Aging accentuates decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity associated with the increase in the motor impairment in a model of reserpine-induced parkinsonism.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dopaminergic neuron loss. Animal models have been used to develop a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of PD. However, these models are usually conducted with young animals diverging of the age of PD patients, suggesting a bias in translational science. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the age on rats in a progressive parkinsonism model induced by reserpine (RES). Adult (6 - 8 month-old) or elderly (18 - 24 month-old) male rats were assigned to six groups: control-elderly (CTL-ELDERLY), reserpine-elderly (RES-ELDERLY), reserpine-elderly withdrawal (RES-ELDERLY WITHDRAWAL), control-adult (CTL-ADULT), reserpine-adult (RES-ADULT), and reserpine-adult withdrawal (RES-ADULT WITHDRAWAL). Animals received 15 injections every other day of RES (0.1 mg / kg) or vehicle during 30 days. Throughout treatment, animals were evaluated in the catalepsy test (every 48 h) and open field test (24 h after the second injection), and weight assessment (every 4 days) was also made. Upon completion of behavioral tests, rat brains were collected for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemical analysis. Main results demonstrated that RES-treated animals spent more time in the catalepsy bar compared with control groups, moreover the RES-elderly group showed a longer catalepsy time compared with the RES-ADULT group. A shorter time from RES treatment to the development of symptoms was observed in the RES-ADULT group, compared with the RES-ELDERLY group. In addition, RES-induced weight loss in both RES-ELDERLY and RES-ADULT when compared with their corresponding controls. Cessation of RES treatment was followed by weight gain only in the RES-ADULT group. A significant decrease in TH-immunoreactive cells was observed in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and dorsal striatum (STR) in the rats in both the RES-ADULT and RES-ELDERLY groups and in the ventral tegmental area in rats in the RES-ADULT group. Furthermore, TH immunoreactivity decrease was not reversible in SNpc and STR in the RES-ELDERLY. These results show that RES has an age-dependent effect in rats, suggesting a greater sensitivity of the dopaminergic pathway to RES with advancing age. These suggest that the RES rat model of parkinsonism can be useful in improving our knowledge on the effect of aging on neurodegeneration.

Repercussions of the Degrees of Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction on the Static Balance of Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the static balance of children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) according to the degrees of SNHL and the function of the vestibular system. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public schools located in Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil, with 130 children (65 with normal hearing and 65 with SNHL as documented by air and bone conduction audiometry) of both sexes between 7 and 11 years old. Static balance was assessed by a stabilometric analysis using a force platform consisting of the circular area of center-of-pressure displacement of the children evaluated in 3 positions: bipedal support with feet together and parallel (PF), tandem feet (TF), and 1 foot (OF), carried out under 2 sensory conditions each, with eyes open and eyes closed. After balance assessments, the children with SNHL received examinations of auditory and vestibular functions-through audiometry and computerized vectoelectronystagmography, respectively-to compose the groups according to degrees of SNHL and vestibular function. RESULTS: The children with severe and profound SNHL demonstrated more static balance instabilities than the children with normal hearing in 5 positions assessed with eyes open (PF, TF, and OF) and eyes closed (PF and TF). The same phenomenon occurred in children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction in all of the positions assessed with eyes open and eyes closed (PF, TF, and OF). CONCLUSION: The larger the degree of SNHL, the greater the balance instability of the children. The children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction showed the highest balance instabilities in this study. IMPACT: Children with larger degrees of SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction might require prolonged periods to rehabilitate their balance.

Efeito em curto prazo de dois protocolos de hidrocinesioterapia em crianças com síndrome congênita associada à infecção do vírus Zika / Short-term effect of two hydrokinesiotherapy protocols of children with Zika congenital syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the short-term effect of two hydrokinesiotherapy protocols on muscle tone and stress levels in children with SCZ. Method: A crossover, randomized, blinded study with children with microcephaly/SCZ between 3-36 months of age. Was evaluated by the Modified Tardieu Scale(EMT), analyzing the degree of muscle tone and the range of articular movement(ROM); the level of stress, through a visual analogue scale of faces ranging from a state without stress(1) to intense stress(4). Two hydrocinesotherapy protocols(PI and PII) were applied in a restricted aquatic environment, for 15 minutes with water temperature at 37ºC. Results: Twelve children participated in the study (mean age in months: 23.9+3.97), 58.7% female. After PI, we observed a reduction in the degree of tone of the extensor muscles of the elbow(p = 0.03) and knee(p = 0.04); in PII, there were no significant changes in the degree of tone. There were no significant changes in the level of stress in PI and PII, however 83.3% were without stress or mild stress before the interventions. Conclusions: Protocol I reduced the degree of muscle tone in the short term when compared to PII. It is emphasized that the protocols applied are of low cost, and can be a viable non-pharmacological technique option in the therapeutic follow-up of these children. It should be noted that the physiotherapist's experience should guide the choice of the appropriate protocol for the therapeutic objective of each child and the advantage of being a technique easily replicable in a therapeutic and home environment.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term effect of two hydrokinesiotherapy protocols on muscle tone and stress levels in children with SCZ. Method: A crossover, randomized, blinded study with children with microcephaly/SCZ between 3-36 months of age. Was evaluated by the Modified Tardieu Scale(EMT), analyzing the degree of muscle tone and the range of articular movement(ROM); the level of stress, through a visual analogue scale of faces ranging from a state without stress(1) to intense stress(4). Two hydrocinesotherapy protocols(PI and PII) were applied in a restricted aquatic environment, for 15 minutes with water temperature at 37ºC. Results: Twelve children participated in the study (mean age in months: 23.9+3.97), 58.7% female. After PI, we observed a reduction in the degree of tone of the extensor muscles of the elbow(p = 0.03) and knee(p = 0.04); in PII, there were no significant changes in the degree of tone. There were no significant changes in the level of stress in PI and PII, however 83.3% were without stress or mild stress before the interventions. Conclusions: Protocol I reduced the degree of muscle tone in the short term when compared to PII. It is emphasized that the protocols applied are of low cost, and can be a viable non-pharmacological technique option in the therapeutic follow-up of these children. It should be noted that the physiotherapist's experience should guide the choice of the appropriate protocol for the therapeutic objective of each child and the advantage of being a technique easily replicable in a therapeutic and home environment.

Análise do desempenho funcional de lactentes com síndrome congênita do zika: estudo longitudinal / Análisis del desempeño funcional de los lactantes con síndrome congénito del zika: estudio longitudinal / Analysis of the functional performance of infants with congenital zika syndrome: a longitudinal study

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar longitudinalmente o desempenho funcional de lactentes acometidos pela síndrome congênita do zika (SCZ). Realizou-se um estudo com lactentes provenientes do Laboratório de Estudos em Pediatria da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco e da Aliança de Mães e Famílias Raras, com idade entre 6 e 24 meses, de ambos os sexos. O Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade (PEDI) foi aplicado para análise do desempenho funcional em duas avaliações, com no mínimo seis meses de intervalo. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Na amostra de 16 lactentes, observou-se que entre as avaliações houve mudança na classificação de normal para atraso nos domínios de autocuidado e função social, com diminuição significativa dos escores normativos (p=0,001 e p<0,001, respectivamente); na mobilidade, os lactentes inicialmente classificados com atraso também apresentaram redução dos escores normativos (p=0,001), mantendo-se na classificação. Apesar do aumento significativo nos escores brutos do autocuidado (p=0,024) e mobilidade (p=0,001), os lactentes continuaram classificados em atraso. Na assistência do cuidador, 100% dos lactentes se encontraram em atraso nos três domínios do PEDI, recebendo assistência máxima ou total. As principais modificações ambientais encontradas foram as centradas na criança. Em suma, os lactentes com SCZ deste estudo apresentaram atrasos significativos no desempenho funcional, com uma evolução lenta no intervalo de tempo avaliado.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar longitudinalmente el desempeño funcional de lactantes con síndrome congénito del zika (SCZ). Se realizó un estudio con lactantes de entre 6 y 24 meses, de ambos los sexos, identificados por el Laboratorio de Estudios en Pediatría de la Universidad Federal de Pernambuco y por la Aliança de Mães e Famílias Raras (Alianza de Madres y Familias Raras). Se aplicó el Inventario de Evaluación Pediátrica de Discapacidad (PEDI) para análisis del desempeño funcional en dos evaluaciones, con al menos seis meses de intervalo. El análisis de los datos fue realizado por la prueba de Wilcoxon. En la muestra de 16 lactantes se observó cambio en los campos de autocuidado y función social, de "normal" para "retraso", con disminución significativa de los puntajes normativos (p=0,001 y p<0,001, respectivamente). En la movilidad, los lactantes inicialmente clasificados con retraso también presentaron reducción de los puntajes normativos (p=0,001), manteniéndose en la clasificación. A pesar del aumento significativo en los puntajes netos del autocuidado (p=0,024) y movilidad (p=0,001), los lactantes continuaron clasificados en retraso. En la asistencia del cuidador, un 100% de los lactantes se encontraban en retraso en los tres dominios del PEDI, recibiendo asistencia máxima o total. Las principales modificaciones ambientales encontradas fueron las centradas en el niño. En resumen, los lactantes con SCZ presentaron retrasos significativos en el desempeño funcional, con una evolución lenta en el intervalo de tiempo evaluado.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate the functional performance of infants affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). A study was carried out with infants from the Laboratório de Estudos em Pediatria of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco and the Aliança de Mães e Famílias Raras, aged between 6 and 24 months, of both genders. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) was applied to analyze functional performance in two evaluations, with a minimum of six months interval between them. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. In the sample of 16 infants, we observed a change in the classification from normal to delay in the domains of self-care and social function, with a significant decrease in normative scores (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively); in the mobility, individuals initially classified with delay also presented reduction of normative scores (p=0.001), remaining in the same classification. Despite the significant increase in gross self-care scores (p=0.024) and mobility (p=0.001), infants remained classified as delayed. Caregiver care was analyzed in these evaluation, in which 100% of infants were delayed in all three domains of the PEDI, receiving maximum or full care. The main environmental modifications were those focused on the child. We concluded that infants with CZS presented significant delays in functional performance, with a slow evolution in the evaluated range.

Cortical excitability variability: Insights into biological and behavioral characteristics of healthy individuals.

Motor threshold (MT) measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has diagnostic utility in central nervous system disorders. Its diagnostic sensitivity may be enhanced by identification of non-pathological factors which may influence this measure. The aim of this study was to provide a description of MT variability across physiological and non-pathological behaviour characteristics in a large cohort, including hemispheric asymmetries. In a cross-sectional study, age, handedness, physical activity level, body mass index, gender/menstrual cycle phase, glycemic index and degree of stress were collected from 115 healthy participants. The resting MT of the first dorsal interosseous muscle to TMS was recorded in both hemispheres and served as an indicator of the cortical excitability level. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed higher MT values in the non-dominant hemisphere, elderly people, stressed individuals and women with amenorrhea. Other biological and behavioral individual characteristics did not influence cortical excitability. Although the degree of interhemispheric difference varied (range: 0.2 to 4.3), depending on biological and behavioral characteristics, this variation was not significant (0.1 ≤ p ≤ 0.8). In conclusion, MT varied considerably between subjects. The difference between the hemisphere excitability that was less influenced by external factors, may be an alternative method of TMS measure to identify pathological changes of cortical excitability.

EFFECT OF A SHORT PERIOD WHOLE BODY VIBRATION WITH 10 HZ ON BLOOD BIOMARKERS IN WISTAR RATS.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to whole body vibration exercises (WBVE), besides some biological effects, causes alterations in the concentration of some blood biomarkers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the action of vibration (10 Hz) of WBVE on the concentration of blood biomarkers in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided in 2 groups. The experimental group (EG) was subjected to vibrations of 10Hz (one min per day, one week, total time of seven min), while the control group (CG) has not experienced vibration. Samples of whole blood were drawn for biochemical analysis of the concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, glucose, CPK, albumin, alkaline phosphates, TGP, TGO, γGT, lipase, amylase, urea and creatinine. RESULTS: White blood cell count and a platelet-hemogram were also performed. Significant (p<0.05) increase in TGP, TGO and white blood cells and decrease in LDL concentration was found after exposure of 10Hz mechanical vibration. CONCLUSION: Although these findings were obtained with rats, they might contribute to try to understand better these mechanisms that occur following exposure to a frequency of 10Hz.

Effects of Short-Period Whole-Body Vibration of 20 Hz on Selected Blood Biomarkers in Wistar Rats.

There is a growing interest in the use of vibration generated by oscillating/vibratory platforms - also known as whole-body vibration (WBV) - for achieving therapeutic, preventative and/or physical performance goals. This study investigated the effects of vibration generated by an oscillating platform on the concentration of blood biomarkers in rats. Wistar rats (n = 8) were divided in 2 groups, sedated and individually positioned on an oscillating platform. The experimental group (EG) was subjected to vibrations of 20 Hz for one min per day for one week while the control group (CG) experienced no vibration. Samples of heparinized whole blood were drawn by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, glucose, CK, albumin, alkaline phosphates, TGP, TGO, γGT, lipase, amylase, urea and creatinine were determined. White blood cell count and a platelet hemogram were also performed. Following seven sessions of exposure to the vibration, a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in γGT, VLDL and leukocytes was found. A weekly 1-min/day exposure of 20 Hz vibration can was shown to alter the concentrations of selected blood biomarkers in rats. The action mechanism associated with these effects seems highly complex, but the findings might contribute to the understanding of these mechanisms related to the exposure to 20 Hz vibration.

Whole body vibration exercises and the improvement of the flexibility in patient with metabolic syndrome.

Vibrations produced in oscillating/vibratory platform generate whole body vibration (WBV) exercises, which are important in sports, as well as in treating diseases, promoting rehabilitation, and improving the quality of life. WBV exercises relevantly increase the muscle strength, muscle power, and the bone mineral density, as well as improving the postural control, the balance, and the gait. An important number of publications are found in the PubMed database with the keyword "flexibility" and eight of the analyzed papers involving WBV and flexibility reached a level of evidence II. The biggest distance between the third finger of the hand to the floor (DBTFF) of a patient with metabolic syndrome (MS) was found before the first session and was considered to be 100%. The percentages to the other measurements in the different sessions were determined to be related to the 100%. It is possible to see an immediate improvement after each session with a decrease of the %DBTFF. As the presence of MS is associated with poorer physical performance, a simple and safe protocol using WBV exercises promoted an improvement of the flexibility in a patient with MS.

The relevance of the procedures related to the physiotherapy in the interventions in patients with prostate cancer: short review with practice approach.

Advances in medical science procedures and their utilization in the field of oncology improved the survival of patients. In consequence, these advances have influenced the practice of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists utilize physical agents with the objective to enhance the health, welfare and quality of life and thus they can play important role in the management and rehabilitation of patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are effects normally associated with the radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy due to the damage of the muscles of the pelvic floor (MPV). The aim of this work is to present findings related to the PCa and how the physiotherapist can guide the patient in relation to the knowledge and understanding of the anatomic structures related directly with the pelvic floor, the correct breathing and the perception of the MPV, as other muscles of the pelvis. Interventions of the physiotherapy will re-train the muscles of the pelvis by improving the active retention strength of the MPV in order to overcome the insufficiency (mainly the UI and ED) of the injured muscles. In conclusion, it is suggested to consider and to offer to the PCa patients the techniques related to the physiotherapy before and after the treatment.

Influence of whole-body vibration on biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical [99mTc]methylene diphosphonate in Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: The radionuclide bone scan is the basis of skeletal nuclear medicine imaging. Bone scintigraphy is a highly sensitive method for indicating disease in bone. Mechanical stimulation in the manner of whole-body vibration (WBV) appears beneficial to the maintenance and/or enhancement of skeletal mass in individuals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of WBV on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical [99mTc]methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the biodistribution analysis, animals were anesthetized with sodium thiopental, the radiopharmaceutical (99m)Tc-MDP was administered via ocular plexus and after 10 min the animals were submitted to vibration of 20 Hz (1 min) in an oscillatory platform. Following, the animals were sacrificed, the organs were isolated, the radioactivity determined in a well counter, and the percentages of radioactivity per gram (%ATI/g) in the organs were calculated. An unpaired t-test following Welch test (p < 0.05) was done for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: The biodistribution was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in kidney, bone, lung, stomach, prostate and bowel. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the results indicates that the vibration could produce metabolic alterations with influence in the uptake of the radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-MDP in bone, stomach, bowel, prostate, kidney and bladder.

Fibromyalgia and the relevance of the whole-body vibration exercises in vibratory platforms: a short review

Among nonpharmacological strategy to manage fibromyalgia, exercise (aerobic) has shown efficacy. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise has been proposed as a potential clinical intervention. WBV would induce increase in growth hormone (GH). An impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-GH-Insulin Growth Factor-1(IGF-1) axis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. This article aims to review the studies on exploring the relationship between WBV and fibromyalgia. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed database on 04/03/2010 using terms related to "pain", "whole body vibration" and "fibromyalgia". An important number of publications were identified with the term "pain" and in comparison, only a small number of articles were found related to "fibromyalgia". Three publications found with "whole body vibration" and fibromyalgia were analyzed.There are reports describing increase in serum IGF-1 following exposure to WBV in elderly patients. However, one randomized fibromyalgia trial revealed no changes in serum IGF-1 levels in women undergoing WBV. Due to the paucity of available, effective therapies for fibromyalgia, further studies that explore the relationship between the neuroendocrine system, fibromyalgia and WBV are merited.

Comparações entre os comportamentos de forrageio nas diferentes faixas etárias do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) (Cetacea; delphinidae) na Baia dos Golfinhos, Praia de Pipa - RN - Brasil

O termo forrageio refere-se ao conjunto de comportamentos realizados pelos golfinhos para obtenção de suas presas.O trabalho objetivou descrever e comparar os padrões de comportamento de forrageio realizados por diferentes faixas etárias do boto cinza (Sotalia guianensis). As observações foram feitas de um Mirante no Santuário Ecológico de Pipa, RN. O método amostral utilizado foi ad libitum (Altmann, 1974). A faixa etária consistiu nas categorias adulto, juvenil e infante. A baía foi dividida em nove áreas e o período em manhã e tarde. Foram descritos vinte e um comportamentos de forrageio, compreendendo perseguições, botes com e sem salto, estratégias em grupo e arremessos de presa. Não houve diferenças significativas entre estratégias com e sem saltos realizadas por adultos e por juvenis. Golfinhos adultos apresentaram atividade de pesca mais intensa e obtiveram mais sucessos em suas investidas na captura de presas do que juvenis, enquanto filhotes não participaram ativamente da pesca (AU)