Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy After Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The impact of cataract surgery on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and progression of DR in patients with DM who underwent cataract surgery. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase databases was conducted from inception to April 2024. Randomized controlled trials or observational cohort studies involving adult patients with DM who underwent cataract surgery were included. Studies reporting data on the incidence or progression of postoperative DR were considered. Effect sizes were determined using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted on perioperative demographic factors such as types of cataract surgery, DM durations, preoperative glycated hemoglobin A1c levels, and postoperative follow-up durations. RESULTS: Data from 15 studies, involving 7,287 patients were analyzed. Postoperative DR incidence was elevated compared to the control group (RR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.16-1.63; P < .001), although not significantly different in paired studies (RR, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.39-1.83; P = .671). DR progression was significantly higher after cataract surgery (RR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.28-1.66; P < .001), irrespective of cataract surgery type and study design. Our analysis also revealed a significant increase in DR progression to sight-threatening DR, which includes clinically significant macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, following cataract surgery (RR, 1.84; 95% CI: 1.21-2.81; P = .005). Additionally, various risk factors such as preoperative HbA1c level, duration of postoperative follow-up, duration of diabetic diagnosis, age, and use of insulin therapy were investigated, However, none of these parameters significantly influenced the incidence or progression of postoperative DR. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to fully understand the incidence of DR after cataract surgery. However, our study provides moderate evidence supporting the progression of DR following such surgical interventions. Therefore, it is imperative to closely monitor DR progression within one year following cataract surgery in patients with DM.

Overview of clinical status, treatment, and long-term outcomes of pediatric autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease: a nationwide survey in Taiwan.

This retrospective study investigated the incidence, medication use, and outcomes in pediatric autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A 1:4 matched control group of individuals included in the NHIRD during the same period was used for comparative analyses. A total of 621 pediatric patients were identified from 2009 to 2019 (mean age, 9.51 ± 6.43 years), and ADPKD incidence ranged from 2.32 to 4.45 per 100,000 individuals (cumulative incidence, 1.26-1.57%). The incidence of newly developed hypertension, anti-hypertensive agent use, nephrolithiasis, and proteinuria were significantly higher in the ADPKD group than the non-ADPKD group (0.7 vs. 0.04, 2.26 vs. 0.30, 0.4 vs. 0.02, and 0.73 vs. 0.05 per 100 person-years, respectively). The adjusted hazard ratios for developing hypertension, proteinuria, nephrolithiasis and anti-hypertensive agent use in cases of newly-diagnosed pediatric ADPKD were 12.36 (95% CI 4.92-31.0), 13.49 (95% CI 5.23-34.79), 13.17 (95% CI 2.48-69.98), and 6.38 (95% CI 4.12-9.89), respectively. The incidence of congenital cardiac defects, hematuria, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal diverticulosis, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia were also higher in the ADPKD group. Our study offers valuable insights into the epidemiology of pediatric ADPKD in Taiwan and could help in formulating guidelines for its appropriate management.

Risk factors for reoperation after discectomy of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc disease.

Objectives: Discectomy is the most common surgery for lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) disease. However, 5%-24% of patients undergo a second surgery due to recurrent disc herniation. Materials and Methods: This study was aimed to identify the risk factors for reoperation after discectomy of lumbar HIVD and recommend treatment for patients with a high risk of reoperation. We recruited patients diagnosed as having single-level lumbar HIVD who underwent open discectomy from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2012 in our hospital. We used a survival curve to inspect the survival time and reoperation rate after surgery. We discussed the correlation of reoperation rate with discectomy level, body mass index, heavy lifting after surgery, sex, and age. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between the experience of a surgeon and the reoperation rate. Results: A total of 619 patients were enrolled in our study. Most patients were 40-60 years old (48.8%), and most of them had herniation at L4/5 level (48.9%). The 8-year survival rate was 92%. Weight lifting after surgery may increase the reoperation rate by 115 and 18 times for those >60 years and <40 years, respectively. In addition, less experience of the surgeon and female sex had a high reoperation rate. Conclusion: Postoperative working modification may be very important for preventing patients from recurrent HIVD. For elderly people with HIVD, a more conservative therapy could be selected. If patients with lumbar spine hypermobility or severe degeneration require wide laminectomy, primary fusion should be considered.

The Assessment of Retinal Image Quality Using a Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera in a Teleophthalmologic Platform.

This study assesses the quality of retinal images captured using a non-mydriatic fundus camera within a teleophthalmologic platform in Taiwan. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-mydriatic fundus cameras for remote retinal screening and identify factors impacting image quality. From June 2020 to August 2022, 629 patients from five rural infirmaries underwent ophthalmic examinations, with fundus images captured without pupil dilation. These images were reviewed by senior ophthalmologists and graded based on quality. The results indicated that approximately 70% of images were of satisfactory diagnostic quality. Risk factors for poor image quality included older age, the presence of cataracts, pseudophakia, and diabetes mellitus. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using non-mydriatic fundus cameras for teleophthalmology, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing factors that affect image quality to enhance diagnostic accuracy in remote settings.

ToxTeller: Predicting Peptide Toxicity Using Four Different Machine Learning Approaches.

Examining the toxicity of peptides is essential for therapeutic peptide-based drug design. Machine learning approaches are frequently used to develop highly accurate predictors for peptide toxicity prediction. In this paper, we present ToxTeller, which provides four predictors using logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests, and XGBoost, respectively. For prediction model development, we construct a data set of toxic and nontoxic peptides from SwissProt and ConoServer databases with existence evidence levels checked. We also fully utilize the protein annotation in SwissProt to collect more toxic peptides than using keyword search alone. From this data set, we construct an independent test data set that shares at most 40% sequence similarity within itself and with the training data set. From a quite comprehensive list of 28 feature combinations, we conduct 10-fold cross-validation on the training data set to determine the optimized feature combination for model development. ToxTeller's performance is evaluated and compared with existing predictors on the independent test data set. Since toxic peptides must be avoided for drug design, we analyze strategies for reducing false-negative predictions of toxic peptides and suggest selecting models by top sensitivity instead of the widely used Matthews correlation coefficient, and also suggest using a meta-predictor approach with multiple predictors.

The Therapeutic Potential of Intra-Articular Injection of Synthetic Deer Antler Peptides in a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Synthetic deer antler peptides (TSKYR, TSK, and YR) stimulate the proliferation of human chondrocytes and osteoblasts and increase the chondrocyte content of collagen and glycosamino-glycan in vitro. This study investigated the peptide mixture's pain relief and chondroprotective effect in a rat model of collagenase-induced osteoarthritis. Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (saline), positive control (hyaluronic acid), and ex-perimental (peptides). Intra-articular collagenase injections were administered on days 1 and 4 to induce osteoarthritis in the left knees of the rats. Two injections of saline, hyaluronic acid, or the peptides were injected into the same knees of each corresponding group at the beginning of week one and two, respectively. Joint swelling, arthritic pain, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Injection of the peptides significantly reduced arthritic pain compared to the control group, as evidenced by the closer-to-normal weight-bearing and paw withdrawal threshold test results. Histological analyses showed reduced cartilage matrix loss and improved total cartilage degeneration score in the experimental versus the control group. Our findings suggest that intra-articular injection of synthetic deer antler peptides is a promising treatment for osteoarthritis.

Skin Barrier- and Immune Response-Related Biomarkers of Solar UVR Exposure Comparing Indoor and Outdoor Workers.

Outdoor workers have increased risk of developing keratinocyte cancer due to accumulated skin damage resulting from chronic and excessive exposure to UVR. This study aims to identify potential noninvasive biomarkers to assess chronic UVR exposure. We analyzed stratum corneum biomarkers collected from 2 skin locations and 2 occupational groups with contrasting solar UVR exposure: the forehead and retroauricular skin among outdoor workers and indoor workers. Using a linear mixed model adjusting for age and skin phototype, we compared biomarkers between both skin sites in indoor and outdoor workers. We measured markers of the immune response and skin barrier, including cytokines, GFs, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, cis- and trans-urocanic acid, and corneocyte topography, indicated by circular nano objects. Differences between the 2 skin sites were found for cis-urocanic acid, total urocanic acid, IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-1RA/IL-1α, IL-18, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, CCL4, and circular nano objects. The levels of cis-urocanic acid and CCL4 also differed between indoor and outdoor workers. These findings underscore changes in both immune response and skin barrier induced by UVR. They indicate the potential utility of stratum corneum biomarkers in detecting both chronic UVR exposure in occupational setting and aiding in the development of preventive measures.

Effects of integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise with foot core training device on balance and body composition among community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the effects of plantar intrinsic foot muscle exercise in older adults remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise program with a novel three-dimensional printing foot core training device on balance and body composition in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above. METHODS: A total of 40 participants aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled in this quasi-experimental, single-group, pretest-posttest design; participants were categorized into two groups, those with balance impairment and those without balance impairment. The participants performed a 4-week integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise program with a three-dimensional printing foot core training device. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) and timed up and go test were employed to evaluate mobility and balance. A foot pressure distribution analysis was conducted to assess static postural control. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and fat mass were measured by a segmental body composition monitor with bioelectrical impedance analysis. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine the difference before and after the exercise program. RESULTS: Among the 40 enrolled participants (median age, 78.0 years; female, 80.0%; balance-impaired group, 27.5%), the 95% confidence ellipse area of the center of pressure under the eyes-closed condition was significantly decreased (median pretest: 217.3, interquartile range: 238.4; median posttest: 131.7, interquartile range: 199.5; P = 0.001) after the exercise. Female participants without balance impairment demonstrated a significant increase in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and a decrease in fat mass. Participants in the balance-impaired group exhibited a significant increase in SPPB. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise with a three-dimensional printing foot core training device may improve balance and body composition in adults aged 60 and above. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05750888 (retrospectively registered 02/03/2023).

Research of Global Tilt and Functional Independence: Insights into Spinal Health of Older Women.

Spinal alignment intricately influences functional independence, particularly in older women with osteopenia experiencing mild neck and back pain. This study elucidates the interplay between spinal alignment, bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength in elderly women presenting with mild neck and back pain. Focusing on a cohort of 189 older women, we examined the associations among global tilt (GT), coronal and sagittal alignment, BMD, grip strength, and functional independence as gauged by the Barthel index. Our findings indicate significant associations between functional capacity and grip strength, bone density, GT, and pelvic tilt (PT). Elderly women with a Barthel Index above 80 demonstrated higher grip strength and better bone quality, reflected by less negative average T scores. These individuals also exhibited lower values of GT and PT, suggesting a better sagittal alignment compared to those with a Barthel index of 80 or below. The results highlight that deviations in GT and PT are significantly associated with decreased functional independence. These insights emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal spinal alignment and muscle strength to support functional independence in elderly women. This study underscores the potential for targeted interventions that improve postural stability and manage pain effectively in this vulnerable population.

Therapeutic advantage of teriparatide in very elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures: a functional and BMD analysis.

BACKGROUND: Teriparatide, a recombinant parathyroid hormone, is pivotal in osteoporosis treatment, particularly in post-surgical recovery for hip fractures. This study investigates its efficacy in functional recovery post-hip fracture surgery in elderly patients, a demographic particularly susceptible to osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 150 elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation were enrolled. They were categorized into two groups: receiving 20 µg of daily teriparatide injections for 18 months and receiving standard antiresorptive medications during a 24-month follow-up. Detailed records of patient demographics, Fracture Risk Assessment Tool scores, and comorbidities were kept. Key outcomes, including bone mineral density (BMD) and functional scores (Barthel Index and Visual Analog Scale for hip pain), were evaluated at 3 and 24 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Out of the original cohort, 126 patients (20 men and 106 women with an average age of 85.5 ± 9.3 years) completed the study. The teriparatide group exhibited significant enhancements in both functional scores and BMD when compared to the control group. Notably, functional improvements were less pronounced in male patients compared to female patients. Additionally, the incidence of new fractures was markedly lower in the teriparatide group. CONCLUSION: Administering teriparatide daily for 18 months post-surgery for proximal femoral fractures significantly benefits very elderly patients by improving functionality and bone density, with observed differences in recovery between genders. These results reinforce the efficacy of teriparatide as a potent option for treating osteoporosis-related fractures in the elderly and highlight the importance of considering gender-specific treatment and rehabilitation strategies.

Satisfaction with Teleophthalmology Services: Insights from Remote Areas of Taiwan.

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, teleophthalmology provided access to eye care for rural populations. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of and satisfaction with an integrated real-time videoconferencing module. This project incorporated ophthalmic instruments and telecommunication devices and provided on-site consultations via videoconferencing. Both patients and healthcare providers completed satisfaction questionnaires. From May 2020 to May 2021, this project provided eye care services to 395 patients (aged 6-90 years). The most frequent eye condition was chronic conjunctivitis (n = 197), followed by senile cataract (n = 163), dry eye (n = 103), and refractive error (n = 95). Among them, 40 (10.1%) patients were referred to secondary or tertiary hospitals for further evaluation or treatment. In total, 181 recruited respondents provided good satisfaction scores in all dimensions, including quality of medical care (4.50 of 5.00), financial aspects of care (4.48), supportive attitude toward the project (4.47), quality of service (4.40), and quality of telecommunication (4.40). Women had a substantially more supportive attitude toward the project, and 25 healthcare providers provided low ratings in areas representing the quality of telecommunication (4.04) and user-friendliness of the instrument (4.00). This teleophthalmology system provided efficient and satisfactory eye care to participants in remote communities. However, better internet access and training in instrument use can reduce obstacles to the future implementation of the project.

Effects of aloe vera on burn injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Burn injuries cause severe pain, infection risks, psychological distress, financial burdens, and mortality, necessitating effective care. Aloe vera, a traditional burn remedy, shows wound healing potential, but its analgesic effects and efficacy with varying burn severity are uncertain. This study aims to investigate aloe vera's impact on wound healing, pain management, and infection prevention in burn patients. A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL was performed on 9th October 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 2), and the meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was wound healing time, with secondary outcomes examining pain severity and wound infection. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome. Nine RCTs were included in the current study, of which six provided data on the primary outcome. Aloe vera significantly reduced mean wound healing time compared to other topicals [mean difference (MD) -3.76 days; 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.69 to -1.84]. Additionally, the meta-analysis of the secondary outcomes found no significant differences in pain reduction (MD -0.76 points; 95% CI -1.53 to 0.01) and wound infection risk (risk ratio 1.10; 95% CI 0.34 to 3.59) between aloe vera and control groups. In conclusion, aloe vera expedites wound healing in second-degree burn patients without increased infection risk compared to other antimicrobial agents. The analgesic effects on burn injuries remain uncertain.

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Atropine on Myopia Prevention in Premyopic Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Early-onset myopia increases the risk of irreversible high myopia. Methods: This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose atropine for myopia control in children with premyopia through meta-analysis using random-effects models. Effect sizes were calculated using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted until 20 December 2023, without language restrictions. Results: Four studies involving 644 children with premyopia aged 4-12 years were identified, with atropine concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.05%. The analysis focused on myopia incidence and atropine-related adverse events. Lower myopia incidence (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.97 D/y; p = 0.03) and reduction in rapid myopia shift (≥0.5 D/1y) (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.96 D/y; p < 0.01) were observed in the 12-24-month period. Spherical equivalent and axial length exhibited attenuated progression in the atropine group. No major adverse events were detected in either group, whereas the incidence of photophobia and allergic conjunctivitis did not vary in the 12-24-month period. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis supports atropine's efficacy and safety for delaying myopia incidence and controlling progression in children with premyopia. However, further investigation is warranted due to limited studies.

Incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of pressure injuries in Taiwan from 2001 to 2015: Results of a retrospective cohort study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyse the trends in the incidence, prevalence and medical costs of pressure injuries (PIs) among genders in Taiwan. BACKGROUND: The treatment of PIs is complex and costly, often leading to complications and increased mortality. This issue significantly impacts healthcare quality and incurs substantial medical and social costs, warranting attention. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database to obtain and calculate the incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of PIs in the country between 2001 and 2015 as well as to analyse high-risk groups and the medical care utilisation of patients following the STROBE reporting guidelines. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2015, 15,327 incident case of PIs were diagnosed. During the study period, the prevalence rate of PIs per 100,000 population rose from 26.3 to 189.6, with approximately 11.5%-16.3% of patients undergoing surgical debridement. The PIs prevalence rate increased by 7.2-fold, and hospitalisation costs accounted for 91.7%-96.0% of the total medical costs. Patients with older age, comorbidities, poorer financial status and lower education levels were found to be likely to develop PIs. These predisposing factors differed between males and females. The prevalence of PIs was higher in patients ≥75 years old than in patients from other age groups. Moreover, PI-related medical expenses have been increasing annually. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan, the rising incidence of PIs is driving up medical costs. Effective care and prevention of PIs necessitate a comprehensive plan from the entire healthcare system. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This research fills a gap in the available data on the incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of PIs in Taiwan and Asia. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The findings can be used to help develop clinical guidelines for preventive education and treatment of PIs.

Correlations between Sagittal Parameters and Functional Scores in 65-Year-Old Osteoporotic Females with Vertebral Body Fracture under Low-Energy Mechanism.

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common fragility fractures associated with low-energy injury mechanisms in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. No clear consensus is currently available on the optimal timing for surgical intervention in specific cases. Methods: This study examined the correlations between sagittal parameters, functional scores, and the appropriate timing for surgical intervention during the recovery stage in patients with osteoporosis with thoracolumbar (TL) vertebral body fractures. A total of 161 women aged ≥ 65 years with osteoporosis were included in the study. Spinal sagittal parameters from standing plain films and functional outcomes as the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were collected. Results: We found that TL junction Cobb angle was significantly correlated with ODI > 30 (p < 0.001) and VAS > 6 (p < 0.001) and the discriminative values for predicting ODI > 30 and VAS > 6 were a TL kyphotic angle of 14.5° and 13.5°, respectively. Among women aged ≥ 65 years with osteoporosis, the back pain and functional impairment observed within 6 months following a compression fracture are associated with a greater TL kyphosis angle. Conclusions: This suggests that a more proactive approach may be necessary when addressing the conditions of these patients.

Myopia progression after cessation of atropine in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To comprehensively assess rebound effects by comparing myopia progression during atropine treatment and after discontinuation. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted up to 20 September 2023, using the keywords "myopia," "rebound," and "discontinue." Language restrictions were not applied, and reference lists were scrutinized for relevant studies. Our study selection criteria focused on randomized control trials and interventional studies involving children with myopia, specifically those treated with atropine or combination therapies for a minimum of 6 months, followed by a cessation period of at least 1 month. The analysis centered on reporting annual rates of myopia progression, considering changes in spherical equivalent (SE) or axial length (AL). Data extraction was performed by three independent reviewers, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. A random-effects model was applied, and effect sizes were determined through weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals Our primary outcome was the evaluation of rebound effects on spherical equivalent or axial length. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on cessation and treatment durations, dosage levels, age, and baseline SE to provide a nuanced understanding of the data. Results: The analysis included 13 studies involving 2060 children. Rebound effects on SE were significantly higher at 6 months (WMD, 0.926 D/y; 95%CI, 0.288-1.563 D/y; p = .004) compared to 12 months (WMD, 0.268 D/y; 95%CI, 0.077-0.460 D/y; p = .006) after discontinuation of atropine. AL showed similar trends, with higher rebound effects at 6 months (WMD, 0.328 mm/y; 95%CI, 0.165-0.492 mm/y; p < .001) compared to 12 months (WMD, 0.121 mm/y; 95%CI, 0.02-0.217 mm/y; p = .014). Sensitivity analyses confirmed consistent results. Shorter treatment durations, younger age, and higher baseline SE levels were associated with more pronounced rebound effects. Transitioning or stepwise cessation still caused rebound effects but combining optical therapy with atropine seemed to prevent the rebound effects. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis highlights the temporal and dose-dependent rebound effects after discontinuing atropine. Individuals with shorter treatment durations, younger age, and higher baseline SE tend to experience more significant rebound effects. Further research on the rebound effect is warranted. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=463093], identifier [registration number].

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery reduces the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a nationwide population-based propensity-weighted cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) are predisposed to developing dementing disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt implantation is a treatment used to improve the motor and cognitive disabilities of these patients; however, its effect on the risk of developing dementing disorders remains unclear. We conducted a population-based propensity-weighted cohort study to investigate whether CSF shunt surgery may reduce the risk of subsequently developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia in iNPH patients. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 60 years who were diagnosed with iNPH (n = 2053) between January 2001 and June 2018 were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Various demographic characteristics (age, sex, and monthly income) and clinical data (incidence year, comorbidities, and Charlson comorbidity index) were collected and divided into the shunt surgery group (SSG) and the non-shunt surgery group (NSSG). Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting by using the propensity score was performed to achieve a balanced distribution of confounders across the two study groups. The cumulative incidence rate and risk of dementing disorders were estimated during a 16-year follow-up period. RESULTS: After weighting, the data of 375.0 patients in SSG and 1677.4 patients in NSSG were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that the cumulative incidence rate of AD (p = 0.009), but not dementia (p = 0.241) and vascular dementia (p = 0.761), in SSG was significantly lower than that in NSSG over the 16-year follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that SSG had a reduced hazard ratio (HR) for developing AD [HR (95% CI) 0.17 (0.04-0.69)], but not for dementia [HR (95% CI) 0.83 (0.61-1.12)] and vascular dementia [HR (95% CI) 1.18 (0.44-3.16)], compared with NSSG. Further Fine-Gray hazard regression analysis with death as a competing event demonstrated that SSG had a reduced subdistribution HR (sHR) for developing dementia [sHR (95% CI) 0.74 (0.55-0.99)] and AD [sHR (95% CI) 0.15 (0.04-0.61)], but not for vascular dementia [sHR (95% CI) 1.07 (0.40-2.86)]. CONCLUSION: CSF shunt surgery is associated with reduced risks of the subsequent development of dementia and AD in iNPH patients. Our findings may provide valuable information for assessing the benefit-to-risk profile of CSF shunt surgery.

Dermoscopic features of pigmented basal cell carcinoma according to size.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer in humans, requires early detection. Dermoscopy enhances diagnostic accuracy through a noninvasive approach. Pigmented BCC (pBCC) is characterized by distinctive dermoscopic features, including the presence of pigmented globules or nests. While dermoscopic features of large pBCC (size >6 mm) have been extensively studied, limited data are available on small pBCC (size ≤6 mm) and its relationship with tumor progression. METHODS: Dermoscopic images of histologically proven pBCCs were collected between 2014 and 2022 at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. Each image was analyzed for patterns of pigmentation, vasculature, and epidermal and dermal structures. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences according to the size and the trend during tumor progression. RESULTS: In total, 135 pBCCs (48 small and 87 large) were included. Pigment structures were present in all cases. Short fine telangiectasia and small erosions constituted over 85% of the cases, showing no significant distinction between small and large pBCCs, nor any specific pattern correlating with tumor enlargement. The number of arborizing vessels, ulcerations, and shiny white structures showed an increasing trend associated with size progression. Arborizing vessels appeared when tumor size exceeded 6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a dynamic interpretation of the dermoscopic features of pBCC according to size enlargement. Short fine telangiectasia and small erosions are highly important features for the early diagnosis of small pBCCs. Arborizing vessels, ulceration, and shiny white structures are more frequent in large pBCCs, and they increase in association with tumor progression.

Femoral neck system versus multiple cannulated screws for the fixation of Pauwels classification type II femoral neck fractures in older female patients with low bone mass.

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures in older adult patients are a major concern and often necessitate surgical intervention. This study compared the clinical outcomes of 2 surgical techniques: the femoral neck system (FNS) and cannulated compression screws (CCSs). METHODS: A total of 40 female patients (mean age 73.50 ± 11.55 years) with femoral neck fractures of Pauwels classification type II and receiving surgical fixation between 2020 and 2022 were enrolled. The patients were categorized into an FNS group (n = 12) or a CCS group (n = 28), and surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative adverse events were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant intergroup differences in demographic characteristics were discovered. The mean surgical duration for all patients was 52.88 ± 22.19 min, with no significant difference between the groups. However, the FNS group experienced significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.002) and longer hospital stay (P = 0.023) than did the CCS group. The incidence of osteonecrosis was higher in the CCS group, whereas the incidence of nonunion or malunion was higher in the FNS group. The surgical method did not appear to be a significant risk factor. The main risk factor for revision surgery was longer duration until the first adverse event (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The FNS does not appear to provide superior surgical outcomes compared with CCSs in older adult women with Pauwels classification type II femoral neck fractures. A longer duration between surgical fixation and the first adverse event before stabilization of the fracture site may be a risk factor for revision surgery.

Factors Associated with the Efficacy of XEN Gel Implant.

INTRODUCTION: Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a growing trend, and XEN gel implant is one of the most effective types of MIGS. This study aimed to examine factors associated with the surgical success of XEN gel implants. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with glaucoma receiving XEN implantation alone or combined with phacoemulsification (PHACOXEN) with a follow-up period of more than 6 months at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan. If intraocular pressure (IOP) elevated above 20 mmHg during the follow-up, needling or open revision was performed. The primary outcome measures included IOP and the number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Male patients had lower postoperative IOP; male patients and higher preoperative IOP were associated with higher IOP change rates, and older patients had a higher chance of achieving IOP < 18 mmHg and being medication-free at months 12, 24, and 36. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the probability of free-of-rescue intervention over the follow-up period was not different between the XEN alone and the PHACOXEN group (P = 0.859). Both needling and open revision were effective rescue interventions, but open revision had a higher chance of achieving IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and being medication-free (P = 0.031) and required less medication afterward (P = 0.044). Older age (P = 0.013) and male patients (P = 0.022) had a lower IOP after rescue interventions. Compared with open revision, needling was associated with higher IOP (P = 0.048) and more required medications (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: XEN alone and PHACOXEN had comparable surgical outcomes, whereas open revision had a better IOP lowering effect than needling as a rescue intervention. Male and older patients had better surgical results in primary XEN implantations and rescue interventions.