scholarly journals Oculomotor fatigue and neuropsychological assessments mirror multiple sclerosis fatigue

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang H. Zangemeister ◽  
Christof Heesen ◽  
Dorit Roehr ◽  
Stefan Gold
Keyword(s):  
Phase Plane ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Phasic Alertness ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessments

Fatigue is a major complaint in MS. Up to now no objective assessment tools have been established which hampers any treatment approach. Previous work has indicated an association of fatigue with cognitive measures of attention. Oculomotor tests have been established in healthy individuals as a read-out of fatigue, and to some extent in MS patients. Based on these observations we compared two groups of MS patients, one with fatigue (n=28) and one without fatigue (n=21) and a group of healthy subjects (n=15) with a stand- ardised computerised measure of alertness and an oculomotor stress test. Patients with fatigue showed highly significant changes of their saccade dynamics as defined by the Main Sequence and Phase Plane plots: They showed slowing of saccades, the characteristical fatigue double peak, and an asymmetrical phase plane. Oculomotor tests differentiated significantly between fatigue and fatigabiliy in our MS patients. They also showed significantly worse performance in the alertness test as well as in the oculomotor task. Significantly slower reaction times were observed for tonic alertness in 2 series without a cue (p=.025 and p=.037) but not in phasic alertness with a cue (p=.24 and p=.34). Performance was influenced by disability as well as by affective state. We conclude, when controlling for disability and depression, saccadic stress tests and alertness tests could be used as an objective read-out for fatigability and fatigue in MS patients.

Characterization of CMOS Structures (0.6 µm process) Submitted to HBM and COM ESD Stress Tests

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Meneghesso ◽  
E. Zanoni ◽  
P. Colombo ◽  
M. Brambilla ◽  
R. Annunziata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electrostatic Discharge ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Complete Characterization ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
Emission Microscopy ◽  
Fast Rise ◽  
Scanning Electron

Abstract In this work, we present new results concerning electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness of 0.6 μm CMOS structures. Devices have been tested according to both HBM and socketed CDM (sCDM) ESD test procedures. Test structures have been submitted to a complete characterization consisting in: 1) measurement of the tum-on time of the protection structures submitted to pulses with very fast rise times; 2) ESD stress test with the HBM and sCDM models; 3) failure analysis based on emission microscopy (EMMI) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

scholarly journals Ultrasound Echogenicity is Associated with Achilles Tendon Fatigue Damage in a Cadaveric Loading Model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine C. Schmidt ◽  
Todd J. Hullfish ◽  
Kathryn M. O’Connor ◽  
Michael W. Hast ◽  
Josh R. Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Fatigue Damage ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Fatigue Loading ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fatigue Protocol ◽  
Change In Mean

ABSTRACTAchilles tendon disorders are among the most difficult sports-related injuries to predict with current diagnostic tools. The purpose of this study was to identify a clinically useful marker for early tendon damage. We hypothesized that alterations in mean echogenicity are linked with changes in vitro tendon mechanics. To test our hypothesis, we harvested Achilles tendons from 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric feet and cyclically fatigued them using a universal test frame while we continuously acquired ultrasound images. Throughout this fatigue protocol, we applied 2 stress tests every 500 loading cycles to quantify changes in ultrasound imaging echogenicity. We continued this fatigue protocol until each tendon either failed completely or survived 150,000 cycles. Tendons that failed during the fatigue loading (6/10) underwent greater changes in mean echogenicity compared to tendons that did not fail (P = 0.031). These tendons that failed during fatigue loading demonstrated greater changes in mean echogenicity that surpassed 1.0%; whereas survivor tendons exhibited less than 0.5% changes in mean echogenicity. We found that changes in mean echogenicity measured with ultrasound increased proportionally with increased tendon damage. The magnitude of these changes was relatively small (<1.5% change in mean echogenicity) but may be an effective predictor of tendon failure. Mean echogenicity is a promising marker for quantifying fatigue damage in cadaveric Achilles tendons during a stress test. Although these changes cannot be detected with the naked eye, computer-based predictive models may effectively assess risk of tendon damage in physically active adults.Level of evidenceControlled laboratory experiment

scholarly journals Structural Assessment of Scars Using Optical Techniques

2020 ◽  
pp. 169-178
Author(s):  
L. van Haasterecht ◽  
Paul P. M. van Zuijlen ◽  
ML. Groot
Keyword(s):  
Second Harmonic ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Optical Techniques ◽  
Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy ◽  
Treatment Benefits ◽  
Precise Quantification ◽  
Resolution Imaging

AbstractThe evaluation of scar treatment benefits from exact structural measurements. Accurate assessment of thickness, surface area, and relief is crucial in routine clinical follow-up. From an experimental perspective, precise visualization of the microstructural organization is necessary for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathological scarring. Structural proteins in scars differ from healthy skin in terms of amount, type, and importantly, organization. The precise quantification of this extracellular matrix (ECM) organization was, until recently, limited to two-dimensional images from fixated and stained tissue. Advances in optical techniques now allow high-resolution imaging of these structures, in some cases in vivo. The enormous potential of these techniques as objective assessment tools is illustrated by a substantial increase in available devices. This chapter describes currently used devices and techniques used in the clinical follow-up of scar progression from a volumetric standpoint. Furthermore, some of the most powerful techniques for microstructural research are described including optical coherence tomography, nonlinear optical techniques such as second harmonic generation microscopy, and confocal microscopy.

scholarly journals Assessment of Seed Vigor Tests for Crambe abyssinica

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 527
Author(s):  
Tássia Fernanda Santos Neri Soares ◽  
Bruno Antônio Lemos de Freitas ◽  
José Geraldo de Araújo Ferreira Filho ◽  
Denise Cunha Fernandes dos Santos Dias ◽  
Camila Andrade Fialho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Water Stress ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Primary Root ◽  
Cold Test ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Germination Test ◽  
Crambe Abyssinica ◽  
Seedling Length

Vigor tests are important mainly to identify differences associated to lots performance in field conditions. The objective of this study was to define the most appropriate tests to evaluate the crambe (Crambe abyssinica) seeds vigor. Seven seed lots of crambe were subjected to the standard germination (on the first and last count), germination speed index (GSI), primary root protrusion speed index (PRPSI), seedling length dry and weight seedling, water stress test using PEG 6000 at -0.2 MPa, electrical conductivity and cold test without soil. Crambe lots studied had germination percentages varying from 54 to 80.5%. The GSI, on the first count of water stress and electrical conductivity test ranked lots between two vigor classes The PRPSI, seedling length, seedling dry weight and last count of water stress tests were less sensitive to evaluate vigor for crambe seed. The cold test without soil and the first count of standard germination test were capable to dishtinguish lots more efficiently than the standard germination test on last count by ranking four of the seven seed lots studied.

Abstract 17369: Addressing Missed Opportunities for Cardiometabolic Primary Prevention of Veterans Referred for Stress Testing

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ysanne Johnson ◽  
Sheila M Mattei ◽  
Matthew Burg ◽  
Judith L Meadows
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Stress Testing ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Risk Reduction Strategies

Introduction: Patients presenting to stress testing have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (RF) which are not at guideline supported goals. Referral to stress testing is often a patient’s first presentation to CV care and represents a missed opportunity for delivery of risk reduction strategies. Hypothesis: Implementation of a cardiometabolic prevention initiative for cardiology-naïve patients referred to stress testing will result in improved delivery of guideline-directed prevention care. Methods: A consecutive prospective cohort of patients who underwent stress testing (12/1/2019-1/31/2020) after implementation of a linked cardiometabolic prevention referral for those with low risk stress tests was compared to a retrospective standard of care (SOC) cohort (9/1/2019-10/1/2019) from a single center Veterans Hospital. Outcomes assessed were change in CV risk reduction care at 90 days following stress test. Results: Of 181 patients, 62.5% were naïve to cardiology specialty care, had >1 CV risk factor not meeting guideline goals, 6% had typical angina as presenting symptoms, and greater than 70% of stress tests were normal or low risk. Baseline CV RF were common and failed to reach goals in SOC and intervention cohorts respectively with LDL above goal (40 vs. 33%), stage 1 or greater hypertension (67 vs 81%), Diabetes with HgA1c > 7 (48 vs. 21%), overweight or obese (68 vs. 79%), current tobacco (11 vs. 12%), and elevated mean 10-year ASCVD risk (32 vs.20%). At 90 days, 28% of SOC cohort had intensification of CV prevention care as compared to 76% of intervention cohort (X 2 26.8, p<0.05). Conclusions: A stress testing setting represents a valuable opportunity to deliver cardiometabolic prevention care. Integration of risk reduction strategies is imperative to shift from cardiac disease management to patient centered health promotion.

scholarly journals Developing non‐invasive, objective assessment tools for social apathy in neurocognitive disorders: The role of action kinematics

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (S6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Manera ◽  
Guenda Gualperti ◽  
Erika Rovini ◽  
Radia Zeghari ◽  
Gianmaria Mancioppi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorders ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Non Invasive

scholarly journals Exposure to impacts across a competitive rugby season impairs balance and neuromuscular function in female rugby athletes

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000740
Author(s):  
Stephanie E Black ◽  
Bruno Follmer ◽  
Rinaldo André Mezzarane ◽  
Gregory E P Pearcey ◽  
Yao Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Head Impacts ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Balance Board

ObjectivesWe used objective assessment tools to detect subtle neurological deficits that accompany repetitive and mild head impacts in contact sport across a season.MethodsFemale participants (n=13, 21±1.8 years old; 167.6±6.7 cm; 72.8±6.1 kg) completed assessments pre and post the varsity rugby season. A commercial balance board was used to assess static balance and response to dynamic postural challenge. Spinal cord excitability via the soleus H-reflex was assessed in both legs. Video analysis was used to identify head impact exposures.ResultsA total of 172 potential concussive events were verified across 11 athletes (15.6±11; 95% CI: 6.5 to 19.8). Balance performance was worse at post-season for total centre of pressure which increased by 26% in the double stance on a stable surface (t(12)=-2.33; p=0.03; d=0.6) and by 140% in the tandem stance on a foam surface (t(12)=-3.43; p<0.01; d=0.9). Despite that, dynamic postural performance was improved after the season (p<0.01). Spinal cord excitability in rugby athletes did not change across the season but deviated from normative values at baseline.ConclusionQuantitative measures revealed that exposure to impacts across a competitive rugby season impair balance in two specific stances in female rugby athletes. Tandem-leg stance on an unstable surface and double-leg stance on firm surface are useful assessment conditions when performed over a low-cost balance board, even without clinically diagnosed concussion.

scholarly journals The effects of stress incontinence surgery on sexual function and life quality of women

2016 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Tuncer ◽  
Fatih Tarhan ◽  
Alper Kafkasli ◽  
Kadir Demir ◽  
Ugur Yucetas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Stress Incontinence ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Transobturator Tape ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
International Consultation ◽  
Stress Incontinence Surgery

Objective: To evaluate Transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension procedure’s effects on sexual functions and life quality. Materials and Methods: A total of 81 patients who underwent TOT (n = 49) or Burch (n = 32) with stress incontinence were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively and at postoperative 6 month follow up pad and stress tests, physical examinations, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires were performed. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnare was added postoperatively. Results: According to stress test, success rate was found to be 69% and 45%, in the TOT and Burch groups respectively. Pad test decreased in both groups (p &lt; 0.05). PGI-I scores was higher in the TOT group when compared to Burch group (p = 0.031). ICIQ-SF scores were improved in both TOT (p &lt; 0.0001) and Burch groups (p &lt; 0.012). IUDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved only in TOT group. Total FSFI scores did not change in both groups but only in TOT group sexual desire improved. Total FSFI scores did not change in patients that were successful and unsuccessful according to the stress test in both TOT and Burch groups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: TOT and Burch procedures have no effect on the sexual functions. However TOT improved life quality of patients.

Exercise performance in children and adolescents after the Ross procedure

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley S. Marino ◽  
Sara K. Pasquali ◽  
Gil Wernovsky ◽  
John R. Bockoven ◽  
Michael McBride ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Exercise Performance ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Ideal Body Weight ◽  
Exercise Stress Test ◽  
Exercise Stress ◽  
Ross Procedure ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Primary Indication ◽  
Before And After

Objectives:The Ross procedure is increasingly utilized in the treatment of aortic valvar disease in children and adolescents. Our purpose was to compare pre- and post-operative exercise state in this population.Methods:We included patients who underwent the Ross procedure at our institution between January, 1995, and December, 2003, and in whom we had performed pre- and post-operative exercise stress tests. We used a ramp bicycle protocol to measure consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide. Cardiac output was estimated from effective pulmonary blood flow by the helium acetylene re-breathing technique.Results:We studied 26 patients, having a median age at surgery of 15.7 years, with a range from 7.5 to 24.1 years. The primary indication for surgery in two-thirds was combined aortic stenosis and insufficiency. Median time from the operation to the post-operative exercise stress test was 17.4 months, with a range from 6.7 to 30.2 months. There was a trend toward lower maximal consumption of oxygen after the procedure, at 36.3 plus or minus 7.6 millilitres per kilogram per minute (83.9% predicted) as opposed to 38.6 plus or minus 8.4 millilitres per kilogram per minute (88.5% predicted, p equal to 0.06). Patients after the procedure, however, had significantly increased adiposity, so that there was no difference in maximal consumption of oxygen indexed to ideal body weight before and after the operation. In 20 of the patients, aerobic capacity improved or was stable after the operation. There was no post-operative chronotropic impairment.Conclusions:In the majority of patients following the Ross procedure, exercise performance is stable and within the normal range of a healthy age and sex matched population, despite sedentary lifestyles and increased adiposity.

The Influences of Different Temperature Histories on the Assessment of Cracking Resistance Based on the Concrete Thermal Stress Test

2014 ◽  
Vol 496-500 ◽  
pp. 2426-2430
Author(s):  
Xue Feng Song ◽  
Ying Fei Wang ◽  
Chao Li
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Temperature Control ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Adiabatic Heating ◽  
Control Mode ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
Cracking Resistance ◽  
Data Matching ◽  
Empirical Tests ◽  
Heating Mode

This paper studied the influences of different temperature histories on the assessment of cracking resistance based on the thermal stress tests, and also initially considered and discussed the effects of several empirical tests on thermal stress tests, including approximate adiabatic heating mode, temperature control mode, archived data matching mode, followed by some proposals regarding the standardizing research of thermal stress test of concrete.

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