Search

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) affect women, men, and children globally. While physical therapy (PT) has been shown to improve PFDs, overall access to PT is limited because of provider shortage and expertise. We hypothesize telerehabilitation (TR) is a novel approach to address access and expertise care for PFD. Study Design: Case series. Case Descriptions: Three pelvic health patients (1 male and 2 females) volunteered to receive initial and follow-up care via TR. The male patient was treated for premature ejaculation, and the female patients were seen for postpartum recovery, stress urinary incontinence, and diastasis recti. A total of 9 visits were completed. Outcomes: Using a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based, synchronous mobile app, a 14-question survey, and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (for the male health participant), participants rated their experience with TR. The 3 participants rated the TR system as high quality (2/3) and very high quality (1/3). Using a mobile phone was the preferred digital device (2/3) compared with laptop use. All 3 participants felt their needs were met and that they received good care during the session. Summary: Telerehabilitation has the potential to deliver quality care with improved access for patients with PFD for both initial and follow-up visits. This case series presents 3 patients' perceptions of using TR for pelvic health PT care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Stroke, predominantly a condition of older age, is a major cause of acquired disability in the global population and puts an increasing burden on health care resources. Clear evidence for the importance of intensity of therapy in optimizing functional outcomes is found in animal models, supported by neuroimaging and behavioral research, and strengthened by recent metaanalyses from multiple clinical trials. However, providing intensive therapy using conventional treatment paradigms is expensive and sometimes not feasible because of social and environmental factors. This article addresses the need for cost-effective increased intensity of practice and suggests potential benefits of telehealth (TH) as an innovative model of care in physical therapy. Summary of Key Points:We provide an overview of TH and present evidence that a web-supported program, used in conjunction with constraint-induced therapy (CIT), can increase intensity and adherence to a rehabilitation regimen. The design and feasibility testing of this web-based program, "LifeCIT," is presented. We describe how wearable sensors can monitor activity and provide feedback to patients and therapists. The methodology for the development of a wearable device with embedded inertial and mechanomyographic sensors, algorithms to classify functional movement, and a graphical user interface to presentmeaningful data to patients to support a home exercise program is explained. Recommendations for Clinical Practice:We propose that wearable sensor technologies and TH programs have the potential to provide most-effective, intensive, home-based stroke rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little evidence regarding the association of body mass index (BMI) with postoperative mortality after craniotomy, especially in the Asian population. Our study aimed to explore the association between BMI and postoperative 30-day mortality in Chinese patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor resection., Methods: This large retrospective cohort study, Supplemental Digital Content 9, http://links.lww.com/JNA/A634 collected data from 7519 patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection. On the basis of the World Health Organization obesity criteria for Asians, included patients were categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 to 22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23to 24.9 kg/m2), obese I (25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and obese II (≥30 kg/m2). We used a multivariable logistic regression model to explore the association between different BMI categories and 30-day postoperative mortality. In addition, we also conducted stratified analyses based on age and sex., Results: Overweight (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.99) and obese I (adjusted odds ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.72) were associated with decreased 30-day postoperative mortality compared with normal-weight counterparts. Such associations were prominent among younger (age younger than 65 y) patients but not older patients, and there was an interaction between age and overweight versus normal weight on mortality (P for interaction=0.04)., Conclusions: We found that among Chinese patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors, there was a J-shaped association between BMI and postoperative 30-day mortality, with lowest mortality at 27 kg/m². Moreover, in young patients, overweight and obese I were both associated with decreased risk of 30-day mortality., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding or conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Background: Monocytes and monocyte-derived tissue factor (TF) promote the development of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Classical monocytes (C-Mcs) can be induced to express TF. Valproic acid (VPA) alleviates hemorrhagic shock (HS)-induced ALI (HS/ALI) and inhibits TF expression in monocytes. We hypothesized that C-Mcs and C-Mc-derived TF promoted HS/ALI and that VPA could inhibit C-Mc-derived TF expression and attenuate HS/ALI. Methods: Wistar rats and THP-1 cells were used to evaluate our hypothesis. Monocyte subtypes were analyzed by flow cytometry; mRNA expression was measured by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction; protein expression was measured by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, or immunohistology; inflammatory cytokines levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and ALI scores were used to determine the degree of ALI. Results: The blood %C-Mcs and C-Mcs/non-C-Mcs ratios, monocyte TF levels, serum and/or lung inflammatory cytokine levels, and ALI scores of HS rats were significantly increased ( P < 0.05). After monocyte depletion and thrombin inhibition, the inflammatory cytokine levels and ALI scores were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05). VPA reduced the %C-Mcs and C-Mc/non-C-Mc ratios, TF expression, inflammatory cytokine levels, and ALI scores during HS ( P < 0.05) and inhibited HS-induced monocyte Egr-1 and p-ERK1/2 expression ( P < 0.05). VPA inhibited hypoxia-induced TF expression in THP-1 cells by regulating the p-ERK1/2-Egr-1 axis. Conclusion: C-Mcs and C-Mc-derived TF accelerate the development of HS/ALI by increasing thrombin production. VPA inhibits HS-induced C-Mc production of TF by regulating the p-ERK1/2-Egr-1 axis and alleviates HS/ALI., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Shock Society.)

Objective: To review the effect of comprehensive chromosome screening-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, we conducted this meta-analysis to compare pregnancy outcomes of women who did and did not undergo such testing., Data Sources: We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception until February 28, 2022, for randomized controlled trials focusing on PGT-A treatment without any language restrictions., Methods of Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials involving women undergoing IVF with or without PGT-A and comprehensive chromosome testing. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated for the primary outcome using a random-effects model with the Mantel-Haenszel method., Results: A total of nine trials with 3,334 participants were included. Overall, PGT-A was not associated with an increased live-birth rate (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.96-1.34, I 2 =79%). However, PGT-A raised the live-birth rate in women of advanced maternal age (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.77, I 2 =50%) but not in women of nonadvanced age (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, I 2 =0%)., Conclusion: Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy increases the live-birth rate in women of advanced maternal age., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42022311540., Competing Interests: Financial Disclosure The authors did not report any potential conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Understanding pelvic anatomy is an important part of education during obstetrics and gynecology residency. Traditional teaching methods to learn pelvic anatomy have obstacles and are often costly., Method: We provide a self-constructed clay pelvic model to aid in the mastery of pelvic anatomy for obstetrics and gynecology residents and to estimate whether building a clay pelvic model would increase residents' confidence and knowledge in pelvic anatomy., Experience: Each resident constructed a clay pelvic model on a bony pelvis, along with the traditional didactic on pelvic anatomy. Demographics of the participants were obtained, followed by a knowledge test and confidence level and satisfaction surveys. Descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for data analysis. Nine residents (three postgraduate year [PGY]-1, one PGY-2, two PGY-3, three PGY-4) completed the knowledge and confidence questions before and after the simulation, along with the satisfaction survey. The median score from the 10 multiple-choice knowledge questions was 50% (30-70%) on the pretest and 70% (40-100%) on the posttest (P=not significant). Although most residents scored higher on the posttest, two residents scored 10% lower. Overall, 66.7% of residents improved their knowledge scores up to 30% after the simulation session. Self-assessed confidence level scores improved from 2-3 to 4 (1, lowest; 5, highest) for all questions asked (P=.010 to approximately .019). A majority of residents responded with 4 or 5 to the satisfaction statements., Conclusion: A low-budget clay pelvic model is easy to build and did increase residents' confidence in pelvic anatomy knowledge and satisfaction. Self-constructing a clay pelvic model would provide an excellent way of reviewing the major landmarks of pelvic anatomy., Competing Interests: Financial Disclosure The authors did not report any potential conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: Systemic inflammation is recognized as a hallmark of stroke. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of various inflammatory factors using blood at admission in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage., Methods: In a multicenter observational study of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, the counts of neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte were collected on admission. Patients were stratified based on neutrophil counts with propensity score matching to minimize confounding. We calculated the adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs for the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality and hospital-acquired infections., Results: A total of 6041 patients were included in this study and 344(5.7%) of them died in hospital. Propensity score matching analyses indicated that compared with the lower neutrophil counts, higher neutrophil counts were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.14–2.06]), hospital-acquired infections (odds ratio, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.38–1.79]), and delayed neurological ischemic deficits (odds ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.09–1.97]). Moreover, out of all the inflammatory factors studied, neutrophil counts demonstrated the highest correlation with in-hospital mortality and hospital-acquired infections., Conclusions: Among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, high neutrophil counts at admission were associated with increased mortality and hospital-acquired infections. The neutrophil count is a simple, useful marker with prognostic value in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background and Purpose: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in acutely ill patients. For patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), the association between CLD and mortality remains unknown., Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed consecutive aSAH patients admitted to the West China Hospital between 2009 and 2019. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality., Results: This study included 6228 cases of aSAH, 489 (7.9%) of whom also had CLD. In a propensity-matched analysis, CLD was associated with increased mortality in patients with aSAH compared with non-CLD (odds ratio, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.43–2.92]). In aSAH patients with CLD, a high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was still associated with an increased odds of mortality., Conclusions: Among aSAH patients, CLD was associated with increased mortality compared with non-CLD. Among aSAH patients with CLD, a higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was associated with an increased odds of mortality.

Objective: To investigate incidence and risk factors for postoperative complications after rectovaginal fistula (RVF) repairs, based on different surgical routes., Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized CPT codes to identify RVF repairs performed during 2005 to 2017 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographic/clinical characteristics were compared among different surgical routes. Logistic regression was performed to identify associations., Results: Among 1398 RVF cases, 1391 were included for final analysis: 159 (11.4%) were performed transabdominally (group 1), 253 (18.2%) transperineally (group 2), and 979 (70.4%) transvaginally/transanally (group 3). Group 1 was older compared with groups 2 and 3 (58.72 ± 15.23 years vs 44.11 ± 13.51 years vs 46.23 ± 14.31 years, P < 0.0001). Race/ethnicity was comparable in all groups with non-Hispanic-White most common. Comparably, group 1 had higher preoperative comorbidities: hypertension requiring medication (P < 0.0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = 0.0347), preoperative infection (P = 0.002), functional dependence (P = 0.0001), and longer time between hospital admission to operation (P < 0.0001). Group 1 also had longer operating time (P < 0.0001); more American Society of Anesthesiologist ≥ 3 classification (P < 0.0001); and more likely inpatient status (P < 0.0001). The overall incidence of any postoperative complications was 13.2% (25.2%, group 1 vs 15.8%, group 2 vs 10.6%, group 3; P < 0.0001). The most common postoperative complications included unplanned readmission, postoperative superficial surgical site infection, and reoperation. The incidence of severe postoperative complications was 7.9% (17%, group 1 vs 7.1%, group 2 vs 6.6%, group 3, P < 0.0001): group 1 had highest rates of pulmonary embolism (P = 0.0004), deep venous thrombosis (P = 0.0453), bleeding requiring transfusion (P < 0.0001), stroke (P = 0.0207), unplanned reintubation (P = 0.0052), and death (P = 0.0004). Group 1 also had highest rates of minor postoperative complications like urinary tract infection (P = 0.0151), superficial surgical site infection (P = 0.0189), and pneumonia (P = 0.0103). In addition, group 1 had the greatest postoperative length of stay (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, age (P = 0.0096), inpatient status at the time of surgery (P = 0.0004), and operating time >2 to 3 hours (P = 0.0023) were significant predictors of postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery., Conclusions: The overall incidence of complications after RVF repairs+/-concomitant procedures was 13.2%. The overall incidence of severe complications was 7.9%. The abdominal approach had more postoperative complications but it was not an independent predictor of postoperative complications after RVF repair., Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)

Background: Accumulating studies in recent years have revealed that platelet activation is an important factor inducing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in vivo, while the mechanism of this process is not fully elaborated, restricting its clinical use. Our previous study found that a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) could attenuate serum H3 elevation in septic mice, which was related to NETs formation, and others found HDAC6 to be involved in platelet activation, indicating that HDACis may attenuate platelet activation and result in reduced NETs formation., Methods: Freshly isolated human platelets were activated by TRAP-6 with or without a HDACi, and secretion of α-granules was evaluated by testing PF4 in the supernatant using ELISA. NETs were induced by coincubating neutrophils with preactivated platelets, quantified by fluorescent intensity of Sytox green, monitored by live-cell imaging, and qualitatively analyzed by immunofluorescence., Main Results: An in vitro bioreactive system to induce and monitor NETs formation using platelets and neutrophils was established. The PF4 elevation stimulated by TRAP-6 in the supernatant of platelets was attenuated by the HDACi, and NETs formation that was induced by coincubating neutrophils with the preactivated platelets was decreased in the presence of the HDACi., Conclusion: The HDACi attenuates NETs formation induced by activated platelets partially by modulating the secretion of platelets.

Objective: To characterize the phenotypic spectrum, molecular genetic findings, and functional consequences of pathogenic variants in early-onset KCNT1 epilepsy., Methods: We identified a cohort of 31 patients with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) and screened for variants in KCNT1 using direct Sanger sequencing, a multiple-gene next-generation sequencing panel, and whole-exome sequencing. Additional patients with non-EIMFS early-onset epilepsy in whom we identified KCNT1 variants on local diagnostic multiple gene panel testing were also included. When possible, we performed homology modeling to predict the putative effects of variants on protein structure and function. We undertook electrophysiologic assessment of mutant KCNT1 channels in a xenopus oocyte model system., Results: We identified pathogenic variants in KCNT1 in 12 patients, 4 of which are novel. Most variants occurred de novo. Ten patients had a clinical diagnosis of EIMFS, and the other 2 presented with early-onset severe nocturnal frontal lobe seizures. Three patients had a trial of quinidine with good clinical response in 1 patient. Computational modeling analysis implicates abnormal pore function (F346L) and impaired tetramer formation (F502V) as putative disease mechanisms. All evaluated KCNT1 variants resulted in marked gain of function with significantly increased channel amplitude and variable blockade by quinidine., Conclusions: Gain-of-function KCNT1 pathogenic variants cause a spectrum of severe focal epilepsies with onset in early infancy. Currently, genotype-phenotype correlations are unclear, although clinical outcome is poor for the majority of cases. Further elucidation of disease mechanisms may facilitate the development of targeted treatments, much needed for this pharmacoresistant genetic epilepsy., (Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology.)

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the effect of additional cadaver laboratory use in training obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residents on transobturator vaginal tape (TOT) insertion., Methods: Thirty-four OBGYN residents were randomized into 2 groups (group 1, control; group 2, intervention; 17 in each group). Before and after the interventions, written knowledge and confidence levels were assessed. Both groups received didactic lectures using a bony pelvis and an instructional video on TOT insertion; group 2 participated in a half day cadaver laboratory. Surgical skills were assessed by placing 1 arm of the TOT trocar on a custom-designed pelvic model simulator while being graded by an Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) board-certified proctor., Results: Demographics were comparable. Baseline knowledge and confidence level before interventions were similar. After interventions, knowledge scores improved for both groups (8.8% for group 1; 14.1% for group 2); TOT insertion scores were significantly higher in group 2 (6.76/15 ± 2.54 group 1; 10.24/15 ± 2.73 group 2, P < 0.01); confidence scores improved in both groups. The pelvic model simulator was rated as the most useful method to learn TOT placement by group 1. Group 2 rated TOT simulation (47%) and cadaver laboratory (41%). All trainees reported that the pelvic model was highly realistic., Conclusions: Cadaver laboratory exposure, along with other educational interventions (lectures and video), improves OBGYN residents' confidence, knowledge, and surgical skills regarding TOT placement. The custom-designed pelvic model allows for a realistic simulation of TOT placement: it can be used to assess resident surgical skills and also aid the training of OBGYN residents.

Objective: To expand the clinical phenotype of autosomal dominant congenital spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance (SMA-LED) due to mutations in the dynein, cytoplasmic 1, heavy chain 1 (DYNC1H1) gene., Methods: Patients with a phenotype suggestive of a motor, non-length-dependent neuronopathy predominantly affecting the lower limbs were identified at participating neuromuscular centers and referred for targeted sequencing of DYNC1H1., Results: We report a cohort of 30 cases of SMA-LED from 16 families, carrying mutations in the tail and motor domains of DYNC1H1, including 10 novel mutations. These patients are characterized by congenital or childhood-onset lower limb wasting and weakness frequently associated with cognitive impairment. The clinical severity is variable, ranging from generalized arthrogryposis and inability to ambulate to exclusive and mild lower limb weakness. In many individuals with cognitive impairment (9/30 had cognitive impairment) who underwent brain MRI, there was an underlying structural malformation resulting in polymicrogyric appearance. The lower limb muscle MRI shows a distinctive pattern suggestive of denervation characterized by sparing and relative hypertrophy of the adductor longus and semitendinosus muscles at the thigh level, and diffuse involvement with relative sparing of the anterior-medial muscles at the calf level. Proximal muscle histopathology did not always show classic neurogenic features., Conclusion: Our report expands the clinical spectrum of DYNC1H1-related SMA-LED to include generalized arthrogryposis. In addition, we report that the neurogenic peripheral pathology and the CNS neuronal migration defects are often associated, reinforcing the importance of DYNC1H1 in both central and peripheral neuronal functions., (© 2015 American Academy of Neurology.)

Objectives: Hemorrhagic shock (HS) can initiate an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response and multiple organ failure, especially if followed by a subsequent inflammatory insult ("second hit"). We have recently shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors can improve survival in rodent models of HS or septic shock, individually. In the present study, we examined whether valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, could prolong survival in a rodent "two-hit" model: HS followed by septic shock from cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were subjected to sublethal HS (40% blood loss) and then randomly divided into two groups (n = 7/group): VPA and control. The VPA group was treated intraperitoneally with VPA (300 mg/kg in normal saline [NS], volume = 750 μL/kg). The control group was injected with 750 μL/kg NS. After 24 h, all rats received CLP followed immediately by injection of the same dose of VPA (VPA group) or NS (vehicle group). Survival was monitored for 10 days. In a parallel study, serum and peritoneal irrigation fluid from VPA- or vehicle-treated rats were collected 3, 6, and 24 h after CLP, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to analyze myeloperoxidase activity and determine tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 concentrations. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of lungs at 24-h time point was performed to investigate the grade of acute lung injury., Results: Rats treated with VPA (300 mg/kg) showed significantly higher survival rates (85.7%) compared with the control (14.3%). Moreover, VPA significantly suppressed myeloperoxidase activity (marker of neutrophil-mediated oxidative damage) and inhibited levels of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in the serum and peritoneal cavity. Meanwhile, the severity of acute lung injury was significantly reduced in VPA-treated animals., Conclusions: We have demonstrated that VPA treatment improves survival and attenuates inflammation in a rodent two-hit model.

Background and Purpose: Traditional vascular risk factors do not completely explain the asymmetry, racial, and sex differences in carotid artery disease. Carotid anatomy and geometry may play a role in the pathogenesis of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, but their effects are unknown. We hypothesized that carotid artery anatomy and geometry would be independently associated with ICA stenosis., Method: This is a retrospective study of patients with CT angiography at Monash Medical Centre, 2006 to 2007. Carotid arteries were segmented using semiautomated methods to estimate measures of carotid anatomy and geometry. Measurements of carotid artery geometry were performed according to the recent article by Thomas and colleagues. ICA stenosis was dichotomized as <30% or ≥ 30% stenosis. Cluster logistic regression was used to examine the associations of anatomy and geometry with stenosis accounting for the paired arteries within subjects, adjusting for age, sex, and vascular risk factors., Results: Mean age of the sample (n=178) was 68.4 years (SD, 14 years). The following were independently associated with ICA stenosis: ICA radius at the bifurcation (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.14-0.29), ICA angle (OR, 1.05 per degree increment; 95% CI, 1.04-1.07), age (OR, 1.05 per year increment; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07), male sex (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.08-2.8), and ever-smoker (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.15-2.96)., Conclusions: Carotid anatomy and geometry may enhance the risk of stenosis independent of traditional vascular risk factors and may be of help in very early identification of patients at high risk of developing carotid artery atherosclerosis for aggressive intervention.

Background and Purpose: Although cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs), silent infarcts (SIs), and microbleeds (MBs) are individually associated with poorer gait and balance, it is unknown if they interact. We studied the interactions of WML volume with SI and MB on gait and postural stability., Methods: Participants in a population-based study aged 60 to 86 years underwent brain MRI, computerized gait measurement, and a physiological profile assessment of postural stability. Segmentation procedures and standard rating methods were used to measure WML, SI, and MB. Linear regression was used to test interactions between lesions on gait and postural stability, adjusting for age, sex, and total intracranial volume., Results: There were 395 participants (mean age, 72 years; SD, 7.0). SIs were predominantly located in subcortical frontal white matter and in deep gray structures, and MBs were largely lobar. Participants with SI or MB had higher WML volumes than those without (P<0.001 and P=0.05, respectively). The presence of SI (P for interaction=0.01) or MB (P for interaction <0.01) magnified the adverse association of WML volume with gait. SI (P for interaction=0.02), but not MB, magnified the adverse association of WML volume with postural stability., Conclusions: Subclinical cerebrovascular lesions are adversely associated with gait and postural stability in older people in a cumulative fashion.

Background: We have previously demonstrated that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and spray-dried plasma (SDP) improve early survival after lethal hemorrhage and polytrauma, but their effect on long-term survival and organ function remains untested., Methods: Yorkshire swine (n=27; 6-8/group) underwent a protocol simulating different phases of trauma care: (1) prehospital-rib fracture, soft-tissue injury, hemorrhage (50% blood volume), 30 minutes of shock, and infusion of 0.9% saline (3× shed blood); (2) early hospital/treatment-grade IV liver (partial amputation of the median lobe) and grade V splenic (transection of spleen into three pieces) injuries to simulate rupture of contained hematomas, followed by 30 minutes of uncontrolled hemorrhage. Animals were treated with (a) Hextend (6% hetastarch), (b) fresh whole blood (FWB), (c) SDP, and (d) VPA (300 mg/kg) plus Hextend. VPA was given during the prehospital phase, and the volumes of Hextend, FWB and SDP (reconstituted in water) matched shed blood; (3) repair/resuscitation-liver injury was controlled by suture control of the transected edge, and splenic injury was treated by partial splenectomy; 1 hour after repair of injuries, surviving animals were fully resuscitated with packed red blood cells; and (4) monitoring-survival was monitored for 7 days (primary endpoint), and blood samples were drawn serially to measure organ function., Results: Only 25% of the Hextend-treated animals survived. Addition of VPA improved survival to only 50% (p=0.28), whereas treatment with SDP and FWB increased survival significantly to 83% and 100%, respectively (p<0.05). Surviving animals showed no long-term organ dysfunction, postoperative hemorrhage, and delayed complications., Conclusions: In a clinically relevant lethal polytrauma model, administration of SDP significantly improves survival without any long-term organ dysfunction or complications., (Copyright © 2011 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

Objective: To determine the frequency and computed tomography (CT) characteristics of ovarian cysts in women of different ages., Methods: Five hundred ninety-five contrast-enhanced CT studies performed in 430 females aged 10 or older between January 2001 and December 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. For each study, we recorded the presence of ovarian cysts larger than 5 mm in diameter, with or without a hyperenhancing rim (HR, NR). The frequencies and CT characteristics of HR and NR cysts were analyzed according to phase of the menstrual cycle and patient age. Independent-sample t test, analysis of variance, chi test, and Fisher exact test were used to compare continuous data and categorical data between groups., Results: Ovarian cysts were more frequently seen on CT studies of women between the ages of 20 and 49 years than on those of women older than 50 years (P = 0.004). Cysts with no HR were seen in every age group; HR cysts were present only in patients younger than 50 years. Cysts with HR were seen more frequently during periovulatory and secretory phase than during menses and proliferative phase (P = 0.003). Cysts with HR had a mean volume of 1.8 cm; NR cysts had a mean volume of 5.3 cm (P = 0.004). Cysts with HR had a thicker wall (3.4 mm vs imperceptible) and a higher attenuation value (31.4 vs 14.8 Hounsfield units) and were more commonly associated with pelvic fluid (P = 0.005) than were NR cysts., Conclusions: Cysts with HR, previously proven to represent corpus luteal cysts, can be readily seen on contrast-enhanced CT studies in women of reproductive age. Familiarity of the varied CT appearance of these cysts is essential, lest they be misinterpreted as pathological entities.

A template based computerized medical record system known as the Emergency Medicine Department System (EMDS) was installed in the emergency department of the National University Hospital, Singapore, replacing handwritten records. A study was carried out to show how the implementation of the EMDS improved the quality of medical records. A retrospective review of old manual records and the ones generated by the EMDS was done by means of a scoring system. The raw scores represent the amount of information captured. The calculated means of scores were then used to compare the records. It was found that EMDS improves the quantity of data capture over the old records in all sections compared. This was seen regardless of the experience of the user. The use of a non-structured generic template results in less data captured compared with a structured symptom-specific template. The design of questions has a great influence in that a double-choice question captures more data than single-choice questions. Building in 'locking' or enforcement mechanisms in the EMDS also helped achieve almost full capture of critical information, such as examination time.

We report on a male infant with distinctive facial features, short stature and rhizomelic upper limb shortening. His MRI brain scan showed abnormal ventricular architecture and bilateral periventricular nodular grey matter heterotopia (BPNH). This child represents an apparently new dysmorphic syndrome.

Twelve children underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis during a 10-month period in one institution. The operative technique that has been described for adults was modified because of the smaller dimensions of pediatric patients. These modifications are discussed in this report, as are new alternatives for evaluating the common duct. No operative complications or conversions to open cholecystectomy occurred, and no complications after surgery were seen during an average follow-up period of 4.5 months. The benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy include decreased pain and ileus after surgery, shortened hospitalization, and improved cosmesis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and efficacious in children, and it compares favorably with traditional cholecystectomy in the pediatric age group.