The Impact of Cefuroxime Susceptibility on Aeromonas Necrotizing Fasciitis Outcomes.

Despite aggressive antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, Aeromonas necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can lead to high amputation and mortality rates. Our study compares the different antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) via Epsilometer tests (E-tests) between non-survivors and survivors of Aeromonas NF of limbs. A prospective review of 16 patients with Aeromonas NF was conducted for 3.5 years in a tertiary coastal hospital. E-tests were conducted for 15 antimicrobial agents to determine the MIC value for Aeromonas species. These patients were divided into non-survival and survival groups. The clinical outcomes, demographics, comorbidities, presenting signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, and microbiological results between the two periods were compared. A total of four patients died, whereas 12 survived, resulting in a 25% mortality rate. A higher proportion of bloodstream infections (100% vs. 41.7%; p = 0.042), monomicrobial infections (100% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.021), shock (100% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.021), serous bullae (50% vs. 0%; p = 0.009), liver cirrhosis (100% vs. 25%; p = 0.009), chronic kidney disease (100% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.021), lower susceptibility to cefuroxime (25% vs. 83.3%; p = 0.028), and ineffective antibiotic prescriptions (75% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.029) was observed in non-survivors. Aeromonas NF is an extremely rare skin and soft-tissue infection that is associated with high mortality, bacteremia, antibiotic resistance, and polymicrobial infection. Therefore, antibiotic regimen selection is rendered very challenging. To improve clinical outcomes and irrational antimicrobial usage, experienced microbiologists can help physicians identify specific pathogens and test MIC.

Comparison of Outcomes after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair between Elderly and Younger Patient Groups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) surgery between younger and older patients. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies comparing outcomes between patients older than 65 to 70 years and a younger group following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and other sources for relevant studies up to 13 September 2022, and then assessed the quality of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We used random-effects meta-analysis for data synthesis. The primary outcomes were pain and shoulder functions, while secondary outcomes included re-tear rate, shoulder range of motion (ROM), abduction muscle power, quality of life, and complications. Five non-randomized controlled trials, with 671 participants (197 older and 474 younger patients), were included. The quality of the studies was all fairly good, with NOS scores ≥ 7. The results showed no significant differences between the older and younger groups in terms of Constant score improvement, re-tear rate, or other outcomes such as pain level improvement, muscle power, and shoulder ROM. These findings suggest that ARCR surgery in older patients can achieve a non-inferior healing rate and shoulder function compared to younger patients.

Effects of 24 Weeks of a Supervised Walk Training on Knee Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Older Female Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Poor supervision, impaired exercise adherence, and low compliance with exercise regimens result in inconsistent effects regarding exercise interventions. A supervised-walk training regimen (9 km/week) may have a positive effect on functional recovery in female total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a supervised walking regimen on lower limb muscle strength, functional fitness, and patient-reported outcomes in female TKA. Twenty-eight female TKA were allocated into a control (CON) (n = 14) or walk training (WT) (n = 14) group. WT on treadmills was initiated 12 weeks after TKA. All patients were examined for lower muscle strength (including extension and flexion of hip and knee), physical function (including a 6-min walk test, 8-foot up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. Knee flexor (WT: CON; 64.4 ± 4.1 nm/kg: 43.7±3.3 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.62) and extensor strengths (WT: CON; 73.1 ± 7.5 nm/kg: 48.2 ± 2.4 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 4.47) statistically increased in the WT group compared to the CON group. The 6-min walk test (from 341.3 ± 20.5 m to 405.5 ± 30.7 m; p = 0.001; effect size: 2.46) and 8-foot up-and-go test (from 9.5 ± 0.7 s to 8.3 ± 0.7 s; p = 0.002; effect size: 1.71) tests also showed significant improvements in the WT group in the follow-up compared to the baseline. An increase in quality of life score according to the KOOS questionnaire (WT: CON; 91.0 ± 2.8: 68.1 ± 5.8; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.02) was noted in the WT group compared to the CON group in the follow-up. WT facilitated improvements in knee muscle strength and functional outcomes in TKA patients.

Suprascapular nerve release does not provide additional benefits in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of suprascapular nerve release in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. METHODS: This systematic review was performed to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compared the outcomes of patients who did and did not receive suprascapular nerve release (SSNR) during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies. Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used for cohort study assessment. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (version 1.0) was used to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials. The primary outcomes were pain and shoulder function. The secondary outcome was the re-tear rate. RESULTS: Two RCTs and three non-RCTs with a total of 187 patients (90 patients received SSNR and 97 patients did not receive SSNR) were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis revealed that the SSNR group did not had a more pain reduction, assessed by visual analogue scale, compared to the non-SSNR group. Also, the SSNR group did not have a significantly more improvement in the UCLA score, compared to the non-SSNR group. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of Constant score and re-tear rate. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study showed that additional suprascapular nerve release did not provide additional benefit in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. Routine arthroscopic SSNR is not recommended when treating patients with rotator cuff tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Rational Use of Antibiotics and Education Improved Aeromonas Necrotizing Fasciitis Outcomes in Taiwan: A 19-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Aeromonas necrotizing fasciitis (NF) causes high rates of amputation and mortality, even after aggressive surgical debridement and antibacterial therapy. This study investigated the effects of rational use of antibiotics and education by infectious disease (ID) physicians on Aeromonas NF treatment outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review for conducted for four years (period I, without an ID physician, December 2001 to December 2005) and 15 years (period II, with an ID physician, January 2006 to March 2021). In period II, the hospital-wide computerized antimicrobial approval system (HCAAS) was also implemented. A pretest-posttest time series analysis compared the two periods. Differences in clinical outcomes, demographics, comorbidities, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, Aeromonas antibiotic susceptibility, and antibiotic regimens were compared between the two periods. RESULTS: There were 19 patients in period I and 53 patients in period II. Patients had a lower rate of amputation or mortality in period II (35.8%) compared with period I (63.2%). Forty-four patients (61.1%) had polymicrobial infections. In the emergency room, the rate of misdiagnosis decreased from 47.4% in period I to 28.3% in period II, while effective empiric antibiotic usage increased from 21.1% in period I to 66.0% in period II. After the ID physician's adjustment, 69.4% received monotherapy in period II compared to 33.3% in period I. CONCLUSIONS: Because Aeromonas NF had a high mortality rate and was often polymicrobial, choosing an antibiotic regimen was difficult. Using the HCAAS by an experienced ID physician can improve rational antibiotic usage and clinical outcomes in Aeromonas NF.

Midterm Outcomes After Revision Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a Single-Bundle Transtibial Autograft.

Background: There is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal technique for revision posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Purpose: To evaluate midterm outcomes after revision PCL reconstruction using a single-bundle transtibial autograft. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We reviewed 17 patients who underwent revision PCL reconstruction performed in our medical center by a single surgeon from 2003 to 2016. The cohort included 12 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 31.3 years (range, 17-48 years). All of the patients underwent single-bundle transtibial reconstruction using the same surgical technique and were reviewed at a minimum of 4 years postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative posterior stress radiography was performed. The preoperative tibial slope and tibiofemoral angle were also measured. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective scores as well as the Lysholm score. Results: The most common factor that contributed to the failure of primary surgery was misplaced tunnels, especially on the femoral side. There were 2 patients who had grade 2 laxity preoperatively, and 15 patients had grade 3 laxity preoperatively. At the latest follow-up, all 17 patients had grade 1 laxity. On posterior stress radiography, posterior displacement improved from 10.8 ± 2.1 mm preoperatively to 2.9 ± 1.1 mm at the latest follow-up (P < .001). The IKDC subjective score improved from 34.9 ± 6.8 preoperatively to 75.3 ± 15.7 postoperatively (P < .001), and the Lysholm score improved from 38.1 ± 10.0 preoperatively to 88.5 ± 7.6 postoperatively (P < .001). All patients reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Lysholm score, and 94% reached the MCID for the IKDC subjective score, with 65% reaching the Patient Acceptable Symptom State. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, arthroscopic revision PCL reconstruction with a single-bundle transtibial autograft offered satisfactory outcomes at midterm follow-up.

Physiological exophoria did not increase the incidence of myopia in rural school children in Taiwan.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the incidence rate and risk factors for developing myopia in elementary school students in Chiayi, Taiwan. This prospective cohort study comprised 1816 students without myopia (grades 1 to 5 in Chiayi County). The students underwent a noncycloplegic ocular alignment examinations using an autorefractometer and completed a questionnaires at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up. A univariate logistic regression was used to assess the effects of the categorical variables on new cases of myopia. A multinomial logistic regression was then conducted. A chi-squared test was used to compare new cases of myopia in terms of ocular alignment. A Cox hazard ratio model was then used to validate factors associated with changes in ocular alignment. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. In 370 participants with new cases of myopia out of 1816 participants, a spherical error of -1.51 ±â€Š0.6 diopters was noted at follow-up. The baseline ocular alignment was not a significant risk factor for developing myopia (exophoria vs orthophoria: OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.97-1.62; other vs. orthophoria: OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.73-1.82). However, new cases of myopia (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14-1.61), and baseline ocular alignment (exophoria vs orthophoria: HR 3.76, 95% CI 3.20-4.42; other vs orthophoria: HR 3.02, 95% CI 2.05-4.45) were associated with exophoria at follow-up. This study provided epidemiological data on the incidence of myopia in elementary school students in Chiayi, Taiwan. It also demonstrated that physiological exophoria does not predispose patients to developing myopia.

Trunk Movement and Sequential Trunk Muscle Activation During Oscillation Exercises Using Flexible Poles.

OBJECTIVES: Oscillatory exercises using flexible poles, such as the Flexi-bar, were recommended as rehabilitation programs to increase trunk muscles strength; however, the strategy to enhance the training effects is under investigations. The aim of this study was to characterize the trunk movements and muscle activation patterns when performing an oscillation exercise with flexible poles in different weights. METHODS: Twelve healthy male participants performed oscillation exercises with flexible poles of different weights. The center of mass, as well as surface electromyography for 10 trunk muscles were assessed while participants performed oscillation exercises. RESULTS: The participants' trunks showed rhythmic anterior-posterior movement during oscillation exercises using flexible poles. The center-of-mass movement distances were 20.32 (6.73) mm, 25.33 (5.31) mm, 32.40 (9.94) mm, and 37.28 (21.59) mm for the Flexi-bar, light pole, medium pole, and heavy pole, respectively. Erector spinae, internal obliques, multifidus, and external obliques revealed significant activation levels during oscillation exercises. The participants who could perform steady and smooth oscillation with heavy pole for 30 seconds revealed phasic sequential muscle activation. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that oscillation exercises with flexible poles were associated with a concomitant trunk movement in anterior-posterior direction and an effective activation of trunk muscles.

Correction: Liao et al. Twelve-Week Lower Trapezius-Centred Muscular Training Regimen in University Archers. Healthcare 2022, 10, 171.

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...].

Effect of resistance training on satellite cells in old mice - a transcriptome study : implications for sarcopenia.

AIMS: The decrease in the number of satellite cells (SCs), contributing to myofibre formation and reconstitution, and their proliferative capacity, leads to muscle loss, a condition known as sarcopenia. Resistance training can prevent muscle loss; however, the underlying mechanisms of resistance training effects on SCs are not well understood. We therefore conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of SCs in a mouse model. METHODS: We compared the differentially expressed genes of SCs in young mice (eight weeks old), middle-aged (48-week-old) mice with resistance training intervention (MID+ T), and mice without exercise (MID) using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics. RESULTS: After the bioinformatic analysis, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton in particular were highlighted among the top ten pathways with the most differentially expressed genes involved in the young/MID and MID+ T/MID groups. The expression of Gng5, Atf2, and Rtor in the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway was higher in the young and MID+ T groups compared with the MID group. Similarly, Limk1, Arhgef12, and Araf in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton pathway had a similar bias. Moreover, the protein expression profiles of Atf2, Rptor, and Ccnd3 in each group were paralleled with the results of NGS. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that age-induced muscle loss might result from age-influenced genes that contribute to muscle development in SCs. After resistance training, age-impaired genes were reactivated, and age-induced genes were depressed. The change fold in these genes in the young/MID mice resembled those in the MID + T/MID group, suggesting that resistance training can rejuvenate the self-renewing ability of SCs by recovering age-influenced genes to prevent sarcopenia. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(2):121-133.

Twelve-Week Lower Trapezius-Centred Muscular Training Regimen in University Archers.

Archery is a fine-motor-skill sport, in which success results from multiple factors including a fine neuromuscular tuning. The present study hypothesised that lower trapezius specific training can improve archers' performance with concomitant changes in muscle activity and shoulder kinematics. We conducted a prospective study in a university archery team. Athletes were classified into exercise and control groups. A supervised lower trapezius muscle training program was performed for 12 weeks in the exercise group. The exercise program focused on a lower trapezius-centred muscular training. Performance in a simulated game was recorded as the primary outcome, and shoulder muscle strength, kinematics, and surface electromyography were measured and analysed. In the exercise group, the average score of the simulation game increased from 628 to 639 after the training regimens (maximum score was 720), while there were no such increases in the control group. The lower trapezius muscle strength increased from 8 to 9 kgf after training regimens and shoulder horizontal abductor also increased from 81 to 93 body weight% for the exercise group. The upper/lower trapezius ratio decreased from 2.2 to 1.1 after training. The lower trapezius exercise training regimen could effectively improve the performance of an archer with a simultaneous increase in shoulder horizontal abductor and lower trapezius muscle strength.

12-week curcumin supplementation may relieve postexercise muscle fatigue in adolescent athletes.

Introduction: High-intensity exercise causes oxidative stress, muscle soreness, and muscle fatigue, leading to reduced exercise performance. Curcumin possesses antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and thus alleviates postexercise damage. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of curcumin on athletes' postexercise recovery. Methods: A non-randomized prospective cohort investigation was done. We recruited middle and high school athletes engaged in wrestling, soccer, and soft tennis. During the 12-week daily exercise training, the participants were assigned to receive curcumin supplementation (curcumin group) or not (control group). Body composition, exercise performance, inflammatory factors, muscle fatigue, and muscle soreness were recorded at the baseline and end of the study. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the participants' demographics, such as age, height, weight, and training years. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the differences between the groups before and after curcumin supplementation. Results: Of 28 participants (21 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 17 years), 13 were in the curcumin group and 15 in the control group. A significant decrease in muscle fatigue and muscle soreness scores was observed in the curcumin group after 12 weeks. Moreover, a significant decrease in the 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine level and a significant increase in basic metabolic rate and fat-free mass were observed in the curcumin group. Conclusion: Curcumin can reduce muscle fatigue and soreness after exercise, indicating its potential to alleviate postexercise damage. It could be considered to cooperate with nutritional supplements in regular training in adolescent athletes.

Effect of chronic kidney disease on outcomes following proximal humerus fragility fracture surgery in diabetic patients: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The proximal humerus fracture (PHF) is the third most common fragility fracture. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are both risks for fragility fractures; however, the interplay of DM and CKD makes treatment outcomes unpredictable. This study aimed to investigate and compare early and late outcomes following proximal humerus fracture fixation surgery in diabetic patients with different renal function conditions. METHODS: DM patients receiving PHF fixation surgery during 1998-2013 were recruited from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. According to their renal function, patients were divided into three study groups: non-chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-dialysis CKD, and dialysis. Outcomes of interest were early and late perioperative outcomes. Early outcomes included in-hospital newly-onset morbidities. Late outcomes included infection, revision, readmission, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: This study included a total of 10,850 diabetic patients: 2152 had CKD (non-dialysis CKD group), 196 underwent permanent dialysis (dialysis group), and the remaining 8502 did not have CKD (non-CKD group). During a mean follow-up of 5.56 years, the dialysis group showed the highest risk of overall infection, all-cause revision, readmission, and mortality compared to the non-dialysis CKD group and non-CKD group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that CKD patients had a higher risk of surgical infection following PHF surgery than non-CKD patients in cases with a traffic accident or fewer comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI <3) (P for interaction: 0.086 and 0.096, respectively). Also, CKD patients had an even higher mortality risk after PHF surgery than non-CKD patients, in females, those living in higher urbanization areas, or with more comorbidities (CCI ≥3) (P for interaction: 0.011, 0.057, and 0.069, respectively). CONCLUSION: CKD was associated with elevated risks for infection, revision, readmission, and mortality after PHF fixation surgery in diabetic patients. These findings should be taken into consideration when caring for diabetic patients.

GMI, an Immunomodulatory Peptide from Ganoderma microsporum, Restrains Periprosthetic Joint Infections via Modulating the Functions of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Effector T Cells.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. It is known that the biofilms from methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) promote expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to suppress T-cell proliferation and benefit bacterial infections. This study finds that GMI, a fungal immunomodulatory peptide isolated from Ganoderma microsporum, suppresses MDSC expansion to promote the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells. The enhancement is likely attributed to increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α and reduction in ROS expression. Similar beneficial effects of GMI on the suppression of MDSC expansion and IL-6 expression are also observed in the whole blood and reduces the accumulation of MDSCs in the infected bone region in a mouse PJI infection model. This study shows that GMI is potentially useful for treating S. aureus-induced PJIs.

Chronic Kidney Disease Is Associated with High Mortality Risk in Patients with Diabetes after Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

The number of diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing shoulder arthroplasty is growing. This study aims to compare perioperative outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty in diabetic patients at different renal function stages. Between 1998 and 2013, a total of 4443 diabetic patients with shoulder arthroplasty were enrolled: 1174 (26%) had CKD without dialysis (CKD group), 427 (9%) underwent dialysis (dialysis group), and 3042 (68%) had no CKD (non-CKD group). Compared with the non-CKD group, the CKD (odds ratio [OR], 4.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-10.89) and dialysis (OR, 6.71; 95% CI, 1.63-27.73) groups had a high risk of in-hospital death. The dialysis group had a high risk of infection after shoulder arthroplasty compared with the CKD (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.69; 95% CI, 1.07-2.69) and non-CKD (SHR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.14-2.73) groups. The dialysis group showed higher risks of all-cause readmission and mortality than the CKD and non-CKD groups after a 3-month follow-up. In conclusion, CKD was associated with worse outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty. Compared with those without CKD, CKD patients had significantly increased readmission and mortality risks but did not have an increased risk of surgical complications, including superficial infection or implant removal.

Predicting osteoporosis with body compositions in postmenopausal women: a non-invasive method.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of osteoporosis is rising steadily as the aging population increases. Bone mineral density (BMD) assessment is a golden standard to establish the diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, the accessibility and radiation exposure limited its role in community screening. A more convenient approach for screening is suggested. METHODS: A total of 363 postmenopausal women over the age of 50 were included in this study and assessed with the body composition [including fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR)] and BMD. Normal distributions and correlation coefficients among variables were calculated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson's correlation analysis, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the area under ROC curves (AUC) was determined to obtain the optimal cutoff values of the body composition variables for osteoporosis prediction. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient of FFM, FM, FM ratio, and BMR with femur neck T-score was 0.373, 0.266, 0.165, and 0.369, respectively, while with spine T-score was 0.350, 0.251, 0.166, and 0.352, respectively (p < 0.01 for all). FFM, FM, and BMR showed an optimal cutoff value of 37.9 kg, 18.6 kg, and 1187.5 kcal, respectively, for detecting osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided a model to predict osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and the optimal cutoff value of FFM, FM, and BMR could be calculated in the Asian population. Among these factors, BMR seemed a better predictor than others. The BMR could be a target for exercise intervention in postmenopausal women for maintaining or improving BMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02936336 . Retrospectively registered on13 October 2016.

Different types of bullae of limbs with necrotizing fasciitis predict different outcome: a prospective study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon life-threatening necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection. Bullae are special skin manifestations of NF. This study was conducted to analyze the differences between different types of bullae of limbs with NF for providing the information to emergency treatment. METHODS: From April 2015 to August 2018, patients were initially enrolled based on surgical confirmation of limbs with NF. According to the presence of different bullae types, patients were divided into no bullae group (Group N), serous-filled bullae group (Group S), and hemorrhagic bullae group (Group H). Data such as demographics, clinical outcomes, microbiological results, presenting symptoms/signs, and laboratory findings were compared among these groups. RESULTS: In total, 187 patients were collected, with 111 (59.4%) patients in Group N, 35 (18.7%) in Group S, and 41 (21.9%) in Group H. Group H had the highest incidence of amputation, required intensive care unit care, and most patients infected with Vibrio species. In Group N, more patients were infected with Staphylococcus spp. than Group H. In Group S, more patients were infected with ß-hemolytic Streptococcus than Group H. Patients with bacteremia, shock, skin necrosis, anemia, and longer prothrombin time constituted higher proportions in Group H and S than in Group N. CONCLUSIONS: In southern Taiwan, patients with NF accompanied by hemorrhagic bullae appear to have more bacteremia, Vibrio infection, septic shock, and risk for amputation. If the physicians at the emergency department can detect for the early signs of NF as soon as possible, and more patient's life and limbs may be saved.

Differences in gait and muscle strength of patients with acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries of the area surrounding the knee. Muscle strength deficiency is observed following an ACL injury. Determining differences in muscle strength and gait between patients with acute and chronic ACL injury will provide crucial information for assessments and treatment plans. METHODS: We evaluated 60 patients with ACL rupture. Patients were classified into acute and chronic groups. We compared measurements of anthropometric parameters, muscle strength, gait and functional questionnaire. FINDINGS: The muscle strength of both knee extensors and flexors was higher in the chronic group than in the acute group. The muscle strength index for extensors was 57% in the acute group and 73% in the chronic group. However, the hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio for peak torque of the injured leg in the acute and chronic groups was similarly high at 98% and 101%, respectively. In gait, asymmetry in the hip and knee was observed in the acute group but not in the chronic group. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) for symptoms, pain, activities of daily living, sports and recreational activities were higher in the chronic group than in the acute group. INTERPRETATION: Compared with the acute group, the gait of the chronic group is more symmetrical, and the score of KOOS is also higher. The muscle training protocols could be strategically planned according to these differences. Patients with ACL injury are characterized high hamstrings-to quadriceps peak torque ratio.

Prevalence and associated factors of myopia among rural school students in Chia-Yi, Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of myopia has increased rapidly worldwide over the past few decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors for myopia in elementary and junior high school students in Chia-Yi, Taiwan. METHODS: We included 5417 students in total from Grade 1-6 (n = 4763) and Grade 7-9 (n = 654) from Chia Yi County in this population-based study. The students underwent noncycloplegic autorefractometry and an interview with a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: For this study population, the prevalence of myopia and high myopia was 42.0 and 2.0%, respectively, revealing a statistically significant increase with increasing age (p < 0.05). Junior high school students (aged 13-15) showed a greater prevalence of myopia than elementary school students (aged 7-12) (55.8% vs. 40.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that associated factors of myopia were body height (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.06), body mass index (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-1.00), and ocular alignment (horizontal heterophoria vs. orthophoria, OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 2.08-2.70; tropia vs. orthophoria, OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.50-2.52) for elementary school students, whereas in junior high school students, they included body height (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04) and ocular alignment (heterophoria vs. orthophoria, OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.56-3.10). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided epidemiological data on myopia in rural school students in Chia-Yi, Taiwan, and demonstrated the association between heterophoria and myopia. Correction of refractive errors in the students remained a challenge.

Independent Predictors of Mortality for Aeromonas Necrotizing Fasciitis of Limbs: An 18-year Retrospective Study.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the limbs caused by Aeromonas species is an extremely rare and life-threatening skin and soft tissue infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specific characteristics and the independent predictors of mortality in patients with Aeromonas NF. Sixty-eight patients were retrospectively reviewed over an 18-year period. Differences in mortality, demographics data, comorbidities, symptoms and signs, laboratory findings, microbiological analysis, empiric antibiotics treatment and clinical outcomes were compared between the non-survival and the survival groups. Twenty patients died with the mortality rate of 29.4%. The non-survival group revealed significant differences in bacteremia, monomicrobial infection, cephalosporins resistance, initial ineffective empiric antibiotics usage, chronic kidney disease, chronic hepatic dysfunction, tachypnea, shock, hemorrhagic bullae, skin necrosis, leukopenia, band polymorphonuclear neutrophils >10%, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The multivariate analysis identified four variables predicting mortality: bloodstream infection, shock, skin necrosis, and initial ineffective empirical antimicrobial usage against Aeromonas. NF caused by Aeromonas spp. revealed high mortality rates, even through aggressive surgical debridement and antibacterial therapies. Identifying those independent predictors, such as bacteremia, shock, progressive skin necrosis, monomicrobial infection, and application of the effective antimicrobial agents against Aeromonas under the supervision of infectious doctors, may improve clinical outcomes.