Wheelchair users' perceived exertion during typical mobility activities.

STUDY DESIGN: Each participant performed a series of wheelchair exercises equivalent in intensity to minimal functional speed (1 m s(-1)), functional walking speed (1.3 m s(-1)), a relatively challenging speed (1.6 m s(-1)) and a self-selected speed. Each participant also completed a graded exercise test (GXT) to volitional exhaustion (VO2peak). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the physical capacity of wheelchair users as they undertake typical mobility activities and (2) to investigate how closely the components of a differentiated model of perceived exertion mirror wheelchair users' own perception of exertion. METHODS: Eleven (eight males and three females) spinal cord-injured or congenitally impaired wheelchair-dependent participants volunteered for the study. Differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE_arm and RPE_respiration) and oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate were recorded during each exercise. RESULTS: The mean comfortable speed at which the participants propelled their own wheelchairs on the wheelchair ergometer was 1.1±0.2 m s(-1). Speeds of 1 m s(-1) and 1.3 m s(-1) are typical of everyday functional propulsion. The corresponding RPE_respiration and RPE_arm ranged from 7 to 13 on the Borg scale; the %VO2peak measured in these trials ranged from 37 to 80% VO2peak. For propulsion intensities used in the present study-low, moderate, high and graded exercise intensity-no difference could be observed between RPE_respiration and RPE_arm. There were no significant differences between RPE_arm and RPE_respiration at the termination of the GXT. CONCLUSION: The current study showed potential for the use of RPE to assess and monitor daily wheelchair propulsion intensity in individuals with paraplegia.

Evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic effect on the development of somatic symptoms in patients with mood disorders: a case-control study.

Somatic symptoms are one of the most common complaints among patients with psychiatric disorders and are considered as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the new coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical symptoms in patients with mood disorders and compare it with healthy individuals. In this case-control study, 67 patients with mood disorders were referred to the psychiatric clinic of 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan, who met the inclusion criteria, and 68 healthy individuals as control group were entered into the study. For all participants after informed consent, a demographic information questionnaire was completed along with Screening for Somatic Symptoms-7 (SOMS7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and the data were analysed by SPSS software version 25. The mean score obtained for the SOMS-7 questionnaire for the group of patients with mood disorders and the control group was 32.37 ± 8.19 and 35.42 ± 11.3, respectively. The mean obtained for the PHQ-15 questionnaire for the mood disorders group and the control group was 8.56 ± 5.93 and 5.86 ± 4.63, respectively. In the mood disorder group, 26.9% of patients had no risk for physical symptoms, 31.3% of patients had a low risk, 25.4% of patients had a moderate risk, and 16.4% of patients had a high risk for physical symptoms. The statistical test showed that although the risk of physical symptoms was high in both groups, this rate was higher in the group with mood disorders, and there is a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The results also showed a significant and direct relationship between the two questionnaires (P < 0.05). According to the results, although the prevalence of somatic symptoms increased in both groups, the prevalence of somatic symptoms is significantly higher in the mood disorder group.

Joint scintigraphy using technetium-99m pyrophosphate in experimental hemarthrosis.

To determine the validity of a method for induction of experimental hemarthrosis in dogs and for the nuclear imaging of hemarthrosis, serial technetium-99m pyrophosphate [( 99mTc]PYP) flow and blood-pool scans were performed monthly in eight dogs who received bi-weekly injections of autologous blood into their femoro-tibial joints (also called stifle joint). In four control dogs, one joint was injected with saline while the other joint received only a sham injection. In addition, two dogs received intra-articular injections of autologous blood into their right stifle joint and saline into their left stifle joint. These dogs were studied with 99mTcO4 joint scintigraphy at monthly intervals. The dogs were periodically taken out of the study and explored surgically. Pathologic examination of synovial tissue was performed. Serial radiographs were also obtained and correlated with the scan and surgical findings. There was a striking abnormal increase in blood-pool activity of [99mTc]PYP in the treated stifle joints, commencing at the first examination after 1 mo of blood injections and continuing for the length of the study. All radiographs showed only minimal joint space widening and some soft-tissue swelling. On pathologic examination, both grossly and microscopically, there was profuse pannus formation, with intense inflammatory infiltrate replacing much of the subsynovial fat. The scintigraphic findings correlated well with these pathologic findings. This study not only validates this method for simulating hemophilic hemarthrosis but also suggests that [99mTc]PYP joint scintigraphy is a simple, and noninvasive method for monitoring the early changes in hemophilic arthropathy and is superior to pertechnetate imaging for this disease process. Instead of the previously recommended delayed bone images, we recommend, in addition, flow studies to assess joint hypervascularity and immediate static images to visualize the synovium and joint capsule.

Detection of right-to-left shunt with radionuclide angiocardiography in refractory hypoxemia.

A significant right-to-left shunt at the atrial level was diagnosed by radionuclide angiocardiographic examination in a patient with hypoxemia whose perfusion scan showed no pulmonary uptake. The shunt occurred through a patent foramen ovale due to increased right ventricular afterload, subsequently confirmed at autopsy. It is concluded that radionuclide angiocardiography with technetium 99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc MAA), followed immediately by a perfusion lung scan, may have a place in the evaluation of patients with refractory hypoxemia, since pulmonary embolism and/or right-to-left shunting are two of several causes of hypoxemia in the absence of congenital heart disease. A review of the literature on different pathophysiologic factors is presented and some therapeutic implications, specifically the adverse effect of PEEP in such situations, are discussed.

The role of intrarectal ultrasound (IRUS) in staging of rectal cancer and detection of extrarectal pathology.

Intrarectal Ultrasound (IRUS) is rapidly becoming an effective tool in the staging of rectal cancer. Twenty-nine consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum underwent both CT scanning and IRUS in the preoperative assessment of rectal cancer in an effort to correlate IRUS staging with surgical pathology, correlate tumor staging comparing IRUS with CT scan, and determine incidence of extrarectal pathology by IRUS. Patients were reviewed as to IRUS stage, results of CT scan, TNM stage of extirpated tumor, incidence of genitourinary pathology, and sonographic result of preoperative radiotherapy (RT). The mean age of all patients was 69 years; there were 25 males and four females. Twenty-four patients underwent proctectomy with either low pelvic anastomosis or end stoma; five underwent local surgical therapy. Thirteen patients received preoperative RT. CT scan correlated poorly with IRUS staging of tumors penetrating the muscularis propria. IRUS overstaged 40 per cent, understaged 5 per cent, and correctly staged 55 per cent of patients when compared with pathological specimens. Eleven of the 25 males (44 per cent) had abnormal prostates by IRUS. Five (20%) had further urologic intervention, resulting in two prostatic cancers found. Our data suggests that CT scan staging correlated poorly with IRUS staging. CT poorly determines depth of rectal tumor wall invasion. IRUS correlated well with pathology and understaged 5 per cent of patients before surgery. Genitourinary abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients. IRUS is an effective modality for preoperative staging of rectal cancer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of renal allograft pathology by scintigraphic and ultrasound index-markers.

The efficacies of two scintigraphic and two sonographic techniques and resultant index values, as markers of renal allograft pathology, were assessed. Index values of 183 combined scintigraphic and sonographic examinations in 47 graft recipients were compared to the pathological diagnosis of transplant biopsies and subsequent clinical outcome. All recipients were studied with baseline imaging techniques postoperatively, again when indicated by predefined clinical criteria, and prior to graft biopsy. The scintigraphic technique involved the calculation of indices of thrombotic activity and cortical graft perfusion. Ultrasound involved determination of the Doppler resistance index of Pourcelot and estimations of graft volume from real time images. A decreased cortical perfusion index was, overall, the most sensitive index of acute or chronic graft pathology, but it lacked specificity. Increased thrombotic and resistance indices were 96% and 86% sensitive for acute vascular rejection and were 82% and 76% specific. Jointly increased thrombotic and resistance indices improved the specificity for acute vascular rejection to 98%. An increase in graft volume of more than 50% over stable values was 100% sensitive and 92% specific for acute interstitial rejection, and 95% specific when paired with a normal thrombotic index. A marked increase in the thrombotic index was 100% sensitive for cyclosporine-induced thrombotic microangiopathy, but only 49% specific. The specificity of a markedly increased thrombotic index for thrombotic microangiopathy improved to 93% when the Doppler resistance index remained normal or was only marginally elevated. None of the scintigraphic or ultrasound indices were helpful for the diagnosis of acute tubular necrosis, chronic rejection, recurrent glomerulopathy, or graft infection.

Increased renal parenchymal accumulation of Tc-99m HDP in kidney contusion.

Unilateral focal areas of intense, increased renal uptake of Tc-99m oxidronate sodium (technetium-99m HDP) were incidentally detected in the bone scan of a female patient who subsequently gave a history of recent trauma to her flank. Increased renal parenchymal uptake of Tc-99m HDP in this patient was thought to be due to kidney contusion. The case is interesting in itself and for its possible implications regarding the use of radio-labeled phosphate compounds for detection of renal contusion.

Recurrent hemolytic uremic syndrome in a renal transplant recipient.

This case report presents clinical, scintigraphic, duplex sonographic, and biopsy findings in a 23-year-old female renal allograft (RAG) recipient, who had transplantation for chronic renal failure secondary to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). She demonstrated acute and rapidly progressing RAG failure at 7 weeks after transplantation.

Applying a basic development needs approach for sustainable and integrated community development in less-developed areas: report of ongoing Iranian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Despite considerable achievements in the provision of basic developmental facilities in terms of drinking water, access to primary healthcare services, high-quality and nutritious food, social services, and proper housing facilities, there are many rural and slum communities in Iran where these essential needs remain unfulfilled. Lack of equity is prominent, as large differences exist in underprivileged provinces. New policies developed in the past two decades have resulted in substantial achievements in meeting population needs and reducing the socio-economic gap; nevertheless, poverty levels, unemployment due to a large increase in the birth rate in the early 1980s, and lack of community participation are matters yet to be addressed. To overcome these deficiencies, a basic development needs approach was adopted to promote the concept of community self-help and self-reliance through intersectoral collaboration, creating an environment where people could take an active part in the development process, with the Iranian government providing the necessary support to achieve the desired level of development. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Following firm commitment from the Iranian government and technical support from the World Health Organization Regional Office, basic development needs was assigned a high priority in health and health-related sectors, reflected in the third National Masterplan (2001-2005). A comprehensive intersectoral plan was designed, and pilot projects were commenced in three villages. Each village elected a representative, and committee clusters were formed to run and monitor projects identified by a process of local needs assessment and priority assignment. In each region, a variety of needs were elicited from these assessments, which were actively supported by local authorities. LESSON LEARNED: A basic development needs approach was found to be a reliable discipline to improve community participation, needs-led resource allocation and intersectoral co-operation in community development, particularly in underprivileged areas. Iran's initial experience of basic development needs has gained widespread public support but will require periodical evaluation as it is introduced into other rural and urban regions across the country.

Avascular bone necrosis in an untreated case of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Hip pain due to aseptic necrosis of the femoral head was the first clinical manifestation of chronic myelogenous leukemia in a 9-year-old white female. An erroneous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was first entertained. Physical examination showed splenomegaly, complete blood count revealed leucocytosis of 359,000. The initial radiograph of the involved hip was negative. Biopsy revealed aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was diagnosed on the basis of the peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy. Two months later, radiograph, radionuclide bone scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) of the involved hip were positive for aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.

Villous adenoma of the common bile duct.

A villous adenoma of the common bile duct (CBD) causing obstructive jaundice was demonstrated by sonography and ERCP in a 34-year-old man. The radiological and clinical features of this rare tumor are herein presented.

Late onset renal allograft anastomotic pseudoaneurysm with absent Doppler signal.

A large extrarenal pseudoaneurysm, originating from the arterial anastomosis of a renal allograft, occurred spontaneously 7 years after transplantation in a 29-year-old diabetic patient. Although the scintigraphic examination was diagnostic of a pseudoaneurysm, pulsed Doppler and color coded Doppler ultrasound failed to demonstrate a Doppler signal, suggesting erroneously a nonvascular fluid collection. The role of scintigraphy combined with duplex ultrasound in this rare but potentially fatal complication of renal transplantation is discussed.

Computed tomography demonstration of distal femoral (trochlear) articular groove: a normal variant.

In computed tomography of the skeleton, as in other radiologic modalities, recognition of normal skeletal variants is essential for defining the extent and type of injury or neoplasm. Computed tomography findings, because of the unique use of cross-sectional anatomy, must be carefully studied to avoid labeling a normal variant as an abnormal entity. We describe here an observation of a normal variant--distal femoral, anterior articular (trochlear) groove--found in a patient with an osteochondral fracture and loose intra-articular bony fragment.

Computed tomography of complicated psoas abscess with intraabscess contrast medium injection.

Computed tomography in a case of tuberculous psoas abscess is described. Additional information useful in planning surgical drainage was obtained by intraabscess contrast medium injection through a draining sinus.

CT diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix.

We report the CT findings in a patient with adenocarcinoma of the appendix. Previously reported cases are reviewed, and a CT appearance which is suggestive of adenocarcinoma of the appendix is presented.

Radionuclide surveillance of the allografted pancreas.

To determine the value of scintigraphy to detect posttransplantation complications of the allografted pancreas, we retrospectively reviewed 209 scintigrams obtained with 99mTc-sulfur colloid (99mTc-SC) and 99mTc-glucoheptonate (99mTc-GH). The scintigraphic studies were performed in 37 recipients of simultaneous renal and pancreatic allografts harvested from the same donor. 99mTc-SC was used as an indicator of thrombotic vasculitis; pancreatic perfusion and blood-pool parameters were monitored with 99mTc-GH. In 11 of the 37 recipients, scintigraphic abnormalities suggested posttransplantation infarction. Recurrent episodes of acute rejection of the pancreatic allograft, which always coincided with acute rejection of the renal allograft, were monitored in 24 recipients. Rejection-induced ischemic pancreatitis was suggested in 12 of the 24 recipients and persisted in 10 recipients for several weeks after improvement of renal allograft rejection. Pancreatic atrophy was suggested scintigraphically in 16 of the 24 recipients with recurrent episodes of rejection. Spontaneous pancreatic-duct obstruction and obstructive pancreatitis were associated with a scintigraphic pattern similar to that of rejection-induced ischemic pancreatitis. We concluded that the specific radionuclides used in this series are useful for the surveillance and assessment of posttransplantation pancreatic infarction, acute rejection, pancreatitis, and atrophy.

Computed tomography and ultrasound appearance of liver disease in secondary syphilis.

Liver disease occurring as a manifestation of secondary syphilis is unusual, and this association is not readily recognized or considered in the differential diagnosis of obscure hepatic disease, thereby causing delay in treatment. We describe a case of liver involvement in secondary syphilis with computed-tomography and ultrasound findings. This entity should be considered in patients with hepatomegaly coexisting with the clinical stigmata of secondary syphilis, as treatment with penicillin results in rapid improvement in both the clinical and biochemical findings.

Computed tomography and ultrasound demonstration of squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney.

The computed tomography and ultrasound appearance of a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney is reported and the relevant clinical and urographic findings in this rare entity are reviewed.