Sensor-Integrated Chairs for Lower Body Strength and Endurance Assessment.

This paper describes an automated method and device to conduct the Chair Stand Tests of the Fullerton Functional Test Battery. The Fullerton Functional Test is a suite of physical tests designed to assess the physical fitness of older adults. The Chair Stand Tests, which include the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5xSST) and the 30 Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30CST), are the standard for measuring lower-body strength in older adults. However, these tests are performed manually, which can be labor-intensive and prone to error. We developed a sensor-integrated chair that automatically captures the dynamic weight and distribution on the chair. The collected time series weight-sensor data is automatically uploaded for immediate determination of the sit-to-stand timing and counts, as well as providing a record for future comparison of lower-body strength progression. The automatic test administration can provide significant labor savings for medical personnel and deliver much more accurate data. Data from 10 patients showed good agreement between the manually collected and sensor-collected 30CST data (M = 0.5, SD = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.13). Additional data processing will be able to yield measurements of fatigue and balance and evaluate the mechanisms of failed standing attempts.

Examining the Spatial Varying Effects of Sociodemographic Factors on Adult Cochlear Implantation Using Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression.

OBJECTIVE: To (i) demonstrate the utility of geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR) in describing geographical patterns of adult cochlear implant (CI) incidence in relation to sociodemographic factors in a publicly funded healthcare system, and (ii) compare Poisson regression and GWPR to fit the aforementioned relationship. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of provincial CI Program database. SETTING: Academic hospital. PATIENTS: Adults 18 years or older who received a CI from 2020 to 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CI incidence based on income level, education attainment, age at implantation, and distance from center, and spatial autocorrelation across census metropolitan areas. RESULTS: Adult CI incidence varied spatially across Ontario (Moran's I = 0.04, p < 0.05). Poisson regression demonstrated positive associations between implantation and lower income level (coefficient = 0.0284, p < 0.05) and younger age (coefficient = 0.1075, p < 0.01), and a negative association with distance to CI center (coefficient = -0.0060, p < 0.01). Spatial autocorrelation was significant in Poisson model (Moran's I = 0.13, p < 0.05). GWPR accounted for spatial differences (Moran's I = 0.24, p < 0.690), and similar associations to Poisson were observed. GWPR further identified clusters of implantation in South Central census metropolitan areas with higher education attainment. CONCLUSIONS: Adult CI incidence demonstrated a nonstationary relationship between implantation and the studied sociodemographic factors. GWPR performed better than Poisson regression in accounting for these local spatial variations. These results support the development of targeted interventions to improve access and utilization to CIs in a publicly funded healthcare system.

Isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency: a case report with a novel mutation and review of the literature.

Isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency is a rare but devastating neurologic disease that usually presents in early infancy with seizures and alterations in muscle tone. Only 21 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a newborn infant boy with isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency who presented with generalized seizures on his fourth day of life. Plasma total homocysteine was not detectable. Urinary sulfite, thiosulfate, and S-sulfocysteine levels were elevated. The patient began a low-methionine and low-cysteine diet and was treated with thiamine and dextromethorphan. However, he became increasingly microcephalic and was severely developmentally delayed. Mutation analysis of the sulfite oxidase gene revealed that the patient was homozygous for a novel 4-base pair deletion, and both of his parents were found to be heterozygous carriers of the same deletion. We reviewed the clinical, biochemical, neuroradiologic, and neuropathologic features in all published cases of isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency. Seizures or abnormal movements were prominent features in all cases. Developmental delays were reported in 17 cases. Ectopia lentis was detected in 9 cases. Clinical improvement with dietary therapy was seen in only 2 patients, both of whom presented after the age of 6 months and had relatively mild developmental delays. Plasma or urinary S-sulfocysteine levels were elevated in all cases. Urinary sulfite was detected in all except 1 case. Cerebral atrophy and cystic encephalomalacia were observed with neuroradiologic imaging and were noted in all 3 postmortem reports of isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency. The main alternative in the differential diagnosis of isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency is molybdenum cofactor deficiency.

Immunizations, neonatal jaundice, and animal-induced injuries.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To concisely review data published over the past year on three topics pertinent to the practicing pediatrician: immunizations, neonatal jaundice, and animal-induced injuries. RECENT FINDINGS: Updates on immunizations, including varicella and pneumococcus in the post-vaccine era, use of a polyvalent conjugated meningococcal vaccine, and influenza vaccination during a vaccine shortage are discussed. Mortality and morbidity from varicella, and risk of invasive disease from pneumococcal infections have declined. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for the use of a tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine in adolescents 11 years and older. Infants at younger gestational age are at higher risk for developing hyperbilirubinemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines emphasizing breastfeeding, systematic pre-discharge assessment for risk factors, early follow-up and intervention. Use of home nursing services in the postnatal period is cost-effective. Although the incidence of rabies is low, many receive postexposure prophylaxis. Spider bites cause fewer systemic effects in children than adults. Pet reptile carriage of salmonella necessitates handwashing after handling of animals. SUMMARY: Recommendations for adolescent meningococcal vaccination, and the impact of varicella and pneumococcal immunization on our communities reflect an evolution in our management of infectious diseases. The latest practice guidelines on hyperbilirubinemia emphasize close follow-up of all newborns after postpartum discharge and even more careful evaluation of those infants near term. Education on rabies prophylaxis, spider bites, and salmonella from pet reptiles should focus on judicious use of resources and the proper handling of pets.