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At least 775 records · Page 43Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Anthropomorphic robotics. I. Representing mechanical complexity.

A study of the fundamental principles upon which manipulation dexterity is based cannot help mixing robotic and neurophysiological concepts. A preliminary step in this study consists of trying to understand the complexity of manipulation dynamics. Though complexity shows itself in the massive number of elements of kinematic and dynamic equations, the fundamental simplicity of the underlying mechanical laws suggests to look for a structure, particularly from the computational point of view. Accordingly, a working computational model is proposed that organizes the massive computational load into a structure which is composed of a small number of computational units and lends itself to parallel computation.

Arm↗
PubMed1990

Physiological reactions during brush saw operation.

An experimental study of the physiological effects of brush saw operation was performed on eight professional agricultural workers. The experiments were carried out in the field under practical working conditions. Aesthesiometric thresholds (two-point discrimination and depth sense perception), manipulative dexterity, pinch grip force and fingertip skin temperature (FST) were measured before and after exposure to different combinations of static load (handle holding), noise and vibration by using new production brush saws for 5 to 15 min. The changes in the peripheral circulatory, sensorineural and muscular functions of the brush saw workers were not found to be significantly different under the various exposure conditions. Static load accounted for the major part of the changes in aesthesiometric thresholds, pinch grip force and FST after brush saw operation. With respect to baseline measurements, no significant difference in manipulative skill was observed after each exposure period. The weighted vibration accelerations from the right and left handles of a brush saw were 3.13 and 1.80 m/s2, respectively. The assessment of brush saw vibration exposure according to ISO 5349 and the results of FST measurements were consistent with the findings of some epidemiological surveys indicating a low risk of vibration-induced white finger among brush sawyers. This investigation pointed out that the increase in the aesthesiometric thresholds was mainly determined by handle holding, and that the reduction in gripping force during actual work was related to the duration of brush saw operation. Therefore, prolonged static overload on the nerves, muscles and joints of the hand-arm system could explain the increased risk of musculoskeletal and sensorineural disorders found among brush saw users.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

The effect of caffeine on human performance, alone and in combination with ethanol.

The effect of caffeine (300 mg/70 kg) on cognitive, perceptual and motor functions was investigated both alone and in combination with ethanol (0.75 g/kg) in 68 healthy student volunteers of both sexes. A test battery consisting of standing steadiness, simple and complex reaction time, manual dexterity, numerical reasoning, perceptual speed and verbal fluency was used. Placebos for both drugs were included. Caffeine was administered in decaffeinated coffee immediately after finishing drinking the alcoholic beverage. A peak plasma ethanol concentration of 92 +/- 4 mg/100 ml occurred at 40 min which was not modified by caffeine. Caffeine did not antagonise the ethanol-induced decrement in performance except in the reaction time tests. Caffeine alone caused a significant increase in body sway at 40 min.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Pain, nerve dysfunction and fatigue in a vibration-exposed population.

The long term use of hand-held vibrating tools may cause vasospastic and neuromuscular problems. Symptoms include painful blanching of the fingers at low temperatures, intermittent paresthesia and numbness, impaired dexterity, a tendency to drop tools, and an increasing inability to identify small objects by touch alone. Neurological as well as vasospastic problems are graded according to the Stockholm workshop scales. Accurate and early diagnosis is particularly important (e.g., in vibration-exposed patients presenting a carpal tunnel syndrome, it is necessary to distinguish whether compression of the median nerve occurs at the digital, skin receptor or carpal tunnel levels). A variety of improved diagnostic techniques are discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

A milder variant of Zellweger syndrome.

A 4.5-year-old male patient is described with chorioretinopathy, minor facial anomalies, delayed closure of the fontanel, mental retardation, moderate hypotonia, epilepsy and hepatic fibrosis. Postural control, intentional vocalising and manual dexterity were superior to the performance of patients with classical Zellweger syndrome (ZS). Morphologically distinct peroxisomes were absent in the liver. In blood elevated pipecolic acid levels and abnormal levels of bile acid intermediates were found. The plasmalogen content of erythrocytes was normal. In fibroblasts we found an accumulation of very long chain fatty acids, decreased activity of acyl CoA:dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase, and impaired de novo biosynthesis of plasmalogens. On the basis of these clinical, ultrastructural and biochemical characteristics we assume that this patient represents a milder variant of the classical cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome of Zellweger.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Endoscopic plastic surgery: the endoscopic evaluation of implants after breast augmentation.

There is an ongoing discussion about the possible connection of gel-filled silicone implants for breast augmentation and the development of connective tissue disease. In the absence of any proven link and irrespective of the difficulty to prove such a causality, these discussions lead to great concern for the hundreds of thousands of women who underwent breast augmentation with silicone gel implants. As a consequence there are voices that call for regular checks of the implants with regard to their integrity. All the external methods of judging an implant, including MRI, can--if at all--detect only marked lesions or ruptures. Direct visualization of the implant up to now has been the only safe method. Direct visualization can be carried out by reopening the previous incision or by endoscopic inspection. Endoscopic evaluation needs the dexterity of all endoscopic plastic surgery procedures, but with sufficient training and experience it is a very safe, quick, and highly compliant procedure for the patient and can be combined with endoscopic biopsies and other endoscopic operations such as capsulotomies.

Breast Implants↗
PubMed1988

Influence of repeated administration of cimetidine on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of adinazolam in healthy subjects.

Adinazolam is a new triazolobenzodiazepine bearing an alkyl-amino side chain. A cross-over double-blind placebo controlled study was carried out in 12 healthy volunteers, in order to check the possible interaction between cimetidine and adinazolam after repeated co-administration. Cimetidine or placebo were given during 17 days. Beginning on Day 8 of each treatment, adinazolam was given in the increasing doses following sequence of doses for 3 days: 10 mg b.i.d., 20 mg b.i.d. and 20 mg t.i.d. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study was performed on the third day at each dose. A wash-out of three weeks was included between the two treatments. Cimetidine increased significantly the AUC values of both adinazolam and N-desmethyladinazolam, reduced the oral clearance of adinazolam, and prolonged adinazolam's half-life. The digit symbol substitution test was significantly affected at each dose level while the manual dexterity was marginally impaired by adinazolam plus cimetidine. Saftee-up interview and Clyde mood scale indicated an increased sedation under adinazolam plus cimetidine in four subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Training program for transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

Televised endoscopy and the concept of the "assisted" endoscopic operation is of great help in teaching surgical endoscopic techniques. The use of training dummies provides a new method of training manual dexterity and surgical skills in special courses or in surgical skill laboratories. We have developed a training system for transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Operations with our technique were performed on 116 patients. Like other microsurgical techniques, our method requires a special introduction and intensive training. This paper presents our multistage, video-supported training course for teaching transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The one-day training session is divided into four steps: (1) becoming acquainted with the technology; (2) training on cloth phantom; (3) training on opened bowel; (4) training on closed bovine bowel distended by gas insufflation. Each step is introduced by a short videotape didactically demonstrating the particular aspects of the method.

Colonoscopy↗
PubMed1998

Neuropsychological and neuroimaging correlates in corticobasal degeneration.

The aim of this study was to correlate neuropsychological and neuroimaging findings in corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Three patients with clinical criteria for CBD were examined by means of neuropsychological tests, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and flow and metabolism neuroimaging techniques. Neuropsychological assessment revealed impairment in executive functions, manual dexterity and motor programming with significant asymmetry between upper limbs. Ideomotor and oral apraxia were also detected, and memory deficits were observed in one patient. MRI revealed cortical dilation of the frontal and peri-rolandic regions, symmetrical in one case and asymmetrical in the other two cases. An increased T2 signal intensity in the posterolateral putamen and substantia nigra ipsilateral to the cortical atrophy was observed in one patient. Asymmetries of both frontal and parietal cortices and basal ganglia were detected in all three patients by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography; temporal region hypometabolism was associated in one patient. These cortical and subcortical asymmetries were observed in two patients by single photon emission tomography with the tracer technetium Tc 99m hexamethyl propylenamine oxime; cortical asymmetry was observed in only one patient. The results showed that functional neuroimaging findings correlated well with neuropsychological aspects in CBD. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological correlations may contribute toward understanding anatomical and functional abnormalities associated with this neurodegenerative disorder.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intrauterine closure of membranous ventricular septal defects: mechanism of closure in two autopsy specimens.

Anatomic evidence of intrauterine closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) has been reported rarely. Between 1985 and 1990, 112 autopsies were performed at the Mayo Clinic on third trimester stillborns and infants who died during the first week of life. There were 21 (19%) cases of congenital heart disease. VSD was found in 12 (11%) cases: in eight (7%) as a part of a more complex heart defect and in four (4%) as an isolated lesion. Two cases with membranous VSDs with tricuspid valve tissue partially occluding the ventricular septal defect were found. A 2280-g female infant (case 1) with trisomy 18 died at 4 days of age. Autopsy revealed bilateral superior venae cavae, a large atrial septal defect, cor triatriatum, an atypical tricuspid valve with large septal leaflet partially obstructing a large membranous VSD, a hypoplastic right ventricle, and severe pulmonic stenosis. A 2610-g female infant (case 2), born with congenital heart block died at 4 days of age. Autopsy revealed cor triatriatum dexter obstructing the tricuspid orifice, a large membranous VSD partially obstructed by the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve, four small muscular VSDs, and pulmonic stenosis. These cases suggest that closure of membranous VSDs may begin in utero and the mechanism of closure is similar to that reported postnatally.

Female↗
PubMed1983

Changes in EEG power density spectrum during static muscle work.

Changes in parameters of the EEG power density spectrum were demonstrated in four healthy male subjects during fatiguing static muscle contractions (M. biceps brachii dexter). For the following EEG frequency bands (delta 1-4 Hz, theta 4-8 Hz, alpha 8-13 Hz, beta 13-20 Hz), the relative power and the peak frequencies were determined. A significant increase in the alpha peak frequency was observed during muscle work. This trend was evident in both the central leads (C3-A1, C4-A1) and the occipital (O1-A1), particularly when the subjects had their eyes closed. These changes in peak frequency might be connected with an increase in central nervous activation.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

The persistence and transfer of voluntary hand-warming in natural and laboratory cold settings after 1 year.

Hayduk (1980) used a classical conditioning-biofeedback overlap (CBO) design to teach six volunteers to warm their hands in an ambient temperature of - 14 degrees C. He found voluntarily warmed hands to be more dexterous, more sensitive, and less painful in the cold laboratory setting than unwarmed hands. The present paper reports a 1-year follow-up of five of Hayduk's original six volunteers. Ability to hand-warm was reevaluated, both at room temperature and at - 14 degrees C and was found to be essentially unchanged from post-training performance of the previous year. The effects of hand-warming on performance, sensation, and cold pain were remeasured in the cold laboratory and found to be essentially unchanged from the effects following training the previous year. Finally, the volunteers were asked to describe the degree to which they had used their hand-warming, and the circumstances under which they had used it, in natural settings throughout a Canadian winter. The volunteers reported only minimal use of hand-warming, primarily to reduce cold pain.

Biofeedback, Psychology↗
PubMed1993

Neuropsychologic dysfunction in women following leuprolide acetate induction of hypoestrogenism.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the neuropsychological status of women with induced hypoestrogenism. DESIGN: An ABA design was employed in which neuropsychological measures were repeated prior to, during, and after induction of hypoestrogenism with leuprolide acetate. SETTING: The study took place in a medical school affiliated in vitro fertilization clinic. INTERVENTIONS: Leuprolide acetate was administered to all subjects as part of in vitro fertilization. METHODS: Eighteen women receiving in vitro fertilization treatment underwent neuropsychological testing before, during, and after treatment with leuprolide acetate and gonadotrophins. The neuropsychological test battery was selected on the basis of previous patients' symptomatic complaints during periods of hypoestrogenism with leuprolide acetate. RESULTS: Depending upon the tests administered, some individuals showed significant cognitive deficits during therapy particularly in the areas of memory, fine motor coordination, and two-point discrimination. Two of the 18 subjects showed very substantial neuropsychological sequelae including memory gaps and disturbances in a variety of neuropsychological test performances. However, in terms of group statistics, only two-point discrimination and delayed recall memory test performance proved significant. Not all measures were sensitive for the group, as many tests displayed a balance between individuals who showed practice effects and those who showed detrimental effects. CONCLUSIONS: For a substantial portion of individuals, hypoestrogenism can result in statistically significant or clinically noteworthy problems with memory, dexterity, and two-point discrimination.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Psycho-sensorimotor performance in divers exposed to six and seven atmospheres absolute of compressed air.

In the present study, we investigated the psycho-sensorimotor abilities of divers exposed to 6 ATA (50 m of sea water; corresponding to legal limit for occupational diving in North America, United Kingdom, and Northern Europe), or 7 ATA (60 m; the legal limit in France and Southern Europe) of compressed air (1 ATA = 100,000 Pa), using psychometric tests of manual dexterity, visual choice reaction time, and number ordination. The results of the present study showed that abilities in these tests were not significantly altered by pressure exposure to 6 ATA of compressed air. However, data obtained at 7 ATA showed slight but significant decreases in performance. Nevertheless, a few subjects presented large decreases in performance ranging from -20% to -25% of control. Finally, our results supported the ergonomic point of view that the laws limiting occupational diving to 6 ATA (50 m) are better adapted to reality and the requirements of underwater activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

MRI misinterpretation of spontaneous echo-contrast as a large left atrial thrombus.

A magnetic resonance imaging of the heart was obtained in a patient with history of mitral valve replacement, in whom cor triatriatum dexter was suspected. Dense left atrial echo-contrast, visualized during a previous transesophageal echocardiography, was incorrectly interpreted as a large thrombus extending into the pulmonary veins and the patient was referred for cardiac surgical evaluation.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Medical applications of virtual reality.

Medical applications for virtual reality (VR) are just beginning to emerge. These include VR surgical simulators, telepresence surgery, complex medical database visualization, and rehabilitation. These applications are mediated through the computer interface and as such are the embodiment of VR as an integral part of the paradigm shift in the field of medicine. The Green Telepresence Surgery System consists of two components, the surgical workstation and remote worksite. At the remote site there is a 3-D camera system and responsive manipulators with sensory input. At the workstation there is a 3-D monitor and dexterous handles with force feedback. The VR surgical simulator is a stylized recreation of the human abdomen with several essential organs. Using a helmet mounted display and DataGlove, a person can learn anatomy from a new perspective by 'flying' inside and around the organs, or can practice surgical procedures with a scalpel and clamps. Database visualization creates 3-D images of complex medical data for new perspectives in analysis. Rehabilitation medicine permits impaired individuals to explore worlds not otherwise available to them, allows accurate assessment and therapy for their disabilities, and helps architects understand their critical needs in public or personal space. And to support these advanced technologies, the operating room and hospital of the future will be first designed and tested in virtual reality, bringing together the full power of the digital physician.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed1995

Reliability of the Health Utilities Index--Mark III used in the 1991 cycle 6 Canadian General Social Survey Health Questionnaire.

This study presents information on the test-retest reliability of the Health Utility Index--Mark III (HUI) system used in cycle 6 of the Canadian General Social Survey (GSS). The HUI system used in this reliability study consists of an eight-attribute health status classification system (HSCS) and a function for generating a summary score of health-related quality of life. To estimate test-retest reliability, a stratified random sample of individuals (n = 506) completing GSS telephone interviews during August and September, 1991 were interviewed again 1 month later. Weighting adjustments based on the probability of selection were invoked during the analyses to provide unbiased estimates of test-retest reliability for all GSS respondents in the August-September period. The results indicate that the individual questions, attributes and provisional index scores generally provided reliable information on health status in the GSS. The exceptions to this were limitations in speech and dexterity which were reported very infrequently. Kappa estimates of test-retest reliability for individual questions varied from 0.184 to 0.766. For the eight attributes, kappa estimates varied from 0.137 to 0.728. Using the provisional index scores to quantify health overall, a test-retest reliability of 0.767 was obtained (intra-class correlation coefficient).

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1993

Value and appropriate use of rating scales and apparative measurements in quantification of disability in Parkinson's disease.

Despite widespread use in pharmacotherapeutical trials, in the majority of rating scales used in Parkinson's disease (PD) validity, reliability and appropriate use have never been confirmed by statistical data. For this reason 350 unselected PD-pats. were investigated by an extensive standardized test-battery including registration of basis data, Columbia University Rating Scale (CURS), scale for assessment of functional disability (ADL), SCAG-scale, Hoehn & Jahr-scale (HY), mod. Webster step second-test (WSST), Purdue-pegboard, questionnaire for subjective complaints (SC), WDG, LPS1/2, 3/4, 6, 7, 10, clinical assessment of dementia, v. Zerssen-scale and orthostatic hypotension (60 degrees tilt up). For CURS, SCAG and ADL instrumental reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. For CURS, SCAG, ADL and the total data of complete test battery (CTB) principal component analysis (PCA) was performed for data reduction. CURS, SCAG and ADL showed high internal consistency (alpha approximately > or = 0.9). For CURS 5 factors accounting for 66% total variance could be extracted by PCA. They represent gait, rigidity, tremor, right/left dexterity (eigenvalues > 1). For SCAG 3 factors (61% of total variance) representing dementia, depression and change of personality were extracted. For ADL 3 factors (67% of total variance) could be extracted, representing overall functional disability, handwriting and disability by pain. PCA of the CTB identified 8 interpretable factors (66% of total variance) characterizing at least partially the clinical profile of PD: 1. motor disability (assessment by rating-scales) 2. dementia, 3. motor-disability (assessment by apparative measurements), 4. depression, 5. orthostatic hypotension, 6. WDG, 7. tremor and 8. pain. Our data confirm the suitability of the investigated scales and give a rational base for their appropriate use in a sense of data reduction and economical evaluation.

Aged↗