Journal articles: 'Physiological aspects of Spinal adjustment' – Grafiati (2025)

Abstract:

The mechanical properties of the lungs and chest wall dictate the relationship between tidal volume, flow rate and airway pressure developed during intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). The increase in intrathoracic pressures associated with IPPV has consequences for the intrapulmonary distribution of ventilation and perfusion (hence gas exchange), cardiac output and regional blood flows. Barotrauma is a potential hazard. IPPV also affects the homeostatic mechanisms that keep the air spaces dry. Strategies to maximise the benefits and minimise the side effects of IPPV include positive end-expiratory pressure, intermittent mandatory ventilation, differential lung ventilation and high frequency ventilation. Understanding the physiological effects of IPPV and associated therapies allows a rational approach to the adjustment of ventilation against pulmonary, cardiovascular and systemic responses so as to optimise gas exchange and peripheral oxygen delivery.

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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophe that affects the individual, the partner, the family and the community. Society is involved in the broader sense, in the funding of the treatment and long-term support of individuals with SCI. SCI causes complex medical, physical, psychological, social and financial interactions. Although the physiological impairment following a SCI typically affects the locomotor and sensory systems, there is nearly always a resulting dysfunction that affects most bodily systems. Both the multi-system physiological impairment/dysfunction and non-medical aspects of SCI remain in a dynamic state for the rest of the individual’s life. This means that lifelong treatment and monitoring is required by a dedicated multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary team of health and social care professionals.

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Object Spinal cord vascular malformations are rare, fascinating lesions. In this paper, the authors' goal was to demonstrate how these lesions, more specifically spinal cord arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas, are assessed, classified, and managed at their institution. They also highlight some aspects of classification and management that may be different from the views of others. Methods The authors reviewed the 20-year experience at the senior author's institution regarding the management of spinal cord vascular malformations. They discuss the management, surgical and endovascular treatment results, and the classification that resulted from the combined experience of 3 major reference centers. Results The accumulated knowledge on embryological and pathophysiological aspects in such a rare disease resulted in a more global, patient-oriented (and not radiologically oriented) approach to spinal cord shunts. Conclusions The multiple classifications proposed for spinal cord vascular malformations reflect the continuous advancement of the authors' understanding. They adopt a classification based on new physiological and genetic data that treats these lesions as expressions of more complex disease processes and not simply a morphological target, with direct impact on therapeutic options.

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The authors present a review of spinal cord blood supply, discussing the anatomy of the vascular system and physiological aspects of blood flow regulation in normal and injured spinal cords. Unique anatomical functional properties of vessels and blood supply determine the susceptibility of the spinal cord to damage, especially ischemia. Spinal cord injury (SCI), for example, complicating thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is associated with ischemic trauma. The rate of this devastating complication has been decreased significantly by instituting physiological methods of protection. Traumatic SCI causes complex changes in spinal cord blood flow, which are closely related to the severity of injury. Manipulating physiological parameters such as mean arterial blood pressure and intrathecal pressure may be beneficial for patients with an SCI. Studying the physiopathological processes of the spinal cord under vascular compromise remains challenging because of its central role in almost all of the body's hemodynamic and neurofunctional processes.

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Chronic diseases are an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Chronic diseases that seriously affect life affect the individual in physiological, psychological and social aspects. Individuals with chronic diseases may need spiritual support in adapting to the disease. In patients receiving spiritual support, depression and anxiety levels can be decreased and quality of life can be improved. The spiritual care that one of the basic elements of nursing care and among the basic requirements of an individual's can be omitted or implicit behind the physical requirements. Keywords: Nurse, chronic disease, spirituality, psychosocial adjustment

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AbstractThis article presents a review of research literature regarding the association between marital conflict and child adjustment in intact families. Factors such as the child temperament and gender, the relational dynamics between parent/s and child, the child's developmental stage and cognitive appraisal of the conflict — including aspects of the child's physiological system, as well as parenting practices — are explored to outline contributions to the understanding of issues associated with this aspect of family process. Developmental psychopathology is offered as a useful resource in terms of a process oriented theoretical framework providing a multi-dimensional approach to exploring and explaining the impact of marital conflict on children.

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Thyroid hormones (THs) classically regulate the gene expression by transcriptional mechanisms. In pituitary, the encoding genes for growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are examples of genes regulated by triiodothyronine (T3) in a positive and negative way, respectively. Recent studies have shown a rapid adjustment of GH and TSH synthesis/secretion induced by T3posttranscriptional actions. In somatotrophs, T3promotes an increase inGhmRNA content, poly(A) tail length and binding to the ribosome, associated with a rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton. In thyrotrophs, T3reducesTshbmRNA content, poly(A) tail length and its association with the ribosome. In parallel, it promotes a redistribution of TSH secretory granules to more distal regions of the cell periphery, indicating a rapid effect of T3inhibition of TSH secretion. T3was shown to affect the content of tubulin and the polymerization of actin and tubulin cytoskeletons in the whole anterior pituitary gland, and to increase intracellular alpha (CGA) content. This review summarizes genomic and non-genomic/posttranscriptional actions of TH on the regulation of several steps of GH and TSH synthesis and secretion. These distinct mechanisms induced by T3can occur simultaneously, even though non-genomic effects are promptly elicited and precede the genomic actions, coexisting in a functional network within the cells.

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The following article is designed to identify and examine sexuality-related issues frequently experienced among females with SCI. Some of the widespread barriers and myths associated with SCI and female sexuality are Identified, followed by prevalent physiological concerns of SCI on female sexuality, including intercourse, birth control, and pregnancy. Common psychosocial aspects of SCI and female sexuality such as asexual attitudes toward persons with disabilities and concerns about body image are also discussed. Current models used to successfully work with persons who are experiencing sexual dysfunction are examined, with special emphasis on common problems among women with SCI. A five-step framework that can be used by counselors for identifying and addressing specific sexuality concerns among women with SCI, including attracting a partner, dating, and developing and maintaining long-term relationships are discussed.

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In this analytical review an attempt to sum up the available data in magnetite nanoparticle-marked stem cells utilization is made. Now this question remains on the experimental study level. Available data is diversified and needs an integral look to be taken. It is found that magnetite nanoparticles are non-toxic for the cells and do not interrupt physiological metabolic pathways. They can also be captured by cell using different transporters. Cells containing the magnetite nanoparticles can migrate along the magnetic flux lines. Animals with traumatic spinal cord lesions that got the nanoparticles-containing cell therapy showed the neurological status improvement. There is very little data in usage of this method in clinical practice; the solution of this problem requires more clinical trials.

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Cervical spine trauma is one of the most serious injuries of the human musculoskeletal system, as structural disorders of the cervical spine lead to neurological disorders due to damage to the spinal cord and/or its roots or create conditions when instability poses a significant potential threat to anatomical integrity and functional capacity of the spinal canal structures. A lot of classifications of traumatic injuries of the cervical spine have been developed, they are based on the biomechanics of injury, but none of them is generally accepted and universal. Failures to develop a system that could clearly determine the causal relationship between the effects of the traumatic agent and the traumatic bone changes are due to a number of causes. Extensive clinical material accumulated over the years of study of traumatic changes in the cervical spine allowed identifying the main criteria that determine the nature and degree of traumatic injuries. These include the parameters of traumatic action and individual characteristics of the victims, in particular physiological indicators and the presence of comorbidities. In this review, we present a brief description of the main clinical factors influencing the biomechanics of traumatic cervical spine injury (nature, direction and intensity of traumatic action, age of a patient, muscle condition and initial curvature of the cervical spine, as well as some comorbidities: degenerative changes of the spine, osteoporosis, connective tissue diseases, congenital malformations). These criteria are of practical importance that allows using the collected information not only in theoretical but also in applied aspects.

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The article is focused on the research of self-regulation of mental states that arise in the employees of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine during the performance of professional activity in the conditions of extreme situations. The relevance of the research is currently increasing due to the need to increase resilience and overcome difficult life situations that often occur in the modern world. It has been determined that the professional activity of the employees of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine has its features, which require not only the professional competence of a specialist, but also certain personal qualities, with adaptation to extreme situations. The concepts of mental self-regulation, self-regulation and general ability to self-regulation have been analyzed. The basic levels of self-regulation related to professional activity (psycho-physiological, socio-psychological, psychological, spiritual) and corresponding self-regulatory abilities (emotional and psycho-physiological states, activity regulation, personal self-regulation, higher self-regulation ability) have been highlighted. They often occur while law enforcement officers perform their professional duties and lead to the emergence of negative mental states. The concept and main characteristics of an extreme situation have been characterized; self-regulation regulatory systems have been listed, which at the same time act as levels of self-regulation that ensures the effectiveness of professional activities of police officers in extreme situations. The author has studied methods of psychological influence (autogenic training and its variants, naive methods of self-regulation, the simplest methods of self-regulation, ideomotor training and neuro-linguistic programming), which are necessary for solving the set task. The author of the article describes how to possess various techniques of mental self-regulation, which allow to optimize the mental states and behavior of police officers in extreme situations. The conducted analysis of the aspect of studying self-regulation of mental states of police officers in professional activities to extreme situations demonstrates the possession of techniques of mental self-regulation and different levels and abilities of self-regulation, which allow to optimize the mental state and behavior of police officers.

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Abstract Research examining how mindfulness confers benefits for well-being is in its infancy. Furthermore, few studies have considered the positive effects of mindfulness on psychological functioning from a lifespan perspective. The present study aimed to examine a recently proposed model of mindfulness and whether the importance of the proposed mechanisms for well-being varied as a function of age. A community-based sample of 623 participants aged between 18 and 86 years (M = 48.78, SD = 16.74) was recruited via an internet-based research platform. Participants completed questionnaire measures of mindful characteristics (i.e., present-moment attention, nonjudgment, interoception, acceptance, nonattachment, and decentering), flexible goal adjustment, and well-being. Parallel mediation analyses using bootstrapping showed that both present-moment attention and nonjudgment provided significant pathways to (a) well-being through acceptance, nonattachment, and decentering; and (b) flexible goal adjustment through nonattachment and decentering. Furthermore, most aspects of mindfulness were positively associated with age. Conditional process analyses revealed that the direct relationships between (1) present-moment attention and well-being, (2) nonjudgment and well-being, and (3) decentering and flexible goal adjustment were significant for adults from around age 40 and became stronger with increasing age. The findings provide preliminary support for a recently proposed model of mindfulness and suggest that present-moment attention, nonjudgment, and decentering may become especially important for well-being across the second half of life. In particular, these aspects of mindfulness may represent psychological qualities that require a relatively modest investment of physiological and cognitive resources and can be targeted in interventions designed to enhance well-being in later adulthood.

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Background. Empathy has been conceptualized as comprising a cognitive and an emotional component, the latter being further divided into direct and indirect aspects, which refer, respectively, to the explicit evaluation of the observer’s feelings while attending someone in an emotional situation and to the physiological response of the observer. Empathy has been previously investigated in several neurological disorders. Objective. This study is aimed at investigating empathy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). We hypothesize that, due to deafferentation following their injury, SCI patients will display difficulty in the processing of emotional stimuli and blunted empathic responses as compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods. 20 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) (12 males and 8 females, mean age=50.9, standard deviation SD=16.1 years; mean education=10.9, SD=4.1 years) were included in the study and compared to 20 matched healthy subjects. Participants were investigated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y) (STAI-Y), the Beck Depression Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Moreover, participants were further evaluated by means of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), which explores both cognitive and emotional aspects of empathy, and through an experimental protocol based on the use of a modified version of the computerized Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) to evaluate emotional (direct and indirect) empathy and the ability to judge the valence of complex emotional scenes. Results. As compared to healthy controls, SCI patients reported higher scores on the Perspective-Taking subscale of the IRI, while, on the modified MET, they were less accurate in identifying the valence of neutral scenes, notwithstanding their spared direct and indirect emotional empathy ability. Furthermore, we found a significant negative correlation between the time interval since injury and the direct emotional empathy scores on the positive images, as well as a negative correlation with the indirect emotional empathy scores on both positive and neutral images, indicating a blunting of the empathic responses as time elapses. Conclusion. Results suggest that SCI patients, when analyzing the meaning of emotional stimuli, tend to rely on a cognitive empathy strategy rather than on emotion simulation.

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Abstract Neuro-immune interactions are essential for our body’s defense and homeostasis. Anatomical and physiological analyses have shown that the nervous system comprises multiple pathways that regulate the dynamics and functions of immune cells, which are mainly mediated by the autonomic nervous system and adrenal signals. These are disturbed when the neurons and circuits are damaged by diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Injuries caused by stroke or trauma often cause immune dysfunction by abrogation of the immune-regulating neural pathways, which leads to an increased risk of infections. Here, I review the structures and functions of the neural pathways connecting the brain and the immune system, and the neurogenic mechanisms of immune dysfunction that emerge after CNS injuries. Recent technological advances in manipulating specific neural circuits have added mechanistic aspects of neuro-immune interactions and their dysfunctions. Understanding the neural bases of immune control and their pathological processes will deepen our knowledge of homeostasis and lead to the development of strategies to cure immune deficiencies observed in various CNS disorders.

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Abstract Purpose There is growing evidence that vertebral column function and dysfunction play a vital role in neuromuscular control. This invited review summarises the evidence about how vertebral column dysfunction, known as a central segmental motor control (CSMC) problem, alters neuromuscular function and how spinal adjustments (high-velocity, low-amplitude or HVLA thrusts directed at a CSMC problem) and spinal manipulation (HVLA thrusts directed at segments of the vertebral column that may not have clinical indicators of a CSMC problem) alters neuromuscular function. Methods The current review elucidates the peripheral mechanisms by which CSMC problems, the spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation alter the afferent input from the paravertebral tissues. It summarises the contemporary model that provides a biologically plausible explanation for CSMC problems, the manipulable spinal lesion. This review also summarises the contemporary, biologically plausible understanding about how spinal adjustments enable more efficient production of muscular force. The evidence showing how spinal dysfunction, spinal manipulation and spinal adjustments alter central multimodal integration and motor control centres will be covered in a second invited review. Results Many studies have shown spinal adjustments increase voluntary force and prevent fatigue, which mainly occurs due to altered supraspinal excitability and multimodal integration. The literature suggests physical injury, pain, inflammation, and acute or chronic physiological or psychological stress can alter the vertebral column’s central neural motor control, leading to a CSMC problem. The many gaps in the literature have been identified, along with suggestions for future studies. Conclusion Spinal adjustments of CSMC problems impact motor control in a variety of ways. These include increasing muscle force and preventing fatigue. These changes in neuromuscular function most likely occur due to changes in supraspinal excitability. The current contemporary model of the CSMC problem, and our understanding of the mechanisms of spinal adjustments, provide a biologically plausible explanation for how the vertebral column’s central neural motor control can dysfunction, can lead to a self-perpetuating central segmental motor control problem, and how HVLA spinal adjustments can improve neuromuscular function.

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Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) are key molecules for the incorporation of glutamate in synaptic vesicles across the nervous system, and since their discovery in the early 1990s, research on these transporters has been intense and productive. This review will focus on several aspects of VGLUTs research on neurons in the periphery and the spinal cord. Firstly, it will begin with a historical account on the evolution of the morphological analysis of glutamatergic systems and the pivotal role played by the discovery of VGLUTs. Secondly, and in order to provide an appropriate framework, there will be a synthetic description of the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of peripheral neurons and the spinal cord. This will be followed by a succinct description of the current knowledge on the expression of VGLUTs in peripheral sensory and autonomic neurons and neurons in the spinal cord. Finally, this review will address the modulation of VGLUTs expression after nerve and tissue insult, their physiological relevance in relation to sensation, pain, and neuroprotection, and their potential pharmacological usefulness.

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Nowadays, crop insufficiency resulting from soil salinization is threatening the world. On the basis that soil salinization has become a worldwide problem, studying the mechanisms of plant salt tolerance is of great theoretical and practical significance to improve crop yield, to cultivate new salt-tolerant varieties, and to make full use of saline land. Based on previous studies, this paper reviews the damage of salt stress to plants, including suppression of photosynthesis, disturbance of ion homeostasis, and membrane peroxidation. We have also summarized the physiological mechanisms of salt tolerance, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and osmotic adjustment. Four main stress-related signaling pathways, salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway, calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) pathway, and abscisic acid (ABA) pathway, are included. We have also enumerated some salt stress-responsive genes that correspond to physiological mechanisms. In the end, we have outlined the present approaches and techniques to improve salt tolerance of plants. All in all, we reviewed those aspects above, in the hope of providing valuable background knowledge for the future cultivation of agricultural and forestry plants.

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The aim of this draft clinical guidelines is standardization of the clear rules for conducting neuraxial blockades in the perioperative period to reduce the risk of complications associated with their use by children of different ages, increase the effectiveness and safety of anesthetic care in general. The project was developed by the working group of anesthesiologists and reanimatologists of the Russian Federation under the auspices of Russian Pediatric Anesthesiologists and Reanimatologists Association with a great practical experience in this area among children, taking into account the global trends of recent times. The guidelines present modern principles of the use of neuraxial blockades, describe the anatomical and physiological features of childhood that are important for the performance of neuraxial blockades and particular aspects of usage of local anesthetics to children. General provisions and particular techniques of spinal, epidural (caudal), combined spinal-epidural anesthesia are presented.

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A wealth of animal and human studies demonstrate that early life environment significantly influences adult metabolic balance, however the etiology for offspring metabolic misprogramming remains incompletely understood. Here, we determine the effect of maternal diet per se on offspring sex-specific outcomes in metabolic health and hypothalamic transcriptome regulation in mice. Furthermore, to define developmental periods of maternal diet misprogramming aspects of offspring metabolic balance, we investigated offspring physiological and transcriptomic consequences of maternal high-fat/high-sugar diet feeding during pregnancy and/or lactation. We demonstrate that female offspring of high-fat/high-sugar diet-fed dams are particularly vulnerable to metabolic perturbation with body weight increases due to postnatal processes, whereas in utero effects of the diet ultimately lead to glucose homeostasis dysregulation. Furthermore, glucose- and maternal-diet sensitive gene expression modulation in the paraventricular hypothalamus is strikingly sexually dimorphic. In summary, we uncover female-specific, maternal diet-mediated in utero misprogramming of offspring glucose homeostasis and a striking sexual dimorphism in glucose- and maternal diet-sensitive paraventricular hypothalamus gene expression adjustment. Notably, female offspring metabolic vulnerability to maternal high-fat/high-sugar diet propagates a vicious cycle of obesity and type 2 diabetes in subsequent generations.

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Abstract: Vigor tests are important tools for verifying the physiological potential of seed lots; however, various aspects can interfere in the consistency of the test results. The search for less subjective procedures has drawn the interest of researchers. The aim of this study was to adapt the methodology of the controlled deterioration test and verify the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS ® ) to evaluate the vigor of crambe seeds. Initially, seed moisture content was determined and germination and vigor were evaluated in five seed lots. For the controlled deterioration test, the seed moisture content was adjusted to 18%, 20%, and 22%, and the results were interpreted at four and five days after sowing. The controlled deterioration test should be performed with initial adjustment of seed moisture content to 18%, and the germination test should be evaluated on the fifth day after sowing. SVIS ® provided information on the vigor index and the length and uniformity of seedling development. Computerized image analysis is effective in evaluating the vigor of crambe seeds, and the uniformity of seedling development parameter offers the most consistent data.

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The final adjustment of renal sodium and calcium excretion is achieved by the distal nephron, in which transepithelial ion transport is under control of various hormones, tubular fluid composition, and flow rate. Acquired or inherited diseases leading to deranged renal sodium and calcium balance have been linked to dysfunction of the distal nephron. Diuretic drugs elicit their effects on sodium balance by specifically inhibiting sodium transport proteins in the apical plasma membrane of distal nephron segments. The identification of the major apical sodium transport proteins allows study of their precise distribution pattern along the distal nephron and helps address their cellular and molecular regulation under various physiological and pathophysiological settings. This review focuses on the topological arrangement of sodium and calcium transport proteins along the cortical distal nephron and on some aspects of their functional regulation. The availability of data on the distribution of transporters in various species points to the strengths, as well as to the limitations, of animal models for the extrapolation to humans.

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Objectives: To evaluate the role of the omohyoid muscle anatomic variants as a possible reversible cause of internal jugular vein extrinsic compression. Method: We describe a chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency patient, who presented a omohyoid muscle entrapment of the internal jugular vein, confirmed by both magnetic resonance venography and ultrasound investigation. A omohyoid muscle surgical transection together with a patch angioplasty was performed. Results: The surgical procedure led to both IJV flow restoration and neurological improvement. Conclusions: The omohyoid muscle compression on the internal jugular vein seems to be a possible cause of venous obstruction, but several anatomical and patho-physiological aspects need further investigations. Such picture might cause balloon venous angioplasty inefficacy and needs to be preoperatively considered.

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While supraspinal mechanisms underlying respiratory pattern formation are well characterized, the contribution of spinal circuitry to the same remains poorly understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intraspinal GABAergic circuits are involved in shaping phrenic motor output. To this end, we performed bilateral phrenic nerve recordings in anesthetized adult rats and observed neurogram changes in response to knocking down expression of both isoforms (65 and 67 kDa) of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65/67) using microinjections of anti-GAD65/67 short-interference RNA (siRNA) in the phrenic nucleus. The number of GAD65/67-positive cells was drastically reduced on the side of siRNA microinjections, especially in the lateral aspects of Rexed's laminae VII and IX in the ventral horn of cervical segment C4, but not contralateral to microinjections. We hypothesize that intraspinal GABAergic control of phrenic output is primarily phasic, but also plays an important role in tonic regulation of phrenic discharge. Also, we identified respiration-modulated GABAergic interneurons (both inspiratory and expiratory) located slightly dorsal to the phrenic nucleus. Our data provide the first direct evidence for the existence of intraspinal GABAergic circuits contributing to the formation of phrenic output. The physiological role of local intraspinal inhibition, independent of descending direct bulbospinal control, is discussed.

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Sexuality is an integral component of human behaviour, being the expression of an individual's personality and identity. Consequently, sexuality education and counselling, as part of the rehabilitation process for individuals with a physical disability, are considered important. Although the role of occupational therapists in facilitating sexuality as a life skill Is recognised, their participation in this component of rehabilitation is low, reportedly as a result of perceived inadequate knowledge. This paper focuses on spinal cord injury as an example of a physical disability. To highlight the need to address sexual concerns, the physiological and psychological aspects of individuals' altered sexual status after spinal cord injury are briefly described. The limitations in the sexuality education and counselling programmes provided to date are explored, with recommendations made as to how such intervention can be improved and the role that occupational therapists may play in this service provision. The P-LI-SS-IT model is presented as an appropriate framework from which to develop and deliver an effective sexuality education and counselling programme for individuals with a spinal cord injury. It is concluded that occupational therapists, as part of a multidisciplinary team, should adopt an active role in the delivery of sexuality education and counselling programmes for individuals with a physical disability.

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Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in brain and muscle glucose metabolism that are not yet known, using positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG PET).Methods. Twenty-one male volunteers were recruited for the present study. [18F]FDG PET scanning was performed twice on each subject: once after the spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) intervention (treatment condition) and once after resting (control condition). We performed the SMT intervention using an adjustment device. Glucose metabolism of the brain and skeletal muscles was measured and compared between the two conditions. In addition, we measured salivary amylase level as an index of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, as well as muscle tension and subjective pain intensity in each subject.Results. Changes in brain activity after SMT included activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, cerebellar vermis, and somatosensory association cortex and deactivation of the prefrontal cortex and temporal sites. Glucose uptake in skeletal muscles showed a trend toward decreased metabolism after SMT, although the difference was not significant. Other measurements indicated relaxation of cervical muscle tension, decrease in salivary amylase level (suppression of sympathetic nerve activity), and pain relief after SMT.Conclusion. Brain processing after SMT may lead to physiological relaxation via a decrease in sympathetic nerve activity.

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Long-duration bed rest is widely employed to simulate the effects of microgravity on various physiological systems, especially for studies of bone, muscle, and the cardiovascular system. This microgravity analog is also extensively used to develop and test countermeasures to microgravity-altered adaptations to Earth gravity. Initial investigations of bone loss used horizontal bed rest with the view that this model represented the closest approximation to inactivity and minimization of hydrostatic effects, but all Earth-based analogs must contend with the constant force of gravity by adjustment of the G vector. Later concerns about the lack of similarity between headward fluid shifts in space and those with horizontal bed rest encouraged the use of 6 degree head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest as pioneered by Russian investigators. Headward fluid shifts in space may redistribute bone from the legs to the head. At present, HDT bed rest with normal volunteers is the most common analog for microgravity simulation and to test countermeasures for bone loss, muscle and cardiac atrophy, orthostatic intolerance, and reduced muscle strength/exercise capacity. Also, current physiologic countermeasures are focused on long-duration missions such as Mars, so in this review we emphasize HDT bed rest studies with durations of 30 days and longer. However, recent results suggest that the HDT bed rest analog is less representative as an analog for other important physiological problems of long-duration space flight such as fluid shifts, spinal dysfunction and radiation hazards.

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It is well established that physical activity can improve aspects of physical fitness in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite reports of declining health and fitness post-discharge from rehabilitation, there is a limited amount of research exploring exercise status or interventions during this period. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the integration of structured exercise into the rehabilitation process following SCI, and to optimize exercise prescription in the community setting. Findings from the first study indicate that exercise is well tolerated among individuals with subacute SCI; performance of a peak exercise test on an arm ergometer was feasible for all injury types. At this stage post-injury, interventions should be mindful of the greater risk of orthostatic intolerance in individuals with complete tetraplegia and focus on building task-specific self-efficacy. The second study involved a direct referral and physical activity counselling intervention post-discharge. Adherence rates were excellent among those participants who received the intervention, suggesting that this model of care can facilitate adherence to community exercise after discharge. The final 2 studies took place in the community. Several modes of adapted exercise were compared and findings indicated that while there were no differences in measures of physiological intensity or enjoyment between the different modes, arm-only exercise was perceived as safer than passive hybrid (arm and leg) exercise. Further, the validity of using ratings of perceived exertion to attain prescribed exercise intensity was established. The efficacy of the physical activity guidelines for improving fitness in adults with SCI were evaluated in a community-based randomized controlled trial and the results revealed that the guidelines were effective in improving both aerobic capacity and muscle strength. Taken together, this series of studies describes a model of care that links rehabilitation with community exercise and suggests options for sustained engagement.

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ABSTRACT:No single clinical electrophysiological test can evaluate disorders of muscle tone. These disorders, symptomatic of a variety of diseases have a multifactorial physiological basis. The several tests used are complimentary each aiming to study different aspects of spinal and supraspinal reflexes which become deranged. The H reflex and F wave (H max/M max and F max/M max ratios) measure motoneuron pool excitability in general. The tendon reflex includes spindle mechanisms bypassed by the H reflex and, with limitations, comparison of H max/M max and T max/M max yields information about the -y system. Tonic vibration of a tendon inhibits the H reflex from the same muscle. The TVR measures autogenous presynaptic inhibition exerted by the la afferents of the muscle. Recurrent inhibition via Renshaw cells is evaluated by studying the effect of collision on the H reflex. Reciprocal inhibition of the la afferents can be assessed by measuring H reflex change induced by stimulating la afferents from antagonists. Changes in the H reflex recovery cycle measure polysynaptic influences on spinal motoneuron excitability. Cutaneomuscular (flexor) reflexes measure poly- and oligosynaptic excitatory drive to spinal motoneurons and the blink reflex evaluates the excitatory drive to brainstem motoneurons. Long loop (segmental) responses can be evaluated by limb pertubation using a torque motor or electrical stimulation applied during voluntary muscle contraction. Finally needle electromyography is a more relevant test in several disorders of muscle tone such as the stiff-man syndrome and Isaacs' syndrome.

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The Quebec Newborn Twin Study (QNTS) is an ongoing prospective longitudinal follow-up of a birth cohort of twins born between 1995 and 1998 in the greater Montreal area, Québec, Canada. The goal of QNTS is to document individual differences in the cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional aspects of developmental health across childhood, their early bio-social determinants, as well as their putative role in later social-emotional adjustment, school and health outcomes. A total of 662 families of twins were initially assessed when the twins were aged 6 months. These twins and their family were then followed regularly. QNTS has 14 waves of data collected or planned, including 5 in preschool. Over the past 15 years, a broad range of physiological, cognitive, behavioral, school, and health phenotypes were documented longitudinally through multi-informant and multi-method measurements. QNTS also entails extended and detailed multi-level assessments of proximal (e.g., parenting behaviors, peer relationships) and distal (e.g., family income) features of the child's environment. This detailed longitudinal information makes QNTS uniquely suited for the study of the role of the early years and gene-environment transactions in development.

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Drought and salinity are major constraints to agriculture. In this review, we present an overview of the global situation and the consequences of drought and salt stress connected to climatic changes. We provide a list of possible genetic resources as sources of resistance or tolerant traits, together with the previous studies that focused on transferring genes from the germplasm to cultivated varieties. We explained the morphological and physiological aspects connected to hydric stresses, described the mechanisms that induce tolerance, and discussed the results of the main studies. Finally, we described more than 100 genes associated with tolerance to hydric stresses in the Triticeae. These were divided in agreement with their main function into osmotic adjustment and ionic and redox homeostasis. The understanding of a given gene function and expression pattern according to hydric stress is particularly important for the efficient selection of new tolerant genotypes in classical breeding. For this reason, the current review provides a crucial reference for future studies on the mechanism involved in hydric stress tolerance and the use of these genes in mark assistance selection (MAS) to select the wheat germplasm to face the climatic changes.

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IntroductionApoptosis is a complex physiological process of the organism which supports cellular homeostasis, provides important aspects of development and functioning of the immune system. In various pathological conditions the process of apoptosis can be impaired that leads to decrease or increase in pro-apoptotic activity.Materials and methodsWe conducted investigation of relative and absolute number of CD3+CD95+–lymphocytes in groups of patients with adjustment disorders (n = 90), PTSD (n = 100), organic emotionally labile (asthenic) disorder (n = 232), organic personality disorder (n = 93). Clinical verification was conducted according to ICD–10. Control group included 190 practically healthy persons. Fas protein (CD95) expression on CD3 lymphocytes surfaces was detected using flow cytometry. Cytometric measurements were conducted on flow cytofluorimeter FacsCalibur (Becton Dickinson, US).ResultsIn the control group relative number of CD95+–lymphocytes was 11.6%, absolute–0.21 × 109/L. In all examined patients as compared with control the reliable increase both in relative and absolute number of lymphocytes of CD3+CD95+–phenotype was identified. So, in persons with adjustment disorder content of this indicator made 17.0% and 0.28 × 109/L (Р = 0.0015), in PTSD–18.0% and 0.33 × 109/L (Р = 0.0007) and in patients with organic asthenic disorder–19.0% and 0.32 × 109/L (Р = 0.0048), respectively. The highest content in blood of CD3+–lymphocytes, expressing on the surface of membrane the basic marker of apoptosis CD95 is observed in patients with organic personality disorder: 26.0% and 0.44 × 109/L (Р = 0.0003).ConclusionIn case of intensification of psychopathological symptoms especially in persons with non-psychotic organic mental disorders a receptor-mediated signaling pathway of apoptosis is activated – process of programmed cell death.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Background. One of the most common vertebral malformations that lead to the occurrence and progression of congenital scoliosis is disorders of vertebral formation. Most specialists adhere to the active tactics of surgical correction of spinal deformity in early childhood. The aim. To evaluate the variants and causes of the transpedicular spinal system destabilization, which is not related to the violation of its integrity, in the surgical treatment of children with congenital spinal deformities. Materials and methods. The case histories of 286 children under the age of 6 years undergoing surgical treatment in H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Сhildrens Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. Depending on the outcome of the surgical treatment, the patients were divided into groups: the main group (n = 7) included those with spinal system destabilization and the control group (n = 12) consisted of those without spinal system destabilization. During the study, the sizes of the bases of the arcs adjacent to the abnormal vertebra, the magnitude of the scoliotic and kyphotic components of the deformation, and the correct position of the supporting elements of the spinal system on the Gertzbein scale were determined. Results. Patients of the studied groups were identified according to their age and the magnitude of scoliotic and kyphotic components of spinal deformity. The average diameter of the arc base in the studied groups varied (p 0.05). In all patients, the complete correction of the congenital curvature of the spine was achieved after surgery. In the long-term postoperative period in patients of the study group after radiation analysis, the malposition of supporting elements relative to the base of the vertebral arch and a loss of correction of spinal deformity by an average of 25 were revealed, which required the repeated surgery in order to restore the stability of the spinal system and to correct deformation. Conclusions. The reasons for the spinal system destabilization during the correction of the spinal congenital deformations are the peculiarities of vertebral anatomical-anthropometric parameters in the curvature zone, as well as tactical aspects during surgery. The main reason for the spinal system destabilization without violating its integrity is the small size of bases of adjacent vertebral arches relative to the abnormal one. The small size of the bases of the vertebral arches and the significant amount of necessary correction of congenital spinal deformity necessitate the installation of a longer spinal system in order to restore physiological profiles in the curvature zone.

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Abstract Auxin is the first discovered plant hormone and is essential for many aspects of plant growth and development. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the main auxin and plays pivotal roles in intercellular communication through polar auxin transport. Phenylacetic acid (PAA) is another natural auxin that does not show polar movement. Although a wide range of species have been shown to produce PAA, its biosynthesis, inactivation and physiological significance in plants are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of the CYP79A2 gene, which is involved in benzylglucosinolate synthesis, remarkably increased the levels of PAA and enhanced lateral root formation in Arabidopsis. This coincided with a significant reduction in the levels of IAA. The results from auxin metabolite quantification suggest that the PAA-dependent induction of GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) genes, which encode auxin-amido synthetases, promote the inactivation of IAA. Similarly, an increase in IAA synthesis, via the indole-3-acetaldoxime pathway, significantly reduced the levels of PAA. The same adjustment of IAA and PAA levels was also observed by applying each auxin to wild-type plants. These results show that GH3 auxin-amido synthetases can alter the ratio of IAA and PAA in plant growth and development.

Abstract:

Salt stress is a major threat for plant growth worldwide. The regulatory mechanisms of silicon in alleviating salt stress have been widely studied using physiological, molecular genetics, and genomic approaches. Recently, progresses have been made in elucidating the alleviative effects of silicon in salt-induced osmotic stress, Na toxicity, and oxidative stress. In this review, we highlight recent development on the impact of silicon application on salt stress responses. Emphasis will be given to the following aspects. (1) Silicon transporters have been experimentally identified in different plant species and their structure feature could be an important molecular basis for silicon permeability. (2) Silicon could mediate salt-induced ion imbalance by (i) regulating Na+ uptake, transport, and distribution and (ii) regulating polyamine levels. (3) Si-mediated upregulation of aquaporin gene expression and osmotic adjustment play important roles in alleviating salinity-induced osmotic stress. (4) Silicon application direct/indirectly mitigates oxidative stress via regulating the antioxidant defense and polyamine metabolism. (5) Omics studies reveal that silicon could regulate plants’ response to salt stress by modulating the expression of various genes including transcription factors and hormone-related genes. Finally, research areas that require further investigation to provide a deeper understanding of the role of silicon in plants are highlighted.

Abstract:

Background:In chronic pain care a multidimensional perspective with attention to patients’ cognitions, emotions, and their ability to cope is needed (1). Previous studies are also pointing to the role of experiencing meaningfulness in life in the adjustment to disability.Therefore care should additionally focus on the existential domain of patients’ lives to live up to a holistic care approach (2). However, there are only a few studies on how FM patients are satisfied with practitioners’ attention to multiple aspects of life with a chronic pain condition.Objectives:To assess perceived satisfaction with chronic pain care and its associations with health variables in a cohort of patients with FM.Methods:We invited 18 FM self-help groups in Germany to participate anonymously in our survey and sent them in total 192 paper-and-pencil surveys. Sociodemographics, disease related variables (e.g. pain, general health) and psychological variables [e.g. depression, anxiety, hope, stress] were assessed with standardized instruments, including 5 items (answer format 1=very unsatisfied – 10=very satisfied) assessing subjective satisfaction with medical care in different domains with the following questions: How satisfied are you with the attention of your treatment team/physician at home for physiological aspects of your pain (Physio)/ the consequences of the pain on your physical functioning (Physical)/ on your psychological well-being (Mental)/ on your social life (Social)/ on your meaning in life (Meaning).Results:In total 162 FM patients participated (=84% response rate). Their mean age was 58 years (SD=10), 84% (N=135) were female. Highest level of education was: Elementary School 29%, Junior High School 35%, High School 15%, College 12%, and other 10%. Duration of chronic pain was 18.2 years (SD=12.0). The satisfaction with care scale showed good internal consistency and measured one factor. The means of the subscale were: Physio 5.7 (SD=2.5)/ Physical 5.5 (SD=2.5)/ Mental 5.5 (SD=2.6)/ Social 5.0 (SD=2.5)/ Meaning 5.3 (SD=2.6). Correlations of the subscales are depicted in Table 1. There were no associations between pain variables and satisfaction with care, but satisfaction with care was associated with mental health, but not physical health, outcomes.Table 1.Correlations of satisfaction of care with different health variables. Subscales physiological and physical aspects and HADS-anxiety were not significantly correlated. *<.05; **<.01; ns=not significant.PhysioPhysicalMentalSocialMeaningHADS-depression-.10 (ns)-.12 (ns)-.19*-.16*-.14 (ns)General Health .02 (ns) .14 (ns) .13 (ns) .18* .12 (ns)Stress-.15 (ns)-.14 (ns)-.17*-.17*-.13 (ns)Hope .18 (ns) .18 (ns) .26** .26* .22*Conclusion:In this cohort of German FM patients the average satisfaction with care overall, as well as the specific aspects of care, was only moderate. Interestingly we found associations between satisfaction with care in mental, social and meaning in life aspects with psychological well-being pointing to the fact that care for chronic pain patients should also include those aspects in addition to just addressing biomedical aspects.References:[1]Flor H and Turk D. Chronic pain: an integrated approach. Seattle, WA: IASP Press, 2011.[2]Dezutter J, Casalin S, Wacholtz A, et al. Meaning in life: An important factor for the psychological well-being of chronically ill patients? Rehabilitat Psychol 2013; 58:334–341.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Abstract:

Relevance. The traditional scheme of blood supply to the spinal cord, formed in the 60-70s of the last century, does not correspond to the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders of the spinal cord. There is also a discrepancy in terminology: the names of arteries found in surgical and neurological works do not correspond to the names of the International Anatomical Nomenclature. Therefore, today this issue needs further analysis. Objective: to summarize the information of different authors on the number of spinal branches and their branches, topography, blood supply to each segment of the spinal cord, to analyze the individual variability of sources of blood supply to the spinal cord. Materials and methods. Analysis of scientific publications in the international electronic scientometric database PubMed by keywords for the period 2000-2018. and comparing these data with the imaginations of 1760-1993. Results. The idea of ​​the structural organization of the blood supply to the spinal cord has changed. With modern data, intracranial sources, namely: anterior and posterior spinal arteries, the blood supply to the true cervical spinal cord, and the rest of the department - lower cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal - blood supply from extracranial sources, and they exist in this area segmental branches of the aorta. Nowadays, extracranial sources are considered the main in the blood supply to the spinal cord. It is now known that the anterior and posterior spinal arteries are intermittent and cannot provide blood supply to the spinal cord, as previously thought. The general plan of arterial blood supply of a spinal cord can be presented in the form of a set of pools of front and back radical (radiculomedullary) arteries. The anterior radicular arteries are 4-8, and the posterior 15-20, respectively, along the spinal cord in its ventral and dorsal departments the same number of arterial pools are formed. There are anastomotic connections between these pools, which are not always functionally complete. Each of these basins is supplied by a separate radiculomedullary artery. Each such artery feeds not one but several segments of the spinal cord. The number and levels of approach to the spinal cord of radiculomedullary arteries, especially the anterior ones, differ significantly in individual variability. The perception of the vascularization of the cervical spinal cord was analyzed. At different times, information about the number of arteries that supplied blood to this department differed significantly: in 1760 it was believed that it was 31 arteries; and in 1882-1939 - only 7; in 1943 - 27, in 1958 - 6-8; in 1958 - 7-10; in 1961-1963 - 5-8; in 1966-1973 - 5; in 1993 - 1-2 arteries. Such different information about spinal cord vascularization is the result of significant individual variability. Conclusions. Incomplete current knowledge about the blood supply to the spinal cord is the cause of unresolved problems of etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical course of spinal ischemic strokes, including cervical localization. The existing terminological confusion regarding the names of the arteries that supply blood to the spinal cord, in particular its cervical region, is explained by the significant variability of the radiculomedullary arteries of this zone in terms of number, diameter, and location. Due to the existence of arterio-venous anastomoses, arterial myelobulbar anastomoses, adjacent areas of blood supply in this area, theft phenomena are formed and distant foci of ischemia appear, including both the spinal cord and the brain. Therefore, in order to make an angiotopic diagnosis, it is necessary to take into account not only anatomical but also physiological and pathophysiological aspects of regulation and compensation of cerebral circulation.

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Background. In children with spondylolisthesis, there are still unexplained aspects in the relationship of the degree of displacement of the L5 vertebra with the severity of the clinical picture and neurological disorders. At the same time, aspects of the mutual aggravating influence of the indicated spinal disorder on the condition of the feet have not been studied. Therefore, the problem of identifying disorder of foot function in children with spinal spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra is relevant.Aim of the study — to evaluate the deviations in parameters of the transverse and longitudinal arches of feet in children suffering from severe spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra.Materials and Methods. In the period from 2016 to 2018, 12 children aged 14.1 y.o. [12,7; 15,5] were examined with spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebral body of grade III-IV, accompanied by stenosis of the spinal canal at the same level and by compression of the roots of the spinal cord. Imaging diagnostics included multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To estimate the function of the feet, double-bearing and single-bearing plantography was used. The data for the control group included only plantographic examinations of 12 healthy children of the same age.Results. In patients with spondylolisthesis, the mean value of the anterior t and intermediate s plantographic bearing indices were significantly lower than those of healthy children. At the same time, in tests with an increased load on the foot in patients, there was no significant increase in the mean anterior t and medial m indices, which indicates the dynamic rigidity of the transverse and medial longitudinal arches. The value of the lateral plantographic index l showed its significant pathological increase compared with the normal value at double-bearing load, which indicates the static rigidity of the lateral longitudinal arch. Correlation analysis demonstrated that, against the normal state, the bearing ability of the feet in sick children is realized through a pathological strengthening of the functional relationship between the arches of the foot at double-bearing load and a non-physiological reduction of the interaction between arches at single-bearing load.Conclusion. In children with severe forms of vertebra spondylolisthesis, the parameters of plantographic characteristics indicate the rigidity of the arches of the feet and the distortion of their bearing pattern. It is necessary to take into account the aggravating effect of rigid feet on the state of the spine and include the examination of the bearing function of the feet in the algorithm for the comprehensive diagnosis of children with spondylolisthesis.

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AbstractThis paper is a revised and updated edition of a previous description of the Quebec Newborn Twin Study (QNTS), an ongoing prospective longitudinal follow-up of a birth cohort of twins born between 1995 and 1998 in the greater Montreal area, Québec, Canada. The goal of QNTS is to document individual differences in the cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional aspects of developmental health across childhood, their early genetic and environmental determinants, as well as their putative role in later social-emotional adjustment, school, health, and occupational outcomes. A total of 662 families of twins were initially assessed when the twins were aged 6 months. These twins and their family were then followed regularly. QNTS now has 16 waves of data collected or planned, including 5 in preschool. Over the last 24 years, a broad range of physiological, cognitive, behavioral, school, and health phenotypes were documented longitudinally through multi-informant and multimethod measurements. QNTS also entails extended and detailed multilevel assessments of proximal (e.g., parenting behaviors, peer relationships) and distal (e.g., family income) features of the child’s environment. QNTS children and a subset of their parents have been genotyped, allowing for the computation of a variety of polygenic scores. This detailed longitudinal information makes QNTS uniquely suited for the study of the role of the early years and gene–environment transactions in development.

Abstract:

Background. Burnout is a condition of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity. Nursing is a stressful profession that deals with human aspects of health and illness and can ultimately lead to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Although burnout among nurses has been addressed in previous research, the heterogeneous nature of the result findings highlights the need for a detailed meta-analysis in Ethiopia. Thus, this review is aimed at identifying the prevalence of burnout among nurses in Ethiopia. Methods. A search strategy was implemented using electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Africa-Wide Information, and African Index Medicus) which were systematically searched online to retrieve related articles using keywords. Studies which were included in this review were written in the English language because writing articles in other languages in Ethiopia is uncommon. The combination of key terms including “burnout”, “nurse” and “Ethiopia”, “systematic review” and protocols was used. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist guideline was followed stepwise. All published articles starting from inception to February 2020 were included, and we did not find unpublished studies. Heterogeneity across the included studies was evaluated by the inconsistency index. All statistical analysis was done using R and RStudio software for Windows, and a random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall prevalence of burnout among nurses in Ethiopia. It is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020188092). Results. The database searched produced 1060 papers. After adjustment for duplicates and inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles with 1654 total nurses were found suitable for the review. Except for one cohort study, all studies were cross-sectional. The overall pooled prevalence of burnout among Ethiopian nurses was estimated to be 39% (95% CI: 27%-50%). Conclusions. Burnout affects two out of five nurses in Ethiopia. Therefore, effective interventions and strategies are required to reduce burnout among nurses.

Abstract:

A prerequisite for many studies of neurons in culture is a means of determining their original identity. We needed such a technique to study the interactions in vitro between a class of spinal cord neurons, sympathetic preganglionic neurons, and their normal target, neurons from the sympathetic chain. Here, we describe how we use two highly fluorescent carbocyanine dyes, which differ in color but are otherwise similar, to identify neurons in culture. The long carbon chain carbocyanine dyes we use are lipid-soluble and so become incorporated into the plasma membrane. Neurons can be labeled either retrogradely or during dissociation. Some of the labeled membrane gradually becomes internalized and retains its fluorescence, allowing identification of cells for several weeks in culture. These dyes do not affect the survival, development, or basic physiological properties of neurons and do not spread detectably from labeled to unlabeled neurons. It seems likely that cells become retrogradely labeled mainly by lateral diffusion of dye in the plane of the membrane. If so, carbocyanine dyes may be most useful for retrograde labeling over relatively short distances. An additional feature of carbocyanine labeling is that neuronal processes are brightly fluorescent for the first few days in culture, presumably because dye rapidly diffuses into newly inserted membrane. We have used carbocyanine dyes to identify sympathetic preganglionic neurons in culture. Our results indicate that preganglionic neurons can survive in the absence of their target cells and that several aspects of their differentiation in the absence of target appear normal.

Abstract:

Evidence for genetic variation in feed efficiency of beef cattle is reviewed in this paper, and ways in which this variation might be used in selection programs to improve beef cattle in Australia are discussed. Efficiency of beef production systems is determined by feed and other inputs of all classes of animals in the production system as well as outputs in terms of slaughter progeny and cull cows. Different indices have been used to express aspects of efficiency on cattle over certain periods of the production cycle. Use of these indices is discussed, and then evidence for genetic variation in both growing animals and mature animals is reviewed. Genetic variation in feed efficiency exists in both growing and mature cattle, although information is lacking to determine whether variation in total production system efficiency exists. The physiological basis for observed variation in feed efficiency is discussed, with differences in requirements for maintenance, body composition, proportions of visceral organs, level of physical activity, and digestion efficiency identified as possible sources of variation. Selection to improve efficiency might be achieved by measuring feed intake of growing animals and utilising genetic correlations that are likely to exist between efficiency of growing animals and mature animals. Measurement of feed intake might occur in central test stations, or methods may be developed to measure feed intake on-farm. Ways of utilising information generated in genetic evaluations are discussed, and it is concluded that estimated breeding values for feed intake after a phenotypic adjustment for growth performance would be most practical, although not theoretically optimal. Such estimated breeding values would best be used in an economic selection index to account for genetic correlations with other traits, including feed intake of the breeding herd, and the economic value of feed in relation to other traits. Future research should be directed towards understanding the genetic relationships between feed intake and other traits in the breeding objective, and to find ways to reduce the cost of measurement of feed intake, including a search for genetic markers.

Abstract:

In the rodent, cutaneous sensory neurons mature over the first two postnatal weeks, both in terms of their electrical properties and their responses to mechanical stimulation of the skin. To examine the coincidence of these events, intracellular recordings were made from neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in an in vitro spinal cord, DRG, and skin preparation from mice between the ages of postnatal day 0 and 5 ( P0–P5). We also examined mice in which nerve growth factor (NGF) is overexpressed in the skin. NGF has been shown to be involved in a number of aspects of sensory neuron development and function. Therefore we ask here whether excess target-derived NGF will alter the normal course of development, either of somal membrane properties, physiological response properties, or neuropeptide content. In wild-type mice, somal action potentials (APs) were heterogeneous, with some having simple, uninflected falling phases and some displaying an inflection or break on the falling limb. The proportion of neurons lacking an inflection increased with increasing age, as did mean conduction velocity. A variety of rapidly and slowly adapting responses could be obtained by gently probing the skin; however, due to relatively low thresholds and firing frequencies, as well as lack of mature peripheral receptors such as hairs, it was not possible to place afferents into the same categories as in the adult. No correlation was seen between the presence or absence of an inflection on the somal AP (a marker for high-threshold mechanoreceptors in adult animals) and either peripheral threshold or calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) content. Small differences in the duration and amplitude of the somal AP were seen in the NGF-overexpressing mice that disappeared by P3–P5. Excess target-derived NGF did not alter physiological response properties or the types of neurons containing CGRP. The changes that did occur, including a loss of the normal relationship between AP duration and conduction velocity, and a decrease in mean conduction velocity in the inflected population, might best be explained by an increase in the relative proportions of myelinated nociceptors. Of greatest interest was the finding that in both NGF overexpressers and wild-type mice, the correlation between mechanical threshold and presence or absence of an inflection on the somal spike is not apparent by P5.

Abstract:

Purpose – The increase in prevalence of behavioral health issues among college and university students is burdening the scholastic sector both domestically and internationally. More American students participate in study abroad programs than ever before. These provide educational institutions with additional duty of care challenges and responsibilities especially when it comes to their health status while studying or working abroad. The requests for assistance to an assistance service provider of students from US universities studying abroad were compared to international assignees from US employers in terms of closing diagnoses and case outcome types. The purpose of this paper is to indicate that there are differences in diagnoses and case outcomes between students studying abroad and employees working abroad. Students are more likely than international assignees to be diagnosed with behavioral health issues, to be referred to a health provider (rather than being treated through in-patient care) and to be evacuated or repatriated. It is recommended that US universities change their duty of care practice from the “inform and prepare” to a higher level benchmark, commonly practiced in the US corporate sector, of “assess, assist and protect.” Design/methodology/approach – US employers and universities often contract with a service provider for international travel assistance for their traveling employees/students. The sample consisted of case records of a large assistance service provider based on request for assistance (RFAs) by international assignees and students from its different US client organizations (US employers and universities) over a 24-month period (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011), with all client travel originating in the USA and traveling abroad. A two-year framework was used to include a larger sample of short- and long-term international assignees. The individual requesting assistance (student or international assignee) was the primary unit of analysis. The multiple case records can be viewed as a “case study” of an assistance provider (Yin, 2014). According to Yin’s case study design typology, this research used a single case (embedded) design. It is a single case study of client records from a global assistance provider of medical and security services for international travelers. The case study was embedded because it involved more than one unit of analysis. The case study included 17,071 records from two different subunits: 831 students studying abroad from 82 US universities and 16,240 US international assignees working for 889 US employers requesting assistance for health-related issues from the global service provider. The US client organizations included universities with study abroad programs and employers of different sizes and industries who have global mobility programs. Findings – The hypotheses related to different diagnoses and outcomes based on RFAs while working or studying internationally were confirmed in spite of the fact the age and gender (important antecedents of morbidity) were controlled. Compared to international assignees, students are more likely to be diagnosed with behavioral health issues, more likely to be referred to a health provider (rather than being treated) and more likely to be evacuated/repatriated. This not only shows the importance of behavioral issues among students while studying abroad but also indicates that the corporate organizational support structures for international assignees are different than those universities provide to students. Research limitations/implications – This study assessed how RFAs by students studying abroad differed from international assignees working in corporate organizations. With this type of case study, the mode of generalization is “analytic” rather than “statistical.” In analytic generalization, the empirical results of the case study are compared to a previously developed theory (Yin, 2004, p. 38). As a result, the authors are striving to generalize the particular empirical results of students and international assignees to the broader institutional theory. Practical implications – The research has implications for further research. First, these results can be replicated with other samples of students studying abroad. If replications result in similar findings, indicating that students have increased risk of being diagnosed with behavioral health conditions, this finding can be probed for a better understanding of both process and outcome. For instance, future research can delineate the specific behavioral health diagnoses the students are receiving, which can have important implications for behavioral health care providers, educational duty of care considerations, as well as direct future research in this area. An additional area of critical importance for future research will be elucidating the students’ systemic experience of increased stress associated by studying abroad, the subsequent psychological and physiological responses, as well as how students are impacted by this stress. There are also some systemic stresses that are unique to the study/work abroad context. Many of the administrative requirements (such as required paperwork for travel, visas, travel scholarships, funding, vaccinations, health care, etc.) are taken care of for international assignees by their employers through the global mobility division. They are not necessarily done by universities for their students. Students are largely responsible for these themselves although with some guidance through the study abroad program staff. Researchers can also examine how cultural adjustment models apply to students studying abroad. For instance, how might changes in anticipatory adjustment impact student development of behavioral health conditions, including both individual factors such as pre-travel training, as well as organizational factors such as selection systems designed to identify those that could need additional behavioral health support while they are abroad. Likewise, in-country adjustment can also be evaluated in future research to identify individual, organizational and cultural aspects that could be associated with increased behavioral health diagnoses in students. Such research can shed more light on this understudied population, illuminating the steps that university can take, with regard to duty of care concerns, to ensure students have safe and beneficial experiences abroad. Social implications – The population of corporate international assignees is emotionally more mature and more experienced in world travel and therefore more likely to be adaptable to the challenges of traveling and living abroad than the study abroad population of students. As more students enroll in study abroad programs, the absence of an infrastructure to support behavioral health issues at the time of enrollment, while on-site and upon return will only result in more exposure for both students and educational institutions. E-learning tools, and even anonymous student self-exams can assist in determining fitness for study abroad. Simultaneously, colleges and universities must educate their local and distant faculty/team leaders, host institutions as well as other students to recognize and react appropriately to a behavioral health crisis. Adherence to such a strategy will certainly help to mitigate the risk of a failed study abroad experience. Although this study is limited to US students traveling overseas, behavioral health is an issue with students globally. American institutions hosting foreign students should, therefore, re-evaluate their existing domestic resources to accommodate the psychological needs of their visiting international students. It is the authors recommendation that, prior to travel, students should develop greater self-awareness, with or without the assistance of a professional. Implementing these recommendations will move university duty of care practice from the “inform and prepare” to a higher level benchmark, commonly practiced in the corporate sector, of “assess, assist and protect.” Originality/value – With regard to case outcomes, students had lower odds of experiencing severe outcomes, such as in- and out-patient care, than international assignees. Similarly, students had lower odds of being evacuated or repatriated than international assignees.

Abstract:

<p><strong>List of Abstract Titles and authors:<br /></strong></p><p><strong>1. Psychosis: A matter of mental effort?</strong></p><p>M Borg, Y Y van der Zee, J H Hsieh, H Temmingh, D J Stein, F M Howells</p><p><strong>2.In search of an affordable, effective post-discharge intervention: A randomised control trial assessing the influence of a telephone-based intervention on readmissions for patients with severe mental illness in a developing country</strong></p><p><strong></strong>U A Botha, L Koen, M Mazinu, E Jordaan, D J H Niehaus</p><p><strong>3. The effect of early abstinence from long-term methamphetamine use on brain metabolism using 1H-magnetic resonance spectro-scopy (1H-MRS)</strong></p><p>A Burger, S Brooks, D J Stein, F M Howells</p><p><strong>4. The effect of <em>in utero exposure </em>to methamphetamine on brain metabolism in childhood using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS)</strong></p><p>A Burger, A Roos, M Kwiatkowski, D J Stein, K A Donald, F M Howells</p><p><strong>5. A prospective study of clinical, biological and functional aspects of outcome in first-episode psychosis: The EONKCS Study</strong></p><p><strong></strong>B Chiliza, L Asmal, R Emsley</p><p><strong>6. Stimulants as cognitive enhancers - perceptions v. evidence in a very real world</strong></p><p><strong></strong>H M Clark</p><p><strong>7. Pharmacogenomics in antipsychotic drugs</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Ilse du Plessis</p><p><strong>8. Serotonin in anxiety disorders and beyond</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Ilse du Plessis</p><p><strong>9. HIV infection results in ventral-striatal reward system hypo-activation during cue processing</strong></p><p><strong></strong>S du Plessis, M Vink, J A Joska, E Koutsilieri, A Bagadia, D J Stein, R Emsley</p><p><strong>10. Disease progression in schizophrenia: Is the illness or the treatment to blame?</strong></p><p>R Emsley, M J Sian</p><p><strong>11. Serotonin transporter variants play a role in anxiety sensitivity in South African adolescents</strong></p><p> S M J Hemmings, L I Martin, L van der Merwe, R Benecke, K Domschke, S Seedat</p><p><strong>12. Iron deficiency in two children diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: Report on whole exom sequencing</strong></p><p><strong></strong>S Janse van Rensburg, R van Toorn, J F Schoeman, A Peeters, L R Fisher, K Moremi, M J Kotze</p><p><strong>13. Benzodiazepines: Practical pharmacokinetics</strong></p><p><strong></strong>P Joubert</p><p><strong>14. What to consider when prescribing psychotropic medications</strong></p><p><strong></strong>G Lippi</p><p><strong>15. Current prescribing practices for obsessive-compulsive disorder in South Africa: Controversies and consensus</strong></p><p><strong></strong>C Lochner, L Taljaard, D J Stein</p><p><strong>16. Correlates of emotional and behavioural problems in children with preinatally acquired HIV in Cape Town, South Africa</strong></p><p><strong></strong>K-A Louw, N Phillips, JIpser, J Hoare</p><p><strong>17. The role of non-coding RNAs in fear extinction</strong></p><p><strong></strong>S Malan-Muller, L Fairbairn, W M U Daniels, M J S Dashti, E J Oakleley, M Altorfer, J Harvey, S Seedat, J Gamieldien, S M J Hemmings</p><p><strong>18. An analysis of the management og HIV-mental illness comorbidity at the psychiatric unit of the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital</strong></p><p><strong></strong>M L Maodi, S T Rataemane, T Kyaw</p><p><strong>19. The identification of novel genes in anxiety disorders: A gene X environment correlation and interaction study</strong></p><p><strong></strong>N W McGregor, J Dimatelis, S M J Hemmings, C J Kinnear, D J Stein, V Russel, C Lochner</p><p><strong>20. Collaborations between conventional medicine and traditional healers: Obstacles and possibilities</strong></p><p><strong></strong>G Nortje, S Seedat, O Gureje</p><p><strong>21. Thought disorder and form perception: Relationships with symptoms and cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia</strong></p><p>M R Olivier, R Emsley</p><p><strong>22. Investigating the functional significance of genome-wide variants associated with antipsychotic treatment response</strong></p><p><strong></strong>E Ovenden, B Drogemoller, L van der Merwe, R Emsley, L Warnich</p><p><strong>23. The moral and bioethical determinants of "futility" in psychiatry</strong></p><p><strong></strong>W P Pienaar</p><p><strong>24. Single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and volumetry of the amylgdala in social anxiety disorder in the context of early developmental trauma</strong></p><p>D Rosenstein, A T Hess, J Zwart, F Ahmed-Leitao, E Meintjies, S Seedat</p><p><strong>25. Schizoaffective disorder in an acute psychiatric unit: Profile of users and agreement with Operational Criteria (OPCRIT)</strong></p><p><strong></strong>R R Singh, U Subramaney</p><p><strong>26. The right to privacy and confidentiality: The ethics of expert diagnosis in the public media and the Oscar Pistorius trial</strong></p><p><strong></strong>C Smith</p><p><strong>27. A birth cohort study in South Africa: A psychiatric perspective</strong></p><p>D J Stein</p><p><strong>28. 'Womb Raiders': Women referred for observation in terms of the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) charged with fetal abduction and murder</strong></p><p><strong></strong>U Subramaney</p><p><strong>29. Psycho-pharmacology of sleep wake disorders: An update</strong></p><p>R Sykes</p><p><strong>30. Refugee post-settlement in South Africa: Role of adjustment challenges and family in mental health outcomes</strong></p><p><strong></strong>L Thela, A Tomita, V Maharaj, M Mhlongo, K Jonathan</p><p><strong>31. Dstinguishing ADHD symptoms in psychotic disorders: A new insight in the adult ADHD questionnaire</strong></p><p>Y van der Zee, M Borg, J H Hsieh, H Temmingh, D J Stein, F M Howells</p><p><strong>32. Oscar Pistorius ethical dilemmas in a trial by media: Does this include psychiatric evaluation by media?</strong></p><p>M Vorster</p><p><strong>33. Genetic investigation of apetite aggression in South African former young offenders: The involvement of serotonin transporter gene</strong></p><p>K Xulu, J Somer, M Hinsberger, R Weierstall, T Elbert, S Seedat, S Hemmings</p><p><strong>34. Effects of HIV and childhood trauma on brain morphemtry and neurocognitive function</strong></p><p>G Spies, F Ahmed-Leitao, C Fennema-Notestine, M Cherner, S Seedat</p><p><strong>35. Measuring intentional behaviour normative data of a newly developed motor task battery</strong></p><p><strong></strong>S Bakelaar, J Blampain, S Seedat, J van Hoof, Y Delevoye-Turrel</p><p><strong>36. Resilience in social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in the context of childhood trauma</strong></p><p>M Bship, S Bakelaar, D Rosenstein, S Seedat</p><p><strong>37. The ethical dilemma of seclusion practices in psychiatry</strong></p><p>G Chiba, U Subramaney</p><p><strong>38. Physical activity and neurological soft signs in patients with schizophrenia</strong></p><p>O Esan, C Osunbote, I Oladele, S Fakunle, C Ehindero</p><p><strong>39. A retrospective study of completed suicides in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Area from 2008 to 2013 - preliminary results</strong></p><p><strong></strong>C Grobler, J Strumpher, R Jacobs</p><p><strong>40. Serotonin transporter variants play a role in anxiety sensitivity in South African adolescents</strong></p><p><strong></strong>S M J Hemmings, L I Martin, L van der Merwe, R Benecke, K Domschke, S Seedat</p><p><strong>41. Investigation of variants within antipsychotic candidate pharmacogenes associated with treatment outcome</strong></p><p>F Higgins, B Drogmoller, G Wright, L van der Merwe, N McGregor, B Chiliza, L Asmal, L Koen, D Niehaus, R Emsley, L Warnich</p><p><strong>42. Effects of diet, smoking and alcohol consumption on disability (EDSS) in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis</strong></p><p>S Janse van Rensburg, W Davis, D Geiger, F J Cronje, L Whati, M Kidd, M J Kotze</p><p><strong>43. The clinical utility of neuroimaging in an acute adolescnet psychiatric inpatient population</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Z Khan, A Lachman, J Harvey</p><p><strong>44. Relationships between childhood trauma (CT) and premorbid adjustment (PA) in a highly traumatised sample of patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES</strong>)</p><p>S Kilian, J Burns, S Seedat, L Asmal, B Chiliza, S du Plessis, R Olivier, R Emsley</p><p><strong>45. Functional and cognitive outcomes using an mTOR inhibitor in an adolescent with TSC</strong></p><p>A Lachman, C van der Merwe, P Boyes, P de Vries</p><p><strong>46. Perceptions about adolescent body image and eating behaviour</strong></p><p><strong></strong>K Laxton, A B R Janse van Rensburg</p><p><strong>47. Clinical relevance of FTO rs9939609 as a determinant of cardio-metabolic risk in South African patients with major depressive disorder</strong></p><p>H K Luckhoff, M J Kotze</p><p><strong>48. Childhood abuse and neglect as predictors of deficits in verbal auditory memory in non-clinical adolescents with low anxiety proneness</strong></p><p>L Martin, K Martin, S Seedat</p><p><strong>49. The changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a prenatally stressed febrile seizure animal model and whether <em>Rhus chirindensis</em> may attenuate these changes</strong></p><p><strong></strong>A Mohamed, M V Mabandla, L Qulu</p><p><strong>50. Influence of TMPRSS6 A736v and HFE C282y on serum iron parameters and age of onset in patients with multiple sclerosis</strong></p><p><strong></strong>K E Moremi, M J Kotze, H K Luckhoff, L R Fisher, M Kidd, R van Toorn, S Janse van Rensburg</p><p><strong>51. Polypharmacy in pregnant women with serious mental illness</strong></p><p>E Thomas, E du Toit, L Koen, D Niehaus</p><p><strong>52. Infant attachment and maternal depression as predictors of neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes at follow-up</strong></p><p>J Nothling, B Laughton, S Seedat</p><p><strong>53. Differences in abuse, neglect and exposure to community violence in adolescents with and without PTSD</strong></p><p><strong></strong>J Nothling, S Suliman, L Martin, C Simmons, S Seedat</p><p><strong>54. Assessment of oxidative stress markers in children with autistic spectrum disorders in Lagos, Nigeria</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Y Oshodi, O Ojewunmi, T A Oshodi, T Ijarogbe, O F Aina, J Okpuzor, O C F E A Lesi</p><p><strong>55. Change in diagnosis and management of 'gender identity disorder' in pre-adolescent children</strong></p><p>S Pickstone-Taylor</p><p><strong>56. Brain network connectivity in women exposed to intimate partner violence</strong></p><p>A Roos, J-P Fouche, B Vythilingum, D J Stein</p><p><strong>57. Prolonged exposure treatment for PTSD in a Third-World, task-shifting, community-based environment</strong></p><p>J Rossouw, E Yadin, I Mbanga, T Jacobs, W Rossouw, D Alexander, S Seedat</p><p><strong>58. Contrasting effects of early0life stress on mitochondrial energy-related proteins in striatum and hippocampus of a rat model of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder</strong></p><p><strong></strong>V Russell, J Dimatelis, J Womersley, T-L Sterley</p><p><strong>59. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A South African perspective</strong></p><p>R Schoeman, M de Klerk, M Kidd</p><p><strong>60. Cognitive function in women with HIV infection and early-life stress</strong></p><p>G Spies, C Fennema-Notestine, M Cherner, S Seedat</p><p><strong>61. Changes in functional connectivity networks in bipolar disorder patients after mindfulness-based cognitic therapy</strong></p><p>J A Starke, C F Beckmann, N Horn</p><p><strong>62. Post-traumatic stress disorder, overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis</strong></p><p><strong></strong>S Suliman, L Anthonissen, J Carr, S du Plessis, R Emsley, S M J Hemmings, C Lochner, N McGregor L van den Heuvel, S Seedat</p><p><strong>63. The brain and behaviour in a third-trimester equivalent animal model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders</strong></p><p>P C Swart, C B Currin, J J Dimatelis, V A Russell</p><p><strong>64. Irritability Assessment Model (IAM) to monitor irritability in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.</strong></p><p>D van der Westhuizen</p><p><strong>65. Outcome of parent-adolescent training in chilhood victimisation: Adaptive functioning, psychosocial and physiological variables</strong></p><p>D van der Westhuizen</p><p><strong>66. The effect of ketamine in the Wistar-Kyoto and Sprague Dawley rat models of depression</strong></p><p>P J van Zyl, J J Dimatelis, V A Russell</p><p><strong>67. Investigating COMT variants in anxiety sensitivity in South African adolescents</strong></p><p>L J Zass, L Martin, S Seedat, S M J Hemmings</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Abstract:

The present study investigated whether expertise in fencing influences the onset of postural preparation during the fencing lunge and how it changes under different performance conditions. We also questioned if the onset of feedforward control can be categorized into one of the postural phases: anticipatory or early postural adjustment. Eight elite fencers and nine physical education students performed an attack with a lunge in self-paced and reaction time conditions from three different initial stance widths. The onset of the center of pressure (COP) displacement and EMG activities for the tibialis anterior (TA) of both limbs were recorded. The results show that expertise in fencing delays the onset of the activity of TA of the front leg and the onset of COP displacement during fencing lunge performance in comparison to controls. Additionally, in contrast to the control group, fencers produce typical APA patterns in the activation of TA under different performance conditions, delayed reaction time in comparison to self-initiated lunging, and constant time of APA onset under different widths of stance. According to different times and functions of TA activity and COP displacement in lunging, we propose to address them as anticipatory postural adjustment and early postural adjustment, respectively.

Abstract:

Proctology, as a domain of abdominal surgery, deals with the treatment of diseases affecting the end part of the large bowel, it’s terminal 20 cm, to which anus anatomically belongs as well. In view of the physiological role of this part of the digestive tract (stool control), all the diseases and disorders in the region cause patient discomfort and produce significant problems in everyday life. On account of that, diagnostic management should be performed promptly in order that effective treatments could be introduced as soon as possible. The most commonly used techniques of anesthesia in proctology are local anesthesia, independent or in combination with intravenous analgosedation, regional anesthesia (spinal and epidural), and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia combined with analgosedation has been the preferred approach in recent studies, since it is able to provide adequate settings for the planned surgery, patient comfort and minimization of side effects. An adequate anesthesia technique reduces metabolic response to surgical stress and length of hospitalization, which markedly affects cost-effectiveness of the treatment.

Abstract:

Abstract Background Self-efficacy is an important determinant of adjustment following spinal cord injury. Self-efficacy is defined as the belief that one can successfully execute behavior required to produce the desired outcomes. In its original conceptualization, self-efficacy refers to the confidence that people have in their ability to accomplish specific tasks and behaviors within a specific context. Over the years these situation specific aspects have been unconfined and multiple constructs of self-efficacy have been proposed. The most common is a division in trait and state self-efficacy. Another used division that is utilized is between general, domain-specific and task-specific self-efficacy. The scientific support for these constructs is to date still unclear. The objective of this study was to enhance the understanding of the self-efficacy construct by comparing four self-efficacy scales designed to measure three aspects of self-efficacy (general versus domain-specific versus task-specific) in people with spinal cord injury. Methods Dutch and Australian adults with spinal cord injury (N = 140) completed four frequently used self-efficacy scales; the Moorong Self-efficacy Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, University of Washington Self-efficacy Scale and a Self-care Self-efficacy Scale approximately 6 months after their inpatient rehabilitation. Pearson correlations examined inter-relationships between the scales. Results Hypothesized strong correlations between scales measuring similar aspects of self-efficacy were found (correlations 0.50–0.65). However, the hypothesized weak to moderate correlations between scales measuring diverging aspects of self-efficacy were only partly found (correlations 0.31–0.74), with 7 out of 12 correlations being strong instead of moderate. Conclusions The expected distinctions between the three aspects of self-efficacy was not demonstrated. All four scales measure a common latent construct, most likely general self-efficacy aspects. Further research is necessary to find ways to improve the measurement of domain-specific and task-specific aspects of SE, so that they are sensitive enough to capture change over time, and thus enhance clinical outcomes of people with SCI as they adjust to their disability.

Abstract:

In recent years, there has been a tendency in Russia to separate primary school from secondary one; gymnasiums and lyceums where children are recruited in the fifth grade through a competitive examination start operating. Despite the fact that such schools enroll children from prosperous families who perform well at school, some of them start experiencing learning difficulties resulting in dramatic decrease in academicperformance, behavioral problems, and health deterioration. One of the risk factors for these problems is the difficulties of adjusting to a new school, conditioned by agespecific psychological and physiological conditions of fifth graders and pedagogical factors. The purpose of this study is to increase awareness of fifth graders school adaptation, collect empirical data, by examining the relationship between its variouscomponents, as well as self-esteem. The present study explored 144 fifth graders aged 10-11 (74 boys and 70 girls) and their 6 class tutors (homeroom teachers). Measures: School Anxiety Questionnaire (B.N. Phillips), expert evaluation, «Sociometry» ( J.L. Moreno), self-esteem methodology called «Ladders». The results of the study into academic, social and psychological aspects of fifth graders School adjustment showed that the period of adaptation is characterized by decreased academic performance compared to the fourth grade while a third of the subjects lacked interest in studying. 39 % of fifth graders showed a low sociometric status.More than half of the students (55 %) are dissatisfied with their relationships with their classmates. An increased level of school anxiety is typical for 25% of fifth-graders. The main causes of school anxiety are fear of self-expression, problems with the teacher, fear of not meeting the expectations of others. Factor analysis proved a three-fold structure of school adaptation. The correlation analysis showed that academic adaptation is related to all components of school adaptation, whereas social and psychological components are not linked.55 % of fifth-graders have low or poor self-esteem. They are most dissatisfied with their lack of authority among their classmates and their appearance. Factor analysis demonstrated that the self-esteem of fifth graders in the period of adaptation to secondary school is more connected to the indicators of the social component ofadaptation. Teachers adequately evaluate only student performance and behavior, but not their sociometric status, school anxiety, and interest in learning. This complicates the identification of the problem and timely assistance to the fifth graders with difficulties in social and psychological adaptation. Keywords: school adaptation, learning difficulty, fifth-graders, self-esteem, school anxiety, sociometry

Abstract:

High-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation (HVLA-SM) is an efficacious treatment for low back pain, although the physiological mechanisms underlying its effects remain elusive. The lumbar facet joint capsule (FJC) is innervated with mechanically sensitive neurons and it has been theorized that the neurophysiological benefits of HVLA-SM are partially induced by stimulation of FJC neurons. Biomechanical aspects of this theory have been investigated in humans while neurophysiological aspects have been investigated using cat models. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between human and cat lumbar spines during HVLA-SM. Cat lumbar spine specimens were mechanically tested, using a displacement-controlled apparatus, during simulated HVLA-SM applied at L5, L6, and L7 that produced preload forces of ∼25% bodyweight for 0.5 s and peak forces that rose to 50–100% bodyweight within ∼125 ms, similar to that delivered clinically. Joint kinematics and FJC strain were measured optically. Human FJC strain and kinematics data were taken from a prior study. Regression models were established for FJC strain magnitudes as functions of factors species, manipulation site, and interactions thereof. During simulated HVLA-SM, joint kinematics in cat spines were greater in magnitude compared with humans. Similar to human spines, site-specific HVLA-SM produced regional cat FJC strains at distant motion segments. Joint motions and FJC strain magnitudes for cat spines were larger than those for human spine specimens. Regression relationships demonstrated that species, HVLA-SM site, and interactions thereof were significantly and moderately well correlated for HVLA-SM that generated tensile strain in the FJC. The relationships established in the current study can be used in future neurophysiological studies conducted in cats to extrapolate how human FJC afferents might respond to HVLA-SM. The data from the current study warrant further investigation into the clinical relevance of site targeted HVLA-SM.

Abstract:

Background: Trauma is the main cause of spinal fractures and dislocations in humans and large animals. Clinical signs present with acute onset and vary according to the location and severity of the spinal cord injury. The treatment of fractures in large animals depends on economic value, cost of procedures, prognosis, location and type of fracture. However, although spinal fractures in large animals are not uncommon, the literature about their clinical aspects and treatment is scanty. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to describe a surgical stabilization of atlantoaxial subluxation, fracture of the third cervical vertebra and C2-C3 subluxation.Case: An approximately 2-year-old Île-de-France sheep, weighing 101 kg, with a history of cervical trauma and non-ambulatory tetraparesis was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Institution (UNIPAMPA). During physical examination, the animal presented good general physical condition and heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature was according to physiological parameters for the species. The animal remained in lateral decubitus, with minimal head and limb movements, and exhibited deep pain sensitivity. Clinical treatment with dexamethasone, limb physiotherapy and change in lateral decubitus position were employed, but failed to improve the animal’s condition. After five days of unresponsive to clinical treatment, the patient was referred to the neurology department, where it underwent neurological examination and radiographic examination of the cervical region was performed under general anesthesia. The radiographic examination revealed atlantoaxial subluxation, by displacement of the odontoid process into the vertebral canal, fracture of the third cervical vertebra and C2-C3 vertebral subluxation. The surgical planning aimed cervical vertebral instability repair using atlantoaxial arthrodesis associated the stabilization of C1-C2 and C2-C3 vertebrae with Schanz pins and bone cement, due facility and versatility this association. The postoperative radiographic examination showed incomplete insertion of the Schanz pin into the left Atlas wing and a cervical collar was recommended. The clinical evaluation was performed daily, and after 23 days of surgery the animal could crawl in lateral decubitus besides assisted walking ability. However, the animal died 36 days after surgery due to severe dyspnea. A necropsy revealed pulmonary edema and hepatic lipidosis, besides hepatic septic thrombus. Moreover, the vertebral canal of C1-C2 and C2-C3 segments stayed realigned and stabilized, without spinal cord injury and trachea compression.Discussion: Non-ambulatory tetraparesis, and minimal head and limb movements confirm severe spinal cord injury. The failure of clinical treatment, craniocervical instability in C1-C2 and C2-C3 and the high economic and genetic value of patients was definite for the surgical indication, besides reserved prognosis. The surgical treatment aim is recovery motor function from spinal cord decompression, vertebral canal realignment and the stabilization of vertebral instability. The cervical collar was placed on the patient after the surgery was intended to prevent rotation of the atlantoaxial joint, aiding vertebral stability. It is believed that the recovery of large animals with spinal cord injuries like in this case report is slower due to their heavy weight and the difficulty in managing such patients. This case report confirms that the techniques employed here achieved the proposed objectives of spinal canal alignment and spinal stabilization, showing improvement of clinical signs and recovery of the animal’s limb and neck movements.