scholarly journals Gait Variability and Multiple Sclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Socie ◽  
Jacob J. Sosnoff
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Gait Variability ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Future Research ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Device Use ◽  
Disability Level

Gait variability, that is, fluctuations in movement during walking, is an indicator of walking function and has been associated with various adverse outcomes such as falls. In this paper, current research concerning gait variability in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is discussed. It is well established that persons with MS have greater gait variability compared to age and gender matched controls without MS. The reasons for the increase in gait variability are not completely understood. Evidence indicates that disability level, assistive device use, attentional requirement, and fatigue are related to gait variability in persons with MS. Future research should address the time-evolving structure (i.e., temporal characteristics) of gait variability, the clinical importance of gait variability, and underlying mechanisms that drive gait variability in individuals with MS.

Progress in solving the sex hormone paradox in pulmonary hypertension

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (1) ◽  
pp. L7-L26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Lahm ◽  
Rubin M. Tuder ◽  
Irina Petrache
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Sex Hormone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Estrogen Metabolism ◽  
Hormone Synthesis ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating and progressive disease with marked morbidity and mortality. Even though being female represents one of the most powerful risk factors for PAH, multiple questions about the underlying mechanisms remain, and two “estrogen paradoxes” in PAH exist. First, it is puzzling why estrogens have been found to be protective in various animal models of PAH, whereas PAH registries uniformly demonstrate a female susceptibility to the disease. Second, despite the pronounced tendency for the disease to develop in women, female PAH patients exhibit better survival than men. Recent mechanistic studies in classical and in novel animal models of PAH, as well as recent studies in PAH patients, have significantly advanced the field. In particular, it is now accepted that estrogen metabolism and receptor signaling, as well as estrogen interactions with key pathways in PAH development, appear to be potent disease modifiers. A better understanding of these interactions may lead to novel PAH therapies. It is the purpose of this review to 1) review sex hormone synthesis, metabolism, and receptor physiology; 2) assess the context in which sex hormones affect PAH pathogenesis; 3) provide a potential explanation for the observed estrogen paradoxes and gender differences in PAH; and 4) identify knowledge gaps and future research opportunities. Because the majority of published studies investigated 17β-estradiol and/or its metabolites, this review will primarily focus on pulmonary vascular and right ventricular effects of estrogens. Data for other sex hormones will be discussed very briefly.

scholarly journals The Assessment of Motor Fatigability in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Severijns ◽  
Inge Zijdewind ◽  
Ulrik Dalgas ◽  
Ilse Lamers ◽  
Caroline Lismont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Performance Change ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
No Gold Standard ◽  
Functional Movements ◽  
Disability Level

Background. Persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are often characterized by increased motor fatigability, which is a performance change on an objectively measured criterion after any type of voluntary muscle contractions. This review summarizes the existing literature to determine which protocols and outcome measures are best to detect or study motor fatigability and the underlying mechanisms in MS. Methods. Two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched for relevant articles published until August 2016 with a combination of multiple sclerosis, fatigability, muscle fatigue, and motor fatigue. Results. A total of 48 articles were retained for data extraction. A variety of fatigability protocols were reported; protocols showed differences in type (isometric vs concentric), duration (15 to 180 s), and number of contractions (fixed or until exhaustion). Also, 12 articles reported motor fatigability during functional movements, predominantly assessed by changes in walking speed; 11 studies evaluated the mechanisms underlying motor fatigability, using additional electrical nerve or transcranial magnetic stimulation. Three articles reported psychometrics of the outcomes. Conclusions. The disparity of protocols and outcome measures to study different aspects of motor fatigability in PwMS impedes direct comparison between data. Most protocols use maximal single-joint isometric contractions, with the advantage of high standardization. Because there is no head-to-head comparison of the different protocols and only limited information on psychometric properties of outcomes, there is currently no gold standard to assess motor fatigability. The disability level, disease phenotype, and studied limb may influence the assessment of motor fatigability in PwMS.

scholarly journals From Denial of Facts to Rationalization and Avoidance: Ideology, Needs, and Gender Predict the Spectrum of Climate Denial and Self-Protection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlis Wullenkord
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Right Wing ◽  
Outcome Severity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Self Protection

Denying climate change can take many forms, ranging on a spectrum from outright denial of facts (literal denial), over re-interpretation or distortion of facts (interpretive denial, e.g., denial of personal and global outcome severity), to the acknowledgement of facts but denial of their implications (implicatory denial, e.g., avoidance, denial of guilt, rationalization of own involvement). This study aimed at 1) exploring potential distinct profiles within the spectrum of climate denial and self-protection and 2) investigating relations with right-wing ideological conviction and gender (established predictors) but also need satisfaction and value orientation. Analysis of a German quota sample (N=1007) revealed the following: Participants differed in the extent to which they endorsed all types of climate-denial and self-protection but there were no distinct profiles of climate denial and self-protection in the data, according to latent profile analysis. As pre-registered, structural equation modelling revealed that people who reported right-wing ideological convictions reported more climate denial and self-protection along the spectrum of denial but especially literal and interpretive denial. Absence of need satisfaction and male gender were significant additional but weaker predictors of implicatory denial. Future research should employ longitudinal, experimental, mixed-methods designs to further disentangle the underlying mechanisms and functionality of climate denial.

Multiple sclerosis and progressive resistance training: a systematic review

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1215-1228 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Kjølhede ◽  
K Vissing ◽  
U Dalgas
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Progressive Resistance Training ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Progressive Resistance

Recently progressive resistance training (PRT) has been recognised as an effective tool in the rehabilitation of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature of PRT studies for persons with MS. A comprehensive literature search (PubMed, SveMed+, Embase, Cochrane, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and Bibliotek.dk) was conducted. Identified papers were rated according to the PEDro-scale. Sixteen studies were included and scored between 3 and 8 of 11 total points on the PEDro-scale, showing a general lack of blinding. Strong evidence regarding the beneficial effect of PRT on muscle strength was observed. Regarding functional capacity, balance and self-reported measures (fatigue, quality of life and mood) evidence is less strong, but the tendency is overall positive. Indications of an effect on underlying mechanisms such as muscle morphological changes, neural adaptations and cytokines also exist, but the studies investigating these aspects are few and inconclusive. PRT has a positive effect on muscle strength for persons with MS. Heterogeneous results exist regarding the effect on functional capacity and self-reported measures probably because of differences in training protocols, samples sizes, type and severity of MS. The area of underlying mechanisms deserves more attention in future research.

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Adults Who Stutter ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

Research Consumerism 101: Evaluating External Evidence of Treatment Effectiveness

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
James L. Coyle
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Professional Judgment ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Intervention Selection ◽  
Published Research

Abstract The modern clinician is a research consumer. Rehabilitation of oropharyngeal impairments, and prevention of the adverse outcomes of dysphagia, requires the clinician to select interventions for which evidence of a reasonable likelihood of a successful, important outcome exists. The purpose of this paper is to provide strategies for evaluation of published research regarding treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia. This article utilizes tutorial and examples to inform and educate practitioners in methods of appraising published research. It provides and encourages the use of methods of efficiently evaluating the validity and clinical importance of published research. Additionally, it discusses the importance of the ethical obligation we, as practitioners, have to use evidence-based treatment selection methods and measurement of patient performance during therapy. The reader is provided with tactics for evaluating treatment studies to establish a study's validity and, thereby, objectively select interventions. The importance of avoiding subjective or unsubstantiated claims and using objective methods of generating empirical clinical evidence is emphasized. The ability to evaluate the quality of research provides clinicians with objective intervention selection as an important, essential component of evidence-based clinical practice. ASHA Code of Ethics (2003): Principle I, Rule F: “Individuals shall fully inform the persons they serve of the nature and possible effects of services rendered and products dispensed…” (p. 2) Principle I, Rule G: “Individuals shall evaluate the effectiveness of services rendered and of products dispensed and shall provide services or dispense products only when benefit can reasonably be expected.” (p. 2) Principle IV, Rule G: “Individuals shall not provide professional services without exercising independent professional judgment, regardless of referral source or prescription.” (p. 4)

The use of ICT by SMMEs in a Digital Economy: A case study in Buffalo City Metropolitan in South Africa [Abstract]

10.28945/4314 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wealth Creation ◽  
Underdeveloped Areas ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Set Up

Aim/Purpose: The goal of this study is to advance understanding of ICT utilization by SMMEs by checking access, ability (in terms of technological skills) and usage of ICT among some SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in an underdeveloped areas to enhance their business activities in order to utilizes the digital opportunities 21st century digital economies present. Background: In today’s world no nation or region is untouched by the forces of globalization and digital economy. One of the key pioneering forces of globalization is the advances of ICT like internet, social networks, etc. In the sphere of business, this pioneering force has also altered the way businesses and organizations communicate and interact with customers and society at large. Such alternation presents obvious opportunities for wealth creation and growth for businesses and organizations that are well-equipped to take advantages of them. But for those that are less-equipped, particularly SMMEs, globalization can easily lead to fore-closures and marginalization. It is a common knowledge that SMMEs entrepreneurs mostly rely on ICT gadgets like mobile phone, Laptops, Tablets to conduct their business activities as many of them don’t have enough capital to set up offices with necessary equipment. Therefore, using various ICT functions/programs on these ICT devices to enhance their business activities are critical to their businesses in the 21st century digital economies. Methodology: Purposeful sampling was used to approach fifty-four SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in underdeveloped areas locally called Townships in Buffalo City Metropolitan. Microsoft excel was used in the descriptive statistics. Contribution: This research will add to the growing knowledge ICT usage in SMMEs in the 21st century digital economies. Findings: The results indicate that the participating SMMEs entrepreneurs need to be educated, trained and supported in the use of the ICT applicable to enhance their business activities in order for them to take advantages of 21st century digital economies present. Recommendations for Practitioners: The agencies tasked with looking after SMMEs in South Africa needs to consider the lacked of utilisation of ICTs by SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in underdeveloped areas as one of the barrier to growing of their businesses and take necessary steps to address it. Recommendation for Researchers: Since age and gender have been proven to be key-moderating variables in many technology acceptance models. There is a need to explore in depth whether the factors of gender and age also act as barriers. Impact on Society: The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with looking after SMMEs to identify the barriers hindering SMMEs to grow and address them accordingly. Future Research: More work needs to be done to check whether gender, age of the SMMEs entrepreneurs have some effects on their attitude towards the integration of ICT into their business activities.

Feeling Threatened by Immigrants: The Role of Ideology and Subjective Societal Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bollwerk ◽  
Bernd Schlipphak ◽  
Joscha Stecker ◽  
Jens Hellmann ◽  
Gerald Echterhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Social Dominance Orientation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Right Wing Authoritarianism ◽  
Threat Perceptions ◽  
Contextual Determinants ◽  
Intergroup Conflicts ◽  
And Gender

Threat perceptions towards immigrants continue to gain importance in the context of growing international migration. To reduce associated intergroup conflicts, it is crucial to understand the personal and contextual determinants of perceived threat. In a large online survey study (N = 1,184), we investigated the effects of ideology (i.e., Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation), subjective societal status (SSS) and their interaction effects in predicting symbolic and realistic threat perceptions towards Middle Eastern immigrants. Results showed that ideology (higher RWA and SDO) and lower SSS significantly predicted both symbolic and realistic threat, even after controlling for income, education, age, and gender. Furthermore, ideology and SSS interacted significantly in predicting realistic threat, with higher levels of SDO and RWA enhancing the effect of SSS. In the discussion, we focus on the implications of our findings with respect to understanding societal conflicts, discuss methodological limitations, and provide directions for future research.

Recognition of Fungal Components by the Host Immune System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. García-Carnero ◽  
José A. Martínez-Álvarez ◽  
Luis M. Salazar-García ◽  
Nancy E. Lozoya-Pérez ◽  
Sandra E. González-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Histoplasma Capsulatum ◽  
Paracoccidioides Brasiliensis ◽  
Sporothrix Schenckii ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Fungal Antigens

: By being the first point of contact of the fungus with the host, the cell wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis, having many molecules that participate as antigens that are recognized by immune cells, and also that help the fungus to establish infection. The main molecules reported to trigger an immune response are chitin, glucans, oligosaccharides, proteins, melanin, phospholipids, and others, being present in the principal pathogenic fungi with clinical importance worldwide, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Sporothrix schenckii. Knowledge and understanding of how the immune system recognizes and responds to fungal antigens are relevant for the future research and development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for the control of mycosis caused by these fungi.

The Role of Resilience in Sexual and Gender Minority Mental Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 428-442
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Szymanski ◽  
Kirsten A. Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Minority Mental Health ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Structural Levels

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are able to persevere and flourish despite pervasive social stigma and minority stress based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. This chapter reviews the research on LGBTQ resilience that can occur at individual, interpersonal/family, community, and contextual/structural levels. The authors describe qualitative research that has examined pathways to resilience and positive LGBTQ identity. The authors also review quantitative research on LGBTQ resilience via mediator, moderator, and moderated mediation models. Variables are described that have been found to explain or buffer the links between external and internalized minority stressors and mental health outcomes. The authors review the small but growing body of research that has begun to examine the efficacy of therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting LGBTQ resilience. Limitations are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.

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