bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting those who will walk after rehabilitation in a specialist stroke unit
Authors: Singh Rajiv , Hunter John , Philip Alistair , Todd Iain 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To establish whether the ability to use a wheelchair shortly after a stroke or continence are related to the likelihood of walking by time of discharge. Design and subjects: An observational study in patients admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit for under-65s over a three-year period. Methods: Functional Independence Measure (FIM) subscores for walking were examined on all patients at time of admission and discharge. Walking was defined by an FIM ≤ 5 in that section. Comparisons were then made between those who could self-propel a wheelchair within a week of admission with those who could not. Continence (defined by an FIM subscore of ≥ 6 in that category) was also correlated to walking at discharge. Main outcome measure: Walking at time of discharge defined by an FIM ≥ 5 in that section. Results: From 393 admissions, 135 were excluded because they could already walk (FIM subscore ≥ 5 in that particular section) and three died during their admission. Out of the remaining 255 patients, 108 could self-propel on admission and 147 could not. While 105 (97%) of the self-propellors could walk by time of discharge, only 91 (62%) of the non-propellors could do so (χ2=42.237, df=1, P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 21.54 (6.52-71.51)). Although continence also predicted improved likelihood of walking, this was at a lower level of significance and correspondingly lower odds ratio (χ2=5.894, df=1, P=0.015, OR 1.94 (1.13-3.32)). Conclusions: The ability to self-propel a wheelchair shortly after a stroke is a significant predictor of eventually being able to walk. Our data suggest that it is even more significant than continence, which is the most consistent predictor previously found.
A comprehensive rehabilitation programme tailored to the needs of adults with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ahlström G , Lindvall B , Wenneberg S , Gunnarsson L G 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To assess if activities of daily living (ADL), coping and quality of life could be improved in adults with muscular dystrophy through a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. Design: Quasi-experimental, controlled clinical study comparing patients with similar age and disease aspects. Setting: Two different counties in Sweden, being either study or control setting. Subjects: The study group comprised 37 adults (21 women, 16 men; mean age 50 years), while the control group comprised 39 people (25 women, 14 men; mean age 46 years). Interventions: Four rehabilitation sessions tailored to different medical, physical and psychosocial needs of the patients, comprising a total of 10 days over a period of 18 months. Main measures: ADL, the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale measuring coping strategies, the Sickness Impact Profile measuring health-related quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Psychosocial Well-being Questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were found between groups with regard to the outcome measures. There was increased dependence on others in ADL after 18 months in both groups, but it was more pronounced in the control group. Furthermore, a clear trend was observed in the data with regard to coping patterns, the control group using more coping strategies such as ‘Helplessness/hopelessness’ ( P=0.057), ‘Anxious preoccupation’ ( P=0.085) and ‘Fatalistic’ ( P=0.073) when being compared to the study group. Conclusions: No apparent effects on ADL were found from the rehabilitation programme, although there was a tendency of reduction of maladaptive coping patterns in the study group. This initial study may provide the rationale and basis for a randomized controlled trial.
Use of the Barthel Index and the Functional Independence Measure during early inpatient rehabilitation after single incident brain injury
Authors: Houlden Henry , Edwards Mark , McNeil Jane , Greenwood Richard 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To compare the appropriateness and responsiveness of the Barthel Index and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) during early inpatient rehabilitation after single incident brain injury. Design: Cohort study. Setting: A regional neurological rehabilitation unit. Patients: Two hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients undergoing inpatient comprehensive neurological rehabilitation following a vascular brain injury due to single cerebral infarction (n=75), spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (n=34) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (n=43), and 107 patients who had sustained traumatic brain injury. Measurements: Admission and discharge FIM total, physical and cognitive scores and the Barthel Index were recorded. Appropriateness and responsiveness in the study samples were determined by examining score distributions and floor and ceiling effects, and by an effect size calculation respectively. Non-parametric statistical analysis was used to calculate the significance of the change in scores. Results: In all patient groups there was a significant improvement (Wilcoxon's rank sum, P < 0.0001) in the Barthel Index (mean change score: vascular 3.9, traumatic 3.95) and FIM (mean change score: vascular 17.3, traumatic 17.4) scores during rehabilitation, and similar effect sizes were found for the Barthel Index (effect size: vascular 0.65, traumatic 0.55) and FIM total (effect size: vascular 0.59, traumatic 0.48) and physical scores in all patient groups. In each patient group the cognitive component of the FIM had the smallest effect size (0.35-0.43). Conclusions: All measures were appropriate for younger (less than 65 years of age) patients undergoing early inpatient rehabilitation after single incident vascular or traumatic brain injury. The Barthel Index and the total and physical FIM scores showed similar responsiveness, whilst the cognitive FIM score was least responsive. These findings suggest that none of the FIM scores have any advantage over the Barthel Index in evaluating change in these circumstances.
The Tardieu Scale differentiates contracture from spasticity whereas the Ashworth Scale is confounded by it
Authors: Patrick Emily , Ada Louise 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To compare the Tardieu Scale as a clinical measure of spasticity after stroke with the Ashworth Scale. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Sixteen people, living in the community three years after their stroke. Main measures: The Ashworth Scale and Tardieu Scale as well as laboratory measures of spasticity (stretch-induced electromyographic (EMG) activity) and contracture (maximum passive joint excursion) were collected from the affected elbow flexors and extensors and ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors by three examiners who were blinded to the results of the other measures. Results: The percentage exact agreement (PEA) between the Tardieu Scale and a laboratory measure of spasticity was 100% for both the elbow flexors and ankle plantarflexors. This was significantly (P=0.02) greater than the PEA of 63% for both muscles between the Ashworth Scale and the same laboratory measure of spasticity. For contracture, the PEA between the Tardieu Scale and a laboratory measure was 94% for both the elbow flexors and the ankle plantarflexors. Pearson correlation coefficients between the Tardieu Scale and laboratory measures of spasticity were 0.86 for the elbow flexors and 0.62 for the ankle plantarflexors and between the Tardieu Scale and laboratory measures of contracture were 0.89 for the elbow flexors and 0.84 for the ankle plantarflexors. Conclusion: In all cases that spasticity was overestimated by the Ashworth Scale, participants had a contracture. These findings suggest that the Tardieu Scale differentiates spasticity from contracture whereas the Ashworth Scale is confounded by it.
The use of aerobic exercise training in improving aerobic capacity in individuals with stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Marco YC , Eng Janice J , Dawson Andrew S , Gylfadóttir Sif 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To determine whether aerobic exercise improves aerobic capacity in individuals with stroke. Design: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Databases searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched. Inclusion criteria: Design: randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Participants: individuals with stroke. Interventions: aerobic exercise training aimed at improving aerobic capacity. Outcomes: Primary outcomes: aerobic capacity (peak oxygen consumption (VO2), peak workload). Secondary outcomes: walking velocity, walking endurance. Data analysis: The methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were performed for all primary and secondary outcomes. Results: Nine articles (seven RCTs) were identified. The exercise intensity ranged from 50% to 80% heart rate reserve. Exercise duration was 20–40 min for 3–5 days a week. The total number of subjects included in the studies was 480. All studies reported positive effects on aerobic capacity, regardless of the stage of stroke recovery. Meta-analysis revealed a significant homogeneous standardized effect size (SES) in favour of aerobic exercise to improve peak VO2 (SES 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.69; P=0.001) and peak workload (SES 0.50; 95% CI 0.26–0.73; P<0.001). There was also a significant homogeneous SES in favour of aerobic training to improve walking velocity (SES 0.26; 95% CI 0.05–0.48; P=0.008) and walking endurance (SES 0.30; 95% CI 0.06–0.55; P=0.008). Conclusions: There is good evidence that aerobic exercise is beneficial for improving aerobic capacity in people with mild and moderate stroke. Aerobic exercise should be an important component of stroke rehabilitation.
Botulinum toxin for treating spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia): a systematic Cochrane review
Authors: Watts Christopher , Nye Chad , Whurr Renata 
Published: February 2006

Background: Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder characterized by involuntary adductor (towards midline) or abductor (away from midline) vocal fold spasms during phonation which result in phonatory breaks. Botulinum toxin is currently the gold standard of treatment. Objective: To determine the efficacy of botulinum toxin therapy for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Design: Systematic Cochrane review. Search strategy: The search strategy for this review complied with Cochrane standards. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2005), EMBASE (1974 to February 2005), CINAHL (through February 2005), Dissertation Abstracts International (1975 to February 2005) and PsycINFO (1975 to February 2005). The search engine FirstSearch was also used (February 2005). Reference lists for all the obtained studies and other review articles were examined for additional studies. Selection criteria: All randomized control trials where the participants were randomly allocated prior to intervention and in which botulinum toxin was compared to an alternative treatment, placebo or non-treated control group were included. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers independently evaluated all potential studies meeting the selection criteria noted above for inclusion. Main results: Only one study in the literature met the inclusion criteria. This was the only study identified which reported a treatment/no treatment comparison. It reported significant beneficial effects for fundamental frequency (Fo), Fo range, spectrographic analysis, independent ratings of voice severity and patient ratings of voice improvement. Reviewer's conclusions: The evidence from randomized controlled trials supporting the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for management of spasmodic dysphonia is deficient. The lack of supporting evidence from randomized controlled trials results in an inability to draw unbiased generalized conclusions regarding the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for all types of spasmodic dysphonia.
The Erasmus MC modifications to the (revised) Nottingham Sensory Assessment: a reliable somatosensory assessment measure for patients with intracranial disorders
Authors: Stolk-Hornsveld F , Crow J L , Hendriks E P , van der Baan R , Harmeling-van der Wel B C 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To investigate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Erasmus MC modifications to the Nottingham Sensory Assessment (EmNSA). Subjects: A consecutive sample of 18 inpatients, with a mean age of 57.7 years, diagnosed with an intracranial disorder and referred for physiotherapy. Setting: The inpatient neurology and neurosurgery wards of a university hospital. Design: Through discussions between four experienced neurophysiotherapists, the testing procedures of the revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment were further standardized. Subsequently, the intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities of the EmNSA were investigated. Results: The intra-rater reliability of the tactile sensations, sharp-blunt discrimination and the proprioception items of the EmNSA were generally good to excellent for both raters with a range of weighted kappa coefficients between 0.58 and 1.00. Likewise the inter-rater reliabilities of these items were predominantly good to excellent with a range of weighted kappa coefficients between 0.46 and 1.00. An exception was the two-point discrimination that had a poor to good reliability, with the range for intra-rater reliability of 0.11-0.63 and for inter-rater reliability -0.10-0.66. Conclusion: The EmNSA is a reliable screening tool to evaluate primary somatosensory impairments in neurological and neurosurgical inpatients with intracranial disorders. Further research is necessary to consolidate these results and establish the validity and responsiveness of the Erasmus MC modifications to the NSA.
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate intensity of community-based rehabilitation provision following stroke or hip fracture in old age
Authors: Ryan Tony , Enderby Pam , Rigby Alan S 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To compare intensive with non-intensive home-based rehabilitation provision following stroke or hip fracture in old age (65 years). Design: Parallel single-blind randomized control trial. Setting: Domiciliary provided multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Subjects: One hundred and sixty patients aged 65 or over recently discharged from hospital after suffering a stroke or hip fracture. Intervention: Patients assigned to receive six or more face-to-face contacts or three or less face-to-face contacts from members of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Main measures: Patients assessed using the Barthel Index, Therapy Outcome Measure, Euroqol 5D (EQ-5D), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) at three months. All follow-up assessments were conducted blind to allocation. Results: Subgroup analysis was conducted on the basis of incident condition (stroke or hip fracture). Significant differences were detected for the stroke subgroup at three months [Therapy Outcome Measure Handicap (median difference 0.5 ( P < 0.05)) and EQ-5D (median difference 0.17 ( P < 0.05))] and in change at three months [Therapy Outcome Measure (mean difference 0.52 (SD 0.85) 95% CI (0.16, 0.88)) and EQ-5D (mean difference 0.15 (SD 0.25) 95% CI (0.05, 0.26))]. No significant differences were detected between the two arms of the study for the hip fracture subgroup. Conclusion: Following stroke older people who receive a more intensive communitybased multidisciplinary rehabilitation service may experience short-term benefit in relation to social participation and some aspects of health-related quality of life. A more intensive service after discharge from hospital following a hip fracture is unlikely to result in similar patient benefit.
Reversible Temperature-dependent Dispersion–Aggregation Transition of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)–[60]Fullerene Conjugates
Authors: Tamura Atsushi , Uchida Katsumi , Yajima Hirofumi 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) exhibits a reversible temperature-dependent soluble/insoluble transition at its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. The [60]fullerene–PIPAAm monoadduct (PIPAAm–C60) was synthesized by the azide addition using azido-terminated PIPAAm. Below LCST, the PIPAAm–C60 was dispersed and formed a micelle-like structure in water. Above LCST, the aggregation of the micelles was observed by turbidity measurements and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The PIPAAm–C60 exhibits rapid and reversible dispersion–aggregation changes in response to narrow range temperature alternation across LCST.
Effects of Micro Channel Size in a Pd Membrane Reactor on Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexane to Benzene in Gaseous Phase
Authors: Yamamoto Shin , Hanaoka Taka-aki , Hamakawa Satoshi , Sato Koichi , Mizukami Fujio 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
To confirm the effects of microreactor on cyclohexane dehydrogenation, we have narrowed the reaction channel of Pd membrane reactor to micro scale. We show that the application of micro channel improves the performance of Pd membrane reactor. The experimental results indicate that the improvement in cyclohexane dehydrogenation with applying the micro channel is attributable to the enhancement of a heterogeneous catalytic reaction due to increasing the surface area per volume of Pd membrane.
Activation of a Cyclobutanone Carbon–Carbon Bond over an Aldehyde Carbon–Hydrogen Bond in the Rhodium-catalyzed Decarbonylation
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Shigeno Masanori , Murakami Masahiro 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A rhodium(I)–N-heterocyclic carbene complex achieved a high-yield decarbonylation reaction of cyclobutanones to selectively afford cyclopropanes. With this catalyst, a cyclobutanone having an aldehyde moiety underwent chemoselective decarbonylation of the ketonic carbonyl group with the aldehydic carbonyl group left intact.
Semicomprehensive and Semiquantitative Determination of Proteins with Mass Probes
Authors: Honda Aki , Hifumi Hiroki , Honma Yuya , Tanji Noriyuki , Suzuki Yoshio , Suzuki Koji 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
We have designed and synthesized a series of mass-probes, which could be a model of a new tool for the semicomprehensive quantitative assays of proteins using mass spectrometry. In the system with mass-probes, the molecular weights were used as markers. We have synthesized the two probes, KMP-174 and KMP-188, and ovalbumin (OVA) and the hen egg lysozyme (HEL) were evaluated by antibodies labeled with those probes.
Emission of Methane from Stainless Steel Surface Investigated by Using Tritium as a Radioactive Tracer
Authors: Higaki Shogo , Oya Yasuhisa , Makide Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Gas-phase methane contamination caused from stainless steel (SS) surface by metal–metal friction was investigated by introducing tritium as a tracer of hydrogen atom in the metal surface. The emissions of HT, CH3T, and CH4 were measured by radio-gas-chromatography, and the SS canister containing many small SS balls inside was shaken to reproduce the metal–metal friction. The results indicate that the oxide layer on SS surface is controlling the emission of methane.
Preparation of Ag Nanoparticle Assemblies at Air–Water Interface by Electrostatic Interaction
Authors: Yang Yang , Kimura Keisaku 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A three-phase approach based on electrostatic interaction was proposed to achieve the film formation by assembling passivated nanoparticles at air–water interface. The cationic surfactant with suitable polarity can serve as feedstock molecules to bond with aqueous Ag nanoparticles at water–chloroform interface. Because of the decrease of solubility in water, Ag nanoparticles would gradually disengage from bulk solution and organize on water surface.
Multi-photochromic Behavior of Hybrid Material with Spirobenzopyran and Azobenzene Moieties
Authors: Kinashi Kenji , Furuta Kenichiro , Harada Yasuhisa , Ueda Yasukiyo 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Two kinds of bi-functional photochromic compounds (SpAz1 and SpAz2) were synthesized with spirobenzopyran and azobenzene derivatives by esterification. In chloroform solution, a novel photochromic compound (SpAz2) showed four kinds of isomers depending on the wavelength of the irradiated light. It is suggested that SpAz2 has four digital codes for optical memory.
Synthesis of a Novel Pyrrolidine-based Peptide Nucleic Acid that Contains Tertiary Amines in the Main Chain and Its Internalization into Cells
Authors: Kitamatsu Mizuki , Kashiwagi Tomoko , Matsuzaki Rino , Sisido Masahiko 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A novel thymine monomer of pyrrolidine-based peptide nucleic acid that contains tertiary amines in the main chain (pyrrolidine-based amino peptide nucleic acid = PAPNA) was synthesized. A mixed oligomer of two PAPNA(T) units and seven units of pyrrolidine-based oxypeptide nucleic acid (POPNA), was synthesized by a solid-phase method. The mixed oligomer was internalized into CHO cells more readily than the previous version of POPNA oligomers.
An Efficient Method for the Preparation of Chiral Mosher’s Acid Analogues
Authors: Kawano Yoshikazu , Kaneko Nobuya , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A diastereoselective trifluoromethylation of chiral α-keto esters derived from isosorbide with TMSCF3 in the presence of a Lewis-base catalyst gave the corresponding trifluoromethylated α-hydroxy esters in good yields with moderate to high diastereomeric excesses.
Synthesis of Long Polypyrrole Micro/Nanotubules with Rectangular Sections
Authors: Han Jie , Yan Wei , Xu Yunbo 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Novel rectangular-sectioned micro/nanotubules of polypyrrole (PPy) were synthesized via a self-assembly method by using 5-acetamido-4-hydroxy-3-(phenyldiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid (Acid Red G) as dopant and FeCl3 as oxidant. Investigation results indicated that the average length of these tubules could be around 530 μm at a certain reaction temperature. Iron(II) 5-acetamido-4-hydroxy-3-(phenydiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-isulfonate (ARG-Fe(II) salt) with cubic crystal structure was expected to play a template-like role in forming the rectangular-sectioned micro/nanotubules.
The Institutional and Structural Problems of Chinas Foreign Exchange Market and Implications for the New Exchange Rate Regime
Authors: Zhang Jikang , Liang Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2006

After briefly reviewing the historical development of China's foreign exchange market, this article examines the structural characteristics of the inter-bank market, describes its current structural problems as well as its institutional constraints and explores the delicate relationship between improving the foreign exchange market structure and reforming the RMB exchange rate regime. The inter-bank market is characterised by lack of market depth, limited transaction types and restricted participation with highly concentrated trading. The compulsory foreign exchange purchase and sales system distorts market supply and demand while the rigid exchange rate regime reduces the role of the Central Bank to one of passive intervention.