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Copyright of Geopolitica(s): Revista de Estudios Sobre Espacio y Poder is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cuadernos de Geografia: Revista Colombiana de Geografía is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Dilemas: Revista de Estudos de Conflito e Controle Social is the property of Dilemas: Revista de Estudos de Conflito e Controle Social and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work a web-based tool is presented for the simulation of a Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) system used for exploring and testing different machine learning experimental scenarios with the goal of predicting the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of aircraft systems. With this tool, the user can select a set of options like the datasets to use, its size, the machine learning method to apply for the RUL prediction and the metrics used for comparing the results. The proposed datasets correspond to public data extracted from a model which aims to simulate a Turbofan Engine of an aircraft. Also, three different State of the Art machine learning techniques are made available to be applied and tested: a Similarity-based, a Neural Network-based and an Extrapolation-based approach. The results obtained by the different approaches can be graphically compared in the web interface. As the methods are executed remotely, the user incurs no computational costs, which constitutes an advantage of using this tool. This web tool aims to be a user-friendly interface used for simulating online experiments regarding the RUL prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geo UERJ is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cerebral microcirculation is gradually compromised during sepsis, with significant reductions in the function of capillaries and blood perfusion in small vessels. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) has been used to assess cerebral circulation in a typical clinical setting. This study was to systematically review TCD studies, assess their methodological quality, and identify trends that can be associated with the temporal evolution of sepsis and its clinical outcome. A meta-analysis of systematic reviews was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Articles were searched from 1982 until the conclusion of this review in December 2015. Twelve prospective and observational studies were selected. Evaluations of cerebral blood flow, cerebral autoregulation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) vasoreactivity were summarized. A temporal pattern of the evolution of the illness was found. In early sepsis, the median blood flow velocity (Vm) and pulsatility index (PI) increased, and the cerebral autoregulation (CA) remained unchanged. In contrast, Vm normalization, PI reduction and CA impairment were found in later sepsis (patients with severe sepsis or septic shock). Cerebral haemodynamic is impaired in sepsis. Modifications in cerebral blood flow may be consequence to the endothelial dysfunction of the microvasculature induced by the release of inflammatory mediators. A better understanding of cerebral hemodynamics may improve the clinical management of patients with sepsis and, consequently, improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to assess cerebral autoregulation (CA) and neurovascular coupling (NVC) in stroke patients of differing severity comparing responses to healthy controls and explore the association between CA and NVC with functional outcome. Patients admitted with middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke and healthy controls were recruited. Stroke severity was defined by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores: ≤4 mild, 5–15 moderate and ≥16 severe. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound and Finometer recorded MCA cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) and blood pressure, respectively, over 5 min baseline and 1 min passive movement of the elbow to calculate the autoregulation index (ARI) and CBFv amplitude responses to movement. All participants were followed up for three months. A total of 87 participants enrolled in the study, including 15 mild, 27 moderate and 13 severe stroke patients, and 32 control subjects. ARI was lower in the affected hemisphere (AH) of moderate and severe stroke groups. Decreased NVC was seen bilaterally in all stroke groups. CA and NVC correlated with stroke severity and functional outcome. CBFv regulation is significantly impaired in acute stroke, and further compromised with increasing stroke severity. Preserved CA and NVC in the acute period were associated with improved three-month functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geo UERJ is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Treatment for chronic low back pain (LBP) includes different forms of exercises, that to date have resulted in only small to moderate treatment effects. To enhance the treatment effects, different classification systems have been developed to classify people with LBP into more homogeneous subgroups leading to specific treatments for each subgroup. Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a treatment based on the Movement System Impairment (MSI) model with a treatment consisting of symptom- guided stretching and strengthening exercises in people with chronic LBP. Design. The study was a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Setting. The study setting was a university physical therapy clinic in Brazil. Patients. A total of 148 participants with chronic LBP participated in the study. Interventions. Participants were randomly allocated to an 8-week treatment of either treatment based on the MSI-based classification system or symptom-guided stretching and strengthening exercises. Measurements. Measures of pain intensity, disability, and global impression of recovery were obtained by a blinded assessor at baseline and at follow-up appointments at 2, 4, and 6 months after randomization. Results. There were no significant between-group differences for the primary outcomes of pain intensity at 2 months (mean difference = 0.05, 95% CI = -0.90 to 0.80) and disability at 2 months (mean difference = 0.00, 95% CI = -1.55 to 1.56). There also were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups for any of the secondary outcome measures. Limitations. Participants and physical therapists were not masked. Conclusions. People with chronic LBP had similar improvements in pain, disability, and global impression of recovery with treatment consisting of symptom-guided stretching and strengthening exercises and treatment based on the MSI model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geo UERJ is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

* STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-control design. * BACKGROUND: Pelvic movement has been considered a possible discriminating parameter associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) symptom onset. Decreased pelvic rotation has been found during squatting in people with FAI when compared to people with healthy hips. However, it is possible that changes in pelvic movement may occur in other hip conditions because of pain and may not be specific to FAI. * OBJECTIVES: To compare sagittal pelvic rotation during hip flexion and in sitting between people with FAI and people with other symptomatic hip conditions. * METHODS: Thirty people with symptomatic FAI, 30 people with other symptomatic hip conditions, and 20 people with healthy hips participated in the study. Sagittal pelvic rotation was calculated based on measures of pelvic alignment in standing, hip flexion to 45° and 90°, and sitting. * RESULTS: There were significant differences in sagittal pelvic rotation among the 3 groups in all conditions (P<.05). Post hoc analyses revealed that participants in the symptomatic FAI group had less pelvic rotation during hip flexion to 45° and 90° compared to participants in the other symptomatic hip conditions group and the hip-healthy group (mean difference, 1.2°-1.9°). In sitting, participants in the other symptomatic hip conditions group had less posterior pelvic rotation compared to those in the hip-healthy group (mean difference, 3.9°). * CONCLUSION: People with symptomatic FAI have less posterior pelvic rotation during hip flexion when compared to people with other symptomatic hip conditions and those with healthy hips. * LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnosis, level 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Low back pain (LBP) is an important health problem in all developed countries and is associated with high levels of disability. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines usually recommend different physical therapy interventions to manage this condition. However, those interventions usually result in small to moderate clinical effects. Recent studies suggest that interventions based on subgroup classifications may improve the effect sizes compared with rehabilitation programs where the same interventions were applied to all patients. Objective. This study will investigate the efficacy of treatment based on a Movement System Impairment (MSI)- based classification model for patients with chronic LBP compared with general exercise. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity and disability at 2 months after randomization. Design. The study is a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Setting. The study setting will be a university physical therapy clinic in Brazil. Participants. A total of 148 individuals with chronic LBP will participate in the study. Intervention. Included individuals will be randomly allocated to participate in an 8-week treatment program based on the MSI-based classification or a general exercise program of stretching and strengthening exercises. Measurements. Pain intensity, disability, and global impression of recovery will be assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at follow-up appointments after treatment (2 months) and 4 and 6 months after randomization. Limitations. Therapists will not be blinded. Conclusions. The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of treatments based on classification of participants with chronic LBP into subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement study. OBJECTIVES: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Physical Therapy Care (MRPS) into Brazilian Portuguese and to test its measurement properties. BACKGROUND: To date, there is no standardized instrument for measuring patient satisfaction with physical therapy care in Brazil. METHODS: The MRPS was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese. Patients completed the MRPS and a global change measure after 5 or more treatment visits. A subset of patients also completed the instrument a second time, 24 to 48 hours after the first assessment. We evaluated factorial validity, internal consistency, reproducibility, construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects. RESULTS: Three hundred three patients with different musculoskeletal conditions receiving physical therapy care in Brazil participated in this study. A 3-factor solution labeled as interpersonal, convenience and efficiency, and patient education provided the best factor loadings. Cronbach alpha coefficients ranged from .63 to .77, intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.64 to 0.79, and standard errors of measurement ranged from 0.86 to 1.75 points. Thirteen items of the MRPS were moderately correlated with the global measure of change. A large ceiling effect was detected. CONCLUSION: Although we did not fully achieve the measurement properties suggested by the guidelines, we believe that the MRPS can be used among Brazilian Portuguese-speaking patients. Some differences with regard to factor structure of the Brazilian Portuguese MPRS compared with the English version were observed. The reason for this is likely a combination of cultural aspects, differences in clinical settings, and patient expectation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A position of scapula depression will maintain the upper trapezius muscle region in a lengthened position, causing excessive strain. This strain could lead to peripheral nociceptive nerves sensitization in the affected area, changing the pressure pain threshold (PPT). Thus, people with a faulty alignment of scapular depression may have lower PPT levels in the upper trapezius region when compared to subjects with normal vertical scapular position. The purpose of this double-blind study was to assess the influence of scapular position on the PPT of the upper trapezius region in a young healthy population. Fifty two physical therapy students of the Catholic University of Minas Gerais – PUC-Minas, Brazil, with normal shoulder (NS group, n =26, 6 men and 20 women) or depressed shoulder (DS group, n =26, 6 men and 20 women) volunteered to participate in this study. An electronic pressure algometer was used to measure the PPT on the upper trapezius muscle region. The results showed a significant difference between groups, with the DS group (19.0±9.0N/cm2) demonstrated lower mean PPT values when compared to NS group (26.1±9.6N/cm2) (p <0.01). Our results showed that healthy young subjects with depressed scapula position had significant lower upper trapezius PPT values when compared to subjects with normal scapula position. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Psychological interventions targeting maladaptive pain behaviors and depressive symptoms are commonly used in the management of chronic pain. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of psychotherapy, based on client-centered therapy, and exercise for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Setting. Outpatient physiotherapy and psychotherapy departments within a Brazilian academic institution. Design. Thirty-three patients with chronic nonspecific LBP were recruited and randomized to receive client-centered therapy (N = 16) or exercise (N = 17) for 9 weeks. Outcome Measures and Data Analysis. Pain and disability were measured at baseline, 9 weeks, and 6 months by a 10-cm visual analog scale and by the Brazilian Roland-Morris Questionnaire, respectively. Depression was measured at baseline and 9 weeks by the Beck Depression Inventory. Multiple regression analyses with baseline scores as covariates were used to determine the effects of treatment on outcomes. Results. For all outcomes at each time point, the exercise group showed greater improvements than psychotherapy. The difference between groups was statistically and clinically significant for disability at 9 weeks (−4.9 points, 95% CI −9.08 to −0.72). Conclusions. This was the first study to investigate the effects of client-centered therapy and exercise for patients with chronic LBP. Our results showed that client-centered therapy is less effective than exercise in reducing disability at short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is often used in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery to improve coronary perfusion and decrease afterload. The effects of the IABP on cerebral hemodynamics are unknown. We therefore assessed the effect of the IABP on cerebral hemodynamics and on neurological complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who were randomized to receive or not receive preoperative IABP in the 'Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery' (IABCS) trial. Methods: This is a prospectively planned analysis of the previously published IABCS trial. Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery with ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% or EuroSCORE ≥ 6 received preoperative IABP (n = 90) or no IABP (n = 91). Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) of the middle cerebral artery through transcranial Doppler and blood pressure through Finometer or intra-arterial line were recorded preoperatively (T1) and 24 h (T2) and 7 days after surgery (T3) in patients with preoperative IABP (n = 34) and without IABP (n = 33). Cerebral autoregulation was assessed by the autoregulation index that was estimated from the CBFV response to a step change in blood pressure derived by transfer function analysis. Delirium, stroke and cognitive decline 6 months after surgery were recorded. Results: There were no differences between the IABP and control patients in the autoregulation index (T1: 5.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.7 ± 1.7; T2: 4.0 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 1.6; T3: 5.7 ± 2.0 vs. 5.7 ± 1.6, p = 0.97) or CBFV (T1: 57.3 ± 19.4 vs. 59.3 ± 11.8; T2: 74.0 ± 21.6 vs. 74.7 ± 17.5; T3: 71.1 ± 21.3 vs. 68.1 ± 15.1 cm/s; p = 0.952) at all time points. Groups were not different regarding postoperative rates of delirium (26.5% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.83), stroke (3.0% vs. 2.9%, p = 1.00) or cognitive decline through analysis of the Mini-Mental State Examination (16.7% vs. 40.7%; p = 0.07) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (79.16% vs. 81.5%; p = 1.00). Conclusions: The preoperative use of the IABP in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery did not affect cerebral hemodynamics and was not associated with a higher incidence of neurological complications. Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02143544). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]