Respiratory syncytial virus infects peripheral and spinal nerves and induces chemokine-mediated neuropathy

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) primarily infects the respiratory epithelium, but growing evidence suggests it may also be responsible for neurological sequelae. In 3D microphysiological peripheral nerve cultures, RSV infected neurons, macrophages, and dendritic cells along two distinct trajectories depending on the initial viral load. Low-level infection was transient, primarily involved macrophages, and induced moderate chemokine release with transient neural hypersensitivity. Infection with higher viral loads was persistent, infected neuronal cells in addition to monocytes, and induced robust chemokine release followed by progressive neurotoxicity. In spinal cord cultures, RSV infected microglia and dendritic cells but not neurons, producing a moderate chemokine expression pattern. The persistence of infection was variable but could be identified in dendritic cells as long as 30 days post-inoculation. This study suggests that RSV can disrupt neuronal function directly through infection of peripheral neurons and indirectly through infection of resident monocytes, and inflammatory chemokines likely mediate both mechanisms.

Softening of a flat phonon mode in the kagome ScV6Sn6

Geometrically frustrated kagome lattices are raising as novel platforms to engineer correlated topological electron flat bands that are prominent to electronic instabilities. Here, we demonstrate a phonon softening at the kz = π plane in ScV6Sn6. The low energy longitudinal phonon collapses at ~98 K and q = [Formula: see text] due to the electron-phonon interaction, without the emergence of long-range charge order which sets in at a different propagation vector qCDW = [Formula: see text]. Theoretical calculations corroborate the experimental finding to indicate that the leading instability is located at [Formula: see text] of a rather flat mode. We relate the phonon renormalization to the orbital-resolved susceptibility of the trigonal Sn atoms and explain the approximately flat phonon dispersion. Our data report the first example of the collapse of a kagome bosonic mode and promote the 166 compounds of kagomes as primary candidates to explore correlated flat phonon-topological flat electron physics.

Fully Integrated 3D Microelectrode Arrays with Polydopamine-Mediated Silicon Dioxide Insulation for Electrophysiological Interrogation of a Novel 3D Human, Neural Microphysiological Construct

Advances within in vitro biological system complexity have enabled new possibilities for the "Organs-on-a-Chip" field. Microphysiological systems (MPS) as such incorporate sophisticated biological constructs with custom biological sensors. For microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, the dielectric layer is critical for device performance, where silicon dioxide (SiO2) represents an excellent candidate due to its biocompatibility and wide utility in MEMS devices. Yet, high temperatures traditionally preclude SiO2 from incorporation in polymer-based BioMEMS. Electron-beam deposition of SiO2 may provide a low-temperature, dielectric serving as a nanoporous MPS growth substrate. Herein, we enable improved adherence of nanoporous SiO2 to polycarbonate (PC) and 316L stainless steel (SS) via polydopamine (PDA)-mediated chemistry. The resulting stability of the combinatorial PDA-SiO2 film was interrogated, along with the nature of the intrafilm interactions. A custom polymer-metal three-dimensional (3D) microelectrode array (3D MEA) is then reported utilizing PDA-SiO2 insulation, for definition of novel dorsal root ganglion (DRG)/nociceptor and dorsal horn (DH) 3D neural constructs in excess of 6 months for the first time. Spontaneous/evoked compound action potentials (CAPs) are successfully reported. Finally, inhibitory drugs treatments showcase pharmacological responsiveness of the reported multipart biological activity. These results represent the initiation of a novel 3D MEA-integrated, 3D neural MPS for the long-term electrophysiological study.

Order-disorder charge density wave instability in the kagome metal (Cs,Rb)V3Sb5

The origin of the charge density wave phases in the kagome metal compound AV₃Sb₅ is still under great scrutiny. Here, we combine diffuse and inelastic x-ray scattering to identify a 3-dimensional precursor of the charge order at the L point that condenses into a CDW through a first order phase transition. The quasi-elastic critical scattering indicates that the dominant contribution to the diffuse precursor is the elastic central peak without phonon softening. However, the inelastic spectra show a small broadening of the Einstein-type phonon mode on approaching T_CDW. Our results point to the situation where the Fermi surface instability at the L point is of order-disorder type with critical growth of quasi-static domains. The experimental data indicate that the CDW consists on an alternating Star of David and trihexagonal distortions and its dynamics goes beyond the classical weak-coupling scenario and is discussed within strong-electron phonon coupling and non-adiabatic models.

Soft-Phonon and Charge-Density-Wave Formation in Nematic BaNi_{2}As_{2}

We use diffuse and inelastic x-ray scattering to study the formation of an incommensurate charge-density-wave (I-CDW) in BaNi_{2}As_{2}, a candidate system for charge-driven electronic nematicity. Intense diffuse scattering is observed around the modulation vector of the I-CDW, Q_{I-CDW}. It is already visible at room temperature and collapses into superstructure reflections in the long-range ordered state where a small orthorhombic distortion occurs. A clear dip in the dispersion of a low-energy transverse optical phonon mode is observed around Q_{I-CDW}. The phonon continuously softens upon cooling, ultimately driving the transition to the I-CDW state. The transverse character of the soft-phonon branch elucidates the complex pattern of the I-CDW satellites observed in the current and earlier studies and settles the debated unidirectional nature of the I-CDW. The phonon instability and its reciprocal space position are well captured by our ab initio calculations. These, however, indicate that neither Fermi surface nesting, nor enhanced momentum-dependent electron-phonon coupling can account for the I-CDW formation, demonstrating its unconventional nature.

Strain wave pathway to semiconductor-to-metal transition revealed by time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction

One of the main challenges in ultrafast material science is to trigger phase transitions with short pulses of light. Here we show how strain waves, launched by electronic and structural precursor phenomena, determine a coherent macroscopic transformation pathway for the semiconducting-to-metal transition in bistable Ti₃O₅ nanocrystals. Employing femtosecond powder X-ray diffraction, we measure the lattice deformation in the phase transition as a function of time. We monitor the early intra-cell distortion around the light absorbing metal dimer and the long range deformations governed by acoustic waves propagating from the laser-exposed Ti₃O₅ surface. We developed a simplified elastic model demonstrating that picosecond switching in nanocrystals happens concomitantly with the propagating acoustic wavefront, several decades faster than thermal processes governed by heat diffusion.

Exposure to nanoceria impacts larval survival, life history traits and fecundity of Aedes aegypti

Effectively controlling vector mosquito populations while avoiding the development of resistance remains a prevalent and increasing obstacle to integrated vector management. Although, metallic nanoparticles have previously shown promise in controlling larval populations via mechanisms which are less likely to spur resistance, the impacts of such particles on life history traits and fecundity of mosquitoes are understudied. Herein, we investigate the chemically well-defined cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) and silver-doped nanoceria (AgCNPs) for larvicidal potential and effects on life history traits and fecundity of Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes. When 3rd instar larvae were exposed to nanoceria in absence of larval food, the mortality count disclosed significant activity of AgCNPs over CNPs (57.8±3.68% and 17.2±2.81% lethality, respectively) and a comparable activity to Ag+ controls (62.8±3.60% lethality). The surviving larvae showed altered life history traits (e.g., reduced egg hatch proportion and varied sex ratios), indicating activities of these nanoceria beyond just that of a larvicide. In a separate set of experiments, impacts on oocyte growth and egg generation resulting from nanoceria-laced blood meals were studied using confocal fluorescence microscopy revealing oocytes growth-arrest at 16-24h after feeding with AgCNP-blood meals in some mosquitoes, thereby significantly reducing average egg clutch. AgCNPs caused ~60% mortality in 3rd instar larvae when larval food was absent, while CNPs yielded only ~20% mortality which contrasts with a previous report on green-synthesized nanoceria and highlights the level of detail required to accurately report and interpret such studies. Additionally, AgCNPs are estimated to contain much less silver (0.22 parts per billion, ppb) than the amount of Ag+ needed to achieve comparable larvicidal activity (2.7 parts per million, ppm), potentially making these nanoceria ecofriendly. Finally, this work is the first study to demonstrate the until-now-unappreciated impacts of nanoceria on life history traits and interference with mosquito egg development.

A Low-Cost, Passive Release Device for the Surveillance and Control of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes continue to be a major threat to global health, and the ability to reliably monitor, catch, and kill mosquitoes via passive traps is of great importance. Global, low-cost, and easy-to-use outdoor devices are needed to augment existing efforts in mosquito control that combat the spread of disease, such as Zika. Thus, we have developed a modular, portable, non-powered (passive), self-contained, and field-deployable device suitable for releasing volatiles with a wide range of applications such as attracting, repelling, and killing mosquitoes. This unique device relies on a novel nested wick and two-reservoir design that achieves a constant release of volatiles over several hundred hours. Devices loaded with one of either two compounds, geraniol or 1-methylpiperazine (MP), were tested in a controlled environment (32 °C and 70% relative humidity), and both compounds achieved a constant release from our devices at a rate of 2.4 mg/h and 47 mg/h, respectively. The liquid payload can be volatile attractants or repellants as well as mosquitocide-containing feeding solutions for capture and surveillance. This low-cost device can be utilized for both civilian and military mosquito control purposes, but it will be particularly important for protecting those in economically repressed environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Central and South America.

Uniaxial pressure control of competing orders in a high-temperature superconductor

Cuprates exhibit antiferromagnetic, charge density wave (CDW), and high-temperature superconducting ground states that can be tuned by means of doping and external magnetic fields. However, disorder generated by these tuning methods complicates the interpretation of such experiments. Here, we report a high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering study of the high-temperature superconductor YBa₂Cu₃O_6.67 under uniaxial stress, and we show that a three-dimensional long-range-ordered CDW state can be induced through pressure along the a axis, in the absence of magnetic fields. A pronounced softening of an optical phonon mode is associated with the CDW transition. The amplitude of the CDW is suppressed below the superconducting transition temperature, indicating competition with superconductivity. The results provide insights into the normal-state properties of cuprates and illustrate the potential of uniaxial-pressure control of competing orders in quantum materials.

Polar and non-polar structures of NH4TiOF3

Ammonium oxofluorotitanate, NH4TiOF3, is probably the best known precursor for the synthesis of anatase mesocrystals. Transformation of NH4TiOF3 into TiO2 through thermal decomposition, accompanied by hydrolysis, preserves some structural features of the precursor. Currently, any discussion of the mechanism of this transformation is difficult, as the exact crystal structure of the starting compound is not available and no intermediate structures are known. This article describes the outcome of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies, revealing the existence of two polymorphs of the parent NH4TiOF3 at different temperatures. A second-order phase transition from the polar Pca21 α phase (1), stable at room temperature, to the Pma2 β phase (2) above ∼433 K has been demonstrated. The direction of the pseudo-fourfold axis in NH4TiOF3 coincides with the orientation of the fourfold axis of anatase mesocrystals, consistent with a topotactical transformation.

A new diffractometer for diffuse scattering studies on the ID28 beamline at the ESRF

A new diffractometer is now available to the general user community at the ESRF. The new diffractometer is a side station of the high-resolution inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer on beamline ID28 and is located in the same experimental hutch. Both instruments can be operated simultaneously. The new diffractometer combines a fast and low-noise hybrid pixel detector with a variable diffraction geometry. The beam spot on the sample is 50 µm × 50 µm, where focusing is achieved by a combination of Be lenses and a KB mirror. Wavelengths from 0.5 to 0.8 Å can be used for the diffraction experiments. The setup is compatible with a variety of sample environments, allowing studies under non-ambient conditions. The diffractometer is optimized to allow a rapid survey of reciprocal space and diffuse scattering for the identification of regions of interest for subsequent inelastic scattering studies, but can also be employed as a fully independent station for structural studies from both powder and single-crystal diffraction experiments. Several software packages for the transformation and visualization of diffraction data are available. An analysis of data collected with the new diffractometer shows that the ID28 side station is a state-of-the-art instrument for structural investigations using diffraction and diffuse scattering experiments.

Aptamer–gold nanoparticle conjugates for the colorimetric detection of arboviruses and vector mosquito species

The real-time, colorimetric detection of analytes via aptamer–gold nanoparticle technology has proven to be an important, emerging technique within the medical field. Of global health importance, the ability to detect vector mosquito species, such as the Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquito, and transmitted arboviruses, such as Zika virus, is paramount to mosquito control and surveillance efforts. Herein, we describe the detection of Ae. aegypti salivary protein for vector identification and the detection of Zika virus to assess mosquito infection status by aptamer–gold nanoparticle conjugates. Key to optimization of these diagnostics were gold nanoparticle capping agents and aptamer degree of labelling (i.e., the amount of aptamers per gold nanoparticle). In the present study, detection was achieved for as little as 10 ng Ae. aegypti salivary protein and 1.0 × 10⁵ PFU live Zika virus. These aptamer–gold nanoparticle conjugate diagnostics could one day prove to be useful as deployable nano-based biosensors that provide easy-to-read optical read outs through a straightforward red-to-blue colour change either within a diagnostic solution or atop a card/membrane-based biosensor.

Colorimetric detection of arboviruses and vector mosquito species. (A) Aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates, (B) mosquito salivary protein, (C) Zika envelope protein, (D) visible color change, (E) imbibed diagnostic and (F) diagnostic cards.

Erratum: Lattice Dynamics of EuO: Evidence for Giant Spin-Phonon Coupling [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 185501 (2016)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.185501.

Colorimetric detection of epinephrine using an optimized paper-based aptasensor

Morphological modification of gold nanoparticles to obtain a highly efficient paper based sensor for colorimetric detection of epinephrine (LOD – Limit of Detection).

Lattice Dynamics of EuO: Evidence for Giant Spin-Phonon Coupling

Comprehensive studies of lattice dynamics in the ferromagnetic semiconductor EuO have been performed by a combination of inelastic x-ray scattering, nuclear inelastic scattering, and ab initio calculations. A remarkably large broadening of the transverse acoustic phonons was discovered at temperatures above and below the Curie temperature T_{C}=69  K. This result indicates a surprisingly strong momentum-dependent spin-phonon coupling induced by the spin dynamics in EuO.

A device for the application of uniaxial strain to single crystal samples for use in synchrotron radiation experiments

We present the design, construction, and testing of a straining device compatible with many different synchrotron radiation techniques, in a wide range of experimental environments (including low temperature, high field and ultra-high vacuum). The device has been tested by X-ray diffraction on single crystal samples of quasi-one-dimensional Cs2Mo6Se6 and K2Mo6Se6, in which microscopic strains up to a Δc/c = 0.12% ± 0.01% change in the c lattice parameters have been achieved. We have also used the device in an inelastic X-ray scattering experiment, to probe the strain-dependent speed of sound ν along the c axis. A reduction Δν/ν of up to -3.8% was obtained at a strain of Δc/c = 0.25% in K2Mo6Se6.

Localization of propagative phonons in a perfectly crystalline solid

Perfectly crystalline solids are excellent heat conductors. Prominent counterexamples are intermetallic clathrates, guest-host systems with a high potential for thermoelectric applications due to their ultralow thermal conductivities. Our combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the lattice dynamics of a particularly simple binary representative, Ba(8)Si(46), identifies the mechanism responsible for the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity intrinsic to the perfect crystal structure. Above a critical wave vector, the purely harmonic guest-host interaction leads to a drastic transfer of spectral weight to the guest atoms, corresponding to a localization of the propagative phonons.

Role of disorder in the thermodynamics and atomic dynamics of glasses

We measured the density of vibrational states (DOS) and the specific heat of various glassy and crystalline polymorphs of SiO2. The typical (ambient) glass shows a well-known excess of specific heat relative to the typical crystal (α-quartz). This, however, holds when comparing a lower-density glass to a higher-density crystal. For glassy and crystalline polymorphs with matched densities, the DOS of the glass appears as the smoothed counterpart of the DOS of the corresponding crystal; it reveals the same number of the excess states relative to the Debye model, the same number of all states in the low-energy region, and it provides the same specific heat. This shows that glasses have higher specific heat than crystals not due to disorder, but because the typical glass has lower density than the typical crystal.

Suppression of thermal conductivity by rattling modes in thermoelectric sodium cobaltate

The need for both high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity creates a design conflict for thermoelectric systems, leading to the consideration of materials with complicated crystal structures. Rattling of ions in cages results in low thermal conductivity, but understanding the mechanism through studies of the phonon dispersion using momentum-resolved spectroscopy is made difficult by the complexity of the unit cells. We have performed inelastic X-ray and neutron scattering experiments that are in remarkable agreement with our first-principles density-functional calculations of the phonon dispersion for thermoelectric Na(0.8)CoO2, which has a large-period superstructure. We have directly observed an Einstein-like rattling mode at low energy, involving large anharmonic displacements of the sodium ions inside multi-vacancy clusters. These rattling modes suppress the thermal conductivity by a factor of six compared with vacancy-free NaCoO2. Our results will guide the design of the next generation of materials for applications in solid-state refrigerators and power recovery.

Intrinsic crystal phase separation in the antiferromagnetic superconductor Rb(y)Fe(2-x)Se2: a diffraction study

The crystal and magnetic structures of the superconducting iron-based chalcogenides Rb(y)Fe(2-x)Se(2) have been studied by means of single-crystal synchrotron x-ray and high-resolution neutron powder diffraction in the temperature range 2-570 K. The ground state of the crystal is an intrinsically phase-separated state with two distinct-by-symmetry phases. The main phase has the iron vacancy ordered √5 × √5 superstructure (I4/m space group) with AFM ordered Fe spins. The minority phase does not have √5 × √5-type of ordering and has a smaller in-plane lattice constant a and larger tetragonal c-axis and can be well described by assuming the parent average vacancy disordered structure (I4/mmm space group) with the refined stoichiometry Rb(0.60(5))(Fe(1.10(5))Se)(2). The minority phase amounts to 8-10% mass fraction. The unit cell volume of the minority phase is 3.2% smaller than the one of the main phase at T = 2 K and has quite different temperature dependence. The minority phase merges with the main vacancy ordered phase on heating above the phase separation temperature T(P) = 475 K. The spatial dimensions of the phase domains strongly increase above T(P) from 1000 to >2500 Å due to the integration of the regions of the main phase that were separated by the second phase at low temperatures. Additional annealing of the crystals at a temperature T = 488 K, close to T(P), for a long time drastically reduces the amount of the minority phase.

Structural heterogeneity and diffuse scattering in morphotropic lead zirconate-titanate single crystals

Complementary diffuse and inelastic synchrotron x-ray scattering measurements of lead zirconate-titanate single crystals with composition near the morphotropic phase boundary (x=0.475) are reported. In the temperature range 293 K<T<400 K a highly anisotropic quasielastic diffuse scattering is observed. Above 400 K this scattering disappears. Its main features can be reproduced by the model of inhomogeneous lattice deformations caused by inclusions of a tetragonal phase into a rhombohedral or monoclinic phase. This observation supports the idea that PZT at its morphotropic phase boundary is essentially structurally inhomogeneous.

Lattice dynamics and superconductivity in cerium at high pressure

We have measured phonon dispersion relations of the high-pressure phase cerium-oC4 (α' phase with the α-uranium crystal structure) at 6.5 GPa by using inelastic x-ray scattering. Pronounced phonon anomalies are observed, which are remarkably similar to those of α-U. First-principles electronic structure calculations reproduce the anomalies and allow us to identify strong electron-phonon coupling as their origin. At the low-pressure end of its stability range, Ce-oC4 is on the verge of a lattice-dynamical instability and possibly a charge density wave. The superconducting transition temperatures of the fcc, oC4, and mC4 phases of Ce have been calculated, and the superconductivity observed experimentally by Wittig and Probst is attributed to the oC4 phase.

Equivalence of the boson peak in glasses to the transverse acoustic van Hove singularity in crystals

We compare the atomic dynamics of the glass to that of the relevant crystal. In the spectra of inelastic scattering, the boson peak of the glass appears higher than the transverse acoustic (TA) singularity of the crystal. However, the density of states shows that they have the same number of states. Increasing pressure causes the transformation of the boson peak of the glass towards the TA singularity of the crystal. Once corrected for the difference in the elastic medium, the boson peak matches the TA singularity in energy and height. This suggests the identical nature of the two features.

InN thin film lattice dynamics by grazing incidence inelastic x-ray scattering

Achieving comprehensive information on thin film lattice dynamics so far has eluded well established spectroscopic techniques. We demonstrate here the novel application of grazing incidence inelastic x-ray scattering combined with ab initio calculations to determine the complete elastic stiffness tensor, the acoustic and low-energy optic phonon dispersion relations of thin wurtzite indium nitride films. Indium nitride is an especially relevant example, due to the technological interest for optoelectronic and solar cell applications in combination with other group III nitrides.

Epitaxial Stabilization in Thin Films of Oxides

This paper is a survey of recent author's results obtained by the authors. It shows that many oxides can be obtained as thin epitaxial films in spite of their thermodynamic instability in bulk state at the film deposition conditions. This new synthetic approach, named epitaxial stabilization, is based on free energy gain due to structural coherence at the film/substrate interface. The epitaxial stabilization can be effectively used to enlarge the spectrum of new functional materials.

3D imaging of the Fermi surface by thermal diffuse scattering

We use thermal diffuse scattering of x rays to visualize the lens-shaped portions of the Fermi surface in metallic zinc. Our interpretation of the nature of the observed scattered intensity anomalies is supported by the incorporation of inelastic x-ray scattering measurements as well as ab initio calculations of the electronic structure and lattice dynamics. Our work demonstrates that thermal diffuse scattering complements well-established techniques and is a powerful tool in its own right for studying the shape of the Fermi surface through the associated electron-phonon coupling.

Origin of the incommensurate modulation in Te-III and fermi-surface nesting in a simple metal

Inelastic x-ray scattering experiments have been performed on incommensurately modulated Te-III at high pressure and reveal a pronounced phonon anomaly. The anomaly is reproduced in first-principles lattice dynamics calculations of unmodulated, body-centered monoclinic (bcm) Te, which is shown to be dynamically unstable. The calculated Fermi surface of bcm Te exhibits surprisingly effective nesting for a simple, electronically three-dimensional metal. The combined experimental and theoretical results corroborate recent proposals that the modulated crystal structure of Te-III and other chalcogens is the manifestation of a pressure-induced charge-density wave state.

Vibrational properties of hexagonal boron nitride: inelastic X-ray scattering and ab initio calculations

The phonon dispersion relations of bulk hexagonal boron nitride have been determined from inelastic x-ray scattering measurements and analyzed by ab initio calculations. Experimental data and calculations show an outstanding agreement and reconcile the controversies raised by recent experimental data obtained by electron-energy loss spectroscopy and second-order Raman scattering.

Resistance training and gait function in patients with Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether patients with Parkinson's disease who are enrolled in a resistance training program can gain strength similar to that of normal control subjects and whether these gains in strength would improve their gait function.

DESIGN

Subjects included 14 patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease of either gender and six normal control subjects of similar age. The training consisted of an 8-wk course of resistance training twice per week, focused primarily on the lower limbs. The primary outcome measures consisted of exercise performance monitoring and quantitative gait analysis before and after the training course.

RESULTS

Both the patients with Parkinson's disease and normal control subjects significantly increased their performance with resistance training. Subjects with Parkinson's disease had gains in strength similar to those of normal elderly adults. Patients with Parkinson's disease also had significant gains in stride length, walking velocity, and postural angles compared with pretreatment values.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease can obtain increases in performance or strength similar to that of normal adults of the same age in a resistance training program. Resistance training can produce functional improvements in gait and may, therefore, be useful as part of a physical rehabilitation and/or health maintenance program for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Standard osteopathic manipulative treatment acutely improves gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease exhibit a variety of motor deficits which can ultimately result in complete disability. The primary objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on the gait of patients with Parkinson's disease. Ten patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and a group of eight age-matched normal control subjects were subjected to an analysis of gait before and after a single session of an OMT protocol. A separate group of 10 patients with Parkinson's disease was given a sham-control procedure and tested in the same manner. In the treated group of patients with Parkinson's disease, statistically significant increases were observed in stride length, cadence, and the maximum velocities of upper and lower extremities after treatment. There were no significant differences observed in the control groups. The data demonstrate that a single session of an OMT protocol has an immediate impact on Parkinsonian gait. Osteopathic manipulation may be an effective physical treatment method in the management of movement deficits in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Establishment of behavioral parameters for the evaluation of osteopathic treatment principles in a rat model of arthritis

Unilateral arthritis was produced in rats by use of methylated bovine serum albumin in a model of antigen-induced arthritis. The progression of arthritis was measured by computerized motion analysis, bilateral joint circumference, voluntary extension force of the hindlegs, and length of ankle extension. Animals with induced arthritis were assigned to treated and untreated groups on the basis of approximately equal deficits by the parameters measured. A third group of rats, which did not have arthritis induced and received no treatment, served to establish mean normal parameters. Modified techniques of muscle energy, passive movement of the ankle and knee, and passive myofascial stretch were applied to the animals, and the animals were exercised in a mechanized exercise wheel. Parameters associated with gait were examined by computerized motion analysis of walking. Animals treated with manipulation and exercise improved significantly relative to untreated animals with antigen-induced arthritis in vertical ankle lift, ankle-based and foot-based stride lengths, knee circumference, and normalized extension of the ankle. The results demonstrate that the parameters identified can be used to detect functional deficits and significant improvement from those deficits can be derived from a nonpharmacologic treatment paradigm that includes osteopathic manipulation and exercise in an animal model of arthritis. These parameters may be useful in the identification of the relative benefits of independent treatment variables including frequency of osteopathic manipulation and exercise and the relative benefits of each in this model. Also, they may elucidate how these treatments produce their beneficial effects clinically.