Articles: function.
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2014
Novel multi-system functional gains via task specific training in spinal cord injured male rats.
Locomotor training (LT) after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a rehabilitative therapy used to enhance locomotor recovery. There is evidence, primarily anecdotal, also associating LT with improvements in bladder function and reduction in some types of SCI-related pain. In the present study, we determined if a step training paradigm could improve outcome measures of locomotion, bladder function, and pain/allodynia. ⋯ Bladder NGF mRNA levels were inversely related to bladder function in the trained group. Monitoring of overground locomotion and neuropathic pain throughout the study revealed significant improvements, beginning after 3 weeks of training, which in both cases remained consistent for the study duration. These novel findings, improving non-locomotor in addition to locomotor functions, demonstrate that step training post-SCI could contribute to multiple quality of life gains, targeting patient-centered high priority deficits.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2014
Thrombomodulin improved liver injury, coagulopathy, and mortality in an experimental heatstroke model in mice.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening illness and causes high mortality due to multiple organ injuries. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial anticoagulant cofactor that plays an important role in the regulation of intravascular coagulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of TM on the inflammatory process, liver function, coagulation status, and mortality in experimental heatstroke. ⋯ This study demonstrated that recombinant soluble TM suppressed plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations after heat exposure. Recombinant soluble TM also improved liver injury and coagulopathy. Recombinant soluble TM treatment improved mortality even with delayed treatment. Recombinant soluble TM may be a beneficial treatment for heatstroke patients.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · May 2014
Clinical TrialShould we view COPD Differently after ECLIPSE? A Clinical Perspective from the Study Team.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) seems to be a heterogeneous disease with a variable course. ⋯ By following a large, well characterized cohort of patients with COPD over 3 years, we have a clearer picture of a heterogeneous disease with clinically important subtypes ("phenotypes") and a variable and not inherently progressive course. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00292552).
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Pulmonary Function after Emergence on 100% Oxygen in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
During emergence from anesthesia, breathing 100% oxygen is frequently used to provide a safety margin toward hypoxemia in case an airway problem occurs. Oxygen breathing has been shown to cause pulmonary gas exchange disorders in healthy individuals. This study investigates how oxygen breathing during emergence affects lung function specifically whether oxygen breathing causes added hypoxemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ⋯ In this experiment, the authors examined oxygen breathing during emergence-a widely practiced maneuver known to generate pulmonary blood flow heterogeneity. In the observed cohort of patients already presenting with pulmonary blood flow disturbances, emergence on oxygen resulted in deterioration of oxygen-related blood gas parameters. In the perioperative care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oxygen breathing during emergence from anesthesia may need reconsideration.