Locomotor Disorders Research Articles

Osteoarthritis in horses - Part 1: relationship between clinical and radiographic examination for the diagnosis

Locomotor disorders are very common in the equine clinic, which may be partly due to the different types of activities horses develop. (OA), commonly known as degenerative joint disease, presents an considerable role in the series of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and may be associated with other problems such as navicular syndrome, periostitis or osteochondrosis. This affection causes progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, accompanied by bone and soft-tissue periarticular changes. In fact, it results from a complex interaction between biochemical and biomechanical factors. The objective of this article is to review information about clinical and radiographic findings of OA, the biochemical and biomechanical changes manifested in the disease and the importance of the synovial fluid. Additionally, some information on other species is also presented. This review refers to Part 1 of a study whose sequence is entitled Osteoarthritis in horses - Part 2: a review of the intra-articular use of corticosteroids as a method of treatment.

Sportology to Prevent Locomotive Syndrome

“Locomotive syndrome” is defined as a condition associated with being restricted in one’s ability to walk or lead a normal life owing to a dysfunction in one or more of the parts of the locomotion system, including the muscles, bones, joints, cartilage or the intervertebral discs. This syndrome especially refers to those elderly who have come to need nursing care services because of problems with the locomotive organs, or who have conditions which may require them to have such services in the near future. The recent epidemiological studies revealed that the one fourth of the reasons for requiring special assistance or nursing care in elderlies is currently the locomotive disorders. Osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA) or hip and the spinal canal stenosis due to spondylosis are the three major locomotive disorders those are related to the requiring special assistance or nursing care in elderlies. We are trying to elucidate the mechanistic insight into the pathophysiology of knee OA and osteoporosis by receiving several supports, such as the COI program by a MEXT and the Juntendo Sportology Center under the concept of “Sportology”, as we believe to be able to contribute directly the concept of “locomotive syndrome” by these actions.

The new technologies of kinesiotherapy for the rehabilitation of the patients suffering from the post-stroke locomotor disorders

This paper was designed to report the results of the application of two therapeutic modalities for the rehabilitation of 44 patients presenting with post-stroke locomotor disorders in the form of spastic hemiparesis. The patients allocated to the main group were treated with the use of the new kinesiotherapeutic methods including cryomassage and the Armeo robotic complex. The patients of the control group had to perform traditional therapeutic physical exercises in combination with classical massage and remedial gymnastics. It is concluded that the application of the combination of the modern kinesiotherapeutic factors exerting the positive corrective influence on different aspects of the locomotor deficiency in the upper extremities and the psychoemotional status of the patients has advantages over traditional physical exercise therapy in terms of clinical efficiency because it enhances the rehabilitative potential for these patients with serious locomotor problems.

Telocytes of Fascial Structures.

Currently, the exact role of telocytes within fascial structures is unknown. The morphology, distribution and behaviour of fascial telocytes as well as the mutual relationship between telocytes and other cellular fascia constituents should be definitely a subject of further studies. It will contribute to better understanding of the role of the fascial system in health and diseases, may shed light on the regeneration potential of these tissues and may help to find targets for future treatments for locomotor disorders, including fascial diseases. Last but not least, confirmation of the presence of telocytes within fascia may contribute to optimise the use of fascia as a graft material.

The comprehensive pathogenetic approach to the neuro-orthopedic rehabilitation of the children of different age presenting with cerebral palsy

The present study was aimed at the improvement of comprehensive neuro-orthopedic rehabilitation of the children of different age presenting with cerebral palsy. A total of 267 patients with infantile cerebral paralysis at the age from 1 year to 16 years were available for the observation including 158 (59.2%) boys and 109 (40.8%) girls. The orthopedic treatment of locomotor disorders was adjusted for the patients' age, the neuropsychiatric status, and the type of autonomous dysfunction. The conservative treatment was given 104 (39%) patients and the surgical intervention performed on 163 (61%) ones. Vegetative disbalance was the predominant condition in the children aged up to 3 years. Orthopedic alignment of the muscle tone was one of the most common methods of the treatment. We used milestone plaster bandages for immobilization followed by wearing the orthoses and orthopedic shoes in combination with massage and therapeutic physical exercises. The surgical treatment aimed at the normalization of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus was the predominant strategy for the age group of 4-7 years. The conservative treatment was most frequently prescribed for the correction of vegetative dystonia. The physiotherapeutic methods were applied differentially. In the groups of children aged from 8 to 12 years and from 13 to 15 years, the surgical correction was aimed at the elimination of gross deformities. The differentiated treatment and the use of different types of equipment proved highly efficient for the elimination of muscle spasticity and hypotrophy as well as for the correction of corporal deformities. Moreover, it helped to restore and improve the motor ability. The children's physical development and mental capacity have also been stimulated.

Study on Examination for Locomotive Disorders at Health Check-up Center (Max Life) of Our Hospital

Study on Examination for Locomotive Disorders at Health Check-up Center (Max Life) of Our Hospital

Escore de lesões e transtornos de locomoção de vacas Holandesas em instalações free-stall com diferentes tipos de cama

The aim of the present study was to evaluate hock and knee injuries and locomotor disorders in 36 multiparous Holstein cows confined in a free-stall model system with two types of beds at Embrapa Dairy Cattle in the city of Coronel Pacheco / MG. Rubber composite beds and sand beds were compared and the hock and knee injuries and locomotor disorders were assessed for severity scores. There was no difference between the scores or hock lesions observed at the beginning and end of the trial period for knee injuries in both beds. The two beds offer the same conditions of comfort, injury rates, and hull health, at least in the short term.

The combined depletion of monoamines alters the effectiveness of subthalamic deep brain stimulation

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease are under-studied and therefore not well treated. Here, we investigated the role of combined depletions of dopamine, norepinephrine and/or serotonin in the manifestation of motor and non-motor deficits in the rat. Then, we studied the impact of these depletions on the efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS). We performed selective depletions of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, and the behavioral effects of different combined depletions were investigated using the open field, the elevated plus maze and the forced swim test. Bilateral dopamine depletion alone induced locomotor deficits associated with anxiety and mild behaviors. Although additional depletions of norepinephrine and/or serotonin did not potentiate locomotor and anxiety disorders, combined depletions of the three monoamines dramatically exacerbated behavior. STN-DBS markedly reversed locomotor deficits and anxiety behavior in animals with bilateral dopamine depletion alone. However, these improvements were reduced or lost by the additional depletion of norepinephrine and/or serotonin, indicating that the depletion of these monoamines may interfere with the antiparkinsonian efficacy of STN-DBS. Furthermore, our results showed that acute STN-DBS improved disorder in animals with bilateral depletion of dopamine and also in animals with combined depletions of the three monoamines, which induced severe immobility in the forced swim test. Our data highlight the key role of monoamine depletions in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depressive-like disorders and provide the first evidence of their negative consequences on the efficacy of STN-DBS upon the motor and anxiety disorders in the context of Parkinson's disease.

Low doses of ivermectin cause sensory and locomotor disorders in dung beetles.

Ivermectin is a veterinary pharmaceutical generally used to control the ecto- and endoparasites of livestock, but its use has resulted in adverse effects on coprophilous insects, causing population decline and biodiversity loss. There is currently no information regarding the direct effects of ivermectin on dung beetle physiology and behaviour. Here, based on electroantennography and spontaneous muscle force tests, we show sub-lethal disorders caused by ivermectin in sensory and locomotor systems of Scarabaeus cicatricosus, a key dung beetle species in Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings show that ivermectin decreases the olfactory and locomotor capacity of dung beetles, preventing them from performing basic biological activities. These effects are observed at concentrations lower than those usually measured in the dung of treated livestock. Taking into account that ivermectin acts on both glutamate-gated and GABA-gated chloride ion channels of nerve and muscle cells, we predict that ivermectin’s effects at the physiological level could influence many members of the dung pat community. The results indicate that the decline of dung beetle populations could be related to the harmful effects of chemical contamination in the dung.

Regioselectively controlled synthesis of 3(5)-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolylbenzenesulfonamides and their effects on a pathological pain model in mice

This study reports a facile and controllable synthetic method for the preparation of both 1,3- and 1,5-isomers of 4-(3(5)-aryl-3(5)-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamides, as well as a new series of 4-(3-aryl-5-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamides, from the cyclocondensation reaction of 4-aryl-1,1,1-trifluoro-4-methoxybut-3-en-2-ones or 1-aryl-4,4,4-trifluoro-butane-1,3-diones or their enolic forms with 4-hydrazinylbenzenesulfonamide. All compounds of the new series of 3-substituted 1-(4-benzenesulfonamide)-5-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazoles were tested for their effect on a pathological pain model in mice. The compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, 3e, and 3f presented anti-hyperalgesic action, while the compounds 3a, 3c, 3d, 3f, and 3g exhibited anti-edematogenic effects, without causing locomotive disorders in animals, thus making them comparable to Celecoxib in an arthritic pain model.

The combined depletion of monoamines alters the effectiveness of subthalamic deep brain stimulation

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease are under-studied and therefore not well treated. Here, we investigated the role of combined depletions of dopamine, norepinephrine and/or serotonin in the manifestation of motor and non-motor deficits in the rat. Then, we studied the impact of these depletions on the efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN–DBS). We performed selective depletions of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, and the behavioral effects of different combined depletions were investigated using the open field, the elevated plus maze and the forced swim test. Bilateral dopamine depletion alone induced locomotor deficits associated with anxiety and mild “depressive-like” behaviors. Although additional depletions of norepinephrine and/or serotonin did not potentiate locomotor and anxiety disorders, combined depletions of the three monoamines dramatically exacerbated “depressive-like” behavior. STN–DBS markedly reversed locomotor deficits and anxiety behavior in animals with bilateral dopamine depletion alone. However, these improvements were reduced or lost by the additional depletion of norepinephrine and/or serotonin, indicating that the depletion of these monoamines may interfere with the antiparkinsonian efficacy of STN–DBS. Furthermore, our results showed that acute STN–DBS improved “depressive-like” disorder in animals with bilateral depletion of dopamine and also in animals with combined depletions of the three monoamines, which induced severe immobility in the forced swim test. Our data highlight the key role of monoamine depletions in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depressive-like disorders and provide the first evidence of their negative consequences on the efficacy of STN–DBS upon the motor and anxiety disorders in the context of Parkinson's disease.

Disease patterns and incidence of immune-mediated disease in insured Swedish Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

In this study, morbidity in insured Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR) dogs from Sweden was investigated and compared with all other breeds and other retriever breeds. In addition to...

Mechanisms of psychopharmacological effects of alkaloid Z77 under conditions of brain ischemia.

We studied the psychopharmacological effects of atisine-type diterpene alkaloid Z77 in a rat model of brain ischemia in the morning and at night. The type of developing locomotor disorders in animals was shown to depend on circadian rhythms. Administration of Z77 substantially corrected manifestations of psychoneurological symptoms. The parameters of orientation and exploratory behavior and conditioned reflex activity were normalized. The key role of receptors of neural stem cells to fibroblast growth factor in the realization of their growth potential under the influence of the alkaloid was demonstrated. Under in vitro conditions, antibodies to fibroblast growth factor receptor abolished the increase in the number of neural CFU caused by Z77 in the culture of intact cells from the paraventricular region of the brain.

Perfil dos carroceiros, avaliação clínica e do bem-estar dos seus cavalos de tração da região de Pirassununga-SP

Foi aplicado um questionário destinado a levantar as condições socioeconômicas dos carroceiros da região de Pirassununga-SP e analisar as condições de bem-estar a que são submetidos os seus equídeos de tração. As entrevistas foram efetuadas, no período de agosto de 2012 a julho de 2013, durante o acompanhamento do “Projeto Carroceiro” promovido pela Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA/USP); e de visitas realizadas às residências dos carroceiros inscritos no projeto, tendo-se obtido uma amostra de 26 indivíduos que trabalhavam como carroceiros. Posteriormente, também, foram analisados os prontuários de 49 cavalos atendidos anteriormente, de outubro de 2011 a junho de 2012, início do projeto, para a avaliação das alterações clínicas registradas. A maioria dos carroceiros começou a trabalhar antes de atingir a maioridade; complementava a renda com outras atividades; sustentava quatro ou mais pessoas com a renda obtida; transportava materiais variados de descarte e os depositava em pátios destinados a este fim ou aterros sanitários. Todos recebiam menos de R$ 1.000,00 ao mês, gastando entre 10 e 30% da renda com o animal. Grande parte (8/26) mantinha seus animais presos aos arreios durante os intervalos, mas não utilizava chicote (16/26). As principais alterações clínicas foram problemas locomotores e cutâneos. A alimentação adotada era de baixa qualidade.

運動器疾患を有する高齢者の気分の変調と運動・生活機能との関連性

運動器疾患を有する高齢者の気分の変調と運動・生活機能との関連性

Using Brain Computer Interface for Synthesized Speech Communication for the Physically Disabled

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems have been widely used to develop viable assistive technology for physically disabled persons. In this paper, we present the design and development of a BCI-based system for generation of synthesized speech, which works on eye-blinks detected from the Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals of the user. Such a system is particularly useful for patients suffering from locomotive disorders such as locked-in syndrome, who can use this interface to communicate with their caretakers. This system enables patients to communicate by selecting the desired options from a configured list by performing eye-blinks, which is then converted to synthesized speech by the computer system. The key advantages of our system are that it uses the portable and easy-to-wear Emotiv headset, is built on using an open-source application stack and also does not require training for individual users. The system has been tested on patients who have been able to use it conveniently to communicate with their caretakers in a medical facility.

МИТОХОНДРИАЛЬНАЯ ДИСФУНКЦИЯ КАК ОДНА ИЗ ВОЗМОЖНЫХ ПРИЧИН НАРУШЕНИЯ ФОЛЛИКУЛО- И СТЕРОИДОГЕНЕЗА ПРИ ПРЕЖДЕВРЕМЕННОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТИ ЯИЧНИКОВ

Mitochondria play leading role in senescence program realization. One of the early manifestations of this process is loss of reproductive function in female (menopause). In this review we discuss up-to-date data on basic mitochondria functions and their possible role in development of premature ovarian insufficienсy and morbid conditions associated with this state, that are typical for ageing organism. Besides performing function of conversion of free energy by cell respiration substrates oxidation mitochondria control survival and death of somatic cells and gametes maintaining optimal level of reactive oxygen species in cells. Oxidative stress results in selective death of specialized cells; organs and tissues functionality disturbance; leads to development of cardiovascular, locomotor and nervous disorders. The main reason of oxidative stress is mitochondrial disfunction induced by disbalance between reactive oxygen species production and their utilization by antioxidant system. On the other hand mitochondria play central role in intracellular signal transmission and maintain functional state and cellular structure of tissues, organs and systems of an organism controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Finally mitochondria define largely immune response in case of infections and tumoral transformation and control sex hormones level taking part in steroidogenesis. It was found that high level of damaged mitochondrial DNA, decrease of its copy number and increase of reactive oxygen species production in ovarian tissue cells are typical for women suffering from premature ovarian insufficienсy. Chronic oxidative stress leads not only to oogenesis disturbance and decrease of oocyte maturation probability but promotes also cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and other delayed consequences of estrogen deficit development in case of this state.

Analysis of Orthopaedic Sequelae of Special Treatment of Malignant Tumors in Children

Ninety five patients (mean age 13.72±4.2) with complaints on loco-motor system disorders after special treatment for malignant tumors were under observation of orthopaedic surgeon. The most common sequelae of treatment were muscular hypotrophy (66 children), I-III degree scoliosis (75), rigidity (61), bone metabolism disorder and osteopenia (47), one limb shortening even in presence of “growing” endoprosthesis (46). Individual rehabilitation course was performed in 43 (45.3%) children and resulted in increase of joint movement range, improvement of posture, and increase in muscular tension. Timely performed complex of rehabilitation measures enabled to correct sequelae of special treatment at early terms that significantly decreased disability of children, increases their social adaptation and quality of life.

Analysis of Orthopaedic Sequelae of Special Treatment of Malignant Tumors in Children

Ninety five patients (mean age 13.72±4.2) with complaints on loco-motor system disorders after special treatment for malignant tumors were under observation of orthopaedic surgeon. The most common sequelae of treatment were muscular hypotrophy (66 children), I-III degree scoliosis (75), rigidity (61), bone metabolism disorder and osteopenia (47), one limb shortening even in presence of “growing” endoprosthesis (46). Individual rehabilitation course was performed in 43 (45.3%) children and resulted in increase of joint movement range, improvement of posture, and increase in muscular tension. Timely performed complex of rehabilitation measures enabled to correct sequelae of special treatment at early terms that significantly decreased disability of children, increases their social adaptation and quality of life.

Treatments for Neurological Gait and Balance Disturbance: The Use of Noninvasive Electrical Brain Stimulation

Neurological gait disorders are a common cause of falls, morbidity, and mortality, particularly amongst the elderly. Neurological gait and balance impairment has, however, proved notoriously difficult to treat. The following review discusses some of the first experiments to modulate gait and balance in healthy adults using anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) by stimulating both cerebral hemispheres simultaneously. We review and discuss published data using this novel tDCS approach, in combination with physical therapy, to treat locomotor and balance disorders in patients with small vessel disease (leukoaraiosis) and Parkinson’s disease. Finally, we review the use of bihemispheric anodal tDCS to treat gait impairment in patients with stroke in the subacute phase. The findings of these studies suggest that noninvasive electrical stimulation techniques may be a useful adjunct to physical therapy in patients with neurological gait disorders, but further mutlicentre randomized sham-controlled studies are needed to evaluate whether experimental tDCS use can translate into mainstream clinical practice for the treatment of neurological gait disorders.