Efficacy of functional microarray of microneedles combined with topical tranexamic acid for melasma

PubMed Central

Xu, Yang; Ma, Renyan; Juliandri, Juliandri; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xu, Bai; Wang, Daguang; Lu, Yan; Zhou, Bingrong; Luo, Dan

2017-01-01

Abstract To evaluate the efficacy of a functional microarray of microneedles (MNs) plus topical tranexamic acid (TA) for melasma in middle-aged women in China. Thirty female subjects with melasma were enrolled in this study. The left or right side of the face was chosen randomly to be pretreated with a functional microarray of MNs, followed by topical 0.5% TA solution once per week for 12 weeks. The other half-face was the control, treated with a sham device plus topical 0.5% TA solution. At baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 of treatment, clinical (photographic) evaluations and parameters determined by Visia were recorded. At baseline and week 12, patient satisfaction scores and the biophysical parameters measured by Mexameter were also recorded. Side effects were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 12 weeks. In total, 28 women (93.3%) completed the study. The brown spots’ scores measured by Visia were significantly lower on the combined therapy side than on the control side at 12 weeks after starting treatment; there was no significant difference between sides at 4 or 8 weeks. After 12 weeks, melanin index (MI) decreased significantly in both 2 groups, and the MI was significantly less on the combined side at week 12. Transepidermal water loss, roughness, skin hydration, skin elasticity, and erythema index showed no significant differences between 2 sides at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Physicians’ evaluations of photographs showed better results at week 12 with combined therapy: >25% improvement was observed in the MNs plus TA side in 25 patients, and in the TA side in only 10 patients. Subjective satisfaction scores on both sides increased significantly. The participants were more satisfied with the results of the combined therapy side than the control side. No obvious adverse reactions were observed throughout the study. Combined therapy with a functional microarray of MNs and topical TA solution is a promising treatment for melasma. PMID:28489798

Sensitivity comparison of sequential monadic and side-by-side presentation protocols in affective consumer testing.

PubMed

Colyar, Jessica M; Eggett, Dennis L; Steele, Frost M; Dunn, Michael L; Ogden, Lynn V

2009-09-01

The relative sensitivity of side-by-side and sequential monadic consumer liking protocols was compared. In the side-by-side evaluation, all samples were presented at once and evaluated together 1 characteristic at a time. In the sequential monadic evaluation, 1 sample was presented and evaluated on all characteristics, then returned before panelists received and evaluated another sample. Evaluations were conducted on orange juice, frankfurters, canned chili, potato chips, and applesauce. Five commercial brands, having a broad quality range, were selected as samples for each product category to assure a wide array of consumer liking scores. Without their knowledge, panelists rated the same 5 retail brands by 1 protocol and then 3 wk later by the other protocol. For 3 of the products, both protocols yielded the same order of overall liking. Slight differences in order of overall liking for the other 2 products were not significant. Of the 50 pairwise overall liking comparisons, 44 were in agreement. The different results obtained by the 2 protocols in order of liking and significance of paired comparisons were due to the experimental variation and differences in sensitivity. Hedonic liking scores were subjected to statistical power analyses and used to calculate minimum number of panelists required to achieve varying degrees of sensitivity when using side-by-side and sequential monadic protocols. In most cases, the side-by-side protocol was more sensitive, thus providing the same information with fewer panelists. Side-by-side protocol was less sensitive in cases where sensory fatigue was a factor.

Women cannot discriminate between different paracervical block techniques applied to opposite sides of the cervix.

PubMed

Grossman, R A

1995-09-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether women can discriminate better from less effective paracervical block techniques applied to opposite sides of the cervix. If this discrimination could be made, it would be possible to compare different techniques and thus improve the quality of paracervical anesthesia. Two milliliters of local anesthetic was applied to one side and 6 ml to the other side of volunteers' cervices before cervical dilation. Statistical examination was by sequential analysis. The study was stopped after 47 subjects had entered, when sequential analysis found that there was no significant difference in women's perception of pain. Nine women reported more pain on the side with more anesthesia and eight reported more pain on the side with less anesthesia. Because the amount of anesthesia did not make a difference, the null hypothesis (that women cannot discriminate between different anesthetic techniques) was accepted. Women are not able to discriminate different doses of local anesthetic when applied to opposite sides of the cervix.

Cancer Treatment Side Effects: A Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Response Expectancies and Experience.

PubMed

Devlin, Elise J; Denson, Linley A; Whitford, Hayley S

2017-08-01

Although previous research has, overall, suggested a moderate relationship between response expectancies (REs) and cancer treatment-related side effects, empirical results have been mixed. We aimed to further explore these relationships, hypothesizing that REs would predict subsequent toxicities with the inclusion of more recent studies, across a broader range of side effects, while incorporating the impact of potential moderators including patients' experience with treatment and measurement methods. We further investigated the impact of REs across individual toxicities. A systematic search and analysis were conducted across four databases (PsychInfo, PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase) and reference lists, from 1985 to February 2016. This provided 27 eligible studies with 4474 participants, through which the main analysis, moderator analyses, and individual side-effect analyses were explored. REs were moderately related to side effects overall (r = 0.26), and effect sizes were significantly influenced by sample diagnostic homogeneity, whereas differences between type and timing of measurement showed trends. Of the 16 toxicities examined, 15 demonstrated significant relationships between REs and side-effect experience, with hair loss (r = 0.48) the strongest. No clear difference emerged between objective and subjective side effects; however, significant differences across individual toxicities were revealed. Findings support a relationship between REs and a wide range of subsequent side effects, yet differences between individual RE-toxicity associations emerged. These findings provide direction for the measurement of side effects and REs and support REs as potential targets for intervention during the informed consent process. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deficits in heel-rise height and achilles tendon elongation occur in patients recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture.

PubMed

Silbernagel, Karin Grävare; Steele, Robert; Manal, Kurt

2012-07-01

Whether an Achilles tendon rupture is treated surgically or not, complications such as muscle weakness, decrease in heel-rise height, and gait abnormalities persist after injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if side-to-side differences in maximal heel-rise height can be explained by differences in Achilles tendon length. Case series; level of evidence, 4. Eight patients (mean [SD] age of 46 [13] years) with acute Achilles tendon rupture and 10 healthy subjects (mean [SD] age of 28 [8] years) were included in the study. Heel-rise height, Achilles tendon length, and patient-reported outcome were measured 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Achilles tendon length was evaluated using motion analysis and ultrasound imaging. The Achilles tendon length test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97) was excellent. For the healthy subjects, there were no side-to-side differences in tendon length and heel-rise height. Patients with Achilles tendon ruptures had significant differences between the injured and uninjured side for both tendon length (mean [SD] difference, 2.6-3.1 [1.2-1.4] cm, P = .017-.028) and heel-rise height (mean [SD] difference, -4.1 to -6.1 [1.7-1.8] cm, P = .012-.028). There were significant negative correlations (r = -0.943, P = .002, and r = -0.738, P = .037) between the side-to-side difference in heel-rise height and Achilles tendon length at the 6- and 12-month evaluations, respectively. The side-to-side difference found in maximal heel-rise height can be explained by a difference in Achilles tendon length in patients recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture. Minimizing tendon elongation appears to be an important treatment goal when aiming for full return of function.

An Investigation of Bilateral Symmetry During Manual Wheelchair Propulsion.

PubMed

Soltau, Shelby L; Slowik, Jonathan S; Requejo, Philip S; Mulroy, Sara J; Neptune, Richard R

2015-01-01

Studies of manual wheelchair propulsion often assume bilateral symmetry to simplify data collection, processing, and analysis. However, the validity of this assumption is unclear. Most investigations of wheelchair propulsion symmetry have been limited by a relatively small sample size and a focus on a single propulsion condition (e.g., level propulsion at self-selected speed). The purpose of this study was to evaluate bilateral symmetry during manual wheelchair propulsion in a large group of subjects across different propulsion conditions. Three-dimensional kinematics and handrim kinetics along with spatiotemporal variables were collected and processed from 80 subjects with paraplegia while propelling their wheelchairs on a stationary ergometer during three different conditions: level propulsion at their self-selected speed (free), level propulsion at their fastest comfortable speed (fast), and propulsion on an 8% grade at their level, self-selected speed (graded). All kinematic variables had significant side-to-side differences, primarily in the graded condition. Push angle was the only spatiotemporal variable with a significant side-to-side difference, and only during the graded condition. No kinetic variables had significant side-to-side differences. The magnitudes of the kinematic differences were low, with only one difference exceeding 5°. With differences of such small magnitude, the bilateral symmetry assumption appears to be reasonable during manual wheelchair propulsion in subjects without significant upper-extremity pain or impairment. However, larger asymmetries may exist in individuals with secondary injuries and pain in their upper extremity and different etiologies of their neurological impairment.

An Investigation of Bilateral Symmetry During Manual Wheelchair Propulsion

PubMed Central

Soltau, Shelby L.; Slowik, Jonathan S.; Requejo, Philip S.; Mulroy, Sara J.; Neptune, Richard R.

2015-01-01

Studies of manual wheelchair propulsion often assume bilateral symmetry to simplify data collection, processing, and analysis. However, the validity of this assumption is unclear. Most investigations of wheelchair propulsion symmetry have been limited by a relatively small sample size and a focus on a single propulsion condition (e.g., level propulsion at self-selected speed). The purpose of this study was to evaluate bilateral symmetry during manual wheelchair propulsion in a large group of subjects across different propulsion conditions. Three-dimensional kinematics and handrim kinetics along with spatiotemporal variables were collected and processed from 80 subjects with paraplegia while propelling their wheelchairs on a stationary ergometer during three different conditions: level propulsion at their self-selected speed (free), level propulsion at their fastest comfortable speed (fast), and propulsion on an 8% grade at their level, self-selected speed (graded). All kinematic variables had significant side-to-side differences, primarily in the graded condition. Push angle was the only spatiotemporal variable with a significant side-to-side difference, and only during the graded condition. No kinetic variables had significant side-to-side differences. The magnitudes of the kinematic differences were low, with only one difference exceeding 5°. With differences of such small magnitude, the bilateral symmetry assumption appears to be reasonable during manual wheelchair propulsion in subjects without significant upper-extremity pain or impairment. However, larger asymmetries may exist in individuals with secondary injuries and pain in their upper extremity and different etiologies of their neurological impairment. PMID:26125019

Does the Degree of the Mastoid Pneumatization Affect the Side of Bell Palsy?

PubMed

Güneş, Selçuk; Çelik, Mustafa; Çolak, Ceylan; Olgun, Burak

2018-02-26

The aim is to investigate the impact of degree of mastoid pneumatization on the affected side of Bell palsy (BP). Retrospective study in tertiary academic hospital. In total, 52 patients who were diagnosed with as BP were included in the study. Each patient was staged using House-Brackmann (HB) staging system. All patients underwent temporal bone computed tomography imaging. House-Brackmann scores, side of the BP, and mastoid pneumatization of all of patients were evaluated in the present study. Regarding the degree of the mastoid pneumatization, there were no significant differences between the affected side and the unaffected side (P = 0.439). The degree of the mastoid pneumatization of the affected side and the unaffected side did not differ between males and females (P = 0.918 for the affected side, P = 0.765 for the unaffected side, respectively). A negative correlation between the age and mastoid pneumatization of each side was found (P = 0.001, P = 0.025, respectively). There was no significant correlation between HB score and the degree of the mastoid pneumatization of each side (P = 0.789, P = 0.703). As a conclusion, the degree of the mastoid pneumatization is not one of the risk factors for BP. Further randomized studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm these findings.

Comparison of side effects of pentagastrin test and calcium stimulation test in patients with increased basal calcitonin concentration: the gender-specific differences.

PubMed

Ubl, Philipp; Gincu, Tatiana; Keilani, Mohammad; Ponhold, Lothar; Crevenna, Richard; Niederle, Bruno; Hacker, Marcus; Li, Shuren

2014-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare the side effects of the pentagastrin test and the calcium stimulation test in patients with increased basal calcitonin concentration, especially the gender-specific differences of side effects. A total of 256 patients (123 females and 133 males, mean age of 56 ± 27 years, range 21-83 years) had both pentagastrin and calcium stimulation tests. All patients filled in a questionnaire regarding the side effects within 30 min after completion of the stimulation tests. The differences of side effects between female and male patients as well as between the pentagastrin stimulation test and the calcium stimulation test were evaluated. Warmth feeling was the most frequent occurring side effect in all patients who had both pentagastrin and calcium stimulation tests, followed by nausea, altered gustatory sensation, and dizziness. The incidences of urgency to micturate (p < 0.05) and dizziness (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in the female patients as compared to male patients by calcium stimulation test. Significant higher incidences of urgency to micturate (p < 0.05) and warmth feeling (p < 0.05) were found by calcium stimulation test as compared with those by pentagastrin test in female patients. The incidences of nausea (p < 0.05) and abdominal cramping (p < 0.05) in male patients were significantly higher by pentagastrin stimulation test than by calcium stimulation test. There is a significant gender-specific difference in side effects induced by calcium stimulation test. Female patients have fewer side effects by pentagastrin test than by calcium stimulation test. Male patients may tolerate the calcium stimulation test better than the pentagastrin test.

[The effect of osteogenic inducer on healing of tooth extraction sockets].

PubMed

Chen, Junliang; Shan, Chuncheng; He, Yun; Xia, Delin

2012-06-01

To study the effect of osteogenic inducer (dexamethasone, beta-sodium glycerophosphate and Vitamin C) carried by gelatin sponge on healing and remodeling of tooth extraction sockets. Fifty rabbits were selected. After extracting the first premolars of bilateral maxillary, the right side tooth extraction sockets were filled with gelatin sponge containing osteogenic inducer as experimental side, tooth extraction sockets on left side were filled with gelatin sponge as control. Every ten rabbits were executed at the end of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks after tooth extraction. Bone density was measured through digital X-ray images. The specimens were examined by histology. The absorption height of alveolar bone at 12 weeks was measured. X-ray measurement showed that the bone density of experimental side was higher than that of control side at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.01). The histology examination showed that new bone formation in tooth extraction sockets of experimental side was earlier than that in control side. The absorptional height of alveolar bone had significant difference between experimental side and control side (P<0.01), of which experimental side was less. Filling the osteogenic inducer in tooth extraction sockets can promote the healing and new bone formation and prevent from alveolar bone absorption.

Walking patterns of hip arthroplasty patients: some observations on the medio-lateral excursions of the trunk.

PubMed

Vogt, L; Brettmann, K; Pfeifer, K; Banzer, W

2003-04-08

This study examined the angular gait kinematics of the trunk and the pelvis in the frontal plane and their amount of side-to-side asymmetry in patients after total hip replacement arthroplasty. The angular gait kinematics of 12 male hip arthroplasty patients (53-70 years) were compared to ten age-matched and ten young (24-35 years) male control subjects. Average step times and medio-lateral oscillation amplitudes of the pelvic and thoracic recordings were calculated for each step. Between successive steps the asymmetry ratio was computed and the mean angle around which the side-to-side oscillations occurred was compared to the angle in a symmetrical standing trial. ANOVA indicated no significant side differences in relative step cycle durations. Patients and senior controls had significantly (p<0.01) less pelvis side-to-side displacements than the younger controls. No significant between-group differences could be detected for the average asymmetry ratio. However, during walking the patients showed a significantly (p<0.01) increased lateral thorax and pelvis deviation. Hip replacement patients' thoracic and pelvic position is characterized by a lateral shift throughout the gait cycle, while left and right symmetry of angular movements amplitudes remain at about the same value of unimpaired subjects.

Tumor laterality in early ovarian cancer: influence on left-right asymmetry of pelvic lymph nodes.

PubMed

Mujezinović, Faris; Takac, Iztok

2010-01-01

AIM AND BACKGROUND.:To determine whether left-right asymmetry was present in cases of early ovarian cancer and whether or not the difference between number of removed lymph nodes on both sides of the pelvis is associated with tumor laterality. We extracted from the medical data base cases of early ovarian cancer with lymphadenectomy who had been treated between 1994 and 2008. The sample was divided in three groups according to the left-right laterality of the tumor in the pelvis (bilateral, left sided, right sided). For each case, we subtracted the number of dissected lymph nodes on the left side from the number of dissected lymph nodes on the right side of the pelvis (N(Right side) - N(Left side)). We used one sample t test to determine whether the mean of differences for each group was different from zero. Results. We extracted 48 cases with early ovarian cancer who had undergone lymphadenectomy. The average number of dissected lymph nodes was 24 (SD, 12). In 3 cases, we confirmed the presence of lymph node metastasis (6.3%). In 2 of the upstaged cases, tumor and involved lymph nodes were on the right side of the pelvis. In the third case, the tumor was on the left side, whereas involved lymph nodes were on both sides of the pelvis. For bilateral tumors, tumors on the left, and those on the right side of the pelvis, the mean difference was -0.5 (95% CI, -9.9 to 8.9; t, -0.137; P = 0.90), 0.32 (95% CI, -3.8 to 4.5; t, 0.16; P = 0.87) and 3.5 (95% CI, 0.03 to 7.01; t, 2.09; P = 0.048), respectively. When the tumor was on the left or on both sides of the pelvis, there was no significant difference in the number of removed lymph nodes. In contrast, when the tumor was on the right side, the number of removed lymph nodes was significantly higher on the right hemipelvis than on the left hemipelvis.

Influence of Body Position on Shoulder and Trunk Muscle Activation During Resisted Isometric Shoulder External Rotation.

PubMed

Krause, David A; Dueffert, Lucas G; Postma, Jaclyn L; Vogler, Eric T; Walsh, Amy J; Hollman, John H

External rotation (ER) strengthening of the shoulder is an integral component of rehabilitative and preventative programs for overhead athletes. A variety of shoulder ER strengthening exercises are reported, including those intended to integrate the core musculature. The purpose of this study was to examine ER torque and electromyographic (EMG) activation of shoulder and trunk muscles while performing resisted isometric shoulder ER in 3 positions (standing, side lying, and side plank). Significantly greater force and shoulder muscle activation would be generated while side lying given the inherent stability of the position, and greater trunk muscle activation would be generated in the less stable plank position. Quasi-experimental repeated-measures study. Level 5. A convenience sample of 25 healthy overhead recreational athletes (9 men, 16 women) participated in this study. EMG electrodes were placed on the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, multifidi, internal obliques, and external obliques. EMG signals were normalized to a maximal isometric contraction. Participants performed resisted isometric ER in standing, side-lying, and side plank positions. Results were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni corrections (α = 0.05). There was no significant difference in ER torque between positions (α = 0.05). A significant difference in EMG activity of shoulder and trunk musculature between positions was found in 7 of the 8 muscles monitored. Significantly greater EMG activity in the infraspinatus, middle trapezius, and the nondominant external and internal obliques was found in the side plank position as compared with standing and side lying. While there was no difference in ER torque between the 3 exercise positions, EMG activity of the shoulder and trunk muscles was dependent on body position. If a clinician is seeking to integrate trunk muscle activation while performing shoulder ER strengthening, the side plank position is preferred as compared with standing or side lying.

Efficacy of functional microarray of microneedles combined with topical tranexamic acid for melasma: A randomized, self-controlled, split-face study.

PubMed

Xu, Yang; Ma, Renyan; Juliandri, Juliandri; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xu, Bai; Wang, Daguang; Lu, Yan; Zhou, Bingrong; Luo, Dan

2017-05-01

To evaluate the efficacy of a functional microarray of microneedles (MNs) plus topical tranexamic acid (TA) for melasma in middle-aged women in China.Thirty female subjects with melasma were enrolled in this study. The left or right side of the face was chosen randomly to be pretreated with a functional microarray of MNs, followed by topical 0.5% TA solution once per week for 12 weeks. The other half-face was the control, treated with a sham device plus topical 0.5% TA solution. At baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 of treatment, clinical (photographic) evaluations and parameters determined by Visia were recorded. At baseline and week 12, patient satisfaction scores and the biophysical parameters measured by Mexameter were also recorded. Side effects were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 12 weeks.In total, 28 women (93.3%) completed the study. The brown spots' scores measured by Visia were significantly lower on the combined therapy side than on the control side at 12 weeks after starting treatment; there was no significant difference between sides at 4 or 8 weeks. After 12 weeks, melanin index (MI) decreased significantly in both 2 groups, and the MI was significantly less on the combined side at week 12. Transepidermal water loss, roughness, skin hydration, skin elasticity, and erythema index showed no significant differences between 2 sides at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Physicians' evaluations of photographs showed better results at week 12 with combined therapy: >25% improvement was observed in the MNs plus TA side in 25 patients, and in the TA side in only 10 patients. Subjective satisfaction scores on both sides increased significantly. The participants were more satisfied with the results of the combined therapy side than the control side. No obvious adverse reactions were observed throughout the study.Combined therapy with a functional microarray of MNs and topical TA solution is a promising treatment for melasma.

Condyle fossa relationship associated with functional posterior crossbite, before and after rapid maxillary expansion.

PubMed

Leonardi, Rosalia; Caltabiano, Mario; Cavallini, Costanza; Sicurezza, Edoardo; Barbato, Ersilia; Spampinato, Concetto; Giordano, Daniela

2012-11-01

To investigate condylar symmetry and condyle fossa relationships in subjects with functional posterior crossbite comparing findings before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment through low-dose computed tomography (CT). Twenty-six patients (14 girls and 12 boys, mean age 9.6 ± 1.4 years) with functional posterior crossbite (FPXB) diagnosis underwent rapid palatal expansion with a Hyrax appliance. Patients' temporomandibular joints (TMJ) underwent multislice CT scans before rapid palatal expansion (T0) and after (T1). Joint spaces were compared with those of a control sample of 13 subjects (7 girls and 5 boys, mean age 11 ± 0.6 years). Anterior space (AS), superior space (SS), and posterior space (PS) joint space measurements at T0 between the FPXB side and contralateral side demonstrated no statistically significant differences. After RME treatment (T1), all three joint spaces increased on both the FPXB side and the non-crossbite side. However, differences were statistically significant only for the SS when comparing the two sides at T1. SS increased more than AS and PS in the non-crossbite condyle (0.28 mm) and FPXB condyle (0.37 mm), and PS increased only on the FPXB side (0.34 mm). There were no statistically significant differences in condyle position within the glenoid fossa between the FPXB and non-crossbite side before treatment. Increases in joint spaces were observed after treatment with RME on both sides. These changes were, however, of small amounts.

Relative stability of deep- versus shallow-side bone levels in angular proximal infrabony defects.

PubMed

Heins, P; Hartigan, M; Low, S; Chace, R

1989-01-01

The relative changes with time, in the position of the coronal margin of the mesial and distal bone of proximal, angular infrabony defects, were investigated. Tracings of the radiographs of 51 mandibular posterior sites, treated by flap curettage, with a mean post-surgical duration of 11.8 years, were measured using a digitizer pad. The group consisting of shallow-side sites (N = 51), exhibited no significant change in the bone height with time; however, there was a significant decrease in bone height in the deep-side group (N = 51). The mean area of proximal bone decreased significantly with time. The defects were divided into early (N = 25) and advanced (N = 26) angular groups, and then into deep- and shallow-side subgroups. In the early defect group, there was a significant decrease in the mean bone height of the deep-side subgroup. There were no differences in the changes of mean bone level of the remaining 3 subgroups with time. There was no correlation between changes in bone levels of adjacent mesial and distal sides of angular defects with time (r = 0.27). There was no difference between the deep- and shallow-side groups in the number of sites which gained, lost or evidenced no change in bone height. In the study population, the bone height of 73% of the deep-side, and 84% of the shallow-side sites was either unchanged or in a more coronal position.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessing psychological distress in patients with facial paralysis using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

PubMed

Pouwels, Sjaak; Beurskens, Carien H G; Kleiss, Ingrid J; Ingels, Koen J A O

2016-08-01

Anxiety and depression are seen among patients with facial paralysis (FP), but less is known about the exact prevalence. The aim of the current study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in the FP population and to investigate possible differences between patients with left- and right-sided FP. Fifty-nine patients with FP and 59 healthy individuals were included in this study between March and December of 2014. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among these groups. The mean age of the patients and controls was 56 ± 15 and 40 ± 16 years, respectively. Twenty-eight patients had left-sided FP, 30 patients had right-sided FP, and one patient had bilateral FP. In the patient group, approximately 30% had anxiety and 25% had a depressive disorder. Compared with the control group, significantly more patients presented with mild anxiety (p = 0.031), mild depression (p = 0.047), and moderate depression (p = 0.006). No significant differences were found in terms of the prevalence of anxiety between left- and right-sided FP. However, significantly more patients with left-sided FP had mild depression (p = 0.018) than those with right-sided FP. This study found a significant difference in anxiety and depression between patients with FP and healthy controls. No clinically significant difference was noted in the prevalence of anxiety or depression between patients with left- and right-sided FP. Copyright © 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical significance of quantitative analysis of facial nerve enhancement on MRI in Bell's palsy.

PubMed

Song, Mee Hyun; Kim, Jinna; Jeon, Ju Hyun; Cho, Chang Il; Yoo, Eun Hye; Lee, Won-Sang; Lee, Ho-Ki

2008-11-01

Quantitative analysis of the facial nerve on the lesion side as well as the normal side, which allowed for more accurate measurement of facial nerve enhancement in patients with facial palsy, showed statistically significant correlation with the initial severity of facial nerve inflammation, although little prognostic significance was shown. This study investigated the clinical significance of quantitative measurement of facial nerve enhancement in patients with Bell's palsy by analyzing the enhancement pattern and correlating MRI findings with initial severity of facial palsy and clinical outcome. Facial nerve enhancement was measured quantitatively by using the region of interest on pre- and postcontrast T1-weighted images in 44 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The signal intensity increase on the lesion side was first compared with that of the contralateral side and then correlated with the initial degree of facial palsy and prognosis. The lesion side showed significantly higher signal intensity increase compared with the normal side in all of the segments except for the mastoid segment. Signal intensity increase at the internal auditory canal and labyrinthine segments showed correlation with the initial degree of facial palsy but no significant difference was found between different prognostic groups.

Delayed Gastric Emptying in Side-to-Side Gastrojejunostomy in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Result of a Propensity Score Matching.

PubMed

Tsutaho, Akio; Nakamura, Toru; Asano, Toshimichi; Okamura, Keisuke; Tsuchikawa, Takahiro; Noji, Takehiro; Nakanishi, Yoshitsugu; Tanaka, Kimitaka; Murakami, Soichi; Kurashima, Yo; Ebihara, Yuma; Shichinohe, Toshiaki; Ito, Yoichi M; Hirano, Satoshi

2017-10-01

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common morbidities of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study was to clarify whether the incidence of DGE can be reduced by side-to-side gastric greater curvature-to-jejunal anastomosis in subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD). The clinical data of 253 patients who had undergone PD were examined. Of a total of 188 patients who had undergone SSPPD, a gastrojejunostomy (GJ) was performed with end-to-side anastomosis in 87 patients (SSPPD-ETS group), and a GJ was performed with a greater curvature side-to-jejunal side anastomosis in 101 patients (SSPPD-STS group). After propensity score matching, the matched cohort consisted of 74 patients in each group. The postoperative data were evaluated according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery grade of DGE. The total incidence of DGE was 9.4% in the SSPPD-ETS group and 4% in the SSPPD-STS group, with no significant difference (p = 0.1902). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in the incidence of DGE grade C (p = 0.0426). The incidence of total DGE was not reduced statistically in the STS group compared with the ETS group, but reduced DGE grade C. Side-to-side anastomosis might be associated with a reduced incidence of DGE grade C.

Comparison of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from diarrhea: a multicenter study.

PubMed

Wananukul, Siriwan; Limpongsanuruk, Wanida; Singalavanija, Srisupalak; Wisuthsarewong, Wanee

2006-10-01

Severity of irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) from diarrhea varies from patient to patient depending on the nature of feces and the number of bowel movements. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from acute diarrhea in children by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Forty-six children with diarrhea were prospectively, block randomized, investigator-blinded to receive dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment on one side and ointment base on the other side. TEWL was measured before and on days 1, 3, and 7 of treatment together with the assessment of severity score. The efficacy of treatment was defined by complete clearance of the lesion. TEWL in the treated and control side was not different before the application of the topical medication. In the present study, the efficacy of 5% dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment on D3 was 39% (18from 46 patients) compared to 32% in the ointment base side. On D7, the efficacy of the treated side was 58.7% and the ointment base side was 56%. The patients who still had skin lesions were those who had prolonged diarrhea. On the treated side, the mean of TEWL was lower than the control side on DI (p = 0.18) and had significant improvement on D3 (p = 0. 002). At the end of the present study, TEWL on the treated side was less than TEWL of the control side but it did not have statistical significance (p = 0.07). There was no rash or sign of abnormality on the treated side at the end of D7. In the treatment of lDD from acute diarrhea, 5% dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment significantly decreased TEWL in the treated side more than the ointment base on day 3 but the severity score was not significantly different on days 1, 3 and 7.

Effects of small-sided games on physical conditioning and performance in young soccer players.

PubMed

Katis, Athanasios; Kellis, Eleftherios

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine, first, the movement actions performed during two different small-sided games and, second, their effects on a series of field endurance and technical tests. Thirty-four young soccer players (age: 13 ± 0.9 yrs; body mass: 62.3 ± 15.1 kg; height: 1.65 ± 0.06 m) participated in the study. Small-sided games included three-a-side (3 versus 3 players) and six-a-side (6 versus 6 players) games consisting of 10 bouts of 4 min duration with 3 min active recovery between bouts. Soccer player performance was evaluated using five field tests: a) 30m sprint, b) throw-in for distance, c) Illinois Agility Test, d) dribbling the ball and e) horizontal jump before, in the middle and after the implementation of both game situations. Heart rate was monitored during the entire testing session. Each game was also filmed to measure soccer movements within the game. The ANOVA analysis indicated that the three-a- side games displayed significantly higher heart rate values compared with the six-a-side games (p < 0.05). The number of short passes, kicks, tackles, dribbles and scoring goals were significantly higher during the three-a-side compared with the six-a-side game condition (p < 0. 05) while players performed more long passes and headed the ball more often during the six-a-side (p < 0.05). After the three-a-side games, there was a significant decline in sprint and agility performance (p < 0.05), while after both game conditions significant alterations in the throw-in and the horizontal jump performance were observed (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that three-a-side games provide higher stimulus for physical conditioning and technical improvement than six-a-side games and their use for training young soccer players is recommended. Key pointsThree-a-side games display higher HR compared with six-a-side games.In the three-a-side games players performed more short passes, kicks, dribbles, tackles and scored more goals compared with the six-a-side games.Impairment in endurance and field test performance was observed mainly after three-a-side games.The use of the three-a-side games to develop physical fitness and technique in young soccer players is recommended.

Differences in Left and Right Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy

PubMed Central

Rieder, Jocelyn M.; Nisbet, Alan A.; Wuerstle, Melanie C.; Tran, Viet Q.; Kwon, Eric O.

2010-01-01

Background and Objectives: The classic belief is that right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy is technically more difficult to perform than left-sided. The purpose of this study was to determine whether objective outcomes are different for the right- versus left- sided operation. Methods: A retrospective review of 163 laparoscopic adrenalectomies was performed to compare outcomes. Variables extracted included age, demographics, body mass index (BMI), laterality, indication, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), gland size, complications, open conversion rates, and length of stay. Results: Of the adrenalectomies performed, 109 were on the left and 54 on the right. Age, BMI, and indication were similar for each group. The mean EBL on the left side was 113mL (range, 2 to 3000) and 84mL (range, 10 to 700) for the right (P=0.85). The mean operative time on the left side was 187 minutes (range, 62 to 475) and on the right was 156 minutes (range, 50 to 365) (P=0.02). There was no difference in complication or conversion rate. Conclusions: There was no difference in complication or conversion rates between each side, and we observed a trend toward lower blood loss for the right side. Although we report generally similar outcomes, the mean operative time for a right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy was significantly less (31 minutes) than the left side. PMID:21333190

DNA-Templated Polymerization of Side-Chain-Functionalized Peptide Nucleic Acid Aldehydes

PubMed Central

Kleiner, Ralph E.; Brudno, Yevgeny; Birnbaum, Michael E.; Liu, David R.

2009-01-01

The DNA-templated polymerization of synthetic building blocks provides a potential route to the laboratory evolution of sequence-defined polymers with structures and properties not necessarily limited to those of natural biopolymers. We previously reported the efficient and sequence-specific DNA-templated polymerization of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) aldehydes. Here, we report the enzyme-free, DNA-templated polymerization of side-chain-functionalized PNA tetramer and pentamer aldehydes. We observed that the polymerization of tetramer and pentamer PNA building blocks with a single lysine-based side chain at various positions in the building block could proceed efficiently and sequence-specifically. In addition, DNA-templated polymerization also proceeded efficiently and in a sequence-specific manner with pentamer PNA aldehydes containing two or three lysine side chains in a single building block to generate more densely functionalized polymers. To further our understanding of side-chain compatibility and expand the capabilities of this system, we also examined the polymerization efficiencies of 20 pentamer building blocks each containing one of five different side-chain groups and four different side-chain regio- and stereochemistries. Polymerization reactions were efficient for all five different side-chain groups and for three of the four combinations of side-chain regio- and stereochemistries. Differences in the efficiency and initial rate of polymerization correlate with the apparent melting temperature of each building block, which is dependent on side-chain regio- and stereochemistry, but relatively insensitive to side-chain structure among the substrates tested. Our findings represent a significant step towards the evolution of sequence-defined synthetic polymers and also demonstrate that enzyme-free nucleic acid-templated polymerization can occur efficiently using substrates with a wide range of side-chain structures, functionalization positions within each building block, and functionalization densities. PMID:18341334

Comparison of Breastfeeding Outcomes Between Using the Laid-Back and Side-Lying Breastfeeding Positions in Mothers Delivering by Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Puapornpong, Pawin; Raungrongmorakot, Kasem; Laosooksathit, Wipada; Hanprasertpong, Tharangrut; Ketsuwan, Sukwadee

2017-05-01

The breastfeeding position routinely used following a cesarean section is the side-lying position. However, there have been few studies about the effect of breastfeeding positions, including laid-back position on breastfeeding outcomes. To compare the breastfeeding outcomes between using laid-back and side-lying breastfeeding positions in mothers delivering by cesarean section. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The postpartum mothers delivering by cesarean section who delivered term newborns were randomly assigned to learn the use of a laid-back or side-lying breastfeeding position. The breastfeeding outcomes were assessed by LATCH scores at the second day postpartum and exclusive breastfeeding rates during the 6-week postpartum period. The mother's satisfaction of each breastfeeding position was collected before discharge from the hospital. The data from 152 postpartum mothers delivering by cesarean section were available for analysis, 76 from the laid-back position group and 76 from side-lying position group. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. There were no statistically significant differences of the breastfeeding outcomes, LATCH scores at the second day postpartum and the exclusive breastfeeding rates during the 6-week postpartum period. But the mothers had expressed more satisfaction from the side-lying than the laid-back position. Among the mothers who delivered by cesarean section, the use of the laid-back breastfeeding position had not shown different breastfeeding outcomes from the side-lying breastfeeding position. It might be an alternative breastfeeding position, which can be taught for mothers delivering by cesarean section along with the side-lying position.

Impact of a freeway on the dispersal of ticks and Ixodes ricinus-borne pathogens: forested resting areas may become Lyme disease hotspots.

PubMed

Hornok, Sándor; Mulvihill, Maria; Szőke, Krisztina; Gönczi, Enikő; Sulyok, Kinga M; Gyuranecz, Miklós; Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina

2017-06-01

Man-made barriers are well known for their effects on ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation, for instance, is a recognised consequence of modern-day infrastructure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and abundance of tick species, as well as the risks of acquiring tick-borne infections in habitats adjacent to a freeway. Therefore, ixodid ticks were collected from the vegetation at two-week intervals (in the main tick season, from March to June) in eight habitats of different types (forest, grove, grassland) along both sides of a freeway. Ixodes ricinus females were molecularly screened for three species of tick-borne bacteria. In the study period, 887 ixodid ticks were collected. These included 704 I. ricinus (79.4%), 51 Dermacentor reticulatus (5.7%), 78 D. marginatus (8.8%), 35 Haemaphysalis inermis (3.9%) and 19 H. concinna (2.1%). There was no significant difference in the abundance of tick species between similar habitats separated by the freeway, except for the absence of Dermacentor spp. on one side. In I. ricinus females, the overall prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was low, and (in part due to this low rate) did not show significant difference between the two sides of the freeway. Rickettsia helvetica had significantly different overall prevalence between two distant habitats along the same side of the freeway (12.3% vs. 31.4%), but not between habitats on the opposite sides. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. showed significantly different overall prevalence between habitats both on the same and on the opposite sides of the freeway (8.6-35.9%), and the difference was higher if relevant habitats were also separated by the freeway. Importantly, the prevalence rate of the Lyme disease agent was highest in a forested resting area of the freeway, and was significantly inversely proportional to the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum (taking into account all evaluated habitats), apparently related to deer population density. Prevalence rates of these bacteria also differed significantly on single sampling occasions between: (1) closely situated habitats of different types; (2) distant and either similar or different habitat types; and (3) habitats on the opposite sides of the freeway. In conclusion, the findings of the present study show that a fenced freeway may contribute to differences in tick species diversity and tick-borne pathogen prevalence along its two sides, and this effect is most likely a consequence of its barrier role preventing deer movements.

Influence of opioid-related side effects on disability, mood, and opioid misuse risk among patients with chronic pain in primary care.

PubMed

Jamison, Robert N; Dorado, Kathleen; Mei, Anna; Edwards, Robert R; Martel, Marc O

2017-03-01

There is increasing concern among primary care practitioners about the use of opioids for chronic pain, including their adverse effects, but little attention has been given to how reports of side effects from prescription medication can contribute to outcomes among patients with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of frequently reported side effects on mood, disability, and opioid misuse in patients with chronic pain prescribed opioids within primary care. Two hundred (N = 200) patients with chronic pain taking opioids for pain were recruited into the study. All patients completed baseline measures and a monthly side effects checklist once a month for 6 months. Patients were divided evenly based on a median split of the number of endorsed side effects over 6 months. The subjects repeated the baseline measures at the end of the study period. Over time, reports of medication side effects tended to decrease, but differences in frequency of reported side effects from baseline to follow-up (6-month time) were not significant, and the order of the frequency of the reported side effects remained similar. Patients who reported significant medication-related adverse effects reported significantly greater activity interference, negative affect, and catastrophizing compared with those with fewer side effects ( P < 0.01). In addition, those patients with pain who reported more side effects showed significantly higher scores on opioid misuse risk ( P < 0.001). This study demonstrates the important role of monitoring medication-related side effects among patients with chronic pain who are prescribed opioid medication for pain within primary care.

Influence of opioid-related side effects on disability, mood, and opioid misuse risk among patients with chronic pain in primary care

PubMed Central

Jamison, Robert N.; Dorado, Kathleen; Mei, Anna; Edwards, Robert R.; Martel, Marc O.

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: There is increasing concern among primary care practitioners about the use of opioids for chronic pain, including their adverse effects, but little attention has been given to how reports of side effects from prescription medication can contribute to outcomes among patients with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of frequently reported side effects on mood, disability, and opioid misuse in patients with chronic pain prescribed opioids within primary care. Methods: Two hundred (N = 200) patients with chronic pain taking opioids for pain were recruited into the study. All patients completed baseline measures and a monthly side effects checklist once a month for 6 months. Patients were divided evenly based on a median split of the number of endorsed side effects over 6 months. The subjects repeated the baseline measures at the end of the study period. Results: Over time, reports of medication side effects tended to decrease, but differences in frequency of reported side effects from baseline to follow-up (6-month time) were not significant, and the order of the frequency of the reported side effects remained similar. Patients who reported significant medication-related adverse effects reported significantly greater activity interference, negative affect, and catastrophizing compared with those with fewer side effects (P < 0.01). In addition, those patients with pain who reported more side effects showed significantly higher scores on opioid misuse risk (P < 0.001). Discussion: This study demonstrates the important role of monitoring medication-related side effects among patients with chronic pain who are prescribed opioid medication for pain within primary care. PMID:29392205

The bilateral movement condition facilitates maximal but not submaximal paretic-limb grip force in people with post-stroke hemiparesis

PubMed Central

DeJong, Stacey L.; Lang, Catherine E.

2012-01-01

Objectives Although healthy individuals have less force production capacity during bilateral muscle contractions compared to unilateral efforts, emerging evidence suggests that certain aspects of paretic upper limb task performance after stroke may be enhanced by moving bilaterally instead of unilaterally. We investigated whether the bilateral movement condition affects grip force differently on the paretic side of people with post-stroke hemiparesis, compared to their non-paretic side and both sides of healthy young adults. Methods Within a single session, we compared: 1) maximal grip force during unilateral vs. bilateral contractions on each side, and 2) force contributed by each side during a 30% submaximal bilateral contraction. Results Healthy controls produced less grip force in the bilateral condition, regardless of side (- 2.4% difference), and similar findings were observed on the non-paretic side of people with hemiparesis (- 4.5% difference). On the paretic side, however, maximal grip force was increased by the bilateral condition in most participants (+11.3% difference, on average). During submaximal bilateral contractions in each group, the two sides each contributed the same percentage of unilateral maximal force. Conclusions The bilateral condition facilitates paretic limb grip force at maximal, but not submaximal levels. Significance In some people with post-stroke hemiparesis, the paretic limb may benefit from bilateral training with high force requirements. PMID:22248812

End-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses give similar results in cervical oesophagogastrostomy.

PubMed

Pierie, J P; De Graaf, P W; Poen, H; Van Der Tweel, I; Obertop, H

1995-12-01

To find out if there were any differences in healing between end-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses for oesophagogastrostomy. Open study with historical controls. University hospital, The Netherlands. 28 patients with end-to-end and 90 patients with end-to-side anastomoses after transhiatal oesophagectomy and partial gastrectomy for cancer of the oesophagus or oesophagogastric junction, with gastric tube reconstruction and cervical anastomosis. Leak and stricture rates, and the number of dilatations needed to relieve dysphagia. There were no significant differences in leak rates (end-to-end 4/28, 14%, and end-to-side 13/90, 14%) or anastomotic strictures (end-to-end 9/28, 32%, and end-to-side 26/90, 29%). The median number of dilatations needed to relieve dysphagia was 7 (1-33) after end-to-end and 9 (1-113) after end-to-side oesophagogastrostomy. There were no differences between the two methods of suture of cervical oesophagogastrostomy when leakage, stricture, and number of dilatations were used as criteria of good healing.

Surgical management of colonic diverticular disease: discrepancy between right- and left-sided diseases.

PubMed

Oh, Heung-Kwon; Han, Eon Chul; Ha, Heon-Kyun; Choe, Eun Kyung; Moon, Sang Hui; Ryoo, Seung-Bum; Jeong, Seung-Yong; Park, Kyu Joo

2014-08-07

To compare the outcome of the surgical management of left-sided and right-sided diverticular disease. The medical records of 77 patients who were surgically treated for diverticular disease between 1999 and 2010 in a tertiary referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The study population was limited to cases wherein the surgical specimen was confirmed as diverticulosis by pathology. Right-sided diverticula were classified as those arising from the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon, and those from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum were classified as left-sided diverticulosis. To assess the changing trend of occurrence of diverticulosis, data were compared with two previous studies of 51 patients. The proportion of left-sided disease cases was significantly increased compared to the results of our previous studies in 1994 and 2001, (27.5% vs 48.1%, P < 0.05). Moreover, no differences in gender, body mass index, multiplicity of the diverticula, fever, or leukocytosis were noted between patients with right-sided and left-sided disease. However, patients with right-sided disease were significantly younger (50.9 year vs 64.0 year, P < 0.01). Furthermore, left-sided disease was significantly associated with a higher incidence of complicated diverticulitis (89.2% vs 57.5%, P < 0.01), combined resection due to extensive inflammation (21.6% vs 5.0%, P < 0.05), operative complications (51.4% vs 27.5%, P < 0.05), and in-hospital mortality (10.8% vs 0%, P < 0.05), along with longer post-operative hospitalization duration (21.3 ± 10.2 d vs 10.6 ± 8.1 d, P < 0.05). Compared with right-sided diverticular disease, the incidence of left-sided disease in Korea has increased since 2001 and is associated with worse surgical outcomes.

Surgical management of colonic diverticular disease: Discrepancy between right- and left-sided diseases

PubMed Central

Oh, Heung-Kwon; Han, Eon Chul; Ha, Heon-Kyun; Choe, Eun Kyung; Moon, Sang Hui; Ryoo, Seung-Bum; Jeong, Seung-Yong; Park, Kyu Joo

2014-01-01

AIM: To compare the outcome of the surgical management of left-sided and right-sided diverticular disease. METHODS: The medical records of 77 patients who were surgically treated for diverticular disease between 1999 and 2010 in a tertiary referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The study population was limited to cases wherein the surgical specimen was confirmed as diverticulosis by pathology. Right-sided diverticula were classified as those arising from the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon, and those from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum were classified as left-sided diverticulosis. To assess the changing trend of occurrence of diverticulosis, data were compared with two previous studies of 51 patients. RESULTS: The proportion of left-sided disease cases was significantly increased compared to the results of our previous studies in 1994 and 2001, (27.5% vs 48.1%, P < 0.05). Moreover, no differences in gender, body mass index, multiplicity of the diverticula, fever, or leukocytosis were noted between patients with right-sided and left-sided disease. However, patients with right-sided disease were significantly younger (50.9 year vs 64.0 year, P < 0.01). Furthermore, left-sided disease was significantly associated with a higher incidence of complicated diverticulitis (89.2% vs 57.5%, P < 0.01), combined resection due to extensive inflammation (21.6% vs 5.0%, P < 0.05), operative complications (51.4% vs 27.5%, P < 0.05), and in-hospital mortality (10.8% vs 0%, P < 0.05), along with longer post-operative hospitalization duration (21.3 ± 10.2 d vs 10.6 ± 8.1 d, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with right-sided diverticular disease, the incidence of left-sided disease in Korea has increased since 2001 and is associated with worse surgical outcomes. PMID:25110438

[Treatment side effects and compliance in patients with depression].

PubMed

Petrova, N N; Kucher, E O

2012-01-01

The impact of treatment side-effects on the compliance was studied in 85 depressive patients with different mental disorders - recurrent depressive disorder, postschizophrenic depression and organic affective disorder. The comparison of objective and subjective evaluations of compliance and a comparative analysis of the level of compliance, with its dependence on the treatment specifics, in different diseases were done. A significant role of efficacy and treatment side-effects was identified. The levels of "mental" and "autonomous" side-effects were highest in the treatment of depression: patients with postschizophrenic depression had the highest risk in respect of maintenance treatment; patients with recurrent depressive disorder and organic (affective) disorder were more tolerant to the treatment side-effects and their treatment, including the maintenance therapy, was rather effective. The compliance of all patients with depression was negatively correlated with the severity of side-effects of pharmacotherapy. The greatest side-effects and the lowest level of compliance were observed in the complex treatment with antidepressants and atypical neuroleptics. The effect of side-effects on the compliance was dependent on their severity and subjective tolerability and, to a lesser extent, on the amount of drugs.

Effect of long-term impact-loading on mass, size, and estimated strength of humerus and radius of female racquet-sports players: a peripheral quantitative computed tomography study between young and old starters and controls.

PubMed

Kontulainen, Saija; Sievänen, Harri; Kannus, Pekka; Pasanen, Matti; Vuori, Ilkka

2002-12-01

Bone characteristics of the humeral shaft and distal radius were measured from 64 female tennis and squash players and their 27 age-, height-, and weight-matched controls with peripheral quantitative tomography (pQCT) and DXA. The players were divided into two groups according to the starting age of their tennis or squash training (either before or after menarche) to examine the possible differences in the loading-induced changes in bone structure and volumetric density. The used pQCT variables were bone mineral content (BMC), total cross-sectional area (TotA) of bone, cross-sectional area of the marrow cavity (CavA) and that of the cortical bone (CoA), cortical wall thickness (CWT), volumetric density of the cortical bone (CoD) and trabecular bone (TrD), and torsional bone strength index (BSIt) for the shaft, and compressional bone strength index (BSIc) for the bone end. These bone strength indices were compared with the DXA-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) to assess how well the latter represents the effect of mechanical loading on apparent bone strength. At the humeral shaft, the loaded arm's greater BMC (an average 19% side-to-side difference in young starters and 9% in old starters) was caused by an enlarged cortex (CoA; side-to-side differences 20% and 9%, respectively). The loaded humerus seemed to have grown periosteally (the CavA did not differ between the sites) leading to 26% and 11% side-to-side BSIt difference in the young and old starters, respectively. CoD was equal between the arms (-1% difference in both player groups). The side-to-side differences in the young starters' BMC, CoA, TotA, CWT, and BSIt were 8-22% higher than those of the controls and 8-14% higher than those of the old starters. Old starters' BMC, CoA, and BSIt side-to-side differences were 6-7% greater than those in the controls. The DXA-derived side-to-side aBMD difference was 7% greater in young starters compared with that of the old starters and 14% compared with that in controls, whereas the difference between old starters and controls was 6%, in favor of the former. All these between-group differences were statistically significant. At the distal radius, the player groups differed significantly from controls in the side-to-side BMC, TrD, and aBMD differences only; the young starters' BMC difference was 9% greater, TrD and aBMD differences were 5% greater than those in the controls, and the old starters' TrD and aBMD differences were both 7% greater than those in the controls. In summary, in both of the female player groups the structural adaptation of the humeral shaft to long-term loading seemed to be achievedthrough periosteal enlargement of the bone cortex although this adaptation was clearly better in the young starters. Exercise-induced cortical enlargement was not so clear at the distal radius (a trabecular bone site), and the study suggested that at long bone ends also the TrD could be a modifiable factor to build a stronger bone structure. The conventional DXA-based aBMD measurement detected the intergroup differences in the exercise-induced bone gains, although, measuring two dimensions of bone only, it seemed to underestimate the effect of exercise on the apparent bone strength, especially if the playing had been started during the growing years.

The deficit of joint position sense in the chronic unstable ankle as measured by inversion angle replication error.

PubMed

Nakasa, Tomoyuki; Fukuhara, Kohei; Adachi, Nobuo; Ochi, Mitsuo

2008-05-01

Functional instability is defined as a repeated ankle inversion sprain and a giving way sensation. Previous studies have described the damage of sensori-motor control in ankle sprain as being a possible cause of functional instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inversion angle replication errors in patients with functional instability after ankle sprain. The difference between the index angle and replication angle was measured in 12 subjects with functional instability, with the aim of evaluating the replication error. As a control group, the replication errors of 17 healthy volunteers were investigated. The side-to-side differences of the replication errors were compared between both the groups, and the relationship between the side-to-side differences of the replication errors and the mechanical instability were statistically analyzed in the unstable group. The side-to-side difference of the replication errors was 1.0 +/- 0.7 degrees in the unstable group and 0.2 +/- 0.7 degrees in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between both the groups. The side-to-side differences of the replication errors in the unstable group did not statistically correlate to the anterior talar translation and talar tilt. The patients with functional instability had the deficit of joint position sense in comparison with healthy volunteers. The replication error did not correlate to the mechanical instability. The patients with functional instability should be treated appropriately in spite of having less mechanical instability.

Maxillary sinus volume in patients with impacted canines.

PubMed

Oz, Aslihan Zeynep; Oz, Abdullah Alper; El, Hakan; Palomo, Juan Martin

2017-01-01

To evaluate the maxillary sinus volumes in unilaterally impacted canine patients and to compare the volumetric changes that occur after the eruption of canines to the dental arch using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Pre- (T0) and posttreatment (T1) CBCT records of 30 patients were used to calculate maxillary sinus volumes between the impacted and erupted canine sides. The InVivoDental 5.0 program was used to measure the volume of the maxillary sinuses. The distance from impacted canine cusp tip to the target point on the palatal plane was also measured. Right maxillary sinus volume was statistically significantly smaller compared to that of the left maxillary sinus when the canine was impacted on the right side at T0. According to the T1 measurements there was no significant difference between the mean volumes of the impaction side and the contralateral side. The distance from the canine tip to its target point on the palatal plane were 17.17 mm, and the distance from the tip to the target point was 15.14 mm for the left- and right-side impacted canines, respectively, and there was a significant difference between the mean amount of change of both sides of maxillary sinuses after treatment of impacted canines. Orthodontic treatment of impacted canines created a significant increase in maxillary sinus volume when the impacted canines were closer with respect to the maxillary sinus.

Significantly Increased Odds of Reporting Previous Shoulder Injuries in Female Marines Based on Larger Magnitude Shoulder Rotator Bilateral Strength Differences

PubMed Central

Eagle, Shawn R.; Connaboy, Chris; Nindl, Bradley C.; Allison, Katelyn F.

2018-01-01

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries to the extremities are a primary concern for the United States (US) military. One possible injury risk factor in this population is side-to-side strength imbalance. Purpose: To examine the odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury in US Marine Corps Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force volunteers based on side-to-side strength differences in isokinetic shoulder strength. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male (n = 219) and female (n = 91) Marines were included in this analysis. Peak torque values from 5 shoulder internal/external rotation repetitions were averaged and normalized to body weight. The difference in side-to-side strength measurements was calculated as the absolute value of the limb difference divided by the mean peak torque of the dominant limb. Participants were placed into groups based on the magnitude of these differences: <10%, 10% to 20%, and >20%. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: When separated by sex, 13.2% of men reported an injury, while 5.5% of women reported an injury. Female Marines with >20% internal rotation side-to-side strength differences demonstrated increased odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury compared with female Marines with <10% strength differences (OR, 15.4; 95% CI, 1.4-167.2; P = .03 ) and female Marines with 10% to 20% strength differences (OR, 13.9; 95% CI, 1.3-151.2; P = .04). No significant ORs were demonstrated in male Marines. Conclusion: Marines with larger magnitude internal rotation strength differences demonstrated increased odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury compared with those with lesser magnitude differences. Additionally, female sex appears to drastically affect the increased odds of reporting shoulder injuries (OR, 13.9-15.4) with larger magnitude differences (ie, >20%) compared with those with lesser magnitude differences (ie, <10% and 10%-20%). The retrospective cohort design of this study cannot delineate cause and effect but establishes a relationship between female Marines and greater odds of larger magnitude strength differences after returning from an injury. PMID:29497623

Significantly Increased Odds of Reporting Previous Shoulder Injuries in Female Marines Based on Larger Magnitude Shoulder Rotator Bilateral Strength Differences.

PubMed

Eagle, Shawn R; Connaboy, Chris; Nindl, Bradley C; Allison, Katelyn F

2018-02-01

Musculoskeletal injuries to the extremities are a primary concern for the United States (US) military. One possible injury risk factor in this population is side-to-side strength imbalance. To examine the odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury in US Marine Corps Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force volunteers based on side-to-side strength differences in isokinetic shoulder strength. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Male (n = 219) and female (n = 91) Marines were included in this analysis. Peak torque values from 5 shoulder internal/external rotation repetitions were averaged and normalized to body weight. The difference in side-to-side strength measurements was calculated as the absolute value of the limb difference divided by the mean peak torque of the dominant limb. Participants were placed into groups based on the magnitude of these differences: <10%, 10% to 20%, and >20%. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. When separated by sex, 13.2% of men reported an injury, while 5.5% of women reported an injury. Female Marines with >20% internal rotation side-to-side strength differences demonstrated increased odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury compared with female Marines with <10% strength differences (OR, 15.4; 95% CI, 1.4-167.2; P = .03 ) and female Marines with 10% to 20% strength differences (OR, 13.9; 95% CI, 1.3-151.2; P = .04). No significant ORs were demonstrated in male Marines. Marines with larger magnitude internal rotation strength differences demonstrated increased odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury compared with those with lesser magnitude differences. Additionally, female sex appears to drastically affect the increased odds of reporting shoulder injuries (OR, 13.9-15.4) with larger magnitude differences (ie, >20%) compared with those with lesser magnitude differences (ie, <10% and 10%-20%). The retrospective cohort design of this study cannot delineate cause and effect but establishes a relationship between female Marines and greater odds of larger magnitude strength differences after returning from an injury.

The Influence of Social Modeling, Gender, and Empathy on Treatment Side Effects.

PubMed

Faasse, Kate; Parkes, Bryony; Kearney, James; Petrie, Keith J

2018-05-31

Social modeling has the capacity to shape treatment outcomes, including side effects. This study investigated the influence of social modeling of treatment side effects, gender, and participant empathy, on side effects of a placebo treatment. Ninety-six participants (48 females) completed a study purportedly investigating the influence of modafinil (actually placebo) on alertness and fatigue. The participants were randomly seated with a male or female confederate and saw this confederate report experiencing side effects or no side effects. Participant empathy was assessed at baseline. Changes in modeled and general symptoms, and misattribution of symptoms, were assessed during the session and at 24-hr follow-up. During the experimental session, seeing side effect modeling significantly increased modeled symptoms (p = .023, d = 0.56) but not general or misattributed symptoms. Regardless of modeling condition, female participants seated with a female model reported significantly more general symptoms during the session. However, response to social modeling did not differ significantly by model or participant gender. At follow-up, the effect of social modeling of side effects had generalized to other symptoms, resulting in significantly higher rates of modeled symptoms (p = .023, d = 0.48), general symptoms (p = .013, d = 0.49), and misattributed symptoms (p = .022, d = 0.50). The experience of modeled symptoms in response to social modeling was predicted by participants' levels of baseline empathy. Social modeling of symptoms can increase the side effects following treatment, and this effect appears to generalize to a broader range of symptoms and symptom misattribution over time. Higher baseline empathy seems to increase response to social modeling.

Abnormal landing strategies after ACL reconstruction.

PubMed

Gokeler, A; Hof, A L; Arnold, M P; Dijkstra, P U; Postema, K; Otten, E

2010-02-01

The objective was to analyze muscle activity and movement patterns during landing of a single leg hop for distance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Nine (six males, three females) ACL-reconstructed patients 6 months after surgery and 11 (eight males, three females) healthy control subjects performed the hop task. Electromyographic signals from lower limb muscles were analyzed to determine onset time before landing. Biomechanical data were collected using an Optotrak Motion Analysis System and force plate. Matlab was used to calculate kinetics and joint kinematics. Side-to-side differences in ACL-reconstructed patients and healthy subjects as well as differences between the patients and control group were analyzed. In ACL-reconstructed limbs, significantly earlier onset times were found for all muscles, except vastus medialis, compared with the uninvolved side. The involved limbs had significantly reduced knee flexion during the take-off and increased plantarflexion at initial contact. The knee extension moment was significantly lower in the involved limb. In the control group, significantly earlier onset times were found for the semitendinosus, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius of the non-dominant side compared with the dominant side. Muscle onset times are earlier and movement patterns are altered in the involved limb 6 months after ACL reconstruction.

Approach-related lesions of the sympathetic chain in anterior correction and instrumentation of idiopathic scoliosis

PubMed Central

Adolphs, Bastian; Oberdiek, Denise; Osada, Nani; Liljenqvist, Ulf; Filler, Timm J.; Marziniak, Martin; Bullmann, Viola

2010-01-01

During anterior scoliosis instrumentation with a dual-rod system, the vertebrae are dissected anterolaterally. After surgery, some patients report a change in temperature perception and perspiration in the lower extremities. Sympathetic lesions might be an explanation for this. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate sympathetic function after anterior scoliosis instrumentation. A total of 24 female patients with idiopathic scoliosis (mean age at follow-up, 23.8 years) who had undergone anterior instrumentation on average 6.6 years earlier were included. Due to the suspected relevance of the sympathetic L2 ganglion, two groups were created: a T12 group, in which instrumentation down to T12 was carried out (n = 12), and an L3 group, in which instrumentation down to L3 was done (n = 12). Sympathetic function was assessed by measuring skin temperature at the back of the foot, a plantar ninhydrin sweat test and sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) following electrical stimulation. The side on which the surgical approach was carried out was compared with the contralateral, control side. Health-related quality of life was investigated using the Scoliosis Research Society SRS-22 patient questionnaire. In the T12 group, mean temperatures of 29.6°C on the side of the approach versus 29.5°C on the control side were measured (P > 0.05); in the L3 group, the mean temperatures were 33.2°C on the approach side versus 30.5°C on the control side (P = 0.001). A significant difference between the T12 group and the L3 group (P < 0.001) was observed on the approach side, but not on the control side (P = 0.15). The ninhydrin sweat test showed reduced perspiration in 11 of 12 patients in the L3 group on the approach side in comparison with the control side (P = 0.002). In the T12 group, no significant differences were noted between the left and right feet. SSRs differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.005). They were detected in all nine analyzable patients in the T12 group on both sides. In the L3 group, they were found on the approach side only in 4 of 11 analyzable patients versus 11 patients on the control side. The results of the SRS-22 questionnaire did not show any significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, anterior scoliosis instrumentation with a dual-rod system including vertebrae down to L3 regularly leads to lesions in the sympathetic trunk. These are detectable with an increase in temperature, reduced perspiration and reduced SSRs. The caudal level of instrumentation (T12 vs. L3) has an impact on the extent of impairment, supporting the suspected importance of the L2 ganglion. The clinical outcome does not seem to be significantly limited by sympathetic trunk lesions. PMID:20502925

Impact of side-effects of atypical antipsychotics on non-compliance, relapse and cost.

PubMed

Mortimer, A; Williams, P; Meddis, D

2003-01-01

Atypical antipsychotics generally have milder side-effects than conventional antipsychotics, but also differ among themselves in this respect. This study aimed to compare the impact of different side-effect profiles of individual atypical antipsychotics on non-compliance, relapse and cost in schizophrenia. A state-transition model was built using literature data supplemented by expert opinion. The model found that quetiapine and ziprasidone were similar in estimated non-compliance and relapse rates. Olanzapine and risperidone had higher estimated non-compliance and relapse rates, and incremental, 1-year, per-patient direct costs, using US-based cost data, of approximately $530 (95% confidence interval [CI] approximately $275, $800), and approximately $485 (95% CI approximately $235, $800), respectively, compared with quetiapine. Incremental costs attributable to different side-effect profiles were highly significant. This study shows that differing side-effect profiles of the newer antipsychotic agents are likely to lead to different compliance rates, and consequent variation in relapse rates. The cost implications of these heterogenous clinical outcomes are substantial.

Evaluation of joint position sense measured by inversion angle replication error in patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus.

PubMed

Nakasa, Tomoyuki; Adachi, Nobuo; Shibuya, Hayatoshi; Okuhara, Atsushi; Ochi, Mitsuo

2013-01-01

The etiology of the osteochondral lesion of the talar dome (OLT) remains unclear. A joint position sense deficit of the ankle is reported to be a possible cause of ankle disorder. Repeated contact of the articular surface of the talar dome with the plafond during inversion might be a cause of OLT. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the joint position sense deficit by measuring the replication error of the inversion angle in patients with OLT. The replication error, which is the difference between the index angle and replication angle in inversion, was measured in 15 patients with OLT. The replication error in 15 healthy volunteers was evaluated as a control group. The side to side differences of the replication errors between the patients with OLT and healthy volunteers and the replication errors in each angle between the involved and uninvolved ankle in the patients with OLT were investigated. Finally, the side to side differences of the replication errors between the patients with OLT with a traumatic and nontraumatic history were compared. The side to side difference in the patients with OLT (1.3° ± 0.2°) was significantly greater than that in the healthy subjects (0.4° ± 0.7°) (p ≤ .05). Significant differences were found between the involved and uninvolved sides at 10°, 15°, 20°, and 25° in the patients with OLT. No significant difference (p > .05) was found between the patients with traumatic and nontraumatic OLT. The present study found that the patients with OLT have a joint position sense deficit during inversion movement, regardless of a traumatic history. Although various factors for the etiology of OLT have been reported, the joint position sense deficit in inversion might be a cause of OLT. Copyright © 2013 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Side effect burden of antipsychotic drugs in real life - Impact of gender and polypharmacy.

PubMed

Iversen, Trude Seselie Jahr; Steen, Nils Eiel; Dieset, Ingrid; Hope, Sigrun; Mørch, Ragni; Gardsjord, Erlend Strand; Jørgensen, Kjetil Nordbø; Melle, Ingrid; Andreassen, Ole A; Molden, Espen; Jönsson, Erik G

2018-03-02

Antipsychotic-associated side effects are well known and represent a significant treatment challenge. Still, few large studies have investigated the overall side effect burden of antipsychotics in real-life settings. To describe the occurrence of side effects and perceived burden of antipsychotics in a large naturalistic sample, taking polypharmacy and patient characteristics into account. Patients (n=1087) with psychotic disorders were assessed for side effects using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) side effect rating scale in addition to assessment of clinical and pharmacological data. Statistical analyses were performed controlling for possible confounding factors. Use of antipsychotics showed significant associations to neurologic and sexual symptoms, sedation and weight gain, and >75% of antipsychotics-users reported side effects. More side effects were observed in patients using several antipsychotics (p=0.002), with increasing total dose (p=0.021) and with antipsychotics in combinations with other psychotropic drugs. Patients and investigators evaluated the side effect burden differently, particularly related to severity, gender and antipsychotics dose. Twice as many females described side effect burden as severe (p=0.004). Patients with psychotic disorders have a high occurrence of symptoms associated with use of antipsychotics, and polypharmacy and female gender are seemingly risk factors for reporting a severe side effect burden. Due to the cross-sectional design evaluation of causality is tentative, and these findings should be further investigated in prospective studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulation of phase durations, phase variations, and temporal coordination of the four limbs during quadrupedal split-belt locomotion in intact adult cats

PubMed Central

D'Angelo, Giuseppe; Thibaudier, Yann; Telonio, Alessandro; Hurteau, Marie-France; Kuczynski, Victoria; Dambreville, Charline

2014-01-01

Stepping along curvilinear paths produces speed differences between the inner and outer limb(s). This can be reproduced experimentally by independently controlling left and right speeds with split-belt locomotion. Here we provide additional details on the pattern of the four limbs during quadrupedal split-belt locomotion in intact cats. Six cats performed tied-belt locomotion (same speed bilaterally) and split-belt locomotion where one side (constant side) stepped at constant treadmill speed while the other side (varying side) stepped at several speeds. Cycle, stance, and swing durations changed in parallel in homolateral limbs with shorter and longer stance and swing durations on the fast side, respectively, compared with the slow side. Phase variations were quantified in all four limbs by measuring the slopes of the regressions between stance and cycle durations (rSTA) and between swing and cycle durations (rSW). For a given limb, rSTA and rSW were not significantly different from one another on the constant side whereas on the varying side rSTA increased relative to tied-belt locomotion while rSW became more negative. Phase variations were similar for homolateral limbs. Increasing left-right speed differences produced a large increase in homolateral double support on the slow side, while triple-support periods decreased. Increasing left-right speed differences altered homologous coupling, homolateral coupling on the fast side, and coupling between the fast hindlimb and slow forelimb. Results indicate that homolateral limbs share similar control strategies, only certain features of the interlimb pattern adjust, and spinal locomotor networks of the left and right sides are organized symmetrically. PMID:25031257

Comparison of retroperitoneoscopic and transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for right-sided benign tumors: a single-institute experience.

PubMed

Chiang, Po Hui; Yu, Cheng Jen; Lee, Wei Ching; Wang, Hung Jen; Hsu, Wu Chi

2015-01-01

There is a lack of data regarding the appropriateness of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches for right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any difference between right-sided transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) and retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA). Our surgery database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy with a retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach since 2000. Fifty-five patients were enrolled (31 RLA and 24 TLA). Patient characteristics, as well as operative and perioperative details, were compared between the two groups. There was no difference in patient characteristics between the groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.02) in blood loss (31.7±16.4 vs. 56.9±65.5 ml) between RLA and TLA when the patient's BMI was >26. There was no significant difference in operative time, conversion to open surgery, length of hospitalization, or time to oral intake between the groups. Right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed safely and effectively via either RLA or TLA. Surgeons can adopt either approach with confidence depending on their preference if they are familiar with that approach. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Differences in humeral retroversion in dominant and nondominant sides of young baseball players.

PubMed

Kurokawa, Daisuke; Yamamoto, Nobuyuki; Ishikawa, Hiroaki; Nagamoto, Hideaki; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Muraki, Takayuki; Tanaka, Minoru; Sato, Katsumi; Itoi, Eiji

2017-06-01

The relationship between the disabled throwing shoulder and humeral retroversion has recently attracted a great deal of attention. However, none of the previous studies clarified when the side-to-side difference of humeral retroversion in young baseball players would start. This study aimed to clarify when the difference of humeral retroversion in the dominant and nondominant sides appeared in baseball players. The bicipital-forearm angle in bilateral shoulders of 172 elementary school baseball players was measured by ultrasound. The bicipital-forearm angle was defined as an angle between the perpendicular line to the bicipital groove and the ulnar long axis with the elbow flexed at 90°. The correlation between the bicipital-forearm angle and the grade and the difference of the bicipital-forearm angle between the dominant and nondominant sides were analyzed. In the nondominant shoulders, the bicipital-forearm angle increased with the grade in school (r = 0.32, P < .0001), but this was not observed in the dominant shoulders. In the fourth to sixth graders, the bicipital-forearm angles were significantly smaller in the dominant shoulders than in the nondominant shoulders. Our findings indicated that humeral retroversion decreased with age in the nonthrowing side but not in the throwing side and that the side-to-side difference of humeral retroversion in the baseball players became obvious from the fourth grade. We assume that the repetitive throwing motion restricts the physiologic humeral derotation process and the difference became apparent from the fourth grade when the growth spurt begins in boys. Copyright © 2016 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strain of implants depending on occlusion types in mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses

PubMed Central

Sohn, Byoung-Sup; Heo, Seong-Joo; Koak, Jai-Young; Kim, Seong-Kyun

2011-01-01

PURPOSE This study investigated the strain of implants using a chewing simulator with strain gauges in mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses under various dynamic loads. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three implant-supported 5-unit fixed prostheses were fabricated with three different occlusion types (Group I: Canine protected occlusion, Group II: Unilaterally balanced occlusion, Group III: Bilaterally balanced occlusion). Two strain gauges were attached to each implant abutment. The programmed dynamic loads (0 - 300 N) were applied using a chewing simulator (MTS 858 Mini Bionix II systems, MTS systems corp., Minn, USA) and the strains were monitored. The statistical analyses were performed using the paired t-test and the ANOVA. RESULTS The mean strain values (MSV) for the working sides were 151.83 µε, 176.23 µε, and 131.07 µε for Group I, Group II, and Group III, respectively. There was a significant difference between Group II and Group III (P < .05). Also, the MSV for non-working side were 58.29 µε, 72.64 µε, and 98.93 µε for Group I, Group II, and Group III, respectively. One was significantly different from the others with a 95% confidence interval (P < .05). CONCLUSION The MSV for the working side of Groups I and II were significantly different from that for the non-working side (Group I: t = 7.58, Group II: t = 6.25). The MSV for the working side of Group II showed significantly larger than that of Group III (P < .01). Lastly, the MSV for the non-working side of Group III showed significantly larger than those of Group I or Group II (P < .01). PMID:21503186

The use of an alternate side lying positioning strategy during inhalation therapy does not prolong nebulisation time in adults with Cystic Fibrosis: a randomised crossover trial.

PubMed

Dentice, Ruth L; Elkins, Mark R; Dwyer, Genevieve M; Bye, Peter T P

2018-01-08

Inhalation of nebulised medications is performed in upright sitting to maximise lung volumes. The pattern of deposition is poor for inhaled medications in people with Cystic Fibrosis. The pattern tends to be non-uniform and typically the upper lobes receive a reduced dose compared to the rest of the lung. One strategy that has been proposed as having the potential to improve homogeneity of deposition is to adopt an alternate side lying position for the inhalation procedure. This study sought to determine whether, among adults with Cystic Fibrosis, there is any disadvantage to delivery time of nebulised medications with a strategy of alternate side lying, compared to upright sitting. A randomised crossover trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded assessors was undertaken. The participants were 24 adults with stable Cystic Fibrosis. They inhaled 4 mL of normal saline via an LC Star™ nebuliser twice within 24 h. In random order, participants sat upright throughout nebulisation, or alternated between left and right side lying at each minute during the nebulisation period. The nebuliser was stopped and weighed each minute until the residual volume was reached. The primary outcome was the time required for 3.5 mL to be delivered. The secondary outcomes were: respiratory rate; ratio of the volume delivered on right and left sides; and calculation of how long the periods in side lying can be extended without causing greater than 20% discrepancy in dose delivered in the two positions. The delivery time did not significantly differ between sitting and side lying (mean difference 0.58 min, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.40 to 0.24). There was no significant correlation between delivery time, lung function or subject height (all R 2  < 0.4). Increasing side lying duration from 1 to 2 min did not significantly impact the dose delivered on each side. Turning each 3 min however, significantly worsened the disparity (mean ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.40). Side lying during inhalation therapy does not prolong nebulisation time. 2-min periods should provide an equal dose in the two side lying positions. Prospectively registered on 4 July 2011; ACTRN12611000672954 .

Is hand sewing comparable with stapling for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy? A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Quan-Xing; Min, Jia-Xin; Deng, Xu-Feng; Dai, Ji-Gang

2014-01-01

AIM: To compare the outcome of hand sewing and stapling for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. METHODS: A rigorous study protocol was established according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. An electronic database search, hand search, and reference search were used to retrieve all randomized controlled trials that compared hand-sewn and mechanical esophagogastric anastomoses. RESULTS: This study included 15 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2337 patients. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic leakage between the methods [relative risk (RR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57-1.04; P = 0.09], but a subgroup analysis yielded a significant difference for the sutured layer and year of publication (Ps < 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative mortality (RR = 1.52, 95%CI: 0.97-2.40; P = 0.07). However, the anastomotic strictures rate was increased in the stapler group compared with the hand-sewn group (RR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.11-1.91; P < 0.01) in the end-to-side subgroup, while the incidence of anastomotic strictures was decreased (RR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.16-0.76; P < 0.01) in the side-to-side subgroup. CONCLUSION: The stapler reduces the anastomotic leakage rate compared with hand sewing. End-to-side stapling increases the risk of anastomotic strictures, but side-to-side stapling decreases the risk. PMID:25493038

Pain difference associated with injection of abobotulinumtoxinA reconstituted with preserved saline and preservative-free saline: a prospective, randomized, side-by-side, double-blind study.

PubMed

Allen, Shawn B; Goldenberg, Neil A

2012-06-01

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the reconstitution of botulinum toxin A with preservative-free saline. Reconstitution of onabotulinumtoxinA with preserved saline has been previously reported to decrease the pain of injections. We present the first split-face study investigating differences in subjective pain when using preserved and preservative-free saline as the reconstituent of choice for abobotulinumtoxinA. To determine whether patients notice a difference in pain when injecting abobotulinumtoxinA diluted with preserved saline versus preservative-free saline. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, side-by-side trial was conducted in a private practice dermatology office in Boulder, Colorado. Twenty volunteer patients received injections on one side of their face with abobotulinumtoxinA reconstituted with preservative-free saline and with abobotulinumtoxinA reconstituted with preserved saline on the other side. Patients reported their pain on a 10-point visual analogue pain scale after each side was injected. Patients kept a diary for the first 48 hours after treatment to track any continued pain, onset of action, or adverse events. Patients were seen at a follow-up visit at 2 weeks, and any adverse events were recorded. Ninety percent of patients reported less pain on the side injected with preserved saline than on the side injected with preservative-free saline. Pain on the preserved saline side was 60% less than on the preservative-free side. Neither the patients nor the investigators noted any difference in onset of action between the two sides. Reconstitution of abobotulinumtoxinA with preserved saline results in significantly less pain on injection than with preservative-free saline. Preserved saline may be the reconstituent of choice for reconstitution of abobotulinumtoxinA. © 2012 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oxidation Behavior of Ferritic Stainless Steels under SOFC Interconnect Exposure Conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Zhenguo; Walker, Matthew S.; Singh, Prabhakar

The oxidation of ferritic stainless steels has been studied under solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnect “dual” exposure conditions, i.e. simultaneous exposure to air on one side of the sample, and moist hydrogen on the other side. This paper focuses on the oxidation behavior of ferritic stainless steels during the isothermal oxidation in the dual environments. It was found that scales grown on the air side under these dual exposure conditions can be significantly different from scales grown on samples exposed to air on both sides. In contrast, no substantial difference was observed between the scales grown on the fuelmore » side of the dual atmosphere samples and scales grown on samples exposed to moist hydrogen on both sides. AISI430, with 17% Cr, suffered localized attack via formation of Fe2O3 hematite-rich nodules on the air side of dual exposure samples, while the spinel top layer of the air side scale of Crofer22 APU (23% Cr) was enriched in iron. For E-brite, with the highest Cr content (27%), no unusual phases were found in the scale on the air side, but it was noticed the air side scale was less dense and appeared to be more prone to defects than the scale grown in air only. The anomalous oxidation behavior of ferritic stainless steels on the air side of dual exposure specimens is related to the transport of hydrogen through the steel and its subsequent presence in the air side scale.« less

Ground reaction forces on stairs. Part II: knee implant patients versus normals.

PubMed

Stacoff, Alex; Kramers-de Quervain, Inès A; Luder, Gerhard; List, Renate; Stüssi, Edgar

2007-06-01

The goal of this study was to compare selected parameters of vertical ground reaction forces (GRF) of good outcome patients with different prosthesis designs with a matched control group during level walking, stair ascent and descent. Forty subjects, 29 with three main implant designs (including four subjects with a passive knee flexion restriction), and 11 healthy controls were measured with 8-10 repetitions. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured during two consecutive steps with force plates embedded in the walkway and the staircase. Defined parameters of the force signals were used to compare the results of the test groups. The results show, that, postoperatively, good outcome patients produce gait patterns of the vertical ground reaction force which are comparable to normal healthy subjects with the exception of a few distinct differences: a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the vertical loading on the operated side during level walking at take-off, at weight acceptance and take-off during stair ascent of the normal stair. During stair descent, the patients did not reduce load on the operated side, but increased load variation and side-to-side asymmetry; thus, the mechanical loads on the implants were high, which may be important information with respect to loading protocols of knee implant simulators. No systematic differences in any of the test parameters were found between posterior cruciate-retaining (LCS MB and Innex CR) versus non-retaining (LCS RP and Innex UCOR) implant designs. The restricted group showed significant reductions (p<0.05) of several loading parameters as well as an increased side-to-side asymmetry. About one third of the force parameters of the good outcome patients showed a side-to-side asymmetry between two consecutive steps, which was over a proposed level of acceptance.

Postnatal Unit Bassinet Types When Rooming-In After Cesarean Birth: Implications for Breastfeeding and Infant Safety

PubMed Central

Tully, Kristin P.; Ball, Helen L.

2013-01-01

Background Postnatal unit rooming-in promotes breastfeeding. Previous research indicates that side-cars (three-sided bassinets that lock onto the maternal bed-frame) faciliate breastfeeding after vaginal birth more than stand-alone bassinets (standard rooming-in). No study has previously investigated side-car bassinet use after cesarean, despite the constraints on maternal-infant interactions that are inherent in recovery from this birth mode. Objective To test the effect of the side-car bassinet on postnatal unit breastfeeding frequency and other maternal-infant behaviors compared to a stand-alone bassinet following cesarean birth. Methods Participants were recruited and prenatally randomized to receive the side-car or stand-alone bassinet for their postnatal unit stay between January 2007 and March 2009 in Northeast England. Mother-infant interactions were filmed over the second postpartum night. Participants completed face-to-face interviews before and after filming. The main outcome measures were infant location, bassinet acceptability, and breastfeeding frequency. Other outcomes assessed were breastfeeding effort, maternal-infant contact, sleep states, midwife presence, and infant risk. Results Differences in breastfeeding frequency, maternal-infant sleep overlap, and midwife presence were not statistically significant. The 20 dyads allocated to side-car bassinets breastfed a median of 0.6 bouts/ hour compared to 0.4 bouts/hour for the 15 stand-alone bassinet dyads. Participants expressed overwhelming preference for the side-car bassinets. Bedsharing was equivalent between the groups, although the motivation for this practice may have differed. Infant handling was compromised with stand-alone bassinet use, including infants positioned on pillows while bedsharing with their sleeping mothers. Conclusions Women preferred the side-car but differences in breastfeeding frequency were not significant. More infant risks were observed with stand-alone bassinet use. PMID:22914755

THORACOLUMBAR RANGE OF MOTION IN BASEBALL PITCHERS AND POSITION PLAYERS

PubMed Central

Lynall, Robert; Williams, Jeffrey G.; Wong, Regan; Onuki, Takashi; Meister, Keith

2013-01-01

Introduction/Background: Optimal baseball throwing mechanics require a significant contribution of thoracolumbar motion, particularly in the sagittal and transverse planes. This motion is key for proper transmission of forces from the lower to upper extremity, thereby minimizing a throwing athlete's risk of injury and maximizing athletic performance. Purpose: To define the active‐assisted thoracolumbar ROM of both baseball pitchers and position players and to compare these motions both within and between groups. Methods: Fifty‐six asymptomatic, collegiate and minor league baseball pitchers and 42 position players volunteered to participate. Active‐assisted thoracolumbar flexion, extension, and bilateral rotation ROM, were measured in a standing position, using two bubble inclinometers. Two‐tailed t tests were used to determine differences in ROM between and within the pitchers and position players. Results: The pitchers had significantly more rotation to the non‐throwing arm side as compared to the position players (p = .007, effect size = .61). The pitchers also had more rotation to the non‐throwing arm side as compared to their throwing side (p = .006, effect size = .47). There were no other significant differences between the pitchers and the position players (p > .53). Furthermore, the position players did not have a side‐to‐side rotation difference (p = .99). Conclusions: Pitchers have a greater amount of rotation ROM towards the non‐throwing arm side as compared to position players. Pitchers also have a greater amount of rotation ROM to the non‐throwing arm side as compared to their throwing side rotation. Because pitchers often present with posterior shoulder tightness and subsequent altered shoulder horizontal adduction and internal rotation ROM, the increase in non‐throwing side rotation ROM may occur in response to these adaptations. More specifically, this increase in non‐throwing side trunk rotation ROM may allow such athletes to bring the arm across the body during the follow‐through phase of the throwing motion despite posterior shoulder tightness. However, future research is necessary to investigate this relationship. Based on these results, clinicians should consider these thoracolumbar ROM adaptations in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of baseball players. Level of Evidence: 2b PMID:24377063

Comparative analysis of the fit of 3-unit implant-supported frameworks cast in nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium alloys and commercially pure titanium after casting, laser welding, and simulated porcelain firings.

PubMed

Tiossi, Rodrigo; Rodrigues, Renata Cristina Silveira; de Mattos, Maria da Glória Chiarello; Ribeiro, Ricardo Faria

2008-01-01

This study compared the vertical misfit of 3-unit implant-supported nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy and commercially pure titanium (cpTi) frameworks after casting as 1 piece, after sectioning and laser welding, and after simulated porcelain firings. The results on the tightened side showed no statistically significant differences. On the opposite side, statistically significant differences were found for Co-Cr alloy (118.64 microm [SD: 91.48] to 39.90 microm [SD: 27.13]) and cpTi (118.56 microm [51.35] to 27.87 microm [12.71]) when comparing 1-piece to laser-welded frameworks. With both sides tightened, only Co-Cr alloy showed statistically significant differences after laser welding. Ni-Cr alloy showed the lowest misfit values, though the differences were not statistically significantly different. Simulated porcelain firings revealed no significant differences.

Effects of Progressive Body Weight Support Treadmill Forward and Backward Walking Training on Stroke Patients' Affected Side Lower Extremity's Walking Ability.

PubMed

Kim, Kyunghoon; Lee, Sukmin; Lee, Kyoungbo

2014-12-01

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of progressive body weight supported treadmill forward and backward walking training (PBWSTFBWT), progressive body weight supported treadmill forward walking training (PBWSTFWT), progressive body weight supported treadmill backward walking training (PBWSTBWT), on stroke patients' affected side lower extremity's walking ability. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 36 chronic stroke patients were divided into three groups with 12 subjects in each group. Each of the groups performed one of the progressive body weight supported treadmill training methods for 30 minute, six times per week for three weeks, and then received general physical therapy without any other intervention until the follow-up tests. For the assessment of the affected side lower extremity's walking ability, step length of the affected side, stance phase of the affected side, swing phase of the affected side, single support of the affected side, and step time of the affected side were measured using optogait and the symmetry index. [Results] In the within group comparisons, all the three groups showed significant differences between before and after the intervention and in the comparison of the three groups, the PBWSTFBWT group showed more significant differences in all of the assessed items than the other two groups. [Conclusion] In the present study progressive body weight supported treadmill training was performed in an environment in which the subjects were actually walked, and PBWSTFBWT was more effective at efficiently training stroke patients' affected side lower extremity's walking ability.

Slow infusion of low{\\hyphen}dose ketamine reduces bothersome side effects compared to IV push: a double{\\hyphen}blind, double dummy, randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Clattenburg, Eben J; Hailozian, Christian; Haro, Daniel; Yoo, Tina; Flores, Stefan; Louie, Derex; Herring, Andrew A

2018-04-12

We compared the analgesic efficacy and incidence of side effects when low{\\hyphen}dose (0.3 mg{\\sol}kg) ketamine (LDK) is administered as a slow infusion (SI) over 15 minutes versus an intravenous push (IVP) over one minute. This was a prospective, randomized, double blind, double dummy, placebo{\\hyphen}controlled trial of adult ED patients presenting with moderate to severe pain (numerical rating score ≥ 5). Patients received ketamine 0.3mg{\\sol}kg administered either as a SI or IVP. Our primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing any psychoperceptual side effect over 60 minutes. A secondary outcome was incidence of moderate or greater psychoperceptual side effects. Additional outcomes included reduction in pain NRS scores at 60 minutes and percent maximum summed pain intensity difference ({\\percnt}SPID). Fifty{\\hyphen}nine participants completed the study. 86.2{\\percnt} of the IVP arm and 70.0{\\percnt} of the SI arm experienced any side effect (difference 16.2{\\percnt}, 95{\\percnt}CI {\\hyphen}5.4 - 37.8). We found a large reduction in moderate or greater psychoperceptual side effects with SI administration-75.9{\\percnt} reported moderate or greater side effects versus 43.4{\\percnt} in the SI arm (difference 32.5{\\percnt}, 95{\\percnt}CI 7.9 - 57.1). Additionally, the IVP arm experienced more hallucinations (n{\\equal}8, 27.6{\\percnt}) than the SI arm (SI n{\\equal}2, 6.7{\\percnt}; difference 20.9{\\percnt}, 95{\\percnt}CI 1.8 - 43.4). We found no significant differences in analgesic efficacy. At 60 minutes, the mean {\\percnt}SPID in the IVP and SI arms was 39.9{\\percnt} and 33.5{\\percnt}, respectively, with a difference of 6.5{\\percnt} (95{\\percnt}CI {\\hyphen}5.8 - 18.7). Most patients who are administered LDK experience a psychoperceptual side effect regardless of administration via SI or IVP. However, patients receiving LDK as a SI reported significantly fewer moderate or greater psychoperceptual side effects and hallucinations with equivalent analgesia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Side-chain mobility in the folded state of Myoglobin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lammert, Heiko; Onuchic, Jose

We study the accessibility of alternative side-chain rotamer configurations in the native state of Myoglobin, using an all-atom structure-based model. From long, unbiased simulation trajectories we determine occupancies of rotameric states and also estimate configurational and vibrational entropies. Direct sampling of the full native-state dynamics, enabled by the simple model, reveals facilitation of side-chain motions by backbone dynamics. Correlations between different dihedral angles are quantified and prove to be weak. We confirm global trends in the mobilities of side-chains, following burial and also the chemical character of residues. Surface residues loose little configurational entropy upon folding; side-chains contribute significantly to the entropy of the folded state. Mobilities of buried side-chains vary strongly with temperature. At ambient temperature, individual side-chains in the core of the protein gain substantial access to alternative rotamers, with occupancies that are likely observable experimentally. Finally, the dynamics of buried side-chains may be linked to the internal pockets, available to ligand gas molecules in Myoglobin.

[Case control study on the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with Endobutton plates combined with an anchor].

PubMed

Hu, Jin-Tao; Lu, Jian-Wei; Fu, Li-Feng

2016-09-25

To compare the clinical effect of Endobutton plates combined with an anchor and clavicle hook plate in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation. From January 2012 to August 2014, 83 patients with Rockwood type III acromioclavicular dislocation underwent surgical treatments. Among them, 34 patients were treated with Endobutton plate and anchor repair(Endobutton group), including 23 males and 11 females, and the mean age was(39.0±6.3) years old (26 to 51 years old); the average time from injury to operation was(4.1±1.3) days(3 to 7 days);the injured side:14 left, 20 right; the dislocation in 28 patients dues to fall, 6 patients dues traffic accident. There were 49 patients treated with clavicular hook plate(hook plate group), including 33 males and 16 females;the mean age was(37.9±6.3) years old (27 to 53 years old); the average time from injury to operation was(4.1±1.1) days (2 to 7 days);the injured side: 18 left, 31 right;the dislication in 36 patients dues to fall, 13 patients dues traffic accidents. The indexes such as intraoperative bleeding volume, operation time, incision size, postoperative complication and postoperative coracoclavicular space, shoulder joint function, and life quality were compared between two groups. In the hook plate group with 49 patients, the plates in 43 patients were removed at the secondary operation, and 32 patients had shoulder pain or limited active range. Thirty four patients in the Endobutton group had no pain symptoms and limited active range. All the patients did not suffer acromioclavicular dislocation again. There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time, and intraoperative bleeding volume( P >0.05). The incision length in the hook plate group was longer than that in Endobutton group( P <0.05). The coracoclavicular space of the uninjured and injured side in two groups respectively had no significant differences, and the coracoclavicular space in the injured side between two group had no significant difference( P >0.05). There were no significant differences of Constant score and SF-36 between two groups 2 months after operation( P >0.05). Sixteen months after operation, the Constant score in the injured side of both groups was higher than that in 2 months postoperative. But the Constant score in the injured side of hook plate group was higher than that in Endobutton group( P <0.05). The Constant score in the uninjured side had no significant differences between two group( P >0.05). In hook plate group, the Constant score in the uninjured side was higher than that in the injured side. In Endobutton group, there were no significant differences of Constant score between two sides. The 16 month postoperative SF-36 in the injured side of both groups was higher than the 2 month postoperative one, but 16 month postoperative SF-36 in hook plate group was lower than that in Endobutton group ( P <0.05). Endobutton plate combined with an anchor can effectively fix Rockwood type III or more acute acromioclavicular dislocation. The method has less complications, avoiding secondary removal of internal fixation.

Laterality of proprioception in the orofacial muscles and temporomandibular joint.

PubMed

Frayne, Ellie; Coulson, Susan; Adams, Roger; Croxson, Glen; Waddington, Gordon

2016-12-02

Laterality of function in the orofacial musculature suggests there may be side-to-side asymmetry of proprioceptive acuity in lip movement compared to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In the present work, 14 young adults were tested for acuity of lip and TMJ closure movements onto plugs varying from 5 to 8mm without visual feedback. Testing was conducted on both left and right sides, using the same psychophysical task and stimuli. Results showed superior proprioceptive acuity at the lips, with no significant side effect. However, there was side-to-side asymmetry in the correlations between proprioceptive performance for the two anatomical structures, with performance on the right side strongly correlated but not on the left. This is consistent with the need for coordination between structures during chewing. When acuity at different points in the stimulus range was examined, the right side lips were better with small stimuli. Overall, results support enhanced use-specific proprioception. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Central nervous system side effects associated with zolpidem treatment.

PubMed

Toner, L C; Tsambiras, B M; Catalano, G; Catalano, M C; Cooper, D S

2000-01-01

Zolpidem is one of the newer medications developed for the treatment of insomnia. It is an imidazopyridine agent that is an alternative to the typical sedative-hypnotic agents. Zolpidem use is gaining favor because of its efficacy and its side effect profile, which is milder and less problematic than that of the benzodiazepines and barbiturates used to treat insomnia. Still, side effects are not uncommon with zolpidem use. We report a series of cases in which the patients developed delirium, nightmares and hallucinations during treatment with zolpidem. We will review its pharmacology, discuss previous reports of central nervous system side effects, examine the impact of drug interactions with concurrent use of antidepressants, examine gender differences in susceptibility to side effects, and explore the significance of protein binding in producing side effects.

Speech intelligibility and subjective benefit in single-sided deaf adults after cochlear implantation.

PubMed

Finke, Mareike; Strauß-Schier, Angelika; Kludt, Eugen; Büchner, Andreas; Illg, Angelika

2017-05-01

Treatment with cochlear implants (CIs) in single-sided deaf individuals started less than a decade ago. CIs can successfully reduce incapacitating tinnitus on the deaf ear and allow, so some extent, the restoration of binaural hearing. Until now, systematic evaluations of subjective CI benefit in post-lingually single-sided deaf individuals and analyses of speech intelligibility outcome for the CI in isolation have been lacking. For the prospective part of this study, the Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire (BBSS) was administered to 48 single-sided deaf CI users to evaluate the subjectively perceived CI benefit across different listening situations. In the retrospective part, speech intelligibility outcome with the CI up to 12 month post-activation was compared between 100 single-sided deaf CI users and 125 bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant). The positive median ratings in the BBSS differed significantly from zero for all items suggesting that most individuals with single-sided deafness rate their CI as beneficial across listening situations. The speech perception scores in quiet and noise improved significantly over time in both groups of CI users. Speech intelligibility with the CI in isolation was significantly better in bilaterally implanted CI users (2nd implant) compared to the scores obtained from single-sided deaf CI users. Our results indicate that CI users with single-sided deafness can reach open set speech understanding with their CI in isolation, encouraging the extension of the CI indication to individuals with normal hearing on the contralateral ear. Compared to the performance reached with bilateral CI users' second implant, speech reception threshold are lower, indicating an aural preference and dominance of the normal hearing ear. The results from the BBSS propose good satisfaction with the CI across several listening situations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differences between right- and left-sided colon cancer in patient characteristics, cancer morphology and histology.

PubMed

Nawa, Toru; Kato, Jun; Kawamoto, Hirofumi; Okada, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Hiroshi; Kohno, Hiroyuki; Endo, Hisayuki; Shiratori, Yasushi

2008-03-01

Recently, the clinical and biological differences between right- and left-sided colon cancers have been widely debated. However, close analyses of these clinical differences, based on large-scale studies, have been scarcely reported. A total of 3552 consecutive Japanese colorectal cancer cases were examined and the clinical differences between right- and left-sided colon cancer cases were investigated. The proportion of right-sided colon cancer was relatively high in patients aged less than 40 years (33%) and more than 80 years (43%). The proportion of right-sided colon cancer in patients aged 40-59 years was relatively low (male 22% and female 29%). In male patients the proportion increased in the 70-79 years age group (30%), while in female patients the proportion increased in the 60-69 years age group (39%). Right-sided colon cancer was more likely to be detected at an advanced stage (T1 stage; left 22%, right 15%) (P < 0.01) with severe symptoms. Polypoid-type early cancer was dominant in the left colon (left 59%; right 40%) (P < 0.01), while the proportion of flat-type early cancer in the right colon was significantly higher than that in the left colon (left 25%; right 44%) (P < 0.01). Specific age distribution of right-sided colon cancer was observed and the difference between male and female patients was highlighted. Other clinical features also differed between right- and left-sided colon cancer, suggesting that different mechanisms may be at work during right and left colon carcinogenesis.

[Brain plastic alterations in subjects with chronic right-sided sensorineural hearing loss: a resting-state MRI study].

PubMed

Zhang, L L; Gong, J P; Xu, Y W; Liu, B

2016-06-21

To investigate the nodal properties and reorganization of whole-brain functional network in subjects with severe right-sided SNHL. From June 2012 to June 2013, a total of 19 patients with severe right-sided SNHL were collected from Zhongda Hospital or the recruitment advertising along with 31 healthy controls.Based on the graph-theoretical analysis, the whole-brain functional networks were constructed using the BOLD-fMRI data of all subjects.Two sample two-tailed t-tests were used to investigate the differences between two groups in nodal metrics, such as node degree, node betweenness, node global efficiency and node local efficiency.All metrics were corrected by multiple comparisons.Partial correlation analysis was used to estimate the relationship between the significant metrics and the duration or severity of hearing loss. The right-sided SNHL showed significantly increased betweenness centrality in left supramarginal gyrus and right fusiform.However, other nodal parameters showed no statistical difference.Besides, patients exhibited no significant association between the altered metrics and clinical variables. Alterations of local topological properties may underlie cerebral cross-modal plastic reorganization in visual or speech-related regions in severe right-sided SNHL patients.

Detection of bronchial breathing caused by pneumonia.

PubMed

Gross, V; Fachinger, P; Penzel, Th; Koehler, U; von Wichert, P; Vogelmeier, C

2002-06-01

The classic auscultation with stethoscope is the established clinical method for the detection of lung diseases. The interpretation of the sounds depends on the experience of the investigating physician. Therefore, a new computer-based method has been developed to classify breath sounds from digital lung sound recordings. Lung sounds of 11 patients with one-sided pneumonia and bronchial breathing were recorded on both the pneumonia side and on contralateral healthy side simultaneously using two microphones. The spectral power for the 300-600 Hz frequency band was computed for four respiratory cycles and normalized. For each breath, the ratio R between the time-segments (duration = 0.1 s) with the highest inspiratory and highest expiratory flow was calculated and averaged. We found significant differences in R between the pneumonia side (R = 1.4 +/- 1.3) and the healthy side (R = 0.5 +/- 0.5; p = 0.003 Wilcoxon-test) of lung. In 218 healthy volunteers we found R = 0.3 +/- 0.2 as a reference-value. The differences of ratio R (delta R) between the pneumonia side and the healthy side (delta R = 1.0 +/- 0.9) were significantly higher compared to follow-up studies after recovery (delta R = 0.0 +/- 0.1, p = 0.005 Wilcoxon-test). The computer based detection of bronchial breathing can be considered useful as part of a quantitative monitoring of patients at risk to develop pneumonia.

Decomposition of total solvation energy into core, side-chains and water contributions: Role of cross correlations and protein conformational fluctuations in dynamics of hydration layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Sayantan; Mukherjee, Saumyak; Bagchi, Biman

2017-09-01

Dynamical coupling between water and amino acid side-chain residues in solvation dynamics is investigated by selecting residues often used as natural probes, namely tryptophan, tyrosine and histidine, located at different positions on protein surface. Such differently placed residues are found to exhibit different timescales of relaxation. The total solvation response measured by the probe is decomposed in terms of its interactions with (i) protein core, (ii) side-chain and (iii) water. Significant anti cross-correlation among these contributions are observed. When the motion of the protein side-chains is quenched, solvation either becomes faster or slower depending on the location of the probe.

Anterior Tibial Translation in Collegiate Athletes with Normal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Integrity

PubMed Central

Rosene, John M.; Fogarty, Tracey D.

1999-01-01

Objective: To examine differences in anterior tibial translation (ATT) among sports, sex, and leg dominance in collegiate athletes with normal anterior cruciate ligament integrity. Design and Setting: Subjects from various athletic teams were measured for ATT in right and left knees. Subjects: Sixty subjects were measured for ATT with a KT-1000 knee arthrometer. Measurements: Statistical analyses were computed for each sex and included a 2 × 3 × 4 mixed-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) for anterior cruciate ligament displacement, right and left sides, and force and sport. A 2 × 2 × 3 mixed-factorial ANOVA was computed to compare means for sex and force. A 2 × 3 mixed-factorial ANOVA was computed to compare sex differences across 3 forces. Results: For males and females, no significant interactions were found among leg, force, and sport for mean ATT, for leg and sport or leg and force, or for translation values between dominant and nondominant legs. Males had a significant interaction for force and sport, and a significant difference was found for side of body, since the right side had less translation than the left side. Females had greater ATT than males at all forces. Conclusions: Sex differences exist for ATT, and differences in ATT exist among sports for both sexes. Differences between the right and left sides of the body should be expected when making comparisons of ligamentous laxity. ImagesFigure 2.Figure 3.Figure 5. PMID:16558565

[Effectiveness comparison of anatomical single-bundle and over-the-top single-bundle reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament].

PubMed

Dong, Yu; Chen, Shiyi; Li, Yunxia; Chen, Jiwu; Hua, Yinghui

2011-08-01

To compare the effectiveness of anatomical single-bundle (ASB) and over-the-top single-bundle (OSB) reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Between January 2008 and June 2008, 64 patients with ACL injury underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. ASB ACL reconstruction was performed in 28 cases (ASB group) and OSB ACL reconstruction in 36 cases (OSB group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and side-to-side difference between 2 groups (P > 0.05). All incisions healed by first intention; no infection or other complications occurred. All cases were followed up 20-24 months (mean, 21.5 months). There were significant differences in the IKDC score, Lysholm score, and the side-to-side difference between last follow-up and preoperation in 2 groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups at last follow-up (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found in negative rate of the pivot shift test between last follow-up and preoperation in ASB group and between 2 groups at last follow-up (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between last follow-up and preoperation in OSB group (P > 0.05). The effectiveness of arthroscopic ASB ACL reconstruction is better than that of arthroscopic OSB ACL reconstruction, especially in controlling rotational stability.

Observations on Side-Swimming Rainbow Trout in Water Recirculation Aquaculture Systems

PubMed Central

Good, Christopher; Davidson, John; Kinman, Christin; Kenney, P. Brett; Bæverfjord, Grete; Summerfelt, Steven

2014-01-01

Abstract During a controlled 6-month study using six replicated water recirculation aquaculture systems (WRASs), it was observed that Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in all WRASs exhibited a higher-than-normal prevalence of side swimming (i.e., controlled, forward swimming but with misaligned orientation such that the fish's sagittal axis is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane). To further our understanding of this abnormality, a substudy was conducted wherein side swimmers and normally swimming fish were selectively sampled from each WRAS and growth performance (length, weight), processing attributes (fillet yield, visceral index, ventrum [i.e., thickness of the ventral “belly flap”] index), blood gas and chemistry parameters, and swim bladder morphology and positioning were compared. Side swimmers were found to be significantly smaller in length and weight and had less fillet yield but higher ventrum indices. Whole-blood analyses demonstrated that, among other things, side swimmers had significantly lower whole-blood pH and higher Pco 2. Side swimmers typically exhibited swim bladder malformations, although the positive predictive value of this subjective assessment was only 73%. Overall, this study found several anatomical and physiological differences between side-swimming and normally swimming Rainbow Trout. Given the reduced weight and fillet yield of market-age side swimmers, producers would benefit from additional research to reduce side-swimming prevalence in their fish stocks. Received March 20, 2014; accepted May 20, 2014 PMID:25250476

Balance training using an interactive game to enhance the use of the affected side after stroke.

PubMed

Ciou, Shih-Hsiang; Hwang, Yuh-Shyan; Chen, Chih-Chen; Chen, Shih-Ching; Chou, Shih-Wei; Chen, Yu-Luen

2015-12-01

[Purpose] Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases are major causes of adult mobility problems. Because stroke immobilizes the affected body part, balance training uses the healthy body part to complete the target movement. The muscle utilization rate on the stroke affected side is often reduced which further hinders affected side functional recovery in rehabilitation. [Subjects and Methods] This study tested a newly-developed interactive device with two force plates to measuring right and left side centers of pressure, to establish its efficacy in the improvement of the static standing ability of patients with hemiplegia. An interactive virtual reality game with different side reaction ratios was used to improve patient balance. The feasibility of the proposed approach was experimentally demonstrated. [Results] Although the non-affected-side is usually used to support the body weight in the standing position, under certain circumstances the patients could switch to using the affected side. A dramatic improvement in static standing balance control was achieved in the eyes open condition. [Conclusion] The proposed dual force plate technique used in this study separately measured the affected and non-affected-side centers of pressure. Based on this approach, different side ratio integration was achieved using an interactive game that helped stroke patients improve balance on the affected side. Only the patient who had suffered stroke relatively recently benefited significantly. The proposed technique is of little benefit for patients whose mobility has stagnated to a certain level.

The differences in the assessments of side effects at an oncology outpatient clinic.

PubMed

Bayraktar-Ekincioglu, A; Kucuk, E

2018-04-01

Background There is a growing interest in the use of targeted and immunotherapies in oncology. However, the assessment of side effects can be different due to interpretation of patients' health status by healthcare professionals in oncology outpatient clinics. Objective To demonstrate the differences in the assessments of side effects conducted independently by a clinical pharmacist and nurses in patients who receive targeted therapies at an oncology outpatient clinic. Setting The study was conducted at the University Oncology Hospital in an outpatient clinic from October 2015 to March 2016. Method Patients receiving ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, bevacizumab, panitumumab or cetuximab during study period were included. The assessment of side effects was conducted by a pharmacist and nurse independently using the NCI-CTCAE version-2. Main outcome measure To compare the severity assessments of side effects between a clinical pharmacist and nurses in an outpatient clinic. Results During the study, 204 visits for 43 patients with a total of 5508 side effect assessments were recorded where 1137 (20.64%) assessments were graded differently. Out of 1137 assessments, 473 of them were graded higher by a clinical pharmacist whereas 664 were graded higher by nurses. Statistically significant differences were detected in the assessment of vomiting, taste changes, sense changes, alopecia, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, hearing impairment, and allergic reactions. Conclusion An assessment of side effects by healthcare providers in patients with cancer may be challenging due to an increased workload in clinics and undistinguishable symptoms of side effects and cancer itself. Therefore, a new care model which increases an interprofessional communication may improve pharmaceutical care in oncology outpatient clinics.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Three-Layer TIG-Welded 2219 Aluminum Alloys with Dissimilar Heat Treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dengkui; Li, Quan; Zhao, Yue; Liu, Xianli; Song, Jianling; Wang, Guoqing; Wu, Aiping

2018-05-01

2219-C10S and 2219-CYS aluminum alloys are 2219 aluminum alloys with different heat treatment processes, and they have been widely used in the aerospace industry. In the present study, 2219-C10S and 2219-CYS aluminum alloys were butt-welded by three-layer tungsten inert gas arc welding (with the welding center of the third layer shifted toward the CYS side), and the microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of the welded joint were investigated. The lamellar θ' phases, the bulk or rod θ phases, and the coarse rod-shaped or pancake-shaped Al-Cu-Fe-Mn phases coexisted in the two aluminum alloys. The Cu content of the α-Al matrix and the distribution of eutectic structures of different welding layers in the weld zone (WZ) were varied, implying that the segregation degrees of the Cu element were different due to the different welding thermal cycles in different welding layers. The microhardness values of the CYS side were much higher than those of the C10S side in each region on both sides of the joint. The tensile test deformation was concentrated mainly in the regions of WZ and the over aged zone (OAZ), where the microhardness values were relatively low. The main deformation concentrated region was transferred from the CYS side to the C10S side with the increase in the tensile load during the tensile test. The fracture behavior of the tensile test showed that the macroscopic crack initiated near the front weld toe had gone through the crack blunt region, the shear fracture region of the partially melted zone (PMZ), and the shear fracture region of OAZ. Meanwhile, the fracture characteristics gradually evolved from brittle to ductile. The concentrated stress and the dense eutectic structure in the region near the front weld toe of the C10S side contributed to the fracture of the joint. The shift of the welding center of the third layer to the CYS side resulted in two effects: (i) the microhardness values from the middle layer to the top layer in the PMZ of the CYS side were the most significantly increased and (ii) the distance between the front weld toe and the fusion line of the CYS side was significantly larger.

Significant Differences in Pediatric Psychotropic Side Effects: Implications for School Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kubiszyn, Thomas; Mire, Sarah; Dutt, Sonia; Papathopoulos, Katina; Burridge, Andrea Backsheider

2012-01-01

Some side effects (SEs) of increasingly prescribed psychotropic medications can impact student performance in school. SE risk varies, even among drugs from the same class (e.g., antidepressants). Knowing which SEs occur significantly more often than others may enable school psychologists to enhance collaborative risk-benefit analysis, medication…

Landing Mechanics During Side Hopping and Crossover Hopping Maneuvers in Noninjured Women and Women With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Ortiz, Alexis; Olson, Sharon; Trudelle-Jackson, Elaine; Rosario, Martin; Venegas, Heidi L.

2011-01-01

Objective To compare, landing mechanics and electromyographic activity of the lower extremities during side hopping and crossover hopping maneuvers, in noninjured women and women with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Design A case-control study. Setting A 3-dimensional motion analysis laboratory. Participants Twenty-eight young women (range, 21–35 years) (15 control subjects and 13 subjects with ACL reconstruction). Patients and Methods All participants performed a side-to-side hopping task that consisted of hopping single-legged 10 times consecutively from side to side across 2 lines marked 30 cm apart on 2 individual force plates. The task was designated as a side hopping when the hop was to the opposite side of the stance leg and as crossover hopping when the hop was toward the side of the stance leg. Main Outcome Measurements Peak hip-/knee-joint angles; peak knee extension/abduction joint moments; electromyographic studies of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, and hamstring muscles; and quadriceps/hamstring co-contraction ratio were compared between the groups by means of 2 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance tests (group × maneuver). Results Noninjured women and women with ACL reconstruction exhibited similar hip-and knee-joint angles during both types of hopping. Hip-joint angles were greater during the crossover hopping in both groups, and knee-joint angles did not differ between the groups or hops. Knee-joint moments demonstrated a significant group × maneuver interaction. Greater knee extension and valgus moments were noted in the control group during crossover hopping, and greater knee abduction moments were noted in the ACL group during side hopping. Electromyographic data revealed no statistically significantly differences between the groups. Conclusions Women with ACL reconstruction exhibited the restoration of functional biomechanical movements such as hip-/knee-joint angles and lower extremity neuromuscular activation during side-to-side athletic tasks. However, not all biomechanical strategies are restored years after surgery, and women who have undergone a procedure such as ACL reconstruction may continue to exhibit knee-joint abduction moments that increase the risk of additional knee injury. PMID:21257128

Molecular Responses to Photooxidative Stress in Pinus sylvestris (L.) (II. Differential Expression of CuZn-Superoxide Dismutases and Glutathione Reductase.

PubMed Central

Karpinski, S.; Wingsle, G.; Karpinska, B.; Hallgren, J. E.

1993-01-01

The influence of photooxidative stress on genes expressing superoxide dismutase (Sod) and glutathione reductase (Gor) was analyzed in needles of top and side shoots of 3-year-old Pinus sylvestris (L.) seedlings. The study was carried out in the field during spring recovery. From mid-April the top shoots of seedlings protruded above the snow and thus were exposed to sunlight, whereas the side shoots were covered with snow until May 4. Needles were sampled from top and side shoots on five different occasions. At the beginning of May the mRNA levels for cytosolic CuZn-Sod were significantly higher in top-shoot needles than in side-shoot needles. Similar results were obtained for chloroplastic CuZn-Sod mRNA. After May 6 we could not detect any significant differences between top- and side-shoot needles for either CuZn-Sod mRNA level. Transcript accumulation for the chloroplastic CuZn-Sod was up to 4-fold higher than for cytosolic CuZn-Sod in both types of shoots. On June 1 minimum transcript levels were observed for both CuZn-SOD isoforms. Protein activity analysis for CuZn-SOD isozymes did not reveal any significant differences between top- and side-shoot needles during the whole period of measurements. The mRNA level for chloroplastic Gor was similar in both types of shoots. However, the total GR activity was significantly higher in top-shoot needles than in side-shoot needles at the beginning of May. The analysis of mRNA accumulation for chloroplastic CuZn-Sod and Gor indicates that transcript levels were at least 5- to 20-fold higher for CuZn-Sod than for chloroplastic Gor. The differential expressions of Sod and Gor genes are discussed in relation to regulation of the enzymic scavenging system during photooxidative stress conditions. PMID:12232032

Factors affecting patient's perception of anticancer treatments side-effects: an observational study.

PubMed

Russo, Stefania; Cinausero, Marika; Gerratana, Lorenzo; Bozza, Claudia; Iacono, Donatella; Driol, Pamela; Deroma, Laura; Sottile, Roberta; Fasola, Gianpiero; Puglisi, Fabio

2014-02-01

Analysis of relative importance of side effects of anticancer therapy is extremely useful in the process of clinical decision making. There is evidence that patients' perception of the side effects of anticancer treatments changes over time. Aim of this study was to evaluate the cancer patients' perceptions of physical and non-physical side effects of contemporary anticancer therapy. Four hundred and sixty-four patients entered the study (153 men and 311 women). Participants were asked to rank their side effects in order of distress by using two sets of cards naming physical and non-physical effects, respectively. Influencing factors, including treatment and patient characteristics, were also analysed. Patients ranked the non-physical side effect 'Affects my family or partner' first. 'Constantly tired' and 'Loss of hair' were ranked second and third, respectively. Significant differences from previous studies on this topic emerged. In particular, 'Vomiting', a predominant concern in previous studies, almost disappeared, whereas 'Nausea' and 'Loss of hair' remained important side effects in the patients' perception. Interestingly, marital status was predominant in driving patients' perception, being associated with several side effects ('Constantly tired', 'Loss of appetite', 'Affects my work/Home duties', 'Affects my social activities', 'Infertility'). Other significant factors influencing patient's perception of side effects included age, disease characteristics and ongoing anticancer therapy. This study provided information on current status of patients' perceptions of side effects of anticancer treatment. These results could be used in pre-treatment patient education and counselling.

Adjuvant treatment or primary topical monotherapy for ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a systematic review.

PubMed

Viani, Gustavo Arruda; Fendi, Ligia Issa de

2017-01-01

In this systematic review, we evaluated studies involving adjuvant and primary topical treatment for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). The findings were: (i) adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) reduces the risk of relapse after surgical excision with mild side effects [level Ib, grade of recommendation (GR) A]. (ii) Primary topical mitomycin (MMC) produces a high rate of complete response, low recurrence rate, and mild side effects (level Ib, GR A). (iii) Primary chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy produce similar rates of recurrence, with no significant difference (level IIb, GR B). (iv) Adjuvant 5-FU versus MMC showed no significant differences, with mild side effects in both groups and a better toxicity profile for MMC (level III, GR C). (v) Primary topical 5-FU versus MMC versus interferon (IFN) showed similar rates of tumor recurrence, mild side effects for all drugs, and more severe side effects in the 5-FU arm, followed successively by MMC and IFN (level III, GR C).

Oxygen consumption, heart rate and oxygen pulse associated with selected exercise-to-muscle class elements.

PubMed Central

Abernethy, P; Batman, P

1994-01-01

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the relative oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate and oxygen pulse associated with the constituent elements of an exercise-to-music class. Six women exercise-to-music leaders with a mean(s.d.) age, weight and height of 33.2(5.2) years, 51.0(2.8) kg and 157.9(5.6) cm respectively, completed five distinct exercise-to-music movement elements. The movement elements were of a locomoter (circuit, jump and low impact) and callisthenic (prone and side/supine) nature. The movement elements were distinguishable from one another in terms of their movement patterns, posture and tempo. Relative VO2 values were greatest for the circuit element (40.6 ml kg-1 min-1) and least for the side/supine element (20.0 ml kg-1 min-1). The differences in VO2 between the locomotrr and callisthenic elements were significant (circuit approximately jump approximately low impact > prone approximately side/supine). However, effect size data suggested that the differences between the low impact and jump elements and the prone and side/supine elements were of practical significance (circuit approximately jump > low impact > prone > side/supine). With a single exception similar parametric statistics and effect size trends were identified for absolute heart rate. Specifically, the heart rate associated with the low impact element was not significantly greater than the prone element. The oxygen pulse associated with the locomotor elements was significantly greater than the callisthenic elements (circuit approximately jump approximately low impact > prone > side/supine). This suggested that heart rate may be an inappropriate index for making comparisons between exercise-to-music elements. Reasons for differences in oxygen uptake values between movement elements are discussed. PMID:8044493

Fourth-dimensional changes in nasolabial dimensions following rotation-advancement repair of unilateral cleft lip.

PubMed

Mulliken, John B; LaBrie, Richard A

2012-02-01

Repair of unilateral cleft lip requires three-dimensional craftsmanship and understanding four-dimensional changes. Ninety-nine children with unilateral complete or incomplete cleft lip were measured by direct anthropometry following rotation-advancement repair (intraoperatively) and again in childhood. Changes in heminasal width, labial height, and labial width were analyzed and compared measures depending on whether the cleft was incomplete/complete or involved left/right side. Average heminasal width (sn-al) was set 1 mm less on the cleft side and measured only 0.7 mm less at 6 years. Labial height (sn-cphi) was slightly greater on the cleft side at repair and matched the noncleft side at follow-up. Vertical dimension (sbal-cphi) was slightly less at operation; the percent change was the same on both sides. Transverse labial width (cphi-ch) was set short on the cleft side and lengthened disproportionately, resulting in less than 1 mm difference at 6 years. All anthropometric dimensions grew less in complete cleft lips compared with incomplete forms; however, only labial height and width were significantly different. There were no disparities in nasolabial growth between left- and right-sided cleft lips. Cleft side alar base drifts laterally and should be positioned slightly more medial and secured to nasalis or periosteum. Growth in labial height lags and, therefore, the repaired side should be equal to or slightly greater than on the normal side, particularly in a complete labial cleft. Transverse labial width grows more on the cleft side; thus, lateral Cupid's bow peak point can be marked closer to the commissure to match the labial height on the noncleft side. Therapeutic, IV.

A comparison of three methods to evaluate the position of an artificial ear on the deficient side of the face from a three-dimensional surface scan of patients with hemifacial microsomia.

PubMed

Coward, Trevor J; Watson, Roger M; Richards, Robin; Scott, Brendan J J

2012-01-01

Patients with hemifacial microsomia may have a missing ear on the deficient side of the face. The fabrication of an ear for such individuals usually has been accomplished by directly measuring the ear on the normal side to construct a prosthesis based on these dimensions, and the positioning has been, to a large extent, primarily operator-dependent. The aim of the present study was to compare three methods, developed from the identification of landmarks plotted on three-dimensional surface scans, to evaluate the position of an artificial ear on the deficient side of the face compared with the position of the natural ear on the normally developed side. Laser scans were undertaken of the faces of 14 subjects with hemifacial microsomia. Landmarks on the ear and face on the normal side were identified. Three methods of mirroring the normal ear on the deficient side of the face were investigated, which used either facial landmarks from the orbital area or a zero reference point generated from the intersection of three orthogonal planes on a frame of reference. To assess the methods, landmarks were identified on the ear situated on the normal side as well as on the face. These landmarks yielded paired dimensional measurements that could be compared between the normal and deficient sides. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. It was possible to mirror the normal ear image on to the deficient side of the face using all three methods. Generally only small differences between the dimensional measurements on the normal and deficient sides were observed. However, two-way analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences between the three methods (P = .005). The method of mirroring using the outer canthi was found to result in the smallest dimensional differences between the anthropometric points on the ear and face between the normally developed and deficient sides. However, the effects of the deformity can result in limitations in relation to achieving a precise alignment of the ear to the facial tissues. This requires further study.

Reirradiation on recurrent cervical cancer case: Treatment response and side effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siregar, M. F.; Supriana, N.; Nuranna, L.; Prihartono, J.

2017-08-01

Management of recurrent cervical cancer by reirradiation after radiation treatment remains controversial. In Indonesia, there is currently no data about reirradiation tumor response and side effects. This study aims to assess the tumor response to and side effects of reirradiation, the effect of time interval between first radiation treatment and cancer recurrence on the tumor response and side effects, and the effect of tumor size on tumor response. A cohort retrospective study with no comparison was done with the Radiotherapy Department at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta. Participants were recurrent cervical cancer patients undergoing reirradiation. Data was collected from patients’ medical records and follow-up phone calls. Twenty-two patients participated in this study. Nine patients (40.9%) had complete responses, 10 patients (45.5%) had partial responses, 1 patient (4.5%) had a stable response, and 2 patients (9.1%) had tumor progressions. In general, 15 patients (68.2%) had no to light side effects (grade 0-2 RTOG) and 7 patients (31.8%) had severe side effects (grade 3-4 RTOG). Four patients (18.1%) had severe gastrointestinal acute side effects, 6 patients (27.3%) had severe gastrointestinal late side effects, 2 patients (9.1%) had severe urogenital side effects, and there were no patients had severe urogenital late side effects. There was no significant difference in tumor response between patients with time interval between first radiation treatment and recurrence of <12 months vs. ≥12 months. There was no significant difference in tumor response between patients with tumor size ≤4 cm vs. >4 cm. Reirradiation can be considered as a modality in recurrent cervical cancer management since good tumor response was achieved and the majority of patients had no to light side effects (grade 0-2 RTOG). This study found no correlation between tumor response, side effects, and time gap between first radiation treatment and recurrence of <12 months vs. ≥12 months. There was also no correlation between tumor response and tumor size of ≤4 cm vs. > 4 cm.

Effect of long-term impact-loading on mass, size, and estimated strength of humerus and radius of female racquet-sports players: a peripheral quantitative computed tomography study between young and old starters and controls.

PubMed

Kontulainen, Saija; Sievänen, Harri; Kannus, Pekka; Pasanen, Matti; Vuori, Ilkka

2003-02-01

Bone characteristics of the humeral shaft and distal radius were measured from 64 female tennis and squash players and their 27 age-, height-, and weight-matched controls with peripheral quantitative tomography (pQCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The players were divided into two groups according to the starting age of their tennis or squash training (either before or after menarche) to examine the possible differences in the loading-induced changes in bone structure and volumetric density. The following pQCT variables were used: bone mineral content, total cross-sectional area of bone (TotA), cross-sectional area of the marrow cavity (CavA) and that of the cortical bone (CoA), cortical wall thickness (CWT), volumetric density of the cortical bone (CoD) and trabecular bone (TrD), and torsional bone strength index for the shaft (BSIt) and compressional bone strength index for the bone end (BSIc). These bone strength indices were compared with the DXA-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) to assess how well the latter represents the effect of mechanical loading on apparent bone strength. At the humeral shaft, the loaded arm's greater bone mineral content (an average 19% side-to-side difference in young starters and 9% in old starters), was caused by an enlarged cortex (CoA; side-to-side differences 20% and 9%, respectively). The loaded humerus seemed to have grown periosteally (the CavA did not differ between the sites), leading to 26% and 11% side-to-side BSIt differences in the young and old starters, respectively. CoD was equal between the arms (-1% difference in both player groups). The side-to-side differences in the young starters' bone mineral content, CoA, TotA, CWT, and BSIt were 8-22% higher than those of the controls and 8-14% higher than those of the old starters. Old starters' bone mineral content, CoA, and BSIt side-to-side differences were 6-7% greater than those in the controls. The DXA-derived side-to-side aBMD difference was 7% greater in young starters compared with that of the old starters and 14% compared with that in controls, whereas the difference between old starters and controls was 6%, in favor of the former. All these between-group differences were statistically significant. At the distal radius, the player groups differed significantly from controls in the side-to-side bone mineral content, TrD, and aBMD differences only: the young starters' bone mineral content difference was 9% greater, TrD and aBMD differences were 5% greater than those in the controls, and the old starters' TrD and aBMD differences were both 7% greater than those in the controls. In summary, in both of the female player groups, the structural adaptation of the humeral shaft to long-term loading seemed to be achieved through periosteal enlargement of the bone cortex, although this adaptation was clearly better in the young starters. Exercise-induced cortical enlargement was not so clear at the distal radius (a trabecular bone site), and the study suggested that at long bone ends, the trabecular density could be a modifiable factor to built a stronger bone structure. Conventional DXA-based aBMD measurement detected the intergroup differences in the exercise-induced bone gains, although, because it measured two dimensions of bone only, it seemed to underestimate the effect of exercise on the apparent bone strength, especially if the playing had been started during the growing years.

Increased knee valgus alignment and moment during single-leg landing after overhead stroke as a potential risk factor of anterior cruciate ligament injury in badminton.

PubMed

Kimura, Yuka; Ishibashi, Yasuyuki; Tsuda, Eiichi; Yamamoto, Yuji; Hayashi, Yoshimitsu; Sato, Shuichi

2012-03-01

In badminton, knees opposite to the racket-hand side received anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries during single-leg landing after overhead stroke. Most of them occurred in the backhand-side of the rear court. Comparing lower limb biomechanics during single-leg landing after overhead stroke between the forehand-side and backhand-side court may help explain the different injury rates depending on court position. The knee kinematics and kinetics during single-leg landing after overhead stroke following back-stepping were different between the forehand-side and backhand-side court. Controlled laboratory study. Hip, knee and ankle joint kinematic and knee kinetic data were collected for 17 right-handed female college badminton players using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Subjects performed single-left-legged landing after an overhead stroke following left and right back-stepping. The kinematic and kinetic data of the left lower extremities during landing were measured and compared between left and right back-steps. Hip flexion and abduction and knee valgus at the initial contact, hip and knee flexion and knee valgus at the maximum knee flexion and the maximum knee valgus moment were significantly larger for the left back-step than the right back-step (p<0.05). Significant differences in joint kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremity during single-leg landing after overhead stroke were observed between different back-step directions. Increased knee valgus angle and moment following back-stepping to the backhand-side might be related to the higher incidence of ACL injury during single-leg landing after overhead stroke.

Bilateral asymmetries in max effort single-leg vertical jumps.

PubMed

Stephens, Thomas M; Lawson, Brooke R; Reiser, Raoul F

2005-01-01

While asymmetries in the lower extremity during jumping may have implications during rehabilitation, it is not clear if healthy subjects should be expected to jump equivalently on each leg. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine if asymmetries exist in maximal effort single-leg vertical jumps. After obtaining university-approved informed consent, 13 men and 12 women with competitive volleyball playing experience and no injuries of the lower-extremity that would predispose them to asymmetries participated. After thorough warm-up, five maximal effort vertical jumps with countermovement were performed on each leg (random order) with ground reaction forces and lower extremity kinematics recorded. The best three jumps from each leg were analyzed, assigning the leg with the highest jump height average as the dominant side. Asymmetry was assessed by determining statistical significance in the dominant versus non-dominant sides (p < 0.05). A significant interaction existed between side and gender for thigh length and peak vertical ground reaction force. Women had a significantly shorter thigh and men a greater peak vertical ground reaction force on their dominant side. All other parameters were assessed as whole group. Jumps were significantly greater off the dominant leg (2.8 cm on average). No other differences between sides were observed. Significant differences in magnitude (p < 0.05) existed between the men and women in jump height, several anthropometric parameters, minimum ankle and hip angles, and vertical ground reaction forces (peak and average). In conclusion, though a person may jump slightly higher on one leg relative to the other, and women may jump slightly differently than men, the magnitude of the difference should be relatively small and due to the multi-factorial nature of jump performance, individual parameters related to performance may not be consistently different.

Gluteus maximus contraction velocity assessed by tensiomyography improves following arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

PubMed

Seijas, Roberto; Marín, Miguel; Rivera, Eila; Alentorn-Geli, Eduard; Barastegui, David; Álvarez-Díaz, Pedro; Cugat, Ramón

2018-03-01

Muscular impairment, particularly for the gluteus maximus (GM), has been observed in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensiomyographic changes of the GM, rectus femoris (RF) and adductor longus (AL) before and after arthroscopic surgery for FAI. It was hypothesized that arthroscopic treatment of FAI would improve the preoperative muscular impairment. All patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of FAI between January and July 2015 were approached for eligibility. Patients included had a tensiomyography (TMG) evaluation including maximal displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) of these muscles in both lower extremities. TMG values between the injured and healthy sides were compared at the preoperative and post-operative (3, 6 and 12 months after surgery) periods. There were no significant differences for the RF and AL, and Dm of the GM for any of the comparisons (n.s.). However, GM Tc was significantly lower at 3 (p = 0.016), 6 (p = 0.008), and 12 (p = 0.049) months after surgery in the injured side compared to preoperatively. GM Tc of the healthy side was significantly lower than the injured side at the preoperative period (p = 0.004) and at 3 (p = 0.024) and 6 (p = 0.028) months after surgery, but these significant differences were no longer observed at 12 months after surgery (n.s.). There was a significant reduction of pain in the GM area at 1 year after surgery compared to preoperatively (p < 0.0001). Arthroscopic treatment of FAI and the subsequent rehabilitation improves contraction velocity of the GM of the injured side. Despite Tc is elevated in the GM of the injured compared to the healthy side preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months after surgery, differences in Tc between both sides are no longer significant at 12 months. Athletes with FAI participating in sports with great involvement of GM may benefit from arthroscopic treatment and its subsequent rehabilitation. TMG can be used as an objective measurement to monitor muscular improvements of the GM after surgery in these patients. II.

Rhinoscintigraphic analysis of nasal mucociliary function in patients with Bell's palsy.

PubMed

Boynuegri, S; Ozer, S; Peksoy, I; Acikalin, A; Tuna, E Ü; Dursun, E; Eryilmaz, A

2016-01-01

Mucociliary transport (MCT) is an important defense mechanism of the respiratory tract. One of the major factors determining MCT is the ciliary activity of the respiratory epithelium. Rhinoscintigraphy is the most commonly used method for the analysis of mucociliary activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of facial paralysis on the nasal mucociliary clearance. This study included 38 Bell's palsy patients as the study group and 10 subjects without any history of paranasal sinus disease or facial paralysis as the control group. A drop of technetium 99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin (Tc-99m MAA) was placed posterior to the head of the inferior turbinate and followed with a gamma camera. MCT rate was measured as the velocity of Tc-99m MAA drop. The mean MCT rate was 4.27 ± 0.76 millimeters per minute (mm/min) on 20 sides of 10 healthy controls, 4.11 ± 2.91 mm/min on the affected sides of the patients with Bell's palsy, and 6.03 ± 3.13 mm/min on the nonparalyzed sides of the patients. MCT rate was statistically significantly faster in the nonparalyzed side when compared to the paralyzed side in Bell's palsy patients (P = 0.001). MCT rates were not significantly different in the control group and paralyzed sides of the Bell's palsy patients (P = 0.810). The MCT rate was statistically significantly faster in the nonparalyzed sides of Bell's palsy patients when compared to the controls (P = 0.017). This study showed a faster MCT rate on the nonparalyzed side in Bell's palsy patients when compared to the paralyzed side and the control subjects. A compensatory mechanism could be the underlying reason for faster MCT on the nonparalyzed side. Further studies on larger patient groups are needed to investigate the effect of facial paralysis on the MCT and changes of facial nerve function on the opposite, nonparalyzed side of the face.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Similarity of Right and Left Knee Joints

PubMed Central

Jang, Ki-Mo; Park, Jong-Hoon; Chang, Minho; Kim, Youngjun; Lee, Deukhee; Park, Sehyung; Wang, Joon Ho

2017-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical similarity of three-dimensional (3D) morphometric parameters between right and left knees. Materials and Methods Ten fresh-frozen paired cadaveric knees were tested. Following dissection, footprint areas of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were measured. Surface scanning was performed using a 3D scanner. Scanned data were reproduced and morphometric parameters were measured on specialized software. After making mirror models, we compared footprint center positions of the ACL and PCL of both sides and calculated the average deviation of 3D alignment between the right- and left-side models. Results No significant side-to-side differences were found in any morphometric parameters. Bony shapes displayed a side-to-side difference of <1 mm. Distal femoral and proximal tibial volumes did not present side-to-side differences, either; the average 3D deviations of alignment between the right and left sides were 0.8±0.4/1.1±0.6 mm (distal femur/proximal tibia). Center-to-center distances between the right and left ACL footprints were 2.6/2.7 mm (femur/tibia) for the anteromedial bundle and 2.4/2.8 mm for the posterolateral bundle. They were 1.9/1.5 mm for the anterolateral bundle and 2.2/1.8 mm for the posteromedial bundle of the PCL. Conclusions There was a remarkable 3D morphometric similarity between right and left knees. Our results might support the concept of obtaining morphologic reference data from the uninvolved contralateral knee. PMID:29046046

Comparative trial of 5% dexpanthenol in water-in-oil formulation with 1% hydrocortisone ointment in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot study.

PubMed

Udompataikul, Montree; Limpa-o-vart, Dipenn

2012-03-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic relapsing disease particularly affecting children. The emollient used for protection of skin barrier function is the standard treatment for patients with AD. Currently, there is a growing interest in the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as dexpanthenol (vitamin B5) as an alternative treatment. To compare the effectiveness of 5% dexpanthenol (DT) ointment with 1% hydrocortisone (HC) ointment in childhood AD therapy. Patients were treated topically with 5% DT ointment on the right side of the body and 1% HC ointment on the other side twice daily for 4 weeks. The clinical responses were evaluated by SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index) with statistical analysis using paired t-test. Of the 30 children enrolled, 26 completed the protocol; mean age was 7.19 years. The average baseline SCORAD score of the DT-treated side and the HC-treated side was 30.95 and 30.54, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in SCORAD score reduction between the 2 agents. The edematous score of the HC-treated side exhibited faster resolution than that of the DT-treated side, with a statistically significant difference at week 1 and without a statistically significant difference at weeks 2 to 4. The lichenification response rate of HC treatment was more rapid than that of DT treatment; however, there was no statistical group difference. No adverse events were observed with either agent. The effectiveness of 5% DT ointment is equal to that of 1% HC ointment. DT ointment may be used as alternative treatment in mild to moderate childhood AD therapy.

Sonographic evaluation of the acromiohumeral distance in elite and recreational female overhead athletes.

PubMed

Maenhout, Annelies; van Cingel, Robert; De Mey, Kristof; Van Herzeele, Maarten; Dhooge, Famke; Cools, Ann

2013-05-01

To compare the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and the change of this distance during abduction between the dominant and nondominant shoulders of female overhead athletes and to compare AHD between elite and recreational female athletes. : Case-control study. Laboratory, institutional. "Side" (dominant and nondominant), "group" (elite and recreational athletes), and "degree of abduction" (0, 45, and 60 degrees). Sixty-two female overhead athletes participated in this study: 29 elite handball players and 33 recreational overhead athletes of different sports disciplines (volleyball, water polo, squash, and badminton). Acromiohumeral distance was measured at 3 positions of abduction using ultrasound: at 0, 45, and 60 degrees of abduction. Acromiohumeral distance measurements showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.88 and 0.92). In all overhead athletes, the AHD was significantly larger on the dominant side compared with the nondominant side, at all positions of abduction (mean difference = 0.94 ± 0.18 mm). Significant reduction of the AHD during abduction occurred relative to the initial size at 0 degree of abduction, at both sides. When comparing elite and recreational athletes, the AHD was significantly larger in elite athletes (mean difference = 0.92 ± 0.47 mm). Moreover, significantly less reduction occurred during the first degrees of abduction (0-45 degrees) in elite athletes (9.37% ± 2.17% reduction) compared with the recreational athletes (17.68% ± 2.03% reduction). The AHD is larger on the dominant side compared with the nondominant side and in elite female athletes compared with recreational female athletes. Moreover, less reduction of the AHD occurs in the elite athlete group during the first 45 degrees of abduction.

DETERMINATION OF CLINICALLY RELEVANT DIFFERENCES IN FRONTAL PLANE HOP TESTS IN WOMEN'S COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL AND SOCCER PLAYERS

PubMed Central

Hardesty, Kelly; Hegedus, Eric J.; Ford, Kevin R.; Nguyen, Anh‐Dung

2017-01-01

Background ACL injury prevention programs are less successful in female basketball players than in soccer players. Previous authors have identified anthropometric and biomechanical differences between the athletes and different sport‐specific demands, including a higher frequency of frontal plane activities in basketball. Current injury risk screening and preventive training practices do not place a strong emphasis on frontal plane activities. The medial and lateral triple hop for distance tests may be beneficial for use in the basketball population. Hypothesis/Purpose To 1) establish normative values for the medial and lateral triple hop tests in healthy female collegiate athletes, and 2) analyze differences in test scores between female basketball and soccer players. It was hypothesized that due to the frequent frontal plane demands of their sport, basketball players would exhibit greater performance during these frontal plane performance tests. Study Design Cross‐sectional. Methods Thirty‐two NCAA Division‐1 female athletes (20 soccer, 12 basketball) performed three trials each of a medial and lateral triple hop for distance test. Distances were normalized to height and mass in order to account for anthropometric differences. Repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to identify statistically significant main effects of sport (basketball vs. soccer), and side (right vs. left), and sport x side interactions. Results After accounting for anthropometric differences, soccer players exhibited significantly better performance than basketball players in the medial and lateral triple hop tests (p < 0.05). Significant side differences (p = 0.02) were identified in the entire population for the medial triple hop test, such that participants jumped farther on their left (400.3 ± 41.5 cm) than right (387.9 ± 43.4 cm) limbs, but no side differences were identified in the lateral triple hop. No significant side x sport interactions were identified. Conclusions Women's basketball players exhibit decreased performance of frontal plane hop tests when compared to women's soccer players. Additionally, the medial triple hop for distance test may be effective at identifying side‐to‐side asymmetries Level of Evidence 3 PMID:28515972

Unilateral posterior crossbite and mastication.

PubMed

Rilo, Benito; da Silva, José Luis; Mora, María Jesús; Cadarso-Suárez, Carmen; Santana, Urbano

2007-05-01

This study was designed to characterize masticatory-cycle morphology, and distance of the contact glide in the closing masticatory stroke, in adult subjects with uncorrected unilateral posterior crossbite (UPXB), comparing the results obtained with those obtained in a parallel group of normal subjects. Mandibular movements (masticatory movements and laterality movements with dental contact) were registered using a gnathograph (MK-6I Diagnostic System) during unilateral chewing of a piece of gum. Traces were recorded on the crossbite and non-crossbite sides in the crossbite group, and likewise on both sides in the non-crossbite group. Mean contact glide distance on the crossbite side in the UPXB group was significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001), and mean contact glide distance on the non-crossbite side in the UPXB group was significantly lower than in the control group (p=0.042). Cycle morphology was abnormal during chewing on the crossbite side, with the frequency distribution of cycle types differing significantly from that for the noncrossbite side and that for the control group (p<0.001). Patients with crossbite showed alterations in both contact glide distances and masticatory cycle morphology. These alterations are probably adaptive responses allowing maintenance of adequate masticatory function despite the crossbite.

Evaluation of piezocision and laser-assisted flapless corticotomy in the acceleration of canine retraction: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Alfawal, Alaa M H; Hajeer, Mohammad Y; Ajaj, Mowaffak A; Hamadah, Omar; Brad, Bassel

2018-02-17

To evaluate the effectiveness of two minimally invasive surgical procedures in the acceleration of canine retraction: piezocision and laser-assisted flapless corticotomy (LAFC). Trial design: A single-centre randomized controlled trial with a compound design (two-arm parallel-group design and a split-mouth design for each arm). 36 Class II division I patients (12 males, 24 females; age range: 15 to 27 years) requiring first upper premolars extraction followed by canine retraction. piezocision group (PG; n = 18) and laser-assisted flapless corticotomy group (LG; n = 18). A split-mouth design was applied for each group where the flapless surgical intervention was randomly allocated to one side and the other side served as a control side. the rate of canine retraction (primary outcome), anchorage loss and canine rotation, which were assessed at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months following the onset of canine retraction. Also the duration of canine retraction was recorded. Random sequence: Computer-generated random numbers. Allocation concealment: sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Blinding: Single blinded (outcomes' assessor). Seventeen patients in each group were enrolled in the statistical analysis. The rate of canine retraction was significantly greater in the experimental side than in the control side in both groups by two-fold in the first month and 1.5-fold in the second month (p < 0.001). Also the overall canine retraction duration was significantly reduced in the experimental side as compared with control side in both groups about 25% (p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences between the experimental and the control sides regarding loss of anchorage and upper canine rotation in both groups (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two flapless techniques regarding the studied variables during all evaluation times (p > 0.05). Piezocision and laser-assisted flapless corticotomy appeared to be effective treatment methods for accelerating canine retraction without any significant untoward effect on anchorage or canine rotation during rapid retraction. ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02606331 ).

Mode of transmission of schizophrenia.

PubMed

Ponnudurai, R; Jayakar, J

2010-06-01

Although the evidences for the phenomenon of "anticipation" and parental "imprinting" have been shown in schizophrenia, they are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to test these hypotheses by examining three successive generations. 58 schizophrenic patients who had their maternal or paternal parent or grandparent, or both, affected with schizophrenia or related disorders were analyzed. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of the sex of the parent with more than one of the affected proband families. The differences in the age of onset of the illness between the successive three generations was calculated using the t-test. In comparison to mothers' affected families, a large proportion of the father side affected families had more than one of their offspring affected with the illness. The age of onset in probands was lower in comparison to that of those on the parental side and the difference was more significant when the paternal side was affected. Interestingly, when the age of onset in the grandparents was compared with either of the parental sides of the probands no difference emerged, indicating lack of support from this study for the theory of anticipation. At any rate, the age of onset of probands was significantly lower in comparison to that of the paternal grandfather side. Further, skipping of a generation in the process of transmission was noted in some families. It is hard to ignore our findings that suggest paternal side transmission. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Colorectal cancer the importance of primary tumor location].

PubMed

Ryska, M; Bauer, J

2017-01-01

Retrospective evaluations of the relevance of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) location consistently indicate that right-sided tumors, arising in the cecum, ascending colon, hepatic bend, transverse colon and splenic flexure, are clinically, biologically and genetically different from left-sided tumors - those located in the descending colon, sigmoid colon or rectum. Location in the right-sided colon represents a negative prognostic indicator, particularly for stage III and IV carcinomas. Irrespective of treatment, the rightward location is associated with a significantly increased risk of death when compared to the left side.Key words: colorectal cancer - location - therapy - prognosis.

Similarities and Differences between Public and Proprietary Postsecondary 2-Year Technical Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Debra K.; Mupinga, Davison M.

2006-01-01

Private and public 2-year technical colleges survive side-by-side within the same communities. However, little is known about their characteristics, similarities and differences. The question is whether the 2-year technical institutions are duplicating each other, or are they significantly different in their missions, admission requirements,…

Relating drug–protein interaction network with drug side effects

PubMed Central

Mizutani, Sayaka; Pauwels, Edouard; Stoven, Véronique; Goto, Susumu; Yamanishi, Yoshihiro

2012-01-01

Motivation: Identifying the emergence and underlying mechanisms of drug side effects is a challenging task in the drug development process. This underscores the importance of system–wide approaches for linking different scales of drug actions; namely drug-protein interactions (molecular scale) and side effects (phenotypic scale) toward side effect prediction for uncharacterized drugs. Results: We performed a large-scale analysis to extract correlated sets of targeted proteins and side effects, based on the co-occurrence of drugs in protein-binding profiles and side effect profiles, using sparse canonical correlation analysis. The analysis of 658 drugs with the two profiles for 1368 proteins and 1339 side effects led to the extraction of 80 correlated sets. Enrichment analyses using KEGG and Gene Ontology showed that most of the correlated sets were significantly enriched with proteins that are involved in the same biological pathways, even if their molecular functions are different. This allowed for a biologically relevant interpretation regarding the relationship between drug–targeted proteins and side effects. The extracted side effects can be regarded as possible phenotypic outcomes by drugs targeting the proteins that appear in the same correlated set. The proposed method is expected to be useful for predicting potential side effects of new drug candidate compounds based on their protein-binding profiles. Supplementary information: Datasets and all results are available at http://web.kuicr.kyoto-u.ac.jp/supp/smizutan/target-effect/. Availability: Software is available at the above supplementary website. Contact: yamanishi@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp, or goto@kuicr.kyoto-u.ac.jp PMID:22962476

Comparison of pathway and center of gravity of the calcaneus on non-involved and involved sides according to eccentric and concentric strengthening in patients with achilles tendinopathy.

PubMed

Yu, Jaeho; Lee, Gyuchang

2012-01-01

This study compares the changes in pathway and center of gravity (COG) on the calcaneus of non-involved and involved sides according to eccentric and concentric strengthening in patients with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy. The goal was to define the biomechanical changes according to eccentric strengthening for the development of clinical guidelines. Eighteen patients with Achilles tendinopathy were recruited at the K Rehabilitation Hospital in Seoul. The subjects were instructed to perform 5 sessions of concentric strengthening. The calcaneal pathway was measured using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer, and COG was measured by a force plate. Subsequently, eccentric strengthening was implemented, and identical variables were measured. Concentric and eccentric strengthening was carried out on both the involved and non-involved sides. There was no significant difference in the calcaneal pathway in patients with Achilles tendinopathy during concentric and eccentric strengthening. However, during eccentric strengthening, the calcaneal pathway significantly increased on the involved side compared to the non-involved side for all variables excluding the z-axis. COG significantly decreased on the involved side when compared to the non-involved side in patients with Achilles tendinopathy during eccentric and concentric strengthening. During concentric strengthening, all variables of the COG significantly increased on the involved side compared to the non-involved side. Compared with eccentric strengthening, concentric strengthening decreased the stability of ankle joints and increased the movement distance of the calcaneus in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Furthermore, eccentric strengthening was verified to be an effective exercise method for prevention of Achilles tendinopathy through the reduction of forward and backward path length of foot pressure. The regular application of eccentric strengthening was found to be effective in the secondary prevention of Achilles tendinopathy in a clinical setting.

Assessment of the degree of pelvic tilt within a normal asymptomatic population.

PubMed

Herrington, Lee

2011-12-01

In clinical practice the degree of pelvic tilt is commonly assessed because of its reported relationship to pelvic, spinal and lower limb pathologies. There is little normative data presented within the literature establishing typical findings within an asymptomatic population from which to make comparisons in pathological populations. The aim of this study was to report typical pelvic angle in an asymptomatic populations and also the degree of side-to-side asymmetry which might exist within the pelvis. Pelvic angle was measured by finding the angle from horizontal of a line between the anterior superior and posterior superior iliac spines of the ilium using a PALM palpation meter in 120 healthy subjects (65 males, 55 females) with a mean age of 23.8(2.1) years. 85% of males and 75% of females presented with an anterior pelvic tilt, 6% of males and 7% of females with a posterior tilt and 9% of males and 18% of females presented as neutral. There was significant difference in pelvic angle between sides for males (p = 0.002) but a non-significant difference between sides for females (p = 0.314). But the difference in angle for males between sides was less than the smallest detectable difference statistic found in the reliability study, so most likely to be due to measurement error. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Generalized mechanical pain sensitivity over nerve tissues in patients with strictly unilateral migraine.

PubMed

Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César; Arendt-Nielsen, Lars; Cuadrado, María Luz; Pareja, Juan A

2009-06-01

No study has previously analyzed pressure pain sensitivity of nerve trunks in migraine. This study aimed to examine the differences in mechanical pain sensitivity over specific nerves between patients with unilateral migraine and healthy controls. Blinded investigators assessed pressure pain thresholds (PPT) over the supra-orbital nerves (V1) and peripheral nerve trunks of both upper extremities (median, radial, and ulnar nerves) in 20 patients with strictly unilateral migraine and 20 healthy matched controls. Pain intensity after palpation over both supra-orbital nerves was also assessed. A pressure algometer was used to quantify PPT, whereas a 10-point numerical pain rate scale was used to evaluate pain to palpation over the supra-orbital nerve. The analysis of covariance revealed that pain to palpation over the supra-orbital nerve was significantly higher (P<0.001) on the symptomatic side (mean: 3.4, SD: 1.5) as compared with the nonsymptomatic side (mean: 0.5, SD: 1.2) in patients with migraine and both the dominant (mean: 0.2, SD: 0.4) and nondominant (mean: 0.3, SD: 0.5) sides in healthy controls. PPT assessed over the supra-orbital nerve on the symptomatic side (mean: 1.05, SD: 0.2 kg/cm) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than PPT measurements on the nonsymptomatic side (mean: 1.35, SD: 0.3 kg/cm) and either the dominant (mean: 1.9, SD: 0.2 kg/cm) or nondominant (mean: 1.9, SD: 0.3 kg/cm) sides in controls (P<0.001). Finally, PPT assessed over the median, ulnar, and radial nerves were significantly lower in patients with migraine as compared with controls (P<0.001), without side-to-side differences (P>0.6). In patients with unilateral migraine, we found increased mechano-sensitivity of the supra-orbital nerve on the symptomatic side of the head. Outside the head, the same patients showed increased mechano-sensitivity of the main peripheral nerves of both upper limbs, without asymmetries. Such diffuse hypersensitivity of the peripheral nerves lends further evidence to the presence of a state of hyperexcitability of the central nervous system in patients with unilateral migraine.

Comparative study of buffered 50% glycolic acid (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid solution vs Jessner's solution in patients with acne vulgaris.

PubMed

In Jae, Jeong; Dong Ju, Hyun; Dong Hyun, Kim; Yoon, Moon Soo; Lee, Hee Jung

2017-11-21

Superficial chemical peels are frequently used in acne vulgaris treatment. Although glycolic acid (GA) has been widely used in clinical practice, its pH ranges from 0.08-2.75 and thus should be neutralized after application to avoid burns. To evaluate treatment efficacy and safety of chemical peeling using buffered 50% GA (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid (SA) solution that does not need to be neutralized in the treatment of acne vulgaris compared to the conventional peeling using Jessner's solution. We performed a prospective, randomized, evaluator-blind, split-face clinical trial. Twenty patients were randomized by assigning one side of each patient's face to receive a 50% GA (pH 3.0) + 0.5% SA peel (GA side) and the other side to receive the Jessner's solution (Jessner's solution side). All patients underwent 2 sessions of treatment spaced 2 weeks apart. Lesion count, acne severity, subjective efficacy assessment, and side effects were evaluated. The total lesion count was significantly reduced for the GA and Jessner's solution sides (P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in the total lesion count, acne severity, or subjective efficacy assessment between the 2 sides (P > .05). The GA side had fewer side effects than the Jessner's solution side. The results of this study suggest that chemical peeling using the 50% GA (pH 3.0) + 0.5% SA solution can be as effective and convenient as the conventional peeling using Jessner's solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris and may show fewer adverse events than the conventional peeling. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measurement of muscle thickness of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius using ultrasound imaging in competitive recreational adult swimmers, with and without current shoulder pain.

PubMed

McKenna, Leanda J; de Ronde, Mandy; Le, Minyang; Burke, William; Graves, Anna; Williams, Sian A

2018-02-01

To compare serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscle thickness between swimmers with and without current shoulder pain, and between sides when measured by real-time ultrasound imaging. A single blinded age and gender-matched case-control study with 26 symptomatic and 26 asymptomatic recreational swimmers. Muscle thickness of serratus anterior and lower trapezius were measured using previously validated real-time ultrasound imaging protocols. Serratus anterior thickness was measured in side lying with 90° of glenohumeral flexion at rest and during a scapular protraction contraction. Lower trapezius thickness was measured in prone with 145° of glenohumeral abduction whilst at rest and when holding the weight of the arm. There was no statistically significant difference between the muscle thickness of serratus anterior and lower trapezius between the symptomatic shoulder and the dominance-matched shoulder in the asymptomatic group of swimmers. There was also no significant difference in muscle thickness between the symptomatic side and asymptomatic side within the symptomatic group. There appears to be no difference in serratus anterior and lower trapezius thickness between swimmers who have mild to moderate shoulder pain, who continue to swim and those who do not have shoulder pain. When imaging the serratus anterior and lower trapezius in swimmers with mild shoulder pain, clinicians should expect no differences between sides. If muscle thickness differences between sides are detected in recreational swimmers, this may indicate that the swimmer is participating in other asymmetrical activities or has a higher level of shoulder pain. Copyright © 2017 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acute side effects of three commonly used gadolinium contrast agents in the paediatric population.

PubMed

Neeley, Chris; Moritz, Michael; Brown, Jeffrey J; Zhou, Yihua

2016-07-01

To determine the incidence of acute side effects of three commonly used gadolinium contrast agents in the paediatric population. A retrospective review of medical records was performed to determine the incidence of acute adverse side effects of i.v. gadolinium contrast agents [MultiHance(®) (Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ), Magnevist(®) (Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Wayne, NJ) or Gadavist(®) (Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals)] in paediatric patients. 40 of the 2393 patients who received gadolinium contrast agents experienced acute side effects, representing an incidence of 1.7%. The majority of the acute side effects (in 30 patients) were nausea and vomiting. The incidence was significantly higher in non-sedated patients (2.37% vs 0.7%; p = 0.0018). Furthermore, without sedation, the incidence of both nausea and vomiting was significantly higher in children receiving MultiHance, with a 4.48% incidence of nausea when compared with Magnevist (0.33%, p < 0.0001) and Gadavist (0.28%, p < 0.0001) and a 2.36% incidence of vomiting compared with those for Magnevist (0.50%, p = 0.0054) and Gadavist (0.28%, p = 0.014), whereas no difference was observed between Magnevist and Gadavist within the power of the study. In addition, there was no apparent difference between any of the three contrast agents for the incidence of allergy or other acute side effects detected, given the sample size. The gadolinium contrast agents MultiHance, Magnevist and Gadavist have a low incidence of acute side effects in the paediatric population, a rate that is further reduced in moderately sedated patients. MultiHance demonstrated significantly increased incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms compared with Magnevist and Gadavist. The incidence of acute side effects of three commonly used gadolinium contrast agents was determined in the paediatric population, which can have clinical implications.

Variation of activity demands in small-sided soccer games.

PubMed

Dellal, A; Drust, B; Lago-Penas, C

2012-05-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the physical and technical activity during different periods within small-sided soccer games (SSGs). 20 elite players completed 3 different SSGs (2-a-side, 3-a-side and 4-a-side games) in which the number of ball touches per individual possession was fixed at a maximum of 2. The duration and the pitch size of each SSG were strictly controlled (2 min, 3 min, 4 min, respectively; 1:75 m2) with each period repeated 4 times (P1, P2, P3, P4). The physical and technical activities, heart rate responses, blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analysed. The results showed a decrease of high and very high-intensity activities (from - 26.2% to - 37.7%, P<0.001), an increase of blood lactate concentration (from + 28.0% to + 76.9%), RPE (from + 29.0% to + 32.8%), and heart rate responses (~ 6.6%), and a significant alteration of technical activities from P1 to P4 in each SSG. The greatest differences from P1 and P4 were observed for the 2-a-side game when compared to the 3-a-side and 4-a-side games (P<0.05) for each variable analysed . In conclusion, the variation of the player's activity throughout the periods indicates that the duration and number of exercise periods used within SSGs is an important variable in determining the training stimulus in soccer-specific training. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Side preference in adults for holding infants: contributions of sex and handedness in a test of imagination.

PubMed

Harris, L J; Almerigi, J B; Kirsch, E A

2000-01-01

Five hundred one right-handers (150 men, 351 women) and 53 left-handers (15 men, 38 women) were asked to imagine holding a young infant in their arms. Right-handers reported significant left-side biases--in 68% of the men and 73% of the women. For left-handers, side preferences were weaker, the left-side bias dropping to 47% for men and 60% for women, with neither figure different from chance. The results are discussed in the context of theory and research on the functional neuroanatomy of attention, emotional arousal, and the generation, maintenance, and manipulation of mental images.

Isokinetic Hamstrings:Quadriceps Ratios in Intercollegiate Athletes

PubMed Central

Fogarty, Tracey D.; Mahaffey, Brian L.

2001-01-01

Objective: To compare the differences in the concentric hamstrings:quadriceps (H:Q) ratio among athletes in different sports at 3 velocities. Design and Setting: We measured the H:Q ratio of both knees using the Biodex Pro Isokinetic Device. Subjects: Eighty-one male and female collegiate athletes. Measurements: We performed analyses for sport, velocity, and side of body for each sex. To compare the means of the concentric H:Q ratios for mean peak torque and mean total work, a 2 × 3 × 4 mixed-factorial analysis of variance was computed for women and a 2 × 2 × 3 mixed-factorial analysis of variance was computed for men. Results: We observed no significant interactions for men and women for the concentric H:Q ratio for mean peak torque. There was a significant mean difference among velocity conditions and a significant difference for men with respect to velocity. No significant differences were found for side of body or sport. Conclusions: The H:Q ratio increased as velocity increased. No differences existed for the H:Q ratio for sport or side of body. PMID:12937479

A three-dimensional evaluation of human facial asymmetry.

PubMed Central

Ferrario, V F; Sforza, C; Miani, A; Serrao, G

1995-01-01

Soft-tissue facial asymmetry was studied in a group of 80 young healthy white Caucasian adults (40 men, 40 women) with no craniofacial, dental or mandibular disorders. For each subject, the 3-dimensional coordinates of 16 standardised soft-tissue facial landmarks (trichion, nasion, pronasale, subnasale, B point, pogonion, eye lateral canthi, nasal alae, labial commissures, tragi, gonia) were measured by infrared photogrammetry by an automated instrument. The form of the right and left hemifaces was assessed by calculating all the possible linear distances between pairs of landmarks within side. Side differences were tested by using euclidean distance matrix analysis. The mean faces of both groups were significantly asymmetric, i.e. the 2 sides of face showed significant differences in shape, but no differences in size. PMID:7649806

Development of the oxytalan fiber system in the periodontal space of rat incisors.

PubMed

Inoue, Kouji; Hara, Yaiko; Kuroda, Noriyuki; Sato, Tetsuji

2013-10-01

The present study clarifies developmental organization of the oxytalan fiber system in the periodontal space of both the enamel (labial) and cementum (lingual) sides of rat incisors. The number of oxytalan fibers per unit area (μm(2)) was counted in rat incisors at stages of embryonic day 20 (E20) to postnatal day 35 (P35). Oxytalan fibers in the periodontal space of the enamel side were apt to decrease in number during the postnatal period, whereas their number remained almost unchanged on the cementum side during the developmental period. When the incisor emerged through the gum at P11, thinner oxytalan fibers distributed in the apical growing periodontium of the cementum side seemed to be fused with one another to become thicker fibers as has been reported for rat molars (Inoue et al., 2012). Thus, the oxytalan fiber system in the periodontal space represented significant differences in its distributional density between the enamel and cementum sides after E23. At the stage of P35, oxytalan fibers presented significantly denser distribution in all territories of the periodontal ligament of the cementum side versus the enamel side. The present findings claim that the oxytalan fiber system might bind the tooth to the periodontal ligament and provide equilibrium of vascular system and control of blood flow in the periodontal ligament of the cementum side, while it might exclusively regulate the high level of physiologically adapted vasculature in the periodontal space of the enamel side. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Muscle fiber diameter assessment in cleft lip using image processing.

PubMed

Khan, M F J; Little, J; Abelli, L; Mossey, P A; Autelitano, L; Nag, T C; Rubini, M

2018-04-01

To pilot investigation of muscle fiber diameter (MFD) on medial and lateral sides of the cleft in 18 infants with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) using image processing. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from the medial and lateral sides of the cleft were analyzed for MFD using an image-processing program (ImageJ). For within-case comparison, a paired Student's t test was performed. For comparisons between classes, an unpaired t test was used. Image processing enabled rapid measurement of MFD with majority of fibers showing diameter between 6 and 11 μm. There was no significant difference in mean MFD between the medial and lateral sides, or between CL and CLP. However, we found a significant difference on the medial side (p = .032) between males and females. The image processing on FFPE tissues resulted in easy quantification of MFD with finding of a smaller MFD on the medial side in males suggesting possible differences in orbicularis oris (OO) muscle between the two sexes in CL that warrants replication using larger number of cases. Moreover, this finding can aid subclinical phenotyping and potentially in the restoration of the anatomy and function of the upper lip. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Left- or right-handed: the effect of a preferential use of one hand or the other on dental hygiene].

PubMed

Eleveld, C A; Schuller, A A

2016-02-01

A research project investigated the extent to which a preferential use of one hand or the other has an effect on dental hygiene on the left or right side of the mouth. The study made use of epidemiological dental-care data from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research and of data from a dental practice specifically collected for this project. The results revealed that among a population which is 85-90% right-handed, statistically significantly more dental plaque was found on the right side of the mouth than on the left. A separate study revealed the prevalence of statistically significantly more dental plaque on the right side than on the left among right-handed people and, among left-handed people, a non-statistically significant trend of more dental plaque on the left than the right. It is concluded that dental hygiene on the left side and the right side of the mouth is very likely to be dependent on the preferential use of one hand or the other. The differences between the left side of the mouth and right among left- and right-handed people are, however, so small that it is questionable whether these should be taken into consideration in giving instructions about dental hygiene.

Incorporating single-side sparing in models for predicting parotid dose sparing in head and neck IMRT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Lulin, E-mail: lulin.yuan@duke.edu; Wu, Q. Jackie; Yin, Fang-Fang

2014-02-15

Purpose: Sparing of single-side parotid gland is a common practice in head-and-neck (HN) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning. It is a special case of dose sparing tradeoff between different organs-at-risk. The authors describe an improved mathematical model for predicting achievable dose sparing in parotid glands in HN IMRT planning that incorporates single-side sparing considerations based on patient anatomy and learning from prior plan data. Methods: Among 68 HN cases analyzed retrospectively, 35 cases had physician prescribed single-side parotid sparing preferences. The single-side sparing model was trained with cases which had single-side sparing preferences, while the standard model was trainedmore » with the remainder of cases. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the best criterion that separates the two case groups using the physician's single-side sparing prescription as ground truth. The final predictive model (combined model) takes into account the single-side sparing by switching between the standard and single-side sparing models according to the single-side sparing criterion. The models were tested with 20 additional cases. The significance of the improvement of prediction accuracy by the combined model over the standard model was evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: Using the ROC analysis, the best single-side sparing criterion is (1) the predicted median dose of one parotid is higher than 24 Gy; and (2) that of the other is higher than 7 Gy. This criterion gives a true positive rate of 0.82 and a false positive rate of 0.19, respectively. For the bilateral sparing cases, the combined and the standard models performed equally well, with the median of the prediction errors for parotid median dose being 0.34 Gy by both models (p = 0.81). For the single-side sparing cases, the standard model overestimates the median dose by 7.8 Gy on average, while the predictions by the combined model differ from actual values by only 2.2 Gy (p = 0.005). Similarly, the sum of residues between the modeled and the actual plan DVHs is the same for the bilateral sparing cases by both models (p = 0.67), while the standard model predicts significantly higher DVHs than the combined model for the single-side sparing cases (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The combined model for predicting parotid sparing that takes into account single-side sparing improves the prediction accuracy over the previous model.« less

Incorporating single-side sparing in models for predicting parotid dose sparing in head and neck IMRT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Lulin, E-mail: lulin.yuan@duke.edu; Wu, Q. Jackie; Yin, Fang-Fang

Purpose: Sparing of single-side parotid gland is a common practice in head-and-neck (HN) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning. It is a special case of dose sparing tradeoff between different organs-at-risk. The authors describe an improved mathematical model for predicting achievable dose sparing in parotid glands in HN IMRT planning that incorporates single-side sparing considerations based on patient anatomy and learning from prior plan data. Methods: Among 68 HN cases analyzed retrospectively, 35 cases had physician prescribed single-side parotid sparing preferences. The single-side sparing model was trained with cases which had single-side sparing preferences, while the standard model was trainedmore » with the remainder of cases. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the best criterion that separates the two case groups using the physician's single-side sparing prescription as ground truth. The final predictive model (combined model) takes into account the single-side sparing by switching between the standard and single-side sparing models according to the single-side sparing criterion. The models were tested with 20 additional cases. The significance of the improvement of prediction accuracy by the combined model over the standard model was evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: Using the ROC analysis, the best single-side sparing criterion is (1) the predicted median dose of one parotid is higher than 24 Gy; and (2) that of the other is higher than 7 Gy. This criterion gives a true positive rate of 0.82 and a false positive rate of 0.19, respectively. For the bilateral sparing cases, the combined and the standard models performed equally well, with the median of the prediction errors for parotid median dose being 0.34 Gy by both models (p = 0.81). For the single-side sparing cases, the standard model overestimates the median dose by 7.8 Gy on average, while the predictions by the combined model differ from actual values by only 2.2 Gy (p = 0.005). Similarly, the sum of residues between the modeled and the actual plan DVHs is the same for the bilateral sparing cases by both models (p = 0.67), while the standard model predicts significantly higher DVHs than the combined model for the single-side sparing cases (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The combined model for predicting parotid sparing that takes into account single-side sparing improves the prediction accuracy over the previous model.« less

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: side effects and other factors that influence medication adherence.

PubMed

Goethe, John W; Woolley, Stephen B; Cardoni, Alex A; Woznicki, Brenda A; Piez, Deborah A

2007-10-01

Patients with major depression discontinue taking their antidepressants for many reasons. Although side effects are often cited as the reason for discontinuation, few prospective studies have addressed this question, and none has specifically examined discontinuation in patients with severe depression. Inpatients and outpatients treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for major depressive disorder were identified after admission. Three months later, patients were contacted and interviewed to determine antidepressant usage and the side effects experienced, including when these were experienced and their severity. Between October 2001 and April 2003, 406 English- or Spanish-speaking patients aged 18 to 75 years were followed up. One in 4 patients discontinued the index antidepressant. Among specific side effects noted, only "change in weight" and "anxiety" were significant predictors of discontinuation after controlling for confounders. Experiencing 1 or more "extremely" bothersome side effects was associated with more than a doubling of the risk of discontinuation, but the presence of side effects and side effects less severe than "extremely" bothersome were not significant predictors. There were no differences among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants in either the presence/absence of side effects or in the discontinuation rates. The results suggest that the contribution of side effects to antidepressant discontinuation is more complex than previously suggested. Disparate findings from earlier studies may reflect aspects of study design, such as examining populations whose severity of depression varied widely or not controlling for important confounding factors. Future research should separately examine high-risk groups (or control for severity of depression) and carefully rule out other potential contributors to discontinuation.

Differences of protein expression profiles, KRAS and BRAF mutation, and prognosis in right-sided colon, left-sided colon and rectal cancer.

PubMed

Gao, Xian Hua; Yu, Guan Yu; Gong, Hai Feng; Liu, Lian Jie; Xu, Yi; Hao, Li Qiang; Liu, Peng; Liu, Zhi Hong; Bai, Chen Guang; Zhang, Wei

2017-08-11

To compare protein expression levels, gene mutation and survival among Right-Sided Colon Cancer (RSCC), Left-Sided Colon Cancer (LSCC) and rectal cancer patients, 57 cases of RSCC, 87 LSCC and 145 rectal cancer patients were included retrospectively. Our results demonstrated significant differences existed among RSCC, LSCC and rectal cancer regarding tumor diameter, differentiation, invasion depth and TNM stage. No significant difference was identified in expression levels of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, β-Tubulin III, P53, Ki67 and TOPIIα, and gene mutation of KRAS and BRAF among three groups. Progression Free Survival (PFS) of RSCC was significantly lower than that of LRCC and rectal cancer. In univariate analyses, RSCC, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage, elevated serum CEA and CA19-9 level, tumor deposit, perineural and vascular invasion were found to be predictive factors of shorter PFS. In multivariate analyses, only differentiation and TNM stages were found to be independent predictors of PFS. In conclusion, compared with LSCC and rectal cancer, RSCC has larger tumor size, poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage and shorter survival. The shorter survival in RSCC might be attributed to the advanced tumor stage caused by its inherent position feature of proximal colon rather than genetic difference.

Evaluation of skeletal and dental asymmetries in Angle Class II subdivision malocclusions with cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Minich, Craig M; Araújo, Eustáquio A; Behrents, Rolf G; Buschang, Peter H; Tanaka, Orlando M; Kim, Ki Beom

2013-07-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Angle Class II subdivision malocclusions have skeletal or dental asymmetries between the Class II and Class I sides. A sample of 54 untreated Angle Class II subdivision patients with pretreatment photos and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans was used. The photos were used to identify the Class II subdivision malocclusion and to record the amount of crowding per quadrant. Landmarks were plotted on each CBCT volume so that direct 3-dimensional measurements could be made to compare the positions and dimensions of the skeletal and dental structures on the Class II side vs the Class I side. Significant differences were found for 2 skeletal measurements: the position of the maxilla relative to the cranial base, and the mandibular dimension from the mandibular foramen to the mental foramen. Statistically significant dental differences were found for the position of the mandibular first molars and canines in relation to the maxilla and the mandible. Statistically significant differences were found for the maxillary first molars and canines in relation to the mandible. There were significant skeletal and dental differences between the Class I and Class II sides. The dental asymmetries accounted for about two thirds of the total asymmetry. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurement of hydroxyapatite density and Knoop hardness in sound human enamel and a correlational analysis between them.

PubMed

He, Bing; Huang, Shengbin; Jing, Junjun; Hao, Yuqing

2010-02-01

The aim of this study was to measure the hydroxyapatite (HAP) density and Knoop hardness (KHN) of enamel slabs and to analyse the relationship between them. Twenty enamel slabs (10 lingual sides and 10 buccal sides) were prepared and scanned with micro-CT. Tomographic images of each slab from dental cusp to dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) were reconstructed. On these three-dimensional (3D) images, regions of interest (ROIs) were defined at an interval of 50 microm, and the HAP density for each ROI was calculated. Then the polished surfaces were indented from cusp to DEJ at intervals of 50 microm with a Knoop indenter. Finally, the data were analysed with one-way ANOVA, Student's t-test, and linear regression analysis. The HAP density and KHN decreased from the dental cusp to DEJ. Both HAP density and KHN in the outer-layer enamel were significantly higher than those in the middle- or inner-layer enamel (P<0.05). The HAP density showed no significant difference between the buccal and lingual sides for enamel in the outer, middle and inner layers, respectively (P>0.05). The KHN in the outer-layer enamel of the lingual sides was significantly lower than that of the buccal sides (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the lingual and buccal sides in the middle or inner layer. Linear regression analysis revealed a linear relationship between the mean KHN and the mean HAP density (r=0.87). Both HAP density and KHN decrease simultaneously from dental cusp to DEJ, and the two properties are highly correlated. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SIDE TO SIDE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DOMINANT AND NON-DOMINANT ARM'S BONE DENSITY AND ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN MALES AND FEMALES AGED 40-65 YEARS OLD.

PubMed

Krasniqi, Ermira; Koni, Mynyr; Kabashi, Antigona; Bahtiri, Abedin; Gjeli, Selda; Boshnjaku, Arben

2016-10-01

This observational, cross-sectional study, investigates and compares the differences of BMD, T-score, Z-score and isometric strength between dominant (D) versus non-dominant (ND) arms of 162 subjects aged 40-65 in a developing, low income country (Kosova). Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-score and Z-score at distal forearm regions of both arms (measured by DXA scan), together with the Handgrip Isometric Strength (HIS) (by handgrip) were evaluated in a total subjects (53 Males and 109 Females). Additionally, General Healthcare Status Questionnaire together with self-administrated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were filled. Significant differences (p<0.05) between arms were found in BMD, T-score, and Z-score in total subjects and in females, whereas not significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in Males BMD comparing to significantly higher results (p<0.05) in T-score and Z-score. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found in total subjects and in females handgrip, but not (p>0.05) in males. When comparing the total subject's BMD, T-score, Z-score and Handgrip based on the PA levels (1 to 3 according to IPAQ scoring) no significant differences (p>0.05) were found between PA1, as well as PA3 whereas significantly differences (p<0.05) were found in D arms of PA2 level. The study analyses side-to-side differences in bone density and muscular force between D and ND arms amongst a population which is frequently exposed to diagnostic screenings for age related osteomuscular conditions (aged 40-60), and demonstrates that these differences should be in consideration amongst clinicians, but not in the way it is done right now.

The effects of cervical traction, cranial rhythmic impulse, and Mckenzie exercise on headache and cervical muscle stiffness in episodic tension-type headache patients.

PubMed

Choi, Sung-Yong; Choi, Jung-Hyun

2016-03-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cervical traction treatment, cranial rhythmic impulse treatment, a manual therapy, and McKenzie exercise, a dynamic strengthening exercise, on patients who have the neck muscle stiffness of the infrequent episodic tension-type (IETTH) headache and frequent episodic tension-type headache(FETTH), as well as to provide the basic materials for clinical interventions. [Subjects] Twenty-seven subjects (males: 15, females: 12) who were diagnosed with IETTH and FETTH after treatment by a neurologist were divided into three groups: (a cervical traction group (CTG, n=9), a cranial rhythmic contractiongroup (CRIG, n=9), and a McKenzie exercise group (MEG, n=9). An intervention was conducted for each group and the differences in their degrees of neck pain and changes in muscle tone were observed. [Results] In the within-group comparison of each group, headache significantly decreased in CTG. According to the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the upper trapezius, there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. According to the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. [Conclusion] In the comparison of the splenius capitis muscle between the groups, there was a statistically significant difference on the right side. Hence, compared to the other methods, cervical traction is concluded to be more effective at reducing headaches in IETTH and FETTH patients.

Molecular modeling of calmodulin: a comparison with crystallographic data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDonald, J. J.; Rein, R.

1989-01-01

Two methods of side-chain placement on a modeled protein have been examined. Two molecular models of calmodulin were constructed that differ in the treatment of side chains prior to optimization of the molecule. A virtual bond analysis program developed by Purisima and Scheraga was used to determine the backbone conformation based on 2.2 angstroms resolution C alpha coordinates for the molecules. In the first model, side chains were initially constructed in an extended conformation. In the second model, a conformational grid search technique was employed. Calcium ions were treated explicitly during energy optimization using CHARMM. The models are compared to a recently published refined crystal structure of calmodulin. The results indicate that the initial choices for side-chains, but also significant effects on the main-chain conformation and supersecondary structure. The conformational differences are discussed. Analysis of these and other methods makes possible the formulation of a methodology for more appropriate side-chain placement in modeled proteins.

[Cross-sectional survey of characteristics of reaction point Jingtong in balance acupuncture].

PubMed

Wu, Dong; Hou, Zhong-Wei; Wang, Chen-Fei; Li, Shuai-Shuai; Liu, Yi-Rong; Liu, Qing-Guo

2014-04-01

To explore the performance patterns of reaction point Jingtong in balance acupuncture through multi-center and big-sample clinical investigation. Methods The Jingtong points of balance acupuncture on healthy side and affected side were observed among 230 cases of cervical spondylosis and scores of self-discomfort in reaction point, color of skin, changes of skin, morphology of subcutaneous tissue and abnormal pressing pain were recorded. The software SPSS 15.0 was applied to statistically analyze the recorded scores. Among 230 cases, the reaction point appeared in 226 cases, accounting for 98. 3%. Among the 226 cases who had reaction point, the total score of symptom and sign was (1.08+/-1.09) on the healthy side and (0. 84+/-1. 36) on the affected side, which had statistical significance (P<0. 01); score of self-discomfort in reaction point was (0. 76 +/-0. 83) on the healthy side and (0. 40+/-0.80) on the affected side, which had statistical significance (P<0.01); the score of skin color was (0.10+/-0.36) on the healthy side and (0. 03+/- 0. 19) on the affected side, which had statistical significance (P<0. 05); the score of abnormal pressing pain was (2. 47+/-2. 46) on the healthy side and (1. 39+/-2. 37) on the affected side, which had statistical significance (P<0. 01). The total score of symptom and sign of reaction point Jingtong on the healthy side is higher than that on the affected side, indicating positive reaction of Jingtong on the healthy side has specificity for cervical spondylosis. When patient has cervical spondylosis on either side of neck, the other side will have anomaly in Jingtong.

Effect of Topical Anesthesia with Lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA) Cream and Local Pressure on Pain during Infiltration Injection for Maxillary Canines: A Randomized Double-blind clinical trial.

PubMed

Milani, Amin S; Zand, Vahid; Abdollahi, Amir A; Froughreyhani, Mohammad; Zakeri-Milani, Parvin; Jafarabadi, Mohammad A

2016-07-01

This study compared the effect of local pressure and topical lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA) cream on pain during infiltration injection for maxillary canine teeth. A total of 140 volunteer students participated in this split-mouth design randomized clinical trial. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups (n = 35). Before administration of anesthesia, in each group, one side was randomly selected as the experimental and the opposite side as the control. In group 1, finger pressure was applied on the alveolar mucosa on the experimental side and on the tooth crown on the control side. In group 2, 5% EMLA cream and placebo; in group 3, finger pressure and 5% EMLA cream; and in group 4, 5% EMLA cream and 20% benzocaine gel were applied. In all the groups, a buccal infiltration procedure was carried out. Pain during injection was recorded with visual analog scale (VAS). Wilcoxon and McNemar tests were used for statistical analysis of the results. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that EMLA reduced the injection pain significantly more than benzocaine (p = 0.02). Also, injection pain was significantly lower with the use of EMLA in comparison to placebo (p = 0.00). Application of local pressure reduced the injection pain, but the difference from the control side was not significant (p = 0.05). Furthermore, the difference between application of local pressure and EMLA was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Topical anesthesia of 5% EMLA was more effective than 20% benzocaine in reducing pain severity during infiltration injection. However, it was not significantly different in comparison to the application of local pressure.

Spatial analysis of muscular activations in stroke survivors.

PubMed

Rasool, Ghulam; Afsharipour, Babak; Suresh, Nina L; Xiaogang Hu; Rymer, William Zev

2015-01-01

We investigated the spatial patterns of electrical activity in stroke-affected muscles using the high density surface electromyogram (sEMG) grids. We acquired 128-channel sEMG signals from the impaired as well as contralateral Biceps Brachii (BB) muscles of stroke survivors and from healthy participants at various force levels from 20 to 60% of maximum voluntary contraction in an isometric non-fatiguing recording protocol. We found the spatial sEMG pattern to be consistent across force levels in healthy and stroke subjects. However, once compared across sides (left vs right in healthy and impaired vs. contralateral in stroke) we found stroke-affected sides to be significantly different in distribution pattern of sEMG from the contralateral side. The sEMG activity areas were significantly shrunk on the affected sides indicating muscle atrophy due to stroke.

Absence of Bilateral Differences in Child Baseball Players with Throwing-related Pain.

PubMed

Mickevičius, M; Rutkauskas, S; Sipavičienė, S; Skurvydas, A; Jürimäe, J; Degens, H; Kamandulis, S

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess whether side-to-side differences in morphology and function of the upper limbs in 11-12 year-old male baseball players with throwing-related pain (n=14) were more pronounced than that of age-matched healthy untrained subjects (n=16). Baseball players 1) had played baseball≥4.5 h·wk -1 for ≥ 4 years and (2) suffered from moderate-intensity (3-6 points on 10-point questionnaire scale) throwing-related pain in the shoulder or elbow in at least 2 training sessions within the past month. The range of motion (ROM), function and structure of the elbows and shoulders were assessed using goniometry, isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography. While the ROM and eccentric external peak torque of internal shoulder rotation were lower, the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon, the ulnar collateral ligament and articular cartilage of the humeral head were larger in baseball players than controls. There were, however, no significant side-to-side differences in any parameter in either group. In conclusion, it is unlikely that side-to-side differences in shoulder and upper limb structure and function contributed to the throwing-related pain in young baseball players, but low shoulder eccentric external peak torque and range of internal rotation may predispose to throwing-related pain. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Incidence of three-rooted mandibular first molars among contemporary Japanese individuals determined using multidetector computed tomography.

PubMed

Ishii, Namiko; Sakuma, Ayaka; Makino, Yohsuke; Torimitsu, Suguru; Yajima, Daisuke; Inokuchi, Go; Motomura, Ayumi; Chiba, Fumiko; Hoshioka, Yumi; Iwase, Hirotaro; Saitoh, Hisako

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of three-rooted mandibular first molars in a contemporary Japanese population using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and examine whether this characteristic root form may be useful for identification purposes. Prior to their forensic autopsies, we obtained MDCT scans of 365 cadavers (255 males, 110 females) with mandibular first molars on both sides. Altogether, 730 mandibular first molars were examined morphologically on reconstructed CT images, and the incidence of three-rooted molars was recorded. The results were analyzed statistically to determine sex and left-right differences using the chi-square test. In all, 189 (25.9%) of the 730 mandibular first molars had three roots: 79 (31.0%) in the 255 males and 35 (31.8%) in the 110 females. No statistically significant difference was found between the sexes. In the 39 individuals who had unilateral three-rooted mandibular first molars, 7 (17.9%) were on the left side and 32 (82.1%) were on the right side, indicating a statistically significant predominance on the right side. The incidence of three-rooted mandibular first molars in contemporary Japanese individuals was 25.9%, with no statistically significant sex difference, but in the case of unilateral three-rooted teeth, with a statistically significant predominance on the right side. Our study found that Japanese and northeastern Asians have a high incidence of the three-rooted mandibular first molars among individuals of Mongolian origin; this finding may be a useful screening tool for identification of unknown individuals. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Quantifying acromiohumeral distance in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation loss and the influence of a stretching program.

PubMed

Maenhout, Annelies; Van Eessel, Valerie; Van Dyck, Lieselot; Vanraes, Aagje; Cools, Ann

2012-09-01

Loss of internal rotation range of motion (ROM) on the dominant side is well documented in athletes performing overhead sports activity. This altered motion pattern has been shown to change glenohumeral and scapular kinematics. This could compromise the subacromial space and explain the association between glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and subacromial impingement. First, to quantify acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and compare between the dominant and nondominant side in overhead athletes with GIRD of more than 15°. Second, to investigate the effect of a sleeper stretch program on ROM and AHD. Controlled laboratory study. Range of motion was measured with a digital inclinometer and AHD was measured with ultrasound in 62 overhead athletes with GIRD (>15°) at baseline. Differences between sides were analyzed. Athletes were randomly allocated to the stretch (n = 30) or control group (n = 32). The stretch group performed a 6-week sleeper stretch program on the dominant side. Change of range of motion and AHD were measured and analyzed in both groups after 6 weeks. The dominant side showed a significant internal rotation deficit (-24.7° ± 6.3°) and horizontal adduction deficit (-11.8° ± 7.4°) and the dominant side AHD was significantly smaller with the arm at neutral (-0.4 ± 0.6 mm) and at 45° (-0.5 ± 0.8 mm) and 60° (-0.6 ± 0.7 mm) of active abduction compared with the nondominant side. After stretching, significant increase of internal rotation (+13.5° ± 0.8°), horizontal adduction (+10.6° ± 0.9°) ROM and AHD (+0.5 to +0.6mm) was observed at the dominant side of the stretch group compared with prestretching measurements. No significant change of AHD was seen in the nondominant side of the stretch group and in both sides of the control group. The AHD, a 2-dimensional measure for subacromial space, was found to be smaller on the dominant side in athletes with GIRD and was found to increase after a 6-week sleeper stretch program. These findings might provide insight into the relation between GIRD and subacromial impingement but future studies are needed to determine clinical implications.

Thermoregulation and heat exchange in a nonuniform thermal environment during simulated extended EVA. Extravehicular activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koscheyev, V. S.; Leon, G. R.; Hubel, A.; Nelson, E. D.; Tranchida, D.

2000-01-01

BACKGROUND: Nonuniform heating and cooling of the body, a possibility during extended duration extravehicular activities (EVA), was studied by means of a specially designed water circulating garment that independently heated or cooled the right and left sides of the body. The purpose was to assess whether there was a generalized reaction on the finger in extreme contradictory temperatures on the body surface, as a potential heat status controller. METHOD: Eight subjects, six men and two women, were studied while wearing a sagittally divided experimental garment with hands exposed in the following conditions: Stage 1 baseline--total body garment inlet water temperature at 33 degrees C; Stage 2--left side inlet water temperature heated to 45 degrees C; right side cooled to 8 degrees C; Stage 3--left side inlet water temperature cooled to 8 degrees C, right side heated to 45 degrees C. RESULTS: Temperatures on each side of the body surface as well as ear canal temperature (Tec) showed statistically significant Stage x Side interactions, demonstrating responsiveness to the thermal manipulations. Right and left finger temperatures (Tfing) were not significantly different across stages; their dynamic across time was similar. Rectal temperature (Tre) was not reactive to prevailing cold on the body surface, and therefore not informative. Subjective perception of heat and cold on the left and right sides of the body was consistent with actual temperature manipulations. CONCLUSIONS: Tec and Tre estimates of internal temperature do not provide accurate data for evaluating overall thermal status in nonuniform thermal conditions on the body surface. The use of Tfing has significant potential in providing more accurate information on thermal status and as a feedback method for more precise thermal regulation of the astronaut within the EVA space suit.

Thermoregulation and heat exchange in a nonuniform thermal environment during simulated extended EVA. Extravehicular activities.

PubMed

Koscheyev, V S; Leon, G R; Hubel, A; Nelson, E D; Tranchida, D

2000-06-01

Nonuniform heating and cooling of the body, a possibility during extended duration extravehicular activities (EVA), was studied by means of a specially designed water circulating garment that independently heated or cooled the right and left sides of the body. The purpose was to assess whether there was a generalized reaction on the finger in extreme contradictory temperatures on the body surface, as a potential heat status controller. Eight subjects, six men and two women, were studied while wearing a sagittally divided experimental garment with hands exposed in the following conditions: Stage 1 baseline--total body garment inlet water temperature at 33 degrees C; Stage 2--left side inlet water temperature heated to 45 degrees C; right side cooled to 8 degrees C; Stage 3--left side inlet water temperature cooled to 8 degrees C, right side heated to 45 degrees C. Temperatures on each side of the body surface as well as ear canal temperature (Tec) showed statistically significant Stage x Side interactions, demonstrating responsiveness to the thermal manipulations. Right and left finger temperatures (Tfing) were not significantly different across stages; their dynamic across time was similar. Rectal temperature (Tre) was not reactive to prevailing cold on the body surface, and therefore not informative. Subjective perception of heat and cold on the left and right sides of the body was consistent with actual temperature manipulations. Tec and Tre estimates of internal temperature do not provide accurate data for evaluating overall thermal status in nonuniform thermal conditions on the body surface. The use of Tfing has significant potential in providing more accurate information on thermal status and as a feedback method for more precise thermal regulation of the astronaut within the EVA space suit.

Medication Side Effects among People with Epilepsy Taking Phenobarbital in Zambia

PubMed Central

Elafros, Melissa A.; Bui, Esther; Birbeck, Gretchen L.

2014-01-01

Phenobarbital remains one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs worldwide, yet there are limited data regarding side effects associated with its use in routine clinical care settings in low-income countries. Available data suggests that phenobarbital is as effective as other first-line drugs for treating tonic-clonic seizures, but side effect reports differ widely between high and low-income settings. A better understanding of phenobarbital side effect profile and severity in low-income settings is warranted given its role in efforts to decrease the epilepsy treatment gap. We used the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (LEAP) to assess side effects in consecutive patients with epilepsy on phenobarbital seeking care in rural Zambia. Data regarding age, gender, medication dose, and medication adherence were also collected. T-tests and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used to assess predictors of LEAP score and medication adherence. Thirty-five patients receiving a mean dose of 2.1 mg/kg/day (SD: 2.78 mg/kg/day) of phenobarbital were assessed. All participants reported at least one side effect in the previous four weeks with a median of 6 symptoms (IQR: 4–8) and a mean side effects score of 28/76 (SD: 5.38). Over half reported sleepiness and dizziness. Memory problems and depression were also common (both 46%). Total LAEP score was not associated with age (p=0.88), gender (p=0.17), or phenobarbital dose (p=0.13). Medication adherence was not associated with side effects total score (p=0.56). Rural Zambian adults taking phenobarbital at doses recommended by the WHO report a significant number of side effects. The most common side effects reported were similar to those reported in high-income countries. The significant burden of phenobarbital-associated side effects in this African cohort is in contrast to data from non-randomized clinical trials in China that reported phenobarbital to be well-tolerated with few side effects. Additional investigations regarding phenobarbital side effects in routine care in low income settings is warranted. PMID:25219354

Medication side effects among people with epilepsy taking phenobarbital in Zambia.

PubMed

Elafros, Melissa A; Bui, Esther; Birbeck, Gretchen L

2014-11-01

Phenobarbital remains one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs worldwide, yet there are limited data regarding side effects associated with its use in routine clinical care settings in low-income countries. Available data suggests that phenobarbital is as effective as other first-line drugs for treating tonic-clonic seizures, but side effect reports differ widely between high and low-income settings. A better understanding of phenobarbital side effect profile and severity in low-income settings is warranted given its role in efforts to decrease the epilepsy treatment gap. We used the Liverpool adverse events profile (LEAP) to assess side effects in consecutive patients with epilepsy on phenobarbital seeking care in rural Zambia. Data regarding age, gender, medication dose, and medication adherence were also collected. T-tests and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to assess predictors of LEAP score and medication adherence. Thirty-five patients receiving a mean dose of 2.1mg/kg/day (SD: 2.78 mg/kg/day) of phenobarbital were assessed. All participants reported at least one side effect in the previous four weeks with a median of 6 symptoms (IQR: 4-8) and a mean side effects score of 28/76 (SD: 5.38). Over half reported sleepiness and dizziness. Memory problems and depression were also common (both 46%). Total LAEP score was not associated with age (p=0.88), gender (p=0.17), or phenobarbital dose (p=0.13). Medication adherence was not associated with side effects total score (p=0.56). Rural Zambian adults taking phenobarbital at doses recommended by the World Health Organization report a significant number of side effects. The most common side effects reported were similar to those reported in high-income countries. The significant burden of phenobarbital-associated side effects in this African cohort is in contrast to data from non-randomized clinical trials in China that reported phenobarbital to be well-tolerated with few side effects. Additional investigations regarding phenobarbital side effects during routine care in low income settings is warranted. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recovery of walking speed and symmetrical movement of the pelvis and lower extremity joints after unilateral THA.

PubMed

Miki, Hidenobu; Sugano, Nobuhiko; Hagio, Keisuke; Nishii, Takashi; Kawakami, Hideo; Kakimoto, Akihiro; Nakamura, Nobuo; Yoshikawa, Hideki

2004-04-01

In 17 patients with unilateral hip disease who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA), the gait was analyzed preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after unilateral THA using a Vicon system to assess the recovery of walking speed and symmetrical movement of the hip, knee, ankle, and pelvis. The walking speed of these patients reached that of normal Japanese persons by 12 months after surgery. Walking speed was correlated with the range of hip motion on the operated side at 1 month postoperatively, and was correlated with the hip joint extension moment of force on both sides from 3 to 6 months after surgery. Before THA, asymmetry was observed in the range of the hip motion, maximum hip flexion, maximum hip extension, maximum knee flexion, as well as in pelvic obliquity, pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation. There were no differences of the stride length or step length between both sides throughout the observation period. The preoperative range of hip flexion on the operated side during a gait cycle (21.3+/-7.9 degrees ) was significantly smaller than on the non-operated side (46.7+/-7.1 degrees ), and the difference between sides was still significant at 12 months after surgery (35.1+/-6.2 degrees on the operated side and 43.6+/-5.7 degrees on the non-operated side). The majority (74%) of the difference in hip motion range during this period was due to the difference in maximum extension of the hip. The increase in the range of pelvic tilt and the range of motion of the opposite hip showed an inverse correlation with the range of motion of the operated hip, suggesting a compensatory preoperative role. However, this correlation became insignificant after 6 months postoperatively. Asymmetry of the range of hip motion persisted at 12 months after THA in patients with unilateral coxoarthropathy during free level walking, while the operation normalized the spatial asymmetry of other joints and the walking speed prior to the recovery of hip motion.

Novel strategy of endoscopic submucosal dissection using an insulation-tipped knife for early gastric cancer: near-side approach method

PubMed Central

Mori, Genki; Nonaka, Satoru; Oda, Ichiro; Abe, Seiichiro; Suzuki, Haruhisa; Yoshinaga, Shigetaka; Nakajima, Takeshi; Saito, Yutaka

2015-01-01

Background and study aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using insulation-tipped knives (IT knives) to treat gastric lesions located on the greater curvature of the gastric body remains technically challenging because of the associated bleeding, control of which can be difficult and time consuming. To eliminate these difficulties, we developed a novel strategy which we have called the “near-side approach method” and assessed its utility. Patients and methods: We reviewed patients who underwent ESD for solitary early gastric cancer located on the greater curvature of the gastric body from January 2003 to September 2014. The technical results of ESD were compared between the group treated with the novel near-side approach method and the group treated with the conventional method. Results: This study included 238 patients with 238 lesions, 118 of which were removed using the near-side approach method and 120 of which were removed using the conventional method. The median procedure time was 92 minutes for the near-side approach method and 120 minutes for the conventional method. The procedure time was significantly shorter in the near-side approach method arm. Although, the procedure time required by an experienced endoscopist was not significantly different between the two groups (100 vs. 110 minutes), the near-side approach group showed significantly shorter procedure time for a less-experienced endoscopist (90 vs. 120 minutes). Conclusions: The near-side approach method appears to require less time to complete gastric ESD than the conventional method using IT knives for technically challenging lesions located on the greater curvature of the gastric body, especially if the procedure is performed by less-experienced endoscopists. PMID:26528496

Hemispheric Lateralization of Motor Thresholds in Relation to Stuttering

PubMed Central

Alm, Per A.; Karlsson, Ragnhild; Sundberg, Madeleine; Axelson, Hans W.

2013-01-01

Stuttering is a complex speech disorder. Previous studies indicate a tendency towards elevated motor threshold for the left hemisphere, as measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This may reflect a monohemispheric motor system impairment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relative side-to-side difference (asymmetry) and the absolute levels of motor threshold for the hand area, using TMS in adults who stutter (n = 15) and in controls (n = 15). In accordance with the hypothesis, the groups differed significantly regarding the relative side-to-side difference of finger motor threshold (p = 0.0026), with the stuttering group showing higher motor threshold of the left hemisphere in relation to the right. Also the absolute level of the finger motor threshold for the left hemisphere differed between the groups (p = 0.049). The obtained results, together with previous investigations, provide support for the hypothesis that stuttering tends to be related to left hemisphere motor impairment, and possibly to a dysfunctional state of bilateral speech motor control. PMID:24146930

Rehabilitation Exercises to Induce Balanced Scapular Muscle Activity in an Anti-gravity Posture

PubMed Central

Ishigaki, Tomonobu; Yamanaka, Masanori; Hirokawa, Motoki; Tai, Keita; Ezawa, Yuya; Samukawa, Mina; Tohyama, Harukazu; Sugawara, Makoto

2014-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the intramuscular balance ratios of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) and the lower trapezius muscle (LT), and the intermuscular balance ratios of the UT and the serratus anterior muscle (SA) among prone extension (ProExt), prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (ProHAbd), forward flexion in the side-lying position (SideFlex), side-lying external rotation (SideEr), shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal abduction load (FlexBand), and shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal adduction load (FlexBall) in the standing posture. [Methods] The electromyographic (EMG) activities of the UT, LT and SA were measured during the tasks. The percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was calculated for each muscle, and the UT/LT ratios and the UT/SA ratios were compared among the tasks. [Results] The UT/LT ratio with the FlexBand was not significantly different from those of the four exercises in the side-lying and prone postures. The UT/SA ratio with the FlexBall demonstrated appropriate balanced activity. [Conclusion] In an anti-gravity posture, we recommend the FlexBand and the FlexBall for inducing balanced UT/LT and UT/SA ratios, respectively. PMID:25540485

Rehabilitation Exercises to Induce Balanced Scapular Muscle Activity in an Anti-gravity Posture.

PubMed

Ishigaki, Tomonobu; Yamanaka, Masanori; Hirokawa, Motoki; Tai, Keita; Ezawa, Yuya; Samukawa, Mina; Tohyama, Harukazu; Sugawara, Makoto

2014-12-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the intramuscular balance ratios of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) and the lower trapezius muscle (LT), and the intermuscular balance ratios of the UT and the serratus anterior muscle (SA) among prone extension (ProExt), prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (ProHAbd), forward flexion in the side-lying position (SideFlex), side-lying external rotation (SideEr), shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal abduction load (FlexBand), and shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal adduction load (FlexBall) in the standing posture. [Methods] The electromyographic (EMG) activities of the UT, LT and SA were measured during the tasks. The percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was calculated for each muscle, and the UT/LT ratios and the UT/SA ratios were compared among the tasks. [Results] The UT/LT ratio with the FlexBand was not significantly different from those of the four exercises in the side-lying and prone postures. The UT/SA ratio with the FlexBall demonstrated appropriate balanced activity. [Conclusion] In an anti-gravity posture, we recommend the FlexBand and the FlexBall for inducing balanced UT/LT and UT/SA ratios, respectively.

A comparison of mesial molar root canal preparations using two engine-driven instruments and the balanced-force technique.

PubMed

Imura, N; Kato, A S; Novo, N F; Hata, G; Uemura, M; Toda, T

2001-10-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two engine-driven, nickel-titanium instrument systems with hand files in the final shape of slight and moderately curved canals. A total of 72 mesial roots of extracted human mandibular molars were divided into three groups: ProFile .04 taper, Pow-R rotary systems, and Flex-R hand-filing technique. The roots were mounted and cross-sectioned at two different horizontal levels using a modified Bramante technique. Pre- and postinstrumented cross-sectional roots were imaged, recorded, and computer analyzed. Results showed that, at the middle third, in almost all groups, there was a tendency of cutting more toward the mesial side with only one exception: Pow-R cut more to the distal side (danger zone) (p < 0.02). At the apical third, Flex-R (p < 0.03) and ProFile (0.001) transported to the mesial side (danger zone) when the curvature increased. When the three techniques were compared analyzing each side and considering the two groups of curvature, at the middle third in the moderately curved-canal group, Flex-R cut statistically more than Pow-R toward the lingual side. The other comparisons showed no statistically significant difference. When the techniques were compared in relation with the degree of curvature, in the apical third, ProFile .04 cut statistically more toward the mesial side in the moderately curved canal group than in the slightly curved canal group. The other comparisons showed no statistically significant difference. Canal preparation time was shorter with hand instrumentation (p < .05) in a few instances.

Achilles tendinosis and calf muscle strength. The effect of short-term immobilization after surgical treatment.

PubMed

Alfredson, H; Pietilä, T; Ohberg, L; Lorentzon, R

1998-01-01

We prospectively studied calf muscle strength in 7 men and 4 women (mean age, 40.9 +/- 10.1 years) who had surgical treatment for chronic Achilles tendinosis. Surgery was followed by immobilization in a weightbearing below-the-knee plaster cast for 2 weeks followed by a stepwise increasing strength training program. Strength measurements (peak torque and total work) were done preoperatively (Week 0) and at 16, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. We measured isokinetic concentric plantar flexion strength at 90 and 225 deg/sec and eccentric flexion strength at 90 deg/sec on both the injured and noninjured sides. Preoperatively, concentric and eccentric strength were significantly lower on the injured side at 90 and 225 deg/sec. Postoperatively, concentric peak torque on the injured side decreased significantly between Weeks 0 and 16 and increased significantly between Weeks 26 and 52 at 90 deg/sec but was significantly lower than that on the noninjured side at all periods and at both velocities. The eccentric strength was significantly lower on the injured side at Week 26 but increased significantly until at Week 52 no significant differences between the sides could be demonstrated. It seems, therefore, that the recovery in concentric and eccentric calf muscle strength after surgery for Achilles tendinosis is slow. We saw no obvious advantages in recovery of muscle strength with a short immobilization time (2 weeks) versus a longer (6 weeks) period used in a previous study.

Left-right asymmetry in pelvic lymph nodes distribution: is there a right-side prevalence?

PubMed

Ghezzi, Fabio; Cromi, Antonella; Uccella, Stefano; Giudici, Silvia; Franchi, Massimo; Bolis, Pierfrancesco

2006-08-01

To assess whether pelvic lymph nodes have a left-right asymmetric distribution. The oncologic databases of two gynecologic academic departments were used to identify consecutive patients undergoing pelvic systematic lymphadenectomy as part of the treatment for a variety of gynecologic malignancies. All procedures were carried out in a standardized fashion. Lymph node counts were retrieved from pathological reports. Four hundred and twenty-eight women underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy during the study period. The median lymph node count was higher on the right side than on the left side [10 (0-33) versus 8 (0-29); P<0.0001]. A prevalence of right-sided nodes was found in 265 (61.9%) patients, while in 44 (10.3%) cases pelvic nodes were equally distributed on the two sides. The right-sided prevalence was significantly higher than the expected 50% in each type of malignancy and surgical technique subgroup. The right-sided prevalence was statistically significant even when the analysis was performed for different nodal groups [external iliac nodes: 5 (0-23) versus 4 (0-13), P=0.005; hypogastric and obturator nodes: 6 (0-17) versus 5 (0-19), P=0.04]. Moreover, nodal count was higher on the right than on the left in obese [10 (1-33) versus 8 (1-26), P=0.0002] and nonobese women [10 (0-32) versus 9 (0-29), P<0.0001]. Our findings suggest the existence of a left-right asymmetry in pelvic lymph nodes distribution, with right-sided prevalence.

Effects of the pelvic compression belt on gluteus medius, quadratus lumborum, and lumbar multifidus activities during side-lying hip abduction.

PubMed

Park, Kyung-Mi; Kim, Suhn-Yeop; Oh, Duck-Won

2010-12-01

The aims of this study were to assess the effect of the pelvic compression belt on the electromyographic (EMG) activities of gluteus medius (GM), quadratus lumborum (QL), and lumbar multifidus (LM) during side-lying hip abduction. Thirty-one volunteers (15 men and 16 women) with no history of pathology volunteered for this study. Subjects were instructed to perform hip abduction in side-lying position with and without applying the pelvic compression belt. The pelvic compression belt was adjusted just below the anterior superior iliac spines with the stabilizing pressure using elastic compression bands. Surface EMG data were collected from the GM, QL, and LM of the dominant limb. Significantly decreased EMG activity in the QL (without the pelvic compression belt, 60.19±23.66% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]; with the pelvic compression belt, 51.44±23.00% MVIC) and significantly increased EMG activity in the GM (without the pelvic compression belt, 26.71±12.88% MVIC; with the pelvic compression belt, 35.02±18.28% MVIC) and in the LM (without the pelvic compression belt, 30.28±14.60% MVIC; with the pelvic compression belt, 37.47±18.94% MVIC) were found when the pelvic compression belt was applied (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences of the EMG activity between male and female subjects. The findings suggest that the pelvic compression belt may be helpful to prevent unwanted substitution movement during side-lying hip abduction, through increasing the GM and LM and decreasing the QL. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Common side closure type, but not stapler brand or oversewing, influences side-to-side anastomotic leak rates.

PubMed

Fleetwood, V A; Gross, K N; Alex, G C; Cortina, C S; Smolevitz, J B; Sarvepalli, S; Bakhsh, S R; Poirier, J; Myers, J A; Singer, M A; Orkin, B A

2017-03-01

Anastomotic leak (AL) increases costs and cancer recurrence. Studies show decreased AL with side-to-side stapled anastomosis (SSA), but none identify risk factors within SSAs. We hypothesized that stapler characteristics and closure technique of the common enterotomy affect AL rates. Retrospective review of bowel SSAs was performed. Data included stapler brand, staple line oversewing, and closure method (handsewn, HC; linear stapler [Barcelona technique], BT; transverse stapler, TX). Primary endpoint was AL. Statistical analysis included Fisher's test and logistic regression. 463 patients were identified, 58.5% BT, 21.2% HC, and 20.3% TX. Covidien staplers comprised 74.9%, Ethicon 18.1%. There were no differences between stapler types (Covidien 5.8%, Ethicon 6.0%). However, AL rates varied by common side closure (BT 3.7% vs. TX 10.6%, p = 0.017), remaining significant on multivariate analysis. Closure method of the common side impacts AL rates. Barcelona technique has fewer leaks than transverse stapled closure. Further prospective evaluation is recommended. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Central-To-Peripheral Arterial Stiffness Gradient in Hemodialyzed Patients Depends on the Location of the Upper-limb Vascular Access.

PubMed

Bia, Daniel; Galli, Cintia; Zocalo, Yanina; Valtuille, Rodolfo; Wray, Sandra; Pessana, Franco; Cabrera-Fischer, Edmundo I

2018-04-13

Pulse wave velocity ratio (PWV-ratio), a measure of central-to-peripheral arterial stiffness gradient, is calculated as a quotient between carotid-femoral and carotid-radial PWV (cf-PWV/cr-PWV). This new index has been reported to be significantly associated with increased mortality in hemodialyzed patients. Since several reports showed differences in arterial stiffness regarding the pathway where the vascular access (VA) is, the purpose of this research was: a) to compare arterial stiffness values obtained in the left and right sides of the body in hemodialyzed and non-hemodialyzed patients, and b) to analyze PWV-ratio values obtained in the side of the body where the VA was placed and compare them to its contralateral intact side. Since it is difficult to adequately measure cr-PWV in patients with a VA in the forearm, we measured the carotid-brachial PWV (cb-PWV) and used it to calculate PWV-ratio (cf-PWV/cb-PWV). A Pearson's correlation and Bland & Altman analysis were performed in hemodialyzed (n=135) and non-hemodialyzed (n=77) patients, to quantify the equivalence between arterial stiffness parameters (cf-PWV, cb-PWV, PWV-ratio) obtained in each side of the body with respect to its contralateral side. We conclude that PWV-ratio values measured in the side where the VA is placed were significantly higher than those obtained in its contralateral side, in hemodialyzed patients included in this research. Moreover, cf-PWV, cb-PWV and PWV-ratio values obtained in one side of the body were always highly correlated with its contralateral side. According to this research, any research involving PWV-ratio should always consider the observed territory. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Protection against head injuries should not be optional: a case for mandatory installation of side-curtain air bags.

PubMed

Stuke, Lance E; Nirula, Raminder; Gentilello, Larry M; Shafi, Shahid

2010-10-01

More than 9,000 vehicle occupants die each year in side-impact vehicle collisions, primarily from head injuries. The authors hypothesized that side-curtain air bags significantly improve head and neck safety in side-impact crash testing. Side-impact crash-test data were obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which ranks occupant protection as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Vehicles of the same make and model that underwent side-impact crash testing both with and without side-curtain air bags were compared, as well as the protective effect of these air bags on occupants' risk for head and neck injury. Of all the passenger vehicles, 25 models have undergone side-impact crash testing with and without side-curtain air bags by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Only 3 models without side-curtain air bags (12%) provided good head and neck protection for drivers, while 21 cars with side-curtain air bags (84%) provided good protection (P < .001). For rear passengers, the added protection from side-curtain air bags was less dramatic but significant (84% without vs 100% with side-curtain air bags, P = .04). Side-curtain air bags significantly improve vehicle occupant safety in side-impact crash tests. Installation of these air bags should be federally mandated in all passenger vehicles. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recovery and fine structure variability of RGII sub-domains in wine (Vitis vinifera Merlot)

PubMed Central

Buffetto, F.; Ropartz, D.; Zhang, X. J.; Gilbert, H. J.; Guillon, F.; Ralet, M.-C.

2014-01-01

Background and Aims Rhamnogalacturonan II (RGII) is a structurally complex pectic sub-domain composed of more than 12 different sugars and 20 different linkages distributed in five side chains along a homogalacturonan backbone. Although RGII has long been described as highly conserved over plant evolution, recent studies have revealed variations in the structure of the polysaccharide. This study examines the fine structure variability of RGII in wine, focusing on the side chains A and B obtained after sequential mild acid hydrolysis. Specifically, this study aims to differentiate intrinsic structural variations in these RGII side chains from structural variations due to acid hydrolysis. Methods RGII from wine (Vitis vinifera Merlot) was sequentially hydrolysed with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and the hydrolysis products were separated by anion-exchange chromatography (AEC). AEC fractions or total hydrolysates were analysed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Key Results The optimal conditions to recover non-degraded side chain B, side chain A and RGII backbone were 0·1 m TFA at 40 °C for 16 h, 0·48 m TFA at 40 °C for 16 h (or 0·1 m TFA at 60 °C for 8 h) and 0·1 m TFA at 60 °C for 16 h, respectively. Side chain B was particularly prone to acid degradation. Side chain A and the RGII GalA backbone were partly degraded by 0·1 m TFA at 80 °C for 1–4 h. AEC allowed separation of side chain B, methyl-esterified side chain A and non-methyl-esterified side chain A. The structure of side chain A and the GalA backbone were highly variable. Conclusions Several modifications to the RGII structure of wine were identified. The observed dearabinosylation and deacetylation were primarily the consequence of acidic treatment, while variation in methyl-esterification, methyl-ether linkages and oxidation reflect natural diversity. The physiological significance of this variability, however, remains to be determined. PMID:24908680

The presence and influence of posterior capsule tightness on different shoulder problems.

PubMed

Duzgun, Irem; Turgut, Elif; Çinar-Medeni, Özge; Kafa, Nihan; Tuna, Zeynep; Elbasan, Bulent; Oskay, Deran

2017-01-01

In the literature it has been shown that posterior capsule flexibility is a precursor to shoulder problems. However, no study thus far has shown the influence of the flexibility of posterior capsule in different shoulder pathologies. This study set about to compare the role of posterior capsule tightness in different shoulder problems. One-hundred-twenty-five patients diagnosed with shoulder subacromial impingement syndrome (n= 52), partial rotator cuff tear (n= 31) or frozen shoulder (n= 42) and 30 asymptomatic peers participated in the study. Horizontal adduction was assessed in side-lying position for posterior capsule tightness. Pain was measured via the visual analogue scale and shoulder range of motion and active total elevation was assessed with goniometer. Hand behind the back (HBB) test was assessed the active internal rotation by measuring the distance between T5 and the thumb. It was found that the affected side of the posterior capsules of the patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (p< 0.001), partial rotator cuff tear (p< 0.001) and frozen shoulder (p< 0.001) was stiffer than their healthy side. There were significant differences among groups in the level of tightness in the posterior capsule between the affected and the healthy sides (p< 0.001). All range of motion of the shoulder including HBB test and the posterior capsule tightness of the affected side are found to be correlated (p< 0.05). This study emphasized that the posterior capsule's susceptibility to tightness is most evident in frozen shoulder among different shoulder problems.

On the front and back side quantum efficiency differences in semi-transparent organic solar cells and photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouthinon, B.; Clerc, R.; Verilhac, J. M.; Racine, B.; De Girolamo, J.; Jacob, S.; Lienhard, P.; Joimel, J.; Dhez, O.; Revaux, A.

2018-03-01

The External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) of semi-transparent Bulk Hetero-Junction (BHJ) organic photodiodes processed in air shows significant differences when measured from the front or back side contacts. This difference was found significantly reduced when decreasing the active layer thickness or by applying a negative bias. This work brings new elements to help understanding this effect, providing a large set of experiments featuring different applied voltages, active layers, process conditions, and electron and hole layers. By means of detailed electrical simulations, all these measurements have been found consistent with the mechanisms of irreversible photo-oxidation, modeled as deep trap states (and not as p-type doping). The EQE measurement from front and back sides is thus a simple and efficient way of monitoring the presence and amplitude of oxygen contamination in BHJ organic solar cells and photodiodes.

Q-switched Nd: YAG laser alone or with modified Jessner chemical peeling for treatment of mixed melasma in dark skin types: A comparative clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical study.

PubMed

Saleh, Fatma; Moftah, Noha H; Abdel-Azim, Eman; Gharieb, Marwa G

2017-10-22

Treatment of mixed melasma remains challenging. Promising results have been achieved with low-fluence 1064-nm Q-switched Nd-YAG laser; however, multiple sessions are necessary with occurrence of complications especially in dark skin types. So, combination methods may be recommended. To compare efficacy of Q-switched Nd-YAG laser alone or with modified Jessner's peel in mixed melasma in dark skin. Nineteen patients with mixed melasma received 6 sessions of laser on left side of face and alternating laser and modified Jessner on right side. Evaluation was carried out clinically through modified melasma area and severity index at 1 month after last session. Using histopathological, immunohistochemical, and computerized morphometric analysis, objective evaluation of melanin particle surface area and MART-1-positive cells was performed for pre- and post-treated skin biopsies. There was significant clinical improvement on both sides of face (P < .001), without significant difference (P > .05). At the sixth laser session on left side of face, ill-defined mottled hypopigmentation was observed in 21.05% of patients. Histopathologically, melanin particle surface area and number of MART-1-positive cells (total, epidermal, and dermal) were significantly decreased after two treatment modalities (P < .001), without significant difference in their reduction percentage between both sides of face (P > .05). Low-fluence Q-switched Nd-YAG laser alone and with modified Jessner's peel are equally effective regimens for mixed melasma clinically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically. However, combined method is preferred, especially in dark skin, for obtaining better cosmetic result with fewer side effects of multiple laser sessions and decreasing cost rate of laser. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prognostic and predictive value of primary tumour side in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy and EGFR directed antibodies in six randomized trials.

PubMed

Arnold, D; Lueza, B; Douillard, J-Y; Peeters, M; Lenz, H-J; Venook, A; Heinemann, V; Van Cutsem, E; Pignon, J-P; Tabernero, J; Cervantes, A; Ciardiello, F

2017-08-01

There is increasing evidence that metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a genetically heterogeneous disease and that tumours arising from different sides of the colon (left versus right) have different clinical outcomes. Furthermore, previous analyses comparing the activity of different classes of targeted agents in patients with KRAS wild-type (wt) or RAS wt mCRC suggest that primary tumour location (side), might be both prognostic and predictive for clinical outcome. This retrospective analysis investigated the prognostic and predictive influence of the localization of the primary tumour in patients with unresectable RAS wt mCRC included in six randomized trials (CRYSTAL, FIRE-3, CALGB 80405, PRIME, PEAK and 20050181), comparing chemotherapy plus EGFR antibody therapy (experimental arm) with chemotherapy or chemotherapy and bevacizumab (control arms). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with left-sided versus right-sided tumours, and odds ratios (ORs) for objective response rate (ORR) were estimated by pooling individual study HRs/ORs. The predictive value was evaluated by pooling study interaction between treatment effect and tumour side. Primary tumour location and RAS mutation status were available for 2159 of the 5760 patients (37.5%) randomized across the 6 trials, 515 right-sided and 1644 left-sided. A significantly worse prognosis was observed for patients with right-sided tumours compared with those with left-sided tumours in both the pooled control and experimental arms for OS [HRs = 2.03 (95% CI: 1.69-2.42) and 1.38 (1.17-1.63), respectively], PFS [HRs = 1.59 (1.34-1.88) and 1.25 (1.06-1.47)], and ORR [ORs = 0.38 (0.28-0.50) and 0.56 (0.43-0.73)]. In terms of a predictive effect, a significant benefit for chemotherapy plus EGFR antibody therapy was observed in patients with left-sided tumours [HRs = 0.75 (0.67-0.84) and 0.78 (0.70-0.87) for OS and PFS, respectively] compared with no significant benefit for those with right-sided tumours [HRs = 1.12 (0.87-1.45) and 1.12 (0.87-1.44) for OS and PFS, respectively; P value for interaction <0.001 and 0.002, respectively]. For ORR, there was a trend (P value for interaction = 0.07) towards a greater benefit for chemotherapy plus EGFR antibody therapy in the patients with left-sided tumours [OR = 2.12 (1.77-2.55)] compared with those with right-sided tumours [OR = 1.47 (0.94-2.29)]. Exclusion of the unique phase II trial or the unique second-line trial had no impact on the results. The predictive effect on PFS may depend of the type of EGFR antibody therapy and on the presence or absence of bevacizumab in the control arm. This pooled analysis showed a worse prognosis for OS, PFS and ORR for patients with right-sided tumours compared with those with left-sided tumours in patients with RAS wt mCRC and a predictive effect of tumour side, with a greater effect of chemotherapy plus EGFR antibody therapy compared with chemotherapy or chemotherapy and bevacizumab, the effect being greatest in patients with left-sided tumours. These predictive results should be interpreted with caution due to the retrospective nature of the analysis, which was carried out on subpopulations of patients included in these trials, and because none of these studies contemplated a full treatment sequence strategy. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Recent advances in multiview distributed video coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufaux, Frederic; Ouaret, Mourad; Ebrahimi, Touradj

2007-04-01

We consider dense networks of surveillance cameras capturing overlapped images of the same scene from different viewing directions, such a scenario being referred to as multi-view. Data compression is paramount in such a system due to the large amount of captured data. In this paper, we propose a Multi-view Distributed Video Coding approach. It allows for low complexity / low power consumption at the encoder side, and the exploitation of inter-view correlation without communications among the cameras. We introduce a combination of temporal intra-view side information and homography inter-view side information. Simulation results show both the improvement of the side information, as well as a significant gain in terms of coding efficiency.

Distribution of leaf characteristics in relation to orientation within the canopy of woody species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escudero, Alfonso; Fernández, José; Cordero, Angel; Mediavilla, Sonia

2013-04-01

Over the last few decades considerable effort has been devoted to research of leaf adaptations to environmental conditions. Many studies have reported strong differences in leaf mass per unit area (LMA) within a single tree depending on the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) incident on different locations in the crown. There are fewer studies, however, of the effects of differences in the timing of light incidence during the day on different crown orientations. Leaves from isolated trees of Quercus suber and Quercus ilex in a cold Mediterranean climate were sampled to analyze differences in LMA and other leaf traits among different crown orientations. Gas-exchange rates, leaf water potentials, leaf temperatures and PPFD incident on leaf surfaces in different crown orientations were also measured throughout one entire summer day for each species. Mean daily PPFD values were similar for the leaves from the eastern and western sides of the canopy. On the western side, PPFD reached maximum values during the afternoon. Maximum leaf temperatures were approximately 10-20% higher on the west side, whereas minimum leaf water potentials were between 10 and 24% higher on the east side. Maximum transpiration rates were approximately 22% greater on the west, because of the greater leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficits (LAVPD). Mean individual leaf area was around 10% larger on the east than on the west side of the trees. In contrast, there were no significant differences in LMA between east and west sides of the crown. Contrary to our expectations, more severe water stress on the west side did not result in increases in LMA, although it was associated with lower individual leaf area. We conclude that increases in LMA measured by other authors along gradients of water stress would be due to differences in light intensity between dry and humid sites.

The single-center experience with the standardization of single-site laparoscopic colectomy for right-sided colon cancer.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hidekazu; Takemasa, Ichiro; Haraguchi, Naotsugu; Nishimura, Junichi; Hata, Taishi; Yamamoto, Hirofumi; Matsuda, Chu; Mizushima, Tsunekazu; Doki, Yuichiro; Mori, Masaki

2017-08-01

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) has been widely accepted as a surgical treatment for right-sided colon cancer. Single-site laparoscopic colectomy (SLC) is associated with reduced pain and improved cosmesis, in comparison to the multi-site laparoscopic colectomy (MCL). Although the feasibility of CME + CVL under MCL has been reported, SLC for right-sided colon cancer is generally challenging. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate our efforts to standardize the SLC for right-sided colon cancer. This retrospective study enrolled 202 consecutive patients with right-sided colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for right-sided colon cancer, using an inferior approach and intraoperative navigation surgery, between 2008 and 2014. The patients were divided into 3 groups, based on the period of treatment, as follows: Period I (2008-2009, n = 56), Period II (2010-2011, n = 70), and Period III (2012-2014, n = 76). The patient's baseline characteristics did not differ among the three periods. The ratio of SLC significantly increased with the passage of the time. The short-term outcomes were similar among the three periods. As for oncological clearance, there was a significant increase in the number of resected lymph nodes with the passage of the time (P < 0.05). We successfully standardized SLC for right-sided colon cancer.

The study of CD side to side error in line/space pattern caused by post-exposure bake effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jin; Guo, Eric; Ge, Haiming; Lu, Max; Wu, Yijun; Tian, Mingjing; Yan, Shichuan; Wang, Ran

2016-10-01

In semiconductor manufacturing, as the design rule has decreased, the ITRS roadmap requires crucial tighter critical dimension (CD) control. CD uniformity is one of the necessary parameters to assure good performance and reliable functionality of any integrated circuit (IC) [1] [2], and towards the advanced technology nodes, it is a challenge to control CD uniformity well. The study of corresponding CD Uniformity by tuning Post-Exposure bake (PEB) and develop process has some significant progress[3], but CD side to side error happening to some line/space pattern are still found in practical application, and the error has approached to over the uniformity tolerance. After details analysis, even though use several developer types, the CD side to side error has not been found significant relationship to the developing. In addition, it is impossible to correct the CD side to side error by electron beam correction as such error does not appear in all Line/Space pattern masks. In this paper the root cause of CD side to side error is analyzed and the PEB module process are optimized as a main factor for improvement of CD side to side error.

Goal Format in Small-Sided Soccer Games: Technical Actions and Offensive Scenarios of Prepubescent Players

PubMed Central

Pulling, Craig; Twitchen, Alex; Pettefer, Carl

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the number of goal-posts and the positioning of goal-posts used within small-sided games on the frequency of technical actions and offensive scenarios performed by prepubescent players within soccer. The participants were eight male prepubescent soccer players (12.1 ± 0.5 years). The participants were video recorded for 20 min playing four different formats of 4v4 small-sided games: (1) standard two goal game; (2) four goal game, one goal in each corner; (3) two goal game with goal-posts positioned 9.14 m/10 yd infield, scoring only through the back of the goal; (4) four goal-game, one goal positioned 9.14 m/10 yd infield in each corner, scoring through either the front or back of each goal. Chi-squared tests of independence were utilized to statistically explore the impact of the different small-sided game formats. There were significant associations (p < 0.05) observed between the different small-sided game formats and the frequency of turns, dribbles, shots, goals and overlaps performed. For example, players performed more turns in small-sided game format two and more shots during small-sided game format four. It is suggested coaches should consider using a variation of the number and positioning of goal-posts in small-sided games as an effective training tool in the development of prepubescent soccer players. This will enable coaches to vary the focus of sessions, and develop specific technical and tactical actions within a situation similar to that of real match-play. PMID:29910301

Topical Mitomycin C in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

PubMed

Venkatraman, Vaidyanathan; Balasubramanian, Deepak; Gopalakrishnan, Suria; Saxena, Sunil Kumar; Shanmugasundaram, Nirmal

2012-07-01

In recent literature, there has been an interest in the use of Mitomycin C to reduce post-operative complications following endoscopic sinus surgery. We report our results on a prospective, randomized controlled trial involving 50 patients with chronic bilateral rhino sinusitis. We eliminated various confounding factors by studying a single group of patients, with symmetrical disease, without pre-existing gross anatomical abnormalities. Patients requiring revision sinus surgery were excluded. On completion of the surgery, a cotton pledget soaked in Mitomycin C was placed in one nostril (test) and saline-soaked pledget (control) was placed in the other side of the nose, both in the middle meatus. The side of the nasal cavity receiving the topical Mitomycin C was randomized. The patients were assessed periodically (first week, first month, third month and sixth month) for synechiae formation and presence or absence of their symptoms. At the first week follow up, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of synechiae between the saline and Mitomycin C side. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant improvement with regards to patient symptoms (nasal block and discharge) in the Mitomycin C side when compared to the saline side. At the third and sixth month, there was no difference between the two groups. The incidence of adverse tissue reaction (granulation, discharge, polypoidal mucosa and crusting) was less in the Mitomycin C side when compared to the saline side at the first month follow up. Topically applied Mitomycin C reduces the incidence of synechiae in the immediate post-operative period in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. There is also an improvement in nasal obstruction and discharge with a reduction in the incidence of adverse tissue reaction in the early post-operative period.

Better long-term outcomes with hilar ductoplasty and a side-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

PubMed

Xia, Hong-Tian; Liu, Yang; Yang, Tao; Liang, Bin; Wang, Jing; Dong, Jia-Hong

2017-07-01

Whether a wide hilar hepaticojejunostomy after bile duct cyst (BDC) excision can prevent the development of postoperative complications remains an unanswered question. We compared our outcomes after a minimum of 2-y follow-up in patients with Todani type Ia choledochal cyst treated with hilar ductoplasty followed by a side-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (ductoplasty group) or radical cyst resection with an end-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (conventional group). We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with Todani type Ia choledochal cyst who received radical cyst excision from January 1997 to December 2012, and we compared the groups' postoperative complications and surgical outcomes. The groups' baseline demographics were similar, except for age. The gender distribution and preoperative presenting symptoms were comparable in the ductoplasty (n = 72) and conventional (n = 53) groups (all P > 0.05). Average age was 37.0 y for the ductoplasty group and 41.8 y for the conventional group (P = 0.024). The short-term complication rate of the groups was not significantly different (conventional group, 13.2% [7/53]; ductoplasty group, 8.3% [6/72]; all P > 0.05). A significant between-group difference was found in the long-term complication rate of biliary-enteric anastomotic strictures (9.4% in the conventional group and 0% in the ductoplasty group, P = 0.012). The rates of satisfactory surgical outcomes were 91.1% and 77.1% in the ductoplasty and conventional groups, respectively (P = 0.036). The application of hilar ductoplasty with a side-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy as the primary surgery for bile duct cyst excision significantly reduced the postoperative complication of biliary-enteric anastomotic stricture and greatly improved our patients' prognosis with regard to biliary function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Systematic analysis of diffuse rear reflectors for enhanced light trapping in silicon solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pfeffer, Florian; Eisenlohr, Johannes; Basch, Angelika

Simple diffuse rear reflectors can enhance the light path length of weakly absorbed near infrared light in silicon solar cells and set a benchmark for more complex and expensive light trapping structures like dielectric gratings or plasmonic particles. We analyzed such simple diffuse rear reflectors systematically by optical and electrical measurements. We applied white paint, TiO 2 nanoparticles, white backsheets and a silver mirror to bifacial silicon solar cells and measured the enhancement of the external quantum efficiency for three different solar cell geometries: planar front and rear side, textured front and planar rear side, and textured front and rearmore » side. We showed that an air-gap between the solar cell and the reflector decreases the absorption enhancement significantly, thus white paint and TiO 2 nanoparticles directly applied to the rear cell surface lead to the highest short circuit current density enhancements. Here, the short circuit current density gains for a 200 um thick planar solar cell reached up to 1.8 mA/cm 2, compared to a non-reflecting black rear side and up to 0.8 mA/cm 2 compared to a high-quality silver mirror rear side. For solar cells with textured front side the short circuit current density gains are in the range between 0.5 and 1.0 mA/cm 2 compared to a non-reflecting black rear side and do not significantly depend on the angular characteristic of the rear side reflector but mainly on its absolute reflectance.« less

Systematic analysis of diffuse rear reflectors for enhanced light trapping in silicon solar cells

DOE PAGES

Pfeffer, Florian; Eisenlohr, Johannes; Basch, Angelika; ...

2016-04-08

Simple diffuse rear reflectors can enhance the light path length of weakly absorbed near infrared light in silicon solar cells and set a benchmark for more complex and expensive light trapping structures like dielectric gratings or plasmonic particles. We analyzed such simple diffuse rear reflectors systematically by optical and electrical measurements. We applied white paint, TiO 2 nanoparticles, white backsheets and a silver mirror to bifacial silicon solar cells and measured the enhancement of the external quantum efficiency for three different solar cell geometries: planar front and rear side, textured front and planar rear side, and textured front and rearmore » side. We showed that an air-gap between the solar cell and the reflector decreases the absorption enhancement significantly, thus white paint and TiO 2 nanoparticles directly applied to the rear cell surface lead to the highest short circuit current density enhancements. Here, the short circuit current density gains for a 200 um thick planar solar cell reached up to 1.8 mA/cm 2, compared to a non-reflecting black rear side and up to 0.8 mA/cm 2 compared to a high-quality silver mirror rear side. For solar cells with textured front side the short circuit current density gains are in the range between 0.5 and 1.0 mA/cm 2 compared to a non-reflecting black rear side and do not significantly depend on the angular characteristic of the rear side reflector but mainly on its absolute reflectance.« less

Task-induced activation and hemispheric dominance in cerebral circulation during gum chewing.

PubMed

Ono, T; Hasegawa, Y; Hori, K; Nokubi, T; Hamasaki, T

2007-10-01

In elderly persons, it is thought that maintenance of masticatory function may have a beneficial effect on maintenance of cerebral function. However, few studies on cerebral circulation during mastication exist. This study aimed to verify a possible increase in cerebral circulation and the presence of cerebral hemispheric dominance during gum chewing. Twelve healthy, young right-handed subjects with normal dentition were enrolled. Bilateral middle cerebral arterial blood flow velocities (MCAV), heart rate, and arterial carbon dioxide levels were measured during a handgrip exercise and gum chewing. During gum chewing, electromyography of the bilateral masseter muscle was recorded.MCAV and heart rate significantly increased during exercise compared to values at rest. During gum chewing, there were no differences in the rate of increase in MCAV between the working and non-working sides, but during the handgrip exercise, the rate of increase in MCAV was significantly greater for the non-working side than for the working side. During gum chewing,muscle activity on the working side was significantly greater than that on the non-working side. These results suggest that during gum chewing, cerebral circulation increases bilaterally and does not show contralateral dominance, as it does during the handgrip exercise.

Relationship Between Humeral Retroversion and Length of Baseball Career Before the Age of 16 Years.

PubMed

Nakase, Chihiro; Mihata, Teruhisa; Itami, Yasuo; Takeda, Atsushi; Neo, Masashi

2016-09-01

Humeral retroversion physiologically decreases during growth. However, in throwing athletes, the external forces caused by repetitive throwing are thought to increase humeral retroversion on the dominant side compared with that on the nondominant side. To investigate the correlation between humeral retroversion and length of baseball career before age 16 years. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 112 high school baseball players (32 pitchers and 80 position players) with a mean age of 15.6 years (range, 15-16 years) were enrolled in the study. All participants completed questionnaires regarding their player position and the age when they started baseball and were given physical examinations. Shoulder range of motion and humeral retroversion were assessed on the dominant and nondominant sides. Humeral retroversion (rotation angle of the proximal humerus relative to the distal humerus) was measured ultrasonographically. Humeral retroversion was significantly greater on the dominant side than on the nondominant side in both pitchers (P < .0001) and position players (P = .0005). The side-to-side difference in humeral retroversion in pitchers (13.9° ± 11.2°) was significantly greater than that in position players (9.0° ± 11.1°, P = .0361). In pitchers, there was a significant negative correlation between humeral retroversion and the age at which the players had started baseball (P = .033, β = -2.494). These results suggest that humeral retroversion increases with decreasing age at commencement of a baseball career before age 16 years in pitchers. © 2016 The Author(s).

Color change of the snapper (Pagrus auratus) and Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu) skin and eyes during storage: effect of light polarization and contact with ice.

PubMed

Balaban, Murat O; Stewart, Kelsie; Fletcher, Graham C; Alçiçek, Zayde

2014-12-01

Ten gurnard and 10 snapper were stored on ice. One side always contacted the ice; the other side was always exposed to air. At different intervals for up to 12 d, the fish were placed in a light box, and the images of both sides were taken using polarized and nonpolarized illumination. Image analysis resulted in average L*, a*, and b* values of skin, and average L* values of the eyes. The skin L* value of gurnard changed significantly over time while that of snapper was substantially constant. The a* and b* values of both fish decreased over time. The L* values of eyes were significantly lower for polarized images, and significantly lower for the side of fish exposed to air only. This may be a concern in quality evaluation methods such as QIM. The difference of colors between the polarized and nonpolarized images was calculated to quantify the reflection off the surface of fish. For accurate measurement of surface color and eye color, use of polarized light is recommended. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

The effect of between-breast differences on human milk macronutrients content.

PubMed

Pines, N; Mandel, D; Mimouni, F B; Moran Lev, H; Mangel, L; Lubetzky, R

2016-07-01

Little is known about the effect of maternal handedness and preferential side of breastfeeding upon macronutrients concentration in human milk (HM). We aimed to compare macronutrients content of HM from both breasts, taking into account the self-reported preferential feeding ('dominant') breast, breast size and handedness (right versus left). We tested the null hypothesis that macronutrients content of HM is not affected by breast dominancy, breast size or maternal handedness. Fifty-seven lactating mothers were recruited. HM macronutrients were measured after mid manual expression using infrared transmission spectroscopy. Out of the 57 mothers recruited, 12 were excluded from the analyses because they brought in insufficient samples. Among the 22 who reported a size difference, 16 (73%) had a larger left breast (P<0.001). Approximately a third of women reported no breastfeeding side dominance, a third reported a right dominance and another third reported a left dominance. Breastfeeding side dominance was unaffected by either handedness or breasts size. When size asymmetry was reported (n=22) the dominant side was also the larger breast in 16 (73%) women, the smaller breast in 2 (9%) women, whereas 4 (18%) additional women with asymmetry had no preferential breastfeeding side. There were no statistically significant differences in macronutrients between the right and the left breasts. In multiple stepwise backward regression analysis, fat, carbohydrate, protein and energy contents were unaffected by maternal handedness, breast side dominance or breast size asymmetry. Macronutrients content of mid expression HM is unaffected by maternal handedness, breast size or breast side dominance.

Single motor unit firing rate after stroke is higher on the less-affected side during stable low-level voluntary contractions

PubMed Central

McNulty, Penelope A.; Lin, Gaven; Doust, Catherine G.

2014-01-01

Muscle weakness is the most common outcome after stroke and a leading cause of adult-acquired motor disability. Single motor unit properties provide insight into the mechanisms of post-stroke motor impairment. Motor units on the more-affected side are reported to have lower peak firing rates, reduced discharge variability and a more compressed dynamic range than healthy subjects. The activity of 169 motor units was discriminated from surface electromyography in 28 stroke patients during sustained voluntary contractions 10% of maximal and compared to 110 units recorded in 16 healthy subjects. Motor units were recorded in three series: ankle dorsiflexion, wrist flexion and elbow flexion. Mean firing rates after stroke were significantly lower on the more-affected than the less-affected side (p < 0.001) with no differences between dominant and non-dominant sides for healthy subjects. When data were combined, firing rates on the less-affected side were significantly higher than those either on the more-affected side or healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Motor unit mean firing rate was higher in the upper-limb than the lower-limb (p < 0.05). The coefficient of variation of motor unit discharge rate was lower for motor units after stroke compared to controls for wrist flexion (p < 0.05) but not ankle dorsiflexion. However the dynamic range of motor units was compressed only for motor units on the more-affected side during wrist flexion. Our results show that the pathological change in motor unit firing rate occurs on the less-affected side after stroke and not the more-affected side as previously reported, and suggest that motor unit behavior recorded in a single muscle after stroke cannot be generalized to muscles acting on other joints even within the same limb. These data emphasize that the less-affected side does not provide a valid control for physiological studies on the more-affected side after stroke and that both sides should be compared to data from age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. PMID:25100969

Synthesis, surface characterization, and biointeraction studies of low-surface energy side-chain polyetherurethanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porter, Stephen Christopher

1999-10-01

New segmented polyetherurethanes (PEUs) with low surface energy hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon side-chains attached to the polymer hard segments were synthesized. The surface chemistry of solvent cast polymer films was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and dynamic contact angle (DCA) measurements. Increases in the overall density and length of the alkyl side-chains within the PEUs resulted in greater side-chain concentrations at the polymer surface. PEUs bearing long alkyl (> C10 ) and perfluorocarbon side-chains were found to posses surfaces with highly enriched side-chain concentrations relative to the bulk polymer. In PEUs with significant side-chain surface enrichment, the relatively polar hard segment blocks were shown to reside in high concentrations just below the side-chain enriched surface layer. Furthermore, DCA measurements demonstrated that the surface of the alkyl side-chain PEUs did not undergo significant rearrangement when placed into an aqueous environment, whereas the surface of a hard segment model polymer bearing C18 sidechains (PEU-C18-HS) did. Hydrogen bonding within the PEUs was examined using FTIR and was shown to be disrupted by the addition of side-chains; an effect dependent on the density but not on the length of the side-chains. Heteropolymer blends comprised of mixtures of high side-chain density and side-chain free PEUs were compared with homopolymers having the same overall side-chain concentration as the blends. Significantly more surface enrichment of side-chains was found in the heteropolymer blends whereas hydrogen bonding nearly the same as in the homopolymers. Adsorption of native and delipidized human serum albumin (HSA) from pure solution and blood plasma; the elutabilty of adsorbed HSA; and static platelet adhesion to plasma preadsorbed surfaces, were all examined on alkyl side-chain PEUs. Several polymers with high C18 side-chain densities displayed increased affinity for albumin, and reduced elutability. Among these, PEU-C18-HS demonstrated a significant reduction in platelet adhesion at low plasma pre-adsorption concentrations. However, competitive binary adsorption of fibrinogen in the presence of HSA demonstrated lower relative albumin affinity for PEU-C18-HS than other PEUs. The observed effects are thought to be mainly a result of increased surface hydrophobicity of the alkyl-side chain modified PEU, and not high specificity albumin binding.

Measurement of neurovascular coupling in human motor cortex using simultaneous transcranial doppler (TCD) and electroencephalography (EEG).

PubMed

Alam, Monzurul; Ahmed, Ghazanfar; Ling, Yan To; Zheng, Yong-Ping

2018-05-25

Event-related desynchronization (ERD) is a relative power decrease of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in a specific frequency band during physical motor execution, while transcranial Doppler (TCD) measures cerebral blood flow velocity. The objective of this study was to investigate the neurovascular coupling in the motor cortex by using an integrated EEG and TCD system, and to find any difference in hemodynamic responses in healthy young male and female adults. Approach: 30 healthy volunteers, aged 20-30 years were recruited for this study. The subjects were asked to perform a motor task for the duration of a provided visual cue. Simultaneous EEG and TCD recording was carried out using a new integrated system to detect the ERD arising from the EEG signals, and to measure the mean blood flow velocity of the left and right middle cerebral arteries from bilateral TCD signals. Main Results: The results showed a significant decrease in EEG power in mu band (7.5-12.5 Hz) during the motor task compared to the resting phase. It showed significant increase in desynchronization on the contralateral side of the motor task compared to the ipsilateral side. Mean blood flow velocity during the task phase was significantly higher in comparison with the resting phase at the contralateral side. The results also showed a significantly higher increase in the percentage of mean blood flow velocity in the contralateral side of motor task compared to the ipsilateral side. However, no significant difference in desynchronization, or change of mean blood flow velocity was found between males and females. Significance: A combined TCD-EEG system successfully detects ERD and blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries, and can be used as a useful tool to study neurovascular coupling in the brain. There is no significant difference in the hemodynamic responses in healthy young males and females. © 2018 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

The anterior temporal artery: an underutilized but robust donor for revascularization of the distal middle cerebral artery.

PubMed

Tayebi Meybodi, Ali; Lawton, Michael T; Griswold, Dylan; Mokhtari, Pooneh; Payman, Andre; Benet, Arnau

2017-10-01

OBJECTIVE The anterior temporal artery (ATA) supplies an area of the brain that, if sacrificed, does not cause a noticeable loss of function. Therefore, the ATA may be used as a donor in intracranial-intracranial (IC-IC) bypass procedures. The capacities of the ATA as a donor have not been studied previously. In this study, the authors assessed the feasibility of using the ATA as a donor for revascularization of different segments of the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA). METHODS The ATA was studied in 15 cadaveric specimens (8 heads, excluding 1 side). First, the cisternal segment of the artery was untethered from arachnoid adhesions and small branches feeding the anterior temporal lobe and insular cortex, to evaluate its capacity for a side-to-side bypass to insular, opercular, and cortical segments of the MCA. Any branch entering the anterior perforated substance was preserved. Then, the ATA was cut at the opercular-cortical junction and the capacity for an end-to-side bypass was assessed. RESULTS From a total of 17 ATAs, 4 (23.5%) arose as an early MCA branch. The anterior insular zone and the frontal parasylvian cortical arteries were the best targets (in terms of mobility and caliber match) for a side-to-side bypass. Most of the insula was accessible for end-to-side bypass, but anterior zones of the insula were more accessible than posterior zones. End-to-side bypass was feasible for most recipient cortical arteries along the opercula, except for posterior temporal and parietal regions. Early ATAs reached significantly farther on the insular MCA recipients than non-early ATAs for both side-to-side and end-to-side bypasses. CONCLUSIONS The ATA is a robust arterial donor for IC-IC bypass procedures, including side-to-side and end-to-side techniques. The evidence provided in this work supports the use of the ATA as a donor for distal MCA revascularization in well-selected patients.

Effect of Communication Style on Perceptions of Medication Side Effect Risk among Pharmacy Students.

PubMed

Sawant, Ruta V; Beatty, Collin R; Sansgiry, Sujit S

2016-10-25

Objective. To assess the effect of communication style, and frequency and severity of medication side-effects, on pharmacy students' perception of risk of experiencing side effects. Methods. One hundred responses from pharmacy students were obtained using an online survey. Participants were presented with a drug information box containing drug name, drug usage, and one side-effect associated with the drug. Information on side-effect for each drug was presented in one of eight experimental conditions, in a 2 (side-effect frequency: low, high), X2 (side-effect severity: mild, severe) X2 (communication style: verbal, verbal + natural frequency) factorial design. Risk perception of experiencing side effects was measured. Results. Communication style was found to have a significant impact on risk perception depending on the context of frequency and severity associated with the side effect. Conclusion. Communication style plays a significant role in formulating risk perceptions of medication side effects. Training in pharmaceutical counseling should include special emphasis on effective language use.

Choosing the appropriate side for subcutaneous port catheter placement in patients with mastectomy: ipsilateral or contralateral?

PubMed

Nas, Omer Fatih; Hacikurt, Kadir; Kaya, Ahmet; Dogan, Nurullah; Sanal, Bekir; Ozkaya, Guven; Dundar, Halit Ziya; Erdogan, Cuneyt

2017-06-01

To evaluate long-term clinical follow-up results of implanting subcutaneous port catheters (SPCs) on ipsilateral or contralateral with mastectomy side in patients with axillary lymph node dissection. A total of 73 patients composed of ipsilateral (34 catheters) and contralateral (39 catheters) groups, with SPCs were included. All patients had lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Ipsilateral and contralateral groups had similar patient characteristics. Five late complications were seen in the ipsilateral group and 2 late complications in the contralateral group. No statistical significant difference was seen between two groups in regard to late complications. Four complications of the ipsilateral group were classified as major group C and 1 as major group D, while 1 complication of the contralateral group was classified as minor group B and 1 as major group C according to Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification. No statistical significant difference was seen between complication rates of two groups in regard to SIR classification. SPC related complications do not differ in regard to ipsilateral or contralateral side selection on mastectomized patients with breast cancer and lymph node dissection. SPCs can be implanted on ipsilateral or contralateral sides of the operation in these patients.

Efficacy of various side-to-side toothbrushes and impact of brushing parameters on noncontact biofilm removal in an interdental space model.

PubMed

Schmidt, Julia C; Astasov-Frauenhoffer, Monika; Waltimo, Tuomas; Weiger, Roland; Walter, Clemens

2017-06-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four different side-to-side toothbrushes and the impact of various brushing parameters on noncontact biofilm removal in an adjustable interdental space model. A three-species biofilm, consisting of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Streptococcus sanguinis, was formed in vitro on protein-coated titanium disks using a flow chamber combined with a static biofilm growth model. Subsequently, the biofilm-coated disks were exposed to four different powered toothbrushes (A, B, C, D). The parameters distance (0 and 1 mm), brushing time (2, 4, and 6 s), interdental space width (1, 2, and 3 mm), and toothbrush angulation (45° and 90°) were tested. The biofilm volumes were determined using volumetric analyses with confocal laser scanning microscope (Zeiss LSM700) images and Imaris version 7.7.2 software. The median percentages of simulated interdental biofilm reduction by the tested toothbrushes ranged from 7 to 64 %. The abilities of the analyzed toothbrushes to reduce the in vitro biofilm differed significantly (p < 0.05). Three of the tested toothbrushes (A, B, C) were able to significantly reduce a simulated interdental biofilm by noncontact brushing (p ≤ 0.005). The brushing parameters and their combinations tested in the experiments revealed only minor effects on in vitro interdental biofilm reduction (p > 0.05). A three-species in vitro biofilm could be altered by noncontact brushing with toothbrushes A, B, and C in an artificial interdental space model. Certain side-to-side toothbrushes demonstrate in vitro a high efficacy in interdental biofilm removal without bristle-to-biofilm contact.

Torsional Growth Modulation of Long Bones by Oblique Plating in a Rabbit Model.

PubMed

Lazarus, David E; Farnsworth, Christine L; Jeffords, Megan E; Marino, Nikolas; Hallare, Jericho; Edmonds, Eric W

2018-02-01

There is evidence that oblique tension band plating can affect torsional growth in long bones. This study sought to determine if the torsional growth could be modulated based on the angles of the tension band plating and whether or not oblique plating affected overall longitudinal growth. New Zealand White rabbits (10.5 wk old) had one screw placed on the metaphyseal side and one on the epiphyseal side of both medial and lateral sides of the right knee distal femoral physis. The sham group (n=5) included screw placement only. For the plate group (n=13), unlocked plates, angled from 0 to 76 degrees, connected the screws and spanned the physis. Radiographs were taken at biweekly intervals. After 6 weeks of growth, hindlimbs were harvested and microCT scans performed. Femoral length, distances between screw heads and angle between the plates were measured on radiographs. Femoral length differences were compared between groups. Femoral version was measured from 3D microCT. Plate angle changes were correlated to the difference in femoral version between limbs using Pearson correlation (significance was set to P<0.05 for all comparisons). Femur length difference between the contralateral and the operative side was significantly greater in the plate group compared with the sham group over time (P=0.049). Medial and lateral screw distances changed significantly more in the sham group than the plate group on both sides (P<0.001). A greater initial angle between plates resulted in a greater change in the angle between plates (P<0.001). Significant correlations were found between right-left side femoral version differences and initial plate angle (P=0.003) and plate angle change (P=0.014). The torsional effect of oblique plating seems to correlate with the amount of initial plate angle, with an additional, not negligible, longitudinal growth effect. Placing plates at given angles across open physes may result in predictable changes in bone torsion allowing for a safer and less invasive option when treating childhood torsional deformities, but the resulting shortening of the ipsilateral femur must be considered.

Highly porous hydroxyapatite with and without local harvested bone in sinus floor augmentation: a histometric study in pigs.

PubMed

Möller, Björn; Acil, Yahya; Birkenfeld, Falk; Behrens, Eleonore; Terheyden, Hendrik; Wiltfang, Jörg

2014-07-01

Sinus floor augmentation with autologous bone is an accepted treatment option in dental implantology. In this study, an entirely synthetic, nano-structured, hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute material (SBSM, NanoBone(®); Artoss, Rostock, Germany) was supplemented with a mixture of locally harvested bone to enhance osteogenesis. Bilateral sinus augmentation procedures were performed in eight domestic pigs using the lateral window technique. On the right side (control), 2.6 ml of SBSM was used, and on the left side (test), 2.6 ml of SBSM with additional 15% (390 μl) autologous bone was used. At the time of augmentation, a titanium implant (ITI(®)) was inserted from a laterocaudal direction. After 3 months, the sites of augmentation were removed and examined in non-decalcified sections by microradiography and fluorescence microscopy of sequentially labelled specimens and histometry. On both sides, a significant amount of newly formed bone was observed. However, a statistically significant difference in the bone-implant contact was observed in the control group (median, 28.9%) compared with the test side with the additional autologous bone (median, 40.6%) (P = 0.01). Different bone density was achieved from the coronal to apical surfaces (medians, 54.6%, 9.6%, and 27.5%) compared with the test side (medians, 55.2%, 40.6%, and 44.2%). The median of augmentation height was 8.6 mm on the control side and 11.5 mm on the test side (P = 0.01). Bone apposition was observed in both groups after 15 days. The SBSM shows acceptable results in sinus floor augmentation. The additional use of locally harvested autologous bone enhances bone density and osseointegration of the implants. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Evaluation of the optimal visceral branch configuration in open thoracoabdominal aortic repair by computed tomography.

PubMed

Kamohara, Keiji; Furukawa, Kojiro; Itoh, Manabu; Morokuma, Hiroyuki; Tanaka, Hideya; Hayashi, Nagi; Morita, Shigeki

2015-01-01

In thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) repair, our technical modification of visceral reconstruction using longer cut pre-sewn side branches has provided good surgical outcomes. Here, we assessed the long-term durability and patency of revascularized branches using computed tomography (CT) to confirm the validity of our approach. Early and late CT evaluations were performed in 11 TAAA patients (males: 5; mean age: 60.6 years) using the Coselli graft to evaluate the position of main graft and the diverging pattern and patency of side branches. Seven of 11 were sutured in an extra-anatomical fashion using longer cut side branches. In Anatomical (n = 4) and Extra-anatomical (n = 7) groups, the early patency of side branches was not significantly different. Although the late patency of right renal artery (RA) was 100% in both groups, the one of left RA was 60% in Extra-anatomical, while 100% in Anatomical. Furthermore, the main graft in Extra-anatomical was significantly posterior and leftward to the spine with left RA side branch diverging at an acute angle. When a pre-sewn branched graft designed for TAAA is used, the graft should be sutured in a fashion similar to normal patient anatomy to minimize the possibility of kinking of RA side branch for the patency.

Enhancement of Electrokinetically-Driven Flow Mixing in Microchannel with Added Side Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ruey-Jen; Wu, Chien-Hsien; Tseng, Tzu-I; Huang, Sung-Bin; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2005-10-01

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) in microchannels is restricted to low Reynolds number regimes. Since the inertial forces are extremely weak in such regimes, turbulent conditions do not readily develop. Therefore, species mixing occurs primarily via diffusion, with the result that extended mixing channels are generally required. The present study considers a T-shaped microchannel configuration with a mixing channel of width W=280 μm. Computational fluid dynamics simulations and experiments were performed to investigate the influence on the mixing efficiency of various geometrical parameters, including the side-channel width, the side-channel separation, and the number of side-channel pairs. The influence of different applied voltages is also considered. The numerical results reveal that the mixing efficiency can be enhanced to yield a fourfold improvement by incorporating two pairs of side channels into the mixing channel. It was also found that the mixing performance depends significantly upon the magnitudes of the applied voltages.

Influence of voluntary control of masticatory side and rhythm on cerebral hemodynamics.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Yoko; Ono, Takahiro; Sakagami, Joe; Hori, Kazuhiro; Maeda, Yoshinobu; Hamasaki, Toshimitsu; Nokubi, Takashi

2011-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence on cerebral hemodynamics of voluntary control of masticatory side and rhythm during gum chewing. Blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate cerebral circulation in healthy volunteers. Heart rate and masseter muscle activity were recorded simultaneously. Volunteers performed three tasks: (1) free gum chewing, (2) gum chewing in which mastication was limited to the right side, and (3) gum chewing in which mastication was limited to the right side and rhythm was set at 1.0 Hz. Changes in cerebral circulation during pre-task, on-task, and post-task periods were analyzed using random effects model, and differences in cerebral circulation and muscle activity between tasks were analyzed using the Friedman test. In all tasks, on-task cerebral circulation was greater than pre-task. Muscle activity and masticatory rhythm varied between tasks, whereas the rate of increase in cerebral circulation did not differ significantly among tasks. These results suggest that cerebral circulation is activated during gum chewing, irrespective of voluntary control of masticatory side and rhythm.

[Application of rapid prototyping technology on nasoalveolar molding for cleft lip and palate].

PubMed

Shen, Congcong; Chai, Gang

2017-12-01

To apply rapid prototyping (RP) technology on pre-fabricating nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliances, and compare clinical outcomes and complications with traditional NAM appliances. Between June 2014 and September 2016, 39 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate were included in study. Seventeen children (test group) had received novel NAM protocol by pre-fabricating NAM appliances using RP technology, and the other 22 children (control group) had received traditional NAM protocol. There was no significant difference in gender, age, the side of cleft lip and palate, and the width of the alveolar cleft gap before treatment between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The change of width of the alveolar cleft gap, number of clinic visit, treatment time, and complications were compared between 2 groups. The number of clinic visit was less in test group than in control group ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference in treatment time between 2 groups ( P >0.05). During treatment, there was 16 children (72.2%) of skin irritation, 3 (13.6%) of mucosal ulceration, 1 (4.5%) of intraoral bleeding, 1 (4.5%) of alveolar arch T-shap asymmetry in control group. And there were 11 children (64.7%) of skin irritation, 3 (17.6%) of mucosal ulceration in test group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between 2 groups ( P >0.05). After treatment, the anterior alveolar cleft width, horizontal cleft width, sagittal cleft width, antero-medial alveolar ridges angle of the healthy side, angle between anterior alveolar and posterior alveolar baseline of the healthy side, perpendicular distance from buccal frenum point to sagittal line were significantly reduced when compared with the values before treatment ( P <0.05). The angle between the anterior segments of two sides, angle between buccal frenum point and posterior baseline were significant increased when compared with the values before treatment ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the differences between pre- and post-treatment of above indexes between 2 groups ( P >0.05). There also was no significant difference in posterior alveolar width, the width between the middle parts of alveolar, vertical cleft width, antero-medial alveolar ridges angle of the affected side, and angle between anterior alveolar and posterior alveolar baseline of the affected side between pre- and post-treatment in each group ( P >0.05). Clinical outcome of novel approach was equivalent to traditional protocol; however, the number of clinic visit decreased. With improving of RP technology, it would provide a more consistency and convenient way for sequential treatment with cleft lip and palate.

Effects of first premolar extraction on maxillary and mandibular third molar angulation after orthodontic therapy

PubMed Central

Gohilot, Avinash; Pradhan, Tejashri; Keluskar, Kanhoba Mahabaleshwar

2012-01-01

Background/Aims To compare the change in the angulation of developing mandibular third molar in both first premolar extraction and non-extraction cases and to determine whether premolar extraction results in a more mesial movement of the mandibular buccal segment and causes favorable rotational changes in the mandibular third molar tilt, which can enhance later eruption of the third molars. Materials and methods Pretreatment (T1) and post treatment (T2) panoramic radiographs were taken of 25 subjects (age 14–19 years) who had been treated by the extraction of all the first premolars and 25 subjects who had been treated with non-extraction. The horizontal reference plane was used to measure and compare the changes in the angles of the developing mandibular third molars. Results The mean uprighting of the maxillary third molars seen in the extraction group was 4 ± 9° on the left side and −17 ± 13° on the right side following treatment (T2 _ T1). For the non-extraction group the mean difference was −16 ± 12° on the left side and 2 ± 13° on the right side. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P _ 0.021 on the right side and P _ 0.041 on the left side). Mandibular 3rd molars in extraction group showed no statistical significant change in the angulation. Conclusion Premolar extractions had a positive influence on the developing maxillary third molar angulations both on right and left. Mandibular 3rd molar have shown change in the angulation but not statistically significant. Non-extraction therapy did not have any adverse effect. PMID:25737843

Effects of first premolar extraction on maxillary and mandibular third molar angulation after orthodontic therapy.

PubMed

Gohilot, Avinash; Pradhan, Tejashri; Keluskar, Kanhoba Mahabaleshwar

2012-01-01

To compare the change in the angulation of developing mandibular third molar in both first premolar extraction and non-extraction cases and to determine whether premolar extraction results in a more mesial movement of the mandibular buccal segment and causes favorable rotational changes in the mandibular third molar tilt, which can enhance later eruption of the third molars. Pretreatment (T1) and post treatment (T2) panoramic radiographs were taken of 25 subjects (age 14-19 years) who had been treated by the extraction of all the first premolars and 25 subjects who had been treated with non-extraction. The horizontal reference plane was used to measure and compare the changes in the angles of the developing mandibular third molars. The mean uprighting of the maxillary third molars seen in the extraction group was 4 ± 9° on the left side and -17 ± 13° on the right side following treatment (T2 _ T1). For the non-extraction group the mean difference was -16 ± 12° on the left side and 2 ± 13° on the right side. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P _ 0.021 on the right side and P _ 0.041 on the left side). Mandibular 3rd molars in extraction group showed no statistical significant change in the angulation. Premolar extractions had a positive influence on the developing maxillary third molar angulations both on right and left. Mandibular 3rd molar have shown change in the angulation but not statistically significant. Non-extraction therapy did not have any adverse effect.

How disturbing are side effects of beta blockers.

PubMed

Besterman, E M

1983-07-01

Drug side effects are notoriously difficult to evaluate accurately. In this particular context there are further problems arising from the exclusion of many patients in some of the few published series of populations exposed to beta-blocking drugs. In some of these same series, placebo side effects appear to affect almost as many patients as the active drug. However, detailed breakdown of these side effects show significant differences in the actual complaints made by patients of each group. Apart from the well known major complications of beta-blocking drugs, the lesser but still disturbing ones to mention include generalized fatigue, muscle weakness, cold extremities, nightmares and impotence. A change of beta-blocking preparation or else lowering the dosage often ameliorates these problems.

Relation between therapeutic response and side effects induced by methylphenidate as observed by parents and teachers of children with ADHD.

PubMed

Lee, James; Grizenko, Natalie; Bhat, Venkataramana; Sengupta, Sarojini; Polotskaia, Anna; Joober, Ridha

2011-04-21

The desired (therapeutic) and undesired (side) effects of methylphenidate might have underlying correlations. The aim of this study was to explore the strength and the possible sources of these correlations. One hundred and fifty-seven children with ADHD (6-12 years) were administered placebo and methylphenidate (0.5 mg/kg in a divided b.i.d. dose), each for a one-week period, in a double-blind, crossover trial. Therapeutic response was assessed using the Conners' Global Index for parents (CGI-Parents) and teachers (CGI-Teachers), while side effects were assessed using the Barkley Side Effects Rating Scale (SERS). The side effect profile as assessed by the SERS was similar to that of previous studies with insomnia, decreased appetite, and headaches showing significant treatment effects (p < 0.005). These "somatic/physical" side effects did not correlate with CGI-Parents or CGI-Teachers. However, the side effects of "irritability", "proneness to crying", and "anxiousness" showed significant relationships with CGI-Parents. These "mood/anxiety" side effects showed no significant correlations with the CGI-Teachers. The greater "mood/anxiety" side effects on methylphenidate and placebo, the less the parents observe improvement of their children while treated with methylphenidate. This suggests that the correlations between "mood/anxiety" side effects and poor response to treatment may be driven by observer effects rather than biological commonalities between therapeutic and side effects of methylphenidate.

A quantitative analysis of gait patterns in vestibular neuritis patients using gyroscope sensor and a continuous walking protocol

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Locomotion involves an integration of vision, proprioception, and vestibular information. The parieto-insular vestibular cortex is known to affect the supra-spinal rhythm generators, and the vestibular system regulates anti-gravity muscle tone of the lower leg in the same side to maintain an upright posture through the extra-pyramidal track. To demonstrate the relationship between locomotion and vestibular function, we evaluated the differences in gait patterns between vestibular neuritis (VN) patients and normal subjects using a gyroscope sensor and long-way walking protocol. Methods Gyroscope sensors were attached to both shanks of healthy controls (n=10) and age-matched VN patients (n = 10). We then asked the participants to walk 88.8 m along a corridor. Through the summation of gait cycle data, we measured gait frequency (Hz), normalized angular velocity (NAV) of each axis for legs, maximum and minimum NAV, up-slope and down-slope of NAV in swing phase, stride-swing-stance time (s), and stance to stride ratio (%). Results The most dominant walking frequency in the VN group was not different compared to normal control. The NAVs of z-axis (pitch motion) were significantly larger than the others (x-, y-axis) and the values in VN patients tended to decrease in both legs and the difference of NAV between both group was significant in the ipsi-lesion side in the VN group only (p=0.03). Additionally, the gait velocity of these individuals was decreased relatively to controls (1.11 ± 0.120 and 0.84 ± 0.061 m/s in control and VN group respectively, p<0.01), which seems to be related to the significantly increased stance and stride time of the ipsi-lesion side. Moreover, in the VN group, the maximum NAV of the lesion side was less, and the minimum one was higher than control group. Furthermore, the down-slope and up-slope of NAV decreased on the impaired side. Conclusion The walking pattern of VN patients was highly phase-dependent, and NAV of pitch motion was significantly decreased in the ipsi-lesion side. The change of gait rhythm, stance and stride time, and maximum/minimum NAV of the ipsi-lesion side were characteristics of individuals with VN. PMID:24725764

A quantitative analysis of gait patterns in vestibular neuritis patients using gyroscope sensor and a continuous walking protocol.

PubMed

Kim, Soo Chan; Kim, Joo Yeon; Lee, Hwan Nyeong; Lee, Hwan Ho; Kwon, Jae Hwan; Kim, Nam Beom; Kim, Mi Joo; Hwang, Jong Hyun; Han, Gyu Cheol

2014-04-11

Locomotion involves an integration of vision, proprioception, and vestibular information. The parieto-insular vestibular cortex is known to affect the supra-spinal rhythm generators, and the vestibular system regulates anti-gravity muscle tone of the lower leg in the same side to maintain an upright posture through the extra-pyramidal track. To demonstrate the relationship between locomotion and vestibular function, we evaluated the differences in gait patterns between vestibular neuritis (VN) patients and normal subjects using a gyroscope sensor and long-way walking protocol. Gyroscope sensors were attached to both shanks of healthy controls (n=10) and age-matched VN patients (n = 10). We then asked the participants to walk 88.8 m along a corridor. Through the summation of gait cycle data, we measured gait frequency (Hz), normalized angular velocity (NAV) of each axis for legs, maximum and minimum NAV, up-slope and down-slope of NAV in swing phase, stride-swing-stance time (s), and stance to stride ratio (%). The most dominant walking frequency in the VN group was not different compared to normal control. The NAVs of z-axis (pitch motion) were significantly larger than the others (x-, y-axis) and the values in VN patients tended to decrease in both legs and the difference of NAV between both group was significant in the ipsi-lesion side in the VN group only (p=0.03). Additionally, the gait velocity of these individuals was decreased relatively to controls (1.11 ± 0.120 and 0.84 ± 0.061 m/s in control and VN group respectively, p<0.01), which seems to be related to the significantly increased stance and stride time of the ipsi-lesion side. Moreover, in the VN group, the maximum NAV of the lesion side was less, and the minimum one was higher than control group. Furthermore, the down-slope and up-slope of NAV decreased on the impaired side. The walking pattern of VN patients was highly phase-dependent, and NAV of pitch motion was significantly decreased in the ipsi-lesion side. The change of gait rhythm, stance and stride time, and maximum/minimum NAV of the ipsi-lesion side were characteristics of individuals with VN.

Prognostic value of total number of lymph nodes retrieved differs between left-sided colon cancer and right-sided colon cancer in stage III patients with colon cancer.

PubMed

Yang, Lin; Xiong, Zhenchong; Xie, Qiankun; He, Wenzhuo; Liu, Shousheng; Kong, Pengfei; Jiang, Chang; Guo, Guifang; Xia, Liangping

2018-05-11

The consensus is that a minimum of 12 lymph nodes should be analyzed at colectomy for colon cancer. However, right colon cancer and left colon cancer have different characteristics, and this threshold value for total number of lymph nodes retrieved may not be universally applicable. The data of 63,243 patients with colon cancer treated between 2004 and 2012 were retrieved from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of total number of lymph nodes for survival after adjusting for lymph nodes ratio. The predictive value in left-sided colon cancer and right-sided colon cancer was compared. The optimal total number of lymph nodes cutoff value for prediction of overall survival was identified using the online tool Cutoff Finder. Survival of patients with high total number of lymph nodes (≥12) and low total number of lymph nodes (< 12) was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. After stratifying by lymph nodes ratio status, total number of lymph nodes≥12 remained an independent predictor of survival in the whole cohort and in right-sided colon cancer, but not in left-sided colon cancer. The optimal cutoff value for total number of lymph nodes was determined to be 11. Low total number of lymph nodes (< 11) was associated with significantly poorer survival after adjusting for lymph nodes ratio in all subgroups except in the subgroup with high lymph nodes ratio (0.5-1.0). Previous reports of the prognostic significance of total number of lymph nodes on node-positive colon cancer were confounded by lymph nodes ratio. The 12-node standard for total number of lymph nodes may not be equally applicable in right-sided colon cancer and left-sided colon cancer.

Development of a morphing technique for predicting the position and size of an artificial ear in hemifacial microsomia patients.

PubMed

Coward, Trevor J; Richards, Robin; Scott, Brendan J J

2014-01-01

People with hemifacial microsomia may be missing an ear on the affected side of the face. The principal aim of the study was to develop a morphing technique and to determine whether it could be used to appropriately position an artificial ear, as well as to give an indication of prosthesis size in comparison with the natural ear. Comparisons also were made between the artificial ears being worn by the patients with their natural ears. Data from stereophotogrammetry images of the faces of 10 people were converted into stereolithographic format. Anthropometric points on the face and ear of the unaffected side were plotted. By a process of scaling, the distance between facial landmarks on the unaffected side was estimated for the affected side so as to identify where the morphed ear would be positioned once generated. Generally, the morphed ears appeared to be in acceptable positions. There was a statistically significant difference between the position of the morphed and natural ears (P = .011), as well as the artificial and natural ears (P = .001), but this was unlikely to have any clinical implications. There were no significant differences among the sizes of the natural, morphed, and artificial ears (P = .072). Morphing appears to offer a more precise way of planning the positioning and construction of an artificial ear on patients with hemifacial microsomia than traditional methods. Differences in facial shape on either side of the face may impact on the process. This requires further study.

Difference in dummy responses in matched side impact tests of vehicles with and without side airbags.

PubMed

Viano, David C; Parenteau, Chantal S

2016-07-03

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) high-hooded side impacts were analyzed for matched vehicle tests with and without side airbags. The comparison provides a measure of the effectiveness of side airbags in reducing biomechanical responses for near-side occupants struck by trucks, SUVs, and vans at 50 km/h. The IIHS moving deformable barrier (MDB) uses a high-hooded barrier face. It weighs 1,500 kg and impacts the driver side perpendicular to the vehicle at 50 km/h. SID IIs dummies are placed in the driver and left second-row seats. They represent fifth percentile female occupants. IIHS tests were reviewed for matches with one test with a side airbag and another without it in 2003-2007 model year (MY) vehicles. Four side airbag systems were evaluated: (1) curtain and torso side airbags, (2) head and torso side airbag, (3) curtain side airbag, and (4) torso side airbag. There were 24 matched IIHS vehicle tests: 13 with and without a curtain and torso side airbags, 4 with and without a head and torso side airbag, 5 with and without a side curtain airbag, and 2 with and without a torso airbag. The head, chest, and pelvis responses were compared for each match and the average difference was determined across all matches for a type of side airbag. The average reduction in head injury criterion (HIC) was 68 ± 16% (P < .001) with curtain and torso side airbags compared to the HIC without side airbags. The average HIC was 296 with curtain and torso side airbags and 1,199 without them. The viscous response (VC) was reduced 54 ± 19% (P < .005) with curtain and torso side airbags. The combined acetabulum and ilium force (7 ± 15%) and pelvic acceleration (-2 ± 17%) were essentially similar in the matched tests. The head and torso side airbag reduced HIC by 42 ± 30% (P < .1) and VC by 32 ± 26% compared to vehicles without a side airbag. The average HIC was 397 with the side head and torso airbag compared to 729 without it. The curtain airbag and torso airbag only showed lower head responses but essentially no difference in the chest and pelvis responses. The curtain and torso side airbags effectively reduced biomechanical responses for the head and chest in 50 km/h side impacts with a high-hooded deformable barrier. The reductions in the IIHS tests are directionally the same as estimated fatality reductions in field crashes reported by NHTSA for side airbags.

Double 90 Degrees Counterrotated End-to-End-Anastomosis: An Experimental Study of an Intestinal Anastomosis Technique.

PubMed

Holzner, Philipp; Kulemann, Birte; Seifert, Gabriel; Glatz, Torben; Chikhladze, Sophia; Höppner, Jens; Hopt, Ulrich; Timme, Sylvia; Bronsert, Peter; Sick, Olivia; Zhou, Cheng; Marjanovic, Goran

2015-06-01

The aim of the article is to investigate a new anastomotic technique compared with standardized intestinal anastomotic procedures. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were randomized to three groups. In the Experimental Group (n = 10), the new double 90 degrees inversely rotated anastomosis was used, in the End Group (n = 10) a single-layer end-to-end anastomosis, and in the Side Group (n = 12) a single-layer side-to-side anastomosis. All anastomoses were done using interrupted sutures. On postoperative day 4, rats were relaparotomized. Bursting pressure, hydroxyproline concentration, a semiquantitative adhesion score and two histological anastomotic healing scores (mucosal healing according to Chiu and overall anastomotic healing according to Verhofstad) were collected. Most data are presented as median (range). p < 0.05 was considered significant. Anastomotic insufficiency occurred only in one rat of the Side Group. Median bursting pressure in the Experimental Group was 105 mm Hg (range = 72-161 mm Hg), significantly higher in the End Group (164 mm Hg; range = 99-210 mm Hg; p = 0.021) and lower in the Side Group by trend (81 mm Hg; range = 59-122 mm Hg; p = 0.093). Hydroxyproline concentration did not differ significantly in between the groups. The adhesion score was 2.5 (range = 1-3) in the Experimental Group, 2 (range = 1-2) in the End Group, but there were significantly more adhesions in the Side Group (range = 3-4); p = 0.020 versus Experimental Group, p < 0.001 versus End Group. The Chiu Score showed the worst mucosal healing in the Experimental Group. The overall Verhofstad Score was significantly worse (mean = 2.032; standard deviation [SD] = 0.842) p = 0.031 and p = 0.002 in the Experimental Group, compared with the Side Group (mean = 1.729; SD = 0.682) and the End Group (mean = 1.571; SD = 0.612). The new anastomotic technique is feasible and did not show any relevant complication. Even though it was superior to the side-to-side anastomosis by trend with respect to functional stability, mucosal healing surprisingly showed the worst results. Classical end-to-end anastomosis still seems to be the best choice regarding structural and functional anastomotic stability. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[The importance of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials for the assessment of the otolith function in the patients presenting with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].

PubMed

Kunel'skaya, N L; Baybakova, E V; Guseva, A L; Chugunova, M A; Manaenkova, E A

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the otolith function in the patients presenting with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (pBPPV) attributable to the occlusion of the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) of the inner ear with the use of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP). Cervical (cVEMP) and ocular VEMP (oVEMP) were measured in 34 patients with idiopathic pBPPV before and 7 days after the treatment by means of reposition maneuvers. The results of the repeated Dix-Hallpike test performed 7 days after the repositioning maneuver were negative in 27 patients and positive in 7 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the amplitude of cervical VEMP between the healthy and affected ears either before or after the repositioning treatment. The measurement of oVEMP revealed a reduction of the response amplitude on the affected side. The average values of the plnl on the healthy side were 12.84±1.09 and those on the affected side 4.62±0.69 (p<0,05). The successful repositioning treatment resulted in a significant increase of the oVEMP amplitude on the affected side (p<0,05). In the patients presenting with the persistent symptoms of pBPPV, the repositioning maneuvers did not cause an appreciable increase in the amplitude of oVEMP on the affected side (p<0.05). The results of the present study give evidence that pBPPV of the posterior semicircular canal is associated with the impairment of the function of the receptor structures of the utriculus and the preserved function of the succulus as suggested by the reduction of the oVEMP amplitude and clinically significant asymmetry of ocular VEMP on the affected side with intact cervical VEMP on both sides. The successful treatment of pBPPV of PSCC with the use of the liberatory maneuver results in the increase of the oVEMP amplitude on the affected side increases while the response asymmetry between both sides significantly decreases which indicates the repair of the utriculus otolith function.

[Difference analysis of muscle fatigue during the exercises of core stability training].

PubMed

Xiao, Jinzhuang; Sun, Jinli; Wang, Hongrui; Yang, Xincai; Zhao, Jinkui

2017-04-01

The present study was carried out with the surface electromyography signal of subjects during the time when subjects did the exercises of the 6 core stability trainings. We analyzed the different activity level of surface electromyography signal, and finally got various fatigue states of muscles in different exercises. Thirty subjects completed exercises of 6 core stability trainings, which were prone bridge, supine bridge, unilateral bridge (divided into two trainings, i.e. the left and right sides alternatively) and bird-dog (divided into two trainings, i.e. the left and right sides alternatively), respectively. Each exercise was held on for 1 minute and 2 minutes were given to relax between two exercises in this test. We measured both left and right sides of the body's muscles, which included erector spina, external oblique, rectus abdominis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, anterior tibial and gastrocnemius muscles. We adopted the frequency domain characteristic value of the surface electromyography signal, i.e . median frequency slope to analyze the muscle fatigue in this study. In the present paper, the results exhibit different fatigue degrees of the above muscles during the time when they did the core stability rehabilitation exercises. It could be concluded that supine bridge and unilateral bridge can cause more fatigue on erector spina muscle, prone bridge caused Gastrocnemius muscle much fatigue and there were statistical significant differences ( P <0.05) between prone bridge and other five rehabilitation exercises in the degree of rectus abdominis muscle fatigue. There were no statistical significant differences ( P >0.05) between all the left and right sides of the same-named muscles in the median frequency slope during all the exercises of the six core stability trainings, i.e. the degree which the various kinds of rehabilitation exercises effected the left and right side of the same-named muscle had no statistical significant difference ( P >0.05). In this research, the conclusion presents quantized guidelines on the effects of core stability trainings on different muscles.

Evaluation of movements of lower limbs in non-professional ballet dancers: hip abduction and flexion

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The literature indicated that the majority of professional ballet dancers present static and active dynamic range of motion difference between left and right lower limbs, however, no previous study focused this difference in non-professional ballet dancers. In this study we aimed to evaluate active movements of the hip in non-professional classical dancers. Methods We evaluated 10 non professional ballet dancers (16-23 years old). We measured the active range of motion and flexibility through Well Banks. We compared active range of motion between left and right sides (hip flexion and abduction) and performed correlation between active movements and flexibility. Results There was a small difference between the right and left sides of the hip in relation to the movements of flexion and abduction, which suggest the dominant side of the subjects, however, there was no statistical significance. Bank of Wells test revealed statistical difference only between the 1st and the 3rd measurement. There was no correlation between the movements of the hip (abduction and flexion, right and left sides) with the three test measurements of the bank of Wells. Conclusion There is no imbalance between the sides of the hip with respect to active abduction and flexion movements in non-professional ballet dancers. PMID:21819566

Immediate versus delayed self-reporting of symptoms and side effects during chemotherapy: does timing matter?

PubMed

Coolbrandt, Annemarie; Van den Heede, Koen; Vanhove, Ellen; De Bom, Ann; Milisen, Koen; Wildiers, Hans

2011-04-01

The aim of this study was to examine how patients recall symptoms at a delayed self-report. Accurate insight into toxicity symptoms during chemotherapy is essential so that nurses and doctors can assess therapeutic tolerance and adjust supportive care accordingly. A non-experimental, longitudinal design was employed. Using the Therapy-Related Symptoms Checklist (TRSC), respondents (n = 142) reported their initial symptoms during the first 7 days of the chemotherapy cycle at two different times: (1) each day of the first seven days after the chemotherapy administration (immediate self-report), and (2) at their next hospital visit for chemotherapy (delayed self-report). We compared the number and severity of symptoms and side effects reported in the immediate and delayed self-reports. Respondents reported significantly fewer symptoms and fewer severe symptoms in the delayed self-report. For 22 out of 25 symptoms the delayed-reported grade was significantly lower than the immediate-reported maximum grade. Compared to the immediate-reported median grade, significant differences occurred in only 10 out of the 25 symptoms. In all cases, except fatigue, the delayed-reported grade was significantly higher than the immediate-reported median grade. This study indicates that delayed self-report of chemotherapy side effects is not an appropriate measure of actual symptoms and side effects experienced by patients. Delayed self-report gives a weaker insight into actual symptom burden. Fatigue is at particular risk to be minimized at the delayed self-report. Therefore it is recommended to assess chemotherapy-related symptoms and side effects by means of immediate self-report. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of clinical efficacy, side effects, and laboratory changes among patients with acne vulgaris receiving single versus twice daily dose of oral isotretinoin.

PubMed

Ahmad, Hesham M

2015-01-01

Acne vulgaris is a debilitating disorder and requires proper treatment. This work evaluates the clinical efficacy, side effects, and laboratory changes of serum lipids and liver function during oral isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris, comparing single versus twice daily dose. Fifty-eight patients with acne vulgaris were included and randomized into group I (26 patients), who received once daily dose, and group II (32 patients), who received twice daily dose of oral isotretinoin. Global acne scoring system was used to evaluate acne severity and post-treatment improvement. Both regimens resulted in highly significant clinical improvement of acne with no significant difference. However, side effects were significantly more common among patients of group I. Both regimens caused mild rise of serum cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with more prominent rise of triglycerides especially with twice daily dose. Oral isotretinoin is a very effective treatment for acne vulgaris with no statistically significant difference in clinical efficacy between once and twice daily doses. However, dividing dose to twice per day might cause fewer incidence of side effects without reducing clinical efficacy. The drug causes mild clinically insignificant rise of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, and ALT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for late rectal bleeding, stool frequency and fecal incontinence after radiotherapy in prostate cancer patients.

PubMed

Schaake, Wouter; van der Schaaf, Arjen; van Dijk, Lisanne V; Bongaerts, Alfons H H; van den Bergh, Alfons C M; Langendijk, Johannes A

2016-06-01

Curative radiotherapy for prostate cancer may lead to anorectal side effects, including rectal bleeding, fecal incontinence, increased stool frequency and rectal pain. The main objective of this study was to develop multivariable NTCP models for these side effects. The study sample was composed of 262 patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (stage T1-3). Anorectal toxicity was prospectively assessed using a standardized follow-up program. Different anatomical subregions within and around the anorectum were delineated. A LASSO logistic regression analysis was used to analyze dose volume effects on toxicity. In the univariable analysis, rectal bleeding, increase in stool frequency and fecal incontinence were significantly associated with a large number of dosimetric parameters. The collinearity between these predictors was high (VIF>5). In the multivariable model, rectal bleeding was associated with the anorectum (V70) and anticoagulant use, fecal incontinence was associated with the external sphincter (V15) and the iliococcygeal muscle (V55). Finally, increase in stool frequency was associated with the iliococcygeal muscle (V45) and the levator ani (V40). No significant associations were found for rectal pain. Different anorectal side effects are associated with different anatomical substructures within and around the anorectum. The dosimetric variables associated with these side effects can be used to optimize radiotherapy treatment planning aiming at prevention of specific side effects and to estimate the benefit of new radiation technologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The biomechanical effects of polytetrafluoroethylene suture augmentations in lateral-row rotator cuff repairs in an ovine model.

PubMed

Beimers, Lijkele; Lam, Patrick H; Murrell, George A C

2014-10-01

This study investigated the biomechanical effects of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) suture augmentation patches in rotator cuff repair constructs. The infraspinatus tendon in 24 cadaveric ovine shoulders was repaired using an inverted horizontal mattress suture with 2 knotless bone anchors (ArthroCare, Austin, TX, USA) in a lateral-row configuration. Four different repair groups (6 per group) were created: (1) standard repair using inverted horizontal mattress sutures, (2) repair with ePTFE suture augmentations on the bursal side of the tendon, (3) repair with ePTFE suture augmentations on the articular side, and, (4) repair with ePTFE suture augmentations on both sides of the tendon. Footprint contact pressure, stiffness, and the load to failure of the repair constructs were measured. Repairs with ePTFE suture augmentations on the bursal side exerted significantly more footprint contact pressure (0.40 ± 0.01 MPa) than those on the articular side (0.34 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .04) and those on both sides (0.33 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .01). At 15 degrees of abduction, ePTFE-augmented repairs on the bursal side had higher footprint contact pressure (0.26 ± 0.03 MPa) compared with standard repairs (0.15 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .01) and with ePTFE-augmented repairs on the articular side (0.18 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .03). The ePTFE-augmented repairs on the bursal side demonstrated significantly higher failure loads (178 ± 18 N) than standard repairs (120 ± 17 N, P = .04). Inverted horizontal mattress sutures augmented with ePTFE patches on the bursal side of the tendon enhanced footprint contact pressures and the ultimate load to failure of lateral-row rotator cuff repairs in an ovine model. Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does creating a subperiosteal tunnel influence the periorbital edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty?

PubMed

Kara, Cüneyt Orhan; Kara, Inci Gökalan; Topuz, Bülent

2005-08-01

The study goal was to determine whether creating a subperiosteal tunnel before lateral osteotomy had an effect on postoperative periorbital edema, ecchymosis, and subconjunctival ecchymosis. Eighteen consecutive patients who underwent septorhinoplasty were included in the study. In all patients lateral osteotomies were carried out bilaterally, after creating a subperiosteal tunnel on a randomly chosen side and without creating a subperiosteal tunnel on the other side. The patients were seen on the second postoperative day, and a different surgeon who was unaware of the side with the periosteal tunnel determined the side of the face with more edema and ecchymosis. Subconjunctival ecchymosis was evaluated and recorded, as well. Creating subperiosteal tunnels before lateral osteotomy statistically increased periorbital ecchymosis. Although there was no statistically significant difference, creating subperiosteal tunnels also increased development and severity of subconjunctival ecchymosis and edema. We suggest performing lateral osteotomy without creating subperiosteal tunnels.

Decreasing the Burden of Side Effects Through Positive Message Framing: an Experimental Proof-of-Concept Study.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Marcel; Rief, Winfried; Doering, Bettina K

2018-05-21

Informing patients about treatment side effects increases the occurrence and intensity of side effects. Since the obligatory informed consent procedure in drug treatments requires transparency and nocebo research suggests that the informed consent of a drug leads to an increased occurrence of the mentioned side effects, the aim of this proof of concept study was to determine the effect of two different framings of informed consent on the occurrence, intensity, and perceived threat of side effects. Healthy male participants (n = 80) were randomized to one of two framing groups. The positive framing group was informed that the common side effect dizziness was a sign that the drug had started to work, while the neutral framing group was told that dizziness is an unpleasant but well-known side effect. Side effects were measured after the administration of metoprolol, an antihypertensive agent. Post hoc moderator analyses investigated the effect of pre-existing negative beliefs about the general harm of medication on the framing manipulation. Metoprolol-specific drug-attributed side effects were rated significantly less threatening in the positive framing group. The between-group effect size (Cohen's d) was small (d = 0.38, p = 0.049). Exploratory post hoc moderator analyses suggest that participants who believed that medication is a source of harmful effects benefited from positive framing, compared to neutral framing of drug-attributed side effects. Positive framing was partially effective in decreasing specific side effect measures, particularly among participants with a tendency to believe that medicine is harmful. Informed consent procedures should therefore be personalized, focusing on patients with negative treatment beliefs.

Transient Three-Dimensional Side Load Analysis of Out-of-Round Film Cooled Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ten-See; Lin, Jeff; Ruf, Joe; Guidos, Mike

2010-01-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of nozzle out-of-roundness on the transient startup side loads at a high altitude, with an anchored computational methodology. The out-of-roundness could be the result of asymmetric loads induced by hardware attached to the nozzle, asymmetric internal stresses induced by previous tests, and deformation, such as creep, from previous tests. The rocket engine studied encompasses a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber and a film cooled nozzle extension with film coolant distributed from a turbine exhaust manifold. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Transient startup computations were performed with the out-of-roundness achieved by four different degrees of ovalization: one perfectly round, one slightly out-of-round, one more out-of-round, and one significantly out-of-round. The results show that the separation-line-jump is the peak side load physics for the round, slightly our-of-round, and more out-of-round cases, and the peak side load increases as the degree of out-of-roundness increases. For the significantly out-of-round nozzle, however, the peak side load reduces to comparable to that of the round nozzle and the separation line jump is not the peak side load physics. The counter-intuitive result of the significantly out-of-round case is found to be related to a side force reduction mechanism that splits the effect of the separation-line-jump into two parts, not only in the circumferential direction and most importantly in time.

Randomized, controlled trial split-faced study of 595-nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris and acne erythema in adolescents and early adulthood.

PubMed

Lekwuttikarn, Ramrada; Tempark, Therdpong; Chatproedprai, Susheera; Wananukul, Siriwan

2017-08-01

The high prevalence of acne vulgaris in teenagers has increased comorbidities. Lasers offer alternative options for acne treatment because they have rapid action, low systemic adverse effects, and do not require everyday treatment. To study the efficacy and patients' satisfaction of 595-nm pulse dye laser (PDL) treatment of acne vulgaris and acne erythema in adolescents and early adulthood, we designed a blocked-randomized, split-faced 595-nm PDL (fluence 8 J/cm 3 pulse duration 10 ms, spot size 7 mm, 2 session every 2 weeks) study in patients with mild to moderate acne by comparing the laser-treated and non-treated side. The acne lesion counts, acne erythema grading, and acne severity grading were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Thirty patients were recruited. The results showed no statistically significant difference except the papule count at week 4 which was -1.828 on the treated side and 0.103 on the non-treated side of the face, P-value 0.0018. There was no statistically significant difference of acne severity grading and acne erythema grading between both sides of the face. The mean scores of patients' satisfaction on the laser-treated side were 75, 81, and 81%, respectively. The PDL treatment in this study reveals no significant improvement in acne therapy; however, the patients were satisfied with this laser treatment. © 2017 The International Society of Dermatology.

Heel-Rise Height Deficit 1 Year After Achilles Tendon Rupture Relates to Changes in Ankle Biomechanics 6 Years After Injury.

PubMed

Brorsson, Annelie; Willy, Richard W; Tranberg, Roy; Grävare Silbernagel, Karin

2017-11-01

It is unknown whether the height of a heel-rise performed in the single-leg standing heel-rise test 1 year after an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) correlates with ankle biomechanics during walking, jogging, and jumping in the long-term. To explore the differences in ankle biomechanics, tendon length, calf muscle recovery, and patient-reported outcomes at a mean of 6 years after ATR between 2 groups that, at 1-year follow-up, had less than 15% versus greater than 30% differences in heel-rise height. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Seventeen patients with less than 15% (<15% group) and 17 patients with greater than 30% (>30% group) side-to-side difference in heel-rise height at 1 year after ATR were evaluated at a mean (SD) 6.1 (2.0) years after their ATR. Ankle kinematics and kinetics were sampled via standard motion capture procedures during walking, jogging, and jumping. Patient-reported outcome was evaluated with Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), Physical Activity Scale (PAS), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Tendon length was evaluated by ultrasonography. The Limb Symmetry Index (LSI = [Injured Side ÷ Healthy Side] × 100) was calculated for side differences. The >30% group had significantly more deficits in ankle kinetics during all activities compared with patients in the <15% group at a mean of 6 years after ATR (LSI, 70%-149% and 84%-106%, respectively; P = .010-.024). The >30% group, compared with the <15% group, also had significantly lower values in heel-rise height (LSI, 72% and 95%, respectively; P < .001) and heel-rise work (LSI, 58% and 91%, respectively; P < .001) and significantly larger side-to-side difference in tendon length (114% and 106%, respectively; P = .012). Achilles tendon length correlated with ankle kinematic variables ( r = 0.38-0.44; P = .015-.027) whereas heel-rise work correlated with kinetic variables ( r = -0.57 to 0.56; P = .001-.047). LSI tendon length correlated negatively with LSI heel-rise height ( r = -0.41; P = .018). No differences were found between groups in patient-reported outcome ( P = .143-.852). Height obtained during the single-leg standing heel-rise test performed 1 year after ATR related to the long-term ability to regain normal ankle biomechanics. Minimizing tendon elongation and regaining heel-rise height may be important for the long-term recovery of ankle biomechanics, particularly during more demanding activities such as jumping.

Effects of doubling the portion size of fruit and vegetable side dishes on children's intake at a meal.

PubMed

Kral, Tanja V E; Kabay, April C; Roe, Liane S; Rolls, Barbara J

2010-03-01

Increasing the portion size of energy-dense entrées has been shown to increase children's energy intake during a meal. It remains to be investigated whether serving larger portions to children can be used to promote intake of more healthful foods, such as fruits and vegetables (F&V). The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of increasing the portion size of F&V side dishes on children's intake. Forty-three children (22 boys, 21 girls), aged 5-6 years, were served dinner once a week for 2 weeks. Each dinner consisted of pasta with tomato sauce, three F&V side dishes (broccoli, carrots, and applesauce), and milk. The portion size of the F&V was doubled between experimental conditions whereas the size of the pasta remained constant. Doubling the portion size of the side dishes resulted in a 43% increase in children's intake of the fruit side dish (P = 0.001), but did not affect children's intake of the two vegetable side dishes (P > 0.60). Further, when the portion size of F&V side dishes was doubled, children ate significantly less of the pasta (P = 0.04). The difference in meal energy intake between portion size conditions (19.5 +/- 16.3 kcal) was not significant (P = 0.24). Although more studies are needed to understand whether increases in portion size can influence vegetable intake, children did eat more in response to a large quantity of a preferred low energy-dense fruit side dish at meals. Thus variations in portion size can be used strategically to help children achieve the recommended intake of fruits.

The use of sunscreen starting on the first day after ablative fractional skin resurfacing.

PubMed

Wanitphakdeedecha, R; Phuardchantuk, R; Manuskiatti, W

2014-11-01

The most common side-effect of ablative fractional skin resurfacing in Asians is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Various attempts have been made to reduce the occurrence of PIH after laser treatment including sun avoidance, the use of preoperative and postoperative treatment regimens, and treatment using conservative energy settings and epidermal protection. To determine whether the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents starting on the first day after fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing reduces the incidence of post laser PIH. Thirty patients were treated with ablative fractional CO2 resurfacing on both sides of their faces at 10 mJ and 10% density. Each subject was randomly treated on one side of the face with petrolatum ointment four times a day for the first week after laser treatment and on the other side of the face with petrolatum ointment four times a day plus broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents in the morning starting on the first day after laser treatment. Transepidermal water loss was recorded at baseline and every day for 1 week. Melanin and erythema indexes were measured at baseline, 1-, 2-week, 1-, 2- and at 3-month post treatment. Of the 30 patients involved in the study, 26 received the treatment and attended 1-, 2-week, 1-, 2- and 3-month post-treatment visits. Four patients were withdrawn from the study because they could not attend every follow-up visit. There was no statistically significant difference in transepidermal water loss at baseline, immediately after laser treatment, or at the D1 to D7 follow-up visits. Erythema index had no significantly statistical difference at baseline, 1-, 2- and at 3-month after laser treatment. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in melanin index at 1-week post laser treatment between both sides (P = 0.001). Melanin index at the 1-week follow-up visit on the side treated with broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents starting on the first day after laser treatment was significantly less than the control side. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents starting on the first day after ablative fractional skin resurfacing can decrease the incidence of PIH after laser treatment at 1-week postoperatively. © 2013 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

The Effects of Cell Phone Conversations on the Attention and Memory of Bystanders

PubMed Central

Galván, Veronica V.; Vessal, Rosa S.; Golley, Matthew T.

2013-01-01

The pervasive use of cell phones impacts many people–both cell phone users and bystanders exposed to conversations. This study examined the effects of overhearing a one-sided (cell phone) conversation versus a two-sided conversation on attention and memory. In our realistic design, participants were led to believe they were participating in a study examining the relationship between anagrams and reading comprehension. While the participant was completing an anagram task, the researcher left the room and participants overheard a scripted conversation, either two confederates talking with each other or one confederate talking on a cell phone. Upon the researcher’s return, the participant took a recognition memory task with words from the conversation, and completed a questionnaire measuring the distracting nature of the conversation. Participants who overheard the one-sided conversation rated the conversation as significantly higher in distractibility than those who overheard the two-sided conversation. Also, participants in the one-sided condition scored higher on the recognition task. In particular they were more confident and accurate in their responses to words from the conversation than participants in the two-sided condition. However, participants’ scores on the anagram task were not significantly different between conditions. As in real world situations, individual participants could pay varying amounts of attention to the conversation since they were not explicitly instructed to ignore it. Even though the conversation was irrelevant to the anagram task and contained less words and noise, one-sided conversations still impacted participants’ self-reported distractibility and memory, thus showing people are more attentive to cell phone conversations than two-sided conversations. Cell phone conversations may be a common source of distraction causing negative consequences in workplace environments and other public places. PMID:23516514

The effects of cell phone conversations on the attention and memory of bystanders.

PubMed

Galván, Veronica V; Vessal, Rosa S; Golley, Matthew T

2013-01-01

The pervasive use of cell phones impacts many people-both cell phone users and bystanders exposed to conversations. This study examined the effects of overhearing a one-sided (cell phone) conversation versus a two-sided conversation on attention and memory. In our realistic design, participants were led to believe they were participating in a study examining the relationship between anagrams and reading comprehension. While the participant was completing an anagram task, the researcher left the room and participants overheard a scripted conversation, either two confederates talking with each other or one confederate talking on a cell phone. Upon the researcher's return, the participant took a recognition memory task with words from the conversation, and completed a questionnaire measuring the distracting nature of the conversation. Participants who overheard the one-sided conversation rated the conversation as significantly higher in distractibility than those who overheard the two-sided conversation. Also, participants in the one-sided condition scored higher on the recognition task. In particular they were more confident and accurate in their responses to words from the conversation than participants in the two-sided condition. However, participants' scores on the anagram task were not significantly different between conditions. As in real world situations, individual participants could pay varying amounts of attention to the conversation since they were not explicitly instructed to ignore it. Even though the conversation was irrelevant to the anagram task and contained less words and noise, one-sided conversations still impacted participants' self-reported distractibility and memory, thus showing people are more attentive to cell phone conversations than two-sided conversations. Cell phone conversations may be a common source of distraction causing negative consequences in workplace environments and other public places.

SIDE TO SIDE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DOMINANT AND NON-DOMINANT ARM’S BONE DENSITY AND ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN MALES AND FEMALES AGED 40-65 YEARS OLD

PubMed Central

Krasniqi, Ermira; Koni, Mynyr; Kabashi, Antigona; Bahtiri, Abedin; Gjeli, Selda; Boshnjaku, Arben

2016-01-01

Objective: This observational, cross-sectional study, investigates and compares the differences of BMD, T-score, Z-score and isometric strength between dominant (D) versus non-dominant (ND) arms of 162 subjects aged 40-65 in a developing, low income country (Kosova). Material and Methods: Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-score and Z-score at distal forearm regions of both arms (measured by DXA scan), together with the Handgrip Isometric Strength (HIS) (by handgrip) were evaluated in a total subjects (53 Males and 109 Females). Additionally, General Healthcare Status Questionnaire together with self-administrated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were filled. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) between arms were found in BMD, T-score, and Z-score in total subjects and in females, whereas not significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in Males BMD comparing to significantly higher results (p<0.05) in T-score and Z-score. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found in total subjects and in females handgrip, but not (p>0.05) in males. When comparing the total subject’s BMD, T-score, Z-score and Handgrip based on the PA levels (1 to 3 according to IPAQ scoring) no significant differences (p>0.05) were found between PA1, as well as PA3 whereas significantly differences (p<0.05) were found in D arms of PA2 level. Conclusion: The study analyses side-to-side differences in bone density and muscular force between D and ND arms amongst a population which is frequently exposed to diagnostic screenings for age related osteomuscular conditions (aged 40-60), and demonstrates that these differences should be in consideration amongst clinicians, but not in the way it is done right now. PMID:27999479

Subjective Report of Side Effects of Prescribed and Nonprescribed Psychostimulant Use in Young Adults.

PubMed

Smith, Tess E; Martel, Michelle M; DeSantis, Alan D

2017-03-21

Side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use are understudied. The study examined side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use in a college sample with attention to possible gender differences. 2716 undergraduates (1448 male) between the ages of 17 and 57 years (M = 19.43 years, SD = 1.7 years) completed an online survey that included questions about the subjective side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use. Results suggested that prescribed users more frequently reported side effects, compared to nonprescribed users. For prescribed users, females more frequently reported appetite, somatic, and anxiety-related side effects compared to males. For nonprescribed users, while females reported more somatic and anxiety-related side effects, males more frequently reported loss of sex drive and sweating as side effects. Conclusions/Importance: These findings suggest prescribed users of psychostimulants more frequently report side effects with prominent gender differences in line with gender roles.

Objective assessment of actual chewing side by measurement of bilateral masseter muscle electromyography.

PubMed

Yamasaki, Yo; Kuwatsuru, Rika; Tsukiyama, Yoshihiro; Matsumoto, Hiroshi; Oki, Kyosuke; Koyano, Kiyoshi

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to examine the validity of objective assessment of actual chewing side by measurement of electromyographic (EMG) activity of the bilateral masseter muscles upon chewing test foods. The sample consisted of 19 healthy, dentate individuals. The subjects were asked to chew three types of test foods (peanuts, beef jerky, and chewing gum) for 10 strokes on the right side and then on the left side, and instructed to perform maximum voluntary clenching for 3s, three times. EMG activity from the bilateral masseter muscles was recorded. The data were collected in three different days. The root mean square EMG amplitude obtained from the maximum clenching task was used as the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Then, the level of amplitude against the MVC (%MVC) was calculated for the right and left sides on each stroke. The side with the larger %MVC value was judged as the chewing side, and the concordance rates (CRs) for the instructed chewing side (ICS) and the judged chewing side (JCS) were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the CRs were calculated to evaluate the reproducibility of the method. High CRs between the ICS and JCS for each test food were recognized. There were significant ICCs for beef jerky (R=0.761, P<0.001) and chewing gum (R=0.785, P<0.001). The results suggested that the measurement of EMG activity from the bilateral masseter muscles may be a useful method for the objective determination of the actual chewing side during mastication. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of dentoskeletal changes after asymmetric rapid maxillary expansion.

PubMed

Baka, Zeliha Muge; Akin, Mehmet; Ucar, Faruk Izzet; Ileri, Zehra

2015-01-01

The aims of this study were to quantitatively evaluate the changes in arch widths and buccolingual inclinations of the posterior teeth after asymmetric rapid maxillary expansion (ARME) and to compare the measurements between the crossbite and the noncrossbite sides with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). From our clinic archives, we selected the CBCT records of 30 patients with unilateral skeletal crossbite (13 boys, 14.2 ± 1.3 years old; 17 girls, 13.8 ± 1.3 years old) who underwent ARME treatment. A modified acrylic bonded rapid maxillary expansion appliance including an occlusal locking mechanism was used in all patients. CBCT records had been taken before ARME treatment and after a 3-month retention period. Fourteen angular and 80 linear measurements were taken for the maxilla and the mandible. Frontally clipped CBCT images were used for the evaluation. Paired sample and independent sample t tests were used for statistical comparisons. Comparisons of the before-treatment and after-retention measurements showed that the arch widths and buccolingual inclinations of the posterior teeth increased significantly on the crossbite side of the maxilla and on the noncrossbite side of the mandible (P <0.05). Comparison of the 2 sides showed statistically significant differences in both the maxilla and the mandible (P <0.05). After ARME treatment, the crossbite side of the maxilla and the noncrossbite side of the mandible were more affected than were the opposite sides. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

High versus moderate energy use of bipolar fractional radiofrequency in the treatment of acne scars: a split-face double-blinded randomized control trial pilot study.

PubMed

Phothong, Weeranut; Wanitphakdeedecha, Rungsima; Sathaworawong, Angkana; Manuskiatti, Woraphong

2016-02-01

Bipolar fractional radiofrequency (FRF) device was firstly FDA-approved for treating atrophic acne scar in 2008 through the process of dermal coagulation and minimal epidermal ablation. The average energy at 60 mJ/pin was widely used to treat atrophic acne scars. However, the higher energy was delivered, the deeper ablation and coagulation were found. At present, the new generation of a device with bipolar FRF technology with electrode-pin tip was developed to maximize ability to deliver energy up to 100 mJ/pin. The objective of the study was to explore and compare the efficacy of utilizing high energy (100 mJ/pin) and moderate energy (60 mJ/pin) of bipolar fractional radiofrequency in treatment of atrophic acne scar in Asians. This is a split-face, double-blinded, randomized control trial, pilot study by using parallel group design technique. Thirty healthy subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototype III-IV diagnosed as atrophic acne scares were enrolled. All subjects received four monthly sessions of bipolar FRF treatment. Left and right facial sides of individual patients were randomly assigned for different energy (high energy at 100 mJ/pin versus moderate energy at 60 mJ/pin). Acne scars improvement was blinded graded by dermatologist using global acne scarring score (GASS) which was subjectively evaluated at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Objective scar analysis was also done using UVA-light video camera to measure scar volume, skin smoothness, and wrinkle at baseline, 3-, and 6-month follow-up after the last treatment. Side effects including pain, erythema, swelling, and crusting were also recorded. Thirty subjects completed the study with full 4-treatment course. The mean GASS of high energy side and moderate energy side was significantly reduced at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits. At 1 month follow-visit, high energy side demonstrated significant improvement compared with moderate energy side (p = 0.03). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) developed in 21/120 sessions in high energy side (17.5 %) and 16/120 sessions in moderate energy side (13.3 %). Pain score and the duration of erythema after treatments were significant higher on the side that was treated with high energy. Bipolar FRF device was safe and effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars in Asians. High energy setting demonstrated significant higher efficacy at 1 month follow-visit. However, the efficacy of both energy settings was comparable at 3- and 6-month follow-up. In addition, side effects were significantly more intense on the side treated with high energy.

The Calibration of the Corneal Light Reflex to Estimate the Degree of an Angle of Deviation.

PubMed

Tengtrisorn, Supaporn; Tangkijwongpaisarn, Sitthi; Burachokvivat, Somporn

2015-12-01

To measure the conversion factor for the size of an angle of deviation from the clinical photographs of the corneal light reflex. In this cross-sectional study, 19 normal subjects with 20/20 visual acuity were photographed with a digital camera while staring at targets placed five prism diopters (PD) apart from one another on a screen. The subjects were tested at a distance of 1 meter (m) and 4 m from a screen. Measurement of the corneal light reflex displacement for each fixed target was obtained from the photographs. The calibration of the corneal light reflex displacement in millimeters (mm) against the angle of deviation in PD was then analyzed with repeated measure linear regression analysis. At 1 m, the values of 0.047 mm/PD and 0.058 mm/PD were obtained as the conversion factor from reflex displacement to deviated angle for the nasal side and temporal side respectively. At 4 m, the values were 0.050 mm/PD and 0.064 mm/PD for the nasal side and the temporal side respectively. There were significant differences between the values obtained at the different distances, regardless of nasal or temporal side. Conversion factors were presented for estimating the strabismic angle at different distances and gazes. For clinical practice, the use of photographs to estimate the strabismic angle should use different values for different distances and strabismic types.

The effect of Bobath approach on the excitability of the spinal alpha motor neurones in stroke patients with muscle spasticity.

PubMed

Ansari, N N; Naghdi, S

2007-01-01

A clinical study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the Bobath approach on the excitability of the spinal alpha motor neurones in patients with poststroke spasticity. Ten subjects ranging in age from 37 through 76 years (average 60 years) with ankle plantarflexor spasticity secondary to a stroke were recruited and completed the trial. They had physiotherapy according to Bobath concept for ten treatment sessions, three days per week. Two repeated measures, one before and another after treatment, were taken to quantify clinical efficacy. The effect of this type of therapy on the excitability of alpha motor neurones (aMN) was assessed by measuring the latency of the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and the Hmax/Mmax ratio. The original Ashworth scale and ankle range of motion were also measured. The mean HmaxlMmax ratio on the affected side at baseline was high in the study patients. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the HmaxlMmax ratio or in the H-reflex latency between the baseline values and those recorded after therapy intervention. Before treatment, the HmaxlMmax ratio was significantly higher in the affected side than in the unaffected side. However, it was similar at both sides after treatment. Following treatment, the significant reduction in spasticity was clinically detected as measured with the original Ashworth scale. The ankle joint active and passive range of motion was significantly increased. In conclusion, Bobath therapy had a statistically significant effect on the excitability of the aMN in the affected side compared to the unaffected side in stroke patients with muscle spasticity.

Do patients with chronic unilateral orofacial pain due to a temporomandibular disorder show increased attending to somatosensory input at the painful side of the jaw?

PubMed

Van Damme, Stefaan; Vanden Bulcke, Charlotte; Van Den Berghe, Linda; Poppe, Louise; Crombez, Geert

2018-01-01

Patients with chronic orofacial pain due to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) display alterations in somatosensory processing at the jaw, such as amplified perception of tactile stimuli, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated one possible explanation, namely hypervigilance, and tested if TMD patients with unilateral pain showed increased attending to somatosensory input at the painful side of the jaw. TMD patients with chronic unilateral orofacial pain ( n  = 20) and matched healthy volunteers ( n  = 20) performed a temporal order judgment (TOJ) task indicated which one of two tactile stimuli, presented on each side of the jaw, they had perceived first. TOJ methodology allows examining spatial bias in somatosensory processing speed. Furthermore, after each block of trials, the participants rated the perceived intensity of tactile stimuli separately for both sides of the jaw. Finally, questionnaires assessing pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, and pain vigilance, were completed. TMD patients tended to perceive tactile stimuli at the painful jaw side as occurring earlier in time than stimuli at the non-painful side but this effect did not reach conventional levels of significance ( p  = .07). In the control group, tactile stimuli were perceived as occurring simultaneously. Secondary analyses indicated that the magnitude of spatial bias in the TMD group is positively associated with the extent of fear-avoidance beliefs. Overall, intensity ratings of tactile stimuli were significantly higher in the TMD group than in the control group, but there was no significant difference between the painful and non-painful jaw side in the TMD patients. The hypothesis that TMD patients with chronic unilateral orofacial pain preferentially attend to somatosensory information at the painful side of the jaw was not statistically supported, although lack of power could not be ruled out as a reason for this. The findings are discussed within recent theories of pain-related attention.

Subjective visual horizontal during follow-up after unilateral vestibular deafferentation with gentamicin.

PubMed

Tribukait, A; Bergenius, J; Brantberg, K

1998-07-01

The subjective visual horizontal (SVH) was measured by means of a small, rotatable, luminous line in darkness in the upright head and body position and at 10, 20 and 30 degrees of tilt to the right and left before, and repeatedly during a follow-up period of 1 year after intratympanic gentamicin instillations in 12 patients with recurrent vertigo attacks. This treatment caused a loss of the bithermal caloric responses on the diseased side. Shortly after treatment there was a significant tilt of SVH towards the treated side (group mean = 10.6 degrees). Repeated testing made it possible to characterize mathematically the changes with time for SVH. For the group of patients as a whole this otolithic component of vestibular compensation was best described by a power function, SVH = 8.65t(-0.16) degrees, where t is time in days after maximum tilt of SVH. After 1 year, SVH was still significantly tilted towards the treated side (group mean = 3.16 degrees). Gentamicin treatment also caused a significant reduction in the perception of head and body tilt towards the deafferented side, while the perception of tilt towards the healthy side did not show any significant changes. During follow-up there was a gradual improvement in the perception of tilt towards the treated side. However, a significant asymmetry in roll-tilt perception was still present 1 year after deafferentation. There was no correlation between SVH in the upright position and roll-tilt perception, suggesting that these parameters are to some extent dependent on different afferent input from the vestibular organ. They were also found to be complementary for the detection of vestibular disturbance.

The effect of anatomic differences on the relationship between renal artery and diaphragmatic crus.

PubMed

Esen, K; Tok, S; Balci, Yuksel; Apaydin, F D; Kara, E; Uzmansel, D

2018-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of anatomic differences on the relationship between renal artery and diaphragmatic crus via the touch of two structures. The study included dynamic computed tomography (CT) scans of 308 patients performed mainly for characterisation of liver and renal masses. Anatomic differences including the thickness of the diaphragmatic crus, the localisation of renal artery ostium at the wall of aorta, the level of renal artery origin with respect to superior mesenteric artery were evaluated. Statistical relationships between renal artery-diaphragmatic crus contact and the anatomic differences were assessed. Thickness of the diaphragmatic crus at the level of renal artery origin exhibited a statistically significant relationship to renal artery-diaphragmatic crus contact at the left (p < 0.001) and right side (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between high renal artery origin and renal artery- -diaphragmatic crus contact at the left (p < 0.001) and right side (p = 0.01). The localisation of renal artery ostium at the wall of aorta (right side, p = 0.436, left side, p = 0.681) did not demonstrate a relationship to renal artery-diaphragmatic crus contact. Thickness of the diaphragmatic crus and high renal artery origin with respect to superior mesenteric artery are crucial anatomic differences determining the relationship of renal artery and diaphragmatic crus. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 22-28).

The influence of crossbite in early development of mandibular bone asymmetries in paediatric patients.

PubMed

Diéguez-Pérez, Montserrat; de Nova-García, M Joaquín; Mourelle-Martínez, Mª Rosa; González-Aranda, Cristina

2017-09-01

All authors agree that posterior crossbite is a malocclusion that affects mandibular growth and may lead to skeletal asymmetry but there are few data on which age these modifications are easily quantifiable. For this study, the researchers used x-ray records of 217 children between 6 and 9 years of age, in the mixed dentition stage and with unilateral posterior crossbite. All the horizontal variables were traced and evaluated by the principal researcher, using the tpsDig version 2 computer program. Subsequently, a descriptive and statistical analysis was carried out, using the SPSS 17.0 for Windows program. After analysing the vertical mandibular traces on the x-rays, the researchers found, in all cases, quantifiable differences between the crossbite side and the non-crossbite side. The differences between horizontal variables were statistically significant ( p <0.005) for the entire sample (H3-H4), in the group of boys (H3-H4) and in the 7-year old age group (H1-H2 and H3-H4). Differences were observed in the size of the horizontal measures between the crossbite side and the non-crossbite side. Some of these differences were significant as a function of the sex and age of the study sample. Key words: Crossbite, Mandibular asymmetry, Panoramic.

Origin of accelerated and hindered sedimentation of two particles in wet foam.

PubMed

Jing, Zefeng; Feng, Chenchen; Wang, Shuzhong; Xu, Donghai

2018-03-20

To explore the origin of interactional settling behaviors of multi-particles in wet foam, the sedimentation of two particles placed one above the other as well as placed side by side is studied. According to the average settling velocity in experiment and the average settling drag force of the two particles in numerical simulation, we show that the particles display accelerated sedimentation as placed one above the other while they display hindered sedimentation in the case of the ones positioned side by side. Furthermore, the evolution of structure and force parameters of the bubbles, such as T1 topological events, displacement vector and principal stress fields, shows that the reciprocal action between the foam and the settling particles placed side by side is more significant. The different levels of interplay for these two settling cases also give rise to the diverse changes of bubble pressure response. The bubble pressure component of the average drag force is higher for the particles placed side by side. Especially, for the first time, it reveals that these interactional sedimentation behaviors in the foam are mainly attributed to the changed pressure of bubbles caused by these settling particles at the mesoscopic level. The present results may suggest potential explanations to the cause of the complex accelerated or hindered sedimentation of more particles in wet foam.

Effects of unilatral- and bilateral inhibition of rostral ventral tegmental area and central nucleus of amygdala on morphine-induced place conditioning in male Wistar rat.

PubMed

Mohammadian, Zahra; Sahraei, Hedayat; Meftahi, Gholam Hossein; Ali-Beik, Hengameh

2017-03-01

The rostral ventral tegmental area (VTAR) and central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) are considered the main regions for induction of psychological dependence on abused drugs, such as morphine. The main aim of this study was to investigate the transient inhibition of each right and left side as well as both sides of the VTAR and the CeA by lidocaine (2%) on morphine reward properties using the conditioned place preference (CPP) method. Male Wistar rats (250±20 g) 7 days after recovery from surgery and cannulation were conditioned to morphine (7.5 mg/kg) in CPP apparatus. Five minutes before morphine injection in conditioning phase, lidocaine was administered either uni- or bilaterally into the VTAR (0.25 μL/site) or CeA (0.5 μL/site). The results revealed that lidocaine administration into the left side, but not the right side of the VTAR and the CeA reduced morphine CPP significantly. The reduction was potentiated when lidocaine was injected into both sides of the VTAR and the CeA. The number of compartment crossings was reduced when lidocaine was injected into both sides of the VTAR and the CeA as well as the left side. Rearing was reduced when lidocaine was injected into the right, but not the left side of the VTAR. Sniffing and rearing increased when animals received lidocaine in the right side and reduced in the group that received lidocaine in the left side of the CeA. It was concluded that the right and the left side of VTAR and the CeA play different roles in morphine-induced activity and reward. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of a preparation containing undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% in the treatment of solar lentigines.

PubMed

Katoulis, A C; Alevizou, A; Bozi, E; Makris, M; Zafeiraki, A; Mantas, N; Kousta, F; Mistidou, M; Kanelleas, A; Stavrianeas, N G

2010-07-01

Solar lentigines are common, benign, cosmetically disfiguring lesions. Available physical treatments are effective, but they are costly and carry risks of side-effects. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a preparation containing undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% in the topical treatment of solar lentigines. In total, 36 patients with solar lentigines of the hands were randomly assigned to apply the active preparation on one side and the vehicle alone on the other side, twice daily for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated monthly for efficacy and safety. In all, 30 patients (28 women and 2 men; age range 47-75 years) completed the study. The duration of lesions ranged from 8 months to > 10 years. All patients responded partially on the side of the active treatment. Of the partial responders, 19 (63.3%) had moderate improvement and 11 (36.6%) had marked improvement. Improvement was evident from the first follow-up visit. On the side of the vehicle, 26 remained stable (86.6%) and 4 (13.3%) had partial improvement. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in efficacy of the active preparation vs. the vehicle. Using patient assessment ratings, 80% were 'much more satisfied/more satisfied' with the result. The reported side-effects were minor and included erythema and itching or burning on the side of active treatment. Undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% is a novel depigmenting agent, which possibly acts as an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone antagonist, thus inhibiting melaninogenesis. It achieved a significant lightening of the lesions with minimal side-effects. Most patients were satisfied with the improvement. Undecylenoyl phenylalanine 2% may represent a safe, effective and inexpensive therapeutic alternative for solar lentigines.

Does overgrowth of costal cartilage cause pectus carinatum? A three-dimensional computed tomography evaluation of rib length and costal cartilage length in patients with asymmetric pectus carinatum

PubMed Central

Park, Chul Hwan; Kim, Tae Hoon; Haam, Seok Jin; Lee, Sungsoo

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the overgrowth of costal cartilage may cause pectus carinatum using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). METHODS Twenty-two patients with asymmetric pectus carinatum were included. The fourth, fifth and sixth ribs and costal cartilages were semi-automatically traced, and their full lengths were measured on three-dimensional CT images using curved multi-planar reformatted (MPR) techniques. The rib length and costal cartilage length, the total combined length of the rib and costal cartilage and the ratio of the cartilage and rib lengths (C/R ratio) in each patient were compared between the protruding side and the opposite side at the levels of the fourth, fifth and sixth ribs. RESULTS The length of the costal cartilage was not different between the more protruded side and the contralateral side (55.8 ± 9.8 mm vs 55.9 ± 9.3 mm at the fourth, 70 ± 10.8 mm vs 71.6 ± 10.8 mm at the fifth and 97.8 ± 13.2 mm vs 99.8 ± 15.5 mm at the sixth; P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between the lengths of ribs. (265.8 ± 34.9 mm vs 266.3 ± 32.9 mm at the fourth, 279.7 ± 32.7 mm vs 280.6 ± 32.4 mm at the fifth and 283.8 ± 33.9 mm vs 283.9 ± 32.3 mm at the sixth; P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in either the total length of rib and costal cartilage or the C/R ratio according to side of the chest (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In patients with asymmetric pectus carinatum, the lengths of the fourth, fifth and sixth costal cartilage on the more protruded side were not different from those on the contralateral side. These findings suggest that overgrowth of costal cartilage cannot explain the asymmetric protrusion of anterior chest wall and may not be the main cause of pectus carinatum. PMID:23868604

Does overgrowth of costal cartilage cause pectus carinatum? A three-dimensional computed tomography evaluation of rib length and costal cartilage length in patients with asymmetric pectus carinatum.

PubMed

Park, Chul Hwan; Kim, Tae Hoon; Haam, Seok Jin; Lee, Sungsoo

2013-11-01

To evaluate whether the overgrowth of costal cartilage may cause pectus carinatum using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). Twenty-two patients with asymmetric pectus carinatum were included. The fourth, fifth and sixth ribs and costal cartilages were semi-automatically traced, and their full lengths were measured on three-dimensional CT images using curved multi-planar reformatted (MPR) techniques. The rib length and costal cartilage length, the total combined length of the rib and costal cartilage and the ratio of the cartilage and rib lengths (C/R ratio) in each patient were compared between the protruding side and the opposite side at the levels of the fourth, fifth and sixth ribs. The length of the costal cartilage was not different between the more protruded side and the contralateral side (55.8 ± 9.8 mm vs 55.9 ± 9.3 mm at the fourth, 70 ± 10.8 mm vs 71.6 ± 10.8 mm at the fifth and 97.8 ± 13.2 mm vs 99.8 ± 15.5 mm at the sixth; P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between the lengths of ribs. (265.8 ± 34.9 mm vs 266.3 ± 32.9 mm at the fourth, 279.7 ± 32.7 mm vs 280.6 ± 32.4 mm at the fifth and 283.8 ± 33.9 mm vs 283.9 ± 32.3 mm at the sixth; P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in either the total length of rib and costal cartilage or the C/R ratio according to side of the chest (P > 0.05). In patients with asymmetric pectus carinatum, the lengths of the fourth, fifth and sixth costal cartilage on the more protruded side were not different from those on the contralateral side. These findings suggest that overgrowth of costal cartilage cannot explain the asymmetric protrusion of anterior chest wall and may not be the main cause of pectus carinatum.

Bark temperature patterns in ponderosa pine stands and their possible effects on mountain pine beetle behavior

Treesearch

J. M. Schmid; S. A. Mata; R. A. Schmidt

1991-01-01

Bark temperatures on the north and south sides of five ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) in each of four growing stock levels in two areas in the Black Hills of South Dakota were monitored periodically from May through August 1989. Temperatures were significantly different among growing stock levels and between sides of the tree. The magnitude of differences...

Relationship between clinical variables and cognitive performances in migraineurs with and without aura.

PubMed

Le Pira, Francesco; Lanaia, Filippo; Zappalà, Giuseppe; Morana, Rosanna; Panetta, Maria Rosa; Reggio, Ester; Reggio, Arturo

2004-01-01

Conflicting data on cognitive defects in migraine could be explained by differences in the clinical variables of the populations studied. We investigated 21 patients with migraine with aura and 24 with migraine without aura, diagnosed according to the International Headache Society criteria. The patients were submitted to a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and grouped according to attack frequency and side of pain. Attack frequency was not associated with significant differences in any of the tasks, while location of pain was found to be significantly related to poorer performance on both the immediate and delayed recall of Rey Complex Figure in migraineurs both with and without aura, and a significant relationship between side of pain and number of clusters in the second trial of California Verbal Learning Test was found only in migraine with aura patients. The finding of worse performances in patients with right-sided pain seems to support a right hemisphere dysfunction hypothesis.

Game-Based Approaches' Pedagogical Principles: Exploring Task Constraints in Youth Soccer.

PubMed

Serra-Olivares, Jaime; González-Víllora, Sixto; García-López, Luis Miguel; Araújo, Duarte

2015-06-27

This study tested the use of two pedagogical principles of Game-based approaches, representation and exaggeration, in the context of game performance of U10 soccer players. Twenty-one players participated in two 3 vs. 3 small-sided games. The first small-sided game was modified by representation. The second small-sided game was modified by enhancing the penetration of the defense tactical problem for invasion games. Decision-making and execution were assessed using the Game Performance Evaluation Tool. No significant differences were observed between games in the number of decision-making units related to keeping possession, nor in those related to penetrating the defense. No significant differences were observed in any execution ability (ball control, passing, dribbling and get free movements). The findings suggested that both games could provide similar degeneracy processes to the players for skill acquisition (specific and contextualized task constraints in which they could develop their game performance and the capability to achieve different outcomes in varying contexts). Probably both games had similar learner-environment dynamics leading players to develop their capabilities for adapting their behaviours to the changing performance situations. More research is necessary, from the ecological dynamics point of view, to determine how we should use small-sided games in Game-based approaches.

Game-Based Approaches’ Pedagogical Principles: Exploring Task Constraints in Youth Soccer

PubMed Central

Serra-Olivares, Jaime; González-Víllora, Sixto; García-López, Luis Miguel; Araújo, Duarte

2015-01-01

This study tested the use of two pedagogical principles of Game-based approaches, representation and exaggeration, in the context of game performance of U10 soccer players. Twenty-one players participated in two 3 vs. 3 small-sided games. The first small-sided game was modified by representation. The second small-sided game was modified by enhancing the penetration of the defense tactical problem for invasion games. Decision-making and execution were assessed using the Game Performance Evaluation Tool. No significant differences were observed between games in the number of decision-making units related to keeping possession, nor in those related to penetrating the defense. No significant differences were observed in any execution ability (ball control, passing, dribbling and get free movements). The findings suggested that both games could provide similar degeneracy processes to the players for skill acquisition (specific and contextualized task constraints in which they could develop their game performance and the capability to achieve different outcomes in varying contexts). Probably both games had similar learner-environment dynamics leading players to develop their capabilities for adapting their behaviours to the changing performance situations. More research is necessary, from the ecological dynamics point of view, to determine how we should use small-sided games in Game-based approaches. PMID:26240668

Relationship between vertebral artery blood flow in different head positions and vertigo.

PubMed

Araz Server, Ela; Edizer, Deniz Tuna; Yiğit, Özgür; Yasak, Ahmet Görkem; Erdim, Çağrı

2018-01-01

To identify the vertebral artery blood flow in different head positions in patients with positional vertigo with no specific diagnosis. Patients with history of vestibular symptoms associated with changes in head position were enrolled into the study. Healthy volunteers were evaluated as control group. Doppler ultrasonography examination of the cervical segment of the vertebral arteries was performed under three different head positions: (i) supine position, (ii) head hyperextended and rotated to the right side and (iii) head hyperextended and rotated to the left side. In the study group, right and left vertebral artery blood flow was significantly lower in the ipsilateral hyperextended position compared to standard supine position (respectively p = .014; p = .001), but did not differ significantly when compared between the standard supine and contralateral hyperextended positions (respectively = .959; p = .669). In the control group, left and right vertebral artery blood flow did not differ significantly when the head was hyperextended to the right or left sides compared to standard supine position (p > .05). Our data demonstrated that the etiology of vestibular complaints in patients with undiagnosed positional vertigo might be related to impairment in vertebral artery blood flow according to head positions.

Discrimination of side-window glass of Korean autos by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lee, Sin-Woo; Ryu, Jong-Sik; Min, Ji-Sook; Choi, Man-Yong; Lee, Kwang-Sik; Shin, Woo-Jin

2016-07-15

Fragments of glass from cars are often found at crime scenes and can be crucial evidence for solving the crime. The glass fragments are important as trace evidence at crime scenes related to car accidents and burgled homes. By identifying the origin of glass fragments, it is possible to infer the identity of a suspect. Our results represent a promising approach to a thorough forensic investigation of car glass. Thirty-five samples from the side windows of cars produced and used in South Korea were collected from the official agencies of five car manufacturers and from two glassmakers. In addition, 120 samples from side mirrors were collected from the same suppliers as well as from small businesses. Their chemical compositions (including Pb isotopes) were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed. The percentages of major elements (Si, Ca, and Fe) in side-window glass varied within narrow ranges (30.0 ± 2.36%, 5.93 ± 0.52%, and 0.33 ± 0.05%, respectively), while the differences among Pb isotope ratios were not significant. In contrast, light rare earth elements (LREEs) were different from each glassmaker. From the LDA, the types of side-window glass were successfully discriminated according to car manufacturer, glassmaker, and even glass thickness. However, glass from side mirrors cannot be used for good forensic identifiers. Discrimination techniques for side-window glass, although not for side mirrors, using chemical compositions combined with multivariate statistical analyses provide evidence for forensic investigations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparison of Pathway and Center of Gravity of the Calcaneus on Non-Involved and Involved Sides According to Eccentric and Concentric Strengthening in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy

PubMed Central

Yu, JaeHo; Lee, GyuChang

2012-01-01

This study compares the changes in pathway and center of gravity (COG) on the calcaneus of non-involved and involved sides according to eccentric and concentric strengthening in patients with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy. The goal was to define the biomechanical changes according to eccentric strengthening for the development of clinical guidelines. Eighteen patients with Achilles tendinopathy were recruited at the K Rehabilitation Hospital in Seoul. The subjects were instructed to perform 5 sessions of concentric strengthening. The calcaneal pathway was measured using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer, and COG was measured by a force plate. Subsequently, eccentric strengthening was implemented, and identical variables were measured. Concentric and eccentric strengthening was carried out on both the involved and non-involved sides. There was no significant difference in the calcaneal pathway in patients with Achilles tendinopathy during concentric and eccentric strengthening. However, during eccentric strengthening, the calcaneal pathway significantly increased on the involved side compared to the non-involved side for all variables excluding the z-axis. COG significantly decreased on the involved side when compared to the non-involved side in patients with Achilles tendinopathy during eccentric and concentric strengthening. During concentric strengthening, all variables of the COG significantly increased on the involved side compared to the non-involved side. Compared with eccentric strengthening, concentric strengthening decreased the stability of ankle joints and increased the movement distance of the calcaneus in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Furthermore, eccentric strengthening was verified to be an effective exercise method for prevention of Achilles tendinopathy through the reduction of forward and backward path length of foot pressure. The regular application of eccentric strengthening was found to be effective in the secondary prevention of Achilles tendinopathy in a clinical setting. Key point Compared with eccentric strengthening, concentric strengthening decreased the stability of ankle joints, increasing movement of the calcaneus in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Eccentric strengthening was shown to be an effective exercise method for preventing Achilles tendinopathy through the reduction of forward and backward path length of foot pressure. It was verified that regular application of eccentric strengthening is effective in secondary prevention of Achilles tendinopathy in the clinical setting. PMID:24149129

The role side effects play in the choice of antiepileptic therapy in brain tumor-related epilepsy: a comparative study on traditional antiepileptic drugs versus oxcarbazepine

PubMed Central

Maschio, Marta; Dinapoli, Loredana; Vidiri, Antonello; Pace, Andrea; Fabi, Alessandra; Pompili, Alfredo; Carapella, Maria Carmine; Jandolo, Bruno

2009-01-01

Background Seizure control doesn't represent the only challenging goal in patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy. Side effects have often taken precedence for patients' quality of life. Methods We performed an observational retrospective study on patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy: 35 who had assumed oxcarbazepine monotherapy and 35 patients who had undergone treatment with traditional antiepileptic drugs. Primary variable of efficacy was the mean seizure frequency per month and safety variables were the drop-out for side effects and total incidence of side effects. We applied the Propensity Score technique to minimize selection bias. Results Our results showed a similar efficacy of oxcarbazepine and traditional antiepileptic drugs over time, but the difference in safety and tolerability between the two groups was significant: traditional AEDs caused more side effects, both serious and non serious. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of taking into consideration not only seizure control but also the appearance of side effects when choosing antiepileptic drugs in this patients population. PMID:19419544

A program of symptom management for improving self-care for patients with HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Chiou, Piao-Yi; Kuo, Benjamin Ing-Tiau; Chen, Yi-Ming; Wu, Shiow-Ing; Lin, Li-Chan

2004-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a symptom management program on self-care of medication side effects among AIDS/HIV-positive patients. Sixty-seven patients from a sexually transmitted disease control center, a medical center, and a Catholic AIDS support group in Taipei were randomly assigned to three groups: one-on-one teaching, group teaching, and a control group. All subjects in each teaching group attended a 60- or 90-minute program on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) side effect self-care education and skill training once per week for 3 weeks; subjects also underwent counseling by telephone. A medication side effect self-care knowledge questionnaire, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and unscheduled hospital visits were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the symptom management program. The results revealed there were significant differences in mean difference of knowledge and unscheduled hospital visits between baseline and post-testing at 3 months for symptom management in the two groups. The mean difference of the self-esteem scale was not significant between the two groups. In summary, the symptom management program effectively increased the ability of AIDS/HIV-positive patients to self-care for medication side effects. We recommend that this program be applied in the clinical nursing practice.

Collision-Induced Dissociation of Deprotonated Peptides. Relative Abundance of Side-Chain Neutral Losses, Residue-Specific Product Ions, and Comparison with Protonated Peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yuxue; Neta, Pedatsur; Yang, Xiaoyu; Stein, Stephen E.

2018-03-01

High-accuracy MS/MS spectra of deprotonated ions of 390 dipeptides and 137 peptides with three to six residues are studied. Many amino acid residues undergo neutral losses from their side chains. The most abundant is the loss of acetaldehyde from threonine. The abundance of losses from the side chains of other amino acids is estimated relative to that of threonine. While some amino acids lose the whole side chain, others lose only part of it, and some exhibit two or more different losses. Side-chain neutral losses are less abundant in the spectra of protonated peptides, being significant mainly for methionine and arginine. In addition to the neutral losses, many amino acid residues in deprotonated peptides produce specific negative ions after peptide bond cleavage. An expanded list of fragment ions from protonated peptides is also presented and compared with those of deprotonated peptides. Fragment ions are mostly different for these two cases. These lists of fragments are used to annotate peptide mass spectral libraries and to aid in the confirmation of specific amino acids in peptides. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Collision-Induced Dissociation of Deprotonated Peptides. Relative Abundance of Side-Chain Neutral Losses, Residue-Specific Product Ions, and Comparison with Protonated Peptides.

PubMed

Liang, Yuxue; Neta, Pedatsur; Yang, Xiaoyu; Stein, Stephen E

2018-03-01

High-accuracy MS/MS spectra of deprotonated ions of 390 dipeptides and 137 peptides with three to six residues are studied. Many amino acid residues undergo neutral losses from their side chains. The most abundant is the loss of acetaldehyde from threonine. The abundance of losses from the side chains of other amino acids is estimated relative to that of threonine. While some amino acids lose the whole side chain, others lose only part of it, and some exhibit two or more different losses. Side-chain neutral losses are less abundant in the spectra of protonated peptides, being significant mainly for methionine and arginine. In addition to the neutral losses, many amino acid residues in deprotonated peptides produce specific negative ions after peptide bond cleavage. An expanded list of fragment ions from protonated peptides is also presented and compared with those of deprotonated peptides. Fragment ions are mostly different for these two cases. These lists of fragments are used to annotate peptide mass spectral libraries and to aid in the confirmation of specific amino acids in peptides. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Evaluation of hemostatic and fibrinolytic markers in dogs with ascites attributable to right-sided congestive heart failure.

PubMed

Zoia, Andrea; Augusto, Monica; Drigo, Michele; Caldin, Marco

2012-11-15

To determine whether dogs with ascites secondary to right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) have bleeding disorders associated with hypofibrinogenemia and discordant plasma fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer assay results (ie, a circulating concentration of FDPs higher than the reference range and a circulating concentration of D-dimer within the reference range). Retrospective case-control study. 80 client-owned dogs. Dogs with ascites secondary to right-sided CHF (group 1; n = 20), unhealthy dogs without cardiac disease (group 2; 40), and dogs with left-sided CHF (group 3; 20) were included in the study. Urine bile acids-to-creatinine concentration ratios were calculated as a marker of liver function. Differences among groups regarding coagulation profile analysis results and prevalence of discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results were determined. No significant differences were detected among the 3 groups regarding urine bile acids-to-creatinine concentration ratios. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly lower for group 1 versus groups 2 or 3. Prevalence of discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results was significantly higher for group 1 versus groups 2 or 3. Eighteen group 1 dogs had discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results. Ten of these dogs had concurrent hypofibrinogenemia, 2 of which had clinical signs of bleeding. Only 10 dogs in groups 2 or 3 had discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results; none of these dogs had hypofibrinogenemia or clinical signs of bleeding. Dogs with right-sided CHF and ascites may be at increased risk for primary hyperfibrinogenolysis (ie, hypofibrinogenemia and discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results).

Client-Side Image Maps: Achieving Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beasley, William; Jarvis, Moana

2004-01-01

Image maps are a means of making a picture "clickable", so that different portions of the image can be hyperlinked to different URLS. There are two basic types of image maps: server-side and client-side. Besides requiring access to a CGI on the server, server-side image maps are undesirable from the standpoint of accessibility--creating…

Effect of Deviated Nasal Septum Type on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance, Olfactory Function, Quality of Life, and Efficiency of Nasal Surgery.

PubMed

Berkiten, Güler; Kumral, Tolgar Lütfi; Saltürk, Ziya; Atar, Yavuz; Yildirim, Güven; Uyar, Yavuz; Aydoğdu, Imran; Arslanoğlu, Ahmet

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of deviated nasal septum (DNS) type on nasal mucociliary clearance, quality of life (QoL), olfactory function, and efficiency of nasal surgery (septoplasty with or without inferior turbinate reduction and partial middle turbinectomy). Fifty patients (20 females and 30 males) with septal deviation were included in the study and were divided into 6 groups according to deviation type after examination by nasal endoscopy and paranasal computed tomography. The saccharin clearance test to evaluate the nasal mucociliary clearance time, Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center smell test for olfactory function, and sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) for patient satisfaction were applied preoperatively and postoperatively at the sixth week after surgery. Nasal mucociliary clearance, smell, and SNOT-22 scores were measured before surgery and at the sixth week following surgery. No significant difference was found in olfactory and SNOT-22 scores for any of the DNS types (both convex and concave sides) (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no difference in the saccharin clearance time (SCT) of the concave and convex sides (P > 0.05). According to the DNS type, the mean SCT of the convex sides showed no difference, but that of the concave sides showed a difference in types 3, 4, 5, and 6. These types had a prolonged SCT (P < 0.05). Olfactory scores revealed no difference postoperatively in types 5 and 6 but were decreased significantly in types 1 to 4 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the healing of both the mucociliary clearance (MCC) and olfactory functions. SNOT-22 results showed a significant decrease in type 3. All DNS types disturb the QoL regarding nasal MCC and olfaction functions. MCC values, olfactory function, and QoL scores are similar among the DNS types. Both sides of the DNS types affect the MCC scores symmetrically. Septal surgery improves olfaction function and QoL at the sixth week following surgery but disturbs nasal MCC; thus, the sixth week is too early to assess nasal MCC.

Influence of dominant- as compared with nondominant-side symptoms on Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff scores in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

PubMed

Christiansen, David Høyrup; Michener, Lori; Roy, Jean-Sébastien

2018-02-13

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index are 2 widely used patient-reported questionnaires in individuals with rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. In contrast to the WORC index, for which the items are specific to the affected shoulder, the items of the DASH questionnaire assess the ability to perform activities regardless of the arm used. The objective of this study is to determine whether scores on the DASH questionnaire and WORC index are affected if the symptoms are on the dominant or nondominant side in individuals with RC tendinopathy. Given the number of items that can be influenced by dominance, the hypothesis is that DASH scores will be impacted by the side of the symptoms. Individuals with RC tendinopathy (N = 149) completed questions on symptomatology and hand dominance, the DASH questionnaire, and the WORC index. Differences in total scores (independent t test) and single items (Wilcoxon rank sum test) were compared between groups of participants with dominant-side symptoms and those without dominant-side symptoms. No significant differences were observed for WORC or DASH total scores when comparing participants with and without symptoms on their dominant side. Single-item comparison revealed more items being affected by symptom side on the DASH questionnaire (6 of 30 items) than on the WORC index (2 of 21 items). The side of the symptoms does not influence the DASH and WORC total scores, as there are no systematic differences between individuals with and without symptoms in their dominant shoulder. However, the presence of dominant symptoms does influence item scores more on the DASH questionnaire than on the WORC index. Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment and Evaluation of Anatomic Variations of Retromolar Pad: A Cross Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Deep, Anchal; Siwach, Amit; Singh, Manas; Bhargava, Akshay; Siwach, Reenu

2016-01-01

Introduction The retromolar pad also called piriformis papilla is a mucosal elevation located in the retromolar area covering the retromolar triangle. After molar loss, the bony alveolar process and surrounding soft periodontal tissue remodel, mainly resorb and blend with retromolar pad. It is a key intraoral landmark in prosthodontics. Aim The aim of this in-vitro study was to analyze the various anatomical shapes and sizes of retromolar pad in 150 completely edentulous patients between 55 to 70 years of age group. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on 150 completely edentulous patients. The shapes of retromolar pad on the left and right side were seen and divided into pear, triangular and round shape. The comparison of the mean longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter on the right and left sides was done. The data was evaluated statistically. The chi-square test was used for the comparison between the proportions with the help of standard deviation, t-test was used for comparison between the left and the right side and ANOVA test was used for comparison between the various shapes of the retromolar pads. Results The result showed that there was statistically significant difference among different shapes of retromolar pad and there was significant difference in mean transverse and longitudinal diameter on right and left side, the mean value of the longitudinal diameter on left and right side was 8.81 and 8.69 whereas the mean value of the transverse diameter on left and right side was 6.79 and 6.82 respectively and p-value obtained for both was 0.550 and 0.814 respectively. Conclusion The study conclude that there are three different shapes of retromolar pad among which pear and triangular shaped retomolar pad provides more stability in lower denture because of increase surface area. PMID:27437350

A normative study of cervical range of motion measures including the flexion-rotation test in asymptomatic children: side-to-side variability and pain provocation.

PubMed

Budelmann, Kim; von Piekartz, Harry; Hall, Toby

2016-09-01

Cervical movement impairment has been identified as a core component of cervicogenic headache evaluation. However, normal range of motion values in children has been investigated rarely and no study has reported such values for the flexion-rotation test (FRT). The purpose of this study was to identify normal values and side-to-side variation for cervical spine range of motion (ROM) and the FRT, in asymptomatic children aged 6-12 years. Another important purpose was to identify the presence of pain during the FRT. Thirty-four asymptomatic children without history of neck pain or headache (26 females and 8 males, mean age 125.38 months [SD 13.14]) were evaluated. Cervical spine cardinal plane ROM and the FRT were evaluated by a single examiner using a cervical ROM device. Values for cardinal plane ROM measures are presented. No significant gender difference was found for any ROM measure. Mean difference in ROM for rotation, side flexion, and the FRT were less than one degree. However, intra-individual variation was greater, with lower bound scores of 9.32° for rotation, 5.30° for side flexion, and 10.89° for the FRT. Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that movement in the cardinal planes only explains 19% of the variance in the FRT. Pain scores reported following the FRT were less than 2/10. Children have consistently greater cervical spine ROM than adults. In children, side-to-side variation in rotation and side flexion ROM and range recorded during the FRT indicates that the clinician should be cautious when using range in one direction to determine impairment in another. Range recorded during the FRT is independent of cardinal movement variables, which further adds to the importance of the FRT, as a test that mainly evaluates range of movement of the upper cervical spine.

Distal end side-to-side anastomoses of sequential vein graft to small target coronary arteries improve intraoperative graft flow

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background End-to-side anastomoses to connect the distal end of the great saphenous vein (GSV) to small target coronary arteries are commonly performed in sequential coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the oversize diameter ratio between the GSV and small target vessels at end-to-side anastomoses might induce adverse hemodynamic condition. The purpose of this study was to describe a distal end side-to-side anastomosis technique and retrospectively compare the effect of distal end side-to-side versus end-to-side anastomosis on graft flow characteristics. Methods We performed side-to-side anastomoses to connect the distal end of the GSV to small target vessels on 30 patients undergoing off-pump sequential CABG in our hospital between October 2012 and July 2013. Among the 30 patients, end-to-side anastomoses at the distal end of the GSV were initially performed on 14 patients; however, due to poor graft flow, those anastomoses were revised into side-to-side anastomoses. We retrospectively compared the intraoperative graft flow characteristics of the end-to-side versus side-to-side anastomoses in the 14 patients. The patient outcomes were also evaluated. Results We found that the side-to-side anastomosis reconstruction improved intraoperative flow and reduced pulsatility index in all the 14 patients significantly. The 16 patients who had the distal end side-to-side anastomoses performed directly also exhibited satisfactory intraoperative graft flow. Three-month postoperative outcomes for all the patients were satisfactory. Conclusions Side-to-side anastomosis at the distal end of sequential vein grafts might be a promising strategy to connect small target coronary arteries to the GSV. PMID:24884776

Sensitivity and specificity of memory and naming tests for identifying left temporal-lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Umfleet, Laura Glass; Janecek, Julie K; Quasney, Erin; Sabsevitz, David S; Ryan, Joseph J; Binder, Jeffrey R; Swanson, Sara J

2015-01-01

The sensitivity and specificity of the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) Delayed Recall, Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) Logical Memory, the Boston Naming Test (BNT), and two nonverbal memory measures for detecting lateralized dysfunction in association with side of seizure focus was examined in a sample of 143 patients with left or right temporal-lobe epilepsy (TLE). Scores on the SRT and BNT were statistically significantly lower in the left TLE group compared with the right TLE group, whereas no group differences emerged on the Logical Memory subtest. No significant group differences were found with nonverbal memory measures. When the SRT and BNT were both entered as predictors in a logistic regression, the BNT, although significant, added minimal value to the model beyond the variance accounted for by the SRT Delayed Recall. Both variables emerged as significant predictors of side of seizure focus when entered into separate regressions. Sensitivity and specificity of the SRT and BNT ranged from 56% to 65%. The WMS Logical Memory and nonverbal memory measures were not significant predictors of the side of seizure focus.

Effect of relative head position on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block during endodontic treatment of patients with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Vivek; Singla, Mamta; Miglani, Sanjay

2018-02-01

The purpose of this prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of tilting the head on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Ninety-two patients were divided into two groups: the first group received IANB and the head was tilted in the direction of the block for 15 min, whereas the second group received IANB and the head was tilted to the opposite side. Access cavity preparation was initiated after 15 min. Success was defined as no pain or faint/weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. The anesthetic success rates were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test at 5% significance levels. The same side position and opposite side position yielded 41% and 30% anesthetic success rates, respectively; there was no significant difference between the two sides. Relative head position has no effect on the anesthetic success rate of IANB.

Effect of relative head position on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block during endodontic treatment of patients with irreversible pulpitis

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background The purpose of this prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of tilting the head on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Methods Ninety-two patients were divided into two groups: the first group received IANB and the head was tilted in the direction of the block for 15 min, whereas the second group received IANB and the head was tilted to the opposite side. Access cavity preparation was initiated after 15 min. Success was defined as no pain or faint/weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. The anesthetic success rates were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test at 5% significance levels. Results The same side position and opposite side position yielded 41% and 30% anesthetic success rates, respectively; there was no significant difference between the two sides. Conclusions Relative head position has no effect on the anesthetic success rate of IANB. PMID:29556558

Acceptability and perceived side effects of insecticide indoor residual spraying under different resistance management strategies.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Américo David; Penilla, Rosa Patricia; Rodríguez, Mario Henry; Hemingway, Janet; Trejo, Antonio; Hernández-Avila, Juan Eugenio

2006-01-01

To assess household acceptability and perceived side effects of residual indoor pyrethroid (PYR), carbamate and organophosphate insecticides sprayed by annual rotation (ROT), spatial mosaic (MOS), and a single insecticide (DDT or PYR) in communities of the coastal plain of Chiapas, Mexico. A questionnaire to assess the acceptability and perceived side effects of indoor insecticides was administered to one member of 30% of the families in eight villages of Chiapas. The association of different insecticide treatments with their responses was evaluated (Chi-square). The intensity of side effects indicated under different treatments was compared in an ordered logistic model, using a severity index as the response variable. Insecticide spraying as a probable cause of symptoms was identified by 2.1% of interviewees. A significantly high percentage of persons with blurred vision, dizziness, sneezing, coughing, numbness, watery eyes, and itching lived in villages under MOS and ROT and a high severity index was significantly associated with ROT treatment. Reduction of mosquito bites and cockroaches were the perceived main benefits, and most villagers that perceived no benefits lived in DDT treated villages. Most of the interviewees welcomed spraying (83.7%), but the smell and having to remove furniture from houses were the main arguments against it. Acceptability correlated with insecticide spray coverage, although the most frequent suggestion for improvement was to increase the understanding of the objectives of spraying in the communities. The frequency of side effects was low, but higher in localities where a combination of insecticides was applied. This is a limitation for the use of this type of resistance management strategy in public health.

Peculiarities of intracranial arachnoid cysts: location, sidedness, and sex distribution in 126 consecutive patients.

PubMed

Wester, K

1999-10-01

To study the distribution of intracranial arachnoid cysts in a large and nonbiased patient population. One hundred twenty-six patients with 132 arachnoid cysts were studied. Patients were consecutively referred to our department during a 10-year period from a well-defined geographical area with a stable population. The cysts had a strong predilection for the middle cranial fossa; 86 patients (65.2%) had cysts in this location. Of 106 cysts with clearly unilateral distribution, 64 were located on the left side and 42 on the right side. This significant difference resulted solely from the marked preponderance of middle fossa cysts for the left (left-to-right ratio, 2.1:1). There were significantly more males than females (92 males/34 females). This difference was exclusively due to male preponderance of unilateral middle fossa cysts (66 males/14 females; ratio, 4.7:1). For all other cyst locations, there was no difference between the two sexes (26 males/20 females) or the two sides (10 left, 16 right). The marked left-sidedness for middle fossa cysts was found only in males. Females had an even distribution between the two sides. Arachnoid cysts have a strong predilection for the middle cranial fossa that may be explained by a meningeal maldevelopment theory: the arachnoid coverings of the temporal and frontal lobes fail to merge when the sylvian fissure is formed in early fetal life, thereby creating a noncommunicating fluid compartment entirely surrounded by arachnoid membranes. Why males develop more middle fossa cysts on the left side remains a mystery.

Binding of cationic pentapeptides with modified side chain lengths to negatively charged lipid membranes: Complex interplay of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

PubMed

Hoernke, Maria; Schwieger, Christian; Kerth, Andreas; Blume, Alfred

2012-07-01

Basic amino acids play a key role in the binding of membrane associated proteins to negatively charged membranes. However, side chains of basic amino acids like lysine do not only provide a positive charge, but also a flexible hydrocarbon spacer that enables hydrophobic interactions. We studied the influence of hydrophobic contributions to the binding by varying the side chain length of pentapeptides with ammonium groups starting with lysine to lysine analogs with shorter side chains, namely omithine (Orn), alpha, gamma-diaminobutyric acid (Dab) and alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid (Dap). The binding to negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol (PG) membranes was investigated by calorimetry, FT-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and monolayer techniques. The binding was influenced by counteracting and sometimes compensating contributions. The influence of the bound peptides on the lipid phase behavior depends on the length of the peptide side chains. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments showed exothermic and endothermic effects compensating to a different extent as a function of side chain length. The increase in lipid phase transition temperature was more significant for peptides with shorter side chains. FTIR-spectroscopy revealed changes in hydration of the lipid bilayer interface after peptide binding. Using monolayer techniques, the contributions of electrostatic and hydrophobic effects could clearly be observed. Peptides with short side chains induced a pronounced decrease in surface pressure of PG monolayers whereas peptides with additional hydrophobic interactions decreased the surface pressure much less or even lead to an increase, indicating insertion of the hydrophobic part of the side chain into the lipid monolayer.

Sexual orientation and spatial position effects on selective forms of object location memory.

PubMed

Rahman, Qazi; Newland, Cherie; Smyth, Beatrice Mary

2011-04-01

Prior research has demonstrated robust sex and sexual orientation-related differences in object location memory in humans. Here we show that this sexual variation may depend on the spatial position of target objects and the task-specific nature of the spatial array. We tested the recovery of object locations in three object arrays (object exchanges, object shifts, and novel objects) relative to veridical center (left compared to right side of the arrays) in a sample of 35 heterosexual men, 35 heterosexual women, and 35 homosexual men. Relative to heterosexual men, heterosexual women showed better location recovery in the right side of the array during object exchanges and homosexual men performed better in the right side during novel objects. However, the difference between heterosexual and homosexual men disappeared after controlling for IQ. Heterosexual women and homosexual men did not differ significantly from each other in location change detection with respect to task or side of array. These data suggest that visual space biases in processing categorical spatial positions may enhance aspects of object location memory in heterosexual women. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pharmacogenomic and clinical data link non-pharmacokinetic metabolic dysregulation to drug side effect pathogenesis

PubMed Central

Zielinski, Daniel C.; Filipp, Fabian V.; Bordbar, Aarash; Jensen, Kasper; Smith, Jeffrey W.; Herrgard, Markus J.; Mo, Monica L.; Palsson, Bernhard O.

2015-01-01

Drug side effects cause a significant clinical and economic burden. However, mechanisms of drug action underlying side effect pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we integrate pharmacogenomic and clinical data with a human metabolic network and find that non-pharmacokinetic metabolic pathways dysregulated by drugs are linked to the development of side effects. We show such dysregulated metabolic pathways contain genes with sequence variants affecting side effect incidence, play established roles in pathophysiology, have significantly altered activity in corresponding diseases, are susceptible to metabolic inhibitors and are effective targets for therapeutic nutrient supplementation. Our results indicate that metabolic dysregulation represents a common mechanism underlying side effect pathogenesis that is distinct from the role of metabolism in drug clearance. We suggest that elucidating the relationships between the cellular response to drugs, genetic variation of patients and cell metabolism may help managing side effects by personalizing drug prescriptions and nutritional intervention strategies. PMID:26055627

Is Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation Bilaterally Impaired after Unilateral Acute Ischemic Stroke?

PubMed

Xiong, Li; Tian, Ge; Lin, Wenhua; Wang, Wei; Wang, Lijuan; Leung, Thomas; Mok, Vincent; Liu, Jia; Chen, Xiangyan; Wong, Ka Sing

2017-05-01

Whether dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) is impaired focally in the affected hemisphere or bilaterally in both the affected and nonaffected hemispheres after ischemic stroke remains controversial. We therefore investigated the pattern of dCA in acute ischemic stroke patients with different subtypes. Sixty acute ischemic stroke patients with unilateral anterior circulation infarct [30 with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), 13 with small vessel disease (SVD), and 17 with coexisting LAA and SVD] and 16 healthy controls were enrolled. Spontaneous arterial blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity fluctuations in both bilateral middle cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler were recorded over 10 minutes. Transfer function analysis was applied to obtain autoregulatory parameters, autoregulation index (ARI), phase difference (PD), and gain. PD was significantly lower on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides in the LAA group (ipsilateral, 30.74 degrees; contralateral, 29.17 degrees) and the coexisting LAA and SVD group (20.23 degrees; 13.10 degrees) than that in healthy controls (left side, 51.66 degrees; right side, 58.48 degrees) (all P < .05), but there were no significant differences between the 2 sides when compared with each other in all groups. However, in the coexisting LAA and SVD group, phase on both sides was significantly lower when compared with that in the LAA and SVD groups, respectively. The results of ARI were consistent with the findings in PD. The results indicate that dCA is bilaterally impaired in acute ischemic patients with LAA, and the coexisting SVD may aggravate the bilateral impairment of dCA. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Knee strength ratios in competitive female athletes

PubMed Central

Murawa, Michal; Mackala, Krzysztof; Dworak, Lechoslaw Bogdan

2018-01-01

Knee strength ratios are related to the movement patterns, sport-specific training and knee injuries in athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the ratios in the concentric isokinetic strength of the hamstrings and quadriceps and the isometric strength of the knee extensors. In female basketball players (n = 14) and female volleyball players (n = 12) were evaluated: the hamstrings to quadriceps peak torque ratio (H/Q) and side-to-side peak torque ratio (TR) for hamstrings and quadriceps; the ratio of the maximal bilateral strength to the summed maximal unilateral strength (B/U) and side-to-side maximal strength ratio (SR) for knee extensors. For the H/Q values, a 2 × 2 × 3 mixed-factorial analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were computed. The H/Q values increased from 48.0 (3.9)% at 60°/s to 70.4 (7.9)% at 300°/s. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the H/Q values between 300°/s and 180°/s, 300°/s and 60°/s in basketball and volleyball athletes, and between 180°/s and 60°/s only in basketball athletes (p < .05). Significantly higher H/Q results at 60°/s demonstrated basketball players than volleyball players (p < .05). Differences in the TR and SR mean values ranged from 4.4% to 8.6% and indicated no significant side-to-side strength deficits (p > .05). In both groups, greater isometric strength developed bilaterally was found (B/U > 100%). The findings revealed the magnitude of knee strength ratios in female athletes determined by sport-specific movements in basketball and volleyball. This study highlighted the importance of the bilateral strength deficit and muscular balance between the hamstrings and quadriceps in basketball and volleyball athletes in activities related to their movement patterns and specific training. PMID:29315348

Anteroposterior condylar position: a comparative study between subjects with normal occlusion and patients with Class I, Class II Division 1, and Class III malocclusions.

PubMed

Fraga, Marcelo Reis; Rodrigues, Andréia Fialho; Ribeiro, Luiz Claudio; Campos, Marcio José da Silva; Vitral, Robert Willer Farinazzo

2013-10-29

The present study aimed to determine and compare the anteroposterior position of the condyle in the mandibular fossa between groups of asymptomatic subjects with normal occlusion and asymptomatic subjects with Class I, Class II Division 1, and Class III malocclusions. Thirty persons with normal occlusion, 30 with Class I malocclusion, 30 with Class II Division 1, and 30 with Class III had computed tomography scans of their temporomandibular joints. The anterior joint space/posterior joint space (AJS/PJS) ratio was determined for the right and left joints. The paired t test was used to analyze the AJS/PJS ratio between both sides for each group. The ANOVA test was applied to verify the differences between the groups for the measurements of the right and left sides. In case the ANOVA test confirmed significance, the Dunnett's t test was performed to compare the groups of malocclusion with that of normal occlusion. The paired t test between the AJS/PJS relationships in the right and left sides showed the following p values: Class I (0.168), Class II Division 1 (0.662), Class III (0.991), and normal occlusion (0.390). The ANOVA test showed a p value of 0.445 for the comparisons of the right side and 0.040 for the left side. The Dunnett's t test demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the Class II group and the normal occlusion group (p value of 0.026) in the joints of the left side. Bilateral symmetry and lack of condyle centralization were common characteristics among all groups. The greatest condylar decentralization was observed in the Class II group, whereas the least condylar decentralization was found in the normal occlusion group.

Effectiveness of fibrin adhesive in facial nerve anastomosis in dogs compared with standard microsuturing technique.

PubMed

Attar, Bijan Movahedian; Zalzali, Haidar; Razavi, Mohammad; Ghoreishian, Mehdi; Rezaei, Majid

2012-10-01

Epineural suturing is the most common technique used for peripheral nerve anastomosis. In addition to the foreign body reaction to the suture material, the surgical duration and difficulty of suturing in confined anatomic locations are major problems. We evaluated the effectiveness of fibrin glue as an acceptable alternative for nerve anastomosis in dogs. Eight adult female dogs weighing 18 to 24 kg were used in the present study. The facial nerve was transected bilaterally. On the right side, the facial nerve was subjected to epineural suturing; and on the left side, the nerve was anastomosed using fibrin adhesive. After 16 weeks, the nerve conduction velocity and proportion of the nerve fibers that crossed the anastomosis site were evaluated and compared for the epineural suture (right side) and fibrin glue (left side). The data were analyzed using the paired t test and univariate analysis of variance. The mean postoperative nerve conduction velocity was 29.87 ± 7.65 m/s and 26.75 ± 3.97 m/s on the right and left side, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in the postoperative nerve conduction velocity between the 2 techniques (P = .444). The proportion of nerve fibers that crossed the anastomotic site was 71.25% ± 7.59% and 72.25% ± 8.31% on the right and left side, respectively. The histologic evaluation showed no statistically significant difference in the proportion of the nerve fibers that crossed the anastomotic site between the 2 techniques (P = .598). The results suggest that the efficacies of epineural suturing and fibrin gluing in peripheral nerve anastomosis are similar. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of Tryptophan Side Chain Dynamics on the Trp-Cage Mini-Protein Folding Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

PubMed Central

Kannan, Srinivasaraghavan; Zacharias, Martin

2014-01-01

The 20 residue Trp-cage mini-protein is one of smallest proteins that adopt a stable folded structure containing also well-defined secondary structure elements. The hydrophobic core is arranged around a single central Trp residue. Despite several experimental and simulation studies the detailed folding mechanism of the Trp-cage protein is still not completely understood. Starting from fully extended as well as from partially folded Trp-cage structures a series of molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent and using four different force fields was performed. All simulations resulted in rapid collapse of the protein to on average relatively compact states. The simulations indicate a significant dependence of the speed of folding to near-native states on the side chain rotamer state of the central Trp residue. Whereas the majority of intermediate start structures with the central Trp side chain in a near-native rotameric state folded successfully within less than 100 ns only a fraction of start structures reached near-native folded states with an initially non-native Trp side chain rotamer state. Weak restraining of the Trp side chain dihedral angles to the state in the folded protein resulted in significant acceleration of the folding both starting from fully extended or intermediate conformations. The results indicate that the side chain conformation of the central Trp residue can create a significant barrier for controlling transitions to a near native folded structure. Similar mechanisms might be of importance for the folding of other protein structures. PMID:24563686

Races of Heliconius erato (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) found on different sides of the Andes show wing size differences

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Differences in wing size in geographical races of Heliconius erato distributed over the western and eastern sides of the Andes are reported on here. Individuals from the eastern side of the Andes are statistically larger in size than the ones on the western side of the Andes. A statistical differenc...

A patient perspective of the impact of medication side effects on adherence: results of a cross-sectional nationwide survey of patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Dibonaventura, Marco; Gabriel, Susan; Dupclay, Leon; Gupta, Shaloo; Kim, Edward

2012-03-20

Antipsychotic medications often have a variety of side effects, however, it is not well understood how the presence of specific side effects correlate with adherence in a real-world setting. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between these variables among community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. Data were analyzed from a 2007-2008 nationwide survey of adults who self-reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia and were currently using an antipsychotic medication (N = 876). The presence of side effects was defined as those in which the patient reported they were at least "somewhat bothered". Adherence was defined as a score of zero on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. To assess the relationship between side effects and adherence, individual logistic regression models were fitted for each side effect controlling for patient characteristics. A single logistic regression model assessed the relationship between side effect clusters and adherence. The relationships between adherence and health resource use were also examined. A majority of patients reported experiencing at least one side effect due to their medication (86.19%). Only 42.5% reported complete adherence. Most side effects were associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of adherence. When grouped as side effect clusters in a single model, extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS)/agitation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, p = 0.0007), sedation/cognition (OR = 0.70, p = 0.033), prolactin/endocrine (OR = 0.69, p = 0.0342), and metabolic side effects (OR = 0.64, p = 0.0079) were all significantly related with lower rates of adherence. Those who reported complete adherence to their medication were significantly less likely to report a hospitalization for a mental health reason (OR = 0.51, p = 0.0006), a hospitalization for a non-mental health reason (OR = 0.43, p = 0.0002), and an emergency room (ER) visit for a mental health reason (OR = 0.60, p = 0.008). Among patients with schizophrenia, medication side effects are highly prevalent and significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Nonadherence is significantly associated with increased healthcare resource use. Prevention, identification, and effective management of medication-induced side effects are important to maximize adherence and reduce health resource use in schizophrenia.

A patient perspective of the impact of medication side effects on adherence: results of a cross-sectional nationwide survey of patients with schizophrenia

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Antipsychotic medications often have a variety of side effects, however, it is not well understood how the presence of specific side effects correlate with adherence in a real-world setting. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between these variables among community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. Methods Data were analyzed from a 2007-2008 nationwide survey of adults who self-reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia and were currently using an antipsychotic medication (N = 876). The presence of side effects was defined as those in which the patient reported they were at least "somewhat bothered". Adherence was defined as a score of zero on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. To assess the relationship between side effects and adherence, individual logistic regression models were fitted for each side effect controlling for patient characteristics. A single logistic regression model assessed the relationship between side effect clusters and adherence. The relationships between adherence and health resource use were also examined. Results A majority of patients reported experiencing at least one side effect due to their medication (86.19%). Only 42.5% reported complete adherence. Most side effects were associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of adherence. When grouped as side effect clusters in a single model, extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS)/agitation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, p = 0.0007), sedation/cognition (OR = 0.70, p = 0.033), prolactin/endocrine (OR = 0.69, p = 0.0342), and metabolic side effects (OR = 0.64, p = 0.0079) were all significantly related with lower rates of adherence. Those who reported complete adherence to their medication were significantly less likely to report a hospitalization for a mental health reason (OR = 0.51, p = 0.0006), a hospitalization for a non-mental health reason (OR = 0.43, p = 0.0002), and an emergency room (ER) visit for a mental health reason (OR = 0.60, p = 0.008). Conclusions Among patients with schizophrenia, medication side effects are highly prevalent and significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Nonadherence is significantly associated with increased healthcare resource use. Prevention, identification, and effective management of medication-induced side effects are important to maximize adherence and reduce health resource use in schizophrenia. PMID:22433036

The locations and amounts of endogenous ions and elements in the cap and elongating zone of horizontally oriented roots of Zea mays L.: an electron-probe EDS study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, R.; Cameron, I. L.; Hunter, K. E.; Olmos, D.; Smith, N. K.

1987-01-01

We used quantitative electron-probe energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis to localize endogenous Na, Cl, K, P, S, Mg and Ca in cryofixed and freeze-dried cryosections of the cap (i.e. the putative site of graviperception) and elongating zone (i.e. site of gravicurvature) of horizontally oriented roots of Zea mays. Ca, Na, Cl, K and Mg accumulate along the lower side of caps of horizontally oriented roots. The most dramatic asymmetries of these ions occur in the apoplast, especially the mucilage. We could not detect any significant differences in the concentrations of these ions in the central cytoplasm of columella cells along the upper and lower sides of caps of horizontally-oriented roots. However, the increased amounts of Na, Cl, K and Mg in the longitudinal walls of columella cells along the lower side of the cap suggest that these ions may move down through the columella tissue of horizontally-oriented roots. Ca also accumulates (largely in the mucilage) along the lower side of the elongating zone of horizontally-oriented roots, while Na, P, Cl and K tend to accumulate along the upper side of the elongating zone. Of these ions, only K increases in concentration in the cytoplasm and longitudinal walls of cortical cells in the upper vs lower sides of the elongating zone. These results indicate that (1) gravity-induced asymmetries of ions differ significantly in the cap and elongating zone of graviresponding roots, (2) Ca accumulates along the lower side of the cap and elongating zone of graviresponding roots, (3) increased growth of the upper side of the elongating zone of horizontally-oriented roots correlates positively with increased amounts of K in the cytoplasm and longitudinal walls of cortical cells, and (4) the apoplast (especially the mucilage) may be an important component of the pathway via which ions move in graviresponding rots of Zea mays. These results are discussed relative to mechanisms for graviperception and gravicurvature of roots.

Assessment of neuromuscular risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injury through tensiomyography in male soccer players.

PubMed

Alentorn-Geli, Eduard; Alvarez-Diaz, Pedro; Ramon, Silvia; Marin, Miguel; Steinbacher, Gilbert; Boffa, Juan José; Cuscó, Xavier; Ballester, Jordi; Cugat, Ramon

2015-09-01

To investigate the role of mechanical and contractile properties of skeletal muscles of the thigh, assessed through tensiomyography (TMG), as risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in male soccer players. Male soccer players with confirmed ACL tear included in this study underwent resting TMG assessment of thigh muscles of the uninjured side. The same values were obtained from a sex-, sports level-matched control group in both sides. The maximal displacement (Dm), delay time (Td), contraction time (Tc), sustained time (Ts), and half-relaxation time (Tr) were obtained for the following muscles in all subjects: vastus medialis (VM), vastus laterals (VL), rectus femoris (RF), semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris (BF). TMG values of the uninjured side in ACL-injured group were compared to mean values between both sides in the control subjects. There were 40 ACL-injured and 38 control individuals. The vast majority of TMG parameters were higher in the uninjured side of ACL-injured individuals compared to the control group. The VL-Tr, RF-Tc, RF-Ts, RF-Tr, and BF-Dm values were significantly higher in the uninjured side compared to the control group. Quadriceps muscles demonstrated more significant between-group differences than hamstring muscles. Specifically, RF was the muscle where most significant between-group differences were found. Resistance to fatigue and muscle stiffness in the hamstring muscles may be risk factors for ACL injury in male soccer players. In addition, a predominant impairment in TMG characteristics of the quadriceps over hamstrings may indicate an altered muscular co-contraction (imbalance) between both muscle groups, which might be another risk factor for ACL injury in this population. These findings should be taken into account when screening athletes at high risk of ACL injury and also to design adequate prevention programs for ACL injury in male soccer players.

Left lobe of the prostate during clinical prostate cancer screening: the dark side of the gland for right-handed examiners.

PubMed

Ploussard, G; Nicolaiew, N; Mongiat-Artus, P; Terry, S; Allory, Y; Vacherot, F; Abbou, C-C; Desgrandchamps, F; Salomon, L; de la Taille, A

2014-06-01

The predictive value of the abnormality side during digital rectal examination (DRE) has never been studied, suggesting that physicians examined the left lobe of the gland as well as the right lobe. We aimed to assess the predictive value of the side of DRE abnormality for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and aggressiveness in right-handed urologists. An analysis of a prospective database was carried out that included all consecutive men undergoing prostate biopsies between 2001 and 2012. The main end point was the predictive value of the abnormality side during DRE for cancer detection in clinically suspicious unilateral T2 disease. The diagnostic performance of left- versus right-sided abnormality was also assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity and negative/positive predictive values. Overall, 308 patients had a suspicious unilateral clinical disease (detection rate 57.5%). The cancer detection rate was significantly higher in case of left-sided compared with right-sided clinical T2 stage (odds ratio 2.1). In case of left-sided disease, the number of positive cores, the rate of perineural invasion, the rate of primary grade 4 pattern and the percentage of cancer involvement per core were significantly higher compared with those reported for right-sided disease. The predictive value of abnormality laterality for cancer detection and aggressiveness remained statistically independent in multivariate models. The positive predictive value for cancer detection was 64.6 in case of suspicious left-sided disease versus 46.9 in case of right-sided disease. The risks of detecting PCa and aggressive disease on biopsy are significantly higher when DRE reveals a suspicious left-sided clinical disease as compared with right-sided disease. Right-handed physicians should be aware of this variance in diagnostic performance and potential underdetection of left-sided clinical disease, and should improve their examination of the left lobe of the gland by conducting longer exams or changing the patient's position.

Influence of the oscillation frequency of different side-to-side toothbrushes on noncontact biofilm removal.

PubMed

Schmidt, Julia C; Astasov-Frauenhoffer, Monika; Waltimo, Tuomas; Weiger, Roland; Walter, Clemens

2018-01-22

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different oscillation frequencies of three powered toothbrushes with side-to-side action for noncontact biofilm removal in an artificial interdental space model. A three-species biofilm (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus sanguinis) was formed in vitro on protein-coated titanium disks using a flow chamber system combined with a static biofilm growth model. The oscillation frequencies of three commercial side-to-side toothbrushes were evaluated by means of a dose response. The frequency was decreased in steps (100, 85, 70, 55, and 40%). Subsequently, the biofilm-coated substrates were exposed to the side-to-side toothbrushes. The biofilm volumes were measured using volumetric analyses (Imaris 8.1.2) with confocal laser scanning microscope images (Zeiss LSM700). Compared to maximum oscillation frequency (100%), lower oscillation frequencies (up to 40%) resulted in reduced median percentages of biofilm reduction (median biofilm reduction up to 53% for maximum oscillation frequency, and up to 13% for 40% oscillation frequency) (p ≥ 0.03). In addition, decreasing the oscillation frequencies of the side-to-side toothbrushes showed an enhanced variety in the results of repeated experiments. The oscillation frequency of the tested side-to-side toothbrushes affected the biofilm reduction in an interdental space model. Within a toothbrush, higher oscillation frequencies may lead to beneficial effects on interdental biofilm removal by noncontact brushing.

A survey of gas-side fouling measuring devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marner, W. J.; Henslee, S. P.

1984-01-01

A survey of measuring devices or probes, which were used to investigate gas side fouling, was carried out. Five different types of measuring devices are identified and discussed including: heat flux meters, mass accumulation probes, optical devices, deposition probes, and acid condensation probes. A total of 32 different probes are described in detail and summarized in matrix or tabular form. The important considerations of combustion gas characterization and deposit analysis are also given a significant amount of attention. The results show that considerable work was done in the development of gas side fouling probes. However, it is clear that the design, construction, and testing of a durable, versatile probe - capable of monitoring on-line fouling resistances - remains a formidable task.

Gynecological Surgery and Low Back Pain in Older Women

PubMed Central

Ericksen, Jeffery; Pidcoe, Peter E.; Ketchum-McKinney, Jessica M.; Burnet, Evie N.; Huang, Emily; Wilson, James C.; Hoogstad, Vincent

2010-01-01

Objective: To determine sacroiliac joint compliance characteristics and pelvic floor movements in older women relative to gynecological surgery history and back pain complaints. Design: Single-visit laboratory measurement. Setting: University clinical research center. Participants: Twenty-five women aged 65 years or older. Outcome Measures: Sacroiliac joint compliance measured by Doppler imaging of vibrations and ultrasound measures of pelvic floor motion during the active straight leg raise test. Results: Doppler imaging of vibrations demonstrated test reliability ranging from 0.701 to 0.898 for detecting vibration on the ilium and sacrum sides of the sacroiliac joint. The presence of low-back pain or prior gynecological surgery was not significantly associated with a difference in the compliance or laxity symmetry of the sacroiliac joints. No significant difference in pelvic floor movement was found during the active straight leg raise test between subject groups. All P values were ≥.4159. Conclusions: Prior gynecological surgery and low-back pain were not significantly associated with side-to-side differences in the compliance of the sacroiliac joints or in significant changes in pelvic floor movement during a loading maneuver in a group of older women. PMID:23569659

Measurement of superficial and deep abdominal muscle thickness: an ultrasonography study.

PubMed

Tahan, Nahid; Khademi-Kalantari, Khosro; Mohseni-Bandpei, Mohammad Ali; Mikaili, Saeed; Baghban, Alireza Akbarzadeh; Jaberzadeh, Shapour

2016-08-23

Real-time ultrasound imaging is a valid method in the field of rehabilitation. The ultrasound imaging allows direct visualization for real-time study of the muscles as they contract over the time. Measuring of the size of each abdominal muscle in relation to the others provides useful information about the differences in structure, as well as data on trunk muscle activation patterns. The purpose of this study was to assess the size and symmetry of the abdominal muscles at rest in healthy adults and to provide a reference range of absolute abdominal muscle size in a relatively large population. A total 156 healthy subjects with the age range of 18-44 years were randomly recruited. The thickness of internal oblique, external oblique, transverse abdominis, and rectus abdominis muscles was measured at rest on both right and left sides using ultrasound. Independent t test was used to compare the mean thickness of each abdominal muscle between males and females. Differences on side-to-side thicknesses were assessed using paired t test. The association between abdominal muscle thicknesses with gender and anthropometric variables was examined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. A normal pattern of increasing order of mean abdominal muscle thickness was found in both genders at both right and left sides: transverse abdominis < external oblique < internal oblique < rectus abdominis. There was a significant difference on the size of transverse abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles between right and left sides in both genders. Males had significantly thicker abdominal muscles than females. Age was significantly correlated with the thickness of internal oblique, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles. Body mass index was also positively correlated with muscle thickness of rectus abdominis and external oblique. The results provide a normal reference range for the abdominal muscles in healthy subjects and may be used as an index to find out abnormalities and also to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions.

Effect of Game Design, Goal Type, and Player Numbers on the Physiological and Physical Demands of Hurling-Specific Small-Sided Games.

PubMed

Malone, Shane; Collins, Kieran D

2017-06-01

The current study examined the effect that game design modification, goal type, and player numbers on the running performance and physiological demands of small-sided hurling games (SSG). Forty-eight hurling players (age, 25.5 ± 3.2 years; height, 178.9 ± 3.2 cm; body mass, 78.5 ± 4.5 kg) performed 4 types of SSG (possession [P], normal play [NP], regular goals [RG] and small goals [SG]) in 4-a-side, 5-a-side, and 6-a-side formats. Heart rate (Polar Electro Oy) and global positioning system technology (VX Sport, 4-Hz, Lower Hutt) were used to analyze the physical and physiological differences between SSG. Total distance (m), high-speed running distance (m) (≥17 km·h), very-high speed running distance (≥22 km·h) (m), peak and mean velocity (km·h) were analyzed as an indicator of the physical demands of play. The 4-a-side SSG independent of game design and goal type resulted in a significantly higher relative exercise intensity compared with 5-a-side (mean change: 6 ± 2%; p = 0.001; d = 1.9 ± 0.2; large) and 6-a-side SSG independent of game design or goal type (mean change: 12 ± 2%; p = 0.001; d = 2.9 ± 0.8; very large). The 4-a-side SG (619 ± 106-m [419-735-m]) resulted in the highest distance when compared with all PP (mean change: 141 ± 9 m; p = 0.05; d = 1.9 ± 0.3; moderate) and RG (mean change: 119 ± 39 m; p = 0.004; d = 2.1 ± 0.8; large). Similar trends were observed for 5-a-side and 6-a-side games with SG resulting in increased total running performance. In conclusion, the current observations reveal that 4-a-side NP, SG, and RG have the highest physiological demands with 4-a-side SG having increased running performance in contrast to other game design and goal-type games. Furthermore, independent of game design and goal type, 4-a-side SSG show increased relative intensity compared with 5-a-side and 6-a-side SSG.

Quality of life differences in patients with right- versus left-sided facial paralysis: Universal preference of right-sided human face recognition.

PubMed

Ryu, Nam Gyu; Lim, Byung Woo; Cho, Jae Keun; Kim, Jin

2016-09-01

We investigated whether experiencing right- or left-sided facial paralysis would affect an individual's ability to recognize one side of the human face using hybrid hemi-facial photos by preliminary study. Further investigation looked at the relationship between facial recognition ability, stress, and quality of life. To investigate predominance of one side of the human face for face recognition, 100 normal participants (right-handed: n = 97, left-handed: n = 3, right brain dominance: n = 56, left brain dominance: n = 44) answered a questionnaire that included hybrid hemi-facial photos developed to determine decide superiority of one side for human face recognition. To determine differences of stress level and quality of life between individuals experiencing right- and left-sided facial paralysis, 100 patients (right side:50, left side:50, not including traumatic facial nerve paralysis) answered a questionnaire about facial disability index test and quality of life (SF-36 Korean version). Regardless of handedness or hemispheric dominance, the proportion of predominance of the right side in human face recognition was larger than the left side (71% versus 12%, neutral: 17%). Facial distress index of the patients with right-sided facial paralysis was lower than that of left-sided patients (68.8 ± 9.42 versus 76.4 ± 8.28), and the SF-36 scores of right-sided patients were lower than left-sided patients (119.07 ± 15.24 versus 123.25 ± 16.48, total score: 166). Universal preference for the right side in human face recognition showed worse psychological mood and social interaction in patients with right-side facial paralysis than left-sided paralysis. This information is helpful to clinicians in that psychological and social factors should be considered when treating patients with facial-paralysis. Copyright © 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Side Flow Effect on Surface Generation in Nano Cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Feifei; Fang, Fengzhou; Zhang, Xiaodong

2017-05-01

The side flow of material in nano cutting is one of the most important factors that deteriorate the machined surface quality. The effects of the crystallographic orientation, feed, and the cutting tool geometry, including tool edge radius, rake angle and inclination angle, on the side flow are investigated employing molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the stagnation region is formed in front of tool edge and it is characterized by the stagnation radius R s and stagnation height h s . The side flow is formed because the material at or under the stagnation region is extruded by the tool edge to flow to the side of the tool edge. Higher stagnation height would increase the size of the side flow. The anisotropic nature of the material which partly determines the stagnation region also influences the side flow due to the different deformation mechanism under the action of the tool edge. At different cutting directions, the size of the side flow has a great difference which would finally affect the machined surface quality. The cutting directions of {100} < 011>, {110} < 001>, and {110} < 1-10 > are beneficial to obtain a better surface quality with small side flow. Besides that, the side flow could be suppressed by reducing the feed and optimizing the cutting tool geometry. Cutting tool with small edge radius, large positive rake angle, and inclination angle would decrease the side flow and consequently improve the machined surface quality.

Side Flow Effect on Surface Generation in Nano Cutting.

PubMed

Xu, Feifei; Fang, Fengzhou; Zhang, Xiaodong

2017-12-01

The side flow of material in nano cutting is one of the most important factors that deteriorate the machined surface quality. The effects of the crystallographic orientation, feed, and the cutting tool geometry, including tool edge radius, rake angle and inclination angle, on the side flow are investigated employing molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the stagnation region is formed in front of tool edge and it is characterized by the stagnation radius R s and stagnation height h s . The side flow is formed because the material at or under the stagnation region is extruded by the tool edge to flow to the side of the tool edge. Higher stagnation height would increase the size of the side flow. The anisotropic nature of the material which partly determines the stagnation region also influences the side flow due to the different deformation mechanism under the action of the tool edge. At different cutting directions, the size of the side flow has a great difference which would finally affect the machined surface quality. The cutting directions of {100} < 011>, {110} < 001>, and {110} < 1-10 > are beneficial to obtain a better surface quality with small side flow. Besides that, the side flow could be suppressed by reducing the feed and optimizing the cutting tool geometry. Cutting tool with small edge radius, large positive rake angle, and inclination angle would decrease the side flow and consequently improve the machined surface quality.

Infraorbital foramen: horizontal location in relation to ala nasi.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yasuhiro; Kakizaki, Hirohiko; Nakano, Takashi

2011-01-01

To examine the horizontal location of the infraorbital foramen in relation to the ala nasi. Fifty-six orbits of 28 Japanese cadavers (18 male and 10 female cadavers; average death age, 79.7 years), fixed in 10% buffered formalin, were used. The horizontal distance from the vertical line through the lateral margin of the ala nasi to the medial margin of the infraorbital foramen (the horizontal distance) and the transverse diameter of the infraorbital foramen (the transverse diameter) were examined. Values were compared between genders and sides using Student's t test. The mean horizontal distance was 4.9 mm, with no significant difference between genders (male, 5.2 mm; female, 4.4 mm; p = 0.150) or sides (right, 4.9 mm; left, 4.9 mm; p = 0.944). The mean transverse diameter was 5.5 mm. Although there was no significant difference in this diameter between sides (right, 5.3 mm; left, 5.6 mm; p = 0.358), there was a significant difference between genders (male, 5.7 mm; female, 5.1 mm; p = 0.033). The horizontal distance had no gender difference. This value is available irrespective of gender in surgery.

In vivo microcomputed tomography evaluation of rat alveolar bone and root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

PubMed

Ru, Nan; Liu, Sean Shih-Yao; Zhuang, Li; Li, Song; Bai, Yuxing

2013-05-01

To observe the real-time microarchitecture changes of the alveolar bone and root resorption during orthodontic treatment. A 10 g force was delivered to move the maxillary left first molars mesially in twenty 10-week-old rats for 14 days. The first molar and adjacent alveolar bone were scanned using in vivo microcomputed tomography at the following time points: days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Microarchitecture parameters, including bone volume fraction, structure model index, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and trabecular separation of alveolar bone, were measured on the compression and tension side. The total root volume was measured, and the resorption crater volume at each time point was calculated. Univariate repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni corrections were performed to compare the differences in each parameter between time points with significance level at P < .05. From day 3 to day 7, bone volume fraction, structure model index, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation decreased significantly on the compression side, but the same parameters increased significantly on the tension side from day 7 to day 14. Root resorption volume of the mesial root increased significantly on day 7 of orthodontic loading. Real-time root and bone resorption during orthodontic movement can be observed in 3 dimensions using in vivo micro-CT. Alveolar bone resorption and root resorption were observed mostly in the apical third on day 7 on the compression side; bone formation was observed on day 14 on the tension side during orthodontic tooth movement.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of pain, facial swelling, and postoperative trismus after a lower third molar extraction. A preliminary study.

PubMed

López-Ramírez, Marta; Vílchez-Pérez, Miguel Angel; Gargallo-Albiol, Jordi; Arnabat-Domínguez, Josep; Gay-Escoda, Cosme

2012-05-01

Pain, swelling, and trismus are the most common complications after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a low-level laser therapy (Laser Smile™, Biolase®, San Clemente, USA) applied to the wound appeared after the surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. A prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was undertaken in 20 healthy patients with two symmetrically impacted lower third molars. The application of a low-level laser was made randomly on one of the two sides after surgery. The experimental side received 5 J/cm(2) of energy density, a wavelength of 810 nm, and an output power of 0.5 W. On the control side, a handpiece was applied intraorally, but the laser was not activated. Evaluations of postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling were made. The sample consisted of 11 women and nine men, and mean age was 23.35 years (18-37). The pain level in the first hours after surgery was lower in the experimental side than in the placebo side, although without statistically significant differences (p = 0.258). Swelling and trismus at the 2nd and 7th postoperative days were slightly higher in the control side, although not statistically significant differences were detected (p > 0.05). The application of a low-level laser with the parameters used in this study did not show beneficial affects in reducing pain, swelling, and trismus after removal of impacted lower third molars.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: The Side of Diaphragmatic Defect and Associated Nondiaphragmatic Malformations.

PubMed

Grizelj, Ruža; Bojanić, Katarina; Vuković, Jurica; Weingarten, Toby N; Schroeder, Darrell R; Sprung, Juraj

2017-07-01

Background  Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has different clinical presentations depending on whether it is right sided (R-CDH) or left sided (L-CDH). Some have suggested that L-CDH and R-CDH may represent different syndromic phenotypes. This theory would be indirectly supported if different nondiaphragmatic anomalies were associated with laterality. We assessed whether CDH laterality is associated with specific types of nondiaphragmatic anomalies. Methods  Cases of CDH were retrospectively identified from five centers, and associated congenital anomalies, prenatal diagnosis, demographics, birth characteristics, and side of the CDH were analyzed. CDH characteristics were summarized according to the absence (isolated) or presence (complex) of nondiaphragmatic malformations. Results  Among 228 neonates with CDH, 140 (61%) had isolated CDH and 88 (39%) had complex CDH. Complex CDH was significantly associated with being small for gestational age (odds ratio [95% confidence interval, CI]: 8.3 [1.9-35.7]; p  = 0.005) and having L-CDH (odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.6 [1.5-8.9]; p  = 0.005). The overall proportion with anomalies differed by side (42% for L-CDH, 23% for R-CDH; p  = 0.02), but the rates of anomalies in specific organ systems did not differ. Conclusion  The rate of associated nondiaphragmatic anomalies by specific organ system did not differ between L-CDH and R-CDH, which suggests that they represent the same phenotypic entity. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Analysis of consonant /s/ and syllables in Malay language using electropalatography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zin, Syatirah Mat; Suhaimi, Fatanah M.; Noor, Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd; Ismail, Nurul Iffah; Zali, Nurulakma

2016-12-01

During articulation and speech, tongue is in contact with hard palate. This contact can be measured using an Electropalatography (EPG). EPG is widely used for speech therapy among subjects having cleft palate, congenital aglossia, and phonemic paraphasic disorder, and also for language analysis and therapy. This study aims to analyse the production of /s/ and syllables by a Malay adult speaker using the Reading EPG palate with 62 electrodes that are built to match the tongue-palate contact. The vowel used in this study are /a/, /i/ and /u/. Data was analysed using Articulate Assist 1.18 software. There are four parts of palate zones, namely alveolar, post-alveolar, palatal and velar. In this study, there are three normal Malay-speaking adults with age ranging from 30 to 35 years old (mean age of 32 years). In the production of /s/, the percentage contact for subject 1 is 16% at the left side and 32% at the right side. For subject 2, there is 39% in the left side and 32% in the right side. Subject 3 has 13% contact in the left side and 29% in the right side. In the production of /as/ percentage contact is 19% at the left side and 29% at the right side for subject 1.19% at the left side and 16% at the right side for subject 2. While subject 3 has 23% contact at the left side and 35% at the right side. In the production of /is/, subject 1 has shown 32% at both side, 3% at the left side and 10 at the right side for subject 2, and 19% at the left side and 32% at the right side for subject 3. In the production of /us/, percentage contact for left and right side are 42% and 26% for subject 1. Subject 2 showed a symmetrical contact at both side whereas subject 3 has 16% at the left side and 26% at the right side. Results indicate that combination of consonant /s/ with different vowels produce different tongue and palate contacts patttern.

Adaptations in single-leg hop biomechanics following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Orishimo, Karl F; Kremenic, Ian J; Mullaney, Michael J; McHugh, Malachy P; Nicholas, Stephen J

2010-11-01

When a patient performs a clinically normal hop test based on distance, it cannot be assumed that the biomechanics are similar between limbs. The objective was to compare takeoff and landing biomechanics between legs in patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded as 13 patients performed the single-leg hop on each leg. Distance hopped, joint range of motion, peak joint kinetics and the peak total extensor moment were compared between legs during both takeoff and landing. Average hop distance ratio (involved/noninvolved) was 93 ± 4%. Compared to the noninvolved side, knee motion during takeoff on the involved side was significantly reduced (P = 0.008). Peak moments and powers on the involved side were lower at the knee and higher at the ankle and hip compared with the noninvolved side (Side by Joint P = 0.011; P = 0.003, respectively). The peak total extensor moment was not different between legs (P = 0.305) despite a decrease in knee moment and increases in ankle and hip moments (Side by Joint P = 0.015). During landing, knee motion was reduced (P = 0.043), and peak power absorbed was decreased at the knee and hip and increased at the ankle on the involved side compared to the noninvolved side (P = 0.003). The compensations by other joints may indicate protective adaptations to avoid overloading the reconstructed knee.

Buspirone versus methylphenidate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a double-blind and randomized trial.

PubMed

Davari-Ashtiani, Rozita; Shahrbabaki, Mahin Eslami; Razjouyan, Katayoon; Amini, Homayoun; Mazhabdar, Homa

2010-12-01

The efficacy and side effects of buspirone compared with methylphenidate (MPH) in the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 34 children with ADHD as defined by DSM-IV-TR were randomized to buspirone or methylphenidate dosed on weight-adjusted basis at buspirone (0.5 mg/kg/day) and methylphenidate (0.3-1 mg/kg/day) for a 6-week double-blind clinical trial. The principle measures of outcome were the teacher and parent ADHD Rating Scale. The side effects were assessed by the special side effect checklist of each drug. In both groups, the scores of teacher and parent ADHD Rating Scale significantly declined on the 6th week as compared to baseline (p = 0.001). These effects were observed in the subscales too. No significant differences were observed between the two protocols on the total scores of parent and teacher ADHD Rating Scale, but methylphenidate was superior to buspirone in decreasing the symptoms of inattention. The side effects of buspirone were mild and rare in comparison with MPH. Buspirone has a favorable side-effects profile. It also has clinically and statistically significant impacts on improving the ADHD symptoms in children. These preliminary findings of the efficacy of buspirone in children with ADHD need large and cross-over studies.

Side-to-side differences in lower extremity biomechanics during multi-directional jump landing in volleyball athletes.

PubMed

Sinsurin, Komsak; Srisangboriboon, Sarun; Vachalathiti, Roongtiwa

2017-07-01

Side-to-side differences of lower extremities may influence the likelihood of injury. Moreover, adding the complexity of jump-landing direction would help to explain lower extremity control during sport activities. The aim was to determine the effects of limb dominance and jump-landing direction on lower extremity biomechanics. Nineteen female volleyball athletes participated. Both dominant limbs (DLs) and non-dominant limbs (NLs) were examined in single-leg jump-landing tests in four directions, including forward (0°), diagonal (30° and 60°), and lateral (90°) directions. Kinematic marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were collected using a 10 camera Vicon system and an AMTI force plate. Repeated measures ANOVA (2 × 4, limb × direction) was used to analyse. The finding showed that, at peak vertical GRF, a significant interaction of limb dominance and direction effects was found in the hip flexion angle and lower extremity joint kinetics (p < .05). NLs and DLs exhibited significantly different strategies while landing in various directions. Significantly higher increase of ankle dorsiflexion angle was observed in lateral direction compared to other directions for both DLs and NLs (p < .05). Increasingly using ankle dorsiflexion was observed from the forward to the lateral direction for both DLs and NLs. However, NLs and DLs preferentially used different strategies of joint moment organization to respond to similar VGRFs in various directions. The response pattern of DLs might not be effective and may expose DLs to a higher injury risk, especially with regard to landing with awkward posture compared with NLs.

Outcome Comparison Between in Situ Repair Versus Tear Completion Repair for Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears.

PubMed

Kim, Yang-Soo; Lee, Hyo-Jin; Bae, Sung-Ho; Jin, Hyonki; Song, Hyun Seok

2015-11-01

To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic in situ repair with the tear completion repair technique for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PT-RCTs). We prospectively enrolled 100 cases with articular-sided and bursal-sided PT-RCTs exceeding 50% of tendon thickness and allocated them randomly. An in situ repair was performed in group 1 (n = 50). Completion of the remaining cuff tissue and repair were performed in group 2 (n = 50). The medial row was knotted as transosseous repair (suture-bridge technique) in all cases. American Shoulder Elbow Society (ASES) score, Constant shoulder (CS) score, Simple shoulder (SS) score, and Korean shoulder (KS) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and range of motion were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months and at the last visit. Repaired tendon integrity was determined at 6 to 12 months by magnetic resonance imaging. Eight cases were lost to follow-up. Ultimately, 92 cases were analyzed. The average follow-up was 19.1 months (range, 12 to 42 months). Significant improvements in the VAS for pain and functional outcomes were observed in both groups postoperatively (P = .001 for VAS; P < .001 for ASES score; P < .001 for CS score; P = .001 for SS score; P<.001 for KS score). No significant difference in the clinical results was observed at any time between the groups. No difference of retear rate on articular-sided PT-RCT was observed between the groups (P = .34). Retears on the bursal-sided PT-RCT were more frequent in group 2 (P = .02). Arthroscopic repair of PT-RCT exceeding 50% of the thickness provided functional improvements and pain relief regardless of the repair technique. The retear rate for bursal-sided PT-RCT was higher in group 2, although the retear rate for the articular-sided PT-RCT was not different. Level II, prospective comparative study. Copyright © 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relationship between chin deviation and the position and morphology of the mandible in individuals with a unilateral cleft lip and palate

PubMed Central

Kim, Kyung-Seon; Park, Soo-Byung; Kim, Seong-Sik; Kim, Yong-Il

2013-01-01

Objective In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between chin deviation and the positional and morphological features of the mandible and to determine the factors that contributed to chin deviation in individuals with a unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 28 adults with UCLP were analyzed in this study. Segmented three-dimensional temporomandibular fossa and mandible images were reconstructed, and angular, linear, and volumetric parameters were measured. Results For all 28 individuals, the chin was found to deviate to the cleft side by 1.59 mm. Moreover, among these 28 individuals, only 7 showed distinct (more than 4 mm) chin deviation, which was toward the cleft side. Compared to the non-cleft side, the mandibular body length, frontal ramal inclination, and vertical position of the condyle were lower and inclination of the temporomandibular fossa was steeper on the cleft side. Furthermore, the differences in inclination of the temporomandibular fossa, mandibular body length, ramus length, and condylar volume ratio (non-deviated/deviated) were positively correlated with chin deviation. Conclusions UCLP individuals show mild chin deviation to the cleft side. Statistical differences were noted in the parameters that represented positional and morphological asymmetries of the mandible and temporomandibular fossa; however, these differences were too small to indicate clinical significance. PMID:24015386

Asymmetric Alkyl Side-Chain Engineering of Naphthalene Diimide-Based n-Type Polymers for Efficient All-Polymer Solar Cells.

PubMed

Jia, Tao; Li, Zhenye; Ying, Lei; Jia, Jianchao; Fan, Baobing; Zhong, Wenkai; Pan, Feilong; He, Penghui; Chen, Junwu; Huang, Fei; Cao, Yong

2018-02-13

The design and synthesis of three n-type conjugated polymers based on a naphthalene diimide-thiophene skeleton are presented. The control polymer, PNDI-2HD, has two identical 2-hexyldecyl side chains, and the other polymers have different alkyl side chains; PNDI-EHDT has a 2-ethylhexyl and a 2-decyltetradecyl side chain, and PNDI-BOOD has a 2-butyloctyl and a 2-octyldodecyl side chain. These copolymers with different alkyl side chains exhibit higher melting and crystallization temperatures, and stronger aggregation in solution, than the control copolymer PNDI-2HD that has the same side chain. Polymer solar cells based on the electron-donating copolymer PTB7-Th and these novel copolymers exhibit nearly the same open-circuit voltage of 0.77 V. Devices based on the copolymer PNDI-BOOD with different side chains have a power-conversion efficiency of up to 6.89%, which is much higher than the 4.30% obtained with the symmetric PNDI-2HD. This improvement can be attributed to the improved charge-carrier mobility and the formation of favorable film morphology. These observations suggest that the molecular design strategy of incorporating different side chains can provide a new and promising approach to developing n-type conjugated polymers. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cardiovascular cast model fabrication and casting effectiveness evaluation in fetus with severe congenital heart disease or normal heart.

PubMed

Wang, Yu; Cao, Hai-yan; Xie, Ming-xing; He, Lin; Han, Wei; Hong, Liu; Peng, Yuan; Hu, Yun-fei; Song, Ben-cai; Wang, Jing; Wang, Bin; Deng, Cheng

2016-04-01

To investigate the application and effectiveness of vascular corrosion technique in preparing fetal cardiovascular cast models, 10 normal fetal heart specimens with other congenital disease (control group) and 18 specimens with severe congenital heart disease (case group) from induced abortions were enrolled in this study from March 2013 to June 2015 in our hospital. Cast models were prepared by injecting casting material into vascular lumen to demonstrate real geometries of fetal cardiovascular system. Casting effectiveness was analyzed in terms of local anatomic structures and different anatomical levels (including overall level, atrioventricular and great vascular system, left-sided and right-sided heart), as well as different trimesters of pregnancy. In our study, all specimens were successfully casted. Casting effectiveness analysis of local anatomic structures showed a mean score from 1.90±1.45 to 3.60±0.52, without significant differences between case and control groups in most local anatomic structures except left ventricle, which had a higher score in control group (P=0.027). Inter-group comparison of casting effectiveness in different anatomical levels showed no significant differences between the two groups. Intra-group comparison also revealed undifferentiated casting effectiveness between atrioventricular and great vascular system, or left-sided and right-sided heart in corresponding group. Third-trimester group had a significantly higher perfusion score in great vascular system than second-trimester group (P=0.046), while the other anatomical levels displayed no such difference. Vascular corrosion technique can be successfully used in fabrication of fetal cardiovascular cast model. It is also a reliable method to demonstrate three-dimensional anatomy of severe congenital heart disease and normal heart in fetus.

The influence of crossbite in early development of mandibular bone asymmetries in paediatric patients

PubMed Central

de Nova-García, M. Joaquín; Mourelle-Martínez, Mª Rosa; González-Aranda, Cristina

2017-01-01

Background All authors agree that posterior crossbite is a malocclusion that affects mandibular growth and may lead to skeletal asymmetry but there are few data on which age these modifications are easily quantifiable. Material and Methods For this study, the researchers used x-ray records of 217 children between 6 and 9 years of age, in the mixed dentition stage and with unilateral posterior crossbite. All the horizontal variables were traced and evaluated by the principal researcher, using the tpsDig version 2 computer program. Subsequently, a descriptive and statistical analysis was carried out, using the SPSS 17.0 for Windows program. Results and Discussion After analysing the vertical mandibular traces on the x-rays, the researchers found, in all cases, quantifiable differences between the crossbite side and the non-crossbite side. The differences between horizontal variables were statistically significant (p<0.005) for the entire sample (H3-H4), in the group of boys (H3-H4) and in the 7-year old age group (H1-H2 and H3-H4). Differences were observed in the size of the horizontal measures between the crossbite side and the non-crossbite side. Some of these differences were significant as a function of the sex and age of the study sample. Key words:Crossbite, Mandibular asymmetry, Panoramic. PMID:29075414

Sentence recognition in noise and perceived benefit of noise reduction on the receiver and transmitter sides of a BICROS hearing aid.

PubMed

Oeding, Kristi; Valente, Michael

2013-01-01

In the past, bilateral contralateral routing of signals (BICROS) amplification incorporated omnidirectional microphones on the transmitter and receiver sides and some models utilized noise reduction (NR) on the receiver side. Little research has examined the performance of BICROS amplification in background noise. However, previous studies examining contralateral routing of signals (CROS) amplification have reported that the presence of background noise on the transmitter side negatively affected speech recognition. Recently, NR was introduced as a feature on the receiver and transmitter sides of BICROS amplification, which has the potential to decrease the impact of noise on the wanted speech signal by decreasing unwanted noise directed to the transmitter side. The primary goal of this study was to examine differences in the reception threshold for sentences (RTS in dB) using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) in a diffuse listening environment between unaided and three aided BICROS conditions (no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR) in the Tandem 16 BICROS. A secondary goal was to examine real-world subjective impressions of the Tandem 16 BICROS compared to unaided. A randomized block repeated measures single blind design was used to assess differences between no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR listening conditions. Twenty-one adult participants with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) and experience with BICROS amplification were recruited from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Participants were fit with the National Acoustic Laboratories' Nonlinear version 1 prescriptive target (NAL-NL1) with the Tandem 16 BICROS at the initial visit and then verified using real-ear insertion gain (REIG) measures. Participants acclimatized to the Tandem 16 BICROS for 4 wk before returning for final testing. Participants were tested utilizing HINT sentences examining differences in RTS between unaided and three aided listening conditions. Subjective benefit was determined via the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire between the Tandem 16 BICROS and unaided. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to analyze the results of the HINT and APHAB. Results revealed no significant differences in the RTS between unaided, no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR. Subjective impressions using the APHAB revealed statistically and clinically significant benefit with the Tandem 16 BICROS compared to unaided for the Ease of Communication (EC), Background Noise (BN), and Reverberation (RV) subscales. The RTS was not significantly different between unaided, no NR, mild NR, and maximum NR. None of the three aided listening conditions were significantly different from unaided performance as has been reported for previous studies examining CROS hearing aids. Further, based on comments from participants and previous research studies with conventional hearing aids, manufacturers of BICROS amplification should consider incorporating directional microphones and independent volume controls on the receiver and transmitter sides to potentially provide further improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for patients with ASNHL. American Academy of Audiology.

Comparative Effectiveness of Conservative Management Compared to Cryotherapy in Localized Prostate Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Shah, Surbhi; Young, Henry N; Cobran, Ewan K

2018-06-01

The high frequency of treatment-related side effects for men with localized prostate cancer creates uncertainty for treatment outcomes. This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of treatment-related side effects associated with conservative management and cryotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted, using the linked data of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and Medicare, which included patients diagnosed from 2000 through year 2013, and their Medicare claims information from 2000 through 2014. To compare the differences in baseline characteristics and treatment-related side effects between the study cohorts, χ 2 tests were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between treatment selection and side effects. There were 7,998 and 3,051 patients in the conservative management and cryotherapy cohort, respectively. The likelihood of erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract obstruction, urinary fistula, urinary incontinence, and hydronephrosis was reported to be significantly lower (53%, 35%, 69%, 65%, and 36%, respectively) in the conservative management cohort. Conservative management had a lower likelihood of treatment-related side effects compared to cryotherapy. However, further research is needed to compare other significant long-term outcomes such as costs associated with these treatment choices and quality of life.

Diagnostic Value of Facial Nerve Antidromic Evoked Potential in Patients With Bell's Palsy: A Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Lee, Ji Hoon; Kim, Sun Mi; Yang, Hea Eun; Lee, Jang Woo

2014-01-01

Objective To assess the practical diagnostic value of facial nerve antidromic evoked potential (FNAEP), we compared it with the diagnostic value of the electroneurography (ENoG) test in Bell's palsy. Methods In total, 20 patients with unilateral Bell's palsy were recruited. Between the 1st and 17th days after the onset of facial palsy, FNAEP and ENoG tests were conducted. The degeneration ratio and FNAEP latency difference between the affected and unaffected sides were calculated in all subjects. Results In all patients, FNAEP showed prolonged latencies on the affected side versus the unaffected side. The difference was statistically significant. In contrast, there was no significant difference between sides in the normal control group. In 8 of 20 patients, ENoG revealed a degeneration ratio less than 50%, but FNAEP show a difference of more than 0.295±0.599 ms, the average value of normal control group. This shows FNAEP could be a more sensitive test for Bell's palsy diagnosis than ENoG. In particular, in 10 patients tested within 7 days after onset, an abnormal ENoG finding was noted in only four of them, but FNAEP showed a significant latency difference in all patients at this early stage. Thus, FANEP was more sensitive in detecting facial nerve injury than the ENoG test (p=0.031). Conclusion FNAEP has some clinical value in the diagnosis of facial nerve degeneration. It is important that FNAEP be considered in patients with facial palsy at an early stage and integrated with other relevant tests. PMID:25024963

Learning to experience side effects after antidepressant intake - Results from a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

PubMed

Rheker, Julia; Winkler, Alexander; Doering, Bettina K; Rief, Winfried

2017-02-01

Side effects play a key role in patients' failure to take antidepressants. There is evidence that verbal suggestions and informed consent elicit expectations that can in turn trigger the occurrence of side effects. Prior experience or learning mechanisms are also assumed to contribute to the development of side effects, although their role has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we examined whether an antidepressant's side effects can be learned via Pavlovian conditioning. Participants (n = 39) were randomly allocated to one of two groups and were exposed to a classical conditioning procedure. During acquisition, 19 participants received amitriptyline and 20 participants received a placebo pill. Pills were taken for four nights together with a novel-tasting drink. After a washout phase, both groups received a placebo pill together with the novel-tasting drink (evocation). Side effects were assessed via the Generic Assessment of Side Effects Scale prior to acquisition (baseline), after acquisition, and after evocation. A score of antidepressant-specific side effects was calculated. Participants taking amitriptyline reported significantly more antidepressant-specific side effects after acquisition compared to both baseline and the placebo group. After evocation, participants who underwent the conditioning procedure with amitriptyline reported significantly more antidepressant-specific side effects than those who never received amitriptyline, even though both groups received a placebo. Our results indicate that antidepressant side effects can be learned using a conditioning paradigm and evoked via a placebo pill when applied with the same contextual factors as the verum.

Left-handed skeletally mature baseball players have smaller humeral retroversion in the throwing arm than right-handed players.

PubMed

Takenaga, Tetsuya; Goto, Hideyuki; Sugimoto, Katsumasa; Tsuchiya, Atsushi; Fukuyoshi, Masaki; Nakagawa, Hiroki; Nozaki, Masahiro; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Otsuka, Takanobu

2017-12-01

It is known that the humeral retroversion of baseball players is greater in the throwing arm than in the nonthrowing arm. An investigation measuring dry bone specimens also showed that the right humerus had greater retroversion than the left. Considering these facts, it was hypothesized that humeral retroversion would differ between right- and left-handed players. This study aimed to compare the bilateral humeral retroversion between right- and left-handed skeletally mature baseball players. We investigated 260 (196 right-handed and 64 left-handed) male baseball players who belonged to a college or amateur team. Bilateral humeral retroversion was assessed using an ultrasound-assisted technique (humeral torsion angle [HTA]) as described by previous studies. Analysis of covariance, adjusted for handedness and baseball position, assessed the effect of throwing arm dominance on HTA. In comparison of the throwing arm, HTA was significantly smaller in left-handed (left humerus) than in right-handed (right humerus) players (77° vs. 81°; P < .001). In comparison of the nonthrowing arm, HTA was significantly greater in left-handed (right humerus) than in right-handed (left humerus) players (73° vs. 69°; P < .001). The mean side-to-side difference of HTA was significantly smaller in left-handed than in right-handed players (3° vs. 12°; P < .001). Humeral retroversion of left-handed skeletally mature baseball players was significantly smaller in the throwing arm, greater in the nonthrowing arm, and smaller in side-to-side differences than that of right-handed players. These findings may be key to understanding some of the biomechanical differences between right- and left-handed baseball players. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) vs. placebo in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blind study.

PubMed

Pakseresht, Siroos; Boostani, Hatam; Sayyah, Mehdi

2011-10-11

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition. Many herbs with psychotropic effects exist which can have fewer side effects compared to more conventional medications. Valeriana Officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant with a long history of usage in the world with an effect on GABA. This plant is reported to be safe on humans. Our objective in this study was to compare the efficacy of the extract of Valeriana Officinalis L. with placebo in the treatment of OCD. The study was an 8-week pilot double-blind randomized trial. Thirty-one adult outpatients who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for OCD based on the structured clinical interview participated in the trial. In this double-blind and randomized trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive either capsule of the extract (765 mg/day) or placebo (30 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The results showed significant difference between the extract and placebo in the end of treatment (P=0.000). Somnolence was the only significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects (P=0.02). The results suggest that Valeriana Officinalis L. has some antiobsessive and compulsive effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Psychiatrists often find that many patients cannot tolerate the side effects of psychiatry medicine Valeriana Officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant with a long history of usage in world with effect on GABA.The results showed significant difference between the extract and placebo in the treatment of OCD. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects.

Experimental Study of Wake / Flap Interaction Noise and the Reduction of Flap Side Edge Noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutcheson, Florence V.; Stead, Daniel J.; Plassman, Gerald E.

2016-01-01

The effects of the interaction of a wake with a half-span flap on radiated noise are examined. The incident wake is generated by bars of various widths and lengths or by a simplified landing gear model. Single microphone and phased array measurements are used to isolate the effects of the wake interaction on the noise radiating from the flap side edge and flap cove regions. The effects on noise of the wake generator's geometry and relative placement with respect to the flap are assessed. Placement of the wake generators upstream of the flap side edge is shown to lead to the reduction of flap side edge noise by introducing a velocity deficit and likely altering the instabilities in the flap side edge vortex system. Significant reduction in flap side edge noise is achieved with a bar positioned directly upstream of the flap side edge. The noise reduction benefit is seen to improve with increased bar width, length and proximity to the flap edge. Positioning of the landing gear model upstream of the flap side edge also leads to decreased flap side edge noise. In addition, flap cove noise levels are significantly lower than when the landing gear is positioned upstream of the flap mid-span. The impact of the local flow velocity on the noise radiating directly from the landing gear is discussed. The effects of the landing gear side-braces on flap side edge, flap cove and landing gear noise are shown.

Masticatory motor patterns in ungulates: a quantitative assessment of jaw-muscle coordination in goats, alpacas and horses.

PubMed

Williams, Susan H; Vinyard, Christopher J; Wall, Christine E; Hylander, William L

2007-04-01

We investigated patterns of jaw-muscle coordination during rhythmic mastication in three species of ungulates displaying the marked transverse jaw movements typical of many large mammalian herbivores. In order to quantify consistent motor patterns during chewing, electromyograms were recorded from the superficial masseter, deep masseter, posterior temporalis and medial pterygoid muscles of goats, alpacas and horses. Timing differences between muscle pairs were evaluated in the context of an evolutionary model of jaw-muscle function. In this model, the closing and food reduction phases of mastication are primarily controlled by two distinct muscle groups, triplet I (balancing-side superficial masseter and medial pterygoid and working-side posterior temporalis) and triplet II (working-side superficial masseter and medial pterygoid and balancing-side posterior temporalis), and the asynchronous activity of the working- and balancing-side deep masseters. The three species differ in the extent to which the jaw muscles are coordinated as triplet I and triplet II. Alpacas, and to a lesser extent, goats, exhibit the triplet pattern whereas horses do not. In contrast, all three species show marked asynchrony of the working-side and balancing-side deep masseters, with jaw closing initiated by the working-side muscle and the balancing-side muscle firing much later during closing. However, goats differ from alpacas and horses in the timing of the balancing-side deep masseter relative to the triplet II muscles. This study highlights interspecific differences in the coordination of jaw muscles to influence transverse jaw movements and the production of bite force in herbivorous ungulates.

Compressed Sensing mm-Wave SAR for Non-Destructive Testing Applications Using Multiple Weighted Side Information.

PubMed

Becquaert, Mathias; Cristofani, Edison; Van Luong, Huynh; Vandewal, Marijke; Stiens, Johan; Deligiannis, Nikos

2018-05-31

This work explores an innovative strategy for increasing the efficiency of compressed sensing applied on mm-wave SAR sensing using multiple weighted side information. The approach is tested on synthetic and on real non-destructive testing measurements performed on a 3D-printed object with defects while taking advantage of multiple previous SAR images of the object with different degrees of similarity. The tested algorithm attributes autonomously weights to the side information at two levels: (1) between the components inside the side information and (2) between the different side information. The reconstruction is thereby almost immune to poor quality side information while exploiting the relevant components hidden inside the added side information. The presented results prove that, in contrast to common compressed sensing, good SAR image reconstruction is achieved at subsampling rates far below the Nyquist rate. Moreover, the algorithm is shown to be much more robust for low quality side information compared to coherent background subtraction.

A PILOT STUDY OF DIAGNOSTIC NEUROMUSCULAR ULTRASOUND IN BELL'S PALSY

PubMed Central

TAWFIK, EMAN A.; WALKER, FRANCIS O.; CARTWRIGHT, MICHAEL S.

2015-01-01

Background and purpose Neuromuscular ultrasound of the cranial nerves is an emerging field which may help in the assessment of cranial neuropathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of neuromuscular ultrasound in Bell's palsy. A second objective was to assess the possibility of any associated vagus nerve abnormality. Methods Twenty healthy controls and 12 Bell's palsy patients were recruited. The bilateral facial nerves, vagus nerves, and frontalis muscles were scanned using an 18 MHz linear array transducer. Facial nerve diameter, vagus nerve cross-sectional area, and frontalis thickness were measured. Results Mean facial nerve diameter was 0.8 ± 0.2 mm in controls and 1.1 ± 0.3 mm in patients group. The facial nerve diameter was significantly larger in patients than controls (p = 0.006, 95% CI for the difference between groups of 0.12-0.48), with a significant side-to-side difference in patients as well (p = 0.004, 95% CI for side-to-side difference of 0.08-0.52). ROC curve analysis of the absolute facial nerve diameter revealed a sensitivity of 75 % and a specificity of 70 %. No significant differences in vagus nerve cross-sectional area or frontalis thickness were detected between patients and controls. Conclusions Ultrasound can detect facial nerve enlargement in Bell's palsy and may have a role in assessment, or follow-up, of Bell's palsy and other facial nerve disorders. The low sensitivity of the current technique precludes its routine use for diagnosis, however, this study demonstrates its validity and potential for future research. PMID:26076910

Validation of a side-scan sonar method for quantifying walleye spawning habitat availability in the littoral zone of northern Wisconsin Lakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Richter, Jacob T.; Sloss, Brian L.; Isermann, Daniel A.

2016-01-01

Previous research has generally ignored the potential effects of spawning habitat availability and quality on recruitment of Walleye Sander vitreus, largely because information on spawning habitat is lacking for many lakes. Furthermore, traditional transect-based methods used to describe habitat are time and labor intensive. Our objectives were to determine if side-scan sonar could be used to accurately classify Walleye spawning habitat in the nearshore littoral zone and provide lakewide estimates of spawning habitat availability similar to estimates obtained from a transect–quadrat-based method. Based on assessments completed on 16 northern Wisconsin lakes, interpretation of side-scan sonar images resulted in correct identification of substrate size-class for 93% (177 of 191) of selected locations and all incorrect classifications were within ± 1 class of the correct substrate size-class. Gravel, cobble, and rubble substrates were incorrectly identified from side-scan images in only two instances (1% misclassification), suggesting that side-scan sonar can be used to accurately identify preferred Walleye spawning substrates. Additionally, we detected no significant differences in estimates of lakewide littoral zone substrate compositions estimated using side-scan sonar and a traditional transect–quadrat-based method. Our results indicate that side-scan sonar offers a practical, accurate, and efficient technique for assessing substrate composition and quantifying potential Walleye spawning habitat in the nearshore littoral zone of north temperate lakes.

Tibial rotation under combined in vivo loading after single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Tsarouhas, Alexander; Iosifidis, Michael; Spyropoulos, Giannis; Kotzamitelos, Dimitrios; Tsatalas, Themistoklis; Giakas, Giannis

2011-12-01

To evaluate in vivo the differences in tibial rotation between single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knees under combined loading conditions. An 8-camera optoelectronic system and a force plate were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data from 14 patients with double-bundle ACL reconstruction, 14 patients with single-bundle reconstruction, 12 ACL-deficient subjects, and 12 healthy control individuals while performing 2 tasks. The first included walking, 60° pivoting, and stair ascending, and the second included stair descending, 60° pivoting, and walking. The 2 variables evaluated were the maximum range of internal-external tibial rotation and the maximum knee rotational moment. Tibial rotation angles were not significantly different across the 4 groups (P = .331 and P = .851, respectively) or when side-to-side differences were compared within groups (P = .216 and P = .371, respectively) for the ascending and descending maneuvers, nor were rotational moments among the 4 groups (P = .418 and P = .290, respectively). Similarly, for the descending maneuver, the rotational moments were not significantly different between sides (P = .192). However, for the ascending maneuver, rotational moments of the affected sides were significantly lower by 20.5% and 18.7% compared with their intact counterparts in the single-bundle (P = .015) and double-bundle (P = .05) groups, respectively. High-intensity activities combining stair ascending or descending with pivoting produce similar tibial rotation in single- and double-bundle ACL-reconstructed patients. During such maneuvers, the reconstructed knee may be subjected to significantly lower rotational loads compared with the intact knee. Level III, retrospective comparative study. Copyright © 2011 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and characterization of thermo-responsive gold nanorod assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bustamante, Gilbert; Carrizales, Katherine; DeLuna, Frank; Large, Nicolas; Ye, Jing Yong

2018-02-01

Advancements in nanotechnology sensors have aided in the detection of subtle, but significant cellular deviations that may mark certain stages of diseases. Gold nanorods (GNRs) are often studied for this purpose due to their tunable optical properties and ease in surface functionalization. The absorption properties of GNRs are governed by the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), which strongly depends on the GNR's aspect ratio and on interparticle interactions. By controlling the coupling of nearby rods, a sensor can be created to respond to temperature fluctuations in the local environment. Here, we fabricated thermo-responsive gold nanorod assemblies by conjugating GNRs in end-to-end or side-by-side configurations using Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM). End-to-end assemblies were fabricated through mixture of GNRs and PNIPAM in DI water. GNRs and PNIPAM were combined in DI water and dimethylformamide (DMF) under sonication to achieve side-by-side configuration. The optical absorption of the assemblies was measured by UV-Visible spectroscopy at different temperatures. As the temperature increased, the polymer contracted and initiated plasmon coupling between the GNRs. The optical spectrum experienced a blue- or red-shift for side-by-side or end-to-end configurations, respectively. Spectral tunability reversal was observed when cooled. Experimental results were verified by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations, which demonstrated spectral shifts under similar parameters. We present methods for fabrication of thermo-responsive gold nanorods for use as a local thermal nanosensor.

Pi'ilani Highway side on south side of island, Manawainui Bridge, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Pi'ilani Highway side on south side of island, Manawainui Bridge, constructed in 1993 to modern ASHTO standards; note difference in scale with historic Hana Belt Road bridges - Hana Belt Road, Between Haiku and Kaipahulu, Hana, Maui County, HI

Effect of Asymmetric Tension on Biomechanics and Metabolism of Vertebral Epiphyseal Plate in a Rodent Model of Scoliosis.

PubMed

Li, Qian-Yi; Zhong, Gui-Bin; Liu, Zu-de; Lao, Li-Feng

2017-08-01

To investigate the effect of asymmetric tension on idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and to understand its pathogenic mechanism. The rodent model of scoliosis was established using Sprague-Dawley rats with left rib-tethering from T 6 to T 12 , tail and shoulder amputation, and high-cage feeding. Vertebrae epiphyseal cartilage plates were harvested from the convex and concave sides. To analyze differences on the convex and concave sides, finite element analysis was carried out to determine the mechanical stress. Protein expression on epiphyseal cartilage was evaluated by western blot. Micro-CT was taken to evaluate the bone quality of vertebral on both sides. Scoliosis curves presented in X-ray radiographs of the rats. Finite element analysis was carried out on the axial and transverse tension of the spine. Stresses of the convex side were -170.14, -373.18, and -3832.32 MPa (X, Y, and Z axis, respectively), while the concave side showed stresses of 361.99, 605.55, and 3661.95 MPa. Collagen type II, collagen type X, Sox 9, RunX2, VEGF, and aggrecan were expressed significantly more on the convex side (P < 0.05). There was asymmetric expression of protein on the epiphyseal cartilage plate at molecular level. Compared with the convex side, the concave side had significantly lower value in the BV/TV and Tb.N, but higher value in the Tb.Sp (P < 0.05). There was asymmetry of bone quality in micro-architecture. In this study, asymmetric tension contributed to asymmetry in protein expression and bone quality on vertebral epiphyseal plates, ultimately resulting in asymmetry of anatomy. In addition, asymmetry of anatomy aggravated asymmetric tension. It is the first study to show that there is an asymmetrical vicious circle in IS. © 2017 Chinese Orthopaedic Association and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Cognitive effects of radiation emitted by cellular phones: the influence of exposure side and time.

PubMed

Luria, Roy; Eliyahu, Ilan; Hareuveny, Ronen; Margaliot, Menachem; Meiran, Nachshon

2009-04-01

This study examined the time dependence effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by standard GSM cellular phones on the cognitive functions of humans. A total of 48 healthy right-handed male subjects performed a spatial working memory task (that required either a left-hand or a right-hand response) while being exposed to one of two GSM phones placed at both sides of the head. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was exposed to one of three exposure conditions: left-side of the head, right-side, or sham-exposure. The experiment consisted of 12 blocks of trials. Response times (RTs) and accuracy of the responses were recorded. It was found that the average RT of the right-hand responses under left-side exposure condition was significantly longer than those of the right-side and sham-exposure groups averaged together during the first two time blocks. These results confirmed the existence of an effect of exposure on RT, as well as the fact that exposure duration (together with the responding hand and the side of exposure) may play an important role in producing detectable RFR effects on performance. Differences in these parameters might be the reason for the failure of certain studies to detect or replicate RFR effects. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Investigation of the flow in the impeller side clearances of a centrifugal pump with volute casing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Will, Björn-Christian; Benra, Friedrich-Karl; Dohmen, Hans-Josef

2012-06-01

The paper is concerned with the fluid flow in the impeller side clearances of a centrifugal pump with volute casing. The flow conditions in these small axial gaps are of significant importance for a number of effects such as disk friction, leakage losses or hydraulic axial thrust to name but a few. In the investigated single stage pump, the flow pattern in the volute turns out to be asymmetric even at design flow rate. To gain a detailed insight into the flow structure, numerical simulations of the complete pump including the impeller side clearances are accomplished. Additionally, the hydraulic head and the radial pressure distributions in the impeller side clearances are measured and compared with the numerical results. Two configurations of the impeller, either with or without balancing holes, are examined. Moreover, three different operating points, i.e.: design point, part load or overload conditions are considered. In addition, analytical calculations are accomplished to determine the pressure distributions in the impeller side clearances. If accurate boundary conditions are available, the 1D flow models used in this paper can provide reasonable results for the radial static pressure distribution in the impeller side clearances. Furthermore, a counter rotating wake region develops in the rear impeller side clearances in absence of balancing holes which severely affects the inflow and outflow conditions of the cavity in circumferential direction.

No Side-to-Side Difference in Humeral Retroversion in Baseball Players with Shoulder Disorders Using a True Three-Dimensional Measurement Technique: Validation and Comparison

PubMed Central

Saka, Masayuki; Yamauchi, Hiroki; Yoshioka, Toru; Hamada, Hidetoshi; Gamada, Kazuyoshi

2014-01-01

Objectives: Increased humeral retroversion in the throwing shoulder is considered to exist in many baseball players and is often considered as a cause of internal rotation deficit. However, retroversion angles using two-dimensional (2D) methods utilized in previous studies did not correlated with a true three-dimensional measurement technique (3D retroversion) in our study. The purposes of this study were to determine 1) if significant side-to-side differences in retroversion exist, and 2) the relationships between retroversion and glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) in baseball players with a shoulder disorder. Methods: Fourteen male baseball players (age: 21.4 ± 1.5 years; mean ± standard deviation) with a throwing shoulder disorder were enrolled, including 11 in the collegiate and 3 in the adult levels, comprising 5 pitchers and 9 position players. The mean age when the athletes had started playing baseball was 9.1 years (range, 6 to 10 years) and the mean playing experience was 12.1 years (range, 9 to 17 years). Patients with history of fracture or surgery in the shoulder or elbow were excluded. Outcome measurements included a 3D retroversion angle and glenohumeral ROM in bilateral shoulders. Patients underwent CT scan at 1.0 mm slice pitch for the bilateral humerus and geometric bone models were created. The 3D retroversion angle was defined as an angle between the projected humeral neck line (connecting the spherical center of the humeral head and the cylindrical axis of the humeral shaft) onto the horizontal plane and the flexion-extension axis of the distal humerus obtained by a cylinder-fitting method for the capitulum and trochlea (intratester reliability: ICC 0.98, standard error of measurement: 1.7º). The CT slices for the proximal and distal humerus were used to measure a 2D-CT retroversion angle using a reported convention. An indirect measurement of retroversion was performed using a bicipital grove-ulna angle by an ultrasound images dusing a reported convention. Glenohumeral ROM measurements included internal rotation (IR) and horizontal adduction (HAd) in the supine position with the scapula manually stabilized on the treatment table. Independent t tests were used to determine if significant side-to-side differences exist in retroversion and glenohumeral ROM. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between retroversion and glenohumeral ROM in the throwing shoulders. Statistical analysis was performed with PASW Statistics 18 (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL). An alpha level of 0.05 was set a priori for statistical significance. Results: No significant difference was found in 3D retroversion between the throwing and non-throwing shoulders (P = .182). The throwing shoulders demonstrated decreased IR and HAd compared with the non-throwing shoulders (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). There were no significant correlations between retroversion and glenohumeral ROM for the throwing shoulders (Table). The 2D-CT retroversion and bicipital grove-ulna angles were greater in the throwing shoulder (P = .007 and .009, respectively). Conclusion: Contradicted to the previous studies, no side-to-side difference in retroversion and no association between retroversion and glenohumeral ROM were observed in the baseball players with a shoulder disorder. We believe that deficit in shoulder IR and HAd may be attributed to soft tissue tightness. The results of the previous studies involving humeral retroversion should be reassessed.

Effect of Anticipation on Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Side- and Cross-Cutting Maneuvers in Young Soccer Players.

PubMed

Kim, Jin Hyun; Lee, Ki-Kwang; Kong, Se Jin; An, Keun Ok; Jeong, Jin Hwa; Lee, Yong Seuk

2014-08-01

Less mature athletes exhibit biomechanical parameters during cutting maneuvers that may place these athletes at greater risk for injury than their more mature counterparts, especially if the maneuvers are unanticipated. However, most studies on risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have focused on neuromuscular and knee kinematic differences between the sexes, not on the biomechanical parameters between specific sporting maneuvers. (1) Anticipation will have a greater effect than the type of cutting maneuver (side- vs cross-cutting) in terms of the biomechanical risk factors for ACL injuries, and (2) the biomechanical risk factors will be different between the 2 types of maneuvers. Controlled laboratory study. Thirty-seven young, male middle school soccer players participated in this study. Three-dimensional motion analysis featuring ground-reaction force and electromyography of the right leg was used. Kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography data for each athlete were analyzed during anticipated and unanticipated side- and cross-cutting maneuvers. The differences between anticipated and unanticipated states as well as between side- and cross-cutting maneuvers were calculated and compared. After unanticipated side-cutting, the time to peak ground-reaction force was longer and peak values were smaller compared with anticipated side-cutting. Flexion, valgus, and internal rotations in the knee joint were larger, and greater flexion and valgus moments were observed. The vastus lateralis and vastus medialis showed lower activity, and the lateral gastrocnemius showed higher activity after unanticipated side-cutting maneuvers. With unanticipated cross-cutting, the time to peak ground-reaction force was longer and peak values were smaller compared with anticipated cross-cutting, and the lateral gastrocnemius showed higher activity. Differences in the peak values of the mediolateral and vertical forces were smaller in the cross-cutting maneuver than in side-cutting. Changes in flexion and adduction of the hip joint, flexion of the knee joint, and inversion of the ankle joint were larger during side-cutting. Although there were some interactions between direction and anticipation, anticipating a cutting maneuver generally had a greater effect than the type of maneuver when there was no significant interaction. Increases in the valgus angle and moment of the knee joint and higher lateral gastrocnemius activity during the late period showed an association with ACL injury risk factors during side-cutting, and higher lateral gastrocnemius activity during the early period showed an association with injury risk factors during cross-cutting. © 2014 The Author(s).

Cellular and Matrix Response of the Mandibular Condylar Cartilage to Botulinum Toxin

PubMed Central

Dutra, Eliane H.; O’ Brien, Mara H.; Lima, Alexandro; Kalajzic, Zana; Tadinada, Aditya; Nanda, Ravindra; Yadav, Sumit

2016-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the cellular and matrix effects of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) on mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and subchondral bone. Materials and Methods Botox (0.3 unit) was injected into the right masseter of 5-week-old transgenic mice (Col10a1-RFPcherry) at day 1. Left side masseter was used as intra-animal control. The following bone labels were intraperitoneally injected: calcein at day 7, alizarin red at day 14 and calcein at day 21. In addition, EdU was injected 48 and 24 hours before sacrifice. Mice were sacrificed 30 days after Botox injection. Experimental and control side mandibles were dissected and examined by x-ray imaging and micro-CT. Subsequently, MCC along with the subchondral bone was sectioned and stained with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), EdU, TUNEL, alkaline phosphatase, toluidine blue and safranin O. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry for pSMAD and VEGF. Results Bone volume fraction, tissue density and trabecular thickness were significantly decreased on the right side of the subchondral bone and mineralized cartilage (Botox was injected) when compared to the left side. There was no significant difference in the mandibular length and condylar head length; however, the condylar width was significantly decreased after Botox injection. Our histology showed decreased numbers of Col10a1 expressing cells, decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in the subchondral bone and mandibular condylar cartilage, decreased TRAP activity and mineralization of Botox injected side cartilage and subchondral bone. Furthermore, we observed reduced proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan distribution and decreased expression of pSMAD 1/5/8 and VEGF in the MCC of the Botox injected side in comparison to control side. Conclusion Injection of Botox in masseter muscle leads to decreased mineralization and matrix deposition, reduced chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation and increased cell apoptosis in the MCC and subchondral bone. PMID:27723812

Capillary surfaces in a wedge: Differing contact angles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Concus, Paul; Finn, Robert

1994-01-01

The possible zero-gravity equilibrium configurations of capillary surfaces u(x, y) in cylindrical containers whose sections are (wedge) domains with corners are investigated mathematically, for the case in which the contact angles on the two sides of the wedge may differ. In such a situation the behavior can depart in significant qualitative ways from that for which the contact angles on the two sides are the same. Conditions are described under which such qualitative changes must occur. Numerically computed surfaces are depicted to indicate the behavior.

Left-sided strokes are more often recognized than right-sided strokes: the Rotterdam study.

PubMed

Portegies, Marileen L P; Selwaness, Mariana; Hofman, Albert; Koudstaal, Peter J; Vernooij, Meike W; Ikram, M Arfan

2015-01-01

Left-sided strokes are reported to be more common than right-sided strokes, but it is unknown whether they occur more often or are simply recognized more easily by clinicians. In a large unselected community-dwelling population, we examined the frequency of clinical left- and right-sided strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and compared it with the frequency of left- and right-sided infarcts on MRI. This study was conducted within the population-based Rotterdam Study. Between 1990 and 2012, 13 894 participants were followed up for first-ever stroke and TIA. MRI scans were performed within a random subgroup of 5081 persons and were rated for the presence of supratentorial cortical and lacunar infarcts. We compared frequencies of left- and right-sided strokes, TIAs, or MRI infarcts using binomial and Fisher exact tests. After a mean follow-up of 9.6 (±6.0) years, 1252 patients had a stroke, of which 704 were ischemic, and 799 participants had a TIA. Within the subgroup with MRI, we identified 673 infarcts. Ischemic strokes were more frequently left-sided (57.7%; 95% confidence interval, 53.7-61.6) than right-sided, similar to TIAs (57.8% left-sided; 53.4-62.3). In contrast, we found no left-right difference in distribution of infarcts on MRI (51.9% left-sided; 48.1-55.6). Clinical ischemic strokes and TIAs are more frequently left-sided than right-sided, whereas this difference is not present for infarcts on MRI. This suggests that left-sided strokes and TIAs are more easily recognized. Consequently, there should be more attention for symptoms of right-sided strokes and TIAs. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

From Comb-like Polymers to Bottle-Brushes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Heyi; Cao, Zhen; Dobrynin, Andrey; Sheiko, Sergei

We use a combination of the coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and scaling analysis to study conformations of bottle-brushes and comb-like polymers in a melt. Our analysis show that bottle-brushes and comb-like polymers can be in four different conformation regimes depending on the number of monomers between grafted side chains and side chain degree of polymerization. In loosely-grafted comb regime (LC) the degree of polymerization between side chains is longer than side chain degree of polymerization, such that the side chains belonging to the same macromolecule do not overlap. Crossover to a new densely-grafted comb regime (DC) takes place when side chains begin to overlap reducing interpenetration of side chains belonging to different macromolecules. In these two regimes both side-chains and backbone behave as unperturbed linear chains with the effective Kuhn length of the backbone being close to that of linear chain. Further decrease spacer degree of polymerization results in crossover to loosely-grafted bottle-brush regime (LB). In this regime, the bottle-brush backbone is stretched while the side-chains still maintain ideal chain conformation. Finally, for even shorter spacer between grafted side chains, which corresponds to densely-grafted bottle-brush regime (DB), the backbone adopts a fully extended chain conformation, and side-chains begin to stretch to maintain a constant monomer density. NSF DMR-1409710, DMR-1407645, DMR-1624569, DMR-1436201.

How gender and boat-side affect shape characteristics of force-angle profiles in single sculling: Insights from functional data analysis.

PubMed

Warmenhoven, John; Cobley, Stephen; Draper, Conny; Harrison, Andrew; Bargary, Norma; Smith, Richard

2018-05-01

To examine whether gender or side of the boat influenced shape characteristics of the force-angle profile in on-water single sculling. Cross-sectional study design. Bivariate functional principal components analysis (bfPCA) was applied to force-angle data to identify the main modes of variance in curves of forty highly skilled male and female rowers (national and international level), rowing at 32 strokes per minute in a single scull boat. Separate discriminant function analyses for each side of the boat showed strong classification of rowers for gender. Force application close to (or closely around) the perpendicular oar position was demonstrated to be different between genders. A mixed ANOVA exploring gender, boat side and their interaction revealed that bow and stroke side forces were also statistically different from each other independently of gender. A main effect, independent of side of the boat, was also present for gender and no interaction was found between gender and boat side. Bow side forces seemingly acted as a driver of power and peak force production, while stroke side forces may have acted as a mediator of propulsive forces with an additional potential role in steering due to known asymmetrical offsets in boat rigging. Results demonstrate that propulsive force differences according to gender and boat-side are evident and must be acknowledged and accounted for before force-angle graphs are explored relative to performance measures. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Incisor and molar overjet, arch contraction, and molar relationship in the mixed dentition in repaired complete unilateral cleft lip and palate: A qualitative and quantitative appraisal.

PubMed

Disthaporn, Suteeta; Suri, Sunjay; Ross, Bruce; Tompson, Bryan; Baena, Diogenes; Fisher, David; Lou, Wendy

2017-07-01

To compare the mixed dentition incisor and molar overjet, severity of contraction of the dental arch, and the sagittal molar relationship on the cleft side vs the noncleft side in children with repaired complete unilateral cleft of the lip and palate (UCLP). Orthodontic records taken prior to orthodontic preparation for alveolar bone grafting were screened to select study casts from patients with nonsyndromic repaired complete UCLP who did not have mandibular skeletal or dental asymmetry. The study sample comprised dental casts from 74 children aged 8.9 ± 1 years. Standardized digital photographs were acquired at 1:1 magnification. A coordinate system was developed using digital image-processing software (Photoshop CS4 and Adobe Illustrator). Incisor and molar overjet, Angle's classification, and arch contraction were recorded. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and kappa statistics were used to compare the cleft and noncleft sides. A negative overjet of -1 to -5 mm was often present at the incisors, with greater frequency and magnitude on the cleft side. Class II molar relation was more frequent on the cleft side (61.1%) than on the noncleft side (47.2%). Significantly greater contraction of the cleft side deciduous canine and deciduous first molar was noted, while the difference was very minor at the first permanent molar. Cleft side maxillary arch contraction was most severe in the deciduous canine and first deciduous molar region and progressively less severe in the posterior region of the arch. A greater frequency and severity of negative overjet and Class II molar relationship was seen on the cleft side.

In vitro comparative analysis of the fit of gold alloy or commercially pure titanium implant-supported prostheses before and after electroerosion.

PubMed

Sartori, Ivete Aparecida de Mattias; Ribeiro, Ricardo Faria; Francischone, Carlos Eduardo; de Mattos, Maria da Gloria Chiarello

2004-08-01

For implant-supported prostheses, passive fit is critical for the success of rehabilitation, especially when alternative materials are used. The purpose of this study was to compare interfacial fit of implant-supported prostheses cast in titanium to those cast in gold alloy. Five 3-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated in gold alloy (Degudent U) as 1-piece castings, and 5 others were similarly cast in commercially pure titanium (Grade 1). The interfacial gaps between the prostheses and the abutments were evaluated with an optical microscope, before and after electroerosion. Readings were made with both screws tightened (10 N.cm torque), and with only 1 side tightened, so as to also evaluate the passive fit of the prostheses. Data were compared statistically by 2-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey multiple range test (alpha=.05). Before electroerosion, the interfacial gaps for the 1-piece prostheses were significantly smaller (P<.001) in the gold alloy group when the screws were tightened (Au=12.6 +/- 3.0 microm, compared to Ti=30.1 +/- 6.4 microm). When the side opposite the tightened side was analyzed, there was no significant difference between the gold alloy and titanium groups (Au=69.2 +/- 24.9 microm and Ti=94.2 +/- 39.6 microm). The electroerosion procedure significantly (P<.001) reduced the gaps at the interfaces for both groups under all conditions. Comparison between groups after electroerosion did not present significant differences when the side opposite the tightened side was analyzed, but the gold alloy group showed better fit when the tightened side was analyzed (12.8 +/- 1.4 microm for gold alloy; 29.6 +/- 4.4 microm for titanium) and when both screws were tightened (5.4 +/- 2.3 microm for gold alloy; 16.1 +/- 5.5 microm for titanium). Cast titanium prostheses, despite showing larger interfacial gaps between the prosthesis and abutment than those obtained with gold alloy, had improved fit after being subjected to electroerosion.

A randomized controlled trial of a middle meatal silastic stent for reducing adhesions and middle turbinate lateralization following endoscopic sinus surgery.

PubMed

Chan, Chun L; Elmiyeh, Behrad; Woods, Charmaine; Ullah, Shahid; Gunawardena, Indunil; Carney, A Simon; Ooi, Eng H

2015-06-01

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is indicated for patients with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms. However, surgical revision can be required because of adhesion formation and middle turbinate lateralization. We investigate the efficacy of a middle meatal silastic stent in reducing these complications after ESS. Thirty-six patients were randomized to receive a silastic stent in the middle meatus unilaterally after ESS. The surgeon was blinded to the side receiving the stent until completion of the ESS. The contralateral side, with no stent, was the control side. Patients completed a 7-day, postoperative, visual analog scale symptom diary and were blinded to the stent side until its removal at the first postoperative visit. Patients were followed up after 2, 8, and 24 weeks. Endoscopic video of the sinus cavities were recorded at all visits and 2 blinded, independent ear/nose/throat (ENT) surgeons assessed the videos using a modified Lund-Kennedy scoring system. Thirty-five of 36 patients completed 6-months' follow-up. Middle turbinate lateralization was observed in 13 sides without a stent vs 1 side with a stent. There was a significant reduction in adhesions at weeks 2 and 8 (p < 0.001) and crusting (p < 0.01) in the stent side compared to control. Video scores at 6 months after surgery for stent and control sides remained unchanged from the 8-week visit. There was no difference between sides for symptom scores, edema, or nasal discharge. Middle meatal silastic stents are well tolerated by patients and effective in reducing middle turbinate lateralization, adhesions, and crusting postoperatively in ESS. © 2015 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Conjugation of diisocyanate side chains to dimethacrylate reduces polymerization shrinkage and increases the hardness of composite resins.

PubMed

Jan, Yih-Dean; Lee, Bor-Shiunn; Lin, Chun-Pin; Tseng, Wan-Yu

2014-04-01

Polymerization shrinkage is one of the main causes of dental restoration failure. This study tried to conjugate two diisocyanate side chains to dimethacrylate resins in order to reduce polymerization shrinkage and increase the hardness of composite resins. Diisocyanate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and bisphenol A dimethacrylate were reacted in different ratios to form urethane-modified new resin matrices, and then mixed with 50 wt.% silica fillers. The viscosities of matrices, polymerization shrinkage, surface hardness, and degrees of conversion of experimental composite resins were then evaluated and compared with a non-modified control group. The viscosities of resin matrices increased with increasing diisocyanate side chain density. Polymerization shrinkage and degree of conversion, however, decreased with increasing diisocyanate side chain density. The surface hardness of all diisocyanate-modified groups was equal to or significantly higher than that of the control group. Conjugation of diisocyanate side chains to dimethacrylate represents an effective means of reducing polymerization shrinkage and increasing the surface hardness of dental composite resins. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The possibility of left dominant activation of the sensorimotor cortex during lip protrusion in men.

PubMed

Fukunaga, Atsushi; Ohira, Takayuki; Kamba, Masayuki; Ogawa, Seiji; Akiyama, Takenori; Kawase, Takeshi

2009-09-01

Lip protrusion requires bilateral symmetrical movements of the facial muscles, but the laterality of the activated sensorimotor cortex corresponding to the area of the face activated during lip protrusion remains under discussion. In this study, blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) responses in the sensorimotor cortex during non-verbal lip protrusion were evaluated in a 3T magnetic field in twenty healthy right-handed subjects. The results showed that the activated sensorimotor area on the left side was larger than that on the right side, and there was a statistically significant difference in the number of activated voxels between the left and right sensorimotor cortex in an individual study of the male group, although approximately symmetrical motor action potentials of facial muscles were recorded during lip protrusion. There was a statistically significant difference in interaction between the hemisphere (right and left) and sex (men and women) and multiple comparison test showed statistical significant differences between "men and right" and "men and left", and between "men and left" and "women and left". The peak value of the percent changes in BOLD signal responses on the left side was approximately twice as high as that on the right side in the males of the group, though the bilateral sensorimotor cortex was almost equally activated in the females in the group. In addition, the left primary sensory area related to the face area was significantly activated as a region where Male was more active than Female in a general linear model (multi-study, multisubject) analysis. This study revealed the possibility that the left sensorimotor cortex was more closely involved in non-verbal mouth movement in men, suggesting sex-related differences in sensorimotor cortex activation.

Elbow flexor and extensor muscle weakness in lateral epicondylalgia.

PubMed

Coombes, Brooke K; Bisset, Leanne; Vicenzino, Bill

2012-05-01

To evaluate whether deficits of elbow flexor and extensor muscle strength exist in lateral epicondylalgia (LE) in comparison with a healthy control population. Cross-sectional study. 150 participants with unilateral LE were compared with 54 healthy control participants. Maximal isometric elbow flexion and extension strength were measured bilaterally using a purpose-built standing frame such that gripping was avoided. The authors found significant side differences in elbow extensor (-6.54 N, 95% CI -11.43 to -1.65, p=0.008, standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.45) and flexor muscle strength (-11.26 N, 95% CI -19.59 to -2.94, p=0.009, SMD -0.46) between LE and control groups. Within the LE group, only elbow extensor muscle strength deficits between sides was significant (affected-unaffected: -2.94 N, 95% CI -5.44 to -0.44). Small significant deficits of elbow extensor and flexor muscle strength exist in the affected arm of unilateral LE in comparison with healthy controls. Notably, comparing elbow strength between the affected and unaffected sides in unilateral epicondylalgia is likely to underestimate these deficits. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12609000051246.

Movement side effects of antipsychotic drugs in adults with and without intellectual disability: UK population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Sheehan, Rory; Horsfall, Laura; Strydom, André; Osborn, David; Walters, Kate; Hassiotis, Angela

2017-08-03

To measure the incidence of movement side effects of antipsychotic drugs in adults with intellectual disability and compare rates with adults without intellectual disability. Cohort study using data from The Health Improvement Network. UK primary care. Adults with intellectual disability prescribed antipsychotic drugs matched to a control group of adults without intellectual disability prescribed antipsychotic drugs. New records of movement side effect including acute dystonias, akathisia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinaesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. 9013 adults with intellectual disability and a control cohort of 34 242 adults without intellectual disability together contributed 148 709 person-years data. The overall incidence of recorded movement side effects was 275 per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 256 to 296) in the intellectual disability group and 248 per 10 000 person-years (95% CI 237 to 260) in the control group. The incidence of any recorded movement side effect was significantly greater in people with intellectual disability compared with those without (incidence rate ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.42, p<0.001, after adjustment for potential confounders), with parkinsonism and akathisia showing the greatest difference between the groups. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, although occurring infrequently, was three times more common in people with intellectual disability-prescribed antipsychotic drugs (incidence rate ratio 3.03, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.30, p=0.013). Differences in rates of movement side effects between the groups were not due to differences in the proportions prescribed first and second-generation antipsychotic drugs. This study provides evidence to substantiate the long-held assumption that people with intellectual disability are more susceptible to movement side effects of antipsychotic drugs. Assessment for movement side effects should be integral to antipsychotic drug monitoring in people with intellectual disability. Regular medication review is essential to ensure optimal prescribing in this group. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Microstructural variation through weld thickness and mechanical properties of peened friction stir welded 6061 aluminum alloy joints

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdulstaar, Mustafa A., E-mail: mustafa.abdulstaar

The current study examined the effect of microstructure variation on the development of mechanical properties in friction stir welded joints of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which were subsequently processed by shot peening (SP). Following to FSW, fatigue specimens were extracted perpendicularly to the welding direction. Surface Skimming to 0.5 mm from crown and root sides of the joint was made and SP was later applied on the two sides using ceramic shots of two different Almen intensities of 0.18 mmA and 0.24 mmA. Microstructural examination by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) indicated variation in the grain refinement of the weld zone,more » with coarsest grains (5 μm) at the crown side and finest grains (2 μm) at the root side. Reduction of microhardness to 60 HV occurred in the weld zone for samples in FSW condition. Application of SP promoted significant strain hardening at the crown side, with Almen intensities of 0.24 mmA providing maximum increase in microhardness to 120 HV. On the contrary, only a maximum microhardness of 75 HV was obtained at the root side. The difference in strain hardening capability at the two sides was strongly dependent on grain size. The two Almen intensities produced similar distribution of compressive residual stresses in the subsurface regions that led to enhance the fatigue strength to the level of base metal for N ≥ 10{sup 5} cycles. Yet, the increase in fatigue strength was more pronounced with increasing Almen intensity to 0.24 mmA, demonstrating further enhancement by strain hardening. - Highlights: • Grain refinement was observed after friction stir welding of AA 6061-T6. • Reduction in microhardness and fatigue strength were obtained after welding. • Variation in grain refinement led to different hardening behavior after peening. • Shot peening induced beneficial compressive residual stresses. • Shot peening and surface skimming markedly improved the fatigue performance.« less

Radiofrequency radiation injures trees around mobile phone base stations.

PubMed

Waldmann-Selsam, Cornelia; Balmori-de la Puente, Alfonso; Breunig, Helmut; Balmori, Alfonso

2016-12-01

In the last two decades, the deployment of phone masts around the world has taken place and, for many years, there has been a discussion in the scientific community about the possible environmental impact from mobile phone base stations. Trees have several advantages over animals as experimental subjects and the aim of this study was to verify whether there is a connection between unusual (generally unilateral) tree damage and radiofrequency exposure. To achieve this, a detailed long-term (2006-2015) field monitoring study was performed in the cities of Bamberg and Hallstadt (Germany). During monitoring, observations and photographic recordings of unusual or unexplainable tree damage were taken, alongside the measurement of electromagnetic radiation. In 2015 measurements of RF-EMF (Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields) were carried out. A polygon spanning both cities was chosen as the study site, where 144 measurements of the radiofrequency of electromagnetic fields were taken at a height of 1.5m in streets and parks at different locations. By interpolation of the 144 measurement points, we were able to compile an electromagnetic map of the power flux density in Bamberg and Hallstadt. We selected 60 damaged trees, in addition to 30 randomly selected trees and 30 trees in low radiation areas (n=120) in this polygon. The measurements of all trees revealed significant differences between the damaged side facing a phone mast and the opposite side, as well as differences between the exposed side of damaged trees and all other groups of trees in both sides. Thus, we found that side differences in measured values of power flux density corresponded to side differences in damage. The 30 selected trees in low radiation areas (no visual contact to any phone mast and power flux density under 50μW/m 2 ) showed no damage. Statistical analysis demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone masts is harmful for trees. These results are consistent with the fact that damage afflicted on trees by mobile phone towers usually start on one side, extending to the whole tree over time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of two humidification systems for long-term noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Nava, S; Cirio, S; Fanfulla, F; Carlucci, A; Navarra, A; Negri, A; Ceriana, P

2008-08-01

There is no consensus concerning the best system of humidification during long-term noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV). In a technical pilot randomised crossover 12-month study, 16 patients with stable chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure received either heated humidification or heat and moisture exchanger. Compliance with long-term NIMV, airway symptoms, side-effects and number of severe acute pulmonary exacerbations requiring hospitalisation were recorded. Two patients died. Intention-to-treat statistical analysis was performed on 14 patients. No significant differences were observed in compliance with long-term NIMV, but 10 out of 14 patients decided to continue long-term NIMV with heated humidification at the end of the trial. The incidence of side-effects, except for dry throat (significantly more often present using heat and moisture exchanger), hospitalisations and pneumonia were not significantly different. In the present pilot study, the use heated humidification and heat and moisture exchanger showed similar tolerance and side-effects, but a higher number of patients decided to continue long-term noninvasive mechanical ventilation with heated humidification. Further larger studies are required in order to confirm these findings.

Changes in temporomandibular joint spaces after arthroscopic disc repositioning: a self-control study

PubMed Central

Kai Hu, Ying; Abdelrehem, Ahmed; Yang, Chi; Cai, Xie Yi; Xie, Qian Yang; Sah, Manoj Kumar

2017-01-01

Disc repositioning is a common procedure for patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD). The purpose of this retrospective record-based study was to evaluate changes in the widths of joint spaces and condylar position changes in patients with unilateral ADD following arthroscopic disc repositioning, with the healthy sides as self-control, using magnetic resonance images (MRI).Widths of anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces (AS, SS, and PS) were measured. The condylar position was described as anterior, centric or posterior, expressed as . Paired-t test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Fifty-four records conformed to the inclusion criteria (mean age of 21.02 years). Widths of SS and PS increased significantly after surgery (P < 0.001) on the operative sides, while joint spaces of healthy sides and AS of operative sides had no significant changes. Dominant location of condyles of operative sides changed from a posterior position to an anterior position, while healthy sides were mostly centric condylar position no matter preoperatively or postoperatively. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that unilateral arthroscopic disc repositioning significantly increases the posterior and superior spaces of the affected joints, without affecting spaces of the healthy sides. PMID:28361905

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy poses physical injury risk to surgeons: analysis of hand technique and standing position.

PubMed

Youssef, Yassar; Lee, Gyusung; Godinez, Carlos; Sutton, Erica; Klein, Rosemary V; George, Ivan M; Seagull, F Jacob; Park, Adrian

2011-07-01

This study compares surgical techniques and surgeon's standing position during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), investigating each with respect to surgeons' learning, performance, and ergonomics. Little homogeneity exists in LC performance and training. Variations in standing position (side-standing technique vs. between-standing technique) and hand technique (one-handed vs. two-handed) exist. Thirty-two LC procedures performed on a virtual reality simulator were video-recorded and analyzed. Each subject performed four different procedures: one-handed/side-standing, one-handed/between-standing, two-handed/side-standing, and two-handed/between-standing. Physical ergonomics were evaluated using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Mental workload assessment was acquired with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Virtual reality (VR) simulator-generated performance evaluation and a subjective survey were analyzed. RULA scores were consistently lower (indicating better ergonomics) for the between-standing technique and higher (indicating worse ergonomics) for the side-standing technique, regardless of whether one- or two-handed. Anatomical scores overall showed side-standing to have a detrimental effect on the upper arms and trunk. The NASA-TLX showed significant association between the side-standing position and high physical demand, effort, and frustration (p<0.05). The two-handed technique in the side-standing position required more effort than the one-handed (p<0.05). No difference in operative time or complication rate was demonstrated among the four procedures. The two-handed/between-standing method was chosen as the best procedure to teach and standardize. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy poses a risk of physical injury to the surgeon. As LC is currently commonly performed in the United States, the left side-standing position may lead to increased physical demand and effort, resulting in ergonomically unsound conditions for the surgeon. Though further investigations should be conducted, adopting the between-standing position deserves serious consideration as it may be the best short-term ergonomic alternative.

Quantifying side-chain conformational variations in protein structure

PubMed Central

Miao, Zhichao; Cao, Yang

2016-01-01

Protein side-chain conformation is closely related to their biological functions. The side-chain prediction is a key step in protein design, protein docking and structure optimization. However, side-chain polymorphism comprehensively exists in protein as various types and has been long overlooked by side-chain prediction. But such conformational variations have not been quantitatively studied and the correlations between these variations and residue features are vague. Here, we performed statistical analyses on large scale data sets and found that the side-chain conformational flexibility is closely related to the exposure to solvent, degree of freedom and hydrophilicity. These analyses allowed us to quantify different types of side-chain variabilities in PDB. The results underscore that protein side-chain conformation prediction is not a single-answer problem, leading us to reconsider the assessment approaches of side-chain prediction programs. PMID:27845406

Quantifying side-chain conformational variations in protein structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Zhichao; Cao, Yang

2016-11-01

Protein side-chain conformation is closely related to their biological functions. The side-chain prediction is a key step in protein design, protein docking and structure optimization. However, side-chain polymorphism comprehensively exists in protein as various types and has been long overlooked by side-chain prediction. But such conformational variations have not been quantitatively studied and the correlations between these variations and residue features are vague. Here, we performed statistical analyses on large scale data sets and found that the side-chain conformational flexibility is closely related to the exposure to solvent, degree of freedom and hydrophilicity. These analyses allowed us to quantify different types of side-chain variabilities in PDB. The results underscore that protein side-chain conformation prediction is not a single-answer problem, leading us to reconsider the assessment approaches of side-chain prediction programs.

Quantifying side-chain conformational variations in protein structure.

PubMed

Miao, Zhichao; Cao, Yang

2016-11-15

Protein side-chain conformation is closely related to their biological functions. The side-chain prediction is a key step in protein design, protein docking and structure optimization. However, side-chain polymorphism comprehensively exists in protein as various types and has been long overlooked by side-chain prediction. But such conformational variations have not been quantitatively studied and the correlations between these variations and residue features are vague. Here, we performed statistical analyses on large scale data sets and found that the side-chain conformational flexibility is closely related to the exposure to solvent, degree of freedom and hydrophilicity. These analyses allowed us to quantify different types of side-chain variabilities in PDB. The results underscore that protein side-chain conformation prediction is not a single-answer problem, leading us to reconsider the assessment approaches of side-chain prediction programs.

Temporal water quality response in an urban river: a case study in peninsular Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

VishnuRadhan, Renjith; Zainudin, Zaki; Sreekanth, G. B.; Dhiman, Ravinder; Salleh, Mohd. Noor; Vethamony, P.

2017-05-01

Ambient water quality is a prerequisite for the health and self-purification capacity of riverine ecosystems. To understand the general water quality situation, the time series data of selected water quality parameters were analyzed in an urban river in Peninsular Malaysia. In this regard, the stations were selected from the main stem of the river as well as from the side channel. The stations located at the main stem of the river are less polluted than that in the side channel. Water Quality Index scores indicated that the side channel station is the most polluted, breaching the Class IV water quality criteria threshold during the monitoring period, followed by stations at the river mouth and the main channel. The effect of immediate anthropogenic waste input is also evident at the side channel station. The Organic Pollution Index of side channel station is (14.99) 3 times higher than at stations at river mouth (4.11) and 6 times higher than at the main channel (2.57). The two-way ANOVA showed significant difference among different stations. Further, the factor analysis on water quality parameters yielded two significant factors. They discriminated the stations into two groups. The land-use land cover classification of the study area shows that the region near the sampling sites is dominated by urban settlements (33.23 %) and this can contribute significantly to the deterioration of ambient river water quality. The present study estimated the water quality condition and response in the river and the study can be an immediate yardstick for base lining river water quality, and a basis for future water quality modeling studies in the region.

Location of Primary Tumor and Benefit From Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients With RAS and BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Moretto, Roberto; Cremolini, Chiara; Rossini, Daniele; Pietrantonio, Filippo; Battaglin, Francesca; Mennitto, Alessia; Bergamo, Francesca; Loupakis, Fotios; Marmorino, Federica; Berenato, Rosa; Marsico, Valentina Angela; Caporale, Marta; Antoniotti, Carlotta; Masi, Gianluca; Salvatore, Lisa; Borelli, Beatrice; Fontanini, Gabriella; Lonardi, Sara; De Braud, Filippo; Falcone, Alfredo

2016-08-01

Right- and left-sided colorectal cancers (CRCs) differ in clinical and molecular characteristics. Some retrospective analyses suggested that patients with right-sided tumors derive less benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies; however, molecular selection in those studies was not extensive. Patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic CRC (mCRC) who were treated with single-agent anti-EGFRs or with cetuximab-irinotecan (if refractory to previous irinotecan) were included in the study. Differences in outcome between patients with right- and left-sided tumors were investigated. Of 75 patients, 14 and 61 had right- and left-sided tumors, respectively. None of the right-sided tumors responded according to RECIST, compared with 24 left-sided tumors (overall response rate: 0% vs. 41%; p = .0032), and only 2 patients with right-sided tumors (15%) versus 47 patients with left-sided tumors (80%) achieved disease control (p < .0001). The median duration of progression-free survival was 2.3 and 6.6 months in patients with right-sided and left-sided tumors, respectively (hazard ratio: 3.97; 95% confidence interval: 2.09-7.53; p < .0001). Patients with right-sided RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC seemed to derive no benefit from single-agent anti-EGFRs. Right- and left-sided colorectal tumors have peculiar epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics, distinct gene expression profiles and genetic alterations, and different prognoses. This study assessed the potential predictive impact of primary tumor site with regard to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody treatment in patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. The results demonstrated the lack of activity of anti-EGFRs in RAS and BRAF wild-type, right-sided tumors, thus suggesting a potential role for primary tumor location in driving treatment choices. ©AlphaMed Press.

Duplicated Female Receptacle Organs for Traumatic Insemination in the Tropical Bed Bug Cimex hemipterus: Adaptive Variation or Malformation?

PubMed Central

Kamimura, Yoshitaka; Mitsumoto, Hiroyuki; Lee, Chow-Yang

2014-01-01

During mating, male bed bugs (Cimicidae) pierce the female abdomen to inject sperm using their needle-like genitalia. Females evolved specialized paragenital organs (the spermalege and associated structures) to receive traumatically injected ejaculates. In Leptocimex duplicatus, the spermalege is duplicated, but the evolutionary significance of this is unclear. In Cimex hemipterus and C. lectularius, in which females normally develop a single spermalege on the right side of the abdomen, similar duplication sometimes occurs. Using these aberrant morphs (D-females) of C. hemipterus, we tested the hypothesis that both of the duplicated spermaleges are functionally competent. Scars on female abdominal exoskeletons indicated frequent misdirected piercing by male genitalia. However, the piercing sites showed a highly biased distribution towards the right side of the female body. A mating experiment showed that when the normal insemination site (the right-side spermalege) was artificially covered, females remained unfertilized. This was true even when females also had a spermalege on the left side (D-females). This result was attributed to handedness in male mating behavior. Irrespective of the observed disuse of the left-side spermalege by males for insemination, histological examination failed to detect any differences between the right-side and left-side spermaleges. Moreover, an artificial insemination experiment confirmed that spermatozoa injected into the left-side spermalege show apparently normal migration behavior to the female reproductive organs, indicating an evolutionary potential for functionally-competent duplicated spermaleges. We discuss possible mechanisms for the evolutionary maintenance of D-females and propose a plausible route to the functionally-competent duplicated spermaleges observed in L. duplicatus. PMID:24586643

An automatic alignment tool to improve repeatability of left ventricular function and dyssynchrony parameters in serial gated myocardial perfusion SPECT studies

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yanli; Faber, Tracy L.; Patel, Zenic; Folks, Russell D.; Cheung, Alice A.; Garcia, Ernest V.; Soman, Prem; Li, Dianfu; Cao, Kejiang; Chen, Ji

2013-01-01

Objective Left ventricular (LV) function and dyssynchrony parameters measured from serial gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using blinded processing had a poorer repeatability than when manual side-by-side processing was used. The objective of this study was to validate whether an automatic alignment tool can reduce the variability of LV function and dyssynchrony parameters in serial gated SPECT MPI. Methods Thirty patients who had undergone serial gated SPECT MPI were prospectively enrolled in this study. Thirty minutes after the first acquisition, each patient was repositioned and a gated SPECT MPI image was reacquired. The two data sets were first processed blinded from each other by the same technologist in different weeks. These processed data were then realigned by the automatic tool, and manual side-by-side processing was carried out. All processing methods used standard iterative reconstruction and Butterworth filtering. The Emory Cardiac Toolbox was used to measure the LV function and dyssynchrony parameters. Results The automatic tool failed in one patient, who had a large, severe scar in the inferobasal wall. In the remaining 29 patients, the repeatability of the LV function and dyssynchrony parameters after automatic alignment was significantly improved from blinded processing and was comparable to manual side-by-side processing. Conclusion The automatic alignment tool can be an alternative method to manual side-by-side processing to improve the repeatability of LV function and dyssynchrony measurements by serial gated SPECT MPI. PMID:23211996

[Difference and distance between the central and thinnest points of the cornea: impact of refractive state, age and ocular side].

PubMed

Steinberg, J; Kohl, C; Katz, T; Richard, G; Linke, S J

2014-04-01

The aim of the study was to quantify the difference in corneal thickness between the central and thinnest points (∆PachyZ-PachyD), the distance between the center of the cornea and its thinnest point (vector length PachyD) and to explore the impact of refractive state, age and ocular side. This was a multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study and medical records of 16,872 eyes were reviewed. The Orbscan® (Bausch and Lomb) procedure was used for pachymetry and keratometry. The results showed that ∆PachyZ-PachyD and vector length PachyD were higher in hyperopic eyes (∆PachyZ-PachyD: 11.99 ± 12.08 µm, vector length PachyD: 0.85 ± 0.44 mm) compared to myopic eyes (∆PachyZ-PachyD: 9.2 ± 7.86 µm, vector length PachyD: 0.7 ± 0.37 mm; p < 0.001). Refractive state, age and ocular side demonstrated an independent, statistically significant impact on ∆PachyZ-PachyD and vector length PachyD. As a result of the significant impact of refractive state, age and ocular side on ∆PachyZ-PachyD and vector length PachyD, these variables should be considered in a normative data collection.

Baseball Players With an Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Display Increased Nondominant Arm Humeral Torsion Compared With Healthy Baseball Players.

PubMed

Meyer, Casey J; Garrison, J Craig; Conway, John E

2017-01-01

Previous work has suggested that an increase in the amount of developmentally acquired, dominant arm humeral retrotorsion (D HRT) in the thrower's shoulder may be a potentially protective mechanism. Although the relationship between HRT and shoulder injuries has been reported, the relationship between HRT and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in baseball players is not known. To determine whether D HRT and nondominant arm HRT (ND HRT) measurements in baseball players with a UCL tear differ statistically from a matched healthy cohort. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. D HRT and ND HRT were measured in 112 male competitive high school and collegiate baseball players seen over an 18-month period from 2013 to 2015. A total of 56 participants with a clinical and magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed diagnosis of a throwing-arm UCL tear (UCLInj group) were compared with 56 healthy baseball players with no history of an elbow injury who were matched for age, experience, and position (NUCLInj group). The mean ages in the UCLInj and NUCLInj groups were 17.9 ± 2.2 and 17.6 ± 2.8 years, respectively. Using a previously validated ultrasound method, D HRT and ND HRT were measured in the supine position, and the HRT side-to-side difference (D HRT - ND HRT) was calculated. A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the mean statistical differences between groups ( P < .05). Baseball players with a UCL tear displayed significantly more humeral torsion (ie, less retrotorsion) in their nondominant arm compared with healthy baseball players (UCLInj = 33.27° ± 10.27°, NUCLInj = 27.82° ± 10.88°; P = .007). Baseball players with a UCL tear did not display any differences in D HRT compared with healthy baseball players (UCLInj = 18.67° ± 9.41°, NUCLInj = 17.09° ± 9.92°; P = .391). Significant side-to-side differences in HRT existed between groups (UCLInj = -14.60° ± 6.72°, NUCLInj = -10.72° ± 6.88°; P = .003). There was a significant increase in mean nondominant arm humeral torsion (ie, less retrotorsion) in the UCL tear group, but there was no significant difference in the mean D HRT between the injured and uninjured groups. A greater HRT side-to-side difference was displayed in the UCL tear group. The extent to which a thrower has developmentally acquired both D HRT and ND HRT may affect elbow UCL tear risk. Furthermore, it is possible that the extent of genetically predisposed ND HRT may influence the throwing-related increase in D HRT.

Side-to-side asymmetries in landing mechanics from a drop vertical jump test are not related to asymmetries in knee joint laxity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Meyer, Christophe A G; Gette, Paul; Mouton, Caroline; Seil, Romain; Theisen, Daniel

2018-02-01

Asymmetries in knee joint biomechanics and increased knee joint laxity in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are considered risk factors for re-tear or early onset of osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, the relationship between these factors has not been established. The aim of the study was to compare knee mechanics during landing from a bilateral drop vertical jump in patients following ACLR and control participants and to study the relationship between side-to-side asymmetries in landing mechanics and knee joint laxity. Seventeen patients following ACLR were evaluated and compared to 28 healthy controls. Knee sagittal and frontal plane kinematics and kinetics were evaluated using three-dimensional motion capture (200 Hz) and two synchronized force platforms (1000 Hz). Static anterior and internal rotation knee laxities were measured for both groups and legs using dedicated arthrometers. Group and leg differences were investigated using a mixed model analysis of variance. The relationship between side-to-side differences in sagittal knee power/energy absorption and knee joint laxities was evaluated using univariate linear regression. A significant group-by-leg interaction (p = 0.010) was found for knee sagittal plane energy absorption, with patients having 25% lower values in their involved compared to their non-involved leg (1.22 ± 0.39 vs. 1.62 ± 0.40 J kg -1 ). Furthermore, knee sagittal plane energy absorption was 18% lower at their involved leg compared to controls (p = 0.018). Concomitantly, patients demonstrated a 27% higher anterior laxity of the involved knee compared to the non-involved knee, with an average side-to-side difference of 1.2 mm (p < 0.001). Laxity of the involved knee was also 30% higher than that of controls (p < 0.001) (leg-by-group interaction: p = 0.002). No relationship was found between sagittal plane energy absorption and knee laxity. Nine months following surgery, ACLR patients were shown to employ a knee unloading strategy of their involved leg during bilateral landing. However, this strategy was unrelated to their increased anterior knee laxity. Side-to-side asymmetries during simple bilateral landing tasks may put ACLR patients at increased risk of second ACL injury or early-onset osteoarthritis development. Detecting and correcting asymmetric landing strategies is highly relevant in the framework of personalized rehabilitation, which calls for complex biomechanical analyses to be applied in clinical routine. III.

Influenza vaccination in healthcare workers; comparison of side effects and preferred route of administration of intradermal versus intramuscular administration.

PubMed

Meijer, W J; Wensing, A M J; Bos, A A; Kuiphuis, J C F; Hagelen, E M M; Wilschut, J C; de Vries, M J T; Riezebos-Brilman, A

2017-03-13

To explore the nature and severity of side effects and future preference of intradermal versus intramuscular influenza vaccination in healthcare workers. Prospective cohort study. Two University Medical Centers in The Netherlands. Healthcare workers receiving an influenza vaccination. Healthcare workers that were vaccinated during the influenza vaccination season of 2012-2013 were approached for participation in a questionnaire study. The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part had to be answered directly after vaccination and the second part two weeks after vaccination. The motivation for vaccine uptake, whether or not the HCWs had direct contact with patients and the prevalence and severity of local and systemic side effects of influenza vaccination were explored. In addition, it was assessed how participants experienced the vaccination and which type of administration they preferred for future vaccination. Side effects of vaccination were more prevalent in the intradermal group versus the intramuscular group (56% versus 26%, p<0.001). Local side effects were perceived as more severe in healthcare workers receiving the intradermal vaccine. Directly after vaccination, healthcare workers preferred the intradermal vaccination. Two weeks after vaccination both types of vaccine were equally appreciated. This study shows that there are significant differences in the nature and severity of side effects upon intramuscular and intradermal influenza vaccination. This difference did not result in a preference among the vaccinated subjects for one type of vaccine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Right Versus Left Colon Cancer Biology: Integrating the Consensus Molecular Subtypes.

PubMed

Lee, Michael S; Menter, David G; Kopetz, Scott

2017-03-01

Although clinical management of colon cancer generally has not accounted for the primary tumor site, left-sided and right-sided colon cancers harbor different clinical and biologic characteristics. Right-sided colon cancers are more likely to have genome-wide hypermethylation via the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), hypermutated state via microsatellite instability, and BRAF mutation. There are also differential exposures to potential carcinogenic toxins and microbiota in the right and left colon. Gene expression analyses further shed light on distinct biologic subtypes of colorectal cancers (CRCs), with 4 consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) identified. Importantly, these subtypes are differentially distributed between right- and left-sided CRCs, with greater proportions of the "microsatellite unstable/immune" CMS1 and the "metabolic" CMS3 subtypes found in right-sided colon cancers. This review summarizes important biologic distinctions between right- and left-sided CRCs that likely impact prognosis and may predict for differential responses to biologic therapy. Given the inferior prognosis of stage III-IV right-sided CRCs and emerging data suggesting that anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody therapy is associated with worse survival in right-sided stage IV CRCs compared with left-sided cancers, these biologic differences between right- and left-sided CRCs provide critical context and may provide opportunities to personalize therapy. Copyright © 2017 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Left-Right Asymmetric Morphogenesis in the Xenopus Digestive System

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muller, Jennifer K.; Prather, D.R.; Nascone-Yoder, N. M.

2003-01-01

The morphogenetic mechanisms by which developing organs become left-right asymmetric entities are unknown. To investigate this issue, we compared the roles of the left and right sides of the Xenopus embryo during the development of anatomic asymmetries in the digestive system. Although both sides contribute equivalently to each of the individual digestive organs, during the initial looping of the primitive gut tube, the left side assumes concave topologies where the right side becomes convex. Of interest, the concave surfaces of the gut tube correlate with expression of the LR gene, Pitx2, and ectopic Pitx2 mRNA induces ectopic concavities in a localized manner. A morphometric comparison of the prospective concave and convex surfaces of the gut tube reveals striking disparities in their rate of elongation but no significant differences in cell proliferation. These results provide insight into the nature of symmetry-breaking morphogenetic events during left-right asymmetric organ development. ?? 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Progressive skeletal benefits of physical activity when young as assessed at the midshaft humerus in male baseball players.

PubMed

Warden, S J; Weatherholt, A M; Gudeman, A S; Mitchell, D C; Thompson, W R; Fuchs, R K

2017-07-01

Physical activity benefits the skeleton, but there is contrasting evidence regarding whether benefits differ at different stages of growth. The current study demonstrates that physical activity should be encouraged at the earliest age possible and be continued into early adulthood to gain most skeletal benefits. The current study explored physical activity-induced bone adaptation at different stages of somatic maturity by comparing side-to-side differences in midshaft humerus properties between male throwing athletes and controls. Throwers present an internally controlled model, while inclusion of control subjects removes normal arm dominance influences. Throwing athletes (n = 90) and controls (n = 51) were categorized into maturity groups (pre, peri, post-early, post-mid, and post-late) based on estimated years from peak height velocity (<-2, -2 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 10, and >10 years). Side-to-side percent differences in midshaft humerus cortical volumetric bone mineral density (Ct.vBMD) and bone mineral content (Ct.BMC); total (Tt.Ar), medullary (Me.Ar), and cortical (Ct.Ar) areas; average cortical thickness (Ct.Th); and polar Strength Strain Index (SSI P ) were assessed. Significant interactions between physical activity and maturity on side-to-side differences in Ct.BMC, Tt.Ar, Ct.Ar, Me.Ar, Ct.Th, and SSI P resulted from the following: (1) greater throwing-to-nonthrowing arm differences than dominant-to-nondominant arm differences in controls (all p < 0.05) and (2) throwing-to-nonthrowing arm differences in throwers being progressively greater across maturity groups (all p < 0.05). Regional analyses revealed greatest adaptation in medial and lateral sectors, particularly in the three post-maturity groups. Years throwing predicted 59% of the variance of the variance in throwing-to-nonthrowing arm difference in SSI P (p < 0.001). These data suggest that physical activity has skeletal benefits beginning prior to and continuing beyond somatic maturation and that a longer duration of exposure to physical activity has cumulative skeletal benefits. Thus, physical activity should be encouraged at the earliest age possible and be continued into early adulthood to optimize skeletal benefits.

Evaluation of Self-Propelled High-Energy Ultrasonic Atomizer on Azoxystrobin and Tebuconazole Application in Sunlit Greenhouse Tomatoes.

PubMed

Li, Yan-Jie; Li, Yi-Fan; Chen, Rong-Hua; Li, Xue-Sheng; Pan, Can-Ping; Song, Jian-Li

2018-05-28

In this study, a self-propelled high-energy ultrasonic atomizer was evaluated in terms of deposition on the canopy, the loss to the ground, and fungicide residues in cherry tomato and tomato. Artificial collectors fixed to the upper side and underside of the leaves at different depths and heights were used to collect the depositions. A reliable analytical method for determination of azoxystrobin and tebuconazole in artificial collectors and residue samples was developed by using liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry. The results showed that the atomizer distributed the droplets evenly throughout the greenhouse with good uniformity (CVs below 39%). The ratio of depositions on the internal and external sides was 66⁻83%, and the ratio of depositions on the underside and upper side was 39⁻50%. There were no significant differences in depositions between two different height crops. The residues of azoxystrobin and tebuconazole in tomato and cherry tomato fruits were far below the maximum residue limits at harvest time. In general, self-propelled high-energy ultrasonic atomizer used in a greenhouse could increase the depositions, especially on the underside and internal side of the canopies, and lead to a reduction of operator exposure risk.

Is the side with the best masticatory performance selected for chewing?

PubMed

Rovira-Lastra, Bernat; Flores-Orozco, Elan Ignacio; Salsench, Juan; Peraire, Maria; Martinez-Gomis, Jordi

2014-12-01

This study assessed the degree of relationship between masticatory laterality and lateral asymmetry of masticatory performance using silicon pieces enclosed in a latex bag. Forty-two young adults with natural dentition participated in this cross-sectional, observational study. They performed four different masticatory assays, each consisting of five trials of chewing three pieces of silicon for 20 cycles. In one assay, they were asked to masticate unbagged silicon free-style, whilst in the three other assays they were asked to masticate bagged silicon free-style, unilaterally on the right-hand side and unilaterally on the left-hand side. The preferred chewing side was determined by calculating the asymmetry index for both the free-style assays. Masticatory performance was determined by sieving the silicon particles and the cycle duration was also recorded. Data were analysed using independent samples or paired t-test and linear regression. Masticatory function using the bagged silicon was similar to that using the unbagged silicon. A significant and positive relationship was observed between the preferred chewing side expressed as the asymmetry index and the side with better masticatory performance. Alternate unilateral chewers demonstrated better masticatory performance than unilateral chewers. However, when free-style and unilateral chewing were compared for each subject, unilateral chewing was found to be as efficient as - or even more efficient than - free-style chewing. There is a positive association between the preferred chewing side and the more efficient side. Alternate unilateral mastication per se does not promote better masticatory performance than consistently unilateral mastication. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of saturable uptake mechanisms at maternal and fetal sides of the perfused human placenta by rapid paired-tracer dilution: studies with calcium and choline.

PubMed

Sweiry, J H; Page, K R; Dacke, C G; Abramovich, D R; Yudilevich, D L

1986-12-01

Rapid uptake and efflux of 45Ca2+ and [3H]choline at the maternal and fetal interfaces of the syncytiotrophoblast in the dually-perfused human placenta was investigated by application of the single circulation paired-tracer dilution method (Yudilevich, Eaton, Short & Leichtweiss 1979). Cotyledons were perfused with Krebs-bicarbonate containing dextran (30 g/l; MW = 60-70,000) at 20 and 6 ml/min on maternal and fetal sides, respectively. The paired-tracer (test substrate and extracellular marker) technique consisted of an intra-arterial injection of a tracer bolus, followed by venous sampling over 5-6 min. There was a rapid (sec) uptake of 45Ca2+, followed by backflux (efflux into the ipsilateral circulation) which, over 5-6 min, was 59-100% on the fetal side. It was more variable but generally lower on the maternal interface. At 0.1 mM calcium, 45Ca2+ maximal uptake (Umax) was about 53% on the fetal side but on the maternal side it was variable and averaged 17%. At 2.4 mM calcium fetal side Umax was reduced to 40%. However, on the maternal side the effect was not consistent. Unidirectional influx (nmol/min per g) appeared to be not different on the two sides of the placenta. For [3H]choline (in choline-free perfusates) Umax was about 50% and 30% on fetal and maternal sides, respectively; tracer backflux was variable on the maternal side and averaged 50% on the fetal side. [3H]Choline uptake was highly inhibited by either 1.0 mM choline or the specific competitive inhibitor, hemicholinium-3 (0.1 mM). Specific transplacental transfer of 45Ca2+ (i.e. in excess of the extracellular marker) was not significant in either direction. For [3H]choline there was an apparent small excess (about 4%) preferential towards the fetal circulation. These findings in the human placenta are similar to those demonstrated previously in the guinea-pig placenta which suggested the existence of specific transport systems for choline and calcium on both sides of the syncytiotrophoblast.

Evaluation of the Alteration of Occlusal Distribution in Unilateral Free-End and Intermediate Missing Cases.

PubMed

Kon, Kazuhiro; Shiota, Makoto; Sakuyama, Aoi; Ozeki, Maho; Kozuma, Wataru; Kawakami, Sawako; Kasugai, Shohei

2017-02-01

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant prostheses on the occlusal force and area as well as the distribution of occlusal loading in unilateral free-end and intermediate missing cases. Fourteen healthy subjects (7 free-end missing cases in the first and second molars and 7 intermediate missing cases in the first molar region) were included. Six months after the implant prosthesis was placed, an occlusal evaluation was performed with or without the implant superstructure by using Dental Prescale film and an occluder device. In free-end missing cases, the total occlusal force and area, implant-side occlusal force and area, and implant-side occlusal force and area of the residual natural teeth were significantly affected by the implant prostheses. In intermediate missing cases, the implant-side occlusal force of the residual natural teeth was significantly affected by the implant prostheses. In free-end missing cases, the proportions of implant-side occlusal force, non-implant-side occlusal force, and implant-side occlusal force of the residual natural teeth relative to the total occlusal force were significantly affected by the implant prostheses. In the intermediate missing cases, the proportion of the implant-side occlusal force of the residual natural teeth relative to the total occlusal force was significantly affected by the implant prostheses. The proportion of the occlusal area was also significantly affected. In free-end missing cases, implant prostheses significantly increased the occlusal force and area, which resulted in the proper occlusal distribution. In intermediate missing cases, an implant prosthesis may only improve the same-side occlusal loading of the natural teeth.

Clinicopathological features colon polyps from African-Americans

PubMed Central

Nouraie, Mehdi; Hosseinkhah, Fatemeh; Zamanifekri, Behrouz; Hamond, Issa W.; Ashktorab, Hassan

2013-01-01

Background & Aims Among the ethnic groups age standardized incidence rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) is highest among African-Americans. The majority of CRC arise from preexisting adenoma. It is shown that 30% of the US adult population has adenomas. The potential risk of malignant transformation in adenomas differs by specific pathologic and clinical characteristics that we aimed to study in AAs. Material and Methods All pathologic reports (150,000) in Howard University Hospital from 1959 to 2006 were reviewed manually. Those pathology reports compatible with the colorectal polyps were carefully reviewed and selected by a GI pathologist. All cases with cancer then excluded from the list. Data then were entered into excel and checked for missing data and duplications. Differences in right side and left side polyps for sex, histology, clinical symptoms were assessed by chi-2 test. Results A total number of 5013 colorectal polyps were diagnosed in this period that include 47% male, with mean age (SD) of 63 (12). Half of cases were diagnosed in 2001–2006. Tubular adenoma was the most frequent pathology (73%). The highest frequency of right sided polyps was observed in 1990’s (56%). Left sided polyps were younger (P<0.000), more hyperplasic (23% vs. 5%; P<0.000) and more frequent in female (56% vs. 52%; P=0.02) compared to right sided. The frequency of right sided adenoma significantly increases from 18% in 60’s to 51% in the period of 2001–2006 (P<0.000). The most frequent symptom in both sides was GI bleeding (21%). Conclusion There was a ratio of 9:1 for neoplastic to hyperplastic polyps in our study which is more than what has been reported in Caucasians (7:1). Our data shows a shift in polyps from the left side to the right side of the colon in recent years. This data is consistent with the lack of a reduction in the incidence of colon cancer in African Americans. Screening is thus very important in AA to reduce the incidence of colon cancer. PMID:20225129

The influence of personal message with music on anxiety and side effects associated with chemotherapy.

PubMed

Sabo, C E; Michael, S R

1996-08-01

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the benefits of a message from a patient's physician audiotaped over music on reducing anxiety and side effects of patients receiving chemotherapy. A convenience sample of 97 adult patients receiving chemotherapy for the first time was assigned to either an experimental or control group. Before beginning the first chemotherapy treatment, all subjects completed a demographic questionnaire and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SSAI). Participants in the experimental group (n = 47) received taped music and a message from their physicians during the next four chemotherapy treatments. Participants in the control group (n = 50) received no intervention from the researchers and underwent their next four chemotherapy treatments as prescribed. After the fourth chemotherapy treatment, the SSAI and a side-effects self-assessment evaluation were completed by all subjects. A paired one-tailed t test found a significant difference between pre- and postintervention scores on the state anxiety scale (p < 0.001). In addition, anxiety remained the same over time in the control group. There was no significant difference in the severity of side effects experienced between control and experimental groups. These preliminary findings indicate that a simple and cost-effective intervention can decrease a patient's anxiety when receiving chemotherapy.

Calcitriol Supplementation Causes Decreases in Tumorigenic Proteins and Different Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures in Right versus Left-Sided Colon Cancer

PubMed Central

Schroll, Monica M.; Ludwig, Katelyn R.; Bauer, Kerry M.; Hummon, Amanda B.

2018-01-01

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem worldwide. In particular, it is an issue in the Northern Hemisphere where UVB radiation does not penetrate the atmosphere as readily. There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that cancer of the ascending (right side) colon is different from cancer of the descending (left side) colon in terms of prognosis, tumor differentiation, and polyp type, as well as at the molecular level. Right-side tumors have elevated Wnt signaling and are more likely to relapse, whereas left-side tumors have reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes. This study seeks to understand both the proteomic and metabolomic changes resulting from treatment of the active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, in right-sided and left-sided colon cancer. Our results show that left-sided colon cancer treated with calcitriol has a substantially greater number of changes in both the proteome and the metabolome than right-sided colon cancer. We found that calcitriol treatment in both right-sided and left-sided colon cancer causes a downregulation of ribosomal protein L37 and protein S100A10. Both of these proteins are heavily involved in tumorigenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for the correlation between low vitamin D levels and colon cancer. PMID:29324674

Calcitriol Supplementation Causes Decreases in Tumorigenic Proteins and Different Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures in Right versus Left-Sided Colon Cancer.

PubMed

Schroll, Monica M; Ludwig, Katelyn R; Bauer, Kerry M; Hummon, Amanda B

2018-01-11

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem worldwide. In particular, it is an issue in the Northern Hemisphere where UVB radiation does not penetrate the atmosphere as readily. There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that cancer of the ascending (right side) colon is different from cancer of the descending (left side) colon in terms of prognosis, tumor differentiation, and polyp type, as well as at the molecular level. Right-side tumors have elevated Wnt signaling and are more likely to relapse, whereas left-side tumors have reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes. This study seeks to understand both the proteomic and metabolomic changes resulting from treatment of the active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, in right-sided and left-sided colon cancer. Our results show that left-sided colon cancer treated with calcitriol has a substantially greater number of changes in both the proteome and the metabolome than right-sided colon cancer. We found that calcitriol treatment in both right-sided and left-sided colon cancer causes a downregulation of ribosomal protein L37 and protein S100A10. Both of these proteins are heavily involved in tumorigenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for the correlation between low vitamin D levels and colon cancer.

TROSY of side-chain amides in large proteins

PubMed Central

Liu, Aizhuo; Yao, Lishan; Li, Yue; Yan, Honggao

2012-01-01

By using the mixed solvent of 50% H2O/50% D2O and employing deuterium decoupling, TROSY experiments exclusively detect NMR signals from semideuterated isotopomers of carboxamide groups with high sensitivities for proteins with molecular weights up to 80 kDa. This isotopomer-selective strategy extends TROSY experiments from exclusively detecting backbone to both backbone and side-chain amides, particularly in large proteins. Because of differences in both TROSY effect and dynamics between 15N–HE{DZ} and 15N–HZ{DE} isotopomers of the same carboxamide, the 15N transverse magnetization of the latter relaxes significantly faster than that of the former, which provides a direct and reliable stereospecific distinction between the two configurations. The TROSY effects on the 15N–HE{DZ} isotopomers of side-chain amides are as significant as on backbone amides. PMID:17347000

The Effect of Sagittal Plane Deformities after Tibial Plateau Fractures to Functions and Instability of Knee Joint.

PubMed

Erdil, M; Yildiz, F; Kuyucu, E; Sayar, Ş; Polat, G; Ceylan, H H; Koçyiğit, F

2016-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of posterior tibial slope after fracture healing on antero-posterior knee laxity, functional outcome and patient satisfaction. 126 patients who were treated for tibial plateau fractures between 2008-2013 in the orthopedics and traumatology department of our institution were evaluated for the study. Patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, arthroscopy assisted minimally invasive osteosynthesis or conservative treatment. Mean posterior tibial slope after the treatment was 6.91 ± 5.11 and there was no significant difference when compared to the uninvolved side 6.42 ± 4,21 (p = 0.794). Knee laxity in anterior-posterior plane was 6.14 ± 2.11 and 5.95 ± 2.25 respectively on healthy and injured side. The difference of mean laxity in anterior-posterior plane between two sides was statistically significant. In this study we found no difference in laxity between the injured and healthy knees. However Tegner score decreased significantly in patients who had greater laxity difference between the knees. We did not find significant difference between fracture type and laxity, IKDC functional scores independent of the ligamentous injury. In conclusion despite coronal alignment is taken into consideration in treatment of tibial plateau fractures, sagittal alignment is reasonably important for stability and should not be ignored.

Anaesthesiological considerations on tocolytic and uterotonic therapy in obstetrics.

PubMed

Vercauteren, M; Palit, S; Soetens, F; Jacquemyn, Y; Alahuhta, S

2009-07-01

Significant side effects of tocolytic and uterotonic substances may be of concern to the anaesthesiologist. Recently, new drugs have been introduced having less side effects for both the mother and the neonate. A literature search was undertaken mainly focusing on meta-analyses, to review the possible side effects that might affect the course of anaesthesia and to suggest which precautions should be considered to prevent the occurrence of significant interactions with anaesthetic manipulations and drugs. Magnesium sulphate has a proven benefit in lowering systolic blood pressure and preventing the occurrence of eclampsia, but not as a tocolytic. beta-adrenergic agonists are being abandoned due to the availability of tocolytic agents causing less side effects. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are frequently used but can cause major maternal cardiovascular complications. Nitroglycerin seems to be appreciated as an acute tocolytic rather than a routine substance during pre-term labour. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors are still under investigation but their tocolytic benefit is questionable mainly due to foetal side effects. Atosiban is considered the first-choice tocolytic. With respect to oxytocic drugs, oxytocine, prostaglandines and methylergometrine may all cause serious side effects especially when combined. The cardiovascular side effects of prostaglandins and methylergometrine can be life-threatening. Both oxytocin and carbetocin have a rather low risk for maternal complications. Atosiban and CCB are at least as effective tocolytic agents as beta-mimetics but have significantly less side effects. Magnesium sulphate can cause neuromuscular blockade, especially when combined with CCB. Concerning oxytocic agents, short-acting oxyctocin and long-acting carbetocin have the least side effects as compared with prostaglandins and methylergometrine.

Comparison of light and x-ray sensitometric responses of double-emulsion films for different processing conditions.

PubMed

Blendl, C; Buhr, E

2001-12-01

The effects of different film processing conditions on light and x-ray sensitometric responses were compared for a variety of double-emulsion x-ray films. The processing conditions were altered by changes of the developer temperature. Three different exposure variants were applied: x-ray sensitometry using two stepped neutral density attenuators between film and screens, simultaneous double-sided light sensitometry, and single-sided light sensitometry. 13 different types of double-emulsion x-ray films were investigated, among them three asymmetric films. In the special case of exposing the asymmetric films with the single-sided light sensitometer, a method was investigated where each side of the film is exposed at different locations and the sum effect is analyzed. From each sensitometric curve shape two parameters, the logarithmic speed (logS) and the average gradient (G), were evaluated. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) Single-sided and double-sided light sensitometers revealed almost equal changes of logS when the processing conditions are altered. Thus, single-sided light sensitometers can serve as a substitute for double-sided light sensitometers provided that suited exposure methods are used and appropriate sensitometric parameters are evaluated. (2) Light sensitometry quantitatively indicated changes of the film processing that affect the x-ray speed. Hence, light sensitometry is a useful method to monitor changes in film processing.

Drug side effect extraction from clinical narratives of psychiatry and psychology patients

PubMed Central

Kocher, Jean-Pierre A; Chute, Christopher G; Savova, Guergana K

2011-01-01

Objective To extract physician-asserted drug side effects from electronic medical record clinical narratives. Materials and methods Pattern matching rules were manually developed through examining keywords and expression patterns of side effects to discover an individual side effect and causative drug relationship. A combination of machine learning (C4.5) using side effect keyword features and pattern matching rules was used to extract sentences that contain side effect and causative drug pairs, enabling the system to discover most side effect occurrences. Our system was implemented as a module within the clinical Text Analysis and Knowledge Extraction System. Results The system was tested in the domain of psychiatry and psychology. The rule-based system extracting side effects and causative drugs produced an F score of 0.80 (0.55 excluding allergy section). The hybrid system identifying side effect sentences had an F score of 0.75 (0.56 excluding allergy section) but covered more side effect and causative drug pairs than individual side effect extraction. Discussion The rule-based system was able to identify most side effects expressed by clear indication words. More sophisticated semantic processing is required to handle complex side effect descriptions in the narrative. We demonstrated that our system can be trained to identify sentences with complex side effect descriptions that can be submitted to a human expert for further abstraction. Conclusion Our system was able to extract most physician-asserted drug side effects. It can be used in either an automated mode for side effect extraction or semi-automated mode to identify side effect sentences that can significantly simplify abstraction by a human expert. PMID:21946242

Gynecomastia in German soldiers: etiology and pathology

PubMed Central

Kuhne, Hans-Peter; Egler, Sandy; Lenz, Stefan; Lieber, André; Doll, Dietrich; Krapohl, Björn Dirk

2012-01-01

Background: We found a high incidence of patients with gynecomastia in the German Ministry of Defense Guard Battalion in Berlin. For this reason, we conducted the present study to investigate etiological and pathological aspects of this condition. Methods: Within six years, a total of 211 patients underwent surgery for gynecomastia. We compared this group of patients with a control group of healthy males without signs or symptoms of gynecomastia. The two groups were matched for median age. Results: The groups showed significant differences (p<0.05) in serum testosterone, free triiodothyronine (fT3), LH (luteinizing hormone) and prolactin levels and in body mass index (BMI). In addition, there was a highly significant correlation between left-sided gynecomastia and membership in the Guard Battalion. Conclusions: We found differences in hormone blood levels between gynecomastia patients and a control group. Moreover, gynecomastia was predominantly seen on the left side in guard soldiers. A possible explanation is the mechanical impact of the carbine against the left side of the body during rifle drills. PMID:26504687

End-to-side neurorrhaphy with and without perineurium.

PubMed

Viterbo, F; Teixeira, E; Hoshino, K; Padovani, C R

1998-01-01

We compared end-to-side neurorraphy with and without the perineural sheath. Twenty rats were used. The peroneal nerve was sectioned and the distal end was sutured to the lateral face of the tibial nerve. We removed the perineural sheath only on the right side, but not on the left side. The proximal end of the peroneal nerve was curved back approximately at a 100 degrees angle and implanted into the adductor muscle. Six months later, the 14 surviving animals were submitted to electrophysiological tests, sacrificed, and the nerves and muscles were taken for histological exams. On the right side, the muscles that had positive response needed an average of 258.89 mV (+/- 92.31) of electric stimulus and on the left side 298.34 mV (+/- 139.32). The average weight of the tibial cranial muscles of the right side was 0.47 g (0.18) and for the left side 0.45 g (0.15). The distal end of the peroneal nerve showed averages of 310.29 (+/- 191.34) nerve fibers on the right side and 287.71 (+/- 183.60) on the left side. The tibial nerve above the neurorraphy showed averages of 939.46 (+/- 223.51) nerve fibers on the right side and 959.46 (+/- 327.48) on the left side. The tibial nerve below the neurorraphy showed averages of 935.17 (+/- 298.65) nerve fibers on the right side and 755.31 (+/- 323.26) on the left side. The average areas of the right tibial cranial muscles were 0.0162 m2 (+/- 0.008), after 230 magnification, and 0.0152 m2 (0.0064) for the left tibial cranial muscles. The histological features of the tibial cranial muscles, taking normal as 100%, were 78.21 (+/- 20.75) on the right side and 82.14 (+/- 15.89) on the left side. The statistical analysis (Student's t test) did not reveal any difference (p > 0.05) among right and left sides for all variables. The authors concluded that the two neurorraphies (with and without perineurium) did not show any difference regarding morphological and electrophysiological features studied.

Differences in Pain, Psychological Symptoms, and Gender Distribution Among Patients with Left vs. Right-Sided Chronic Spinal Pain

PubMed Central

Wasan, Ajay D.; Anderson, Nina K.; Giddon, Donald B.

2010-01-01

Objective To determine pain levels, function, and psychological symptoms in relation to predominant sidedness of pain (right or left) and gender in patients being treated for chronic spinal pain. Design Prospective cohort study Patients Patients with chronic neck or low back pain undergoing a nerve block procedure in a speciality pain medicine clinic Interventions/Outcomes Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Brief Pain Inventory just prior to the procedure. Pain history and demographic variables were collected from a chart review. Chi-square, Pearson correlations, and multivariate statistics were used to characterize the relationships between side of pain, gender, pain levels, pain interference, and psychological symptoms. Results Among 519 subjects, men with left-sided pain (n=98) were found to have significantly greater depression and anxiety symptoms and worse pain-related quality of life (p<.01), despite having similar pain levels as men with right-sided pain (n=91) or women with left or right-sided pain (n=289). In men, psychological symptoms had a significantly greater correlation with pain levels than in women (p<.01). Conclusion In this sample, men with left-sided spinal pain report worse quality of life and more psychological symptoms than women. These data provide clinical evidence corroborating basic neuroscience findings indicating that the right cerebral hemisphere is preferentially involved in the processing of pain and negative affect. These data suggest that men appear more right hemisphere dominant in pain and affect processing. These findings have implications for multidisciplinary assessment and treatment planning in men. PMID:20667025

Study on Subgrain Rotation Behavior at Different Interfaces of a Solder Joint During Thermal Shock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jing; Tan, Shihai; Guo, Fu

2016-12-01

In order to investigate subgrain rotation behavior in the recrystallized region of lead-free solder joints, a ball grid array (BGA) specimen with a cross-sectioned edge row was thermally shocked. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to obtain the microstructure and orientations of Sn grains or subgrains in as-reflowed and thermally shocked conditions. Orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) showed that several subgrains were formed at the tilted twin grain boundaries, near the chip side and near the printed circuit board (PCB) side after 200 thermal shocks due to a highly mismatched coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of twin grains. Also, subgrains formed at the chip side and PCB side in the solder joint were selected to research the grain rotation behavior in lead-free solder joints. The analysis of subgrain rotation also indicated that the rotation behavior of subgrains was different between the chip side and PCB side. It was closely related with the large different crystal orientations between the chip side and PCB side. Furthermore, electron backscattered patterns (EBSPs) at several parts of the joint were not obtained after 300 thermal shocks due to the serious deformation caused by mismatched CTE during thermal shock. But 4 subgrains were selected and compared with that of the initial state and 200-thermal shock conditions. The results showed that the subgrains at the chip side were also rotated around the Sn [101] and [001] axes and the subgrains at the PCB side were also rotated around the Sn [100] axis, which indicated a continuous process of subgrain rotation.

Relation Between Iliopsoas Cross-sectional Area and Kicked Ball Speed in Soccer Players.

PubMed

Wakahara, Taku; Chiba, Manabu

2018-05-14

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the maximal anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of the iliopsoas muscle and ball speed in side-foot and instep kicks. The ACSA of the psoas major and iliacus was measured in 29 male collegiate soccer players by using magnetic resonance imaging. They performed maximal side-foot and instep kicks to a stationary ball. The kicked ball speed was measured with a high-speed camera. Ball speed in the side-foot and instep kicks was significantly correlated with body height (side-foot kick: r=0.650, P<0.001; instep kick: r=0.583, P<0.001). After adjustment for body height, the maximal ACSA of the psoas major was significantly correlated with ball speed in the side-foot kick (r=0.441, P=0.017), but not in the instep kick. The maximal ACSA of the iliacus was not correlated with ball speed in side-foot or instep kicks, even after adjustment for body height. Our results suggest that: 1) body height is a significant determinant of the ball speed in side-foot and instep kicks, and 2) for a given body height, the maximal ACSA of the dominant psoas major is a factor that affects the ball speed in side-foot kick. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Combined use of alcohol and energy drinks: Dose relationship with self-reported physiological stimulation and sedation side effects.

PubMed

Droste, Nicolas; Peacock, Amy; Bruno, Raimondo; Pennay, Amy; Zinkiewicz, Lucy; Lubman, Dan I; Miller, Peter

2017-08-01

Negative physiological stimulation and sedation side effects are experienced by a significant proportion of consumers who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED). Few studies have compared the frequency of side effects between sessions of AmED and sessions of alcohol only within-subject, and none have explored a dose relationship. Explore the occurrence of self-reported physiological stimulant and sedative side effects between sessions of AmED and alcohol only, and at varying ED dosage levels within AmED sessions. A convenience sample of 2953 residents of New South Wales, Australia completed an online survey. N=731 AmED users reported daily caffeine intake, typical alcohol and AmED consumption, and past 12-month experience of physiological stimulation and sedation side effects during AmED and alcohol only sessions. Within-subject analyses compared occurrence of side effects between session types. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses explored the association of ED dose during AmED sessions with the experience of physiological side effects. There were greater odds of most stimulant side effects, and lower odds of sedation side effects, during AmED sessions compared to alcohol only sessions. Compared to one ED, consumption of three or more EDs was significantly associated with the majority of both stimulant and alcohol intoxication side effects after controlling for demographics and consumption covariates. AmED is associated with perceived changes in physiological stimulant and sedation side effects of alcohol. Experience of side effects is positively associated with ED dosage. Future research should account for varying ED dosage, and reflect real world consumption levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transient Side Load Analysis of Out-of-Round Film-Cooled Nozzle Extensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ten-See; Lin, Jeff; Ruf, Joe; Guidos, Mike

2012-01-01

There was interest in understanding the impact of out-of-round nozzle extension on the nozzle side load during transient startup operations. The out-of-round nozzle extension could be the result of asymmetric internal stresses, deformation induced by previous tests, and asymmetric loads induced by hardware attached to the nozzle. The objective of this study was therefore to computationally investigate the effect of out-of-round nozzle extension on the nozzle side loads during an engine startup transient. The rocket engine studied encompasses a regeneratively cooled chamber and nozzle, along with a film cooled nozzle extension. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and transient inlet boundary flow properties derived from an engine system simulation. Six three-dimensional cases were performed with the out-of-roundness achieved by three different degrees of ovalization, elongated on lateral y and z axes: one slightly out-of-round, one more out-of-round, and one significantly out-of-round. The results show that the separation line jump was the primary source of the peak side loads. Comparing to the peak side load of the perfectly round nozzle, the peak side loads increased for the slightly and more ovalized nozzle extensions, and either increased or decreased for the two significantly ovalized nozzle extensions. A theory based on the counteraction of the flow destabilizing effect of an exacerbated asymmetrical flow caused by a lower degree of ovalization, and the flow stabilizing effect of a more symmetrical flow, created also by ovalization, is presented to explain the observations obtained in this effort.

Synthetic Lectins: New Tools for Detection and Management of Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

were synthesized on Tentagel resin analogous to those previously described.2 The effectiveness of the coupling was assessed using MALDI-MS in the...protecting groups on the Dab side -chains (where boronic acids are attached). This appeared to be a significant portion of the product, composing up...evaluate our synthetic approach and tried different side -chain amine protecting groups on Dab including alloc and MTT. From these studies, we

Localized Gravity/Topography Correlation and Admittance Spectra one the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishihara, Y.; Namiki, N.; Sugita, S.; Matsumoto, K.; Goossens, S.; Araki, H.; Noda, H.; Sasaki, S.; Iwata, T.; Hanada, H.

2009-04-01

Lunar surface and structure can be separate into two parts. The lunar near side crust and far side crust differ remarkably in thickness. This difference probably caused by difference of thermal evolution and state (elastic thickness) and catering history on both side. The correlations and admittance between the topography and gravity anomalies provide important information on the level of isostatic compensation of the lithosphere at the geological timescale, and reflect its thermo-mechanical state. Therefore, localized correlation and admittance analysis is one of the most important studies of selenodesy. A global correlation between topography and gravity of the Moon obtained by Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions, respectively, reveals high value at long wavelength and low value at short wavelength. Such characteristics are distinguished from those of the Earth and other terrestrial planets, whose global correlation between topography and gravity is low at long wavelength. The distinct correlation between topography and gravity of the Moon may indicate that the lunar topography is supported by multiple compensation mechanism. Further, an incomplete coverage of Doppler tracking data prior to Kaguya (SELENE) gravity experiment probably contributed to the correlation. Because the Moon is synchronously rotating with its revolution around the Earth, a spacecraft orbiting over the far side is not visible from ground stations. In either case, it is significant to decompose local correlation from global ones in order to investigate internal structure of the Moon from spherical harmonic model of gravity (LP75G [1]) and topography (GLTM-2 [2]). Japanese lunar exploration Kaguya (SELENE) has two kinds of selenodesical experiments. One is RSAT/VRAD (gravity mapping with direct tracking over far-side) experiment and another is Laser ALTimeter (LALT; topography mapping) experiment. These two experiments enable us to conduct localized analysis for the Moon. Therefore we attempt localized spectral analysis of the Moon first and then apply possible compensation mechanisms to explain the observed admittance. Kaguya mission has been yielding representation of lunar gravity and topography (shape) substantially superior in resolution and accuracy to earlier solutions. For global lunar gravity field, an accurate spherical harmonic model of gravitational potential up to degree and order 100 (SGM100g) was derived from one year tracking (including 4-way Doppler) data [3]. For topography, LALT has obtained more than 6 million altitude measurements with 5 m precision, from which a spherical harmonic expansion of topography to degree and order 359 (STM359_grid-02) has been determined [4]. In this study, we use those new models. We employ the spatio-spectral localization technique [5] to obtain gravity/shape correlation and admittance spectra as function of position on the Moon. In this analysis, we localize harmonic field with axisymmetric windows of constant diameter, described by Lwin zonal harmonic coefficients. This restricts the permissible range of l in the windowed fields at both the low- (l > Lwin) and high-wave number ends (l < Lobs-Lwin, ; Lobs is the maximum degree of observation) . We chose four fixed windows with Lwin = 5, 10, 17, 26 (equivalent to spatial scales 2200, 1100, 640 and 420 km, respectively). These window sizes correspond to huge-, large-, middle-, and small-size of impact basins. For up to degree 50 with Lwin = 5 scale, it is clearly shown that the near-side contains distinct anti-correlation regions whereas the far-side is mostly occupied by high correlation regions. This difference is mainly due to large mascon basins in near-side, such as mare Imbrium. For Lwin = 10 and 17 scales, we can see anti-correlation regions at not only near-side but also far-side. Locations of anti-correlation regions in the far-side correspond to impact basins (Type II basin [6]). However, lots of far side basins (Type I basin [6]) are not indicated by anti-correlations for these window sizes. For Lwin = 26 scale, we can see weak and spatially small anti-correlation at center of Type I basins. This difference mainly due to spatial size of anti-correlation. In contrast, almost all near-side basins show anti-correlations for all window sizes. This difference is probably due to the difference of elastic thickness between near-side and far-side during the age of impact basin formation. It provides important information on the origin of lunar dichotomy and lunar thermal history. The admittance spectra of the South Pole-Aitken basin (SPA) and far-side highland terrain (FHT) show no significant difference. This means that elastic thickness of two regions are not so different. On the other hand, crustal thickness of two regions are drastically different. It suggests that elatic part of upper mantle of SPA region is probably thicker than FHT. Acknowledgements: SHTOOLS2.4 [7] was used for calculating localized correlation and admittance spectra. References: [1] A. S. Konopliv et al. (1998) Science, 281, 1476-1480. [2] D. E. Smith et al. (1997) JGR, 102, 1591-1611. [3] K. Matsumoto et al. this meeting. [4] H. Araki et al. Submitted to Science. [5] M. Simons et al., (1997) Geophys. J. Int., 131, 24-44. [6] N. Namiki et al. Science in press. [7] M. Wieczorek, (2007) http://www.ipgp.jussieu.fr/~wieczor/SHTOOLS/SHTOOLS.html.

Efficacy and safety of 3% minoxidil versus combined 3% minoxidil / 0.1% finasteride in male pattern hair loss: a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.

PubMed

Tanglertsampan, Chuchai

2012-10-01

Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride have been used to treat men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). There are concerns about side effects of oral finasteride especially erectile dysfunction. To compare the efficacy and safety of the 24 weeks application of 3% minoxidil lotion (MNX) versus combined 3% minoxidil and 0.1% finasteride lotion (MFX) in men with AGA. Forty men with AGA were randomized treated with MNX or MFX. Efficacy was evaluated by hair counts and global photographic assessment. Safety assessment was performed by history and physical examination. At week 24, hair counts were increased from baseline in both groups. However paired t-test revealed statistical difference only in MFX group (p = 0.044). Unpaired t-test revealed no statistical difference between two groups with respect to change of hair counts at 24 weeks from baseline (p = 0.503). MFX showed significantly higher efficacy than MNX by global photographic assessment (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in side effects between both groups. Although change of hair counts was not statistically different between two groups, global photographic assessment showed significantly greater improvement in the MFX group than the MNX group. There was no sexual side effect. MFX may be a safe and effective treatment option.

Responses to familiar and unfamiliar objects by belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).

PubMed

Guarino, Sara; Yeater, Deirdre; Lacy, Steve; Dees, Tricia; Hill, Heather M

2017-09-01

Previous research with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) demonstrated their ability to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar stimuli. Dolphins gazed longer at unfamiliar stimuli. The current study attempted to extend this original research by examining the responses of three species of cetaceans to objects that differed in familiarity. Eleven belugas from two facilities, five bottlenose dolphins and five Pacific white-sided dolphins housed at one facility were presented different objects in a free-swim scenario. The results indicated that the animals gazed the longest at unfamiliar objects, but these gaze durations did not significantly differ from gaze durations when viewing familiar objects. Rather, the animals gazed longer at unfamiliar objects when compared to the apparatus alone. Species differences emerged with longer gaze durations exhibited by belugas and bottlenose dolphins and significantly shorter gaze durations for Pacific white-sided dolphins. It is likely that the animals categorized objects into familiar and unfamiliar categories, but the free-swim paradigm in naturalistic social groupings did not elicit clear responses. Rather this procedure emphasized the importance of attention and individual preferences when investigating familiar and unfamiliar objects, which has implications for cognitive research and enrichment use.

Side-gate modulation effects on high-quality BN-Graphene-BN nanoribbon capacitors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yang; Chen, Xiaolong; Ye, Weiguang

High-quality BN-Graphene-BN nanoribbon capacitors with double side-gates of graphene have been experimentally realized. The double side-gates can effectively modulate the electronic properties of graphene nanoribbon capacitors. By applying anti-symmetric side-gate voltages, we observed significant upward shifting and flattening of the V-shaped capacitance curve near the charge neutrality point. Symmetric side-gate voltages, however, only resulted in tilted upward shifting along the opposite direction of applied gate voltages. These modulation effects followed the behavior of graphene nanoribbons predicted theoretically for metallic side-gate modulation. The negative quantum capacitance phenomenon predicted by numerical simulations for graphene nanoribbons modulated by graphene side-gates was not observed,more » possibly due to the weakened interactions between the graphene nanoribbon and side-gate electrodes caused by the Ga{sup +} beam etching process.« less

Collection of gravitropic effectors from mucilage of electrotropically-stimulated roots of Zea mays L

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fondren, W. M.; Moore, R.

1987-01-01

We placed agar blocks adjacent to tips of electrotropically stimulated primary roots of Zea mays. Blocks placed adjacent to the anode-side of the roots for 3 h induced significant curvature when subsequently placed asymmetrically on tips of vertically-oriented roots. Curvature was always toward the side of the root unto which the agar block was placed. Agar blocks not contacting roots and blocks placed adjacent to the cathode-side of electrotropically stimulated roots did not induce significant curvature when placed asymmetrically on tips of vertically-oriented roots. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry indicated that blocks adjacent to the anode-side of electrotropically-stimulated roots contained significantly more calcium than (1) blocks not contacting roots, and (2) blocks contacting the cathode-side of roots. These results demonstrate the presence of a gradient of endogenous Ca in mucilage of electrotropically-stimulated roots (i.e. roots undergoing gravitropic-like curvature).

Effect of same-sided and cross-body load carriage on 3D back shape in young adults.

PubMed

O'Shea, C; Bettany-Saltikov, J A; Warren, J G

2006-01-01

Regular carriage of heavy loads such as backpacks, satchels and mailbags results in a variety of acute medical problems and increased potential for back injury. There is a paucity of information about the specific changes in back posture that occur in response to asymmetrical loading. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in back shape that occurred in response to asymmetrical load carriage, either on one shoulder (same-side) or across the body (cross-body), in healthy young adults. A convenience sample of 21 physiotherapy students randomly performed three trials (unloaded, same-side loaded, cross-body loaded) in standing with a 15% body load. The Microscribe 3DX digitiser (Immersion Group Ltd) recorded the three dimensional coordinates of 15 Key anatomical landmarks on the back in the three conditions. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures and post-hoc tests was implemented to highlight statistical differences in the data collected (p<0.05). Significant differences were found in the x, y and z coordinates of the anatomical landmarks in the upper back between unloaded and loaded conditions. Results demonstrated significantly less impact on spinal posture from cross-body loading as compared to same-sided loading. This study confirms that there are significant three-dimensional changes in back shape in response to asymmetrical loading. Further work is needed to evaluate the optimal carriage type and maximal body load that results in the least spinal impact and injury potential in young adults.

Driving With Hemianopia: III. Detection of Stationary and Approaching Pedestrians in a Simulator

PubMed Central

Alberti, Concetta F.; Peli, Eli; Bowers, Alex R.

2014-01-01

Purpose. To compare blind-side detection performance of drivers with homonymous hemianopia (HH) for stationary and approaching pedestrians, initially appearing at small (4°) or large (14°) eccentricities in a driving simulator. While the stationary pedestrians did not represent an imminent threat, as their eccentricity increased rapidly as the vehicle advanced, the approaching pedestrians maintained a collision course with approximately constant eccentricity, walking or running, toward the travel lane as if to cross. Methods. Twelve participants with complete HH and without spatial neglect pressed the horn whenever they detected a pedestrian while driving along predetermined routes in two driving simulator sessions. Miss rates and reaction times were analyzed for 52 stationary and 52 approaching pedestrians. Results. Miss rates were higher and reaction times longer on the blind than the seeing side (P < 0.01). On the blind side, miss rates were lower for approaching than stationary pedestrians (16% vs. 29%, P = 0.01), especially at larger eccentricities (20% vs. 54%, P = 0.005), but reaction times for approaching pedestrians were longer (1.72 vs. 1.41 seconds; P = 0.03). Overall, the proportion of potential blind-side collisions (missed and late responses) was not different for the two paradigms (41% vs. 35%, P = 0.48), and significantly higher than for the seeing side (3%, P = 0.002). Conclusions. In a realistic pedestrian detection task, drivers with HH exhibited significant blind-side detection deficits. Even when approaching pedestrians were detected, responses were often too late to avoid a potential collision. PMID:24346175

Pressure production in oral vestibule during gum chewing.

PubMed

Nishiura, M; Ono, T; Yoshinaka, M; Fujiwara, S; Yoshinaka, M; Maeda, Y

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to record oral vestibule pressure (OVP) by the lip and cheek contraction during gum chewing, to examine the characteristics of these pressures and coordination between the OVP and jaw movement. The subjects were eight healthy adult men (mean age of 29·3 ± 3·3 years). An experimental plate that incorporated four pressure sensors on the midline of the upper jaw (Ch. 1), upper right canine (Ch. 2), upper right first molar (Ch. 3) and upper left first molar (Ch. 4) was used for measuring OVP. The right masseter electromyogram (EMG) was recorded simultaneously. Subjects chewed gum on the right side 20 times, and eight consecutive strokes were used for the analysis of the sequential order, maximal magnitude and duration of each OVP. Onset of OVP was observed at the molar on the non-chewing side (Ch. 4) before chewing side (Ch. 3), and offset was largely simultaneous at each site. On the chewing side (Chs. 1-3), OVP onset during the interval of EMG activity reached to the peak around the end of interval and offset in the duration of EMG activity. The maximal pressure was significantly larger at Chs. 1-3 than at Ch. 4, but no significant differences were observed in duration of pressure among each site. These results suggest that OVP is coordinated with jaw movement during gum chewing, and larger pressure is produced on the chewing side than on the non-chewing side. Our findings are quantitative indices for the evaluation of lip and cheek function during mastication. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Piggyback transplantation with side-to-side cavocavostomy is an ideal technique for right split liver allograft implantation.

PubMed

Lerut, J; de Ville de Goyet, J; Donataccio, M; Reding, R; Otte, J B

1994-11-01

Split liver grafting has not gained wide acceptance mainly because of different vascular and biliary technical problems. A new technique of right split liver transplantation is described. The piggyback implantation technique, using wide side-to-side cavocavostomy overcomes problems encountered when sharing the superhepatic vena cava cuff between two livers and obtains optimal drainage of venous allograft outflow, thus avoiding extensive bleeding at the transection margin. This technique was successfully used in two adult recipients. Piggyback transplantation using wide side-to-side cavocavostomy allows easy and safe implantation of the right split liver allograft.

Effect of weight, height and BMI on injury outcome in side impact crashes without airbag deployment.

PubMed

Pal, Chinmoy; Tomosaburo, Okabe; Vimalathithan, K; Jeyabharath, M; Muthukumar, M; Satheesh, N; Narahari, S

2014-11-01

A comprehensive analysis is performed to evaluate the effect of weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of occupants on side impact injuries at different body regions. The accident dataset for this study is based on the National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) for accident year 2000-08. The mean BMI values for driver and front passenger are estimated from all types of crashes using NASS database, which clearly indicates that mean BMI has been increasing over the years in the USA. To study the effect of BMI in side impact injuries, BMI was split into three groups namely (1) thin (BMI<21), (2) normal (BMI 24-27), (3) obese (BMI>30). For more clear identification of the effect of BMI in side impact injuries, a minimum gap of three BMI is set in between each adjacent BMI groups. Car model years from MY1995-1999 to MY2000-2008 are chosen in order to identify the degree of influence of older and newer generation of cars in side impact injuries. Impact locations particularly side-front (F), side-center (P) and side-distributed (Y) are chosen for this analysis. Direction of force (DOF) considered for both near side and far side occupants are 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock respectively. Age <60 years is also one of the constraints imposed on data selection to minimize the effect of bone strength on the occurrence of occupant injuries. AIS2+ and AIS3+ injury risk in all body regions have been plotted for the selected three BMI groups of occupant, delta-V 0-60kmph, two sets (old and new) of car model years. The analysis is carried with three approaches: (a) injury risk percentage based on simple graphical method with respect to a single variable, (b) injury distribution method where the injuries are marked on the respective anatomical locations and (c) logistic regression, a statistical method, considers all the related variables together. Lower extremity injury risk appears to be high for thin BMI group. It is found that BMI does not have much influence on head injuries but it is influenced more by the height of the occupant. Results of logistic analysis suggest that BMI, height and weight may have significant contribution towards side impact injuries across different body regions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Side differences in cerebrovascular accidents after cardiac surgery: a statistical analysis of neurologic symptoms and possible implications for anatomic mechanisms of aortic particle embolization.

PubMed

Boivie, Patrik; Edström, Cecilia; Engström, Karl Gunnar

2005-03-01

Aortic manipulation and particle embolization have been identified to cause cerebrovascular accidents in cardiac surgery. Recent data suggest that left-hemispheric cerebrovascular accident (right-sided symptoms) is more common, and this has been interpreted as being caused by aortic cannula stream jets. Our aim was to evaluate symptoms of cerebrovascular accident and side differences from a retrospective statistical analysis. During a 2-year period, 2641 consecutive cardiac surgery cases were analyzed. Patients positive for cerebrovascular accident were extracted from a database designed to monitor clinical symptoms. A protocol was used to confirm symptom data with the correct diagnosis in patient records. Patients were subdivided into 3 groups: control, immediate cerebrovascular accident, and delayed cerebrovascular accident. Among pooled patients, immediate and delayed cerebrovascular accidents were 3.0% and 0.9%, respectively. The expected predisposing factors behind immediate cerebrovascular accidents were significant, although the type of operation affected this search. Aortic quality was a strong predictor ( P < .001). The rate of delayed cerebrovascular accident was unaffected by surgery group. Left-sided symptoms of immediate cerebrovascular accident were approximately twice as frequent ( P = .016) as on the contralateral side. This phenomenon was observed for pooled patients and for isolated coronary bypass procedures (n = 1882; P = .025). Immediate cerebrovascular accident and aortic calcifications are linked. The predominance of left-sided symptoms may suggest that aortic manipulation and anatomic mechanisms in the aortic arch are more likely to cause cerebrovascular accidents than effects from cannula stream jets.

Effect of Hemifacial Spasm on Intraocular Pressure Measurement.

PubMed

Cicik, Erdogan; Yildirim, Rengin; Arici, Ceyhun; Dikkaya, Funda; Arslan, Osman Sevki

2018-01-01

To evaluate the effect of hemifacial spasm (HFS) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Twenty-four consecutive patients with HFS and 25 age- and gender-matched randomly selected eyes of healthy volunteers underwent corneal pachymetry and IOP measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and noncontact tonometer (NCT). IOP measurements were performed before (during HFS) and 2 weeks after Botox injections in HFS patients and in healthy volunteers without Botox injections. There was no statistical difference between involved eye side and uninvolved eye side of HFS patients in measured central corneal thickness. Similarly, no difference was found between involved eye side of HFS patients and controls. There were no statistically significant differences comparing IOP values before treatment and levels measured at 2 weeks of Botox injections, either with GAT ( p = 0.33, 0.11) or NCT ( p = 0.80, 0.43) devices in the involved eyes and uninvolved eyes of patients with HFS, respectively. There were also no significant differences in these parameters (GAT ( p = 0.63) and NCT ( p = 0.54)) in controls. Contractions in facial muscles may not lead to significant increase in IOP in HFS patients. This result may help clinical decision making in the treatment of glaucoma patients with HFS. This trial is registered with NCT03390803.

Tinidazole versus Metronidazole for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis

PubMed Central

SCHWEBKE, Jane R.; DESMOND, Renee A.

2010-01-01

Objective To compare the efficacy of two different doses of tinidazole with metronidazole for treatment of bacterial vaginosis and compare side effects of the drugs. Study design Women were randomized to metronidazole 500 mg BID, tinidazole 500 mg BID, or tinidazole 1 gm BID all for 7 days. Follow-up visits were conducted at day 14 and day 28. Results 593 women were enrolled. There were no significant differences between the treatment arms. Overall cure rates were 76.8% at 14 days and 64.5% at one month. Women who admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse during the study were significantly more likely to have BV at follow-up. There were no significant differences in adverse events across treatment arms. Conclusions There were no differences in cure rates between metronidazole and either of the tinidazole dosing regimens studied. In addition, there were no important differences in the side effect profiles of metronidazole and tinidazole. PMID:21167471

An Ensemble Approach for Drug Side Effect Prediction

PubMed Central

Jahid, Md Jamiul; Ruan, Jianhua

2014-01-01

In silico prediction of drug side-effects in early stage of drug development is becoming more popular now days, which not only reduces the time for drug design but also reduces the drug development costs. In this article we propose an ensemble approach to predict drug side-effects of drug molecules based on their chemical structure. Our idea originates from the observation that similar drugs have similar side-effects. Based on this observation we design an ensemble approach that combine the results from different classification models where each model is generated by a different set of similar drugs. We applied our approach to 1385 side-effects in the SIDER database for 888 drugs. Results show that our approach outperformed previously published approaches and standard classifiers. Furthermore, we applied our method to a number of uncharacterized drug molecules in DrugBank database and predict their side-effect profiles for future usage. Results from various sources confirm that our method is able to predict the side-effects for uncharacterized drugs and more importantly able to predict rare side-effects which are often ignored by other approaches. The method described in this article can be useful to predict side-effects in drug design in an early stage to reduce experimental cost and time. PMID:25327524

Rotator cuff strength in recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

PubMed

Edouard, Pascal; Degache, Francis; Beguin, Laurent; Samozino, Pierre; Gresta, Giorgio; Fayolle-Minon, Isabelle; Farizon, Frédéric; Calmels, Paul

2011-04-20

Although rotator-cuff muscle contraction plays an important role in stabilizing the glenohumeral joint, little is known about the role of these muscles in the pathophysiology of recurrent anterior instability. We intended to analyze the association between isokinetic internal rotator and external rotator muscle strength and glenohumeral joint instability in patients with recurrent anterior instability that was not previously treated surgically. We enrolled thirty-seven patients with unilateral recurrent anterior posttraumatic shoulder dislocation and eleven healthy nonathletic subjects in this controlled study. The association between internal rotator and external rotator strength and shoulder instability was analyzed by side-to-side comparisons and comparisons with a control group. Isokinetic internal rotator and external rotator strength was evaluated with a Con-Trex dynamometer, with the subject seated and the shoulder abducted 45° in the scapular plane. Tests were performed at 180°/s, 120°/s, and 60°/s in concentric mode for both sides. Peak torque normalized to body weight and external rotator to internal rotator ratio were calculated for each angular velocity. Clinical and isokinetic evaluation was done by the same rehabilitation physician. The association between shoulder instability and internal rotator and external rotator strength was associated with side-to-side differences (p < 0.05). Compared with a control group, strength values were lower on the pathological shoulder side of the patients with shoulder instability than on the healthy contralateral shoulder of control subjects at 180°/s and 120°/s (p < 0.05). The side-to-side differences were increased when the nondominant upper-extremity side was involved and were decreased when the dominant side was involved. There was no association between glenohumeral joint instability and external rotator to internal rotator ratio. Internal rotator and external rotator weakness was associated with recurrent anterior instability, and side-to-side differences depended on the side of hand dominance. Use of a control group may help in the analysis of the influence of constraints on shoulder strength. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine whether the weakness is a cause or an effect of the instability.

A second international cooperative investigation into thioacetazone side effects

PubMed Central

Miller, A. B.; Nunn, A. J.; Robinson, D. K.; Fox, Wallace; Somasundaram, P. R.; Tall, Ruth

1972-01-01

As part of a large-scale international cooperative investigation into the side effects of thioacetazone-containing regimens in the treatment of tuberculosis, an evaluation has been made of the variation in the frequency of side effects between different countries and between different centres in the same country and of the likely reasons for this variation. In 3 countries patients of different racial origin were under observation in the same hospital. Over a 12-week period of treatment there was considerable variation between the countries and centres in the overall frequency of side effects and of those leading to a major departure from prescribed treatment, the variation being similar for the two thioacetazone-containing regimens and for the streptomycin plus isoniazid control regimen, though at a lower level for the latter. In Malaysia, Singapore, and Trinidad, where different racial groups were under treatment, there was no clear indication that race was an important factor in explaining the differences between countries, except for cutaneous side effects in Trinidad and possibly in Malaysia. It is concluded that the differences in the frequency of side effects to thioacetazone-containing regimens probably result from variation in the closeness of supervision of patients, in the recording and interpretation of side effects, and in environmental factors including the previous use of other medicaments or exposure to sensitizing substances. PMID:4118761

Efficacy of side airbags in reducing driver deaths in driver-side car and SUV collisions.

PubMed

McCartt, Anne T; Kyrychenko, Sergey Y

2007-06-01

To estimate the efficacy of side airbags in preventing driver deaths in passenger vehicles struck on the driver side. Risk ratios for driver deaths per driver-side collision were computed for side airbag-equipped cars and SUVs, relative to vehicles without side airbags. Driver fatality ratios also were calculated for the same vehicles in front and rear impacts, and these were used to adjust the side crash risk ratios for differences in fatality risk unrelated to side airbags. Risk ratios were calculated separately for side airbags providing torso-only protection and side airbags with head protection; almost all head protecting airbags also had airbags protecting the torso. Car driver death risk in driver-side crashes was reduced by 37 percent for head protecting airbags and 26 percent for torso-only side airbags. Car driver death risk was reduced for older and younger drivers, males and females, and drivers of small and midsize cars, and when the striking vehicle was an SUV/pickup or a car/minivan. Death risk for drivers of SUVs was reduced by 52 percent with head protecting side airbags and by 30 percent with torso-only airbags. The effectiveness of side airbags could not be assessed for pickups and minivans due to the small number of these vehicles with airbags involved in crashes. Side airbags substantially reduce the risk of car and SUV driver death in driver-side collisions. Making side airbags with head protection available to drivers and right front passengers in all passenger vehicles could reduce the number of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in the United States by about 2,000 each year.

Masticatory path pattern during mastication of chewing gum with regard to gender difference.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Yoshinori; Shiga, Hiroshi; Arakawa, Ichiro; Yokoyama, Masaoki; Nakajima, Kunihisa

2009-01-01

To clarify the masticatory path patterns of the mandibular incisal point during mastication of softened chewing gum with regard to gender difference. One hundred healthy subjects (50 males and 50 females) were asked to chew softened chewing gum on one side at a time (right side and left side) and the movement of the mandibular incisal point was recorded using MKG K6I. After a catalog of path patterns was made, the movement path was classified into one of the pattern groups, and then the frequency of each pattern was investigated. A catalog of path patterns consisting of the three types of opening path (op1, linear or concave path; op2, path toward the chewing side after toward the non-working side; op3, convex path) and two types of closing path (cl1, convex path; cl2, concave path) was made. The movement path was classified into one of seven patterns, with six patterns being from the catalog and a final extra pattern in which the opening and closing paths crossed. The most common pattern among the subjects was Pattern I, followed by Patterns III, II, IV, V, VII, and VI, in that order. The majority of cases, 149 (74.5%) of 200 cases, showed either Pattern I (op1 and cl1) or Pattern III (op2 and cl1). There was no significant difference between the two genders in the frequency of each pattern. The movement path could be classified into seven patterns and no gender-related difference was found in the frequency of each pattern.

Vehicle performance evaluation in side impact (MDB) using ES-II dummy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganessh, T. S.; Bansode, Praveen; Revankar, Vidyakant; Kumar, Sunil

2018-02-01

Side impact collision is one of the leading causes of death. Protection of people during lateral collision is challenging because of relatively small space available to restraint occupant compared to front. Hence, it is imperative to protect the occupants in side collision. It is a function of vehicle type and restraints for side protection. This paper focuses on evaluation of injury parameters of the ES II dummy during the lateral collision of different vehicles with different spaces, sections and materials. Thus the comparison will enable us to understand the sensitivity of space, B-pillar section and material which affects the injury parameters. This study will help automotive engineers to design side impact crashworthy vehicles.

[Ferrous sulfate in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia: The positions continue].

PubMed

Dvoretsky, L I

The paper discusses treatment strategy and tactics for iron deficiency anemia. It gives data on the comparative efficacy of different iron sulfate drugs, their bioavailability, effects on peroxidation processes, and side effects. The paper also considers the clinical significance of a dosage form of iron-containing drugs with a sustained iron release, as well as ways to reduce the frequency and magnitude of side effects when ferrous sulfate is used.

Brain Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Gender Differences in Tinnitus Patients.

PubMed

Shlamkovich, Nathan; Gavriel, Haim; Eviatar, Ephraim; Lorberboym, Mordechay; Aviram, Eliad

2016-10-01

Increased metabolism in the left auditory cortex has been reported in tinnitus patients. However, gender difference has not been addressed. To assess the differences in Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) results between the genders in tinnitus patients. Retrospective cohort. Included were patients referred to our clinic between January 2011 and August 2013 who complained of tinnitus and underwent fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET to assess brain metabolism. Univariate and multivariate nominal logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between upper temporal gyrus (UTG; right and left) and gender. Included were 140 patients (87 males) with an average age of 52.5 yr (median = 53.1). Bilateral tinnitus was found in 85 patients (60.7%), left sided in 30 (21.4%), and right sided in 21(15%). Increased uptake in the UTG was found in 60% of the patients on either side. Males had a statistically significant increased uptake in the UTG in those with unilateral tinnitus and in the entire population. We present the largest study reported so far on tinnitus patients who have undergone FDG-PET-CT. We found a statistically significant difference between the genders in FDG uptake by the UTG. Further investigations should be undertaken to reveal the etiologies for these differences and to assess different therapeutic protocols according to gender. American Academy of Audiology

Hydration of non-polar anti-parallel β-sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, Tomaz; Dias, Cristiano L.

2014-04-01

In this work we focus on anti-parallel β-sheets to study hydration of side chains and polar groups of the backbone using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. We show that: (i) water distribution around the backbone does not depend significantly on amino acid sequence, (ii) more water molecules are found around oxygen than nitrogen atoms of the backbone, and (iii) water molecules around nitrogen are highly localized in the planed formed by peptide backbones. To study hydration around side chains we note that anti-parallel β-sheets exhibit two types of cross-strand pairing: Hydrogen-Bond (HB) and Non-Hydrogen-Bond (NHB) pairing. We show that distributions of water around alanine, leucine, and valine side chains are very different at HB compared to NHB faces. For alanine pairs, the space between side chains has a higher concentration of water if residues are located in the NHB face of the β-sheet as opposed to the HB face. For leucine residues, the HB face is found to be dry while the space between side chains at the NHB face alternates between being occupied and non-occupied by water. Surprisingly, for valine residues the NHB face is dry, whereas the HB face is occupied by water. We postulate that these differences in water distribution are related to context dependent propensities observed for β-sheets.

Hydration of non-polar anti-parallel β-sheets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Urbic, Tomaz; Dias, Cristiano L., E-mail: cld@njit.edu

2014-04-28

In this work we focus on anti-parallel β-sheets to study hydration of side chains and polar groups of the backbone using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. We show that: (i) water distribution around the backbone does not depend significantly on amino acid sequence, (ii) more water molecules are found around oxygen than nitrogen atoms of the backbone, and (iii) water molecules around nitrogen are highly localized in the planed formed by peptide backbones. To study hydration around side chains we note that anti-parallel β-sheets exhibit two types of cross-strand pairing: Hydrogen-Bond (HB) and Non-Hydrogen-Bond (NHB) pairing. We show that distributions ofmore » water around alanine, leucine, and valine side chains are very different at HB compared to NHB faces. For alanine pairs, the space between side chains has a higher concentration of water if residues are located in the NHB face of the β-sheet as opposed to the HB face. For leucine residues, the HB face is found to be dry while the space between side chains at the NHB face alternates between being occupied and non-occupied by water. Surprisingly, for valine residues the NHB face is dry, whereas the HB face is occupied by water. We postulate that these differences in water distribution are related to context dependent propensities observed for β-sheets.« less

Foramen arcuale: a rare morphological variation located in atlas vertebrae.

PubMed

Cirpan, Sibel; Yonguc, Goksin Nilufer; Edizer, Mete; Mas, Nuket Gocmen; Magden, A Orhan

2017-08-01

To investigate the incidence of foramen arcuale in dry atlas vertebrae which may cause clinical problems. Eighty-one dry human cervical vertebrae were examined. The evaluated parameters of two atlas vertebrae including foramen arcuale were as follows: maximum antero-posterior, transverse diameters and areas of the right and left superior articular facets and transverse foramina; maximum antero-posterior diameters, heights, areas and central sagittal thickness of bony arch forming roof of foramen arcuale, respectively. All parameters were measured with caliper in milimeters. Thirteen of eighty-one cervical vertebrae specimens (13/81, 16.05%) were atlas and the two of thirteen atlas vertebrae (2/13, 15.38%) had macroscopically complete foramen arcuale. Each of the two atlas vertebrae was including one foramen arcuale (one on the left and one on the right side). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04) between the mean antero-posterior diameter of superior articular facet located on each side of atlas vertebrae, whereas not (p = 0.51) between mean antero-posterior diameter of transverse foramina. There was not any significant difference between the mean transverse diameters and areas of superior articular facets and transverse foramina located on each side of atlas vertebrae, respectively. Each of the areas of transverse foramina located on the same sides with foramen arcuale in two atlas vertebrae was less than the mean areas of transverse foramina located ipsilateral side with each foramen arcuale in thirteen atlas vertebrae. The present study provides additional information about the incidence and topography of the atlas vertebrae including foramen arcuale.

Effects of different heel-raise-lower exercise interventions on the strength of plantarflexion, balance, and gait parameters in stroke survivors.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Mi; Cynn, Heon-Seock; Yoon, Tae-Lim; Lee, Ji-Hyun

2017-09-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Heel-Raise-Lower Exercise (HRLE) interventions on the strength of plantarflexion, balance, and gait parameters in people with stroke. Specifically, this study compared the two different HRLEs to identify whether heels raise-lower with forefoot on a block (HRB) is more effective or ineffective to enhance strength and functional capacities than heels raise-lower on a level floor (HRL) exercise in people with stroke. Repetitive heel raise-lower is a common exercise for improving the strength and power of ankle plantarflexors. It is a simple movement, requires no equipment, and can be performed at home. Each group of 10 people with stroke was given either HRB training or HRL training. The subjects performed the exercise 100 times per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The strength of plantarflexors, static/dynamic balance, and gait parameters were measured using the manual muscle test (MMT), a Biodex Balance System (BBS) SD, and the GAITRite system. After 6 weeks of treatment, there were significant increases in the plantarflexors strength in both groups: by 34% in the HRB group and by 21% in the HRL group. Static and dynamic balance and gait speed also increased significantly in both groups. However, cadence, the paretic side single limb support period (SLSP), paretic side step length, and paretic side stride length significantly increased only in the HRB group. The HRB improved significantly the plantar flexor strength of the paretic side, gait speed, and cadence compared to the HRL.

Origin of bending in uncoated microcantilever - Surface topography?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lakshmoji, K.; Prabakar, K.; Tripura Sundari, S., E-mail: sundari@igcar.gov.in

2014-01-27

We provide direct experimental evidence to show that difference in surface topography on opposite sides of an uncoated microcantilever induces bending, upon exposure to water molecules. Examination on opposite sides of the microcantilever by atomic force microscopy reveals the presence of localized surface features on one side, which renders the induced stress non-uniform. Further, the root mean square inclination angle characterizing the surface topography shows a difference of 73° between the opposite sides. The absence of deflection in another uncoated microcantilever having similar surface topography confirms that in former microcantilever bending is indeed induced by differences in surface topography.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Canavan, G.H.

Attack allocation optimizations produce stability indices for unsymmetrical forces that indicate significant regions of both stability and instability and that have their minimum values roughly when the two sides have equal forces. This note derives combined stability indices for unsymmetrical offensive force configurations. The indices are based on optimal allocations of offensive missiles between vulnerable missiles and value based on the minimization of first strike cost, which is done analytically. Exchanges are modeled probabalistically and their results are converted into first and second strike costs through approximations to the damage to the value target sets held at risk. The stabilitymore » index is the product of the ratio of first to second strike costs seen by the two sides. Optimal allocations scale directly on the opponent`s vulnerable missiles, inversely on one`s own total weapons, and only logarithmically on the attacker`s damage preference, kill probability, and relative target set. The defender`s allocation scales in a similar manner on the attacker`s parameters. First and second strike magnitudes increase roughly linearly for the side with greater forces and decrease linearly for the side with fewer. Conversely, the first and second strike magnitudes decrease for the side with greater forces and increase for the side with fewer. These trends are derived and discussed analytically. The resulting stability indices exhibit a minimum where the two sides have roughly equal forces. If one side has much larger forces than the other, his costs drop to levels low enough that he is relatively insensitive to whether he strikes first or second. These calculations are performed with the analytic attack allocation appropriate for moderate forces, so some differences could be expected for the largest of the forces considered.« less

An improved approach to the analysis of drug-protein binding by distance geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldblum, A.; Kieber-Emmons, T.; Rein, R.

1986-01-01

The calculation of side chain centers of coordinates and the subsequent generation of side chain-side chain and side chain-backbone distance matrices is suggested as an improved method for viewing interactions inside proteins and for the comparison of protein structures. The use of side chain distance matrices is demonstrated with free PTI, and the use of difference distance matrices for side chains is shown for free and trypsin-bound PTI as well as for the X-ray structures of trypsin complexes with PTI and with benzamidine. It is found that conformational variations are reflected in the side chain distance matrices much more than in the standard C-C distance representations.

The impact of tamoxifen brand switch on side effects and patient compliance in hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Zeidan, B; Anderson, K; Peiris, L; Rainsbury, D; Laws, S

2016-10-01

In 2006 Nolvadex was discontinued and replaced by a variety of alternative generic tamoxifen brands for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Anecdotally, patients are switching brands and taking alternative medications to reduce treatment related symptoms. Nevertheless, more severe side effects may equate to better relapse prevention. This study evaluates generic tamoxifen adherence and its correlation with side effects and brand switch. Consecutive disease free ER positive patients (stage I-III) were invited to respond to a questionnaire. 165 of 327 questionnaires were returned (50% response). Pearson's Chi Square test was used for data analysis. 63 patients (38%) reported a switch between generic tamoxifen. 59% of all patients experienced side effects associated with tamoxifen treatment of which 53% were severe. Patients experiencing differential symptoms dependent on tamoxifen brand reported more severe side effects (p = 0.02). Non-prescribed supplements were taken by 42% of all patients with no significant improvement in climacteric symptoms (p = 0.05). The concomitant use of SSRIs appeared to have no effect on symptoms. A significant number of patients considered discontinuing tamoxifen because of the side effects (p = 0.001), yet this did not translate into discontinuation or non-adherence (p = 0.8 and 0.08 respectively). Severe tamoxifen side effects are commonly experienced by breast cancer patients and can be significantly altered by change in tamoxifen brand. Most patients will continue to take tamoxifen, despite side effects to avoid cancer relapse. Supplementation and antidepressants did not improve tamoxifen related side effects in our cohort. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Temporomandibular Disorders: The Habitual Chewing Side Syndrome

PubMed Central

Santana-Mora, Urbano; López-Cedrún, José; Mora, María J.; Otero, Xosé L.; Santana-Penín, Urbano

2013-01-01

Background Temporomandibular disorders are the most common cause of chronic orofacial pain, but, except where they occur subsequent to trauma, their cause remains unknown. This cross-sectional study assessed chewing function (habitual chewing side) and the differences of the chewing side and condylar path and lateral anterior guidance angles in participants with chronic unilateral temporomandibular disorder. This is the preliminary report of a randomized trial that aimed to test the effect of a new occlusal adjustment therapy. Methods The masticatory function of 21 randomly selected completely dentate participants with chronic temporomandibular disorders (all but one with unilateral symptoms) was assessed by observing them eat almonds, inspecting the lateral horizontal movement of the jaw, with kinesiography, and by means of interview. The condylar path in the sagittal plane and the lateral anterior guidance angles with respect to the Frankfort horizontal plane in the frontal plane were measured on both sides in each individual. Results Sixteen of 20 participants with unilateral symptoms chewed on the affected side; the concordance (Fisher’s exact test, P = .003) and the concordance-symmetry level (Kappa coefficient κ = 0.689; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 0.99; P = .002) were significant. The mean condylar path angle was steeper (53.47(10.88) degrees versus 46.16(7.25) degrees; P = .001), and the mean lateral anterior guidance angle was flatter (41.63(13.35) degrees versus 48.32(9.53) degrees P = .036) on the symptomatic side. Discussion The results of this study support the use of a new term based on etiology, “habitual chewing side syndrome”, instead of the nonspecific symptom-based “temporomandibular joint disorders”; this denomination is characterized in adults by a steeper condylar path, flatter lateral anterior guidance, and habitual chewing on the symptomatic side. PMID:23593156

Propofol or Thiopental sodium in patients undergoing reproductive assisted technologies: Differences in hemodynamic recovery and outcome of oocyte retrieval: A randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Jarahzadeh, Mohammad Hossein; Jouya, Reza; Mousavi, Fatemeh Sadat; Dehghan-Tezerjani, Mohammad; Behdad, Shekoofa; Soltani, Hamid Reza

2014-01-01

Thiopental sodium and Propofol are two widely-used drugs in the induction of anesthesia in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the side effects and outcome of recovery from anesthesia of these drugs on ART have not been identified yet. This study aimed at investigating the side effects and hemodynamic effects of using thiopental sodium and propofal as well as effects of these drugs on pregnancy outcome in ART cycles. In this double blinded) randomized controlled trial, 90 woman candidate for ART were randomly divided into two groups. 47 patients received Propofol (2.5 mg/kg) and 43 patients received thiopental (5mg/kg) for anesthesia induction. The entry hemodynamic parameters of the patients were documented. During the anesthesia process, hemodynamic parameters were checked at five-minute intervals. The results of the study showed a statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of their response to verbal stimulation (p<0.001), the normalization time of the rate and quality of breathing (p<0.001), nausea (p<0.001), and vomiting (p<0.001). Also, in comparison with the other group, all these parameters were better in Propofol group. There was found no significant difference between two groups in terms of other variables. Based on the findings of the study, Propofol has fewer known side effects. Vomiting and nausea as two known side effect of anesthesia are significantly lower in patients receiving Propofol than patients who received thiopental. IRCT201303135393N2 This article extracted from M.D. thesis. (Reza Jouya).

Shoulder and hip roll changes during 200-m front crawl swimming.

PubMed

Psycharakis, Stelios G; Sanders, Ross H

2008-12-01

To determine accurately the magnitude and changes in shoulder roll (SR) and hip roll (HR) throughout a 200-m maximum front crawl swim and whether SR and HR were associated with swimming velocity (V). Bilateral roll asymmetries and timing differences between SR and HR were also investigated. Ten male swimmers of national/international level performed a maximum 200-m front crawl swim. Performance was recorded with four below- and two above-water synchronized cameras and four nonbreathing stroke cycles (SC) were analyzed (one for each 50 m). SR and HR were calculated separately. Swimmers rolled their shoulders significantly more than their hips (P < 0.001). V generally decreased during the test, and HR was significantly higher in SC4 than in SC1 (P = 0.001). SR had a negative and significant correlation with V in each SC (-0.663

Adjuvant antifungal therapy using tissue tolerable plasma on oral mucosa and removable dentures in oral candidiasis patients: a randomised double-blinded split-mouth pilot study.

PubMed

Preissner, Saskia; Kastner, Isabell; Schütte, Eyke; Hartwig, Stefan; Schmidt-Westhausen, Andrea Maria; Paris, Sebastian; Preissner, Robert; Hertel, Moritz

2016-07-01

Extended use of antimycotics in oral candidiasis therapy gives rise to problems related to fungal drug resistance. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the efficacy of tissue tolerable plasma (TTP) in denture stomatitis patients. It was hypothesised that (I): erythema and (IIa): complaint remission would be accelerated and (IIb): colony forming unit (CFU) reduction would be improved. The halves of the upper jaws of eight patients were randomly assigned to control (nystatin, chlorhexidine and placebo treatment) and test sides (nystatin, chlorhexidine and TTP administered six times each 7 days). The patients and the investigators, who were different from the therapists, were both blinded. Compared to the control sides, the erythema surface was reduced significantly more extensively on the test sides between 2 and 6 weeks of antifungal therapy (P ≤ 0.05). Visual analogue scale values and the frequency of moderate or heavy growth of Candida post-treatment did not differ significantly between both sides (P > 0.05). The primary hypothesis was confirmed, which may be interpreted as an accelerated remission. As drug therapy is usually limited to the time in which signs of infection are present, TTP might help reducing antifungal use. Even though the secondary hypotheses were not confirmed, persistence of Candida might be only colonisation. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Reproducibility of Centric Relation Techniques by means of Condyle Position Analysis

PubMed Central

Galeković, Nikolina Holen; Fugošić, Vesna; Braut, Vedrana

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the reproducibility of clinical centric relation (CR) registration techniques (bimanual manipulation, chin point guidance and Roth's method) by means of condyle position analysis. Material and methods Thirty two fully dentate asymptomatic subjects (16 female and 16 male) with normal occlusal relations (Angle class I) participated in the study (mean age, 22.6 ± 4.7 years). The mandibular position indicator (MPI) was used to analyze the three-dimensional (anteroposterior (ΔX), superoinferior (ΔZ), mediolateral (ΔY)) condylar shift generated by the difference between the centric relation position (CR) and the maximal intercuspation position (MI) observed in dental arches. Results The mean value and standard deviation of three-dimensional condylar shift of the tested clinical CR techniques was 0.19 ± 0.34 mm. Significant differences within the tested clinical CR registration techniques were found for anteroposterior condylar shift on the right side posterior (Δ Xrp; P ≤ 0.012); and superoinferior condylar shift on the left side inferior (Δ Zli; P ≤ 0.011), whereas between the tested CR registration techniques were found for anteroposterior shift on the right side posterior (ΔXrp, P ≤ 0.037) and superoinferior shift on the right side inferior (ΔZri, P ≤ 0.004), on the left side inferior (ΔZli, P ≤ 0.005) and on the left side superior (ΔZls, P ≤ 0.007). Conclusion Bimanual manipulation, chin point guidance and Roth's method are clinical CR registration techniques of equal accuracy and reproducibility in asymptomatic subjects with normal occlusal relationship. PMID:28740266

Reproducibility of Centric Relation Techniques by means of Condyle Position Analysis.

PubMed

Galeković, Nikolina Holen; Fugošić, Vesna; Braut, Vedrana; Ćelić, Robert

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to determine the reproducibility of clinical centric relation (CR) registration techniques (bimanual manipulation, chin point guidance and Roth's method) by means of condyle position analysis. Thirty two fully dentate asymptomatic subjects (16 female and 16 male) with normal occlusal relations (Angle class I) participated in the study (mean age, 22.6 ± 4.7 years). The mandibular position indicator (MPI) was used to analyze the three-dimensional (anteroposterior (ΔX), superoinferior (ΔZ), mediolateral (ΔY)) condylar shift generated by the difference between the centric relation position (CR) and the maximal intercuspation position (MI) observed in dental arches. The mean value and standard deviation of three-dimensional condylar shift of the tested clinical CR techniques was 0.19 ± 0.34 mm. Significant differences within the tested clinical CR registration techniques were found for anteroposterior condylar shift on the right side posterior (Δ Xrp; P ≤ 0.012); and superoinferior condylar shift on the left side inferior (Δ Zli; P ≤ 0.011), whereas between the tested CR registration techniques were found for anteroposterior shift on the right side posterior (ΔXrp, P ≤ 0.037) and superoinferior shift on the right side inferior (ΔZri, P ≤ 0.004), on the left side inferior (ΔZli, P ≤ 0.005) and on the left side superior (ΔZls, P ≤ 0.007). Bimanual manipulation, chin point guidance and Roth's method are clinical CR registration techniques of equal accuracy and reproducibility in asymptomatic subjects with normal occlusal relationship.

Cold air analgesia as pain reduction during photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

PubMed

Stangeland, K Z; Kroon, S

2012-07-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer. The main side effect of PDT is pain during the illumination. To assess the effect of cold air as pain relief during MAL-PDT for field cancerization on different body areas. A prospective, open, intra-individual right-left comparison study was performed in 43 patients with MAL-PDT as field cancerization. One area received cold air analgesia while the other did not. Pain was evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS) during the illumination. The patients' received a questionnaire and recorded pain and postinflammatory symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS). We found a statistical significant difference in overall pain score at 3 and 9 minutes. The area receiving cold air during illumination had a mean NRS of 5.1 while the opposite side, not receiving cold air, had NRS of 6.1. At 9 minutes the side receiving cold air had mean NRS of 5.0, and the side without had 5.7. The pain difference on the chest was the most pronounced with a NRS of 5.2 without air and 3.5 with cold air. There was a significant difference in erythema immediately after, 1 h and 24 h after illumination. Small, open, not blinded study. The difference in pain was small. Cold air is an effective method for moderate pain relief. It is an easy, noninvasive method that can be used on all body parts. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

End-to-side neurorraphy: a long-term study of neural regeneration in a rat model.

PubMed

Tarasidis, G; Watanabe, O; Mackinnon, S E; Strasberg, S R; Haughey, B H; Hunter, D A

1998-10-01

This study evaluated long-term reinnervation of an end-to-side neurorraphy and the resultant functional recovery in a rat model. The divided distal posterior tibial nerve was repaired to the side of an intact peroneal nerve. Control groups included a cut-and-repair of the posterior tibial nerve and an end-to-end repair of the peroneal nerve to the posterior tibial nerve. Evaluations included walking-track analysis, nerve conduction studies, muscle mass measurements, retrograde nerve tracing, and histologic evaluation. Walking tracks indicated poor recovery of posterior tibial nerve function in the experimental group. No significant difference in nerve conduction velocities was seen between the experimental and control groups. Gastrocnemius muscle mass measurements revealed no functional recovery in the experimental group. Similarly, retrograde nerve tracing revealed minimal motor neuron staining in the experimental group. However, some sensory staining was seen within the dorsal root ganglia of the end-to-side group. Histologic study revealed minimal myelinated axonal regeneration in the experimental group as compared with findings in the other groups. These results suggest that predominantly sensory regeneration occurs in an end-to-side neurorraphy at an end point of 6 months.

Similar Outcome After Colonic Pouch and Side-to-End Anastomosis in Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

PubMed Central

Machado, Mikael; Nygren, Jonas; Goldman, Sven; Ljungqvist, Olle

2003-01-01

Objectives To compare a colonic J-pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis after low-anterior resection for rectal cancer with regard to functional and surgical outcome. Summary Background Data: A complication after restorative rectal surgery with a straight anastomosis is low- anterior resection syndrome with a postoperatively deteriorated anorectal function. The colonic J-reservoir is sometimes used with the purpose of reducing these symptoms. An alternative method is to use a simple side-to-end anastomosis. Methods: One-hundred patients with rectal cancer undergoing total mesorectal excision and colo-anal anastomosis were randomized to receive either a colonic pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis using the descending colon. Surgical results and complications were recorded. Patients were followed with a functional evaluation at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Fifty patients were randomized to each group. Patient characteristics in both groups were very similar regarding age, gender, tumor level, and Dukes’ stages. A large proportion of the patients received short-term preoperative radiotherapy (78%). There was no significant difference in surgical outcome between the 2 techniques with respect to anastomotic height (4 cm), perioperative blood loss (500 ml), hospital stay (11 days), postoperative complications, reoperations or pelvic sepsis rates. Comparing functional results in the 2 study groups, only the ability to evacuate the bowel in <15 minutes at 6 months reached a significant difference in favor of the pouch procedure. Conclusions: The data from this study show that either a colonic J-pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis performed on the descending colon in low-anterior resection with total mesorectal excision are methods that can be used with similar expected functional and surgical results. PMID:12894014

Leukapheresis treatment in elderly acute leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis: A single center experience.

PubMed

Berber, Ilhami; Erkurt, Mehmet Ali; Kuku, Irfan; Kaya, Emin; Gozukara Bag, Harika; Nizam, Ilknur; Koroglu, Mustafa; Yigit, Ali; Ozgul, Mustafa

2016-02-01

Leukapheresis is an invasive treatment modality used for hyperleukocytosis. Various drugs and fluids are used during the leukapheresis. Aging itself and associated factors such as increased comorbidity, decreased tolerance to drugs, increased drug toxicity give rise to the application of other treatment modalities in elderly patients. Treatment of acute leukemia in the elderly differs from young patients. Consequently, we assumed that outcome, effectiveness, and side effects of leukapheresis treatment used for acute leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis may be different in elderly compared to younger patients. We retrospectively evaluated a total of 39 patients. Eighteen patients were 65 years and older. Indications for leukapheresis were determined as symptoms of leukostasis and prophylaxis. Acid citrate dextrose-A, calcium gluconate, and plasma were used during the leukapheresis. Age, sex, diagnosis, count, and indications of leukapheresis procedures, leukocyte count, and lactate dehydrogenase level were analyzed at the onset of and after leukapheresis; side effects, causes of death, early and total mortality rates were also analyzed. We compared the two groups with regard to effectiveness, clinical outcomes, and side effects. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to sex, diagnosis, initial leukocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase level, number of leukapheresis procedures, rates of side effects, or early and total mortality (P > 0.05). Leukapheresis treatment was effective in both groups (P < 0.05) and no significant difference was found in its effectiveness between two groups (P > 0.05). Leukapheresis is an effective and safe treatment modality in elderly acute leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of Olfactory Function before and After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

PubMed Central

Seyed Toutounchi, Seyed Javad; Yazdchi, Mohamad; Asgari, Rana; Seyed Toutounchi, Negisa

2018-01-01

Introduction: Olfactory loss in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis has been measured by different methods. However, the results have been variable, and it is not clear whether endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improves olfactory function. This study was performed to evaluate the influence of endoscopic sinus surgery on olfactory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Materials and Methods: In this prospective analytic study, 73 patients (mean age, 39.63±12.94 years) with a diagnosis of polyps and sinusitis during 2011 were studied. The olfaction test was performed with three solutions; one with no odor (water) and two with phenylethyl alcohol (50% and 90% dilution, respectively). The patients’ olfaction state were graded as no olfaction, or low, moderate or good olfaction before and 1 and 3 months after surgery, and was given scores between 0 and 3 and evaluated quantitatively. Results: Right-side olfaction was improved in 68.5% and left side in 67.1% of patients. Mean olfaction score on the right and left side was significantly improved after surgery in comparison with basic scores (before and after on the right side: 0.95±0.88 and 2.02±1.04; before and after on the left side: 1.02±0.84 and 2.00±1.21; both P<0.001). Improvement after surgery in cases with left- and right-side anosmia was 66.7% and 61.9%, in low olfaction was 82.3% and 72.7% and in moderate olfaction was 66.7% and 80%. Conclusion: In patients with rhinosinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery has considerable effect in improving olfactory function. PMID:29387662

Dental wax decreases calculus accumulation in small dogs.

PubMed

Smith, Mark M; Smithson, Christopher W

2014-01-01

A dental wax was evaluated after unilateral application in 20 client-owned, mixed and purebred small dogs using a clean, split-mouth study model. All dogs had clinical signs of periodontal disease including plaque, calculus, and/or gingivitis. The wax was randomly applied to the teeth of one side of the mouth daily for 30-days while the contralateral side received no treatment. Owner parameters evaluated included compliance and a subjective assessment of ease of wax application. Gingivitis, plaque and calculus accumulation were scored at the end of the study period. Owners considered the wax easy to apply in all dogs. Compliance with no missed application days was achieved in 8 dogs. The number of missed application days had no effect on wax efficacy. There was no significant difference in gingivitis or plaque accumulation scores when comparing treated and untreated sides. Calculus accumulation scores were significantly less (22.1 %) for teeth receiving the dental wax.

Influence of implant rod curvature on sagittal correction of scoliosis deformity.

PubMed

Salmingo, Remel Alingalan; Tadano, Shigeru; Abe, Yuichiro; Ito, Manabu

2014-08-01

Deformation of in vivo-implanted rods could alter the scoliosis sagittal correction. To our knowledge, no previous authors have investigated the influence of implanted-rod deformation on the sagittal deformity correction during scoliosis surgery. To analyze the changes of the implant rod's angle of curvature during surgery and establish its influence on sagittal correction of scoliosis deformity. A retrospective analysis of the preoperative and postoperative implant rod geometry and angle of curvature was conducted. Twenty adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients underwent surgery. Average age at the time of operation was 14 years. The preoperative and postoperative implant rod angle of curvature expressed in degrees was obtained for each patient. Two implant rods were attached to the concave and convex side of the spinal deformity. The preoperative implant rod geometry was measured before surgical implantation. The postoperative implant rod geometry after surgery was measured by computed tomography. The implant rod angle of curvature at the sagittal plane was obtained from the implant rod geometry. The angle of curvature between the implant rod extreme ends was measured before implantation and after surgery. The sagittal curvature between the corresponding spinal levels of healthy adolescents obtained by previous studies was compared with the implant rod angle of curvature to evaluate the sagittal curve correction. The difference between the postoperative implant rod angle of curvature and normal spine sagittal curvature of the corresponding instrumented level was used to evaluate over or under correction of the sagittal deformity. The implant rods at the concave side of deformity of all patients were significantly deformed after surgery. The average degree of rod deformation Δθ at the concave and convex sides was 15.8° and 1.6°, respectively. The average preoperative and postoperative implant rod angle of curvature at the concave side was 33.6° and 17.8°, respectively. The average preoperative and postoperative implant rod angle of curvature at the convex side was 25.5° and 23.9°, respectively. A significant relationship was found between the degree of rod deformation and preoperative implant rod angle of curvature (r=0.60, p<.005). The implant rods at the convex side of all patients did not have significant deformation. The results indicate that the postoperative sagittal outcome could be predicted from the initial rod shape. Changes in implant rod angle of curvature may lead to over- or undercorrection of the sagittal curve. Rod deformation at the concave side suggests that corrective forces acting on that side are greater than the convex side. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radiation or chemoradiation: initial utility study of selected therapy for local advanced stadium cervical cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramitasari, D. A.; Gondhowiardjo, S.; Nuranna, L.

2017-08-01

This study aimed to compare radiation only or chemo radiation treatment of local advanced cervical cancers by examining the initial response of tumors and acute side effects. An initial assessment employed value based medicine (VBM) by obtaining utility values for both types of therapy. The incidences of acute lower gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and hematology side effects in patients undergoing chemoradiation did not differ significantly from those undergoing radiation alone. Utility values for patients who underwent radiation alone were higher compared to those who underwent chemoradiation. It was concluded that the complete response of patients who underwent chemoradiation did not differ significantly from those who underwent radiation alone.

ANSYS-based birefringence property analysis of side-hole fiber induced by pressure and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xinbang; Gong, Zhenfeng

2018-03-01

In this paper, we theoretically investigate the influences of pressure and temperature on the birefringence property of side-hole fibers with different shapes of holes using the finite element analysis method. A physical mechanism of the birefringence of the side-hole fiber is discussed with the presence of different external pressures and temperatures. The strain field distribution and birefringence values of circular-core, rectangular-core, and triangular-core side-hole fibers are presented. Our analysis shows the triangular-core side-hole fiber has low temperature sensitivity which weakens the cross sensitivity of temperature and strain. Additionally, an optimized structure design of the side-hole fiber is presented which can be used for the sensing application.

Analysis of muscle activity and ankle joint movement during the side-hop test.

PubMed

Yoshida, Masahiro; Taniguchi, Keigo; Katayose, Masaki

2011-08-01

Functional performance tests (FPTs) that consist of movements, such as hopping, landing, and cutting, provide useful measurements. Although some tests have been established for kinematic studies of the knee joint, very few tests have been established for the ankle joint. To use the FPT as a test battery for patients with an ankle sprain, it is necessary to document typical patterns of muscle activation and range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint during FPTs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of the ROM of the ankle inversion/eversion and the muscle activity of the peroneus longus muscle (PL) and the tibial anterior muscle (TA) in normal subjects during the side-hop test. To emphasize the characteristics of ROM and electromyography (EMG) at each phase, the side-hop tests were divided into 4 phases: lateral-hop contact phase (LC), lateral-hop flight phase (LF), medial hop contact phase (MC), and medial hop flight phase (MF), and the ROM of ankle inversion/eversion, a peak angle of ankle inversion, and Integral EMG (IEMG) of PL and TA compared among 4 phases. Fifteen male subjects with no symptoms of ankle joint problems participated in this research. The ROM of ankle inversion/eversion during the side-hop test was 27 ± 3.8° (mean ± SD), and there was a significant difference in the ROM of ankle inversion/eversion among 4 phases (p < 0.05). The phase in which the widest ROM was presented was the MF. A peak angle of the ankle inversion at MC was significantly greater than at LC and MF (p <0.05). A peak angle of the ankle inversion at LF was significantly greater than at LC and MF. The PL remained contracting with 50-160% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The IEMGs of PL in both the contact phases were significantly greater than in both the flight phases (p < 0.05). In addition, the PL activity at LC was significantly greater than at MC. The TA remained contracting at 50-80% of MVC through the side-hop test. The IEMG of TA at both the contact phases was significantly greater than at 2 flight phases. However, there was no significant difference between LC and MF. Results of this study could be useful as basic data when evaluating the validity of the side-hop test for patients with ankle sprain.

Atenolol versus pindolol: side-effects in hypertension.

PubMed

Foerster, E C; Greminger, P; Siegenthaler, W; Vetter, H; Vetter, W

1985-01-01

This randomized crossover out-patient study was designed to compare the antihypertensive effects of atenolol and pindolol. After a wash-out period of two weeks in pretreated cases, 107 patients with essential hypertension were given either atenolol 100 mg once-daily or pindolol 20 mg slow release (SR) once-daily. Both atenolol and pindolol lowered blood pressure over the 24 week period. The diastolic blood pressure reduction was significantly greater (p less than 0.01) with atenolol than with pindolol. Before beta-blocker therapy, many patients had already experienced side-effects such as fatigue, sleep disturbances and dreams. This probably relates to the high sensitivity of the analogue scale used to assess side-effects, and to the high incidence of such symptoms in untreated patients. As the study progressed there was a reduction in the frequency of fatigue (p less than 0.03) and dreams (p less than 0.05) in both groups, whereas sleep disturbances significantly increased under pindolol (p less than 0.05) but decreased under atenolol (p less than 0.05). The only important side-effect difference between the two beta-blockers was the higher incidence of sleep disturbances with pindolol which may be due to the higher lipophilicity of this beta-blocker.

Dynamic interference of two anti-phase flapping foils in side-by-side arrangement in an incompressible flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Y.; Zhou, D.; Tao, J. J.; Peng, Z.; Zhu, H. B.; Sun, Z. L.; Tong, H. L.

2017-03-01

A two-dimensional computational hydrodynamic model is developed to investigate the propulsive performance of a flapping foil system in viscous incompressible flows, which consists of two anti-phase flapping foils in side-by-side arrangement. In the simulations, the gap between the two foils is varied from 1.0 to 4.0 times of the diameter of the semi-circular leading edge; the amplitude-based Strouhal number is changed from 0.06 to 0.55. The simulations therefore cover the flow regimes from negligible to strong interference in the wake flow. The generations of drag and thrust are investigated as well. The numerical results reveal that the counter-phase flapping motion significantly changes the hydrodynamic force generation and associated propulsive wake. Furthermore, the wake interference becomes important for the case with a smaller foil-foil gap and induces the inverted Bénard von Kármán vortex streets. The results show that the hydrodynamic performance of two anti-phase flapping foils can be significantly different from an isolated pitching foil. Findings of this study are expected to provide new insight for developing hydrodynamic propulsive systems by improving the performance based on the foil-foil interaction.

The Relation Between Rotation Deformity and Nerve Root Stress in Lumbar Scoliosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ho-Joong; Lee, Hwan-Mo; Moon, Seong-Hwan; Chun, Heoung-Jae; Kang, Kyoung-Tak

Even though several finite element models of lumbar spine were introduced, there has been no model including the neural structure. Therefore, the authors made the novel lumbar spine finite element model including neural structure. Using this model, we investigated the relation between the deformity pattern and nerve root stress. Two lumbar models with different types of curve pattern (lateral bending and lateral bending with rotation curve) were made. In the model of lateral bending curves without rotation, the principal compressive nerve root stress on the concave side was greater than the principal tensile stress on the convex side at the apex vertebra. Contrarily, in the lateral bending curve with rotational deformity, the nerve stress on the convex side was higher than that on the concave side. Therefore, this study elicit that deformity pattern could have significantly influence on the nerve root stress in the lumbar spine.

Experimental aerodynamic characteristics for a cylindrical body of revolution with side strakes and various noses at angles of attack from 0 degrees to 58 degrees and Mach numbers from 0.6 to 2.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgensen, L. H.; Nelson, E. R.

1975-01-01

For a body of revolution with afterbody side strakes, an experimental investigation was conducted in the Ames 6- by 6-Foot Wind Tunnel to determine the effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of forebody geometry, nose strakes, body side strakes, Reynolds number, Mach number, and angle of attack. Aerodynamic force and moment characteristics were measured for the straked cylindrical afterbody (cylinder fineness ratio of 7) with tangent ogive noses of fineness ratio 2.5 to 5.0. In addition, the straked cylinder afterbody was tested with an ogive nose having a rounded tip and an ogive nose with two different nose strake arrangements. The data demonstrate that the aerodynamic characteristics for a body of revolution with side strakes can be significantly affected by changes in nose fineness ratio, nose bluntness, Reynolds number, Mach number, and, of course, angle of attack. Removing the strakes from the cylindrical aftersection greatly decreased the lift, but this removal hardly changed the maximum magnitudes of the undesirable side forces that developed at angles of attack greater than about 25 deg for subsonic Mach numbers.

Efficacy of proximal colectomy for surgical management of right-sided first colorectal cancer in Lynch Syndrome mutation carriers.

PubMed

Hiatt, Molly J; Casey, Murray Joseph; Lynch, Henry T; Snyder, Carrie L; Stacey, Mark; Walters, Ryan W

2018-07-01

This study analyzes the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Lynch syndrome (LS) mutation carriers, interval until diagnosis of metachronous CRC, and survival after proximal colectomy (PC) compared with total (TC) and subtotal colectomy (STC) for right-sided first CRC in LS mutation carriers. Sixty-four LS mutation carriers with right-sided first CRC treated with PC or TC + STC were confirmed by clinical records. Bivariate analyses were examined for significance and life tables were generated for risk of metachronous CRC and survival estimates following surgery. One of 16 (6.3%) mutation carriers treated with TC + STC developed subsequent CRC compared with 13/48 (27%) treated by PC. There was no significant difference in survival estimates between PC compared with TC + STC through 25 years after surgery. Risk of subsequent CRC and survival estimates following PC and TC + STC should be considered in surgical management of right-sided first CRC in LS mutation carriers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of the large scale convection electric field in erosion of the plasmasphere during moderate and strong storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thaller, S. A.; Wygant, J. R.; Cattell, C. A.; Breneman, A. W.; Bonnell, J. W.; Kletzing, C.; De Pascuale, S.; Kurth, W. S.; Hospodarsky, G. B.; Bounds, S. R.

2015-12-01

The Van Allen Probes offer the first opportunity to investigate the response of the plasmasphere to the enhancement and penetration of the large scale duskward convection electric field in different magnetic local time (MLT) sectors. Using electric field measurements and estimates of the cold plasma density from the Van Allen Probes' Electric Fields and Waves (EFW) instrument, we study erosion of the plasmasphere during moderate and strong geomagnetic storms. We present the electric field and density data both on an orbit by orbit basis and synoptically, showing the behavior of the convection electric field and plasmasphere over a period of months. The data indicate that the large scale duskward electric field penetrates deep (L shell < 3) into the inner magnetosphere on both the dusk and dawn sides, but that the plasmasphere response on the dusk and dawn sides differ. In particular, significant (~2 orders of magnitude) decreases in the cold plasma density occur on the dawn side within hours of the onset of enhanced duskward electric field. In contrast, on the dusk side, the plasmapause is located at higher L shell than it is on the dawn side. In some cases, in the post-noon sector, cold plasma density enhancements accompany duskward electric field enhancements for the first orbit after the electric field enchantment, consistent with a duskside, sunward flowing, drainage plume.

Binding cooperativity between a ligand carbonyl group and a hydrophobic side chain can be enhanced by additional H-bonds in a distance dependent manner: A case study with thrombin inhibitors.

PubMed

Said, Ahmed M; Hangauer, David G

2015-01-01

One of the underappreciated non-covalent binding factors, which can significantly affect ligand-protein binding affinity, is the cooperativity between ligand functional groups. Using four different series of thrombin inhibitors, we reveal a strong positive cooperativity between an H-bond accepting carbonyl functionality and the adjacent P3 hydrophobic side chain. Adding an H-bond donating amine adjacent to the P3 hydrophobic side chain further increases this positive cooperativity thereby improving the Ki by as much as 546-fold. In contrast, adding an amidine multiple H-bond/salt bridge group in the distal S1 pocket does not affect this cooperativity. An analysis of the crystallographic B-factors of the ligand groups inside the binding site indicates that the strong cooperativity is mainly due to a significant mutual reduction in the residual mobility of the hydrophobic side chain and the H-bonding functionalities that is absent when the separation distance is large. This type of cooperativity is important to encode in binding affinity prediction software, and to consider in SAR studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Articular Eminence Inclination in Medieval and Contemporary Croatian Population

PubMed

Kranjčić, Josip; Šlaus, Mario; Vodanović, Marin; Peršić, Sanja; Vojvodić, Denis

2016-12-01

Articular eminence inclination (AEI) of the temporomandibular joint leads the mandible in its movements. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine AEI values in medieval (MP) and recent (RP) Croatian population. The study was carried out on two groups of specimens: first group with 30 MP human dry skulls, while the other, serving as control group consisted of 137 dry skulls. The AEI was measured on lateral digital skull images as the angle between the best fi t line drawn along the posterior wall of the articular eminence and the Frankfurt horizontal plane. No statistically significant (p>0.05) differences between the left and right side AEI were found between MP skulls and RP skulls. The mean value of MP AEI was 45.5˚, with a range of 20.9˚-64˚. The mean RP AEI value was steeper (61.99˚), with a range of 30˚-94˚. Difference between the mean MP and RP AEI values was statistically significant (p<0.05). Values of AEI vary a lot. Nonsignificant differences between the left and right side AEI confirmed the natural left-right side asymmetry. The values of AEI differ between the RP and MP groups, most probably due to different type of food consumption in medieval time, and consequently different masticatory loads and forces.

Randomized clinical trial assessing the side-effects of glyceryl trinitrate and diltiazem hydrochloride in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

PubMed

Kocher, H M; Steward, M; Leather, A J M; Cullen, P T

2002-04-01

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment (0 small middle dot2 per cent) has an efficacy of up to 68 per cent in healing chronic anal fissure, but with headache as a major side-effect. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) cream (2 per cent) is expected to have fewer side-effects. A prospective double-blind randomized two-centre trial requiring at least 26 patients in each group (alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.9) was instituted after approval of the local ethics committee, to compare the incidence of side-effects (primary endpoint) with 0.2 per cent GTN ointment and 2 per cent DTZ cream in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Treatments were applied perianally, twice daily for 6-8 weeks. All patients gave written informed consent. Both groups were comparable in patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Twelve patients violated the protocol, withdrew or did not attend follow-up. There were more side-effects with GTN (21 of 29 patients) than with DTZ (13 of 31) (relative risk (RR) 1.84 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1.11 to 3.04), P = 0.01). In particular, more headaches occurred with GTN (17 of 29 patients) than with DTZ (eight of 31) (RR 2.06 (95 per cent c.i. 1.18 to 3.59), P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in healing and symptomatic improvement rates between patients receiving GTN (25 of 29) and DTZ (24 of 31). DTZ cream caused substantially fewer headaches than GTN ointment. There was no significant difference in the healing or improvement of chronic anal fissure between the treatments. DTZ may be the preferred first-line treatment for chronic anal fissure.

Side Effect Perceptions and Their Impact on Treatment Decisions in Women.

PubMed

Waters, Erika A; Pachur, Thorsten; Colditz, Graham A

2017-04-01

Side effects prompt some patients to forego otherwise-beneficial therapies. This study explored which characteristics make side effects particularly aversive. We used a psychometric approach, originating from research on risk perception, to identify the factors (or components) underlying side effect perceptions. Women ( N = 149) aged 40 to 74 years were recruited from a patient registry to complete an online experiment. Participants were presented with hypothetical scenarios in which an effective and necessary medication conferred a small risk of a single side effect (e.g., nausea, dizziness). They rated a broad range of side effects on several characteristics (e.g., embarrassing, treatable). In addition, we collected 4 measures of aversiveness for each side effect: choosing to take the medication, willingness to pay to avoid the side effect (WTP), negative affective attitude associated with the side effect, and how each side effect ranks among others in terms of undesirability. A principal components analysis (PCA) was used to identify the components underlying side effect perceptions. Then, for each aversiveness measure separately, regression analyses were used to determine which components predicted differences in aversiveness among the side effects. The PCA revealed 4 components underlying side effect perceptions: affective challenge (e.g., frightening), social challenge (e.g., disfiguring), physical challenge (e.g., painful), and familiarity (e.g., common). Side effects perceived as affectively and physically challenging elicited the highest levels of aversiveness across all 4 measures. Understanding what side effect characteristics are most aversive may inform interventions to improve medical decisions and facilitate the translation of novel biomedical therapies into clinical practice.

Impact of Primary Tumor Location on First-line Bevacizumab or Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Snyder, Matthew; Bottiglieri, Sal; Almhanna, Khaldoun

2018-01-01

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the United States, with a large proportion of patients presenting with metastatic disease or developing a recurrence. Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of therapy in this setting. There is a clear benefit in the addition of bevacizumab or cetuximab (for rat sarcoma [RAS] wild type tumors) to oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based regimens which can be considered for first-line therapy. However, many significant questions remain as to which agent reflects best practice. Our review aimed to elucidate the benefit of adding bevacizumab and cetuximab to initial therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer based on primary tumor location and a variety of other disease- and patient-related factors, addressing the paucity of evidence that currently exists in this area and contributing to current literature and clinical practices. The primary endpoints of the study were first Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included best response to first- and second-line therapies, Treatment- Related Adverse Events (TRAEs), second PFS, cost of therapy, and an assessment of other patient- and disease-related factors affecting PFS and OS. While there were trends towards improved OS in patients with left-sided primary tumors (n=57) compared to those with right-sided disease (n=23), there were no significant differences between the two groups in either primary endpoint. While no differences were found for patients with left- or right- sided tumors stratified by add-on agent, these analyses were limited by the small number of patients receiving cetuximab with first-line therapy (n=4). However, the bevacizumab cohort (n=76) was sizable enough to provide ample data and produce clinically relevant results. Add-on therapy with bevacizumab in our study achieved impressive survival outcomes in both left-sided (median first PFS = 13 months, 95% CI 11-15 months; median OS = 37 months, 95% CI 21-53 months) and right-sided (median first PFS = 13 months, 95% CI 9-17 months; median OS = 37 months, 95% CI 22-52 months) disease. These results raised questions regarding the true significance of primary tumor location when selecting bevacizumab or cetuximab for first-line therapy, particularly the current thought of using cetuximab for left-sided tumors. While the superiority of bevacizumab over cetuximab in rightsided disease remained evident upon comparison of our analysis with historical controls, survival outcomes with the agent in our analysis appeared to be similar to that of cetuximab in CRYSTAL, FIRE- 3, and CALGB/SWOG 80405 in left-sided disease. Further study is required to determine if bevacizumab truly does produce similar outcomes to cetuximab in left-sided primary tumors. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Side Effect Perceptions and their Impact on Treatment Decisions in Women

PubMed Central

Waters, Erika A.; Pachur, Thorsten; Colditz, Graham A.

2016-01-01

Background Side effects prompt some patients to forego otherwise-beneficial therapies. This study explored which characteristics make side effects particularly aversive. Methods We used a psychometric approach, originating from research on risk perception, to identify the factors (or components) underlying side effect perceptions. Women (N=149) aged 40–74 were recruited from a patient registry to complete an online experiment. Participants were presented with hypothetical scenarios in which an effective and necessary medication conferred a small risk of a single side effect (e.g., nausea, dizziness). They rated a broad range of side effects on several characteristics (e.g., embarrassing, treatable). In addition, we collected four measures of aversiveness for each side effect: choosing to take the medication, willingness to pay to avoid the side effect (WTP), negative affective attitude associated with the side effect, and how each side effect ranks among others in terms of undesirability. A principle-components analysis (PCA) was used to identify the components underlying side effect perceptions. Then, for each aversiveness measure separately, regression analyses were used to determine which components predicted differences in aversiveness among the side effects. Results The PCA revealed four components underlying side effect perceptions: affective challenge (e.g., frightening), social challenge (e.g., disfiguring), physical challenge (e.g., painful), and familiarity (e.g., common). Side effects perceived as affectively and physically challenging elicited the highest levels of aversiveness across all four measures. Conclusions Understanding what side effect characteristics are most aversive may inform interventions to improve medical decisions and facilitate the translation of novel biomedical therapies into clinical practice. PMID:27216581

PARKINSON'S DISEASE PATIENTS WITH DOMINANT HEMIBODY AFFECTED BY THE DISEASE RELY MORE ON VISION TO MAINTAIN UPRIGHT POSTURAL CONTROL.

PubMed

Lahr, Juliana; Pereira, Marcelo Pinto; Pelicioni, Paulo Henrique Silva; De Morais, Luana Carolina; Gobbi, Lilian Teresa Bucken

2015-12-01

This study assesses the association between disease onset side (dominant or non-dominant) and vision on postural control of Parkinson's disease patients. Patient volunteers composed two groups, according to the onset side affected: Dominant group (n=9; M age=66.1 yr., SD=7.2; 6 women, 3 men) and Non-dominant group (n=9; M age=67.4 yr., SD=6.4; 6 women, 3 men). The groups' postural control was assessed by posturography during quiet upright stance in two conditions, Eyes open and Eyes closed. Two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs; group×condition) with repeated measures for the second factor assessed the differences associated with affected hemibody and vision on postural control. Analyses indicated that patients with the dominant side affected also presented significantly greater variation in center of pressure than those with the non-dominant side affected, mainly in the Eyes closed condition. The results demonstrate a higher reliance on vision in the dominant side, possibly to compensate somatosensory system impairments. These results also highlight the importance of analyzing the hemibody affected by the disease when postural control is assessed in this population.

How significant is the slope of the sea-side boundary for modelling seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walther, Marc; Graf, Thomas; Kolditz, Olaf; Liedl, Rudolf; Post, Vincent

2017-08-01

Application of numerical models is a common method to assess groundwater resources. The versatility of these models allows consideration of different levels of complexity, but the accuracy of the outcomes hinges upon a proper description of the system behaviour. In seawater intrusion assessment, the implementation of the sea-side boundary condition is of particular importance. We evaluate the influence of the slope of the sea-side boundary on the simulation results of seawater intrusion in a freshwater aquifer by employing a series of slope variations together with a sensitivity analysis by varying additional sensitive parameters (freshwater inflow and longitudinal and transverse dispersivities). Model results reveal a multi-dimensional dependence of the investigated variables with an increasing relevance of the sea-side boundary slope for seawater intrusion (decrease of up to 32%), submarine groundwater discharge zone (reduction of up to 55%), and turnover times (increase of up to 730%) with increasing freshwater inflow or dispersivity values.

[Case-control study on transverse carpal ligament resection for the prevention of delayed carpal tunnel syndrome after distal radius fracture].

PubMed

Wang, Yan-jie; Wang, Shi-gang; Miao, Shu-juan; Su, Xia

2011-06-01

To investigate the effects of open reduction by palm side for the distal radius fracture and T shape plate internal fixation with simultaneous anterior transverse carpal ligament resection for the prevention of delayed carpal tunnel syndrome after operation. From March 2000 to March 2007, 32 patients (8 males and 24 females, ranging in age from 46 to 66 years) with distal radius fracture were treated with open reduction by palm side and T shape plate internal fixation with simultaneous anterior transverse carpal ligament resection; while 30 patients (7 males and 23 females,ranging in age from 45 to 65 years) only with open reduction by palm side and T shape plate internal fixation. The incidences of delayed carpal tunnel syndrome between the two groups were compared. Among 32 patients treated with open reduction by palm side and T shape plate internal fixation with anterior transverse carpal ligament resection, 3 patients had delayed carpal tunnel syndrome; while in 30 patients treated with open reduction by palm side and T shape plate internal fixation, 10 patients had delayed carpal tunnel syndrome. There was significant statistically difference (P < 0.05%). Simultaneous anterior transverse carpal ligament resection can effectively prevent the delayed carpal tunnel syndrome occurrence for the distal radius fracture with open reduction by palm side.

Sound Localization and Speech Perception in Noise of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients: Bimodal Fitting Versus Bilateral Cochlear Implants.

PubMed

Choi, Ji Eun; Moon, Il Joon; Kim, Eun Yeon; Park, Hee-Sung; Kim, Byung Kil; Chung, Won-Ho; Cho, Yang-Sun; Brown, Carolyn J; Hong, Sung Hwa

The aim of this study was to compare binaural performance of auditory localization task and speech perception in babble measure between children who use a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and a hearing aid (HA) in the other (bimodal fitting) and those who use bilateral CIs. Thirteen children (mean age ± SD = 10 ± 2.9 years) with bilateral CIs and 19 children with bimodal fitting were recruited to participate. Sound localization was assessed using a 13-loudspeaker array in a quiet sound-treated booth. Speakers were placed in an arc from -90° azimuth to +90° azimuth (15° interval) in horizontal plane. To assess the accuracy of sound location identification, we calculated the absolute error in degrees between the target speaker and the response speaker during each trial. The mean absolute error was computed by dividing the sum of absolute errors by the total number of trials. We also calculated the hemifield identification score to reflect the accuracy of right/left discrimination. Speech-in-babble perception was also measured in the sound field using target speech presented from the front speaker. Eight-talker babble was presented in the following four different listening conditions: from the front speaker (0°), from one of the two side speakers (+90° or -90°), from both side speakers (±90°). Speech, spatial, and quality questionnaire was administered. When the two groups of children were directly compared with each other, there was no significant difference in localization accuracy ability or hemifield identification score under binaural condition. Performance in speech perception test was also similar to each other under most babble conditions. However, when the babble was from the first device side (CI side for children with bimodal stimulation or first CI side for children with bilateral CIs), speech understanding in babble by bilateral CI users was significantly better than that by bimodal listeners. Speech, spatial, and quality scores were comparable with each other between the two groups. Overall, the binaural performance was similar to each other between children who are fit with two CIs (CI + CI) and those who use bimodal stimulation (HA + CI) in most conditions. However, the bilateral CI group showed better speech perception than the bimodal CI group when babble was from the first device side (first CI side for bilateral CI users or CI side for bimodal listeners). Therefore, if bimodal performance is significantly below the mean bilateral CI performance on speech perception in babble, these results suggest that a child should be considered to transit from bimodal stimulation to bilateral CIs.

A three-dimensional analysis of skeletal and dental characteristics in skeletal class III patients with facial asymmetry.

PubMed

Yu, Jinfeng; Hu, Yun; Huang, Mingna; Chen, Jun; Ding, Xiaoqian; Zheng, Leilei

2018-03-15

To evaluate the skeletal and dental characteristics in skeletal class III patients with facial asymmetry and to analyse the relationships among various parts of the stomatognathic system to provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice. Asymmetric cone-beam computed tomography data acquired from 56 patients were evaluated using Mimics 10.0 and 3-Matic software. Skeletal and dental measurements were performed to assess the three-dimensional differences between two sides. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations among measurements. Linear measurements, such as ramal height, mandible body length, ramal height above the sigmoid notch (RHASN), maxillary height, condylar height, buccal and total cancellous bone thickness, and measurements of condylar size, were significantly larger on the nondeviated side than on the deviated side (P <  0.05). Crown root ratio and buccolingual angle of mandibular first molar were found to be significantly smaller on the nondeviated side than on the deviated side (P <  0.05). A negative correlation was also discovered between the buccolingual angle of mandibular first molar and the ramal height (P <  0.01). In patients with facial asymmetry, asymmetries in the mandible, maxilla and condylar morphology, and skeletal canting served as major components of skeletal asymmetry. Furthermore, a reduced thickness of buccal cancellous bone and a larger crown root ratio were found on the deviated side, indicating that orthodontic camouflage has limitations and potential risks. A combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery may be the advisable choice in patients with a menton deviation greater than 4 mm. An important association between vertical skeletal disharmony and dental compensation was also observed.

A randomized study comparing the side effects and hormonal status of triptorelin and leuprorelin following conservative laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriosis in Chinese women.

PubMed

Li, Zheng; Zhang, Hong Yuan; Zhu, Ying Jun; Hu, Yuan Jing; Qu, Peng Peng

2014-12-01

Different gonadotropin-releasing-hormone agonist (GnRH-a) formulations with different potency and associated side effects, therefore, different compliance and persistence of therapy. This study was to evaluate the difference of hormonal profile and side effects due to hypoestrogenic status after treatment of leuprorelin and triptorelin in Chinese women with ovarian endometrioma after conservative surgical treatment. A total of 302 women underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas with rASRM III and IV were enrolled in the study.Subjects were randomized into two groups with use of a random table. Twenty two patients dropped out during the study. Thus 142 patients had three doses of i.m. leuprorelin (group A) and 138 patients had three doses of i.m. triptorelin(group B) at 4 weeks intervals after surgical treatment. Menopausal symptoms were evalutaed using a questionnaire and serum sex hormonal levels were also measured during the follow-up. At week 4 after the treatment, most of the patients in leuprorelin group have no obvious side effects. After 9 weeks, bone pain, hot flashes and sweating, and irregular bleeding were the main side effects and showed no difference between the groups. Anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, headache, and acne rates were all significantly higher in triptorelin group than in leuprorelin group. A significant difference in FSH (p=0.003), LH (p=0.026) and E2 (p=0.002) levels between the groups were observed after 21 days of the GnRHa treatment. The FSH (p=0.021) and E2 (p=0.033) levels remained higher in the leuprorelin group than the triptorelin group after six weeks of treatment, but the difference of LH(p=0.917) level was no longer discernible. Leuprorelin in down-regulating the pituitary-ovarian function was more moderate, and the hormonal levels decrease progressively and gradually, therefore, with lower rate of menopausal symptoms. Leuprorelin acetate maybe better tolerated than triptorelin. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of Protein Side-Chain Conformation Prediction Methods in Different Residue Environments

PubMed Central

Peterson, Lenna X.; Kang, Xuejiao; Kihara, Daisuke

2016-01-01

Computational prediction of side-chain conformation is an important component of protein structure prediction. Accurate side-chain prediction is crucial for practical applications of protein structure models that need atomic detailed resolution such as protein and ligand design. We evaluated the accuracy of eight side-chain prediction methods in reproducing the side-chain conformations of experimentally solved structures deposited to the Protein Data Bank. Prediction accuracy was evaluated for a total of four different structural environments (buried, surface, interface, and membrane-spanning) in three different protein types (monomeric, multimeric, and membrane). Overall, the highest accuracy was observed for buried residues in monomeric and multimeric proteins. Notably, side-chains at protein interfaces and membrane-spanning regions were better predicted than surface residues even though the methods did not all use multimeric and membrane proteins for training. Thus, we conclude that the current methods are as practically useful for modeling protein docking interfaces and membrane-spanning regions as for modeling monomers. PMID:24619909

Analysis of the Agger nasi cell and frontal sinus ostium sizes using computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses.

PubMed

Angélico, Fernando Veiga; Rapoport, Priscila Bogar

2013-01-01

The Agger nasi cell (ANC) and the frontal sinus ostium (FO) are important structures that can influence the anatomy and physiology of the frontal recess. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and size of ANC and the FO and correlate them according to gender, race and among themselves. A prospective study with 40 patients who underwent CT of the paranasal sinuses with sagittal reconstruction. ANC (APAN) anteroposterior diameter, ANC (CCAN) craniocaudal diameter, ANC (LLAN) side-to-side diameter, anteroposterior diameter of the FO (APFO) and side-to-side diameter of the FO (LLFO). Twenty-two patients were male and 18 females, mean age 33.7 years. Most patients were white (45%), followed by browns (32.5%), blacks (20%) and asians (2.5%). The ANC was present in 98.7% of patients. There was statistical difference for APAN on females and LLAN on females and on the total sample. There were no differences for all measurements regarding gender, as well as the race. ANC and FO measurements showed positive correlation, but poor or very poor. The prevalence of ANC in our sample was high and did not show a statistically significant difference for most measurements. The correlation between measurements of ANC and the FO was poor or very poor.

Midline shift and lateral guidance angle in adults with unilateral posterior crossbite.

PubMed

Rilo, Benito; da Silva, José Luis; Mora, María Jesús; Cadarso-Suárez, Carmen; Santana, Urbano

2008-06-01

Unilateral posterior crossbite is a malocclusion that, if not corrected during infancy, typically causes permanent asymmetry. Our aims in this study were to evaluate various occlusal parameters in a group of adults with uncorrected unilateral posterior crossbite and to compare findings with those obtained in a group of normal subjects. Midline shift at maximum intercuspation, midline shift at maximum aperture, and lateral guidance angle in the frontal plane were assessed in 25 adults (ages, 17-26 years; mean, 19.6 years) with crossbites. Midline shift at maximum intercuspation was zero (ie, centric midline) in 36% of the crossbite subjects; the remaining subjects had a shift toward the crossbite side. Midline shift at maximum aperture had no association with crossbite side. Lateral guidance angle was lower on the crossbite side than on the noncrossbite side. No parameter studied showed significant differences with respect to the normal subjects. Adults with unilateral posterior crossbite have adaptations that compensate for the crossbite and maintain normal function.

Study on collision resistance characteristics of the side tanks with water inside

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuxi; Hu, Jinwen; Liu, Ting; Wu, Can

2018-05-01

When we evaluate the safety performance of ships against external events, one of the most important indicator is the collision resistance to which water inside the side tanks also make some contributions because of the water effect. To further analyze the interaction mechanism, different collision velocities and side tank waterlines are set for the analysis model. Results indicate the outside shell and the inner shell of the side structure significantly enhanced the collision resistance performance to a certain extension. The water effect on the failure of the outside shell is unobvious, while, it performs a great influence on the destructive reaction force of the inner shell. When the velocity of the coming bulbous bow gradually increases, the destructive reaction forces of the outside shell and the inner shell increase with a decreasing rate. Besides, water influence the collision characteristics of the inner shell a lot when the waterlines are below the upper rib of the strong frame.

Role of nitric oxide in the onset of facial nerve palsy by HSV-1 infection.

PubMed

Hato, Naohito; Kohno, Hisashi; Yamada, Hiroyuki; Takahashi, Hirotaka; Gyo, Kiyofumi

2013-12-01

Although herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a causative agent of Bell palsy, the precise mechanism of the paralysis remains unknown. It is necessary to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of Bell palsy due to HSV-1 infection. This study elucidated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the incidence of facial nerve paralysis caused by HSV-1 in mice and to evaluate the possible role of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, in preventing the paralysis. Sixty-two mice served as animal models of Bell palsy in this laboratory study conducted at an academic institution. Levels of NO in the facial nerve were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and absorption photometry. The incidence of facial palsy was assessed following administration of edaravone immediately after HSV-1 inoculation and daily for 11 days thereafter. The ratio of NO (inoculated side to control side) and incidence of facial palsy. RESULTS Before the onset of facial palsy, no substantial difference in the NO level was noted between the HSV-1-inoculated side and the control side. When facial palsy occurred, usually at 7 days after inoculation, the NO level was significantly higher on the inoculated side than on the control side. Following recovery from the palsy, the high NO level of the inoculated side decreased. No increase in the NO level was observed in animals without transient facial palsy. When edaravone was administered, the incidence of facial palsy decreased significantly. These findings suggest that NO produced by inducible NO synthase in the facial nerve plays an important role in the onset of facial palsy caused by HSV-1 infection, which is considered a causative virus of Bell palsy. Hato and colleagues elucidate the role of nitric oxide in HSV-1–related facial nerve paralysis in mice and evaluate the role of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, in preventing the paralysis.

The side of chronic low back pain matters: evidence from the primary motor cortex excitability and the postural adjustments of multifidi muscles.

PubMed

Massé-Alarie, Hugo; Beaulieu, Louis-David; Preuss, Richard; Schneider, Cyril

2017-03-01

Hemispheric lateralization of pain processing was reported with overactivation of the right frontal lobe. Specifically in chronic low back pain (CLBP), functional changes in the left primary motor cortex (M1) with impaired anticipatory postural activation (APA) of trunk muscles have been observed. Given the connections between frontal and M1 areas for motor planning, it is hypothesized that the pain side could differently influence M1 function and APA of paravertebral multifidus (MF) muscles. This study aimed at testing whether people with right- versus left-sided CLBP showed different M1 excitability and APA. Thirty-five individuals with lateralized CLBP (19 right-sided and 16 left-sided) and 13 pain-free subjects (normative values) were tested for the excitability of MF M1 area (active motor threshold-AMT) with transcranial magnetic stimulation and for the latency of MF APA during bilateral shoulder flexion and during unilateral hip extension in prone lying. In the right-sided CLBP group, the AMT of both M1 areas was lower than in the left-sided group and the pain-free subjects; the latency of MF APA was shorter in bilateral shoulder flexion and in the left hip extension tasks as compared to the left-sided group. In CLBP, an earlier MF APA was correlated with lower AMT in both tasks. People with right-sided CLBP presented with increased M1 excitability in both hemispheres and earlier MF APA. These results likely rely on cortical motor adaptation related to the tasks and axial muscles tested. Future studies should investigate whether CLBP side-related differences have a clinical impact, e.g. in diagnosis and intervention.

Do the emotional side-effects of hormonal contraceptives come from pharmacologic or psychological mechanisms?

PubMed

Robinson, Stephen A; Dowell, Matt; Pedulla, Dominic; McCauley, Larry

2004-01-01

Hormonal preparations have become one of the most popular methods used for controlling fertility. The literature over the last 40 years continues to reveal how their numerous side effects negatively impact many users and even society at large. Three large cohort trials were the first to demonstrate, on a grand scale, certain emotional and behavioral associations with contraceptive use. Current contraceptive use was associated with an increase rate in depression, divorce, tranquilizer use, sexual dysfunction, and suicide and other violent and accidental deaths. Despite the advent of more "user friendly" contraceptives, the discontinuation rate secondary to side effects has changed little through the years. While in rare cases hormonal preparations can be deadly to the user, there is substantial evidence that their negative effect issues more from their emotional and behavioral properties. This paper reviews the results of over seven studies which further characterize these prominent associations, particularly with hormonal contraception, in an attempt to demonstrate their association with the intrinsic pharmacologic properties of hormonal preparations. Hormonal contraceptive users, in contrast with non users, were found to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, fatigue, neurotic symptoms, sexual disturbances, compulsion, anger, and negative menstrual effects. The question of whether the association of these maladies is directly due to the effect of taking exogenous hormones versus the psychological impact of the contraceptive behavior itself had yet to be studied. Seven small randomized-controlled trials were found in a review of the literature which studied this hypothesis in a direct way. They do not support the origination of these side effects being from the pharmacological properties of hormones. No association was found between hormone levels and emotional functioning in females. Psychiatric evaluations among IUD and oral contraceptive pill (OCP) users reveal no significant differences. Women who were given an OCP placebo experienced a similar side effect profile of OCP users. Different hormonal concentrations and combinations made no significant difference in the side effect profile. A study of women who were given either "weak female hormones" or a placebo failed to duplicate the side effect profile found in all of the other studies where the hormones were labeled as contraceptives. The evidence suggests that most of the side effects of hormonal contraception are a result of a psychological response to the practice of contraception. More study is warranted to further understand this psychological phenomenon, especially now that an effective non-contraceptive method of fertility regulation and more reliable psychological instruments are available. Furthermore, it is reasonable to hypothesize, given the present data, that contraceptive activity itself is inherently damaging to women.

Differences in bite force between dolichofacial and brachyfacial individuals: Side of mastication, gender, weight and height.

PubMed

Quiudini, Paulo Roberto; Pozza, Daniel Humberto; Pinto, Ary Dos Santos; de Arruda, Mauricio Ferraz; Guimarães, Antonio Sergio

2017-07-01

Due to the bite force importance in functionality of the masticatory system, this study aimed to characterize it in dolichofacial and brachyfacial individuals. A sample comprised by 190 patients was divided into two groups: 90 severe dolichofacial, and 100 severe brachyfacial individuals classified according to the VERT index and the face height ratio (Jarabak quotient). Bite force was measured by using an adjusted digital dynamometer and proper methodology. The sample met the parametric assumptions and presented statistical significance when right and left sides of dolichofacial and brachyfacial individuals were compared. However, within the same group, no differences between the left and right sides were found. Generally, bite force was higher for male, left masticator, age between 41-50 years, weighing over 100kg and between 1.81 and 1.90m tall. Based on the results of this cross-sectional study, it was possible to conclude that the bite force in severe brachyfacial individuals was significantly higher than in severe dolichofacial individuals, being influenced by gender, weight and height. Copyright © 2016 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Theoretical and practical considerations in rational polytherapy for epilepsy].

PubMed

Rajna, Péter

2011-11-30

Author analyses the consideration of rational polytherapy for epilepsy. Among the theoretical aspects he points the different effect of seizure inhibitory drugs on the epilepsy models but didn't find data enough for the basis of any successful combination. Combinations of compounds having different way of action are more promising. Rational polytherapy can serve also the epileptic patients' tailored therapy in the daily routine. There have already been some proved synergisms concerning drug interactions. Based on detailed analysis of side effects a possibility occurs for neutralization of side effects when anticonvulsants with side effects of opposite nature are combined. Considering both the side effect profiles and the different (somatic and psychic) habits of the patients we can create a special list of favourable combinations. Co-morbid states and their treatments play a significant role in the application of rational polytherapy. Combination of anticonvulsants of lower potential but without drug-interactions can be the choice in these cases. The non-epileptic indications of the anticonvulsants can also be utilized in polymorbid patients. Based on the theoretical and practical considerations the author defines the ten-step-cognitive-preparation-process in planning the optimal (poly)therapy. On speculative basis he suggests eight beneficial versions of seizure inhibitory rational polytherapy.

Generic drug prices and policy in Australia: room for improvement? a comparative analysis with England.

PubMed

Mansfield, Sarah J

2014-02-01

To assess the degree to which reimbursement prices in Australia and England differ for a range of generic drugs, and to analyse the supply- and demand-side factors that may contribute to these differences. Australian and English reimbursement prices were compared for a range of generic drugs using pricing information obtained from government websites. Next, a literature review was conducted to identify supply- and demand-side factors that could affect generic prices in Australia and England. Various search topics were identified addressing potential supply-side (e.g. market approval, intellectual property protection of patented drugs, generic pricing policy, market size, generic supply chain and discounting practices) and demand-side (consumers, prescribers and pharmacists) factors. Related terms were searched in academic databases, official government websites, national statistical databases and internet search engines. Analysis of drug reimbursement prices for 15 generic molecules (representing 45 different drug presentations) demonstrated that Australian prices were on average over 7-fold higher than in England. Significant supply-side differences included aspects of pricing policy, the relative size of the generics markets and the use of clawback policies. Major differences in demand-side policies related to generic prescribing, pharmacist substitution and consumer incentives. Despite recent reforms, the Australian Government continues to pay higher prices than its English counterpart for many generic medications. The results suggest that particular policy areas may benefit from review in Australia, including the length of the price-setting process, the frequency of subsequent price adjustments, the extent of price competition between originators and generics, medical professionals' knowledge about generic medicines and incentives for generic prescribing. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE TOPIC? Prices of generic drugs have been the subject of much scrutiny over recent years. From 2005 to 2010 the Australian Government responded to observations that Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prices for many generics were higher than in numerous comparable countries by instituting several reforms aimed at reducing the prices of generics. Despite this, several studies have demonstrated that prices for generic statins (one class of cholesterol-lowering drug) are higher in Australia compared with England and many other developed countries, and prices of numerous other generics remain higher than in the USA and New Zealand. Recently there has been increasing interest in why these differences exist. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD? By including a much larger range of commonly used and costly generic drugs, this paper builds significantly on the limited previous investigations of generic drug prices in Australia and England. Additionally, this is the first comprehensive investigation of multiple supply- and, in particular, demand-side factors that may explain any price differences between these countries. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTITIONERS? Practitioners may contribute to the higher prices of generic medications in Australia compared with England through relatively low rates of generic prescribing. There are also significant implications for health policy makers, as this paper demonstrates that if Australia achieved the same prices as England for many generic drugs there could be substantial savings for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Dobutamine stress MRI. Part I. Safety and feasibility of dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients suspected of myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Kuijpers, Dirkjan; Janssen, Caroline H C; van Dijkman, Paul R M; Oudkerk, Matthijs

2004-10-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and feasibility of dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with proven or suspected coronary artery disease. Dobutamine CMR was evaluated retrospectively in 400 consecutive patients with suspicion of myocardial ischemia. Dobutamine was infused using an incremental protocol up to 40 microg/kg body weight per minute. All anti-anginal medication was stopped 4 days before the CMR study and infusion time of dobutamine was 6 min per stage. Hemodynamic data, CMR findings and side effects were reported. Patients with contraindications to CMR (metallic implants and claustrophobia) were excluded from analysis. Dobutamine CMR was successfully performed in 355 (89%) patients. Forty-five (11%) patients could not be investigated adequately because of non-cardiac side effects in 29 (7%) and cardiac side effects in 16 (4%) patients. Hypotension (1.5%) and arrhythmias (1%) were the most frequent cardiac side effects. One patient developed a severe complication (ventricular fibrillation) at the end of the study. There were no myocardial infarctions or fatal complications of the stress test. The most frequent non-cardiac side effects were nausea, vomiting and claustrophobia. Age >70 years, prior myocardial infarction and rest wall motion abnormalities showed no significant differences with side effects (P>0.05). Dobutamine CMR is safe and feasible in patients with suspicion of myocardial ischemia. Copyright 2004 Springer-Verlag

Effect of orthodontic treatment involving first premolar extractions on mandibular third molar angulation and retromolar space.

PubMed

Mendoza-García, Luz-Victoria; Vaillard-Jiménez, Esther; García-Rocha, Araceli; Bellot-Arcís, Carlos; Paredes-Gallardo, Vanessa

2017-03-01

Third molars present more problems than other teeth because they are the last teeth to erupt, and so it is important to assess their development when designing an orthodontic treatment plan. The aim of this study was to compare the angulation of the mandibular third molar and retromolar space before and after orthodontic treatment in cases involving first premolar extraction. 76 patients, 59 women (77.63%) and 17 men (22.36%), were recruited from the Orthodontics Clinic at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (Mexico). Panoramic radiographs were analyzed before and after orthodontic treatment that included first premolar extractions, measuring retromolar space (RS) and the angles formed by the intersection of the axes of the third and second molar (α) and the intersection of the axis of the mandibular plane and third molar (β). The data obtained underwent statistical analysis. The angle α and β showed statistically significant differences on the left side in women. In men, only the right side α angle showed significant differences. Retromolar space increased significantly on both sides for both sexes. Third molar angulation presents different behaviors between men and women, with greater verticalization in women. Key words: Third molar, retromolar space, orthodontics.

Effect of orthodontic treatment involving first premolar extractions on mandibular third molar angulation and retromolar space

PubMed Central

Vaillard-Jiménez, Esther; García-Rocha, Araceli; Bellot-Arcís, Carlos; Paredes-Gallardo, Vanessa

2017-01-01

Background Third molars present more problems than other teeth because they are the last teeth to erupt, and so it is important to assess their development when designing an orthodontic treatment plan. The aim of this study was to compare the angulation of the mandibular third molar and retromolar space before and after orthodontic treatment in cases involving first premolar extraction. Material and Methods 76 patients, 59 women (77.63%) and 17 men (22.36%), were recruited from the Orthodontics Clinic at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (Mexico). Panoramic radiographs were analyzed before and after orthodontic treatment that included first premolar extractions, measuring retromolar space (RS) and the angles formed by the intersection of the axes of the third and second molar (α) and the intersection of the axis of the mandibular plane and third molar (β). Results The data obtained underwent statistical analysis. The angle α and β showed statistically significant differences on the left side in women. In men, only the right side α angle showed significant differences. Retromolar space increased significantly on both sides for both sexes. Conclusions Third molar angulation presents different behaviors between men and women, with greater verticalization in women. Key words:Third molar, retromolar space, orthodontics. PMID:28298970

Solvation thermodynamics of amino acid side chains on a short peptide backbone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hajari, Timir; Vegt, Nico F. A. van der, E-mail: vandervegt@csi.tu-darmstadt.de

The hydration process of side chain analogue molecules differs from that of the actual amino acid side chains in peptides and proteins owing to the effects of the peptide backbone on the aqueous solvent environment. A recent molecular simulation study has provided evidence that all nonpolar side chains, attached to a short peptide backbone, are considerably less hydrophobic than the free side chain analogue molecules. In contrast to this, the hydrophilicity of the polar side chains is hardly affected by the backbone. To analyze the origin of these observations, we here present a molecular simulation study on temperature dependent solvationmore » free energies of nonpolar and polar side chains attached to a short peptide backbone. The estimated solvation entropies and enthalpies of the various amino acid side chains are compared with existing side chain analogue data. The solvation entropies and enthalpies of the polar side chains are negative, but in absolute magnitude smaller compared with the corresponding analogue data. The observed differences are large; however, owing to a nearly perfect enthalpy-entropy compensation, the solvation free energies of polar side chains remain largely unaffected by the peptide backbone. We find that a similar compensation does not apply to the nonpolar side chains; while the backbone greatly reduces the unfavorable solvation entropies, the solvation enthalpies are either more favorable or only marginally affected. This results in a very small unfavorable free energy cost, or even free energy gain, of solvating the nonpolar side chains in strong contrast to solvation of small hydrophobic or nonpolar molecules in bulk water. The solvation free energies of nonpolar side chains have been furthermore decomposed into a repulsive cavity formation contribution and an attractive dispersion free energy contribution. We find that cavity formation next to the peptide backbone is entropically favored over formation of similar sized nonpolar side chain cavities in bulk water, in agreement with earlier work in the literature on analysis of cavity fluctuations at nonpolar molecular surfaces. The cavity and dispersion interaction contributions correlate quite well with the solvent accessible surface area of the nonpolar side chains attached to the backbone. This correlation however is weak for the overall solvation free energies owing to the fact that the cavity and dispersion free energy contributions are almost exactly cancelling each other.« less

Solvation thermodynamics of amino acid side chains on a short peptide backbone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajari, Timir; van der Vegt, Nico F. A.

2015-04-01

The hydration process of side chain analogue molecules differs from that of the actual amino acid side chains in peptides and proteins owing to the effects of the peptide backbone on the aqueous solvent environment. A recent molecular simulation study has provided evidence that all nonpolar side chains, attached to a short peptide backbone, are considerably less hydrophobic than the free side chain analogue molecules. In contrast to this, the hydrophilicity of the polar side chains is hardly affected by the backbone. To analyze the origin of these observations, we here present a molecular simulation study on temperature dependent solvation free energies of nonpolar and polar side chains attached to a short peptide backbone. The estimated solvation entropies and enthalpies of the various amino acid side chains are compared with existing side chain analogue data. The solvation entropies and enthalpies of the polar side chains are negative, but in absolute magnitude smaller compared with the corresponding analogue data. The observed differences are large; however, owing to a nearly perfect enthalpy-entropy compensation, the solvation free energies of polar side chains remain largely unaffected by the peptide backbone. We find that a similar compensation does not apply to the nonpolar side chains; while the backbone greatly reduces the unfavorable solvation entropies, the solvation enthalpies are either more favorable or only marginally affected. This results in a very small unfavorable free energy cost, or even free energy gain, of solvating the nonpolar side chains in strong contrast to solvation of small hydrophobic or nonpolar molecules in bulk water. The solvation free energies of nonpolar side chains have been furthermore decomposed into a repulsive cavity formation contribution and an attractive dispersion free energy contribution. We find that cavity formation next to the peptide backbone is entropically favored over formation of similar sized nonpolar side chain cavities in bulk water, in agreement with earlier work in the literature on analysis of cavity fluctuations at nonpolar molecular surfaces. The cavity and dispersion interaction contributions correlate quite well with the solvent accessible surface area of the nonpolar side chains attached to the backbone. This correlation however is weak for the overall solvation free energies owing to the fact that the cavity and dispersion free energy contributions are almost exactly cancelling each other.

Does Right-Sided Language Lateralization on BOLD-fMRI Affect Postoperative Language Outcome for AVM Patients?

PubMed

Liu, Zhi; Deng, Xiaofeng; Cao, Yong; Zhao, Yuanli; Zhao, Jizong; Wang, Shuo

2017-01-01

For cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving language areas, right-sided language lateralization on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been reported, which is regarded as language cortex reorganization. The authors attempted to study if this right-sided language lateralization affects postoperative language outcome. Clinical and imaging data of 43 right-handed AVM patients who underwent preoperative fMRI were retrospectively reviewed. All lesions involved the language cortex, with the Broca area involved in 13 patients and the Wernicke area involved in 30 patients. Lateralization indices (LI) of BOLD signal activations were calculated to determine language lateralization. All patients underwent craniotomy and total resection. Western aphasia battery (WAB) was used to evaluate language functions preoperatively, 1-2 weeks after surgery and 6-30 months after surgery. On preoperative fMRI, right-sided lateralization was observed in 18 patients (41.9%, R Group), including 3 with rightsided lateralization in the Broca area alone, 14 in the Wernicke area alone, and 1 in both areas. The other 25 patients were non-rightsided lateralized (NR Group). One week after surgery, 7 patients in the R Group (38.9%) and 11 patients in the NR Group (44.0%) had language function deterioration, and no significant difference was found (p=0.983). At long-term follow-up, 3 patients in the R Group (16.7%) and 4 patients in the NR Group (16.0%) still had aphasia, and no significant difference was observed (p=1.000). Although right-sided lateralization on fMRI might suggest language cortex reorganization, it is not a factor predicting better postoperative language outcome for AVM patients.

Effect of mobile phone use on salivary concentrations of protein, amylase, lipase, immunoglobulin A, lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase and C-reactive protein of the parotid gland.

PubMed

Hashemipour, M S; Yarbakht, M; Gholamhosseinian, A; Famori, H

2014-05-01

The possibility of side effects associated with the electromagnetic waves emitted from mobile phones is a controversial issue. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mobile phone use on parotid gland salivary concentrations of protein, amylase, lipase, immunoglobulin A, lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase and C-reactive protein. Stimulated salivary samples were collected simultaneously from both parotid glands of 86 healthy volunteers. Salivary flow rate and salivary concentrations of proteins, amylase, lipase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin A, were measured. Data were analysed using t-tests and one-way analyses of variance. Salivary flow rate and parotid gland salivary concentrations of protein were significantly higher on the right side compared to the left in those that predominantly held mobile phones on the right side. In addition, there was a decrease in concentrations of amylase, lipase, lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidase. The side of dominant mobile phone use was associated with differences in salivary flow rate and parotid gland salivary concentrations, in right-dominant users. Although mobile phone use influenced salivary composition, the relationship was not significant.

Large-Eddy Simulation of Crashback in a Ducted Propulsor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Hyunchul; Mahesh, Krishnan

2011-11-01

Crashback is an operating condition to quickly stop a propelled vehicle, where the propeller is rotated in the reverse direction to yield negative thrust. The crashback condition is dominated by the interaction of free stream flow with strong reverse flow. Crashback causes highly unsteady loads and flow separation on blade surface. This study uses Large-Eddy Simulation to predict the highly unsteady flow field in crashback for a ducted propulsor. Thrust mostly arises from the blade surface, but most of side-force is generated from the duct surface. Both mean and RMS of pressure are much higher on inner surface of duct, especially near blade tips. This implies that side-force on the ducted propulsor is caused by the blade-duct interaction. Strong tip leakage flow is observed behind the suction side at the tip gap. The physical source of the tip leakage flow is seen to be the large pressure difference between pressure and suction sides. The conditional average during high amplitude event shows that the tip leakage flow and pressure difference are significantly higher. This work is supported by the United States Office of Naval Research under ONR Grant N00014-05-1-0003.

Clinical Significance of Repetitive Compound Muscle Action Potentials in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Predictor for Cholinergic Side Effects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyo Eun; Kim, Yool-hee; Kim, Seung Min

2016-01-01

Background and Purpose Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are widely used to treat myasthenia gravis (MG). Although AChEIs are usually tolerated well, some MG patients suffer from side effects. Furthermore, a small proportion of MG patients show cholinergic hypersensitivity and cannot tolerate AChEIs. Because repetitive compound muscle action potentials (R-CMAPs) are an electrophysiologic feature of cholinergic neuromuscular hyperactivity, we investigated the clinical characteristics of MG patients with R-CMAPs to identify their clinical usefulness in therapeutic decision-making. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and electrodiagnostic findings of MG patients who underwent electrodiagnostic studies and diagnostic neostigmine testing (NT). Results Among 71 MG patients, 9 could not tolerate oral pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and 17 experienced side effects of PB. R-CMAPs developed in 24 patients after NT. The highest daily dose of PB was lower in the patients with R-CMAPs (240 mg/day vs. 480 mg/day, p<0.001). The frequencies of PB intolerance and side effects were higher in the patients with R-CMAPs than in those without R-CMAPs [37.5% vs. 0% (p<0.001) and 45.8% vs. 12.8% (p=0.002), respectively]. The MG Foundation of America postintervention status did not differ significantly between MG patients with and without R-CMAPs, and the response to immunotherapy was also good in both groups. Conclusions Side effects of and intolerance to AChEIs are more common in MG patients with R-CMAPs than in those without R-CMAPs. AChEIs should be used carefully in MG patients with R-CMAPs. The presence of R-CMAPs after NT may be a good indicator of the risks of PB side effects and intolerance. PMID:27819419

The Role of MRI in Diagnosing Neurovascular Compression of the Cochlear Nerve Resulting in Typewriter Tinnitus.

PubMed

Bae, Y J; Jeon, Y J; Choi, B S; Koo, J-W; Song, J-J

2017-06-01

Typewriter tinnitus, a symptom characterized by paroxysmal attacks of staccato sounds, has been thought to be caused by neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve, but the correlation between radiologic evidence of neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve and symptom presentation has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine whether radiologic evidence of neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve is pathognomonic in typewriter tinnitus. Fifteen carbamazepine-responding patients with typewriter tinnitus and 8 control subjects were evaluated with a 3D T2-weighted volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition sequence. Groups 1 (16 symptomatic sides), 2 (14 asymptomatic sides), and 3 (16 control sides) were compared with regard to the anatomic relation between the vascular loop and the internal auditory canal and the presence of neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve with/without angulation/indentation. The anatomic location of the vascular loop was not significantly different among the 3 groups (all, P > .05). Meanwhile, neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve on MR imaging was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 3 ( P = .032). However, considerable false-positive (no symptoms with neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve on MR imaging) and false-negative (typewriter tinnitus without demonstrable neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve) findings were also observed. Neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve was more frequently detected on the symptomatic side of patients with typewriter tinnitus compared with the asymptomatic side of these patients or on both sides of control subjects on MR imaging. However, considering false-positive and false-negative findings, meticulous history-taking and the response to the initial carbamazepine trial should be regarded as more reliable diagnostic clues than radiologic evidence of neurovascular compression of the cochlear nerve. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

The relationship between lower extremity injury, low back pain, and hip muscle strength in male and female collegiate athletes.

PubMed

Nadler, S F; Malanga, G A; DePrince, M; Stitik, T P; Feinberg, J H

2000-04-01

To determine the relationship of previous lower extremity (LE) injury and/or low back pain (LBP) on hip abduction and extension strength. Cohort study of college athletes at time of preparticipation screening physical. An NCAA Division I college. Two hundred ten college athletes (140 males and 70 females) from an NCAA Division I school. Mean and maximal hip abduction and extension strengths were recorded using a specially designed dynamometer anchoring station. Previous injury to the LE or LBP in the past year was recorded via personal interview at the time of screening and verified by review of previous injury records. A significant difference in side-to-side symmetry of maximum hip extension strength was observed in female subjects who reported LE injury or LBP as compared to those who did not. Side-to-side difference in hip strength, however, did not differ between male athletes, regardless of reported LE injury or LBP status. Female athletes appear to have a differing response of the proximal hip musculature to LE injury or LBP, as compared with their male counterparts. Research is under way to further validate these findings. This study provides some reasoning to support the screening of hip strength during the preparticipation physical, as it may be important in the prevention of LE injury and LBP in collegiate athletes.

Do peak torque angles of muscles change following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring or patellar tendon graft?

PubMed

Yosmaoğlu, Hayri Baran; Baltacı, Gül; Sönmezer, Emel; Özer, Hamza; Doğan, Deha

2017-12-01

This study aims to compare the effects of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autogenous hamstring or patellar tendon graft on the peak torque angle. The study included 132 patients (103 males, 29 females; mean age 29±9 year) who were performed ACL reconstruction with autogenous hamstring or patellar tendon graft. The peak torque angles in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles were recorded using an isokinetic dynamometer. Angle of peak knee flexion torque occurred significantly earlier within the range of motion on the operated side than nonoperated side at 180°/second in the hamstring tendon group. Angle of peak knee extension torque occurred significantly earlier within the range of motion on the operated side than nonoperated side at 180°/second in the patellar tendon group. There were no statistically significant differences in the flexion and extension peak torque angles between the operated and nonoperated knees at 60°/second in both groups. The angle of peak torque at relatively high angular velocities is affected after ACL reconstruction in patients with hamstring or patellar tendon grafts. The graft donor site directly influences this parameter. This finding may be important for clinicians in terms of preventing re-injury.

Evaluation of Eyeball and Orbit in Relation to Gender and Age.

PubMed

Özer, Cenk Murat; Öz, Ibrahim Ilker; Şerifoğlu, Ismail; Büyükuysal, Mustafa Çağatay; Barut, Çağatay

2016-11-01

The orbital aperture is the entrance to the orbit in which most important visual structures such as the eyeball and the optic nerve are found. It is vital not only for the visual system but also for the evaluation and recognition of the face. Eyeball volume is essential for diagnosing microphthalmos or buphthalmos in several eye disorders. Knowing the length of the optic nerve is necessary in selecting the right instruments for enucleation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate eyeball volume, orbital aperture, and optic nerve dimensions for a morphological description in a Turkish population sample according to gender and body side.Paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans of 198 individuals (83 females, 115 males) aged between 5 and 74 years were evaluated retrospectively. The dimensions of orbital aperture, axial length and volume of eyeball, and diameter and length of the intraorbital part of the optic nerve were measured. Computed tomography examinations were performed on an Activion 16 CT Scanner (Toshiba Medical Systems, 2008 Japan). The CT measurements were calculated by using OsiriX software on a personal computer. All parameters were evaluated according to gender and right/left sides. A statistically significant difference between genders was found with respect to axial length of eyeball, optic nerve diameter, dimensions of orbital aperture on both sides, and right optic nerve length. Furthermore, certain statistically significant side differences were also found. There were statistically significant correlations between age and the axial length of the eyeball, optic nerve diameter, and the transverse length of the orbital aperture on both sides for the whole study group.In this study we determined certain morphometric parameters of the orbit. These outcomes may be helpful in developing a database to determine normal orbit values for the Turkish population so that quantitative assessment of orbital disease and orbital deformities will be evaluated both for preoperative planning and for assessing postoperative outcomes.

Validation of Foot Placement Locations from Ankle Data of a Kinect v2 Sensor

PubMed Central

Geerse, Daphne; Coolen, Bert; Kolijn, Detmar; Roerdink, Melvyn

2017-01-01

The Kinect v2 sensor may be a cheap and easy to use sensor to quantify gait in clinical settings, especially when applied in set-ups integrating multiple Kinect sensors to increase the measurement volume. Reliable estimates of foot placement locations are required to quantify spatial gait parameters. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of distance from the sensor, side and step length on estimates of foot placement locations based on Kinect’s ankle body points. Subjects (n = 12) performed stepping trials at imposed foot placement locations distanced 2 m or 3 m from the Kinect sensor (distance), for left and right foot placement locations (side), and for five imposed step lengths. Body points’ time series of the lower extremities were recorded with a Kinect v2 sensor, placed frontoparallelly on the left side, and a gold-standard motion-registration system. Foot placement locations, step lengths, and stepping accuracies were compared between systems using repeated-measures ANOVAs, agreement statistics and two one-sided t-tests to test equivalence. For the right side at the 2 m distance from the sensor we found significant between-systems differences in foot placement locations and step lengths, and evidence for nonequivalence. This distance by side effect was likely caused by differences in body orientation relative to the Kinect sensor. It can be reduced by using Kinect’s higher-dimensional depth data to estimate foot placement locations directly from the foot’s point cloud and/or by using smaller inter-sensor distances in the case of a multi-Kinect v2 set-up to estimate foot placement locations at greater distances from the sensor. PMID:28994731

Validation of Foot Placement Locations from Ankle Data of a Kinect v2 Sensor.

PubMed

Geerse, Daphne; Coolen, Bert; Kolijn, Detmar; Roerdink, Melvyn

2017-10-10

The Kinect v2 sensor may be a cheap and easy to use sensor to quantify gait in clinical settings, especially when applied in set-ups integrating multiple Kinect sensors to increase the measurement volume. Reliable estimates of foot placement locations are required to quantify spatial gait parameters. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of distance from the sensor, side and step length on estimates of foot placement locations based on Kinect's ankle body points. Subjects (n = 12) performed stepping trials at imposed foot placement locations distanced 2 m or 3 m from the Kinect sensor (distance), for left and right foot placement locations (side), and for five imposed step lengths. Body points' time series of the lower extremities were recorded with a Kinect v2 sensor, placed frontoparallelly on the left side, and a gold-standard motion-registration system. Foot placement locations, step lengths, and stepping accuracies were compared between systems using repeated-measures ANOVAs, agreement statistics and two one-sided t -tests to test equivalence. For the right side at the 2 m distance from the sensor we found significant between-systems differences in foot placement locations and step lengths, and evidence for nonequivalence. This distance by side effect was likely caused by differences in body orientation relative to the Kinect sensor. It can be reduced by using Kinect's higher-dimensional depth data to estimate foot placement locations directly from the foot's point cloud and/or by using smaller inter-sensor distances in the case of a multi-Kinect v2 set-up to estimate foot placement locations at greater distances from the sensor.

Spatially dependent responses of a large-river fish assemblage to bank stabilization and side channels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reinhold, Ann Marie; Bramblett, Robert G.; Zale, Alexander V.; Poole, Geoffrey C.; Roberts, David W.

2017-01-01

The alteration of rivers by anthropogenic bank stabilization to prevent the erosion of economically valuable lands and structures has become commonplace. However, such alteration has ambiguous consequences for fish assemblages, especially in large rivers. Because most large, temperate rivers have impoundments, it can be difficult to separate the influences of bank stabilization structures from those of main-stem impoundments, especially because both stabilization structures and impoundments can cause side-channel loss. Few large rivers are free flowing and retain extensive side channels, but the Yellowstone River (our study area) is one such river. We hypothesized that in this river (1) bank stabilization has changed fish assemblage structure by altering habitats, (2) side-channel availability has influenced fish assemblage structure by providing habitat heterogeneity, and (3) the influences of bank stabilization and side channels on fish assemblages were spatially scale dependent. We developed a spatially explicit framework to test these hypotheses. Fish assemblage structure varied with the extent of bank stabilization and the availability of side channels; however, not all assemblage subsets were influenced. Nevertheless, bank stabilization and side channels had different and sometimes opposite influences on the fish assemblage. The effects of side channels on fish were more consistent and widespread than those of bank stabilization; the catches of more fishes were positively correlated with side-channel availability than with the extent of bank stabilization. The influences of bank stabilization and side channels on the relative abundances of fish also varied, depending on species and river bend geomorphology. The variation in river morphology probably contributed to the assemblage differences between stabilized and reference river bends; stabilized alluvial pools were deeper than reference alluvial pools, but the depths of stabilized and reference bluff pools did not differ. The strengths of the relationships among fish assemblages, bank stabilization, and side channels were spatially scale dependent; optimum spatial scales ranged from less than 200 m to 3,200 m up- and downstream, suggesting that bank stabilization and side channels influenced fish assemblages across multiple spatial scales.

Side effects of methylphenidate in childhood cancer survivors: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Conklin, Heather M; Lawford, Joanne; Jasper, Bruce W; Morris, E Brannon; Howard, Scott C; Ogg, Susan W; Wu, Shengjie; Xiong, Xiaoping; Khan, Raja B

2009-07-01

To investigate the frequency and severity of side effects of methylphenidate among childhood survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors and identify predictors of higher adverse effect levels. Childhood cancer survivors (N = 103) identified as having attention and learning problems completed a randomized, double-blind, 3-week, home-crossover trial of placebo, low-dose methylphenidate (0.3 mg/kg; 10 mg twice daily maximum) and moderate-dose methylphenidate (0.6 mg/kg; 20 mg twice daily maximum). Caregivers completed the Barkley Side Effects Rating Scale (SERS) at baseline and each week during the medication trial. Siblings of cancer survivors (N = 49) were recruited as a healthy comparison group. There was a significantly higher number and severity of symptoms endorsed on the SERS when patients were taking moderate dose compared with placebo or low dose, but not low dose compared with placebo. The number of side effects endorsed on the SERS was significantly lower during all 3 home-crossover weeks (placebo, low dose, moderate dose) when compared with baseline symptom scores. The severity of side effects was also significantly lower, compared with baseline screening, during placebo and low-dose weeks but not moderate-dose weeks. Both the number and severity of symptoms endorsed at baseline were significantly higher for patients compared with siblings. Female gender and lower IQ were associated with higher adverse effect levels. Methylphenidate is generally well tolerated by childhood cancer survivors. There is a subgroup at increased risk for side effects that may need to be closely monitored or prescribed a lower medication dose. The seemingly paradoxical findings of increased "side effects" at baseline must be considered when monitoring side effects and designing clinical trials.

Juvenile anadromous salmonid production in upper Columbia River side channels with different levels of hydrological connection

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martens, Kyle D.; Connolly, Patrick J.

2014-01-01

We examined the contribution of three types of side channels based on their hydrologic connectivity (seasonally disconnected, partially connected, and connected) to production of juvenile anadromous salmonids. Juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss and Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha were found in all three of these side channel types and in each year of the study. Upon connection with the main stem at high flows, the seasonally disconnected side channels experienced an emptying out of the previous year's fish while filling with young-of-year fish during the 2- to 4-month period of hydrologic connection. There were no differences between the densities of juvenile steelhead and Chinook Salmon and the rate of smolts produced among the three types of side channels. Recently reintroduced Coho Salmon O. kisutch had sporadic presence and abundance in partially and connected side channels, but the smolt production rate was over two times that of steelhead and Chinook Salmon in seasonally disconnected side channels. Within seasonally disconnected side channels, young-of-year salmonids in deep pools (≥100 cm) had greater survival than those in shallow pools (<100 cm). Densities of juvenile steelhead in all side channel types were similar to those in tributaries and were higher than in main-stem lateral margins. Juvenile Chinook Salmon densities were higher in side channels than in both tributary and main-stem lateral margins. Our results suggest that improving quality of pool habitat within seasonally disconnected side channels can result in improved survival for juvenile anadromous salmonids during the period of disconnection. Habitat improvement in these seasonally disconnected side channels should be recognized as a worthy restoration strategy, especially when full connectivity of side channels may not be a feasible target (e.g., through lack of water availability) or when full connectivity may present too high a risk (e.g., flooding, stream capture, bank destabilization).

[Recent advances of anastomosis techniques of esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic totally gastrectomy in gastric tumor].

PubMed

Li, Xi; Ke, Chongwei

2015-05-01

The esophageal jejunum anastomosis of the digestive tract reconstruction techniques in laparoscopic total gastrectomy includes two categories: circular stapler anastomosis techniques and linear stapler anastomosis techniques. Circular stapler anastomosis techniques include manual anastomosis method, purse string instrument method, Hiki improved special anvil anastomosis technique, the transorally inserted anvil(OrVil(TM)) and reverse puncture device technique. Linear stapler anastomosis techniques include side to side anastomosis technique and Overlap side to side anastomosis technique. Esophageal jejunum anastomosis technique has a wide selection of different technologies with different strengths and the corresponding limitations. This article will introduce research progress of laparoscopic total gastrectomy esophagus jejunum anastomosis from both sides of the development of anastomosis technology and the selection of anastomosis technology.

Gluteus maximus impairment in femoroacetabular impingement: a tensiomyographic evaluation of a clinical fact.

PubMed

Seijas, Roberto; Alentorn-Geli, Eduard; Álvarez-Díaz, Pedro; Marín, Miguel; Ares, Oscar; Sallent, Andrea; Cuscó, Xavier; Cugat, Ramón

2016-06-01

the aim of the present study is to evaluate the mechanical and contractile properties of the gluteus maximus (GM) muscle in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Our hypothesis is that the clinical observation of GM pain would be evidenced by tensiomyographic impairment in muscle function. A prospective, cross-sectional, intra-group comparative study was conducted to assess the neuromuscular changes of lower extremity muscles in patients with FAI. Fifty-one patients with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of FAI for at least 3 months were included. The rectus femoris (RF), adductor magnus (AM), and GM of both lower extremities of all patients were evaluated with tensiomyography (TMG). The values of TMG of the affected lower extremity were compared to those of the healthy contralateral side. The parameters obtained in this study were maximal displacement (Dm), and contraction time (Tc). The Tc of the injured GM was significantly higher compared to the healthy side (p = 0.01). There were no significant side-to-side differences in the Dm of the GM (p = 0.13), either in the Tc and Dm of the RF (p = 0.15 and p = 0.8, respectively) and AM (p = 0.25 and p = 0.75, respectively). FAI is associated with impairment of contraction time in the GM of the injured compared to the healthy side. Impairment of the GM may be monitored to evaluate response to conservative or surgical treatment.

Treatment factors affecting longitudinal quality of life in new onset pediatric epilepsy.

PubMed

Modi, Avani C; Ingerski, Lisa M; Rausch, Joseph R; Glauser, Tracy A

2011-05-01

Recognizing the importance of patient-reported outcomes, this longitudinal, prospective study examined: Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over seven months following antiepileptic drug (AED) initiation and the relationship of seizures, AED side-effects, and AED type to HRQOL. Parents of 124 children with newly diagnosed epilepsy completed measures of HRQOL and side-effects at each clinic visit. Treatment information was also collected. HRQOL remained stable over time; however, seizures and AED side-effects significantly affected multiple HRQOL domains. Higher seizure activity was associated with decreased Physical HRQOL. Side-effects were negatively associated with all HRQOL domains. Children taking carbamazepine who experienced higher side-effects early in therapy demonstrated declining emotional functioning compared to children experiencing no/some side-effects. AED side-effects, AED type, and seizure frequency were associated with longitudinal HRQOL in children with newly-diagnosed epilepsy. Routine assessment of AED side-effects and HRQOL may be useful for clinical decision making.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Assessment of Lower Facial Asymmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate and Non-Cleft Patients with Class III Skeletal Relationship.

PubMed

Lin, Yifan; Chen, Gui; Fu, Zhen; Ma, Lian; Li, Weiran

2015-01-01

To evaluate, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), both the condylar-fossa relationships and the mandibular and condylar asymmetries between unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients and non-cleft patients with class III skeletal relationship, and to investigate the factors of asymmetry contributing to chin deviation. The UCLP and non-cleft groups consisted of 30 and 40 subjects, respectively, in mixed dentition with class III skeletal relationships. Condylar-fossa relationships and the dimensional and positional asymmetries of the condyles and mandibles were examined using CBCT. Intra-group differences were compared between two sides in both groups using a paired t-test. Furthermore, correlations between each measurement and chin deviation were assessed. It was observed that 90% of UCLP and 67.5% of non-cleft subjects had both condyles centered, and no significant asymmetry was found. The axial angle and the condylar center distances to the midsagittal plane were significantly greater on the cleft side than on the non-cleft side (P=0.001 and P=0.028, respectively) and were positively correlated with chin deviation in the UCLP group. Except for a larger gonial angle on the cleft side, the two groups presented with consistent asymmetries showing shorter mandibular bodies and total mandibular lengths on the cleft (deviated) side. The average chin deviation was 1.63 mm to the cleft side, and the average absolute chin deviation was significantly greater in the UCLP group than in the non-cleft group (P=0.037). Compared with non-cleft subjects with similar class III skeletal relationships, the subjects with UCLP showed more severe lower facial asymmetry. The subjects with UCLP presented with more asymmetrical positions and rotations of the condyles on axial slices, which were positively correlated with chin deviation.

Potentially risky postural behaviors during worksite keyboard use

PubMed Central

Baker, Nancy A.; Redfern, Mark

2016-01-01

Objective This study describes the frequency and distribution of potentially risky postural behaviors of keyboard users. Method Forty-three subjects’ keyboard postural behaviors were rated with the Keyboard – Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS) while they worked at their own workstations. The frequency and distribution of keyboard postural behaviors, and the associations and differences between the right and left sides were assessed. Results Generally, each static body posture had a single criterion that occurred most frequently, (e.g. elbow flexion posture 80 – 120 degrees), while dynamic postures of the wrists and hands were distributed throughout their criteria. Right and left side postural behaviors were significantly associated for shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, hand displacement, wrist extension, forearm rotation, isolated 5th digit, MCP hyperextension, and wrist support use, and significantly different for hand displacement, isolated thumb, number of digits used, and MCP hyperextension. Conclusion Potentially problematic keyboard postural behaviors are common among keyboard users. Our results suggest that occupational therapists must systematically assess body, arm, wrist, and hand postures on both the right and left sides to be able to develop the most effective intervention strategies. PMID:19708467

Hemispheric side of damage influences sex-related differences in smoking cessation in neurological patients.

PubMed

Gaznick, Natassia; Bechara, Antoine; Tranel, Daniel

2014-01-01

Patterns of smoking behavior vary between the sexes. There is evidence that decision making, which is one of the key "executive functions" necessary for making life-style modifications such as smoking cessation, is relatively lateralized to the right hemisphere in males and left hemisphere in females. In the current study, we examined whether the side of brain lesion has a differential effect on smoking behavior between the sexes. We hypothesized sex differences in smoking cessation based on lesion side. Participants were 49 males and 50 females who were smoking at the time of lesion onset. The outcome variable was abstinence from smoking (quit rate) at least one year post lesion. We found that in patients with left-hemisphere damage, quit rates were significantly higher in males than in females; however, in patients with right-hemisphere damage, quit rates were not statistically different. The findings support previous cognitive neuroscience literature showing that components of behavior responsible for maintaining addiction tend to be more strongly lateralized in males, whereas in females there is a more bilateral distribution. Our study provides further evidence for differences in lateralization of complex behavior between the sexes, which has significant implications for differences in treatment strategies between the sexes.

Chemotherapy

MedlinePlus

... cells to get better. Because everyone's different, some people will have fewer side effects than others. Common side effects of chemo are ... infections easily. Medicines are available that can help people feel better if they have side effects from chemo. Doctors, nurses, and other members of ...

Gravel Bars Can Be Critical for Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study on Scaly-Sided Merganser in South China

PubMed Central

Zeng, Qing; Shi, Linlu; Wen, Li; Chen, Junzhu; Duo, Hairui; Lei, Guangchun

2015-01-01

Gravel bars are characteristic components of river landscapes and are increasingly recognized as key sites for many waterbirds, though detailed studies on the ecological function of gravel bars for waterbirds are rare. In this study, we surveyed the endangered Scaly-sided Merganser Mergus squamatus along a 40 km river section of Yuan River, in Central China, for three consecutive winters. We derived the landscape metrics of river gravel bars from geo-rectified fine resolution (0.6 m) aerial image data. We then built habitat suitability models (Generalized Linear Models—GLMs) to study the effects of landscape metrics and human disturbance on Scaly-sided Merganser presence probability. We found that 1) the Scaly-sided Merganser tended to congregate at river segments with more gravel patches; 2) the Scaly-sided Merganser preferred areas with larger and more contiguous gravel patches; and 3) the number of houses along the river bank (a proxy for anthropogenic disturbance) had significantly negative impacts on the occurrence of the Scaly-sided Merganser. Our results suggest that gravel bars are vital to the Scaly-sided Merganser as shelters from disturbance, as well as sites for feeding and roosting. Therefore, maintaining the exposure of gravel bars in regulated rivers during the low water period in winter might be the key for the conservation of the endangered species. These findings have important implications for understanding behavioral evolution and distribution of the species and for delineating between habitats of different quality for conservation and management. PMID:25996671

Isokinetic imbalance of adductor-abductor hip muscles in professional soccer players with chronic adductor-related groin pain.

PubMed

Belhaj, K; Meftah, S; Mahir, L; Lmidmani, F; Elfatimi, A

2016-11-01

This study aims to compare the isokinetic profile of hip abductor and adductor muscle groups between soccer players suffering from chronic adductor-related groin pain (ARGP), soccer players without ARGP and healthy volunteers from general population. Study included 36 male professional soccer players, who were randomly selected and followed-up over two years. Of the 21 soccer players eligible to participate in the study, 9 players went on to develop chronic ARGP and 12 players did not. Ten healthy male volunteers were randomly selected from the general population as a control group. Comparison between the abductor and adductor muscle peak torques for players with and without chronic ARGP found a statistically significant difference on the dominant and non-dominant sides (p < .005), with the abductor muscle significantly stronger than the adductor muscle. In the group of healthy volunteers, the adductor muscle groups were significantly stronger than the abductor muscle groups on both dominant and non-dominant sides (p < .05). For the group of players who had developed chronic ARGP, abductor-adductor torque ratios were significantly higher on the affected side (p = .008). The adductor muscle strength was also significantly decreased on the affected side. This imbalance appears to be a risk factor for adductor-related groin injury. Therefore, restoring the correct relationship between these two agonist and antagonist hip muscles may be an important preventative measure that should be a primary concern of training and rehabilitation programmes.

Feeding on one side or both sides in a breast-feeding session.

PubMed

Kondolot, Meda; Yalçin, S Songül; Yurdakök, Kadriye

2009-12-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of breast-feeding method (on only one or on two sides in a single feeding session) on growth, sleep duration and sucking period, and stool frequency. Exclusively breast-fed healthy infants, aged 1-6 months, were included in the study during child health follow-up visits. Mothers were given a questionnaire on sleep duration, sucking periods, and stool frequencies of their infants. The height-for-age and weight-for-age z scores were significantly higher in infants breast-fed from one side during a single session than from both sides (P= 0.002, P < 0.001; respectively). Infants sucking on only one breast in a breast-feeding session defecated significantly less at night (P= 0.005), their maximum sucking periods at night were shorter (P= 0.049). Breast-feeding at one side only during a single breast-feeding session increases growth, decreases stool frequency and the maximum sucking period at night and does not influence the overall sleep pattern.

Potential errors in optical density measurements due to scanning side in EBT and EBT2 Gafchromic film dosimetry.

PubMed

Desroches, Joannie; Bouchard, Hugo; Lacroix, Frédéric

2010-04-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect on the measured optical density of scanning on either side of a Gafchromic EBT and EBT2 film using an Epson (Epson Canada Ltd., Toronto, Ontario) 10000XL flat bed scanner. Calibration curves were constructed using EBT2 film scanned in landscape orientation in both reflection and transmission mode on an Epson 10000XL scanner. Calibration curves were also constructed using EBT film. Potential errors due to an optical density difference from scanning the film on either side ("face up" or "face down") were simulated. Scanning the film face up or face down on the scanner bed while keeping the film angular orientation constant affects the measured optical density when scanning in reflection mode. In contrast, no statistically significant effect was seen when scanning in transmission mode. This effect can significantly affect relative and absolute dose measurements. As an application example, the authors demonstrate potential errors of 17.8% by inverting the film scanning side on the gamma index for 3%-3 mm criteria on a head and neck intensity modulated radiotherapy plan, and errors in absolute dose measurements ranging from 10% to 35% between 2 and 5 Gy. Process consistency is the key to obtaining accurate and precise results in Gafchromic film dosimetry. When scanning in reflection mode, care must be taken to place the film consistently on the same side on the scanner bed.

Memory for Medication Side Effects in Younger and Older Adults: The Role of Subjective and Objective Importance

PubMed Central

Friedman, Michael C.; McGillivray, Shannon; Murayama, Kou; Castel, Alan D.

2014-01-01

Older adults often experience memory impairments, but can sometimes use selective processing and schematic support to remember important information. The current experiments investigate to what degree younger and healthy older adults remember medication side effects that were subjectively or objectively important to remember. Participants studied a list of common side effects, and rated how negative these effects were if they were to experience them, and were then given a free recall test. In Experiment 1, the severity of the side effects ranged from mild (e.g., itching) to severe (e.g., stroke), and in Experiment 2, certain side effects were indicated as critical to remember (i.e., “contact your doctor if you experience this”). There were no age differences in terms of free recall of the side effects, and older adults remembered more severe side effects relative to mild effects. However, older adults were less likely to recognize critical side effects on a later recognition test, relative to younger adults. The findings suggest that older adults can selectively remember medication side effects, but have difficulty identifying familiar but potentially critical side effects, and this has implications for monitoring medication use in older age. PMID:25331278

Clomiphene citrate 'stair-step' protocol vs. traditional protocol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Deveci, Canan Dura; Demir, Berfu; Sengul, Ozlem; Dilbaz, Berna; Goktolga, Umit

2015-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of the stair-step protocol using clomiphene citrate (CC) and to assess the uterine and systemic side effects in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 60 PCOS patients who failed to respond to 50 mg/day for 5 days of CC treatment within the cycle were randomly allocated to the control (traditional protocol) and study (stair-step protocol) groups. In the stair-step protocol,patients were treated with CC 50 mg/day for 5 days and then in nonresponsive patients, the dosage was increased to 100 mg/day for 5 days in the same cycle. Patients who failed the 50 mg/day CC treatment in the previous cycle were stimulated with 100 mg/day CC and were accepted as the control group. Ovulation and pregnancy rates, duration of treatment and uterine and systemic side effects were evaluated. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were similar between the stair-step and the control group (43.3 vs. 33.3 %, respectively) (16.7 vs. 10 %, respectively). The duration of treatment was significantly shorter in stair-step compared to traditional protocol (20.5 ± 2.0 vs. 48.6 ± 2.4 days, respectively). There were no significant differences in the systemic side effects between the groups. Uterine side effects were evaluated with endometrial thickness and uterine artery Doppler ultrasound; no significant differences were observed in stair-step compared to traditional protocol. The stair-step protocol was determined to have a significantly shorter treatment period without any detrimental effect on the ovulation and pregnancy rates.

The effect of the presence of the accessory maxillary ostium on the maxillary sinus.

PubMed

Yenigun, Alper; Fazliogullari, Zeliha; Gun, Cihat; Uysal, Ismihan Ilknur; Nayman, Alaaddin; Karabulut, Ahmet Kagan

2016-12-01

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of the accessory maxillary ostium and its effects on the maxillary sinus, and the concurrent occurrence of morphological variations of neighboring anatomical structures. This study was performed in a tertiary referral center. This is a cross-sectional retrospective study that evaluated coronal CTs of patients to determine the frequency of the accessory maxillary ostium and investigated any simultaneous morphological variations in neighboring anatomical structures. The presence of the accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) plus any concurrent morphological variations of neighboring structures were investigated in 377 patients, with 754 sides. AMO was found to be present in 19.1 % (72/377) of the patients. A concurrent mucus retention cyst was found to be statistically significant on both sides (right side: p = 0.00, left side: p = 0.00), as well as mucosal thickening (right side: p = 0.00, left side: p = 0.00), and maxillary sinusitis (right side: p = 0.04, left side: p = 0.03). No other concurrent variations of statistical significance were detected in the neighboring structures. Our study demonstrated that with the presence of AMO, the likelihood of encountering a mucus retention cyst (48.6 %) had an approximately threefold increase, and that of encountering mucosal thickening (43.0 %) and maxillary sinusitis (29.1 %) had a twofold increase.

Evaluation of the treatment of both sides of raw chicken breasts with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet for the inactivation of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Yong, Hae In; Kim, Hyun-Joo; Park, Sanghoo; Choe, Wonho; Oh, Mi Wha; Jo, Cheorun

2014-08-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) is an emerging nonthermal microbial inactivation technique. In this study, agar and raw chicken breast were inoculated with Escherichia coli and treated with an APP jet based on cold arc plasma. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimum conditions for the plasma treatment of an APP jet in order to maximize the efficiency of E. coli inactivation. The combination of N2+O2 (10 standard cubic centimeters per minute) and a longer treatment time (10 min) resulted in the highest inactivation of E. coli on agar plates with an optimum treatment distance of 20 mm. The samples in dry and wet conditions showed similar reductions in E. coli count when one side of the samples was treated at a given treatment time. Treating both sides-2.5 min on each side-resulted in a higher growth inhibition of E. coli than treatment of a single side only for 5 min. However, there was no significant difference between one-side treated samples (10 min) and both-sides treated samples (5+5 min). When the concentration of E. coli in the chicken breast sample was 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU)/g, the reduction rate of the E. coli was the highest, followed by 10(5), 10(6), and 10(7) CFU/g; however, no difference was found between 10(3) and 10(4) CFU/g. In conclusion, various treatment conditions may affect the inactivation efficiency of E. coli. In the present study, the optimum condition was determined as the treatment distance of 20 mm and longer treatment time (10 min) with the addition of oxygen to the nitrogen gas flow. Furthermore, the cell concentration of sample was an important parameter for the efficacy of the inactivation process.

Biomechanical effects of transverse partial sacrectomy on the sacroiliac joints: an in vitro human cadaveric investigation of the borderline of sacroiliac joint instability.

PubMed

Yu, Binsheng; Zheng, Zhaomin; Zhuang, Xinming; Chen, Hui; Xie, Denghui; Luk, K D K; Lu, W W

2009-06-01

In vitro laboratory study. To measure the effects of transverse partial sacrectomies on the compressive and torsional stiffness of the sacroiliac joints. Surgical treatment for sacral tumor of different location and nature includes partial or complete sacrectomy. Though the biomechanical investigations about the local destructive force of residual sacrum after partial sacrectomy have been reported, biomechanical properties of the residual sacroiliac joints after different transverse partial sacrectomies remain unknown. Seven fresh human cadaveric L5-pelves with normal bone mineral density were used in this study. Each specimen was tested in intact condition first, followed by a series of segmental transverse partial sacrectomies: under S2 partial sacrectomy (U-S2); U-(1/2)S2; U-S1; U-(1/2)S1; and right side sacroiliac joint resection (one-side). A material testing machine was used to apply 800 N compression and 7 Nm torsion loads through the L5/S1 joint. The resected dimensional area of sacroiliac joints and structural stiffness of the residual sacroiliac joints were analyzed. Average percentages of the resected area of sacroiliac joints were 8.4% in U-S2, 15.1% in U-(1/2)S2, 24.8% in U-S1, and 72.3% in U-(1/2)S1, respectively. In compression U-S2 approximately one-side preserved 98.7%, 97.1%, 94.4%, 82.9%, and 55.2% of the initial stiffness of the sacroiliac joint, respectively. No significant differences were detected among intact, U-S2, U-(1/2)S2, and U-S1 (P > 0.05). However, compressive stiffness of U-(1/2)S1 and one-side was markedly less than that of intact, U-S2, and U-(1/2)S2 (P < 0.05). In Torsion U-S2 approximately one-side preserved 90.7%, 88.5%, 81.9%, 71.9%, and 44.5% of the initial sacroiliac joint stiffness, respectively. No significant differences were demonstrated among intact, U-S2, and U-(1/2)S2 (P > 0.05); However, U-S1, U-(1/2)S1 and one-side exhibited significantly less torsional stiffness than intact and U-S2 (P < 0.05). In surgical treatment of distal sacral tumor, transverse partial sacrectomy involving S1 could result in rotational instability, and the resection level beyond (1/2)S1 further led to compressive instability. When the sacrectomy was at or above the S1/2 level, local reconstruction should be considered.

Predictors of functional outcome vary by the hemisphere of involvement in major ischemic stroke treated with intra-arterial therapy: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Yoo, Albert J; Romero, Javier; Hakimelahi, Reza; Nogueira, Raul G; Rabinov, James D; Pryor, Johnny C; González, R Gilberto; Hirsch, Joshua A; Schaefer, Pamela W

2010-04-23

Conflicting data exists regarding the effect of hemispheric lateralization on acute ischemic stroke outcome. Some of this variability may be related to heterogeneous study populations, particularly with respect to the level of arterial occlusion. Furthermore, little is known about the relationship between stroke lateralization and predictors of outcome. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of stroke lateralization on both functional outcome and its predictors in a well-defined population of anterior circulation proximal artery occlusions treated with IAT. Thirty-five consecutive left- and 35 consecutive right-sided stroke patients with intracranial ICA and/or MCA occlusions who underwent IAT were retrospectively analyzed. Ischemic change on pre-treatment imaging was quantified. Reperfusion success was graded using the Mori scale. Good outcome at three months was defined as an mRS

Lower-extremity strength ratios of professional soccer players according to field position.

PubMed

Ruas, Cassio V; Minozzo, Felipe; Pinto, Matheus D; Brown, Lee E; Pinto, Ronei S

2015-05-01

Previous investigators have proposed that knee strength, hamstrings to quadriceps, and side-to-side asymmetries may vary according to soccer field positions. However, different results have been found in these variables, and a generalization of this topic could lead to data misinterpretation by coaches and soccer clubs. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure knee strength and asymmetry in soccer players across different field positions. One hundred and two male professional soccer players performed maximal concentric and eccentric isokinetic knee actions on the preferred and nonpreferred legs at a velocity of 60° · s. Players were divided into their field positions for analysis: goalkeepers, side backs, central backs, central defender midfielders, central attacking midfielders, and forwards. Results demonstrated that only goalkeepers (GK) differed from most other field positions on players' characteristics, and concentric peak torque across muscles. Although all players presented functional ratios of the preferred (0.79 ± 0.14) and nonpreferred (0.75 ± 0.13) legs below accepted normative values, there were no differences between positions for conventional or functional strength ratios or side-to-side asymmetry. The same comparisons were made only between field players, without inclusion of the GK, and no differences were found between positions. Therefore, the hamstrings to quadriceps and side-to-side asymmetries found here may reflect knee strength functional balance required for soccer skills performance and game demands across field positions. These results also suggest that isokinetic strength profiles should be considered differently in GK compared with other field positions due to their specific physiological and training characteristics.

Influence of field size on the physiological and skill demands of small-sided games in junior and senior rugby league players.

PubMed

Gabbett, Tim J; Abernethy, Bruce; Jenkins, David G

2012-02-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in field size on the physiological and skill demands of small-sided games in elite junior and senior rugby league players. Sixteen elite senior rugby league players ([mean ± SE] age, 23.6 ± 0.5 years) and 16 elite junior rugby league players ([mean ± SE] age, 17.3 ± 0.3 years) participated in this study. On day 1, 2 teams played an 8-minute small-sided game on a small field (10-m width × 40-m length), whereas the remaining 2 teams played the small-sided game on a larger sized field (40-m width × 70-m length). On day 2, the groups were crossed over. Movement was recorded by a global positioning system unit sampling at 5 Hz. Games were filmed to count the number of possessions and the number and quality of disposals. The games played on a larger field resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) total distance covered, and distances covered in moderate, high, and very-high velocity movement intensities. Senior players covered more distance at moderate, high, and very-high intensities, and less distance at low and very-low intensities during small-sided games than junior players. Although increasing field size had no significant influence (p > 0.05) over the duration of recovery periods for junior players, larger field size significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the amount of short-, moderate-, and long-duration recovery periods in senior players. No significant between-group differences (p > 0.05) were detected for games played on a small or large field for the number or quality of skill involvements. These results suggest that increases in field size serve to increase the physiological demands of small-sided games but have minimal influence over the volume or quality of skill executions in elite rugby league players.

Simultaneous Versus Sequential Side-by-Side Bilateral Metal Stent Placement for Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstructions.

PubMed

Inoue, Tadahisa; Ishii, Norimitsu; Kobayashi, Yuji; Kitano, Rena; Sakamoto, Kazumasa; Ohashi, Tomohiko; Nakade, Yukiomi; Sumida, Yoshio; Ito, Kiyoaki; Nakao, Haruhisa; Yoneda, Masashi

2017-09-01

Endoscopic bilateral self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for malignant hilar biliary obstructions (MHBOs) is technically demanding, and a second SEMS insertion is particularly challenging. A simultaneous side-by-side (SBS) placement technique using a thinner delivery system may mitigate these issues. We aimed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of simultaneous SBS SEMS placement for treating MHBOs using a novel SEMS that has a 5.7-Fr ultra-thin delivery system. Thirty-four patients with MHBOs underwent SBS SEMS placement between 2010 and 2016. We divided the patient cohort into those who underwent sequential (conventional) SBS placement between 2010 and 2014 (sequential group) and those who underwent simultaneous SBS placement between 2015 and 2016 (simultaneous group), and compared the groups with respect to the clinical outcomes. The technical success rates were 71% (12/17) and 100% (17/17) in the sequential and simultaneous groups, respectively, a difference that was significant (P = .045). The median procedure time was significantly shorter in the simultaneous group (22 min) than in the sequential group (52 min) (P = .017). There were no significant group differences in the time to recurrent biliary obstruction (sequential group: 113 days; simultaneous group: 140 days) or other adverse event rates (sequential group: 12%; simultaneous group: 12%). Simultaneous SBS placement using the novel 5.7-Fr SEMS delivery system may be more straightforward and have a higher success rate compared to that with sequential SBS placement. This new method may be useful for bilateral stenting to treat MHBOs.

Study on the intelligent decision making of soccer robot side-wall behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaochuan; Shao, Guifang; Tan, Zhi; Li, Zushu

2007-12-01

Side-wall is the static obstacle in soccer robot game, reasonably making use of the Side-wall can improve soccer robot competitive ability. As a kind of artificial life, the Side-wall processing strategy of soccer robot is influenced by many factors, such as game state, field region, attacking and defending situation and so on, each factor also has different influence degree, so, the Side-wall behavior selection is an intelligent selecting process. From the view point of human simulated, based on the idea of Side-wall processing priority[1], this paper builds the priority function for Side-wall processing, constructs the action predicative model for Side-wall obstacle, puts forward the Side-wall processing strategy, and forms the Side-wall behavior selection mechanism. Through the contrasting experiment between the strategy applied and none, proves that this strategy can improve the soccer robot capacity, it is feasible and effective, and has positive meaning for soccer robot stepped study.

Effect of Sacroiliac Joint Manipulation on Selected Gait Parameters in Healthy Subjects.

PubMed

Wójtowicz, Sebastian; Sajko, Igor; Hadamus, Anna; Mosiołek, Anna; Białoszewski, Dariusz

2017-08-31

The sacroiliac joints have complicated biomechanics. While the movements in the joints are small, they exert a significant effect on gait. This study aimed to assess how sacroiliac joint manipulation influences selected gait parameters. The study enrolled 57 healthy subjects. The experimental group consisted of 26 participants diagnosed with dysfunction of one sacroiliac joint. The control group was composed of 31 persons. All subjects from the experimental group underwent sacroiliac joint manipulation. The experimental group showed significant lengthening of the step on both sides and the stride length in this group increased as well. Moreover, the duration of the stride increased (p=0.000826). The maximum midfoot pressure was higher and maximum heel pressure decreased. The differences were statistically significant. 1. Subclinical dysfunctions of the sacroiliac joints may cause functional gait disturbance. 2. Manipulation of the iliosacral joint exerts a significant effect on gait parameters, which may lead to improved gait economy and effec-tiveness. 3. Following manipulation of one iliosacral joint, altered gait parameters are noted on both the manipulated side and the contralateral side, which may translate into improved quality of locomotion.

[The influence of partial dorsal root rhizotomy on IGF-I expression in spared root ganglion and spinal cord].

PubMed

Wang, Wei-min; Guan, Yu-guang; Liu, Fen; Wang, Ting-hua; Xu, Xin-yun; Ke, Qing; Lu, Yong-chao; Yuan, Yuan

2005-01-01

To explore the temporospatial changes of IGF-I expression in the spared dorsal root ganglia (DRG, L6) on the operated side and un-operated side, in the spinal lamina II (L3, L5, L6) and Clarke's nucleus (L3) of the adult cats that have undergone partial dorsal rhizotomy, and compare them against those of the normal adult cats so as to unveil the relation between IGF-I and the plasticity of spinal cord. Fifteen male adult cats were divided into three groups. The cats of two groups were subjected to unilateral partial dorsal root rhizotomy (L1-L5, L7-S2 DRG were sectioned, but L6 was spared) and were sacrificed at 7 days and 14 days after operation. The bilateral L6 dorsal root ganglia and L3, L5, L6 spinal cord of all groups were made into frozen sections 20 microm thick. Then, the sections were stained by the immunohistochemistry ABC method using IGF-I (1:200, Santa Cruz) antibody. The distribution and the number of IGF-I positive neurons in bilateral spared DRG (L6) on the operated/un-operated side, in spinal lamina I (L3, L5, L6) and in Clarke' nucleus (L3) of each animal were observed and counted. All data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, SNK-q test and paired-t test. (1) Seven days after partial dorsal root rhizotomy, the number of IGF-I positive neurons in spared DRG on the operated side declined as compared with that of normal group (P<0.05), but it was not significantly different from that of L6 spared DRG on the un-operated side (P>0.05). On the 14th day, the IGF-I expression in neurons of L6 DRG on the operated side was significantly lower than that of normal group and that of L6 spared DRG on the unoperated side (P<0.01), but it was not significantly different from that of the 7th day group (P>0.05). (2) There was no difference in number of IGF-I positive neuron in L3, L5, L6 spinal lamina II between normal group, 7th day post-operation group and 14th day post-operation group (P>0.05). After operation, IGF-I expression in Clarke's nucleus declined on the 7th day (P<0.05) and came back to normal level on the 14th day (P>0.05). Partial dorsal root rhizotomy can lead to the change of IGF-I expression in bilateral DRG and Clarke's nucleus, which suggests that IGF-I be related with spinal cord plasticity.

Compression plate arthrodesis for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint: A retrospective study of 77 cases.

PubMed

Harenberg, P S; Langer, M F; Sproedt, J; Grünert, J G

2018-02-01

Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ1) is a common, painful condition with positive radiological findings in up to 32% of people over 50 years of age and up to 91% of people over 80 years of age. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend one surgical treatment option over the others. We conducted a retrospective review of 77 patients treated for CMCJ1 osteoarthritis with plate arthrodesis between 1979 and 1996. The review included physical examination, including range of motion (ROM) of the thumb interphalangeal joint, metacarpophalangeal joint and CMCJ1, pinch grip, key grip and power grip strength, and a questionnaire on subjective outcomes (appearance, dexterity, load bearing, pain, strength, subjective overall result and if patients would choose the procedure again). The complication rate was 26%. However, the general patient satisfaction was high with 88% of patients saying they would choose to have the procedure done again. There was a significant decrease (side-to-side difference) in the ROM for palmar and radial abduction as well as opposition when compared to the opposite hand. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction (side-to-side difference) in pinch, key grip and power grip strength. ROM did not seem to have any influence on pain (and vice versa), load bearing, and the subjective overall result. No gender differences were noted. Despite the high complication rate, CMCJ1 arthrodesis remains a viable option for the treatment of CMCJ1 osteoarthritis in select patients requiring good thumb stability. Copyright © 2017 SFCM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Prevention of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia with an antiperspirant in breast cancer patients treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (SAKK 92/08).

PubMed

Templeton, Arnoud J; Ribi, Karin; Surber, Christian; Sun, Hong; Hsu Schmitz, Shu-Fang; Beyeler, Michael; Dietrich, Daniel; Borner, Markus; Winkler, Annette; Müller, Andreas; von Rohr, Lukas; Winterhalder, Ralph C; Rochlitz, Christoph; von Moos, Roger; Zaman, Khalil; Thürlimann, Beat J K; Ruhstaller, Thomas

2014-06-01

Elevated concentrations of doxorubicin are found in eccrine sweat glands of the palms and soles. We therefore evaluated an antiperspirant as preventive treatment for palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot syndrome) in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. An antiperspirant containing aluminum chlorohydrate or placebo cream was applied to the left or right hand and foot in a double-blinded manner (intra-patient randomization). The primary endpoint was the rate of grade 2 or 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. A secondary endpoint was the patient-reported symptom burden (tingling, numbness, pain, or skin problems). Using McNemar's matched pairs design, 53 patients were needed to detect a 20% difference between the treatment and placebo sides with a significance level of 5% and power of 90%. Grade 2 or 3 PPE occurred in 30 (58%) of 52 evaluable patients; in six patients adverse effects occurred on the placebo side but not on the treatment side, whereas one patient developed palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia on the treatment side only (P = 0.07). Four patients developed grade 2 or 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia on their foot on the placebo side but not on the treatment side (P = 0.05). In the cohort with grade 2 or 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia there was a trend towards fewer dermatologic symptomatologies with the active treatment (P = 0.05), and no difference for other adverse events. Using topical aluminum chlorohydrate as an antiperspirant appears to reduce the incidence of grade 2 or 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia following pegylated liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ocular side effects following intravitreal injection therapy for retinoblastoma: a systematic review.

PubMed

Smith, Stephen J; Smith, Brian D; Mohney, Brian G

2014-03-01

To describe the ocular side effects in patients receiving intravitreal injection therapy (IViT) for retinoblastoma. PubMed (1946-present), Scopus (all years), Science Citation Index (1900-present) and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (1990-present) electronic databases were searched to identify all published reports of therapeutic intravitreal injections for retinoblastoma in humans. Ten studies with original IViT ocular side effect data were included in this systematic review. In these combined reports, a total of 1287 intravitreal injections were given to 306 eyes of 295 patients, with a mean follow-up of 74.1 months. Two hundred sixty-one (88.5%) patients received comparatively standard melphalan IViT doses (8-30 mcg). Ocular side effects occurred in 38 patients (17 significant, 21 minor). The proportion of patients experiencing potentially significant ocular side effects following standard melphalan IViT regimens was 0.031 (8/261; 95% CI 0.013 to 0.06). The side effects of these eight included iris atrophy in three, two each with chorioretinal atrophy and vitreous haemorrhage and one with retinal detachment. Of the other nine patients with significant complications, five experienced sight-threatening complications following dramatic dose escalations (four with melphalan, one with thiotepa), three experienced complications that are commonly associated with concurrent therapies given to these patients and one had a retinal detachment. Of the 61 patients receiving IViT via safety-enhancing injection techniques, all six significant side effects were either attributed to the therapeutic dose or confounded by concurrent treatments. Significant ocular complications following IViT for retinoblastoma are uncommon, and this risk may be reduced further by the use of careful injection technique and standard dosing regimens. Care must be taken in the dosing of intravitreal treatments to avoid potentially irreversible vision loss.

A Solid-State Deuterium NMR and SFG Study of the Side Chain Dynamics of Peptides Adsorbed onto Surfaces

PubMed Central

Breen, Nicholas F.; Weidner, Tobias; Li, Kun; Castner, David G.; Drobny, Gary P.

2011-01-01

The artificial amphiphilic peptide LKα14 adopts a helical structure at interfaces, with opposite orientation of its leucine (L, hydrophobic) and lysine (K, hydrophilic) side chains. When adsorbed onto surfaces, different residue side chains necessarily have different proximities to the surface, depending on both their position in the helix and the composition of the surface itself. Deuterating the individual leucine residues (isopropyl-d7) permits the use of solid-state deuterium NMR as a site-specific probe of side chain dynamics. In conjunction with SFG as a probe of the peptide binding face, we demonstrate that the mobility of specific leucine side chains at the interface is quantifiable in terms of their surface proximity. PMID:19764755

Relationship among side channels, fish assemblages, and environmental gradients in the unimpounded Upper Mississippi River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barko, V.A.; Herzog, D.P.

2003-01-01

We analyzed fish abundance and environmental data collected over nine years from six side channels of the unimpounded upper Mississippi River between river km 46.7 and 128.7. A partial canonical correspondence analysis revealed differences in fish assemblages and environmental factors correlated with the six side channels. Fishes correlated with open side channels represented large river species tolerant of current and/or turbidity. Fishes correlated with closed side channels represented assemblages preferring either moderate to low turbidity/current or pools.

"Side effects" of ECT are mainly depressive phenomena and are independent of age.

PubMed

Brodaty, H; Berle, D; Hickie, I; Mason, C

2001-10-01

The aetiology of reported side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is unclear. We examined the interaction of depression and age on adverse neuropsychological and putative side effects of ECT. Inpatients (N=81; median age 70 years) with major depression were assessed prospectively pre-ECT, immediately post-ECT and 1-3 years later. Patients were administered the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) and neuropsychological tests from the Wechsler Memory Scale. Side effects and total burden scores were rated pre- and post-treatment. HRSD and GAF scores improved with treatment after ECT, but the prevalence and total burden of side effects were unchanged. Side effect burden was related to depression level before and after ECT. Improvement in depression correlated with reduction in side effect burden. There was a significant decline in side effect burden after controlling for change in depression. Patients' scores on neuropsychological measures did not appear to change after ECT or between pre-ECT and follow-up. Re-analysis, allowing for age, chronicity of depression, medication use and development of dementia, did not alter the findings. lack of a control group, lack of information on ECT technique, incomplete data sets and limited neuropsychological testing. ECT, an effective treatment for depression, does not cause significant side effects or neuropsychological impairment, which are more likely to be depressive phenomena. ECT appears to be safe for old (> or =65 years) and very old (> or =75 years) patients, who do not appear to be more susceptible to adverse effects.

Dominant side in single-leg stance stability during floor oscillations at various frequencies

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background We investigated lateral dominance in the postural stability of single-leg stance with anteroposterior floor oscillations at various frequencies. Methods Thirty adults maintained a single-leg stance on a force platform for 20 seconds per trial. Trials were performed with no oscillation (static condition) and with anteroposterior floor oscillations (2.5-cm amplitude) at six frequencies: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 Hz (dynamic condition). A set of three trials was performed on each leg in each oscillation frequency in random order. The mean speed of the center of pressure in the anteroposterior direction (CoPap) was calculated as an index of postural stability, and frequency analysis of CoPap sway was performed. Footedness for carrying out mobilizing activities was assessed with a questionnaire. Results CoPap speed exponentially increased as oscillation frequency increased in both legs. The frequency analysis of CoPap showed a peak <0.3 Hz at no oscillation. The frequency components at 0.25-Hz oscillation included common components with no oscillation and those at 1.5-Hz oscillation showed the maximum amplitude among all conditions. Postural stability showed no significant difference between left- and right-leg stance at no oscillation and oscillations ≤1.25 Hz, but at 1.5-Hz oscillation was significantly higher in the right-leg stance than in the left-leg stance. For the lateral dominance of postural stability at individual levels, the lateral difference in postural stability at no oscillation was positively correlated with that at 0.25-Hz oscillation (r = 0.51) and negatively correlated with that at 1.5-Hz oscillation (r = -0.53). For 70% of subjects, the dominant side of postural stability was different at no oscillation and 1.5-Hz oscillation. In the subjects with left- or right-side dominance at no oscillation, 94% or 38% changed their dominant side at 1.5-Hz oscillation, with a significant difference between these percentages. In the 1.5-Hz oscillation, 73% of subjects had concordance between the dominant side of postural stability and that of mobilizing footedness. Conclusion In static conditions, there was no lateral dominance of stability during single-leg stance. At 1.5-Hz oscillation, the highest frequency, right-side dominance of postural stability was recognized. Functional role in supporting leg may be divided between left and right legs according to the change of balance condition from static to dynamic. PMID:25127541

Chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variations in fetal left-sided congenital heart defects.

PubMed

Jansen, Fenna A R; Hoffer, Mariette J V; van Velzen, Christine L; Plati, Stephani Klingeman; Rijlaarsdam, Marry E B; Clur, Sally-Ann B; Blom, Nico A; Pajkrt, Eva; Bhola, Shama L; Knegt, Alida C; de Boer, Marion A; Haak, Monique C

2016-02-01

To demonstrate the spectrum of copy number variants (CNVs) in fetuses with isolated left-sided congenital heart defects (CHDs), and analyse genetic content. Between 2003 and 2012, 200 fetuses were identified with left-sided CHD. Exclusion criteria were chromosomal rearrangements, 22q11.2 microdeletion and/or extra-cardiac malformations (n = 64). We included cases with additional minor anomalies (n = 39), such as single umbilical artery. In 54 of 136 eligible cases, stored material was available for array analysis. CNVs were categorized as either (likely) benign, (likely) pathogenic or of unknown significance. In 18 of the 54 isolated left-sided CHDs we found 28 rare CNVs (prevalence 33%, average 1.6 CNV per person, size 10.6 kb-2.2 Mb). Our interpretation yielded clinically significant CNVs in two of 54 cases (4%) and variants of unknown significance in three other cases (6%). In left-sided CHDs that appear isolated, with normal chromosome analysis and 22q11.2 FISH analysis, array analysis detects clinically significant CNVs. When counselling parents of a fetus with a left-sided CHD it must be taken into consideration that aside from the cardiac characteristics, the presence of extra-cardiac malformations and chromosomal abnormalities influence the treatment plan and prognosis. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Does the primary site of colorectal cancer impact outcomes for patients with metastatic disease?

PubMed

Price, Timothy J; Beeke, Carol; Ullah, Shahid; Padbury, Robert; Maddern, Guy; Roder, David; Townsend, Amanda R; Moore, James; Roy, Amitesh; Tomita, Yoko; Karapetis, Christos

2015-03-15

Previous reports have described differences in biology and outcome for colorectal cancer based on whether the primary is right or left sided. Further division by right, left, and rectum or even exact primary site has also been explored. Possible differences in response to biological agents have also been reported based on side of primary lesion. We explored the South Australian registry for metastatic colorectal cancer to assess if there were any differences in patient characteristics, prognostic markers, and treatment received and outcomes based on whether the primary was right or left sided. We also explored if differences exist based on left colon and rectum and by exact primary site. Two thousand nine hundred seventy-two patients were analyzed. Thirty-five percent had a right-sided primary. The median overall survival for the entire group right versus left was 9.6 versus 20.3 months (P < .001). Multivariate analysis confirmed side of primary as an independent prognostic factor. For the group that had active therapy, defined as chemotherapy (± metastasis resection), median overall survival was right, 18.2 months; and left, 29.4 months (P < .001). Importantly, we found no suggestion of major differences if left side was divided by left colon and rectum, and trends by individual site still supported a left and right division. Patients with a right-sided primary have more negative prognostic factors and indeed have inferior outcomes compared with those with a left-sided primary. Our data with further breakdown by exact site still favor a simple left-versus-right division moving forward for metastatic colorectal cancer. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

A comparative assessment of enamel mineral content and Streptococcus mutans population between conventional composites and composites containing nano amorphous calcium phosphate in fixed orthodontic patients: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Jahanbin, Arezoo; Farzanegan, Fahimeh; Atai, Mohammad; Jamehdar, Saeed Amel; Golfakhrabadi, Parvaneh; Shafaee, Hooman

2017-02-01

The aim of this 'split-mouth design' trial was to evaluate the effect of the nano amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) containing composite on enamel mineral contents and streptococcus mutans population in fixed orthodontic patients. Randomized, prospective, single-center controlled trial. Twenty-four patients between the ages of 13-18 years participated in this study. The control and test sides were randomly selected by a coin toss (1:1 ratio). On the control side orthodontic brackets were bonded on the buccal surfaces of upper premolars and laterals using an orthodontic composite (Transbond XT), and on the study side NACP-containing composite was used. Outcome measures were the mineral content around the brackets and S.mutans count. The later were calculated in the plaque around the brackets by real-time PCR at 3 months, and 6 months after the initiation of treatment. All stages of the study were blind using coding system. Paired t-test and repeated measurements were used for data analysis. In the third and sixth month, the bacterial population was significantly lower in the study side than the control side (P = 0.01 and 0.000).The mineral content of the study side was significantly higher than the controls, 6 months after brocket bonding (P = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the premolars and lateral teeth for all measurements. This research was performed in a single-center by one experienced clinician. NACP-containing composites have the potential to inhibit mineral content loss and S.mutans colonization around orthodontic brackets during fixed orthodontic treatments. This trial was not registered. The protocol was not published before trial commencement. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Reorientation Motion and Preferential Interactions of a Peptide in Denaturants and Osmolyte.

PubMed

Jas, Gouri S; Rentchler, Eric C; Słowicka, Agnieszka M; Hermansen, John R; Johnson, Carey K; Middaugh, C Russell; Kuczera, Krzysztof

2016-03-31

Fluorescence anisotropy decay measurements and all atom molecular dynamics simulations are used to characterize the orientational motion and preferential interaction of a peptide, N-acetyl-tryptophan-amide (NATA) containing two peptide bonds, in aqueous, urea, guanidinium chloride (GdmCl), and proline solution. Anisotropy decay measurements as a function of temperature and concentration showed moderate slowing of reorientations in urea and GdmCl and very strong slowing in proline solution, relative to water. These effects deviate significantly from simple proportionality of peptide tumbling time to solvent viscosity, leading to the investigation of microscopic preferential interaction behavior through molecular dynamics simulations. Examination of the interactions of denaturants and osmolyte with the peptide backbone uncovers the presence of strongest interaction with urea, intermediate with proline, and weakest with GdmCl. In contrast, the strongest preferential solvation of the peptide side chain is by the nonpolar part of the proline zwitterion, followed by urea, and GdmCl. Interestingly, the local density of urea around the side chain is higher, but the GdmCl distribution is more organized. Thus, the computed preferential solvation of the side chain by the denaturants and osmolyte can account for the trend in reorientation rates. Analysis of water structure and its dynamics uncovered underlying differences between urea, GdmCl, and proline. Urea exerted the smallest perturbation of water behavior. GdmCl had a larger effect on water, slowing kinetics and stabilizing interactions. Proline had the largest overall interactions, exhibiting a strong stabilizing effect on both water-water and water-peptide hydrogen bonds. The results for this elementary peptide system demonstrate significant differences in microscopic behavior of the examined solvent environments. For the commonly used denaturants, urea tends to form disorganized local aggregates around the peptide groups and has little influence on water, while GdmCl only forms specific interactions with the side chain and tends to destabilize water structure. The protective osmolyte proline has the strongest and most specific interactions with the tryptophan side chain, and also stabilizes both water-water and water-peptide hydrogen bonds. Our results strongly suggest protein or peptide denaturation triggered by urea occurs by direct interaction, whereas GdmCl interacts favorably with side chains and destabilizes peptide-water hydrogen bonds. The stabilization of biopolymers by an osmolyte such as proline is governed by favorable preferential interaction with the side chains and stabilization of water.

The efficacy of mechanical abrasion and talc slurry as methods of pleurodesis in normal dogs.

PubMed

Jerram, R M; Fossum, T W; Berridge, B R; Steinheimer, D N; Slater, M R

1999-01-01

To determine the efficacy of mechanical abrasion and talc slurry as methods for pleurodesis in normal dogs. Experimental study. Ten normal beagle dogs. Group I dogs had mechanical abrasion (MA) of the pulmonary and costal pleurae performed in one hemithorax with a dry gauze sponge with a median sternotomy approach. Group II dogs had 100 mL of a 1 g talc slurry (TS) administered into one hemithorax through a tube thoracostomy. Administration of the TS was visualized by using video thoracoscopy. All dogs were evaluated at 2, 10, 20, and 30 days postoperatively by means of thoracic radiography and ultrasonographic thoracic wall measurement. The dogs were euthanatized 30 days postoperatively and a gross necropsy was performed. Hemithoraces were assigned a pleurodesis score (0-4) and an obliteration grade (0-6). Tissues were collected for histopathologic examination of pulmonary pleura, costal pleura, and pleural adhesions. Pulmonary and costal pleurae were graded for the degree of fibrosis (0-4). Obliteration grade and costal pleural fibrosis score were significantly higher for the treated sides in the MA dogs compared with the TS dogs. MA Dogs: Mechanical abrasion dogs had pleurodesis, obliteration, and pleural fibrosis scores that were greater on the treated side than the untreated side, however, the differences were not statistically significant. Only two MA dogs had firm adhesion of the pulmonary pleura to the costal pleura in portions of the cranial and middle lung lobes in the treated hemithorax. Thoracic wall surface area covered with adhesions was 15% and 21% in each of these two dogs. The median pulmonary pleural fibrosis score of all MA dogs for the treated hemithorax was 3 compared to 0 on the untreated side. TS Dogs: There was no statistical difference for pleurodesis scores and obliteration grades between the treated and untreated sides. No dogs showed evidence of pulmonary to costal pleural adhesions. Histopathology showed talc crossover into the untreated side in all five dogs. Median pulmonary fibrosis score of the treated hemithorax was 1 compared with 0 on the untreated side. Neither method of pleurodesis produced sufficient pleural adhesions to obliterate the pleural space. It is possible that the degree of pulmonary pleural fibrosis present in MA dogs may be sufficient to limit air leakage from pulmonary blebs and bullae resulting in successful treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax.

[Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation of Different Layers of "Tianshu" (ST 25) Region on Changes of Intra-colonic Pressure in Normal Rats].

PubMed

Sun, Xue-Yi; Yu, Zhi; Chen, Zhi-Yu; Xu, Bin

2018-02-25

To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of different layers (skin, muscle, peritoneum, sub-peritoneum) of "Tianshu" (ST 25) region on proximal colonic pressure in normal rats. Forty-eight male SD rats were divided into 6 groups: all layer-needling, brushing, cutaneous needling, muscular needling, peritoneum-needling and sub-peritoneum-needling groups ( n ＝8 in each group). Manual needling or brushing was applied to "Tianshu" (ST 25) region. The colonic internal pressure was measured by using an amplifier and a pressure transducer-connected balloon which was implanted into the colonic cavity about 6 cm from the ileocecal valve. For rats of the all-layer needling group, an acupuncture needle was inserted into ST 25 about 1 cm deep and rotated for a while, for rats of the brushing group, a Chinese calligraphy brush pen was used to brush the skin hair for 1 min. For rats of the rest 4 groups, an acupuncture needle was inserted into the skin, muscle layer after cutting open the skin (about 0.1 cm), the peritoneum layer after cutting open the skin and muscle layers, and the sub-peritoneum layer after cutting open the skin, muscle and peritoneum layers, respectively, and rotated using the uniform reinforcing-reducing technique for about 1 min at a frequency of 120 twirlings per minute every time. During manual needling stimulation of the full layers, cutaneous layer, muscle layer, peritoneum layer and the sub-peritoneum layer of bilateral "Tianshu" (ST 25), the internal pressure of proximal colon was significantly decreased relevant to pre-stimulation in each group ( P <0.05), and there were no significant differences between bilateral sides needling stimulation in the decreased pressure levels ( P >0.05). During hair brushing of ST 25 region, the colonic pressure was observably increased relevant to pre-needling stimulation ( P <0.05). One min after the acupuncture stimulation, the decreased pressures maintained in needling the all-layer on the left side, needling the skin on the right side, needling the peritoneum layer on both sides, and needling the sub-peritoneum layer on both sides relevant to the brushing group of the same side ( P <0.05). Manual acupuncture stimulation of each layer tissue of ST 25 on both sides may lower internal pressure of proximal colon in normal rats, suggesting their involvement of acupuncture effect in relaxing proximal colonic contraction.

High-Dose Daptomycin Therapy for Left-Sided Infective Endocarditis: a Prospective Study from the International Collaboration on Endocarditis

PubMed Central

Bayer, Arnold S.; Miró, Josè M.; Park, Lawrence P.; Guimarães, Armenio C.; Skoutelis, Athanasios; Fortes, Claudio Q.; Durante-Mangoni, Emanuele; Hannan, Margaret M.; Nacinovich, Francisco; Fernández-Hidalgo, Nuria; Grossi, Paolo; Tan, Ru-San; Holland, Thomas; Fowler, Vance G.; Corey, Ralph G.; Chu, Vivian H.

2013-01-01

The use of daptomycin in Gram-positive left-sided infective endocarditis (IE) has significantly increased. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of high-dose daptomycin on the outcome of left-sided IE due to Gram-positive pathogens. This was a prospective cohort study based on 1,112 cases from the International Collaboration on Endocarditis (ICE)-Plus database and the ICE-Daptomycin Substudy database from 2008 to 2010. Among patients with left-sided IE due to Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Enterococcus faecalis, we compared those treated with daptomycin (cohort A) to those treated with standard-of-care (SOC) antibiotics (cohort B). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Time to clearance of bacteremia, 6-month mortality, and adverse events (AEs) ascribable to daptomycin were also assessed. There were 29 and 149 patients included in cohort A and cohort B, respectively. Baseline comorbidities did not differ between the two cohorts, except for a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes and previous episodes of IE among patients treated with daptomycin. The median daptomycin dose was 9.2 mg/kg of body weight/day. Two-thirds of the patients treated with daptomycin had failed a previous antibiotic regimen. In-hospital and 6-month mortalities were similar in the two cohorts. In cohort A, median time to clearance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacteremia was 1.0 day, irrespective of daptomycin dose, representing a significantly faster bacteremia clearance compared to SOC (1.0 versus 5.0 days; P < 0.01). Regimens with higher daptomycin doses were not associated with increased incidence of AEs. In conclusion, higher-dose daptomycin may be an effective and safe alternative to SOC in the treatment of left-sided IE due to common Gram-positive pathogens. PMID:24080644

[Comparisons of efficacy and safety of levetiracetam versus phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in patients with brain injury: a meta analysis].

PubMed

Li, J N; Chen, Y M

2016-10-25

Objective: To systematically review the efficacy, side effects and case-fatality rate of levetiracetam (LEV) versus phenytoin (PHT) for seizure prophylaxis of brain injured patients. Methods: Randomized controlled trials of high quality about LEV versus PHT in seizure prophylaxis of brain injured patients from 2000 to 2016 were collected according to the key word PHT, LEV, brain injury in PubMed, Medline, Ovid, Springer, CNKI, Wanfang data and so on. Valid data were extracted to conduct meta-analysis by RevMan 5.3 software according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total of 13 English articles were finally included with 2 529 patients in total.Meta-analysis showed that no significant differences were observed in LEV versus PHT at preventing the occurrence of seizures ( RR =0.88, 95% CI : 0.61-1.27). No superiority of either drug at preventing early seizures ( RR =0.74, 95% CI : 0.42-1.27). As to the occurrence of late seizures, the differences of the two drugs were not statistically significant ( RR =0.71, 95% CI : 0.43-1.20). Number of patients with side effect was not statistically significantly different between the two groups ( RR =0.73, 95% CI : 0.48-1.11). But significant difference was found between LEV and PHT in discontinuation because of side effect ( RR =0.11, 95% CI : 0.06-0.23); no significant differences were noted in the case-fatality rate of patients received pretreatment between the two drugs ( RR =1.57, 95% CI : 0.92-2.67). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the length of stay ( WMD =-1.03, 95% CI : -4.97-2.91). Conclusions: LEV and PHT demonstrate equal efficacy in seizure prevention after brain injury. The differences are insignificant in the side effect, the case-fatality rate and the length of stay between LEV and PH treatment, but adverse drug reactions requiring change in therapy occur more in PHT. Phenytoin remains the first choice for seizure prevention after brain injury based on the existing evidence, while levetiracetam seems to be a favorable choice where there is risk of drug-drug interactions and drug toxicity. However, very few randomized controlled trials on this topic were found, and larger prospective trials are warranted.

Right Ear Advantage of Speech Audiometry in Single-sided Deafness.

PubMed

Wettstein, Vincent G; Probst, Rudolf

2018-04-01

Postlingual single-sided deafness (SSD) is defined as normal hearing in one ear and severely impaired hearing in the other ear. A right ear advantage and dominance of the left hemisphere are well established findings in individuals with normal hearing and speech processing. Therefore, it seems plausible that a right ear advantage would exist in patients with SSD. The audiometric database was searched to identify patients with SSD. Results from the German monosyllabic Freiburg word test and four-syllabic number test in quiet were evaluated. Results of right-sided SSD were compared with left-sided SSD. Statistical calculations were done with the Mann-Whitney U test. Four hundred and six patients with SSD were identified, 182 with right-sided and 224 with left-sided SSD. The two groups had similar pure-tone thresholds without significant differences. All test parameters of speech audiometry had better values for right ears (SSD left) when compared with left ears (SSD right). Statistically significant results (p < 0.05) were found for a weighted score (social index, 98.2 ± 4% right and 97.5 ± 4.7% left, p < 0.026), for word understanding at 60 dB SPL (95.2 ± 8.7% right and 93.9 ± 9.1% left, p < 0.035), and for the level at which 100% understanding was reached (61.5 ± 10.1 dB SPL right and 63.8 ± 11.1 dB SPL left, p < 0.022) on a performance-level function. A right ear advantage of speech audiometry was found in patients with SSD in this retrospective study of audiometric test results.

[Stimulation of DNA molecules association with amphiphilic derivatives of 1,3-diazaadamantane containing hydrophobic side chanins].

PubMed

Mamaeva, O K; Gabrielian, A G; Arutiunian, G L; Bocharova, T N; Smirnova, E A; Volodin, A A; Shchelkina, A K; Kaliuzhnyĭ, D N

2014-01-01

Earlier, a new class of compounds--amphiphilic derivatives of 1,3-diazaadamantanes, capable of facilitating the strand exchange in the system of short oligonucleotides was revealed. Longer hydrophobic side chains of 1,3-diazaadamantanes promoted stronger acceleration of the reaction. In this study, interaction with DNA of two 1,3-diazaadamantane derivatives containing different side chains was investigated by use of optical methods. Concentration of the investigated 1,3-diazaadamantans micelles formation were determined by the means of monitoring fluorescence intensity enhancement of 1-anilinonaphtalene-8-sulphonate probe; as well as the ranges of concentrations where the compounds/water mixtures existed as true solutions. 1,3-diazaadamantanes affinity to DNA was determined with Fluorescent Intercalator Displacement (FID) approach. Significant increase in hydrodynamic volume of short DNA hairpins in the complexes with 1,3-diazaadamantanes was revealed by estimation of the fluorescence polarization of ethidium bromide probe bound to the hairpins. Intermolecular association of DNA hairpins upon binding with 1,3-diazaadamantans was confirmed by Förster resonance energy transfer in system of an equimolar mixture of fluorescently labeled with Cy-3 and Cy-5 hairpins. In this study, the number of positive charges at 1,3-diazaadamantane derivatives containing side chains of different lengths was demonstrated to affect their affinity to DNA, whereas longer length of the hydrophobic side chains ensured more efficient interaction between the DNA duplexes that may facilitate, in particular, DNA strand exchange.

[Analysis of the speech discrimination scores of patients with congenital unilateral microtia and external auditory canal atresia in noise].

PubMed

Zhang, Y; Li, D D; Chen, X W

2017-06-20

Objective: Case-control study analysis of the speech discrimination of unilateral microtia and external auditory canal atresia patients with normal hearing subjects in quiet and noisy environment. To understand the speech recognition results of patients with unilateral external auditory canal atresia and provide scientific basis for clinical early intervention. Method: Twenty patients with unilateral congenital microtia malformation combined external auditory canal atresia, 20 age matched normal subjects as control group. All subjects used Mandarin speech audiometry material, to test the speech discrimination scores (SDS) in quiet and noisy environment in sound field. Result: There's no significant difference of speech discrimination scores under the condition of quiet between two groups. There's a statistically significant difference when the speech signal in the affected side and noise in the nomalside (single syllable, double syllable, statements; S/N=0 and S/N=-10) ( P <0.05). There's no significant difference of speech discrimination scores when the speech signal in the nomalside and noise in the affected side. There's a statistically significant difference in condition of the signal and noise in the same side when used one-syllable word recognition (S/N=0 and S/N=-5) ( P <0.05), while double syllable word and statement has no statistically significant difference ( P >0.05). Conclusion: The speech discrimination scores of unilateral congenital microtia malformation patients with external auditory canal atresia under the condition of noise is lower than the normal subjects. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in dogs with right-sided congestive heart failure

PubMed Central

KANNO, Nobuyuki; HORI, Yasutomo; HIDAKA, Yuichi; CHIKAZAWA, Seishiro; KANAI, Kazutaka; HOSHI, Fumio; ITOH, Naoyuki

2015-01-01

The clinical utility of plasma natriuretic peptide concentrations in dogs with right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) remains unclear. We investigated whether plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are useful for assessing the congestive signs of right-sided heart failure in dogs. This retrospective study enrolled 16 healthy dogs and 51 untreated dogs with presence (n=28) or absence (n=23) of right-sided CHF. Medical records of physical examinations, thoracic radiography and echocardiography were reviewed. The plasma concentration of canine ANP was measured with a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Plasma ANP and NT-proBNP concentrations in dogs with right-sided CHF were significantly higher than in healthy controls and those without right-sided CHF. The plasma NT-proBNP concentration >3,003 pmol/l used to identify right-sided CHF had a sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 90.3%. An area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.93. The AUC for NT-proBNP was significantly higher than the AUCs for the cardiothoracic ratio, vertebral heart score, ratio of right ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter to body surface area, tricuspid late diastolic flow and ratio of the velocities of tricuspid early to late diastolic flow. These results suggest that plasma ANP and NT-proBNP concentrations increase markedly in dogs with right-sided CHF. Particularly, NT-proBNP is simple and helpful biomarkers to assess the right-sided CHF. PMID:26607133

The Role of the Side Chain on the Performance of N-type Conjugated Polymers in Aqueous Electrolytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Giovannitti, Alexander; Maria, Iuliana P.; Hanifi, David

Here, we report a design strategy that allows the preparation of solution processable n-type materials from low boiling point solvents for organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The polymer backbone is based on NDI-T2 copolymers where a branched alkyl side chain is gradually exchanged for a linear ethylene glycol-based side chain. A series of random copolymers was prepared with glycol side chain percentages of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 100 with respect to the alkyl side chains. These were characterized to study the influence of the polar side chains on interaction with aqueous electrolytes, their electrochemical redox reactions, and performancemore » in OECTs when operated in aqueous electrolytes. We observed that glycol side chain percentages of >50% are required to achieve volumetric charging, while lower glycol chain percentages show a mixed operation with high required voltages to allow for bulk charging of the organic semiconductor. A strong dependence of the electron mobility on the fraction of glycol chains was found for copolymers based on NDI-T2, with a significant drop as alkyl side chains are replaced by glycol side chains.« less

The Role of the Side Chain on the Performance of N-type Conjugated Polymers in Aqueous Electrolytes.

PubMed

Giovannitti, Alexander; Maria, Iuliana P; Hanifi, David; Donahue, Mary J; Bryant, Daniel; Barth, Katrina J; Makdah, Beatrice E; Savva, Achilleas; Moia, Davide; Zetek, Matyáš; Barnes, Piers R F; Reid, Obadiah G; Inal, Sahika; Rumbles, Garry; Malliaras, George G; Nelson, Jenny; Rivnay, Jonathan; McCulloch, Iain

2018-05-08

We report a design strategy that allows the preparation of solution processable n-type materials from low boiling point solvents for organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The polymer backbone is based on NDI-T2 copolymers where a branched alkyl side chain is gradually exchanged for a linear ethylene glycol-based side chain. A series of random copolymers was prepared with glycol side chain percentages of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 100 with respect to the alkyl side chains. These were characterized to study the influence of the polar side chains on interaction with aqueous electrolytes, their electrochemical redox reactions, and performance in OECTs when operated in aqueous electrolytes. We observed that glycol side chain percentages of >50% are required to achieve volumetric charging, while lower glycol chain percentages show a mixed operation with high required voltages to allow for bulk charging of the organic semiconductor. A strong dependence of the electron mobility on the fraction of glycol chains was found for copolymers based on NDI-T2, with a significant drop as alkyl side chains are replaced by glycol side chains.

The Role of the Side Chain on the Performance of N-type Conjugated Polymers in Aqueous Electrolytes

DOE PAGES

Giovannitti, Alexander; Maria, Iuliana P.; Hanifi, David; ...

2018-04-24

Here, we report a design strategy that allows the preparation of solution processable n-type materials from low boiling point solvents for organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The polymer backbone is based on NDI-T2 copolymers where a branched alkyl side chain is gradually exchanged for a linear ethylene glycol-based side chain. A series of random copolymers was prepared with glycol side chain percentages of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 100 with respect to the alkyl side chains. These were characterized to study the influence of the polar side chains on interaction with aqueous electrolytes, their electrochemical redox reactions, and performancemore » in OECTs when operated in aqueous electrolytes. We observed that glycol side chain percentages of >50% are required to achieve volumetric charging, while lower glycol chain percentages show a mixed operation with high required voltages to allow for bulk charging of the organic semiconductor. A strong dependence of the electron mobility on the fraction of glycol chains was found for copolymers based on NDI-T2, with a significant drop as alkyl side chains are replaced by glycol side chains.« less

Selection of peripheral intravenous catheters with 24-gauge side-holes versus those with 22-gauge end-hole for MDCT: A prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Tamura, Akio; Kato, Kenichi; Kamata, Masayoshi; Suzuki, Tomohiro; Suzuki, Michiko; Nakayama, Manabu; Tomabechi, Makiko; Nakasato, Tatsuhiko; Ehara, Shigeru

2017-02-01

To compare the 24-gauge side-holes catheter and conventional 22-gauge end-hole catheter in terms of safety, injection pressure, and contrast enhancement on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). In a randomized single-center study, 180 patients were randomized to either the 24-gauge side-holes catheter or the 22-gauge end-hole catheter groups. The primary endpoint was safety during intravenous administration of contrast material for MDCT, using a non-inferiority analysis (lower limit 95% CI greater than -10% non-inferiority margin for the group difference). The secondary endpoints were injection pressure and contrast enhancement. A total of 174 patients were analyzed for safety during intravenous contrast material administration for MDCT. The overall extravasation rate was 1.1% (2/174 patients); 1 (1.2%) minor episode occurred in the 24-gauge side-holes catheter group and 1 (1.1%) in the 22-gauge end-hole catheter group (difference: 0.1%, 95% CI: -3.17% to 3.28%, non-inferiority P=1). The mean maximum pressure was higher with the 24-gauge side-holes catheter than with the 22-gauge end-hole catheter (8.16±0.95kg/cm 2 vs. 4.79±0.63kg/cm 2 , P<0.001). The mean contrast enhancement of the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and pancreatic parenchyma in the two groups were not significantly different. In conclusion, our study showed that the 24-gauge side-holes catheter is safe and suitable for delivering iodine with a concentration of 300mg/mL at a flow-rate of 3mL/s, and it may contribute to the care of some patients, such as patients who have fragile and small veins. (Trial registration: UMIN000023727). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Loading differences in single-leg landing in the forehand- and backhand-side courts after an overhead stroke in badminton: A novel tri-axial accelerometer research.

PubMed

Sasaki, Shogo; Nagano, Yasuharu; Ichikawa, Hiroshi

2018-05-10

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in badminton commonly occur during single-leg landing after an overhead stroke in the backhand-side court. This study compared differences in trunk acceleration and kinematic variables during single-leg landing in the forehand- and backhand-side courts after an overhead stroke. Eighteen female junior badminton players performed two singles games while wearing a tri-axial accelerometer. The moment that over 4g of resultant acceleration was generated was determined using synchronised video cameras. Trunk lateral inclination and hip abduction angles at the point of landing with over 4g of resultant acceleration were analysed. Mediolateral acceleration in the backhand-side court was greater than that in the opposite-side court (p < 0.001, ES = 0.840). Both trunk lateral angles were larger than those previously reported in injured participants and the hip abduction angle in the backhand-side court was larger than that in the forehand-side court (p < 0.001, ES = 2.357). The lateral and vertical acceleration in the backhand-side court showed moderate-to-strong correlations with the trunk and hip angles. The mediolateral physical demand and high-risk posture in the backhand-side court may be associated with a higher incidence of knee injuries during badminton games.