bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spermine and L-Name Pretreatment Effects on Polyamine and Nitric Oxide Metabolism in Rat Brain During Seizures
Authors: Stojanović Ivana , Jelenković Ankica , Vasiljević Ivana , Pavlović Dušica , Bjelaković Gordana 
Published: December 2009

Spermine and L-Name Pretreatment Effects on Polyamine and Nitric Oxide Metabolism in Rat Brain During SeizuresIn the CNS polyamines can exert opposite effects, depending on the concentration and conditions in the cell. Protective or neurotoxic polyamine effects were documented during seizures and repeated CNS excitation. Intensive research of exogenous polyamines effects during seizures induced by numerous agents did not clear up confusions about the duality of effects and the role of polyamines in seizures. In order to understand polyamine modulatory effects in seizures, the importance of NO and polyamine metabolism interdependence and the possible implication of changes of postulated NO and polyamine equillibrium in seizures, the effects of spermine alone and in combination with L-NAME (NOS inhibitor) on seizures induced by pentazol (PTZ) were investigated. To compare the obtained results, the effects of anticonvulsant midazolam on NO production during seizures were also investigated. Seizures were induced by i.p. application of pentazol (100 mg/kg b.w.). Spermine and L-NAME were administered i.p. before PTZ. In the striatum and hippocampus, spermine induced increased NO production (p<0.001) related to values in the group treated by PTZ. Application of L-NAME before spermine and PTZ caused decrease of NO production in comparison with animals treated only by PTZ or spermine and PTZ. L-NAME given before spermine exerts protective effects related to seizures induced by PTZ and to the group treated by spermine, extending the time of seizure symptoms appearance, thus confirming the NO signaling system involvement in spermine effects during seizures. Highly significant PAO activity increase caused by spermine points out the intensified interconversion of spermine into putrescine, in order to maintain the intracellular putrescine concentration. The obtained results prove a strong relationship between the NO signaling system and polyamine metabolism in the brain during seizures and the importance of their changes in this kind of CNS injury.
Similarity of Joint Kinematics and Muscle Demands Between Elliptical Training and Walking: Implications for Practice
Authors: Burnfield Judith M. , Shu Yu , Buster Thad , Taylor Adam 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundPeople with physical disabilities often face barriers to regaining walking ability and fitness after discharge from rehabilitation. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to teach clients the knowledge and skills needed to exercise on functionally relevant equipment available in the community, such as elliptical trainers. However, therapeutic use is hindered by a lack of empirical information.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine joint kinematics and muscle activation recorded during walking and elliptical training to provide evidence-based data to guide clinical decision making.DesignThis was a prospective, controlled laboratory study using a repeated-measures design.MethodsTwenty adults free from impairments that might hinder gait participated. After familiarization procedures, subjects walked and trained on 4 elliptical devices while kinematic, electromyographic (EMG), and stride characteristic data were recorded.ResultsMovement similarities between elliptical training and walking were supported by the documentation of relatively high coefficients of multiple correlation for the hip (.85–.89), thigh (.92–.94), knee (.87–.89) and, to a lesser extent, the ankle (.57–.71). Significantly greater flexion was documented at the trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee during elliptical training than during walking. One of the elliptical trainers most closely simulated sagittal-plane walking kinematics, as determined from an assessment of key variables. During elliptical training, gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis muscle activation were increased; medial hamstring, gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscle activation were decreased; and gluteus medius and lateral hamstring muscle activation were relatively unchanged compared with muscle activation of those muscles in walking. On the basis of EMG findings, no elliptical trainer clearly emerged as the best for simulating gait.LimitationsTo date, only 4 elliptical trainers have been studied, and the contributions of the upper extremities to movement have not been quantified.ConclusionsAlthough one of the elliptical trainers best simulated sagittal-plane walking kinematics, EMG analysis failed to identify one clearly superior device. This research provides evidence-based data to help guide clinical decision making related to the use of elliptical trainers across the health care continuum and into the community.
How Does Explicit Prioritization Alter Walking During Dual-Task Performance? Effects of Age and Sex on Gait Speed and Variability
Authors: Yogev-Seligmann Galit , Rotem-Galili Yael , Mirelman Anat , Dickstein Ruth , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that the performance of a secondary task during walking alters gait.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of task prioritization on walking in young and older adults to evaluate the “default” prioritization scheme used, the flexibility to alter prioritization and cortical resources allocated to gait and a secondary cognitive task, and any age-associated changes in these abilities.DesignA cross-sectional study that explicitly altered the focus of attention was used to investigate the effects of prioritization in young and older adults who were healthy.MethodsGait speed and gait variability were evaluated in young adults (n=40) and older adults (n=17) who were healthy, both during usual walking and under 3 dual-task conditions: (1) no specific prioritization instructions, (2) prioritization of gait, and (3) prioritization of the cognitive task.ResultsYoung adults significantly increased gait speed in the gait prioritization condition compared with gait speed in the no-instruction condition; a similar tendency was seen in the older adults. Gait speed was reduced when priority was given to the cognitive task in both age groups; however, this effect was less dramatic in the older adults. In the young adults, prioritization of gait tended to have different effects on gait speed among both men and women. In the older adults, but not in the young adults, all dual-task conditions produced increased gait variability, whereas prioritization did not alter this gait feature.LimitationsThe sample size and the relative homogeneity of the older adults could be considered as possible limitations of the study.ConclusionsEven among young adults, the effects of secondary, cognitive tasks on gait speed are strongly influenced by prioritization. This finding was less significant in the older adults, suggesting that there is an age-associated decline in the ability to flexibly allocate attention to gait. Somewhat surprisingly, when prioritization was not explicitly instructed, gait speed in both young and older adults most closely resembled that of the condition when they were instructed to focus attention on the cognitive task.
Can Strength Training Predictably Improve Gait Kinematics? A Pilot Study on the Effects of Hip and Knee Extensor Strengthening on Lower-Extremity Alignment in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Damiano Diane L. , Arnold Allison S. , Steele Katherine M. , Delp Scott L. 
Published: December 2009

Background
Computer simulations have demonstrated that excessive hip and knee flexion during gait, as frequently seen in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), can reduce the ability of muscles to provide antigravity support and increase the tendency of hip muscles to internally rotate the thigh. These findings suggest that therapies for improving upright posture during gait also may reduce excessive internal rotation.

Objective
The goal of this study was to determine whether strength training can diminish the degree of crouched, internally rotated gait in children with spastic diplegic CP.

Design
This was a pilot prospective clinical trial.

Methods
Eight children with CP participated in an 8-week progressive resistance exercise program, with 3-dimensional gait analysis and isokinetic testing performed before and after the program. Secondary measures included passive range of motion, the Ashworth Scale, and the PedsQL CP Module. To identify factors that may have influenced outcome, individual and subgroup data were examined for patterns of change within and across variables.

Results
Strength (force-generating capacity) increased significantly in the left hip extensors, with smaller, nonsignificant mean increases in the other 3 extensor muscle groups, yet kinematic and functional outcomes were inconsistent. The first reported subject-specific computer simulations of crouch gait were created for one child who showed substantial benefit to examine the factors that may have contributed to this outcome.

Limitations
The sample was small, with wide variability in outcomes.

Conclusions
Strength training may improve walking function and alignment in some patients for whom weakness is a major contributor to their gait deficits. However, in other patients, it may produce no change or even undesired outcomes. Given the variability of outcomes in this and other strengthening studies in CP, analytical approaches to determine the sources of variability are needed to better identify those individuals who are most likely to benefit from strengthening.
Daily Stepping in Individuals With Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Saraf Poonam , Rafferty Miriam R. , Moore Jennifer L. , Kahn Jennifer H. , Hendron Kathryn , Leech Kristan , Hornby T. George 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundIn individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), ambulatory function determined in the clinical setting is related to specific measures of body structure and function and activity limitations, although few studies have quantified the relationship of these variables with daily stepping (steps/day).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to quantify daily stepping in ambulatory individuals with SCI and its relationship with clinical walking performance measures and specific demographics, impairments, and activity limitations.DesignA cross-sectional study was performed to estimate relationships among clinical variables to daily stepping in self-identified community versus non–community (household) walkers.MethodsAverage daily stepping was determined in 50 people with chronic, motor incomplete SCI. Data for clinical and self-report measures of walking performance also were collected, and their associations with daily stepping were analyzed using correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Relationships between daily stepping and the measures of demographics, impairments, and activity limitations were identified using correlation and regression analyses.ResultsThe ROC analyses revealed a significant discriminative ability between self-reported community and non–community walkers using clinical gait measures and daily stepping. Stepping activity generally was low throughout the sample tested, however, with an average of approximately 2,600 steps/day. Knee extension strength (force-generating capacity) and static balance were the primary variables related to daily stepping, with metabolic efficiency and capacity and balance confidence contributing to a lesser extent.LimitationsThe small sample size and use of specific impairment-related measures were potential limitations of the study.ConclusionsDaily stepping is extremely limited in individuals with incomplete SCI, with a potentially substantial contribution of impairments in knee extension strength and balance.
Meaningful Gait Speed Improvement During the First 60 Days Poststroke: Minimal Clinically Important Difference
Authors: Tilson Julie K. , Sullivan Katherine J. , Cen Steven Y. , Rose Dorian K. , Koradia Cherisha H. , Azen Stanley P. , Duncan Pamela W. ,   for the Locomotor Experience Applied Post Stroke (LEAPS) Investigative Team
Published: December 2009

BackgroundWhen people with stroke recover gait speed, they report improved function and reduced disability. However, the minimal amount of change in gait speed that is clinically meaningful and associated with an important difference in function for people poststroke has not been determined.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for comfortable gait speed (CGS) associated with an improvement in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score for people between 20 to 60 days poststroke.DesignThis was a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study.MethodsThe participants in this study were 283 people with first-time stroke prospectively enrolled in the ongoing Locomotor Experience Applied Post Stroke (LEAPS) multi-site randomized clinical trial. Comfortable gait speed was measured and mRS scores were obtained at 20 and 60 days poststroke. Improvement of ≥1 on the mRS was used to detect meaningful change in disability level.ResultsMean (SD) CGS was 0.18 (0.16) m/s at 20 days and 0.39 (0.22) m/s at 60 days poststroke. Among all participants, 47.3% experienced an improvement in disability level ≥1. The MCID was estimated as an improvement in CGS of 0.16 m/s anchored to the mRS.LimitationsBecause the mRS is not a gait-specific measure of disability, the estimated MCID for CGS was only 73.9% sensitive and 57.0% specific for detecting improvement in mRS scores.ConclusionsWe estimate that the MCID for gait speed among patients with subacute stroke and severe gait speed impairments is 0.16 m/s. Patients with subacute stroke who increase gait speed ≥0.16 m/s are more likely to experience a meaningful improvement in disability level than those who do not. Clinicians can use this reference value to develop goals and interpret progress in patients with subacute stroke.
Rectus Femoris to Gracilis Muscle Transfer With Fractional Lengthening of the Vastus Muscles: A Treatment for Adults With Stiff Knee Gait
Authors: Namdari Surena , Pill Stephan G. , Makani Amun , Keenan Mary Ann 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundStiff knee gait, which may be seen in patients with upper motor neuron injury, describes a gait pattern with a relative loss of sagittal knee motion. It interferes with foot clearance during swing, often leading to inefficient compensatory mechanisms and ambulatory dysfunction. Distal rectus femoris muscle transfers and fractional lengthening of the vastus muscles have been performed in adult patients.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe a unique surgical technique and report on initial outcomes.DesignA retrospective case-series study design was used.MethodsThe patients were adults with stiff knee gait due to stroke or traumatic brain injury who underwent distal rectus femoris muscle transfer with fractional lengthening of the vastus muscles. The patients (19 men and 18 women) had an average age of 51 years at the time of surgery. Lower-extremity examinations, clinical gait analyses, and satisfaction levels were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsAt a mean follow-up time of 10 months, 36 (97%) of the 37 patients were satisfied with their clinical and functional results, and the average Viosca score improved from 3.1 to 3.5.LimitationsLimitations of the study include use of a retrospective design, lack of a control group, and limited quantitative measures of gait.ConclusionDistal rectus femoris muscle transfer and fractional lengthening of the vastus muscles were found to be a possible treatment for adults with stiff-knee gait caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Maternal serum placental growth factor and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 as early predictors of preeclampsia
Authors: SHOKRY MAHMOUD , BEDAIWY MOHAMED A. , FATHALLA MOHAMED M.F. , ALSEMARY ALI , ELWAKIL SAHAR , MURPHY AISLING 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia (PE) before clinical manifestations appeared using a panel of serum markers. We recruited 240 consecutive women who presented for antenatal care. We investigated whether serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), its inhibitor, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1), measured at 13–16 weeks gestation and the expression of fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (Flt‐1) in the maternal neutrophils measured by flow cytometry could be predictive of the subsequent development of PE. Serum PlGF levels were found to be significantly lower among women who developed PE than patients with gestational hypertension or patients in the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast, serum sFlt1 levels were most elevated in patients who developed PE versus those with gestational hypertension or the control group (p < 0.001). Serum levels of neutrophil‐Flt‐1, however, were lower in women who developed PE than in those with gestational hypertension or those in the control group (p < 0.001). Increased serum levels of sFlt‐1, decreased levels of neutrophil‐Flt‐1, and decreased levels of PlGF may predict women at risk of developing PE later in pregnancy.
Fibrinogen and histidine‐rich glycoprotein in early‐onset preeclampsia
Authors: KÅREHED KARIN , WIKSTRÖM ANNA‐KARIN , OLSSON ANNA‐KARIN , LARSSON ANDERS , OLOVSSON MATTS , ÅKERUD HELENA 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective. To determine whether plasma levels of fibrinogen and the placental tissue distributions of fibrinogen and histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) differ between early‐ and late‐onset preeclampsia. Design. The study comprised 18 women with early‐onset (gestational weeks 24–32) and 19 women with late‐onset (gestational weeks 35–42) preeclampsia. As controls concerning the plasma levels of fibrinogen, we used samples from non‐pregnant fertile women, healthy pregnant women at gestational weeks 24–32 and healthy pregnant women at gestational weeks 35–42. Placental samples from women with healthy pregnancies at gestational weeks 35–42 served as controls in the immunohistochemical staining. Setting. Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala. Methods. Plasma fibrinogen levels were analyzed and the placental tissue expression of fibrinogen and HRG determined by immunohistochemistry. Results. Plasma level of fibrinogen was increased in early‐onset, but not late‐onset, preeclampsia. Levels of fibrinogen were significantly lower, and that of HRG significantly higher, in placentas from women with early‐onset preeclampsia as compared with control placentas (p = 0.01 and 0.001). Conclusions. HRG and fibrinogen might be involved in the hypercoagulability and the angiogenic imbalance seen in early‐onset preeclampsia.
Mid‐pregnancy androgen levels are negatively associated with breastfeeding
Authors: CARLSEN SVEN MAGNUS , JACOBSEN GEIR , VANKY ESZTER 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective. Breastfeeding depends on endocrine changes during pregnancy. The association between gestational hormones and lactation has been sparsely investigated. Previously, androgens were used for lactation inhibition. We investigated a possible association between second trimester maternal androgen levels and breastfeeding. Design. Prospective observational study.Setting. University hospital setting. Population. Women from a random sample of pregnancies (n = 63) and from a group with an increased risk for giving birth to a small‐for‐gestational age newborn (n = 118) were included. All participants had singleton pregnancies and one or two previous births. Methods. Maternal androgen levels were measured in gestational week 25. The association with reported breastfeeding was explored by univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Analyses were adjusted for factors known to be associated with breastfeeding. Main outcome measures. Breastfeeding at six weeks, three months, and six months postpartum. Results. In the random group, breastfeeding at three and six months was negatively associated with maternal testosterone, androstendione, and free testosterone index levels. After correction for maternal age, education and smoking, breastfeeding at both three and six months was negatively associated with the free testosterone index. In the group of women with an increased risk for giving birth to a small‐for‐gestational age newborn, breastfeeding at six weeks and three months was associated negatively with maternal dehydroepiandrosterone and this association persisted after correction for maternal age, education, and smoking. Conclusions. Maternal androgen levels in mid‐pregnancy are negatively associated with breastfeeding.
Two naturally occurring variants of the serotonin receptor geneHTR3Care associated with nausea in pregnancy
Authors: GOECKE TAMME W. , EKICI ARIF B. , NIESLER BEATE , LOEHBERG CHRISTIAN R. , HAMMER CHRISTIAN , RAPPOLD GUDRUN , SCHANZE DENNY , STRAUB VERICA , ALTMANN HANS‐HARALD , STRISSEL PAMELA , STRICK REINER , BECKMANN MATTHIAS W. , FASCHING PETER A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective.To assess the association between pregnancy‐associated symptoms and common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes known to be involved in the pathogenesis of nausea and vomiting.Design.In a standardized, questionnaire‐based interview, women selected from a control cohort for association studies were asked retrospectively about nausea and vomiting during their first pregnancy.Population.A total of 593 women who had completed at least one pregnancy and for whom germline DNA was available were selected.Methods.Eight SNPs in the serotonin receptor genes HTR3A, HTR3B, HTR3C, HTR3D, HTR3E, and NK1R (TACR1) were tested using polymerase chain reaction. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was correlated with the patients’ genotyping results and medical history parameters.Results.Both young age at first pregnancy and positive smoking status were significantly associated with vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. After adjustment for these two parameters, the two SNPs rs6806362 (odds ratio (OR) 1.38 per allele; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.79;p= 0.017) and rs6807670 (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.05–1.79 per allele;p= 0.023) were marginally associated with pregnancy‐related nausea. None of the other polymorphisms showed any association.Conclusion.Polymorphisms in the subunit gene HTR3C of the serotonin receptor may be involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy‐associated nausea.