Cutaneous lesions sensory impairment recovery and nerve regeneration in leprosy patients

It is important to understand the mechanisms that enable peripheral neurons to regenerate after nerve injury in order to identify methods of improving this regeneration. Therefore, we studied nerve regeneration and sensory impairment recovery in the cutaneous lesions of leprosy patients (LPs) before and after treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT). The skin lesion sensory test results were compared to the histopathological and immunohistochemical protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and the p75 nerve growth factor receptors (NGFr) findings. The cutaneous neural occupation ratio (CNOR) was evaluated for both neural markers. Thermal and pain sensations were the most frequently affected functions at the first visit and the most frequently recovered functions after MDT. The presence of a high cutaneous nerve damage index did not prevent the recovery of any type of sensory function. The CNOR was calculated for each biopsy, according to the presence of PGP and NGFr-immunostained fibres and it was not significantly different before or after the MDT. We observed a variable influence of MDT in the recovery from sensory impairment in the cutaneous lesions of LPs. Nociception and cold thermosensation were the most recovered sensations. The recovery of sensation in the skin lesions appeared to be associated with subsiding inflammation rather than with the regenerative activity of nerve fibres.

Transitory glutathione deficit during brain development induces cognitive impairment in juvenile and adult rats: relevance to schizophrenia.

Glutathione (GSH) metabolism dysfunction is one risk factor in schizophrenia. A transitory brain GSH deficit was induced in Wistar (WIS) and mutant (ODS; lacking ascorbic acid synthesis) rats using BSO (l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine) from post-natal days 5-16. When GSH was re-established to physiological levels, juvenile BSO-ODS rats were impaired in the water maze task. Long after treatment cessation, adult BSO-WIS/-ODS rats showed impaired place discrimination in the homing board with distributed visual or olfactory cues. Their accuracy was restored when a single cue marked the trained position. Similarly, more working memory errors were made by adult BSO-WIS in the radial maze when several olfactory cues were present. These results reveal that BSO rats did not suffer simple sensory impairment. They were selectively impaired in spatial memory when the task required the integration of multimodal or olfactory cues. These results, in part, resemble some of the reported olfactory discrimination and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

Preliminary Reliability and Repeatability of the Brazilian Version of the Revised Knox Preschool Play Scale

The aim of this study was to create an adaptation of the Revised Knox Preschool Play Scale (RKPPS) for the Brazilian population, as well as to apply the instrument with statistical analysis to verify the preliminary intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and repeatability of the instrument. The instructions presented by Beaton et al. regarding adaptation of instruments were followed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the RKPPS. A preliminary test of the Portuguese version was performed on 18 children with no motor, cognitive or sensory impairment. The video recordings of this administration were analysed on two separate occasions by two examiners within a 5-month interval, using the scores suggested by Pfeifer. The Spearman`s test was used in the statistical analysis of the obtained data. The author of the RKPPS agreed with the small necessary cultural adaptations. The Spearman test revealed a high correlation coefficient and good significance levels for both intra- and inter-raters values. This study demonstrated the reliability and repeatability of the Brazilian version of the RKPPS. This is a preliminary study and further studies are needed in order to validate the scale to be administered in the Brazilian population. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Parental effects improve escape performance of juvenile reef fish in a high-CO2 world

Rising CO2 levels in the oceans are predicted to have serious consequences for many marine taxa. Recent studies suggest that non-genetic parental effects may reduce the impact of high CO2 on the growth, survival and routine metabolic rate of marine fishes, but whether the parental environment mitigates behavioural and sensory impairment associated with high CO2 remains unknown. Here, we tested the acute effects of elevated CO2 on the escape responses of juvenile fish and whether such effects were altered by exposure of parents to increased CO2 (transgenerational acclimation). Elevated CO2 negatively affected the reactivity and locomotor performance of juvenile fish, but parental exposure to high CO2 reduced the effects in some traits, indicating the potential for acclimation of behavioural impairment across generations. However, acclimation was not complete in some traits, and absent in others, suggesting that transgenerational acclimation does not completely compensate the effects of high CO2 on escape responses.

Interacción con juguetes para usuarios con discapacidad usando equipos con S.O. Android

El proyecto realizado, trata de una aplicación desarrollada en la plataforma Android, orientada a personas con algún tipo de discapacidad sensorial o psíquica. Dicha aplicación fomenta el uso y la integración de dispositivos móviles en este tipo de sector de población. Está pensada, para que, un usuario con discapacidad, pueda interactuar con ella y de forma transparente a él, se ha creado un sistema mediante el cual, se registra todo el comportamiento que ese usuario ha tenido durante el tiempo de uso de la aplicación, con el fin de llevar un seguimiento del mismo; evaluar si existen cambios en él; determinar si son necesarios algunos cambios en la aplicación que favorezcan una mejoría en cuanto al uso y consecución de resultados en el paciente, etc. Se ha combinado el uso de una aplicación instalada sobre un sistema operativo de libre distribución, concretamente Android, con un juguete de código abierto, como es Sphero. Eso ha permito el desarrollo de una aplicación perfectamente ajustada a los requisitos funcionales definidos, con una robustez y eficiencia similar a una aplicación de sistemas operativos móviles cerrados. Es importarte remarcar, que la primera finalidad de este proyecto es ofrecer la posibilidad de usar un juguete, como Sphero, que está orientado a un sector de población sin discapacidad, haciendo uso de cualquier dispositivo móvil, a personas con diferentes grados de discapacidad sensorial, motora y psíquica. Siempre clarificando, que no existe la posibilidad de usar esta aplicación para cualquier tipo y grado de discapacidad, ya que, ello supondría, un proyecto de una envergadura enorme. El hecho de usar un dispositivo móvil, es un derecho, que todos tenemos. Y por ello, se espera que tras la lectura y comprensión de este proyecto, se motive a los lectores a seguir desarrollando aplicaciones para que cualquier usuario, con discapacidad o no, tenga las mismas oportunidades de interactuación con dispositivos móviles. The carried out project, is an application developed on the Android platform , aimed at people with some kind of sensory or mental disability . This application encourages the use and integration of mobile devices in this type of population sector. It is designed to be interacted by a disable person and transparently to that user, it has been created a system by which all behavior, that user has had during the time of use of the application, is recorded, that’s to keep track of it ; assess whether there are changes in it, determine if changes are needed in the application that favor an improvement in the use and achieving patient outcomes , etc. . It has combined the use of an application installed on an open source operating system, namely Android, an open source toy , as is Sphero . That has made it possible to develop an application perfectly adjusted to the functional requirements defined with a robustness and efficiency similar to a mobile OS application closed. It is important to note, that the first aim of this project is to offer the possibility of using a toy, like Sphero , which is geared to a sector of the population without disabilities , using any mobile device , for people with different degrees of sensory impairment , motor and mental . Always clarifying that there is no possibility to use this application for any type and degree of disability, because the magnitude of the project would have been infinitely greater. The fact of using a mobile device, is a right we all have. And so, it is expected that upon reading and understanding of this project, motivate readers to continue developing applications for any user , disabled or not, have the same opportunities for interaction with mobile devices .

Caractérisation d'une entité neurologique émergente au sein du cheptel ovin québécois

Cette étude vise à caractériser le «crampage», une entité relativement nouvelle dans l’industrie ovine au Québec. Les signes cliniques se manifestent au pas, par une hyperflexion (hanche, grasset, jarret), d’un ou des deux membres pelviens. Cinq agneaux naturellement affectés et cinq agneaux appariés cliniquement normaux ont été soumis à des examens physique, neurologique et orthopédique, à des techniques d’imagerie avancée (tomodensitométrie, résonance magnétique), à des tests électrodiagnostiques (électromyogramme, vitesses de conduction nerveuse motrice et sensitive) puis à une nécropsie. Des hématologies, biochimies ainsi que des analyses du liquide céphalorachidien ont également été réalisées. Les résultats ont été comparés entre les groupes (affectés/cliniquement normaux). Il a été constaté à la tomodensitométrie que la surface du canal vertébral mesurée au niveau de la deuxième vertèbre lombaire était inférieure dans le groupe des agneaux affectés (p=0.045). Aucune répercussion n’a été constatée sur le segment de moelle épinière correspondant. La racine S2, quant à elle, était plus grêle dans le groupe des agneaux affectés (p=0.01). À l’issue de cette étude, une cause orthopédique, musculaire ou neurologique consécutive à une lésion structurale de la moelle épinière a été écartée. Il pourrait s‘agir d’une atteinte sensitive de la racine S2 altérant la sensation dans le membre affecté, toutefois, une anomalie fonctionnelle cérébrale ou de la moelle épinière dans le renflement lombaire, est également à considérer. Sans anomalie musculaire, l’appellation «crampage» est inexacte. Nous proposons de la remplacer par des termes plus descriptifs comme «syndrome d’hyperflexion» ou «high stepping gait».

Caractérisation d'une entité neurologique émergente au sein du cheptel ovin québécois

Cette étude vise à caractériser le «crampage», une entité relativement nouvelle dans l’industrie ovine au Québec. Les signes cliniques se manifestent au pas, par une hyperflexion (hanche, grasset, jarret), d’un ou des deux membres pelviens. Cinq agneaux naturellement affectés et cinq agneaux appariés cliniquement normaux ont été soumis à des examens physique, neurologique et orthopédique, à des techniques d’imagerie avancée (tomodensitométrie, résonance magnétique), à des tests électrodiagnostiques (électromyogramme, vitesses de conduction nerveuse motrice et sensitive) puis à une nécropsie. Des hématologies, biochimies ainsi que des analyses du liquide céphalorachidien ont également été réalisées. Les résultats ont été comparés entre les groupes (affectés/cliniquement normaux). Il a été constaté à la tomodensitométrie que la surface du canal vertébral mesurée au niveau de la deuxième vertèbre lombaire était inférieure dans le groupe des agneaux affectés (p=0.045). Aucune répercussion n’a été constatée sur le segment de moelle épinière correspondant. La racine S2, quant à elle, était plus grêle dans le groupe des agneaux affectés (p=0.01). À l’issue de cette étude, une cause orthopédique, musculaire ou neurologique consécutive à une lésion structurale de la moelle épinière a été écartée. Il pourrait s‘agir d’une atteinte sensitive de la racine S2 altérant la sensation dans le membre affecté, toutefois, une anomalie fonctionnelle cérébrale ou de la moelle épinière dans le renflement lombaire, est également à considérer. Sans anomalie musculaire, l’appellation «crampage» est inexacte. Nous proposons de la remplacer par des termes plus descriptifs comme «syndrome d’hyperflexion» ou «high stepping gait».

Early childhood constraint therapy for sensory/motor impairment in cerebral palsy: a randomised clinical trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. It is a disorder resulting from sensory and motor impairments due to perinatal brain injury, with lifetime consequences that range from poor adaptive and social function to communication and emotional disturbances. Infants with CP have a fundamental disadvantage in recovering motor function: they do not receive accurate sensory feedback from their movements, leading to developmental disregard. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is one of the few effective neurorehabilitative strategies shown to improve upper extremity motor function in adults and older children with CP, potentially overcoming developmental disregard. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a randomised controlled trial of children 12-24 months corrected age studying the effectiveness of CIMT combined with motor and sensory-motor interventions. The study population will comprise 72 children with CP and 144 typically developing children for a total of N=216 children. All children with CP, regardless of group allocation will continue with their standard of care occupational and physical therapy throughout the study. The research material collected will be in the form of data from high-density array event-related potential scan, standardised assessment scores and motion analysis scores. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02567630.

Sex biased spatial strategies relying on the integration of multimodal cues in a rat model of schizophrenia: impairment in predicting future context?

Male and female Wistar rats were treated postnatally (PND 5-16) with BSO (l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine) to provide a rat model of schizophrenia based on transient glutathione deficit. In the watermaze, BSO-treated male rats perform very efficiently in conditions where a diversity of visual information is continuously available during orientation trajectories [1]. Our hypothesis is that the treatment impairs proactive strategies anticipating future sensory information, while supporting a tight visual adjustment on memorized snapshots, i.e. compensatory reactive strategies. To test this hypothesis, BSO rats' performance was assessed in two conditions using an 8-arm radial maze task: a semi-transparent maze with no available view on the environment from maze centre [2], and a modified 2-parallel maze known to induce a neglect of the parallel pair in normal rats [3-5]. Male rats, but not females, were affected by the BSO treatment. In the semi-transparent maze, BSO males expressed a higher error rate, especially in completing the maze after an interruption. In the 2-parallel maze shape, BSO males, unlike controls, expressed no neglect of the parallel arms. This second result was in accord with a reactive strategy using accurate memory images of the contextual environment instead of a representation based on integrating relative directions. These results are coherent with a treatment-induced deficit in proactive decision strategy based on multimodal cognitive maps, compensated by accurate reactive adaptations based on the memory of local configurations. Control females did not express an efficient proactive capacity in the semi-transparent maze, neither did they show the significant neglect of the parallel arms, which might have masked the BSO induced effect. Their reduced sensitivity to BSO treatment is discussed with regard to a sex biased basal cognitive style.

Impairment and disability in 20 CIDP patients according to disease activity status.

Twenty patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) meeting the EFNS/PNS criteria were examined in order to assess differences/similarities between the various grading systems according to CIDP disease activity status (CDAS). A principal component (PC) analysis and the correlations between the following scores were performed: Neurological Symptom Score; MRC sum score; Neurological Impairment Score; Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale; Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) Sensory Sum Score; Overall Disability Sum Score; INCAT Disability Score; Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale. Our analysis outlined two main sets of scales, with high influence in the top two PCs. The first PC that best explained the variability within the cohort consisted of CDAS, general disability scores and motor scores; these parameters were also strongly correlated amongst each other. The second PC explained less the variability and consisted mainly of sensory scores and disease duration; these parameters did not correlate with the scores of the first PC or with the CDAS. Our findings suggest separating screening for motor and sensory deficits when evaluating CIDP patients, as only the motor scores correlate with CDAS.

Neural correlates of alerting and orienting impairment in multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND A considerable percentage of multiple sclerosis patients have attentional impairment, but understanding its neurophysiological basis remains a challenge. The Attention Network Test allows 3 attentional networks to be studied. Previous behavioural studies using this test have shown that the alerting network is impaired in multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to identify neurophysiological indexes of the attention impairment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients using this test. RESULTS After general slowing had been removed in patients group to isolate the effects of each condition, some behavioral differences between them were obtained. About Contingent Negative Variation, a statistically significant decrement were found in the amplitude for Central and Spatial Cue Conditions for patient group (p<0.05). ANOVAs showed for the patient group a significant latency delay for P1 and N1 components (p<0.05) and a decrease of P3 amplitude for congruent and incongruent stimuli (p<0.01). With regard to correlation analysis, PASAT-3s and SDMT showed significant correlations with behavioral measures of the Attention Network Test (p<0.01) and an ERP parameter (CNV amplitude). CONCLUSIONS Behavioral data are highly correlated with the neuropsychological scores and show that the alerting and orienting mechanisms in the patient group were impaired. Reduced amplitude for the Contingent Negative Variation in the patient group suggests that this component could be a physiological marker related to the alerting and orienting impairment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. P1 and N1 delayed latencies are evidence of the demyelination process that causes impairment in the first steps of the visual sensory processing. Lastly, P3 amplitude shows a general decrease for the pathological group probably indexing a more central impairment. These results suggest that the Attention Network Test give evidence of multiple levels of attention impairment, which could help in the assessment and treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Pure sensory neuropathy in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome: clinical, immunological and electromyographic findings

A pure sensory neuropathy caused by lymphocytic infiltration of the dorsal root ganglia has been reported in a few patients with Sjögren's syndrome. The clinical, immunological, and electromyographic findings of five patients with this type of neuropathy and primary Sjögren's syndrome were reviewed. Typical clinical indications were the presence of a chronic asymmetrical sensory deficit, initial disease in the hands with a predominant loss of the vibratory and joint position senses, and an association with Adie's pupil syndrome or trigeminal sensory neuropathy. The simultaneous impairment of the central and peripheral evoked cortical potentials suggested that there was a lesion of the neuronal cell body. The neuropathy preceded the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome in four patients. Four patients were positive for Ro antibodies, but systemic vasculitis or malignancy was not found after a mean follow up of six years. These findings indicate that in patients with a sensory neuropathy the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome has to be considered, even if the patient denies the presence of sicca symptoms, and that appropriate tests must be carried out.