The effect of years of schooling and age on CERAD-MX performance in Mexican preclinical carriers of the APP V717I mutation: Randomized data simulation.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the effect of years of schooling (YoS) and age on the Mexican adaptation of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-MX) scores in preclinical carriers group (PCG) and non-carriers group (NCG) of the APP V717I mutation. METHODS: We included 39 first-degree Mexican relatives of APP V717I carriers (PCG = 15; NCG = 24). We report eight CERAD-MX tasks: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Word List Learning (WLL), Delayed Recall (WLD) and Recognition (WLR), Constructional Praxis Copy (CPC) and Recall (CPR), Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF), and Verbal Boston Naming (VBN), comparing both groups' performance and simulating new samples' random vectors by inverse transform sampling. RESULTS: PCG and NCG performed similarly on CERAD-MX. In both groups, YoS and age influence all z scores. A positive age effect resulted for PCG on CPC and SVF; for the NCG on MMSE, SVF, and VBN. DISCUSSION: All tasks are influenced by YoS. Higher YoS/younger age or YoS/older age interactions affected different tasks, suggesting that YoS confounds outcomes. Highlights: Years of schooling (YoS) and age affect the Mexican adaptation of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease scores of APP V717I preclinical carriers.Preclinical carriers underperformed non-carriers on Constructional Praxis Recall.Fewer YoS emerges as a confounding variable when detecting cognitive failures.Younger participants in both groups overperformed the older ones in the Memory tasks.Randomized data simulation increases statistical power when analyzing rare diseases.

Emerging Therapies for Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is most commonly a primary brain tumor and the utmost malignant one, with a survival rate of approximately 12-18 months. Glioblastoma is highly heterogeneous, demonstrating that different types of cells from the same tumor can manifest distinct gene expression patterns and biological behaviors. Conventional therapies such as temozolomide, radiation, and surgery have limitations. As of now, there is no cure for glioblastoma. Alternative treatment methods to eradicate glioblastoma are discussed in this review, including targeted therapies to PI3K, NFKß, JAK-STAT, CK2, WNT, NOTCH, Hedgehog, and TGFß pathways. The highly novel application of oncolytic viruses and nanomaterials in combating glioblastoma are also discussed. Despite scores of clinical trials for glioblastoma, the prognosis remains poor. Progress in breaching the blood-brain barrier with nanomaterials and novel avenues for targeted and combination treatments hold promise for the future development of efficacious glioblastoma therapies.

Clinical validation of RCSMS: A rapid and sensitive CRISPR-Cas12a test for the molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 from saliva.

Peru's holds the highest COVID death rate per capita worldwide. Key to this outcome is the lack of robust, rapid, and accurate molecular tests to circumvent the elevated costs and logistics of SARS-CoV-2 detection via RT-qPCR. To facilitate massive and timely COVID-19 testing in rural and socioeconomically deprived contexts, we implemented and validated RCSMS, a rapid and sensitive CRISPR-Cas12a test for the molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 from saliva. RCSMS uses the power of CRISPR-Cas technology and lateral flow strips to easily visualize the presence of SARS-CoV-2 even in laboratories with limited equipment. We show that a low-cost thermochemical treatment with TCEP/EDTA is sufficient to inactivate viral particles and cellular nucleases in saliva, eliminating the need to extract viral RNA with commercial kits, as well as the cumbersome nasopharyngeal swab procedure and the requirement of biosafety level 2 laboratories for molecular analyses. Notably, RCSMS performed outstandingly in a clinical validation done with 352 patients from two hospitals in Lima, detecting as low as 50 viral copies per 10 µl reaction in 40 min, with sensitivity and specificity of 96.5% and 99.0%, respectively, relative to RT-qPCR. The negative and positive predicted values obtained from this field validation indicate that RCSMS can be confidently deployed in both high and low prevalence settings. Like other CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors, RCSMS can be easily reprogrammed for the detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. We conclude that RCSMS is a fast, efficient and inexpensive alternative to RT-qPCR for expanding COVID-19 testing capacity in Peru and other low- and middle-income countries with precarious healthcare systems.

Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022) / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022)

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

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Manejo interdisciplinario de la obesidad y el sobrepeso en rehabilitación cardiaca: revisión de la Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón / Interdisciplinary management of obesity and overweight in cardiac rehabilitation: review of the Mexican Society for Heart Care (Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón, SOMECCOR)

Resumen Antecedentes: La obesidad es un trastorno multifactorial caracterizado por un aumento en la adiposidad corporal, de amplia prevalencia en nuestro país, a cualquier edad y ligada a grandes consecuencias adversas, incluyendo el desarrollo de cardiopatías. Los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) son intervenciones interdisciplinarias encaminadas no solo a restaurar la funcionalidad perdida de los pacientes que han sufrido un desenlace cardiovascular, sino también a corregir aquellos factores de riesgo que lo propiciaron y que interfieren en los resultados adaptativos del mismo. La obesidad contribuye a perpetuar el riesgo de cardiopatía y suele ser resistente a las modificaciones del estilo de vida de manera convencional. Objetivo: Establecer pautas en el reconocimiento de la obesidad con directrices de atención al paciente con cardiopatía dentro de los programas de RC y su abordaje interdisciplinario. Método: A través de una extensiva revisión bibliográfica y después de una discusión interdisciplinaria, se elaboró el presente documento para fijar una postura sobre el abordaje de la obesidad en el contexto de los programas de RC en pacientes con cardiopatía. Resultados y conclusiones: Nuestra Sociedad reconoce el abordaje interdisciplinario de los pacientes con obesidad y cardiopatía en su prevención primaria y secundaria, insta a la precisión en su diagnóstico y valoración, y recomienda que su eje primario debe estar basado en primera instancia en las modificaciones del estilo de vida (entrenamiento físico, atención nutricional e intervención psicoemocional), en tanto que la terapia farmacológica y la cirugía bariátrica pudieran ser coadyuvantes en la optimización de los resultados en pacientes selectos.

Abstract Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder characterized by increased body adiposity with a wide prevalence in our country, at any age, and linked to major adverse consequences, including the development of heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are interdisciplinary interventions aimed not only at restoring the lost functionality of patients who have suffered a cardiovascular outcome, but also at correcting those risk factors that led to it and that interfere with its adaptive results. Obesity contributes to perpetuating heart disease risk and is often resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications. Objective: Establish guidelines in the recognition of obesity with care guidelines for patients with heart disease within CR programs and their interdisciplinary approach. Method: Through an extensive bibliographical review and after an interdisciplinary discussion, this document was prepared to establish a position on the approach to obesity in the context of CR programs in patients with heart disease. Results and conclusions: Our Society recognizes the interdisciplinary approach of our patients with obesity and heart disease in its primary and secondary prevention, urges precision in its diagnosis and assessment, recommends that its primary axis must be based in the first instance on lifestyle modifications (physical training, nutritional care and psycho-emotional intervention), while pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery could be coadjuvants in optimizing the results in selected patients.

Resuscitating the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Trauma and Hemorrhagic Shock.

The endothelium is lined by a protective mesh of proteins and carbohydrates called the endothelial glycocalyx (EG). This layer creates a negatively charged gel-like barrier between the vascular environment and the surface of the endothelial cell. When intact the EG serves multiple functions, including mechanotransduction, cell signaling, regulation of permeability and fluid exchange across the microvasculature, and management of cell-cell interactions. In trauma and/or hemorrhagic shock, the glycocalyx is broken down, resulting in the shedding of its individual components. The shedding of the EG is associated with increased systemic inflammation, microvascular permeability, and flow-induced vasodilation, leading to further physiologic derangements. Animal and human studies have shown that the greater the severity of the injury, the greater the degree of shedding, which is associated with poor patient outcomes. Additional studies have shown that prioritizing certain resuscitation fluids, such as plasma, cryoprecipitate, and whole blood over crystalloid shows improved outcomes in hemorrhaging patients, potentially through a decrease in EG shedding impacting downstream signaling. The purpose of the following paragraphs is to briefly describe the EG, review the impact of EG shedding and hemorrhagic shock, and begin entertaining the notion of directed resuscitation. Directed resuscitation emphasizes transitioning from macroscopic 1:1 resuscitation to efforts that focus on minimizing EG shedding and maximizing its reconstitution.

[Interdisciplinary management of obesity and overweight in cardiac rehabilitation: review of the Mexican Society for Heart Care (Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón, SOMECCOR)]. / Manejo interdisciplinario de la obesidad y el sobrepeso en rehabilitación cardiaca: revisión de la Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón.

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder characterized by increased body adiposity with a wide prevalence in our country, at any age, and linked to major adverse consequences, including the development of heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are interdisciplinary interventions aimed not only at restoring the lost functionality of patients who have suffered a cardiovascular outcome, but also at correcting those risk factors that led to it and that interfere with its adaptive results. Obesity contributes to perpetuating heart disease risk and is often resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications. Objective: Establish guidelines in the recognition of obesity with care guidelines for patients with heart disease within CR programs and their interdisciplinary approach. Method: Through an extensive bibliographical review and after an interdisciplinary discussion, this document was prepared to establish a position on the approach to obesity in the context of CR programs in patients with heart disease. Results and conclusions: Our Society recognizes the interdisciplinary approach of our patients with obesity and heart disease in its primary and secondary prevention, urges precision in its diagnosis and assessment, recommends that its primary axis must be based in the first instance on lifestyle modifications (physical training, nutritional care and psycho-emotional intervention), while pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery could be coadjuvants in optimizing the results in selected patients.

Antecedentes: La obesidad es un trastorno multifactorial caracterizado por un aumento en la adiposidad corporal, de amplia prevalencia en nuestro país, a cualquier edad y ligada a grandes consecuencias adversas, incluyendo el desarrollo de cardiopatías. Los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) son intervenciones interdisciplinarias encaminadas no solo a restaurar la funcionalidad perdida de los pacientes que han sufrido un desenlace cardiovascular, sino también a corregir aquellos factores de riesgo que lo propiciaron y que interfieren en los resultados adaptativos del mismo. La obesidad contribuye a perpetuar el riesgo de cardiopatía y suele ser resistente a las modificaciones del estilo de vida de manera convencional. Objetivo: Establecer pautas en el reconocimiento de la obesidad con directrices de atención al paciente con cardiopatía dentro de los programas de RC y su abordaje interdisciplinario. Método: A través de una extensiva revisión bibliográfica y después de una discusión interdisciplinaria, se elaboró el presente documento para fijar una postura sobre el abordaje de la obesidad en el contexto de los programas de RC en pacientes con cardiopatía. Resultados y conclusiones: Nuestra Sociedad reconoce el abordaje interdisciplinario de los pacientes con obesidad y cardiopatía en su prevención primaria y secundaria, insta a la precisión en su diagnóstico y valoración, y recomienda que su eje primario debe estar basado en primera instancia en las modificaciones del estilo de vida (entrenamiento físico, atención nutricional e intervención psicoemocional), en tanto que la terapia farmacológica y la cirugía bariátrica pudieran ser coadyuvantes en la optimización de los resultados en pacientes selectos.

[Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022)]. / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022).

Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

Introducción: En México, la Rehabilitación Cardíaca (RC) como intervención interdisciplinaria con impacto terapéutico en paciente con cardiopatía está en crecimiento. Existe la necesidad de conocer las condiciones actuales de la RC en nuestro país. Objetivo: El objetivo de este Registro es dar seguimiento comparativo de las unidades nuevas y existentes entre los registros anteriores, RENAPREC-2009 y RENAPREC II-2015. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo centrado en diversas actividades de la RC: formación asistencial y certificación de sus profesionales, barreras, referencia, población atendida, interdisciplinariedad, permanencia en el tiempo, perspectivas de crecimiento, normativa, condición pospandemia, características integradoras e investigación. Resultados: Se recolectaron datos de 45 centros en los 32 estados, 67% son nuevos 75.5% son de práctica privada, 33% fueron parte de RENAPREC II-2015 y 17 desde 2009. Con una mejor distribución de las unidades de RC a lo largo del territorio, la mediana de referencia de pacientes candidatos a RC es ahora del 9% con reducción significativa del tiempo de admisión a Fase II (19 ± 11 días). Respecto a registros anteriores las coberturas de las Fases I, II y III son del 71%, 100% y 93%, respectivamente; con un aumento de la cobertura en evaluación, estratificación de riesgo y prescripción, atención más integral y estrategias de prevención. Conclusiones: La RC en México ha crecido en los últimos 7 años. Si bien aún existe baja referencia y heterogeneidad en procesos específicos, existen fortalezas como la interdisciplinariedad, la profesionalización científica de los especialistas, la diversificación nacional y una sociedad oficial que se consolida en el tiempo.

The endocannabinoid system and breathing.

Recent changes in cannabis accessibility have provided adjunct therapies for patients across numerous disease states and highlights the urgency in understanding how cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid (EC) system interact with other physiological structures. The EC system plays a critical and modulatory role in respiratory homeostasis and pulmonary functionality. Respiratory control begins in the brainstem without peripheral input, and coordinates the preBötzinger complex, a component of the ventral respiratory group that interacts with the dorsal respiratory group to synchronize burstlet activity and drive inspiration. An additional rhythm generator: the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group drives active expiration during conditions of exercise or high CO2. Combined with the feedback information from the periphery: through chemo- and baroreceptors including the carotid bodies, the cranial nerves, stretch of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, lung tissue, and immune cells, and the cranial nerves, our respiratory system can fine tune motor outputs that ensure we have the oxygen necessary to survive and can expel the CO2 waste we produce, and every aspect of this process can be influenced by the EC system. The expansion in cannabis access and potential therapeutic benefits, it is essential that investigations continue to uncover the underpinnings and mechanistic workings of the EC system. It is imperative to understand the impact cannabis, and exogenous cannabinoids have on these physiological systems, and how some of these compounds can mitigate respiratory depression when combined with opioids or other medicinal therapies. This review highlights the respiratory system from the perspective of central versus peripheral respiratory functionality and how these behaviors can be influenced by the EC system. This review will summarize the literature available on organic and synthetic cannabinoids in breathing and how that has shaped our understanding of the role of the EC system in respiratory homeostasis. Finally, we look at some potential future therapeutic applications the EC system has to offer for the treatment of respiratory diseases and a possible role in expanding the safety profile of opioid therapies while preventing future opioid overdose fatalities that result from respiratory arrest or persistent apnea.

Linear and Nonlinear Effect of Years of Schooling, Sex, and Age on the CERAD-MX and Complementary Tasks in a Mexican Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Since evidence of adults' cognition decline is based on standardized testing, we developed regression-based continuous norms by linear regression (LR) and nonlinear quantile regression (NQR) with years of schooling (YoS), age, and sex as covariates on the Mexican adaptation of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-MX) and complementary tasks. METHODS: 392 healthy, Spanish-speaking Mexican adults (50.25% women) aged 18-59 completed the 15 CERAD-MX cognitive tasks and complementary tasks. We used raw scores and examined YoS-related effects considering sex and age as covariates. For the NQR, we used calibrated scores for sex and age. While LR represents one line across the performance, NQR differentiated several nonlinear performance bands by quantiles. RESULTS: LR showed positive relationships between YoS and cognitive performance with a funnel variance pattern. Therefore, this relationship is better represented with NQR than LR. A small, but significant, negative effect of age was found for this age range (18-59 years). The band with fewer years of schooling (1-6) showed greater variability in the cognitive measures than those with more years of schooling (16-22). CONCLUSION: This study shows that NQR is useful for accurately positioning participants' performance relative to their peers. NQR accounts more than LR for the inconsistent variability of cognitive performance as a function of YoS by identifying the variability according to YoS (low, medium, high). Thus, NQR represents an appropriate way to construct norms for the cognitive performance of adults.

Traumatic cervical spine subarachnoid hemorrhage with hematoma and cord compression presenting as Brown-Séqüard syndrome: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Spinal hematomas are a rare entity with broad etiologies, which stem from idiopathic, tumor-related, and vascular malformation etiologies. Less common causes include traumatic blunt nonpenetrating spinal hematomas with very few cases being reported. In the present manuscript presents a case report and review of the literature of a rare traumatic entity of a cervical subarachnoid hematoma in association with Brown-Séquard syndrome in a patient on anticoagulants. Searches were performed on PubMed and Embase for specific terms related. OBSERVATIONS: A well-documented case of an 83-year-old female taking anticoagulants with traumatic cervical subarachnoid hematoma presenting as Brown-Séquard syndrome was reported. Six similar cases were identified, scrutinized, and analyzed in the literature review. LESSONS: Traumatic blunt nonpenetrating cervical spine subarachnoid hematomas are a rare entity that can happen more specifically in anticoagulant users and in patients with arthritic changes and stenosis of the spinal canal. Rapid neurological deterioration and severe disability warrant early aggressive surgical treatment. This report has the intention to record this case in the medical literature for registry purposes.

Attitudes about involvement in hypothetical clinical trial protocols in Mexican and Mexican-American at risk for autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: The enrollment into clinical trials of persons at risk for autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) in whom the onset of disease can be accurately predicted facilitates the interpretation of outcomes (e.g., biomarkers, treatment efficacy). Attitudes toward involvement in such studies are biased by intrinsic cultural and social characteristics. Our objective was to study how demographic factors such as country of residence, age, sex, schooling, parenthood, and urbanization affect attitudes towards participation in hypothetical clinical trials in Mexican families at risk for ADAD living either in Mexico or in the United States. METHODS: Participants were 74 members of different families known to harbor an ADAD mutation living in Mexico (n = 50) or in the United States (n = 24). Participants were asked, in a written questionnaire, their interest in participating in four hypothetical clinical trial scenarios of increasing perceived invasiveness. The questionnaire then asked about their willingness should there be a 50% chance of being assigned to a placebo group. The influences of demographic variables on decisions were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Participants who live in Mexico, who have or plan to have children, who do not attend or do not plan to attend school, and who live in rural areas gave more positive responses regarding their willingness to participate compared to those living in the U.S. The 50% chance of being in a placebo group increased the willingness to participate for family members living in Mexico. The main reason for participation was to help future generations, while the main reasons for refusal were not wanting to undergo genetic testing and consideration of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher level of willingness to participate in clinical trials among persons living in rural Mexico and our data suggest that altruism towards future generations is a major motivation, though this was balanced against concerns regarding side effects. Our results emphasize the importance of sharing information and assessing its understanding in potential participants with diverse backgrounds in the nature of ADAD and regarding the design of clinical trials prior to their enrollment in such studies.

Do Multidisciplinary Spine Conferences Alter Management or Impact Outcome?

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary spine conferences (MSCs) are a strategy for discussing diagnostic and treatment aspects of patient care. Although they are becoming more common in hospitals, literature investigating how they impact patient care and outcomes is scarce. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of MSCs on surgical management and outcomes in elective spine surgical care. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the impact of MSCs on patient management and outcomes. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched using combinations and variations of search terms "Spine Conferences," "Multidisciplinary," and "Spine Team." RESULTS: The literature search yielded 435 articles, of which 120 were selected for full-text review. Four articles (N = 529 patients) were included. Surgical plans were discussed in 211 patients. The decision was altered to conservative treatment in 70 patients (33.17%) and a different surgical strategy in 34 patients (16.11%). The differences were significant in 2 studies (P < 0.05). A 51% reduction in 30-day complications rates was observed when MSC was implemented in patients with adult complex scoliosis. Other spinal disorders showed a 30-day complication rate between 0% and 14% after MSC. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of outcomes of MSCs in elective spine surgery and it confirms that MSCs impact management plan and outcomes. Consistent MSCs that include surgeons and nonsurgeons have the potential to enhance communication between specialists, standardize treatments, improve patient care, and encourage teamwork. More analysis is warranted to determine if patient outcomes are improved with these measures.

Surgical management of dropped head syndrome: A systematic review.

Background: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is uncommon and involves severe weakness of neck-extensor muscles resulting in a progressive reducible cervical kyphosis. The first-line management consists of medical treatment targeted at diagnosing underlying pathologies. However, the surgical management of DHS has not been well studied. Methods: Here, we systematically reviewed the PubMed and Cochrane databases for DHS using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All relevant articles up to March 31, 2022, were analyzed. The patient had to be ≥18 years with DHS and had to have undergone surgery with outcomes data available. Outcomes measurements included neurological status, rate of failure (RF), horizontal gaze, and complications. Results: A total of 22 articles selected for this study identified 54 patients who averaged 68.9 years of age. Cervical arthrodesis without thoracic extension was performed in seven patients with a RF of 71%. Cervicothoracic arthrodesis was performed in 46 patients with an RF of 13%. The most chosen upper level of fusion was C2 in 63% of cases, and the occiput was included only in 13% of patients. All patients neurologically stabilized or improved, while 75% of undergoing anterior procedures exhibited postoperative dysphagia and/or airway-related complications. Conclusion: The early surgery for patients with DHS who demonstrate neurological compromise or progressive deformity is safe and effective and leads to excellent outcomes.

Complications in the Elderly Population Undergoing Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. OBJECTIVES: The elderly have an increased risk of perioperative complications for Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) corrections. Stratification of these perioperative complications based on risk type and specific risk factors, however, remain unclear. This paper will systematically review perioperative risk factors in the elderly undergoing ASD correction stratified by type: medical, implant-related, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and need for revision surgery. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. A query of PubMed was performed to identify publications pertinent to ASD in the elderly. Publications included in this review focused on patients ≥65 years old who underwent operative management for ASD to assess for risk factors of perioperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 734 unique citations were screened resulting in ten included articles for this review. Pooled incidence of perioperative complications included medical complications (21%), implant-related complications (16%), PJK (29%), and revision surgery (13%). Meta-analysis calculated greater preoperative PT (WMD 2.66; 95% Cl .36-4.96; P = .02), greater preoperative SVA (WMD 2.24; 95% Cl .62-3.86; P = .01), and greater postoperative SVA (WMD .97; 95% Cl .03-1.90; P = .04) to significantly correlate with development of PJK with no evidence of publication bias or concerns in study heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of literature describing perioperative complications in the elderly following ASD surgery. Appropriate understanding of modifiable risk factors for the development of medical and implant-related complications, proximal junctional kyphosis, and revision surgeries presents an opportunity to decrease morbidity and improve patient outcomes.

The Number of Organ System Injuries Is a Predictor of Intrahospital Mortality in Complete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the extent to which polytrauma significantly impacts intrahospital mortality among patients with complete cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) and to assess whether an organ system-based approach would be appropriate as a mortality predictor as compared with conventional standards to help guide prognosis and management. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient medical records and assessed the type of associated trauma at presentation. We then reviewed its correlation with mortality in patients who were admitted at our institution between 2012 and 2021. Types of associated trauma were classified under the following: traumatic brain injury, abdominal injury, thoracic injury, orthopedic injury, craniofacial injury, genitourinary injury, and vascular injury. RESULTS: Thirty patients with complete cSCIs were identified. Increased organ system-based polytrauma had a statistically significant increase in intrahospital mortality (P = 0.01). Using the logistic regression model, for each additional gain in organ system-based trauma, patients had a 2.455 odds ratio of mortality (P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval 1.171-6.348). Zero other organ system injuries in the setting of cSCI provided a predictive mortality probability of 6.6%. One organ system-based trauma provided a 14.8% intrahospital mortality probability, 2 traumas provided a 29.9% mortality probability, 3 traumas provided a 51.1% mortality probability, and 4 other organ-system traumas provided a 72.0% mortality probability. The predictive prognostic accuracy of using number of organ system-based trauma to predict mortality probability was quantified at area under the curve = 0.8264 (95% confidence interval 0.6729-0.9799, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that an increased number of organ system injuries is associated with greater intrahospital mortality in polytrauma patients with complete cSCI.

The Central Cord Score: A Novel Classification and Scoring System Specific to Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) is the most common form of spinal cord injury in the United States. Treatment remains controversial, which is a consequence of ATCCS having an inherently different natural history from conventional spinal cord injury, thus requiring a separate classification system. We devised a novel Central Cord Score (CCscore), which both guides treatment and tracks improvement over time with symptoms specific to ATCCS. METHODS: Medical records of patients with a diagnosis of ATCCS were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. The CCscore was devised based on signs, symptoms, and imaging findings we believed to be critical in assessing severity of ATCCS. Numeric values were assigned for distal upper extremity motor strength, upper extremity sensation, ambulatory status, magnetic resonance imaging cord signal, and urinary retention. RESULTS: We identified 51 patients with follow-up data; there were 17 cases of mild injury (CCscore 1-5), 23 moderate cases (CCscore 6-10), and 11 severe cases (CCscore 11-15). Patients treated surgically had significantly greater improvement in upper extremity motor scores and total CCscore only up to 3 months. In terms of timing of surgery, patients treated <24 hours after injury had significantly improved upper extremity motor scores and overall CCscores at last follow-up of ≥3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these data and their alignment with past literature, the CCscore is able to objectively and specifically categorize the severity and outcome of ATCCS, which represents a step forward in the quest to determine the ultimate efficacy and timing of surgery for ATCCS.

A mixed-methods study of cultural beliefs about dementia and genetic testing among Mexicans and Mexican-Americans at-risk for autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease.

Trials to prevent autosomal dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) are critical and timely. However, cultural beliefs about AD and genetic testing may preclude informed consent and participation, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. This mixed-methods study examines cultural beliefs about AD and genetic screening among at-risk populations of Mexican heritage. We surveyed 86 Mexican and 37 Mexican-American family members of patients with ADAD and interviewed 18 respondents in Mexico to explore perceptions and knowledge regarding AD and genetic testing. While most respondents understood that AD is inherited in their families, they also had limited understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind AD. Many believed that AD is a normal part of aging or that it is a mental illness caused by bad habits. However, beliefs that AD is caused by a curse or God's will were uncommon. The interviews demonstrated that very few at-risk respondents understood their own risk for harboring the mutation causing AD in their family. Once informed, most expressed a strong interest in genetic testing, largely motivated by the desire to be better prepared for the development of AD. Health professionals treating and investigators enrolling members from families with ADAD cannot assume that they fully understand the nature of the illness; therefore, providers should provide comprehensive information about ADAD and genetic testing.

Factors affecting occupational therapists' decision to join their regional professional association: Facteurs influençant la décision des ergothérapeutes de joindre les rangs de leur association professionnelle régionale.

BACKGROUND: Voluntary occupational therapy organizations fill an important role. However, recruitment and retention can be problematic. Little is known about factors influencing occupational therapists to join/maintain membership in professional associations. PURPOSE: This study investigated factors influencing occupational therapists' decision to join/remain members of their association. METHOD: An electronic survey was carried out and data were analyzed using SPSS software and manual categorization of open-ended comments. FINDINGS: Two hundred and fifty-four therapists responded. Generation of new ideas, opportunities for professional development, self-improvement, maintenance of standards, improvement of the profession, and discounts on equipment/educational opportunities were significant factors in deciding to join the organization. The factors perceived as priorities varied in relation to participants' year of graduation. IMPLICATIONS: More-customized strategies, reflecting priorities that vary during a therapist's career path, may need to be employed to best address recruitment and retention across the range of therapists' needs and goals.

Electrolytic CO2 Reduction in a Flow Cell.

Electrocatalytic CO2 conversion at near ambient temperatures and pressures offers a potential means of converting waste greenhouse gases into fuels or commodity chemicals (e.g., CO, formic acid, methanol, ethylene, alkanes, and alcohols). This process is particularly compelling when driven by excess renewable electricity because the consequent production of solar fuels would lead to a closing of the carbon cycle. However, such a technology is not currently commercially available. While CO2 electrolysis in H-cells is widely used for screening electrocatalysts, these experiments generally do not effectively report on how CO2 electrocatalysts behave in flow reactors that are more relevant to a scalable CO2 electrolyzer system. Flow reactors also offer more control over reagent delivery, which includes enabling the use of a gaseous CO2 feed to the cathode of the cell. This setup provides a platform for generating much higher current densities ( J) by reducing the mass transport issues inherent to the H-cells. In this Account, we examine some of the systems-level strategies that have been applied in an effort to tailor flow reactor components to improve electrocatalytic reduction. Flow reactors that have been utilized in CO2 electrolysis schemes can be categorized into two primary architectures: Membrane-based flow cells and microfluidic reactors. Each invoke different dynamic mechanisms for the delivery of gaseous CO2 to electrocatalytic sites, and both have been demonstrated to achieve high current densities ( J > 200 mA cm-2) for CO2 reduction. One strategy common to both reactor architectures for improving J is the delivery of CO2 to the cathode in the gas phase rather than dissolved in a liquid electrolyte. This physical facet also presents a number of challenges that go beyond the nature of the electrocatalyst, and we scrutinize how the judicious selection and modification of certain components in microfluidic and/or membrane-based reactors can have a profound effect on electrocatalytic performance. In membrane-based flow cells, for example, the choice of either a cation exchange membrane (CEM), anion exchange membrane (AEM), or a bipolar membrane (BPM) affects the kinetics of ion transport pathways and the range of applicable electrolyte conditions. In microfluidic cells, extensive studies have been performed upon the properties of porous carbon gas diffusion layers, materials that are equally relevant to membrane reactors. A theme that is pervasive throughout our analyses is the challenges associated with precise and controlled water management in gas phase CO2 electrolyzers, and we highlight studies that demonstrate the importance of maintaining adequate flow cell hydration to achieve sustained electrolysis.