Search results for "TEST"

Development of a Sensitive Detection Method for Alphaviruses and Its Use as a Virus Neutralization Assay

2021

Alphaviruses have a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome that contains two open reading frames encoding either the non-structural or the structural genes. Upon infection, the genomic RNA is translated into the non-structural proteins (nsPs). NsPs are required for viral RNA replication and transcription driven from the subgenomic promoter (sgP). Transfection of an RNA encoding the luciferase gene under the control of the sgP into cells enabled the detection of replication-competent chikungunya virus (CHIKV) or Mayaro virus (MAYV) with high sensitivity as a function of the induced luciferase activity. This assay principle was additionally used to analyze virus-neutralizing antibodies in…

Functional test measures as risk indicators for low back pain among fixed-wing military pilots.

2015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to find out the risk value of functional fitness test (FFT) results for low back pain (LBP) among fixed-wing military pilots. Methods A total of 104 male military pilots were recruited for this study. The study was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire and FFT. The functional tests were performed in the beginning of study (baseline). The questionnaire was carried out at the baseline and 5 years later. Results The isometric low back endurance test result was associated with physical activity-related LBP experienced 5 years later. Demographic information was not associated with LBP. The prevalence of overall LBP was 71% and the flight-related L…

Assessment of Muscular Fitness as a Predictor of Flight Duty Limitation.

2018

Introduction The high acceleration (Gz) exposure among military pilots flying fighter aircraft has been associated with an increased risk for cervical and lumbar disorders. It has been suggested that an adequate level of physical performance could reduce the risk of experiencing these disorders. The Finnish Air Force has for several years used aerobic (bicycle ergometer) and muscular fitness tests (battery of five tests) in the selection process of military pilot candidates in order to evaluate their physical fitness level. The aim of the study was to determine if these selection phase tests and anthropometry measures can predispose those individuals who might be at risk of developing sever…

AB1209 THE RHEUMA-BUS-TOUR: TWO WEEK OPEN-ACCESS SCREENING FOR EARLY RHEUMATIC DISEASES

2019

Background Early diagnosis is crucial for patients with rheumatic diseases. Studies show that early stage patients already show reduced mental and physical health [2, 3]. However, early diagnosis is often delayed due to the severe lack of rheumatologists in Germany. Objectives The cross-sectional study compares data on physical and mental health of known and suspected early rheumatic patients, collected from participants of the bus tour. Methods The Rheuma-Bus-Tour is an annual, two week open-access screening event in three states (Rhineland-Palatine, Saarland, Lower Saxony) that raises awareness for rheumatic diseases and identifies people with potential early cases of RA, SpA and PsA. All…

Physical capacity in performing daily activities is reduced in scleroderma patients with early lung involvement

2015

Background and Aims Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often complain reduced capacity at submaximal exercise; conversely, physical capacity in performing daily duties has never been measured in SSc. The aim of this study is to evaluate this performance and its correlates, in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls, in a free-living setting. Methods Twenty-seven outpatients with stable SSc and 11 controls were recruited. Physical activity was assessed by portable multiple sensor device (SenseWear Armband) worn for at least 6 days. Physical activity duration (PAD; in minutes) for non-sedentary activities and physical activity level (PAL = total daily energy/resting energy expend…

Giant cell arteritis (Horton's disease) in very elderly patients aged 80 years and older: A study of 25 cases

2015

Aim Analysis of the characteristics of very elderly patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods Patients aged 80 years and older diagnosed with GCA in our department between 1 January 2002 and 31 July 2008 were retrospectively included. For each patient, we recorded general characteristics, reason(s) for hospitalization, specialty of the physician or department that referred the patient to us, medical history, treatment at admission, GCA clinical features, time to diagnosis of GCA, biological screening and GCA treatment. Results We analyzed 25 clinical records, 18 women and seven men with a mean age of 83.9 years. General weakness, visual loss and inflammatory syndrome were the princi…

Gout misdiagnosis due to dual-energy computed tomography artefact

2018

Local complications associated with labial salivary gland biopsy for diagnosis of Sjögren?s Syndrome : a retrospective cohort study

2019

Background To describe local or systemic complications related to the labial salivary glands biopsy (LSGB) used as diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome (SS). Material and methods Clinical databases from a cohort of patients, who underwent LSGB with provisional clinical diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome, were retrospectively reviewed. Pain, assessed by registering the intake of analgesic drugs in the first week following the biopsy, and any further relevant clinical information regarding complications after biopsy were recorded. Results 50 patients received LSGB. 10 of them (9 women and 1 man) showed histopathological findings compatible with SS. Ten patient (20%) receiving …

THU0520 Assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with fibromyalgia by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity – results of a prospective study

2018

Background Autonomic dysfunction, a basic element of fibromyalgia (FM), has been in some cases related to increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. CV risk associates with aortic stiffness, which can be reliably assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Objectives Aims of this study were to test the hypothesis of increased cfPWV in a group of patients with FM and to examine its association with FM associated parameters and selected traditional CV risk factors. Methods We performed measurements of cfPWV in 99 FM patients and 102 healthy controls. The difference between cfPWV values in the two groups after controlling for possible confounding factors was evaluated through …

Role of MUC1 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: mechanistic insights

2017

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and irreversible form of fibrotic interstitial lung disease. MUC1, a membrane-bound O-glycoprotein, is considered as oncogenic molecule by altering signaling pathways involved in cellular processes related to IPF. In previous studies we have observed an up-regulation of MUC1 and its phosphorylated forms in IPF lung tissue. However the exact participation of MUC1 in IPF is currently unknown. Objective: To analyze the mechanism of MUC1-induced lung fibrosis in different cellular and animal models of IPF. Methods: The intracellular mechanism of MUC1 was evaluated by western blot, immunoprecipation and immunofluorescence …