SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Balance ability”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

The elderly hypertensive; cardiovascular and neurohormonal profile.

In this paper, a brief review is presented on the hemodynamic and neurohormonal changes in the elderly hypertensive patient. Arterial stiffening leads to a predominant rise in systolic pressure and a widening of pulse pressure. This in itself contributes to an increased cardiovascular risk in the elderly. In addition, there is a progressive decline in renal perfusion with, later on, a fall in glomerular filtration rate. The renal vascular changes may impair the kidney's ability to adequately maintain sodium balance under conditions of salt loading or restriction. The neurohormonal alterations generally include suppression and reduced responsiveness of the renin system and a decline in sympathetic activity.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Neuromuscular symptoms and dysfunction in subclinical hypothyroid patients: beneficial effect of L-T4 replacement therapy.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: The presence of neuromuscular symptoms was ascertained by questionnaire in 33 consecutive patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) as compared to 44 age- and sex-matched controls. Blood was sampled for PTH, magnesium, phosphate, and total and ionized calcium determination. Patients reporting three or more symptoms were also studied by surface electromyography (sEMG). The study was repeated following a six-month L-T4 course. RESULTS: Neuromuscular symptoms were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls (P = 0. 0001), and correlated with TSH values (r = 0.52; P = 0.0001). Among patients showing three or more symptoms (n = 11), sEMG documented the presence of repetitive discharges in 8 patients. L-T4 therapy led to a significant improvement of symptoms (P = 0.0001); persistent repetitive discharges were no longer observed. Total and ionized calcium values, always within the normal limits, were significantly lower in patients than controls (P < 0.0001). An inverse relationship was observed between ionized calcium and: TSH values (r = -0.69, P = 0.0001); the number of neuromuscular symptoms (r = -0.53, P = 0.0001). L-T4 replacement induced a significant increase in both total and ionized calcium levels (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular symptoms and dysfunction are rather common in subclinical hypothyroidism, and may be associated with abnormalities in serum calcium balance and surface electromyography. The ability of L-T4 treatment to reverse all these changes suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism patients may require early therapy not only to prevent progression to frank hypothyroidism, but also to improve their neuromuscular dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Gender differences in exerted forces and physiological load during pushing and pulling of wheeled cages by postal workers.

The aim was to determine gender differences regarding exerted forces and physiological load during push/pull tasks simulating the daily working practice of postal workers. Eight female and four male workers handled four-wheeled cages under eight conditions corresponding to the cage weight (130, 250, 400, 550 kg) and the direction of force exertion (pushing, pulling). For each of the five dependent variables, average force, initial force, ending force, oxygen uptake and heart rate, two analyses of variance with repeated measurements were performed, i.e. with and without correction for the worker's body weight, body height and maximum capacity regarding the dependent variable. Exerted forces and physiological load were high for the cages weighing 400 and 550 kg. Gender differences were significant for all dependent variables (p = 0.030-0.000). When the personal factors were included in the model, male workers exerted significantly higher average forces and ending forces than their females, while differences regarding initial forces and physiological load were not significant. However, none of the personal factors were significantly related to any of the dependent variables. It is concluded that gender differences in exerted forces were not caused by differences in anthropometry and maximum capacity, but due to application of different work methods by women in order to balance work demands and work ability.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Ultraviolet-B-induced oxidative stress and responses of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in a marine macroalga Ulva fasciata.

The regulation of the antioxidant defence system by ultraviolet-B (UV-B) was determined in a marine macroalga Ulva fasciata Delile exposed to low (0.5, 1 W m(-2)), medium (2.5, 5 W m(-2)), and high (10, 20 W m(-2)) UV-B irradiance. UV-B > or =2.5 W m(-2) increased H2O2 contents that are positively correlated with lipid peroxidation and total peroxide contents. Inhibition of the UV-B-induced H2O2 increase by a specific O2.- scavenger, 1,2-dihydroxy-benzene-3,5-disulphonic acid, shows that O2.- is the primary source of H2O2. Superoxide dismutase activity was increased by UV-B with a peak at 2.5 W m(-2), which did not match the H2O2 pattern. Alleviation of UV-B-induced oxidative damage by a H2O2 scavenger, dimethylthiourea, and a free radical scavenger, sodium benzoate, which inhibited UV-B-induced H2O2 accumulation, suggests that oxidative damage caused by UV-B > or = 2.5 W m(-2) is ascribed to accumulated H2O2. However, a decrease in growth rate and TTC reduction ability only at high UV-B doses indicates that the defence and repairing systems operate at low and medium UV-B doses. H2O2 not only can be excreted but can also be detoxified via the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. Increases in catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities and ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione pools, as well as AsA regeneration ability, function to keep the balance of cellular H2O2 under low UV-B doses. Dehydroascorbate reductase and monodehydroascorbate reductase are responsible for AsA regeneration under low and medium UV-B radiation, respectively. The appearance of oxidative damage in medium and high UV-B flux is attributable to a lower induction of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle as an antioxidant defence system. Overall, the availability of antioxidants and the induction of antioxidant enzyme activities for detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) are regulated in U. fasciata against UV-B-induced oxidative stress, and experiments using ROS scavengers demonstrate that the antioxidant defence system is modulated by O2.- or H2O2.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1998

Effect of lower extremity muscular fatigue on motor control performance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether lower extremity fatigue affects the ability of an individual to balance on an unstable platform. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects (average age, 29 yr, range, 20 to 39 yr) were tested on an instrumented balance assessment system. Static tests were done on the limbs unilaterally and then bilaterally, and finally a dynamic test was performed in which the subject moved the platform in a circular manner to chase a moving object on a computer screen. After testing, subjects were fatigued using an isokinetic dynamometer, which imposes closed kinetic chain antagonistic exercise on the ankle, knee, and hip, similar to a stair stepper. No rest was allowed, and subjects were fatigued to less than 50% of their initial tested force. Subjects were then immediately retested on the unstable platform using the same testing protocol. All subjects completed the testing. RESULTS: Analysis of pre- and post-fatigue balance results demonstrated significant decreases in motor control performance on the three static tests following exercise to fatigue in all subjects (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support anecdotal evidence that fatigued individuals are at increased risk of injury because of loss of balance. Avoidance of fatigue and preconditioning may prevent injury.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2004

Teaching and assessing professionalism in medicine.

Professionalism is the single most important of the clinical competencies. Lack of professional behavior, in turn, is the single most common cause for disciplinary action against third and fourth-year medical students, residents, fellows, and clinical practitioners. Desirable professional attributes include humility, honesty, responsibility, reliability, and accountability. The ability to preserve an appropriate balance between patient care responsibilities and personal commitments also is an important feature of professional behavior. Altruism, respectfulness, loyalty, compassion, sensitivity, and tactfulness are other desirable professional attributes. In addition, professionalism requires a heightened sense of intellectual curiosity, insight into personal strengths and weaknesses, maturity, and commitment to clinical excellence and self-directed learning. Professionalism can be taught and assessed through lectures, small-group seminars, role-playing exercises, directed reading, and one-on-one observation and counseling. However, the most effective way of teaching professionalism is for instructors to model appropriate behavior and to impose a consistent policy of zero tolerance for unprofessional behavior.

Attitude↗

PubMed1995

A Heideggerian hermeneutic study of the practice of critical care nurses.

This study provides a Heideggerian analysis of the practice of eight critical care nurses who work in an Australian intensive care unit. Specifically, it describes two themes that emerged from a larger study on expert critical care nursing practice. These themes are referred to as 'balancing' and 'being busy'. Each theme emerged with several foci. The theme 'balancing' is concerned with the ability of the nurse to manage simultaneously the paradoxical relationship between the technology of the intensive care unit and the processes of care. 'Being busy' was a theme that recognized the technical nature of critical care nursing. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relevant Heideggerian philosophical concepts.

Australia↗

PubMed2007

Poxvirus-encoded gamma interferon binding protein dampens the host immune response to infection.

Ectromelia virus (ECTV), a natural mouse pathogen and the causative agent of mousepox, is closely related to variola virus (VARV), which causes smallpox in humans. Mousepox is an excellent surrogate small-animal model for smallpox. Both ECTV and VARV encode a multitude of host response modifiers that target components of the immune system and that are thought to contribute to the high mortality rates associated with infection. Like VARV, ECTV encodes a protein homologous to the ectodomain of the host gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) receptor 1. We generated an IFN-gamma binding protein (IFN-gammabp) deletion mutant of ECTV to study the role of viral IFN-gammabp (vIFN-gammabp) in host-virus interaction and also to elucidate the contribution of this molecule to the outcome of infection. Our data show that the absence of vIFN-gammabp does not affect virus replication per se but does have a profound effect on virus replication and pathogenesis in mice. BALB/c mice, which are normally susceptible to infection with ECTV, were able to control replication of the mutant virus and survive infection. Absence of vIFN-gammabp from ECTV allowed the generation of an effective host immune response that was otherwise diminished by this viral protein. Mice infected with a vIFN-gammabp deletion mutant virus, designated ECTV-IFN-gammabp(Delta), produced increased levels of IFN-gamma and generated robust cell-mediated and antibody responses. Using several strains of mice that exhibit differential degrees of resistance to mousepox, we show that recovery or death from ECTV infection is determined by a balance between the host's ability to produce IFN-gamma and the virus' ability to dampen its effects.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Curt Richter and regulatory physiology.

Curt Richter made seminal contributions to our understanding of a number of issues regarding the relationships between physiology and behavior. He was the first to conceptualize behavior as an aspect of regulatory physiology. These ideas developed from his work on behavioral responses to a variety of physiological perturbations. The classic example is Richter's demonstration of the development of avid sodium ingestion in response to urinary sodium loss after adrenalectomy. Some of Richter's ideas on the nature and underlying physiology of specific appetites maintain their influence and continue to stimulate active investigation. Others, focused on abilities to self-select balanced diets, have not borne the test of time or experimental challenge. As current research takes a more molecular focus, Richter's ideas on behavior in the service of the internal milieu maintain their currency, and the search for the molecular bases for these relationships should serve as a research focus.

History, 20th Century↗

PubMed2001

Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: the patient's point of view.

BACKGROUND: The use of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke is still controversial. A major problem is balancing the improvement in functional ability against the risk of early death from cerebral hemorrhage. Our aim was to assess whether patients who have had a stroke, and their proxies, would give consent to thrombolysis if this therapy were introduced into clinical practice for acute ischemic stroke in Italy. METHODS: A 10-item questionnaire was administered by personnel not directly involved in the care of patients in 12 Italian hospitals. Interviews were carried out with at least 10 consecutive stroke inpatients per center in the postacute phase and to their proxies. RESULTS: There were 685 responders (377 female), median age 58 years (range 18-98); 332 were patients and 353 proxies. Responders were representative of the Italian population as a whole as regards mean age and sex, education and marital status; 59% of responders (95% confidence interval 55-62%) would agree to thrombolysis in the case of stroke. There was more uncertainty among proxies than patients, especially when the decision had to be taken for a relative (41 vs. 17% could not decide, p < 0.001). The preference for thrombolysis was higher among more educated people (p = 0.001) and was not influenced by sex, age and marital status. Overall, 81% of responders would prefer to risk dying rather than remain severely disabled. CONCLUSION: Thrombolytic therapy is feasible in Italy as there is ample willingness to trade off a better functional outcome with a higher risk of death. Education is the main sociodemographic determinant of independent decision-making, as only those with an adequate cultural level are able to discriminate between one treatment option and another. The proxy's uncertainty about how to interpret a patient's preference regarding consent to thrombolytic therapy should be tackled, since proxies play a key role in making patients' preferences known in case of incompetence after an acute stroke.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1984

In vitro correlation of glutamine and glutamate renal ammoniagenesis during adaptation.

Renal slices from 191 rats in various states of acid-base balance were investigated for their ability to produce ammonia from both glutamine and glutamate. Under a variety of conditions, in three different type studies, a significantly similar correlation existed between ammonia adaptation from glutamine and glutamate. This relationship was maintained during acute and chronic acidosis and during alkalotic inhibition of renal ammoniagenesis. We conclude from our findings that ammonia adaptation in rats secondary to acute and chronic acidosis is similar, although incomplete during acute acidosis. Our results further support the hypothesis that the rate of glutamate deamination is a major mechanism for overall renal ammonia adaptation in rats during acid-base changes.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed1995

Gut flora in normal and disordered states.

Infections of the gastrointestinal tract are a major health problem for both adults and children worldwide. Changes in the normal human gut microflora result in the development of intestinal disorders. Pathogenic bacteria alter the intestinal microecology and intestinal colonization resistance. A healthy gastrointestinal microflora forms a barrier against invading organisms. Normal intestinal microbes and some probiotic bacteria can enhance the host's defence mechanisms against pathogens. They can also improve intestinal immunity by adhering to intestinal mucosa and stimulating local immune responses. Thus the maintenance of a balanced intestinal microecology improves the ability to preserve intestinal integrity.

Antibiosis↗

PubMed2004

Salt handling and hypertension.

The kidney plays a central role in our ability to maintain appropriate sodium balance, which is critical to determination of blood pressure. In this review we outline current knowledge of renal salt handling at the molecular level, and, given that Westernized societies consume more salt than is required for normal physiology, we examine evidence that the lowering of salt intake can combat hypertension.

Alkalosis↗

PubMed2004

Graves' hyperthyroidism and the hygiene hypothesis in a mouse model.

Graves' hyperthyroidism is an organ-specific autoimmune disease mediated by stimulatory autoantibodies against the TSH receptor (TSHR; thyroid-stimulating antibodies), causing thyroid hyperplasia and hyperthyroidism. Development of this ailment is well known to be under polygenic and environmental control. For example, we recently demonstrated that parasite helminth Schistosoma mansoni infection suppressed a T helper cell type 1 (Th1)-type anti-TSHR immune response and prevented disease development in our mouse model of Graves' disease using adenovirus coding for the TSHR. In the present study we examined the outcome of infection with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a Th1-promoting infectious pathogen, on Graves' disease. Our results show that prior infection with M. bovis BCG differentiates the TSHR-specific immune response toward a Th1 phenotype, as demonstrated by enhanced secretion of a Th1 cytokine interferon-gamma and impaired production of a Th2 cytokine IL-10 from splenocytes stimulated in vitro with TSHR antigen. M. bovis BCG also significantly suppressed disease induction. These data together with our recent report that coinjection of adenovirus expressing the Th1 cytokine IL-12 induced a Th1-polarized, TSHR-specific immune response without affecting disease development support the hygiene hypothesis, rather than Th1-mediated disease suppression. Thus, some infectious pathogens may influence the development of Graves' disease regardless of their ability to modify the Th1/Th2 balance.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Acid-base imbalance in lizards during activity and recovery.

1. The effects of treadmill exercise on oxygen consumption (V02), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), arterial blood lactate concentration ([L-]a), arterial blood pH and arterial gas tensions (PaO2 and PaCO2) were measured in 3 species of lizards (Varanus salvator, V. exanthematicus, Iguana iguana) 2. Varanus salvator was exercised 45 min at an intensity which required 85% of its VO2 max. V. salvator utilized supplementary anaerobic metabolism during the first 10 min of this sustainable exercise, as evidenced by a 16 mmol/l increase in [L-]a. Respiratory exchange ratios (R, where R = VCO2/VO2) exceeded 1.2 when [L-]a and [H+]a were maximal. One half of the accumulated lactate was removed from the blood during the remainder of the 45 min exercise period, while blood pH returned to resting levels. 3. In a second set of experiments, high intensity exercise led to exhaustion after 5 to 10 min in all three species, resulting in large lactate (+ delta[L-]a = 14-20 mmol/l) and hydrogen ion (+ delta[H+]a = 23-57 nmol/l) accumulations. R values ranged from 1.2-1.8 at exhaustion. 4. Recovery from both sustainable and non-sustainable exercise was characterized as a period of rapid lactate removal. Respiratory exchange ratios were low (0.3-0.5) as metabolic CO2 was retained, replacing depleted bicarbonate stores. 5. We conclude that all three lizard species make ventilatory adjustments during and after exercise that minimize disturbances to resting hydrogen ion concentrations and acid-base balance. Varanus salvator demonstrate the ability to re-establish resting acid-base status during sustained exercise requiring 85% of their VO2,max. Changes in R appear to be a useful noninvasive indicator of net blood lactate accumulation.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed2005

New generation live vaccines against human respiratory syncytial virus designed by reverse genetics.

Development of a live pediatric vaccine against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is complicated by the need to immunize young infants and the difficulty in balancing attenuation and immunogenicity. The ability to introduce desired mutations into infectious virus by reverse genetics provides a method for identifying and designing highly defined attenuating mutations. These can be introduced in combinations as desired to achieve gradations of attenuation. Attenuation is based on several strategies: multiple independent temperature-sensitive point mutations in the polymerase, a temperature-sensitive point mutation in a transcription signal, a set of non-temperature-sensitive mutations involving several genes, deletion of a viral RNA synthesis regulatory protein, and deletion of viral IFN alpha/beta antagonists. The genetic stability of the live vaccine can be increased by judicious choice of mutations. The virus also can be engineered to increase the level of expression of the protective antigens. Protective antigens from antigenically distinct RSV strains can be added or swapped to increase the breadth of coverage. Alternatively, the major RSV protective antigens can be expressed from transcription units added to an attenuated parainfluenza vaccine virus, making a bivalent vaccine. This would obviate the difficulties inherent in the fragility and inefficient in vitro growth of RSV, simplifying vaccine design and use.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Peptide YY (PYY)3-36 modulates thyrotropin secretion in rats.

Peptide YY (PYY)3-36 is a gut-derived hormone, with a proposed role in central mediation of postprandial satiety signals, as well as in long-term energy balance. In addition, recently, the ability of the hormone to regulate gonadotropin secretion, acting at pituitary and at hypothalamus has been reported. Here, we examined PYY3-36 effects on thyrotropin (TSH) secretion, both in vitro and in vivo. PYY3-36-incubated rat pituitary glands showed a dose-dependent decrease in TSH release, with 44 and 62% reduction at 10(-8) and 10(-6) M (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively), and no alteration in TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone. In vivo, PYY3-36 i.p. single injection in the doses of 3 or 30 cg/kg body weight, administered to rats fed ad libitum, was not able to change serum TSH after 15 or 30 min. However, in fasted rats, PYY3-36 at both doses elicited a significant rise (approximately twofold increase, P < 0.05) in serum TSH observed 15 min after the hormone injection. PYY3-36 treatment did not modify significantly serum T4, T3, or leptin. Therefore, in the present paper, we have demonstrated that the gut hormone PYY3-36 acts directly on the pituitary gland to inhibit TSH release, and in the fasting situation, in vivo, when serum PYY3-36 is reduced, the activity of thyroid axis is reduced as well. In such a situation, systemically injected PYY3-36 was able to acutely activate the thyrotrope axis, suggesting a new role for PYY3-36 as a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Evaluation of the specificity of selected dynamic balance tests.

Many researchers have suggested that balance is not a general motor ability but rather is specific to the task which is performed. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between a laboratory test (stabilometer) for assessing dynamic balance and three field tests: the Modified Bass Test, Balance Beam Speed Test 1 (forward walking), and Balance Beam Speed Test 2 (sideward walking). In addition, associations of whole body reaction time with scores of the four tests of dynamic balance were assessed in 54 undergraduate students. Pearson coefficient of determination indicated no significant correlation between the time participants were in balance on the stabilometer and on any of the three field tests. Body reaction time was significantly correlated with scores on the four tests. These results give further support to the specific character of dynamic balance since all tests seemed to measure different aspects.

Adult↗