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 829 records · Page 46Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Hyponatremia and hypernatremia in the elderly.

Management of abnormalities in water homeostasis is frequently challenging. Because age-related changes and chronic diseases are often associated with impairment of water metabolism in elderly patients, it is absolutely essential for clinicians to be aware of the pathophysiology of hyponatremia and hypernatremia in the elderly. The sensation of thirst, renal function, concentrating abilities and hormonal modulators of salt and water balance are often impaired in the elderly, which makes such patients highly susceptible to morbid and iatrogenic events involving salt and water. Clinicians should use a systematic approach in evaluating water and sodium problems, utilizing a comprehensive history and physical examination, and a few directed laboratory tests to make the clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, clinicians should have a clear appreciation of the roles that iatrogenic interventions and lapses in nutrition and nursing care frequently play in upsetting the homeostatic balance in elderly patients, particularly those who are in longterm institutional and inpatient settings.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Trimetazidine and the contractile response of dysfunctional myocardium in ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic effect of anti-ischemic compounds is related to their ability to improve the oxygen supply-demand balance of the ischemic myocardium by increasing myocardial blood flow (calcium-antagonists), by reducing regional myocardial oxygen consumption (verapamil, betablockers) and increasing peripheral pooling of blood (nitrates, nifedipine). All these actions are also accompanied by hemodynamic changes, as evidenced by a lower double product, reduced wall stress, lower pulmonary wedge pressure, and lower systemic arterial pressure. In general, it was found that the combination of a betablocker with nifedipine improved the antianginal effect by further reducing the number and duration of ischemic events. The combination of a nitrate with a beta-blocker is particularly useful because it reduces the risk of heart failure by lowering left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and volume and by attenuating the negative inotropic effect of the betablocker. Although a combination therapy demonstrated benefits in comparison with drug treatment alone, it is associated with a higher incidence of untoward events. Trimetazidine (2, 3, 4 trimethoxybenzyl-piperazine dihydrochloride) is a novel anti-ischemic compound with a peculiar mechanism of action. Its anti-ischemic properties are unrelated to changes in myocardial oxygen supply-to-demand ratio, as shown by no significant effects on heart rate, blood pressure or rate-pressure product both at rest and during dynamic exercise. There are several possible mechanisms of action by which trimetazidine promotes preservation of membrane structures and cellular function: limitation of intracellular acidosis, correction of disturbances of transmembrane ion exchange leading to calcium overload, prevention of an excessive production of free radicals, inhibition of the inflammatory reaction and an antiplatelet effect. These documented actions cooperate to increase the rate of resynthesis of high-energy phosphates within myocardial cells after episodes of ischemia. In several trials, trimetazidine has been tested as an antianginal agent, both as monotherapy and combined with "classical" anti-ischemic compounds. In comparison with nifedipine, trimetazidine had similar efficacy in reducing the number of weekly anginal attacks and in increasing the ischemic threshold in a group of 39 patients with stable angina. However, the incidence of side effects was significantly higher with nifedipine (5 vs 20), and affected 5 patients with trimetazidine and 13 patients with nifedipine (p = 0.03). In a relatively large European study involving 149 patients (Trimetazidine European Multicenter Study, TEMS), trimetazidine (20 mg t.i.d.) was compared with propranolol (40 mg t.i.d.) in patients with stable angina pectoris and documented significant coronary artery stenoses. The number of anginal attacks was reduced equally by both drugs and exercise duration was increased by both treatments. However, in contrast with propranolol trimetazidine did not alter the rate pressure product. In patients already treated with nifedipine or beta-blockers, the addition of trimetazidine (20 mg t.i.d.) was able to reduce the number and the duration of anginal attacks and improved also the exercise capacity. Trimetazidine is generally well tolerated and only minor side effects have been reported (drowsiness, sedation, diarrhea). The improvement in cardiac energy metabolism should theoretically translate into enhancement in mechanical efficiency. This hypothesis has been object of recent investigations in patients with ischemic heart disease with and without left ventricular dysfunction. Brottier, et al. demonstrated that patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy treated with trimetazidine had a higher ejection fraction (measured by radionuclide angiography) than control patients who received a placebo after 6 months of therapy (p < 0.018). The group of Chierchia demonstrated that trimetazidine improved ischemic regional myocardial dysfunction at rest and during stress-induced ischemia in 15 patients with chronic coronary artery disease without affecting the hemodynamic determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption. There is recent demonstration that trimetazidine improves the contractile response of left ventricular hibernating myocardium in patients with ischemic heart disease. Belardinelli et al. showed that trimetazidine improved the contractile response of dysfunctional myocardial to low-dose dobutamine in patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular function. Twenty-two patients with prior anterior myocardial infarction and injection fraction < 35% (33 +/- 7%) were randomized into 2 groups. A group (= 11) received trimetazidine (20 mg tid) for 2 months, while another group (= 11) received a placebo. The usual medications were not altered during the study. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reiki--review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research.

Reiki is a vibrational, or subtle energy, therapy most commonly facilitated by light touch, which is believed to balance the biofield and strengthen the body's ability to heal itself. Although systematic study of efficacy is scant thus far, Reiki is increasingly used as an adjunct to conventional medical care, both in and out of hospital settings. This article will describe the practice and review the history and theory of Reiki, giving readers a context for the growing popularity of this healing modality. Programs that incorporate Reiki into the clinical setting will be discussed, as well as important considerations in setting up such a program. Finally, the research literature to date on Reiki will be reviewed and evaluated, and directions for future Reiki research will be suggested.

Delivery of Health Care, Integrated↗

PubMed2002

[Effect of long term administration of finoptin on the morphofunctional state of working cells of the intact myocardium in modeling of chronic coronary insufficiency].

In accordance with the findings on the key role of the cardiomyocite electrolyte homeostasis abnormality in dysfunction and coronary insufficiency-related alterative changes in the contractile myocardium and positive results of correction of the above abnormalities with Ca2+ antagonists morphofunctional aspects were studied of cardioprotective action of finoptin in its course administration in experiments in rabbits. General histological techniques were used together with transmission electron microscopy and cytochemical tests. The drug under study has been shown to increase the cardiomyocite glyco-calyx Ca(2+)-depositing function and to diminish its quickly-exchanging fraction on a plasmolemma. The benefits derived from the aforesaid under conditions of recurring coronary insufficiency include membrane-stabilizing effect, optimization of the energy balance and plastic processes in cardiomyocytes, with their ability to adjust themselves to conditions of the simulated pathology enhanced.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of water content, cooling and warming rate upon survival of embryonic axes of Poncirus trifoliata (L.).

The present study investigated the relative contributions of water content and non-equilibrium cooling and warming rates to the survival of cryopreserved axes of recalcitrant P. trifoliata seeds. Reducing water contents from 1.7 and 0.26 g water per g dry mass is believed to increase cytoplasmic viscosity. Cooling to -196 degree C was done at rates averaging between 0.17 and 1300 degree C per second, and warming at 600 or 1.35 degree C per second. Survival was assessed after 4 weeks in vitro. Rapid warming resulted in higher survival and normal development of axes at all water contents. The effects of cooling rate were dependent on the water content of axes. Cooling rates resulting in >70 percent normal development ranged between 0.17 and about 1300 degree C per second for axes at a water content of 0.26 g water per g dry mass narrowing with increasing hydration to an apparent optimum at about 686 degree C per second in axes at 0.8 g water per g dry mass At 1.7 g water per g dry mass, axes cooled at 0.17 degree C per second yielded nearly 40 percent normal development, whereas faster cooling was deleterious. Results are interpreted in the context of the effect of water content on cytoplasmic viscosity and the rate of intracellular ice formation. At low water contents, the high intracellular viscosity slows ice crystallization making survival independent of cooling rate. At higher water contents, the reduced viscosity requires faster cooling to prevent ice crystal damage. The ability to cool rapidly with increasing hydration is balanced with an increasing limitation to dissipate heat fast enough to prevent severe damage.

Cryopreservation↗

PubMed2006

Delivery as a "physiological stress" and its influence on some parameters of oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES: In healthy term newborns (HTN) to determine on the 1st and 5th day of life the activity of total antioxidant capacity (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and to compare the values with the group of asphyxiated term newborns (ATN). PATIENTS/METHODS: The series consisted of 15 HTN and 24 ATN. In both groups TAS, MDA, GPX and SOD were investigated. RESULTS: Reference values in HTN (1st/5th day of life) for TAS were 0.52+/-0.03/0.49+/-0.04 mmol/l, for MDA 0.72+/-0.07/1.08+/-0.09 micromol/l, for SOD 594.20+/-16.47/591.23+/-14.14 Ug/Hb and for GPX 25.48+/-1.32/25.98+/-1.20 Ug/Hb. In a group of ATN the obtained values were (1st/5th day of life): TAS 1.1+/-0.08/0.98+/-0.08 mmol/l, MDA 2.08+/-0.22/2.21+/-0.34 micromol/l, SOD 509.18+/-26.8/564.49+/-36.4 Ug/Hb and GPX 30.2+/-1.9/32.45+/-2.69 Ug/Hb. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences were found on the 1st and 5th day of life between the two groups investigated in values of MDA (**p<0.01) and TAS (**p<0.01). Increased values of MDA in the group of ATN on the 1st and 5th day of life confirmed the presence of lipoperoxidation. The obtained values of TAS on the 1st and 5th day of life in the group of ATN were surprisingly higher than in HTN. The increase of TAS in ATN could point to a certain ability of ATN to prevent the damage of balance between overproduction of MDA and antioxidants. The results of SOD and GPX activity were not statistically significant, yet they are indicative of the biochemical reaction of the organism of term newborns to asphyxia.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗

PubMed1991

Noninvasive respiratory monitoring during ventilatory support.

Noninvasive monitoring is commonly used during ventilatory support. This monitoring includes pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous monitoring, monitoring of respiratory mechanics, and indirect calorimetry. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these forms of monitoring and the technical ability to use each of them must be balanced against clinical usefulness.

Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous↗

PubMed1990

Influence of variable content of dietary zinc on copper metabolism of weanling foals.

The influence of variable zinc content (29.1, 250, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of dry weight) in a basic diet containing 7.7 mg of copper/kg on the ability of weanling foals to maintain normal copper balance was investigated. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were monitored, and terminal hepatic copper and zinc contents were measured in 4 weanling foals fed the basic diet containing 29.1 mg of zinc/kg and in 2 foals each fed the higher-zinc diets. Foals fed the lower-zinc diets (29.1 and 250 mg/kg) maintained normal serum copper and zinc concentrations for 14 to 15 weeks, whereas those fed the 2 higher-zinc diets became hypocupremic within 5 to 6 weeks and were lame within 6 weeks, owing to cartilaginous disease characteristic of osteochondritis dissecans. Serum zinc concentration in the foals fed the 2 higher-zinc diets increased to greater than 2 micrograms/ml within 2 weeks. Foals fed the high-zinc diets became lame after serum copper concentration had remained at 0.3 micrograms/ml for greater than 1 week. Serum copper concentration in these arthritic foals was less than or equal to 0.2 micrograms/ml at the end of the study. In lame foals, fractures of the cartilage of the articular and growth physes occurred through the zone of hypertrophic cells, and varied from bilateral to unilateral and from small to large. Free masses and flaps of cartilage attached to one side were numerous.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1986

[Progestagenic activity and the mechanism of the contraceptive action of mecygeprone].

Progestagenic activity of a modified analog of progesteron-6 alpha-methyl-cyclogexan-[1', 2', 16 alpha, 17 alpha]-pregn-4-en-3,20-dion including into mecygepron composition has been studied; its activity is proved to be 5 times as great as that of progesteron at any way of administration. Mecygepron affects processes of ovogenesis and early embryogenetic development in rats. A decreased number of washed out embryos is observed, while the number of lutein bodies specific for intact rats remains the same, decelerated rate of cleavage and increased number of unfertilized ova. In the mechanism of the changes observed an essential role plays a decreased secretion of lutropin resulting in a prolonged estrol cycle and, evidently, in intrafollicular overmaturation of the ova, which loose their ability to be fertilized. Besides, the disturbed hormonal balance under mecygepron influence can affect the character of the oviduct and uterine contents and, thus, prevent the normal development of the fertilized gametes.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1985

Laboratory animal medicine. Changes and challenges.

Less than three decades have elapsed since the specialty of laboratory animal medicine was first formally recognized. Tremendous progress and maturation has occurred in this short time frame due in large part to the foresight of early pioneers in the field, attention to the moral and ethical use of animals, and the recognition by the biomedical research community of the indispensable role played by the laboratory animal medicine specialist in forging new knowledge in the biomedical sciences. The ability of laboratory animal medicine specialists to properly balance their efforts in collaborative and independent research, clinical services and teaching, offers exciting challenges and opportunities for veterinarians entering the specialty. Undoubtedly, another challenge to the specialty, currently and in the foreseeable future, is the debate over animal rights which began to ferment in the late 1970's, after lying relatively dorment since the 1950's. A growing number of Americans, including some scientists, contend that animals have inherent rights to a full life, free of intentional pain, even when done in legitimate scientific pursuits; some ardent anti-vivisectionists state that the use of animals in experimental research is immoral. The laboratory animal medicine specialist will have to effectively deal with the administrators of institutions using research animals, the attendant federal and state guidelines and laws regulating their use, and defend the use of laboratory animals to a polarized public, while at the same time ensure the humane care and use of animals under their purview. Certainly, the specialty is squarely placed in a hotly debated dilemma, fraught with ethical, moral, medical, philosophical, religious, and political complexities. I believe the specialty has the vision and maturity, and is indeed ready, to successfully meet that challenge - to assuage public concern, implement new federal policy regarding animal care and use, and maintain the excellent progress in laboratory animal medicine realized in the last 75 years.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

[Experiences with intranasal and parenteral use of 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). Use in a simple test of renal concentrating ability].

The possibility of the use of 1-desamino-8-arginine-vasopressin (DDAVP) in a functional test of the renal concentration ability was controlled. In accordance with the data in literature the results allow to propose the DDAVP concentration test as screening method for this renal function. Essential advantages are the short duration and the small laboratory-technical expenditure. A standardized approach including propositions for a critical valuation of the results is represented and its control in patients is described. If the results should be confirmed by a control in other institutions, the test might be recommended for practice.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed1994

Characteristics of postural stability in patients with aminoglycoside toxicity.

Postural stability in patients with bilateral vestibular deficits from aminoglycoside toxicity was characterized by examining their ability to use different sensory cues to maintain balance and by recording their automatic postural responses to sudden translational and rotational (pitch) perturbations of the support surface. We found our patients had increased sway on sensory tests in which either visual or somatosensory cues were altered and were unable to maintain their balance when both visual and somatosensory cues were altered compared to age-matched normal subjects. The amount of vestibular loss, as inferred from the VOR Tc, accounted for a significant amount of A-P sway on test 4 in which somatosensory cues were altered. The frequency response of anterior-posterior sway in the BVL group suggests that they use more hip movements than do normal subjects to maintain postural stability. The responses of BVL patients to sudden translations of the support surface did not differ from those of normal subjects. More BVL patients lost their balance, however, on the initial trial of the toes-up rotational perturbation of the support surface than did normal subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Exercise, macronutrient preferences and food intake.

The impact of physical training on body weight and fat depends on the ability of exercise to promote a negative fat balance. This effect is more likely to occur in individuals who are good responders in fat oxidation to exercise and who adhere to a dietary regimen containing a low to moderate amount of fat. Experimental evidence suggests that exercise per se may also increase the preference for carbohydrates, i.e. reduce the relative fat content of the diet, and this might be related to the composition of the substrate mix oxidized during exercise. The body fat loss resulting from a long-term negative fat balance is associated with a progressive decrease in fat oxidation which is likely involved in the occurrence of resistance to lose fat in reduced obese individuals. This suggests that fat loss related factors represent signals for neurosystems controlling feeding behavior. Further research pertaining to exercise and the control of food intake should focus on the mechanisms by which exercise may influence neurosystems which are known to affect food intake.

Dietary Carbohydrates↗

PubMed1997

Roles of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in stabilizing the T helper cell type 1 and 2 phenotype.

It has previously been reported that Th1 CD4 T cell populations can be converted to IL-4 producers, whereas Th2 populations are refractory to IL-12-mediated IFN-gamma production. We have recently shown that CD30 is a marker for the IL-4 response and have therefore used CD30 here to study Th1 and Th2 commitment. We show that Th2 cell populations normally show a stable phenotype and fail to respond to IL-12 because of endogenous IL-4 production. IFN-gamma abrogates this antagonistic effect of IL-4 and permits the conversion of Th2 populations to IFN-gamma producers by IL-12. In the complete absence of IL-4, however, IFN-gamma is not required for this transformation, and Th1 cells generated by IL-12 become committed to the Th1 pathway and lose the ability to respond to IL-4. Thus, the balance between local IL-4 and IFN-gamma in an immune response is a key factor in determining the outcome of the CD4 effector T cell response.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

GAP-43: putting constraints on neuronal plasticity.

The brain must balance the need for synaptic precision with the ability to generate and change connectivity patterns in response to environmental stimuli. GAP-43 is a phosphoprotein associated with the cytosolic surface of the membrane, and is one of the most abundant among the small subset of total cellular proteins transported to the growth cone. It appears to play an unusual role amplifying signals from the microenvironment. One of the several ways to perform this task involves interaction of GAP-43 with the G protein transduction cascade. In mice rendered GAP-43 null by homologous recombination, some nerves manifest aberrant growth at decision points, such as the optic chiasm. Thus, GAP-43 may work via modulation of signaling cascades, rather than autonomously causing growth, and could serve to keep plasticity within constraints needed to generate and maintain accurate synaptic wiring.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Exercise prescription for a patient 3 months after hip fracture.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Most patients with hip fracture do not return to prefracture functional status 1 year after surgery. The literature describing interventions, however, does not use classic overload and specificity principles. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of resistance training to improve functional outcomes in a patient following hip fracture. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 68-year-old woman who had a comminuted intertrochanteric fracture of the left hip 3 months previously. She used a cane for ambulation, and her walking was limited. The patient received 16 sessions of lower-extremity strengthening exercises, aerobic training on a stationary bicycle, functional training supervised by a physical therapist, and a home stretching program. OUTCOME: The patient's isometric muscle force for involved hip extension, hip abduction, and knee extension improved by 86%, 138%, and 33%, respectively; walking endurance increased by 22.5%; balance improved by 400%; balance confidence increased by 41%; and self-reported ability to perform lower-extremity functional activities increased by 20%. DISCUSSION: The authors believe that some patients can perform comprehensive exercise programs after hip fracture and that properly designed programs can affect patient outcomes beyond observed impairments.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

An assessment of falls in elderly men and women.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of falls in the elderly has moved from disease-oriented approaches, which attempt to identify single causative factors, to performance-oriented evaluations of functional deficits. This study examined the abilities of elderly fallers and nonfallers to perform various functional activities and to provide some rationale for performance differences by assessing the integrity of specific systems within the sensory, central processing control, and effector components of balance control. METHODS: Twenty-two elderly subjects, aged 69-93 years, categorized as either a faller or a nonfaller, were assessed on their ability to perform the functional activities of static balance, walking, and stair descent. In addition, the balance control components of sensory input: vision, vestibular function, and proprioception; the central processing control system components: mental status, selective attention, perceptual style, and simple and choice reaction time; and the effector system: isometric strength were assessed. RESULTS: The data indicated that fallers exhibited significantly reduced static balance, walking and stair descent performance than the nonfallers. The fallers exhibited significantly lower selective attention abilities and increased choice resisted reaction times, both measures of the central processing control system component. The nonfallers exhibited reduced proprioceptive function, suggesting that this is not a major contributor to the performance of balance and mobility skills. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that actual performance of mobility skills is an efficient means of identifying potential fallers. The decrements in functional activity performance appear to be related to central information processing control components, specifically selective attention and choice reaction time. The significant correlations between the sensory input, central processing control, and effector components with the functional activities suggest that the marginal declines in the sensory and effector components may have an additive effect, which may adversely affect the ability of fallers to perform the functional activities. The data suggest that selective attention and choice reaction time are the two most significant balance control components predictive of falls.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2002

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D plus Emulsigen are increased by formulation with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides.

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) subunit vaccine formulated with Emulsigen (Em) and a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides (CpG ODN) was determined in cattle. A truncated, secreted version of BHV-1 glycoprotein D (tgD) formulated with Em and CpG ODN at concentrations of 25, 2.5, or 0.25 mg/dose produced a more balanced immune response, higher levels of virus neutralizing antibodies, and greater protection after BHV-1 challenge compared to tgD adjuvanted with either Em or CpG ODN alone. In contrast, tgD formulated with Em and either 25 mg of a non-CpG ODN or another immunostimulatory compound, dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide, induced similar immunity and protection compared to tgD formulated with Em alone, a finding which confirms the immunostimulatory effect of ODN to be CpG motif mediated. Our results demonstrate the ability of CpG ODN to induce a strong and balanced immune response in a target species.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗