Grip Test Research Articles

Reliability and clinical applicability of lower limp strength using an enhanced paper grip strength.

The enhanced paper grip test (EGPT) quantitatively assesses lower limb strength. EGPT assesses the hallux grip force by reacting a pulling force derived from a card, being positioned underneath the participant's hallux. This study aimed to investigate the repeatability and clinical applicability of the EPGT for assessing foot muscle strength. EPGT force was measured using a dynamometer. The reliability of the measurement of EPGT force was assessed by having two examiners performing the test on the same group of healthy adults. Clinical applicability was assessed in community-dwelling adults of both genders. EPGT force was recorded for both feet using the same standardised protocol for all participants. Regarding reliability, 20 healthy adults aged 23.04±5.5 years participated in the present study. The EGPT demonstrated good to excellent test-retest (ICC1,2 0.8 to 0.86) and interrater reliability (ICC1,2 0.82 to 0.88). A convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling adults (71.6±7.8 years, 68.5% women) was recruited for clinical applicability testing. All participants performed the test with mean score 15±5.7 N. EPGT is a reliable measurement of the hallux grip force strength and can be used for clinical and research purposes.

Development of Wearable Finger Prosthesis with Pneumatic Actuator for Patients with Partial Amputations

As the number of patients with amputations increases, research on assistive devices such as prosthetic limbs is actively being conducted. However, the development of assistive devices for patients with partial amputations is insufficient. In this study, we developed a finger prosthesis for patients with partial amputations. The design and mathematical modeling of the prosthesis are briefly presented. A pneumatic actuator, based on the McKibben muscle design, was employed to drive the finger prosthesis. We characterized the relationship between the actuator’s force and axial length changes with varying pressure. An empirical model derived from conventional mathematical modeling of force and axis length changes was proposed and compared with experimental data, and the error was measured to be between about 3% and 13%. In order to control the actuator using an electromyography (EMG) signal, an electrode was attached to the user’s finger flexors. The EMG signal was measured in relation to the actual gripping force and was provided with visual feedback, and the magnitude of the signal was evaluated using root mean square (RMS). Depending on the evaluated EMG signal magnitude, the pressure of the actuator was continuously adjusted. The pneumatic pressure was adjusted between 100 kPa and 250 kPa, and the gripping force of the finger prosthesis ranged from about 0.7 N to 6.5 N. The stiffness of the prosthesis can be varied using the SMA spring. The SMA spring is switched to a fully austenite state at 50 °C through PID control, and when the finger prosthesis is bent to a 90° angle, it can provide approximately 1.2 N of assistance force. Finally, the functional evaluation of the finger prosthesis was performed through a pinch grip test of eight movements.

An exploration of the mechanistic link between the enhanced paper grip test and the risk of falling

The enhanced paper grip test (EPGT) offers an easy-to-use measure of hallux plantar-flexion strength that does not need expensive specialised equipment. Literature suggests that it could be a useful screening tool to assess the risk of falling in older people. However, research on a specific mechanistic link to the risk of falling is lacking. It is hypothesised here that muscle weakening (assessed by the EPGT) is indicative of impaired ability to recover balance after a slip or a trip. To get an initial assessment of validity of the above hypothesis, the EPGT is compared against an established lab-based measure of lower-limb strength that is capable of assessing a person’s ability to recover balance after a slip or a trip: maximum isometric leg press push-off force (leg press force). A gender-balanced sample of twenty people (median age=34 y) was recruited. Two different but equaly valid techniques of administering the EPGT were included regarding whether the participants’ ankle was supported by the examiner or not. Results for the two EPGT techniques differed susbtantialy but they were both significantly associated with leg press force and therefore linked to better ability to maintain balance after a slip or a trip. The “ankle not held” EPGT technique was more strongly correlated to leg press force (r(18) = 0.652, p = 0.002) than the “ankle held” (r(18) = 0.623, p = 0.003) and appears to be the more favourable technique to administer the EPGT. These findings offer new insight on a potential mechanistic link between the EPGT and the risk of falling and support its optimal use in future research involving older people.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia

Aim. To analyze risk factors for sarcopenia in atherosclerosis involvement of target organs in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Material and methods. The study included 84 patients with T2D, divided into groups according to the 2019 criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). All patients were surveyed using a 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Sarcopenia and Quality of Life (SarQoL), Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls (SARC-F), grip test, 4-meter walk test, bioelectrical impedance analysis, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and cardiac ultrasound. Differences were considered significant at p<0,05.Results. Patients with sarcopenia have lower levels of fat, muscle, cell mass, appendicular mass index, fluid, protein, and minerals. In the group with sarcopenia, higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, and hypocalcemia were detected. Triglyceride levels were high in those with presarcopenia. In the same group, unstable blood pressure, increased myocardial mass and severe lower limb atherosclerosis were recorded.Conclusion. Sarcopenia is one of the important medical and social problems and is accompanied by unfavorable outcomes. The combination of sarcopenia and T2D can contribute to the rapid development of macro- and microangiopathy and increase the cardiovascular risk.

Predicting use of a gait-stabilizing device using a Wii Balance Board.

Gait-stabilizing devices (GSDs) are effective at preventing falls, but people are often reluctant to use them until after experiencing a fall. Inexpensive, convenient, and effective methods for predicting which patients need GSDs could help improve adoption. The purpose of this study was to determine if a Wii Balance Board (WBB) can be used to determine whether or not patients use a GSD. We prospectively recruited participants ages 70-100, some who used GSDs and some who did not. Participants first answered questions from the Modified Vulnerable Elders Survey, and then completed a grip-strength test using a handgrip dynamometer. Finally, they were asked to complete a series of four 30-second balance tests on a WBB in random order: (1) eyes open, feet apart; (2) eyes open, feet together; (3) eyes closed, feet apart; and (4) eyes closed, feet together. The four-test series was repeated a second time in the same random order. The resulting data, represented as 25 features extracted from the questionnaires and the grip test, and data from the eight balance tests, were used to predict a subject's GSD use using generalized functional linear models based on the Bernoulli distribution. 268 participants were consented; 62 were missing data elements and were removed from analysis; 109 were not GSD users and 97 were GSD users. The use of velocity and acceleration information from the WBB improved upon predictions based solely on grip strength, demographic, and survey variables. The WBB is a convenient, inexpensive, and easy-to-use device that can be used to recommend whether or not patients should be using a GSD.

Investigation of the relationship between nutritional knowledge and nutritional supplement belief levels and athletic performances of elite cross-country skiers

The use of nutritional supplements provides support to the athlete, while the use of wrong and inappropriate supplements may adversely affect the performance of the athlete. This study investigated the relationship between the nutritional knowledge and nutritional supplement belief levels and athletic performances of elite cross-country skiers. A total of 19 elite cross-country skiers, 8 females and 11 males (mean age of 16.1±1.00 years) competing in the U-16 and U-18 categories, participated in the study. Inbody 120, 10 m, 20 m and 30 m sprint, agility, 20m shuttle run and hand grip tests were used to assess physical and psychological factors. Moreover, the Nutrition for Sports Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) and the Sports Supplements Belief Scale (SSBS) were applied to the athletes. No significance was found in the comparison of the athletes in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI) classification (p>0.05). A positive relationship was found between the NSKQ and age (r=0.466; p=0.044), body fat percentage (r=0.505; p=0.027), and body fat mass (r=0.642; p=0.003) values. On the other hand, a positive relationship was found between the SSBS scale and body weight (r=0.136; p=0.009), body muscle mass (r=0.681; p=0.001), total body water (r=0.647; p=0.003), hand grip strength (right hand r=0.621; p=0.005; left hand r=0.635; p=0.003), while a negative relationship was found between the SSBS scale and 10m sprint (r=-0.589; p=0.008), 20m sprint (r=-0.606; p=0.006), 30m sprint (r=-0.480; p=0.037) and agility values (r=-0.533; p=0.019). These findings demonstrate that the sports nutrition knowledge level does not have a positive effect on athletic performance, but it has a positive effect on body muscle mass, strength, sprint, and agility values that affect athletes’ athletic performances as athletes’ nutritional supplements belief levels increase.

Association of health literacy and physical activity with physical fitness level among adults

Introduction and Aim: ‘Health is wealth’ is the best quote heard but the importance of it is realized only when health is lost. This study aims to assess the knowledge of health information, physical activity level among the adults and correlate this with their physical fitness. Methods: Healthy adults were recruited from the general population through simple random sampling. Physical activity, health literacy, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility were assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Health Literacy Survey European Questionnaire 16, hand grip test, curl up test, sit and reach test respectively. Data analysis was performed using Primer of Biostatistics (Version 7) statistical software. Results: A total of 51 participants (36 females) with an average age of 34 years and BMI of 24.2 kg/m2 were recruited in the study. Health literacy (HL) score was found to be inadequate in 15% and limited in 37% of the studied population. Majority (62%) had low levels of physical activity. We found a strong association of health literacy, with physical activity and muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and physical fitness index (p = 0.000 for all). Conclusion: The health literacy was good, though the physical activity scores indicated more inactive people. Majority had normal muscle strength and average to above average level of flexibility, but muscle endurance was greatly affected owing to an unacceptable physical fitness index. The study demonstrates significant association between health literacy, physical activity, and physical fitness level among adults. Adequate health literacy is necessary to comprehend and utilize health information.

Functional training improves peak oxygen consumption and quality of life of individuals with heart failure: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundFunctional training may be an effective non-pharmacological therapy for heart failure (HF). This study aimed to compare the effects of functional training with strength training on peak VO2 and quality of life in individuals with HF.MethodsA randomized, parallel-design and examiner-blinded controlled clinical trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Twenty-seven participants with chronic HF were randomly allocated to functional or strength training group, to perform a 12-week physical training, three times per week, totalizing 36 sessions. Primary outcomes were the difference on peak VO2 and quality of life assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, respectively. Secondary outcomes included functionality assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index and gait speed test, peripheral and inspiratory muscular strength, assessed by hand grip and manovacuometry testing, respectively, endothelial function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, and lean body mass by arm muscle circumference.ResultsParticipants were aged 60 ± 7 years, with left ventricular ejection fraction 29 ± 8.5%. The functional and strength training groups showed the following results, respectively: peak VO2 increased by 1.4 ± 3.2 (16.9 ± 2.9 to 18.6 ± 4.8 mL.kg−1.min−1; p time = 0.011) and 1.5 ± 2.5 mL.kg−1.min−1 (16.8 ± 4.0 to 18.6 ± 5.5 mL.kg−1.min−1; p time = 0.011), and quality of life score decreased by 14 ± 15 (25.8 ± 14.8 to 10.3 ± 7.8 points; p time = 0.001) and 12 ± 28 points (33.8 ± 23.8 to 19.0 ± 15.1 points; p time = 0.001), but no difference was observed between groups (peak VO2: p interaction = 0.921 and quality of life: p interaction = 0.921). The functional and strength training increased the activity status index by 6.5 ± 12 and 5.2 ± 13 points (p time = 0.001), respectively, and gait speed by 0.2 ± 0.3 m/s (p time = 0.002) in both groups.ConclusionsFunctional and strength training are equally effective in improving peak VO2, quality of life, and functionality in individuals with HF. These findings suggest that functional training may be a promising and innovative exercise-based strategy to treat HF.Trial registrationNCT03321682. Registered date: 26/10/2017.

Constraint therapy promotes motor cortex remodeling and functional improvement by regulating c-Jun/miR-182–5p/Nogo – A signals in hemiplegic cerebral palsy mice

BackgroundOur previous study has confirmed that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) could promote neural remodeling in hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) mice through Nogo-A/NgR/RhoA/ROCK signaling, however, the upstream mechanism was still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to further explore the mechanism of CIMT regulating the expression of Nogo-A in HCP mice. MethodHCP mice were well established through ligating the left common carotid artery of 7-day-old pups and being placed in a hypoxic box which was filled with a mixture of 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen. CIMT intervention was conducted by taping to fix the entire arm of the contralateral side (left) to force the mice to use the affected limb (right). Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase experiment were performed to confirm that miR-182–5p was targeted with Nogo-A. The beam test and grip test were applied to examine the behavioral performance under the intervention of c-Jun and CIMT. Also, immunofluorescence, Golgi staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to show that the lenti-expression of c-Jun could increases the expression of myelin, and downregulates the expression of Nogo-A under the CIMT on HCP mice. Result(1) The beam walking test and grip test experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the HCP + nCIMT group's forelimb grasping ability and balance coordination ability were decreased (P < 0.05). (2) The results of Golgi staining, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the thickness of myelin sheath and the density of dendritic spines in the HCP + nCIMT group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HCP + nCIMT group, the cerebral cortex myelin sheath thickness, dendrite spine density and nerve filament expression were increased in HCP + CIMT group (P < 0.05). (3) Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of Nogo-A in the cerebral cortex of the HCP + nCIMT group was higher than that of the HCP + CIMT group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HCP + CIMT group, the expression of Nogo-A in the HCP + LC + CIMT group was decreased and, in the HCP, + SC + CIMT group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the HCP + nCIMT group, the expression of c-Jun in the control, HCP + CIMT, HCP + LC + nCIMT and HCP + LC + CIMT groups was significantly increased, and in the HCP + SC + CIMT was decreased (P < 0.05). (4) Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that the expression level of miR-182–5p in the HCP + LC + CIMT group was more increased than that in the HCP + nCIMT group (P < 0.05). The expression level of miR-182–5p in the HCP + LC + CIMT group was higher than that in the HCP + LC + nCIMT group and the HCP + SC + CIMT group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThese data identified that CIMT might stimulate the remodeling of neurons and myelin in the motor cortex by partially inhibiting the c-Jun/miR-182–5p/Nogo-A pathway, thereby facilitating the grasping performance and balance function of HCP mice.

Ketogenic diet and β-Hydroxybutyrate alleviate ischemic brain injury in mice via an IRAKM-dependent pathway

Ketogenic diet (KD) is a classical nonpharmacological therapy that has recently been shown to benefit cerebral ischemia, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of KD pretreatment and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB, bioactive product of KD) post-treatment in a mouse model of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Neurological function, infarct volume, as well as inflammatory reactions are evaluated 24 h after ischemia. Results showed that both KD pretreatment or BHB post-treatment improved the Bederson score and Grip test score, reduced infarct volume and the extravasation of IgG, suppressed the over-activation of microglia, and modulated the expression of cytokines. Mechanically, we found that both KD pretreatment or BHB post-treatment significantly stimulated the expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAKM) and then inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. IRAKM deletion (Irakm−/−) exacerbated tMCAO-induced neurovascular injuries, and aggravated neuroinflammatory response. Moreover, KD pretreatment or BHB post-treatment lost their neuroprotection in the tMCAO-treated Irakm−/− mice. Our results support that KD pretreatment and BHB post-treatment alleviate ischemic brain injury in mice, possibly via an IRAKM-dependent way.

Dose-response associations of Monitor-Independent Movement Summary with health-related fitness in youth.

The purpose of this study was to determine the dose-response associations between Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) units and health-related fitness in youth. The sample comprised US children and adolescents who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS; N = 1158, 48.9% female). Health-related fitness domains were assessed using tests of cardiorespiratory endurance (timed maximal and graded treadmill tests), muscular strength (modified pull-up and grip tests), and muscular endurance (plank test). Movement data were collected using wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers with raw data processed using MIMS and the calculated metrics of average MIMS/day, Peak 60-min MIMS, and Peak 30-min MIMS. Weighted regression models examined linear associations between MIMS metrics and fitness test scores. Nonlinear associations were examined using weighted spline models with knots placed at the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Models were adjusted for covariates and fit was examined using the coefficient of determination (R2 ). The strongest adjusted linear relationships included a positive association between MIMS/day (per every 1000 units) and maximal endurance times (b = 5.5 s, p < 0.001) and between Peak 60-min MIMS (per every 10 units) and estimated aerobic capacity (b = 1.7 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), modified pull-ups (b = 0.7 reps, p < 0.001), and plank test scores (b = 5.0 s, p < 0.001). Linear spline models had slightly higher R2 values (R2 range = 16.9%-74.8%) compared to linear models (R2 range = 15.0%-74.5%). The relationship between MIMS metrics and fitness test scores was best modeled as piecewise linear functions. Although all MIMS metrics associated with cardiorespiratory endurance, Peak 60-min MIMS showed stronger associations with tests of muscular strength and endurance.

Paper 19: Fatigue of the Dynamic Stabilizers of the Medial Elbow in Baseball Pitchers

Objectives: The flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) are thought to provide dynamic stability to the medial elbow, with a lesser contribution from the pronator teres (PT). The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine whether middle finger (MF) and/or ring finger (RF) flexion strength tests selectively activate the FCU and FDS, and (2) determine if MF or RF fatigue are more sensitive measures of pitching fatigue than grip strength. It was hypothesized that MF and RF flexion strength tests would selectively activate the FCU and FDS and that MF and RF fatigue during a pitching performance would occur earlier and be more pronounced than grip fatigue. Methods: Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the FCU, FDS and PT during hand-held dynamometry testing of MF and RF flexion strength in 10 healthy men (36±12 yr). EMG amplitudes, expressed as percent of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) based on standard MVC tests for each muscle, were compared between tests and muscles with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Field Testing was performed in 18 baseball pitchers (age 17±4 yr) throwing 4 innings of a simulated game (16 pitches per inning plus 5 warm up pitches each inning; 10 fast balls, 4 curve balls, 2 change ups per inning). MF flexion, RF flexion, and grip strength were recorded prior to the game and after each inning. A standard full grip test (FG) and a modified 3 finger grip test (3F) were employed. Fatigue responses for the 4 tests (MF, RF, FG, 3F) were compared between tests with 4x4 (innings by test) repeated measures ANOVA. Additionally, fatigue was classified as marked (&gt;20% loss), moderate (10-20% loss) or minimal (&lt;10% loss). It was estimated that with 18 pitchers there would be 80% power to detect a 10% difference in fatigue between tests (P&lt;0.05). Results: The MF and RF tests activated the FCU (MF 66%, RF 93%) and FDS (MF 74%, RF 61%) more than the PT (MF 35%, RF 23%; muscle effect P=0.008) indicating that both tests targeted the dynamic stabilizers of the medial elbow. In the baseball pitchers MF strength was greater on the dominant versus nondominant hand (7% P=0.039). There was no hand dominance effect for the other three tests (RF P=0.154, FG P=0.790, 3F P=0.897). The fatigue responses differed significantly between tests (P&lt;0.001). After the fourth inning MF fatigue (21%) was greater than RF (7%, P&lt;0.001), FG (5%, P=0.002) and 3F (5%, P&lt;0.001) fatigue. MF fatigue was evident early and was progressive. After the first inning 4 pitchers (22%) had marked MF fatigue and 3 (17%) had moderate MF fatigue. By the end of the fourth inning 10 pitchers (56%) had marked MF fatigue and 6 (33%) had moderate MF fatigue. By contrast, after four innings only 5 pitchers (28%) had marked RF fatigue, and only 3 pitchers (17%) had marked FG or 3F fatigue. Conclusions: The MF flexion test is a valid test of fatigue in the dynamic stabilizers of the medial elbow during a baseball pitching performance. After only 4 innings more than 50% of pitchers had marked MF fatigue and 89% had some evidence of MF fatigue. MF flexion training to improve fatigue resistance is recommended to maintain dynamic stability of the medial elbow during a pitching performance.

Agmatine improves liver function, balance performance, and neuronal damage in a hepatic encephalopathy induced by bile duct ligation.

In the current study, we investigate whether oral administration of agmatine (AGM) could effectively reduce motor and cognitive deficits induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in an animal model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) through neuroprotective mechanisms. The Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham, BDL, BDL+ 40mg/kg AGM, and BDL+ 80mg/kg AGM. The BDL rats were treated with AGM from 2 weeks after the surgery for 4 consecutive weeks. The open field, rotarod, and wire grip tests were used to assess motor function and muscle strength. The novel object recognition test (NOR) was performed to evaluate learning and memory. Finally, blood samples were collected for the analysis of the liver markers, the animals were sacrificed, and brain tissues were removed; the CA1 regions of the hippocampus and cerebellum were processed to identify apoptosis and neuronal damage rate using caspase-3 immunocytochemistry and Nissl staining. The serological assay results showed that BDL severely impaired the function of the liver. Based on histochemical findings, BDL increased the neuronal damage in CA1 and Purkinje cells, whereas apoptosis was significantly observed only in the cerebellum. AGM treatment prevented the increase of serum liver enzymes, balance deficits, and neuronal damage in the brain areas. Apoptosis partially decreased by AGM, and there were no differences in the performance of animals in different groups in the NOR. The study suggests AGM as a potential treatment candidate for HE because of its neuroprotective properties and/or its direct effects on liver function.

Efgartigimod restores muscle function in a humanized mouse model of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy.

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNMs) are severe forms of myositis often associated with pathogenic anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) autoantibodies (aAbs). Efgartigimod is an engineered human IgG1 Fc fragment that antagonizes the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), thereby preventing recycling and promoting lysosomal degradation of IgG, including aAbs. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of IgG reduction by efgartigimod in a humanized murine model of IMNM. Disease was induced in C5-deficient (C5def) or Rag2-deficient (Rag2-/-) mice receiving co-injections of anti-HMGCR+ IgG from an IMNM patient and human complement. C5def mice were treated in a preventive setting with s.c. injections of efgartigimod and Rag2-/- mice in a curative setting after disease was induced by anti-HMGCR+ IgG injections. Anti-HMGCR aAbs levels were monitored in mouse serum and muscle tissue. Histological analysis was performed on muscle sections. Muscle force was assessed by grip test or measurement of gastrocnemius strength upon electrostimulation. Administration of efgartigimod rapidly reduced total IgG levels, including the level of pathogenic anti-HMGCR aAbs, in both serum (P < 0.0001) and muscle (P < 0.001). In the preventive setting, efgartigimod prevented myofibre necrosis (P < 0.05), thus precluding loss of muscle strength (P < 0.05). In the therapeutic setting, efgartigimod prevented further necrosis and allowed muscle fibre regeneration (P < 0.05). Hence, muscle strength returned to normal (P < 0.01). Efgartigimod reduces circulating IgG levels, including pathogenic anti-HMGCR+ IgG aAbs, in a humanized mouse model of IMNM, preventing further necrosis and allowing muscle fibre regeneration. These results support investigating the therapeutic efficacy of efgartigimod through a clinical trial in IMNM patients.

Sub-Anesthetic Dose of Ketamine Improves Cognitive Function and Motor Responses in Wistar Rats

Background: The cognitive and motor effects of sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine remain controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ketamine administration under anesthesia on cognitive function and motor responses in Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups of five rats each (n=5): group 1 (normal control), group 2 (1mg/kg ketamine), group 3 (2mg/kg ketamine), group 4 (3mg/kg ketamine) and group 5 (0.5ml/100g celecoxib). Treatment for each group lasted 3 weeks. Rats from each group were subjected to a total of nine (9) trials of cognitive-motor tests, including; the Barnes maze test (memory based on visual scenes), hand grip test (motor response to foreleg strength), rotarod test (coordination ability). The neurobehavioral ability displayed by the animals was recorded and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).&#x0D; Results: Observations from the cognitive function study showed a significant improvement (p&lt;0.05) from week 1 to week 3. The quality of motor task performance also improved from week 1 to week 3 compared to control and celecoxib-treated groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: Sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine improved cognitive function and motor responses in Wistar rats.

A Palm-Shape Variable-Stiffness Gripper Based on 3D-Printed Fabric Jamming

Soft grippers have excellent adaptability for a variety of objects and tasks. Jamming-based variable stiffness materials can further increase soft grippers' gripping force and capacity. Previous universal grippers enabled by granular jamming have shown great capability of handling objects with various shapes and weight. However, they require a large pushing force on the object during gripping, which is not suitable for very soft or free-hanging objects. In this paper, we create a novel palm-shape anthropomorphic variable-stiffness gripper enabled by jamming of 3D printed fabrics. This gripper is conformable and gentle to objects with different shapes, requires little pushing force, and increases gripping strength only when necessary. We present the design, fabrication and performance of this gripper and tested its conformability and gripping capacity. Our design utilizes soft pneumatic actuators to drive two wide palms to enclose objects, thanks to the excellent conformability of the structured fabrics. While the pinch force is low, the palm can significantly increase stiffness to lift heavy objects with a maximum gripping force of <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$17\,$</tex-math></inline-formula> N and grip-to-pinch force ratio of 42. We also explore different variable-stiffness materials in the gripper, including sheets for layer jamming, to compare their performances. We conduct gripping tests on standard objects and daily items to show the great capacity of our gripper design.

Versatile end effector for laparoscopic robotic scrub nurse

PurposeIntegrating robotic scrub nurses in the operating room has the potential to help overcome staff shortages and limited use of available operating capacities in hospitals. Existing approaches of robotic scrub nurses are mainly focused on open surgical procedures, neglecting laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic interventions offer great potential for the context-sensitive integration of robotic systems due to possible standardization. However, the first step is to ensure the safe manipulation of laparoscopic instruments.MethodsA robotic platform with a universal gripper system was designed to pick up and place laparoscopic as well as da Vinci^{circledR } instruments in an efficient workflow. The robustness of the gripper system was studied using a test protocol, which included a force absorption test to determine the operational safety limits of the design and a grip test to determine the system performance.ResultsThe test protocol shows results regarding force and torque absorption capabilities of the end effector, which are essential when transferring an instrument to the surgeon to enable a robust handover. The grip tests show that the laparoscopic instruments can be safely picked up, manipulated and returned independent of unexpected positional deviations. The gripper system also enables the manipulation of da Vinci^{circledR } instruments, opening the door for robot–robot interaction.ConclusionOur evaluation tests have shown that our robotic scrub nurse with the universal gripper system can safely and robustly manipulate laparoscopic and da Vinci^{circledR } instruments. The system design will continue with the integration of context-sensitive capabilities.

Evaluation of the Biodistribution, Efficacy, and Side-Effect Profile of Deflazacort, Prednisolone and Vamorolone in a DMD Mouse Model (S34.010)

Evaluation of the Biodistribution, Efficacy, and Side-Effect Profile of Deflazacort, Prednisolone and Vamorolone in a DMD Mouse Model (S34.010)

Lumbar endplate microfracture injury induces Modic-like changes, intervertebral disc degeneration and spinal cord sensitization – an in vivo rat model

BACKGROUND CONTEXTEndplate (EP) injury plays critical roles in painful IVD degeneration since Modic changes (MCs) are highly associated with pain. Models of EP microfracture that progress to painful conditions are needed to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms and screen therapeutics. PURPOSEEstablish in vivo rat lumbar EP microfracture model and assess crosstalk between IVD, vertebra and spinal cord. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGIn vivo rat EP microfracture injury model with characterization of IVD degeneration, vertebral remodeling, spinal cord substance P (SubP), and pain-related behaviors. METHODSEP-injury was induced in 5 month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats L4–5 and L5–6 IVDs by puncturing through the cephalad vertebral body and EP into the NP of the IVDs followed by intradiscal injections of TNFα (n=7) or PBS (n=6), compared with Sham (surgery without EP-injury, n=6). The EP-injury model was assessed for IVD height, histological degeneration, pain-like behaviors (hindpaw von Frey and forepaw grip test), lumbar spine MRI and μCT, and spinal cord SubP. RESULTSSurgically-induced EP microfracture with PBS and TNFα injection induced IVD degeneration with decreased IVD height and MRI T2 signal, vertebral remodeling, and secondary damage to cartilage EP adjacent to the injury. Both EP injury groups showed MC-like changes around defects with hypointensity on T1-weighted and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI, suggestive of MC type 1. EP injuries caused significantly decreased paw withdrawal threshold, reduced axial grip, and increased spinal cord SubP, suggesting axial spinal discomfort and mechanical hypersensitivity and with spinal cord sensitization. CONCLUSIONSSurgically-induced EP microfracture can cause crosstalk between IVD, vertebra, and spinal cord with chronic pain-like conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis rat EP microfracture model was validated to induce broad spinal degenerative changes that may be useful to improve understanding of MC-like changes and for therapeutic screening.

EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AUTONOMIC FUNCTION TESTS IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE HEALTHY INDIANS

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a centre for the coordination of different body systems. Since the ANS is involved in energy metabolism and in the regulation of almost all visceral systems. It is conceivable that one or more subgroups of persons with idiopathic obesity have an alteration in their autonomic nervous system that may account for several clinical consequences of obesity. This observational study was conducted to find the association of Autonomic Function Tests among obese and non-obese participants. Among 90 participants, 45 were obese and 45 were non-obese, aged 18-40 years of either gender was enrolled after getting their voluntary written consent. In both the groups, Cold Pressure Test and Hand Grip Test were performed for evaluating sympathetic functions. Standing test (30:15 RR Ratio), Standing to Lying ratio, and Valsalva ratio were performed for evaluating parasympathetic functions. Chi-square and unpaired t test was employed for statistical analysis. A statistically significant association of Autonomic Function Tests among obese and non-obese participants was found as per BMI and Body Fat Percentage criteria. Study explored that obesity was associated with ANS dysfunction as compared to non-obese; this relationship was observed primarily in terms of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The results of this study are indicative of autonomic insufficiency among obese participants.