bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pain as a predictor of frailty over time among older Mexican Americans
Authors: Sodhi Jaspreet K. , Karmarkar Amol , Raji Mukaila , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Al Snih Soham 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine pain as a predictor of frailty over 18 years of follow-up among older Mexican Americans who were nonfrail at baseline. Data were from a prospective cohort study of 1545 community-dwelling Mexican Americans aged ≥67 years from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (1995/1996-2012/2013). Frailty was defined as meeting 2 or more of the following: unintentional weight loss of >10 pounds, weakness, self-reported exhaustion, and slowness. The independent predictor was self-reported pain. Covariates included age, sex, marital status, education, comorbid conditions, body mass index, Mini-Mental State Examination, depressive symptoms, and limitation in activities of daily livings. General equation estimation was performed to estimate the odds ratio of frailty as a function of pain. A total of 538 participants (34.8%) reported pain at baseline. The prevalence of frailty among those with pain ranged from 24.4% in wave 3 to 41% in wave 8. The odds ratio of becoming frail over time as a function of pain was 1.71; 95% confidence interval: 1.41 to 2.09 after controlling for all covariates. Older age, hip fracture, high depressive symptoms, and activities of daily living disability were also associated with higher odds of becoming frail over time. Female participants and those with higher levels of education and high Mini-Mental State Examination scores were less at risk. In conclusion, pain was a significantly predictor of frailty. Early assessment and better management of pain may prevent early onset of frailty in older Mexican Americans.
Remifentanil for abdominal surgery is associated with unexpectedly unfavorable outcomes
Authors: Niedermayer Sebastian , Heyn Jens , Guenther Felix , Küchenhoff Helmut , Luchting Benjamin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Insufficient perioperative pain treatment is known as a highly predictive risk factor for the development of chronic postoperative pain. Remifentanil is an ultrashort-acting opioid that provides quick and efficient analgesia but is associated with the induction of opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Despite these well-known characteristics, this substance is being increasingly used in anesthesia and in a variety of medical fields, such as intensive-care medicine and obstetrics. The aim of our study was to reveal whether remifentanil influences postoperative pain, the requirement for postoperative analgesics, and requirement of antiemetics (as indirect indicator of postoperative nausea and vomiting), as well as the effects on time to extubation and length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit in daily clinical routine. From an electronic medical records database of 55,693 anesthesias, we analyzed data from all patients receiving intraabdominal surgery (visceral, gynecological, and urological) under general anesthesia or combined general-epidural anesthesia by propensity score matching. The administration of remifentanil was associated with higher postoperative pain scores despite a higher requirement of postoperative analgesics. Additional epidural analgesia was not able to avoid this finding. The intraoperative use of remifentanil is associated with a deterioration of pain levels and postoperative analgesic requirement, wherefore the potential benefit of this substance seems to be outweighed by its potential disadvantages. Especially in operative procedures in which high postoperative pain scores are expected, the unreflective use should be critically questioned.
Prioritizing HIV Services for Transgender Women and Men Who Have Sex With Men in Manila, Philippines: An Opportunity for HIV Provider Interventions
Authors: Restar Arjee Javellana , Chan Randolph C. H. , Adia Alexander , Quilantang Ma Irene , Nazareno Jennifer , Hernandez Laufred , Cu-Uvin Susan , Operario Don 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Transgender women (TW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are highly affected by the rising HIV epidemic in the Philippines. HIV providers are essential to curbing the epidemic. Between July and August 2017, we conducted one-on-one qualitative interviews with 15 HIV providers in Manila, Philippines. Overall, providers reported tension between willingness to provide care versus actual competencies. Most discussed treating every patient equally regardless of gender or sexual identities. However, many expressed hesitancies in providing HIV services due to (a) not knowing the health needs of TW and MSM, (b) having little to no training in HIV, and (c) difficulty being sensitive to patient gender and sexuality. Although providers were unsure about how to prioritize HIV services for TW and MSM, some expressed interest in learning and engaging these populations in their practices. Our findings suggest the importance of provider-focused interventions to prioritize TW and MSM health needs.
A Review on Surface Electromyography-Controlled Hand Robotic Devices Used for Rehabilitation and Assistance in Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Hameed Husamuldeen K. , Hassan Wan Zuha Wan , Shafie Suhaidi , Ahmad Siti Anom , Jaafar Haslina 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Spinal cord injuries, traumas, natural aging, and strokes are the main causes of arm impairment or even a chronic disability for an increasing part of the population. Therefore, robotic devices can be essential tools to help individuals afflicted with hand deficit with the activities of daily living in addition to the possibility of restoring hand functions by rehabilitation. Because the surface electromyography (sEMG) control paradigm has recently emerged as an interesting intention control method in devices applied to rehabilitation, the concentration in this study has been devoted to sEMG-controlled hand robotic devices, including gloves and exoskeletons that are used for rehabilitation and for assistance in daily activities.

Materials and Methods
A brief description is given to the previous reviews and studies that have surveyed the robotic devices used for rehabilitation; a comparison is conducted among these studies with respect to the targeted part of the body and the device's control method. Important issues about controlling by sEMG signal are accentuated, and a review of sEMG-controlled hand robotic devices is presented with an abbreviated description for each endeavor. Some criteria related to sEMG control are specifically emphasized, for instance, the muscles used for control, the number of sEMG channels, and the type of sEMG sensor used.

Discussion
It is noted that most of the sEMG-based controls for the devices included in this study have used the nonpattern recognition scheme due to the weak sEMG signals and abnormal pattern of muscle activation for stroke patients. In addition to sEMG-based control, additional control paradigms have been used in many of the listed robotic devices to increase the efficacy of the system; this cooperation is required because of the difficulty in dealing with the sEMG signals of stroke patients. Most of the listed studies have conducted the experiments on a healthy subject to evaluate the efficacy of the systems, whereas the studies that have recruited stroke patients for system assessment were predominately using additional control schemes.

Conclusions
This article highlights the important issues about the sEMG control method and accentuates the weaknesses associated with this type of control to assist researchers in overcoming problems that impede sEMG-controlled robotic devices to be feasible and practical tools for people afflicted with hand impairment.
Group A Streptococcal Vulvitis in Adult Women: Clinical Features and Association With Psoriasis
Authors: Liegeon Anne-Laure , Berville Sophie , Wendling-Héraud Jeanne , Moyal-Barracco Micheline 
Published: October 2019

Objectives
Group A streptococcus (GAS) vulvitis is rare, mainly reported in association with vaginitis. We examined the clinical features of GAS vulvitis in adults, the presence of other infected sites, and its association with dermatological conditions.

Materials and Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the medical files and photographs of adult patients with bacteriologically confirmed GAS vulvitis seen at 3 private clinics. Coexisting infected sites, associated dermatological conditions, and bacteriological results for the husbands of 3 patients were examined.

Results
Nineteen patients (mean age = 52.2 [range = 23–83] years) with vulvar GAS infections were identified. The vulvar symptoms consisted of pain (11 cases), pruritus (9), burning (4), and discharge (10). The predominant physical feature was bilateral erythema, mainly located on the labia minora and the inner aspect of the labia majora. This erythema was associated with oozing (3), edema (6), or fissures (6). Seventeen patients had an associated vaginal infection, which was asymptomatic in 7 cases; anal infections were present in 9 cases. The following 10 patients had associated dermatological conditions: psoriasis (6), lichen sclerosus (2), Paget disease (1), or vitiligo (1). Two (one each from the throat and penis) of the 3 bacteriological specimens taken from the 3 husbands were GAS positive.

Conclusions
In most adult women, GAS vulvitis is associated with a vaginal infection that may be asymptomatic. A bilateral, oozing, and edematous or fissured erythema involving the vulvar or anovulvar area is suggestive of GAS vulvitis. The association with psoriasis and the benefits of screening household members and sexual partners deserves further attention.
Severe Japanese encephalitis with multiple intracranial hemorrhages
Authors: Feng Qiaochan , Chen Qi , Bi Xizhuang , Yu Shaoxia , Wang Jiahui , Sun Xuwen , Ren Chao , Liu Hong , Guan Lina 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Intracranial hemorrhage occurs infrequently in Japanese encephalitis (JE), and even less frequently with hemorrhage occurring twice. In this report, we describe the clinical features and outcomes of a patient with confirmed JE combined with hemorrhage twice.

Patient concerns:
The patient, a 71-year-old Asian woman, was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of hemiplegia following fever and diarrhea. Soon her condition worsened and a decreased level of consciousness, respiratory failure, and paralysis of extremities occurred.
The brain diffusion-weighted imaging sequence showed suspicious abnormal signals in bilateral thalami. Japanese encephalitis virus immunoglobulin M antibody was detected in her serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples, so the patient was diagnosed with JE. During treatment, her condition became aggravated and the brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple lobar hemorrhages. One month later, the multiple lobar hemorrhages occurred again, as observed by a brain CT scan.

Diagnosis:
JE with multiple intracranial hemorrhages.

Interventions:
The patient was treated comprehensively, including surgery, lowering her intracranial pressure and ventilator-assisted breathing.

Outcomes:
One month later, the patient underwent another surgical procedure for intracranial hemorrhage and suffered a serious neurological disorder.

Lessons:
Severe intracranial hemorrhage may occur in elderly patients with JE, especially in those with poor vascular condition. Therefore, when treating such patients, great caution, as well as early detection and prevention, should be taken in case of the occurrence of severe intracranial hemorrhage.
Rehabilitation of neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Kim Won Bin , Lee So Young , Kim Bo Ryun , Kim Youn Ji 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic syndrome, is a central nervous system demyelinating disease consisting of optic neuritis and myelitis. Several studies have reported the effects of rehabilitation programs and specific exercises on outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis, but few have considered individuals with NMO. We present 2 cases of paraplegia due to NMO with rehabilitation outcome.

Patient concerns:
The first case corresponds to a 65-year-old woman with NMO presented with C4 incomplete American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale D, and the second case is a 41-year-old woman with NMO presented with C1 incomplete ASIA-C.

Diagnoses:
Two cases were confirmed by positive anti-aquaporin-4 antibody and presence of T2-weighted hyperintense lesion in spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging.

Intervention:
The first patient planned for focusing on left hand fine motor training through occupational therapy by strengthening and stretching muscle using E-link (Biometrics Ltd, Newport, UK) during 4 weeks, and the second patient received strengthening lower extremity and gait training using a lower-body positive pressure treadmill (AlterG, Anti-Gravity Treadmill, Fremont, CA) during 4 weeks.

Outcomes:
After a 4-week rehabilitation, the first patient's manual muscle testing was improved to grade 2/5 to 3+/5 in left upper limb specifically. Also, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) was improved 79 to 88. Functional gains were made in bathing, upper-extremity dressing, and using chopsticks independently. Also, the second patient's manual muscle testing improved to grades 1 to 2/5 to 3 to 4/5 generally, and ASIA scale improved C5 incomplete ASIA-D. SCIM was improved to by allowing walking independently and increasing lower-extremity dressing and toileting ability.

Lessons:
An intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program may lead to neurological and functional gains in patients with NMO.
Complete obliteration of a spontaneous pediatric vertebral arteriovenous fistula with patency of the parent vertebral artery
Authors: Zhang Chang-wei , Wang Ting , Richard Seidu A. , Xie Xiao-dong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VAVFs) are depicted with anomalous connections between the vertebral artery, or its branches, and the adjacent venous system. Most VAVFs occur as a result of direct trauma during accidents, whereas others have iatrogenic origin.

Patient Concerns:
We report a case of 11-year-old male who presented with right limb weakness and walking instability.

Diagnosis:
Magnetic resonance angiography as well as digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) of the neck demonstrated a right VAVF. The cervical medulla was compressed by a dilated vein in vertebral canal. The blood supply of the fistula was from the right vertebral artery, whereas drainage was via epidural and paraspinal venous plexus.

Interventions:
We introduced the TransForm Occlusion Balloon Catheter into right vertebral artery, identified the VAVF, and occluded it with the balloon.

Outcomes:
We successfully obliterated the VAVF with patency of parent vertebral artery with a balloon. The symptoms of the patient were relieved after the procedure. Two years’ follow-up revealed no recurrence of the fistula. The patient is currently well.

Lessons:
Patency of the parent artery following obliteration a VAVF is still a challenge. Obliteration of the VAVF with a balloon while the parent vertebral artery is still patent is very possible.
Which is the best probiotic treatment strategy to prevent the necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants
Authors: Bi Le-wee , Yan Bei-lei , Yang Qian-yu , Li Miao-miao , Cui Hua-lei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Previous studies have neglected to report the specific action of different probiotic genera in preterm infants. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of specific probiotic genera, we performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to identify the best prevention strategy for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

Methods:
MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials had been searched for randomized control trials reporting the probiotics strategy for premature infants.

Results:
We identified 34 eligible studies of 9161 participants. The intervention in the observation group was to add probiotics for feeding: Lactobacilli in 6 studies; Bifidobacterium in 8 studies; Bacillus in 1 study; Saccharomyces in 4 studies and probiotic mixture in 15 studies. This NMA showed a significant advantage of probiotic mixture and Bifidobacterium to prevent the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. A probiotic mixture showed effectiveness in reducing mortality in preterm infants.

Conclusion:
The recent literature has reported a total of 5 probiotic strategies, including Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and probiotic mixture. Our thorough review and NMA provided a piece of available evidence to choose optimal probiotics prophylactic strategy for premature infants. The results indicated that probiotic mixture and Bifidobacterium showed a stronger advantage to use in preterm infants; the other probiotic genera failed to show an obvious effect to reduce the incidence of NEC, sepsis and all-cause death. More trials need to be performed to determine the optimal probiotic treatment strategy to prevent preterm related complications.
Does relatively low iodine intake contribute to thyroid cancer? An ecological comparison of epidemiology
Authors: Zhang Yong-Li , Li Peng , Liu Zhi-Ya , Yi Jing-Ping , Chen Yan , Zhang Min , Lin Qi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Research on the relationship between iodine intake and thyroid cancer (TC) risk is limited, and the findings are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to provide emerging evidence for the association between iodine intake and TC risk in a Chinese population.
An ecological study of epidemiology is used to compare the iodine intake among populations with different TC incidence in Zhoushan, China. Incidence rates of TC were investigated and compared among four counties of the Zhoushan Islands from 2014 to 2018. Iodized salt consumption rate and the level of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) were analyzed for pupils and pregnant women from four counties.
During 2014 to 2018, a total of 2495 new cases of TC were diagnosed in Zhoushan Islands. The mean crude incidence rate of TC was 51.29 per 100,000 inhabitants, and the standardized (world population) incidence rate (SIR) was 31.34 per 100,000 population. Incidence rates (SIR and crude incidence rates) were significantly higher in women than in men (χ2 test, P < .05). Both male and female, the incidence of TC in Daishan County is higher than the other three counties of Zhoushan. Iodized salt consumption rate and median UIC in pupils and pregnant women in Daishan County was significantly lower than the other three counties (χ2 test and Kruskal–Wallis test, all P < .05). The population with high TC incidence has a lower iodized salt consumption and a lower level of UIC compare with the relative low TC incidence populations.
The low consumption of iodized salt with mild iodine deficiency may contribute to explain the exceptionally high incidence of TC in Daishan County. Further subtle designed studies are needed to provide additional insights into the epidemiology and etiology of TC and help identify the safe limit of iodine intake for prevention.
Catastrophic thoracolumbar spinal massive hematoma triggered by intraspinal anesthesia puncture
Authors: Yin Ruofeng , Zhu Yuhang , Su Zhenbo , Chang Pengyu , Zhu Qingsan , Gu Rui , Xing Hongjian , Zhao Baolin , An Yuan , Yang Fuwei , Zhang Bo-Yin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Intraspinal anesthesia, the most common anesthesia type of orthopedic operation, is regarded as safe and simple. Despite of the rare incidence, puncture related complication of intraspinal anesthesia is catastrophic for spinal cord. Here we present an intradural hematoma case triggered by improper anesthesia puncture. The principal reason of this tragedy was rooted in the neglect of spine deformities diagnosis before anesthesia. To the best of our knowledge, there is no specific case report focusing on the intradural hematoma triggered by improper anesthesia puncture.

Patient concerns:
Hereby a case of thoracolumbar spinal massive hematoma triggered by intraspinal anesthesia puncture was reported. The presenting complaint of the patient was little neurologic function improvement after surgery at 6-month follow-up.

Diagnoses:
Emergency MRI demonstrated that massive spindle-like intradural T2-weighted image hypointense signal masses from T12 to S2 badly compressed the dural sac ventrally, and his conus medullaris was at L3/4 intervertebral level with absence of L5 vertebral lamina. Hereby, the diagnoses were congenital spinal bifida, tethered cord syndrome, spine intradural hematoma, and paraplegia.

Interventions:
Urgent surgical interventions including laminectomy, spinal canal exploration hematoma removal, and pedicle fixation were performed. The patient received both medication (mannitol, mecobalamin, and steroids) and rehabilitation (neuromuscular electric stimulation, hyperbaric oxygen).

Outcomes:
Postoperation, he had regained only hip and knee flexion at II grade strength. His neurologic function was unchanged until 3 weeks postoperation. Six-month follow-up showed just little neurologic function improvement, and the American Spinal Injury Association grade was C.

Lessons:
By presenting an intradural hematoma case triggered by improper anesthesia puncture, we shared the treatment experience and discussed the potential mechanism of neurologic compromise. The principal reason for this tragedy is preanesthesia examination deficiency. Necessary radiology examinations must be performed to prevent misdiagnosis for spinal malformation.
A case report of an expensive yet necessary thoracentesis
Authors: Cocciardi Steven , Borah Amit , Terrigno Rocco , Abouzgheib Wissam , Boujaoude Ziad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Endobronchial ultrasound has revolutionized the field of bronchoscopy and has become one of the most important tools for the diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and para-bronchial structures. The reach of this technique has not been limited to these structures and pleural lesions have been at times accessible. To our knowledge, pleural fluid collections have not been accessed with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

Patient concerns:
52-year-old women with dyspnea, fever and a new loculated pleural effusion that was suspected to be the source of the fever but was not accessible through traditional thoracentesis.

Diagnosis:
Malignant pleural effusion.

Interventions:
Sampling and drainage of the loculated pleural fluid collection using EBUS scope introduced via the esophagus.

Outcomes:
Infection excluded. Resolution of fever and improved dyspnea after drainage of effusion.

Lessons:
The convex curvilinear ultrasound bronchoscope allows unprecedented access to thoracic structures. The reach is not limited to mediastinal lymph nodes and parenchymal masses adjacent to the airways, and pleural space and pleural fluid are at times accessible, particularly when one considers the esophageal approach.