Assessment of isometric muscle strength and rate of torque development with hand-held dynamometry: Test-retest reliability and relationship with gait velocity after stroke

Isometric rate of torque development examines how quickly force can be exerted and may resemble everyday task demands more closely than isometric strength. Rate of torque development may provide further insight into the relationship between muscle function and gait following stroke. Aims of this study were to examine the test-retest reliability of hand-held dynamometry to measure isometric rate of torque development following stroke, to examine associations between strength and rate of torque development, and to compare the relationships of strength and rate of torque development to gait velocity. Sixty-three post-stroke adults participated (60 years, 34 male). Gait velocity was assessed using the fast-paced 10 m walk test. Isometric strength and rate of torque development of seven lower-limb muscle groups were assessed with hand-held dynamometry. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for reliability and Spearman’s rho correlations were calculated for associations. Regression analyses using partial F-tests were used to compare strength and rate of torque development in their relationship with gait velocity. Good to excellent reliability was shown for strength and rate of torque development (0.82–0.97). Strong associations were found between strength and rate of torque development (0.71–0.94). Despite high correlations between strength and rate of torque development, rate of torque development failed to provide significant value to regression models that already contained strength. Assessment of isometric rate of torque development with hand-held dynamometry is reliable following stroke, however isometric strength demonstrated greater relationships with gait velocity. Further research should examine the relationship between dynamic measures of muscle strength/torque and gait after stroke.     

急性脑卒中患者肠道菌群研究

通过粪便标本检测急性脑卒中患者肠道菌群变化情况, 探讨急性脑卒中患者肠道菌群结构。

通过高通量二代测序技术对10例健康者(对照组)及10例急性脑卒中患者(疾病组)粪便样本进行菌群结构测序分析。

与对照组比较, 急性脑卒中患者粪便样本中物种OTU信息量显著增加(P < 0.01), 菌群多样性指数(Shannon)和物种均一度指数(Evenness)也有所增加但差异无统计学意义(均P > 0.05)。门水平上, 疾病组患者肠道Bacteroidetes数量较对照组显著增加, Firmicutes数量显著减少(均P < 0.05)。属水平上, 疾病组患者肠道Bacteroides、Bilophila、Butyricimonas比例较对照组显著升高, 而Collinsella、Coprococcus、Clostridium等比例较对照组显著降低(均P < 0.05)。

急性脑卒中患者肠道菌群结构与健康人存在显著差异。

     

Modulation of the rate of force development in hip abductor muscles by neuromuscular electrical stimulation during gait

Abstract

Purpose/aim of the study: An increase of hip abductor muscle strength contributes to the increase in gait speed. It is known that the rate of force development (RFD), an indicator of muscle strength, is increased by the combined use of low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to the glutaeus medius (GM) and low-load resistance training (RT). However, it is unclear whether low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the glutaeus medius during walking also increases the rate of force development. The aim of this study was to clarify whether NMES to the GM during gait modulates the RFD of the hip abductor muscles in healthy adults.

Materials and methods: Twenty-two healthy adults randomly received both gait with sub-motor threshold NMES and gait with sham NMES conditions. The RFD was assessed at pre- and post-intervention. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyse the effects of time and intervention.

Results: Gait with sub-motor threshold NMES condition significantly increased the RFD in shorter time interval (0–50 and 0–100?ms) compared to gait with sham NMES condition.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the adding low-intensity NMES of the GM to gait is effective in increasing the RFD of the hip abductor muscles.     

Association of plasma osteoprotegerin levels with stroke severity and functional outcome in acute ischaemic stroke patients

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is known to regulate processes involved in vascular injury and inflammation. We investigated the relationship between plasma OPG levels and stroke subtype, stroke severity at admission and functional outcome at 3 months in 172 patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Patients with large artery atherosclerosis and those with multiple causes had higher plasma OPG levels than patients with lacune. Increased plasma OPG levels were independently associated with more severe stroke and poor functional outcome. These results suggest pleiotropic roles of OPG in mediating atherosclerosis and ischaemic brain injury. OPG is a potential biomarker for predicting neurologic outcome in stroke.     

急性脑卒中患者医院感染分析

目的为探明急性脑卒中患者医院感染的特点及危险因素,以便采取有效控制措施。方法对温州医学院附属第一医院1997年1月1日～2002年12月31日6年间收治的4730例急性脑卒中患者进行监测。结果医院感染率为1252%。女性高于男性(P<005),感染率随年龄增大而升高(P<001)。医院感染多发生在入院2周内,感染部位以呼吸道为主(4796%),其次为泌尿道(3481%)。病原菌以G-菌为主(4309%),其次为G+菌(3091%)和真菌(2600%)。耐药菌株不断增加。结论免疫功能低下、侵袭性操作、滥用抗生素和激素是急性脑卒中患者医院感染的主要危险因素。加强对细菌耐药性的监测,合理选用抗生素,是减少或延缓耐药菌株产生的关键措施。     

Serum levels of heat shock protein 27 in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Expression of intracellular heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) rises in the brain of animal models of cerebral ischemia and stroke. Hsp27 is also released into the circulation and the aim of the present study was to investigated if serum Hsp27 (sHsp27) levels are altered in patients with acute ischemic stroke. sHsp27 was measured in 15 patients with acute ischemic stroke and in 14 control subjects comparable for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. In patients, measurements were performed at admission and 1, 2, and 30 days thereafter. At admission, mean sHsp27 values were threefold higher in patients than in controls. In patients, sHsp27 values dropped after 24 h, rose again at 48 h, and markedly declined at 30 days, indicating the presence of a temporal trend of sHsp27 values following acute ischemic stroke.     

院内一体化急救护理干预对急性缺血性脑卒中静脉溶栓患者预后的影响

目的 探讨院内一体化急救护理干预对急性缺血性脑卒中静脉溶栓患者的影响.方法 选择2019年1月 ～2020年1月在我院接受阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗的190例急性缺血性脑卒中患者作为研究对象,将其分为对照组100例,观察组90例.对照组采用常规护理措施,观察组采用院内一体化急救护理干预措施,观察比较两组患者护理前和护理后第7...     

Decreased plasma nesfatin-1 levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorexigenic hormone which has close relationship with diabetes, obese, anorexia nervosa, psychiatric disorders and neurogenic diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate levels of plasma nesfatin-1 among patients presenting with coronary artery disease and the correlation between nesfatin-1 levels and other clinical parameters. Fasting plasma levels of nesfatin-1 were tested in 48 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, 74 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients and 34 control subjects. All of them were examined by coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed using the Gensini score. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in AMI group than SAP group or control group (0.91 ± 0.08 ng/mL vs. 0.98 ± 0.19 ng/mL and 1.09 ± 0.39 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). In AMI patients, plasma nesfatin-1 levels were negatively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, neutrophil% or Gensini scores. Such information implies that lower nesfatin-1 concentration may play a very important role in the development of AMI.     

急性缺血性卒中患者肠道菌群与中医证候类型的关系初探

观察缺血性卒中后不同中医证候类型患者肠道菌群的组成与结构,寻找不同证候类型与肠道菌群之间的关系,并初步探索各中医证候类型可能存在的特征菌属。

本研究共纳入首发急性缺血性卒中患者17名,并基于缺血性中风证候要素诊断量表与中风病中医诊断标准对患者进行中医证候类型分类,依次分为痰热腑实风痰上扰组、风痰瘀血痹阻脉络组、肝阳暴亢风火上扰组、气虚血瘀组、阴虚风动组。同时选择同期的健康体检者5名作为对照组。分别记录研究对象基本信息,采集粪便样本运用16S rRNA基因高通量测序技术对患者粪便样本中肠道菌群进行OTUs（operational taxonomic units）聚类,并根据结果进行多样性分析和差异性分析。

急性缺血性卒中不同中医证候类型患者与健康体检者在年龄和BMI上差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。各组对象肠道菌群Chao指数和Shannon指数差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。痰热腑实风痰上扰组患者独有菌属高达133种;对照组次之,达127种;而阴虚风动组、风痰瘀血痹阻脉络组、肝阳暴亢风火上扰组、气虚血瘀组的独有菌属数量依次为94种、32种、18种、8种。痰热腑实风痰上扰组患者的特征菌属为Anaerotruncus,气虚血瘀组的特征菌属为Megasphaera（巨球菌属）,阴虚风动组的特征菌属为Pyramidobacter。

本研究初步显示不同中医证候类型的急性缺血性卒中患者与健康人群有着不同的肠道菌群构成,各证型患者肠道菌群丰度与多样性无显著差异。急性缺血性卒中患者中医证候类型与肠道菌群的组成存在相关性,其中痰热腑实风痰上扰证患者与其他各证患者之间菌群组成差异最大,其特征菌属为Anaerotruncus。

     

Comparison of blood lead concentrations in patients with acute ischemic stroke and healthy subjects

Background and ObjectivesStroke is the main cause of mortality and long-term disability in the general population. With the increased application of metals in industries and human environment, lead has become a health hazard. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the blood concentration of lead and the incidence of acute stroke.Materials and MethodsWe performed this study during 2016−17 at Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Birjand, Iran, among 80 ischemic stroke patients visiting the hospital and 80 healthy gender- and age-matched controls. Blood lead concentration (BLC) was measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.ResultsBLC medians in the case and control groups were 20.65 [5.37−34.87] μg/dL and 2.65 [1.75−13.85] μg/dL, respectively (p < 0.05). The case group had significantly lower mean levels of HDL and phosphors, whereas the mean levels of white blood cells and uric acid were higher in this group. After adjusting for lipid profile and fasting blood sugar, multiple logistic regression indicated that the serum levels of uric acid and BLC were significant for predicting ischemic stroke. It is estimated that the odds ratio of ischemic stroke increases by 1.04 per 1 μg/dl increase in BLC.ConclusionThis study showed that lead can be a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Since it does not have any beneficial effects on the health of individuals, screening serum concentrations of lead can be considered as a preventive strategy for those at risk of stroke.     

Identifying the brain regions associated with acute spasticity in patients diagnosed with an ischemic stroke

Spasticity is a common impairment found in patients that have been diagnosed with a stroke. Little is known about the pathophysiology of spasticity at the level of the brain. This retrospective study was performed to identify an association between the area of the brain affected by an ischemic stroke and the presence of acute spasticity. Physical and occupational therapy assessments from all patients (n?=?441) that had suffered a stroke and were admitted into a local hospital over a 4-year period were screened for inclusion in this study. Subjects that fit the inclusion criteria were grouped according to the presence (n?=?42) or absence (n?=?129) of acute spasticity by the Modified Ashworth Scale score given during the hospital admission assessment. Magnetic resonance images from 20 subjects in the spasticity group and 52 from the control group were then compared using lesion density plots and voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping. An association of acute spasticity with the gray matter regions of the insula, basal ganglia, and thalamus was found in this study. White matter tracts including the pontine crossing tract, corticospinal tract, internal capsule, corona radiata, external capsule, and the superior fronto-occipital fasciculus were also found to be significantly associated with acute spasticity. This is the first study to describe an association between a region of the brain affected by an infarct and the presence of acute spasticity. Understanding the regions associated with acute spasticity will aid in understanding the pathophysiology of this musculoskeletal impairment at the level of the brain.     

肠内营养支持治疗对急性心源性脑卒中伴吞咽功能障碍患者的临床疗效

目的 研究在传统肠内营养基础上添加益生菌制剂对急性心源性脑卒中伴吞咽功能障碍患者的临床疗效。方法 选择2016年5月至2018年2月于哈励逊国际和平医院心血管内科及神经内科就诊的急性心源性脑卒中伴吞咽功能障碍患者140例,按照随机数字表法分为实验组和对照组,每组70例。对照组患者给予肠内营养支持治疗,实验组患者给予益生菌制剂联合肠内营养支持治疗。观察入院第1天和第14天两组患者的营养指标,包括血红蛋白（Hb）;血清清蛋白（ALB）、总蛋白（TP）、前清蛋白（PA）;同时观察神经功能评分和胃肠功能障碍评分及两组患者并发症的发生情况。结果 入院后第1天两组患者营养指标、神经功能评分和胃肠功能障碍评分差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。治疗14天后,两组患者营养指标及神经功能评分和胃肠功能障碍评分均较第1天有所下降,对照组患者各指标水平下降程度低于实验组（P＜0.05）,同时对照组患者并发症发生率高于实验组（P＜0.05）。结论 传统肠内营养联合益生菌制剂能有效改善急性心源性脑卒中伴吞咽功障碍患者胃肠道功能,阻止患者营养不良进一步恶化,减少并发症,值得临床推广。     

Indirect sinusoidal vibrations induces an acute increase in explosive strength

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect of indirect vibration on neuromuscular responses and fatigue resistance (electromyographic activity - EMG and force) during isometric exercise. Nineteen healthy men (age = 22.4 ± 2.7 years; body mass = 76.4 ± 12.9 kg, height = 175 ± 6.7 cm) performed isometric elbow flexion exercises in three experimental treatments: only isometric exercise (control - CON); isometric exercise with the addition of sinusoidal vibrations (SVE₁; frequency = 20 Hz, displacement = 3.55 ± 0.54 mm); and isometric exercise with the addition of sinusoidal vibrations with frequency variation (SVE₂; frequency = 20 ± 3 Hz, displacement = 3.6 ± 0.8 mm). The peak of the rate of EMG rise (RER) and the root mean square of biceps brachii during the first 200 ms (RMS200bic) were significantly higher in SVE₁ (RMS200bic, 25.57 ± 11.70%MVC; RER, 266.91 ± 130.16%MVC s⁻¹) than CON (RMS200bic, 19.31 ± 8.19%MVC; RER, 169.15 ± 65.98%MVC s⁻¹). Regarding force, in SVE₁, compared to CON, significant increases were observed in peak of rate of force development (CON, 643.96 ± 192.57 N/s; SVE₁, 845.54 ± 292.84 N/s), rate of force development in the first 200 ms (CON, 382.92 ± 138,63 N/s; SVE₁, 501.09 ± 147.46 N/s), and impulse in 200 ms (CON, 8.56 ± 3.56 N s; SVE₁, 11.67 ± 4.45 N s). The addition of indirect sinusoidal vibrations during exercise induced increases in the rate of force development (explosive strength), without affecting the peak force (maximal strength) and the ability to sustain strength production.     

Oral health‐related quality of life in hospitalised stroke patients

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00330.x
Oral health‐related quality of life in hospitalised stroke patients Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that impairment of orofacial function following stroke affects the patients’ oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Material and methods: From the University Hospitals of Geneva, 31 stroke patients (18 men, 13 women, mean age 69.0 ± 12.7 years) with unilateral facial and limb palsy were recruited (patient group, PG). In the study, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)‐EDENT was utilised to assess OHRQoL. Further examinations comprised a test of masticatory efficiency and lip force, stroke severity National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and dental state. The control group (CG) consisted of 24 subjects with similar age, gender and dental state. Results: The PG mean OHIP‐EDENT sum score was 18.8 ± 15.5 and proved higher than one of the CG, indicating a lower OHRQoL in the PG (p < 0.01). The score of the sub‐domains ‘functional limitation’ and ‘physical pain’ were significantly higher in PG (p < 0.03 and p < 0.02, respectively). The masticatory efficiency was significantly lower in the PG (p < 0.0001) and was associated with the OHIP‐EDENT sum score and its sub‐domains, except for ‘physical disability’. This effect was not present in the CG. Conclusion: The OHRQoL is significantly reduced in hospitalised stroke patients whereby functional impairment seems predominant when compared with psychological and psycho‐social aspects.     

2 型糖尿病患者肝损伤标志物与下肢动脉病变的相关性分析

目的：探讨2 型糖尿病患者肝损伤标志物水平与其下肢动脉病变的相关性,为2 型糖尿病并发症的防治提供参考依据。方 法：选取我院收治的2 型糖尿病患者946 例,根据下肢动脉内膜中层厚度分为以下3 组,即无动脉硬化组(276 例)、单纯性动脉硬 化组(598 例)和动脉硬化伴管腔狭窄或闭塞组(72 例)。分析和比较三组之间肝损伤标志物谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(GGT)水平的差异,及其与2型糖尿病患者下肢动脉硬化程度的相关性。结果：随着动脉硬化程度的加重,2 型糖尿病患者的ALT 水平逐渐升高,三组之间两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。动脉硬化伴管腔狭窄或闭塞组AST 水平显著高于非动脉硬化组和单纯性下肢动脉硬化组,而动脉硬化组和非动脉硬化组之间AST 水平比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。三组之间γ-谷氨酰转肽酶水平比较无显著性差异(P>0.05)。Spearman 等级相关分析显示ALT 与糖尿病下肢动脉硬化的相关系数为0.30484。结论：2型糖尿病患者ALT 水平与其下肢动脉硬化程度显著相关。     

2型糖尿病患者肝损伤标志物与下肢动脉病变的相关性分析

目的：探讨2型糖尿病患者肝损伤标志物水平与其下肢动脉病变的相关性,为2型糖尿病并发症的防治提供参考依据。方法：选取我院收治的2型糖尿病患者946例,根据下肢动脉内膜中层厚度分为以下3组,即无动脉硬化组（276例）、单纯性动脉硬化组（598例）和动脉硬化伴管腔狭窄或闭塞组（72例）。分析和比较三组之间肝损伤标志物谷丙转氨酶（ALT）、谷草转氨酶（AST）、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶（GGT）水平的差异,及其与2型糖尿病患者下肢动脉硬化程度的相关性。结果：随着动脉硬化程度的加重,2型糖尿病患者的ALT水平逐渐升高,三组之间两两比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。动脉硬化伴管腔狭窄或闭塞组AST水平显著高于非动脉硬化组和单纯性下肢动脉硬化组,而动脉硬化组和非动脉硬化组之间AsT水平比较无显著差异（P〉0．05）。三组之间γ-谷氨酰转肽酶水平比较无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。Spearman等级相关分析显示ALT与糖尿病下肢动脉硬化的相关系数为0．30484。结论：2型糖尿病患者ALT水平与其下肢动脉硬化程度显著相关。     

等速肌力训练联合有氧运动对脑卒中患者肺功能、下肢运动功能及生活质量的影响

目的:探讨有氧运动联合等速肌力训练对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能、肺功能及生活质量的影响。方法:选取2016年8月～2019年9月期间我院收治的脑卒中患者130例,根据随机数字表法分为对照组(n=65,常规康复训练)和研究组(n=65,等速肌力训练联合有氧运动),比较两组患者肺功能、下肢运动功能及生活质量。结果:两组治疗8周后膝关节峰力矩(PT)、膝屈伸PT、膝屈伸耐力指数(ER)、Fugl-Meyer下肢运动功能量表(FMA-LE)评分均较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组(P0.05)。两组治疗8周后社会功能、躯体疼痛、精神健康、活力、健康状况、生理职能、生理机能、情感职能维度评分均较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组(P0.05)。两组治疗8周后用力肺活量(FVC)、第一秒用力呼气量(FEV1)、最大呼气流量(PEF)均较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:脑卒中患者给予等速肌力训练联合有氧运动,可有效改善其肺功能、下肢运动功能及生活质量,临床应用价值较高。     

Frequency of angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphism in Turkish acute stroke patients

This study was performed in acute stroke patients in the Turkish population to determine the frequency of the A1166C polymorphism in the AT1 gene and to examine the role of this polymorphism in acute stroke development. In this study, 257 genomic DNA samples were analysed (from 206 acute stroke patients and 51 healthy individuals). Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood using the salt‐extraction method. The presence of the A1166C polymorphism in the AT1 gene was determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. PCR products were separated by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by a charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera. In this study, the allele frequency at the A1166C position was 92% A and 8% C for control and 97% A and 3% C for patients. This difference in allele frequency between the control group and the patient group was not statistically significant. However, genotype and allele frequencies showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the control and the patient groups. The results of this study show no relationship between the A1166C polymorphism in the AT1 gene and acute stroke in the Turkish population.     

CircRNA expression profiles and function prediction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with acute ischemic stroke

Most circular RNAs (circRNAs) belong to a novel class of noncoding RNAs that are produced by back-splicing reactions, and they regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes in human disease. Although circRNA expression has been shown to be altered in the ischemic cerebral tissue in animal studies, the expression profile of circRNA in the patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been investigated to date. In this investigation, high-throughput sequencing was carried out to compare the circRNA expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from five patients with AIS and five healthy subjects. A total of 521 circRNAs were expressed differentially between the patients with AIS and healthy controls (p < .05, fold difference ≥2) including 373 upregulated circRNAs and 148 downregulated circRNAs in patients with AIS compared to controls. Thirteen candidate circRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatics analyses showed that these differentially expressed circRNAs were highly conserved, as well as eight circRNAs that were confirmed by qRT-PCR containing binding sites to multiple microRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment and gene ontology analyses indicated that the aberrantly expressed circRNAs participated in many pathophysiological processes of AIS, especially regarding inflammation and immunity. In conclusion, patients with AIS differentially express certain circRNAs in PBMCs, which may be diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.     

Multi-sensor assessment of dynamic balance during gait in patients with subacute stroke

The capacity to maintain upright balance by minimising upper body oscillations during walking, also referred to as gait stability, has been associated with a decreased risk of fall. Although it is well known that fall is a common complication after stroke, no study considered the role of both trunk and head when assessing gait stability in this population. The primary aim of this study was to propose a multi-sensor protocol to quantify gait stability in patients with subacute stroke using gait quality indices derived from pelvis, sternum, and head accelerations. Second, the association of these indices with the level of walking ability, with traditional clinical scale scores, and with fall events occurring within the six months after patients’ dismissal was investigated. The accelerations corresponding to the three abovementioned body levels were measured using inertial sensors during a 10-Meter Walk Test performed by 45 inpatients and 25 control healthy subjects. A set of indices related to gait stability were estimated and clinical performance scales were administered to each patient. The amplitude of the accelerations, the way it is attenuated/amplified from lower to upper body levels, and the gait symmetry provide valuable information about subject-specific motor strategies, discriminate between different levels of walking ability, and correlate with clinical scales. In conclusion, the proposed multi-sensor protocol could represent a useful tool to quantify gait stability, support clinicians in the identification of patients potentially exposed to a high risk of falling, and assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation protocols in the clinical routine.