Assessment of mouth breathing by Speech-Language Pathologists: an international Delphi consensus

ABSTRACT Purpose mouth breathing (MB) has detrimental effects on children's growth. Diagnosis of MB is possible through a multidisciplinary approach including Speech-Language Pathologist's (SLP) assessment; however, SLPs currently have little to no defined selection criteria to determine the awake and habitual breathing pattern. This study aims at identifying relevant criteria for the assessment of the habitual and awake breathing pattern of preschool children, and developing a grid that would help SLPs diagnose MB in their clinical practice. Methods A three-rounded online international Delphi process was conducted to achieve a consensus on the relevant items and their interpretation. Agreement was established through a Content Validity Ratio calculation. Based on the agreed items, we developed a grid through a scoring function. Results Observing the child at rest (i.e., time spent with an open/closed mouth and position of the tongue/lips) was considered the most important criterion. The experts also considered that observing the breathing pattern while chewing (open/closed mouth) and after swallowing (i.e., air intake and open/ closed mouth just after swallowing) should provide relevant but secondary information in decision-making. We were able to establish a clinical grid based on those criteria. Conclusion The Delphi procedure provided content-valid criteria and conditions of observation for the myofunctional SLP assessment of the awake and habitual breathing pattern in preschoolers. A clinical validation of the developed prototype grid should be conducted in preschool children to explore its effectiveness in the diagnosis of MB.

Rejuvenecimiento facial con plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo / Facial rejuvenation with autologous platelet rich plasma

Introducción: La creciente necesidad de una piel de aspecto juvenil impulsa innovaciones continuas con procedimientos mínimamente invasivos. El plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo representa una terapéutica regenerativa incluida en el novedoso arsenal de intervenciones que buscan este efecto. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la terapéutica con plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo en pacientes con envejecimiento facial. Métodos: La muestra estuvo constituida por 68 pacientes valorados con la escala para valoración clínica de fotoenvejecimiento cutáneo al inicio del tratamiento. Se sometieron a cuatro sesiones de plasma rico en plaquetas cada 15 días y una sesión adicional a los 3 meses de concluir el tratamiento inicial. Los pacientes fueron seguidos durante 6 meses al cabo de los cuales se volvieron a evaluar con el mismo instrumento. Resultados: Las edades estuvieron comprendidas entre 21 y 73 años con una media de 46,80 años, predominó el sexo femenino (89,9 %). Los resultados significativos en el tratamiento de las arrugas, los surcos, la textura de la piel y las lesiones cutáneas estuvieron relacionados con la mesoterapia con plasma rico en plaquetas. El procedimiento produjo una mejoría valorada a través de la escala para valoración clínica de fotoenvejecimiento cutáneo. Conclusiones: La terapia con plasma rico en plaquetas tiene buenos resultados en el tratamiento de pacientes con envejecimiento facial.

Introduction: The growing need for youthful looking skin drives continued innovations with minimally invasive procedures. Autologous platelet-rich plasma represents a regenerative therapeutic included in the new arsenal of interventions that seek this effect. Objective: Assess the results of platelet-rich plasma therapy in patients with facial aging. Methods: The sample consisted of 68 patients assessed with the scale for the clinical assessment of cutaneous photoaging (SCACPH). They underwent four PRP sessions every 15 days and an additional session 3 months after completing the initial treatment. The patients were followed up for 6 months, after which they were reevaluated which the same instrument. Results: The ages of the patients were between 21 and 73 years with a mean of 46.80 years, the female sex predominated (89.9%). Significant results in the treatment of wrinkles, furrows, and skin texture and skin lesions were related to PRP mesotherapy. The procedure produced an improvement assessed with the SCACPH. Conclusions: Autologous PRP therapy has good results in the treatment of patients with facial aging.

Clinical evaluation of malnutrition in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To study the evaluation method of protein energy wasting (PEW) in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:A total of 166 maintenance hemodialysis patients were selected. Their medical records, physical indicators, as well as NS2002, PG-SGA, and MUST nutrition scale scores were also collected. The patients were divided into PEW and non-PEW groups according to whether PEW occurred or not, and the differences in each index between the two groups were compared to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of each index and nutrition score scale results on the occurrence of PEW.Results:The differences in body mass, body mass index(BMI), body surface area, abdominal circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, upper arm circumference, and calf circumference between the PEW and non-PEW groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05). The diagnostic efficacy of a single physical index or nutrition score for PEW was limited. A simplified formula for the PEW risk was obtained by logistic model analysis. The formula had a sensitivity of 67.7% and a specificity of 94.4% for the diagnosis of PEW, as analyzed by the subject's working characteristic curve. Conclusions:Four indicators, including abdominal circumference, primary hand grip strength, BMI, and upper arm circumference, can be combined to comprehensively assess the presence of PEW to improve the diagnostic efficacy of the occurrence of malnutrition in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

The influence of calling emergency medical services (EMS) on severity of disease among patients admitted to emergency room: A propensity-matched study / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the association between the use of emergency medical services (EMS) and the severity of disease among patients admitted to the emergency room, to analyze the characteristics of the patients, and to build prediction model providing evidence-based use of EMS resources.Methods:The data of patients admitted to the Emergency Room of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from January 2020 to July 2021 were extracted from the Chinese Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (CETAT) database. Patients were divided into the EMS use group (AB+ group) and self-seeing group (AB-group) according to whether they used EMS. The patients’ general condition, vital signs and laboratory tests results were recorded. The severity of patients’ condition was judged based on whether the patient was admitted to the department of critical medicine, specialized care unit, emergency operation and/or emergency percutaneous intervention. A 9-variable model that did not require laboratory inspection and 22-variable model that required laboratory inspection were established to correct the propensity score to analyze the correlation between the severity of disease and the EMS use. In the subgroup analysis, the correlation between the EMS use and severity of the patients was analyzed according to the reason of the patient’s visit.Results:During the study period, 16 489 patients were admitted to the emergency room, and 6975 patients were finally enrolled in this study. There were 2768 patients (39.7%) in the AB+ group and 4207 patients (60.3%) in the AB-group. In the AB+ group 522 patients (18.9%) were in high risk, and in the AB-group 563 patients (13.4%) were in high risk. Compared with the AB-group, patients in the AB+ group were older and had a higher proportion of coma, a faster autonomic heart rate, and a lower diastolic blood pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2). In the 9-variable model, sex, consciousness, temperature, heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were associated with the EMS use. In the 22-variable model, consciousness, SpO 2, neutrophils, and albumin were the relevant factors for patients using EMS. Before the correction of propensity score, the EMS use was an independent risk factor for critically ill patients ( OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.32-1.72, P<0.001). After adjusted using 9-variable propensity score, the EMS use ratio decreased significantly compared with that without correction ( OR=1.24,95% CI 1.08-1.42, P<0.001). Interestingly, after adjusted with propensity score match with 22-variable model, there was no association between the severity of disease and t the EMS use ( OR=1.10,95% CI 0.95-1.28, P=0.195). In subgroup analysis, patients’ chief complaint of central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and trauma were the top three reasons at admission. Before the propensity score correction, the EMS calling patients with chief complaint of central nervous system, digestive system, and trauma were related to the severity of the patients. After adjusted with 9-variable model the EMS use was associated with the severity of the disease only in trauma patients, and after adjusted with 22-variable model there was no statistical difference considering the severity of the disease in all subgroups. Conclusions:The EMS use is common. However, the association of the EMS use with the severity of disease is decreased with variable models using propensity score. These findings indicate that the EMS use should be based on multivariable models, which may be important in detecting critically ill patients, optimizing the EMS use, and avoiding unnecessary call in the future.

Clinicopathological Studies on Rats Exposed to Municipal Landfill Gaseous and Particulate Emissions

The study assessed the Clinicopathological changes of Wistar rats exposed to municipal landfill gaseous particulate emissions. Four groups of Wistar rats were exposed to the different sites of landfill emission with use of filters for filtering landfill gaseous emission while the control group was not exposed. Performance of the animals was evaluated weekly, blood and lung, liver, kidney and heart tissues were taken for haematological and histopatholgical examinations. At the end of six weeks exposure, the peak weight was recorded as 108.96±0.45 of Group B as compared to 126.352±0.88 of the Control Group, as well as the decrease in the body weight of Group A-D compared to the Control Group. There was leucocytosis, lymphocytosis and neutrophilia in the rats that were exposed to landfill emission. There were pulmonary, hepatic, and renal lesions while the heart was spared. Changes were observed on the use of filters for filtering landfill gaseous emission. The 3M 6001 CN Gas Mask Carnister Cartridge which filters 50% of landfill emission together with black polythene nylon restricting external air into the filtered cage was not sufficient to reduce the effect of landfill gaseous emission at the end of the exposure period. The screening with PM2.5 material which filters 100% of PM2.5 emission was only able to screen PM2.5 emission but could not screen other landfill gaseous emission. This indicates that landfill gaseous emission is capable of inducing respiratory problems and tissue damage on dumpsite workers if there is sufficient and continuous exposure to landfill gaseous emissions. To prevent the hazard that may arose from dumpsite activities; gas nose mask respirator is recommended for an individual who works as scavengers and landfill workers before entering the dumpsite environment..

Diagnostic discrepancies between emergency department admissions and hospital discharges among older adults: secondary analysis on a population-based survey

BACKGROUND: Older adults frequently experience nonspecific clinical features. However, there is limited evidence on how often admission diagnoses for hospitalized older patients are incorrect, potentially leading to treatment delays. OBJECTIVES: To determine the consistency between hospital admission and discharge diagnoses, and identify factors associated with diagnostic discrepancies in older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based cohort study in the United States. We included adults aged ≥ 18 years who were admitted from emergency departments (EDs) to hospitals, identified using the 2005-2010 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Survey, a nationally representative survey. METHODS: Three admission diagnoses and the principal discharge diagnosis were captured and classified as discrepant if they involved considerably different conditions within the same organ system, or different organ systems altogether. RESULTS: Each year, 12 million adults were hospitalized following ED visits in the United States; 45% were aged ≥ 65 years. These patients' mean age was 79 years and 58% were women. Diagnostic discrepancies between admission and discharge were more common among adults ≥ 65 years (12.5 versus 8.3%; P < 0.001). Certain admission diagnoses had particularly high rates of diagnostic discrepancies: 26-27% of patients presenting with mental disorders or with endocrine and metabolic diseases had substantial diagnostic discrepancies between admission and discharge. Substantial diagnostic discrepancy was independently associated with longer hospitalization and higher in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: One out of eight older adults hospitalized from EDs was discharged with a principal diagnosis differing considerably from the admission diagnosis. Given that missed or delayed diagnoses are a critical safety problem, clinicians should be vigilant and frequently cogitate alternative diagnostic possibilities

Therapeutic Effect of CT-guided ¹²⁵I Seed Implantation on Advanced Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Metastatic Carcinoma / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Primary lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer are common malignant tumors of the lung and are the main cause of cancer-related death. Advanced lung cancer and lung metastatic cancer are mainly treated by systemic therapy, and local treatment is also an effective treatment for the refractory or recurrent lesions in the lungs after systemic treatment. ¹²⁵I radioactive particle implantation, as an efficient conformal radiotherapy, has a certain control effect on localized lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous puncture of lung tissue with ¹²⁵I radioactive particle implantation in the treatment of advanced lung cancer and lung metastatic cancer.@*METHODS@#Continuouslycollectedthe clinical and pathological data of 105 patients with advanced lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer treated by ¹²⁵I radioactive seed implantation in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 1, 2014 to November 30, 2018. The patients were followed until March, 2019. The clinical efficacy and complications of seedimplantation were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 105 patients were included in the study, 78 patients with advanced lung cancer and 27 patients with lung metastases. The median survival time after seed therapy was 395 days. The 1-year survival rate was about 78.1%, and the 2-year survival rate was about 56.1%. Seed implantation for advanced lung cancer is equivalent to lung metastasis. Seed combined with radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and chemotherapy did not improve seed treatment. However, particle combined with external radiation therapy has a significant survival disadvantage compared with simple seed therapy.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The CT-guided ¹²⁵I radioactive seed implantation has controllable complications and can be used as a safe and effective treatment for advanced lung cancer and lung metastases.

Cross-Sectional Study of Mandibular Canal Branching in Regions Affected by Dental Inflammation with Cone Beam Computed Tomography / Estudio Transversal de la Ramificación del Canal Mandibular en Regiones Afectadas por Inflamación Dental con Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of mandibular canal alterations in regions with dental inflammation by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A database of 2,484 CBCTs was reviewed for identifying dental inflammation in mandibular alveolar ridges. The final sample consisted of 150 CBCTs, including 91 females and 59 males, with ages ranging from 13 to 89 years (mean age of 47.06; ± SD=18.722). The presence and location of dental inflammation, gender, age, as well as presence and location of mandibular canal branching (MCB) were evaluated. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, and T-test were applied to verify the statistical relationship of the data. There were 178 images of dental inflammation on 150 CBCTs, mainly located at molars' region (75 %). Apical lesions were the most common type of dental inflammation found (79 or 44.4 % of the sample), followed by pericoronitis (32; 18.0 %). This study identified 135 mandibular canal branches in the exams that presented dental inflammation. The MCB were also most commonly located at molars' region (74.07 %). No statistical difference was identified regarding the distribution of mandibular canal branching in relation to the sites with dental inflammation (p=0.370).The MCB found were mostly single (86 or 63.7 % of the total). Sex had no influence on mandibular canal branching occurrence (p=0.308), not did age (p=0.728). A high prevalence of mandibular canal branching was observed in the regions where dental inflammation were identified, most commonly found in the molar region.

RESUMEN: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la ocurrencia de ramificación del canal mandibular (RCM) en regiones con inflamación dental mediante tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC). Se revisó una base de datos de 2.484 TCHC para identificar la inflamación dental en las crestas alveolares mandibulares. La muestra final consistió en 150 TCHC, incluidas 91 mujeres y 59 hombres, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 89 años (edad media de 47,06 ± DE = 18,722). Se evaluaron el sexo, la edad, la presencia y la ubicación de la inflamación dental, así como la presencia y ubicación de RCM. KolmogorovSmirnov, Chi-cuadrado y prueba-T se aplicaron para verificar la relación estadística de los datos. Hubo 178 imágenes de inflamación dental en 150 TCHC, ubicados principalmente en la región de los molares (75 %). Las lesiones apicales fueron el tipo más común de inflamación dental encontrada (79 o 44,4 % de la muestra), seguidas por pericoronitis (32; 18,0 %). Este estudio identificó 135 ramas del canal mandibular en las regiones que presentaron inflamación dental. El RCM también se localizó con mayor frecuencia en la región de los molares (74,07 %). No se identificaron diferencias estadísticas con respecto a la distribución de la ramificación del canal mandibular en relación con los sitios con inflamación dental (p = 0,370). Las RCM encontrados fueron en su mayoría solteros (86 o 63,7 % del total). El sexo no tuvo influencia en la ocurrencia de la ramificación del canal mandibular (p = 0,308), no la edad (p = 0,728). Se observó una alta prevalencia de ramificación del canal mandibular en las regiones donde se identificó la inflamación dental, que se encuentra con mayor frecuencia en la región molar.

Clinical criteria for the assessment of dental restoration / 中华口腔医学杂志

It is necessary to adopt a standard assessment system to evaluate the quality of restorations in clinical trials on operative dentistry. A new clinical assessment system for dental restorations was proposed in 2007. The crireria is based on three categories (aesthetic, functional and biological) among which includes 16 indexes such as restoration fractures and retention, surface luster, marginaladaptation, secondary carious, postoperative sensitivity and so on. It has been officially approved by World Dental Federation (FDI). Due to the practicability, sensitivity and standardization, more and more clinical trials use FDI criteria to assess the quality and longevity of dental restorations.

Elementos relevantes en la intervención terapéutica de jóvenes que cometen infracciones sexuales: la percepción de adolescentes chilenos egresados de un programa especializado / Relevant elements in the therapeutic intervention of young people who have committed sexual offences: perception of the Chilean adolescents emerging from a specialized program / Elementos relevantes na intervenção terapêutica de jovens que cometem infrações sexuais: a percepção de adolescentes chilenos egressos de um programa especializado

Resumen El objetivo de la investigación es estudiar la percepción de jóvenes chilenos egresados de un programa dirigido a adolescentes que cometen actos sexualmente abusivos. En el estudio se aplicó una metodología de tipo cualitativa, utilizando como instrumentos de producción de información la entrevista semi-estructurada y la revisión documental de fichas clínicas. El análisis se realizó mediante la técnica de la Teoría Fundamentada. Los resultados alcanzados apuntan a la importancia en la especialización de las metodologías y técnicas aplicadas, tanto en la evaluación diagnóstica como en el proceso terapéutico. Se observó también la relevancia que tiene la figura del terapeuta como elemento facilitador del éxito en la intervención, y la imperativa necesidad de perfeccionamiento en las técnicas para abordar los contenidos asociados al reconocimiento y responsabilización del hecho abusivo. Finalmente, se concluye la necesidad de mayor investigación sobre las distintas trayectorias de adolescentes que cometen delitos sexuales, a modo de generar terapias con mayor nivel de especialización.

Abstract The objective of this investigation is to study the perception of young Chilean people; they are emerging from a program addressed to adolescents who have committed sexually abusive acts. This study implements a qualitative methodology; semi-structured interview and medical records document review were used as information production instruments. The analysis was conducted by means of the grounded theory technique. The achieved results point to the importance in the specialization of methodologies and applied techniques, in both the diagnostic evaluation and the therapeutic process. It was observed the relevance of the therapist figure as a facilitator element of the success in the intervention; and also the imperious necessity of enhancing the techniques to approach the contents associated with the recognition and accountability of the abusive act. Finally, this concludes that further research is required with regard to the different trajectories of adolescents who have committed sexual offences, so therapies with a higher level of specialization to be generated.

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa é analisar a percepção dos jovens chilenos egressos de um programa dirigido a adolescentes que cometem atos sexualmente abusivos. No estudo foi utilizada uma metodologia qualitativa, usando como instrumentos para a coleta de dados a entrevista semiestruturada e a revisão documental de fichas clínicas. A análise realizou-se por meio da técnica de teoria fundamentada. Os resultados obtidos apontam a importância da especialização das metodologias e técnicas aplicadas, tanto na avaliação diagnóstica quanto no processo terapêutico. Observaram-se também a relevância da figura do terapeuta como facilitador para o sucesso da intervenção e a imperativa necessidade de aperfeiçoamento das técnicas para a abordagem dos conteúdos associados ao reconhecimento e responsabilização do ato abusivo. Finalmente, concluise que é necessária uma pesquisa mais ampla acerca das distintas trajetórias de adolescentes que cometem delitos sexuais, de modo que sejam fomentadas terapias com maior nível de especialização.

Significado de la valoración clínica en estudiantes de licenciatura en enfermería: Una costumbre / The meaning of clinical assessment among nursing baccalaureate students: A custom / Significado da valorização clínica em estudantes de licenciatura de enfermagem: Um costume

La valoración clínica es un proceso planificado, sistemático y continuo, que los profesionales de enfermería realizan mediante un pensamiento crítico para obtener y organizar la información necesaria al decidir el cuidado que se proporciona. Sin embargo, se desconocen las condiciones que configuran la forma de valorar al individuo en la práctica cotidiana. Objetivo: Comprender el significado de la valoración clínica por estudiantes de licenciatura en enfermería. Metodología: Investigación Cualitativa, método fenomenológico, diseño descriptivo, donde cuatro informantes de ambos sexos de 20 y 22 años de edad, describen el cómo valoran; se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad, observación y notas de diario. El análisis de la información fue por el método J.W. Apps, en el que se reconoce el contexto que vive el estudiante al momento de realizar la valoración. Resultado: De las narraciones de los estudiantes del acto de valorar, se obtuvieron tres categorías y 10 subcategorías que al entrelazarse dieron lugar a diferentes significados. En este escrito se presenta uno de ellos: "Te vas acostumbrando", intención que trasciende y permanece en el estudiante al momento de valorar. Conclusiones: El sentido de la valoración se configura a partir de lo que hace y dice que hace el estudiante durante la práctica clínica, quién al no visualizar su ejecución de forma tangible en tiempo y espacio, repite las conductas establecidas en el entorno por lo que se "acostumbra" a no apreciarla y mucho menos a realizarla. Significado que puede modificarse mediante la capacidad reflexiva del alumno y por aquellos que la enseñan.

Background: Clinical assessment is a planned, systematic and continuous process that nursing professionals perform in order to obtain and organize the needed information to decide on the appropriate care. However, the conditions which influence on the assessments within the daily practice have not been sufficiently studied. Objective: To explore the meanings which baccalaureate nursing students attribute to clinical assessment. Methodology: This is a qualitative, phenomenological, and descriptive study in which four 22 and 24 years old informants of both sexes describe their understandings of clinical assessment. In-depth interviews were carried out, and observations and daily notes were taken. The information was analyzed through the J.W. Apps method. Results: From the students' narratives, three categories and ten sub-categories related to the meaning of clinical assessment emerged. This study presents one of them - "You become accustomed", a posture which transcends and remains in the student when making subsequent clinical assessments. Conclusions: The sense of assessment is mediated by the students´ experiences at the clinical practices where, sometimes, they do not tangibly visualize the corresponding execution, subsequently tending to repeat previously established determinations and "becoming accustomed" to demonstrate automatic responses. The meaning of clinical assessment can be positively promoted by enhancing the professors' teaching disposition and the students' reflexive capacity.

A valorização clínica é um processo planificado, sistemático e contínuo, que os profissionais de enfermagem realizam mediante um pensamento crítico para obter e organizar a informação necessária, para decidir o cuidado que se proporciona. No entanto, desconhecem-se as condições que configuram a forma de valorizar o indivíduo na prática cotidiana. Objetivo: Compreender o significado da valorização clínica por estudantes da licenciatura em enfermagem. Metodologia: Pesquisa Qualitativa, método fenomenológico, desenho descritivo, onde quatro informantes de ambos os sexos de 20 e 22 anos de idade, descrevem "o como valorizam"; realizaram-se entrevistas a profundidade, observação e notas de diário. A análise da informação foi pelo método J.W. Apps, no qual se reconhece o contexto que vive o estudante no momento de realizar a valorização. Resultado: Das narrativas dos estudantes do ato de valorizar, obtiveram-se três categorias e 10 subcategorias que se entrelaçaram dando lugar a diferentes significados. Neste escrito apresenta-se um deles: "A gente vai se acostumando", intenção que transcende e permanece no estudante no momento de valorizar. Conclusões: O sentido da valorização configura-se a partir do que faz e diz que faz o estudante durante a prática clínica e quando não visualizar sua execução de forma tangível em tempo e espaço, repete as condutas estabelecidas no ambiente, pelo que se "acostuma" a não a apreciar e muito menos a realizá-la. Significado que pode modificar-se mediante a capacidade reflexiva do aluno e por aqueles que a ensinam.

Clinical outcomes of harmonic scalpel in esophageal cancer surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To assess the outcome of harmonic scalpel (HS) in esophageal cancer surgery and to provide evidence for the role of HS in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and short-term prognosis after esophageal cancer surgery. Methods    We collected the clinical data of 81 esophageal cancer patients receiving surgery by HS between January 1 and December 31, 2016 and successfully followed up in our department. There were 67 males and 14 females with an average age of 64.07±7.52 years. Sweet approach was adopted in 16 patients, Ivor-Lewis approach in 23 and McKeown approach in 40. Intrathoracic anastomosis was completed in 41 patients and cervical anastomosis in 40. The length of total hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, duration and volume of thoracic drainage and perioperative complications were recorded and compared in patients with different surgical approaches and anastomosis sites. Results    For these 81 patients, the operation time was 276.7±70.4 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 115.9±69.7 ml. The postoperative duration of thoracic drainage, postoperative complication rate and the drainage volume were 12.3±5.3 d, 35.80% and 1 411.9±1 199.5 ml, respectively. During the follow-up, 15 patients died and the cumulative survival rate was 81.48%. There was no obvious HS-related complication. The operation time of Sweet approach was shorter than that of Ivor-Lewis or McKeown approach (P=0.012) and the dissected lymph nodes were less in Sweet approach (P=0.035). There was no significant difference in perioperative indexes and postoperative short-term prognosis between intrathoracic anastomosis and cervical anastomosis. Conclusion    HS is widely used in the surgery for esophageal cancer with safety and effectiveness, which is worthy of clinical application.

Management of Chronic Constipation in the Elderly / 胃肠病学

Chronic constipation is one of the common health problems in the elderly and occurs in the form of primary and secondary constipation. The former is functional and the latter is related to organic diseases and drugs. To understand its etiology,risk factors and complications,the relevant clinical assessment and alarming signs should be attended. The treatment of chronic constipation includes non-pharmacologic,pharmacologic and surgical approaches. It is necessary to practice a three-stage treatment process of chronic constipation in accordance with the situation in China.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) has recently been developed to improve measurement of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. We performed a multi-center study to validate the Korean version of the CAINS (CAINS-K) and explore potential cultural variation. METHODS: One hundred eighty schizophrenia patients diverse in demographic and illness profile were recruited from four centers in Korea. Along with the CAINS-K, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), a self-report measure of behavioral inhibition and activation (BIS/BAS) and neurocognitive tasks were administered to verify external validities. RESULTS: The CAINS-K showed high internal-consistency (0.92) and inter-rater reliability (0.77). Exploratory Factor Analysis replicated a two-factor structure of the original scale including motivation/pleasure and expression deficits dimensions. Korean patients tended to report lower pleasure compared to American patients in the prior study. The CAINS-K showed an adequate convergent validity with the SANS, negative symptoms of the BPRS, and BAS. A divergent validity was supported as the CAINS-K showed zero or only weak correlations with other symptoms of the BPRS, depression from the CDSS, and neurocognitive tasks. CONCLUSION: The CAINS-K demonstrated high internal consistency and adequate external validities, and is expected to promote studies on negative symptoms in Korean patients with schizophrenia.

Clinical Assessment on the Safety of Cardiac Rehabilitation for the Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To evaluate the safety of cardiac rehabilitation(CR)for the elderly patients with chronic heart failure(CHF). Methods All 72 patients with CHF over the age of 60 were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental groups(n=35)and control groups(n=37). Patients in both groups were treated strictly according to the treatment guideline. On the basis of drug treatment,patients in experimental group were given a comprehensive CR program. The occurrence of all-cause death,due to deterioration of heart failure readmission and serious adverse events were compared after 12 months. ResultsCompared with the control group,the incidence of all-cause and the cases for the deterioration of heart failure readmission decreased in the experimental group after 12 months(P 0.05). Conclusion For the elderly CHF patients,cardiac rehabilitation can effectively reduce all-cause death and deterioration of heart failure readmission in patients,but the serious adverse events had no obvious change. It is safe and effective for the elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

Fracturas de húmero proximal: valoración clínica y resultado funcional en pacientes con osteonecrosis de la cabeza humeral / Proximal humerus fractures: clinical assessment and functional outcome in patients with osteonecrosis of the humeral head

Introducción: Las fracturas de húmero proximal de tres o más fragmentos presentan riesgo elevado de necrosis, siendo éste el segundo sitio más frecuente sólo después del fémur, presentándose causas traumáticas y no traumáticas, siendo las traumáticas las más comunes, presentando una incidencia de 13 a 34% en fracturas de más de cuatro fragmentos. El propósito de este estudio es valorar el resultado funcional de pacientes con antecedente de fractura humeral proximal y osteonecrosis con manejo conservador. Material y métodos: Se presenta un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, observacional con seguimiento de 6 a 12 meses de pacientes mayores de 60 años con diagnóstico de fractura de húmero proximal con manejo conservador, en el período comprendido de Enero de 2004 a Noviembre de 2009, se seleccionaron 122 pacientes que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, perdiendo el seguimiento de 12 de ellos, con edad promedio de 71.02 años con rango de 60 a 92 años, 41 hombres y 69 mujeres, realizándose escalas de DASH y CONSTANT. Resultados: Posterior a la realización de las escalas de valoración funcional se realiza la validación de dichos resultados obteniendo un coeficiente de correlación de 0.80 siendo estadísticamente significativo. Conclusión: El tratamiento conservador debe ser reservado sólo en pacientes que cumplan con las características necesarias. Dependiendo del tipo de fractura y las características del individuo, el tratamiento siempre está enfocado a la estabilización y a la movilización temprana y en la obtención de la recuperación funcional precoz. Encontrando en este estudio que las fracturas tratadas de forma conservadora, desarrollan algún estadio de osteonecrosis de la cabeza pero con adecuada función casi similar a la extremidad sana.

Introduction: Fractures of the proximal humerus resulting in three or more fragments represent a high risk of necrosis. The former is the second most frequent site of necrosis, only after the femur, due to either traumatic or nontraumatic causes. The former are the most common, with an incidence rate of necrosis of 13-34% in fractures with more than four fragments. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional outcome of patients with a history of fracture of the proximal humerus and osteonecrosis treated conservatively. Material and methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective, observational study with a 6-12 month follow-up of patients older than 60 years of age with a diagnosis of fracture of the proximal humerus managed conservatively between January 2004 and November 2009. One hundred and twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria and 12 were lost to follow-up. Mean age was 71.02 years with a range between 60 and 92 years; 41 males and 69 females. The DASH and CONSTANT scales were applied. Results: After applying the functional assessment scales and validating the results, the correlation coefficient obtained was 0.80, and it was statistically significant. Conclusion: Conservative treatment should be used only in patients who meet the necessary criteria. Depending on the type of fracture and the patient's characteristics, treatment should always be aimed at stabilization, early mobilization, and early functional recovery. This study found that fractures treated conservatively eventually develop some degree of osteonecrosis of the head, but they have proper function, similar to that of a healthy limb.

A comparison study of three neurological assessments in the animal model of multiple sclerosis / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of three neurological assessments in experimental autoim?mune encephalomyelitis. Methods Thirty-two female C57BL/6 mice (18-20g) were randomly divided into normal group (n=15) and immune group (n=17). Immune group were induced subcutaneously in the flank by emulsion consisted of MOG33-35 and complete Freund’s adjuvant. Mice were assessed by two investigators for 35 days after immunization in a blinded manner using Kono’s 5-point criterion, Weaver’s 15-point criterion and improved 15-point criterion. Based on H&E staining, we analyzed the accuracy, sensibility and dependency of three assessments. Results 35-day clini?cal-score plots revealed that the fluctuation of symptoms was more obvious in improved 15-point criterion compared with the other two criteria. 15-point criterion and improved 15-point criterion are more accurate than 5-point criterion in atypical-onset EAE. 15-point criterion and improved 15-point criterion could detect the neurological deficits much earli?er than 5-point criterion (P<0.001). Neurological scores assessed by improved 15-point were well correlated with the pathological findings during the peak and remission stage. Conclusion Improved 15-point criterion is better neurological score system than Kono’s 5-point criterion and Weaver’s 15-point criterion because of its accurate assessment of the neurological deficits in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Clinical value of multidisciplinary team assessment for chronic constipation / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment for chronic constipation.Methods The clinical characteristics of 346 patients with chronic constipation who were admitted to the Third Peolep's Hospital of Hangzhou from January 2010 to December 2013 were multidisciplinarily assessed.The muhidisciplinary team was involved surgeons from the department of colorectal surgery,urology,gynecology,psychiatry and psychology,and tools including questionnaires,defecography,anorectal manometry,colon transit study,urodynamic tests,gynecological examination were applied in the study.The measurement data with normal distribution were presented as (x) ± s,the comparison between groups was analyzed using the ANOVA,and the count data were analyzed using the chi-square test.Results Three hundred and forty-six patients who met criteria of this research were selected,including 86 males and 260 females with the ratio of 1 ∶ 3;the mean age was (55 ± 11)years.Of the 346 patients,slow transit constipation accounted for 7.52％ (26/346),defecatory disorder for 60.98％ (211/346),and mixed constipation for 31.50％ (109/346).A total of 93.85％ female patients (244/260) had anterior rectocele,75.43％ (261/346) patients had internal rectal mucosal prolapse,66.76％ (231/346) patients had perineum descending,23.99％ (83/346) had achalasia or inappropriate contraction of internal anal sphincter,18.79％ (65/346) had puborectalis rectocele muscle thickening,5.49％ (19/346) had rectal prolapse.A total of 82.37％ (285/346) patients were involved in other subjects than colorectal surgery.A total of 28.61％ (99/346) patients presented with urinary symptoms,including 65 cases with stress urinary incontinence,23 cases with unstable bladder and 19 cases with bladder neck obstruction (some patients had multiple urological systoms).The incidence of reproductive organ prolapse in female patients was 31.92％ (83/260),the incidence of uterine prolapse and anterior vaginal prolapse were 26.15％ (68/260) and 29.23％ (76/260),respectively.Patients with anxiety and/or depression accounted for 36.13％ (125/346).The male and female patients of slow transit constipation,defecatory constipation and mixed constipation were 10 vs 16,30 vs 79,46 vs 165,respectively,the age was 60 ± 12,56 ± 11,52 ± 10,showing no significant differences (x2=4.046,F =2.877,P ＞ 0.05).In the three kinds of constipation,patients with urinary diseases accounted for 26.92％ (7/26),26.61％ (29/109) and 29.86％ (63/211),patients with gynecological diseases accounted for 11.54％ (3/26),20.18％ (22/109),27.49％ (58/211),patients with psychological diseases accounted for 38.46％ (10/26),39.45％ (43/109),34.12％ (72/211),respectively,showing no significant difference (x2=4.090,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion MDT assessment for patients with chronic constipation can reflect comprehensively clinical characteristics of chronic constipation,therefore multidisciplinary team should be emphasized in clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation.

Is Total Knee Arthroplasty a Viable Treatment Option in Octogenarians with Advanced Osteoarthritis?

PURPOSE: This study directly compared clinical assessment scores and short-term systemic complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between a group of patients aged 80 or older (141 patients) and another group of patients aged between 65 and 70 years (616 patients) with advanced osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 757 osteoarthritic patients who underwent primary TKA from January 2007 to January 2011 with a follow-up of 1 year. The surgery was performed using an extramedullary alignment guide instrument without invasion of the intramedullary canal to decrease embolic load and blood loss. RESULTS: At 1 year after surgery, the mean Knee Society knee score was improved in both groups (from 63.6 to 83.2 in octogenarians and from 68.3 to 89.0 in the younger group) and the level of satisfaction was excellent in both groups (8 in octogenarians and 8.3 in the younger group), even though there was no notable change in function score in the octogenarians (from 61.0 to 61.9 in the octogenarians and from 62.3 to 73.6 in the younger group). The total incidence of systemic complications (3.4% vs. 1.2%, p=0.400) and surgical complications (2.1% vs. 0.5%, p=0.229) showed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: TKA yielded favorable clinical outcomes with a comparatively low postoperative complication rate in octogenarians despite the negligible functional improvement.

Efficacy of Topical 1% Oxiconazole Cream in the Treatment of Dermatophytosis.

Background: Dermatophytosis is a geographically widespread group of fungal infections. Tinea corporis and tinea cruris are the most common dermatophytoses in Bangladesh. Oxiconazole has recently been introduced in Bangladesh in the treatment of dermatophytoses. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of topical 1% oxiconazole cream once daily in the treatment of tinea corporis and tinea cruris. Materials and Methods: A clinical trial was carried out in the department of Dermatology and Venereology, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College Hospital, Sylhet on 81 patients with tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris. The patients were instructed to apply 1% oxiconazole cream once daily for 2 weeks with clinical assessment made at weekly intervals during treatment period. Results: The mean age of the patients was 32.5 ± 10.5 years, with tinea corporis in 47 (58.0%) patients and tinea cruris in 34 (42.0%). The mean clinical assessment score declined from 6.6 ± 1.3 at baseline to 3.9 ± 1.2 at week 1, 0.9 ± 1.3 at week 2 and 0.7 ± 1.1 at week 4. Reduction of clinical assessment score from baseline to end of the treatment period was statistically significant (p<0.001). The improvement of clinical score was from baseline to 41.6% at week 1, 89.3% at week 2 and 91.5% at week 4. Improvement of clinical score from baseline to end of the treatment period was statistically significant (p<0.001). Global response was clear in 55 (67.9%) patients, good in 25 (30.9%) patients and fair in 1(1.2%) patient. Clinical efficacy was cure in 55 (67.9%) patients, improvement in 25 (30.9%) and failure in 1(1.2%) patient. Conclusion: Once daily topical administration of oxiconazole cream is highly effective in the treatment of superficial fungal infections of the skin.