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Biomedical subjects

S Novak

Publications and source records attributed to S Novak.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A clinical trial of strengthening and aerobic exercise to improve gait and balance in elderly male nursing home residents.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a moderate to high intensity strengthening and aerobic exercise program can improve the strength, exercise capacity, gait and balance of deconditioned male nursing home residents. Ambulatory subjects who scored 30 or less on the modified Tinetti gait and balance assessment scale, who demonstrated less than 80% of age-matched lower extremity strength on isokinetic muscle testing and who gave informed consent were enrolled. Subjects were randomized to either an exercise (n = 8) or a control (n = 6) group. All participants underwent an exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and received quantitative gait and balance measurements. The subjects assigned to the exercise group than completed a 12-wk program of weight training for the lower extremities and stationary cycling. Both the exercise and control groups were then retested. Ten outcome variables were assessed: Tinetti mobility scores, VO2max, isokinetic-tested lower extremity strength and endurance, stride length, gait velocity, stance time, gait duration, cadence and balance. The exercise group, after completion of the program, demonstrated significant improvements in Tinetti mobility scores (P < 0.05), combined right and left quadricep muscle strength (P < 0.01), right and left lower extremity muscular endurance (P < 0.01), left stride length and gait velocity (P < 0.05), although other outcome variables changed insignificantly. The control group revealed no changes of significance with the exception of improvement of the combined right and left hamstring muscle strength (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, for those outcome variables that had improved significantly in the exercise group, the changes amounted to only a 5 to 10% increase over the baseline measurements. These findings showed that an appropriately designed high intensity exercise program can result in significant although limited improvements for clinical mobility scores, strength, muscular endurance and certain gait parameters.

Aged↗

2-Deoxy-D-glucose resistant yeast with altered sugar transport activity.

The transport of glucose and maltose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was observed to occur by both high and low affinity transport systems. A spontaneously isolated 2-deoxy-D-glucose resistant mutant was observed to transport glucose and maltose only by the high affinity transport systems. Associated with this was an increase in the Vmax values, indicating derepression of the high affinity transport systems. The low affinity transport systems could not be detected. This mutant will be important in examining the repression regulatory and sugar transport mechanisms in yeast.

Biological Transport↗

The effect of the thermoplastic Minerva body jacket on cervical spine motion.

In order to determine the extent of cervical spine immobilization provided by the thermoplastic Minerva body jacket (TMBJ) 20 healthy male subjects underwent analysis of cervical spine motion before and after TMBJ placement. Maximal cervical flexion/extension and lateral bending were measured from lateral and anteroposterior roentgenograms, respectively. Maximal cervical rotation was measured from overhead photographs. The TMBJ significantly limited flexion/extension at each level of the cervical spine, as well as rotation and lateral bending (P less than 0.001). Flexion/extension at each cervical level was found to be equal to that allowed by the halo with body jacket at most levels and less at the occiput-C1, C3-C4, and C6-C7 (as reported in studies using similar methodology). The present study suggest that the thermoplastic Minerva body jacket is a valuable option for rigid external immobilization of the cervical spine.

Adult↗

Novel high- and low-copy stable cosmids for use in Agrobacterium and Rhizobium.

Presented are a set of cosmids based on the unit copy Agrobacterium plasmid, pTAR, and the high-copy-number mutant plasmid, pUCD500, of pTiC58. The addition of a par function derived from pTAR to the vectors allowed them to be stably maintained throughout the cell population in the absence of selective pressure. These vectors, designed for Agrobacterium and Rhizobium, also work in Escherichia coli. The vectors can be cotransferred to Rhizobiaceae from E. coli with the helper plasmid, pRK2013. The pTiC58 origin containing vectors, pUCD1000 and pUCD1001 were found to be incompatible with a 250-kb plasmid harbored by R. meliloti RM102Z1. RM102Z1(pUCD1000) was still capable of nodulating roots in alfalfa.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Cephalic phycomycosis: a report of eight cases.

Phycomycosis is the preferred terminology to define a fungal disease which may be devastating and fatal. It is caused by a nonseptate hyphae, class phycomycetes and genus (Rhizopus, Mucor, Absidia). Phycomycosis in man is usually associated with debilitating diseases such as: diabetes mellitus, leukemia and immunosuppressive conditions. The cephalic phycomycosis has two forms: 1. rhino-orbital cerebral which may be fatal, and 2. rhino-paranasal sinuses form which usually has a benign clinical course. From 1943 to 1967, only 45 cases of the cephalic form were described with a mortality rate of 50%. Since then several series have been added to the literature with improved survival, probably due to the addition of amphotericin B to the therapy. Even with modern therapy, the mortality rate is still about 30%. Modern technology C.T. scan is very helpful to establish orbital and intracranial extension. When intracranial involvement is present, the prognosis is dismal. Our series of 8 patients is reported.

Adult↗

Primary lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract.

An institutional experience with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGL) is reviewed. Included are 46 cases involving the stomach, 11 involving the small bowel, and two, the large bowel. The clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects of PGL are discussed.

Adolescent↗

General anesthesia in pigs.

Conventional swine weighing 20-45 kg were anesthetized for surgical procedures. After fasting for 24 hours, ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine were administered intramuscularly. Following tracheal intubation, sodium thiopental was administered via the aural or femoral vein.

Anesthesia, General↗

Introduction of the ocusert ocular system to an ophthalmic practice.

This study, on a sample of 81 patients, was primarily shortterm. The objectives were to determine what type of patient would be successful on the Ocusert; to see if we had similar pressure control with the Ocusert as with drops; and to see if the advantages were obvious to our patients. We found that 56% of our patients could wear the unit successfully (after 3 months of study). The major reasons for discontinuing the Ocusert were discomfort and retention, but age was also a significant factor to success. We found the most critical period of adjustment was the first 2 weeks. It was found that 46% of the group stayed in the smae pressure range, 30% moved to a lower pressure range, and 24% moved to a higher category of intraocular pressure.

Adult↗