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Effectiveness of intensive perioperative nutrition therapy among adults undergoing gastrointestinal and oncological surgery in a public hospital: study protocol for a pragmatic randomized control trial

A'zim AZA, Zaid ZA, Yusof BNM, Jabar MF, Shahar ASM

Trials, 2022 Nov 26;23(1):961.
PMID: 36435838 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06898-2

BACKGROUND: Perioperative malnutrition is common in patients undergoing gastrointestinal-oncology surgery and is associated with longer hospital stays, increased postoperative complications, poorer quality of life, and lower survival rates. Current practice emphasizes the role of early perioperative nutrition therapy as an early intervention to combat the postoperative complications of patients and the implementation is now widely adopted. However, there is still a lack of research on determining the effectiveness of intensive nutrition therapy and providing ONS perioperative locally. This becomes the significance of this study and serves as a basis for management and guideline in the local hospital settings.
METHODS: This is a pragmatic randomized control trial study where elective admitted patients will be randomly divided into the intervention (SS) or control (NN) group. All data will be collected during a face-to-face interview, anthropometric measurement, blood sampling (albumin, white blood count, hemoglobin, and c-reactive protein), handgrip strength, and postoperative complications. Group SS will be receiving a tailored lifestyle and intensively supplemented with oral nutrition support as compared to Group NN that will receive standard medical care. The primary outcome for this study is the length of stay in the hospital. Additional outcome measures are changes in biochemical profile and nutritional and functional status. The effects of intervention between groups on the outcome parameters will be analyzed by using the SPSS General Linear Model (GLM) for the repeated measure procedure.
DISCUSSION: The intervention implemented in this study will serve as baseline data in providing appropriate nutritional management in patients undergoing gastrointestinal and oncological surgery.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) NCT04347772 . Registered on 20 November 2019.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Determination of Cutoff Values for the Screening of Osteosarcopenia in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Abidin NZ, Mitra SR

Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res, 2021;2021:6634474.
PMID: 33790963 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634474

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) describes the concurrent presence of obesity, low bone mass, and low muscle mass in an individual. Currently, no established criteria exist to diagnose OSO. We hypothesized that obese individuals require different cut-points from standard cut-points to define low bone mass and low muscle mass due to their higher weight load. In this study, we determined cutoff values for the screening of osteosarcopenia (OS) in obese postmenopausal Malaysian women based on the measurements of quantitative ultrasound (QUS), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and functional performance test. Then, we compared the cutoff values derived by 3 different statistical modeling methods, (1) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, (2) lowest quintile of the study population, and (3) 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean value of a young reference group, and discussed the most suitable method to screen for the presence of OS in obese population. One hundred and forty-one (n = 141) postmenopausal Malaysian women participated in the study. Bone density was assessed using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Handgrip strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer, and physical performance was assessed using a modified Short Physical Performance Battery test. ROC curve was determined to be the most suitable statistical modeling method to derive the cutoffs for the presence of OS in obese population. From the ROC curve method, the final model to estimate the probability of OS in obese postmenopausal women is comprised of five variables: handgrip strength (HGS, with area under the curve (AUC) = 0.698 and threshold ≤ 16.5 kg), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI, AUC = 0.966 and threshold ≤ 8.2 kg/m2), fat-free mass index (FFMI, AUC = 0.946 and threshold ≤ 15.2 kg/m2), broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA, AUC = 0.987 and threshold ≤ 52.85 dB/MHz), and speed of sound (SOS, AUC = 0.991 and threshold ≤ 1492.15 m/s). Portable equipment may be used to screen for OS in obese women. Early identification of OS can help lower the risk of advanced functional impairment that can lead to physical disability in obese postmenopausal women.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Auto-Grasping algorithm of robot gripper based on pressure sensor measurement

Ahmed M. M. ALmassri, Chikamune Wada, Wan Hasan, W.Z., Ahmad, S.A.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(102):113-122.
MyJurnal

This paper presents an auto grasping algorithm of a proposed robotic gripper. The purpose is to enhance the grasping mechanism of the gripper. Earlier studies have introduced various methods to enhance the grasping mechanism, but most of the works have not looked at the weight measurement method. Thus, with this algorithm, the weight of the object is calculated based on modified Wheatstone Bridge Circuit (WBC) which is controlled by programmable interface controller (PIC) method. Having this approach introduces and improves the grasping mechanism through an auto grasping algorithm. Experimental results show that an auto grasping algorithm based on pressure sensor measurements leads to a more precise grasping measurement and consequently enhance the sensitivity measurement as well as accurate movement calibration. Furthermore, several different grasping objects based on the proposed method are examined to demonstrate the performance and robustness of our approach.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Muscle Fatigue in the Three Heads of the Triceps Brachii During a Controlled Forceful Hand Grip Task with Full Elbow Extension Using Surface Electromyography

Ali A, Sundaraj K, Badlishah Ahmad R, Ahamed NU, Islam A, Sundaraj S

J Hum Kinet, 2015 Jun 27;46:69-76.
PMID: 26240650 DOI: 10.1515/hukin-2015-0035

The objective of the present study was to investigate the time to fatigue and compare the fatiguing condition among the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle using surface electromyography during an isometric contraction of a controlled forceful hand grip task with full elbow extension. Eighteen healthy subjects concurrently performed a single 90 s isometric contraction of a controlled forceful hand grip task and full elbow extension. Surface electromyographic signals from the lateral, long and medial heads of the triceps brachii muscle were recorded during the task for each subject. The changes in muscle activity among the three heads of triceps brachii were measured by the root mean square values for every 5 s period throughout the total contraction period. The root mean square values were then analysed to determine the fatiguing condition for the heads of triceps brachii muscle. Muscle fatigue in the long, lateral, and medial heads of the triceps brachii started at 40 s, 50 s, and 65 s during the prolonged contraction, respectively. The highest fatiguing rate was observed in the long head (slope = -2.863), followed by the medial head (slope = -2.412) and the lateral head (slope = -1.877) of the triceps brachii muscle. The results of the present study concurs with previous findings that the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle do not work as a single unit, and the fiber type/composition is different among the three heads.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Evaluation of repetitive isometric contractions on the heads of triceps brachii muscle during grip force exercise

Ali MA, Sundaraj K, Ahmad RB, Ahamed NU, Islam MA, Sundaraj S

Technol Health Care, 2014;22(4):617-25.
PMID: 24990168 DOI: 10.3233/THC-140833

Normally, surface electromyography electrodes are used to evaluate the activity of superficial muscles during various kinds of voluntary contractions of muscle fiber. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of repetitive isometric contractions on the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle during handgrip force exercise.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength/physiology*
Fulltext The effects of forearm position on handgrip strength

Ali Md Nadzalan

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2013;2(1):2-9.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to investigate i) while the shoulder was in 180° of flexion and the elbow extended, which of the forearm position (supination, pronation and neutral) can generate the greatest handgrip strength, ii) is there any correlation of the handgrip strength between the dominant hand (right hand) and non-dominant hand (left hand) in each forearm position, and iii) will the dominant hand possessed 10% higher handgrip strength than the non-dominant hand. 100 right handed sedentary active students age 22.20 years old (± 1.03), height 172.83 cm (± 6.37), body mass 68.87 (± 11.52) and grip position 3.77 (± 0.77) were recruited in this study. The result indicated that for both the dominant and non-dominant hand, when the shoulder is in 180˚ flexion of the body with the elbow extended, the greatest grip strength was obtained when the forearm was in neutral position followed by pronation and supination position. Post Hoc analysis showed that for both dominant hand and non-dominant hand, pronation and supination forearm position produced greater strength score compared to supination forearm position (p0.05). In all forearm position, participants were shown to produced significantly greater strength in their dominant hand and all the scores were more than 10% greater compared to when using non-dominant hand. Positive relationships were also found for the strength score between dominant hand and non-dominant hand. As the conclusion, different shoulder, elbow and forearm position can affect handgrip strength.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Self-Calibration Algorithm for a Pressure Sensor with a Real-Time Approach Based on an Artificial Neural Network

Almassri AMM, Wan Hasan WZ, Ahmad SA, Shafie S, Wada C, Horio K

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Aug 05;18(8).
PMID: 30081581 DOI: 10.3390/s18082561

This paper presents a novel approach to predicting self-calibration in a pressure sensor using a proposed Levenberg Marquardt Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (LMBP-ANN) model. The self-calibration algorithm should be able to fix major problems in the pressure sensor such as hysteresis, variation in gain and lack of linearity with high accuracy. The traditional calibration process for this kind of sensor is a time-consuming task because it is usually done through manual and repetitive identification. Furthermore, a traditional computational method is inadequate for solving the problem since it is extremely difficult to resolve the mathematical formula among multiple confounding pressure variables. Accordingly, this paper describes a new self-calibration methodology for nonlinear pressure sensors based on an LMBP-ANN model. The proposed method was achieved using a collected dataset from pressure sensors in real time. The load cell will be used as a reference for measuring the applied force. The proposed method was validated by comparing the output pressure of the trained network with the experimental target pressure (reference). This paper also shows that the proposed model exhibited a remarkable performance than traditional methods with a max mean square error of 0.17325 and an R-value over 0.99 for the total response of training, testing and validation. To verify the proposed model's capability to build a self-calibration algorithm, the model was tested using an untrained input data set. As a result, the proposed LMBP-ANN model for self-calibration purposes is able to successfully predict the desired pressure over time, even the uncertain behaviour of the pressure sensors due to its material creep. This means that the proposed model overcomes the problems of hysteresis, variation in gain and lack of linearity over time. In return, this can be used to enhance the durability of the grasping mechanism, leading to a more robust and secure grasp for paralyzed hands. Furthermore, the exposed analysis approach in this paper can be a useful methodology for the user to evaluate the performance of any measurement system in a real-time environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Plasmodium knowlesi malaria: current research perspectives

Amir A, Cheong FW, de Silva JR, Liew JWK, Lau YL

Infect Drug Resist, 2018;11:1145-1155.
PMID: 30127631 DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S148664

Originally known to cause simian malaria, Plasmodium knowlesi is now known as the fifth human malaria species. Since the publishing of a report that largely focused on human knowlesi cases in Sarawak in 2004, many more human cases have been reported in nearly all of the countries in Southeast Asia and in travelers returning from these countries. The zoonotic nature of this infection hinders malaria elimination efforts. In order to grasp the current perspective of knowlesi malaria, this literature review explores the different aspects of the disease including risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and molecular and functional studies. Current studies do not provide sufficient data for an effective control program. Therefore, future direction for knowlesi research is highlighted here with a final aim of controlling, if not eliminating, the parasite.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Contrast sensitivity is associated with frailty

Amir NN, Kamaruzzaman SB, Effendi-Tenang I, Jamaluddin M, Tan MP, Ramli N, et al.

Eur Geriatr Med, 2021 Apr;12(2):313-319.
PMID: 33486745 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00450-2

PURPOSE: Using data from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR), this study investigated the association between visual function (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) and frailty in a group of urban-dwelling older adults.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. 1332 participants aged ≥ 55 years were selected by random sampling from the parliamentary electoral register. Only 1274 participants completed the frailty assessment and 1278 participants completed the contrast sensitivity assessment. Impaired vision was defined as a Snellen visual acuity of worse than 6/12 in the better eye. Poor contrast sensitivity was defined as a score on the Pelli Robson chart of lower than 1.65. Frailty was defined with the Fried's phenotype criteria. Inter-group comparisons were determined with the independent T-test for continuous variables and the Pearson's Chi-squared test for categorical variables. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the cross-sectional association between frailty and visual function.
RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 68.8 ± 7.5 years, of which 58.1% (774) were women. Impaired vision and poor contrast sensitivity were present in 187 (14%) and 271 (21.2%) subjects respectively. 73 (5.8%) individuals were classified as frail, 1161 (91.0.%) pre-frail, and 40 (2.8%) non-frail. There was no significant difference in frailty phenotypes between those with good and impaired vision (p = 0.241). Fried's component of handgrip strength, gait speed and exhaustion were significantly better in those with good visual function (p

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Hemi-hamate Arthroplasty in Chronic Fracture-dislocation of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of Fingers: A Report of Two Cases

Arsad SR, Sem SH, Silvanathan JP, Muhammad Nawawi RF

Cureus, 2020 Jan 22;12(1):e6735.
PMID: 32140316 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6735

Dorsal dislocations of proximal interphalangeal joint with palmar lip fractures base of middle phalanx of fingers are rare, complex, and often a challenging injury to the treating hand surgeons especially in those chronic cases. Hemi-hamate arthroplasty is the preferred surgical option in treating chronic dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. We report two cases with a chronic injury that have been treated with hemi-hamate arthroplasty. Range of motion, pinch and grip strengths, QuickDASH scores, complications, and radiological findings were recorded at follow-up. Good functional outcomes were observed in both patients without major complications. Hemi-hamate arthroplasty can be a reliable surgical treatment for chronic proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
A cross-sectional evaluation on physical fitness of Malaysian firefighters

Atikah C, Nihayah M, Omar B, Leonard J, Noor Ibrahim M, Zurkarnain M, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:1461-1466.

Fire fighting is one of the most strenuous activities in the hazardous fire service industry. Firefighters have to be physically fit in order to provide an effective and safe fire prevention to the afflicted community and as well as to themselves. The aimed of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters. The hand grip test to evaluate hand and muscular strength was measured using hand dynamometer and one-minute sit ups and one-minute push ups were conducted to measure abdominal muscle endurance. The sit and reach test was carried out to measure lower back and hamstring flexibility. VO2 max was assessed by a 20 meter shuttle run test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 385 subjects were participated and the results showed that 77.1% (n=297) and 84.8% (n=325) of them had very poor scores for hand grip strength and VO2 max, respectively. For one-minute sit ups, 40.8% (n=157) of subjects scored excellent. Meanwhile, 32.7% (n=126) subjects scored average for one-minute push ups. For flexibility test, 53.2% (n=205) subjects had poor flexibilty. The results showed there were significantly difference between one-minute sit ups (p<0.001), one-minute push ups (p<0.05), flexibility (p<0.05) and VO2 max (p<0.001) according to age. As a conclusion, this study provides representative data on physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters. These findings suggested the needs to explore the issues behind low physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters and to find ways to improve them.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Badrasawi M, Shahar S, Zahara AM, Nor Fadilah R, Singh DK

Clin Interv Aging, 2016;11:1675-1686.
PMID: 27895474

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a biological syndrome of decreased reserve and resistance to stressors due to decline in multiple physiological systems. Amino acid deficiency, including L-carnitine, has been proposed to be associated with its pathophysiology. Nevertheless, the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status has not been documented. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of 10-week L-carnitine supplement (1.5 g/day) on frailty status and its biomarkers and also physical function, cognition, and nutritional status among prefrail older adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
METHODOLOGY: This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted among 50 prefrail subjects randomized into two groups (26 in L-carnitine group and 24 in placebo group). Outcome measures include frailty status using Fried criteria and Frailty Index accumulation of deficit, selected frailty biomarkers (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and insulin-like growth factor-1), physical function, cognitive function, nutritional status and biochemical profile.
RESULTS: The results indicated that the mean scores of Frailty Index score and hand grip test were significantly improved in subjects supplemented with L-carnitine (P<0.05 for both parameters) as compared to no change in the placebo group. Based on Fried criteria, four subjects (three from the L-carnitine group and one from the control group) transited from prefrail status to robust after the intervention.
CONCLUSION: L-carnitine supplementation has a favorable effect on the functional status and fatigue in prefrail older adults.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext 12-week concurrent brisk walking and Taijiquan (Tai Chi) improve balance, flexibility, and muscular strength of Chinese older women

Bai X, Xiao W, Soh KG, Agudamu, Zhang Y

PLoS One, 2023;18(10):e0293483.
PMID: 37883372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293483

Healthy aging is a global goal to enhance the quality of life for older persons. This study evaluated the benefits of 12-week concurrent brisk walking and Taijiquan. Healthy Chinese women aged 60 years and above were enrolled to the control (n = 26) and intervention (n = 25) groups. Participants in the intervention group engaged in three exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks, whereas control group engaged in free-living activities. Each exercise session consisted of 20-45 minutes of walking and 20-45 minutes of Yang style 24-form Taijiquan. 12-week exercise improved (p < 0.05) the sit and reach test (within-group mean difference: +5.6 cm; Hedges' g = 0.77), handgrip strength (mean difference: +3.1 kg; g = 0.89), arm curl (mean difference: +2.1 repetitions; g = 0.69), chair stand (mean difference: +2.6 repetitions; g = 0.63), and one-legged standing (mean difference: +2.2 seconds; g = 1.07). There was no improvement in the circulatory health, body composition, or life satisfaction. Therefore, this concurrent brisk walking and Taijiquan training, which targets major whole-body muscle groups, could improve aging-critical flexibility, muscular fitness, and balance in older women. The exercise meets the current WHO guideline, is safe to perform, and could be campaigned as a health promotion for older persons.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Biomechanical analysis of rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist joint

Bajuri MN, Kadir MR, Amin IM, Ochsner A

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2012 Jul;226(7):510-20.
PMID: 22913098 DOI: 10.1177/0954411912445846

The wrist is the most complex joint for virtual three-dimensional simulations, and the complexity is even more pronounced when dealing with skeletal disorders of the joint such, as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In order to analyse the biomechanical difference between healthy and diseased joints, three-dimensional models of these two wrist conditions were developed from computed tomography images. These images consist of eight carpal bones, five metacarpal bones, the distal radius and ulna. The cartilages were developed based on the shape of the available articulations and ligaments were simulated via mechanical links. The RA model was developed accurately by simulating all ten common criteria of the disease related to the wrist. Results from the finite element (FE) analyses showed that the RA model produced three times higher contact pressure at the articulations compared to the healthy model. Normal physiological load transfer also changed from predominantly through the radial side to an increased load transfer approximately 5% towards the ulnar. Based on an extensive literature search, this is the first ever reported work that simulates the pathological conditions of the rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist joint.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength*
Fulltext Defects in nerve conduction velocity and different muscle fibre-type specificity contribute to muscle weakness in Ts1Cje Down syndrome mouse model

Bala U, Leong MP, Lim CL, Shahar HK, Othman F, Lai MI, et al.

PLoS One, 2018;13(5):e0197711.
PMID: 29795634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197711

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by presence of extra copy of human chromosome 21. It is characterised by several clinical phenotypes. Motor dysfunction due to hypotonia is commonly seen in individuals with DS and its etiology is yet unknown. Ts1Cje, which has a partial trisomy (Mmu16) homologous to Hsa21, is well reported to exhibit various typical neuropathological features seen in individuals with DS. This study investigated the role of skeletal muscles and peripheral nerve defects in contributing to muscle weakness in Ts1Cje mice.
RESULTS: Assessment of the motor performance showed that, the forelimb grip strength was significantly (P<0.0001) greater in the WT mice compared to Ts1Cje mice regardless of gender. The average survival time of the WT mice during the hanging wire test was significantly (P<0.0001) greater compared to the Ts1Cje mice. Also, the WT mice performed significantly (P<0.05) better than the Ts1Cje mice in the latency to maintain a coordinated motor movement against the rotating rod. Adult Ts1Cje mice exhibited significantly (P<0.001) lower nerve conduction velocity compared with their aged matched WT mice. Further analysis showed a significantly (P<0.001) higher population of type I fibres in WT compared to Ts1Cje mice. Also, there was significantly (P<0.01) higher population of COX deficient fibres in Ts1Cje mice. Expression of Myf5 was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in triceps of Ts1Cje mice while MyoD expression was significantly (P<0.05) increased in quadriceps of Ts1Cje mice.
CONCLUSION: Ts1Cje mice exhibited weaker muscle strength. The lower population of the type I fibres and higher population of COX deficient fibres in Ts1Cje mice may contribute to the muscle weakness seen in this mouse model for DS.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength/physiology
Fulltext Body composition and hand grip strength in male brick-field workers

Bandyopadhyay A

Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Jan;15(1):31-6.
PMID: 22589612 MyJurnal

Ninety two male brickfield workers and sixty sedentary individuals of 25-45 years were randomly selected from brickfields of West Bengal, India, to evaluate the body composition and hand grip strength among male brickfield workers and to compare the data with their sedentary counterparts. Assessment of body composition by skinfold measurements and determination of hand grip strength (HGS) by hand grip dynamometer indicated significantly higher (p<0.001) fatness, skinfold values and body mass index (BMI) among the sedentary individuals though HGS and hand grip endurance were significantly higher (p<0.001) among brickfield workers. BMI and %fat values indicated that the subjects were non-obese and non-overweight and regression norms for prediction of %fat from BMI in both the groups were computed as follows : Control Group : Y = 1.647 X - 22.789 (r = 0.92, p<0.001, SEE = 1.01), Brick-field Workers : Y = 0.747 X - 8.398 (r = 0.78, p<0.001, SEE = 1.34). Percentage of lean body mass (%LBM) was significantly higher (p<0.001) among brickfield workers whereas absolute LBM value had insignificant variation because of significant difference (p<0.001) in body mass between the groups. The present investigation revealed that the daily labour of the brick-field workers hindered the accumulation of body fat and extensive use of their hand and finger muscles enabled them to achieve greater arm strength. The proposed norms for prediction of %fat from BMI will also provide a first-hand impression about the body composition in the studied population.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Inter- and intraspecific aggression in the invasive longlegged ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Chong KF, Lee CY

J Econ Entomol, 2010 Oct;103(5):1775-83.
PMID: 21061979

The longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is a highly invasive species that can aggressively displace other ant species. We conducted laboratory assays to examine interspecies aggression of A. gracilipes versus 15 sympatric ant species found in the urban environment and disturbed habitat in Malaysia: Monomorium pharaonis (L.), Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Monomorium orientale Mayr, Monomorium destructor (Jerdon), Pheidole parva Mayr, Crematogaster sp., Solenopsis geminata (F.), Tapinoma indicum (Forel), Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.), Technomyrmnex butteli Forel, Dolichoderus thoracicus (Smith), Paratrechina longicornis (Latrielle), Oecophylla smaragdina (F), Camponotus sp., and Tetraponera rufonigra (Jerdon). A. gracilipes showed aggressive behavior toward all opponent species, except the smallest M. orientale. Opponent species size (body size, head width, and mandible width) was significantly correlated with A. gracilipes aggression level and mortality rate. We also found a significant positive relationship between A. gracilipes aggression level and the mortality of the opponent species. The results suggest that invasive populations of A. gracilipes would have the greatest impact on larger ant species. In addition, we examined the intraspecific aggression of A. gracilipes. We found that A. gracilipes from different localities in Malaysia showed intraspecific aggression toward one another. This finding differs from the results of studies conducted in Christmas Island earlier. Differences in the genetic variability among populations may explain these differing results.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Functional Outcome after Treatment of Aggressive Tumours in the Distal Radius: Comparison between Reconstruction using Proximal Fibular Graft and Wrist Fusion

Choo CY, Mat-Saad AM, Wan-Azman WS, Wan Z, Nor-Azman MZ, Yahaya S, et al.

Malays Orthop J, 2018 Nov;12(3):19-23.
PMID: 30555642 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1811.004

Introduction: Restoration of a functional hand is the ultimate goal following a distal radius tumour resection. The early outcomes of mobile wrist reconstruction are satisfactory; however, long-term results are unpredictable due to late wrist instability and degenerative arthritis. Our aim is to compare mobile wrist reconstruction with wrist fusion (pan-carpal fusion) in our cohort of patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed for functional outcomes of all patients who underwent resection for distal radius tumour and treated with either fusion or reconstruction of the wrist in a single institution from years 2000-2013 with a minimum of three years follow-up. Results: Eleven patients were included in the study, six of whom had wrist reconstruction with proximal fibula graft and the remaining five wrist fusion, with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score was 82.78%, ranging from 70% to 93.3%. Average grip strength compared to the normal contralateral hand was 60.0% for total wrist fusion, which was better than wrist reconstruction with 58.07%. There was no difference in the functional outcome between fusion and mobile reconstruction in our study. Osteoarthritis changes and subluxation of the wrist joint were the most common findings in the long-term follow-up for this group. Conclusion: There was no difference in the functional outcome of the long-term follow-up between the two groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Fulltext Metacarpal Lengthening Of The Thumb Via Distraction Osteogenesis: A Case Report

Chung WH, Eo CK, Muspirah Z, Sood A

Malays Orthop J, 2015 Mar;9(1):41-43.
PMID: 28435597 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1503.009

Amputation of the thumb invariably causes marked functional impairment of the hand especially, pinch and grasp functions. In rural areas where highly skilled microvascular surgeries are not available, distraction osteogenesis provides an easy and safe alternative of thumb reconstruction. We report a case of crush injury of the right hand in a 37 year old gentleman in which the right thumb was amputated at the level of the proximal phalanx. Metacarpal lengthening of the thumb was performed by using distraction osteogenesis.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength
Screening, Diagnosis and Management of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Hospitalized Older Adults: Recommendations from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Expert Working Group

Daly RM, Iuliano S, Fyfe JJ, Scott D, Kirk B, Thompson MQ, et al.

J Nutr Health Aging, 2022;26(6):637-651.
PMID: 35718874 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-022-1801-0

Sarcopenia and frailty are highly prevalent conditions in older hospitalized patients, which are associated with a myriad of adverse clinical outcomes. This paper, prepared by a multidisciplinary expert working group from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR), provides an up-to-date overview of current evidence and recommendations based on a narrative review of the literature for the screening, diagnosis, and management of sarcopenia and frailty in older patients within the hospital setting. It also includes suggestions on potential pathways to implement change to encourage widespread adoption of these evidence-informed recommendations within hospital settings. The expert working group concluded there was insufficient evidence to support any specific screening tool for sarcopenia and recommends an assessment of probable sarcopenia/sarcopenia using established criteria for all older (≥65 years) hospitalized patients or in younger patients with conditions (e.g., comorbidities) that may increase their risk of sarcopenia. Diagnosis of probable sarcopenia should be based on an assessment of low muscle strength (grip strength or five times sit-to-stand) with sarcopenia diagnosis including low muscle mass quantified from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis or in the absence of diagnostic devices, calf circumference as a proxy measure. Severe sarcopenia is represented by the addition of impaired physical performance (slow gait speed). All patients with probable sarcopenia or sarcopenia should be investigated for causes (e.g., chronic/acute disease or malnutrition), and treated accordingly. For frailty, it is recommended that all hospitalized patients aged 70 years and older be screened using a validated tool [Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Hospital Frailty Risk Score, the FRAIL scale or the Frailty Index]. Patients screened as positive for frailty should undergo further clinical assessment using the Frailty Phenotype, Frailty Index or information collected from a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). All patients identified as frail should receive follow up by a health practitioner(s) for an individualized care plan. To treat older hospitalized patients with probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, or frailty, it is recommended that a structured and supervised multi-component exercise program incorporating elements of resistance (muscle strengthening), challenging balance, and functional mobility training be prescribed as early as possible combined with nutritional support to optimize energy and protein intake and correct any deficiencies. There is insufficient evidence to recommend pharmacological agents for the treatment of sarcopenia or frailty. Finally, to facilitate integration of these recommendations into hospital settings organization-wide approaches are needed, with the Spread and Sustain framework recommended to facilitate organizational culture change, with the help of 'champions' to drive these changes. A multidisciplinary team approach incorporating awareness and education initiatives for healthcare professionals is recommended to ensure that screening, diagnosis and management approaches for sarcopenia and frailty are embedded and sustained within hospital settings. Finally, patients and caregivers' education should be integrated into the care pathway to facilitate adherence to prescribed management approaches for sarcopenia and frailty.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Strength/physiology

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