scholarly journals Improvement in the detection of Cervical Spondylotic Neuropathy through a combination of shifted frequency Distribution of F-Latency (DFL)

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
M Obaidur Rahman ◽  
Ehsan Alam Chowdhury ◽  
K Siddique-e Rabbani

Our extended group in Dhaka University has shown that frequency Distribution of F-Latency (DFL) of peripheral nerve trunks may be used for the detection of Cervical Spondylotic Neuropathy (CSN). A double blind study was performed recently to ascertain the efficacy of DFL in the detection of CSN using MRI findings as the benchmark, which was performed on 62 median nerves of 31 volunteers within an age range of 20 and 80 years. In our laboratory DFL is obtained by grouping F-latency data into 2ms bins and then plotting a frequency polygon. The shapes of the resulting polygons are sorted into two categories: i) single peak and ii) broad peak or multiple peaks. The first category was taken to represent normalcy while the second category was taken to represent CSN. The present work was taken up to study the effect on the polygon patterns due to shifting of the starting point of each bin by 1ms. Two decisions were made for each nerve regarding normalcy or CSN based on both the individual polygon patterns. Two more decisions were made based on the logic AND and logic OR operations of the above two decisions. These four individual decisions from all the nerves were then compared with MRI findings. This shows that such bin shifting and a decision based on OR logic on the two DFLs thus obtained gives the best overall efficacy compared to all the other procedures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmp.v6i1.19762 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.6 No.1 2013 75-81

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-55
Author(s):  
Ehsan Alam Chowdhury ◽  
Md Zakir Hussain ◽  
M Obaidur Rahman ◽  
K Siddique-e Rabbani

Distribution of F-Latency (DFL) is a new parameter in peripheral nerve conduction measurement and an important application of this new technique is the detection of Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy (CRM) at an early stage through an evaluation of its pattern. Typically a single sharp peak corresponds to normalcy while double peak or a broad peak represents pathology. The current study is an exercise in validating DFL as a screening tool for CRM by comparing the data obtained from an extended pool of subjects (56 median nerves of 28 persons) against corresponding MRI findings through a double blind study. Subject selection was done randomly A 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and a home built Computerised EMG equipment were used for this study. Analysis of data gave a correct prediction or efficacy of 75%, sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 50%. The present study establishes DFL on a stronger footing for assessment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, whether due to spinal cord or nerve root compression. In combination with conventional simple clinical tests, DFL is expected to give better information for diagnosis of CRM. Being a non-invasive technique requiring virtually zero expenditure in consumables, it promises greater access to patients, and could be used for extensive prevalence study, which cannot be performed using MRI. The capability of DFL in detecting subclinical stages of CRM holds a promise as an awareness development tool alongside screening for neuropathy.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.7 No.1 2014 46-55


1979 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
H P Schjønsby ◽  
A E Gordon ◽  
D Koeppen

Efficacy and safety of the 1,5 benzodiazepine, clobazam, in comparison to the 1,4 benzodiazepine, diazepam, were controlled in sixty psychiatric out-patients over a period of three months. In the course of this long treatment period data were obtained confirming findings of shorter-lasting studies. Global assessment of the therapeutic efficacy and the total scores of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale revealed no significant difference between the compounds. Both groups showed a significant (p < 0.01) improvement in the total scores of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale after two weeks of treatment. Scores of the individual items indicated distinct spectra of action: Clobazam was more effective in diminishing anxious mood, whereas diazepam was better able to influence muscular symptoms of anxiety. The relevance of the findings for a more individualized therapy is pointed out.


2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Ramnani ◽  
E. Gaudier ◽  
M. Bingham ◽  
P. van Bruggen ◽  
K. M. Tuohy ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to determine the prebiotic effect of fruit and vegetable shots containing inulin derived from Jerusalem artichoke (JA). A three-arm parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was carried out with sixty-six healthy human volunteers (thirty-three men and thirty-three women, age range: 18–50 years). Subjects were randomised into three groups (n22) assigned to consume either the test shots, pear-carrot-sea buckthorn (PCS) or plum-pear-beetroot (PPB), containing JA inulin (5 g/d) or the placebo. Fluorescentin situhybridisation was used to monitor populations of total bacteria, bacteroides, bifidobacteria,Clostridium perfringens/histolyticumsubgroup,Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoidesgroup, Lactobacillus/Enterococcusspp.,Atopobiumspp.,Faecalibacterium prausnitziiand propionibacteria. Bifidobacteria levels were significantly higher on consumption of both the PCS and PPB shots (10·0 (sd0·24) and 9·8 (sd0·22) log10cells/g faeces, respectively) compared with placebo (9·3 (sd0·42) log10cells/g faeces) (P < 0·0001). A small though significant increase inLactobacillus/Enterococcusgroup was also observed for both the PCS and PPB shots (8·3 (sd0·49) and 8·3 (sd0·36) log10cells/g faeces, respectively) compared with placebo (8·1 (sd0·37) log10cells/g faeces) (P = 0·042). Other bacterial groups and faecal SCFA concentrations remained unaffected. No extremities were seen in the adverse events, medication or bowel habits. A slight significant increase in flatulence was reported in the subjects consuming the PCS and PPB shots compared with placebo, but overall flatulence levels remained mild. A very high level of compliance (>90 %) to the product was observed. The present study confirms the prebiotic efficacy of fruit and vegetable shots containing JA inulin.


Author(s):  
Alicja Urbaniak ◽  
Anna Skarpańska-Stejnborn

Abstract. The aim of the study was to review recent findings on the use of POM supplements in athletes of various disciplines and physically active participants. Eleven articles published between 2010 and 2018 were included, where the total number of investigated subjects was 176. Male participants constituted the majority of the group (n = 155), as compared to females (n = 21). 45% of research described was conducted on athletes, whereas the remaining studies were based on highly active participants. Randomised, crossover, double-blind study designs constituted the majority of the experimental designs used. POM supplementation varied in terms of form (pills/juice), dosage (50 ml–500 ml) and time of intervention (7 days–2 months) between studies. Among the reviewed articles, POM supplementation had an effect on the improvement of the following: whole body strength; feeling of vitality; acute and delayed muscle fatigue and soreness; increase in vessel diameter; blood flow and serum level of TAC; reduction in the rate of increase for HR, SBP, CK and LDH; support in the recovery of post-training CK, LDH, CRP and ASAT to their baseline levels; reduction of MMP2, MMP9, hsCRP and MDA; and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase). In the majority of reviewed articles POM supplementation had a positive effect on a variety of parameters studied and the authors recommended it as a supplement for athletes and physically active bodies.


2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Wicklund

Abstract: Solidarity in the classic sense pertains to a cohesion among humans that entails physical contact, shared emotions, and common goals or projects. Characteristic cases are to be found among families, close friends, or co-workers. The present paper, in contrast, treats a phenomenon of the solidarity of distance, a solidarity based in fear of certain others and in incompetence to interact with them. The starting point for this analysis is the person who is motivated to interact with others who are unfamiliar or fear-provoking. Given that the fear and momentary social incompetence do not allow a full interaction to ensue, the individual will move toward solidarity with those others on a symbolic level. In this manner the motivation to approach the others is acted upon while physical and emotional distance is retained.


1987 ◽  
Vol 57 (03) ◽  
pp. 326-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ph Vague ◽  
I Juhan-Vague ◽  
M C Alessi ◽  
C Badier ◽  
J Valadier

SummaryWe have previously observed a positive correlation between Plasminogen Activator Inhibition capacity (PA Inhibition), Body Mass Index (BMI) and plasma insulin levels in a population of non diabetic subjects. The anti diabetic biguanide Metformin which decreases insulin resistance has been reported to increase the blood fibrinolytic activity. Therefore we have studied the effect of Metformin on PA Inhibition levels in obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Eighteen obese women (O) (BMI: 31.4 ± 1.13, m ± S.E.M.) were compared to age matched controls (C) (BMI: 20.2 ± 0.8) and randomized to a 15 days treatment by Metformin (M) (1.7 g/day) or placebo (P) in a double blind study while on a weight maintaining diet. O compared to C had higher levels (m ± S.E.M.) of PA Inhibition (9 ± 1.8 IU/ml, versus 2.88 ± 0.29 p <0.01), lower euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA) (4.95 ±1.17 mm versus 9 ± 0.29 p <0.05), higher plasma insulin (24.1 ±2.1. uU/ml), versus 12 ± 1 p <0.01) and triglyceride (1.32 ± 0.16 mmol/1, versus 0.8 ± 0.08 p <0.05). After 15 days of treatment, in group M a significant decrease in PA Inhibition (5.51 ± 1.4, versus 9.48 ±2.1 p <0.05) in plasma insulin (18.5 ±0.1, versus 24.5 ± 3.5, p <0.05) and plasma triglyceride (1.08 ± 0.1, versus 1.47 ± 0.3 p <0.05) and an increase in EFA (6.50 ± 0.28, versus 5.25 ± 0.35 p <0.05) were observed. No significant variation was observed in group P.


1967 ◽  
Vol 18 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 766-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J Knieriem ◽  
A. B Chandler

SummaryThe effect of the administration of warfarin sodium (Coumadin®) on the duration of platelet aggregation in vitro was studied. Coumadin was given for 4 consecutive days to 10 healthy adults who were followed over a period of 9 days. The duration of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma, the prothrombin time, and the platelet count of platelet-rich plasma were measured. Four other healthy adults received placebos and participated in a double-blind study with those receiving Coumadin.Although administration of Coumadin caused a prolongation of the prothrombin time to 2 or 21/2 times the normal value, a decrease in the duration of platelet aggregation was not observed. In most individuals who received Coumadin an increase in the duration of platelet aggregation occurred. The effect of Coumadin on platelet aggregation was not consistently related to the prothrombin time or to the platelet count. In the placebo group there was a distinct relation between the duration of platelet aggregation and the platelet count in platelet-rich plasma.The mean increase in the duration of platelet aggregation when compared to the control value before medication with Coumadin was 37.7%. In the placebo group there was a mean increase of 8.4%. The difference between the two groups is significant (p <0.001). Increased duration of platelet aggregation also occurred in two individuals who received Coumadin over a period of 10 and 16 days respectively.


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