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PubMedDate not supplied

Performance-Based instrument to assess functional capacity in dementia: The Texas Functional Living Scale.

OBJECTIVE: The Texas Functional Living Scale (TFLS) is a new performance-based measure of functional abilities with an emphasis on instrumental activities of daily living skills that is brief and weighted toward cognitive tasks. The purpose of this study was to examine its psychometric properties and clinical utility in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and normal elderly individuals. BACKGROUND: Measures of daily functional capacities used in patients with dementia often rely upon informant-based behavioral ratings or lengthy assessments of instrumental activities of daily living. Few existing quantitative tools emphasize performance-based cognitively-oriented tasks designed for patients with AD, although there is a need for such measures. METHOD: Twenty-two AD patients and 21 healthy controls were administered the TFLS and a measure of global cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination). Additionally, informant-based ratings of daily living skills (Blessed Dementia Rating Scale) and emotional and behavioral status (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Behavior Rating Scale for Dementia) were obtained from caregivers of the AD patients. All subjects were re-evaluated approximately 1 month later using the same instruments. RESULTS: The TFLS showed a strong correlation with the Mini-Mental State Examination (r = 0.92). At 1 month, test-retest reliability was high, and TFLS subscale scores were highly correlated (r > 0.90 for most) with the total score. The TFLS was moderately correlated with informant ratings of functional skills as assessed with the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale but was unrelated to emotional and behavioral symptoms as assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Behavior Rating Scale for Dementia. CONCLUSIONS: The TFLS showed evidence of good reliability, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity with several popular measures of global cognitive status and behavioral functioning. It is a brief and easily administered performance-based measure of daily functional capabilities that is sensitive to level of cognitive impairment and seems applicable in patients with varying degrees of dementia.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2001

[The comparison of selected parameters of structure and function of the cardiovascular system in patients with functioning graft on maintenance hemodialysis during a one year period].

Successful renal transplantation allows to correct most of the abnormalities that lead to cardiovascular system injury in chronic uremia. The aim of the present study was to analyze selected anatomical and functional parameters of the heart using echocardiography. The study was conducted prospectively in two groups of patients: 73 subjects with functioning graft and 53 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Obtained results were compared between those two groups at the start of the study and later on after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Post-transplant patients were included into the study 11 +/- 6.4 months after successful transplantation. Mean dialysis period prior to transplantation was 35 +/- 21 months. Patients in the control group were dialyzed for mean 54 +/- 25 months. The prevalence of various diseases of the cardiovascular system was equal in both groups of patients (most frequently diagnosed was hypertension). There was no difference in ejection fraction within groups during the whole study period, however the value of this parameter was higher among patients with functioning graft at the beginning of the study (p < 0.01) as well as after 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001) as compared to patients on dialysis. The prevalence of different morphological abnormalities of the heart, such as concentric hypertrophy, left ventricle dilatation, valve dysfunction as well as calcification of various structures, was equal in both groups of patients at the beginning of the study. In 87.7% of patients with functioning graft, left ventricle hypertrophy was diagnosed at the beginning of the study (mean LVMI value 176.9 +/- 55.5 g/m2) and this percentage decreased to 63% after 6 months (LVMI 155.8 +/- 60.3 g/m2; p < 0.001 vs. baseline) and 53.4% after 12 months (LVMI 141.6 +/- 62.1 g/m2; p < 0.001 vs. baseline). Regression of initial left ventricle hypertrophy, although less pronounced was also present among patients on maintenance dialysis. There was no difference in LVMI value between the studied groups at the beginning of the study, whereas after 6 and 12 months of observation it became significantly lower in patients with functioning graft (155.8 +/- 60.3 vs. 179.5 +/- 50.9 g/m2; p < 0.01 and 141.6 +/- 62.1 vs. 176.2 +/- 50.5 g/m2; p < 0.001). Based on obtained results we conclude that successful renal transplantation promotes the normalization of a number of echocardiographic parameters, especially leads to regression of left ventricle hypertrophy. Renal transplantation seems to be an optimal method of treatment in patients with end-stage renal failure, considering structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Functional systems and blockwise evolution: the relationship between fixation of new domain copies and the present structure of the associations in the functional system].

The distribution of paralogous domains in relation to the boundaries of functional systems (FSs) is examined. It was found that the frequencies of particular domain types in genes for the hemostasis and complement FSs by far exceeded the frequencies expected on assumption of their random distribution in the genome, i.e., the domains were not randomly distributed in relation to the FS boundaries. For instance, it was shown that approximately 50% of the total mRNA of genes for the hemostasis and complement FSs encodes 20 domain types repeated on average 2.7 (from 2 to 115) times. Thus, the present structure of the FS associations plays a key role in the formation of new associations in the system evolution. Possible causes and mechanisms of the accumulation of paralogous genes and domains in these systems are discussed. The distribution asymmetry may be explained by the systemic character of the organization (system connectivity). Since any structural innovation must be included in the scheme of the present associations, the new protein must contain at least one functional site complementary to sites of the molecules already functioning in the system. The mechanism of preference of "own" domains probably consists in fixation via selection of the shortest among many alternative possible formation pathways of the new functional structure. This mechanism must promote the accumulation in the FS of copies of already functioning structures (genes, domains) that can relatively rapidly adapt for performing the new function.

Evolution, Molecular↗

PubMed2002

[Quantitative evaluation of functional mitral insufficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy: morphological and functional correlations].

BACKGROUND: Angiography and echo-color Doppler imaging are routinely used for the semiquantitative grading of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in dilated cardiomyopathy. However, in case of severe regurgitation the results obtained using these two methods are discrepant. We propose quantitative echocardiographic evaluation and the related morphological parameters of remodeling of the ventricular and mitral apparatuses for the estimate of severe regurgitation. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and functional MR (28 males, 24 females, ejection fraction < or = 40%) were evaluated by means of echocardiography for a total of 73 echocardiograms (basal and 21 at the sixth month). The echo measurements included the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, ejection fraction, area jet/left atrial area, diastolic and systolic mitral annulus areas and fractional contraction (MAC, %), systolic tenting area (TA, cm2, area enclosed between the annular plane and mitral leaflets), systolic tethering length (TL, cm, papillary tips and intervalvular fibrosa distance); quantitative Doppler (using the mitral and aortic stroke volumes) and PISA methods were averaged to calculate the regurgitant volume (RV, ml/beat), regurgitant fraction (RF, %), and effective regurgitant orifice (ERO, mm2). RESULTS: The strongest correlation with ERO, RV and RF was obtained with systolic TA (beta = 0.40, 0.67 and 0.60; SE 1.68, 1.56 and 1.38; p = 0.01, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively) and MAC (beta = -0.33, -0.61 and -0.61; SE 0.31, 0.31 and 1.49; p = 0.03, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). We did not find any correlation with ejection fraction (p = NS). The following values were found to be indicative of severe functional MR: ERO > or = 40 mm2, RV > or = 49 ml/beat, RF > or = 57%, MAC < or = 12.5%, TA > or = 7.7 cm2, and TL > or = 4.7 cm. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any significant correlation between the quantitative functional MR echo parameters and systolic dysfunction. The major determinants of ERO, RV and RF were the loss of MAC and larger systolic TAs. These parameters are significantly proportional to the severity of functional MR as assessed by the semiquantitative criteria commonly adopted in the clinical practice. We propose the values of ERO, RV, RF, TA, MAC and TL as indicative of severe functional MR.

Cardiomyopathy, Dilated↗

PubMed2005

[Effects of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on human brain functional imaging in different functional states].

OBJECTIVE: To study on effects of acupuncture at a same point at physiological or pathological state on brain functional imaging. METHODS: Electroacupuncture was given at Neiguan (PC 6) of the healthy senile persons (normal group) and the patients of Alzheimer's disease (AD group), and they were scanned on a 1.5 T MRI scanner and the data of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were analyzed by Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM99). The functional imaging of different brain regions were obtained from both the healthy group and the AD group. RESULTS: Both the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe were activated in varying degrees by electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) in the healthy group. However, the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe and the cingulate gyrus as well as the cerebellum were activated in varying degrees and other brain regions were not activated by electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) in the AD group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) can activate functions of different brain regions in the healthy group and the AD group, indicating that acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) has different effects on functional magnetic resonance imaging in different functional states.

Acupuncture↗

PubMed2006

[Comparing the effects of cataract surgery on vision function in the first eye with that in the second eye measured by the questionnaire of vision function].

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation on vision function in the first eye with that in the second eye in one week after surgery measured by the questionnaire of vision function. METHODS: Forty-seven patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in both eyes, were interviewed by the questionnaire of vision function. Meanwhile, the clinical outcomes were obtained before surgery and one week after surgery. RESULTS: The scores of vision function and its subscales in one week after the first eye surgery were higher than that before surgery, and in one week after the second eye surgery the scores of the vision function, peripheral vision and depth perception were higher than that before the second eye surgery. The scores of limitation in everyday activities and sensory adaptation didn't change significantly. CONCLUSION: The vision function improved after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in the first or the second eye surgery, and only the peripheral vision and depth perception improved after the second eye surgery.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

[Magnetic resonance image of pituitary adenoma--comparison of functioning tumor and non-functioning tumor].

Thirty three cases of pituitary adenoma were examined by MRI with 0.15 T system. Eight cases of functioning tumor showed iso-minimally low intensity, and 10 cases of non-functioning tumor did slightly-markedly low intensity on IR image. Functioning tumor cells contain well-developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and numerous secretary granule, so that bound water more increases and T 1 relaxation time less prolongs in functioning tumor than in non-functioning tumor. Two cases of functioning tumor disclosed slightly low intensity on IR image because of its poor stroma. It is necessary to know the exact bleeding time so as to measure the signal intensity in pituitary apoplexy case. Microadenoma appeared spotty hypointensity and upward convexity of superior surface of the gland on IR image.

Adenoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Hypothesis of possible evolution and functional specialization based on the recombination and transposition of elementary functional blocks].

A number of examples demonstrating that different cell and organ functions are being performed by a limited set of identical or similar functional blocks has been analysed. The latters are molecular or supramolecular structures fulfilling elementary functions. Functional evolution, functional and structural specializations, divergence, convergence and other processes have been considered as associated largely with the relationship, recombination and transposition of such elementary functional blocks, presumably, originated at the early stages of evolution.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[Functional and anatomical results after surgical treatment of ruptures of the rotator cuff. 1: Preoperative functional and anatomical evaluation of ruptures of the rotator cuff].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In a consecutive series of 98 patients presenting 100 full thickness cuff tears and managed by the same medico-surgical team, the authors studied the correlation between preoperative shoulder function values and the anatomic lesions found at surgery. Predictive factors of tear size were evaluated and any elements that were likely to improve preoperative function were determined so that patients could be best prepared for surgery. The validity of preoperative radiographic assessment of lesions was examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prior to surgery, each patient was given the same rehabilitation program, the same arthrotomographic assessment of lesions and each was rated functionally using Constant's scoring method. Preoperative radiographic assessment of lesions showed supra-spinatus tears in 69 per cent, combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears in 22 per cent, and tears involving the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis in 9 per cent. RESULTS: The preoperative Constant score averaged 46/100 points. The score was higher when patients had been prepared by preoperative rehabilitation to overcome stiffness. The optimum duration of rehabilitation was found to be 3 months (p < 0.05). Active range of motion was 90 per cent of normal in 84 per cent of cases. The patients in this series therefore underwent surgery more for continuing severe pain (25 per cent) and muscle weakness (86 per cent) than for reduced active motion. DISCUSSION: Examination of the correlations existing between an anatomic lesion and the preoperative rating of shoulder function shows that the Constant preoperative score provides a good prediction of the size of the tear to be repaired (p = 0.0063). The greater the tear size, the lower the preoperative Constant sore is. Active range of motion (especially in abduction and external rotation) and muscular strength are factors with the most predictive value contrary to pain and discomfort which are influenced by tear size. CONCLUSION: Preparing patients suffering full thickness cuff defects through preoperative rehabilitation to overcome stiffness provides the best conditions for surgery. Constant's functional scoring method gives a reproducible and reliable reflection of the anatomic rotator cuff lesion to be repaired. Its use for preoperative rating is useful for determining a reference value for function prior to surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

The acute phase and function in early rheumatoid arthritis. C-reactive protein levels correlate with functional outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To discover whether normalization of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results in stabilization of their functional state, and whether a measure of disease activity can be used as a predictor of functional outcome. To examine the relationship between change of CRP and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) over a 24 mo period to define the sensitivity of HAQ to change. METHODS: A prospective study of 109 consecutive patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA and had elevated CRP before steroid or 2nd line therapy. A full clinical assessment including HAQ was performed at presentation and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo. On the basis of the change in CRP at 6 mo, patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) CRP suppression to normal, (2) 50% reduction in CRP, and (3) less than 50% CRP change. RESULTS: The 3 groups were clinically and immunologically similar at onset. At 6 mo the median HAQ fell to 5 (lower to upper quartiles 7.5 to 19) in Group 1 (CRP normalized, n = 34), 6 (3.75 to 10) in Group 2 (CRP reduced by 50%, n = 30), and 12 (6 to 18) in Group 3 (less than 50% CRP change, n = 44), p < 0.005 for Groups 1 and 2 versus Group 3. At 12 and 24 mo HAQ remained significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3. In Group 1, patients either maintained a normal CRP (n = 28) or their CRP became elevated (n = 6). Only in those patients in whom a re-elevation of the CRP occurred was deterioration in HAQ subsequently seen. CONCLUSION: Suppression of elevated CRP in patients with active RA is associated with improvement in functional score, whereas persistent elevation of CRP is associated with functional deterioration. Once abnormal CRP is suppressed, no functional deterioration is likely to occur without re-elevation in CRP. Therefore, elevated CRP provides a convenient short term correlation with functional outcome and can be used as a guide for therapy. A HAQ score is a sensitive indicator of change in early disease.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2004

Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in systolic heart failure: importance of left ventricular diastolic function and right ventricular systolic function.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to characterize the importance of echocardiographic indexes, including newer indexes of diastolic function, as determinants of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF). BACKGROUND: Plasma BNP levels have utility for diagnosing and managing heart failure. However, there is significant heterogeneity in BNP levels that is not explained by left ventricular size and function alone. METHODS: In 106 patients with symptomatic SHF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <0.35), we measured plasma BNP levels and performed comprehensive echocardiography with assessment of left ventricular diastolic function, including color M-mode (CMM) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and of right ventricular (RV) function. RESULTS: Median plasma BNP levels were elevated and increased with greater severity of diastolic dysfunction. We found significant correlations (p < 0.001 for all) between BNP and indexes of myocardial relaxation (early diastolic velocity: r = -0.26), compliance (deceleration time: r = -0.55), and filling pressure (early transmitral to early annular diastolic velocity ratio: r = 0.51; early transmitral flow to the velocity of early left ventricular flow propagation ratio: r = 0.41). In multivariate analysis, overall diastolic stage, LVEF, RV systolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation (MR) severity, age and creatinine clearance were independent predictors of BNP levels (model fit r = 0.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma BNP levels are significantly related to newer diastolic indexes measured from TDI and CMM in SHF. Heterogeneity of BNP levels in patients with SHF reflects the severity of diastolic abnormality, RV dysfunction, and MR in addition to LVEF, age, and renal function. These findings may explain the powerful relationship of BNP to symptoms and prognosis in SHF.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Intravenous and intrapulmonary administration of honey solution to healthy sheep: effects on blood sugar, renal and liver function tests, bone marrow function, lipid profile, and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.

Safety of intravenous (i.v.) or intrapulmonary administration of different concentrations of honey and their effects on blood sugar, renal and liver function tests, bone marrow function, lipid profile, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage were studied. Healthy sheep of either sex, 6-8 months old, were assigned randomly into the following groups: sheep received i.v. infusion of 5% honey in normal saline at 10-day intervals for 50 days and were compared with sheep that received 5% dextrose; sheep received higher doses of honey (50 g of honey) by i.v. infusion daily for 10 days; sheep received four higher doses of honey (80 g each dose) for 2 weeks; sheep received subcutaneous injection of CCl(4) after four doses of i.v. infusion of 80 g of honey, and estimations of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (SGGT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were performed daily for 10 days postinjection; sheep received i.v. infusion of 40 g of honey, and blood sugar estimation was performed for 3 h at 30-min intervals after infusion and compared with sheep that received 5% dextrose; sheep received rapid i.v. injection of 40% honey or 40% dextrose, and blood sugar was estimated before and after injection; sheep received various concentrations of honey in distilled water (0.5 mL/1.5 mL, 0.75 mL/1.75 mL and 1.2 mL/2.2 mL), and blood sugar estimation was performed before and after inhalation. Results showed that i.v. or intrapulmonary administration of honey did not cause any adverse effect. Intravenous delivery of honey by slow infusion caused improvement of renal and hepatic function, bone marrow function, and lipid profile. It reduced SGOT, SGPT, triglyceride, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and blood sugar and elevated serum protein, serum albumin, hemoglobin, white blood cell, and neutrophil percentage. Similar results were obtained with the use of higher doses of honey. CCl(4) caused mild elevation of SGPT and SGGT and lowering of SGOT in sheep that received repeated i.v. administration of honey before administration of CCl(4), whereas in control sheep CCl(4) caused significant elevation of all the liver enzymes. Intravenous infusion of 40 g of honey caused elevation of blood sugar for 90 min postinfusion, whereas it decreased blood sugar at 2 and 3 h postinfusion as compared with fasting blood sugar. Dextrose caused significant elevation of blood sugar at all time intervals. Similar results were obtained with the use of 10% dextrose or 80 g of honey. Addition of honey to dextrose caused less hyperglycemia as compared with dextrose alone. Acute injection of 20 mL of 40% dextrose significantly elevated blood sugar for 3 h postinjection, whereas little elevation in blood sugar was obtained after injection of 40% honey; the difference between honey and dextrose was significant. Inhalation of honey caused significant lowering of blood sugar during and after inhalation as compared with fasting blood sugar and water inhalation. The effect was greater with a higher concentration of inhaled honey. It might be concluded that slow i.v. infusion or rapid i.v. injection of honey in different concentrations was safe and could lower blood sugar and improve renal, hepatic, and bone marrow functions and lipid profile. Intravenous honey had a hepatoprotective effect against CCl(4)-induced liver injury. Inhaled honey was safe and reduced blood sugar significantly.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Cognitive function and assessment of lung function in the elderly.

The feasibility of spirometry or respiratory impedance measurements for assessing lung function in the elderly was compared in 208 institutionalized patients with various degrees of cognitive function impairment. Respiratory impedance was determined by the forced oscillation technique. Cognitive function was assessed by the score for the mini-mental state (MMS) examination. Of the 208 patients, 126 had severe cognitive impairment (MMS < or = 17), 36 had mild impairment (18 < or = MMS < or = 23), and 46 had no impairment (MMS > or = 24). Of the 208 patients, respiratory impedance measurements were possible in 159, whereas in only 85 was spirometry possible. The overall difference between the feasibility rates for the spirometric and respiratory impedance measurements was highly significant (chi 2 = 71.4; p < 10(-6)). The difference between the feasibility rates for the two techniques was higher in the group of subjects with severe cognitive impairment than in the groups with mild impairment and no impairment, respectively. Among the 84 patients able to complete both tests, significant correlations were found between the spirometric and respiratory impedance measurements. These results indicate that respiratory impedance measurement seems a more useful tool than spirometry for assessing lung function in elderly patients whenever cognitive function is impaired.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

[A failed improvement in pulmonary function and exercise capacity with carvedilol in congestive heart failure despite an excellent effect on left ventricular function].

This study was aimed at investigating in chronic heart failure (CHF) the effects that beta-blockade with carvedilol may have on lung function, and their relationship with left ventricular (LV) performance and peak exercise oxygen uptake (VO2p). CHF causes disturbances in ventilation and pulmonary gas transfer (stress failure of alveolar-capillary membrane) that participate in limiting VO2p. Carvedilol improves LV function and not VO2p. Twenty-one NYHA functional class II-III patients were randomized (2 to 1) to carvedilol (25 mg bid., 14 patients) or placebo (7 patients) for 6 months. Rest forced expiratory volume (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), total lung capacity (TLC), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), its alveolar-capillary membrane component (DM), pulmonary venous and transmitral flows (for monitoring changes in LV end-diastolic pressure, EDP), LV diastolic (EDD) and systolic (ESD) dimensions, stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), fiber shortening velocity (VCF) were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. VO2p, peak ratio of dead space to tidal volume (VD/VTp), ventilatory equivalent for CO2 production (VE/VCO2), VO2 at anaerobic threshold (VO2at) were also determined. FEV1, VC, TLC, DLCO, DM were impaired in CHF compared to 14 volunteers, and did not vary with treatment. Carvedilol reduced EDP, EDD, ESD, and increased EF, SV, VCF, without affecting VO2p, VO2at, VD/VTp, VE/VCO2, at 3 and 6 months. Placebo was ineffective. In CHF, carvedilol exerts neutral effects on ventilation and pulmonary gas transfer and ameliorates LV function at rest. This proves that antifailure treatment may not be similarly effective on cardiac and pulmonary function; and does not contradict the possibility that persistence of lung impairment may contribute to lack of improvement in exercise performance with carvedilol.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1998

Evaluation of cardiac structures and function in small experimental animals: transthoracic, transesophageal, and intraventricular echocardiography to assess contractile function in rat heart.

OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of three different echocardiographic techniques to assess cardiac structures and function in the rat heart was studied. BACKGROUND: With increasing costs for large animal studies there is need for improved assessment of ventricular function in small animal models. METHODS: Transthoracic, transesophageal, or intracavitary echocardiography was performed in 138 rats using either a pediatric or an intravascular ultrasound transducer in control, infarcted, and obese rats. Left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness were measured. RESULTS: Transthoracic echocardiography allows qualitative and quantitative estimation of cardiac dimensions and ventricular function. End-diastolic and end-systolic diameters were 0.53 +/- 0.08 and 0.26 +/- 0.05 cm in controls, 0.63 +/- 0.08 and 0.41 +/- 0.07 cm in infarcted (p < 0.001 vs controls), and 0.66 +/- 0.1 and 0.21 +/- 0.07 cm in obese rats (p < 0.01 vs controls). Fractional shortening was 52 +/- 6% in controls, 36 +/- 5% in infarcted (p < 0.001), and 68 +/- 9% in obese rats (p < 0.001). Wall thickness was increased in obese rats. Transesophageal echocardiography allows a qualitative rather than quantitative assessment. Intracavitary ultrasound enabled visualization of the endocardium. Following coronary occlusion, fractional shortening and ejection fraction were decreased (30.8 +/- 4.5 vs 44.4 +/- 4.7%, p < 0.005, and 46.7 +/- 8.5 vs 63.4 +/- 5.4%, p < 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiography is a non-invasive technique to sufficiently provide information about cardiac structures and function, while transesophageal echocardiography allows rather a qualitative estimation of the rat heart. Intracavitary ultrasound can be used to assess the endocardium, ventricular function, and dimensions in open-chest studies in rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Functional electrostimulation of muscles as a method for restoring motor functions.

The main functions of a method of functional electrical stimulation of muscles (FES) are described: diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic. The main indication for using the FES method is a deficiency of muscle function, which may be organic (due to lesions to neuromuscular structures) or functional (associated with relaxation of the muscular apparatus). The five most significant functions of the FES method were established: 1) identification of correctable movements and stimulable muscles; 2) identification of the amplitude and time program for stimulation; 3) stimulation regimes for pathological gaits; 4) stimulation parameters; 5) positioning of skin electrodes on the human body. Using the example of two severe central nervous system pathologies (spinal cord lesions in the lumbosacral area and hemiparesis of cerebral origin), the positive effects of FES on the process of motor rehabilitation of this category of patients were demonstrated.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Functional correlates of lung involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis. Use of pulmonary function tests in staging and follow-up.

To examine the usefulness of pulmonary function testing in the clinical management of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, 22 subjects with biopsy proved disease were evaluated using routine functional parameters. Although reduced lung volumes and diffusing capacity occurred frequently, the most common abnormality was in obstruction to airflow. Comparison of these functional parameters with roentgenographic and clinical findings revealed that reduced lung volumes were useful in detecting focal infiltrates, mass or cavitary lesions and diffuse interstitial involvement whereas airflow measurements were useful in detecting focal large airway lesions. In people with evidence of limitation of airflow, respiratory complications frequently developed in the form of acute tracheal obstruction of lobar collapse. In addition, serial evaluation of lung function during treatment revealed that although in most patients lung volumes and airflow obstruction improved or stabilized, a reduction of diffusing capacity was common. These studies suggest that routine pulmonary function testing may be a useful tool in the staging of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis and in following responses to therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Prospective prediction of post-radiation therapy lung function using quantitative lung scans and pulmonary function testing.

Surgeons have made use of quantitative perfusion lung scanning (QS) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to predict a patient's ability to tolerate lung resection. In this study QS and FEV1 were used to predict prospectively pulmonary function following lung irradiation (XRT). Twenty-two patients have had QS and FEV1 determined before XRT and at planned intervals post-XRT. Serial determination of lung function post-XRT allows comment on the temporal nature of the XRT effect on lung function. Seventeen patients had QS and FEV1 determined at an interval of 2-6 months post-irradiation with a drop in the groups mean FEV1 from 1.91 to 1.87L. or 2% during that interval. In the interval from 6-12 months post-XRT, 13 patients had studies with the groups mean FEV1 dropping from 1.79 to 1.58L or 12% of the original. In the interval from 12-18 months, 6 patients had a decline in mean FEV1 from 1.73 to 1.56L. or 10% of the original. In 22 patients a predicted final FEV1 was compared with a measured value at an interval from XRT. Fourteen of these determinations were at intervals greater than 6 months from the start of XRT and 6 at intervals of greater than 1 year. FEV1 was seen to drop during the follow-up intervals toward the predicted value. In only 2 patients did the final FEV1 drop below the predicted FEV1 and never by more than 0.12L. (6%). In summary, a method for predicting post-XRT pulmonary function using QS and FEV1 is described. Serial follow-up revealed a latent period followed by a late phase where FEV1 fell toward, but not significantly below, the predicted value. Such a determination can be of value in formulating a treatment plan for patients with significantly diminished pulmonary function.

Forced Expiratory Volume↗