Isokinetic measurement of forearm pronators-supinators and wrist flexors-extensors in normal subjects

in Isokinetics & Exercise Science (2000, March), 8

Isokinetic strength and fatigability in patients with multiple sclerosis. The relationship between gait speed and isokinetic parameters

in Isokinetics & Exercise Science (2007), 15

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and demyelisation of the central nervous system. Decline of muscular performances, fatigue, weakness and spasticity ... [more ▼]

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and demyelisation of the central nervous system. Decline of muscular performances, fatigue, weakness and spasticity are the most common and disabling symptoms characterizing this neurological disease. Undoubtedly, objective assessments of muscle function would be relevant to deliver the most appropriate treatment and to appraise possible training effects resulting from rehabilitation. The purposes of this study were to assess muscle strength and fatigue of knee flexors and extensors in patients with multiple sclerosis by means of an isokinetic dynamometer. Relations between isokinetic results and gait speed were also investigated. Methods Eight patients (49 +/- 7 years old) suffering from multiple sclerosis (with unaided gait) were included in this study. Bilateral knee flexor and extensor performances were assessed using a Cybex Norm dynamometer. Maximal isokinetic strength was measured at 60°/s (3 repetitions) and 180°/s (5 repetitions). Thereafter, patients performed a fatigue protocol consisting in 30 successive maximal-intensity knee flexions and extensions at 180°/s angular velocity. Fatigue was analysed using the cumulative work parameter (corresponding to the sum of work developed through the 30 movements) and a fatigue index (ratio between work developed during 3 last contractions and 3 first contractions). Gait speeds corresponded to the time necessary to subject for walking at maximal speed on a 7.62 m and 100 m long walkway. Results Isokinetic parameters (strength and fatigue) appeared to be decreased in MS patients comparatively to normative data [1]. Knee flexors/extensors ratio was reduced for some patients, yet MS subjects displayed no significant bilateral asymmetry, suggesting a bilateral weakness process. Significant negative correlations (- 0.76 < r < - 0.95, p < 0.05) between gait speeds (measured through a 7.62 m and 100 m long walkway) and hamstring isokinetic parameters (peak torque and cumulative work) were observed. In contrast, we did not find any correlation between gait speed and quadriceps isokinetic performances, except for the correlation between gait speed on 100 m long walkway and fatigue index (0.78 < r < 0.89, p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusion Objective evaluation of muscle performance deficiencies in patients with MS appears essential for designing a successful rehabilitation program. However, no consensus has been established with regard to the most relevant isokinetic protocol modalities for assessing patients suffering form central nervous system lesions. Our preliminary results underlined that gait speed was negatively correlated to hamstring isokinetic parameters (strength and cumulative work). Interestingly, no patient included in our study reported increased symptoms such as spasticity during or after the test, indicating that MS patients are able to perform strength and fatigue isokinetic assessments. References [1] Maquet D, Croisier JL, Renard C, Crielaard JM. Muscle performance in patients with fibromyalgia, Joint Bone Spine 69 :293-9, 2002. [less ▲]

Isokinetic testing of knee musculature in patient with unilateral gonarthrosis

in Revue du Rhumatisme (English ed.) (1997, November), 11

Isolated chlamydia trachomatis infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in adolescence

in The 2012 Conference of Asia Oceania Research Organisation on Genital Infection and Neoplasia, Hongkong 13-15 July 2012 (2012, July 15)

Many authors suggest an association between CT infection and dysplasia or neoplastic cervical atypia, but evidence of an isolated Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection increasing the risk of developing ... [more ▼]

Many authors suggest an association between CT infection and dysplasia or neoplastic cervical atypia, but evidence of an isolated Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection increasing the risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) remains unproven. We present a case of isolated CT infection in an adolescent 17 year old girl who was referred to our hospital with high grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) on her Pap smear. CT was detected in both the rapid test of the endocervix specimen and PCR testing of urine, but human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (Qualitative HPV PCR test) was not present. CIN3 was confirmed on biopsy of the thick acetowhite and mosaic zone at colposcopy. Isolated CT infection is a potential factor in the development of CIN in adolescence. [less ▲]

Isolating the 130.4 nm and 135.6 nm emissions in Ganymede’s aurora using broadband optics

Conference (2012, September 27)

We discuss a technique for isolating the two main Far Ultraviolet emission lines in Ganymede’s aurora by adding flight proven transmission filters to a broad- band, wide-field imager design. We find that ... [more ▼]

We discuss a technique for isolating the two main Far Ultraviolet emission lines in Ganymede’s aurora by adding flight proven transmission filters to a broad- band, wide-field imager design. We find that the ra- tio of OI emissions at 135.6 nm and 130.4 nm can be recovered if the transmission of the filters and other optical elements are well known. This ratio allows constraints to be placed on the relative abundances of O atoms and O2 molecules within Ganymede’s at- mosphere, leading to more accurate models of atmo- spheric composition. [less ▲]

Isolation and analysis of a putative FLC orthologue in Sinapis alba L.

in Acta Physiologiae Plantarum (2004), 26(3), 23-24

In many plant species, flowering is promoted by a long exposure to low temperature, a process known as vernalization. Some plants even have an absolute requirement for winter cold before being able to ... [more ▼]

In many plant species, flowering is promoted by a long exposure to low temperature, a process known as vernalization. Some plants even have an absolute requirement for winter cold before being able to flower the next summer, hence behave as biennials or winter crops. A recent breakthrough in the understanding of the molecular bases of vernalization has been the cloning of the FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana (Michaels S.D. & Amasino R.M., 1999). FLC encodes a repressor of flowering and is downregulated by vernalization. So vernalization relieves the inhibitory role that FLC plays on downstream genes involved in the floral transition of the shoot apical meristem (SAM). Although vernalization has been shown, by physiological studies, to be sensed by the SAM, molecular evidences are missing. Such analyses are impaired in Arabidopsis by the small size of the plant and the rosette growth habit. We therefore cloned a FLC homologue in a caulescent relative Brassicaceae: mustard (Sinapis alba L.). We identified two clones by screening a cDNA library made from leaf mRNA. One of them, SaFLC1, was used for in situ hybridizations on SAM sections. Preliminary results are shown. Because of its agronomical importance, we have also tried to manipulate the vernalization process in crops. By using a transgenic approach, we have attempted to bypass the strict vernalization requirement of winter colza (Brassica napus L.). We have over-expressed SaMADS A, a gene which is repressed by FLC in wild type, and observed that the transgenics did not require vernalization any more. [less ▲]

Isolation and Characterisation of a Ruminant Alphaherpesvirus Closely Related to Bovine Herpesvirus 1 in a Free-Ranging Red Deer

in BMC Veterinary Research (2007), 3

BACKGROUND: The genus Varicellovirus of the Herpesviridae subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae includes a cluster of viruses antigenically and genetically related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1): namely bovine ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: The genus Varicellovirus of the Herpesviridae subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae includes a cluster of viruses antigenically and genetically related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1): namely bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5), bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV-1), caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1), cervid herpesviruses 1 (CvHV-1) and 2 (CvHV-2) and elk herpesvirus 1 (ElkHV-1). Considering the serological relationship between these ruminant alphaherpesviruses, several surveys have studied the occurrence of BoHV-1 related virus infection in wild and domestic ruminant species. In this way, a recent investigation has indicated, in Belgium, a high increase in the serological prevalence of BoHV-1 related virus infection in free-ranging red deer population. In this context, it has been decided to investigate the presence of an alphaherpesvirus spreading in the Belgian free-ranging red deer population. RESULTS: The current study reports the first isolation in a free-ranging red deer of a BoHV-1 closely related virus. The isolate was antigenically, genomically and genetically characterised by comparison with several ruminant alphaherpesvirus. Immunofluorescence assays revealed the isolate was antigenically distinct from bovine and caprine alphaherpesviruses. Similarly, BamHI and BstEII restriction analyses demonstrated the genomic difference between the isolate and the other ruminant alphaherpesviruses. Next, the sequencing of selected parts of UL27 and US8 genes showed a high degree of homologies between each BoHV-1 related ruminant alphaherpesvirus and the isolate. Besides the close relationship between all ruminant alphaherpesviruses, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate clustered with CvHV-1. CONCLUSION: The first isolation of a virus closely related to BoHV-1 in a free-ranging red deer is reported. Data demonstrate that a CvHV-1 strain, named Anlier, circulates in wild red deer in continental Europe. Anlier strain show consistent differences with the virus isolated from Scottish farmed red deer. All together, these results improve our understanding of ruminant alphaherpesviruses. [less ▲]

Isolation and characterisation of new spore-forming lactic acid bacteria with prospects of use in food fermentations and probiotic preparations

in African Journal of Microbiology Research [=AJMR] (2010), 4(11), 1016-1025

Isolation And Characterization Of A 2.3-Kilobase-Pair Cdna Fragment Encoding The Binding Domain Of The Bovine Leukemia-Virus Cell-Receptor

in Journal of Virology (1993), 67(2),

The isolation and characterization of equine Osteocalcin

in Proceedings of the 1st meeting of the International Bone and Mineral Society (IBMS) (2001)