is unknown if pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in acute lung inflammation induced by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (i-I/R) can be modulated by low-level laser therapy (LLLT). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: A controlled ex vivo study was developed in which rats were irradiated (660 nm, 30 mW, 0.08 cm² of spot size) on the skin over the right upper bronchus 1 hour post-mesenteric artery occlusion and euthanized 4 hours later. For pretreatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or IL-10 antibodies, the rats received either one of the agents 15 minutes before the beginning of reperfusion. METHODS: Lung edema was measured by the Evans blue extravasation and pulmonary neutrophils influx was determined by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Both TNF and IL-10 expression and protein in lung were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: LLLT reduced the edema (80.1 ± 41.8 µg g⁻¹ dry weight), neutrophils influx (0.83 ± 0.02 × 106 cells ml⁻¹), MPO activity (2.91 ± 0.60), and TNF (153.0 ± 21.0 pg mg⁻¹ tissue) in lung when compared with respective control groups. Surprisingly, the LLLT increased the IL-10 (0.65 ± 0.13) in lung from animals subjected to i-I/R. Moreover, LLLT (0.32 ± 0.07 pg ml⁻¹) reduced the TNF-α level in RPAECs when compared with i-I/R group. The presence of anti-TNF or IL-10 antibodies did not alter the LLLT effect on IL-10 (465.1 ± 21.0 pg mg⁻¹ tissue) or TNF (223.5 ± 21.0 pg mg⁻¹ tissue) in lung from animals submitted to i-I/R. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the LLLT attenuates the i-I/R-induced acute lung inflammation which favor the IL-10 production and reduce TNF generation.

The effect of manual therapy on masseter muscle pain and spasm.

INTRODUCTION: Orofacial pain and pain in the muscles of mastication are frequent symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. The masseter is the closet masticatory muscle to the surface and has the function of raising and retracting the mandible. This muscle has considerable strength and is one of the main muscles involved in the shredding of food It is therefore of utmost importance in the masticatory cycle and generally the most affected by pain and spasms. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of manual therapy with transversal and circular movements on pain and spasm in the masseter muscle, using electromyography and a visual analogue pain scale (VAPS). Eight women who experienced pain upon palpation of the masseter greater than 6 on the VAPS were selected for participation in the study, which employed electromyography and a VAPS for assessment, followed by manual oral physiotherapy and reevaluation. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed a reduction in pain, but there was no significant difference in electromyographic activity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that massage therapy was effective on pain symptoms, but was not capable of altering the electrical activity of the masseter muscle.

Electromyographic analysis of biceps brachii muscle following neural mobilization in patients with stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The proposal of the present study is based on mobilizing the nervous system of the upper hemiplegic limb of stroke victims using the Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test (ULNT 1) and electromyographic analysis of the biceps brachii muscle. METHODS: A pre-experimental study was carried out with pretest and posttest repeated measurements on five stroke victims (4 men and 1 woman; mean age: 52.8 +/- 11 years), with Grade 1 and + 1 spasticity, according to the modified Ashworth scale. Electromyographic analysis of the biceps brachii muscle was performed with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees, following by complete extension. RESULTS: The neurodynamic test led to a decrease in electromyographic activity in the biceps brachii muscle (p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Neural mobilization was efficient in reducing myoelectric activity in the biceps brachii muscle in patients with stroke and may used by physiotherapists as an efficient method for treating patients with this pathology.

Analysis of postural oscillation in children with cerebral palsy.

It is believed that static balance undergoes changes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Thus, we analyzed postural oscillation in 19 children with the aim of comparing balance between healthy children and those with CP. The sample was divided into two groups--one with 10 children diagnosed with diparetic CP (CPG) and a control group (CG) with nine healthy children, all capable of remaining in an orthostatic position without support and obeying spoken commands. The assessment of postural oscillation was performed with the children barefoot, arms alongside the body and looking toward a fixed point while standing on an unrestricted base for the feet. Data collection was performed using a TEKScan force platform with 30-second duration for each condition. The children had an average age of 7.9 years (+/- 2.07) in the CPG and 7.5 years (+/- 1.58) for the CG. Postural oscillation data in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions were analyzed using the Data Analysis and Technical Graphics Origin 6.0 program. Statistical analysis of the mean oscillation value in the conditions of eyes open and eyes closed did not differ significantly between groups. However, there was a significant difference in mean anterior-posterior oscillation between groups (p = 0.00). The groups behaved similarly with regard to the visual deprivation. We conclude that children with CP exhibit less postural oscillation in comparison to healthy children under the same conditions.

Neurophysiological comparison between the Sit-to-Stand test with the 6-Minute Walk test in individuals with COPD.

OBJECTIVES: The Sit-to-Stand test (SST) is accepted and utilized during functional assessments of COPD patients, along with the 6-Minute Walk test (6MWT). Since there is a lack of evidence in literature regarding the neurophysiological effectiveness of SST compared to 6MWT, the present study is justified with the purpose of assessing the neurophysiological effectiveness of SST in comparison to the 6MWT during the functional assessment of such patients, once it is known that both tests are good predictors of functional state. METHODS: Fourteen patients with moderate to severe COPD randomly performed the 6MWT and the SST with a 30-minute interval in between tests. Blood lactate was collected along with the median frequency (MDF), obtained with the electromyography of the muscles rectusfemoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), and soleus (SO) for the comparison of the neurophysiological effectiveness. RESULTS: The results of the blood lactate concentration during rest and at the end of the functional tasks along with the results from the angular coefficient (AC) obtained from the median frequency were analyzed with the Student t test. The initial and final values obtained from SST and 6MWT were compared within each activity, along with the comparison between the initial and final values for each functional test. A significant difference (p = 0.0005) was only verified between the initial and final values of SST. CONCLUSION: We found neurophysiological correlation between both tests which enabled us to suggest that SST may determine functional status as easily as the 6MWT in regard to neurophysiological effectiveness.

Analysis of electromyographic muscles activity of gait in healthy subjects with and without AFO developed for patients with hemiparesis.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the electromyographic (EMG) signals of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SO) muscles in young healthy adults with and without the use of an experimental ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) designed for patients with hemiparesis. Twenty-eight individuals with an average age of 22 +/- 3.63 years participated in the study. An electromyograph, surface electrodes and two force plates were used. There was a non-significant increase in the TA activity with the use of the AFO (6.04 +/- 2.81) when compared to non-use (5.91 +/- 2.49) (p > 0.5); the same was true for the other muscles evaluated. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.37) between TA and SO activity (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that the AFO did not affect the gait pattern of healthy young adults.

Translation into Brazilian Portuguese, cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validation of the Functional Ambulation Classification for the categorization of ambulation following a stroke in a clinical setting. / Traducción al portugués brasileño, adaptación transcultural, fiabilidad y validación de la Functional Ambulation Classification para la categorización de deambulación postictus en un entorno clínico.

INTRODUCTION: The Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) is the only scale that classifies the gait of individuals with multiple sclerosis and stroke victims into ambulation categories. However, the FAC is only available in English and studies conducted in Brazil have used the FAC without an adequate translation and analysis of its measurement properties. AIM: To translate, cross-culturally adapt the FAC to Brazilian Portuguese, test its reliability and concurrent validity on stroke survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation involved six steps. Inter-observer reliability was tested with five physiotherapists who watched videos of the gait of the stroke survivors and watched a second time after at least one week for the determination of intra-observer reliability. Concurrent validity was determined by correlating the FAC with the result of the 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT). RESULTS: Intra-observer reliability ranged from kappa 0.680 to 0.952 (p = 0.001) and inter-observer reliability ranged from kappa 0.517 to 0.794 (p = 0.001). The correlation between the FAC and 10mWT was rs = 0.771 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The translation, cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties demonstrated that the FAC is a valid, reliable clinical measure for the categorization of ambulation in the Brazilian population of stroke survivors in a clinical setting.

TITLE: Traducción al portugués brasileño, adaptación transcultural, fiabilidad y validación de la Functional Ambulation Classification para la categorización de deambulación postictus en un entorno clínico.Introducción. La Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) es la única escala que clasifica la marcha de individuos con esclerosis múltiple e ictus en categorías de deambulación. Sin embargo, la FAC sólo está disponible en la versión en inglés y los estudios realizados en Brasil la han utilizado sin una traducción y análisis adecuados de propiedades psicométricas. Objetivo. Traducir y adaptar culturalmente la FAC para el portugués brasileño y probar su fiabilidad y validez concurrente en individuos afectados por ictus. Pacientes y métodos. La traducción y la adaptación transcultural implicaron seis pasos. La fiabilidad interevaluador se probó con cinco fisioterapeutas que vieron vídeos de la marcha de las personas afectadas por ictus y, después de un intervalo mínimo de una semana, los vieron por segunda vez para determinar la fiabilidad intraevaluador. La validez concurrente se determinó correlacionando la FAC con el resultado de la prueba de marcha de 10 metros (PM10m). Resultados. La fiabilidad intraevaluador varió entre un valor kappa de 0,68-0,95 (p = 0,001), y la fiabilidad interevaluador, un valor kappa de 0,517-0,794 (p = 0,001). La correlación entre la FAC y la PM10m fue rs = 0,771 (p = 0,001). Conclusión. La traducción, la adaptación transcultural y el análisis de las propiedades psicométricas demostraron que la FAC es una medida clínica válida y fiable para clasificar la deambulación de los individuos brasileños afectados por ictus en un entorno clínico.

Mite sensitization among Latina women in New York, where dust-mite allergen levels are typically low.

UNLABELLED: In New York (NY), Latinos often have greater asthma morbidity than other ethnicities, and dust-mite sensitization is common despite low allergen levels. We investigated mite allergen exposure and sensitization in atopic and/or asthmatic women, the majority being Puerto Rican. Women (n = 274) recruited for a birth cohort study were visited postnatally. Dust from their homes was analyzed for mite allergens (Der f 1, Der p 1, and Blo t 5). Serum was analyzed for total and allergen-specific IgE. Thirty-seven percent were sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 34% to Dermatophagoides farinae, and 21% to Blomia tropicalis. Only 5% of NY homes had levels of Der f 1 >2 microg/g; none had Blo t 5 or Der p 1 above this level. Caribbean or Latin American birthplace (a proxy for childhood exposure) was not associated with mite sensitization. Sensitization to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae was associated with a report of doctor-diagnosed asthma [Odds ratio (OR) = 3.27, P = 0.003; OR = 2.81, P = 0.010, respectively]; sensitization to any mite was associated with asthma medication use in the past 12 months (OR = 3.12, P = 0.004). These associations held even after adjustment for cockroach, mouse, and cat sensitization. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Despite the low concentrations of mite allergen in our community, many of the women in the atopically enriched cohort were sensitized to mites, even Blomia tropicalis which is typically found only in tropical environments.

Validation and reproducibility of the Glittre activities of daily living test for individuals with Parkinson's disease. / Validación y reproducibilidad de la prueba Glittre de actividades de la vida diaria en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson.

AIM: To investigate the validity and reproducibility of the Glittre Activities of Daily Living (Glittre-ADL) test for individuals with Parkinson's disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty individuals with Parkinson's disease and 19 healthy individuals (control group) were evaluated. Parkinson's disease group was evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and underwent the Glittre-ADL test, six-minute walk test (6MWT) and ten-meter walk test (10mWT). Control group performed the Glittre-ADL test. For the intraobserver analysis, two Glittre-ADL tests were performed. For the interobserver analysis, the Glittre-ADL test was repeated on a different day by a second examiner. RESULTS: The Glittre-ADL test was significantly correlated with UPDRS Section II, Section III, and total score. The Glittre-ADL test was inversely correlated with the 6MWT and positively correlated with the 10mWT. The time required to perform the Glittre-ADL test was shorter on the retest in the intraobserver analysis and in the interobserver analysis. The mean difference between the first and second tests, the standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change in minutes were 0.40, 0.08 and 0.24, respectively, for intraobserver, and 0.40, 0.22 and 0.62, for interobserver. CONCLUSION: The Glittre-ADL test is valid and reproducible to evaluate functional capacity in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

TITLE: Validación y reproducibilidad de la prueba Glittre de actividades de la vida diaria en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson.Objetivo. Investigar la validez y la reproducibilidad de la prueba Glittre de actividades de la vida diaria (AVD-Glittre) para personas con enfermedad de Parkinson. Sujetos y métodos. Se evaluó a 30 pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson y 19 sujetos sanos (grupo de control). El grupo con enfermedad de Parkinson fue evaluado con la Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) y sometido a la prueba AVD-Glittre, la prueba de marcha de seis minutos (6MWT) y la prueba de marcha de 10 metros (10mWT). El grupo de control realizó la prueba AVD-Glittre. Para el análisis intraobservador se realizaron dos pruebas AVD-Glittre, y para el análisis interobservador, la prueba se repitió otro día con un segundo examinador. Resultados. La prueba AVD-Glittre se correlacionó significativamente con la sección II, la sección III y la puntuación total de la UPDRS. Se correlacionó inversamente con la 6MWT y positivamente con la 10mWT. El tiempo requerido para realizar la prueba AVD-Glittre fue más corto en la nueva prueba en el análisis intraobservador y en el análisis interobservador. La diferencia de medias entre la primera y la segunda pruebas, el error estándar de medición y el cambio mínimo detectable en minutos fueron 0,40, 0,08 y 0,24, respectivamente, para el análisis intraobservador, y 0,40, 0,22 y 0,62, respectivamente, para el análisis interobservador. Conclusión. La prueba AVD-Glittre es válida y reproducible para evaluar la capacidad funcional en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson.

Analysis and evaluation of handwriting in patients with Parkinson's disease using kinematic, geometrical, and non-linear features.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that affects the motor system producing lack of coordination, resting tremor, and rigidity. Impairments in handwriting are among the main symptoms of the disease. Handwriting analysis can help in supporting the diagnosis and in monitoring the progress of the disease. This paper aims to evaluate the importance of different groups of features to model handwriting deficits that appear due to Parkinson's disease; and how those features are able to discriminate between Parkinson's disease patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: Features based on kinematic, geometrical and non-linear dynamics analyses were evaluated to classify Parkinson's disease and healthy subjects. Classifiers based on K-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, and random forest were considered. RESULTS: Accuracies of up to 93.1% were obtained in the classification of patients and healthy control subjects. A relevance analysis of the features indicated that those related to speed, acceleration, and pressure are the most discriminant. The automatic classification of patients in different stages of the disease shows κ indexes between 0.36 and 0.44. Accuracies of up to 83.3% were obtained in a different dataset used only for validation purposes. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the negative impact of aging in the classification process when we considered different groups of healthy subjects. In addition, the results reported with the separate validation set comprise a step towards the development of automated tools to support the diagnosis process in clinical practice.

The impact of folate pathway polymorphisms combined to nutritional deficiency as a maternal predisposition factor for Down syndrome.

Polymorphisms in genes encoding folate metabolizing enzymes have been linked to an increased risk of maternal chromosomal nondisjunction in several populations. With the purpose of evaluating this relationship, we compared the frequencies of 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) and 66A>G in the methionine synthase reductase gene (MTRR) between 103 young mothers of Down syndrome (DS) individuals and 108 control mothers, whose offspring was karyotypically normal, correlating it with an estimative of folate and - related micronutrients levels intake. Maternal and paternal transmission frequencies of MTHFR 677T allele were also examined to access potential parent-of-origin effects. PCR-RFLP for genomic DNA was accomplished and allele/genotype frequencies differences were determined using the x(2) test, whereas pattern of transmission of the MTHFR 677 allele was analyzed by transmission disequilibrium test. None of the polymorphisms seemed to be more frequent in case mothers than in controls, either individually or combined. The estimative of nutritional intake revealed that folate consumption median was inadequate in both groups, whereas methionine and zinc consumption medians were significantly greater in control mothers. It suggests that such interaction between genetic profile and environment could predispose this sub group of women to have a DS child. Additional studies focusing the interaction between nutritional intakes, biochemical data and folate pathway polymorphisms are needed to confirm the present results. The possibility of neutralize the biochemical negative effects of folate-related polymorphisms through oral supplementation could provide new targets for DS prevention.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) decreases pulmonary microvascular leakage, neutrophil influx and IL-1beta levels in airway and lung from rat subjected to LPS-induced inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a known anti-inflammatory therapy. Herein we studied the effect of LLLT on lung permeability and the IL-1beta level in LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation. STUDY DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: Rats were divided into 12 groups (n = 7 for each group). Lung permeability was measured by quantifying extravasated albumin concentration in lung homogenate, inflammatory cells influx was determined by myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1beta in BAL was determined by ELISA and IL-1beta mRNA expression in trachea was evaluated by RT-PCR. The rats were irradiated on the skin over the upper bronchus at the site of tracheotomy after LPS. RESULTS: LLLT attenuated lung permeability. In addition, there was reduced neutrophil influx, myeloperoxidase activity and both IL-1beta in BAL and IL-1beta mRNA expression in trachea obtained from animals subjected to LPS-induced inflammation. CONCLUSION: LLLT reduced the lung permeability by a mechanism in which the IL-1beta seems to have an important role.

Functional implication of gait after left or right-sided stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify and compare parameters of muscle electrical activity and ground reaction force of lower limb during gait in post-stroke patients with left or right side functional involvement. METHOD: Fifteen post-stroke volunteers with left side functional involvement were age, gender and weight matched and compared to fifteen post-stroke volunteers with right side functional involvement. Comparison was executed by means of electromyography with four pairs of surface electrodes positioned on the affected side (spastic side), on the muscles rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, soleus, and medial portion of the hamstrings, and with a ground reaction force plate. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference on electromyographic activity of analyzed muscles (p = 0.6), nor on the analysis of ground reaction vertical forces, stride duration, weight bearing index, gait velocity, cadence and stride length (p = 0.53). CONCLUSION: According to the electromyographic parameters and to the ground reaction force during gait among the post-stroke volunteers with right or left side involvement; we could suggest that functional rehabilitation presented no differences for these individuals.

Electromyographic and neuromuscular analysis in patients with post-polio syndrome.

Proceed to a comparative analysis of the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the muscles rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, and to assess muscle strength and fatigue after maximal isometric contraction during knee extension. Eighteen patients with post-polio syndrome, age and weight matched, were utilized in this study. The signal acquisition system utilized consisted of three pairs of surface electrodes positioned on the motor point of the analyzed muscles. It was possible to observe with the results of this study a decreased endurance on initial muscle contraction and during contraction after 15 minutes of the initial maximal voluntary contraction, along with a muscle fatigue that was assessed through linear regression executed with Pearson's test. There were significant differences among the comparative analysis of EMG activity of the muscles rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis after maximal isometric contraction during knee extension. Initial muscle contraction and contraction after a 15 minute-rest from initial contraction decreased considerably, indicating a decreased endurance on muscle contraction, concluding that a lower limb muscle fatigue was present on the analyzed PPS patients.

Towards an automatic evaluation of the dysarthria level of patients with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that produces motor and non-motor impairments. The evaluation of motor symptoms is currently performed following the third section of the Movement Disorder Society - Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS-III); however, only one item of that scale is related to speech impairments. It is necessary to develop a specific scale such that considers those aspects related to speech impairments of the patients. AIMS: (i) To introduce and evaluate the suitability of a modified version of the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (m-FDA) scale to quantify the dysarthria level of PD patients; (ii) to objectively model dysarthric speech signals considering four speech dimensions; (iii) to develop a methodology, based on speech processing and machine learning methods, to automatically quantify/predict the dysarthria level of patients with PD. METHODS: The speech recordings are modeled using features extracted from several dimensions of speech: phonation, articulation, prosody, and intelligibility. The dysarthria level is quantified using linear and non-linear regression models. Speaker models based on i-vectors are also explored. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The m-FDA scale was introduced to assess the dysarthria level of patients with PD. Articulation features extracted from continuous speech signals to create i-vectors were the most accurate to quantify the dysarthria level, with correlations of up to 0.69 between the predicted m-FDA scores and those assigned by the phoniatricians. When the dysarthria levels were estimated considering dedicated speech exercises such as rapid repetition of syllables (DDKs) and read texts, the correlations were 0.64 and 0.57, respectively. In addition, the combination of several feature sets and speech tasks improved the results, which validates the hypothesis about the contribution of information from different tasks and feature sets when assessing dysarthric speech signals. The speaker models seem to be promising to perform individual modeling for monitoring the dysarthria level of PD patients. The proposed approach may help clinicians to make more accurate and timely decisions about the evaluation and therapy associated to the dysarthria level of patients. The proposed approach is a great step towards unobtrusive/ecological evaluations of patients with dysarthric speech without the need of attending medical appointments.

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for brucellosis of goats in herds of Michoacan, Mexico.

Our objectives were to estimate the seroprevalence of Brucella melitensis, and to identify some risk factors associated with goat seropositivity in Michoacan, Mexico. Blood samples were collected from 5114 animals from 79 herds. Sera were tested for antibodies against B. melitensis using the Rose Bengal plate test and the complement-fixation test. Information regarding the herds and each animal sampled were recorded through a personal interview at the farm. We used random-effects multivariable logistic regression to analyze our data. Fifty-six herds of the 79 tested had at least one seropositive animal. The animal-level true seroprevalence was 9.8% (CI=8.8, 10.7). Animals in large herds (>34 animals), in herds with high stock density (>3.5 animals/m(2)) or animals >24 months old had higher odds of seropositivity (2.0, 1.7 and 1.8, respectively) than those in small herds, in herds with low stock density or animals < or =24 months old.