bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health litigation and cancer survival in patients treated in the public health system in a large Brazilian city, 2014–2019
Authors: de Castro Mônica Silva Monteiro , da Silva Gabriela Drummond Marques , Figueiredo Iara Veloso Oliveira , de Miranda Wanessa Debôrtoli , Magalhães Júnior Helvécio Miranda , dos Santos Fausto Pereira , de Sousa Rômulo Paes
Published: March 2023

Background

Litigation for health care, also known as health judicialization, is frequent in Brazil. It involves recourse to the court system to access health services. The study aimed to evaluate whether cancer patients in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, increased their overall survival by increasing access to certain drugs or treatments through litigation, controlling for the effect of demographic and disease-related variables.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with breast, prostate, brain, lung, or colon cancers from 2014 to 2019 were included. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, litigation was significantly associated with increased survival in cancers of breast (HR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.33–0.80), prostate (HR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.30–0.85), colon (HR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.38–0.93), and lung (HR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.22–0.60). Five-year survival rates of patients who sued for treatment were 97.8%, 88.7%, 59.3%, and 26.0%, compared to median survival of 95.7%, 78.7%, 41.2%, and 2.4%, respectively, among patient that did not resort to court action. The study suggests that litigation for access to cancer treatment may represent a step forward in obtaining more effective treatment. This study´s main limitations are the lack of patients´ clinical information for use as control variables and the lack of variables to assess patients´ quality of life. The study also found that many cases involved claims that could have been solved by administrative rather than legal action. Some claims thus reflect the lack of adequate administrative procedures.

Conclusion

When based on scientific evidence, access to new therapies, combined with other technologies already available, can favor patient survival. Access to new therapies through litigation may increase health inequalities since low-income patients have limited access to legal recourse against the State to meet their needs. The timely approval of new effective therapies can mitigate the judicialization of cancer treatment.
Adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviours among adolescents and young adults: evidence from India
Authors: Maurya Chanda , Maurya Priya
Published: March 2023

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic and stressful events that occur in childhood. These experiences at home, school, or in the community may damage the cognitive health and emotional skills of children and adolescents.

Objective

The present study examines the association between Adverse childhood experiences and risky health behaviour indicators while controlling other background characteristics among boys and girls. This study also assesses outcomes in the aggregate to estimate the impact of cumulative adversity on various risky health behavioural factors among boys and girls among adolescents and young adults (age group 13–23) in India.

Data and methods

Data were drawn from the second wave of the “Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (2018–2019)” survey. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis were conducted to fulfill the objective.

Results

The findings show that nearly 30% of boys and 10% of girls had violent behaviour. Substance use prevalence was much higher among boys (34.11%) than girls (6.65%). More boys had negative gender attitudes. The majority of the study participants had multiple ACEs. Boys who experienced more than three or more childhood adversity had two times higher odds (OR: 2.04; CI: 1.01–4.16) of the early sexual debut, while the same figure for girls was thirteen times (OR: 13.13; CI: 3.95–43.69) than their male counterparts.

Conclusion

The study findings underlined the need for implementing outcome-oriented approaches to adolescents’ health care and behavioural risks. Therefore, identifying and intervening with adolescents and young adults who are at the highest risk of engaging in risky behaviors early in life may reduce the risk of these behaviors persisting into adulthood. In order to avoid health risk behavior in later stages among adolescents and young adults, policymakers need to focus on ACEs as risk factors and take action to reduce this burden. A potential model could be to create awareness among family members, caregivers, and communities to be more empathetic toward the children.
Multilevel proportional odds modeling of anaemia prevalence among under five years old children in Ethiopia
Authors: Zewude Bereket Tessema , Debusho Legesse Kassa
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite anaemia is the leading cause of child morbidity and mortality in Africa including Ethiopia, there is inadequate evidence on modelling anaemia related factors among under five years old children in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess factors that affect the anaemia status among under five years old children and estimate the proportion of overall child-level variation in anaemia status that is attributable to various factors in three regions of Ethiopia, namely Amhara, Oromiya and Southern Nation Nationalities People (SNNP).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, and the data was extracted from the 2011 Ethiopia National Malaria Indicator Survey which is a national representative survey in the country. A sample of 4,356 under five years old children were obtained from three regions. Based on child hemoglobin level, anaemia status was classified as non-anaemia (>11.0g/dL), mild anaemia (8.0-11.0g/dL), moderate anaemia (5.0-8.0g/dL) and severe anaemia (<5.0g/dL). Various multilevel proportional odds models with random Kebele effects were adopted taking into account the survey design weights. All the models were fitted with the PROC GLIMMIX in SAS. The Brant test for parallel lines assumption was done using the function from package in R environment.

Results

The prevalence of anaemia status of under five years children varies among the three study regions, where the prevalence of severe child anaemia status was higher in Oromiya region as compared to Amhara and SNNP regions. The results of this study indicate that age (OR = 0.686; 95% CI: 0.632, 0.743), malaria RDT positive (OR = 4.578; 95% 2.804, 7.473), household had used mosquito nets while sleeping (OR = 0.793; 95%: 0.651, 0.967), household wealth status and median altitude (OR = 0.999; 95%: 0.9987, 0.9993), were significantly related to the prevalence of child anaemia infection. The percentage of Kebele-level variance explained by the region and median altitude, and child / household (Level 1) characteristics was 32.1 % . Hence, large part of the Kebele-level variance (67.9%) remain unexplained.

Conclusions

The weighted multilevel proportional odds with random Kebele effects model used in this paper identified four child/household and one Kebele level risk factors of anaemia infection. Therefore, the public health policy makers should focus to those significant factors. The results also show regional variation in child anaemia prevalence, thus special attention should be given to those children living in regions with high anaemia prevalence.
The immune evasion ability of Delta variant is comparable to that of Beta variant in South Africa
Authors: He Daihai , Chen Boqiang , Zhao Shi , Stone Lewi
Published: March 2023

Background

The high immune evasion ability of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant surprised the world and appears to be far stronger than any previous variant. Previous to Omicron it has been difficult to assess and compare immune evasion ability of different variants, including the Beta and Delta variants, because of the relatively small numbers of reinfections and because of the problems in correctly identifying reinfections in the population. This has led to different claims appearing in the literature. Thus we find claims of both high and low immune evasion for the Beta variant. Some findings have suggested that the Beta variant has a higher immune evasion ability than the Delta variant in South Africa, and others that it has a lower ability.

Method

In this brief report, we re-analyse a unique dataset of variant-specific reinfection data and a simple model to correct for the infection attack rates of different variants.

Result

We find that a model with the Delta variant having  an equal or higher immune evasion ability than Beta variant is compatible with the data.

Conclusion

We conclude that the immune evasion ability of Beta variant is not stronger than Delta variant, and indeed, the immune evasion abilities of both variants are weak in South Africa.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the safety experience room, an affordable interactive education intervention to prevent unintentional injury among rural preschoolers in China: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: He Jieyi , Wang Wanhui , Ning Peishan , Schwebel David C. , Yang Yang , Cheng Peixia , Li Jie , Zhao Min , Li Weiqiang , Zhang Na , Liu Han , Hu Guoqing
Published: March 2023

Background

Interactive and experiential learning programs have proven effective to teach children safety and prevent child unintentional injury. However, previously-published programs were designed primarily to address safety concerns of children living in urban, well-resourced areas, and therefore might be less effective or economically infeasible to distribute to children in resource-limited areas, such as those living in rural areas or underdeveloped regions. This proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness of teaching children safety lessons to rural preschoolers in China through the preschool-based Safety Experience Room intervention that was developed based on relevant theories, the lessons of previous intervention research, the characteristics of child injuries in underdeveloped rural areas, and the needs and circumstances of rural families and preschools in China. The study will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of delivering the program.

Methods and analysis

A single-blinded, 12-month follow-up, parallel-group cluster randomized controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio will be implemented in two selected counties. In total, at least 2378 rural preschoolers aged 3–6 years old will be recruited from 12 preschools, 6 in Yang County and 6 in Shicheng County. Clusters will be randomized at the preschool level and allocated to the control group (routine school-based education) or the intervention group (routine school-based education plus the Safety Experience Room education). External support strategies will be implemented by local partners to minimize attrition. Data collection will be conducted at baseline and then every 3 months during a 12-month follow-up time period. Intention-to-treat (ITT) data analysis will be used. Generalized estimation equations (GEE) will evaluate the effectiveness of the program and generalized cost-effectiveness analysis (GCEA) will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of it. A per-protocol (PP) sensitivity analysis will assess the robustness of ITT results. Subgroup analyses will be performed to evaluate the impact of socio-demographic factors on the intervention effect, following the same strategies as the primary analyses.

Discussion

The newly-designed Safety Experience Room program is expected to be feasible, effective, and financially beneficial. If these hypotheses prove true, we will take steps to disseminate the program to rural preschools across China.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn), CHiCTR2000038025, registered on 8 September 2020.
Comparison of Framingham 10-year cardiovascular risks in Sweden- and foreign-born primary health care patients in Sweden
Authors: Taloyan Marina , Wågström Victor , Steiner Kristin Hjörleifdottir , Yarbakht Danial , Östenson Claes-Göran , Salminen Helena
Published: March 2023

Background

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease around the world varies by ethnicity and region of birth. Immigrants living in Sweden may have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases than native-born Swedes, but little is known about their actual cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to examine the relationship in Sweden between 10-year cardiovascular risk and birthplace.

Method

This cross-sectional study was based on cardiovascular risk factor data obtained from the 4D Diabetes Project, a Programme 4D subproject in Sweden. Participants were recruited from two primary healthcare centres in Stockholm without a history of diabetes or pre-diabetes. The outcome variable was 10-year cardiovascular risk based on the calculation of a Framingham Risk Score with six risk factors: age, sex, LDL, HDL, BP, diabetes and smoking for each participant. Multiple linear regression was performed to generate β-coefficients for the outcome.

Results

There was an average of 8.86% cardiovascular risk over 10 years in Sweden-born participants and a 5.45% 10-year risk in foreign-born, (P < 0.0001). Foreign-born participants were about 10 years younger (mean age 46 years vs. 56 years, P < 0.001), with a significantly higher proportion of smokers (23.9% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.001). To be born in Sweden (with parents born in Sweden) was significantly associated with a 10-year cardiovascular risk in the crude model (β- coefficient = 3.40, 95% CI 2.59–4.22; P < 0.0001) and when adjusted for education and alcohol consumption (β- coefficient = 2.70 95% CI 1.86–3.54; P < 0.0001). Regardless of the birthplace, 10-year cardiovascular risk was lower for those with higher education compared to those with less than 10 years of education.

Conclusion

This study found a relationship between 10-year calculated cardiovascular risk and place of birth. Sweden-born participants had a higher association with 10-year cardiovascular risk than foreign-born participants. These results contradict previous reports of higher rates of CVD in residents of Middle-Eastern countries and Middle-Eastern immigrants living in Sweden.
Spatial association between green space and COPD mortality: a township-level ecological study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Gou Aiping , Tan Guanzheng , Ding Xianbin , Wang Jiangbo , Jiao Yan , Gou Chunyan , Tan Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

There are regional differences in the effect of green space on mortality of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We conduct an ecological study, using the administrative divisions of Chongqing townships in China as the basic unit, to investigate the association between COPD mortality and green space based on data of 313,013 COPD deaths in Chongqing from 2012 to 2020. Green space is defined by Fractional vegetation cover (FVC), which is further calculated based on the normalised vegetation index (NDVI) from satellite remote sensing imagery maps.

Methods

After processing the data, the non-linear relationship between green space and COPD mortality is revealed by generalised additive models; the spatial differences between green space and COPD mortality is described by geographically weighted regression models; and finally, the interpretive power and interaction of each factor on the spatial distribution of COPD mortality is examined by a geographic probe.

Results

The results show that the FVC local regression coefficients ranged from − 0.0397 to 0.0478, 63.0% of the regions in Chongqing have a positive correlation between green space and COPD mortality while 37.0% of the regions mainly in the northeast and west have a negative correlation. The interpretive power of the FVC factor on the spatial distribution of COPD mortality is 0.08.

Conclusions

Green space may be a potential risk factor for increased COPD mortality in some regions of Chongqing. This study is the first to reveal the relationship between COPD mortality and green space in Chongqing at the township scale, providing a basis for public health policy formulation in Chongqing.
Almonertinib-induced interstitial lung disease in a lung adenocarcinoma patient complicated with interstitial lung abnormality
Authors: Zhou Qian , Hu Zhong , Li Xin , Tang Xiaokui
Published: March 2023

Background

With the use of targeted drugs in lung cancer patients, targeted drug-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) has attracted more and more attention. The incidence, time, and severity of different targeted drug-induced ILD vary. Almonertinib/HS-10296 is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). Post-marketing safety and effectiveness of almonertinib have been confirmed. The reported adverse events of almonertinib were mainly an increase in creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, and onset of rash. Almonertinib-induced ILD is rare.

Case report

This paper reported the case of a patient with lung adenocarcinoma complicated with interstitial lung abnormality (ILA). Gene detection showed L858R mutation in exon 21 of the EGFR gene. After operation, almonertinib (110 mg per day) was prescribed. 3 months later, ILD was found by chest CT due to dyspnea.

Management and outcome

Subsequently, almonertinib was stopped. With the administration of intravenous glucocorticoid and oxygen inhalation, the patient's dyspnea was significantly regressed and lung lesions regressed on follow-up chest CT done after discharge.

Discussion

This case suggested that we should pay attention to the existence of ILD/ILA before using targeted drugs. The use of targeted drugs should be more strictly controlled and monitored in patients with previous ILA or ILD. This paper also reviewed the relevant literature on the drug characteristics and summarized the risk factors of ILD caused by EGFR-TKI.
Diagnostic accuracy of a set of clinical and radiological criteria for screening of COVID-19 using RT-PCR as the reference standard
Authors: Oliveira Mirella Cristine , Scharan Karoleen Oswald , Thomés Bruna Isadora , Bernardelli Rafaella Stradiotto , Reese Fernanda Baeumle , Kozesinski-Nakatani Amanda Christina , Martins Cintia Cristina , Lobo Suzana Margareth Ajeje , Réa-Neto Álvaro
Published: March 2023

Background

The gold-standard method for establishing a microbiological diagnosis of COVID-19 is reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of a set of clinical-radiological criteria for COVID-19 screening in patients with severe acute respiratory failure (SARF) admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the reference standard.

Methods

Diagnostic accuracy study including a historical cohort of 1009 patients consecutively admitted to ICUs across six hospitals in Curitiba (Brazil) from March to September, 2020. The sample was stratified into groups by the strength of suspicion for COVID-19 (strongversusweak) using parameters based on three clinical and radiological (chest computed tomography) criteria. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by RT-PCR (referent).

Results

With respect to RT-PCR, the proposed criteria had 98.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 97.5–99.5%) sensitivity, 70% (95% CI 65.8–74.2%) specificity, 85.5% (95% CI 83.4–87.7%) accuracy, PPV of 79.7% (95% CI 76.6–82.7%) and NPV of 97.6% (95% CI 95.9–99.2%). Similar performance was observed when evaluated in the subgroups of patients admitted with mild/moderate respiratory disfunction, and severe respiratory disfunction.

Conclusion

The proposed set of clinical-radiological criteria were accurate in identifying patients with strongversusweak suspicion for COVID-19 and had high sensitivity and considerable specificity with respect to RT-PCR. These criteria may be useful for screening COVID-19 in patients presenting with SARF.
Nationwide epidemiologic study for fibrosing interstitial lung disease (F-ILD) in South Korea: a population-based study
Authors: Joung Kyung-In , Park Hyemin , Park Sunyoung , Shin Ju-Young , Kim Yong Hyun
Published: March 2023

Background

Fibrosing interstitial lung disease (F-ILD) is a major public health concern due to its poor prognosis. Recent clinical evidence shows that antifibrotic approaches such as pirfenidone and nintedanib provide better clinical outcome prediction in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as well as selected progressive fibrosing ILD (PF-ILD) patients. Having epidemiologic insight into these diseases will be essential for the efficient utilization of these therapeutic resources. This study aimed to estimate the current prevalence, incidence, and mortality of F-ILD classified as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), PF-ILD other than IPF, and non-progressive F-ILD and their temporal trend in Korea.

Methods

Population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database (2011–2018). Patients with IPF were identified using ICD-10 code, RID code, and differential diagnosis approach. By leveraging medical records available from claim data and referencing those used in clinical trials, rigorous diagnostic criteria for PF-ILD detection were implemented.

Results

For the past eight years, the prevalence of IPF and PF-ILD has progressively increased, while non-progressive F-ILD has remained stable. IPF, PF-ILD, and non-progressive F-ILD prevalence per 100,000 in 2018 were 16.9, 10.4, and 11.7, respectively. The incidence of IPF in 2018 was more than twice that of 2012. The incidence of PF-ILD in 2018 was 1.5 times higher than that in 2012. In 2018, the mortalites were 10.3% and 12.2% for IPF and PF-ILD, respectively. The mortality rate of PF-ILD was greater than that of IPF in all years. Unclassifiable PF-ILD and rheumatoid arthritis-PF-ILD had the highest proportion and mortality among the PF-ILD subtypes.

Conclusion

The prevalence and incidence of IPF and PF-ILD have been steadily increasing in recent years. The mortality rate of PF-ILD remained consistently high and exceeded those of IPF in all years.
They do not have symptoms – why do they need to take medicines? Challenges in tuberculosis preventive treatment among children in Cambodia: a qualitative study
Authors: An Yom , Teo Alvin Kuo Jing , Huot Chan Yuda , Tieng Sivanna , Khun Kim Eam , Pheng Sok Heng , Leng Chhenglay , Deng Serongkea , Song Ngak , Nonaka Daisuke , Yi Siyan
Published: March 2023

Background

Latent tuberculosis (TB) infection has been known as a seedbed for TB disease later in life. The interruption from latent TB infection to TB disease can be done through TB preventive treatment (TPT). In Cambodia, only 40.0% of children under five years old who were the household contacts to bacteriologically confirmed TB cases were initiated with TPT in 2021. Scientific studies of context-specific operational challenges in TPT provision and uptake among children are scarce, particularly in high TB-burden countries. This study identified challenges in TPT provision and uptake among children in Cambodia from the perspective of healthcare providers and caregivers.

Methods

Between October and December 2020, we conducted in-depth interviews with four operational district TB supervisors, four clinicians and four nurses in charge of TB in referral hospitals, four nurses in charge of TB in health centers, and 28 caregivers with children currently or previously on TB treatment or TPT, and those who refused TPT for their eligible children. Data were audio recorded along with field notetaking. After verbatim transcription, data analyses were performed using a thematic approach.

Results

The mean age of healthcare providers and caregivers were 40.19 years (SD 12.0) and 47.9 years (SD 14.6), respectively. Most healthcare providers (93.8%) were male, and 75.0% of caregivers were female. More than one-fourth of caregivers were grandparents, and 25.0% had no formal education. Identified key barriers to TPT implementation among children included TPT side effects, poor adherence to TPT, poor understanding of TPT among caregivers, TPT risk perception among caregivers, TPT’s child-unfriendly formula, TPT supply-chain issues, caregivers’ concern about the effectiveness of TPT, being non-parental caregivers, and poor community engagement.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that the national TB program should provide more TPT training to healthcare providers and strengthen supply chain mechanisms to ensure adequate TPT drug supplies. Improving community awareness of TPT among caregivers should also be intensified. These context-specific interventions will play a crucial role in expanding the TPT program to interrupt the development from latent TB infection to active and ultimately lead to ending TB in the country.
An autopsy case of disseminated Cunninghamella bertholletiae infection in an immunocompetent patient: a case report
Authors: Harada Masanori , Yasuda Kazuyo , Uruchida Kazumi , Yamashita Ryoma , Morikawa Keisuke , Ito Yutaro , Mochizuki Eisuke , Matsuura Shun , Tsukui Masaru , Koshimizu Naoki
Published: March 2023

Background

Recently, deaths due to mucormycosis in immunocompromised hosts have increased; however, the clinical and pathological features of mucormycosis are not fully understood, especially in view of the associated high mortality and rare incidence in immunocompetent patients.

Case presentation

We have described a rare autopsy case of a 67-year-old Japanese man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who contracted mucormycosis. He had not been on any immunosuppressants, and his immune functions were intact. Since 3 days prior to admission to our hospital, he had experienced progressive dyspnea, productive cough, and fever. Chest computed tomography revealed pleural effusion in the left lower hemithorax and consolidation in the right lung field. Although he was administered with tazobactam-piperacillin hydrate (13.5 g/day), renal dysfunction occurred on the ninth disease day. Therefore, it was switched to cefepime (2 g/day). However, his general condition and lung-field abnormality worsened gradually. Cytological analysis of the sputum sample at admission mainly revealed sporangiophores and unicellular sporangioles, while repeated sputum culture yielded Cunninghamella species. Therefore, he was diagnosed with pulmonary mucormycosis. Liposomal amphotericin B (5 mg/kg/day) was initiated on the 28th disease day. However, chest radiography and electrocardiography detected cardiomegaly and atrial fibrillation, respectively, and he died on the 37th disease day. A postmortem examination revealed clusters of fungal hyphae within the arteries of the right pulmonary cavity wall, the subpericardial artery, intramyocardial capillary blood vessels, and the esophageal subserosa vein. Direct sequencing revealed that all fungal culture samples were positive for Cunninghamella bertholletiae.

Conclusions

Cunninghamella bertholletiae could rapidly progress from colonizing the bronchi to infecting the surrounding organs via vascular invasion even in immunocompetent patients.
Protocol for a multicenter study on effectiveness and economics of the Back At work After Surgery (BAAS): a clinical pathway for knee arthroplasty
Authors: Strijbos Daniël O. , van der Sluis Geert , van Houtert Wim F. C. , Straat A. Carlien , van Zaanen Yvonne , de Groot Stephan , Klomp Simon , Krijnen Wim P. , Kooijman Carolien M. , van den Brand Igor , Reneman Michiel F. , Boymans Tim A. E. J. , Kuijer P. Paul F. M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Optimizing return to work (RTW) after knee arthroplasty (KA) is becoming increasingly important due to a growing incidence of KA and poor RTW outcomes after KA. We developed the Back At work After Surgery (BAAS) clinical pathway for optimized RTW after KA. Since the effectiveness and cost analysis of the BAAS clinical pathway are still unknown, analysis on effectiveness and costs of BAAS is imperative.

Method

This protocol paper has been written in line with the standards of Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trails. To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for RTW, we will perform a multicenter prospective cohort study with patients who decided to receive a total KA (TKA) or an unicompartmental KA (UKA). To evaluate the effectiveness of BAAS regarding RTW, a comparison to usual care will be made using individual patient data on RTW from prospectively performed cohort studies in the Netherlands.

Discussion

One of the strengths of this study is that the feasibility for the BAAS clinical pathway was tested at first hand. Also, we will use validated questionnaires and functional tests to assess the patient’s recovery using robust outcomes. Moreover, the intervention was performed in two hospitals serving the targeted patient group and to reduce selection bias and improve generalizability. The limitations of this study protocol are that the lead author has an active role as a medical case manager (MCM) in one of the hospitals. Additionally, we will use the data from other prospective Dutch cohort studies to compare our findings regarding RTW to usual care. Since we will not perform an RCT, we will use propensity analysis to reduce the bias due to possible differences between these cohorts.

Trail Registration

This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrails.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05690347, date of first registration: 19–01-2023).
The efficacy and safety of subcutaneous continuous local infiltration analgesia with ropivacaine in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study
Authors: Al-Saati Maad F. , Alaqaili Sadiq I. , Alshammari Farah A. , ElRaei Mohamed A. N. , Albaiz Alia A. , Tushinski Daniel , Al-Mohrej Omar A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Continuous local infiltration analgesia (CLIA) can be administered via intraarticular or periarticular techniques in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively report a single-center experience of epidural analgesia with subcutaneous CLIA versus epidural analgesia without CLIA among patients undergoing TKA.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. From January 01, 2014, to December 30, 2020, medical records of all patients who underwent TKA were reviewed. Patients who received subcutaneous CLIA with epidural analgesia were assigned to the intervention group, whereas those who received epidural analgesia without subcutaneous CLIA were assigned to the control group. The efficacy endpoints included: (i) postoperative pain scores at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 3 months; (ii) postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 24–72 h (cumulative); (iii) length of hospital stay; and (iv) postoperative functional recovery of the knee 3 months post-operation, according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results

At rest and during mobilization, the CLIA group (n = 28) achieved significantly lower postoperative pain scores 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 3 months post-operation than the non-CLIA group (n = 35). Subgroup analysis revealed that the CLIA group achieved significantly less opioid consumption 24 h and 48 h post-operation than the non-CLIA group. There was no difference between the groups regarding the length of hospital stay or functional scores 3 months post-operation. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the rate of wound infection, other infections, and readmission within 30 days.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous CLIA is a technically feasible and safe procedure without major adverse events but with reduced postoperative pain scores (at rest and during mobilization) and opioid consumption. Additional larger studies are warranted to confirm our results. Moreover, a head-to-head comparison between subcutaneous CLIA and periarticular or intraarticular CLIA is an interesting prospective investigation.
Biological effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell- derived extracellular vesicles on the structure of alveolar bone in rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Sedik Aya S. , Kawana Khadiga Y. , Koura Azza S. , Mehanna Radwa A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Glucocorticoids are used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders; however, they can elicit several side effects such as osteoporosis. Several approaches can be made to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, including the use of stem cells. However, the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells depends on its released factors, including extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles have been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication as they participate in many physiological processes. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles on the structure of alveolar bone in rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Methods

Thirty adult albino male rats were divided into 3 groups: control group (CG), glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GOG) and extracellular vesicles treated group (ExTG). Rats in the GOG and ExTG groups were injected with methylprednisolone acetate (40 mg/kg) intramuscularly in the quadriceps muscle 3 times per week for three weeks in the early morning. Afterwards, the rats in GOG group received a single vehicle injection (PBS) while each rat in the ExTG group received a single injection of extracellular vesicles (400 μg/kg suspended in 0.2 ml PBS) in the tail vein. Rats were euthanized 1 month after injection. Mandibles were dissected and the molar segments were prepared for histological preparation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX).

Results

Histology and scanning electron microscopyof bone tissue showed alveolar bone loss and bone resorption in the GOG group. while in the ExTG group, alveolar bone demostrated normal bone architecture. EDX showed that calcium percentage in GOG group was lower than ExTG group,which showed no statistically significant difference from the control group.

Conclusions

Extracellular vesicles may be a promising treatment modality in the treatment of bone diseases and in bone regeneration. However, further research is needed before stating that extracellular vesicles s can be used to treat bone disorders especially when translating to humans.
Mid-life cyclists preserve muscle mass and composition: a 3D MRI study
Authors: Belzunce Martin A. , Henckel Johann , Laura Anna Di , Horga Laura M. , Hart Alister James
Published: March 2023

Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are crucial factors for delaying and reducing the effects of sarcopenia. Cycling has gained popularity in the last decades among midlife men. While the cardiovascular benefits of cycling and other endurance exercises have been extensively proved, the potential benefits of lifelong aerobic exercise on muscle health have not been adequately studied. Our aim was to quantify the benefits of cycling in terms of muscle health in middle-aged men, using magnetic resonance imaging. We ran a cross-sectional study involving two groups of middle-aged male adults (mean age 49 years, range 30–65) that underwent Dixon MRI of the pelvis. The groups consisted of 28 physically inactive (PI) and 28 trained recreational cyclists. The latter had cycled more than 7000 km in the last year and have been training for 15 years on average, while the PI volunteers have not practiced sports for an average of 27 years. We processed the Dixon MRI scans by labelling and computing the fat fraction (FF), volume and lean volume of gluteus maximus (GMAX) and gluteus medius (GMED); and measuring the volume of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). We found that the cyclists group had lower FF levels, a measure of intramuscular fat infiltration, compared to the PI group for GMAX (PI median FF 21.6%, cyclists median FF 14.8%, p < 0.01) and GMED (PI median FF 16.0%, cyclists median FF 11.4%, p < 0.01). Cyclists had also larger GMAX and GMED muscles than the PI group (p < 0.01), after normalizing it by body mass. Muscle mass and fat infiltration were strongly correlated with SAT volume. These results suggest that cycling could help preserve muscle mass and composition in middle-aged men. Although more research is needed to support these results, this study adds new evidence to support public health efforts to promote cycling.
Standardized Tip-Apex Distance (STAD): a modified individualized measurement of cephalic fixator position based on its own femoral head diameter in geriatric intertrochanteric fractures with internal fixation
Authors: Yang Yun-fa , Huang Jian-wen , Gao Xiao-sheng , Xu Zhong-he
Published: March 2023

Objective

To design a standardized Tip-Apex Distance (STAD) and analyze the clinical significance of STAD in predicting cut-out in geriatric intertrochanteric fractures with internal fixation.

Methods

Firstly, we designed STAD according to the rule of TAD. We measured the STAD individually based on its own femoral head diameter (iFHD) instead of the known diameter of the lag screw in calculating TAD, resulting in that the STAD is simply the relative quantitation relationship of iFHD (the times of iFHD). In this study, we assumed that all the iFHD was 6D (1iFHD = 6D, or 1D = 1/6 of iFHD) in order for complete match of the Cleveland zone system, easy comparison of the STAD, and convenient identification for artificial intelligence. Secondly, we calculated and recorded all the STAD of cephalic fixator in 123 eligible ITF patients. Thirdly, we grouped all the ITF patients into the Failure and Non-failure groups according to whether cut-out or not, and analyzed the correlation between the cut-out and the STAD.

Results

Cleveland zone, Parker’s ratio (AP), TAD, and STAD were associated with the cut-out in univariate analysis. However, only STAD was the independent predictor of the cut-out by multivariate analysis. No cut-out was observed when STAD ≤ 2D (1/3 of iFHD). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that STAD was a reliable predictor of cut-out, and the best cut-off value of STAD was 2.92D. Cut-out rate increased dramatically when STAD increased, especially when STAD > 3D (1/2 of iFHD).

Conclusion

Essentially, the STAD is a relative quantitation relationship of iFHD. The STAD is a reliable measurement of cephalic fixator position in predicting cut-out in geriatric ITF patients with single-screw cephalomedullary nail fixations. For avoiding cut-out, the STAD should be no more than a half of iFHD.

Level of evidence

Level III, Prognostic Study
Biomechanical investigation of long spinal fusion models using three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Oku Norihiro , Demura Satoru , Tawara Daisuke , Kato Satoshi , Shinmura Kazuya , Yokogawa Noriaki , Yonezawa Noritaka , Shimizu Takaki , Kitagawa Ryo , Handa Makoto , Ryohei Annen , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Background

This study represents the first finite element (FE) analysis of long-instrumented spinal fusion from the thoracic vertebrae to the pelvis in the context of adult spinal deformity (ASD) with osteoporosis. We aimed to evaluate the von Mises stress in long spinal instrumentation for models that differ in terms of spinal balance, fusion length, and implant type.

Methods

In this three-dimensional FE analysis, FE models were developed based on computed tomography images from a patient with osteoporosis. The von Mises stress was compared for three different sagittal vertical axes (SVAs) (0, 50, and 100 mm), two different fusion lengths (from the pelvis to the second [T2-S2AI] or 10th thoracic vertebra [T10-S2AI]), and two different types of implants (pedicle screw or transverse hook) in the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV). We created 12 models based on combinations of these conditions.

Results

The overall von Mises stress was 3.1 times higher on the vertebrae and 3.9 times higher on implants for the 50-mm SVA models than that for the 0-mm SVA models. Similarly, the values were 5.0 times higher on the vertebrae and 6.9 times higher on implants for the 100-mm SVA models than that for the 0-mm SVA models. Higher SVA was associated with greater stress below the fourth lumbar vertebrae and implants. In the T2-S2AI models, the peaks of vertebral stress were observed at the UIV, at the apex of kyphosis, and below the lower lumbar spine. In the T10-S2AI models, the peaks of stress were observed at the UIV and below the lower lumbar region. The von Mises stress in the UIV was also higher for the screw models than for the hook models.

Conclusion

Higher SVA is associated with greater von Mises stress on the vertebrae and implants. The stress on the UIV is greater for the T10-S2AI models than for the T2-S2AI models. Using transverse hooks instead of screws at the UIV may reduce stress in patients with osteoporosis.
Subjective assessment and biochemical evaluation of traction therapy in women with chronic low back pain: does body mass index matter? A clinical study
Authors: Ratajczak Marzena , Wendt Michał , Śliwicka Ewa , Skrypnik Damian , Zieliński Jacek , Kusy Krzysztof , Krutki Piotr , Waszak Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

Background

Apart from the positive effect of lumbar traction on structural changes within the spine in patients with low back pain, it is likely that therapeutic effects are correlated with pain biomarkers in the blood. Among them, systemic metabolic factors related to obesity may play an important role. This is the first study designed to examine the effectiveness of traction therapy in two experimental groups with considerably different BMI and to assess relationships between blood biomarkers and low back pain intensity.

Methods

In the prospective clinical trial, women suffering from chronic low back pain were allocated into the normal-weight or obesity groups. Patients in both groups underwent twenty sessions of lumbar traction therapy (30 min a day, continuous mode with a force level of 25–30% of body weight). Before and after therapy subjective assessments of pain (VAS and PPT) were performed, and serum concentrations of aggrecan chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS-846), neuropeptide Y, leptin, adipsin and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) were determined. The data were statistically evaluated for 28 women.

Results

After therapy, the maximal low back pain decreased in both groups, GDF-15 concentration was reduced in the normal-weight group and increased in the obesity group, and CS-846 concentration decreased in the obesity group. The sensation of PPT in the lumbar spine and mean concentrations of neuropeptide Y, leptin and adipsin did not change in both groups. However, the relationships of GDF-15, leptin, and adipsin concentrations with the perception of pain were revealed.

Conclusion

Distinct differences between the normal-weight and obesity groups pointed on the role of excessive adipose tissue in aggravating the inflammatory processes and in the development of low back pain. Adipsin, CS-846 and GDF-15 aspire to be the low back pain biomarkers in women with obesity, but there is a need for further research to answer whether they might be considered reliable biomarkers for the prognosis and monitoring of chronic low back treatment.

Trial registration

NCT04507074, registered prospectively on July 6, 2020.
The correlation between the serum LDL-C/Apo B ratio and lumbar bone mineral density in young adults
Authors: Tan Anjun , Shu Juntao , Huang Hong , Shao Heng , Yang Jingjing
Published: March 2023

Background

Numerous studies have confirmed that atherosclerosis is related to osteoporosis (OP), and patients with atherosclerosis are more prone to OP. The ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is the valid indicator of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, conclusions regarding relation between LDL-C/Apo B ratio and bone mineral density (BMD) are still lacking. As a result, this study concentrated on investigating the relationship between LDL-C/Apo B ratio and lumbar BMD in the young adult population according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

Information of 2027 young adults (age 20–40 years) from NHANES database was obtained for this cross-sectional study. The correlation between serum LDL-C/Apo B ratio and lumbar BMD was explored through weighted multiple stratified linear regression, while the smooth curve fitting model was utilized for analyzing nonlinear relation. In the nonlinear relation, the inflection point was calculated by saturation threshold analysis. The weighted two-piecewise linear regression model was constructed.

Results

After covariates were adjusted, the relation between serum LDL-C/Apo B ratio and lumbar BMD varied by sex (males: β = -0.0126, 95% CI -0.0892, 0.0640; females: β = 0.0322, 95% CI -0.0367, 0.1011). By performing age-stratified subgroup analysis, the association also varied by age and sex. Males aged 20–30 years presented a negative trend (β = -0.0570, 95% CI -0.1656, 0.0517), and males with the age of 31–40 years showed a positive trend (β = 0.0810, 95% CI -0.0312, 0.1931). Women showed a positive trend by age (females of 20–30 years: β = 0.0051, 95% CI -0.0935, 0.1036; females of 31–40 years: β = 0.0265, 95% CI -0.0767, 0.1296). In race-stratified subgroup analysis, the relations varied by sex and race. To be specific, non-Hispanic black males showed a negative trend (β = -0.0754, 95% CI -0.2695, 0.1188), and males of other races exhibited a positive trend. The trend was positive for women of all races.

Conclusion

Differences were detected in the association between serum LDL-C/Apo B ratio and lumbar BMD among cases aged 20–40 years across sex, age, and race/ethnicity. In addition, the inflection points in U-shaped relationships were also calculated.
Acetabular and sacral insufficiency fractures in a patient with a long-term history of Alendronate consumption; a case report
Authors: Gharanizadeh Kaveh , Ravanbod Hadi , Aminian Amir , Hatami Saeed , Chaleshtori Ali Sherafati , Kazerani Soroush
Published: March 2023

Background

Long-term Bisphosphonate consumption has been reported to be associated with the incidence of atypical or insufficiency fracture, particularly in the proximal femur. We observed a case of acetabular and sacral insufficiency fractures in a patient with a long-term history of Alendronate consumption.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old woman was admitted with a complaint of pain in right lower limb following low-energy trauma. The patient had a history of Alendronate consumption for more than 10 years. The bone scan revealed increased radiotracer uptake in the right side of the pelvic, proximal right femur, and sacroiliac joint. The radiographs showed type 1 sacrum fracture, acetabulum fracture with femur head protrusion into the pelvis, quadrilateral surface fracture, fracture of the right anterior column, and right superior and inferior pubic fracture. The patient was treated with total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion

This case highlights the concerns regarding long-term bisphosphonate therapy and its potential complications.