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PubMed1999

Calorimetric examination of high-affinity Src SH2 domain-tyrosyl phosphopeptide binding: dissection of the phosphopeptide sequence specificity and coupling energetics.

SH2 domains are protein modules which interact with specific tyrosine phosphorylated sequences in target proteins. The SH2 domain of the Src kinase binds with high affinity to a tyrosine phosphorylated peptide containing the amino acids Glu, Glu, and Ile (EEI) at the positions +1, +2, and +3 C-terminal to the phosphotyrosine, respectively. To investigate the degree of selectivity of the Src SH2 domain for each amino acid of the EEI motif, the binding thermodynamics of a panel of substitutions at the +1 (Gln, Asp, Ala, Gly), +2 (Gln, Asp, Ala, Gly), and +3 (Leu, Val, Ala, Gly) positions were examined using titration microcalorimetry. It was revealed that the Src SH2 domain is insensitive (DeltaDeltaG degrees </= 0.6 kcal/mol) to conservative substitutions at all three peptide positions. However, mutation to Ala resulted in moderate reductions in DeltaG degrees, with the substitution at the +3 position showing the largest loss in affinity (DeltaDeltaG degrees = 1.4 kcal/mol), followed by the +2 (DeltaDeltaG degrees = 1.0 kcal/mol) and +1 (DeltaDeltaG degrees = 0.5 kcal/mol) positions. This hierarchy of binding was not reflected in the values of the heat capacity change, since only the peptide substituted to Ala at the +3 position showed a DeltaCp degrees that was reduced in magnitude compared to wild-type. To assess the degree of cooperation upon binding (or coupling) between the amino acids of the EEI sequence, the binding of a series of singly, doubly, and triply Ala substituted phosphopeptides was examined and analyzed using double mutant cycles. It was revealed that the effects of the Ala substitutions on DeltaG degrees were additive. However, nonadditive binding enthalpies were observed between the +1 Glu and +3 Ile, as well as the +2 Glu and +3 Ile, suggesting that communication occurs between residues of the EEI motif upon binding.

Alanine↗
PubMed2005

Using a set of strategic indicator systems as a decision-making support implement for establishing a recycling-oriented society. A Taiwanese case study.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND, SCOPE AND AIMS: To realize the vision of sustainable development (SD) originating from the 'only one earth' philosophy, and to integrate the conceptions of ecology and sustainability into the planning and decision-making criteria of urban growth management, the establishment of a recycling-oriented society (ROS) is essential. However, before the above intention can be achieved, it is indispensable to develop a system of strategic indicators for supporting a radical reformation of the urban development plan. Therefore, this study, based on the conception of the new urban development pattern ROS, attempted to carefully choose a sample city in Taiwan for launching a preliminary case study, and furthermore designed and proposed a concise and strategy-oriented assessment indicator system termed ROSAIS. ROSAIS, on the one hand, can act as a compass for understanding resource using efficiency and recycling status during city development and, on the other hand, can serve as an implement supporting decision-making for ROS construction. METHODS: According to the definition and spirit of ROS, the structure of ROSAIS should clearly represent the relationship between resources and environment in human activities. The eco-efficiency indicator system (EEIS) and environmental symbiosis indicator system (ESIS) can be considered two key subindicator systems, and are the necessary components of ROSAIS. EEIS chooses the dominant production sectors in urban economic activities to calculate their eco-efficiency (EE). Separately, for obtaining a consensus regarding the framework of ESIS, the questionnaire approaches and expert consultation, together with the research experience and foundation of current relevant studies and indicator systems, are applied when crucial resource and environmental issues and respective indicators are selected. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The calculation results of EEIS in this case study indicated that among the three dominant production activities (agricultural, fishery, and animal husbandry sector) the fishery sector has the highest EE, which indicates that the fishery activities and resources significantly influence the sustainability of the economic-environmental system of the sample city. Furthermore, according to a consensus achieved in ESIS, local green spaces, resource recovery, energy consumption pattern change, freshwater conservation and greenhouse effect abatement were considered as the five crucial issues influencing how the case study city can develop into an ES-city. The rate of local green spaces, resource recycling, freshwater conservation and the rate of reduction of nonrenewable energy use as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were used to evaluate the above five issues. CONCLUSION: This case study is unparalleled in Taiwan. Even in Japan, where ROS legislation has been implemented, this kind of study remains in the preliminary stages. Furthermore, when communicating the indicator results, it is essential to provide the context and countermeasures of the crucial issues that are faced. The two sub-indicator systems proposed in this case study could comply completely with the above-mentioned requirements. For example, the EEIS provides information for achieving a balance between environmental burden and economic benefits among dominant production sectors; the ESIS provides information for setting strategies for overcoming the crucial issues faced. RECOMMENDATION AND OUTLOOK: This study recommends that urban planers should consider the construction of the corresponding strategic indicator system to be indispensable, and makes further use of the indicator results related to the environmental education of residents for identifying and promoting participation with ROS, and turning them into implements for supporting urban SD decision-making. Furthermore, a successful indicator system depends on data availability and quality. This study recommends that urban planers should pay considerable attention to constructing relevant data collection channels, databases and the data quality.

Cities↗
PubMed2004

Comparison of the energy expenditure index and oxygen consumption index during self-paced walking in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy and children without physical disabilities.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the Energy Expenditure Index (EEI), based on heart rate (HR) adjusted for speed, was a clinical indicator of the Oxygen Consumption Index (OCI), oxygen consumption (VO(2)) adjusted for speed, during self-paced walking in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP) and children without physical disabilities (ND). Ten children with spastic diplegia CP and 15 children who are ND participated. VO(2) and HR were measured at rest and during self-paced ambulation using an AeroSport KB1-C portable metabolic system, and the EEI and OCI were calculated. A fair to good correlation (r = 0.61) between EEI and OCI was found for children with spastic diplegia CP ambulating at self-paced speeds while only a moderate correlation (r = 0.40) was found for children who are ND. The results suggest that the EEI may be a useful clinical indicator of OCI at self-paced ambulation speeds in children with spastic diplegia CP and warrants further investigation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Quantification of the effect of system and object parameters on edge enhancement in phase-contrast radiography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of system parameters (focal spot size, tube voltage, geometry, detector resolution, and image noise) and object characteristics (edge gradient/ shape, composition, thickness, and overlying attenuating material) upon the edge enhancement effect in phase-contrast radiography. Each variable of interest was adjusted and images of a 3 mm lucite phantom were obtained with the other variables remaining constant. A microfocus x-ray source coupled to a CCD camera with an intensifying screen was used to acquire the digital images. Two parameters of image analysis were used to quantify the effects. The edge enhancement index (EEI) was used to measure the absolute degree of edge enhancement, while the edge enhancement to noise ratio (EE/N) was used to measure the conspicuity of the edge enhancement relative to image noise. Little effect on EEI was seen from tube voltage, object thickness, overlying attenuating material, while focal spot size and system geometry demonstrated measurable effects upon the degree of edge enhancement. It was also shown that while the edge enhancement effect over straight edges is highly dependent upon how the edge aligns with the x-ray beam, rounded edges, which better model biological objects, do not suffer from this dependence and the EEI reaches its maximal level at any alignment. Decreasing detector resolution diminished the EEI slightly, but even with pixel sizes of 0.360 x 0.360 mm edge enhancement effects were readily visible. The effect of image noise on EE/N was evaluated using different exposure times showing an expected improvement with longer exposure time with EE/N approaching a plateau at 5 min. Many of the parameters that will go into the design of a future PC-R imaging system have been quantified in terms of their effect on the degree of edge enhancement in the acquired image. These results, taken together, indicate that either a specimen or even clinical breast imaging system could be created with currently available technology. The major limitation to a clinical system would be the low x-ray flux from the microfocal x-ray source.

Pattern Recognition, Automated↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multifactorial analysis of exchanger efficiency and liquid conservation during perfluorochemical liquid-assisted ventilation.

Liquid-assisted ventilation (LAV) of the lung with perfluorochemical (PFC) requires a method of oxygenating and removing CO2 from the liquid. Current PFC LAV techniques consist of total liquid ventilation, PFC lavage, and partial liquid ventilation. Because PFC liquid is volatile, it may be lost from the lung or ventilator circuit in the expired gas. This study evaluated the efficiencies of two types of exchangers (spray bubbler and membrane oxygenator) with respect to CO2 elimination from the PFC liquid and prevention of the loss of PFC liquid. A multifactorial analysis of exchanger efficiency was performed with respect to liquid conservation and CO2 removal. PFC losses and relative efficiencies of two types of exchangers to eliminate CO2 from expired PFC liquid were evaluated, along with two types of PFC liquids. Gas (100% O2 at 4 and 8 L/min) and PFC liquid were circulated countercurrently through the exchangers (oxygenator and bubbler) through a temperature-controlled (25 degrees or 37 degrees C) open circuit. To evaluate effectiveness of CO2 elimination, an exchanger efficiency index (EEI) for CO2 was calculated applying mass-transfer theory to characterize gas transport down a concentration gradient where EEI equals: [PPFCCO2 out--PPFCCO2 in]/PgasCO2 in--PPFCCO2 in]. Rate of PFC loss from the circuit was calculated from mixed expired gas samples using a thermal detector analyzer. EEI and PFC loss rate were analyzed with respect to gas: PFC liquid flow ratios (analogous to the V/Q ratio). The results showed that 1) PFC loss rate and exchanger efficiency to remove CO2 increased with increasing gas: PFC liquid flow rates independent of the type of exchanger or PFC liquid; 2) PFC loss rate at any gas or liquid flow rate was greater for the bubbler than for the oxygenator; 3) the oxygenator was more efficient than the bubbler with respect to CO2 elimination; 4) although PFC loss rate increased with temperature and vapor pressure, there was little difference in the EEIs for the temperatures studied. These results 1) identify exchanger requirements necessary to maintain effective CO2 elimination up to four times normal CO2 loading conditions during LAV; 2) suggest that using a membrane oxygenator as the gas exchanger, in concert with stringent fluid temperature control, improves PFC liquid conservation and CO2 elimination relative to bubbler exchanger configurations; 3) highlight the importance of matching the exchanger type to the physiocochemical properties of the specific PFC liquid to optimize CO2 elimination while reducing PFC liquid loss by minimizing gas relative to PFC liquid flow rates. Because PFC liquid loss occurs with all current means of oxygenating and removing CO2, this study raises the importance of developing alternative, bulk-gas-flow-independent, means to recondition PFC liquids.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1992

[Manometry indexes for evaluating esophageal function in patients with achalasia].

In 43 patients with achalasia (postoperative 18, post-dilatation 15, preoperative 10, and 10 normal people) esophageal manometry, esophageal emptying barium test and endoscopy were employed. The results showed that the esophageal emptying index EEI was 13.3 +/- 9.0 in the postoperative group, 4.7 +/- 7.6 in the post dilatation group, 50.0 +/- 17.4 in the normal group, 2.9 +/- 4.3 in the preoperative group. A linear relationship was seen between EEI and the lower esophageal barium retention area (So) (t = -5.00, P < 0.001). In patient with higher EEI and smaller So stronger esophageal emptying function was noted at swallowing. 80% of patients with less than 12 esophageal anti-reflux index (ARI) suffered from gastroesophageal reflux EEI and ARI can evaluate not only the esophageal motor functions but also the therapeutic effects of different treatment methods. The therapeutic effects are determined by esophageal peristalsis pressure and LES relaxation rate after LES is relaxed.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Experimental substantiation of parameters and strength characteristics of new endodontic-endoosseous implant construction].

Postoperative tooth stump is not able to endure usual functional loads adequately that leads to enhanced resorption of bone tissues surrounding root and loss of the tooth. Based on math computer simulation of mode of deformation of biomechanical model "metal-ceramic construction--endodontic-endoosseous implant (EEI)--stump of operated tooth--bone tissue of the jaw" new domestic EEI parameters were elaborated which improved greatly biomechanical properties of tooth with operated roots. Strength characteristics of new EEI were studied. A set of instruments for EEI was developed.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2007

Early endoscopic intervention versus early conservative management in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that early endoscopic intervention, performed on patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction, reduces systemic and local inflammation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role of early endoscopic intervention, in the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis, remains controversial. Previous randomized trials have not focused on the subgroup of patients with clinical evidence of biliopancreatic obstruction. METHODS: This single-center randomized clinical trial was performed between May 2000 and September 2005. Of 238 patients, admitted within 48 hours after the onset of acute gallstone pancreatitis, 103 with a distal bile duct measuring > or =8 mm combined with a total serum bilirubin > or =1.20 mg/dL, were randomized to receive either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by endoscopic papillotomy for bile duct stones (EEI, n = 51) or early conservative management (ECM, n = 52). Patients with clinical evidence of coexisting acute cholangitis were excluded. Outcome measures included changes in organ failure score and computed tomography (CT) severity index during the first week after admission, incidence of local complications, and overall morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of bile duct stones at EEI was 72% and 40% of patients in the ECM group had persisting bile duct stones at elective biliary surgery. No significant differences were found between the EEI and ECM groups regarding changes in mean organ failure score (P = 0.87), mean CT severity index (P = 0.88), incidence of local complications (6% vs. 6%, P = 0.99), overall morbidity (21% vs. 18%, P = 0.80), and mortality (6% vs. 2%, P = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study failed to provide evidence that early endoscopic intervention reduces systemic and local inflammation in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction. If acute cholangitis can be safely excluded, early endoscopic intervention is not mandatory and should not be considered a standard indication.

APACHE↗
PubMed2001

Agents that increase tyrosine phosphorylation activate a non-selective cation current in single rabbit portal vein smooth muscle cells.

The effects of agents that increase tyrosine phosphorylation were studied with whole-cell recording of membrane currents in single smooth muscle cells from the rabbit portal vein. In K+-free conditions with the chloride equilibrium potential at about -50 mV, intracellular application via the patch pipette of 200 microM sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4), which inhibits tyrosine phosphatases, activated a "noisy" inward current at a holding potential of -50 mV. Intracellular dialysis with 100 microM (pY)EEI, a peptide activator of the cytosolic tyrosine kinase pp60c-src, and bath application of 5 microM insulin, which activates receptor-coupled tyrosine kinases, also evoked a "noisy" inward current. The current-voltage relationships and the reversal potential (about +10 mV) of the Na3VO4-, pp60c-src- and insulin-induced currents were similar to those of the noradrenaline-evoked non-selective cation current (Icat). The inward currents evoked by noradrenaline, Na3VO4, (pY)EEI and insulin were all greatly potentiated when the bathing calcium concentration was reduced from 1.5 mM to 50 microM. The single channel conductance estimated from spectral density analysis of the whole-cell current was about 20 pS for noradrenaline, Na3VO4, (pY)EEI and insulin. Moreover for all agents the spectra were described by the sum of two Lorentzians with similar corner frequencies. Noradrenaline-evoked Icat was inhibited to a similar degree by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin 23 and their inactive analogues daidzein and tyrphostin A1, respectively. In the presence of Na3VO4, application of noradrenaline evoked a cation current of similar peak amplitude to control Icat although the rate of decay of Icat was enhanced in the presence of Na3VO4. This study shows that stimulation of both cytosolic and receptor-coupled tyrosine kinases evokes a non-selective cation current and the conductance is similar to that activated by noradrenaline.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Real-time excitation-enhanced ultrasound contrast imaging.

A new nonlinear contrast specific imaging modality, excitation-enhanced imaging (EEI) has been implemented on commercially-available scanners for real-time imaging. This novel technique employs two acoustic fields: a low-frequency, high-intensity ultrasound field (the excitation field) to actively condition contrast microbubbles, and a second lower-intensity regular imaging field applied shortly afterwards to detect enhanced contrast scattering. A Logiq 9 scanner (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) with a 3.5C curved linear array and an AN2300 digital ultrasound engine (Analogic Corporation, Peabody, MA) with a P4-2 phased array transducer (Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, WA) were modified to perform EEI on a vector-by-vector basis in fundamental and pulse inversion harmonic grayscale modes. Ultrasound contrast microbubbles within an 8 mm vessel embedded in a tissue-mimicking flow phantom (ATS Laboratories, Bridgeport, CT) were imaged in vitro. While video intensities of scattered signals from the surrounding tissue were unchanged, video intensities of echoes from contrast bubbles within the vessel were markedly enhanced. The maximum enhancement achieved was 10.4 dB in harmonic mode (mean enhancement: 6.3 dB; p = 0.0007). In conclusion, EEI may improve the sensitivity of ultrasound contrast imaging, but further work is required to assess the in vivo potential of this new technique.

Albumins↗
PubMed1999

Sodium fluorescein influence on the hemorheological profile of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

Sodium fluorescein angiography is a widely used technology in ophthalmology, which allows us to visualise the chorioretinal microcirculation. Previous reports showed a prolongation of the retinal circulation time along with erythrocyte hyperaggregation and a decrease of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity and a possible interference with the erythrocyte's membrane fluidity. The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of sodium fluorescein on the hemorheological profile of a group of 23 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients undergoing routine retinal angiography. Thirty minutes after the endovenous administration of the fluorescein there was: (I) an increase of whole blood viscosity (p = 0.015), erythrocyte elongation index (EEI, p < 0.05), whole blood pH (p < 0.001), methemoglobin (p < 0.001) and carboxyhemoglobin (p < 0.001) concentrations; (II) no variation of plasma osmolality and erythrocyte aggregation index (EAI); (III) a decrease of the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity, p < 001; (IV) no variation in membrane lipid fluidity, although 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) correlated directly with the EEI, while 1,4-trimethyl-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and EAI correlated inversely, suggesting that the decreasing EEI (lower erythrocyte deformablity) might be associated with an increased rigidity of the external polar region and fluidification of the hydrophobic region of the erythrocyte membrane, with an increasing EAI. In conclusion, the endovenous administration of sodium fluorescein in NIDDM patients during the retinal angiography procedure interferes with the erythrocyte membrane and possibly with the microcirculatory blood flow.

Angiography↗
PubMed1998

Erythrocyte deformability in young familial hypercholesterolemics.

In order to ascertain whether young familial hypercholesterolemic subjects without atherosclerotic lesions demonstrable on a carotid echo-Doppler show decreased erythrocyte deformability, we determined the erythrocyte elongation index (EEI) by means of a shear stress diffractometer (Rheodyn SSD) in twenty-four children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), aged 12 +/- 3 years, and their corresponding affected parent. The parents were twenty-three adults with heterozygous FH aged, 32 +/- 6 years. The control group was made up of a similar number of well matched healthy volunteers. The EEI at 6, 12, 30 and 60 Pa showed no statistical differences between FH children and their control group, or between FH parents and their control group. No correlations were found between EEI and plasma lipids or lipoproteins at any of the shear stresses used. These results suggest that the red blood cells of young familial hypercholesterolemic subjects who show no deterioration of the vascular tree are not less deformable than those of healthy normolipemic subjects, and that dyslipemia itself does not produce alterations that damage the rheological properties of the red blood cell.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Dissection of the energetic coupling across the Src SH2 domain-tyrosyl phosphopeptide interface.

Src Homology (SH2) domains play critical roles in signaling pathways by binding to phosphotyrosine (pTyr)-containing sequences, thereby recruiting SH2 domain-containing proteins to tyrosine-phosphorylated sites on receptor molecules. Investigations of the peptide binding specificity of the SH2 domain of the Src kinase (Src SH2 domain) have defined the EEI motif C-terminal to the phosphotyrosine as the preferential binding sequence. A subsequent study that probed the importance of eight specificity-determining residues of the Src SH2 domain found two residues which when mutated to Ala had significant effects on binding: Tyr beta D5 and Lys beta D3. The mutation of Lys beta D3 to Ala was particularly intriguing, since a Glu to Ala mutation at the first (+1) position of the EEI motif (the residue interacting with Lys beta D3) did not significantly affect binding. Hence, the interaction between Lys beta D3 and +1 Glu is energetically coupled. This study is focused on the dissection of the energetic coupling observed across the SH2 domain-phosphopeptide interface at and around the +1 position of the peptide. It was found that three residues of the SH2 domain, Lys beta D3, Asp beta C8 and AspCD2 (altogether forming the so-called +1 binding region) contribute to the selection of Glu at the +1 position of the ligand. A double (Asp beta C8Ala, AspCD2Ala) mutant does not exhibit energetic coupling between Lys beta D3 and +1 Glu, and binds to the pYEEI sequence 0.3 kcal/mol tighter than the wild-type Src SH2 domain. These results suggest that Lys beta D3 in the double mutant is now free to interact with the +1 Glu and that the role of Lys beta D3 in the wild-type is to neutralize the acidic patch formed by Asp beta C8 and AspCD2 rather than specifically select for a Glu at the +1 position as it had been hypothesized previously. A triple mutant (Lys beta D3Ala, Asp beta C8Ala, AspCD2Ala) has reduced binding affinity compared to the double (Asp beta C8Ala, AspCD2Ala) mutant, yet binds the pYEEI peptide as well as the wild-type Src SH2 domain. The structural basis for such high affinity interaction was investigated crystallographically by determining the structure of the triple (Lys beta D3Ala, Asp beta C8Ala, AspCD2Ala) mutant bound to the octapeptide PQpYEEIPI (where pY indicates a phosphotyrosine). This structure reveals for the first time contacts between the SH2 domain and the -1 and -2 positions of the peptide (i.e. the two residues N-terminal to pY). Thus, unexpectedly, mutations in the +1 binding region affect binding of other regions of the peptide. Such additional contacts may account for the high affinity interaction of the triple mutant for the pYEEI-containing peptide.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2000

Muscle force production and functional performance in spastic cerebral palsy: relationship of cocontraction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine cocontraction's relation to strength and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: Prospective evaluation with a convenience sample of 10 subjects. SETTING: Pediatric rehabilitation center at a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Ten ambulatory children with spastic CP, mean age 5 to 14yrs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A single comprehensive assessment of hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength; gait analysis while monitoring electromyographic (EMG) activity in those muscles; administration of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM); heart-rate monitoring during quiet rest versus gait to compute an energy expenditure index (EEI). Cocontraction ratios and magnitudes were determined for the gait and strength testing trials using the EMG data. RESULTS: Cocontraction ratios during strength tests correlated directly with those during free gait. Cocontraction magnitude and total EMG magnitude had an inverse relationship to EEI; children with more muscle activity in the agonist and antagonist tended to be more energy efficient. Knee extensor muscle strength correlated positively with the GMFM and gait velocity. Neither cocontraction ratio nor magnitude during gait was related to strength. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CP used a similar muscle activation strategy across two different motor tasks. Strength and cocontraction were uniquely related to different aspects of motor function. Further research is needed to quantify more precisely cocontraction and force to EMG relations in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The implementation of a fitness program for children with disabilities: a clinical case report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to describe a community-based fitness program developed and implemented for children with disabilities. Several outcomes are reported for one of the participants, J, an 11-year-old girl with hypotonia and mild mental retardation, to illustrate the strengths and limitations of this program and to help guide clinicians and researchers in developing and critically assessing the effectiveness of similar programs. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: The fitness program, called "Off the Couch," (OTC) was provided in six-week sessions for one hour per week. Outcomes examined included the energy expenditure index (EEI), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), maximum running velocity, and the overall daily activity level of the child and the number of exercise sessions that the child participated in over a two-week time period. J demonstrated a reduction in EEI and a slight improvement in maximum running velocity. Activity level remained at a relatively high level. The program is discussed with respect to feasibility in a clinical setting, suggestions for similar programs and areas for related research. J's outcomes are discussed in terms of their functional relevance.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

The effects of aerobic exercise on endurance, strength, function and self-perception in adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: a report of three case studies.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in endurance, strength, function, and self-perception before, during, and after aerobic exercise intervention in three ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: Three individuals (17-20 years of age) with spastic cerebral palsy participated. An A1B1A2B2 design was employed. Data obtained during the different phases included energy expenditure index (EEI), lower extremity muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and the Self-Perception Profile for College Students (SPPCS). RESULTS: All participants had a significant improvement in at least one of the components of the EEI. Combined mean strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, and ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors increased bilaterally for all participants. Gross motor function improved for all participants in at least one phase of the study. The self-perception of appearance improved for all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise may help increase strength of the lower extremity muscles, decrease energy required to ambulate, and improve gross motor function and self-perception for some adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

The ectomesenchymal-endodermal interaction system of Triturus alpestris in tissue culture: morphological and histochemical characterization of developing neural derivatives.

In the ectomesenchymal-endodermal interaction system (EEIS), a hanging drop culture in which an explant of neural fold from behind the prospective ear region of a Triturus alpestris neurula together with a piece of ventrolateral pharynx endoderm is cultivated, the differentiation of a variety of neural crest-derived cells (nerve cells, pigment cells, cartilage cells, perichondrial cells, Schwann cells) can be followed. While cartilage cells develop only in contact to pharynx endoderm, the differentiation of neural crest-derived neuroblasts, rhombencephalic brain derivatives and epidermis which segregate from the explant of neural fold, does not depend on the presence of pharynx endoderm. The development of neural derivatives was studied with respect to morphology and histochemistry. Outgrowing axons may be observed 2-3 days after the beginning of cultivation. The fibres increase in thickness and length during further development and frequently make contact with other cells. Cytophotometric measurements of Feulgen-stained neural crest cells in the EEIS revealed that 72% of cells had a 2c and 9% a 4c DNA content while 18% were in S phase. Nerve cells had a 2c DNA content and prospective chondroblasts were in S phase. About 60-70% of S phase and 4c cells were observed at the margin of the culture. Neural crest-derived neuroblasts and melanoblasts obviously reacted catecholamine-positive upon formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF), while axons from the brain derivative were catecholamine-negative but acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive. Neural crest cells prior to visible differentiation and neural crest-derived neuroblasts were AChE-negative. Catecholamine-positive (= fluorescing) cells can be recognized as either neuro- or melanoblasts prior to displaying phenotypic features. In cultures incubated with 3H-Dopa, freeze-dried, treated with the FIF-procedure, and subjected to autoradiography, only melanoblasts specifically accumulated the label.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The influence of low-power laser energy on red blood cell metabolism and deformability.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exposure of red blood cells (RBC) to low-power laser energy can modulate their metabolism and deformability. The effects of exposure to a He-Ne (lambda=632.8 nm), GaAlAs (lambda=780 nm) and GaAs (lambda=904 nm) lasers have been examined. Red cells diluted to a hematocrit of 45% were incubated in a humidified atmosphere of 95% air and 5% CO(2) at 37 degrees C, and exposed to three different laser beams held 5 cm from the target area to yield a spot surface area of 2 cm(2). Three red cell suspensions belonging to the experimental groups were treated with each laser beam by 5, 15 and 30 minutes, respectively. The temperature was constant during the exposure's time. Three control suspensions of RBC were kept for the same time as sham-irradiated groups. The erythrocyte elongation index (EEI) was evaluated using a Rheodyn SSD (Myrene, Roetgen, Germany). The enzyme activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) were assayed in each sample spectrophotometrically. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and diphosphoglicerate (2,3-DPG) levels were also assessed. No statistical differences were observed in the erythrocyte elongation index at shear stresses of 0.30, 0.60, 1.20, 3.00, 6.00, 12.00, 30.00 and 60.00 Pa after being irradiated for 5 and 15 minutes as compared to not irradiated ones. At 30.00 and 60.00 Pa a decrease (p<0.03 and p<0.05, respectively) in EEI has been observed after 30 min exposure to all three wavelengths of laser light when compared to the control. The antioxidant enzyme activities showed no significant changes following 5, 15 and 30 min of irradiation by all three laser wavelengths laser tested. Similarly, erythrocyte organic phosphate levels (ATP and 2,3-DPG) showed no significant changes following treatment by laser radiation. This study revealed that the low-power laser at 632.8, 780 and 904 nm wavelengths have little biological effects on red blood cells in vitro.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗