Articles tagged with Legs
A team led by Dr. Rajabrata Sarkar identified the MMP2 gene as essential for growing new arteries when existing arteries are blocked. In mice, the specific DNA sequences of the MMP2 gene that are expressed during artery growth were also discovered, shedding light on the normal process of angiogenesis.
A study of 553 patients found that those with a history of heart problems were more likely to receive cholesterol-lowering drugs, while those without a history received less treatment. The lack of aggressive treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) has significant implications for patient outcomes.
A recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that 9.7% of US adults experience restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition more prevalent in those with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric illnesses. Adults at risk for RLS are also more likely to experience sleep apnea, insomnia, and daytime fatigue.
The study found that 7.2% of the general population reported RLS symptoms, with women experiencing twice as high frequency of symptoms as men. Quality of life was significantly impacted, with RLS sufferers reporting lower scores than the general population.
A new rodent species, Kha-Nyou, has been discovered in Central Laos with distinct characteristics. The species is estimated to have diverged from other rodents millions of years ago and is found to be a nocturnal vegetarian, giving birth to one offspring at a time.
A study of French Canadian families found a strong genetic link to restless legs syndrome on chromosome 12q, with periodic leg movements during sleep being a key distinguishing feature. The findings support the involvement of multiple genetic loci in the common sleep disorder.
A new study by University Hospital of Geneva suggests that cell phone images can be used to visualize and diagnose leg wounds remotely. The researchers evaluated the use of cell phones to take images of leg ulcers, transmit them to experts, and receive diagnoses, with high levels of agreement between remote and in-person evaluations.
A Mayo Clinic study found that children with restless legs syndrome have a higher risk of family history and iron deficiency, which may be linked to the condition. The study examined 538 children and found that 72% had a family history of restless legs syndrome, with mothers being three times more likely to be affected.
A study shows Requip significantly improves symptoms of primary RLS, including improvements in sleep and quality of life. Patients treated with Requip experienced greater improvements compared to those taking placebo.
Researchers used mathematical and computer models to analyze horse movement and structure, discovering that horses with stiff legs are more prone to injury. The study found that fast horses can bring their legs forward quickly in preparation for the next stride, but this is more difficult for large and long-legged horses.
A new study reveals that iron deficiency in the brain's substantia nigra region may contribute to restless legs syndrome. Elevated levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were found in individuals with RLS, suggesting a link between cellular iron deficiency and dopamine regulation.
Research by Proctor-Leuenberger-Koch suggests that leg blood vessels constrict more in older men during exercise, indicating a compensatory mechanism for reduced cardiac output. This study aims to understand the impact of aging on blood flow to exercising muscle and target interventions to improve exercise tolerance in older adults.
A large study found that at least one in four pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome, with symptoms worsening during rest and improving with activity. The study suggests a correlation between low iron indicators and the risk of developing RLS, highlighting the need for further research into its causes.
Researchers at Penn State are part of a multi-institutional project studying restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by creepy-crawly sensations in the legs. The study aims to explore treatment options and causes of RLS, including iron deficiency and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals.
A study found that Requip significantly reduced Periodic Leg Movements (PLMS) in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), leading to improved sleep latency and fewer awakenings. The medication also effectively reduced PLMS to normal levels for more than half of the patients.
Researchers found a series of genes defining a two-segment periodicity in centipede embryos, resulting in single segments that later develop legs. This mechanism limits the number of leg-bearing segments to odd numbers, with additional non-leg bearing segments also formed.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that adding superficial venous surgery to compression treatment significantly reduces the risk of venous leg ulcer recurrence. The study involved 500 patients and showed a more-than-halved one-year recurrence rate among those receiving both treatments compared to those given compression alone.
Researchers found that heavy smokers had a reduced rate of restenosis at both six months and 12 months following angioplasty. Increasing carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream may inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, a key factor in restenosis.
Researchers found pergolide substantially improves PLMS measures and subjective sleep disturbance associated with RLS. The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of pergolide treatment, maintaining improvements over 12 months.
A recent study found that stenting has excellent short-term results for treating lower-extremity ischemia, with a high success rate of 98 percent. The procedure also has a significantly lower mortality rate compared to femoral artery bypass surgery.
Researchers found that aged roaches develop a 'tarsus catch' where the leg joint hardens, causing tripping and loss of gait. As they age, sticky pads change from supple to hardened brown ones, affecting their climbing ability.
Groundbreaking research has developed implantable microelectrode arrays that can record neural sensory responses from paralyzed individuals, allowing for accurate prediction of leg positions. A sterile surgical procedure implants the devices, which track the position of the leg using a digital camera and mathematical analysis.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that imagining movement of affected limbs can improve stroke rehabilitation. The study used a motor imagery training program with patients experiencing hemiparesis, resulting in increased assessment scores and functionality.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a possible explanation for restless leg syndrome, finding that brain cells lacking enough iron may cause misfiring of neural signals. This discovery establishes RLS as a sensory motor disorder rather than a psychological one, offering hope for future treatments.
A new evidence-based protocol has been shown to significantly improve healing rates and reduce costs for people with venous leg ulcers. The study found that by standardizing assessment and follow-up care, nursing teams can deliver more effective and less expensive care.
A clinical trial using VEGF gene transfer found no significant improvement in walking ability for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including transcription factor-based therapies and cell therapy, to address the condition.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between upper leg length and diabetes, with shorter legs associated with higher risk. White women and Mexican-American women showed increased likelihood of diabetes for each centimeter less of ULL.
Leading scientists in nanotechnology are discussing recent developments in microelectronics, including the creation of nanocomputers and millirobots. These tiny machines have the potential to control tiny devices and understand the mechanics of how to wire them up.
Researchers found increased vascular resistance in paralyzed legs of humans with long-term spinal cord injuries. However, a short period of training led to a marked decrease in vascular resistance, suggesting that deconditioning is the primary cause of the increase in vascular resistance.
A study comparing limb reconstruction and amputation after trauma found that patients undergoing both procedures experienced similar functional recoveries, with 53% returning to work within two years. Despite medical advancements, those with amputations had higher rates of rehospitalization for complications.
Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) who undergo supervised exercise programs experience improvements in blood flow, reduced systemic inflammation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. By walking on a treadmill several times a week, PAD patients can eventually reduce their leg pain and increase their walking distance.
Researchers found gabapentin significantly reduced RLS symptoms and improved sleep quality in patients. The study, conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, suggests gabapentin as a potential treatment option for RLS.
Researchers developed a new tissue-engineering technique using fibroblast and endothelial cells to create functional blood vessels. The engineered vessels demonstrated durability and resistance to blood clots in laboratory tests and short-term animal experiments.
Researchers found that the snake uses a novel 'loop and pull' behavior to consume large crabs, overcoming limitations imposed by limb loss and body form changes. The behavior was recorded in a dark room with infrared video cameras and verified through observations of wild snakes consuming oversized prey.
A study found contaminated E. coli bacteria in hot sauces from popular tourist restaurants in Mexico and Texas, increasing the risk of travelers' diarrhea. A simple test can detect peripheral arterial disease by comparing blood pressure in the arm and lower leg.
A systematic review found pentoxifylline to be around 50% more effective than placebo in treating venous leg ulcers. The drug's addition to standard compression therapy showed a 30% increase in complete healing rates.
A Harvard research team studied human running on various surface stiffnesses, finding a 12.5-fold decrease in surface stiffness led to a 12% decrease in metabolic rate and a 29% increase in leg stiffness, with support mechanics remaining unchanged.
Researchers at Stanford University used biomechanics to estimate T. rex's running speed, concluding it was unlikely to reach high speeds. The team found that large animals face limitations when trying to support their weight with muscle, making fast running impossible.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help prevent venous leg ulcers and pressure sores in elderly women. Researchers analyzed data from over 45,000 patients and discovered a 35% lower risk of developing these chronic wounds among HRT users.
Researchers find that heparin and compression stockings can effectively prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in people at high risk for clots, particularly those with a history of heart disease or stroke. Compression stockings were found to significantly reduce DVT incidence by 18.75 times compared to controls.
A single dose of enoxaparin sodium has been shown to prevent the development of blood clots in high-risk patients who undergo long-haul flights. Researchers found that only one superficial clot occurred among 82 participants receiving enoxaparin, compared to 3.6% DVT rates in those taking aspirin and 4.8% in those with no treatment. Th...
Men with shorter legs are more likely to develop insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease. Leg length is linked to nutritional and environmental factors during childhood, suggesting it as a key indicator for disease risk.
Neuropathic Postural Tachycardial Syndrome (NPTS) affects approximately 500,000 people in the U.S., primarily women between 20 and 45. Researchers Dr. Giris Jacob and Dr. David Robertson found that NPTS can be caused by genetic mutations or disease after surgery, pregnancy, or inflammatory illness.
Scientists have discovered a new fossil snake species, Haasiophis terrasanctus, with advanced anatomy similar to modern boas and pythons. The findings suggest that the evolution of limbs in snakes was more complex than previously thought, possibly representing an evolutionary reversal where advanced snakes regained hindlimbs.
Researchers found that Australopithecines used less energy while walking than modern humans, thanks to their shorter legs which took less energy to move. The analysis suggests that Lucy's anatomy was well-suited for her environment and not a hindrance.
Scientists have identified a gene called Pitx1 that can partially transform the upper limb of a vertebrate into a structure resembling its lower limb. The study found that Pitx1 is one of three genes thought to play a role in giving upper and lower extremities their identity.