bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of METTL3 Promotes White Adipose Tissue Beiging and Combats Obesity
Authors: Xie Renxiang , Yan Sujun , Zhou Xiaoling , Gao Yunyi , Qian Yu , Hou Jingyu , Chen Zhanghui , Lai Kairan , Gao Xiangwei , Wei Saisai
Published: May 2023

The induction of beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT), also known as WAT beiging, improves glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the regulation of WAT beiging at the posttranscriptional level remains to be studied. Here, we report that METTL3, the methyltransferase of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification, is induced during WAT beiging in mice. Adipose-specific depletion of the Mettl3 gene undermines WAT beiging and impairs the metabolic capability of mice fed with a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, METTL3-catalyzed m6A installation on thermogenic mRNAs, including Krüppel-like factor 9 (Klf9), prevents their degradation. Activation of the METTL3 complex by its chemical ligand methyl piperidine-3-carboxylate promotes WAT beiging, reduces body weight, and corrects metabolic disorders in diet-induced obese mice. These findings uncover a novel epitranscriptional mechanism in WAT beiging and identify METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-associated diseases.

Article Highlights

METTL3, the methyltransferase of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification, is induced during WAT beiging. Depletion of Mettl3 undermines WAT beiging and impairs thermogenesis. METTL3-mediated m6A installation promotes the stability of Krüppel-like factor 9 (Klf9). KLF9 rescues impaired beiging elicited by Mettl3 depletion. Pharmaceutical activation of the METTL3 complex by its chemical ligand methyl piperidine-3-carboxylate induces WAT beiging. Methyl piperidine-3-carboxylate corrects obesity-associated disorders. The METTL3-KLF9 pathway may serve as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-associated diseases.
The pneumatic post-amputation mobility aid in geriatric rehabilitation
Authors: Dickstein R , Pillar T , Mannheim M
Published: May 2023

Several disadvantages of rigid temporary dressings for geriatric amputees led to the trial of a relatively new kind of pylon--the Pneumatic Post-Amputation Mobility Aid (PPAM). Thirty-five geriatric amputees who were referred to a geriatric rehabilitation hospital participated in the study. Thirty-three of these patients learned to walk with the device easily and safety. The below-knee amputees achieved independent gait with a walker as early as their second treatment. The above-knee and the double below-knee amputees required closer supervision. The inexpensive price of the PPAM, its handiness, the possibility of treating several patients with the same device, and the lack of negative side effects, point to the advantages of this kind of pylon for geriatric patients.
Acquiring and maintaining self-care skills after stroke. The predictive value of apraxia
Authors: Bjørneby ER , Reinvang IR
Published: May 2023

The degree of self-care in 120 patients who had suffered unilateral cerebrovascular accident (CVA) was assessed at different stages of recovery. The level of ADL (activities of daily living) function was determined on admission and discharge. Patients with right-sided hemiplegia (r. hem.) were given a set of apraxia tests on admission to the hospital. The results of ADL evaluation showed improved ADL function between admission and discharge, but a worsening after returning home. There were some significant relationships between ADL function in hospital and apraxia. All the apraxia variables are significant as predictors of subsequent dependency. The results show the seriousness of problems related to apraxia in rehabilitation of stroke patients with a lesion in the left hemisphere. One conclusion is that the treatment procedure ought to be directed to the various symptoms of apraxia. The effect of apraxia on ADL in the domestic situation has to be given more attention. More treatment should be given in the home, as patients seem to have difficulty in transferring the skills learned in hospital to the home situation and in maintaining them.
Intraabdominal pressure and trunk muscle activity during lifting--effect of abdominal muscle training in healthy subjects
Authors: Hemborg B Moritz U
Published: May 2023

Isometric training of the abdominal muscles is recommended as a preventive measure against low back complaints in the hope that the increased strength of the abdominal muscles should result in an increased intraabdominal pressure when lifting. There is, however, neither experimental nor clinical proof of this hypothesis. Twenty healthy young men went through intense isometric training of the abdominal muscles for five weeks. Before and after training the subjects were put through a standardized test programme, measuring the strength of abdominal and back muscles, and a series of lifts, 10, 25, and 40 kg, leg lifts and back lifts. The intraabdominal pressure (IAP), and the EMG activity of the oblique abdominal muscles, and of the erector spinae muscle were recorded. It was found that: The strength of the trunk flexors increased markedly after training. The activity of the oblique abdominal muscles when lifting decreased after training, i.e. motor unit recruitment was not improved. The IAP at lifting was not affected by training. The activity of the oblique abdominal muscles was of no decisive importance to the IAP. The strength of the back muscles increased, but the activity of the back muscles at lifts was not affected by training. In back lifts there was no detectable activity of the back muscles during the beginning of the lifting and during a great part of the lowering. In back lifts the maximum activity of the abdominal muscles appeared long before the peak of the IAP which may be of importance with regard to the pathogenesis of inguinal hernia. Further investigation is needed, both to study the effect of training on patients with back complaints, and to study the factors determining the IAP.
Total hip replacement. A comparison between cemented (Charnley) and non-cemented (HP Garches) fixation by clinical assessment and objective gait analysis
Authors: Olsson E , Goldie I , Wykman A.
Published: May 2023

In 119 patients with total hip replacement (THR) 61 were operated on with cemented (Charnley) and 58 with non-cemented (HP Garches) fixation. The assessment was performed by clinical examination and objective registration by gait analysis 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The group with cemented fixation (Charnley) demonstrated better results in all variables. The greatest difference between the groups was found at the 6 months' follow-up. The gait analysis was valuable in the assessment of locomotor function.
Intensity and character of pain and muscular activity levels elicited by maintained extreme flexion position of the lower-cervical-upper-thoracic spine
Authors: Harms-Ringdahl K , Ekholm J.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to find out whether maintained extreme flexion position of the lower-cervical-upper-thoracic spine in a sitting posture could induce pain, and thus possibly play a role in work related disorders with cervico-brachial pain. Ten healthy subjects assessed pain intensity of experimentally-induced pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The quality and location of the pain was indicated on a drawing of the body. The load moment induced by the weight of the head-and-neck was calculated. The EMG activity levels were recorded from the splenius, thoracic erector spinae-rhomboid, and descending part of trapezius muscles. This posture, which resembles the posture in some common work, caused pain in all subjects. The pain was experienced within 15 min, increased with time, disappeared within 15 min after the end of provocation, but was again experienced by nine subjects the same evening or next morning and lasted up to four days. The primary location was in the dorsal part of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine; three subjects also reported pain in the arms and one in the head. The recorded EMG levels were very low, but they increased somewhat during provocation. It is suggested that thorough recordings of work postures should be included in ergonomic analyses to provide a basis for the avoidance of such positions which might provoke pain.
Changes in muscle morphology, strength and enzymes in a 4-5-year follow-up of subjects with poliomyelitis sequelae.
Authors: Grimby G , Hedberg M , Henning GB
Published: May 2023

Twenty subjects with polio sequelae were studied on two occasions 4-5 years apart by means of dynamometer measurements of knee-extension and flexion strength and muscle biopsy for histochemical and enzymatic analyses. The subjects were divided into those who reported (unstable, n = 12) and did not report (stable, n = 8) new or increased muscle weakness in the tested leg between the two examinations. Muscle strength decreased significantly in the unstable subjects, but only for knee-flexion in the stable subjects. However, the endurance test comprising 50 consecutive knee-extensions at 180 degrees/sec showed increased fatigability at the second examination only in the stable subjects. Most subjects had markedly increased muscle fiber areas, which in some subjects increased further, but in those already with very extreme hypertrophy the fiber size decreased. Capillarization and activity of citrate-synthase were decreased at the initial examination, but no significant further reduction was observed at the second examination. The results demonstrate individual patterns in the compensatory process for the presumed loss of motor units.
Aphasia, dichotic testing and defective hearing
Authors: Norrsell U , Ramsing S , Rosenhall U , Blomstrand C
Published: May 2023

Cerebral lesions causing aphasia are often found close to auditory areas. The aphasia may therefore sometimes be aggravated by hearing problems, which are concealed by communicative restrictions. Unilateral lesions of the cerebral auditory system influence the functional ear preference disclosed by dichotic tests. For that reason we have examined aphasic patients with recent, initial, unilateral brain infarctions for ear preference with regard to dichotically presented two syllable words. In a consecutive series of 114 patients who could cope with the test, 29 showed signs of an acquired left ear advantage (LEA). All were offered, and 22 accepted a full scale audiological examination including pure tone, speech and phase-audiometry. Nine of these patients showed retrocochlear or central hearing disturbances, which added to their communicative predicaments. The LEA of 11 patients lacked audiological rationales and a compensatory shift of cerebral speech-lateralization cannot be excluded.
Magnetic resonance imaging of lower extremity muscles and isokinetic strength in foot dorsiflexors in patients with prior polio
Authors: Tollbäck A , Söderlund V , Jakobsson F , Fransson A , Borg K , Borg J
Published: May 2023

The thigh and lower leg of six patients with prior polio were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the strength of their weak foot dorsiflexors was measured isokinetically. Spinecho images of the lower extremities were visually evaluated on a semi-quantitative four-point scale, and T1 and T2 relaxation times of the lower leg anterior compartment were analysed. There were prominent MRI signs of randomly distributed muscle degeneration. The high signal intensity changes in the affected muscles on T1-weighted images and T1 and T2 values indicated replacement of muscle fibres with fat and the accumulation of tissue water, respectively. MRI findings were compared with isokinetic strength in foot dorsiflexor muscles. Foot dorsiflexor peak torque values at 30 deg/s ranged from 6 to 29 Nm. There was no significant correlation between MRI visual scoring, T1 and T2 relaxation times and peak torque values at 30 deg/s. However, the most severe MRI changes with visual scoring and T2 relaxation times were observed in the patients with the most pronounced muscle weakness.
Metabolic response and muscle glycogen depletion pattern during prolonged electrically induced dynamic exercise in man
Authors: Kim CK , Bangsbo J , Strange S , Karpakka J , Saltin B
Published: May 2023

Muscle glycogen depletion pattern and metabolic responses during voluntary (VOL) and functional electrical stimulated (FES) dynamic knee-extensor exercise with one leg were evaluated. Seven healthy men exercised for 60 minutes at 30 W with an pulmonary oxygen uptake of 0.8 and 1.01 min-1, and respiratory exchange ratios of 0.90 and 0.95 in VOL and FES, respectively. Heart rate reached a level around 90 beats min-1 (VOL) and up to 110 beats min-1 (FES). Muscle glycogen decreased in FES with 260 and 290 mmol kg-1 d.w. in vastus lateralis and m. rectus femoris, respectively, compared with 45 and 160 mmol kg-1 d.w. in VOL (p < 0.05). In FES the percentage of empty and almost empty fibres determined by periodic acid-Schiff staining in vastus lateralis and rectus femoris was 50 and 77% of type I, 63 and 90% of type IIa, and 59 and 84% of type IIb fibres, respectively, whereas in VOL it was 24 and 26% of type I, 7 and 19% of type IIa, and 2 and 3% of type IIb fibres. Muscle lactate reached 30 mmol kg-1 d.w. in FES and was 9 mmol kg-1 d.w. lower in VOL. The changes in blood lactate and NH3 during the exercise were slightly higher in FES than in VOL, whereas the alterations in glucose, FFA, and K+ were small in both exercise modes. The pressure in the two muscle portions at different locations (proximal-distal) and depths was always higher (approximately 50%) in FES than in VOL, reaching levels around 55 mmHg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Information and Regime at Low Back Pain
Authors: Lindequist S , Lundberg B , Wikmark R , Bergstad B , Lööf G , Ottermark AC
Published: May 2023

In a consecutive series of 56 District Health patients with low back pain, 24 had special training and instructions in a Back School, while the 32 in a control group--even if seen regularly, did not get the same intense attention. The two groups were found to have the same characteristics. No significant differences could be demonstrated either concerning the initial duration of symptoms and sick leave or the number of recurrences and their duration during the observation year. The interpretation of this lack of positive effect is, that in this comparatively more heterogenous population the actual procedure has less influence. However, there were more patients with periods of sick-leave for different other reasons in the control group. Not surprisingly the treated group of patients were also more satisfied. We therefore conclude, that the initial treatment could be limited to advice about back care, preferably a few days bed-rest, with concrete advice about the back and prescriptions for analgesics when needed.
Sick-role and Attitude Towards Disease and Working Life Two Months After a Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wiklund I , Sanne H , Vedin A , Wilhelmsson C
Published: May 2023

Sick-role and attitude towards disease and work two months after a first myocardial infarction (MI) were studied in relation to social, psychological and somatic factors prior to, during and after the MI in 201 consecutive male patients. Questionnaires and a brief interview covered psychological and social data. Somatic data were registered in a standardized medical examination. New concepts were introduced after factor analysis of the psychological variables. Two out of three patients displayed avoidance behaviour. Seventy per cent had restricted their everyday activities. The leisure time was dominated by passivity. Over-protection was frequent. Sick-role behaviour was significantly related to emotional upset, preoccupation with the health and self-reported coronary symptoms while the shortage of relationships to somatic and cardiac factors was notable. The patients attributed the onset of MI to work-related factors. Work dissatisfaction was an aspect of a general negative attitude towards life and was more frequent among patients with emotional symptoms. The psychological care ought to be improved in order to prevent long-term disability.
Intra-abdominal Pressure and Trunk Muscle Activity During Lifting. II. Chronic Low-Back Patients
Authors: Hemborg B , Moritz U
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to compare trunk muscle strength and intra-abdominal pressure during lifting in low-back patients and in healthy controls. Twenty male workers with 2-18 year history (median 5. 5 years) of low-back pain went through strength tests of trunk flexion and extension and a series of standardized lifts. The intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and the EMG activity of the oblique abdominal muscles and of the erector spinae muscles were recorded. The results were compared with those in 20 healthy men exposed to similar loads at work and at leisure. The low-back patients had reduced abdominal muscle strength (-25%) compared with the healthy controls. The IAP during lifting was the same in the two groups despite the difference in abdominal muscle strength. The trunk extension strength was the same in the two groups. The oblique abdominal muscles were only moderately activated during lifting (5-15% of maximum activity with 25 kg) both in low-back patients and in healthy controls. The erector spinae muscle was strongly activated during lifting (40-60% of maximum activity with 25 kg) both in low-back patients and in healthy controls. During backlifting the duration of erector spinae activity varied. Back patients had extended activity compared with the healthy controls. Stiffness seemed to affect the duration of activity in both groups. The oblique abdominal muscles seem to be of no decisive importance to the IAP.
Effects of Arm Support or Suspension on Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activity During Sedentary Work
Authors: Schüldt K , Ekholm J , Harms-Ringdahl K , Németh G , P Arborelius U
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on the levels on neck and shoulder muscular activity of ergonomic aids used to support or suspend the arm in different sitting postures, both with and without movement of the arm-hand. Ten skilled women workers performed a standardized simulated work cycle similar to assembling printed circuit boards, in different sitting postures with and without ergonomic aids. The elbow was supported by a loosely-mounted, padded plate. For suspension, a new device, the K-block, was used giving an adjustable, constant suspending force. Full-wave rectified, low-pass filtered, time-averaged and normalized EMG was used. Surface electrodes were applied over six neck and shoulder muscles. The results show that a reduction in the level of activity in neck and shoulder muscles can be obtained with either aid. The reduction, whether caused by suspension or support of the arm, was related to the sitting posture. Elbow support might be more efficient than arm suspension in a sitting posture with the whole spine flexed, while arm suspension might be more efficient when the trunk is inclined slightly backward. Elbow support and, particularly, arm suspension may thus be recommended as technical aids in sedentary assembly work for patients with easily elicited cervical spine and/or shoulder pain. It is also suggested that arm suspension may be used to improve ergonomic conditions at workplaces.
Memory Disorders as a Function of Traumatic Brain Injury. Word Completion, Recall of Words and Actions
Authors: Larsson C , Rönnberg J
Published: May 2023

The memory performance of a group with traumatic brain injury and a matched control group was assessed using the following methods (a) word completion, (b) immediate free, final free and final cued recall of words and (c) immediate free and final free recall of subject-performed tasks (SPTs) and SPTs without motor action (SPTs-WA). The brain-injured (BI) group was significantly inferior relative to the control group in all recall tests except immediate free recall of words. No difference was revealed in the word completion test. The BI-group benefitted less by cues presented either at retrieval (final cued recall of words) or at the time of encoding already built-in in the stimulus (SPTs and SPTs-WA). The results were discussed in terms of the neuropathological background of the patients in the BI-group suggesting that frontal dysfunction could play a critical role. When comparing the tests within the BI-group, however, the performance was better when cues were present and especially so for long-term memory. Motor activity also facilitated long-term memory. Finally, an attempt was made to specify conditions for guidance in the construction of training programmes.
Intra-articular Temperature Measurements After Superficial Heating
Authors: Weinberger A , Fadilah R , Lev A , Pinkhas J
Published: May 2023

Superficial heating of the joint is widely used in various rheumatic conditions and is considered as decreasing the intra-articular temperature. This study shows that heating the joint with hot pack significantly increases the articular temperature from 35.2 +/- 1.5 degrees C (mean +/- SD) to 36.4 +/- 1.0 degrees C (p less than 0.001), while intra-cavity temperature of the contralateral unheated knee joint did not change significantly. Since such elevation of temperature of one degree C is liable to enhance the inflammatory process, the use of superficial heating has to be carefully reconsidered in acute and chronic inflammatory joint diseases.
Longterm Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Effects of Physical Training in Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Rosfors S , Bygdeman S , B Arnetz B , Lahnborg G , Sköldö L , Eneroth P , Kallner A
Published: May 2023

Twenty-five elderly patients with peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication were prospectively followed during a six-month session of physical training. Neuroendocrine and metabolic patterns as well as effects on walking performance were assessed during the training period. At the initial evaluation there was an inverse association between walking distance and serum cortisol and blood glucose levels. The walking distance increased during the training period. A positive effect on glucose homeostatis was seen with decreased basal fructosamine levels after training. During physical exercise a decrease in insulin and an increase in growth hormone was seen. Changes in growth hormone were, in contrast to insulin, more related to the pain level perceived than to the work load imposed. Apart from the marked effects on physical performance the results of the study suggest an improvement of hormonal and metabolic balance after physical training. This regularly applied exercise program improved the health status of rather old people.
Phrenic nerve stimulation in tetraplegia. A new regimen to condition the diaphragm for full-time respiration
Authors: GA Baer , PP Talonen , V Häkkinen , G Exner , H. Yrjölä
Published: May 2023

Unipolar phrenic nerve stimulation (diaphragm pacing) has been used for ventilation of patients with C2 tetraplegia. Four-pole sequential nerve stimulation delays muscle fatigue when compared with unipolar stimulation. This may help to achieve more frequently long-term full-time bilateral electroventilation. Four-pole sequential nerve stimulation also offers an opportunity to shorten the conditioning phase of the hypotrophic diaphragm from about 6 to 2 months. The new conditioning regimen was tested successfully in two patients with C2 tetraplegia. The new stimulation method and conditioning regimen remarkably shorten the time after injury during which mechanical ventilation is needed. This will give the patients earlier access to rehabilitation centres for spinal cord injuries and will diminish the work load of the personnel.
Individualized adaptation of clothes for impaired persons. A comparison of two groups with and without experience of adapted clothes
Authors: Kratz G , Söderback I
Published: May 2023

Impaired persons often have difficulties in obtaining suitable clothing. Questionnaires on this subject were sent to a consecutive series of impaired persons. Group 1 (n = 50) had received adapted clothes and group 2 (n = 81) had not. Questionnaire A (both groups) contained general questions on clothes and questionnaire B (Group 1) contained questions on adapted clothes. The result of the study shows a significant difference (p less than 0.01) between the need for adapted clothing in group 1 and group 2. No significant difference was found between the groups regarding the reason for obtaining and using adapted clothes. It was difficult for 94% in group 1 and 85% in group 2 to obtain clothes which were suitable for the individual's impairment and which made their daily activities easier. In group 1 the adapted garments were of most value when dressing and undressing (86%). They also reduced the time needed, by 31% for the individual, by 43% for a helper; and by 62% when going to the toilet. The adapted garments were considered smarter and more comfortable by 64%. Eighteen per cent considered that wearing them had increased their self-confidence.
Increased spinal mobility in adolescents with bronchial asthma
Authors: Mellin G
Published: May 2023

Spinal mobility was measured in thirty-five adolescents (21 boys and 14 girls) with bronchial asthma. Comparisons were carried out with an equal number of healthy controls matched for sex, age, weight, and height. Thoracic spinal movements of rotation and lateral flexion in girls and of rotation in boys were significantly greater in asthmatics as were the sagittal lumbar movements with the exception of forward flexion in the boys. Sagittal spinal curvatures of the asthmatics did not significantly differ from those of the controls. The results indicate that there are no need of explicit mobilization of thoracic spine in asthmatic children
Chronic low-back pain: intercorrelation of repeated measures for pain and disability
Authors: Grönblad M , Lukinmaa A , Konttinen YT
Published: May 2023

Subjective experience of pain and disability was assessed for 4-5 weeks on a weekly basis in 14 consecutive out-patients complaining of low-back pain and/or leg pain that had lasted for at least 6 months. The following measures were used for assessment: a visual analogue scale (VAS) (present pain and worst pain during preceding 2 weeks), a short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and the pain drawing. In addition, psychological variables of pain experience were evaluated with the Comprehensible Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS). When the median of the variation coefficient for repeated measures was compared, the most stable measures were, in rank order: PDI, total number of words chosen in the SF-MPQ and worst pain during the preceding two weeks (VAS). The Spearman correlation showed statistically significant intercorrelation for present pain assessed with the VAS score, for the sensory word score of the SF-MPQ and for the PDI. Especially the PDI, which represents a global score for disability, showed very little test-retest variability and a high intercorrelation with the other methods of assessment, i.e. the pain drawing, the VAS scale for pain and the SF-MPQ
Neck and shoulder disorders in medical secretaries. Part II. Ergonomical work environment and symptom profile
Authors: Kamwendo K , Linton SJ , Moritz U
Published: May 2023

Seventy-nine medical secretaries with neck and shoulder pain were included in a study aimed at an in-depth description of the ergonomical work environment and the participant's symptom profile, as well as analysing relationships between ergonomical factors and symptoms. Data were collected by daily ratings, questionnaires, and direct observation. The symptom profile showed low mean daily ratings of perceived fatigue and pain, a low medicine consumption, and few stress symptoms. A mean number of 2.1 undesirable work postures was observed. The correlations between perceived fatigue, pain, and well-being with number of shifts from sitting to standing and time spent typing, were generally small. This study suggests that risk factors for neck and shoulder pain are individual and multifactorial.
Assessment of activities of daily living in the elderly. A study of a population of 76-year-olds in Gothenburg, Sweden
Authors: Sonn U , Asberg KH
Published: May 2023

The cumulative structure of personal daily activities (Katz' Index of ADL) and four well-defined instrumental activities (cooking, transportation, shopping, and cleaning) have been studied in a population of 76-year-olds (N = 659) in Gothenburg, Sweden. Sixty-five percent of the population were independent, 22% were dependent in instrumental activities, and 13% were dependent in both instrumental and personal activities. No person was dependent in personal ADL and independent in instrumental ADL. The internal consistency and the coefficient of scalability were well above the acceptance level, which indicated an internal reliability and validity of the new scale. The frequency of personal and home-assistance care, type of accommodation, self-assessment of self-care and domestic activities were compared with the level of dependence in ADL and indicated external validity. This cumulative instrument of ADL can be used to describe and compare the level of disability in elderly populations and to define the need for personal assistance in home care among disabled persons.
Flexibility of the use of residual tibial anterior motor units during walking in neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Grimby L , Sjöström L
Published: May 2023

The use of tibial anterior (TA) motor units in lower motoneurone disorders was studied during comfortable walking that was the main function of TA. The findings were compared to those in normal subjects. The loss of TA power was compensated either by increases of recruitment and firing rate of residual TA units or by a change from the normal plantigrade gait pattern to the infantile digitigrade pattern putting less strain on TA. Moderately paralysed subjects usually maintained plantigrade gait by excessive use of residual TA units but tended to change to digitigrade gait on fatigue thus economizing with remaining TA power. Severely paralysed subjects used digitigrade gait but plantigrade gait could be restored by application of a toe using string, i.e. the string might increase the strain on TA instead of decreasing it.
Compensatory muscle activity for sitting posture during upper extremity task performance in paraplegic persons
Authors: Seelen HA , Vuurman EF
Published: May 2023

Compensation for the loss of postural activity of the erector spinae (ES) muscle in spinal cord injured (SCI) subjects was investigated. All SCI subjects had clinically complete lesions below the T3 level. Body disbalance was invoked by requiring sitting subjects to execute reaching movements over individually predetermined distances in a horizontal plane. Myoelectric activity of the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and the trapezius pars ascendens (TPA) muscle both in the SCI subjects and in controls was recorded. The body disbalance was measured in terms of changes in the position of the body centre of gravity. The effects of anticipation for body displacement were examined by cuing the direction of the reaching movement. Our results indicate that paraplegic subjects use both LD and TPA to stabilize their sitting posture, in contrast to non-disabled persons. Secondly, the movement anticipation is in general slower in persons with paraplegia. Furthermore, the paraplegic subjects showed considerable impairments concerning the processing of precued information prior to a goal-directed upper extremity movement
Mucus clearance at rest and during exercise in patients with bronchial hypersecretion
Authors: Olséni L , Midgren B , Wollmer P
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects on mucus clearance after physical exercise. We measured mucociliary clearance at rest and during exercise in eleven patients with mild or moderate bronchial hypersecretion. The subjects inhaled an aerosol containing 99mTc-labelled albumin millimicrospheres. Four sets of scintigraphic images were obtained with 15 minute intervals. The lung retention of radioactivity was quantified using a gamma camera and the clearance of particles from the lungs were calculated for each 15 min period. The first image was obtained directly after inhalation, the second after a period of 15 min rest, the third after a period of exercise on a bicycle ergometer and the final fourth image after another period of rest. We found no differences in the clearance rate at rest and after exercise.
Postural reorganization following lower limb amputation. Possible motor and sensory determinants of recovery
Authors: Geurts AC , Mulder TW , Nienhuis B , Rijken RA
Published: May 2023

Postural control was assessed in persons with a unilateral lower limb amputation before and after their rehabilitation. The centre-of-pressure fluctuations during quiet upright standing on a dual-plate force platform were registered with and without visual information in order to identify relevant determinants of balance restoration. In addition, static (weight distribution) as well as dynamic (control activity) asymmetry characteristics were examined. Besides a small improvement in balance control with full visual information (fore-aft sway, p less than 0.06; lateral sway, p less than 0.05), there was a major decrease in visual dependency (fore-aft and lateral sway, p less than 0.05) indicating a somatosensory re-integration process. Postural asymmetry in comparison with matched control subjects was most apparent and only significant in dynamic terms and remained constant across rehabilitation. It is concluded that after a lower limb amputation a central reorganization of postural control takes place, in which sensory determinants of motor recovery may play a critical role.
Physical and psychological workload in men with and without low back pain
Authors: Hultman G , Nordin M , Saraste H
Published: May 2023

Current and retrospective physical and psychological workload was studied in 148 mean, 45-55 years old. The men represented three groups with respect to low back health status: Healthy low back (Group 1, n = 36), intermittent low back pain (LBP) (Group 2, n = 91) and chronic LBP (Group 3, n = 21). The methods used were a self administered questionnaire, a rating scale of perceived exertion, and blind expert assessment built on a classification of job titles. Group 1, the back-healthy subjects, had been less exposed to heavy physical work than subjects with intermittent LBP (Group 2) and chronic LBP subjects (Group 3) through their whole working-career and in their present work (p < or = 0.05, p < or = 0.01). Group 2 tended to be significantly less exposed in their present work than Group 3 (p < or = 0.06). Non-neutral working postures were reported more often in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (p < or = 0.05, p < or = 0.001). Both groups 2 and 3 perceived present and earlier work to be more strenuous than Group 1, with respect to the low back (p < or = 0.000). Subjects in the healthy low-back group had lower values in the qualitative demand index (too difficult working tasks" and "too great responsibility") than subjects in Groups 2 and 3 (p < or = 0.01). This study indicates that more attention should be given to the individual's perception of physical workload."
Rasch analysis of Visual Analog Scale measurements before and after treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in women
Authors: Thomeé R , Grimby G , Wright BD , Linacre JM
Published: May 2023

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) can be used to record subjectively experienced pain in different situations (items). By a mathematical method, the Rasch analysis, the original VAS recordings can be converted to an interval scale. Forty women with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) reported their pain on the VAS from 12 different situations (items) before and after 12 weeks of rehabilitation. The items recorded pain during the last 3 months, during provocation tests, and during activities such as walking up stairs, jumping and strength testing. It was concluded that the items used for the patients with PFPS were hierarchically ordered in a statistically equivalent manner before and after rehabilitation. Subjectively reported pain after 12 weeks of rehabilitation was significantly alleviated for 23 (58%) of the 40 patients, compared with before rehabilitation. The patients with PFPS did not use the VAS as a linear scale over the full range. Rasch analysis of recordings made with the VAS gave a more detailed pain assessment.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on spasticity in patients with hemiplegia.
Authors: Potisk KP , Gregoric M , Vodovnik L
Published: May 2023

The effect of afferent cutaneous electrical stimulation on the spasticity of leg muscles was studied in 20 patients with chronic hemiplegia after stroke. Stimulation electrodes were placed over the sural nerve of the affected limb. The standard method of cutaneous stimulation, TENS with impulse frequency of 100 Hz, was applied. The tonus of the leg muscles was measured by means of an electrohydraulic measuring brace. The EMG stretch reflex activity of the tibialis anterior and triceps surae muscles was detected by surface electrodes and recorded simultaneously with the measured biomechanical parameters. In 18 out of 20 patients, a mild but statistically significant decrease in resistive torques at all frequencies of passive ankle movements was recorded following 20 min of TENS application. The decrease in resistive torque was often (but not always) accompanied by a decrease in reflex EMG activity. This effect of TENS persisted up to 45 min after the end of TENS. The results of the study support the hypothesis that TENS applied to the sural nerve may induce short-term post-stimulation inhibitory effects on the abnormally enhanced stretch reflex activity in spasticity of cerebral origin.
A clinical method for measuring segmental flexion mobility in the cervico-thoracic spine and a model for classification
Authors: Norlander S , Aste-Norlander U , Nordgren B , Sahlstedt B
Published: May 2023

Pain and limitation of spinal mobility are symptoms frequently reported by patients. Many methods have been used to assess the total range of mobility in the different parts of the spine, but there is no method for clinical examination of segmental mobility. The aim of this study was to describe such a technique concerning of segmental flexion mobility in the cervico-thoracic spine, C7-T5, and to present a model for classification of mobility. The results of this study show that the relative flexion mobility examined, according to the Cervico-Thoracic-Ratio technique (CTR), may become a valuable complement to conventional methods of assessing mobility in the cervical spine. The normalized CTR values are less influenced by the individual factors age, body weight, height and number of years at work and the classification model presented makes functional analysis of segmental flexion mobility in the cervico-junction and upper thoracic spine more substantial
Muscle Adaptive Changes in Post-Polio Subjects
Authors: Grimby G , Einarsson G , Hedberg M , Aniansson A
Published: May 2023

Nineteen post-polio subjects (9 men and 10 women) aged 41-65 years were studied by means of muscle strength measurements (Cybex) of knee extension and muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis for morphometric, histopathological and enzymatic analyses. Data from a reference group of 10 male subjects, age 42-51 years, are also given. Fourteen of the post-polio subjects had experienced a post-polio syndrome-like drop in function. All had had polio at least 25 years earlier. In nine of the 19 subjects, type I fibers accounted for more than 70% of the total. There was a significant negative correlation between muscle strength and the percentage of type I fibers in women. Large cross-section areas of muscle fibers were found, with an average mean fiber area of 8 microns 2 X 10(3). It is assumed that the large muscle fiber areas are due to an extreme use of the remaining muscle fibers in post-polio subjects with low muscle strength. There were significant negative correlations between muscle strength values and mean fiber area in men. Most subjects had single atrophic fibers; groups of atrophic fibers were less common. Internal nuclei and splitting were seen in about half of the subjects. The activity of citrate synthase was low, but normal for glycolytic enzymes.
Measurement of torque of trunk flexors at different velocities
Authors: Wessel J , Ford D , Van Driesum D
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of recording isometric and isokinetic torque of the trunk flexors and to examine the effect of velocity on the torque curves. Thirty healthy subjects were tested on two occasions for isometric torque of trunk flexion at four angles and eccentric and concentric torque at three velocities. Two subjects repeated these tests in the passive mode to determine the torque produced by the trunk when there was no active flexion effort. Intraclass correlation coefficients were above 0.85 for all isometric and isokinetic measures. Standard errors of measurement ranged from 6.9 to 19.5 Nm. Student t-tests indicated no significant differences between occasions for all outcome measures. Examination of passive and active torque curves indicated that the torque produced by the mass of the trunk increased with increasing velocity. It is concluded that both isometric and isokinetic testing of the trunk flexors are reliable, but that testing at higher velocities may not provide a valid measure of muscle performance.
Assessment of handicap in chronic dialysis diabetic patients (Uremidiab section study)
Authors: Borgel F , Benhamou PY , Zmirou D , Balducci F , Halimi S , Cordonnier D
Published: May 2023

As part of a large epidemiological study concerning 494 diabetic patients undergoing dialysis throughout France--the so-called Uremidiab section study--we collected data with the aim of describing objective as well as subjective aspects of quality of survival. Questionnaires were completed from medical records and from direct interviews by trained collectors. The data included: (a) medical status and impairments; (b) functional status with the Barthel index for basic activities of daily living; (c) subjective aspects through self-estimation of fatigue, pain, care burden, quality of life and working capacity. Only 21% of the patients had type 1 diabetes and more than 71% were currently insulin-treated. Among the various long-term complications registered, visual impairment was a prominent feature: 25% of the patients were blind and the best eye vision scored 0.8 or more for only 20%. The differences found between the two types of diabetes are discussed. As a result of these impairments, functional status was poor even when considering basic activities, with a mean Barthel index (BI) of 80 +/- 19. Type 2 patients and those patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis had significantly lower BI. The results are discussed in the light of the literature. Compared with a group of 121 non-dialyzed diabetics, patients scored higher for fatigue and pain, but not for care burden and quality of life.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Improves Implant Osseointegration in T2DM Via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhu Hongguang
Published: May 2023

Hyperglycemia-generated oxidative stress would result in impaired osseointegration of implant and high rate of implantation failure. Previous studies have demonstrated that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VD3 ) favored glucose homeostasis and implant osseointegration in diabetic rats. However, its concrete mechanisms in osteogenesis still remains unclear. We investigated herein that 1,25VD3 might ameliorate the osseointegration through suppressing oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM rats was induced by administration of streptozotocin and received implants insertion, with or without 1,25VD3 treatment for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, the plasma oxidative stress-related biomarkers level, bone microarchitecture and biomechanical index of rats were measured systematically. Osteoblasts were isolated and exposed to high glucose, and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, revers transcription-qPCR and Western blotting analysis. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The results suggested that 1,25VD3 could reverse the impaired osseointegration and mechanical strength by suppressing the hyperglycemia-generated oxidative stress. Our study also provides a new theoretical basis that the application of 1,25VD3 might be a novel approach to suppress oxidative stress and enhance implant osseointegration in diabetic patients.
New design form of steel combined roof trusses
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production, Hohol Myron , Sydorak Dmytro ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production, Hohol Marko ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Highways and Bridges
Published: May 2023

In this article, a new method of increasing the efficiency of combined steel roof trusses is proposed and considered. A rational shape of the steel roof truss, including its topology and rational geometric parameters, was obtained, but without obtaining a rational SSS. A proposed method provides the adjustment of SSS in the truss by changing the upper belt panel length. On the basis of the obtained rational SSS of the combined truss, a new structural form is proposed. It is shown that thanks to the proposed method, it is possible to obtain a more efficient design by 18-32%, compared to typical ones. The diagram of the moments in the stiffness beam of the reference truss and the truss with SSS regulation is given. Further directions of research are determined, in particular, the development or improvement of rational structural forms and the use of calculation method of regulation of SSS in the stiffness beam of the steel combined truss.
High strength steel fiber reinforced concrete for fortification protected structures
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production, Sanytsky Myroslav , Kropyvnytska Тetiana, ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production, Shyiko Orest ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production, Bobetskyi Yurii ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production, Volianiuk Andriy ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Building Production
Published: May 2023

The article presents the results of research on modified steel fiber-reinforced concrete and shows the expediency of their use to increase the effectiveness of fortification protection structures against shock loads. It was established that according to the results of tests of compressive strength (fсm = 79.4 MPa) and tensile strength during bending (fс, lf = 7.4 MPa), steel fiber-reinforced concrete can be classified as high-strength (strength class C 50/60) and rapid-hardening (fcm2/ fcm28 = 0.57) in accordance with DSTU EN 206:2018. Manufacturing in factory conditions of reinforced concrete elements of structures based on high-strength steel fiber-reinforced concrete with increased resistance to various types of force effects during shelling will allow to obtain quick-assembling/quick-dismantling fortification structures that will be able to provide protection for the personnel of the units of the armed forces of Ukraine.