Search

Child abuse is an important factor for Internet addiction. Despite numerous researches had observed there was a positive correlation between child abuse and Internet addiction, the strength of this association differed considerably in the previous studies. This study aims to obtain reliable estimates for effect sizes and investigate the potential moderator of the association between child abuse and Internet addiction. Thirty-one studies reported the association between child abuse and Internet addiction (273 effect sizes and 55,585 participants) through a systematic literature search. Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis approach, a three-level model was employed to conduct a three-level meta-analysis. The current meta-analysis found that child abuse was significantly positively correlated with Internet addiction. Besides, the study found that the type of child abuse and publication year had significant moderating effects on the association between child abuse and Internet addiction. This study suggested child abuse was a risk factor for Internet addiction. Moreover, child abuse is an essential factor should be considered when strengthening interventions for individuals' Internet addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with suture brace augmentation shows good time-zero biomechanical strength and a more rapid return to play compared with UCL reconstruction. However, there are concerns about overconstraint or stress shielding with nonabsorbable suture tape. Recently, a collagen-based bioinductive absorbable structural scaffold has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for augmentation of soft tissue repair. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to assess the initial biomechanical performance of UCL repair augmented with this scaffold. We hypothesized that adding the bioinductive absorbable structural scaffold to primary UCL repair would impart additional time-zero restraint to the valgus opening. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric elbow specimens—from midforearm to midhumerus—were utilized. In the native state, elbows underwent valgus stress testing at 30o, 60o, and 90o of flexion, with a cyclical valgus rotational torque. Changes in valgus rotation from 2- to 5-N·m torque were recorded as valgus gapping. Testing was then performed in 4 states: (1) native intact UCL—with dissection through skin, fascia, and muscle down to an intact UCL complex; (2) UCL-transected—distal transection of the ligament off the sublime tubercle; (3) augmented repair with bioinductive absorbable scaffold; and (4) repair alone without scaffold. The order of testing of repair states was alternated to account for possible plastic deformation during testing. Results: The UCL-transected state showed the greatest increase in valgus gapping of all states at all flexion angles. Repair alone showed similar valgus gapping to that of the UCL-transected state at 30° (P =.62) and 60° of flexion (P =.11). Bioinductive absorbable scaffold–augmented repair showed less valgus gapping compared with repair alone at all flexion angles (P =.021, P =.024, and P =.024 at 30°, 60°, and 90°, respectively). Scaffold-augmented repair showed greater gapping compared with the native state at 30° (P =.021) and 90° (P =.039) but not at 60° of flexion (P =.059). There was no difference when testing augmented repair or repair alone first. Conclusion: UCL repair augmented with a bioinductive, biocomposite absorbable structural scaffold imparts additional biomechanical strength to UCL repair alone, without overconstraint beyond the native state. Further comparative studies are warranted. Clinical Relevance: As augmented primary UCL repair becomes more commonly performed, use of an absorbable bioinductive scaffold may allow for improved time-zero mechanical strength, and thus more rapid rehabilitation, while avoiding long-term overconstraint or stress shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plethora of scientific evidence has pinpointed that teaching English as a foreign or second language (EFL) is difficult, challenging, and emotionally burdensome. Nevertheless, most English language teachers remain committed to the teaching profession and actively engage in the instructional environment. This has inspired several scholars worldwide to explore what personal, emotional, and psychological factors motivate English language teachers to engage enthusiastically in their workplace. While a large body of studies have to date examined the personal, emotional, and psychological predictors of English language teachers' work engagement, to our knowledge, no inquiry has investigated the role of academic buoyancy and self-efficacy in predicting EFL teachers' work engagement. Furthermore, the potential impact of demographic variables on the interplay between EFL teachers' academic buoyancy, self-efficacy, and work engagement has been disregarded. To bridge this gap, we examined the interplay of these three constructs among Chinese EFL teachers. To do so, we administered three pre-designed questionnaires to 242 EFL teachers working in Chinese schools and universities. The collected data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The outcomes of SEM divulged positive and strong relationships between Chinese EFL teachers' academic buoyancy, self-efficacy, and work engagement. The SEM results also indicated that academic buoyancy and self-efficacy could strongly and favorably predict Chinese EFL teachers' work engagement. Additionally, the study outcomes disclosed that demographic variables, including gender, educational degree, and teaching experience, directly impacted the interplay between Chinese EFL teachers' academic buoyancy, self-efficacy, and work engagement. These results may have significant implications for English teachers, teacher trainers, and educational principals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical correction for recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) can improve femoral trochlear morphology; nonetheless, the effects of surgical correction on femoral condyle morphology are unclear. Purpose: To investigate the morphological changes in the posterior femoral condyle in skeletally immature patients with RPD and trochlear dysplasia (TD) after surgical correction. Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 20 skeletally immature patients with bilateral RPD and TD were included in this study. For each patient, the knee that was dislocated more frequently or had sustained a recent injury was treated with medial patellar retinaculum plasty (group S; n = 20 knees), and the asymptomatic or only occasionally dislocated contralateral knee was treated conservatively (group C; n = 20 knees). The lengths of the anterior medial and lateral femoral condyles and the lengths of the posterior medial and lateral femoral condyles were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Trochlear morphological characteristics, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, and patellar tilt angle were compared between preoperative and final follow-up values with the 2-sample paired Student t test and were compared between groups S and C with the independent-samples t test. Results: The mean follow-up time was 60.7 ± 4.8 months. No knee in group S experienced a redislocation, whereas 80% (16/20) of knees in group C experienced a dislocation. There were significant group differences in the ratio of the posterior medial femoral condyle (PMFC) to the posterior lateral femoral condyle (PLFC) (group S, 1.08 ± 0.05; group C, 1.14 ± 0.06; P = .042). There was no significant difference in the ratio of the anterior lateral femoral condyle to the anterior medial femoral condyle (group S, 1.16 ± 0.13; group C, 1.18 ± 0.09; P = .635). In group S, all trochlear morphological characteristics and patellofemoral joint characteristics improved compared with preoperatively (P≤ .047 for all). In addition, all values significantly differed between groups S and C at the final follow-up (P≤ .044 for all). Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that the morphology of the posterior femoral condyle in skeletally immature patients with bilateral RPD and TD changes after surgical correction, with the PLFC growing faster than the PMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Little research has explored galactagogue food consumption in China. This study aims to investigate consumption patterns and how they relate to perceived insufficient milk supply and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Data were collected from postpartum women in China at six time points: baseline demographic questionnaire before hospital discharge (T0), galactagogue food questionnaire at 1 month postpartum (T1), Hill and Humenick Lactation Scale at 6 weeks postpartum (T2), and breastfeeding practices at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postpartum (T1, T3, T4, T5). Results: Of 218 participants who completed the galactagogue food questionnaire, 64.68% were consumers. No association was found between galactagogue food consumption and perceived insufficient milk supply. Consumers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively. Discussion: Future research should emphasize a deeper understanding of consumer behaviors and family support in providing professional guidance on postpartum nutrition that considers not only social and cultural experiences but also broader medical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of thin highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in total hip arthroplasty (THA) allows utilisation of larger femoral heads. However, concern surrounding postoperative complications remains. This study aims to investigate rates of revision and re-admission associated with thin HXLPE liners at short-term follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 3047 patients who underwent THA with a cementless modular acetabular implant with a 36-mm femoral head, and different thicknesses of HXPLE liners from 2011 to 2021. We identified 723 patients (23.7%) with a minimum 2-year follow-up and 206 patients (6.8%) with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Patients in the thin group (TG, n = 1020) received <5.1-mm liners with 52-mm size cups while patients in the non-thin group (NTG, n = 2027) received >5.1-mm liners with >52-mm size cups. Outcomes were compared using multi-variable logistic regressions while controlling for all significant demographic differences. Results: We found no significant differences in re-admission (3.9% vs. 4.3%, OR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.63–1.49; p = 0.874) and revision (2.5% vs. 3.2%, OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.41–1.26; p = 0.246) rates between groups. The difference in fracture rate between groups was not significant, but the 1 recorded acetabular fracture (5%) occurred in the NTG. Although the rate of liner exchange was lower in the TG (1.1%) compared to the NTG (2.3%), the difference was not statistically significant (OR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.24–1.05; p = 0.068). Liners were exchanged for liner wear in 1 hip (1%), aseptic reasons in 38 hips (66%), and peri-prosthetic joint infection in 19 hips (33%). Conclusions: Patients undergoing THA with a thin liner were not significantly predisposed to higher rates of revision surgery or poorer clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up when compared to those who received a thicker liner. Consequently, further long-term studies regarding the utility of thin HXLPE implants in reducing complications should be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Isolated head and liner exchange in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is an appealing option rather than full acetabular component revision; however, early outcome reports suggest high rates of complications requiring re-revision. This study seeks to compare the outcomes of these procedures. Methods: This retrospective study assessed 124 head and liner exchanges and 59 full acetabular cup revisions conducted at a single center between 2011 and 2019 with at least 2 years of follow-up. Baseline demographics did not vary by group. Mean follow-up was 3.7 (range 2.0–8.6) years. Results: In the head and liner exchange group, re-revision-free survivorship at 2 years was 79% for all-causes and 84% for aseptic reasons. In the full acetabular revision group, it was 80% for all causes (p > 0.99) and 83% for aseptic reasons (p > 0.99). The 2-year survivorship of head and liner exchange was non-inferior to that of full acetabular revision, correcting for surgical indication and history of prior revision (adj-OR 0.1.39, 95% CI, 0.62–3.28, p = 0.99). A best-fit multivariable model found that revision for instability (adj-OR=3.03, 95% CI 1.40–6.66, p = 0.005), prior revision (adj-OR 2.15; 95% CI, 0.87–5.32; p = 0.10), current smoking (adj-OR 2.07; 95% CI, 0.94–4.57; p = 0.07), and obesity (adj-OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.24–1.36; p = 0.22) were associated with failure within 2 years. Conclusions: In this analysis, 2-year outcomes for isolated head and liner exchange were non-inferior to full acetabular component revision. A future randomised prospective study should be conducted to better assess the optimal approach to revision in an aseptic failed hip arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Advanced age is considered a major risk factor for postoperative complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Consequently, older patients undergoing THA may require more detailed pre-procedural examinations and more healthcare resources postoperatively than younger patients. The purpose of this study was to compare discharge parameters and complication rates of THA in patients ⩾90 years old to those <90 years old. Methods: A retrospective review of 14,824 THA patients from 2011 to 2021 at a high-volume, urban academic centre was conducted. Patients ⩾90 years old were propensity-matched to a control group of patients aged <90 years old. Patient demographics, surgical time, hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and 90-day revision, readmission, and mortality rates were collected. Demographic differences and outcomes were assessed using chi-square and independent sample t -tests. Results: After propensity matching, the average age in the younger cohort (YC, n = 54) was 75.81 ± 7.89, and 91.61 ± 1.73 for the older cohort (OC, n = 54). The OC had a longer LOS than the YC (mean 3.90 vs. 3.06 days; p = 0.031). Discharge disposition significantly differed (p = 0.007); older patients were more likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities (33.3% vs. 14.8%) or acute rehabilitation centres (14.8% vs. 3.7%) and less likely to be discharged to prior place of residence (home self-managed/home with services, 51.9% vs. 79.6%). There was no significant difference in surgical time (93.87 ± 29.75 vs. 96.09 ± 26.31 min; p = 0.682), 90-day revision rate (3.7% vs. 0%; p = 0.153), 90-day readmission rate (9.4% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.543), and 90-day mortality rate (1.9% vs. 1.9%; p = 1.000). Conclusions: Although THA patients over 90 years of age had a longer LOS and differing discharge disposition, these patients had similar complications compared to their younger counterparts. Thus, our study supports similar efficacy of THA in patients 90 years and older relative to younger THA candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care has historically been under-utilized in patients with glioblastoma. Furthermore, literature on the utilization of healthcare and life-sustaining interventions during the late-stage of glioblastoma has been limited. Aim: To identify and compare healthcare utilization and life-sustaining interventions between patients with glioblastoma who received palliative care and who did not based on patients identified retrospectively from Taiwan Cancer Registry between January 2007 and December 2017. Design: In this study, palliative care was defined on the basis of claims submitted to the National Health Insurance, which has a specific code for it. Variables included demographic characteristics, the utilization of healthcare services, and invasive life-sustaining interventions. Setting/participants: Of the 1994 patients with glioblastoma identified, 1784 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 613 (34%) of whom received palliative care. Results: The survival of patients with glioblastoma under palliative care was significantly longer than that of those without palliative care. Those without palliative care had significantly more frequent intensive care unit admissions and a longer cumulative length of intensive care unit stay. Regarding cardiopulmonary or respiratory treatments, patients without palliative care had significantly more invasive interventions than those with palliative care. Patients receiving palliative care had significantly lower odds than those without life-sustaining interventions. Conclusions: Our retrospective analysis reveals that glioblastoma patients without palliative care had greater odds of receiving life-sustaining treatments within 1 year before their death, although no gains in survival as compared to those that received palliative care. These findings highlight the urgent need for palliative care in caring for patients with glioblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Third-generation hemispheric, titanium porous-coated (HTPC) acetabular cups have been shown to achieve good biologic fixation through enhanced porous ingrowth surfaces. They also allow for a wide range of bearing options, including polyethylene, dual-mobility, and ceramic liners. The purpose of the study is to review the mid-term clinical outcomes an HTPC acetabular cup with a minimum of 7-year follow-up. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on all consecutive patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an HTCP acetabular cup at an urban, tertiary referral centre. Descriptive statistics were used describe baseline patient characteristics. Outcomes collected included postoperative complications, survival free of reoperations, and presence of osteolysis at latest imaging follow-up. Implant survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 118 cases (114 primary, 4 revision) underwent THA with the HTCP acetabular cup at an average follow-up of 8.16 ± 0.85 years (range 7.02–10.28 years). Mean patient age at the time of surgery was 61.29 ± 12.04 years. All cases utilised a high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE) liner. None of the acetabular cups showed loosening or migration at the latest follow-up. There were 2 revisions in our study, 1 for abductor mechanism disruption and 1 due to surgical site infection where the acetabular cup was revised. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis for all-cause revision at 7 and 10-year follow-up showed a survival rate of 99.1% (95% confidence interval, 94.1–99.9%). Survivorship analysis for aseptic acetabular revision at 10-year follow-up showed a survival rate of 100%. Conclusions: At long-term follow-up, no radiologic and minimal clinical complications were identified in this series. The HTPC acetabular cup system, used in conjunction with a HMWPE liner, demonstrates excellent outcomes and survivorship when compared to earlier mid-term studies published in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we present our early outcomes of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) versus endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency in the Chinese mainland population. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients (53 patients in the CA group and 55 patients in the EVLA group) with GSV insufficiency who were treated with CA and EVLA between May 2020 and May 2021. The Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire were used to assess clinical symptoms and quality of life, respectively. Total closure rates and procedure-related adverse events were also recorded in both groups. Results: There was no significant difference between patients treated with CA or EVLA in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. The average procedure time was 17 min in the CA group and 35 min in the EVLA group (p < 0.001). The CA group had lower pain scores during the procedure and 3 days afterward than the EVLA group (p < 0.001). At month 12, the CA group had a 90.4% closure rate, while the EVLA group had an 83.0% closure rate, with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Venous Clinical Severity Score or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score between the groups (p > 0.05). During follow-up, neither group experienced any significant adverse events, such as pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis. The incidence of ecchymosis and paresthesia was significantly lower in the CA group than in the EVLA group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Cyanoacrylate ablation has a high feasibility profile and is an effective approach to accomplish complete GSV target vein closure at early follow-up in the Chinese patients. Compared to EVLA, the improvement in quality-of-life outcomes is also sustained and similar, with less pain and fewer complications due to the absence of tumescence anesthesia and postprocedural compression stockings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effects of robotic-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary fitness and exercise capacity for people with incomplete spinal cord injury. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL and CINAHL were searched from inception until September 4, 2022. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of robotic-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary fitness and exercise capacity for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury were selected. Mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The methodological quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the time since injury. Results: In total 19 studies involving 770 patients were eligible for analysis. Individuals with acute incomplete spinal cord injury in robotic-assisted gait training groups showed significantly greater improvements in 6-minute walking test (MD 53.32; 95% CI 33.49 to 73.15; P < 0.001), lower extremity motor scale (MD 5.22; 95% CI 3.63 to 6.80; P < 0.001) and walking index for spinal cord injury II (MD 3.18; 95% CI 1.34 to 5.02; P < 0.001). Robotic-assisted gait training improved peak oxygen consumption to a greater degree for chronic incomplete spinal cord injury patients (MD 4.90; 95% CI 0.96 to 8.84; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Robot-assisted gait training may be a feasible and effective intervention in terms of cardiopulmonary fitness and exercise capacity for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the factors related to postoperative recurrence in patients with localized laryngeal amyloidosis (LocLA) and to construct a nomogram prediction model (NPM). Methods: We collected the data for LocLA patients diagnosed from March 2000 to May 2019 and clinical characteristics data were extracted. Factors related to recurrence were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. The NPM was constructed for predicting the recurrence risk of LocLA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluated the distinguishing ability using the area under curve (AUC). The calibration curve was created to evaluate the consistency of the NPM. Results: A total of 226 confirmed LocLA cases were included. One hundred seventy-five cases (77.4%) had localized single nodule, and 51 cases had more than one lesions. Sixty-three (27.9%) cases had no multinucleated giant cell (MGC) around amyloid, and 163 (72.1%) cases had MGC around amyloid. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that more than one lesions (odds ratio [OR] = 3.206 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.492-6.888; P value:.003), subglottic involvement (OR = 2.926 and 95% CI: 1.300-6.585; P =.010), and no multinucleated giant cell (MGC) around amyloid (OR = 2.503 and 95% CI: 1.173-5.342; P =.018) had a statistically significant effect on postoperative LocLA recurrence (P <.05). The AUC of the ROC curve was 0.753 (95% CI: 0.667-0.832). The bias-corrected curve approached the ideal curve, with an average absolute error of 0.037. Conclusions: More than one lesions, subglottic involvement, and no MGC around amyloid are risk factors for postoperative recurrence of LocLA. The NPM constructed has good applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Social justice is a foundational social work value, but social work education continues to experience ongoing challenges with how to teach students to embody social justice values. The aim of this scoping review is to map empirical studies on teaching methods that translate social justice value into teachable curricula. Methods: Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, we conducted a rigorous process in which we screened 5953 studies and included a final sample of 35 studies. Results: Our findings identified seven main teaching approaches: intergroup dialogue, online asynchronized discussion board, simulation and role play, group work and presentation, written reflection, community-engaged learning, and social action-oriented learning. In terms of competency development, most of the studies focused on awareness and knowledge versus skill-building. Most teaching methods emphasized students' affective experiences during the social justice learning activities. Discussion: Challenges, lessons learned, and future recommendations of each teaching method are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study adopts a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach to problematize the representation of victims in the online educational messaging on sex trafficking promoted in the US "end-demand" movement. The websites of 20 US anti-trafficking groups are analyzed. While these website-based messages are positioned to educate the public about sex trafficking, they are predominately framed toward problematizing sex work and essentializing women with racialized and marginalized identities in sex work, with no discursive recognition of intersectional structural inequalities (e.g., racism, sexism, poverty, homo/transphobia) that lead to trafficking. These ideologically charged messages, when presented as "facts," further the anti-sex work sentiment among the public, powerfully (re)produce and sustain the public (mis)perception equating "anti-sex trafficking" with "anti-sex work," and legitimize the carceral feminist anti-trafficking practice that primarily criminalizes, censors, and oppresses the agency, behaviors, and needs of structurally marginalized communities. This paper calls attention to how injustice may be (re)produced in the way trafficking is represented and how representational injustice may translate into material consequences, further subjecting already marginalized groups to criminalization and surveillance. Through incorporating representational justice into our conceptualization of racial and social justice, we may (re)build an anti-trafficking framework that is structurally competent, rights-inclusive, and centered on humanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decades of neuroimaging research has revealed atypical development of intrinsic functional connectivity within and between large-scale cortical networks in autism spectrum disorder, but much remains unknown about cortico-subcortical developmental connectivity atypicalities. This study examined cortico-striatal developmental intrinsic functional connectivity changes in autism spectrum disorder and explored how those changes may be correlated with autistic traits. We studied 49 individuals with autism spectrum disorder and 52 age-, sex-, and head motion–matched typically developing individuals (5–30 years old (14.0 ± 5.6)) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Age-related differences in striatal intrinsic functional connectivity were compared between the two groups by adopting functional network–based parcellations of the striatum as seeds. Relative to typically developing individuals, autism spectrum disorder individuals showed atypical developmental changes in intrinsic functional connectivities between almost all striatal networks and sensorimotor network/ default network, with connectivity increasing with age in the autism spectrum disorder group and decreasing or constant in typically developing individuals. Age-related degree centrality and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity atypicalities in sensorimotor network/default network and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity disruptions in striatal regions were also observed in autism spectrum disorder. Significant correlations were found between cortico-striatal intrinsic functional connectivities and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule communication/repetitive and restricted-behavior subscores in autism spectrum disorder. Our results indicated that developmental atypicalities of cortico-striatal intrinsic functional connectivities might contribute to the neuropathology of autism spectrum disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there exists a growing body of research on female same-sex intimate partner violence (FSSIPV) as well as bidirectional intimate partner violence (BIPV) among lesbian women, much of this literature focuses on the IPV experience of women living in Western societies such as the United States. The current study represents the very first to explore BIPV among lesbian women in China. In this study, we analyze a survey sample of 225 self-identified lesbian women in China to examine FSSBIPV patterns, pattern-specific rates, and risk factors of FSSBIPV. Using the Latent Class Analysis technique, we discover three main patterns of partner abuse, including bidirectional psychological violence (60%), bidirectional violence multiple types with physical abuse (79.1%), and minimal violence (20.9%). Logistic regressions show that there is no significant demographic, socioeconomic, or attitudinal difference between the bidirectional psychological violence group and the minimal violence group while being younger, cohabitating, and holding pro-IPV attitudes significantly predicted higher odds of experiencing multiple types of bidirectional violence. Contributions to the literature, as well as policy implications, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatomyositis (DM) and muscular dystrophy are clinically difficult to differentiate. Purpose: To confirm the feasibility and assess the accuracy of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), T2 map, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in the differentiation of DM from muscular dystrophy. Material and Methods: Forty-two patients with DM proven by diagnostic criteria were enrolled in the study along with 23 patients with muscular dystrophy. Conventional MR, T2 map, DTI, and DKI images were obtained in the thigh musculature for all patients. Intramuscular T2 value, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) values were compared between the patients with DM and muscular dystrophy. Student's t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed for all parameters. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The intramuscular T2, ADC, FA, MD, and MK values within muscles were statistically significantly different between the DM and muscular dystrophy groups (P <0.01). The MK value was statistically significantly different between the groups in comparison with T2 and FA value. As a supplement to conventional MRI, the parameters of MD and MK differentiated DM and muscular dystrophy may be valuable. The optimal cut-off value of ADC and MD values (with respective AUC, sensitivity, and specificity) between DM and muscular dystrophy were 1.698 ×10−3mm2/s (0.723, 54.1%, and 78.1%) and 1.80 ×10−3mm2/s (61.9% and 70.2%), respectively. Conclusion: Thigh muscle ADC and MD parameters may be useful in differentiating patients with DM from those with muscular dystrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of violence on depressive symptoms in women. We analyzed panel data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families (n = 6,632). Exposure to sexual violence was a significant predictor of the onset of depressive symptoms. After adjusting for all covariates, other predictors included the perception of a poor or very poor health status than normal and participants in their 40s and 50s versus participants younger than 40 years. Assessing exposure to sexual violence might be beneficial for evaluating depressive symptoms in women who are newly diagnosed with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess preoperative psychological burden in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). Methods: A total of 100 patients undergoing VS resection between September 2019 and June 2020 completed preoperative psychological screening. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied the day before surgery, and a score >14 was considered clinically important. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were used to identify risk factors associated with increased preoperative psychological stress. Results: Of the 100 patients who underwent VS resection, 44% were male, with a mean age of 45.9 years. Twenty-two (22%) had HADS scores >14. For the univariate analysis, risk factors associated with elevated psychological burden included time since diagnosis, number of symptoms, headache, vertigo, and nausea and/or vomiting. In the regression analysis, the number of symptoms and greater time from diagnosis to treatment correlated with higher preoperative psychological stress. Conclusion: Nearly 1 in 4 patients with VS experienced clinically significant emotional burden preoperatively. Number of symptoms and greater time from diagnosis to treatment contributed to this psychological burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suspicion of retained products of conception (RPOC) often arises after delivery and still poses a diagnostic and management challenge. Purpose: To prospectively evaluate a sonographic classification for the management of patients with suspected RPOC after delivery. Material and Methods: Based on grayscale and Doppler ultrasound parameters, patients were classified into high, moderate, or low probability of RPOC. For the low and moderate probability groups, an ultrasound follow-up at the end of the puerperium was recommended. For the high probability group, a follow-up examination was conducted 10–14 days after the first ultrasound, and patients with persistent high probability findings were referred for surgical intervention. Results: The sample was composed of 215 patients at risk of RPOC. Of these, 100, 93, and 22 patients were classified as having a low, moderate, or high probability of RPOC, respectively. Rates of RPOC were 55%, 2%, and 2% in the high, moderate, and low probability categories, respectively. When the categorization was based on the most recent ultrasound obtained during the puerperium, the adjusted RPOC prevalence rates were 71% in the high, 6% in the moderate, and 0% in the low probability groups. Conclusion: This study confirms the effectiveness of our sonographic classification for managing patients with suspected RPOC after delivery. In all three categories, it is recommended to adhere to a conservative management protocol in clinically stable women until the end of the puerperium. This approach provides good predictability for RPOC and can reduce unnecessary surgical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is a global public health problem and a threat to the health of Korean workers. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of WPV and its association with mental and physical health among Korean workers. Methods: Data obtained for 50,205 respondents to the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey were utilized for this study. Verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, and sexual harassment were assessed individually and as a composite for "any WPV." Workers were characterized by education, income, shift work status, access to a health and safety education program, work sector and overall health. Descriptive analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of WPV and its association with mental and physical health. Findings: Overall, 5.6 % of workers reported experiencing one of four forms of WPV. The prevalence of verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, and sexual harassment were 4.9%, 0.7%, 0.2%, and 1.1%, respectively. Most perpetrators were customers. Prevalence of WPV was associated with lower education level, poor health status, long working hours, shift work, and no experience of health and safety education; 9.0% of service workers experienced violence. Workers who had experienced WPV were more likely to experience anxiety, sleep-related problems, depressive symptoms, back pain, headache/eye strain, and overall fatigue. Conclusions/Applications to Practice: Workplace violence is a serious occupational and public health concern in Korea. These results suggest managing WPV may improve workers' well-being and that violence-prevention strategies, policies, and regulations should be implemented across most industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) following fragility hip fracture (FHF) surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Significance: Prediction of patients at risk for SSI is fundamental. We aimed to determine whether subcutaneous radiographic fat measurement (SRM) is associated with increased SSI risk. Methods: A retrospective case-control comparison of SRMs at 3 locations around the hip. Patients diagnosed with SSI in the first postoperative year were matched with age, gender, surgical year, Charlsons' co-morbidity index score, and surgical type controls, not diagnosed with SSI, at a 1:2 ratio. Measurements included the distance between (1) the sourcil to skin surface (SS), (2) the tip of the greater trochanter to skin surface (TGTS), and (3) the most prominent lateral aspect of the greater trochanter to skin surface. Results: 1430 patients were operated during the study period, of whom 45 patients presented with a diagnosis of SSI and compared to 90 controls. Infections occurred 27.4 ( ± 24.8) days following surgery. SRM significantly differed between groups, and all were higher in the study group; SS, 86.8 ± 25.5 cm vs 74.2 ± 15.3 cm; TGTS, 59.8 ± 26.3 cm vs 47.0 ± 15.8 cm; and LGTS, 45.4 ± 25.1 cm vs 33.2 ± 15.1 cm (P = .003, .004, and .004, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficients (intra-rater) were high for all measurements (.999 for all). Intraclass correlation coefficients (inter-rater) for SS, TGTS and LGTS were high, .749 (.663.815), .792 (.719.847) and .817 (.751.866), respectively. Conclusions: SRMs were found to be a valid and reproducible tool for predicting high risk of SSI in geriatric patients sustaining FHFs. Level of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, women who domestically relocate from rural or less developed regions to major cities are at a higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) than their non-migrant counterparts. Few studies have focused on Chinese domestic migrant women's help-seeking for IPV and their use of different sources of support. The present study aimed to identify factors that influence migrant women's help-seeking decisions. In addition, we also examined factors that contribute to migrant women's use of diverse sources of support for IPV. A sample of 280 migrant women victimized by IPV in the past year at the time of the survey was drawn from a larger cross-sectional study conducted in four major urban cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Using a multinomial logistic regression model and a zero-inflated Poisson model, we found that factors influencing migrant women's help-seeking decisions and their use of diverse sources of support included socioeconomic factors, IPV type, relationship-related factors, knowledge of China's first anti-Domestic Violence Law, and perception of the effectiveness of current policies. We discuss implications for future research and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study evaluated the effect of chemotherapy dose-capping on disease recurrence, toxicity and survival of rectal cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: 601 consecutive rectal cancer patients treated with concurrent CRT were retrospectively analysed. Dose-capped patients were defined as having a body surface area (BSA) ≥2.0 m2 and who received <95% full weight-based chemotherapy dose. Binary logistic regression was used to study the factors associated with the outcome variables (capped vs. uncapped). Kaplan-Meier estimation evaluated significant predictors of survival. Results: The median follow-up time was 7.54 years. The rate of disease recurrence was significantly higher in dose-capped patients (35%) compared to those without dose-capping (24%, P = 0.016). The adjusted odds ratio for dose-capped patients experiencing recurrence was 1.64 compared to uncapped patients (95% CI, 1.10–2.43). Overall, dose-capped patients were less likely to experience significant toxicity requiring dose reduction and/or treatment break when compared to uncapped patients (15% and 28% respectively, P = 0.008).There was significant differences in PFS between capped and uncapped group (77% vs. 85%; P = 0.017). The 5-year OS in the capped group was 75.0%, and 80% in the uncapped group (P = 0.149). Conclusions: Rectal cancer patients treated with dose-capped CRT were at increased risk of disease recurrence. Patients dosed by actual BSA did experience excessive toxicity compared to dose-capped group. We recommend that chemotherapy dose-capping based on BSA should not be practiced in rectal cancer patients undergoing CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The application of the current perception threshold (CPT) in the diagnosis of pharyngeal sensory abnormalities has rarely been studied, and there is a lack of reference values for this application. This study established a normal reference range for CPT in the pharynx based on a study of a healthy population. Methods: The CPT values of the palatoglossal arch, posterior 1/3 of the lingual body and hard palate were measured in 60 healthy individuals at 2000, 250, and 5 Hz. The influencing factors were analyzed, and reference values for the CPT were established. Results: There was no correlation between the CPT value and gender. Age was only correlated at 250 Hz level in the hard palate. The CPT values of the palatoglossal arch were 324.95 ± 82.422 at 2000 Hz, 66.90 ± 38.622 at 250 Hz, and 13 ± 14.93 (7.83-22.75) at 5 Hz. The CPT values of the posterior 1/3 of the lingual body were 359.17 ± 76.299 at 2000 Hz, 86.92 ± 35.151 at 250 Hz, and 19 ± 15.73 (13.03-28.75) at 5 Hz. The CPT values of the hard palate were 157.5 ± 61.75 (124-185.75) at 2000 Hz, 57.63 ± 28.785 at 250 Hz, and 22 ± 25.73 (11.03-36.75) at 5 Hz. Conclusions: The CPT values of the pharynx in healthy people were not related to gender. The CPT values of the hard palate for 250 Hz stimulation were related to age, and there were no relationships between the CPT values and age for the other frequencies and loci. We established a normal reference range of CPT values in the pharynx from measurements obtained from healthy populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies were conducted to develop and validate the South Korean Attitudes Toward Multicultural Minorities Scale (SKAMMS). Exploratory factor analysis (n = 336) identified three factors: Unawareness of South Korean Privilege and Discrimination against Multicultural Minorities, Attitudes Against Multiculturalism, and Attitudes Against Advocacy and Policy for Multicultural Minorities. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 537) provided cross-validation of the 16-item, three-factor model and identified that a three-factor bifactor model best fit the data. Correlational analyses provided evidence of the discriminant and convergent validities of the SKAMMS. Evidence of incremental validity of the SKAMMS was obtained (n = 165), where the SKAMMS accounted for additional variance in criterion variables (i.e., cognitive, affective, and behavioral reactions toward racism) above other measures of attitudes toward multicultural minorities. The estimated 2-week test-retest reliabilities (n = 53) ranged from.67 to.82. We discuss implications for the use of the SKAMMS for practice, advocacy, education/training, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmokers and examined its association with mental health in Korean adolescents. We used the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2018 to extract data and analyzed 60 040 adolescents through three secondhand smoke exposure categories: home, school, and public places. Mental health included stress, insufficient sleep, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Secondhand smoke exposure was reported at 23.0% for home, 20.0% for school, and 51.4% for public places. Secondhand smoke exposures were associated with stress insufficient sleep, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, in the stratified analysis, secondhand smoke exposure was related to poor mental health in both nonsmokers and smokers. Based on the results, we concluded that Korean adolescents may experience poor mental health symptoms from being exposed to secondhand smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malformations of the temporal bone present different challenges to the implantation of a transcutaneous active bone conduction device, such as Bonebridge (Med-el, Innsbruck, Austria). This study aims to describe the benefits of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in preoperative assessment and to analyze whether characteristics of the mastoid process, intraoperative compression of the dura or sigmoid sinus, and the use of the Lifts system, lead to differences in audiological performance after implantation. Methods: We examined 110 cases of congenital microtia. The structure of the temporal bone was examined using HRCT and a 3D simulation software program. The mean anteroposterior mastoid bone thickness from the external auditory canal to the sigmoid sinus was measured (a measurement referred to as "AP", hereafter). Sound field threshold (SFT), speech reception threshold (SRT) in noise, and word recognition score (WRS) in quiet, before and after implantation, were also measured. Independent variables were recorded in all patients: mastoid type (well pneumatized or poorly pneumatized), the presence of dural or sigmoid sinus compression, and the use of the Lifts system. Results: We found that the mean AP in the non-compression group was 16.2 ± 2.3 mm and in the compression group, 13.1 ± 2.9 mm (p < 0.001). We analyzed the hearing improvement of patients grouped by mastoid development, dural or sigmoid sinus compression, and use of the Lifts system, and found that these factors did not interact and that they had no influence on the hearing outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The AP dimension in the non-compression group was significantly larger than that in the compression group. This finding combined with the ROC curve analysis revealed the AP dimension was a high-accuracy predictor of potential surgical complications involving the dura and sigmoid sinus compression. Further analysis revealed that there was no interaction between the chosen variables: mastoid type, dural or sigmoid sinus compression, and the use of the Lifts system, and that all of these factors had no significant impact on hearing performance. Bonebridge was shown to produce effective and stable bone conduction and to improve patients' hearing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the factors influencing runaway experiences among at-risk youth. Using the data of 1,743 at-risk youth from the 2016 survey of Korean adolescents' contact with media usage and harmful environment, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. This study shows that factors associated with the adolescents' experiences of family relationships, violence victimization, and harmful environment influence the occurrence of runaway behavior in at-risk adolescents. A significant outcome of this study is the identification of a harmful environment as a factor affecting runaway behavior. The factors identified need to be considered in the development of prevention programs targeting runway behavior among at-risk youth. School nurses are uniquely positioned to review and revise educational strategies to raise adolescents' awareness regarding the effects of harmful environments and to promote violence prevention. This framework provides school nurses with systematic methods for early identification and management of risk factors among at-risk youth runway behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the World Health Organization declared on March 11, 2020, a worldwide pandemic due to the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and emergency was declared in Spain, confining the population at home for several weeks. Topics include the pediatric emergency departments decreased significantly in the early phases of the lockdown, and the aim of our study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients.

Background: Patients with high-grade preoperative side-to-side differences in anterior laxity as assessed via the Lachman test after unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture are at heightened risk of early ACL graft failure. Biomechanical factors that predict preoperative side-to-side differences in anterior laxity are poorly understood. Purpose: To assess, in a cadaveric model, whether the increase in anterior laxity caused by sectioning the ACL (a surrogate for preoperative side-to-side differences in anterior laxity) during a simulated Lachman test is associated with two biomechanical factors: (1) the tibial translation at which the secondary anterior stabilizers, including the remaining ligaments and the menisci, begin to carry force, or engage, relative to that of the ACL or (2) the forces carried by the ACL and secondary stabilizers at the peak applied anterior load. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Seventeen fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees underwent Lachman tests simulated through a robotic manipulator with the ACL intact and sectioned. The net forces carried by the ACL and secondary soft tissue stabilizers (the medial meniscus and all remaining ligaments, measured as a whole) were characterized as a function of anterior tibial translation. The engagement points of the ACL (with the ACL intact) and each secondary stabilizer (with the ACL sectioned) were defined as the anterior translation at which they began to carry force, or engaged, during a simulated Lachman test. Then, the relative engagement point of each secondary stabilizer was defined as the difference between the engagement point of each secondary stabilizer and that of the ACL. Linear regressions were performed to test each association (P <.05). Results: The increase in anterior laxity caused by ACL sectioning was associated with increased relative engagement points of both the secondary ligaments (β = 0.87; P <.001; R 2 = 0.75) and the medial meniscus (β = 0.66; P <.001; R 2 = 0.58). Smaller changes in anterior laxity were also associated with increased in situ medial meniscal force at the peak applied load when the ACL was intact (β = −0.06; P <.001; R 2 = 0.53). Conclusion: The secondary ligaments and the medial meniscus require greater anterior tibial translation to engage (ie, begin to carry force) relative to the ACL in knees with greater changes in anterior laxity after ACL sectioning. Moreover, with the ACL intact, the medial meniscus carries more force in knees with smaller changes in anterior laxity after ACL sectioning. Clinical Relevance: Relative tissue engagement is a new biomechanical measure to characterize in situ function of the ligaments and menisci. This measure may aid in developing more personalized surgical approaches to reduce high rates of ACL graft revision in patients with high-grade laxity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults with memory loss often require assistance from caregivers to manage their medications. This study examined the efficacy of a problem-solving-based intervention focused on caregiver medication management, problem solving, self-efficacy, and daily hassles. Caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient health care utilization were secondary outcomes. Totally, 83 patients (age 79.9±8.8 years) and their informal caregivers (age 66.9±12 years, female 69.9%, White 85.5%) were randomized; data collection occurred at baseline, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Linear mixed modeling showed significant decreases in medication deficiencies which were sustained over time. No significant changes in caregiver problem solving, daily hassles, or patient health care utilization occurred between groups or over time. In addition, caregiver self-efficacy and mental HRQoL decreased in both groups. Physical HRQoL decreased in the intervention group, yet increased in the usual care group. Future research should investigate these outcomes in larger and more diverse samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research has revealed decreased bone mineral density (BMD) among children and adolescents who receive methylphenidate (MP) treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These findings have major clinical implications given that the prevalence of medication-treated ADHD is on the rise worldwide. We decided to investigate the clinical effect of MP exposure on the incidence of stress fractures, for which a low BMD is a risk factor. Hypothesis: Exposure to MP is a risk factor for stress fractures. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This is a case-control study of combat soldiers who served in the military for 3 years between 2005 and 2015. The case group included 2400 soldiers with at least 1 stress fracture diagnosed by a bone scan. The control group comprised 6187 combat soldiers without a diagnosis of a stress fracture. The use of MP was determined by an automated text search of medical records and manual sorting of the results. Other study variables included age; sex; weight; height; body mass index (BMI); place of birth; and characterization of fractures by location, side, and grade. Odds ratios of stress fractures, the attributable proportion among the exposed, and the population attributable fraction were calculated using standard contingency tables. Logistic regression was fitted after adjusting for covariates. Results: The previous use of MP was associated with a higher risk of stress fractures (odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07-1.24]). The attributable proportion was 13.2%, and the population attributable fraction was 0.3%. Logistic regression demonstrated an increased risk of stress fractures associated with past MP use, preserved after adjusting for BMI, sex, and place of birth (P = .005). Female sex, BMI ≤20 kg/m2, and 20 < BMI ≤25 kg/m2 were independent positive predictors of a stress fracture, while African origin was a negative predictor. Most participants who used MP had only 1 fracture (77.8%), while the majority of participants who did not use MP in the past had ≥2 coincident fractures (53.5%) (P = .003). Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis that an MP-associated reduction in BMD has a clinical effect in the form of an increased incidence of stress fractures. The high percentage of fractures attributed to MP use may serve as a basis for risk stratification, that is, the referral of patients with a history of MP use to BMD measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The literature indicates that few studies have been conducted with persons with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) concerning mobile application or "app" usage. The current study explores the use of mobile apps with this population globally. Methods: A total of 259 participants with visual impairments completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate tests were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and mobile app use. Results: The participants rated special apps as useful (95.4%) and accessible (91.1%) tools for individuals with visual impairments. More than 90% of the middle-aged adult group strongly agreed with the practicality of special apps, a significantly higher percentage than was observed in the young and old adult groups. In addition, the participants with low vision considered special apps less accessible than did those with blindness (p < .05). Discussion: Results show that persons with visual impairments frequently use apps specifically designed for them to accomplish daily activities. Furthermore, this population is satisfied with mobile apps and would like to see improvements and new apps. Implications for practitioners: Developers of apps for individuals with visual impairments need to refine and test the existing apps. Practitioners need to be knowledgeable about app usage so they can provide effective instruction to their students or clients. This study provides preliminary information regarding app usage among persons with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impingement of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts against the femoral notch and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is thought to be influenced primarily by tunnel position and graft orientation. Recent data have implied that the native ACL is ribbon-shaped. Purpose: To evaluate the 3-dimensional shape and cross-sectional area of the native ACL versus the ACL graft and to compare the degree of impingement against the femoral notch and PCL. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Bilateral knee magnetic resonance images were analyzed for 27 patients with unilateral bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) ACL reconstruction performed via transtibial or anteromedial portal femoral tunneling techniques. Three-dimensional models of the ACL, PCL, femur, and tibia were digitally rendered. The cross-sectional area and dimensions of the native ACL and the reconstructed graft were determined at 3 equally spaced locations and compared via Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In addition, impingement of the ACL on the PCL and femoral notch was graded in 3 groups. Chi-square or Fisher exact tests were used to compare the proportional differences of impingement of the native and reconstructed ACL on the PCL and femoral notch, respectively. All analyses were performed using 2-sided hypothesis testing, with statistical significance at P < .05. Results: Cross-sectional areas at all 3 points on the ACL graft were significantly greater than those of the native ACL (P < .001). The long- to short-axis ratio for the native ACL was significantly greater at each location compared with the corresponding locations along the ACL graft (P < .001), implying that the native ACL is “flatter” than is an ACL graft. There were 19 operated knees (70%) with contact or impingement between the ACL graft and the femoral notch compared with zero knees with a native ACL (P < .001). In addition, 22 operated knees (81%) showed contact or impingement between the ACL graft and the PCL, compared with 7 knees (26%) with a native ACL (P < .001). No significant differences in impingement frequency were noted between the transtibial and anteromedial tunneling techniques for ACL graft specimens (P > .05). Conclusion: Native ACLs have a smaller cross-sectional area, are “flatter,” and experience less incidence of impingement compared with anatomically placed BPTB ACL grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Placebo and sham acupuncture are common control strategies in acupuncture studies. However, the perception and practice of these approaches in acupuncturists are poorly documented. Objective To investigate knowledge of, attitude towards and practice of sham and/or placebo acupuncture among Chinese acupuncturists. Method A cross-sectional survey conducted in six different tertiary care hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine in Beijing, China. A total of 92 licensed acupuncturists were asked to complete a predesigned and structured questionnaire on-site. Results A response rate of 92.4% (n=85) was achieved. Almost all participants (99%, n=84) had moderate knowledge about sham and/or placebo acupuncture, but only a minority (27%, n=23) reported an excellent understanding. The general attitude towards sham and/or placebo acupuncture was positive. Most respondents (99%, n=84) thought such controls were necessary and the majority (81%, n=69) believed they were feasible in acupuncture research. More than two-thirds of participants (71%, n=60) had applied sham and/or placebo acupuncture, but only a few (8%, 5/60) used it as the most common control strategy in clinical trials. Conclusions The result of our survey suggests that Chinese acupuncturists have a moderate knowledge of, and a positive attitude towards, sham and/or placebo acupuncture. Research into sham and/or placebo acupuncture is limited in comparison with other control strategies. Therefore, an in-service education programme for acupuncturists and standardisation of sham and/or placebo acupuncture need to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which showed that neurocognitive impairmentss were evident in ultra-high-risk individuals for psychosis prior to the onset of overt psychosis. Topics include the tests for five separate neurocognitive domains applied to UHR individuals and patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES), how testing for spatial memory significantly predicted the transition to overt psychosis, and findings that support the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia.

The transradial approach (TRA) has been used as access site for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for years. However, no large sample study has evaluated the effect of TRA in elderly patients. A total of 1098 elderly patients (age ≥ 75 years) who underwent PCI by TRA or transfemoral approach were recruited. A 1:1 matched propensity score analysis was performed to minimize bias. The rates of major adverse cardiovascular events that included death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization during hospitalization (1.3% vs 6.6%, P = .014) and at 1-year follow-up (6.0% vs 13.9%, P = .019) were significantly lower in the TRA group. Transradial approach was also associated with lower rates of in-hospital MI (1.3% vs 5.3%, P = .046), access-site complications (3.3% vs 9.9%, P = .018), and major bleeding (1.3% vs 5.3%, P = .046). In conclusion, TRA showed better safety in elderly patients; it should be considered as a preferred route for elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of auricular electroacupuncture (AEA) on visceral pain induced by colorectal distension (CRD). Methods Twenty-nine female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control; untreated CRD; CRD+AEA; and CRD+sham electroacupuncture (SEA). An electromyogram (EMG) was recorded for 120 min in the conscious state. After a 30 min baseline recording, CRD was performed in untreated CRD, AEA and SEA groups and lasted for 90 min. AEA and SEAwere started at 30 min and lasted for 30 min. The EMG was recorded and analysed to evaluate the severity of visceral pain, indicated by the magnitude of the vasomotor response (VMR). mRNA expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1a (5-HT1a) receptor was measured separately in the colon and raphe nuclei using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Results No differences were seen in the baseline EMG among the four groups (p>0.05). During prestimulation, VMR magnitude in the CRD, AEA and SEA groups increased compared with that in the control group (p<0.05). During stimulation, the VMR magnitude was significantly decreased in AEA but not SEA groups relative to the (untreated) CRD group. Similarly, mRNA expression of the 5-HT1a receptor in both the colon and raphe nuclei was lower in AEA but not SEA groups compared with the CRD group (p<0.05). Conclusions AEA can ameliorate CRD-induced visceral pain in rats, and increase mRNA expression of the 5-HT1a receptor peripherally (in the colon) and centrally (in the raphe nuclei), suggesting a serotonergic mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective/ Background: This study investigated the effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on muscle activity and elbow motion during arm reaching with hemiplegic arm in participants with stroke. Methods: Sixteen adults with stroke who resided in a community were recruited in this study. The RAS consisted of sound emitted from a digital metronome. While sitting upright in a chair, participants reached their arms towards a target (a switch on a table) both with and without RAS. The three-dimensional motion analysis system and surface electromyography system were used for measurements during the reaching tasks. Results: We found that RAS elicited better performance in reaching movements than those movements performed without RAS. RAS shortened the movement time (p = .002), reduced the change in acceleration (p = .001), increased the elbow extension range of motion (p = .001), increased muscle activation of the triceps brachii (p = .024), and reduced the co-contraction ratio (p = .015) of the affected arm. Conclusion: RAS might be a useful technique to facilitate improvements in motor function of the affected arm in patients with stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings do not passively perceive the facial expressions of other people, but predict observed facial expressions by employing past experiences. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether and how anticipation affected the perception of facial expressions. A 3-way repeated-measures ANOVA on anticipation, orientation, and facial expression was performed on RTs and recognition accuracy in Experiments 1 and 2. The results showed that anticipation reduced susceptibility to negative facial expressions. In this regard, anticipation might be considered as an effective emotion-regulation strategy. In addition, a decreased inversion effect for positive facial expressions was found in the predictable condition, which might reflect a switch from feature-based to holistic processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate patient and physician characteristics associated with the type of psychotropic medications (anti-anxiety, antidepressant, or both) purchased. Methods: The Clalit Health Care Services is the largest managed care health fund in Israel, a country that employs a universal healthcare system. We randomly sampled 30,000 primary care patients over the age of 22 as of January, 2006. Results: Overall, 2,217 purchased either antidepressant or antianxiety medications at least once during the year 2006 and had no prior purchases during the last quarter of 2005. The majority (1,518; 68.4%) purchased only anti-anxiety medications and as many as 264 (12%) purchased both anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. The remaining 435 (19.6%) patients purchased only antidepressant medications. Physician level characteristics explained only a small portion of the variance and, thus, were not included in further analysis. Several patient level characteristics, including age, somatic, and psychiatric diagnosis were associated with the purchase of different types of medications. Conclusions: Contrary to clinical guidelines, the purchase of anti-anxiety medications is more prevalent than the purchase of antidepressant medications. In a managed care setting, patient characteristics have a greater role in determining purchasing patterns than provider characteristics; potentially, because of the managed care characteristics that actively guide the care provided to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In order to better understand the imaging of severe trauma in sport, this study describes the imaging modalities utilized to image athletes who experienced severe traumatic injuries at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022, the distribution of these modalities in relation to the sporting facilities, and the types of injuries imaged in each sport. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis with descriptive tables and figures, performed on a single population (athletes of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022). Results: Of the 2871 athletes in the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, there were 40 athletes with severe injuries who underwent medical imaging. MRI was used more often than Radiography or CT. Athletes at venues without MRI on site had to be transferred to adjacent hospitals for care. Alpine and Freestyle skiing athletes experienced the majority of severe traumatic injuries at this Olympic Games, and the majority of injuries were to the lower limb. Conclusions: Access to medical imaging for severely injured athletes is a critical consideration in the organization of any sporting event. MRI in particular is highly utilized in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors sought to explore the prevalence and factors related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among occupational population in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 8347 healthy adults voluntarily admitted to annual physical check-up. Blood samples and ultrasound-proved fatty liver sonography results were collected. The results showed that the prevalence of NAFLD was 48.4% and revealed a statistically significant increase with increasing population age. Males exhibited a greater prevalence of NAFLD than did females (57.8% vs 32.4%, P < .001). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, in addition to male gender, older age, higher body mass index, higher aspartate aminotransferase level, higher alanine aminotransferase level, presence of hypertension, presence of hyperuricemia, presence of hypercholesterolemia, higher fasting plasma glucose, and presence of hypertriglyceridemia were the significant factors associated with NAFLD. The differences in occupational professions were revealed. In conclusion, occupational populations are asymptomatic, and the diagnosis of NAFLD should be considered with older age, hyperuricemia, higher aspartate aminotransferase level, higher alanine aminotransferase level, and metabolic risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]