An Investigation of Manifold-Based Direct Control for a Brain-to-Body Neural Bypass.

Objective: Brain-body interfaces (BBIs) have emerged as a very promising solution for restoring voluntary hand control in people with upper-limb paralysis. The BBI module decoding motor commands from brain signals should provide the user with intuitive, accurate, and stable control. Here, we present a preliminary investigation in a monkey of a brain decoding strategy based on the direct coupling between the activity of intrinsic neural ensembles and output variables, aiming at achieving ease of learning and long-term robustness. Results: We identified an intrinsic low-dimensional space (called manifold) capturing the co-variation patterns of the monkey's neural activity associated to reach-to-grasp movements. We then tested the animal's ability to directly control a computer cursor using cortical activation along the manifold axes. By daily recalibrating only scaling factors, we achieved rapid learning and stable high performance in simple, incremental 2D tasks over more than 12 weeks of experiments. Finally, we showed that this brain decoding strategy can be effectively coupled to peripheral nerve stimulation to trigger voluntary hand movements. Conclusions: These results represent a proof of concept of manifold-based direct control for BBI applications.

Bayesian optimization of peripheral intraneural stimulation protocols to evoke distal limb movements.

Objective.Motor neuroprostheses require the identification of stimulation protocols that effectively produce desired movements. Manual search for these protocols can be very time-consuming and often leads to suboptimal solutions, as several stimulation parameters must be personalized for each subject for a variety of target motor functions. Here, we present an algorithm that efficiently tunes peripheral intraneural stimulation protocols to elicit functionally relevant distal limb movements.Approach.We developed the algorithm using Bayesian optimization (BO) with multi-output Gaussian Processes (GPs) and defined objective functions based on coordinated muscle recruitment. We applied the algorithm offline to data acquired in rats for walking control and in monkeys for hand grasping control and compared different GP models for these two systems. We then performed a preliminary online test in a monkey to experimentally validate the functionality of our method.Main results.Offline, optimal intraneural stimulation protocols for various target motor functions were rapidly identified in both experimental scenarios. Using the model that performed best, the algorithm converged to stimuli that evoked functionally consistent movements with an average number of actions equal to 20% of the search space size in both the rat and monkey animal models. Online, the algorithm quickly guided the observations to stimuli that elicited functional hand gestures, although more selective motor outputs could have been achieved by refining the objective function used.Significance.These results demonstrate that BO can reliably and efficiently automate the tuning of peripheral neurostimulation protocols, establishing a translational framework to configure peripheral motor neuroprostheses in clinical applications. The proposed method can also potentially be applied to optimize motor functions using other stimulation modalities.

A versatile robotic platform for the design of natural, three-dimensional reaching and grasping tasks in monkeys.

OBJECTIVE: Translational studies on motor control and neurological disorders require detailed monitoring of sensorimotor components of natural limb movements in relevant animal models. However, available experimental tools do not provide a sufficiently rich repertoire of behavioral signals. Here, we developed a robotic platform that enables the monitoring of kinematics, interaction forces, and neurophysiological signals during user-defined upper limb tasks for monkeys. APPROACH: We configured the platform to position instrumented objects in a three-dimensional workspace and provide an interactive dynamic force-field. MAIN RESULTS: We show the relevance of our platform for fundamental and translational studies with three example applications. First, we study the kinematics of natural grasp in response to variable interaction forces. We then show simultaneous and independent encoding of kinematic and forces in single unit intra-cortical recordings from sensorimotor cortical areas. Lastly, we demonstrate the relevance of our platform to develop clinically relevant brain computer interfaces in a kinematically unconstrained motor task. SIGNIFICANCE: Our versatile control structure does not depend on the specific robotic arm used and allows for the design and implementation of a variety of tasks that can support both fundamental and translational studies of motor control.

Overweight/obesity and hypertension in schoolchildren aged 6-16 years, Aden Governorate, Yemen, 2009.

Hypertension and obesity in children are increasing concerns worldwide. A cross-sectional study of hypertension in relation to overweight/obesity was conducted in 2009 among schoolchildren aged 6-16 years in Aden, Yemen. Using multistage stratified random sampling 1885 children were classified into wasted, normal weight, overweight and obese according to body mass index. The prevalence of wasting was 10.1%, normal weight 69.2%, overweight 12.7% and obesity 8.0%. The rate of high blood pressure (World Health Organization criteria) was 8.2% for prehypertension and 2.4% for hypertension and was significantly related to the presence of overweight or obesity. Child's body mass index combined with age was a predictor for systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study provides further evidence that overweight/obesity is associated with hypertension in these schoolchildren.

Overweight/obesity and hypertension in schoolchildren aged 6-16 years, Aden governorate, Yemen, 2009

Hypertension and obesity in children are increasing concerns worldwide. A cross-sectional study of hypertension in relation to overweight/obesity was conducted in 2009 among schoolchildren aged 6-16 years in Aden, Yemen. Using multistage stratified random sampling 1885 children were classified into wasted, normal weight, overweight and obese according to body mass index. The prevalence of wasting was 10.1%, normal weight 69.2%, overweight 12.7% and obesity 8.0%. The rate of high blood pressure [World Health Organization criteria] was 8.2% for prehypertension and 2.4% for hypertension and was significantly related to the presence of overweight or obesity. Child's body mass index combined with age was a predictor for systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study provides further evidence that overweight/obesity is associated with hypertension in these schoolchildren

[Skeletal manifestations in Behçet's disease. A report of 79 cases]. / Les manifestations articulaires de la maladie de Behçet. A propos de 79 cas.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to describe the skeletal manifestations of Behcet's disease (BD) among young adults in a military population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 176 patients with BD who were followed between 1980 and 2005. All the patients fulfilled the international study group on Behcet's disease diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: Rheumatic manifestations were noticed in 79 out of 176 patients (45%), ranking second after the skin and mucosal manifestations of the disease. Articular manifestations were the first disease manifestation in 16.5% of the patients. Inflammatory arthralgias were the most common manifestation and observed in 81%, interesting mainly the large lower limb joints. Disease course was acute in most of the patients. Arthritis was less common: oligoarthritis (7.5%), monoarthritis (6.5%) and polyarthritis (5%). Axial involvement was also noted: spine pain in 29%, isolated sacroiliitis in 7.5%, and definite ankylosing spondylitis in 5%. CONCLUSION: Joint involvement is common in BD and could be the first manifestation of the disease. Most of the patients present with inflammatory arthralgias of the large lower limb joints. Disease course is usually favourable, spontaneously or with treatment. However, in our study population, skeletal manifestations were responsible for significant disability.

[Peritoneal hydatidosis in children. Report of a historical case]. / L'hydatidose péritonéale chez l'enfant. A propos d'un cas historique.

Peritoneal hydatidosis is a rare localisation of hydatic disease, most often secondary to a hydatic cyst of the liver. Its primitive form is considered due to a haematogenous diffusion through arterial vessels. We report a historical case of peritoneal hydatidosis concomitant to a hepatic localisation, in a 13-year-old girl. Diagnosis was performed by ultrasounds and CT scan, and a strong positive serology. Surgical cure has been completed by pharmacologic treatment with the aim of avoiding a relapse. A brief reminder of the therapeutic management of the disease is provided.

Description and identification of four species of plant parasitic nematodes associated with grassland, fruit trees and maize in Romania.

Three species of plant parasitic nematodes present in two romanian soil samples were described and identified in the present study. The species belong to order tylenchida and to taxonomical families Tylenchidae (Basiria aberrans) and Belonolaimidae (Tylenchorhynchus georgiensis and Merlinius brevidens). The identification of the present specimens was based on the classical taxonomy, following morphological and morphometrical characters in the species specific identification keys.

[Determinant factors of smoking cessation during pregnancy]. / Factores determinantes del abandono del tabaquismo durante el embarazo.

BACKGROUND: To investigate sociodemographic factors and smoking habit characteristics associated with spontaneous smoking cessation during pregnancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 726 pregnant smoking women who attended the antenatal clinic of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona between July and December 1997 and who agreed to participate were studied. Information was obtained by a structured questionnaire which included items on age, educational level, marital status, previous and current smoking habit, partner smoking habit and partner's attitude towards the smoking habit of the pregnant woman. RESULTS: At the first antenatal visit, 19.7% of women had given up smoking spontaneously. Light smokers (between 1 and 9 daily cigarettes; OR = 4.74) or moderate smokers (between 10 and 19 daily cigarettes; OR = 2.20) were more likely to stop smoking compared to heavy smokers (more than 20 daily cigarettes). If the partner did not smoke, smoking cessation was more likely among pregnant women (OR = 1.78). At the first antenatal visit, among those women who carried on smoking during pregnancy, there was a significative reduction in cigarette consumption of about half the usual daily number of cigarettes smoked. CONCLUSIONS: One out of five pregnant women give up smoking spontaneously during pregnancy from the moment they know they were pregnant until the first antenatal visit. Women who are less likely to stop smoking during pregnancy are those who smoke a larger number of cigarettes. Family environment is an important influential factor in the smoking habit of the pregnant woman.

Effect of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on morphine-induced catalepsy in mice.

Effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on morphine-induced catalepsy in mice were investigated. The adenosine agonists, NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) and S-PIA (S(+)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine) in doses which did not induce any response, increased the cataleptogenic effect produced by morphine. However, the morphine response was decreased and increased by the lower and higher doses of the adenosine receptor agonist, CHA (N6-cyclohexyladenosine), respectively. The adenosine receptor antagonist, theophylline, decreased, but 8-phenyltheophylline increased, the response induced by morphine. Naloxone inhibited the catalepsy induced by morphine or morphine + NECA but not that induced by NECA alone. It is concluded that adenosine A2 receptor activation increases, while adenosine A1 receptor stimulation decreases, the morphine cataleptogenic response. The response to morphine may be mediated through opioid and adenosine receptor mechanisms.

Effects of adenosine agents on apomorphine-induced yawning in rats.

In the present work, adenosine agonists and antagonists on apomorphine-induced yawning in rats was investigated. Subcutaneous (SC) injection of apomorphine (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) induced dose-dependent yawning behaviour in rats. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of different doses of the drug (1, 3, 5 micrograms/rat) also caused a dose-related yawning. ICV administration of the adenosine receptor agonists 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) decreased apomorphine-induced yawning. The response induced by the adenosine agonists was reduced by 8-phenyladenosine (8-PT) pretreatment. The yawning induced by SC and ICV administration of apomorphine was decreased by ICV or IP injection of theophylline, respectively. It is concluded that at least A1 adenosine receptors may exert negative influence on the apomorphine-induced yawning. However, the exact mechanism(s) of adenosine receptors in this behaviour remain to be established.

[Natural and experimental infection of rodents (Rattus norvegicus) with Salmonella gallinarum]. / Natürliche und experimentelle Infektion von Nagetieren (Rattus Norvegicus) mit Salmonella gallinarum.

Thirty five (35) rats (Rattus norvegicus) were trapped in the area of four egg producing poultry farms and were examined for Salmonella spp., micro-biologically. The samples were taken from liver, spleen and intestinal content. Cultures were made directly in MacConkey Agar, in Selenite broth and Rappaport Vassiliadis at 37 degrees C and 43 degrees C. Five strains of S. gallinarum and one strain of Salmonella subgroup II were isolated from the intestinal content of six rats. An experimental study was also carried out. Ten rats Rattus norvegicus were trapped near poultry farms of N. Greece. No Salmonella could be detected in their feces when examined three times by the Selenite 37 degrees C and Rappaport-Vassiliadis 37 degrees C methods. The rats were orally infected with an 18 hours culture of S. gallinarum (1 x 10(9)/ml microorganisms). One hundred and sixty samples of feces were periodically collected and examined for the isolation of the microorganism by the methods mentioned above. Although not any clinical sign of a disease was noticed, S. gallinarum was isolated from their feces up to 121 days post infection.

[Salmonella infection sources in poultry flocks in northern Greece]. / Salmonella--Infektionsquellen in Geflügelbestnden Nordgriechenlands.

From 10 egg production poultry farms 1516 samples were collected and examined for the presence of salmonella. The samples were: 201 chicken, 36 sparrows, 35 rats, 35 pools of 20 flies each, 450 eggs, 60 mattresses, 188 feces, 425 feedstuffs and 86 water samples. Salmonellae were isolated only from 163 (10.8%) samples. From the 146 (89.6%) of these S. gallinarum was isolated. From the rest 17 (10.4%) the following mobile salmonella strains were isolated: two strains of S. virchow and Salmonella of subgroup II, four strains of S. typhimurium var. Copenhagen, seven strains of S. Livingstone, one S. enteritidis and one S. infantis The S. gallinarum was isolated from dead or sick chicken (46%), eggs (10.4%), rats Rattus norvegicus (14.3%) and mattresses 1.6%. The mobile salmonellae were isolated from feedstuffs (2%), flies (14.3%), rats (2.8%), feces (1%). From the present study, it seems that rats, chicken and eggs are important for the salmonella dissemination.

The fibrous growth plate of the rat tibia: tritiated thymidine autoradiographic study.

Tritiated thymidine autoradiographic studies have demonstrated that the intermediate fibrogenic zone of the fibrous growth plate at the upper end of the rat tibia is a site of intense cellular proliferation, the resulting cells differentiating into osteoblasts which manufacture the bundle bone at the distal end of the growth plate.