Plantar Fasciitis: An Updated Review.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common musculoskeletal disease. Histologic findings of patients with PF showed mainly chronic degenerative processes rather than inflammation. In addition to mechanical factors, such as repetitive stress and reduced ankle dorsiflexion, PF is also linked to rheumatologic diseases and genetic factors. Ultrasound is becoming a standard imaging technique for assessing PF. Major sonographic findings included increased plantar fascia thickness and hypoechoic plantar fascia. In addition to traditional B-mode ultrasound, sonoelastography can also be utilized to diagnose PF. Ultrasound can also be used to guide therapeutic interventions. Over 80% of patients with PF improved under nonsurgical treatment. Treatment options for PF include physical therapy, modalities (laser, therapeutic ultrasound), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), injections, transcatheter arterial embolization, and surgery. For injections, corticosteroid was mostly used in the past but has been replaced gradually by other techniques such as platelet-rich plasma or dextrose prolotherapy. There is also more and more evidence about ESWT in treating PF. Surgery serves as an option for recalcitrant PF cases, and endoscopic fasciotomy seemed to have good outcomes. Ultrasound plays an important role in diagnosing of PF and evaluating the treatment effect, and the use of sonoelastography in addition to traditional B-mode ultrasound may help in the early detection of PF and assessment of the treatment effect.

Ultrasound Imaging in Predicting the Autograft Size in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is widely used to restore knee stability after injury, but the risk of revision surgery increases when the autograft size is inadequate. Ultrasound (US) measurements of preoperative target tendons have been applied to predict the intraoperative autograft size, with various outcomes across different studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence and investigate the usefulness of US in predicting autograft size. Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies from inception to 19 January 2022. The primary outcome was the correlation between the preoperative US measurements of donor tendons and intraoperative autograft size. The secondary outcomes encompassed the predictive performance of US for autograft size and the comparison between US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for preoperative tendon measurements. Nine studies, comprising 249 patients, were enrolled. The preoperative US measurements of the donor tendons demonstrated a significant positive correlation with their intraoperative autograft diameter, with a pooled correlation coefficient of 0.443 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.266−0.591, p < 0.001) for the gracilis and semitendinosus autograft, 0.525 (95% CI, 0.114−0.783, p = 0.015) for the semitendinosus autograft, and 0.475 (95% CI, 0.187−0.687, p = 0.002) for the gracilis autograft. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of US imaging in predicting the autograft diameter were 0.83 (95% CI 0.57−0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.36−0.91), respectively. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between US and MRI measurements in predicting the sizes of the gracilis and semitendinosus autografts. Preoperative US measurements of the target tendons were moderately correlated with the intraoperative autograft size. US imaging has a discriminative performance similar to that of MRI in predicting the autograft size. A standardized US scanning protocol is needed for future studies to minimize the variations in tendon measurements across different investigators and increase the comparability of US imaging with intraoperative findings.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Pictorial Essay and Narrative Review.

Ultrasound has been extensively applied to the diagnosis of and guided interventions for knee disorders. However, although it is commonly affected during sports injuries, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not usually incorporated in the majority of ultrasound scanning protocols. In the past, because of its oblique trajectory and deeper location, the ACL was considered to be a challenging structure for ultrasound imaging. Owing to advances in ultrasound technology and knowledge of knee sono-anatomy, an increasing number of studies are investigating the clinical value of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of ACL injuries. In this regard, the present review aims to elaborate on the sono-anatomy of the ACL, to summarize the evidence for ultrasound imaging for ACL lesions and to investigate whether it is useful in the pre-operative preparation and post-operative follow-up of ACL reconstruction.

Assessment of Tongue Strength in Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sarcopenic dysphagia is defined as difficulty in swallowing due to sarcopenia, which may be related to weakness of the tongue muscles. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between tongue strength and sarcopenia and to determine whether tongue strength measurement could be a specific indicator of sarcopenic dysphagia. We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases from their inception to February 2021 for clinical studies that investigated tongue strength in participants with and without sarcopenia. The primary outcome was the weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) of tongue pressure between the different groups. The secondary outcome was the correlation of tongue pressure with the subcomponents that defined sarcopenia. Ten studies that involved 1,513 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with those without sarcopenia, patients with sarcopenia had significantly less tongue pressure, with a WMD of -4.353 kPa (95% CI, -7.257 to -1.450) and an SMD of -0.581 (95% CI, -0.715 to -0.446). There was no significant difference in tongue pressure between patients with sarcopenic dysphagia and those with non-sarcopenic dysphagia, with a WMD of -1.262 kPa (95% CI, -8.442 to 5.918) and an SMD of -0.187 (95% CI, -1.059 to 0.686). Significant positive associations were identified between tongue pressure and grip strength and between tongue pressure and gait speed, with correlation coefficients of 0.396 (95% CI, 0.191 to 0.567) and 0.269 (95% CI, 0.015 to 0.490), respectively. Reduced tongue strength is associated with sarcopenia but is not an exclusive marker for sarcopenic dysphagia. Tongue strength correlates with the values of subcomponents that define sarcopenia. In patients with low performance of sarcopenia subcomponent, tongue pressure must be examined to diagnose subclinical dysphagia. Protocol registration: This meta-analysis was registered on INPLASY (registration number INPLASY202120060).

The Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Lumbar Degenerative Spine Disease-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The association of sarcopenia with poor clinical outcomes has been identified in various medical conditions, although there is a lack of quantitative analysis to validate the influence of sarcopenia on patients with lumbar degenerative spine disease (LDSD) from the available literature. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with LDSD and examine its impact on clinical outcomes. The electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) were systematically searched from inception through December 2020 for clinical studies investigating the association of sarcopenia with clinical outcomes in patients with LDSD. A random-effects model meta-analysis was carried out for data synthesis. This meta-analysis included 14 studies, comprising 1953 participants. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with LDSD was 24.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3%-34.3%). The relative risk of sarcopenia was not significantly increased in patients with LDSD compared with controls (risk ratio, 1.605; 95% CI, 0.321-8.022). The patients with sarcopenia did not experience an increase in low back and leg pain. However, lower quality of life (SMD, -0.627; 95% CI, -0.844--0.410) were identified postoperatively. Sarcopenia did not lead to an elevated rate of complications after lumbar surgeries. Sarcopenia accounts for approximately one-quarter of the population with LDSD. The clinical manifestations are less influenced by sarcopenia, whereas sarcopenia is associated with poorer quality of life after lumbar surgeries. The current evidence is still insufficient to support sarcopenia as a predictor of postoperative complications.

Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, pharmaceutical treatment options for autism spectrum disorder are limited. Brain glutaminergic dysregulation is observed in autism spectrum disorder. N-acetylcysteine, which can be converted to glutathione and subsequently release glutamate into the extracellular space, and thus reduce glutamatergic neurotransmission at synapses, is considered a potential drug for autism spectrum disorder treatment. Here, we analyzed the treatment effects of N-acetylcysteine on autism spectrum disorder in randomized controlled trials. STUDY DESIGN: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: By systematically searching the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, we obtained five randomized controlled trials. STUDY SELECTION: Meta-analyses were performed to examine the improvement in autistic behaviors as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Social Responsiveness Scale and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, using mean difference with a 95% confidence interval and a random-effects model. DATA SYNTHESIS: After 8-12 weeks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation, the pooled result of four trials revealed an improvement in Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score (mean difference = 1.31, 95% confidence interval = [0.42, 2.20]). When one trial was excluded, the sensitivity test result was stronger (mean difference = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = [0.92, 2.83]). The pooled results of three trials revealed significant improvements in hyperactivity (mean difference = 4.80, 95% confidence interval = [1.20, 8.40]) and irritability (mean difference = 4.07, 95% confidence interval = [1.13, 7.04]). Regarding Social Responsiveness Scale, the pooled result of two trials showed significant improvement in social awareness after 8-12 weeks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation (mean difference = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = [0.09, 2.59]). No differences were observed in the pooled results of two trials using Repetitive Behavior Scale, either in the total or the subscales. CONCLUSION: We concluded that N-acetylcysteine is safe and tolerable, reduces hyperactivity and irritability and enhances social awareness in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, further evidence should be sought before a general recommendation.

Effects of ultraviolet and blue-light filtering on sleep: a meta-analysis of controlled trials and studies on cataract patients.

PURPOSE: Two types of intraocular lenses (IOLs), namely ultraviolet-filtering IOL (UVF-IOL) and blue-light-filtering IOL (BF-IOL), are used to replace the aging lens in cataract patients. This provides a clinical scenario to investigate the BF and UVF effects on circadian rhythm. We revisited this topic and conducted an updated meta-analysis investigating the effects of UVF-IOL and BF-IOL on sleep quality. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and finally, four randomized controlled trials, one nonrandomized controlled study, and two cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: The fixed-effect model revealed a significantly larger sleep quality improvement in the UVF-IOL group than in the BF-IOL group (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.21) at 3-8 weeks but not 7-12 months after IOL implantation (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.13). The random effects model revealed no difference between groups at 3-8 weeks (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.39) and 7-12 months (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.13) after IOL implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found some weak evidence supporting that UVF-IOL implantation demonstrated a greater improvement in subjective sleep quality than the BF-IOL implantation only in a shorter period but not in a longer period. More trials should be conducted before further recommendations. Nevertheless, our study provides some insights into the effects of short wavelength electromagnetic radiation on the circadian rhythm. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019128832.

TLD environmental monitoring of new scanner facilities at the Nuclear Medicine Department of the Taiwan Medical University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as well as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners were designed in July 2018 at the Nuclear Medicine Department (NM), of the Taiwan Medical University Hospital. These scanners emit substantial X-rays from the target, which are tungsten, iron. Therefore, patients undergoing SPECT and DXA diagnosis, in addition to medical personnel, are exposed to undesirable photon leakage. METHODS: Following administration of radiopharmaceuticals, patients become radioactive sources; thus, it is necessary to evaluate a possible increase in the environmental gamma exposure rates in the NM as a result of the operation of the new scanners. A three month evaluation of environmental radiation in the NM was performed using the accurate and sensitive TLD-100H approach, which gives an error rate less than 10%. RESULTS: Detected exposure radiation rates in the NM ranged from 0.12 ± 0.02 to 1.00 ± 0.15 mSv per month, indicating that the imaging room had significantly different radiation rates. The results were compared with previous results, and no significant contribution to the enhancement of environmental gamma radiation was detected, which remained far below the occupational dose recommended by ICRP 60. The minimum detectable dose (MDD) for environmental radiation is also discussed herein to demonstrate the reliability of TLD-100H. CONCLUSION: Recommendations were sent to the authorities of AEC-ROC to implement actions that could reduce doses at these high-dose locations to meet the ALARA principle.