Biomedical subjects

Ake Seiger

Publications and source records attributed to Ake Seiger.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

The alpha7 nicotinic receptors in human fetal brain and spinal cord.

The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype is believed to be involved in the regulation of neuronal growth, differentiation and synapse formation during the development of the human brain. In this study the expression of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was investigated in human fetal brain and spinal cord of 5-11 weeks gestational age. Both the specific binding of [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin to prenatal brain membranes and the expression of alpha7 mRNA were significantly higher in the pons, medulla oblongata, mesencephalon and spinal cord of 9-11 weeks gestational age compared with cerebellum, cortex and subcortical forebrain. A significant positive correlation between gestational age and the expression of alpha7 mRNA was observed in all brain regions except cortex. A positive correlation was also observed between the gestational age and the [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin binding in the pons, medulla oblongata, mesencephalon, and cerebellum. Consequently, a significant relationship between the alpha7 mRNA levels and the binding sites for [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin was found in the fetal brain. The increasing levels of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor during the first trimester support the important role of nAChRs for the development of the central nervous system.

Actins↗

PubMed2002

Effects of functional electrical stimulation training for six months on body composition and spasticity in motor complete tetraplegic spinal cord-injured individuals.

The effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) training on body composition, assessed by computed tomography, and the effect of spasticity, assessed by both objective and subjective measures, are evaluated. Fifteen motor-complete spinal-cord-injured men participated in the study. Eight of the 15 subjects undertook FES cycling 3 times weekly for 6 months. Whole body computed tomography scans evaluated changes in body composition. Simultaneous Modified Ashworth Scale and electromyography (EMG) measurements, resistive torque (Kin-Com) and EMG measurements, and self-ratings with Visual Analogue Scale during four consecutive days were used to evaluate changes in spasticity. Lower extremity muscle volume increased by an average of 1300 cm3 (p < 0.001) in the training group compared to the control group, who experienced no change. Otherwise no changes in body composition were seen. Significant correlations (Spearman) were found between individual EMG activity recordings and movement-provoked Modified Ashworth Scale ratings in 26% of the test situations, irrespective of group and time. The objective and subjective evaluation of movement-provoked passive (viscoelastic) and active (spasticity-related) resistance remained unchanged.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Movement-provoked muscle torque and EMG activity in longstanding motor complete spinal cord injured individuals.

Muscle resistance was evaluated by measurement of movement-provoked torque performed during simultaneous thigh muscle EMG recordings in individuals with a motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Fifteen men with a motor complete (ASIA grade A or B) cervical injury participated in the study. The activity started at an average of 0.11 seconds after the start of the provoking movement as evidenced by EMG recordings. However, no activity at all was found before the end of the movement provocation for 0.3 seconds in >60% of the test situations, whereas muscle torque was recorded in all cases. Significantly higher resistive muscle torque (p = 0.049) was provoked during extension movement compared with that of flexion. On the contrary, the maximum muscle activity was significantly higher (p = 0.009) during flexion movement compared with that during extension, with no differences between muscle groups. The resistive muscle torque seems to measure the passive viscoelastic component rather then the active spastic component of the movement-provoked muscle resistance in our group of motor complete SCI individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Neglect and anosognosia after first-ever stroke: incidence and relationship to disability.

Neglect and anosognosia are serious consequences of stroke. Authors have found great variations in their incidence and their relationship to disability has been unclear. We studied the incidence of neglect and anosognosia within the scope of a population-based stroke-incidence study, and also evaluated their impact on disability. Four tests of visuo-spatial neglect, four tests of personal neglect, and an anosognosia questionnaire were used. Sixty-two patients (23%) of the study group had visuo-spatial neglect according to our definition, 21 patients (8%) had personal neglect, and 48 (17%) showed signs of anosognosia. Using a multiple logistic regression model, we found that both neglect and anosognosia influenced disability. To ascertain the true incidence of neglect and anosognosia after stroke, it is necessary to use a community-based study design, where cases treated outside the hospital are included. Some of the variability found in previous incidence studies is likely to be explained by not using such a design.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

High incidence rates of stroke in Orebro, Sweden: Further support for regional incidence differences within Scandinavia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As a basis for comparison of differences in stroke incidence in Scandinavian countries, a community-based stroke register was established in Orebro in the centre of Sweden. METHODS: All first-ever cases of stroke were registered during a 12-month period 1999-2000. The study population was 123,503. The WHO definition of stroke was used. Cases were searched inside as well as outside hospital. Multiple overlapping sources and 'hot pursuit' technique were used in the process of case ascertainment. RESULTS: 388 cases of first-ever stroke were found, corresponding to a crude incidence rate of 314 (95% CI, 283-348) per 100,000 per year, 337 (95% CI, 294-386) for females, and 289 (95% CI, 248-336) for males. Adjusted to the European population, the corresponding rates were 254 (95% CI, 227-284) per 100,000 per year, 273 (95% CI, 238-311) for females and 232 (95% CI, 206-261) for males. The overall 28-day case-fatality rate was 19% (95% CI, 15-23). The case-fatality rates for the different subtypes of stroke were as follows: brain infarction, 10%; intracerebral haemorrhage, 20%; subarachnoidal haemorrhage 45%, and undetermined pathological type 56%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study as well as other studies in northern and middle Scandinavia show significantly higher incidence rates than studies from other regions. The crude incidence rate, reflecting the age distribution of the population, is even higher, indicating a burden to the community that is rather increasing than decreasing.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Predictors of severe stroke: influence of preexisting dementia and cardiac disorders.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is little research into the impact of prestroke dementia on stroke severity and short-term mortality. We included prestroke dementia, along with other risk factors, to determine independent predictors of stroke severity and early death in a community-based stroke study. METHODS: All patients (n=377) with a first-ever stroke were evaluated in terms of risk factors. Registration took place over a 12-month period. Stroke severity was evaluated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Predictors of severe stroke and early death were analyzed in logistic regression models. The following independent variables were used: age, sex, living alone, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, transient ischemic attack, cigarette smoking, peripheral atherosclerosis, and dementia. RESULTS: Risk factors for stroke were found in 82% of the patients. Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and dementia were associated with more severe strokes. Dementia, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and living alone were associated with death within 28 days of the event. CONCLUSIONS: These results raise the question of whether certain high-risk patients, ie, patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and dementia, can benefit from more aggressive primary and secondary stroke prevention measures.

Aged↗