Role of tactile stimulation during the preweaning period on the development of the peripheral sensory sural (SU) nerve in adult artificially reared female rat.

Maternal deprivation, as a result of the artificial rearing (AR) paradigm, disturbs electrophysiological and histological characteristics of the peripheral sensory sural (SU) nerve of infant and adult male rats. Such changes are prevented by providing tactile or social stimulation during isolation. AR also affects the female rat's brain and behavior; however, it is unknown whether this early adverse experience also alters their SU nerve development or if tactile stimulation might prevent these possible developmental effects. To assess these possibilities, the electrophysiological and histological characteristics of the SU nerve from adult diestrus AR female rats that: (i) received no tactile stimulation (AR group), (ii) received tactile stimulation in the anogenital and body area (AR-Tactile group), or (iii) were mother reared (MR group) were determined. We found that the amplitude, but not the area, of the evoked compound action potential response in SU nerves of AR rats was lower than those of SU nerves of MR female rats. Tactile stimulation prevented these effects. Additionally, we found a reduction in the outer diameter and myelin thickness of axons, as well as a large proportion of axons with low myelin thickness in nerves of AR rats compared to the nerves of the MR and AR-Tactile groups of rats; however, tactile stimulation only partially prevented these effects. Our data indicate that maternal deprivation disturbs the development of sensory SU nerves in female rats, whereas tactile stimulation partially prevents the changes generated by AR. Considering that our previous studies have shown more severe effects of AR on male SU nerve development, we suggest that sex-associated factors may be involved in these processes.

NeuroSense: A non-invasive and configurable somatosensory stimulator with OPENVIBE communication.

Understanding the somatosensory system and its abnormalities requires the development of devices that can accurately stimulate the human skin. New methods for assessing the somatosensory system can enhance the diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis for individuals with somatosensory impairments. Therefore, the design of NeuroSense, a tactile stimulator that evokes three types of daily life sensations (touch, air and vibration) is described in this work. The prototype aims to evoke quantitative assessments to evaluate the functionality of the somatosensory system and its abnormal conditions that affect the quality of life. In addition, the device has proven to have varying intensities and onset latencies that produces somatosensory evoked potentials and energy desynchronization on somatosensory cortex.

Supplemental vibrissal extensions as an alternative to improve the tactile sensitivity of blind dogs - a preliminary approach investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study suggests a way to artificially extend vibrissae of blind dogs to assist ambulation and avoiding facial contact with obstacles. PROCEDURES: Fourteen irreversibly blind dogs had 5-6 mystacial vibrissae on each side of the face supplementally extended by attaching carefully chosen adult pig hairs to them and were subjected to a maze test before and after the procedure. In three of these dogs the test was repeated one more time after all the extensions had fallen off. Collision counts and course times with and without extensions were analyzed and compared. A p-value > 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Median number of collisions was significantly higher post-extensions (5 IQR 2.25) and after extensions had fallen off (4 IQR 7.50) compared to pre-extensions (1 IQR 1), p = 0.021. Median times were significantly higher pre-extension (25.6 IQR 8.98) and after the extensions had fallen off, compared to the post-extension performance (22.8 IQR 8.55), p = 0.04. CONCLUSION: Vibrissae play an important role in the tactile perception of blind dogs, and our preliminary results suggest that extending this sensory organ possibly improves obstacle location and their quality of life.

Spinal alarmin HMGB1 and the activation of TLR4 lead to chronic stress-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in rodents.

Chronic stress affects millions of people around the world, and it can trigger different behavioral disorders like nociceptive hypersensitivity and anxiety, among others. However, the mechanisms underlaying these chronic stress-induced behavioral disorders have not been yet elucidated. This study was designed to understand the role of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in chronic stress-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. Chronic restraint stress induced bilateral tactile allodynia, anxiety-like behaviors, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and activation of spinal microglia. Moreover, chronic stress enhanced HMGB1 and TLR4 protein expression at the dorsal root ganglion, but not at the spinal cord. Intrathecal injection of HMGB1 or TLR4 antagonists reduced tactile allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic stress. Additionally, deletion of TLR4 diminished the establishment of chronic stress-induced tactile allodynia in male and female mice. Lastly, the antiallodynic effect of HMGB1 and TLR4 antagonists were similar in stressed male and female rats and mice. Our results suggest that chronic restraint stress induces nociceptive hypersensitivity, anxiety-like behaviors, and up-regulation of spinal HMGB1 and TLR4 expression. Blockade of HMGB1 and TLR4 reverses chronic restraint stress-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors and restores altered HMGB1 and TLR4 expression. The antiallodynic effects of HMGB1 and TLR4 blockers in this model are sex independent. TLR4 could be a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of the nociceptive hypersensitivity associated with widespread chronic pain.

Challenges faced by undergraduate dental students during root canal treatment: a survey study / Desafios enfrentados por estudantes de graduação em odontologia durante o tratamento de canal radicular: um estudo de pesquisa

Introduction: root canal treatment is a challenging procedure often first encountered by undergraduate dental students, leading to various difficulties and mistakes. Objective: this study aimed to identify the specific difficulties encountered by undergraduate dental students during root canal treatment and the frequency of mistakes they committed in relation to these difficulties. Material and method: this study employed a cross-sectional survey design. A cohort of 60 third-year students completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 27 questions addressing various aspects of endodontic treatment and 11 key areas of root canal procedures. The response options for each question were based on a 4-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using Python programming language and heatmaps were created using the seaborn library to better understand the distribution of the data. Result: students encounter challenges in developing tactile sensation, accessory cone placement, and accurately reaching the apex during canal location. Dental schools should focus on improving students' tactile skills and methods to reach the apex to enhance the effectiveness of root canal treatment education. In contrast, students reported fewer mistakes in rubber dam application and safety measures during treatment. Dental educators should emphasize proper instrument use and safety precautions during root canal treatment. Interestingly, students did not perceive these areas as problematic despite committing mistakes. Conclusion: this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and mistakes encountered by undergraduate dental students during root canal treatment. Dental educators should address these issues to improve students' skills and techniques and provide optimal patient care.

Introdução: o tratamento endodôntico é um procedimento desafiador, frequentemente encontrado pela primeira vez por estudantes de odontologia, levando a diversas dificuldades e erros. Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as dificuldades específicas encontradas por estudantes de graduação em Odontologia durante o tratamento endodôntico e a frequência de erros cometidos por eles em relação a essas dificuldades. Material e método: este estudo empregou um desenho de pesquisa transversal. Um grupo de 60 estudantes do terceiro ano respondeu a um questionário autoaplicável composto por 27 perguntas abordando vários aspectos do tratamento endodôntico e 11 áreas-chave dos procedimentos de canal radicular. As opções de resposta para cada questão foram baseadas em uma escala Likert de 4 pontos. A análise dos dados foi realizada utilizando a linguagem de programação Python e mapas de calor foram criados utilizando a biblioteca seaborn para melhor compreender a distribuição dos dados. Resultado: os alunos encontram desafios no desenvolvimento da sensação tátil, na colocação do cone acessório e no alcance preciso do ápice durante a localização do canal. As escolas de odontologia devem se concentrar em melhorar as habilidades táteis e os métodos dos alunos para alcançar o ápice e aumentar a eficácia do ensino sobre tratamento de canal radicular. Em contrapartida, os estudantes relataram menos erros na aplicação do dique de borracha e nas medidas de segurança durante o tratamento. Os educadores odontológicos devem enfatizar o uso adequado dos instrumentos e as precauções de segurança durante o tratamento do canal radicular. Curiosamente, os alunos não consideraram estas áreas problemáticas, apesar de cometerem erros. Conclusão: este estudo fornece informações valiosas sobre os desafios e erros encontrados por estudantes de odontologia durante o tratamento endodôntico. Os educadores odontológicos devem abordar essas questões para melhorar as habilidades e técnicas dos alunos e fornecer o melhor atendimento ao paciente.

Identificação de Características e Propriedades Morfológicas em Texturas Táteis: Estudo sobre Gráficos Educativos e Cartografias para Crianças com Deficiência Visual / Identification of Properties and Morphological Characteristics in Tactile Textures: a Study on Educational Graphics and Cartographies for Visual Impaired Children

RESUMO: Este artigo explora as texturas táteis que têm sido utilizadas na confecção de mapas e imagens temáticas para crianças com deficiência visual no Chile nos últimos 20 anos. De um grupo representativo composto por mais de 300 lâminas de conteúdo educacional inclusivo, foram selecionadas 14 texturas para identificar sua natureza, propriedades psicofísicas e características morfológicas a partir de sua composição geométrica. O objetivo foi gerar as bases teóricas e tecnológicas relacionadas ao design e à produção digital de mapas, imagens e gráficos táteis. O trabalho buscou tipificar as formas de relevo e suas possíveis aplicações pelo uso de padrões de repetição que permitam melhorar a linguagem e o reconhecimento das texturas envolvidas com o intuito de expandir e diversificar seu uso em material educativo inclusivo no ensino e na disseminação do conhecimento por meio do toque.

ABSTRACT: This article explores the textures that have been used in the development of thematic maps and images for children with visual impairment in Chile over the last 20 years. From a representative group of more than 300 sheets of inclusive educational content, 14 textures were selected to identify their nature, psychophysical properties and morphological characteristics based on their geometric composition. The aim was to generate the theoretical and technological grounds related to the design and digital production of tactile maps, images, and graphics. The work sought to typify the embossed shapes and their possible applications by using repetition patterns that allow to improve the language and recognition of the textures involved, with the intention of expanding and diversifying their use in inclusive educational material in the teaching and dissemination of knowledge through tact.

Proposal of a Real-Time Test Platform for Tactile Internet Systems.

This work aimed to develop a real-time test platform for systems associated with the tactile internet area. The proposal comprises a master device, a communication channel and a slave device. The master device is a tactile glove (wearable technology) that works as a tactile interface based on vibratory feedback. The master device can interact with virtual elements (local or remote). The Matlab/Simulink environment and a robotics toolbox form the communication channel and the slave device. The communication channel introduces a bidirectional connection of variable latency, and the slave device is defined as a robotic phantom omni manipulator emulated in Matlab/Simulink. The virtual robotic manipulator, the slave device, can generate different types of tactile sensations in the tactile glove, that is, in the master device. The platform can model tactile sensations such as coarse roughness, fine roughness, smoothness, dripping and softness. The proposed platform presented adequate results and can be used to test various algorithms and methods correlated to the tactile internet.

Effects of guided exploration on reaching measures of auditory peripersonal space.

Despite the recognized importance of bodily movements in spatial audition, few studies have integrated action-based protocols with spatial hearing in the peripersonal space. Recent work shows that tactile feedback and active exploration allow participants to improve performance in auditory distance perception tasks. However, the role of the different aspects involved in the learning phase, such as voluntary control of movement, proprioceptive cues, and the possibility of self-correcting errors, is still unclear. We study the effect of guided reaching exploration on perceptual learning of auditory distance in peripersonal space. We implemented a pretest-posttest experimental design in which blindfolded participants must reach for a sound source located in this region. They were divided into three groups that were differentiated by the intermediate training phase: Guided, an experimenter guides the participant's arm to contact the sound source; Active, the participant freely explores the space until contacting the source; and Control, without tactile feedback. The effects of exploration feedback on auditory distance perception in the peripersonal space are heterogeneous. Both the Guided and Active groups change their performance. However, participants in the Guided group tended to overestimate distances more than those in the Active group. The response error of the Guided group corresponds to a generalized calibration criterion over the entire range of reachable distances. Whereas the Active group made different adjustments for proximal and distal positions. The results suggest that guided exploration can induce changes on the boundary of the auditory reachable space. We postulate that aspects of agency such as initiation, control, and monitoring of movement, assume different degrees of involvement in both guided and active tasks, reinforcing a non-binary approach to the question of activity-passivity in perceptual learning and supporting a complex view of the phenomena involved in action-based learning.

FPGA Applied to Latency Reduction for the Tactile Internet.

Tactile internet applications allow robotic devices to be remotely controlled over a communication medium with an unnoticeable time delay. In bilateral communication, the acceptable round trip latency is usually 1 ms up to 10 ms, depending on the application requirements. The communication network is estimated to generate 70% of the total latency, and master and slave devices produce the remaining 30%. Thus, this paper proposes a strategy to reduce 30% of the total latency produced by such devices. The strategy is to use FPGAs to minimize the execution time of device-associated algorithms. With this in mind, this work presents a new hardware reference model for modules that implement nonlinear positioning and force calculations and a tactile system formed by two robotic manipulators. In addition to presenting the implementation details, simulations and experimental tests are performed in order to validate the hardware proposed model. Results associated with the FPGA sampling rate, throughput, latency, and post-synthesis occupancy area are analyzed.

More than a feeling: Scalp EEG and eye signals in conscious tactile perception.

Understanding the neural basis of consciousness is a fundamental goal of neuroscience, and sensory perception is often used as a proxy for consciousness in empirical studies. However, most studies rely on reported perception of visual stimuli. Here we present behavior, high density scalp EEG and eye metric recordings collected simultaneously during a novel tactile threshold perception task. We found significant N80, N140 and P300 event related potentials in perceived trials and in perceived versus not perceived trials. Significance was limited to a P100 and P300 in not perceived trials. We also found an increase in pupil diameter and blink rate and a decrease in microsaccade rate following perceived relative to not perceived tactile stimuli. These findings support the use of eye metrics as a measure of physiological arousal associated with conscious perception. Eye metrics may also represent a novel path toward the creation of tactile no-report tasks in the future.

Acute Effects of a Haptic Anchor System on Postural Sway of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Study.

Some investigators have demonstrated that an anchor system can improve postural control in elderly persons during balance tasks, but none have reported on the use of this approach in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an anchor system on postural sway in elderly individuals with (n = 13) and without (n = 14) PD. In this cross-sectional study, we measured postural sway with a force platform based on the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance (CTSIB). We calculated center of pressure (COP) parameters, as a function of time, based on the ellipse sway area (cm2) and evaluated self-efficacy for postural control based on the degree of difficulty in each task. With the anchor system (i.e., handheld ropes attached to weights on the floor), we observed a significant reduction in the ellipse sway area in the semi-tandem position among individuals with PD (p = .04). For participants without PD, there was no significant difference in sway with or without the anchor system in all positions. Also, for participants with PD, there was an improvement in self-efficacy for postural control associated with the anchor system in several positions while there was only a self-efficacy improvement with the anchor system in the semi-tandem position for those without PD. Acute use of a haptic anchor system reduced postural sway in the semi-tandem position in individuals with PD, and the anchor system generally improved postural control self-efficacy for body sway in individuals with PD.

Enhancing Part-to-Part Repeatability of Force-Sensing Resistors Using a Lean Six Sigma Approach.

Polymer nanocomposites have found wide acceptance in research applications as pressure sensors under the designation of force-sensing resistors (FSRs). However, given the random dispersion of conductive nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, the sensitivity of FSRs notably differs from one specimen to another; this condition has precluded the use of FSRs in industrial applications that require large part-to-part repeatability. Six Sigma methodology provides a standard framework to reduce the process variability regarding a critical variable. The Six Sigma core is the DMAIC cycle (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). In this study, we have deployed the DMAIC cycle to reduce the process variability of sensor sensitivity, where sensitivity was defined by the rate of change in the output voltage in response to the applied force. It was found that sensor sensitivity could be trimmed by changing their input (driving) voltage. The whole process comprised: characterization of FSR sensitivity, followed by physical modeling that let us identify the underlying physics of FSR variability, and ultimately, a mechanism to reduce it; this process let us enhance the sensors' part-to-part repeatability from an industrial standpoint. Two mechanisms were explored to reduce the variability in FSR sensitivity. (i) It was found that the output voltage at null force can be used to discard noncompliant sensors that exhibit either too high or too low sensitivity; this observation is a novel contribution from this research. (ii) An alternative method was also proposed and validated that let us trim the sensitivity of FSRs by means of changing the input voltage. This study was carried out from 64 specimens of Interlink FSR402 sensors.

Analysis of Verticality Perception in Older Adults With and Without Acute Stroke in Half-Lying Versus Sitting Positions.

Currently, there is no research consensus regarding the influence of body position on verticality perception in acute stroke. In this study, we aimed to compare the influence of half-lying and sitting positions on measurements of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and the subjective haptic vertical (SHV) of individuals in the acute stroke phase. In this cross-sectional study, we compared these positional experiences in two groups of participants: adults in the acute stroke phase and elderly individuals without stroke. Independent variables were stroke versus no-stroke groups, in half-lying versus sitting positions. Analyzed variables of related interest were cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination or MMSE), stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale or NIHSS), and trunk control (Trunk Impairment Scale or TIS). Dependent variables were visual and haptic verticality, as evaluated by SVV and SHV. There were observed differences in absolute SVV in sitting position between groups (p = 0.021), absolute SVV in half-lying position between groups (p = 0.033), absolute SHV in sitting position between groups (p = 0.003), absolute SHV in half-lying position between groups (p = 0.002), and constant SVV in half-lying position between groups (p = 0.007). In the stroke group there was a higher coefficient of variation of SVV and SHV in the half-lying position compared to sitting position. In the sitting position, we observed a very strong correlation between the TIS and absolute SHV (p = 0.008). We concluded that individuals in the acute phase of stroke had greater misperceptions of visual and haptic verticality than older adults without strokes and that individuals in the acute phase of stroke showed less variability in visual and haptic vertical perception in the sitting position than in the half-lying position. By implication, we should encourage the sitting position in the acute stroke phase and develop early strategies to increase the verticality perception.

Prediction Techniques on FPGA for Latency Reduction on Tactile Internet.

Tactile Internet (TI) is a new internet paradigm that enables sending touch interaction information and other stimuli, which will lead to new human-to-machine applications. However, TI applications require very low latency between devices, as the system's latency can result from the communication channel, processing power of local devices, and the complexity of the data processing techniques, among others. Therefore, this work proposes using dedicated hardware-based reconfigurable computing to reduce the latency of prediction techniques applied to TI. Finally, we demonstrate that prediction techniques developed on field-programmable gate array (FPGA) can minimize the impacts caused by delays and loss of information. To validate our proposal, we present a comparison between software and hardware implementations and analyze synthesis results regarding hardware area occupation, throughput, and power consumption. Furthermore, comparisons with state-of-the-art works are presented, showing a significant reduction in power consumption of ≈1300× and reaching speedup rates of up to ≈52×.

Tactile perception of roughness to assess activity in artificial initial caries lesions with a novel force-controlled probe

Abstract Roughness-tactile perception is part of activity assessment in initial-caries-lesions. Hypothesizing that a probe's design influences this examiner's assessment, four probes were designed. The aims of this study were to select the probe with highest inter-/intra-examiners' roughness-assessment agreement and to determine its diagnostic accuracy on artificial initial-caries lesions. A pilot study was conducted with trained dentists to select one controlled-pressure probe design (n = 4) by assessing roughness on known-roughness metal plaques with 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy of roughness assessment was conducted with the selected controlled-pressure probe and the WHO-probe on sound and artificial initial-caries-lesion (n = 20) human enamel blocks. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and quadratic weighted-Kappa scores were used to assess examiners' reproducibility and Multilevel Poisson models to determine diagnostic accuracy between both probes controlling for confounding variables. The probe design with the highest inter/intra-examiner's agreement (ICC = 0.96) was selected for subsequent analyses. Unadjusted sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were for the controlled-pressure and the WHO probes: 71.1%,90.6%,81.2%, and 67.4%,84.6%,75.8%, respectively (p > 0.05). Examiner remained the most important factor influencing diagnostic accuracy. While this study did not show significantly higher diagnostic accuracy of the designed controlled-pressure vs. the WHO-probe when used by trained dentists, all over roughness-assessment accuracy and reproducibility were high.

Applicability of tactile memory examination as an option to visual- and verbal-based batteries.

The validity and applicability of tactile battery tests for the diagnosis and medical follow-up of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia syndromes do not have their usefulness well understood in clinical practice. While haptic abilities in older individuals receive less attention, in earlier stages of human life they are well focused on. There are even fewer studies on tactile memory, including episodic memory of demented individuals with or without sensorial limitations. The applicability of a new haptic memory battery was evaluated in patients with Alzheimer's disease with mild or moderate commitment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to apply a battery based on tactile perception, recognition, and recollection of everyday objects in patients with Alzheimer's disease, testing tactile delayed recall memory discrimination and late recognition to compare validated visual and verbal tests. METHODS: Tactile-, visual-, and verbal-based memory performance was registered in 21 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS: Except for tactile identification, it showed that there was a close relationship between the three sensory modalities of memory, with an apparent better performance of tactile incidental memory and recognition compared with the test with pictures. CONCLUSIONS: The haptic evaluation of memory demonstrated applicability in the evaluation of memory dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Further studies are needed to establish the sensibility and specificity of the proposed test that had a small sample size and many limitations.

A aplicação de baterias baseadas em informações táteis para diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer e outras demências não é muito difundida na prática clínica. Ao passo que a capacidade de reconhecimento tátil de objetos em crianças recebe bastante atenção dos pesquisadores, o mesmo não ocorre com indivíduos mais idosos. Existem ainda menos estudos abordando avaliação de memória episódica em pacientes idosos, com ou sem limitações sensoriais, como cegueira e surdez. O presente estudo propõe avaliar aplicabilidade de teste para avaliação de memória tátil em paciente com doença de Alzheimer. OBJETIVO: Aplicar em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer uma bateria baseada na percepção e reconhecimento táctil de objetos de uso cotidiano, avaliando a memória e reconhecimento tardio, comparado com testes visuais e verbais validados. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliado o desempenho de baterias baseadas em informação táteis, visuais e verbais em 21 pacientes diagnosticados com a doença de Alzheimer. RESULTADOS: Com a exceção da percepção tátil, foi demonstrada uma boa correlação entre as três modalidades de apresentação das informações a serem resgatadas tardiamente. Houve um desempenho aparentemente melhor do reconhecimento tátil quando comparado com apresentação de figuras impressas. CONCLUSÕES: A determinação da memória tátil em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer demonstrou ser aplicável como instrumento de avaliação dos distúrbios de memória presentes em portadores de doença de Alzheimer com comprometimento leve a moderado. As limitações do estudo, com reduzido tamanho da amostra, aponta para a necessidade de novos estudos com a devida validação, incluindo determinação de sensibilidade e especificidade, assim como pareamento, de acordo com sexo e idade com grupo controle.

Measuring Calves' Usage of Multiple Environmental Enrichment Objects Provided Simultaneously.

This study aims to assess calf usage of five potential enrichment devices provided simultaneously. We used 25 weaned Holstein-Friesian calves housed in groups of five (five replicates), and their behavior was recorded continuously with video cameras. This longitudinal observational study used a pen equipped with a mechanical and fixed brush, cowhide, and horizontal and vertical ropes. Data collected included how many visits each object received per day, the type of object usage, and the duration of the visits. Calves used all five objects at least once, and they used items more during the daytime than at night. Brushes were used mainly for grooming (e.g., rubbing or scratching), while ropes and cowhide for oral interactions (e.g., licking, chewing, and biting), most likely to lack oral stimulations that would naturally be satisfied by suckling and grazing at this age. The objects most frequently used were the mechanical brush and the horizontal rope, and they received the highest number of visits (214.9 and 154.9 bouts/day, respectively). The least chosen object was the stationary brush, which had the lowest number of visits (62.9 bouts/day). The provision of multiple enrichment objects for weaned calves should be considered as they may add complexity and novelty to barren environments.

Are foot deformity and plantar sensitivity impairment associated with physical function of community-dwelling older adults?

BACKGROUND: Foot deformities are highly prevalent in older adults and negatively impact their mobility and quality of life. However, the association between foot problems and physical function is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether structural foot deformities and plantar tactile sensitivity are associated with lower extremity physical function impairment in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: We included 200 men and women aged 60 years and older from a community-based program. The foot assessment included toe deformities and calluses inspection and evaluation of plantar tactile sensitivity using monofilaments. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to assess lower extremity physical function. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between foot problems and lower extremity physical function. RESULTS: Hallux valgus was the most prevalent deformity among older adults. Those participants with reduced plantar tactile sensitivity (OR= 2.77; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.55) and a hallux valgus (OR= 2.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.52) were more likely to present poor lower extremity physical function. CONCLUSION: Hallux valgus and impaired plantar sensitivity were associated with reduced lower extremity physical function in older adults. Further studies are necessary to identify this causality and to what extent management of these foot problems can improve general mobility and quality of life of older adults.

Applicability of tactile memory examination as an option to visual- and verbal-based batteries / A aplicabilidade da avalição da memória tátil como uma opção para as baterias visuais a verbais

ABSTRACT The validity and applicability of tactile battery tests for the diagnosis and medical follow-up of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia syndromes do not have their usefulness well understood in clinical practice. While haptic abilities in older individuals receive less attention, in earlier stages of human life they are well focused on. There are even fewer studies on tactile memory, including episodic memory of demented individuals with or without sensorial limitations. The applicability of a new haptic memory battery was evaluated in patients with Alzheimer's disease with mild or moderate commitment. Objective: The aim of this study is to apply a battery based on tactile perception, recognition, and recollection of everyday objects in patients with Alzheimer's disease, testing tactile delayed recall memory discrimination and late recognition to compare validated visual and verbal tests. Methods: Tactile-, visual-, and verbal-based memory performance was registered in 21 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Results: Except for tactile identification, it showed that there was a close relationship between the three sensory modalities of memory, with an apparent better performance of tactile incidental memory and recognition compared with the test with pictures. Conclusions: The haptic evaluation of memory demonstrated applicability in the evaluation of memory dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Further studies are needed to establish the sensibility and specificity of the proposed test that had a small sample size and many limitations.

RESUMO A aplicação de baterias baseadas em informações táteis para diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer e outras demências não é muito difundida na prática clínica. Ao passo que a capacidade de reconhecimento tátil de objetos em crianças recebe bastante atenção dos pesquisadores, o mesmo não ocorre com indivíduos mais idosos. Existem ainda menos estudos abordando avaliação de memória episódica em pacientes idosos, com ou sem limitações sensoriais, como cegueira e surdez. O presente estudo propõe avaliar aplicabilidade de teste para avaliação de memória tátil em paciente com doença de Alzheimer. Objetivo: Aplicar em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer uma bateria baseada na percepção e reconhecimento táctil de objetos de uso cotidiano, avaliando a memória e reconhecimento tardio, comparado com testes visuais e verbais validados. Métodos: Foi avaliado o desempenho de baterias baseadas em informação táteis, visuais e verbais em 21 pacientes diagnosticados com a doença de Alzheimer. Resultados: Com a exceção da percepção tátil, foi demonstrada uma boa correlação entre as três modalidades de apresentação das informações a serem resgatadas tardiamente. Houve um desempenho aparentemente melhor do reconhecimento tátil quando comparado com apresentação de figuras impressas. Conclusões: A determinação da memória tátil em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer demonstrou ser aplicável como instrumento de avaliação dos distúrbios de memória presentes em portadores de doença de Alzheimer com comprometimento leve a moderado. As limitações do estudo, com reduzido tamanho da amostra, aponta para a necessidade de novos estudos com a devida validação, incluindo determinação de sensibilidade e especificidade, assim como pareamento, de acordo com sexo e idade com grupo controle.

Active Tactile Sensibility of Brånemark Protocol Prostheses: A Case-Control Clinical Study.

Few studies have assessed active tactile sensibility in patients rehabilitated with implants. Improved knowledge about functional tactile sensibility will contribute to several clinical applications, such as protocols for immediate loading, prosthesis design, occlusal improvement in implantology, and physiological integration of implant-supported prostheses. The present study evaluated active tactile sensibility in patients rehabilitated with Brånemark-type mandibular prostheses that impede the total mucosa-supported maxillary prosthesis. Thirty-five subjects participated in this study. The experimental group (n = 18) inclusion criteria were as follows: Brånemark-type prosthesis and a total mucosa-supported maxillary prosthesis. The control group (n = 17) was composed of participants with complete healthy dentition. Carbon foils with different thicknesses (12 µm, 24 µm, 40 µm, 80 µm, and 200 µm) were placed in the premolar region to evaluate the brink of active oral tactile sensibility. The researchers assessed the participants 120 times. After evaluation, we observed a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between the groups. Additionally, the degree of sensibility was found for all thicknesses, except for 12 µm, on both sides. There was a more significant increase in perception in the control group as the carbon thickness increased. The tactile sensibility threshold was 2.5 times greater for participants with prostheses. Thus, the tactile sensibility for mandibular implant-supported and maxillary mucosa-supported prostheses is significantly lower than that of dentate patients, which was detected above the thickness of 80 µm; in patients with natural dentition, different thicknesses were seen starting from 24 µm.