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At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Diagnosis and management of the painful ankle/foot. Part 2: examination, interpretation, and management.

Diagnosis, interpretation, and subsequent management of ankle/foot pathology can be challenging to clinicians. A sensitive and specific physical examination is the strategy of choice for diagnosing selected ankle/foot injuries and additional diagnostic procedures, at considerable cost, may not provide additional information for clinical diagnosis and management. Because of a distal location in the sclerotome and the reduced convergence of afferent signals from this region to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, pain reference patterns are low and the localization of symptoms is trustworthy. Effective management of the painful ankle/foot is closely linked to a tissue-specific clinical examination. The examination of the ankle/foot should include passive and resistive tests that provide information regarding movement limitations and pain provocation. Special tests can augment the findings from the examination, suggesting compromises in the structural and functional integrity of the ankle/foot complex. The weight bearing function of the ankle/foot compounds the clinician's diagnostic picture, as limits and pain provocation are frequently produced only when the patient attempts to function in weight bearing. As a consequence, clinicians should consider this feature by implementing numerous weightbearing components in the diagnosis and management of ankle/foot afflictions. Limits in passive motion can be classified as either capsular or non-capsular patterns. Conversely, patients can present with ankle/foot pain that demonstrates no limitation of motion. Bursitis, tendopathy, compression neuropathy, and instability can produce ankle/foot pain that is challenging to diagnose, especially when they are the consequence of functional weight bearing. Numerous non-surgical measures can be implemented in treating the painful ankle/foot, reserving surgical interventions for those patients who are resistant to conservative care.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Deficits in temporal integration for contrast processing in retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of foveal temporal integration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) within the framework of contrast processing by the magnocellular (MC) and parvocellular (PC) pathways. METHODS: Temporal integration functions were measured in eight patients with RP whose visual acuities ranged from 20/25 to 20/63. Contrast thresholds were obtained at durations ranging from 15 to 480 ms, using steady-pedestal and pulsed-pedestal paradigms to bias performance toward the MC and PC pathways, respectively. The patients' results were compared with those of 10 age-similar control observers with normal vision. For both paradigms, contrast thresholds as a function of duration were fit with a two-limbed function to derive the critical duration for temporal integration (t(c)) and the asymptotic threshold at long durations (Delta L(infinity)). RESULTS: The log t(c)s of the patients with RP were significantly longer than those of the control subjects for the steady-pedestal paradigm (presumed MC-pathway mediation; t = 3.67, P < 0.001), but not for the pulsed-pedestal paradigm (presumed PC-pathway mediation; t = 0.76, P = 0.45). Further, the patients with RP showed a significant correlation between log t(c) and log Delta L(infinity) for the steady-pedestal paradigm (r = 0.72, P < 0.05) but not for the pulsed-pedestal paradigm (r = -0.37, P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: The patients with RP in this study showed greater deficits in contrast sensitivity and a more prolonged critical duration under test conditions that favor the MC rather than the PC pathway. A likely explanation is a high-frequency response attenuation at the level of the cone photoreceptors that has a differential effect on contrast-processing tasks that emphasize different postreceptoral mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Fractional Fourier transform for quasi-periodic Bloch functions.

The fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) for quasi-periodic Bloch functions is studied. An isomorphism between square-integrable functions on the real line and quasi-periodic Bloch functions is used to extend existing work on the fractional Fourier transform for the former functions to the latter. The properties of the FRFT for quasi-periodic Bloch functions are discussed, and various numerical examples are presented.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Computer-assisted radiology--requirements and solutions for digital diagnostic imaging.

More and more digital imaging equipment is used in the daily routine of radiology departments. Computerized diagnostic equipment provides new capabilities for radiologists. It provides improvement of the work flow within the department, of the exchange of information between radiologists and referring physicians, and the exchange of information between radiologists specialized in specific diagnostic procedures. This exchange of information has to be performed locally within the department, between different buildings belonging to one department or between widely separated buildings in different hospital. The penetration of 'computer-assisted radiology' makes the organization of an imaging department and the information to be handled within it more and more complex. Specific requirements result from this increasing complexity. To meet these requirements, Siemens has developed technical solutions for integrated digital diagnostic imaging. These solutions allow the functional integration of physically separated systems such as multiple computed tomography (CT) units or CT plus magnetic resonance (MR) units belonging to one department, centralized archiving, hard-copy generation and image display, rapid access to images from multiple locations and effective image communication for intensive care units, child care units and trauma patients. Some of these requirements are discussed and the corresponding products are described. It is shown how these solutions will migrate to future comprehensive picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) configurations.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
PubMed1993

A comparison of structured sensorimotor therapy and child-centered activity in the treatment of preschool children with sensorimotor problems.

This study compared the benefits of a child-centered therapy approach emphasizing child-initiated play interactions within a structured therapy environment to those of a therapist-directed, structured sensorimotor therapy approach in 12 preschool children with sensorimotor dysfunction. Each child received a pretest, 8 weeks of intervention (A or B) provided once weekly for a 1-hr session, a retest, 8 weeks of intervention (B or A) provided once weekly, and a final retest. A case study methodology was used to evaluate outcome data. Structured sensorimotor therapy was more useful than child-centered therapy in promoting gross motor skills, functional abilities (i.e., self-care), and sensory integrative functions. Child-centered therapy appeared to promote fine motor skills better. Although there were no differences in the two therapies for gains in play, attention, and behavior, variables such as temperament, attentional abilities, family stress, severity of sensorimotor delay, and whether the child had received treatment before seemed to affect which therapy was more beneficial for behavior, play, and attention. The effect of the findings on therapeutic practice is discussed.

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMed2005

Semantic integration in healthcare networks.

A seamless support of information flow for increasingly distributed healthcare processes requires to integrate heterogeneous IT systems into a comprehensive distributed information system. Different standards contribute to ease this integration. In a research project focussing on the development of a reference architecture for inter-institutional health information systems, we identified and categorised concurring integration standards by distinguishing between technical and semantic integration on the one hand, and data and functional integration on the other hand. In addition, standards for semantic integration are roughly categorised according to their scope. By placing standards into a corresponding matrix a "semantic gap" is revealed, which cannot be covered by standards as it contains volatile medical concepts. As a conclusion, it is recommended to conceptually consider the necessity of system evolution in systems architectures and also in future integration standards.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Artificial spermatocele inserted onto the vas deferens: a clinical report.

This procedure was devised in an attempt to treat azoospermia caused by severe vas obstruction. An artificial spermatocele is prepared by resection of the vas slightly distal to the epididymal-deferential ansa and anastomosing onto its proximal stump a piece of Dardik's prosthesis sealed at the far end. During the partner's ovulatory period the spermatocele fluid is aspirated, mixed with fertile donor seminal plasma and used for artificial insemination. To date 8 subjects have had the operation: spermatocele fluids of 4 contained some highly motile spermatozoa with normal ability to penetrate cervical mucus for some months. Spermatocele implantation onto the vas apparently has the following advantages: the anatomic and functional integrity of the epididymis is maintained, the storage function of the epididymal-deferential ansa is preserved, and the risk of spermatocele collapse seems to be reduced by the high "vis a tergo" developed during ejaculation.

Bioprosthesis↗
PubMed1996

Functional upregulation of granulocytes labeled with technetium-99m-HMPAO and indium-111-oxinate.

UNLABELLED: Indium-111-oxinate-labeled granulocytes have been used in vivo for several years for the detection of abscesses. Technetium-99-m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) labeling has more recently been described. METHODS: The influence of radiolabeling by both radiotracers on adhesion glycoprotein CD11b quantification was studied in quiescent and formyl-methionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP)-activated neutrophils (PMN). Adhesion was assessed on human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) as well as the repercussion of the granulocyte labeling on HUVEC viability (neutral red) and metabolic activity (MTT). Chemotaxis of PMN was evaluated by measuring migration under agarose with fMLP as chemoattractant. We also measured phagocytosis and the production of hydrogen peroxide induced by staphylococcus aureus. RESULTS: Whereas whole functional integrity is maintained after labeling, most of the functions (CD11b expression, adhesion, HUVEC metabolic activity) are up-regulated while chemotaxis is decreased in the presence of both radiotracers. Indium-111-oxinate induces larger alterations than 99mTc-HMPAO. CONCLUSION: These data were obtained in normal volunteers. In patients, alterations due to the in vitro labeling procedure, in addition to potential functional alterations caused by the underlying pathology, should be taken into account during image interpretation.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1997

Clinical implications of the sugar absorption test: intestinal permeability test to assess mucosal barrier function.

BACKGROUND: Functional integrity as an aspect of the mucosal barrier function of the small bowel can be estimated by the intestinal permeability for macromolecules. In the first part of this paper, an overview of intestinal permeability and its measurement is given. METHODS: In the second part of the paper our own experience with the Sugar Absorption Test using lactulose and mannitol to assess mucosal barrier function of gastric, small and large bowel, respectively, is described. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The Sugar Absorption Test is not recommended as a predictor of NSAID-related upper gastrointestinal damage nor as a marker of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases. The Sugar Absorption Test is very useful in screening for small intestinal disease, in assessing the response to treatment, and in predicting the prognosis, especially in coeliac disease. In our opinion, the D-xylose test is obsolete.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2006

Decreased desychronisation during self-paced movements in frequency bands involving sensorimotor integration and motor functioning in Parkinson's disease.

This study examined sensorimotor integration and motor functioning in seven patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who had mild symptoms, and seven age-matched controls. Neuro-oscillations were recorded by high-density 128-channel electroencephalography (EEG). Participants were required to perform two tasks: simple tapping of the index finger and thumb and a complex Luria finger apposition task. Both tasks were performed unimanually and bimanually. There were no significant group differences in the task-related power (TRPow) within alpha 1 (mu1) or in beta 1 frequencies (beta1). In contrast, there were significant group differences in the alpha 2 (mu2) and beta 2 frequencies (beta2). Patients had less desychronisation than controls at the electrodes covering the central regions of the scalp. Alpha 2 and beta 2 frequencies have been associated with task-specific sensorimotor integration and motor function, respectively. This activity difference in patients with Parkinson's disease may be due to deficits in sensorimotor integration.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Electrophysiological modeling of cardiac ventricular function: from cell to organ.

Three topics of importance to modeling the integrative function of the heart are reviewed. The first is modeling of the ventricular myocyte. Emphasis is placed on excitation-contraction coupling and intracellular Ca2+ handling, and the interpretation of experimental data regarding interval-force relationships. Second, data on use of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance (DTMR) imaging for measuring the anatomical structure of the cardiac ventricles are presented. A method for the semi-automated reconstruction of the ventricles using a combination of gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state (GRASS) and DTMR images is described. Third, we describe how these anatomically and biophysically based models of the cardiac ventricles can be implemented on parallel computers.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Ecology of mycorrhizae: a conceptual framework for complex interactions among plants and fungi.

Mycorrhizae regulate elemental and energy flows in terrestrial ecosystems. We understand much of how mycorrhizae work, but integrating all possible mechanisms into a whole has proven elusive. Multiple evolutionary events and the long evolutionary history mean that different plants and fungi bring independent characteristics to the symbiosis. This variety results in extensive physiological variation. How do we integrate functional responses with diversity to understand the role of mycorrhizae in ecosystems? We review ecophysiological mechanisms of mycorrhizae and organize these into functional groups. Species-area relationships are not curvilinear, but resemble the "broken stick" model. We coupled functional groups with a metacommunity analysis to show how complex behavior can be generated using a simple matrix model of resource exchange. This approach provides insights into how we might integrate diversity and function across landscapes.

Biological Evolution↗
PubMed1994

A measure for brain complexity: relating functional segregation and integration in the nervous system.

In brains of higher vertebrates, the functional segregation of local areas that differ in their anatomy and physiology contrasts sharply with their global integration during perception and behavior. In this paper, we introduce a measure, called neural complexity (CN), that captures the interplay between these two fundamental aspects of brain organization. We express functional segregation within a neural system in terms of the relative statistical independence of small subsets of the system and functional integration in terms of significant deviations from independence of large subsets. CN is then obtained from estimates of the average deviation from statistical independence for subsets of increasing size. CN is shown to be high when functional segregation coexists with integration and to be low when the components of a system are either completely independent (segregated) or completely dependent (integrated). We apply this complexity measure in computer simulations of cortical areas to examine how some basic principles of neuroanatomical organization constrain brain dynamics. We show that the connectivity patterns of the cerebral cortex, such as a high density of connections, strong local connectivity organizing cells into neuronal groups, patchiness in the connectivity among neuronal groups, and prevalent reciprocal connections, are associated with high values of CN. The approach outlined here may prove useful in analyzing complexity in other biological domains such as gene regulation and embryogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Self-consistent equation for an interacting Bose gas.

We consider interacting Bose gas in thermal equilibrium assuming a positive and bounded pair potential V(r) such that 0< integral dr V(r)=a< infinity. Expressing the partition function by the Feynman-Kac functional integral yields a classicallike polymer representation of the quantum gas. With the Mayer graph summation techniques, we demonstrate the existence of a self-consistent relation rho(mu)=F(mu-(a)rho(mu)) between the density rho and the chemical potential mu, valid in the range of convergence of Mayer series. The function F is equal to the sum of all rooted multiply connected graphs. Using Kac's scaling V(gamma)(r)=gamma3V(gamma(r)), we prove that in the mean-field limit gamma-->0, only the tree diagrams contribute and function F reduces to the free gas density. We also investigate how to extend the validity of the self-consistent relation beyond the convergence radius of the Mayer series (vicinity of Bose-Einstein condensation), and study the dominant corrections to the mean field. At the lowest order, the form of function F is shown to depend on a single polymer partition function for which we derive the lower and the upper bounds and on the resummation of ring diagrams which can be analytically performed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Efficiency of routine semen analysis to predict functional and structural integrity of human spermatozoa.

The study is to examine the ability of routine semen analysis to predict the functional and structural integrity of spermatozoa in in vitro conditions. Since large number of subjects were evaluated over a long period of time, the value of routine analysis to prognosticate the functional and structural integrity in the same sample was assessed. Routine semen analysis was done on 354 subjects. In the same sample, functional tests were carried out. The functional tests applied were hypoosmotic swelling test, test for acrosome intactness, nuclear chromatin decondensation test and sperm mitochondrial activity index. A scoring system was adopted for both routine and functional analysis. According to the scores obtained, the samples were categorized into fertile, subfertile and infertile. Analysis of the data indicated that efficiency of routine semen analysis was 38.13%. Prediction of functional integrity by routine analysis of semen specially in subnormal cases is only partly fulfilled. The study also indicates that functional tests are definitely indicated in cases with subnormal score.

Humans↗
PubMed1984

The role of phospholipid metabolism in bromobenzene- and carbon tetrachloride-dependent hepatocyte injury.

Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured rat hepatocytes exposed to bromobenzene (BB) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) display rapid and significant increases and decreases in hepatic phospholipase C (PLC) and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) activities, respectively. Primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes were used to determine if the BB- and CCl4-dependent alterations in phospholipid metabolism were related to the hepatotoxicity of these agents. Cultured hepatocytes exposed to BB and CCl4 exhibited a rapid (1 to 5 min). PLC-mediated reduction (20 to 80%) in [32P]phosphatidylserine content. Other phospholipids were also reduced; however, phosphatidylserine was preferentially degraded by hepatotoxin-activated PLC. A time course of CCl4-and BB-induced cellular events showed that these agents (1) rapidly activate liver cell PLC activity; (2) accelerate 86Rb release; (3) decrease GPAT acyltransferase activity; and (4) cause a release of intracellular enzymes (GOT and GPT). All of these BB- and CCl4-mediated effects on the functional integrity of liver cells were blocked or reduced by agents (EDTA and chlorpromazine) that reduce the BB- and CCl4-dependent rise in PLC activity. Therefore, BB- and CCl4-dependent alterations in the functional and structural integrity of liver cells may be a result of accelerated phospholipid degradation and a corresponding inability of the cell to repair injured membranes by generating new phospholipids.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Low-speed purification of human placental nuclei.

A simple method for the purification of human placental nuclei is described. Nuclei were isolated by homogenizing tissue in standard saline citrate solution in the presence of zinc chloride to stabilize the nuclear membranes, NP40 as non-ionic detergent and sodium bisulphite for inhibition of proteolytic activity. Nuclei purification was achieved by low-speed centrifugation through a discontinuous sucrose gradient. The purified nuclei were evaluated by morphological criteria using phase contrast and electron microscopy. The extent of contamination by cytoplasmic debris was estimated by Papanicolaou's staining technique. Biochemical criteria include measurements of alkaline phosphatase activity as a plasma membrane enzyme marker and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity for the functional integrity of nuclear components. Transcriptionally active nuclei were obtained but the yield of nuclei was low; however, this low yield is compensated by the high degree of purity, the simplicity of the method and the functional and morphological integrity of the purified nuclei.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗