Thresholds for Inducing Protective Stepping Responses to External Perturbations of Human Standing

2003 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 666-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-L. Mille ◽  
M. W. Rogers ◽  
K. Martinez ◽  
L. D. Hedman ◽  
M. E. Johnson ◽  
...  

Standing subjects were unexpectedly pulled forward to identify a threshold boundary that evokes stepping in terms of the size of the pull relative to the base of support (BoS). Performances in a range of sensorimotor tests were correlated with the threshold boundary parameters. Younger and older subjects were studied to identify age-related changes in stepping and the threshold boundaries. The threshold boundary had a forward limit (TL) that, when crossed, always made subjects step no matter how slowly they were pulled. As velocity increased, the threshold position that produced a step shifted nearer to the ankles. Eventually a pull velocity was reached above which velocity had no further effect and a position threshold (TH) was identified behind which subjects never stepped. Thus the position threshold boundary for stepping is a posterior-going sigmoidal function of perturbation velocity. Older subjects stepped more than the young (69% vs. 40% of trials). For the older subjects, TL (91% vs. 107% BoS) and TH (59% vs. 72% BoS) were closer to the ankles, and the transition between TL and TH occurred at lower velocities (96% vs. 121% BoS.s–1). Across the entire study population many sensorimotor factors were associated with TL and TH. However, these associations were not present when age was removed as a factor. Thus, although the older subjects use protective stepping more often, this cannot be attributed directly to the sensorimotor factors tested here. It can be explained by stepping as a triggered response to the perturbation event rather than later sensory input about body movement.

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 892-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Allen Fox ◽  
Lida G. Wall ◽  
Jeanne Gokcen

This study examined age-related differences in the use of dynamic acoustic information (in the form of formant transitions) to identify vowel quality in CVCs. Two versions of 61 naturally produced, commonly occurring, monosyllabic English words were created: a control version (the unmodified whole word) and a silent-center version (in which approximately 62% of the medial vowel was replaced by silence). A group of normal-hearing young adults (19–25 years old) and older adults (61–75 years old) identified these tokens. The older subjects were found to be significantly worse than the younger subjects at identifying the medial vowel and the initial and final consonants in the silent-center condition. These results support the hypothesis of an age-related decrement in the ability to process dynamic perceptual cues in the perception of vowel quality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enong Rostiawati

Abstract: Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) is a variable that can be influenced by job satisfaction. This study aims to determine the effect of job satisfaction variables on Organizational Citizenship Behavior OCB alumni level IV leadership training in Banten Province. This research uses a quantitative approach through survey methods. Data analysis technique used is simple linear regression. The population in this study were 40 respondents and the sample used was 40 respondents. Determination of the sample using total sampling techniques or samples taken from the entire study population. The results of the analysis and interpretation of research data show that the value of the regulatory coefficient of influence on job satisfaction on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) alumni of leadership training level IV is 0.740 thus it can be concluded that job satisfaction has a direct positive effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior alumni training, meaning that improvement of satisfaction in IV level leadership training is 0.740. work has an impact on improving Organizational Citizenship Behavior for training alumni, So Organizational Citizenship Behavior for training alumni can be achieved through job satisfaction.Keywords: Job satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Leadership Training Alumni Level IV


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1183-1199
Author(s):  
Mohammed Alrouili ◽  

This study attempted to identify the impact of internal work environment on the retention of healthcare providers at Turaif General Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In particular, the study aimed to identify the dimensions of work circumstances, compensation, and relationship with colleagues, professional growth, and the level of healthcare providers’ retention. In order to achieve the study goals, the researcher used the descriptive analytical approach. The researcher used the questionnaire as the study tool. The study population comprised all the healthcare providers at Turaif General Hospital. Questionnaires were distributed to the entire study sample that consisted of 220 individuals. The number of questionnaires valid for study was 183 questionnaires. The research findings were as follows: the participants’ estimate of the work circumstances dimension was high (3.64), the participants’ estimate of the compensation dimension was moderate (3.32), the participants’ estimate of the relationship with colleagues dimension was high (3.62), the participants’ estimate of the professional growth dimension was weak (2.39), and the participants’ estimate of healthcare providers’ retention level was intermediate (2.75). Accordingly, the researcher’s major recommendations are: the need to create the right atmosphere for personnel in hospitals, the interest of the hospital to provide the appropriate conditions for the staff in terms of the physical and moral aspects for building the work adjustment in the staff, and conducting training courses and educational lectures for personnel in hospitals on how to cope with the work pressures.


2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (3) ◽  
pp. H1271-H1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Walter Wray ◽  
Abhimanyu Uberoi ◽  
Lesley Lawrenson ◽  
Russell S. Richardson

We sought to identify the relationship between shear stimuli and flow-mediated vasodilation and to determine whether small muscle mass exercise training could provoke limb-specific improvements in endothelial function in older subjects. In five young (22 ± 1 yr old) and six old (71 ± 2 yr old) subjects, ultrasound Doppler measurements were taken in the arm (brachial artery) and leg (deep and superficial femoral arteries) after suprasystolic cuff occlusion with and without ischemic exercise to evaluate flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in both limbs. Older subjects were reevaluated after 6 wk of single-leg knee extensor exercise training. Before the training, a significant FMD was observed in the arm of young (3 ± 1%) but not old (1 ± 1%) subjects, whereas a significant leg FMD was observed in both groups (5 ± 1% old vs. 3 ± 1% young). However, arm vasodilation was similar between young and old when normalized for shear rate, and cuff occlusion with superimposed handgrip exercise provoked additional shear, which proportionately improved the FMD response in both groups. Exercise training significantly improved arm FMD (5 ± 1%), whereas leg FMD was unchanged. However, ischemic handgrip exercise did not provoke additional arm vasodilation after training, which may indicate an age-related limit to shear-induced vasodilation. Together, these data demonstrate that vascular reactivity is dependent on limb and degree of shear stimuli, challenging the convention of diminished endothelial function typically associated with age. Likewise, exercise training improved arm vasodilation, indicating some preservation of vascular plasticity with age.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 93 (4) ◽  
pp. 624-630
Author(s):  
Matthew Gesner ◽  
Vana Papaevangelou ◽  
Song-He Chen ◽  
Tiina Moore ◽  
Keith Krasinski ◽  
...  

Objective. The age-related changes in the proportion of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seronegative children born to HIV-infected mothers (seroreverters) were compared with the changes in these lymphocyte subsets in children born to seronegative women to assess a possible effect of exposure to HIV without infection. Design. There were 146 seroreverter and 72 seronegative children. The median CD4 and CD8 percentages for each of these two groups of children were compared retrospectively at 3-month intervals from birth through 27 months and at a tenth interval for the time beyond 27 months. The weighted average of the within-subject rate of change of CD4 and CD8 percentages were also compared between the two groups. Finally, for each subject, the proportion of the subject's CD4 percentage assays which were <10th percentile of the entire study population (30%) was calculated, and the distributions of the subject-specific proportions were then compared between the seronegative and seroreverter groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The proportion of CD8 assays <10th percentile (12%) or >90th percentile (26%) were also computed for each subject, and the distributions of the proportions were compared similarily. Results. The median CD4 percentage for seroreverter children was lower than that for the seronegative children at every interval from birth through 27 months and for the last interval for values obtained at greater than 27 months, although the comparison was statistically significant only at the 4- to 6-month period. The weighted average of the within-subject rate of change of CD4 percentage was -0.09 and -3.0 per year (P .04), and of CD8 percentage was 1.3 and 1.0 (P = .67), for the seroreverter and seronegative children, respectively. There were significantly more children in the seroreverter group than in the seronegative group who had repeated assays in which the CD4 percentage was <10th percentile for age (P <.00005). In addition, there was a subset of 10 seroreverter children (6.8%) who had CD4 percentages <30% on >50% of their assays, as compared with only one (1.4%) seronegative child. The proportion of CD8 assays <10th percentile or >90th percentile were not significantly different between the two groups of children. Conclusions. The CD4 proportions were persistently lower in the seroreverter than in the seronegative population, although only reaching statistical significance in 1 of 10 3-month intervals. This finding may be due to a subgroup of seroreverter children who have persistently low CD4 lymphocyte percentages.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
ALICE VISMARRA ◽  
STEFANIA ZANET ◽  
SIMONE MORELLI ◽  
ROBERTA GALUPPI ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.


2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alberto Conrado ◽  
Sandra Mara Maciel ◽  
Márcia Regina Oliveira

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of a school-based oral health educational strategy adopted in public primary schools from the city of Maringa, State of Parana, Brazil. The study sample was composed by 556 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old, 124 schoolteachers and a group of 55 mothers. The educational approach was implemented for 18 months and consisted of reinforcements of interventions addressed to students and schoolteachers at school level and few activities targeted at the mothers, performed by means of home visits. Baseline and follow-up interviews focused on oral health care were undertaken for the entire study population. As a stimulus for the students to achieve proper oral hygiene habits, the simplified oral hygiene index was assessed at three different moments. A statistically significant improvement in their oral hygiene index (p<0.001) was recorded. The results achieved suggest an encouraging tendency towards the improvement in the levels of oral health care among the school-age youths studied. They also point out the need of intensifying the preparation of schoolteachers in oral health topics, as well the instructions to the mothers for their oral health care. Moreover, they highlight the importance of the continuous implementation of school-based programs to promote the oral health.


Author(s):  
Nafez Ayoub "Ali Ahmed"

The aim of this study is to understand the importance of kindergarten institutions in achieving integrated education for pre-school children. The researcher used the descriptive approach. The study population consisted of all the principals and educators of kindergartens in Salfit Governorate. The study sample included the entire study population of (120) director and educator. The researcher used the statistical program for social sciences (SPSS) to process the data statistically. The results showed that the percentage of achievement of kindergarten institutions in Salfit governorate for integrated education reached (68%) in terms of specifications of buildings, sites and facilities to help achieve the integrated education of the preschool child. The study also showed that 98% of the activities carried out within kindergartens help pre-school children to grow properly in various aspects of physical, mental and emotional development, thus achieving integrated education. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences at the level of (α 0.05 0.05) for the importance of kindergartens in achieving the integrated education of pre-school children from the point of view of the principals and educators of the kindergartens in Salfit governorate for the fields (building, location, facilities, activities) Paragraphs attributed to the variables of nature of work and scientific qualification.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Peña Dieste Pérez ◽  
Luis M. Esteban ◽  
Ricardo Savirón-Cornudella ◽  
Faustino R. Pérez-López ◽  
Sergio Castán-Mateo ◽  
...  

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study aimed to assess reduced fetal growth between 35 weeks of gestation and birth in non-small for gestational age fetuses associated with adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). <b><i>Material and Method:</i></b> It is a retrospective cohort study of 9,164 non-small for gestational age fetuses estimated by ultrasound at 35 weeks. The difference between the birth weight percentile and the estimated percentile weight (EPW) at 35 weeks of gestation was calculated, and we studied the relationship of this difference with the appearance of APO. APOs were defined as cesarean or instrumental delivery rates for nonreassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score &#x3c;7, arterial cord blood pH &#x3c;7.10, and stillbirth. Fetuses that exhibited a percentile decrease between both moments were classified into 6 categories according to the amount of percentile decrease (0.01–10.0, 10.01–20.0, 20.01–30.0, 30.01–40.0, 40.01–50.0, and &#x3e;50.0 percentiles). It was evaluated whether the appearance of APO was related to the amount of this percentile decrease. Relative risk (RR) was calculated in these subgroups to predict APOs in general and for each APO in particular. Receiver operating characteristic and area under curves (AUC) for the difference in the percentile was calculated, used as a continuous parameter in the entire study population. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The median gestational age at delivery in uncomplicated pregnancies was 40.0 (39.1–40.7) and in pregnancies with APOs 40.3 (49.4–41.0), <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001. The prevalence of APOs was greater in the group of fetuses with a decrease in percentile (7.6%) compared to those with increased percentile (4.8%) (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The RR was 1.63 (95% CI: 1.365–1.944, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Although the differences were significant in all decreased percentile groups, RRs were significantly higher when decreased growth values were &#x3e;40 points (RR: 2.036, 95% CI: 1.581–2.623, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The estimated value of the AUC for percentile decrease was 0.58 (0.56–0.61, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Fetuses with a decrease in the EPW between the ultrasound at 35 weeks of gestation and birth have a higher risk of APOs, being double in fetuses with a decrease of &#x3e;40 percentile points.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (03) ◽  
pp. 490-493
Author(s):  
Takeshi Mochizuki ◽  
Koichiro Yano ◽  
Katsunori Ikari ◽  
Ken Okazaki

Background: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular injection (IA) with 10 mg and 20 mg triamcinolone for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the wrist joint. Methods: We enrolled 20 patients with swelling and pain in wrist due to RA in the present prospective, randomized, pilot study. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the 20 mg or 10 mg group, and received IA of the appropriate dose of triamcinolone. Efficacy was assessed by recording Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and improvement in power doppler (PD) scale score at weeks 1, 4, and 12 of treatment compared with baseline. The shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) was recorded at baseline and week 12. Results: The NRS was found to be significantly improved at weeks 4 (p = 0.006) and 12 (p = 0.036) among the total study population. Neither the change in NRS nor the improvement PD scale score from baseline were significantly different between the two groups at any week (NRS: week 1, p = 0.617; week 4, p = 0.727; and week 12, p = 0.878; PD scale score: week 1, p = 0.370; week 4, p = 1.000; and week 12, p = 0.179). Among the entire study population, the QuickDASH was not significantly improved at week 12 nor was the change from baseline significantly different between the two groups at week 12 (p = 0.592). Conclusions: IA of triamcinolone was effective for pain relief in context of RA in the wrist joint. However, in terms of NRS, improvement of PD scale score, and QuickDASH score, the efficacies of 10 mg and 20 mg triamcinolone were not significantly different. Thus, IA of 10 mg triamcinolone may be sufficient for the treatment of RA in the wrist joint.


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