Braquioplastia no paciente ex-obeso: proposta de classificação / Brachioplasty in ex-obese patients: proposed classification

Introdução: O tratamento cirúrgico da obesidade mórbida implicou na maior demanda por procedimentos reparadores das sequelas causadas pela perda ponderal. Braquioplastia trata o excesso de pele e lipodistrofia localizada nas regiões dos braços e axilas. Os procedimentos para correção de deformidade braquial são incompletos e resultam em cicatrizes insatisfatórias. Sendo assim, propomos uma classificação objetiva que sugere tratamento cirúrgico com vistas à obtenção de um contorno braquial adequado. O objetivo é propor classificação para avaliar lipodistrofia e flacidez cutânea na região dos braços e axilas no paciente ex-obeso e sugerir tratamento cirúrgico adequado. Método: Revisão da literatura e proposta de classificação que sugere opção de tratamento cirúrgico a partir do exame físico pré-operatório. Tal classificação é objetiva e abrangente, facilitando a padronização entre os cirurgiões plásticos. Resultados: A classificação LC se divide em 7 tipos. Tipo L - lipodistrofia sem flacidez; Tipo C1 - flacidez proximal sem lipodistrofia; Tipo C2 - flacidez até terço médio sem lipodistrofia; Tipo C3 - flacidez até terço distal sem lipodistrofia; Tipo LC1 - flacidez em terço proximal com lipodistrofia associada; Tipo LC2 - flacidez até terço médio com lipodistrofia; Tipo LC3 - flacidez até terço distal com lipodistrofia. Baseado na classificação, as denominadas "L" se beneficiam de lipoaspiração enquanto as denominadas "C" sugerem dermolipectomia cirúrgica. Conclusão: A classificação alinha deformidades preexistentes com a respectiva modalidade cirúrgica para correção de cada caso, portanto, a existência de uma classificação objetiva e prática facilita a comunicação e orienta o melhor tratamento, proporcionando ao paciente um contorno braquial adequado.

Introduction: Surgical treatment of morbid obesity has resulted in a greater demand for repairing procedures for sequelae caused by weight loss. Brachioplasty treats excess skin and localized lipodystrophy in the arm and armpit regions. Procedures for brachial deformity correction are incomplete and result in unsatisfactory scars. Therefore, we propose an objective classification that suggests surgical treatment intending to obtain an adequate brachial contour. The aim is to propose a classification to assess lipodystrophy and skin flaccidity in the arms and armpits in ex-obese patients and suggest adequate surgical treatment. Method: Literature review and classification proposal that suggests a surgical treatment option based on the preoperative physical examination. This classification is objective and comprehensive, facilitating standardization among plastic surgeons. Results: The LC classification is divided into 7 types. Type L - lipodystrophy without sagging; Type C1 - proximal flaccidity without lipodystrophy; Type C2 - sagging up to the middle third without lipodystrophy; Type C3 - flaccidity up to the distal third without lipodystrophy; Type LC1 - sagging in the proximal third with associated lipodystrophy; Type LC2 - sagging up to the middle third with lipodystrophy; Type LC3 - sagging up to the distal third with lipodystrophy. Based on the classification, those labeled "L" benefit from liposuction, while those labeled "C" suggest surgical dermolipectomy. Conclusion: The classification aligns preexisting deformities with the respective surgical modality for correction in each case; therefore, an objective and practical classification facilitates communication and guides the best treatment, providing the patient with an adequate brachial contour.

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with bilateral arm training on upper limb motor function of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with bilateral arm training (BAT) on upper limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to January, 2022，105 stroke patients from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into taVNS group (n = 35), BAT group (n = 35) and combined group (n = 35). All the patients received routine rehabilitation, while taVNS group received taVNS, BAT group received BAT, and the combined group received both taVNS and BAT, for eight weeks. The root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography in deltoid, triceps brachii and extensor carpi was measured, and the scores of Box and Block Test (BBT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) were obtained before and after treatment. ResultsThe RMS of all these muscles, and the scores of BBT and FMA-UE improved in all the three groups after treatment (|t| > 6.124, P < 0.001), and they were improved the most in the combined group (F > 18.162, P < 0.001). ConclusionBoth taVNS and BAT can enhance the muscle strength on the affected upper limb, increase the hand flexibility, and improve upper limb motor function of stroke patients, while the combination of both methods is more effective.

Symptomatic Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis After Laser Lead Extraction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Laser lead extraction is a well-established method for removing unwanted leads with low morbidity and mortality. In this small series of cases, we documented our experience with venous thrombosis after laser lead extraction. Methods: Retrospective data of patients who underwent laser lead extraction with postoperative axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis between May 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed. Demographic, operative, clinical, and follow-up characteristics of those patients were collected from our medical database. Results: Six patients underwent percutaneous laser lead extraction. Mean age of the patients was 64±7 years. And four of them were male. A total of 11 leads with a mean age of 92±43.8 months were extracted. Patients presented with painful arm swelling postoperatively. Conclusion: Laser lead extraction may lead to symptomatic upper extremity deep venous occlusion.

Clinical and laboratory differences between chromosomal and undefined causes of non-obstructive azoospermia: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Knowledge of clinical and laboratory differences between chromosomal and undefined causes aids etiological research on non-obstructive azoospermia. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical and laboratory differences between men with non-obstructive azoospermia due to chromosomal anomalies versus undefined causes DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at a public university hospital in Campinas (Brazil) METHODS: All men aged 20-40 years with non-obstructive azoospermia were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The 107 cases included 14 with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (13%), 1 with mosaic KS, 4 with sex development disorders (2 testicular XX, 1 NR5A1 gene mutation, and 1 mild androgen insensitivity syndrome) (4%), 9 with other non-obstructive azoospermia etiologies (8%), and 79 with undefined causes. The 22 chromosomal anomaly cases (14 KS, 1 mosaic KS, 2 testicular XX, 4 sex chromosome anomalies, and 1 autosomal anomaly) were compared with the 79 undefined cause cases. The KS group had lower average testicular volume, shorter penile length, and lower total testosterone levels but greater height, arm span, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and gynecomastia frequency (absent in the undefined group and affecting more than half of the KS group). Patients with testicular XX DSD had LH, FSH, and penile length data intermediate between the KS and undefined cause groups, testicular volume similar to the KS group, and other data similar to the undefined group. CONCLUSION: Clinical and laboratory data differentiate men with non-obstructive azoospermia and chromosomal anomalies, particularly KS and testicular XX, from those with undefined causes or other chromosomal anomalies.

Does the early phase of aging affect the morphology of biceps brachii and torque and total work of elbow flexors in healthy volunteers?

Upper and lower limbs can be affected by several diseases and changes related to current life habits, such as the sedentarism, technological advances, and even eating habits. This cross-sectional study investigated morphological adaptations of the biceps brachii muscle and the performance of the elbow flexors in healthy individuals in the early phase of aging. Thirty-two volunteers were separated according to age range (3rd, 4th, and 5th decades of life) and sex. Smaller diameters and subtypes of fibers were evaluated using muscle biopsies, and peak torque and total work were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. The variables were compared considering sex and decade, using mixed-effects linear models. The smaller diameter of all fiber types did not differ significantly between age groups for either sex. The proportion of oxidative fibers was reduced in male participants in the 4th (-20%) and 5th (-6%) decades of life compared to the 3rd decade, and there was an increase in the number of oxidative fibers in women from the 4th (+14%) to the 5th decade of life. There were no significant changes in the peak torque and total work between the analyzed age groups. The early phase of aging starts with alterations in the proportion of fibers, with a decrease in oxidative fibers in men and an increase in oxidative fibers in women. Smaller diameter, torque, and total work did not change over these decades of life.

Influência da Gordura do Braço sobre Medida Indireta da Pressão Sanguínea: Uma Abordagem Estatística e de Machine Learning / Influence of Arm Fat on the Indirect Measurement of Blood Pressure: A Statistical and Machine Learning Approach

Resumo Fundamento A mensuração indireta da pressão sanguínea (PS) é sabidamente influenciada por diversos fatores como técnica, observador e equipamento, mas a influência da composição do braço ainda não foi investigada. Objetivo Identificar a influência da gordura do braço sobre a medida indireta da pressão sanguínea, utilizando modelos de inferência estatística e machine learning. Métodos Estudo transversal, com 489 adultos jovens saudáveis de 18 a 29 anos de idade. Foram medidos comprimento (COB), circunferência do braço (CB) e índice de gordura do braço (IGB). A PS foi mensurada em ambos os braços, simultaneamente. Os dados foram processados utilizando-se Python 3.0 e pacotes específicos para análise descritiva, regressão e clusterização. Um nível de significância de 5% foi adotado para todos os cálculos. Resultados A PS e as medidas antropométricas foram diferentes entre os hemicorpos. A pressão sanguínea sistólica (PAS), COB, e IGB foram maiores no braço direito (BD), enquanto CB foi similar em comparação ao braço esquerdo. COB e CB apresentaram correlação positiva com a PAS. Conforme o modelo de regressão, para determinado valor de CB e COB, a leitura da PAS poderá ter uma redução média de 1,80 mmHg no BD, e 1,62 mmHg no braço esquerdo, a cada 10% de aumento na IGB. A clusterização corroborou os resultados da regressão. Conclusão Foi encontrada uma influência significativa do IGB sobre a leitura da PS. A PAS teve correlação positiva com COB e CB, e correlação negativa com IGB, o que sugere a necessidade de mais investigações sobre a relação da PS com as frações de gordura e músculo do braço.

Abstract Background The indirect measurement of blood pressure (BP) is known to be influenced by many factors such as the technique, observer, and equipment; however, the influence of arm composition has not been investigated yet. Objective To identify the influence of arm fat on the indirect measurement of blood pressure using statistical inference and machine learning models. Methods Cross-sectional study, with 489 healthy young adults aged from 18 to 29 years old. Measurements of arm length (AL), arm circumference (AC) and arm fat index (AFI) were taken. BP was measured in both arms simultaneously. Data were processed using Python 3.0 and its specific packages for descriptive analysis, regression and cluster analysis. Significance levels: 5% for all calculations. Results BP and anthropometric measurements were different between the hemi-bodies. In the right arm, systolic blood pressure (SBP), AL and AFI were higher, while AC was similar compared with the left arm. AL and AC showed positive correlation with SBP. According to the regression model, for a fixed value of AC and AL, SBP readings could be reduced by a mean of 1.80 mmHg in the right arm, and 1.62 mmHg in the left arm for every 10% increase in AFI. Clustering analysis corroborated the regression results. Conclusion There was a significant influence of AFI on BP readings. SBP had a positive correlation with AL and AC, and a negative correlation with AFI, suggesting the need for further investigations on the relationship between BP and percentages of arm muscle and fat.

Epidemiological characteristics and risk assessment of occupational diseases caused by physical factors in Guangdong Province, 2013-2022 / 中国职业医学

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of occupational diseases caused by physical factors in Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2022, and to evaluate the key risk points of its incidence. Methods The data of newly diagnosed and suspected occupational diseases caused by physical factors in Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2022 were collected from the Occupational Diseases and Hazards Monitoring Information System under China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and were analyzed retrospectively. The key risk points of occupational diseases caused by physical factors were evaluated. Results A total of 661 cases of occupational diseases caused by physical factors were reported in Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2022, showing an overall increasing trend, with an average annual growth rate of 29.6%. The major occupational diseases caused by physical factors were occupational hand-arm vibration disease and occupational heat stroke, accounting for 59.5% and 39.6%, respectively. The nine prefecture-level cities of Pearl River Delta region accounted for 98.5% of the new cases. The cases were distributed mainly in the manufacturing industry (77.0% of the cases). A total of 294 enterprises were involved in the analysis of newly diagnosed occupational diseases caused by physical factors. Occupational hand-arm vibration cases appeared to be significantly aggregated in specific enterprises, and other disease cases were mostly sporadic. The types of enterprise registration were mainly Hong Kong-, Macao-, and Taiwan-invested enterprises and domestic-funded enterprises, accounting for 53.1% and 41.4%, respectively. In terms of enterprise size, large-scale and small-scale enterprises accounted for 56.5% and 21.4% of cases, respectively. A total of 27.4% of workers with occupational diseases caused by physical factors were identified as suspected occupational diseases before be diagnosed as occupational diseases, all of which were hand vibration disease and heat stroke In the future, attention should be paid to the risks of mass events of occupational hand-arm vibration disease, outbreaks of occupational heat stroke, and missed diagnosis of suspected occupational hand-arm vibration disease. Conclusion Among all occupational diseases caused by physical factors in Guangdong Province, attention should be paid on occupational hand-arm vibration disease and occupational heat stroke. Occupational hand-arm vibration disease has a high risk of group morbidity. Construction workers and sanitation workers have a high potential risk of occupational heat stroke.

Safety and efficacy of C-arm CT laser-guided percutaneous renal pelvic catheter drainage under DSA in the treatment of hydronephrosis caused by pelvic malignancy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of C-arm CT laser-guided puncture combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA)for percutaneous renal pelvic catheter drainage in the treatment of hydronephrosis caused by pelvic malignancy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 56 patients with ureteral obstruction caused by pelvic malignancy admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2020 to August 2021, including 10 males and 46 females. The mean age of the patients was (54.0±10.1)years old. The causes were colorectal cancer (7 cases), bladder cancer (3 cases), cervical cancer (36 cases), endometrial cancer (3 cases), ovarian cancer (2 cases), pelvic metastasis of gastric cancer (4 cases) and pelvic sarcoma (1 case). There were 71 sides of renal pelvis dilation in 56 patients, with the degree of dilation ranging from 1.2cm to 5.0cm.The degree of hydronephrosis was mild on 36 sides, moderate on 27 sides, and severe on 8 sides. Preoperative blood urea nitrogen(9.90±6.22)mmol/L and creatinine (155.80±146.83)μmol/L.During the puncture and catheter drainage, the patient was placed in the prone position, the C-arm CT scan was used to plan the puncture path, and the laser positioning of the DSA flat panel detector was used to determine the skin puncture point. With local anesthesia, the puncture direction of the puncture needle was adjusted to make the skin puncture point, the tail of the puncture needle, and the laser fixation point present a state of "three-points in one-line" when the patient stopped breathing temporarily at the end of expiratory breath in a non-fluoroscopic state, so as to achieve the preset puncture angle. Subsequently, pyelocentesis was completed according to the planned puncture depth. After successful pyelocentesis, percutaneous external renal drainage tube insertion or ureteral stents were performed under DSA. The number of renal pelvis puncture, puncture time, radiation dose, deviation of external renal drainage tube insertion angle from puncture angle, as well as postoperative hemoglobin changes, renal function recovery and complications were recorded.Results:In this group, 56 cases of 71 sides of renal pelvis puncture and catheter drainage were successfully completed, and the success rate of the operation was 100.0% (71/71). The success rate of the first needle puncture was 97.2% (69/71). Those who failed the first needle puncture succeeded in the second puncture during the operation. The puncture time of renal pelvis was (1.9±1.8) min.The intraoperative radiation dose was (2.7±1.5) mSV. The external drainage tube of the renal pelvis was placed on 53 sides, and the external drainage tube was placed on 29 sides with the same angle as the preset angle, and 24 sides with a deviation within 3°.On the first day after operation, there was no significant difference in hemoglobin compared with that before operation, urea nitrogen (5.31±1.99) mmol/L and creatinine (62.25±16.72) μmol/L were re-examined after operation, and the differences were statistically significant compared with those before operation ( P=0.008, P=0.002). No serious surgery-related complications occurred in any patient. Conclusion:C-arm CT laser-guided puncture combined with DSA percutaneous renal pelvic catheter drainage could be safe and effective in the treatment of ureteral obstruction caused by pelvic malignancy.

Could mid-upper arm circumference be a valid proxy to the body mass index for elderly persons?

Introduction: In elderly persons, due to physiological, anatomical, and functional changes, body mass index (BMI) may not be suitable for the assessment of nutritional status. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) can be a proxy indicator to identify underweight and overweight/obesity among elderly persons. This study aimed to estimate the correlation between MUAC and BMI, and the cutoffs for MUAC using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Material and Methods: This survey was carried out in a resettlement colony of Delhi. The participants were residents of the area who were aged 60 years or older, and selected by a simple random sampling technique. The arm span, weight, and MUAC of the participants were measured. The correlation between MUAC and BMI for gender and age group was calculated. The ROC curve was also constructed. Results: A total of 946 eligible participants were enrolled. The correlation between MUAC and BMI was 0.67 (P < 0.001) and 0.76 (P < 0.001) among men and women, respectively. The MUAC cutoff for underweight was <25 cm with a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 84.9%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.84 (0.80–0.88). The MUAC cutoff for overweight/obesity was ?27 cm with a sensitivity of 83.9% and specificity of 64.9%, and AUC was 0.78 (0.75–0.82). Conclusion: The MUAC of the participants increased as the BMI of the participants increased. MUAC cutoff was determined using the ROC curve for underweight and overweight/obesity among elderly persons.

Reconstrução do braço com retalho miocutâneo do músculo grande dorsal após ressecção de sarcomas: relato de dois casos e descrição da técnica cirúrgica / Arm reconstruction with myocutaneous flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle after resection of sarcomas: report of two cases and description of the surgical technique

Os sarcomas de partes moles são neoplasias malignas raras originadas do mesênquima, mais comumente encontradas em membros. A ressecção cirúrgica com margens livres acima de 1cm é fundamental para obter a cura do paciente. A radioterapia pode ser combinada ao tratamento em casos selecionados. A reconstrução dos membros superiores após ressecções alargadas é um desafio. O retalho miocutâneo do músculo grande dorsal (RMGD) é uma opção em casos de lesões em membros superiores, sobretudo terço proximal e médio do braço, com preservação da função do membro e fechamento primário da área de ressecção. Relatamos dois casos de ressecção e reconstrução do braço utilizando RMGD com foco na descrição da técnica cirúrgica.

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant neoplasms arising from the mesenchyme, most commonly found in the limbs. Surgical resection with free margins greater than 1 cm is essential to obtain a cure for the patient. Radiation therapy can be combined with treatment in selected cases. Reconstruction of the upper limbs after extended resections is a challenge. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) is an option in injuries to the upper limbs, especially the proximal and middle thirds of the arm, with preservation of limb function and primary closure of the resection area. We report two cases of arm resection and reconstruction using LDMF, focusing on the surgical technique description.

Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaires: Exploring Responsiveness and Diagnostic Performance in a Sample of Outpatients with and without Hand and Wrist Complaints / Questionários Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand e Michigan Hand: Explorando a responsividade e performance diagnóstica em amostra de pacientes ambulatoriais com e sem queixas nas mãos e punho

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to verify whether, in an adult population with nontraumatic complaints in the upper limbs, (1) the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) are susceptible to a "ceiling effect" when compared with a sample of healthy subjects; and (2) to determine cutoff points for diagnostic performance and the intercorrelation for DASH and MHQ in both samples. Methods This was a prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study. In total, 150 subjects were included, with 75 in the case group (with disease) and 75 in the control group (without disease). This was a sample of patients recently admitted to a hand surgery outpatient clinic. Controls were matched to clinical cases according to inclusion. The ceiling effect was determined by a maximum response rate (> 15%); receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined cutoff points for sickness definition, and DASH and MHQ sensitivity and specificity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The DASH and MHQ questionnaires had no ceiling effect for the case group. In this group, 18 (24%) patients had the maximum DASH score, but none (0%) had the maximum MHQ score. For the control group, 1 (1.33%) subject had the maximum DASH score, but none scored for MHQ. For case determination, DASH scores of 7.1 had 80% sensitivity and 60.3% specificity, whereas MHQ scores of 76.9 had 56.2% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity. Conclusion The DASH and MHQ questionnaires are reliable tools to measure the impact of hand and wrist morbidities on daily activities, and they are not susceptible to ceiling effects. The DASH questionnaire is more sensitive for patient identification, whereas the MHQ is more specific. As such, the MHQ seems more appropriate when a more specific functional increase is expected.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se, em uma população adulta com queixa não traumática dos membros superiores, (1) os questionários Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH, na sigla em inglês) e Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ, na sigla em inglês) estão suscetíveis ao "efeito de teto", comparando com amostra de não-doentes; (2) determinar pontos de corte de performance diagnóstica e correlação interquestionários para DASH e MHQ em ambas as amostras. Método Estudo prospectivo, comparativo e não randomizado. Incluímos 150 pacientes, 75 no grupo caso (com doença) e 75 no grupo controle (sem doença). Trata-se de amostra de pacientes recém-admitidos em ambulatório de cirurgia da mão. Os controles foram pareados de forma balanceada de acordo com a inclusão dos casos. Determinamos a presença de efeito de teto por meio da taxa de respostas máximas (> 15%) e associamos curvas receiver operating characteristic (ROC, na sigla em inglês) para a determinação de pontos de corte para a determinação de doentes, associados a medidas de sensibilidade e especificidade. Consideramos p < 0.05 para significância estatística. Resultados Os questionários DASH e MHQ não demonstraram o efeito de teto para o grupo com doença. A porcentagem de pacientes do grupo caso com nota máxima foi de n = 18 (24%) no DASH e de 0% no MHQ. Para o grupo sem doença, 1 (1,33%) dos participantes pontuou com nota máxima para DASH, enquanto nenhum pontuou para o MHQ. Na determinação de casos, escores de DASH de 7,1 apresentam sensibilidade de 80% e especificidade de 60,3%. Para o MHQ, um escore de 76,9 apresenta sensibilidade de 56,2% e especificidade de 97,3%. Conclusão Os questionários DASH e MHQ são ferramentas confiáveis na mensuração do impacto das morbidades das mãos e dos punhos nas atividades diárias dos pacientes e não são suscetíveis a efeito de teto. O questionário DASH é mais sensível para a identificação de doentes, enquanto o MHQ é mais específico. Em situações nas quais se espera um incremento funcional mais discreto (ou mais específico), o MHQ parece mais adequado.

Referencias de índice de masa corporal. Precisión diagnóstica con área grasa braquial en escolares argentinos / Body mass index references. Diagnostic accuracy with the upper-arm fat area in Argentine schoolchildren

El índice de masa corporal (IMC) es una eficaz herramienta para detectar la sobrecarga ponderal en niños y adolescentes, asociado a la adiposidad corporal. Objetivo. Analizar la concordancia, sensibilidad y especificidad de tres referencias internacionales de IMC/edad (OMS, IOTF y CDC) para diagnosticar el exceso ponderal y conocer su precisión diagnóstica para identificar el exceso de adiposidad con relación al área grasa braquial (AGB) en población infanto juvenil de Argentina. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico, descriptivo-comparativo y transversal entre 2003 y 2008, en 22.658 niños y adolescentes argentinos de 4 a 13 años de edad. A partir del peso, talla, circunferencia del brazo y pliegue tricipital, se calcularon IMC y AGB. Se analizó la concordancia, sensibilidad y especificidad de referencias de IMC/edad (OMS, CDC, IOTF) y la precisión diagnóstica (curvas ROC) para identificar exceso de adiposidad, a partir del AGB, así como el punto de corte óptimo (PCO). Resultados. Las tres referencias tuvieron buena concordancia. La mayor sensibilidad correspondió a OMS y la mayor especificidad a IOTF. El área bajo la curva (ABC) fue mayor en Z-IMC/IOTF en varones y en Z-IMC/OMS en mujeres. Los PCO mostraron discrepancias, siendo mayores con OMS. Conclusión. Las tres referencias muestran similar precisión diagnóstica para detectar alta reserva calórica, con puntos de corte óptimo para las puntuaciones Z-IMC menores a 2 Z scores. Esto resulta relevante para la identificación de exceso de adiposidad en poblaciones, en relación con la implementación de políticas públicas de prevención de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles(AU)

The body mass index (BMI) is an effective tool to detect weight overload in children and adolescents, associated with body adiposity. Objective. To analyze the concordance, sensitivity and specificity of three international BMI/age references (WHO, IOTF and CDC) to diagnose excess weight and to know their diagnostic accuracy to identify excess adiposity in relation to the brachial fat area (BFA) in Argentine child-youth population. Materials and methods. A multicenter, descriptive- comparative and cross-sectional study was carried out between 2003 and 2008 in 22.658 Argentine children and adolescents between aged 4 to 13 years. From the weight, height, arm circumference and tricipital fold, BMI and BFA were calculated. The concordance, sensitivity, and specificity of BMI / age references (WHO, IOTF, CDC,) were analyzed and the diagnostic precision (ROC curves) to identify excess adiposity, from the BFA, as well as the optimal cut-off point (OCP). Results. The three references had good agreement, the highest sensitivity corresponded to WHO and the highest specificity to IOTF. The area under the curve (AUC) was greater in Z-BMI/IOTF in men and in Z-BMI/WHO in women. The OCPs showed discrepancies, being higher with WHO. Conclusion. The three references show similar diagnostic accuracy to detect high caloric reserve, but with cut-off points for Z-BMI scores less than 2 Z scores. This is relevant for the identification of excess adiposity in populations in relation to the implementation of public policies for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases(AU)

Comparison of three fixed-field IMRT plans for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To compare three fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors, including the coplanar IMRT (C-IMRT) plan and the non-coplanar IMRT(NC-IMRT) plan which were based on a conventional C-arm LINAC (Trilogy), and the coplanar IMRT (H-IMRT) plan based on an O-ring LINAC (Halcyon).Methods:Based on the data of 10 patients in the Ningbo First Hospital from December 2018 to December 2021 with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors who underwent postoperative radiotherapy, this study redesigned three IMRT plans with the same prescribed doses and optimization objectives. Then, this study compared the doses of target volumes and organ at risks(OARs), the validation pass rates, and the execution time of these plans. Friedman test was employed in this study, and multiple comparisons were further made in cases of different results.Results:The differences in the conformal index (CI) of PTV and PTV boost of the three plans were statistically significant ( χ2 = 7.51, 9.69, P < 0.05). The multiple comparisons showed that the median CI of the H-IMRT plan was higher than that of the NC-IMRT plan ( Z = 2.53, 2.68, P < 0.05). The differences in other parameters of target volumes were not statistically significant. Compared with the C-IMRT plan, the H-IMRT plan reduced the Dmax of bilateral lenses, bilateral corneas, ipsilateral optic nerve, and ipsilateral eyeball ( Z = 2.80, 2.80, 2.80, 2.80, 2.81, 2.09, P < 0.05). Compared with the C-IMRT plan, the NC-IMRT reduced the Dmax of bilateral lenses, corneas, and eyeballs and contralateral optic nerve ( Z = 2.80, 2.66, 2.80, 2.70, 2.29, 2.29, 2.65, P < 0.05) and reduced the Dmean of bilateral eyeballs ( Z = 2.80, 2.80, P < 0.05). Compared with the NC-IMRT plan, the H-IMRT plan reduced the Dmax of the ipsilateral lens and cornea ( Z = 2.50, 2.08, P < 0.05), but increased the Dmax of the contralateral optic nerve and the Dmean of bilateral eyeballs ( Z = 2.80, 2.80, 2.80, P < 0.05). The validation pass rate of the three plans met the institutional standards, and the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, the H-IMRT plan had the shortest median execution time (172.00 s), followed by the C-IMRT plan (337.50 s), and the NC-IMRT plan (388.00 s). Conclusions:The verification pass rate of the three plans can achieve the requirements of treatment implementation. The three plans had similar dosimetric differences in target volumes. However, the H-IMRT and NC-IMRT plans can protect the normal tissues (especially optical organs) more effectively than the C-IMRT plan, which is conducive to reducing the toxicity after radiotherapy and provides space for local dose increase or the radiotherapy for the treatment of tumor recurrence. The execution efficiency of the three plans is in the order of H-IMRT > C-IMRT > NC-IMRT. It is necessary to select appropriate radiotherapy equipment and technology according to actual situations.

Application of arm circumference to nutritional risk screening among cancer patients / 预防医学

Objective@#To examine the application of arm circumference to evaluating the nutritional risk among cancer patients, so as to provide insights into nutritional risk screening among cancer patients.@*Methods@#Totally 332 cancer patients hospitalized in the Department of Oncology of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 2020 to March 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Subjects'demographic data and disease history were collected, and the height, body weight, arm circumference and serum nutritional indicators were measured. The indicators related to nutritional risk were identified by logistic regression models. The value of arm circumference in assessment of nutritional risk was examined among cancer patients using the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC ) curve analysis, and the Nutritional Risk Screening ( NRS 2002 ) scores were used as the gold standard.@*Results@#The subjects included 188 males ( 56.63% ) and 144 females ( 43.37% ), and had a mean age of ( 51.62±12.31 ) years. The detection rate of nutritional risk was 36.75% among the subjects according to NRS 2002, with 29.78% in males and 45.83% in females. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified arm circumference as an independent factor affecting the nutritional risk among cancer patients ( P<0.05 ). The area under the ROC curve, cut-off, sensitivity and specificity of arm circumference in predicting nutritional risk were 0.857 ( 95%CI: 0.795-0.918, P<0.001 ), 24.4 cm, 83.3% and 78.6% among male cancer patients, and 0.727 ( 95%CI: 0.643-0.810, P<0.001 ), 23.9 cm, 78.2% and 57.6% among female cancer patients, respectively.@*Conclusions@#Arm circumference is feasible for screening nutritional risk among cancer patients. The cut-off value of nutritional risk was determined by arm circumference less than 24.4 cm in men and less than 23.9 cm in women with good accuracy.

Robotic arm-assisted arthroplasty: The latest developments / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Joint arthroplasty is an effective method for treating end-stage joint lesions and damages. Robotic arm-assisted arthroplasty, a rapidly developing technology that combines navigation technology, minimally invasive technology, and precise control technology of the robotic arm, can achieve accurate preoperative planning, optimal selection of implants, minimally invasive surgery, precise osteotomy, and accurate placement of the artificial joint. It has the characteristics of high accuracy and stability, and thus is more and more widely used in the field of joint surgery. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the application and clinical efficacy of robotic arm-assisted technology in hip and knee arthroplasty to provide reference for its future promotion.

Advances on nervous system impairment induced by hand-transmitted vibration / 环境与职业医学

Hand-transmitted vibration is one of the most common physical harmful factors in the workplace，and the hand-arm vibration syndrome caused by it lacks effective treatment, and seriously affects the physical and mental health of the involved workers. As an important target for hand-transmitted vibration, the nervous system has attracted increasing attention from scholars, and much progress has been made in recent years in studying the effects of hand-transmitted vibration on nervous system function. Based on related literature at home and abroad, this paper introduced the hand-transmitted vibration-associated damage in peripheral, autonomic, and central nervous systems, and then explored the associated influence factors, like vibration frequency, environment temperature, and individual factors. The potential directions for further research were also proposed.

Effects of hand-transmitted vibration on fingertip terminal nerve: A meta-analysis / 环境与职业医学

Background Hand-transmitted vibration is one of the most common occupational hazards and is closely related to symptoms of fingertip terminal nerve damage. Objective To analyze the effects of hand-transmitted vibration on the terminal nerve of fingertips. Methods We systematically searched literature about the effects of hand-transmitted vibration on fingertip terminal nerve at home and abroad. The outcome index was the number (rate) of fingertip terminal nerve symptoms reported by the vibration group and the control group, such as finger numbness and finger tingling, and the search period was from database inception to December 2021. The quality of cross-sectional studies was assessed using the criteria recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and the quality of cohort studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). NoteExpress 3.2 was used for literature management, and Excel 2003 was used for data collection and extraction. RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for statistical analysis, and random effect model was used to calculate the OR value of pooled effects and to draw forest plots. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to the working years with vibration exposure. At the same time, sensitivity analysis was performed after excluding studies with the largest weight and funnel plots were generated to evaluate publication bias. Results A total of 3619 articles were retrieved, and 39 articles were finally included, including 29 Chinese articles and 10 English articles; 36 cross-sectional studies and 3 cohort studies. In total, 8399 subjects were studied, including 5673 cases in the vibration exposure group and 2726 cases in the control group. Random effect model was used to merge the included literature. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, hand-transmitted vibration was significantly associated with the self-reported occurrence of finger numbness (OR=8.29, 95%CI: 5.43-12.66), finger tingling (OR=7.50, 95%CI: 4.78-11.77), finger swelling (OR=8.25, 95%CI: 4.06-16.76), finger stiffness (OR=10.71, 95%CI: 3.60-31.87), finger trembling (OR=5.11, 95%CI: 2.60-10.04), hand weakness (OR=11.05, 95%CI: 3.98-30.68), hand sweating (OR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.64-4.43), hand coldness (OR=3.54, 95%CI: 2.42-5.18) (P<0.01). The subgroup analysis showed that the odds ratios of both finger numbness and finger tingling increased in the early and middle stages of vibration exposure (<5 years and 5-10 years of exposure duration）(finger numbness: OR=11.11, 19.07; finger tingling: OR=4.70, 16.55, respectively)(P<0.01), and decreased in the late stage of vibration exposure (10-15 years and ≥15 years of exposure duration) (finger numbness: OR=9.57, 2.30; finger tingling: OR=5.71, 6.00, respectively) (P<0.01). The results of sensitivity analysis showed a stable pooled effect (OR=13.96, 95%CI: 4.85-40.13, Z=4.89, P<0.01). The funnel plot results showed positive publication bias. Conclusion Occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration can cause finger numbness, finger tingling, finger swelling, finger stiffness, finger trembling, hand weakness, hand sweating, and hand coldness.

Vibration attenuation and dexterity of different types of protective gloves / 环境与职业医学

Background Wearing anti-vibration gloves is a simple and effective way to prevent hand-arm vibration disease. The requirements for vibration damping gloves are varied by types of operations exposed to vibration. Objective To study the vibration attenuation and dexterity of different types of protective gloves, and to provide reference for scientific wearing of vibration damping gloves for people working with vibration exposure. Methods Nine kinds of common protective gloves (A and B were dipping gloves; C, D, and E were rubber gloves; F and G were textile and fabric gloves; H was cotton gloves; I was leather gloves) used by workers exposed to vibration in 28 factories in Guangdong Province were selected as research objects by typical case sampling method, and the basic parameters of included protective gloves were investigated and measured. According to ISO 10819:2013, a glove vibration transmissibility (GVT) test system was used to detect the vibration transmissibility values and analyze vibration attenuation characteristics of the subjects wearing different protective gloves. The dexterity was tested by Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. Pearson test was used to analyze the correlations among glove thickness, vibration transmissibility, dexterity score, and grip strength score. Results For rubber gloves (C, D, and E), the associated average adjusted vibration transmissibility at middle and low frequencies \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{M}}} $\end{document} and average adjusted vibration transmissibility at high frequency \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{H}}} $\end{document} were lower than those of other gloves (0.89-0.91 and 0.59-0.80 respectively), the vibration transmissibility values of 50-200 Hz frequency band was 0.81-0.97, and the vibration transmissibility values of 315-1250 Hz frequency band decreased with the increase of frequency (the minimum value was 0.13). For other types of gloves (A, B, F, G, H, and I), the \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{M}}} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{H}}} $\end{document} were 0.95-0.98 and 1.03-1.11 respectively, the vibration transmissibility values of 50-200 Hz frequency band was 0.96-1.02, and the vibration transmissibility values of 400-1250 Hz frequency band increased (the maximum value was 1.29). The \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{M}}} $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{H}}} $\end{document}, and vibration transmissibility values of 40-1250 Hz frequency band of rubber gloves with double-layer protective materials (C, D, and E) were significantly lower than those of gloves with single-layer protective materials. But the \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{M}}} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ {\overline T _{\text{H}}} $\end{document} of gloves of other types with double-layer materials (F, H, and I) were still greater than 0.9 and 1.0 respectively. Compared with single-layer protective materials, the gloves of other types with double-layer materials showed no significant changes in the vibration transmissibility values of 25-200 frequency band (0.91-1.06), and an increase in the vibration transmissibility values of 250-630 Hz frequency band (the maximum value was 1.22). The dexterity scores and grip strength scores of dipping gloves (A and B) were the lowest. Rubber gloves C had the highest dexterity score and grip strength score. The thickness of protective gloves was negatively correlated with the vibration transmissibility values, and positively correlated with the dexterity score and the grip strength score (P < 0.05). The vibration transmissibility value was negatively correlated with the dexterity score and the grip strength score (P < 0.05). Conclusion Among the 9 kinds of gloves, cotton gloves and leather gloves have no damping effect. Rubber gloves have certain vibration reduction effect, and the vibration reduction effect on high frequency band is better than that on low frequency band. The thicker the damping material is, the better the damping effect is, but the less the dexterity is. Appropriate damping gloves should be selected according to actual vibration operations.

Correlation between hand-arm vibration disease and vasoactive factors / 环境与职业医学

Background Hand-arm vibration disease (HAVD) is a chronic progressive disease caused by long-term exposure to hand-transmitted vibration, but the mechanism by which vibration affects peripheral vascular function of fingers is not completely clear. Objective To study the association between vasoactive factors and HAVD, and to screen specific indicators for its early diagnosis and prevention. Methods Judgmental sampling method was used to select workers with (HAVD group) and without HAVD (vibration contact group), and non-hand-transmitted vibration operation workers (control group), with 60 workers in each group. The levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in plasma of the three groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between vasoactive factors and HAVD was analyzed using logistic regression, and the diagnostic HAVD indicators were screened by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of a multivariate model indicator \begin{document}$ \widehat{Y} $\end{document}. Results The hand symptom rates of the HAVD group, the vibration contact group, and the control group were 26.7%, 66.7%, and 96.7% respectively, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The levels of LTB4, 5-HT, IL-1β, and CGRP in the HAVD group were the highest followed by the vibration contact group, and lowest levels were in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the VEGF level among the three groups (P>0.05). The logistic regression results showed that higher levels of LTB4 (OR=1.048, 95%CI: 1.022-1.076), 5-HT (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.004-1.018), IL-1β (OR=1.148, 95%CI: 1.071-1.230), and CGRP (OR=1.055, 95%CI: 1.008-1.104) were associated with a higher risk of HAVD (P<0.05). The order of the potential indicators' area under the ROC curve from high to low was:\begin{document}$ \widehat{Y} $\end{document} (0.969) > IL-1β (0.907) > LTB4 (0.876) > 5-HT (0.858) > CGRP (0.836). Conclusion The expression levels of LTB4, 5-HT, IL-1β, and CGRP are altered with occupational exposure in hand-transmitted vibration operations and may be associated with HAVD; VEGF is not found to be associated with HAVD. The accuracy of early screening for HAVD can be improved by combining the monitoring of various biochemical indicators.

Peripheral circulation and peripheral nerve injury in workers exposed to vibration at two different frequencies / 环境与职业医学

Background Hand-arm vibration disease is harmful to human body, but there are no effective diagnosis and treatment so far, and current occupational exposure limits underestimate the health damage caused by high-frequency vibration exposure. Objective To evaluate and compare the damage to workers' peripheral circulation and peripheral nerve caused by different frequencies of vibration operation. Methods Drilling workers (n=187) from a mining company in Shandong Province and golf club head grinding workers (n=228) from a sports equipment factory in Guangdong Province were selected as study subjects. Hand symptoms were investigated. SV106 vibration meter was used to measure the target operation-associated vibration frequency spectrum. The 8 h energy-equivalent frequency weighted acceleration, cumulative vibration exposure level (CVEL), and the working age related to causing white finger in 10% of an exposed group were calculated. Result The study subjects were all male. More grinding workers reported hand symptoms than the drilling workers, e.g. peripheral circulation injury (52.6% vs 19.3%), peripheral nerve injury (71.5% vs 23.0%), hand stiffness (64.0% vs 7.0%), and deformed fingers (69.7% vs 4.3%) (all P<0.001). The main vibration frequencies of grinding operation (500-800 Hz) were much higher than those of drilling operation (125~160 Hz). CVEL and working age of vibration exposure showed a linear rising relationship with the cumulative prevalence rate of peripheral circulation and peripheral never injury, the fitting lines all showed good fitting effects (R2=0.812-0.988), and the slope of the fitting line of the grinding workers was larger than that of the drilling workers. The working age of vibration exposure associated with 10% cumulative prevalence of white finger was shorter in the grinding workers than in the drilling workers (6.81 years vs 10.27 years). According to the ISO prediction formula, the working age of vibration exposure was associated with 10% white finger prevalence shorter in the drilling workers than in the grinding workers (3.12 years vs 8.23 years). Conclusion Both the vibration exposure level and the prevalence of hand symptoms are high in two groups of workers with different vibration frequencies, and vibration exposure at a higher frequency tends to have severer damage to workers' hands.