Search

Background: The accessibility and fairness of the floating population's access to basic public health services have an important impact on improving the health level of the whole population. Existing studies have shown that medical insurance and social integration have an impact on basic public health services, but there are few studies on the specific influence path between the three. Therefore, the research purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of medical insurance for urban and rural residents and basic medical insurance for urban employees on the utilization of basic public health services, and to analyze the mediating effect of social integration. Methods: The data in this paper are derived from the 2017 China Mobile Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey data, which collects information on 31 provinces (regions, cities) and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps mobile population 169,989 people, all of whom come from China's relatively concentrated mobile population inflow areas (NHC FPSCo. 2021. Floating Population Service Center of NHC). After deleting part of the missing data and replacing the mean value, 154,586 people were finally included in the analysis. The proportion is 90.9%. Based on the data of China's floating population dynamic survey in 2017,we used Logistic regression method to analyze the effects of basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, basic medical insurance for urban employees and social integration on the utilization of basic public health services. Then we used the Bootstrap method of structural equation model to analyze the mediating effect of social integration. Results: Medical insurance for urban and rural residents (β = 0.236;95%CI:1.195 ~ 1.342) has positive impact on health education, it (β = 0,190;95%CI:1.150 ~ 1.272) also has positive impact on the establishment of residents' health records. Social integration (including political participation (β = 0.312;95%CI:1.324 ~ 1.410),activity participation (β = 0.724;95%CI:2.009 ~ 2.119), identity (β = 0.421; 95%CI:1.387 ~ 1.675))has positive impact on health education, it ((β = 0.312;95%CI:1.324 ~ 1.410), (β = 0.404;95%CI:1.463 ~ 1.534), (β = 0.282;95%CI:1.191 ~ 1.477)) also has positive impact on the establishment of residents' health records. In addition, BMIUE (β = 0.169;95%CI:1.150 ~ 1.219) has an impact on the establishment of residents' health records. The direct effect of medical insurance on the utilization of public health services was 0.092 (95%CI: 0.093 ~ 0.103), social integration was a partial mediator, the mediating effect was 0.127 (95%CI: 0.108 ~ 0.127), and the mediating effect size was 57.73%. Conclusions: Medical insurance can directly promote the floating population to use basic public health services, and can indirectly promote the improvement of public health service utilization level through social integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on the application of developmental care initiatives in Italian NICUs are rather scarce. We aimed to assess parental access to the NICUs and facilities offered to the family members and to test "the state of art" regarding kangaroo mother care (KMC) and breastfeeding policies in level III Italian NICUs. Methods: A questionnaire both in paper and in electronic format was sent to all 106 Italian level III NICUs; 86 NICUs (i.e., 80% of NICUs) were completed and returned. The collected data were analysed. In addition, a comparison between the 2017 survey results and those of two previous surveys conducted from 2001 to 2006 was performed. Results: In total, 53 NICUs (62%) reported 24-h open access for both parents (vs. 35% in 2001 and 32% in 2006). Parents were requested to temporarily leave the unit during shift changes, emergencies and medical rounds in 55 NICUs (64%). Some parental amenities, such as an armchair next to the crib (81 units (94%)), a room for pumping milk and a waiting room, were common, but others, such as family rooms (19 units (22%)) and adjoining accommodation (30 units (35%)), were not. KMC was practised in 81 (94%) units, but in 72 (62%), i.e., the majority of units, KMC was limited to specific times. In 11 (13%) NICUs, KMC was not offered to the father. The average duration of a KMC session, based on unit staff estimation, was longer in 24-h access NICUs than in limited-access NICUs. KMC documentation in medical records was reported in only 59% of questionnaires. Breastfeeding was successful in a small proportion of preterm infants staying in the NICU. Conclusion: The number of 24-h access NICUs doubled over a period of 13 years. Some basic family facilities, such as a dedicated kitchen, rooms with dedicated beds and showers for the parents, remain uncommon. KMC and breastfeeding have become routine practices; however, the frequency and duration of KMC sessions reported by NICU professionals still do not meet the WHO recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increased recognition in clinical settings of the importance of documenting, understanding, and addressing patients' social determinants of health (SDOH) to improve health and address health inequities. This study evaluated a pilot of a standardized SDOH screening questionnaire and workflow in an ambulatory clinic within a large integrated health network in Northern California. Methods: The pilot screened for SDOH needs using an 11-question Epic-compatible paper questionnaire assessing eight SDOH and health behavior domains: financial resource, transportation, stress, depression, intimate partner violence, social connections, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Eligible patients for the pilot receiving a Medicare wellness, adult annual, or new patient visits during a five-week period (February-March, 2020), and a comparison group from the same time period in 2019 were identified. Sociodemographic data (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and payment type), visit type, length of visit, and responses to SDOH questions were extracted from electronic health records, and a staff experience survey was administered. The evaluation was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Results: Two-hundred eighty-nine patients were eligible for SDOH screening. Responsiveness by domain ranged from 55 to 67%, except for depression. Half of patients had at least one identified social need, the most common being stress (33%), physical activity (22%), alcohol (12%), and social connections (6%). Physical activity needs were identified more in females (81% vs. 19% in males, p <.01) and at new patient/transfer visits (48% vs. 13% at Medicare wellness and 38% at adult wellness visits, p <.05). Average length of visit was 39.8 min, which was 1.7 min longer than that in 2019. Visit lengths were longer among patients 65+ (43.4 min) and patients having public insurance (43.6 min). Most staff agreed that collecting SDOH data was relevant and accepted the SDOH questionnaire and workflow but highlighted opportunities for improvement in training and connecting patients to resources. Conclusion: Use of evidence-based SDOH screening questions and associated workflow was effective in gathering patient SDOH information and identifying social needs in an ambulatory setting. Future studies should use qualitative data to understand patient and staff experiences with collecting SDOH information in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insight into and understanding of content and comprehensiveness in nursing documentation is important to secure continuity and high-quality care planning in long-term dementia care. The accuracy of nursing documentation is vital in areas where residents have difficulties in communicating needs and preferences. This study described the content and comprehensiveness of nursing documentation for residents living with dementia in nursing homes. Methods: We used a retrospective chart review to describe content and comprehensiveness in the nursing documentation. Person-centered content related to identity, comfort, inclusion, attachment, and occupation was identified, using an extraction tool derived from person-centered care literature. The five-point Comprehensiveness in the Nursing Documentation scale was used to describe the comprehensiveness of the nursing documentation in relation to the nursing process. Results: The residents' life stories were identified in 16% of the reviewed records. There were variations in the identified nursing diagnoses related to person-centered information, across all the five categories. There were variations in comprehensiveness within all five categories, and inclusion and occupation had the least comprehensive information. Conclusion: Findings from this study highlights challenges in documenting person-centered information in a comprehensive way. To improve nursing documentation of residents living with dementia in nursing homes, nurses need to include residents' perspectives and experiences in their planning and evaluation of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnostic value of platelet indices has been evaluated in various infectious diseases but not in infected nonunion. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of platelet indices for diagnosis of infected nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation. Methods: This retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent primary fracture nonunion revision surgeries from January 2016 to December 2021. A total of 297 patients were included in the study: 96 with infected nonunion (group A) and 201 with aseptic nonunion (group B). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic value of each index. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated and compared. Results: Demographic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. White blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma fibrinogen, plasma D-dimer, platelet count (PC), plateletcrit, and ratio of platelet count to mean platelet volume (PC/MPV) were significantly higher, and MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW) significantly lower, in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed PC/MPV and plasma fibrinogen to have better diagnostic value than the other coagulation indicators (AUC of 0.801 and 0.807, respectively). The combination of ESR, plasma fibrinogen, and PC/MPV had good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of infected nonunion. PC/MPV had better diagnostic value than ESR and plasma fibrinogen in the subgroup of patients with coagulation-related comorbidities. Conclusions: Plasma fibrinogen and PC/MPV ratio might be useful parameters for early diagnosis of infected nonunion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fusion of the lumbar spine may lead to the degeneration of the adjacent segments. In this study, the effects of OLIF and TLIF on adjacent segments after treatment of L4 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) were compared and analysed. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of consecutive patients treated with OLIF or TLIF for L4DLS. They were divided into the OLIF group and TLIF group based on different treatment methods. Cage height, segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) were compared between the two groups, and the postoperative biomechanical changes were analysed by establishing the disc angle (DA). The clinical outcomes were analysed by comparing the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASDis) between the two groups. The intervertebral disc height (IDH), intervertebral foramen height (IDH), intervertebral foramen area (IFA), sliding distance (SD), and angular displacement (AD) in L3-4 and L5-S1 were compared between the two groups. The incidence of aggravated disc degeneration (ADD), the incidence of aggravated zygapophyseal joint degeneration (AJD) and the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) were compared between the two groups for radiological degeneration. Results: At the last follow-up, there was one case of ASDis in the OLIF group (2.78%) and two cases in the TLIF group (5.56%). At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative values, IDH, IFH, and IFA of the adjacent segments above and below L4-5 decreased in both groups (P < 0.05); the SD and AD increased in both groups (P < 0.05). The cage height and L4-5 IDH in the OLIF group were significantly higher than those in the TLIF group (P < 0.05). SL, LL, PT, SS, and L5- S1DA were significantly improved in the OLIF group compared with the TLIF group (P < 0.05). The incidence of L3-4ASDeg in the two groups was higher than that of L5-S1. The incidence of ASDeg and the incidence of L5-S1ADD in the OLIF group were lower than those in the TLIF group, but the incidence of L5-S1AJD was higher than that in the TLIF group. Conclusion: L4DLS after OLIF and TLIF treatment will cause adjacent segment degeneration, and L3-4 degeneration is more obvious than L5-S1 degeneration. OLIF has more advantages in restoring lumbar sagittal balance. Compared with TLIF, OLIF can weaken the degeneration of the L5-S1 disc and increase the degeneration of the L5-S1 zygapophyseal joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of the CA implants (Osstem Implant, Busan, Korea), calcium-modified surfaced treated implants on acid-etched surfaces sandblasted with alumina. Methods: From January 2013 to December 2015, 258 implants of 120 patients placed between 2013 and 2015 were retrospectively studied. Using medical records and periapical radiographs, sex, age, location, fixture width and length of placed implants, presence or absence of bone graft, types of bone substitutes and membrane used for bone grafting, primary and secondary stability, initial and delayed complications, and marginal bone loss were investigated. The success rate and survival rate of the implants in each group were analyzed retrospectively based on the criteria suggested by Albrektsson et al. Results: Between 2013 and 2015, with a follow-up longer than 5 years, 258 implants with an average diameter of 4.63 mm (3.5–5.5 mm) and an average length of 9.94 mm (7.0–13.0 mm) were placed in a total of 120 patients (61 males and 59 females) with a mean age of 63.7 years for an average of 62 months of observation period. The survival rate was 97.3%, the success rate was 94.2%, and the average final marginal bone loss was 0.074 mm. Conclusion: The CA implants manufactured with the improved surface treatment method exhibited a survival rate of 97.3% and a success rate of 94.2% over an average observation period of 62 months. The implants were not affected by most factors and had very high survival and success rates over a long period of observation. In particular, the stability of the implant was excellent, with no cases of failed implants in delayed placement after bone grafting and a healing period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The factors affecting neurological outcomes with unilateral open-door laminoplasty have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the characteristics of ectopic bone on poor neurological outcomes after unilateral open-door laminoplasty. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 112 patients who underwent unilateral open-door laminoplasty from September 2017 to September 2020. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association score recovery rate after surgery (Japanese Orthopedic Association recovery rate ≥ 50% and < 50%, respectively), all patients were divided into "poor" and "good" groups. The characteristics of ectopic bone and the position relationship between the open side and ectopic bone (for lateral ossification) in the two groups were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors for poor neurological outcome. Results: We identified patients with a mean age of 58.39 years and a mean follow-up of 25.43 months. Sixty (53.6%) patients experienced recovery of poor neurological function. On univariable analysis, significant predictors of poor neurological recovery were occupation rate of spinal canal > 60% (p = 0.000), ossification extending to C2 (p = 0.006), lateral ossification (p = 0.032) and opening side on the ipsilateral side of the ectopic bone (p = 0.011). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the occupation rate of spinal canal > 60% (P = 0.003), ossification extending to C2 (P = 0.041) and opening the door on the ipsilateral side for lateral ossification (P = 0.013) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of neurological function. Conclusions: An occupation ratio > 60% is the most important risk factor. Another one is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament extending to C2. Meanwhile, opening the door on the ipsilateral side is indeed a risk factor for lateral ossification. Better neurological function may be obtained by choosing the opposite side of the heterotopic bone as the open side. Therefore, the design of the surgical plan should comprehensively consider these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, only a few small studies have assessed the effects of major orthopedic traumas on the subsequent birth rate in fertile-aged woman. We assessed the incidences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures of the spine, pelvis, and hip or thigh and evaluated their association with the birth rate in fertile-aged woman. Methods: In this retrospective register-based nationwide cohort study, data on all fertile-aged (15–44 years of age) women who sustained a TBI or fracture of the spine, pelvis, hip or thigh between 1998 and 2013 were retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care. A total of 22,780 women were included in TBI group, 3627 in spine fracture group, 1820 in pelvic fracture group, and 1769 in hip or thigh fracture group. The data were subsequently combined with data from the National Medical Birth Register. We used Cox regression model to analyze the hazard for a woman to give birth during 5-year follow-up starting from a major trauma. Women with wrist fractures (4957 women) formed a reference group. Results are reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: During 5-year follow-up after major trauma, 4324 (19.0%) women in the TBI group, 652 (18.0%) in the spine fracture group, 301 (16.5%) in the pelvic fracture group, 220 (12.4%) in the hip or thigh fracture group, and 925 (18.7%) in the wrist fracture group gave birth. The cumulative birth rate was lower in the hip or thigh fracture group in women aged 15–24 years (HR 0.72, CI 0.58–0.88) and 15–34 years (HR 0.65, CI 0.52–0.82). Women with pelvic fracture aged 25–34 years also had a lower cumulative birth rate (HR 0.79, CI 0.64–0.97). For spine fractures and TBIs, no reduction in cumulative birth rate was observed. Vaginal delivery was the primary mode of delivery in each trauma group. However, women with pelvic fractures had higher rate of cesarean section (23.9%), when compared to other trauma groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that women with thigh, hip, or pelvic fractures had a lower birth rate in 5-year follow-up. Information gained from this study will be important in clinical decision making when women with previous major trauma are considering becoming pregnant and giving birth. Plain language summary: To date, only a few small studies have assessed the effects of major orthopedic traumas on the subsequent birth rate in fertile-aged woman. We assessed the incidences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures of the spine, pelvis, and hip or thigh and evaluated their association with the birth rate in fertile-aged woman. Data on all fertile-aged (15–44 years of age) women who sustained a TBI or fracture of the spine, pelvis, hip or thigh between 1998 and 2013 were retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care and the data was then subsequently combined with data from the National Medical Birth Register. A total of 22,780 women were included in TBI group, 3627 in spine fracture group, 1820 in pelvic fracture group, 1769 in hip or thigh fracture group, and 4957 in wrist fracture group, which was used as control group. Of these, 4324 (19.0%) women in the TBI group, 652 (18.0%) in the spine fracture group, 301 (16.5%) in the pelvic fracture group, 220 (12.4%) in the hip or thigh fracture group, and 925 (18.7%) in the wrist fracture group gave birth during the 5-year follow-up. Our results suggest that women with thigh, hip, or pelvic fractures had a lower birth rate in 5-year follow-up. Information gained from this study will be important in clinical decision making when women with previous major trauma are considering becoming pregnant and giving birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We sought to investigate the association between insurance coverage history and cervical cancer screening among Davidson County, Tennessee, women diagnosed with incident cervical cancer.Methods: We reviewed medical records of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer from 2008 through 2018 identified via the state's cancer registry and by active surveillance of diagnostic pathology reports for the HPV-IMPACT project. Per 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines, women were characterized into three screening history categories: "no screening", "no follow-up" and "test/screening failure". Multivariable logistic regression measured the association of prior inadequate insurance (underinsurance) and screening history ("no screening/no follow-up" compared to "test/screening failure").Results: Of 212 women, most (77%) had not undergone recommended cervical cancer screening or follow-up prior to cancer diagnosis. Overall, 28% of women had history of underinsurance in 5 years prior to diagnosis. In adjusted analyses, underinsured women were more likely to have a "no screening/no follow-up" prior to cancer diagnosis (aOR 4.26; 95% CI 1.15-15.80) compared to "test/screening failure" history. Non-white race (aOR 2.73; 95% CI 0.98-7.61), older age (aOR 1.03 per year; 95% CI 1.00-1.07), and history of smoking (aOR 4.07; 95% CI 1.54-10.74) were also associated with increased likelihood of "no screening/no follow-up".Conclusions: Previous underinsurance was independently associated with non-adherence to cervical cancer screening and follow-up guidelines among women with incident cervical cancer. Further study of factors contributing to inadequate cervical cancer screening and interventions to increase cervical cancer screening in high-risk populations is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zambia recently achieved UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets for HIV epidemic control; however, inpatient facilities continue to face a large burden of patients with advanced HIV disease and HIV-related mortality. Management of advanced HIV disease, following guidelines from outpatient settings, may be more difficult within complex inpatient settings. We evaluated adherence to HIV guidelines during hospitalization, including opportunistic infection (OI) screening, treatment, and prophylaxis. Methods: We reviewed inpatient medical records of people living with HIV (PLHIV) admitted to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia between December 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV biomarkers, and OI screening and treatment—including tuberculosis (TB), Cryptococcus, and OI prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole (CTX). Screening and treatment cascades were constructed based on the 2017 WHO Advanced HIV Guidelines. Results: We reviewed files from 200 charts of patients with advanced HIV disease; of these 92% (184/200) had been on ART previously; 58.1% (107/184) for more than 12 months. HIV viral load (VL) testing was uncommon but half of VL results were high. 39% (77/200) of patients had a documented CD4 count result. Of the 172 patients not on anti-TB treatment (ATT) on admission, TB diagnostic tests (either sputum Xpert MTB/RIF MTB/RIF or urine TB-LAM) were requested for 105 (61%) and resulted for 60 of the 105 (57%). Nine of the 14 patients (64%) with a positive lab result for TB died before results were available. Testing for Cryptococcosis was performed predominantly in patients with symptoms of meningitis. Urine TB-LAM testing was rarely performed. Conclusions: At a referral hospital in Zambia, CD4 testing was inconsistent due to laboratory challenges and this reduced recognition of AHD and implementation of AHD guidelines. HIV programs can potentially reduce mortality and identify PLHIV with retention and adherence issues through strengthening inpatient activities, including reflex VL testing, TB-LAM and serum CrAg during hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) are contraceptives that prevent unplanned pregnancy in a more safer and effective way than other modern short acting methods. However, method discontinuation and switching are still challenges for utilization of LARCs in resource limited countries for several reasons. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine magnitude and factors for method discontinuation and switching among LARCs users in health facilities of Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A Facility based record review was used to collect data from May to June 2019. Three hospitals were randomly selected from five hospitals found in southern Ethiopia. A total of 1050 records were included in the study from long acting family planning registers between 2018 and 2019. Data were entered to Epi-info 3.5.4 and exported to SPSS for windows version 20 for analysis. A descriptive statistics was performed to describe factors and reasons for LARCs discontinuation and switching off. Logistic regression technique with a 95% confidence level was used to determine the association between factors and magnitude of method discontinuation and switching. Results: Of the 1050, 69.8% of women discontinued long acting reversible family planning method before the recommended duration of use and 30.2% of them switched from long acting family planning methods to any other modern contraceptive methods. Women who shifted from any LARCs to short-acting family planning methods accounted for 38.8% of those who shifted to any other modern methods. Desire to get pregnant and method specific side effect were most common reasons for both method discontinuation and switching. Women with only one child were 1.61 times more likely to discontinue than women who had greater than five number of children. Conclusion: Discontinuation and switching of long acting reversible family planning method was high. Primiparous women were more likely to discontinue use of long acting reversible family planning methods. Re-evaluating family planning services focusing on effective counseling about side effects of LARCs methods is required. Training should also be given for family planning providers including community healthcare workers. Plain language summary: Ethiopia has a substantially greater percentage of unintended pregnancy than other developing and developed countries. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) has a potential to address a huge and growing unmet need in resource limited countries like Ethiopia, such as reducing unwanted births and abortion rates. As part of this global approach to fertility management, Ethiopia has been implementing various strategies like an on-going task shifting and task sharing with the implanon scale up program, and IUD revitalization program starting from the community health services to higher level healthcare systems to increase access and utilization of long acting reversible family planning methods. However, discontinuing LARCs before the recommended duration use and switching to short-acting contraceptives have proven difficulty in Ethiopia. This may have led to low utilization rate of LARCs in Ethiopian contexts including the study area, when compared to the national target. Very low coverage of use of LARC among unmet need has shown by many studies in various corners of the country. Thus, determining the magnitude and factors of LARC discontinuing and switching is still a pressing need to establish additional strategies used to improve consistent use of LARC for the recommended duration and expand access to LARC for better planning of births. In this study we assessed magnitude and factors of LARC discontinuation and switching from a relatively huge number of records extracted from systematically selected health facilities in Southern Ethiopia. Extracted data from registers of long acting reversible family planning methods were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Accordingly, we found significant proportion women discontinued long acting reversible family planning methods before the recommended duration of use as well as switched from long acting reversible family planning methods to other modern short-acting methods due to various reasons. Only a number of children women had is associated with discontinuation and no single factor was associated with method switching in Southern Ethiopia. Family planning services should be re-evaluated with a focus on effective counseling on the side effects of LARCs approaches, and training for family planning providers, particularly community healthcare workers, should be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in octogenarians (patients aged ≥ 80 years) has been a challenge. Inter-spinal distraction fusion (ISDF)—a minimally invasive procedure—was used for treating LSS in octogenarians. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive ISDF technique for LSS in octogenarian patients. Methods: From April 2015 to April 2019, octogenarian patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery due to single-segment LSS were included. The patients were grouped into the ISDF group and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) group based on the type of surgery. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using scores of the visual analog pain scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) scale. Radiographs were assessed for the intervertebral angle (IA), lumbar lordosis (LL), and posterior disc height (PDH). After 2 years postoperatively, all patients underwent computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the fusion condition. Perioperative data and related complications were recorded. Results: Sixty-two patients were included (mean age: 82.22 ± 1.95 years). The ISDF and the PLIF groups had 34 and 28 patients, respectively. The average follow-up time was 2.1 ± 0.25 years. There was no significant difference in VAS, ODI, JOA, and PDH scores between both groups preoperatively and at each postoperative time-point. The IA and LL showed significant differences between both groups after surgery (p < 0.05). The postoperative IA in the ISDF group were significantly lower than the preoperative values, while that in the PLIF group were markedly increased. The PLIF group had an increased LL compared with that preoperatively (p < 0.05), while the LL in the ISDF did not significantly change. The operative time, blood loss, hospital stay time, and the rate of perioperative complications of the ISDF group were significantly lower than those of the PLIF group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the fusion rates between both groups. Conclusion: ISDF surgery is a viable method for octogenarian patients with LSS that provides a similar clinical efficacy, shorter operative time, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay time, and fewer complications, compared to the PLIF surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency Departments play a pivotal role in detecting cases of child abuse. Despite the efforts made in the past decades on the need for a screening method for the early detection of abuse victims, a unique instrument shared by the international scientific community has not been made. These instruments should be able to help recognizing whether it is necessary to further investigate the child's condition. The aim of the study is to illustrate the screening indicators in use since 2010 in the Emergency Department of the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital to early recognise the victims of abuse and the modifying process of the screening tool undertaken over the years. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the process that led to the editing of the indicators of child abuse in use nowadays at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital. We codified three clinical pathways to apply in case of suspected abuse. Furthermore, we investigated the medical records of screening-positive accesses in the Paediatric Emergency Department of the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital from January 2008 to October 2020. Results: An estimation of positive screening, regarding the type of abuse suspected, and the number of accessed in ED was made, resulting in a cohort of 956 patients. In 2010 we created a list of 14 items grouped in three clusters: anamnestic declarations or incongruences, carelessness/neglect and evident lesions at physical examination. Positivity to one of the items allows the actuation of the investigating protocol named as clinical pathway.In 2013, after three years of experience, the criteria were edited to increase specificity. The application of screening led to a median number of 82 suspected cases/year from 2013 to 2020. Conclusion: A screening tool is essential and productive for the early recognition of victims of abuse. An in-deep analysis of suspected cases through a standardized method, such as the clinical pathway, allowed reaching the diagnosis in a more accurate and precise manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advance Care Planning (ACP) enables physicians to align healthcare with patients' wishes, reduces burdensome life-prolonging medical interventions, and potentially improves the quality of life of patients in the last phase of life. However, little objective information is available about the extent to which structured ACP conversations are held in general practice. Our aim was to examine the documentation of ACP for patients with cancer, organ failure and multimorbidity in medical records (as a proxy for ACP application) in Dutch general practice. Methods: We chose a retrospective medical record study design in seven primary care facilities. Medical records of 119 patients who died non-suddenly (55 cancer, 28 organ failure and 36 multimorbidity) were analysed. Other variables were: general characteristics, data on ACP documentation, correspondence between medical specialist and general practitioner (GP), and healthcare utilization in the last 2 years of life. Results: In 65% of the records, one or more ACP items were registered by the GP. Most often documented were aspects regarding euthanasia (35%), the preferred place of care and death (29%) and concerns and hopes towards the future (29%). Median timing of the first ACP conversation was 126 days before death (inter-quartile range (IQR) 30–316). ACP was more often documented in patients with cancer (84%) than in those with organ failure (57%) or multimorbidity (42%) (p = 0.000). Patients with cancer had the most frequent (median 3 times, IQR 2–5) and extensive (median 5 items, IQR 2–7) ACP consultations. Conclusion: Documentation of ACP items in medical records by GPs is present, however limited, especially in patients with multimorbidity or organ failure. We recommend more attention for – and documentation of – ACP in daily practice, in order to start anticipatory conversations in time and address the needs of all people living with advanced conditions in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few epidemiological studies have been performed to clarify the association between glucose metabolism disorders in early adults (20 years old) and physiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI) in junior high school days. Therefore, we examined the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and body size (BMI) in early adulthood and lifestyles, including sleep habits and BMI in junior high school days in Shika town, a small town in Japan, by conducting a retrospective cohort study. Methods: We examined the HbA1c levels and body size (BMI) of 99 early adults who turned 20 years old between 2016 and 2020 and were residing in Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture. We obtained the information on lifestyles and living environment factors, including BMI, from a questionnaire survey conducted among the subjects during their junior high school days (13–15 years old) from 2009 to 2013. Results: No correlations were observed between the HbA1c levels and the BMI values of the early adults. A two-way analysis of covariance (with the HbA1c levels and BMI values of the early adults as main factors) of the body size and lifestyle habits of the junior high school students revealed that "sleep quality in junior high school" was significantly poorer in the high HbA1c group than in the low HbA1c group in the early adults with high BMI values only. This result was also supported by the logistic regression analysis result. Conclusions: The present results indicate that poor sleep quality in junior high school was associated with the high HbA1c levels of the early adults with higher BMI values, which suggests that good sleep quality in junior high school prevents the development of hyperglycemia. However, the present study did not find any relationship between early-adult BMI and HbA1c level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart rate (HR) related parameters, such as HR variability, HR turbulence, resting HR, and nighttime mean HR have been recognized as independent predictors of mortality. However, the influence of circadian changes in HR on mortality remains unclear in intensive care units (ICU). The study is designed to evaluate the relationship between the circadian variation in HR and mortality risk among critically ill patients. Methods: The present study included 4,760 patients extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database. The nighttime mean HR/daytime mean HR ratio was adopted as the circadian variation in HR. According to the median value of the circadian variation in HR, participants were divided into two groups: group A (≤ 1) and group B (> 1). The outcomes included ICU, hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortalities. The prognostic value of HR circadian variation was investigated by multivariable logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Patients in group B (n = 2,471) had higher mortality than those in group A (n = 2,289). Multivariable models revealed that the higher circadian variation in HR was associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.112–1.745; P = 0.004), hospital mortality (OR, 1.393; 95% CI, 1.112–1.745; P = 0.004), 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 1.260; 95% CI, 1.064–1.491; P = 0.007), and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.207; 95% CI, 1.057–1.378; P = 0.005), especially in patients with higher SOFA scores. Conclusions: The circadian variation in HR might aid in the early identification of critically ill patients at high risk of associated with ICU, hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic period is having a strong impact on the management of diabetes as well as other chronic diseases as shown by the most severe clinical presentation at onset. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in "Santissima Annunziata Hospital" (Chieti, Italy) during COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to the five previous years. Methods: A retrospective population-based incidence study was performed. Data were obtained from hospital records of 172 patients with new onset type 1 diabetes divided into two groups according to the diagnosis: Group I, between January 2015 and February 2020; Group II, between March 2020 and April 2021. Data regarding anthropometric, socio-economic and laboratory test were analyzed. DKA (pH < 7.30) and different severity of the disease (severe pH < 7.10; moderate pH < 7.20, mild pH < 7.30) were evaluated. A Spearman correlation between pH values and the main variables of interest was performed. Results: DKA frequency was increased by 19 percentage in Group II compared to Group I (55% vs 36%; P = 0.03) with a significant increased risk of severe DKA cases compared to the previous five years (severe DKA 22.5% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.01). pH values were significantly related with HbA1c, blood glucose and c-peptide values in all groups. In addition, in Group II but not in Group I, pH values correlated with Triglycerides and TG/HDL cholesterol ratio. Conclusions: During COVID-19 pandemic the risk of more severe clinical presentation of type 1 diabetes at onset is increased. The correlation with lipid profile might suppose an additional effect of lifestyle changes beside the delay in the diagnosis. Modifications of health care system need to be implemented during this peculiar situation in order to avoid such a relevant complication at onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although the use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT)-based navigation systems is unlikely to cause intraoperative contamination more than the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, the association between intraoperative CT/navigation and surgical site infections (SSIs) remains unclear. We investigated the incidence of SSIs and the association between intraoperative CT/navigation and SSIs for spinal surgeries. Methods: Of the 512 patients who underwent spinal surgery between April 2016 and December 2020, 304 underwent C-arm intraoperative fluoroscopy and/or Medtronic O-arm intraoperative CT/navigation system. We investigated the incidence of SSIs in patients with four techniques; no intraoperative imaging C-arm only, O-arm only, and both O- and C-arm used. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted using the prevalence of SSIs as the dependent variable. The independent variables were age, sex, and potential confounders including preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, use of instrumentation, C-arm, and/or O-arm. Results: The incidence of the SSIs in patients with no imaging, C-arm only, O-arm only, and both modalities used was 1.9%, 7.3%, 4.7%, and 8.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of SSIs between the four techniques. Multivariate logistic analyses showed a significant correlation between the prevalence of SSI and JOA scores (odds ratio, 0.878; 95% CI 0.759–0.990) and use of instrumentation (odds ratio, 6.241; 95% CI 1.113–34.985), but not use of O-arm. Conclusions: The incidence of the SSIs in patients with only O-arm used was 4.7%. Preoperative clinical status and use of instrumentation, but not use of the O-arm, were associated with SSIs after spinal surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite numerous low back pain (LBP) clinical practice guidelines, published studies suggest guideline nonconcordant care is still offered. However, there is limited literature evaluating the degree to which chiropractors, particularly students, follow clinical practice guidelines when managing LBP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of use of specific interventions for LBP by students at a chiropractic teaching clinic, mapping recommended, not recommend, and without recommendation interventions based on two clinical practice guidelines. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients presenting to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College teaching clinic with a new complaint of LBP from January to July 2019. Interventions provided under treatment plans for each patient were extracted. Interventions were classified as recommended, not recommended, or without recommendation according to two guidelines, the NICE and OPTIMa LBP guideline. Results: 1000 patient files were identified with 377 files meeting the inclusion criteria. The most frequent interventions provided to patients were manipulation/mobilization (99%) and soft tissue therapy (91%). Exercise, localized percussion, and advice and/or education were included in just under half of the treatment plans. Patient files contained similar amounts of recommended (70%) and not recommended (80%) interventions according to the NICE guideline classification, with half the treatment plans including an intervention without recommendation. Under the OPTIMa acute guideline, patient files contained similar amounts of recommended and not recommended care, while more recommended care was provided than not recommended under the OPTIMa chronic guideline. Conclusions: Despite chiropractic interns providing guideline concordant care for the majority of LBP patients, interventions classified as not recommended and without recommendation are still frequently offered. This study provides a starting point to understand the treatment interventions provided by chiropractic interns. Further research should be conducted to improve our understanding of the use of LBP guideline recommended care in the chiropractic profession. Trial registration: Open Science Framework # g74e8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary Spine Care (PSC) is an innovative model for the primary management of patients with spine-related disorders (SRDs), with a focus on the use of non-pharmacological therapies which now constitute the recommended first-line approach to back pain. PSC clinicians serve as the initial or early point of contact for spine patients and utilize evidence-based spine care pathways to improve outcomes and reduce escalation of care (EoC; e.g., spinal injections, diagnostic imaging, hospitalizations, referrals to a specialist). The present study examined 6-month outcomes to evaluate the efficiency of care for patients who received PSC as compared to conventional primary care. We hypothesized that patients seen by a PSC clinician would have lower rates of EoC compared to patients who received usual care by a primary care (PC) clinician. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. We evaluated 6-month outcomes for two groups seen and treated for an SRD between February 01, 2017 and January 31, 2020. Patient groups were comprised of N = 1363 PSC patients (Group A) and N = 1329 PC patients (Group B). We conducted Pearson chi-square and logistic regression (adjusting for patient characteristics that were unbalanced between the two groups) to determine associations between the two groups and 6-month outcomes. Results: Within six months of an initial visit for an SRD, a statistically significantly smaller proportion of PSC patients utilized healthcare resources for spine care as compared to the PC patients. When adjusting for patient characteristics, those who received care from the PSC clinician were less likely within 6 months of an initial visit to be hospitalized (OR =.47, 95% CI.23–.97), fill a prescription for an opioid analgesic (OR =.43; 95% CI.29–.65), receive a spinal injection (OR =.56, 95% CI.33–.95), or have a visit with a specialist (OR =.48, 95% CI.35–.67) as compared to those who received usual primary care. Conclusions: Patients who received PSC in an academic primary care clinic experienced significantly less escalation of their spine care within 6 months of their initial visit. The PSC model may offer a more efficient approach to the primary care of spine problems for patients with SRDs, as compared to usual primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary care plays a pivotal role in sustainable cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) but little is known about the organizational process of implementing the guidelines. The aim of the study was to describe the approach taken by a primary care group to implement the CVRM guideline. Methods: Stepwise introduction and implementation of a programmatic CVRM care program was organized and facilitated by the care group between April 2010 and January 2013 in 137 affiliated general practices with 188 general practitioners (GPs), in the vicinity of Eindhoven, Netherlands. Care group support comprised sufficient staff, support with data extraction based on ICPC and ATC codes and with identification of eligible patients by scrutinizing patient health records and adequate coding of disease conditions. Results: Patient selection based on availability of structured information on ICPC codes and risk factor levels from the electronic health records, led to 38,675 eligible patients in 2013. December 2019, the CVRM program was still running in 151 practices with 51,416 patients receiving programmatic CVRM care. Linking problems between 8 different electronic health record systems and the multidisciplinary information system for integrated care delayed adequate data collection until the beginning of 2013. Conclusion: Commitment of affiliated GPs, a structured approach with adequate coding of diagnoses and risk factors, central data registration and additional funding for sufficient staff support are important conditions for the introduction and implementation of successful and sustainable programmatic CVRM care. This approach constitutes the basis for long-term follow up and annual evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple contraindications to combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) use exist. The impact of these factors on contraceptive choice, particularly among women living with HIV (WLWH), is not well understood. We measured and compared the prevalence of contraceptive use and contraindications among WLWH and women not living with HIV (controls). Methods: We examined cross-sectional survey and medical chart data from 83 WLWH and 62 controls, aged 16–49 and sexually active, from 2013–2017. We compared the age-adjusted prevalence and types of contraceptives used in the last month and the proportion of women with CHC contraindications, including drug interactions, medical comorbidities, and smoking at ≥ 35 years old. All WLWH received care at an interdisciplinary, women-centred HIV clinic. Results: Compared to controls, WLWH were older (median [IQR)] 39 [34–43] vs 31 [23–41] years; p = 0.003), had less post-secondary education (37% vs 73%; p < 0.001), and more often had household income < $15,000/year (49% vs 30%; p = 0.006). WLWH trended to higher contraceptive prevalence than controls (80% vs 63%; p = 0.06 adjusted for age). Overall hormonal contraceptive use was similar. However, despite controlling for age, WLWH used CHC less (4% vs 18%; p = 0.006) than controls, and had more frequently undergone tubal ligation (12% vs 2%; p = 0.03). WLWH also experienced more CHC contraindications (54% vs 13%; p = 0.0001), including smoking at ≥ 35 years old (30% vs 6%; p = 0.0003) or a CHC-related drug interaction (all antiretroviral related) (25% vs 0%; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: WLWH attending our interdisciplinary clinic used hormonal contraception at similar rates as controls, though with different types. Differences may reflect different distributions of CHC contraindications. CHC contraindications present barriers to accessing the full range of contraceptive choices for WLWH. Guidelines and education for care providers and WLWH regarding contraceptive choices and drug interactions are needed, especially when care is provided without the benefit of an interdisciplinary women-centered healthcare team. Plain language summary: Background: There are many reasons why individuals cannot use combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC). The impact of these reasons on contraceptive choice for women living with HIV (WLWH) are poorly understood. We measured and compared the prevalence of contraceptive choice and factors that may preclude their use in WLWH. Methods: We examined survey and medical chart data from 83 WLWH and 62 controls (women not living with HIV), aged 16–49 and sexually active, from 2013 to 2017. We compared the prevalence and types of contraceptives used in the last month and the proportion of women with factors that would not allow the use of CHC, including drug interactions, medical conditions, and smoking at ≥ 35 years old. All WLWH received care at a women-centred HIV clinic. Results: Compared to controls, WLWH were older, had less post-secondary education, and more often had household income < $15,000/year. WLWH were more likely to use contraception than controls. Overall hormonal contraceptive use was similar. However, even when accounting for age, WLWH used CHC less than controls, and had more frequently undergone tubal ligation. WLWH also had more reasons that would preclude the use of CHC contraindications including smoking at ≥ 35 years old or a CHC-related drug interaction. Conclusions: WLWH attending our interdisciplinary clinic used combined hormonal contraception at similar rates as controls, though with different types. Differences may reflect the fact that WLWH more often have factors that do not allow the safe use of CHC. Guidelines and education for care providers and WLWH regarding contraceptive choices and drug interactions are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was designed as a cohort study using propensity-score matching to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) for finite element model (FEM) analysis from pre-collapse CT images of collapsed and non-collapsed hips. Through FEM analysis, a global graphical output around the hip joint can provide simple impression of stress distribution: concentration or dispersion. Methods: A total of 32 hips with ARCO stage 2 or 3 ONFH who were on follow up for over a one-year period were retrospectively reviewed. 16 hips with no interval progression of collapse were set as the study group, then 16 hips with progression of collapse which required arthroplasty were set as the control group using propensity-score matching. FEM was generated through Mechanical Finder for each patient, then 4500 N of load was applied to 1000 mm2 area at the top of iliac crest to analyze the models in terms of equivalents for yield stress. Results: Age, sex, and BMI had no significant differences between the two groups, while location (p = 0.015) was lateral, and size (p = 0.015) was significantly greater in the collapsed group. Non-collapsed hips mostly exhibited stress dispersion allocated to medial and lateral pillars, while collapsed hips exhibited stress concentration focused on the lateral pillar and the primary compression trabecula. (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Through FEM analysis, stress concentration to the lateral pillar and the primary compression trabeculae can be used to predict future collapse in ONFH with high probability. Results provide a simple and intuitive, yet valuable information to aid surgeons. Therefore, especially for young patients, holding out the lateral pillar through joint preserving procedures might be the key in preventing further collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) managed with an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program and develop a prediction model for improving the perioperative management of THA. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, patients who underwent primary THA in accordance with ERAS from May 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome was prolonged LOS (> 48 h) beyond the first postoperative day. We collected the clinical patient's clinical characteristics, surgery-related parameters, and laboratory tests. A logistic regression analysis explored the independent risk factors for prolonged LOS. According to published literature and clinical experience, a series of variables were selected to develop a nomogram prediction model to predict the risk of prolonged LOS following primary THA with an ERAS program. Evaluation indicators of the prediction model, including the concordance index (C-index), the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis, were reported to assess the performance of the prediction model. The bootstrap method was conducted to validate the performance of the designed nomogram. Results: A total of 392 patients were included in the study, of whom 189 (48.21%) had prolonged LOS. The logistics regression analysis demonstrated that age, sex, hip deformities, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative Day 1 (POD) hemoglobin (Hb), POD albumin (ALB), and POD interleukin-6 (IL-6) were independent risk factors for prolonged LOS. The C-index was 0.863 (95% CI 0.808 to 0.918) and 0.845 in the bootstrapping validation, respectively. According to the results of the calibration, ROC curve, and decision curve analyses, we found that the nomogram showed satisfactory performance for prolonged LOS in this study. Conclusions: We explored the risk factors for prolonged LOS following primary THA with an ERAS program and developed a prediction model. The designed nomogram was expected to be a precise and personalized tool for predicting the risk and prognosis for prolonged LOS following primary THA with an ERAS program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-retroviral therapy regimen discontinuations become a big challenge and cause diminishing the clinical and immunological benefit of treatment in Ethiopia. It reduces both the duration and the chance of viral control due to cross-resistance between different alternative drugs and overlapping toxicity between and within a class of antiretroviral drugs in Ethiopia. However, information's on the time of initial regimen discontinuation and its predictors are not well studied. Objective: This study aimed to assess the time to initial highly active antiretroviral therapy discontinuation and its predictors among HIV patients in Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia. Method: Institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 418 HIV patients who started HAART from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019. Data were collected from the patient chart using a data extraction tool. The Kaplan–Meier curve was employed to compare survival rates. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to identify independent predictors of time to initial regimen discontinuation. Result: A total of 418 patients on anti-retroviral therapy were followed. Incidence of initial HAART discontinuation was 16.7/100 person year. The median survival time was 3.5 years. Predictors showed association for time to initial HAART discontinuation were taking > 1 ART pills/day (AHR = 4.1, 95% CI 3.0–6.5), baseline CD4 count < 100 cells/mm3 (AHR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.5–4.7), 100–199 cells/mm3 (AHR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.0), baseline WHO clinical stage IV (AHR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.6–4.3) and stage III (AHR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–4.3) and TB infection (AHR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.5). Conclusion: Most of the discontinuation occurred after 1 year of initiation of HAART. Baseline WHO clinical stage, TB infection, baseline CD4 count, and taking > 1 ART pill/day were found predictors of initial HAART regimen discontinuation. Work on early detection of HIV before the disease is advanced and initiation of one ART regimen daily is vital for survival on the initial regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and imaging results of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PETLIF) through comparing it with minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MISTLIF). Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients with lumbar degenerative disease treated by PETLIF or MISTLIF from September 2017 to January 2019, and the patients were divided into two groups: the PETLIF group and the MISTLIF group. The clinical and imaging parameters of the two groups were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in operative time and complication rate. The estimated blood loss and the length of hospital stay in the PETLIF group were significantly better than those in the MISTLIF group. Compared with those before operation, the postoperative VAS-L and VAS-B scores were significantly improved after operation in the both groups. In addition, the postoperative VAS-B score of the PETLIF group was significantly lower than that of the MISTLIF group. At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the VAS-L score, VAS-B score, ODI score, and bony fusion rate. Conclusions: Both PETLIF and MISTLIF could achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease, but our study suggested that PETLIF had less damage, rapid recovery after operation, and short discharge time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gallstone disease (GSD) often coexist in the general population owing to shared risk factors. This study explored the relationship between NAFLD and GSD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 4325 patients with type 2 diabetes. GSD and NAFLD were confirmed using ultrasonography. GSD was defined as either asymptomatic gallstones or previous cholecystectomy, and each was analyzed separately. Result: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of GSD between patients with and without NAFLD (23.8% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.15). After case–control matching (1:1) of baseline data such as age, sex, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c between patients with and without NAFLD, there was still no significant difference in the prevalence of GSD (25.5% vs. 23.6%, P = 0.15). The prevalence of NAFLD in patients with asymptomatic gallstones was lower than that of patients without GSD (38.6% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.001), whereas the prevalence in those who had undergone cholecystectomy was much higher (61.2% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.001). The ratio of cholecystectomy to asymptomatic gallstone in patients with or without NAFLD was 1.97 and 0.79, respectively. The rate of cholecystectomy was higher in the patients with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (15.8% vs. 9.3%, P < 0.001), consistent with the result after case–control matching (17.3% vs. 11.2%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for numerous potential confounding factors, revealed that GSD (OR = 1.241, 95%CI: 1.036–1.488, P = 0.002) and cholecystectomy (OR = 1.946, 95%CI: 1.546–2.445, P < 0.001) were both strongly associated with NAFLD. However, asymptomatic gallstone (OR = 0.663, 95%CI: 0.513–0.856, P = 0.002) seemed to be negatively correlated with NAFLD. Conclusions: The prevalence of GSD was similar in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without NAFLD. The higher proportion of cholecystectomy and lower proportion of asymptomatic gallstones in patients with NAFLD suggests that NAFLD may increase the risk of complications of GSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To reveal noteworthy characteristics of intramedullary (IM) nail breakage in pertrochanteric femur fractures. Materials and methods: The data from 6 patients with IM nail breakage in our hospital between August 2008 and May 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. With an additional 64 cases reported in articles in the PubMed database prior to October 2019, a total of 70 cases were reviewed and analysed; epidemiological patient data and data on the initial trauma, fracture type, nail selected for the original surgery, time from surgery to breakage, mechanism and location of breakage, status of fracture healing, salvage treatment and prognosis were assessed. Results: Seventy patients with pertrochanteric fractures, including 2 stable fractures and 68 unstable fractures, experienced IM nail breakage at a mean of 9.4 months after the initial surgery. Among them, 9 (12.9%) occurred within 3 months, 23 (32.9%) between 3 and 6 months and 38 (54.3%) after 6 months. The mean age was 72.3 years, and 16 (22.9%) patients were younger than 65 years old. When nail breakage occurred, 66 fractures (94.3%) exhibited delayed union/non-union. Self-dynamisation was found in 12 cases (17.1%). The salvage procedures included 4 partial/total implant removal procedures, 17 hemi/total hip arthroplasty procedures, 3 conservative treatment procedures, and 46 revised osteosyntheses, of which 7 cases (15.2%) sustained secondary implant failure. No significant differences were found between the failure rates of IM nails and extramedullary(EM) devices (odds ratio [OR], 3.429; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.632–18.877; p = 0.330). Conclusion: IM nail breakage is a rare complication lack of time regularity and mostly occurs in unstable pertrochanteric fractures in the presence of delayed union/non-union. Osteosynthesis revision can be conduct by a new IM nail or EM device but considerable secondary failure rate is noteworthy. Self-dynamisation may be a warning sign of nail breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to cause multiple organ damage; however, little attention has been paid to the damage to the endocrine system caused by this virus, and the subsequent impact on prognosis. This may be the first research on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and prognosis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 235 patients were admitted to the hospital with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from 22 January to 17 March 2020. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatments were obtained from electronic medical records with standard data collection forms and compared among patients with different thyroid function status. Results: Among 235 patients, 17 (7.23%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, 11 (4.68%) severe non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), and 23 (9.79%) mild to moderate NTIS. Composite endpoint events of each group, including mortality, admission to the ICU, and using IMV were observed. Compared with normal thyroid function, the hazard ratios (HRs) of composite endpoint events for mild to moderate NTIS, severe NTIS, subclinical hypothyroidism were 27.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.07–105.7), 23.1 (95% CI 5.75–92.8), and 4.04 (95% CI 0.69–23.8) respectively. The multivariate-adjusted HRs for acute cardiac injury among patients with NTF, subclinical hypothyroidism, severe NTIS, and mild to moderate NTIS were 1.00, 1.68 (95% CI 0.56–5.05), 4.68 (95% CI 1.76–12.4), and 2.63 (95% CI 1.09–6.36) respectively. Conclusions: Our study shows that the suppression of the HPT axis could be a common complication in COVID-19 patients and an indicator of the severity of prognosis. Among the three different types of thyroid dysfunction with COVID-19, mild to moderate NTIS and severe NTIS have a higher risk of severe outcomes compared with subclinical hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]