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Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2021Lower back pain and musculoskeletal injuries are serious concerns for workers subjected to physical workload and manual material handling tasks. Spine assistive... (Review)
Review
Lower back pain and musculoskeletal injuries are serious concerns for workers subjected to physical workload and manual material handling tasks. Spine assistive exoskeletons are being developed to support the spine and distribute the spine load. This article presents a detailed up-to-date review on the back support exoskeletons by discussing their type (Active/Passive), structure (Rigid/Soft), power transmission methods, weight, maximum assistive force, battery technologies, tasks (lifting, bending, stooping work), kinematic compatibility and other important features. This article also assesses the back support exoskeletons in terms of their ability to reduce the physical load on the spine. By reviewing functional and structural characteristics, the goal is to increase communication and realization among ergonomics practitioners, developers, customers, and factory workers. The search resulted in reviewing 34 exoskeletons of which 16 were passive and 18 were active. In conclusion, back support exoskeletons have immense potential to significantly reduce the factors regarding work-related musculoskeletal injuries. However, various technical challenges and a lack of established safety standards limit the wide adaptation of exoskeletons in industry.
PubMed: 34805118
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.765257 -
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Feb 2023Corrective osteotomy is an effective surgery for correcting posture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite satisfactory correction, some patients...
BACKGROUND
Corrective osteotomy is an effective surgery for correcting posture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite satisfactory correction, some patients experience re-stooping during follow-up. However, there have been no studies on re-stooping in AS. We aimed to analyze the factors that affect re-stooping.
METHODS
Fifty patients (50 cases) who underwent thoracolumbar corrective osteotomy for AS from March 2006 to April 2018 were analyzed. We defined re-stooping as global kyphosis that recurs after corrective osteotomy. The patients were divided into two groups based on the ratio of correction loss: non-re-stooping group (N group) and re-stooping group (R group). We analyzed the demographic data and radiological parameters, such as modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), sagittal vertical axis, and various angles. We also investigated the factors affecting re-stooping by analyzing the correlation between the ratio of correction loss and various factors.
RESULTS
A significant difference was seen in the change in the mSASSS from before surgery to the last follow-up between the N group (2.87 ± 3.08) and the R group (9.20 ± 5.44). In multivariate analysis, only the change in the mSASSS from before surgery to the last follow-up was significantly correlated with the ratio of correction loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Thoracolumbar corrective osteotomy seems to provide high satisfaction among patients with AS but can lead to re-stooping during follow-up. The change in mSASSS was related with re-stooping in the current study. We recommend active rehabilitative exercises and appropriate medication depending on the patient's condition, which may help delay the postoperative progression of AS.
Topics: Humans; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Treatment Outcome; Spine; Kyphosis; Osteotomy; Phenolphthalein; Lumbar Vertebrae; Thoracic Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36778985
DOI: 10.4055/cios22075 -
Neuron Sep 2018The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) attracts the interest of neuroscientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists due to its capacity to modulate emotional and social behavior.... (Review)
Review
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) attracts the interest of neuroscientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists due to its capacity to modulate emotional and social behavior. Although much has been published on the effects of OT on brain regions and mechanisms at the core of these processes, its role in sensory processing, so important for detecting social context with sufficient accuracy and sensitivity, has been much less studied. In the present review, we summarize evidence for OT modulation of sensory processing and, conversely, effects of sensory input on endogenous OT signaling. We concentrate on mammals, aiming to provide a systematic analysis of the current knowledge on this reciprocal regulation and the role it may play in social and emotional behaviors.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Emotions; Humans; Nerve Net; Oxytocin; Sensation; Social Behavior
PubMed: 30189208
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.07.016 -
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice 2016Stooped posture was mentioned in the original description of the characteristic features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Since then, a variety of postural, bone, and joint... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stooped posture was mentioned in the original description of the characteristic features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Since then, a variety of postural, bone, and joint problems have become recognized as common aspects of the illness and deserve attention.
METHODS
A Medline literature search for the period from 1970 to 2016 was performed to identify articles relevant to this topic. Keywords for the search included posture, spine, bone disorders, fractures, joint disorders, kyphosis, scoliosis, stooping, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, frozen shoulder, anterocollis, dropped head syndrome, and pain in combination with PD. The articles were then reviewed to summarize clinical features, frequency, impact, pathophysiology, and treatment options for these conditions.
RESULTS
Postural disorders (kyphoscoliosis, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, dropped head syndrome), bone mineralization disorders (osteoporosis, bone fractures), and joint disorders (frozen shoulder, dystonia involving joints, joint pain) are often seen in association with PD. Treatment options for these conditions are varied and may include medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
Posture, bone, and joint disorders are common in patients with PD; they often produce added disability, and they may be treatable.
PubMed: 30363567
DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12386 -
Neuron Oct 2012Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) are two closely related neuropeptides, widely known for their peripheral hormonal effects. Specific receptors have also been found in... (Review)
Review
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) are two closely related neuropeptides, widely known for their peripheral hormonal effects. Specific receptors have also been found in the brain, where their neuromodulatory actions have meanwhile been described in a large number of regions. Recently, it has become possible to study their endogenous neuropeptide release with the help of OT/VP promoter-driven expression of fluorescent proteins and light-activated ion channels. In this review, I summarize the neuromodulatory effects of OT and VP in different brain regions by grouping these into different behavioral systems, highlighting their concerted, and at times opposite, effects on different aspects of behavior.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Humans; Neurotransmitter Agents; Oxytocin; Vasopressins
PubMed: 23040812
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.09.025 -
Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn 2010
Review
PubMed: 25206964
DOI: No ID Found -
The Indian Journal of Medical Research Jan 2016Parkinson`s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by tremor, rigidity and akinesia. Diagnosis is clinical in the majority of the... (Review)
Review
Parkinson`s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by tremor, rigidity and akinesia. Diagnosis is clinical in the majority of the patients. Patients with PD may have stooped posture but some of them develop different types of postural and striatal deformities. Usually these deformities are more common in atypical parkinsonian disorders such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multisystem atrophy. But in many studies it has been highlighted that these may also be present in approximately one third of PD patients leading to severe disability. These include antecollis or dropped head, camptocormia, p0 isa syndrome, scoliosis, striatal hands and striatal toes. The pathogenesis of these deformities is a complex combination of central and peripheral influences such as rigidity, dystonia and degenerative skeletal changes. Duration of parkinsonism symptoms is an important risk factor and in majority of the patients these deformities are seen in advanced statge of the disease. The patients with such symptoms may initially respond to dopaminergic medications but if not intervened they may become fixed and difficult to treat. Pain and restriction of movement are most common clinical manifestations and these may mimick symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis is important as the patients may respond to adjustment in dopaminergic medications. Recent advances such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and ultrasound guided botulinum toxin injection are helpful in management of these deformities in patients with PD.
Topics: Brain; Congenital Abnormalities; Corpus Striatum; Humans; Parkinson Disease; Posture
PubMed: 26997007
DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.178577 -
IScience Jul 2023Galectins are a group of carbohydrate-binding proteins with a presumed immunomodulatory role and an elusive function on antigen-presenting cells. Here we analyzed the...
Galectins are a group of carbohydrate-binding proteins with a presumed immunomodulatory role and an elusive function on antigen-presenting cells. Here we analyzed the expression of galectin-1 and found upregulation of galectin-1 in the extracellular matrix across multiple tumors. Performing an in-depth and dynamic proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of human macrophages stimulated with galectin-1, we show that galectin-1 induces a tumor-associated macrophage phenotype with increased expression of key immune checkpoint protein programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1/CD274) and immunomodulator indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1). Galectin-1 induced IDO1 and its active metabolite kynurenine in a dose-dependent manner through JAK/STAT signaling. In a 3D organotypic tissue model system equipped with genetically engineered tumorigenic epithelial cells, we analyzed the cellular source of galectin-1 in the extracellular matrix and found that galectin-1 is derived from epithelial and stromal cells. Our results highlight the potential of targeting galectin-1 in immunotherapeutic treatment of human cancers.
PubMed: 37534161
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106984 -
The Journals of Gerontology. Series B,... Jan 2021This study compares estimates and determinants of within-individual changes in mobility across surveys of older U.S. adults.
OBJECTIVES
This study compares estimates and determinants of within-individual changes in mobility across surveys of older U.S. adults.
METHODS
Data come from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Measures of mobility comprise self-reported level of difficulty with walking several blocks, going up several flights of stairs, lifting and carrying 10 pounds, and stooping. Predictors include sociodemographic characteristics and indicators of health and health behaviors. We pool the datasets and estimate weighted lagged dependent variable logistic regression models for each activity, assessing cross-study differences using interaction terms between a survey indicator and relevant variables.
RESULTS
Estimates of declines in mobility differ substantially across surveys for walking, lifting and carrying, and stooping, but there are no between-survey differences in the probability of (not) recovering from a limitation. With the exception of age, determinants of change are similar between studies. For lifting/carrying and stooping, the age-related increase in developing limitations is less steep at younger ages for HRS respondents than MIDUS respondents, but steeper at older ages.
DISCUSSION
To compare estimates of mobility change across surveys, mobility measures would need to be harmonized. Determinants of mobility change, however, are more comparable.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Mobility Limitation; Motor Activity; Risk Factors; United States
PubMed: 31362309
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz091 -
Journal of General Internal Medicine Apr 2022The long-term prevalence and risk factors for post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PASC) are not well described and may have important implications for unvaccinated populations... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
The long-term prevalence and risk factors for post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PASC) are not well described and may have important implications for unvaccinated populations and policy makers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess health status, persistent symptoms, and effort tolerance approximately 1 year after COVID-19 infection DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study using surveys and clinical data PARTICIPANTS: Survey respondents who were survivors of acute COVID-19 infection requiring Emergency Department presentation or hospitalization between March 3 and May 15, 2020.
MAIN MEASURE(S)
Self-reported health status, persistent symptoms, and effort tolerance KEY RESULTS: The 530 respondents (median time between hospital presentation and survey 332 days [IQR 325-344]) had mean age 59.2±16.3 years, 44.5% were female and 70.8% were non-White. Of these, 41.5% reported worse health compared to a year prior, 44.2% reported persistent symptoms, 36.2% reported limitations in lifting/carrying groceries, 35.5% reported limitations climbing one flight of stairs, 38.1% reported limitations bending/kneeling/stooping, and 22.1% reported limitations walking one block. Even those without high-risk comorbid conditions and those seen only in the Emergency Department (but not hospitalized) experienced significant deterioration in health, persistent symptoms, and limitations in effort tolerance. Women (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.56), those requiring mechanical ventilation (aRRR 1.48, 1.02-2.14), and people with HIV (aRRR 1.75, 1.14-2.69) were significantly more likely to report persistent symptoms. Age and other risk factors for more severe COVID-19 illness were not associated with increased risk of PASC.
CONCLUSIONS
PASC may be extraordinarily common 1 year after COVID-19, and these symptoms are sufficiently severe to impact the daily exercise tolerance of patients. PASC symptoms are broadly distributed, are not limited to one specific patient group, and appear to be unrelated to age. These data have implications for vaccine hesitant individuals, policy makers, and physicians managing the emerging longer-term yet unknown impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Female; Health Status; Humans; Middle Aged; Pandemics; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35075531
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07379-z