Muscle strength and ankle mobility for the gait parameters in diabetic neuropathies

Aims: To evaluate the spatio-temporal variables of gait and the isometric muscle strength component of the ankle in patients with peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Also, verify the relationship between these variables and gait parameters. Methods: This study involved 25 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) participants (62.4 ± 8.36 years) and 27 age-matched healthy control individuals (64.48 ± 6.21 years). The assessment of the spatio-temporal parameters of gait was performed using an electronic baropodometry treadmill. Prior to the collection data, each participant was instructed to walk on the treadmill in her/his habitual self-selected speed. Results: Diabetic neuropathy group showed impairment of gait, with a smaller stride and length speed of the cycle, and increased duration of support time. Restricted dorsiflexion mobility and increased plantarflexion mobility were found, with a decrease in muscle strength of the dorsiflexors and plantiflexors. There was a significant relationship between plantiflexor muscle strength and the length and speed of the gait cycle. Also the muscle strengths of the plantiflexors and dorsiflexors, and the range of motion of dorsiflexion were predictors of gait performance. Conclusions: The ankle, muscle strength and ankle mobility variables could explain changes in gait speed and range of motion in patients with DPN, allowing for the application of preventive strategies. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

On the parameters of performance of combined refrigeration and power plants

Combined Refrigeration and Power (CRP) plants generate power and refrigerate a thermal load simultaneously from the same fuel. The overall efficiency is a parameter based on the first law generally used to quantify the fuel saving, in the sense that a plant that has greater overall efficiency saves more fuel than others to generate the same useful energy. However, the literature shows that the overall efficiency and other parameters of performance are defined in several different ways. This heterogeneity is not desirable when considering a coherent and universally accepted parameter of performance based on the first law. In this work, some parameters found in the literature are critically analyzed in order to indicate the most proper one. The indicated parameter is then formally analyzed in order to verify its mathematical consistency. The primary energy rate is considered the most well-suited parameter based on the first law to characterize the performance of a CRP plant. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and IIR.

Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism and panoramic radiography parameters

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

In vitro fermentation parameters and biohydrogenation of vegetable oils without glycerol

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Genetic parameters and investigation of genotype x environment interactions in Nellore x Hereford crossbred for resistance to cattle ticks in different regions of Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)