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PubMed1989

Cognitive function in multiple sclerosis and its relation to functional abilities.

The performance of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on selected neuropsychologic tests was examined to ascertain the applicability of such examinations to diagnosis. Twenty-four patients with definite or probable MS, and sixteen age- and education-matched control subjects were given a battery of tests to assess intellectual functions. The results indicate that the MS patients had cognitive impairment. Severity of disability was not significantly correlated with cognitive impairment. Impaired cognitive functioning, which is often not detected through routine examination, may occur in the disease. These deficits may represent manifestations of otherwise undetectable plaques in the subcortical white matter.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Effect of finite exposure slits in determination of the line spread function and modulation transfer function.

The modulation transfer function of radiologic imaging systems is commonly obtained by determining the line spread function (LSF) of the system and computing its Fourier transform. Ideally, LSF should be obtained with infinitesimally narrow slits. The use of finite slits for obtaining the LSF is analyzed theoretically. An expression for the MTF of a finite rectangular slit is derived. Slit width correction of observed MTF is discussed as well as the correction for any generalized slit configuration.

Computers↗

PubMed1982

Diurnal and sequential grip functions in normal subjects and effects of temperature change and exercise of the forearm on grip function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in normal controls.

Rate of grip development (power), time to reach maximum grip strength and fatigue were not affected by the diurnal variation known to influence maximum grip strength and work during grip formation in normal subjects. Rheumatoid hands were less affected by exercise or temperature change of the forearm than were normal hands. Cold more consistently produced change in hand function than did warmth or exercise. Environmental changes affected the dynamic (rates of grip development and release and power) more than the static parameters (maximum grip strength and work) of grip. Measurement of power, fatigue and rate of grip release provide additional parameters useful in the assessment of hand function in patients with arthritis.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of antibody functional affinity on the effector functions involved in the clearance of circulating immune complexes anti-BSA IgG/BSA.

A systematic study was carried out to investigate the role of antibody functional affinity in the capacity of immune complexes (IC) to activate the complement system and to trigger subsequently the molecular events involved in the handling of IC by providing a clearance mechanism. For this purpose, two populations of polyclonal anti-BSA IgG antibodies of different affinities were prepared, with values of 1.89x10(8) M(-1) and 4.94x10(8) M(-1). First we studied the capacity of IC formed at equivalence with both antibodies to activate the classical and the alternative pathways of human complement and the ability of the complexes to bind to erythrocyte C3b-C4b receptors (CR1; CD35). The data showed that the highest affinity antibodies were more efficient in activating complement by both pathways. However, their binding to erythrocyte CR1 was significantly lower compared to the binding of the lowest affinity IgG. Second we compared these IC in terms of their ability to stimulate the respiratory burst of neutrophils (PMN) and to induce the release of PMN lysosomal enzymes. In general, both of these PMN functions were better stimulated by the IC prepared with the IgG antibodies having a highest affinity, although the effects were variable for different IC concentrations. The suggestion to be drawn from the data is that the antibody affinity has an influence on the formation of the immune complex lattice, modulating its three-dimensional structure and the arrangement of the antibody Fc fragments, interfering with complement activation and access to the neutrophil IgG receptors. The significance of these observations for the understanding of how affinity influences the precise biological mechanism that participates in the fate of IC is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Inter-rater agreement of two functional independence scales: the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and a subjective uniform continuous scale.

The needs and clinical decisions of care centres are related to patients' ability to carry out daily living activities. Most of the functional scales are not easy to use. This study examined the inter-rater agreement of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and a subjective uniform continuous scale (UCS) (the rating varied between 0 = complete dependence and 9 = complete independence) between 'educators', physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Two hundred and fifty-four patients aged below 20 in a rehabilitation centre were rated by professionals who were most familiar with them. For the two scales, inter-rater agreement was very good for all activities except for locomotion outside the centre for the UCS. The rating differences were slightly smaller for the FIM than for the UCS. Physiotherapists rated similarly to occupational therapists. The educators rated slightly though significantly lower than the other raters. The differences could be explained by their professional activities.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1999

The effect of pravastatin on renal function and lipid metabolism in patients with renal dysfunction with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Pravastatin and Renal Function Research Group.

The effect of pravastatin on renal function in hypertensive patients with mild renal dysfunction and hyperlipidemia was examined. A total of 57 subjects given dihydropyridine calcium blockers were randomly assigned to placebo (n = 25) and pravastatin groups (n = 32). The period of study was 6 months. In the placebo group, lipid metabolism did not change throughout the study period, but the serum creatinine concentration (Scr) increased from a baseline of 1.6+/-0.07 mg/dl to 2.1+/-0.2 mg/dl in the 6th month of study and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased from 26.2+/-1.1 mg/dl to 32.4+/-30.1 mg/dl. In the pravastatin group, the serum total cholesterol decreased from a baseline of 251.4+/-7.3 mg/dl to 218.2+/-6.5 mg/dl in the 6th month of study, while Scr (1.3+/-0.07 mg/dl vs. 1.3 +/-0.09 mg/dl) and BNU (20.5+/-1.2 mg/dl vs. 21.0+/-1.4 mg/dl) did not change. The change in Scr in the placebo group was significantly different from that in the pravastatin group (F = 3.75, p = 0.05). The slope of the change in 1/Scr was 0.02+/-0.07 dl x mg(-1) x month(-1) in placebo group and -0.01+/-0.03 dl x mg(-1) month(-1) in pravastatin group (P<0.05). The results indicate that pravastatin attenuates the deterioration of renal function in patients with mild renal dysfunction, together with an improvement of lipid metabolism.

Blood Urea Nitrogen↗

PubMed1992

Different molecular mechanisms lead to same endpoints with different function: TNF-alpha induces non-functional CSF-1 receptors on HL-60 cells in contrast to interferon-gamma.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces differentiation on human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) as assessed by growth inhibition accompanied by reduction of c-myc levels, and expression of surface colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) receptors reported as molecular markers for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). CSF-1 receptors can be readily demonstrated by direct binding of 125I-CSF-1 and expression of v-fms whose gene product retains a complete ligand binding domain. Although the same findings have been previously demonstrated on HL-60 cells after interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment, the major difference between the two pathways of cellular differentiation is the functional state of the induced receptors: when IFN-gamma is used as differentiation agent, the cells are driven to express a high number of CSF-1 receptors and are able to respond to a CSF-1 stimulus. Such mitogenic response is not obtained when TNF-alpha is applied as inducer indicating that the newly expressed receptors are not functional. This difference may be due to different molecular mechanisms the two factors trigger in order to reach the same endpoint: the maturation of this leukemic population.

Cell Differentiation↗

PubMed2000

Rescue of defective T cell development and function in Atm-/- mice by a functional TCR alpha beta transgene.

The Atm-/- mice recapitulate most of the defects observed in ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) patients, including a high incidence of lymphoid tumors and immune defects characterized by defective T cell differentiation, thymus hypoplasia, and defective T-dependent immune responses. To understand the basis of the T cell developmental defects in Atm-/- mice, a functional TCR alpha beta transgene was introduced into these mutant mice. Analysis of the Atm-/-TCR alpha beta+ mice indicated that the transgenic TCR alpha beta can rescue the defective T cell differentiation and partially rescue the thymus hypoplasia in Atm-/- mice, indicating that thymocyte positive selection is normal in the Atm-/- mice. In addition, cell cycle analysis of the thymocytes derived from Atm-/-TCR alpha beta+ and control mice suggested that Atm is involved in the thymocyte expansion. Finally, evaluation of the T-dependent immune responses in Atm-/-TCR alpha beta+ mice indicated that Atm is dispensable for normal T cell function. Therefore, the defective T-dependent immune responses in Atm-/- mice must be secondary to greatly reduced T cell numbers in these mutant mice.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Functional analysis of HIV type 1 Nef reveals a role for PAK2 as a regulator of cell phenotype and function in the murine dendritic cell line, DC2.4.

The HIV-1 Nef protein plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis. Nef has been shown to modulate dendritic cell (DC) function, in particular perturbing their ability to present Ag. To further characterize the effects of Nef on DCs, we established a panel of transfectants of the murine DC line, DC2.4, stably expressing differing levels of either wild-type Nef, or a number of Nef mutants lacking key functional motifs. Transfectants expressing increasing levels of wild-type Nef demonstrated a dose-dependent shrinkage and loss of dendrites. Nef expression levels also correlated with increased proliferative ability but did not confer resistance to proapoptotic stimuli. Importantly, Nef expression resulted in an impairment of Ag presentation to T cells correlating with a reduction in the cell surface expression of molecules involved in Ag presentation such as MHC class I, CD80/86, and ICAM-1. Nef expression also rendered DC2.4 cells resistant to the maturation stimulus provided by an anti-CD40 Ab. Mutations in either the myristoylation site or Src homology 3-domain binding polyproline motif of Nef abolished these effects. Previous studies had shown that these mutations also abolished the ability of Nef to activate the p21-activated kinase, PAK2. Consistent with this, stable expression of constitutively active PAK2 in DC2.4 mimicked the effects of Nef. We conclude that Nef, acting via activation of PAK2, inhibits both DC maturation and Ag presentation. These data have clear implications for the role of Nef in early stages of HIV-1 infection and validate Nef as a valid target for development of antiviral chemotherapeutics.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2006

Functional dichotomy in CD40 reciprocally regulates effector T cell functions.

Activation of T cells requires signals through Ag-specific TCR and costimulatory molecules such as CD40L. Although the use of defined tumor Ags for the induction of protective T cells met with limited success, the CD40-CD40L interaction that was proposed to induce antitumor T cells did not prevent tumor growth completely. Using a model for prostate tumor, a leading cause of tumor-induced mortality in men, we show that the failure is due to a novel functional dichotomy of CD40 whereby it self-limits its antitumor functions by inducing IL-10. IL-10 prevents the CD40-induced CTL and TNF-alpha and IL-12 production, Th1 skewing, and tumor regression. Priming mice with tumor lysate-pulsed IL-10-deficient dendritic cells (DCs) or wild-type DC plus anti-IL-10 Ab establishes antitumor memory T cells that can transfer the protection into syngenic nude mice. Infusion of Ag-pulsed IL-10-deficient but not wild-type DCs back into syngenic mice results in successful therapeutic autovaccination. Thus, we demonstrate the IL-10-sensitive antitumor T cell memory formulating a novel prophylactic and therapeutic principle.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

[Study on evaluation of masticatory function of complete denture wearers--factors influencing masticatory function and proper test foods for evaluation].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the masticatory function and proper test foods for the evaluation of the masticatory ability of complete denture wearers. One hundred and forty-five edentulous patients participated in this study. The basal seat area, the present and new dentures and the maximal bite force of each patient were divided into several sections and scored. The masticatory ability of the patients was evaluated by the questionnaire on the masticatory aspects of 100 foods. The following conclusions were drawn from the data: 1. The score of the basal seat area, the quality of the dentures and the maximal bite force were associated with the masticatory ability. 2. The masticatory ability of the fifties were higher significantly than the other age groups. 3. The change of the masticatory ability when the patients wore new dentures was small in the fifties and the eighties. 4. The rate of change of the masticatory function between the present dentures and the new dentures was associated with the physical properties of foods.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1990

[Glomerular function and renal functional reserve].

Protein intake has been shown to raise glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The difference between peak and baseline GFR following acute protein load indicates renal functional reserve (RFR). In this paper, we review 1) normal glomerular function and its regulating factors, 2) the concept of RFR and the mechanism by which the acute protein load induces hyperfiltration response in healthy subjects and 3) the RFR in patients with renal disease.

Glomerular Filtration Rate↗

PubMed1991

[The effect of pyeloplasty on renal function in children with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Investigation of the split renal function using DMSA renal uptake rate].

Pre- and post-operative changes of renal function in twenty children (10 were younger than 2 years old) with unilateral hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction were studied on the basis of DMSA renal uptake rate. A marked increase in DMSA renal uptake rate was observed in thirteen cases (65%) after pyeloplasty on the obstructed side. Among them eight children were younger than 2 years old. In 6 children younger than 2 years old, a remarkable increase of DMSA renal uptake rate after reconstructive operation was recognized not only on the obstructed side but also on the contralateral normal side. These tendency could not be observed in those older than 2 years old. These results suggest that, in the young children, the obstructed kidney inhibits the contralateral normal and compensatory renal growth, and that the relief of obstruction eliminates this inhibition and causes the renal growth spur in a normal kidney. We conclude that it is essential to correct unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction before two years of age if an improvement of renal function not only on the obstructed side but also on the normal side is to be expected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

[Influences of renal stone surgeries on renal function--evaluation of renal function with 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy].

From 1984 to 1990, 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy was performed before and after nephrolithotomy (15 cases), pyelolithotomy (15 cases), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL: 15 cases) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL: 16 cases, 17 kidneys) in order to evaluate of influences of renal stone surgeries on split renal function. DMSA renal uptake change ratio of treated kidneys of nephrolithotomy (-24.94 +/- 5.60%) was significantly lower than that of PNL (-0.06 +/- 3.92%), pyelolithotomy (-4.08 +/- 4.79%) (p less than 0.01) and ESWL (-7.72 +/- 3.87%) (p less than 0.05). The average change ratios of contralateral kidneys were as follows: PNL 4.80 +/- 4.21% nephrolithotomy 4.67 +/- 4.73%, pyelolithotomy -1.46 +/- 5.39% and ESWL -2.02 +/- 4.44%. One to 3 weeks after PNL, the cold area on the renal image was found in 10 (66.7%) of 15 cases. In cases of ESWL, DMSA renal uptake decreased even 4-10 weeks (mean 7 weeks) after treatment. In conclusion, possivility of deterioration of renal function after ESWL was suggested.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Study of sexual function in male hemodialysis patients--a sexual function survey using a questionnaire].

Sexual dysfunction is a well-documented complication among male hemodialysis patients. To evaluate it in detail, we conducted a sexual function survey using the Sapporo Medical University Sexual Function Questionnaire. Two hundred five male patients receiving outpatient hemodialysis were entered into this study. Patients with diabetes mellitus and severe anemia (Hb value < 8.0 g/dl) were excluded. The control group consisted of 3,462 healthy male subjects. Of male hemodialysis patients, 33.7% showed deterioration of libido, while 44.4% showed deterioration of potency, both of them decreased greatly with age. Ejaculatory ability correlated with potency. We compared the frequency of sexual intercourse in male hemodialysis patients with that in normal males. Twelve point nine percent of hemodialysis patients (HP) ranging from 30 to 39 in age versus 3.5% of age-matched normal males had no sexual intercourse and 22.4% of HPs from 40 to 49 versus 3.0% of age-matched normal males, 52.2% of HPs from 50 to 59 versus 7.5% of age-matched normal males, and 89.3% of HPs from 60 to 69 versus 18.0% of age-matched normal males had no sexual intercourse. These results revealed that the sexual frequency in hemodialysis patients decreased more than that in normal males in all age groups and with age.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Modulation transfer function measurements on magnetic resonance imaging: use of the edge spread function].

A convenient, accurate method to measure the modulation transfer function (MTF) of magnetic resonance(MR) images is discussed. To avoid any distortion of the edge spread function(ESF) which is inadvertently produced by the magnitude operator, the MTF was calculated from the ESF obtained from the salad-oil/water interface. Our MTF findings closely correlated with the MTF findings as calculated by an alternate method (Steckner et al.). Our method was only adapted to some specific sequences and some specific encoding directions, however, MTF was successfully obtained by the magnitude operator without any errors. In our method, the production and arrangement of phantoms were also easier to control. Our new method is therefore considered to be useful for evaluating the resolution property of MR images from various institutions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging↗

PubMed1998

[The Dutch version of 'Functional Status II(R)': a questionnaire measuring the functional health status of children].

OBJECTIVE: Clinimetric evaluation of the Dutch version of the Functional Status II(R) (FS II), measuring children's behaviour and the effect of disease on it. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: University of Utrecht, department of General Practice Medicine, and Julius Centre for Patient-linked Research. METHODS: Parents of children (6 months-11 years of age) with or without asthma were questioned using the Dutch translation of the FS II. Parents of children with asthma and of control children were questioned again using the FS II after 24 hours and after one month. A child version of the FS II, developed by our group, was used for children between 8 and 12 years of age. We tested internal consistency, test-retest reliability, discriminant validity, sensitivity to parents' opinion on presence or absence of health complaints and agreement between the parent and the child version. RESULTS: The group included 124 parents of asthmatic children and 224 parents of control children, 111 of whom were aged 8-12 years. The parent version of the FS II showed good reliability and validity. Cronbach's alpha, measuring internal consistency, was between 0.66 and 0.90, and the 24-hour test-retest reliability was between 0.83 and 0.92. FS II-scores of children with asthma were significantly lower than those of children in the control group, and scores of children with health complaints were significantly lower than those of children without any health complaints, cross-sectionally as well as longitudinally. Reliability and validity figures of the child version of the FS II were far behind those of the parent version. Scores on the child version were only weakly related to those on the parent version. CONCLUSION: The parent version of the Dutch FS II is recommended as a generic measure of functional health status of children for medical research. The child version should be improved first.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

[Function of thrombocytes during the gestational period and puerperium and their relation to the occurence of thromboses. 2. Function of blood platelets during late pregnancy, labor and puerperium in gestosis].

Platelet functions during late pregnancy with praeeclampsia, birth and childbed were observed. There are found variations in opposition to normal pregnancy. Increase of platelet aggregation was clearest. In this observations is not conclud from increase risk developing a thromboembolic disease during toxemic pregnancy, birth and childbed. The variations of platelet functions are parts of complex appearence.

Female↗