The diagnosis of mechanical asphyxia remains one of the most difficult issues in forensic pathology. Asphyxia ultimately results in cardiac arrest (CA) and, as there are no specific markers, the ...differential diagnosis of primitive CA and CA secondary to asphyxiation relies on circumstantial details and on the pathologist experience, lacking objective evidence. Histological examination is currently considered the gold standard for CA post-mortem diagnosis. Here we present the comparative results of histopathology versus those previously obtained by
H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics in a swine model, originally designed for clinical purposes, exposed to two different CA causes, namely ventricular fibrillation and asphyxia. While heart and brain microscopical analysis could identify the damage induced by CA without providing any additional information on the CA cause, metabolomics allowed the identification of clearly different profiles between the two groups and showed major differences between asphyxiated animals with good and poor outcomes. Minute-by-minute plasma sampling allowed to associate these modifications to the pre-arrest asphyxial phase showing a clear correlation to the cellular effect of mechanical asphyxia reproduced in the experiment. The results suggest that metabolomics provides additional evidence beyond that obtained by histology and immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of CA.
Robotic and Exoskeleton Assisted Gait Training (REAGT) has become the mainstream gait training module. Studies are investigating the psychosocial effects of REAGT mostly as secondary outcomes. Our ...systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of REAGT in MS patients' mental health and fatigue.
We searched the electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Pedro, Cochrane Trials, Dare) for RCT studies fulfilling our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of available assessment tools was conducted calculating the summary mean differences in two different timepoints, before and after the intervention using random-effects models.
The systematic search of the electronic databases identified 302 studies. Seven RCT studies were considered eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis, according to our eligibility criteria. We were able to obtain adequate data to proceed with a quantitative synthesis for QoL SF36-MC (Mental Component), QoL SF-36 mental and psychosocial subscales, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54-Mental Health Composite (MSQoL-54-MHC), Patient's Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).
Overall, REAGT seems to have a positive effect to Quality of Life, especially in MS patients' perspective of General and Mental Health and a slight positive effect in depression as measured by PHQ-9.Implications for rehabilitationMultiple Sclerosis (MS) decreases physical and non-physical aspects of patients' quality of life perspective.Rehabilitation strategy must take into consideration the non-physical effects of a training intervention.Robotic and Exoskeleton Gait Training has a positive effect in MS patients' non-physical quality of life and a slight positive effect in depression.
The intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin is one of the most efficient ways to treat localized spasticity in patients suffering from Central Nervous System lesions like stroke, cerebral palsy ...and multiple sclerosis. The gait analysis based on kinetics and kinematics is a recognized way of measurement of the effect of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin in spastic patients suffering from chronic stroke. The aim of this study is to provide evidence of the beneficial effect of botulinum toxin on characteristics of gait pattern on patients suffering from chronic stroke. So, thirteen patients with spasticity due to chronic stroke were included in the protocol and were treated by botulinum toxin injections in the lower extremity. All patients were evaluated before the injection as well as one month after the botulinum injection on a foot pressure sensitive walkway with a power plate and by the readings of seven inertial measurements units which recorded spatio-temporal specific parameters during walking, and the spasticity was measured according to modified Ashworth Scale. While all spatio-temporal parameters of motion analysis and balance improved for most of the patients after botulinum toxin injection, only one parameter, the normal to hemiplegic step length, reached statistical significant improvement (p < 0.03). Moreover the modified Ashworth score was statistically improved post injection (p < 0.001). In conclusion the use of botulinum toxin injections is beneficial in post stroke patients as this is depicted in gait parameters improvement which accompanies the spasticity reduction.
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•Below-knee intramuscular botulinum toxin injections of post stroke patients benefited both gait parameters and spasticity.•The performance of the affected leg was depicted both in the stance and swing phase of the gait cycle.•Botulinum toxin injections improved significantly the normal to hemiplegic step length (swing phase of hemiplegic leg).•The combination of platform pressure sensors and motion IMUs offers a comprehensive gait analysis.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the evidence supporting the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injections in lower limb of hemiplegic patients, after stroke or cerebrovascular accident, and ...their gait analysis. This study included: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) or cluster trials, clinical trials of various phases (I-III), interrupted time series (ITS) studies with at least three data points before and after the intervention, controlled before and after (CBA) studies, prospective and retrospective comparative cohort studies, case-control and multicentred studies. The patients included in these studies had similar characteristics: age over 18 years, history of stroke and following hemiplegia, minimum modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score of 2 and duration since stroke over 6 months. The number of studies included in this review was 21. A meta-analysis was performed on a fraction of them depending on the reported index and the methodology as reported in detail in the results section. MAS score, following BTA injections, was significantly improved (Hedges’ g: −1.17; 95% CI: −1.66, 0.67; p < 0.001). The same applied for the 10 Meter Walk Test (MWT) (−0.35; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.02; p = 0.016). The gait velocity showed improvement, yet without statistical significance (0.27; 95% CI: −0.09, 0.63; p = 0.285). We concluded that botulinum toxin injections showed effectiveness on lower limb hypertonia reduction of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Apart from significantly reducing the MAS scores, 10 MWT was also improved. However, more research is required in order to determine the advancement in specific gait and posture parameters.
•Our review showed that BTA injections reduce spasticity and improve the gait indices of post-stroke patients.•The aforementioned improvement of spasticity and gait using the MAS and 10 MWT was statistically significant.•Even though an increase of gait velocity was also observed, it did not reach statistical significance.
Heterotopic ossification is the formation of pathological bone in soft tissues. It is postulated that continuous passive motion is a helpful adjuvant in the halt of the heterotopic ossification ...progression and the maintenance or increase of the joint mobility. The purpose of this clinical case study is to present the effectiveness of continuous passive motion. A 46-yr-old male patient experiencing right hemiparesis arrived in our rehabilitation department with limitation on passive flexion of the right hip. On x-ray of the pelvis, immature heterotopic bone formation was found. To halt this ongoing process of heterotopic bone formation, a program of continuous passive motion was implemented. In addition, risedronate was administrated. We started the continuous passive motion at 50 degrees of flexion for 30 mins that was increased to 100 degrees for 3 hrs daily. The final range of motion at the hip was: flexion 85 degrees, extension 0 degrees, internal rotation 10 degrees, external rotation 10 degrees, abduction 10 degrees, and adduction 10 degrees. Based on our results, continuous passive motion plays a role in heterotopic ossification maturation. The effectiveness of continuous passive motion implementation against HO should be further investigated for selected cases.
The role of kinesiotherapy in heterotopic ossification remains unclear. The goal of this study was to revisit the literature on the preventive role of kinesiotherapy against heterotopic ossification ...formation and maturation.
A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE, OVID, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.
A high-quality clinical trial is missing from the literature. Of 9617 studies primarily identified, nine studies offered the proper data and were included. They infer that satisfactory results on neurogenic heterotopic ossification prevention were achieved with passive exercises, including continuous passive motion, that were initiated early and at a painless range of motion. On the contrary, for elbow posttraumatic heterotopic ossification and major joints burn-associated heterotopic ossification, active range of motion is indicated as early as possible.
Because of the very low quality of the studies included in this review, firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the effectiveness of kinesiotherapy. Nevertheless, it is recommended that controlled passive range of motion exercises (especially continuous passive motion) be applied early and pain-free especially in the neurogenic heterotopic ossification patients while active range of motion in painless limits is beneficial in the heterotopic ossification prevention of traumatic elbows or burn joints.
Adamantinoma: An Updated Review Varvarousis, Dimitrios N; Skandalakis, Georgios P; Barbouti, Alexandra ...
In vivo (Athens),
11/2021, Letnik:
35, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Adamantinoma is a biphasic tumor, with a low potential for malignancy, characterized by clusters of epithelial cells surrounded by a relatively bland spindle-cell osteofibrous component. The aim of ...the present study was to review the updated data regarding epidemiology; pathogenesis; clinical presentation; radiological, histopathological and ultrastructural findings; and treatment options of adamantinoma. In X-ray, it is usually seen as an eccentric and sometimes central, lobular, lytic lesion with sclerotic margins of overlapping radiolucency, and a characteristic 'soap-bubble' appearance. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to be the most appropriate examination for differential diagnosis between adamantinoma and other skeletal tumors. Histologically, adamantinoma is identified as classic adamantinoma or osteofibrous-like adamantinoma. Classic adamantinoma is classified into four patterns of growth: Basaloid, tubular, spindle cell, and squamous. The preferable treatment of this tumor type is en bloc resection within wide operative margins, which may include suspicious regional lymph nodes, with limb reconstruction and limb salvage.
The prognosis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is affected by many factors. Normal thyroid homeostasis is known to alter during various critical illnesses, a condition that has been shown to ...correlate with the severity of the disease and increased mortality. The purpose of this article is to review literature to emphasize the considerable association of thyroid function with the cardiovascular system and summarize all existing evidence with regard to the role of thyroid hormones alterations during ACS. The electronic databases of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for relevant literature and studies. Alterations in thyroid hormone plasma concentrations, especially low triiodothyronine (T3) levels, represent a hormonal imbalance that is not uncommon among patients suffering an acute coronary event. Many studies have identified this abnormal thyroid hormonal status to be related to worse prognosis. Although further large‐scale clinical trials are needed, the low T3 syndrome manifesting in patients during ACS might be useful in prognostic stratification.
Background
Mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) provides information on stressed volume and is crucial for maintaining venous return. This study investigated the Pmcf and other determinants of ...venous return in dysrhythmic and asphyxial circulatory shock and arrest.
Methods
Twenty Landrace/Large-White piglets were allocated into two groups of 10 animals each. In the dysrhythmic group, ventricular fibrillation was induced with a 9 V cadmium battery, while in the asphyxia group, cardiac arrest was induced by stopping and disconnecting the ventilator and clamping the tracheal tube at the end of exhalation. Mean circulatory filling pressure was calculated using the equilibrium mean right atrial pressure at 5–7.5 s after the onset of cardiac arrest and then every 10 s until 1 min post-arrest. Successful resuscitation was defined as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with a MAP of at least 60 mmHg for a minimum of 5 min.
Results
After the onset of asphyxia, a ΔPmca increase of 0.004 mmHg, 0.01 mmHg, and 1.26 mmHg was observed for each mmHg decrease in PaO
2
, each mmHg increase in PaCO
2,
and each unit decrease in pH, respectively. Mean Pmcf value in the ventricular fibrillation and asphyxia group was 14.81 ± 0.5 mmHg and 16.04 ± 0.6 mmHg (
p
< 0.001) and decreased by 0.031 mmHg and 0.013 mmHg (
p
< 0.001), respectively, for every additional second passing after the onset of cardiac arrest. With the exception of the 5–7.5 s time interval, post-cardiac arrest right atrial pressure was significantly higher in the asphyxia group. Mean circulatory filling pressure at 5 to 7.5 s after cardiac arrest predicted ROSC in both groups, with a cut-off value of 16 mmHg (AUC = 0.905,
p
< 0.001).
Conclusion
Mean circulatory filling pressure was higher in hypoxic hypercapnic conditions and decreased at a lower rate after cardiac arrest compared to normoxemic and normocapnic state. A Pmcf cut-off point of 16 mmHg at 5–7.5 s after cardiac arrest can highly predict ROSC.
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy in children with Cerebral Palsy, in terms of gross motor function, performance, and spasticity as well as whether this improvement can be ...maintained for 2 months after the end of the intervention.
Methods
Children with Cerebral Palsy participated in this prospective cohort study. The study lasted for 28 weeks, of which the equine assisted therapy lasted 12 weeks taking place once a week for 30 min. Repeated measures within the subject design were used for the evaluation of each child’s physical performance and mental capacity consisting of six measurements: Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III).
Results
Statistically significant improvements were achieved for 31 children in Gross Motor Function Measure and all its subcategories (
p
< 0.005), also in total Gross Motor Performance Measure and all subcategories (p < 0.005). These Gross Motor Function Measure results remained consistent for 2 months after the last session of the intervention. Regarding spasticity, although an improving trend was seen, this was not found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion and implications
Equine Assisted Therapy improves motor ability (qualitatively and quantitatively) in children with Cerebral Palsy, with clinical significance in gross motor function.
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