Locomotor Function Research Articles

Marula oil nanoemulsion improves motor function in experimental parkinsonism via mitigation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurologic condition exhibiting motor dysfunction that affects old people. Marula oil (M-Oil) has been used longley in cosmetics and curing skin disorders. M-Oil is particularly stable due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants. The current study formulated M-Oil in an o/w nanoemulsion (M-NE) preparations and tested its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions against experimental parkinsonism. Methods: Four experimental groups of male albino mice were used and assigned as vehicle, PD, PD + M-Oil and PD + M-NE. Locomotor function was evaluated using the open field test and the cylinder test. Striatal samples were used to measure inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Results: The results indicated poor motor performance of the mice in PD control group then, improvements were recorded after treatment with crude M-Oil or M-NE. In addition, we found high expression and protein of inflammatory markers and malondialdehyde levels in PD group which were downregulated by using doses of crude M-Oil or M-NE. Hence, formulating M-Oil in form of M-NE enhanced its physical characters. Discussion: This finding was supported by enhanced biological activity of M-NE as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that resulted in downregulation of the inflammatory burden and alleviation of locomotor dysfunction in experimental PD in mice.

Syringaresinol promotes the recovery of spinal cord injury by inhibiting neuron apoptosis via activating the ubiquitination factor E4B/AKT Serine/Threonine kinase signal pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease with no effective treatment. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of syringaresinol on SCI. First, the potential targets and associated signaling pathways of syringaresinol were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking. Second, MTT was employed to evaluate cell proliferation rate, Western blot was performed to detect protein expression, RT-qPCR was conducted to detect mRNA expression levels, flow cytometry and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining were used to determine cell apoptosis, and immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to estimate the expression of RNA binding fox-1 homolog 3 and clipped caspase 3. Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan scores and inclined plate tests were conducted to analyze hindlimb locomotor function. Results showed that syringaresinol could inhibit the apoptosis of glutamate-treated SHSY5Y cells by upregulating the expression of ubiquitination factor E4B (UBE4B) and activating the AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling pathway. This effect can be rescued by UBE4B knockdown or AKT pathway inhibition. Syringaresinol remarkably improved locomotor function and increased neuronal survival in SCI rats. Our results suggested that syringaresinol could promote locomotor functional recovery by reducing neuronal apoptosis by activating the UBE4B/AKT signaling pathway.

Motor Rehabilitation Provides Modest Functional Benefits After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Translational Rehabilitation Studies.

Few certainties exist regarding the optimal type, timing, or dosage of rehabilitation after stroke. Despite differing injury mechanisms and recovery patterns following ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, most translational stroke research is conducted after ischemia. As we enter the era of personalized medicine, exploring subtype-specific treatment efficacy is essential to optimizing recovery. Our objective was to characterize common rehabilitation interventions used after in vivo preclinical intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and assess the impact of post-ICH rehabilitation (vs. no-rehabilitation) on recovery of motor function. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed Central) identified eligible articles published up to December 2022. Risk of bias (SYRCLE) and study quality (CAMARADES) were evaluated, and random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess treatment efficacy in recovery of forelimb and locomotor functions. Thirty articles met inclusion criteria, and 48 rehabilitation intervention groups were identified. Most used collagenase to model striatal ICH in young, male rodents. Aerobic exercise, enriched rehabilitation, and constraint-induced movement therapy represented ~ 70% of interventions. Study quality was low (median 4/10, range 2-8), and risk of bias was unclear. Rehabilitation provided modest benefits in skilled reaching, spontaneous impaired forelimb use, and locomotor function; however, effects varied substantially by endpoint, treatment type, and study quality. Rehabilitation statistically improves motor function after preclinical ICH, but whether these effects are functionally meaningful is unclear. Incomplete reporting and variable research quality hinder our capacity to analyze and interpret how treatment factors influence rehabilitation efficacy and recovery after ICH.

Enhanced motor learning and motor savings after acute intermittent hypoxia are associated with a reduction in metabolic cost.

Breathing mild bouts of low oxygen air (i.e. acute intermittent hypoxia, AIH) has been shown to improve locomotor function in humans after a spinal cord injury. How AIH-induced gains in motor performance are achieved remains unclear. We examined the hypothesis that AIH augments motor learning and motor retention during a locomotor adaptation task. We further hypothesized that gains in motor learning and retention will be associated with reductions in net metabolic power, consistent with the acquisition of energetically favourable mechanics. Thirty healthy individuals were randomly allocated into either a control group or an AIH group. We utilized a split-belt treadmill to characterize adaptations to an unexpected belt speed perturbation of equal magnitude during an initial exposure and a second exposure. Adaptation was characterized by changes in spatiotemporal step asymmetry, anterior-posterior force asymmetry, and net metabolic power. While both groups adapted by reducing spatial asymmetry, only the AIH group achieved significant reductions in double support time asymmetry and propulsive force asymmetry during both the initial and the second exposures to the belt speed perturbation. Net metabolic power was also significantly lower in the AIH group, with significant reductions from the initial perturbation exposure to the second. These results provide the first evidence that AIH mediates improvements in both motor learning and retention. Further, our results suggest that reductions in net metabolic power continue to be optimized upon subsequent learning and are driven by more energetically favourable temporal coordination strategies. Our observation that AIH facilitates motor learning and retention can be leveraged to design rehabilitation interventions that promote functional recovery. KEY POINTS: Brief exposures to low oxygen air, known as acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), improves locomotor function in humans after a spinal cord injury, but it remains unclear how gains in motor performance are achieved. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that AIH induces enhancements in motor learning and retention by quantifying changes in interlimb coordination, anterior-posterior force symmetry and metabolic cost during a locomotor adaptation task. We show the first evidence that AIH improves both motor learning and savings of newly learned temporal interlimb coordination strategies and force asymmetry compared to untreated individuals. We further demonstrate that AIH elicits greater reductions in metabolic cost during motor learning that continues to be optimized upon subsequent learning. Our findings suggest that AIH-induced gains in locomotor performance are facilitated by enhancements in motor learning and retention of more energetically favourable coordination strategies.

Coordination function index: A novel indicator for assessing hindlimb locomotor recovery in spinal cord injury rats based on catwalk gait parameters

In preclinical studies of spinal cord injury (SCI), behavioral assessments are crucial for evaluating treatment effectiveness. Commonly used methods include Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Louisville swim scale (LSS), relying on subjective observations. The CatWalk automated gait analysis system is also widely used in SCI studies, providing extensive gait parameters from footprints. However, these parameters are often used independently or combined simply without utilizing the vast amount of data provided by CatWalk. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel approach encompassing multiple CatWalk parameters for a comprehensive and objective assessment of locomotor function. In this work, we screened 208 CatWalk XT gait parameters and identified 38 suitable for assessing hindlimb motor function recovery in a rat thoracic contusion SCI model. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reveal structural relationships among these parameters. Weighted scores for Coordination effectively differentiated hindlimb motor function levels, termed as the Coordinated Function Index (CFI). CFI showed high reliability, exhibiting high correlations with BBB scores, LSS, and T2WI lesion area. Finally, we simplified CFI based on factor loadings and correlation analysis, obtaining a streamlined version with reliable assessment efficacy. In conclusion, we developed a systematic assessment indicator utilizing multiple CatWalk parameters to objectively evaluate hindlimb motor function recovery in rats after thoracic contusion SCI.

Activation of SIRT1 by hyperbaric oxygenation promotes recovery of motor dysfunction in spinal cord injury rats

Background Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) therapy can improve locomotor dysfunction following spinal cord injury (SCI). Emerging evidence has demonstrated that sirtuin1 (SIRT1) exerts protective effects on neurons. However, whether HBO alleviates locomotor dysfunction by regulating SIRT1 is unclear. Methods The traumatic SCI animal model was performed on the adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The Basso, Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale was used to evaluate the open-field locomotor function. Western blot, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, SIRT1 activity assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms. Results We found that series HBO therapy significantly improved locomotor dysfunction and ameliorated the decreased mRNA, protein, and activity of spinal cord SIRT1 induced by traumatic SCI injury in rats. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 abolished the beneficial effects of series HBO treatment on locomotor deficits. Importantly, series HBO treatment following the traumatic SCI injury inhibited the inflammatory cascade and apoptosis-related protein, which was retained by EX-527 and enhanced by SRT1720. Furthermore, EX-527 blocked the enhanced induction of autophagy series with the HBO application. Conclusion These findings demonstrated a new mechanism for series HBO therapy involving activation of SIRT1 and subsequent modulation of the inflammatory cascade, apoptosis, and autophagy, which contributed to the recovery of motor dysfunction.

Artificially reprogrammed stem cells deliver transcytosable nanocomplexes for improved spinal cord repair

Stem cell transplantation holds great promise for restoring function after spinal cord injury (SCI), but its therapeutic efficacy heavily depends on the innate capabilities of the cells and the microenvironment at the lesion site. Herein, a potent cell therapeutic (NCs@SCs) is engineered by artificially reprogramming bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with oxidation-responsive transcytosable gene-delivery nanocomplexes (NCs), which endows cells with robust oxidative stress resistance and improved cytokine secretion. NCs@SCs can accumulate in the injured spinal cord after intravenous administration via chemotaxis and boost successive transcytosis to deliver NCs to neurons, augmenting ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) production in both BMSCs and neurons in response to elevated ROS levels. Furthermore, NCs@SCs can actively sense and eliminate ROS and re-educate recruited M1-like macrophages into the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype via a paracrine pathway, ultimately reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment. Synergistically, NCs@SCs exhibit durable survival and provide neuroprotection against secondary damage, enabling significant locomotor function recovery in SCI rats. Transcriptome analysis reveals that regulation of the ROS/MAPK signaling pathway is involved in SCI therapy by NCs@SCs. This study presents a nanomaterial-mediated cell-reprogramming approach for developing live cell therapeutics, showing significant potential in the treatment of SCI and other neuro-injury disorders.

The Preventive Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma Against Knee Osteoarthritis Progression in Rats.

In recent years, the intra-articular administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a novel therapeutic strategy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), has gained attention. However, the efficacy of PRP in inhibiting degenerative joint changes remains unclear. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the intra-articular administration of PRP in rats with induced KOA. PRP was prepared from the whole blood of nine-week-old male Wistar rats via centrifugation at 25°C, 200 × g, for seven minutes. KOA was induced in the right knees of the rats via destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. The animals were divided into the control, sham, DMM, and DMM + PRP groups (n = 5 each). The rats in the DMM + PRP group received 50 μL of intra-articular PRP in the right knee joint four weeks after surgery. The rotarod test was conducted to assess locomotive function. Eight weeks after DMM surgery, the degree of medial meniscus extrusion was measured via computed tomography (CT) images on the right knee. Then, a histological analysis of the harvested knees was conducted. KOA progression was assessed using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score. The number of multinucleated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts in the subchondral bone was counted via histological analysis. The degree of medial meniscus extrusion did not significantly differ between the DMM and DMM + PRP groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the walking time based on the rotarod test between the DMM and DMM + PRP groups. However, the DMM group had a significantly higher OARSI score than the DMM + PRP group. The number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts in the subchondral bone of the DMM group increased over time, peaking four weeks after surgery. The DMM + PRP group had a higher number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts in the subchondral bone than the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts between the DMM group and the control and sham groups. The intra-articular administration of PRP may inhibitKOA progression in a rat model, especially in the articular cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation. The results can provide further evidence about the efficacy of PRP against KOA progression and can contribute to the current practice of healthcare professionals based on accurate knowledge.

Looking back over the shoulder: New insights on the unique scapular anatomy of the tapir (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae).

The musculoskeletal anatomy of the shoulder of many ungulates has been inferred from veterinary model taxa, with uniformity in muscle arrangements and attachment sites often assumed. In this study, I investigated the muscular and osteological anatomy of tapirs and their relatives (Perissodactyla: Tapiroidea), using a combination of gross dissection and digital imaging (photography and laser surface scanning). Dissections of three modern tapir species revealed that the m. infraspinatus originates from both supraspinous and infraspinous fossae for all species, lying on both sides of the distal scapular spine. The epimysial border between the m. supraspinatus and m. infraspinatus origin sites are marked in all species by an ossified ridge, sometimes extending the length of the scapular spine. This "supraspinous ridge" is clearly visible on the scapular surface of both modern and extinct Tapirus scapulae; however, the ridge does not appear present in any non-Tapirus tapiroids examined (e.g., Helaletes, Nexuotapirus), nor in other perissodactyls or artiodactyls. Moreover, the ridge exhibits a clearly distinct morphology in Tapirus indicus compared to all other Tapirus species examined. Combined, these findings indicate that the presence and position of the "supraspinous ridge" may represent a robust phylogenetic character for reconstructing relationships within tapiroids. Unfortunately, any functional locomotor outcomes or benefits of the m. infraspinatus straddling the scapular spine remains elusive. This study represents a firm reminder for anatomists, veterinarians, and paleontologists to (where possible) look beyond veterinary model systems when inferring musculoskeletal form or function in non-model organisms.

Resveratrol improves the prognosis of rats after spinal cord injury by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that results in irreparable nerve damage and severe loss of motor or sensory function. Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihy- droxystilbene) is a naturally occurring plant-based polyphenol that has demonstrated powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic pharmaceutical properties in previous studies. In the central nervous system, it promotes neuronal recovery and protects residual function. However, the role of resveratrol in SCI recovery remains elusive. In this study, the potential mechanisms by which resveratrol affect SCI in rats were assessed by constructing a contusion model of SCI. Resveratrol was intraperitoneally administered to rats. Behavioral scores and electrophysiological examinations were performed to assess functional recovery. After magnetic resonance imaging and staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Luxor Fast Blue (LFB), tissue recovery was analyzed. Immunofluorescence with NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was employed to evaluate neuronal survival and glial changes. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to examine apoptotic rates. Moreover, network pharmacology was performed to identify relevant pathways of resveratrol for the treatment of SCI. Lastly, ELISA was performed to detect the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6. Our findings revealed that resveratrol dramatically improved the hindlimb locomotor function and their electrophysiological outcomes. Notably, lesion size was significantly reduced on magnetic resonance imaging. HE and LFB staining exposed increased sparseness of tissue and myelin. GFAP and NeuN immunofluorescence assays at the lesion site determined that resveratrol boosted neuronal survival and attenuated glial cell overgrowth. In addition, resveratrol reduced the density and number of TUNEL-positive cells in rats after injury. Additionally, gene ontology analysis revealed that the enriched differentially expressed protein was associated with the JNK/p38MAPK (c-jun N-terminal kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway. Following resveratrol treatment, the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were decreased. In summary, the administration of resveratrol protects motor function and neuronal survival in rats after SCI. Furthermore, resveratrol exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Restoring neuronal iron homeostasis revitalizes neurogenesis after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to iron overloading and subsequent neuronal ferroptosis, which hinders the recovery of locomotor function. However, it is still unclear whether the maintenance of neuronal iron homeostasis enables to revitalize intrinsic neurogenesis. Herein, we report the regulation of cellular iron homeostasis after SCI via the chelation of excess iron ions and modulation of the iron transportation pathway using polyphenol-based hydrogels for the revitalization of intrinsic neurogenesis. The reversed iron overloading can promote neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation into neurons and elicit the regenerative potential of newborn neurons, which is accompanied by improved axon reinnervation and remyelination. Notably, polyphenol-based hydrogels significantly increase the neurological motor scores from ~8 to 18 (out of 21) and restore the transmission of sensory and motor electrophysiological signals after SCI. Maintenance of iron homeostasis at the site of SCI using polyphenol-based hydrogels provides a promising paradigm to revitalize neurogenesis for the treatment of iron accumulation-related nervous system diseases.

Do robots outperform humans in human-centered domains?

The incessant progress of robotic technology and rationalization of human manpower induces high expectations in society, but also resentment and even fear. In this paper, we present a quantitative normalized comparison of performance, to shine a light onto the pressing question, "How close is the current state of humanoid robotics to outperforming humans in their typical functions (e.g., locomotion, manipulation), and their underlying structures (e.g., actuators/muscles) in human-centered domains?" This is the most comprehensive comparison of the literature so far. Most state-of-the-art robotic structures required for visual, tactile, or vestibular perception outperform human structures at the cost of slightly higher mass and volume. Electromagnetic and fluidic actuation outperform human muscles w.r.t. speed, endurance, force density, and power density, excluding components for energy storage and conversion. Artificial joints and links can compete with the human skeleton. In contrast, the comparison of locomotion functions shows that robots are trailing behind in energy efficiency, operational time, and transportation costs. Robots are capable of obstacle negotiation, object manipulation, swimming, playing soccer, or vehicle operation. Despite the impressive advances of humanoid robots in the last two decades, current robots are not yet reaching the dexterity and versatility to cope with more complex manipulation and locomotion tasks (e.g., in confined spaces). We conclude that state-of-the-art humanoid robotics is far from matching the dexterity and versatility of human beings. Despite the outperforming technical structures, robot functions are inferior to human ones, even with tethered robots that could place heavy auxiliary components off-board. The persistent advances in robotics let us anticipate the diminishing of the gap.

Gallic acid exerts protective effects in spinal cord injured rats through modulating microglial polarization

BackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly traumatic injury that causes mechanical damage to the spinal cord. Our study aimed to investigate whether gallic acid has protective effects against SCI injury. MethodsAdult male rats were subjected to contusive spinal cord injuries. For behavioural evaluation, the rats were given gallic acid by i.p. injection at the doses of 10, 50 or 100 mg/kg immediately after SCI once daily for consecutive 28 days. Behavioral tests were used to evaluate locomotor functions, mechanical sensitivity and nerve conduction functions. For biochemical experiments, the rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group, SCI group and SCI+gallic acid group. The rats in the SCI+gallic acid group were given gallic acid at the dose of 100 mg/kg immediately after SCI once daily for consecutive 14 days. The levels of inflammatory factors were evaluated. ResultsGallic acid treatment could improve locomotive and sensory function and reduce the functional impairments in SCI rats. The effects were more effective with increasing gallic acid dose. The levels of M1 markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) were decreased in gallic acid-treated SCI rats, whereas the levels of M2 markers (arginase 1 and cluster of differentiation 206) were increased in response to gallic acid administration. Gallic acid treatment resulted in a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. ConclusionGallic acid enhances the recovery in SCI rats by regulating microglial polarization. The underlying mechanism may involve the promotion of M2 polarization and the suppression of M1 polarization in microglia.

The combination of locomotive syndrome and poor sleep quality is a risk factor of falls among community-dwelling middle-aged and older women: A cross-sectional study.

The combination of locomotive syndrome (LS) and poor sleep quality (PQ) has not yet been shown to result in falls or to affect bone conditions in old age and middle age. [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been updated for clarity.] METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 2233 community-dwelling middle-aged to older Japanese women. LS and PSQ were assessed by the stand-up test, two-step test, the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants with both LS 1-3 (any) and a PSQI score ≥6 were classified as belonging to the LS(+)/PSQ(+) group. The incidence of falls in the previous month was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Bone conditions were evaluated using an ultrasonic bone densitometer. The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group independently had a higher risk of falls after adjusting for confounding factors than the LS(-)/PSQ(-) group using multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.65, P < 0.05). No relationships between LS(-)/PSQ(+) and LS(+)/PSQ(-) groups and the incidences of fall were observed (P > 0.05). [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The two preceding sentences have been corrected to provide greater clarity.] The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group had lower trabecular bone density and cortical bone thickness than the LS(-)/PSQ(-) group (P < 0.05). The combination of LS and PSQ is an independent risk factor of falls, indicating that assessing both LS and PSQ could be useful in detecting middle-aged and older women with low bone density and thickness who fall easily at an early stage. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 912-918.

Cas clinique : reconstruction d’une perte de substance de la face dorsale de l’hallux par lambeau cross-toe

Reconstruction of hallux soft-tissue defects is essential for the locomotor function. Some regional flaps are available and have to be preferred in case of small defect. Here, we present the case of a patient treated by a cross-toe flap in order to cover an exposed hallux proximal interphalangeal joint, after an open fracture. The functional outcome of this reliable and easy flap was very satisfying, with quick wound healing and resumption walk.

Comparison of structure and neuroprotective ability of low molecular weight galactomannans from Sesbania cannabina obtained by different extraction technologies.

Low-molecular-weight-galactomannan (LMW-GM) is an edible polysaccharide with various biological activities. However, it is used in the field of neuroprotection. In this study, two types of LMW-GMs from Sesbania cannabina were obtained by gluconic acid extraction (GA-LMW-GM) and enzymatic hydrolysis (GMOS). The structure of GA-LMW-GM and GMOS were identified using different nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of GA-LMW-GM and GMOS were evaluated in vitro/vivo. The results showed that both GA-LMW-GM and GMOS possess good free radicals scavenging ability in vitro with IC50 values of 1.9mg/mL and 4.9mg/mL for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals 2.8mg/mL and 4.4mg/mL for O2•- radicals, respectively. However, GA-LMW-GM was more effective at scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo and protecting the fundamental growth (with a recovery capability of 62.5%) and locomotor functions (with recovery capability of 193.7%) of zebrafish with neurological damage induced by Bisphenol AF.

Effects of core exercises on knee pain, disability, proprioception, and quadriceps strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Aim. This pretest-posttest controlled study investigated the effects of core exercises on knee pain, disability, proprioception, and quadriceps strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Materials and Methods. Eighty patients aged from 40-65 years with mild to moderate KOA were recruited from Cairo University hospitals. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups; group A received core exercises plus conventional exercises and group B received conventional exercises only. Sessions were done 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated, pre-and post-treatment, for knee pain (using visual analogue scale), disability (using aggregate locomotor function), proprioception (using inclinometer), and quadriceps strength (using dynamometer). Results. There were no significant differences between groups post-treatment (p-value &gt; 0.05). There was a significant improvement in quadriceps strength in group (A&amp;B) and pain and disability in group (A) post-treatment (p-value &lt; 0.05). Conclusions. Adding core exercises to conventional exercises showed a trend towards significance in reducing pain and disability than conventional exercises alone in KOA. On the other hand, conventional exercises with or without core exercises improved quadriceps strength rather than proprioception. Hence, further studies on a larger sample are promising.

High rapamycin-loaded hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanozyme targets lesion area of spinal cord injury to recover locomotor function

Scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammatory reaction to relieve the secondary damage are important issues in the spinal cord injury (SCI) therapeutic strategy. Nanozymes attract more attention in the drug development of SCI due to the high stability, long-lasting catalytic capacity, and multienzyme-like properties. Herein, we constructed a Rapamycin (Rapa)-loaded and hollow mesoporous Prussian blue (HMPB)-based nanozyme (RHPAzyme) to realize the combined antioxidation and anti-inflammation combination therapy of SCI. Furthermore, activated cell penetrating peptide (ACPP) is modified onto nanozyme to endow the effectively ability of lesion area-targeting. This RHPAzyme exhibits ROS scavenging capacity with the transformation of Fe2+/Fe3+ valance and cyanide group of HMPB to achieve multienzyme-like activity. As expected, RHPAzyme scavenges the ROS overproduction and reduces inflammation in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced damage via inhibiting MAPK/AKT signaling pathway. Furtherly, RHPAzyme exhibits the combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, which can effectively alleviate neuronal damage and promote motor function recovery in SCI mice. Overall, this study demonstrates the RHPAzyme induces an effective treatment of SCI by inhibiting oxygen-mediated cell apoptosis and suppressing inflammation-induced injury, thus reduces the nervous impairment and promotes motor function recovery.

Improvement of neurogenic urinary dysfunctions in female rats treated with an injection of botulinum toxin A at the epicenter of the spinal cord injured site.

To assess the effect of an injection of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) at the epicenter of the spinal cord injury (SCI) site on the recovery of lower urinary tract function in female rats with thoracic SCI. Twenty-four female Wistar rats with Sham (laminectomy at T8/T9 level) or SCI (at T8/T9; 30 g compression for 5 s) were assigned into Sham-SS (injected with 5 µL of saline solution), Sham-BoNT/A (injected with 15 pg/rat, equivalent to 7.5 Units/kg of BoNT/A in 5 µL volume), SCI-SS (injured and injected with saline), SCI-BoNT/A (injured and injected with BoNT/A), N = 6 per group. Weekly evaluation of stereotyped micturition behavior, hind-limb nociception, and locomotor activity was performed 1 week before and during 6 weeks after surgery. Subsequently, all groups underwent simultaneous electromyography of the external urethral sphincter (EUS-EMG) and cystometric (CMG) studies. A compression SCI at the T8/T9 thoracic level significantly impairs sensory and locomotive functions, as well as stereotyped micturition behavior. However, these impairments were improved by BoNT/A injection after SCI. Neither injections of saline solution nor BoNT/A had an appreciable effect on the same parameters evaluated in the Sham groups. The combined EUS-EMG and CMG evaluations revealed important improvements of lower urinary tract physiology, particularly a reduction in the frequency of non-voiding contractions and the properties of EUS bursting activity indicated as the amplitude of the EUS-EMG signal and duration of burst electrical activity during effective voiding. The severe impairments on sensory and locomotive functions as well stereotyped micturition caused by an SCI could be potentially attenuated by an injection of a small amount of BoNT/A directly into the epicenter of the SCI region. A reduction in the release of neurotoxic neurotransmitters requiring the SNARE complex may be the mechanism triggered by BoNT/A to reduce neurotoxicity and hyperexcitability created in the SCI area to improve the survival of spinal cord cells involved in micturition.

Statistical model of trajectories of reduced mobility in older people with locomotive disorders: a prospective cohort study with group-based trajectory model

BackgroundToday we experience “Super-aged society”, and a drastic increase in the number of older people needing assistance is an urgent matter for everyone from medical and socio-economical standpoints.Locomotive organ dysfunction due to musculoskeletal disorders is one of the main problems in these patients. Although the concepts of frailty and sarcopenia have been proposed for functional decline, pain remains the main and non-negligible complaint in these of such disorders.This prospective cohort study aimed to observe the changes of reduced mobility in patients with locomotive disorders and to determine the risk factors for functional deterioration of those patients using statistical modeling.MethodsA cohort of older adults with locomotive disorders who were followed up every 6 months for up to 18 months was organized. Pain, physical findings related to the lower extremities, locomotive function in performing daily tasks, and Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (GLFS-25) score were collected to predict the progress of deterioration. Group-based trajectory analysis was used to identify subgroups of changes of GLFS-25 scores, and multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate potential predictors of the GLFS-25 trajectories.ResultsOverall, 314 participants aged between 65 and 93 years were included. The participants were treated with various combinations of orthopedic conservative treatments on an outpatient basis.The in-group trajectory model analysis revealed a clear differentiation between the four groups. The mild and severe groups generally maintained their GLFD-25 scores, while the moderate group included a fluctuating group and a no change group. This study showed that comorbidity of osteoporosis was related to GLFS-25 score over 18 months. Age was a weak factor to be moderate or severe group, but gender was not. In addition, the number of pain locations, number of weak muscles, one-leg standing time, grip strength and BMI significantly contributed to the change in GLFS-25 score.ConclusionsThis study proposes an effective statistical model to monitor locomotive functions and related findings. Pain and comorbid osteoporosis are significant factors that related to functional deterioration of activities. In addition, the study shows a patient group recovers from the progression and their possible contributing factors.