Strategic design for Research and Innovation through a participatory approach: lessons learnt in a Veterinary Public Health Institution.

The article describes the results and the experience gained in using a participatory approach to design a strategic development plan (SDP) in a veterinary public health institute. The bottom-up approach utilised was co-designed between the units of "Research and Innovation" and "Training". It included a survey administered to the institute staff (570 people) to collect inputs on three relevant areas: i) innovative research topics; ii) innovation needed to improve services; iii) new tools to carry out activities.

The effect of a combined rehabilitation program on the temporomandibular joint in systemic sclerosis evaluated by ultrasound exam.

Purpose: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is frequent in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Dysfunction and X-ray changes of TMJ were described only in few observational studies. Treatment as well has been seldom considered.

The muscle shortening maneuver in individuals with stroke: a consideration-of-concept randomized pilot trial.

Background And Purpose: The Muscle Shortening Maneuver (MSM) is derived from Feldman's λ model of motor control, and seems to induce a more balanced agonist- antagonist-muscular action. The hypothesized mechanism of action is a modulation of the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold (TSRT). We designed a pilot, randomized trial aimed to explore the mechanisms of action of the technique.

The Muscle Shortening Maneuver: a noninvasive approach to the treatment of peroneal nerve injury. A case report.

Background: The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries is a debated topic. The Muscle Shortening Maneuver (MSM), a physiotherapy approach, is noninvasive and free of side effects; it consists of a muscle shortening and a solicitation in traction applied simultaneously.

Objective: The focus of this report is to describe the effects of the MSM combined with walking retraining in a patient with incomplete injury of the peroneal nerve.

An increase in force after stretch of diaphragm fibers and myofibrils is accompanied by an increase in sarcomere length nonuniformities and Ca sensitivity.

When muscle fibers from limb muscles are stretched while activated, the force increases to a steady-state level that is higher than that produced during isometric contractions at a corresponding sarcomere length, a phenomenon known as residual force enhancement (RFE). The mechanisms responsible for the RFE are an increased stiffness of titin molecules that may lead to an increased Ca sensitivity of the contractile apparatus, and the development of sarcomere length nonuniformities. RFE is not observed in cardiac myofibrils, which makes this phenomenon specific to certain preparations.