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Purpose Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation has been proposed as a plausible supplementary rehabilitation strategy in stroke rehabilitation in the last decade. However, its exact benefit over traditional rehabilitation remain sparse and unclear. It is therefore the purpose of the current study to comparatively investigate the clinical benefits of the additional robot-assisted training in acute stroke patients compared to standard hospital rehabilitation alone. Methods Ninety acute stroke patients ( Results Both groups demonstrated significant improvement pre- and post-treatment for the BBS (robotic group p = 0.023; control group p = 0.033) but no significant difference (p > 0.1) between the groups were found. However, the robotic training group had more participants demonstrating larger BBS points of improvement as well as greater Brunnstrom stage of improvement, when compared to the control group. No significant within and between group statistical differences (p > 0.3) were found for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Conclusion The addition of robotic gait training on top of standard hospital neurorehabilitation for acute stroke patients appear to produce a slightly greater improvement in clinical functional outcomes, which is not transferred to psychological status.

We analyzed 2 batches of environmental samples after a microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis outbreak in Taiwan. Results indicated a transmission route from a parking lot to a foot washing pool to a swimming pool and suggested that accumulation of mud in the foot washing pool during the rainy season might be a risk factor.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is now considered fundamental when managing patients with chronic respiratory disease. The individual variation in functional exercise capacity (FEC) response to PR within the cohort is unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify FEC patterns in response to PR in patients with chronic respiratory disease using the trajectory modeling method. Methods: The data of 67 patients with the chronic respiratory disease were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed in this study. All patients received once-weekly supervised training for 8 weeks. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was used to measure FEC. Muscle strength and 6MWD were assessed at baseline, Week 4, Week 8 and monthly for two months after PR completion. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify patterns in 6MWD in response to PR. The generalized estimating equation method was then used to detect the differences within and between the trajectories of identified groups across time. Results: Patients were grouped into low- (n=13), moderate- (n=34) and high- (n=20) FEC group based on GBTM analysis. All groups demonstrated significant improvements in 6MWD and leg muscle strength after 8-week PR. Compared to the high-FEC group, a greater proportion of the patients in the low-FEC group required oxygen supplementation during training and had worse baseline leg muscle strength. Conclusions: Patients showed distinct patterns of 6MWD changes in response to 8-week PR. Distinct characteristics for the low-FEC group included poor lower extremity strength and a greater proportion of required oxygen use at home and during training.

Background The prevalence rate of reflux esophagitis (RE) in Asia, including Taiwan, has increased dramatically in recent years. However, few studies have discussed on its relationship with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between RE and MetS and its components. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study during 2013 to 2014 in Taiwan. A total of 4895 subjects who completed upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Health Examination Center of Changhua Christian Hospital were enrolled. RE was defined according to the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings and MetS was defined according to the Taiwanese criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each variable to assess the associated features for RE. We analyzed the relationship between the number of MetS components and the severity of RE using the chi-square test for trend. Results The prevalence rates of MetS and RE were respectively 28.5 and 59.6%. According to univariate logistic regression analysis, MetS was significantly associated with RE and remained a positive association in multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted ORß = 1.251; 95% CI = 1.071–1.462; p = 0.005). Furthermore, among the five MetS components, elevated blood pressure (adjusted ORγ = 1.163; 95% CI = 1.023–1.323; p = 0.021), abdominal obesity (adjusted ORγ = 1.173; 95% CI = 1.020–1.349; p = 0.026) and hyperglycemia (adjusted ORγ = 1.306; 95% CI = 1.142–1.495; p

Rationale: Progressive encephalopathy with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy-1 is an infantile, lethal neurometabolic disorder caused by a NAD(P)HX epimerase (NAXE) gene mutation. It is characterized by a fluctuating disease course with repeated episodes of improvement and regression. In this report, we present a rare case of NAXE gene mutation-related encephalopathy with unexpected neurological recovery and long survival time. Patient concerns: A 20-month-old girl presented with progressively unsteady gait and bilateral hand tremors after a trivial febrile illness. Her disease rapidly progressed to consciousness disturbance, 4-limb weakness (muscle power: 1/5 on the Medical Research Council scale), and respiratory failure. The patient gradually recovered 2 months later. However, another episode of severe fever-induced encephalopathy developed 2 years after the initial presentation. Diagnoses: Results of laboratory investigations, including complete blood count, blood chemistry, inflammatory markers, and cerebral spinal fluid analysis were unremarkable. Electroencephalography and nerve conduction velocity studies yielded normal results. Brain magnetic resonance imaging on diffusion-weighted imaging revealed abnormal sysmmetric hyperintensity in the bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles. A genetic study using whole exome sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of NAXE gene mutation-related encephalopathy. Interventions: Pulse therapy with methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, coenzyme Q10, and carnitine were initially introduced. After a NAXE gene defect was detected, the vitamin B complex and coenzyme Q10 were administered. A continuous rehabilitation program was also implemented. Outcomes: NAXE gene mutation-related encephalopathy is usually regarded as a lethal neurometabolic disorder. However, the outcome in this case is better than that in the previous cases. She showed progressive neurological recovery and a longer survival time. The muscle power of the 4 limbs recovered to grade 4. At present (age of 5.5 years old), she can walk with an unsteady gait and go to school. Lessons: Although NAXE gene mutation-related encephalopathy is rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of early onset progressive encephalopathy.

Background and Objectives: There are limited data on the association between severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and coronary artery calcification. This study investigated sonographic diagnosed NAFLD and coronary artery calcium score (CAC) as detected by cardiac multidetector computed tomography in general populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 545 patients were enrolled in this study. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography examination and CAC score were evaluated by cardiac multidetector computed tomography. The association between NAFLD and artery calcium score stage was determined by logistic regression analysis and Spearman correlation coefficient analysis. Results: Of all the participants, 437 (80.2%) had ultrasonography-diagnosed NAFLD and 242 (44%) had coronary artery calcification (CAC &gt, 0). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the risk of developing coronary artery calcification was 1.36-fold greater in the patients with different severity of NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.07–1.77, p = 0.016). The highest OR for separate coronary artery calcification was 1.98 (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.37–2.87, p &lt, 0.001) in the left main artery, and the risk was still 1.71-fold greater after adjustments (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.16–2.54, p = 0.007). Conclusions: This cross-sectional study demonstrated that the severity of NAFLD was associated with the presence of significant coronary artery calcification, especially in the left main coronary artery, suggesting increasing the cardiovascular risk.

Yen-Tze Liu,1 Pei-Yu Yang,2 Yu-Wen Yang,1 Hung-Yu Sun,1 I-Ching Lin1,3,4 1Department of Family Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, 2Department of Laboratory, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua City, 3School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, 4School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Background: Metabolic syndrome is a worldwide disorder and also the major risk factor of several systemic diseases. Evidence identifying the association between metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis is lacking, especially in Taiwan.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between nephrolithiasis and metabolic syndrome and its components.Design and setting: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Health Examination Department of a medical center in Changhua, Taiwan, from January 2010 to December 2010.Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who had visited the Health Examination Center of Changhua Christian Hospital in 2010. A total of 3,886 individuals were enrolled. According to the exclusion criteria, those with an age

Using a homemade auxiliary device, urinating in a standing position was a feasible alternative to a seated position for women during pregnancy. Pregnant women can experience difficulty voiding in a squatting or crouching position in the absence of a sitting toilet; voiding in a standing position represents a potential alternative. In previous studies [1, 2], voiding in the standing position using a homemade auxiliary device was demonstrated to be a feasible alternative for both young, healthy women [1] and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis [2]. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the voiding function of pregnant women in the standing position. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Rationale Bariatric surgery is the recommended treatment for morbid obesity because of its rapid and sustained body weight loss effect. Nutrient deficiency-related neurological complications after bariatric surgery are often disabling. Thus, early recognition of these complications is important. Neurological complications involving the central and peripheral nerve system after bariatric surgery were reported. However, the report on the clinical course of the concurrent involvement of central and peripheral nervous system is limited. We present a rare case of a patient who developed Wernicke encephalopathy concurrent with polyradiculoneuropathy after receiving bariatric surgery. Patient concerns A 22-year-old man with a history of morbid obesity presented progressive bilateral lower limbs weakness, blurred vision, and gait disturbance 2 months after receiving laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Bilateral lower limb numbness and cognition impairment were also noted. Diagnosis Brain magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy concurrent with acute polyradiculoneuropathy. Interventions Vitamin B and folic acid were given since admission. He also received regular intensive rehabilitation program. Outcomes The subject's cognitive impairment and diplopia improved 1 week after admission under medical treatments, yet lower limb weakness and gait disturbance were still noted. After a month of intensive inpatient rehabilitation, he was able to ambulate with a walker for 30 munder supervision. Lessons Nutrient deficiency-related neurological complications after bariatric surgery are often disabling and even fatal. Prevention of neurological complications can be improved through close postsurgical follow-up of the nutritional status. Recognizing the signs and symptoms and evaluating the medical history are critical to the early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially serious yet treatable condition.

Objective Focusing on the relationship between physical activity and incident cognitive impairment, the aim of this study was to investigate whether stroke rehabilitation reduces the risk of dementia. Methods Claims data of 1,000,000 insured subjects randomly selected from the National Health Insurance programme of Taiwan were used to identify adults with a newly diagnosed ischaemic stroke in 1997-2002. Among them, 1,375 received rehabilitation and 3,722 did not. Both groups were followed up until the end of 2007 to measure the incidence of development of dementia. Results The incidence of development of dementia was lower in the rehabilitation cohort than in the non-rehabilitation cohort (1.22 vs 1.70 per 100 person-years), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60-0.89) in the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Female gender (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07-1.50), older age (HR = 7.71, 95% CI = 3.36-17.7), low income (HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.42-2.33), and Parkinson's disease (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.33-2.03) were risk factors associated with the development of dementia. Conclusion Post-stroke rehabilitation is associated with a reduction in dementia risk among ischaemic stroke patients.

Urinating while standing is a possible alternative for elderly women with knee osteoarthritis when a sitting toilet is unavailable. We evaluated uroflowmetric characteristics and post-void residual urine volume in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis who urinated while standing.We recruited 21 women with a mean±SD age of 65.0±4.6 years who had a knee osteoarthritis Lequesne index score of at least 6 points and were unable to maintain or found it difficult to stand up from a squat or crouch. Participants used a homemade auxiliary appliance to collect urine and drain it forward while stand voiding. Uroflowmetric data, including voided volume, and maximal and average flow rates, were recorded. Post-void residual urine volume was detected using an ultrasound bladder scanner. Participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate their attitude toward stand voiding and using the auxiliary device.Maximal and average flow rates, and voided and post-void residual urine volumes were not statistically different while sitting and standing. No learning curve was noted for stand voiding. Uroflowmetry patterns while standing were smooth. Of the 21 participants 17 (81%) experienced no difficulty while stand voiding. All expressed willingness to urinate while standing position if they did not have access to a satisfactorily clean toilet seat.Urinating while standing is a feasible option for elderly women with knee osteoarthritis who have difficulty crouching or squatting to void in public restrooms.

Norcantharidin exhibits cytotoxicity in many cancer cell lines, including colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Its cytotoxic potency on primary CRC cells and other normal constituent cells of the human body remains elusive. This study investigates whether norcantharidin differentially exhibits cytotoxicity on primarily isolated CRC cells and dermal fibroblasts. The in vitro chemosensitivity of norcantharidin was measured using a MTT tetrazolium assay and compared with 73 primary tumor cells from surgically excised colorectal tumors, six human CRC cell lines and dermal fibroblasts. Observations of cytotoxicity to primary tumor cells reveal significant differences among genders and histological types; however, drug-induced chemosensitivity was not correlated with age or clinical stages of CRC patients. Norcantharidin had a similar cytotoxic effect on primary tumor cells and CRC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, normal fibroblasts were more resistant to norcantharidin-induced cytotoxicity than CRC cells. DAPI staining results demonstrated that norcantharidin caused CRC cell apoptosis by nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation. The release of cytochrome c and the triggering of caspase-3, -8 and -9 activation mediated apoptotic induction. Conversely, pretreatment with caspases or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors significantly suppressed norcantharidin-induced CRC cytotoxicity. These in vitro results suggest that norcantharidin may be a safe and effective anti-cancer drug for CRC.

Aims This study aims to evaluate the voiding disorder and lower urinary tract symptoms in mentally retarded children. Methods Fifty-one mentally retarded children (age 7.7 years) was assessed. A volunteer sample comprised of 36 typically developing children (age 6.4 years) served as the comparative group. All participants underwent uroflometric investigation, and residual urine was detected by sonography. Urological history including history of urinary tract infection, incontinence, frequency, and dysurea was collected. In addition, the mentally retarded group was classified according to IQ: severe mentally retarded group (IQ below 40) (n = 11), moderate mentally retarded group (IQ: 41 to 55) (n = 19), mild mentally retarded group (IQ: 56 to 70) (n = 21). Group comparisons were analyzed using Chi-square and Student's t-test. Results Of the 51 mentally retarded children, 18(35.2%) were found to have voiding dysfunction, which is significantly higher than the control group (8.3%). The incidence of urine incontinence and frequency is also significantly higher in the mentally retarded group. The comparison of the three mentally retarded subgroups showed that the severe mentally retarded group had the highest incidence of voiding dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Overall, the mentally retarded group had higher percentage of small bladder capacity. Conclusions We concluded that mentally retarded children have a higher incidence of voiding dysfunction and incontinence than the control group. Early detection of voiding dysfunction in an objective, non-invasive manner is important in mentally retarded children, particularly those with severe cognitive impairment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1272–1275, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Question Does an exercise training program improve the quality of sleep in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems? Design Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised trials. Participants Adults aged over 40 years with sleep problems. Intervention A formal exercise training program consisting of either aerobic or resistance exercise. Outcome measures Self-reported sleep quality or polysomnography. Results Six trials were eligible for inclusion and provided data on 305 participants (241 female). Each of the studies examined an exercise training program that consisted of either moderate intensity aerobic exercise or high intensity resistance exercise. The duration of most of the training programs was between 10 and 16 weeks. All of the studies used the self-reported Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess sleep quality. Compared to the control group, the participants who were randomised to an exercise program had a better global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of 0.47 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.86). The exercise group also had significantly reduced sleep latency (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.08), and medication use (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.74). However, the groups did not differ significantly in sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, or daytime functioning. Conclusion Participation in an exercise training program has moderately positive effects on sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults. Physical exercise could be an alternative or complementary approach to existing therapies for sleep problems.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between spinal cord injury (SCI) and the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a cohort study with a large representative sample. The National Health Insurance Database was used to select patients who were diagnosed from 2000 to 2010. Patients with a history of PAD were excluded. The SCI group comprised 42,673 patients diagnosed with SCI, and we enrolled 170,389 matched controls (non-SCI group). We used a Cox proportional hazards regression model to analyze the adjusted risk of PAD between the case and control patients. Patients with SCI exhibited a significantly higher risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22–1.53) of PAD than patients without SCI. Patients with diabetes were at the highest risk of developing PAD (adjusted HR = 3.11, 95% CI = 2.80–3.44). Among patients without comorbidity, SCI patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of PAD than non-SCI patients. Furthermore, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal spine, and multiple spine SCI were significantly associated with an increased risk of PAD (HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.33–1.84, HR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.59–2.79, respectively). SCI is associated with an increased risk of PAD. Future studies should focus on modifying risk factors to reduce PAD risk among patients with SCI.

A case of Cryptococcus neoformans osteomyelitis involving both the femur and rib is reported. A 50-year-old male presented with a 1-month history of a persistently painful right hip. Radiography revealed an osteolytic area in the subcapital region of the right femoral neck and trochanteric region, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intramedullary lesion in the peritrochanteric region. A Tc99m whole body bone scan showed significantly increased uptake in the posterior aspect of the right 7th rib as well as the right femoral region. Hemiarthroplasty with a bipolar prosthesis was performed. Because a permeative osteolytic lesion was identified intraoperatively, surgical resection was also performed. A culture from intraoperative specimens yielded C. neoformans. The rib infection was not treated surgically. Intravenous fluconazole was administered postoperatively. The patient became seronegative for cryptococcal antigen with no further illness over the next five years.

Drooling is a significant problem in 10 to 37% of patients with cerebral palsy.1 Excessive drooling creates major hygienic and psychosocial problems. Current medical management is unsatisfactory.1–3 Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has increasingly been used to treat drooling in neurologic disorders. 4–7 However, the optimal technique, starting dose, expected duration of effect, and relationship to certain patient characteristics remain to be clarified. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of BoNT-A injection into the contralateral parotid and submandibular glands to control drooling in children with cerebral palsy, and to determine the associated side effects of this treatment. ### Methods. The protocol was approved by our institutional review board. Thirteen patients with cerebral palsy with severe drooling were recruited. Three methods of drooling measurement were adapted: Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale,2 saliva weight, and drooling quotient.3 Patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group patients received two units of Botox (Allergan)/kg body weight into one parotid and the contralateral submandibular gland under ultrasound guidance (GE 700, GE Company). In the control group, 1.50 mL saline was similarly injected. SAS software (version 8.02; SAS Institute Inc., …

The correlation between hip replacement (Hip-Rep) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains uncertain. Thus, we investigated the relationship between Hip-Rep and risk of developing PAD in a nationwide retrospective cohort study. National Health Insurance data were used to assemble a cohort of patients who were diagnosed from 2000 to 2011. Patients with a history of PAD were excluded. A total of 5284 patients who received a Hip-Rep and 21,124 matched controls were enrolled. We used Cox proportional hazards regression model to analyze the adjusted risk of developing PAD. The risk of developing PAD in the Hip-Rep group was 1.24-fold higher (95% CI = 1.05–1.48) than that in the control group. The adjusted risk of developing PAD increased with patient age; compared with patients aged 50 years or younger, the risk among those ages at least 80 years was 4.87-fold higher. Patients with diabetes exhibited the highest risk of developing PAD (HR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.34–1.86). Compared with patients who had not received a Hip-Rep or reported any comorbidity, patients who received a Hip-Rep were 2.45-fold more likely to develop PAD (95% CI = 1.54–3.89); the risk increased with the number of comorbidities. Hip-Reps might be independently linked with an increased risk of developing PAD. The impact of Hip-Reps on this risk was greater in women and patients ages 65 years and younger and within the first year of follow-up.

Background Despite the availability of various medical treatments for vitiligo, a large percentage of patients fail to achieve satisfactory results. Surgical techniques offer a potential solution for patients with vitiligo who fail to respond to medical treatments. Objective We evaluated the practicality in treating vitiligo by using cultured autologous pure melanocytes and investigated the different results among stable localized vitiligo, stable generalized vitiligo, and active generalized vitiligo. Methods In all, 120 patients with vitiligo were treated with transplantation of autologous cultured pure melanocyte suspension after carbon-dioxide laser abrasion. Results Patients with stable localized vitiligo experienced the highest percentage of excellent repigmentation with 84% achieving 90% to 100% coverage, followed by 54% of patients with stable generalized vitiligo, whereas only 14% of patients with active generalized vitiligo experienced good repigmentation. Age and sex of the patients, and size and location of the lesions, did not show significant influence on the results of transplantation. Conclusion Autologous cultured pure melanocyte suspension combined with carbon-dioxide laser abrasion is an effective treatment for patients with stable vitiligo who fail to respond to medical treatments, especially for those with stable localized vitiligo.

Introduction: Antrodia camphorata is a Chinese herb. Recently, several reports demonstrated that it had growth-inhibiting effects on some cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether the crude extract of A. camphorata could inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells and examined the possible mechanisms involved. We also examined whether the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel on ovarian cancer cells would be affected by A. camphorata. Materials and Methods: Two human ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV-3 and TOV-21G, were treated with A. camphorata (3-300 μg/mL). An MTT assay was used to test its cytotoxic effect. The apoptosis-related factors including the activity of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and the cytochrome c level released from mitochondria were analyzed. The expression of Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, Bim, Bad, and Bak) was examined by Western blot analysis. Cell lines were further treated with paclitaxel or paclitaxel plus A. camphorata to examine the cytotoxic efficiency. Results: The MTT assay revealed that A. camphorata was cytotoxic to both the ovarian cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and release of mitochondrial cytochrome c increased in both ovarian cancer cell lines with increased dose of A. camphorata. Western blot analysis of Bcl-2 family proteins revealed an increased expression of Bad in SKOV-3 cells, whereas increased expression of Bim and Bak and decreased expression of Bcl-xL were noted in TOV-21G cells. In addition, the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel on SKOV-3 and TOV-21G cells was increased significantly with the addition of A. camphorata (P Conclusions: These in vitro results suggest that A. camphorata causes a cytotoxic effect on ovarian cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis. It may also enhance the antitumor effect of paclitaxel. Further studies with the ultimate goal of conducting clinical trials are warranted.