Stroke Therapy Using Wearable Robots and Ramachandran Mirror Technique Produces Functional Improvement

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. McBeath ◽  
Flavio DaSilva ◽  
Thomas G. Sugar ◽  
Nancy E. Wechsler ◽  
James Koeneman
Keyword(s):  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Stroke Therapy ◽  
Wearable Robots

Understanding the Obstacles to Uptake of Intervention Programmes and Services for Persons with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 526-533
Author(s):  
Ha N.H. Lien ◽  
Emily J. Koh ◽  
Philip L.K. Yap
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Information Session ◽  
Adequate Information ◽  
Care At Home

Background: Utilisation of intervention programmes and services for Persons with Dementia (PWD) has been generally modest despite the growing numbers. One reason has been the lack of knowledge about dementia and information on such services. Objective: We sought to close this gap by providing caregivers with an information session about dementia and the importance and availability of related services. We explored the uptake of intervention programmes and services and reasons for non-uptake thereafter. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-five PWD and caregiver dyads attended the Dyad Education and Empowerment Programme (DEEP). At the DEEP, while caregivers underwent an information session, PWD were assessed by a multidisciplinary team on their need and suitability for programmes and services such as daycare, cognitive engagement programmes and physical rehabilitation. The dyads then received individualized recommendations on the appropriate services, if any. Follow-up through medical records review and phone calls was conducted one month after DEEP to ascertain if the dyads had acted upon the recommendations and if not, what difficulties they encountered. Results: One hundred and eleven PWD received recommendations, of which 40 (36.0%) agreed and enrolled in the services while 71 (64%) declined. Thematic analysis of the reasons for non-uptake revealed 3 themes: PWD-related factors (e.g., refusal, functional improvement or decline), caregiverrelated factors (adequacy of care at home, other care arrangements), and service-related factors (e.g., cost, timing). Conclusion: Despite adequate information, there are other reasons for non-uptake of dementia- related services, some of which should be addressed to improve service updates and to provide better care for PWD.

Rehabilitation Intensity and Patient Outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities in the United States: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A Prusynski ◽  
Allison M Gustavson ◽  
Siddhi R Shrivastav ◽  
Tracy M Mroz
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective Exponential increases in rehabilitation intensity in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) motivated recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies, which remove financial incentives for providing more minutes of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Yet there is concern that SNFs will reduce therapy provision and patients will experience worse outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between therapy intensity and patient outcomes in SNFs. Methods PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, and COCHRANE databases were searched. English-language studies published in the United States between 1998 and February 14, 2020, examining the relationship between therapy intensity and community discharge, hospital readmission, length of stay (LOS), and functional improvement for short-stay SNF patients were considered. Data extraction and risk of bias were performed using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence scale for causation questions. AAN criteria were used to assess confidence in the evidence for each outcome. Results Eight observational studies met inclusion criteria. There was moderate evidence that higher intensity therapy was associated with higher rates of community discharge and shorter LOS. One study provided very low-level evidence of associations between higher intensity therapy and lower hospital readmissions after total hip and knee replacement. There was low-level evidence indicating higher intensity therapy is associated with improvements in function. Conclusions This systematic review concludes, with moderate confidence, that higher intensity therapy in SNFs leads to higher community discharge rates and shorter LOS. Future research should improve quality of evidence on functional improvement and hospital readmissions. Impact This systematic review demonstrates that patients in SNFs may benefit from higher intensity therapy. Because new policies no longer incentivize intensive therapy, patient outcomes should be closely monitored to ensure patients in SNFs receive high-quality care.

scholarly journals Discovery, characterization and functional improvement of kumamonamide as a novel plant growth inhibitor that disturbs plant microtubules

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Ishida ◽  
Haruna Yoshimura ◽  
Masatsugu Takekawa ◽  
Takumi Higaki ◽  
Takashi Ideue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Growth Inhibitor ◽  
Herbicidal Activity ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Microtubule Inhibitors ◽  
Plant Microtubules ◽  
Plant Growth Inhibitor ◽  
Derivatives Of ◽  
Synthetic Intermediate

AbstractThe discovery and useful application of natural products can help improve human life. Chemicals that inhibit plant growth are broadly utilized as herbicides to control weeds. As various types of herbicides are required, the identification of compounds with novel modes of action is desirable. In the present study, we discovered a novelN-alkoxypyrrole compound, kumamonamide fromStreptomyces werraensisMK493-CF1 and established a total synthesis procedure. Resulted in the bioactivity assays, we found that kumamonamic acid, a synthetic intermediate of kumamonamide, is a potential plant growth inhibitor. Further, we developed various derivatives of kumamonamic acid, including a kumamonamic acid nonyloxy derivative (KAND), which displayed high herbicidal activity without adverse effects on HeLa cell growth. We also detected that kumamonamic acid derivatives disturb plant microtubules; and additionally, that KAND affected actin filaments and induced cell death. These multifaceted effects differ from those of known microtubule inhibitors, suggesting a novel mode of action of kumamonamic acid, which represents an important lead for the development of new herbicides.

scholarly journals A Clinicoradiological Assessment following Surgical Intervention in Patients of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: An Institutional Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maneet Gill ◽  
Vikas Maheshwari ◽  
Arun Kumar Yadav ◽  
Rushikesh Gadhavi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Anterior Approach ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Male Predominance ◽  
Canal Diameter ◽  
Posterior Group

Abstract Introduction  To critically analyze the functional and radiological improvement in patients of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) who underwent surgical decompression by an anterior or posterior approach. Materials and Methods  A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary-level Armed Forces Hospital from June 2015 to December 2019. Preoperative assessment included a thorough clinical examination and functional and radiological assessment. The surgical decompression was done by an anterior or a posterior approach with instrumented fusion. Anterior approach was taken for single or two-level involvement and posterior approach for three or more cervical levels. The pre and postoperative neurological outcome was assessed by Nurick and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score along with measurement of canal diameter and cross-sectional area. Results  A total of 120 patients of CSM who underwent surgical decompression were analyzed. Both the groups were comparable and had male predominance. A total of 59 patients underwent surgical decompression by an anterior approach and the remaining 61 patients by the posterior approach. Out of the 59 patients operated by the anterior approach, 30 (50.85%) underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); remaining 29 (49.15%) underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). In the posterior group (n = 61), 26 (42.6%) patients underwent laminoplasty and the remaining 35 (57.4%) underwent laminectomy with or without instrument fusion. Sixteen patients out of these underwent lateral mass fixation and the remaining 19 underwent laminectomy. There was functional improvement (mJOA and Nurick grade) and radiological improvement in both subgroups, which were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion  A prompt surgical intervention in moderate-to-severe cases of CSM either by the anterior or the posterior approach is essential for good outcome.

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