Long-term intervention with Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk reduces augmentation index in hypertensive subjects.

Background: The milk casein-derived biologically active tripeptides, isoleucyl-prolyl-proline (Ile-Pro-Pro) and valyl-prolyl-proline (Val-Pro-Pro), have documented antihypertensive effect probably related to reduced angiotensin formation. It has been suggested that these tripeptides may reduce arterial stiffness and improve endothelial function. Our aim was to evaluate whether the milk-based drink containing Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro influence arterial stiffness, measured as augmentation index (AIx), and endothelial function in man.

Perceived outcomes and utilization of upper extremity surgical reconstruction in individuals with tetraplegia at model spinal cord injury systems.

Study Design: Survey.

Objective: To measure the utilization of upper extremity reconstructive surgery and the clinicians' perceptions of the outcomes provided for persons with tetraplegia across the Model Spinal Cord (SCI) Injury Systems.

Setting: Model SCI Systems.

Satisfaction with upper-extremity surgery in individuals with tetraplegia.

Objective: To measure the satisfaction of individuals with tetraplegia with their upper-extremity reconstructive surgery.

Design: Survey.

Setting: Two Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems centers.

Efficacy of an implanted neuroprosthesis for restoring hand grasp in tetraplegia: a multicenter study.

Objective: To evaluate an implanted neuroprosthesis that allows tetraplegic users to control grasp and release in 1 hand.

Design: Multicenter cohort trial with at least 3 years of follow-up. Function for each participant was compared before and after implantation, and with and without the neuroprosthesis activated.

Patient selection for an upper extremity neuroprosthesis in tetraplegic individuals.

One hundred and twenty persons with new onset traumatic tetraplegia consecutively admitted to our rehabilitation service were screened for consideration for use of an upper extremity neuroprosthesis. Strict inclusion criteria allowed only for participation of patients with ASIA impairment scale A, B or C injuries at the C5 or C6 level. One hundred and six persons were excluded from participation for the following reasons: five patients died, 27 had central cord syndrome, two had Brown-Sequard syndrome, 12 were injured at too high a level, 42 were injured at too low a level, two were excluded on the basis of motor incompleteness alone, four were excessively denervated, two had limited range of motion, one had overriding medical complications, seven had psychosocial issues making participation impractical, and two elected tendon transfer surgery.