1,188 research outputs found
Walking Biomechanics and Energetics of Individuals with a Visual Impairment: A Preliminary Report
Purpose.
Although walking gait in sighted populations is well researched, few studies have investigated persons with visual impairments (VIs). Given the lack of physical activity in people with VIs, it is possible that reduced efficiency in walking could adversely affect activity. The purposes of this preliminary study were to (1) examine the biomechanics and energetics utilized during independent and guided walking in subjects with VIs, and (2) compare gait biomechanics between people with VIs and sighted controls.
Methods.
Three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used during independent and guided walking at self-selected speeds. Joint angles, moments, external work, and recovery were compared.
Results.
The VI group performed independent walking slower and with reduced stride lengths compared with guided walking and sighted controls. Hip range of motion and peak joint moments were reduced during independent walking in the VI group compared with guided walking and controls. Work was greater by 114%, 32%, and 16% in the VI group during independent than during guided walking. Recovery was 11% greater in guided vs. independent walking.
Conclusions.
In the presented preliminary study among 3 persons with congenital VIs, independent walking was a less efficient mode of walking compared with guided walking and that of sighted controls
Development and Evaluation of a Computer-Based, Self-Management Tool for People Recently Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Aim. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a computer-based, dietary, and physical activity self-management program for people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methods. The computer-based program was developed in conjunction with the target group and evaluated in a 12-week randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants were randomised to the intervention (computer-program) or control group (usual care). Primary outcomes were diabetes knowledge and goal setting (ADKnowl questionnaire, Diabetes Obstacles Questionnaire (DOQ)) measured at baseline and week 12. User feedback on the program was obtained via a questionnaire and focus groups. Results. Seventy participants completed the 12-week RCT (32 intervention, 38 control, mean age 59 (SD) years). After completion there was a significant between-group difference in the "knowledge and beliefs scale" of the DOQ. Two-thirds of the intervention group rated the program as either good or very good, 92% would recommend the program to others, and 96% agreed that the information within the program was clear and easy to understand. Conclusions. The computer-program resulted in a small but statistically significant improvement in diet-related knowledge and user satisfaction was high. With some further development, this computer-based educational tool may be a useful adjunct to diabetes self-management. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT number NCT00877851
Ocular Point-of-Care Ultrasonography to Diagnose Posterior Chamber Abnormalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Importance: Diagnosing posterior chamber ocular abnormalities typically requires specialist assessment. Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) performed by nonspecialists, if accurate, could negate the need for urgent ophthalmologist evaluation.
Objective: This meta-analysis sought to define the diagnostic test characteristics of emergency practitioner-performed ocular POCUS to diagnose multiple posterior chamber abnormalities in adults.
Data sources: PubMed (OVID), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and SCOPUS were searched from inception through June 2019 without restrictions. Conference abstracts and trial registries were also searched. Bibliographies of included studies and relevant reviews were manually searched, and experts in the field were queried.
Study selection: Included studies compared ocular POCUS performed by emergency practitioners with a reference standard of ophthalmologist evaluation. Pediatric studies were excluded. All 116 studies identified during abstract screening as potentially relevant underwent full-text review by multiple authors, and 9 studies were included.
Data extraction and synthesis: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, multiple authors extracted data from included studies. Results were meta-analyzed for each diagnosis using a bivariate random-effects model. Data analysis was performed in July 2019.
Main outcomes and measures: The outcomes of interest were diagnostic test characteristics of ocular POCUS for the following diagnoses: retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous detachment, intraocular foreign body, globe rupture, and lens dislocation.
Results: Nine studies (1189 eyes) were included. All studies evaluated retinal detachment, but up to 5 studies assessed each of the other diagnoses of interest. For retinal detachment, sensitivity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88-0.97) and specificity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.85-0.98). Sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.65-0.98) and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.75-0.98), respectively, for vitreous hemorrhage and were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.51-0.81) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.53-0.98), respectively, for vitreous detachment. Sensitivity and specificity were high for lens dislocation (0.97 [95% CI, 0.83-0.99] and 0.99 [95% CI, 0.97-1.00]), intraocular foreign body (1.00 [95% CI, 0.81-1.00] and 0.99 [95% CI, 0.99-1.00]), and globe rupture (1.00 [95% CI, 0.63-1.00] and 0.99 [95% CI, 0.99-1.00]). Results were generally unchanged in sensitivity analyses of studies with low risk of bias.
Conclusions and relevance: This study suggests that emergency practitioner-performed ocular POCUS is an accurate test to assess for retinal detachment in adults. Its utility in diagnosing other posterior chamber abnormalities is promising but needs further study
Modelling the enigmatic Late Pliocene Glacial Event: Marine Isotope Stage M2
The Pliocene Epoch (5.2 to 2.58Ma) has often been targeted to investigate the nature ofwarmclimates. However,
climate records for the Pliocene exhibit significant variability and show intervals that apparently experienced a
cooler than modern climate. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) M2 (~3.3 Ma) is a globally recognisable cooling event
that disturbs an otherwise relatively (compared to present-day) warm background climate state. It remains
unclear whether this event corresponds to significant ice sheet build-up in the Northern and Southern
Hemisphere. Estimates of sea level for this interval vary, and range from modern values to estimates of 65 m
sea level fall with respect to present day. Here we implement plausibleM2 ice sheet configurations into a coupled
atmosphere–ocean climate model to test the hypothesis that larger-than-modern ice sheet configurations may
have existed at M2. Climate model results are compared with proxy climate data available for M2 to assess the
plausibility of each ice sheet configuration. Whilst the outcomes of our data/model comparisons are not in all
cases straight forward to interpret, there is little indication that results from model simulations in which
significant ice masses have been prescribed in the Northern Hemisphere are incompatible with proxy data from
the North Atlantic, Northeast Arctic Russia, North Africa and the Southern Ocean. Therefore, our model results do
not preclude thepossibilityof the existenceof larger icemasses duringM2 in the Northern or SouthernHemisphere.
Specifically they are not able to discount the possibility of significant icemasses in the Northern Hemisphere during
the M2 event, consistent with a global sea-level fall of between 40 m and 60 m. This study highlights the general
need for more focused and coordinated data generation in the future to improve the coverage and consistency in
proxy records for M2, which will allow these and future M2 sensitivity tests to be interrogated further
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One Year Follow-up of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Neuropathic Pain Following Amputation
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Over 85% of patients experience residual limb (RLP) and/or phantom limb (PLP) pain following amputation. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a non-opioid approach to relieve postamputation neuropathic pain. A recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a novel percutaneous PNS system demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain and pain interference with PNS compared to placebo (Gilmore et al, 2019). This work presents prospective 1-yr follow-up to assess durability of pain relief and functional improvements.
METHODS
Over 85% of patients experience residual limb (RLP) and/or phantom limb (PLP) pain following amputation. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a non-opioid approach to relieve post-amputation neuropathic pain. A recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a novel percutaneous PNS system demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain and pain interference with PNS compared to placebo (Gilmore et al, 2019). This work presents prospective one-year follow-up to assess durability of pain relief and functional improvements.
RESULTS
A significantly greater proportion of subjects who completed the 12-mo visit reported = 50% pain relief on the BPI-SF (5/8, 63%; average pain relief = 73% among responders) compared to the placebo group at the time of crossover (0/14, 0%, P = .003; average pain relief = 23%). A majority of subjects also reported = 50% reductions in pain interference at 12 mo (5/8, 63%). Two of 13 (15%) subjects in the placebo group reported sustained improvements in pain interference (P = .06). Average reduction in pain interference among responders in the PNS group was 87%.
CONCLUSION
This work suggests that PNS delivered over 60 d may provide clinically significant and enduring pain relief, enabling improved function and potentially reducing the need for a permanently implanted system
Predictors of Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors in Professional Firefighters
The leading cause of mortality (~50% of deaths) among on-duty firefighters is sudden cardiac death. Firefighters with adequate cardiorespiratory fitness levels (among other muscular fitness metrics) and lower body fat percentage (BF%) are likely to better combat on-duty cardiac events and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Individuals with higher VO2max values may be at lower risk noted by lower oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, which may be more ideal predictors of CVD risk compared to traditional biomarkers (i.e., blood glucose and lipids) among the fire community; however, more research is needed to elucidate. PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between fitness metrics, body fat percentage, and traditional and non-traditional biomarkers among professional firefighters. METHODS: Ninety-eight professional, male firefighters (age = 36.26 ± 9.08 yrs; height = 179.53 ± 7.06 cm; waist circumference = 37.99 ± 4.13 cm; BF% = 24.39 ± 5.21; years of experience = 11.81 ± 8.00 yrs) from a local fire department were studied VO2max was estimated from total treadmill exercise time using the Foster equation.. Fitness metrics including muscular strength, endurance, and power variables were also measured. Fasted blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of lipids, glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP). To assess the relationship between fitness metrics and AOPP, CRP, and HOMA-IR, ordinary least square regression analyses were used. RESULTS: VO2max values were inversely (p \u3c 0.05) related to AOPP, HOMA-IR, and CRP. Waist circumference was positively correlated to AOPP concentrations and HOMA-IR, while increased BF% was significantly related to increased CRP concentrations. CONCLUSION: High VO2max values were significantly related to lower AOPP, CRP, and HOMA-IR. Additionally, high waist circumference and BF% values were related to increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Firefighters are encouraged to maintain high cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and lower BF% to reduce CVD and, ultimately, on-duty sudden cardiac death risk
Firefighters Versus Law Enforcement Officers: A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Firefighters (FF) and law enforcement officers (LEO) have heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to the stressful nature of their occupations. Data suggest that 45% of on-duty FF fatalities are related to CVD, while LEO have a 1.7 times higher CVD prevalence compared to the general public. To our knowledge, studies comparing FF to LEO, in terms of CVD risk factors, have not been published. This information is necessary to better understand differences in occupational disease risk, as well as to help bridge the gap between stress and CVD markers. PURPOSE: To compare CVD risk biomarkers, fitness, and body composition between career FF and LEO. METHODS: Ninety-eight career, structural male FF (age = 35.1±9.6 yrs; weight = 94.3±15.4 kg; height = 178.4±13.2 cm) and seventy-three career male and female LEO (age = 41.4±9.0 yrs; weight = 92.3±16.8 kg; height = 179.6±8.1 cm) from local fire and police departments were studied. Participants completed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPXT), where VO2max was estimated from the Foster equation. Fasted blood samples were collected to assess biomarkers of CVD risk: advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and cortisol. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition and waist and hip measures were taken. Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to assess normality. Independent sample T-tests or non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests (if normality was violated) were used to assess differences in CVD risk biomarkers, fitness, and body composition between the FF and LEO. Effect sizes were calculated as Cohen’s d (i.e., small [0.2-0.5], medium [0.5-0.8], large [\u3e0.8]). RESULTS: Firefighters had higher (p\u3c0.05) CPXT exercise times (FF: 10.9±1.6 min; LEO: 10.3±2.0 min; d=0.366) compared to LEO. While not statistically significant (p=0.64), FF had higher VO2max values (FF: 38.2±6.6 ml/kg/min; LEO: 36.2±6.2 ml/kg/min; d=0.306). Firefighters also had higher (p\u3c0.05) AOPP (FF: 134.8±90.1 mM; LEO: 106.8±67.6 mM; d=0.342), blood cortisol (FF: 14.2±5.0 mg/dL; LEO: 12.5±5.6 mg/dL; d=0.325), and waist-to-hip ratios (FF: 0.95±0.06; LEO: 0.89±0.08; d=0.792). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that while FF demonstrated greater CPXT time-to-exhaustion they also expressed greater levels of stress and risk for CVD compared to LEO
Computational Analysis of the Effect of Porosity on Shock Cell Strength at Cruise
A computational flow field analysis is presented of the effect of core cowl porosity on shock cell strength for a modern separate flow nozzle at cruise conditions. The goal of this study was to identify the primary physical mechanisms by which the application of porosity can reduce shock cell strength and hence the broadband shock associated noise. The flow is simulated by solving the asymptotically steady, compressible, Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes equations on a structured grid using an implicit, up-wind, flux-difference splitting finite volume scheme. The standard two-equation k - epsilon turbulence model with a linear stress representation is used with the addition of a eddy viscosity dependence on total temperature gradient normalized by local turbulence length scale. Specific issues addressed in this study were the optimal area required to weaken a shock impinging on the core cowl surface and the optimal level of porosity and placement of porous areas for reduction of the overall shock cell strength downstream. Two configurations of porosity were found to reduce downstream shock strength by approximately 50%
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