Lower limb muscle coactivation levels in healthy younger and older adults during functional dual-task gait

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of daily cognitive task on stiffness of old and young female adults during the gait. The study included 17 physically active younger and 18 older women, with low risk of falls. The volunteers were asked to walk on the treadmill at two different gait conditions: normal gait and functional dual-task gait. The electromyographic signals were collected of the lower limb muscles. The percentage of coactivation for the tibialis anterior/gastrocnemius lateralis and tibialis anterior/soleus were significantly higher in elderly than in younger in the normal gait and dual-task gait. Our results suggest that the elderly have a greater stiffness in the ankle joint during gait normal and daily dual task gait. Thus, we conclude that challenging cognitively situations during the gait may increase the risk of falls in this population.

Selective photoinactivation of Candida albicans in the non-vertebrate host infection model Galleria mellonella

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effects of physical exercise on articular range of motion of the lower limb in the Parkinson's disease individuals

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The Quaternary vertebrate fauna of the limestone cave Gruta do Ioio, northeastern Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

ENDO-OLIGOPEPTIDASE-A, A PUTATIVE ENKEPHALIN-GENERATING ENZYME, IN THE VERTEBRATE RETINA

Endo-oligopeptidase A, EC 3.4.22.19, converts small enkephalin-containing peptides into the corresponding enkephalins in vitro. We investigated the presence of endooligopeptidase A in the retina and its possible colocalization with enkephalins in retinal neurons. The specific activity of endo-oligopeptidase A found in pigeon retinae (30.3 +/- 7.3 mU/mg, mean +/- standard deviation) was four times higher than in rabbit retinae (7.0 +/- 1.1 mU/mg). The enzyme activity was not modified by EDTA, but it was enhanced by dithiothreitol and inhibited by zinc and 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Immunohistochemical experiments with a purified antiserum against rabbit endo-oligopeptidase A revealed labeled neurons in both the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer of pigeon and rabbit retinae. Double-labeling immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that about 90% of neurons containing endo-oligopeptidase A-like immunoreactivity also contained [Leu5]-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity. These colocalization results may represent an important step toward the demonstration of the possible involvement of endo-oligopeptidase A in enkephalin generation in vivo.

Early influence of auditory stimuli on upper-limb movements in young human infants: an overview

Given that the auditory system is rather well developed at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, it is likely that couplings between acoustics and motor activity can be integrated as early as at the beginning of postnatal life. The aim of the present mini-review was to summarize and discuss studies on early auditory-motor integration, focusing particularly on upper-limb movements (one of the most crucial means to interact with the environment) in association with auditory stimuli, to develop further understanding of their significance with regard to early infant development. Many studies have investigated the relationship between various infant behaviors (e.g., sucking, visual fixation, head turning) and auditory stimuli, and established that human infants can be observed displaying couplings between action and environmental sensory stimulation already from just after birth, clearly indicating a propensity for intentional behavior. Surprisingly few studies, however, have investigated the associations between upper-limb movements and different auditory stimuli in newborns and young infants, infants born at risk for developmental disorders/delays in particular. Findings from studies of early auditory-motor interaction support that the developing integration of sensory and motor systems is a fundamental part of the process guiding the development of goal-directed action in infancy, of great importance for continued motor, perceptual, and cognitive development. At-risk infants (e.g., those born preterm) may display increasing central auditory processing disorders, negatively affecting early sensorymotor integration, and resulting in long-term consequences on gesturing, language development, and social communication. Consequently, there is a need for more studies on such implications.

Kinematic analysis of forelimb and hind limb joints in clinically healthy sheep

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Pre- and postoperative evaluation by photoplethysmography in patients receiving surgery for lower-limb varicose veins

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of surgery in treating primary varicose veins in the lower limbs by photoplethysmography (PPG) and duplex mapping (DM). Method. Forty-eight lower limbs were clinically evaluated according to the CEAP classification system and subjected to PPG and DM exams. Each limb had a venous refill time (VRT) of <20 seconds and a normal deep vein system (DVS) by DM. Results. The mean pre- and postoperative VRTs were 13.79 and 26.43 seconds, respectively (P < 0.0001). After surgery, 42 limbs (87.50%) had normal results by PPG (VRT > 20 seconds). Four limbs (8.33%) showed improved VRTs, but the VRTs did not reach 20 seconds. In the 2 limbs (4.17%) that maintained their original VRTs, the DM exams showed the presence of insufficient perforating veins. Conclusion. In most cases, PPG allows for a satisfactory evaluation of the outcome of varicose vein surgery.

“Species Pollution” in Florida: A Cross-Section of Invasive Vertebrate Issues and Management Responses

The state of Florida as among the two worst invasive species problems in the USA. Besides the sheer numbers of established exotic species in Florida, many present novel difficulties for management, or have other characteristics making effective management extremely challenging. Moreover, initiation of management action requires more than recognition by experts that a potentially harmful species has become established. It also requires the political will along with concomitant resources and appropriate personnel to develop effective methods and apply them. We illustrate various aspects of the situation in Florida with examples of invasive vertebrates, the problems they pose(d), and management approaches to the problems.

A review of existing and potential New World and Australasian vertebrate pesticides with a rationale for linking use patterns to registration requirements

Registration is a necessarily sophisticated evaluation process applied to vertebrate pesticide products. Although conducted to minimize any potential impacts upon public health, the environment and food production, the all-encompassing process of registration can stifle innovation. Vertebrate pesticides are rarely used to control pest animals in food crops. In contrast to agrochemicals, relatively small amounts of vertebrate pesticides are used (50.1%), usually in solid or paste baits, and generally by discrete application methods rather than by broad-scale spray applications. We present a hierarchy or sliding scale of typical data requirements relative to application techniques, to help clarify an evolving science-based approach which focuses on requiring data to address key scientific questions while allowing waivers where additional data have minor value. Such an approach will facilitate the development and delivery of increasingly humane, species-targeted, low residue pesticides in the New World, along with the phasing out of less desirable chemicals that continue to be used due to a lack of alternatives.

Alphabetical Index to Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings, volumes 1–21 (1962–2004)

This is a 62-page (searchable) document. Listings show all authors (arranged by 1st author), full titles, and complete citations.

SOME VERTEBRATE PEST PROBLEMS IN JAPAN

The wildlife in Japan does more damage in outbreaks in forestry than in agriculture. Hares annually damage in excess of 250 thousand acres. Voles annually damage 50 to 100 thousand acres; in some areas great damage may occur suddenly. The giant flying squirrel damages areas of replanted trees in southern areas of Japan. The Himalayan black bear strips the bark on tree trunks. In agriculture, the sparrow and the duck do an excessive amount of damage in rice fields, and the boar does conspicuous harm in the plowed fields of mountain villages. In Okinawa, sugar cane is attacked by Rattus rattus, and in some years the loss is severe. Of even greater concern is the damage done by introduced vertebrates. The gem-faced civet was imported from Taiwan. Similarly introduced from Taiwan, the tree squirrel increased on Izu-Oshima. The nutria was introduced in 1940; they escaped from cages in Southern Honshu and have increased.

CLOSING REMARKS - FOURTH VERTEBRATE PEST CONFERENCE

On behalf of the California Vertebrate Pest Committee, which sponsors these conferences, I wish to thank all of the speakers for their contribution to the program and the session chairmen who kept the meeting moving so smoothly. We would like to extend a special thanks to the speakers and participants who have come from other countries to share with us some of their knowledge concerning vertebrate pest problems and their solutions. Hopefully, the acquaintances made here and the exchange of information with our colleagues from distant places will be the beginning of long-lasting friendships and will foster better communications between those with mutual interests.

THE CONTROL OF VERTEBRATE PROBLEM ANIMALS IN THE PROVINCE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

The policy of the Cape Provincial Department of Nature Conservation is based on the concept of "wise management" of wildlife resources. Where crop damage is real, control measures are essential. These, however, must be adapted to the species concerned and applied only where the damage is taking place. Blanket measures which also kill many useful species must be avoided. For this reason, the control of problem animals should be vested in the agency concerned with wildlife conservation.

THE ROLE OF PEST CONTROL OPERATORS IN VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL

The National Pest Control Association, which I represent, accepts for membership those persons or firms which are actively engaged in the performance of structural pest control services for hire to the public at large and which are in sympathy with the purposes of the Association. The pest control operator in this context might be called a commercial pest control operator to distinguish him from those doing similar work but who are employed by governmental agencies or within large commercial organizations. Pest control is a growing industry with a gross annual income of 300-350 million dollars. It is estimated to contain more than 5,000 firms employing about 25,000 productive workers. Many of these servicemen, possibly 15,000, are doing vertebrate pest control every day as they combat commensal rodents. A much smaller number, usually specialists or persons normally doing super¬visory work, are also engaged in the control of pest birds and a variety of miscellaneous vertebrates. With approximately 15,000 servicemen making at least 10 contacts a day with the public, it is readily apparent that whatever opportunity the general public has to judge the success or failure of vertebrate pest control practice is largely influenced by the work of the pest control industry.