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PubMed1999

Comparison of upper limb muscle activity in four walking canes: a preliminary study.

It is hypothesized that the cane and forearm can be aligned to reduce muscular activity needed during ambulation. In this prospective study, 10 nonimpaired control subjects were tested both in stationary and dynamic weight-bearing states while using different cane prototypes and the platform cane (PC) as compared to the standard cane (SC). The outcome measures were: 1) root mean square (RMS) voltage (µV) of electromyographic (EMG) signal as a measure of muscle power and 2) distance of ambulation. Results of stationary cane use showed that Prototype 1 decreased RMS output by 19 percent (p=0.01), Prototype 2 with wrist splint decreased it by 23 percent (p=0.003), and the PC decreased it by 68 percent (p<0.0001) as compared to the SC (ANOVA, posthoc LSM). In conclusion, the two prototypes and the PC significantly decrease RMS voltage muscle output in the upper limb, compared to the SC.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Substitution of sugar cane bagasse in the chicken diet and immune response.

Total proteins and protein electrophoresis were made in the sera of broiler chicken (Arber Acres) to evaluate the effect of substitution of basal diet for 4 weeks by either 8% sugar cane bagasse +2% wheat germ or 16% sugar cane bagasse +4% wheat germ whether untreated or incubated with rumen liquor for 72 h and then sterilized with 2 Mrad gamma-irradiation (treated). Both levels of untreated sugar can bagasse (8 and 16%) showed significant decrease in gamma globulins but this decrease had no effect on broiler chicken (45 days) while there was significant increase in total proteins in treated sugar cane bagasse 8% with concomitant increase in alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2 and gamma globulins. These results denoted that addition of rumen liquor to 8% sugar cane bagasse diet have resulted in an improvement in the transportation of micro nutrients and immune response most probably due to its high content of microorganisms constituting high quality animal protein; also more vaccines were recommended in feeding of chicken with sugar cane bagasse for a longer period e.g. laying hens to overcome its suppressive effect on the gamma globulins.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Bioconversion of phytosterols to androstanes by mycobacteria growing on sugar cane mud.

Direct sterol conversion of sugar cane mud (residue) by Mycobacterium sp. was demonstrated to be possible technologically, thus avoiding sugar cane oil extraction and further processes of extraction and purification of phytosterols from this oil. Indeed, mycobacterial cells were able to convert phytosterols from sugar cane mud into 4-androstene-dione (AD) and 1,4 androsta-diene-3,17-dione (ADD). For the various concentrations assayed, concomitant higher yields for both androstanes were achieved at 20% (w/w) sugar cane mud in media. Furthermore, conversions were similar to those from other substrates, such as a mixture of phytosterols. The results suggest that the mycobacterial cell is able to easily access and bioconvert sugar cane mud phytosterols.

Androstanes↗

PubMed1992

Lack of reproductive photoresponsiveness and correlative failure to respond to melatonin in a tropical rodent, the cane mouse.

Cane mice (Zygodontomys brevicauda) are year-round breeders in Venezuela. As shown previously, these animals are not reproductively responsive to variation in photoperiod. In the present experiments, male cane mice were maintained on long or short day lengths (16L:8D or 8L:16D, respectively) and challenged with each of three experimental treatments known to "unmask" reproductive photoresponsiveness in laboratory rats: olfactory bulbectomy, prolonged food restriction, and exposure as neonates to a single injection of testosterone. Variation in photoperiod had no inhibitory effect on the responses of cane mice to any of these three treatments, as assessed by the weight of their testes and seminal vesicles. A fourth experiment demonstrated that cane mice are insensitive to 10 wk of continuous exposure to pharmacological levels of melatonin, again as assessed by reproductive organ weight. Likewise, a fifth experiment documented a lack of response to 10 wk of late-afternoon injections of massive amounts of melatonin. The cane mouse apparently is unique among the animals challenged so far in these ways in that it seems to have no vestige of reproductive photoresponsiveness.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Tranquillization of cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) with a depot neuroleptic (pipothiazine palmitate).

Stress-induced self-trauma is a major cause of mortality among captive cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus). Six subadult female cane rats were injected with a long-acting neuroleptic drug (pipothiazine palmitate 25 mg/kg), and an equal number were injected with isotonic saline. Their behaviour and reactions to stimuli were recorded daily. After 5 weeks, treated animals continued to display significantly less stress-related behaviour than the control group. In addition, two abbreviated studies were conducted. Eleven subadult males were treated identically to the females. Their behaviour was recorded for 1 week. Subsequently, 11 indocile animals on a commercial cane rat farm were tested for calmness, treated with pipothiazine and retested after 2.5 weeks. The results of these studies were similar to those in the female study. A significant taming effect was seen 30 days after a single treatment for all invasive or aggressive tests in treated cane rats, and no extrapyramidal effects were noted. Pipothiazine affected neither their alertness nor weight gain. However, substantial behavioural alteration requires the exposure of the animal to stressful stimuli during the treatment period. Pipothiazine palmitate decreases the stress experienced by cane rats, eases their transition to a new environment, makes them easier to handle and less likely to injure themselves.

Animals↗

PubMed1972

The effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection of the productivity of cane cutters on a sugar estate in Tanzania.

In an attempt to justify future snail control on an irrigated sugar estate in Tanzania, the effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection on the productivity of apparently healthy cane cutters were investigated. The bonus earnings of cane cutters who were found to be infected with S. mansoni were compared, retrospectively, with earnings of uninfected cane cutters during the years 1968-69. For one 6-month period a more detailed study was made to correlate bonus earnings with actual output in tons of cane cut. It was found that in the four 6-month periods the mean bonus earnings of the uninfected cane cutters exceeded the mean bonus earnings of the infected men by 11.0%, 11.4%, 6.0%, and 13.7%, respectively. In all except the third period these differences were statistically significant. After treatment for S. mansoni infection, the workers were able to improve their earnings relative to both infected and uninfected workers. In a more detailed study of some of the workers during the third 6-month period, it was discovered that a 4% difference in bonus earnings represented a 1% difference in output. Taking into account the variations of bonus earnings it was estimated that the overall difference in productivity between infected and uninfected workers was 3-5%.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed1994

Sensitization to sugar cane pollen in Okinawan allergic children.

Specific IgE antibodies to sugar cane pollen were investigated in seventy-four Okinawan children who suffered from allergic disorders. Only two (2.7%) with asthma of the 74 patients had specific IgE antibodies to sugar cane pollen as well as house dust and Dermatophagoides farinae. However, they have no histories of their symptoms being aggravated when sugar cane flowers bloom. From these results, the sensitization to sugar cane pollen exists in a small number of Okinawan allergic children, however, the low incidence of positivity could reflect lack of exposure to sensitizing doses of sugar cane pollen in these children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

In vivo hip pressures during cane and load-carrying gait.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that carrying a load reduces hip contact pressure ipsilateral to the load and that using a cane when carrying a load further reduces hip contact pressure. METHODS: A Moore-type endoprosthesis with 13 femoral-head pressure transducers was implanted in a human subject following a Garden III fracture. Hip contact pressures were measured during unaided, cane-aided, and load-carrying gait over two years. RESULTS: Relative to unloaded gait, contact pressures increased significantly when ipsilateral to the carried load. Using a contralateral cane when carrying the load reduced ipsilateral posterior-superior contact pressure; however, the hip contralateral to the load experienced significantly higher than normal pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilaterally carried loads may not always provide stress protection of the arthritic hip. Using a cane opposite to the load may aid in restoring normal pressures to the ipsilateral hip, but may expose the contralateral hip to a significant stress burden.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Factors associated with cane use among community dwelling older adults.

Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined factors associated with cane use among community dwelling older adults. Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 106 community residing older adults in Ottawa, Canada. Using a stepwise discriminant analysis, subjective norms, attitudes, and age surfaced as the key variables associated with cane use in this sample. The discriminant function accounted for 67% of the variance in cane use and correctly classified 91% of cases (Wilks's lambda = 0.33, lambda2 = 110.12, df = 3, p < 0.0001). The findings provide evidence for the utility of the TPB in its application to understanding cane use behaviors of older persons and have important implications for the design of theory-based fall prevention interventions to enhance the acceptance and effective use of mobility aids.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1977

Effect of cane on variables of gait for patients with hip disorders.

The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of a cane, used in the hand contralateral to the involved hip, on patients' floor reaction forces and on selected time and distance measurements of gait. An instrumented cane, force plate, dynograph recorder and footswitch were among the equipment items used. When the patients walked with a cane the stride length and swing times were increased, while the cadence and the vertical component of the floor reaction force were decreased. The average peak axial loading on the can was 11.6 kg and the average anterior bending moment on the cane was 67.3 kgcm.

Arthroplasty↗

PubMed1988

Some biomechanical aspects of crutch and cane walking: the relationship between forward rate of progression, symmetry, and efficiency--a case report.

The purpose of this case report is to review the progression of crutch ambulation typically used in the management of lower extremity injuries, and to describe some biomechanical parameters of gait using assistive devices. A comparison is made between weight bearing status and the use of different devices (that is, axial crutches, cane). Unilateral versus bilateral and nonreciprocal versus reciprocal crutch gait patterns are evaluated. Review of the data showed bilateral use of crutches helped to maintain the symmetry of gait as was demonstrated when right and left cycle times and right and left stride lengths were compared. Symmetry was maintained for most bilateral crutch gaits with the exception of the NWB (three-point) pattern. This trial represents, by definition, an asymmetrical condition. The comparison of nonreciprocal versus reciprocal FWB crutch gaits revealed little objective difference in the parameters studied. However, it is the authors' view that a two-point reciprocal crutch gait more closely approximates normal gait, and therefore should be encouraged. It is possible that consideration of different parameters (for example, electrogoniometric analysis of joint angles) might demonstrate an objective difference between nonreciprocal and reciprocal gait patterns. When a single assistive device was used (crutch or cane) asymmetries were demonstrated. When single crutch and single cane trials were compared obvious asymmetries in cycle time and stride length were noted in the former. A single axial crutch splints the upper trunk, thereby decreasing pelvic/trunk rotation and reducing reciprocal arm swing. Using a cane substantially improves symmetry and forward rate of progression by increasing rotation and reciprocal arm swing. The authors believe this finding is significant and should be considered when selecting a unilateral device. Indeed, these findings suggest it may, under certain circumstances, be more appropriate to forego the use of a unilateral crutch. Perhaps the most obvious effect assistive devices have on gait is to decrease the rate of forward progression. When (unassisted) PRA was compared with trials in which assistive devices were used, velocity and cadence decreased. Asymmetries of gait lead to distortions in the path of the center of gravity, which manifest as increased energy expenditure. Energy expenditure is similarly affected when the rate of forward progression varies from an optimal rate. Using an inappropriate assistive device decreases forward rate of progression and therefore may lead to inefficient ambulation under certain circumstances.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Long-cane modification for carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Low vision rehabilitation services should be multidisciplinary and should provide patients with as many options as are necessary to help partially sighted individuals maintain independence and quality of life. METHODS: A case report is presented of a 30-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. Team management resulted in referral for occupational therapy evaluation and resulted in long cane modification. RESULTS: Modification of a long cane was accomplished using a piece of PVC plastic glued at a right angle to the long cane, thus acting as a handle. Fabric straps with Velcro fasteners made the cane movable with forearm rather than wrist motion and allowed the patient to maintain independent travel. CONCLUSIONS: This case presents an example of appropriate referral for an occupational therapy evaluation. Low vision rehabilitation demands an interdisciplinary approach.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Effects of promoter, intron and enhancer elements on transient gene expression in sugar-cane and carrot protoplasts.

Various chimaeric promoter regions coupled to the uidA beta-glucuronidase gene were evaluated for transient expression strength following electroporation into sugar-cane (monocot) and carrot (dicot) protoplasts. Multiple enhancer elements increased expression in sugar-cane, by up to 400-fold for the artificial Emu promoter relative to the CaMV 35S promoter. The relative expression strengths of promoters varied substantially between the species. Sugar-cane also differed in some respects from previously tested species in the family Poaceae. For example, in sugar-cane the nopaline synthase and CaMV 35S promoters were of equivalent strength, and insertion of Adh1 intron 1 into the 5' transcribed region decreased expression strength.

Enhancer Elements, Genetic↗

PubMed2006

Lack of effect of sugar cane policosanol on plasma cholesterol in Golden Syrian hamsters.

Policosanol is a mixture of higher aliphatic alcohols shown to have beneficial effects on plasma lipid levels in animals and humans. Over 50 studies have reported significant reductions in plasma cholesterol using policosanol obtained from Cuban sugar cane (Dalmer, La Havana, Cuba). However, other research groups using policosanol from alternative sources have failed to reproduce the efficacy of these alcohols observed in earlier studies. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare the cholesterol-lowering effect of the Dalmer sugar cane policosanol (SCP) product versus an alternative mixture of similar policosanol composition. Forty-eight male Golden Syrian hamsters were randomly assigned to four groups and fed experimental diets ad libitum for a period of 4 weeks: (i) non-cholesterol control, (ii) 0.1% cholesterol control, (iii) 0.1% cholesterol diet supplemented with 275 mg/kg diet of Dalmer Cuban sugar cane policosanol and (iv) 0.1% cholesterol diet supplemented with 275 mg/kg diet of alternative sugar cane policosanol. Hamsters were sacrificed and blood was collected at the end of the feeding period. Body weights and food intakes were similar across study groups. Neither of the two policosanol treatments had any significant effect on plasma lipid levels, as compared to cholesterol control. The outcome of the present study questions the clinical usefulness of policosanol mixtures as cholesterol-lowering nutraceuticals.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2005

Metal levels in sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) samples from an area under the influence of a municipal landfill and a medical waste treatment system in Brazil.

In July 2003, duplicated samples of roots, stems and leaves of sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) were collected in 25 points of an area under direct influence of the municipal landfill site (MLS) and medical waste treatment system (MWTS) of Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The following concentrations (mg/kg) were found in roots: Cd, 0.22+/-0.12; Cr, 64.3+/-48.7; Cu, 140.6+/-27.7; Hg, 0.04+/-0.02; Mn, 561.6+/-283.3; Pb, 7.9+/-2.1 and Zn, 177.4+/-64.9. For some metals, these levels are higher than the concentrations previously reported for different plants, reaching, in some cases, values that might be considered toxic for vegetables. Metal levels in stems were 80-90% of those found in roots, while the concentrations detected in leaves were significantly lower than those in roots. The present results suggest that MLS and MWTS activities might have been increasing metal concentrations in edible tissues of sugar cane grown in the area under their influence. Moreover, the traditional agricultural practices in the production of sugar cane could be also another determinant factor to reach the current metal levels. The results of this study indicate that sugar cane is a crop that is able to grow in areas where metals in soils are accumulated.

Brazil↗

PubMed1999

The influence of fibre in the diet on growth rates and the digestibility of nutrients in the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).

The greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus is a coprophagous rodent in which fermentation occurs in the large caecum. The extent to which a 45% increase in the fibre component of the diet influenced growth rates of cane rats and the digestibility of nutrients and energy was investigated in two feeding trials. Higher fibre levels in the diet reduced the digestibility of dry matter, protein and fat, while animals digested fibre components (neutral-detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose and cellulose) with a comparable efficiency to those maintained on a low fibre diet. In one of the trials animals fed the high fibre diet exhibited significantly lower growth rates than animals fed the low fibre diet. Digestibility coefficients of the cane rats for neutral-detergent fibre and protein seem to be intermediate to high when compared to reported values for the porcupine, guinea-pig, degu and rabbit. It is suggested that the ability of cane rats to utilise large quantities of fibre enable them to survive periods when only dry grass is available.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed2000

The efficacy of the vaginal plug formation after mating for pregnancy diagnosis, and embyonic resorption in utero in the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck).

The efficacy of the detection of vaginal plug formation after mating for pregnancy diagnosis, and the degree of embryonic resorption were studied in 67 wild greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) at Esiam in the Ekumfi District, Ghana, over a period of 3 months. Vaginal plug formation was first observed on day 59 of gestation, and could be used for pregnancy diagnosis on or after that date. However, the vaginal orifice subsequently opened a couple of times prior to day 105 of gestation and further checks for pregnancy after day 59 of gestation are suggested. Animals with unplugged vaginas 105 days after mating could, however, be considered as not pregnant. The mean (+/- SE) number of implantation sites and litter size in the greater cane rat were 7.2 +/- 0.18 and 3.4 +/- 0.29, respectively, the embryonic resorption rate being 42.7 +/- 6.66%. The significant positive correlation between the number of implanted embryos and the bled-out carcase weight suggests a positive role of maternal nutrition in increasing the litter size in the greater cane rat. The incidence of post-partum oestrus during the study period was 42.1%, which suggests that the greater cane rat can be re-bred immediately after parturition.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Efficacy of sex determination in the greater cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck.

The efficacy of the two most common techniques used for determining the sex of the greater cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck, was tested using 10 young and 8 adult animals with two technicians at the Animal Research Institute's Grasscutter Domestication Centre, Pokoase, Ghana. The techniques compared were the use of the head shape and/or head size and the use of the ano-genital distance. The use of the ano-genital distance for sex determination was validated in a colony of greater cane rats at various stages of development, i.e. from the day of birth to three or more years of age. The ano-genital distance was then used as the standard against which the use of the head shape and/or head size technique was tested. The results indicated that the use of the ano-genital distance for sex determination in the greater cane rat was error-free, even with little experience on the part of the practitioner. The ano-genital distance was more than twice as long in the males than in the females at all ages (p < 0.001). However, the use of the head shape and/or head size for sex determination was found to be associated with some degree of error in both sexes. The use of the ano-genital distance can therefore be recommended as an efficacious technique for sex determination in the greater cane rat.

Anal Canal↗