Association between weather and utilisation of physical therapy in patients with osteoarthritis: a case-crossover study.

BACKGROUND: During varied weather conditions, patients with osteoarthritis experience different severity of symptoms and signs. However, weather may also cause barriers or incentives for patients to seek medical services. These factors may result in changes in medical utilisation; however, no studies have investigated whether the probability of physical therapy utilisation among patients with osteoarthritis is associated with changes in meteorological factors. METHOD: By using a secondary data of NHID in Taiwan, we conducted a population-based, retrospective study with case-crossover design for patients initially diagnosed with osteoarthritis between 2000 and 2013. The meteorological factors of months with the lowest treatment rate were used as patients' own control periods and compared with the parameters of months with high treatment frequency. The risk of exposure to different meteorological factors, including mean temperature, daily highest temperature, daily minimum temperature, diurnal temperature range, relative humidity, and barometric pressure, was estimated and represented by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 8,130 patients were recruited. Regardless of univariate or multivariable analysis, increased daily highest temperature enhanced the frequency of physical therapy (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05; p < 0.01; OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10; p < 0.01). When the weather was hotter (> 23 °C), higher diurnal temperature range and humidity resulted in an increase in the utilisation of physical therapy. However, when the weather was colder (< 23 °C), reverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in temperature increases the probability of physical therapy resource use. Therefore, temperature, along with other meteorological factors, may play a key role in the utilization of physical therapy among patients with osteoarthritis.

Effects of different types and frequencies of early rehabilitation on ventilator weaning among patients in intensive care units: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types and frequencies of physiotherapy on ventilator weaning among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify the optimal type and frequency of intervention. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Airiti Library. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials that provided information on the dosage of ICU rehabilitation and the parameters related to ventilator weaning were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND MANAGEMENT: Treatment types were classified into conventional physical therapy, exercise-based physical therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS), progressive mobility, and multi-component. The frequencies were divided into high (≥ 2 sessions/day or NEMS of > 60 minutes/day), moderate (one session/day, 3-7 days/week or NEMS of 30-60 minutes/day), and low (one session/day, < 3 days/week, or NEMS of < 30 minutes/day). DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-four articles were included for systematic review and 15 out of 24 articles were analyzed in the meta-analysis. Early rehabilitation, especially the progressive mobility treatment exerted an optimal effect in reducing the ventilator duration in patients in the ICU (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23-1.58; P < 0.01). Regarding the treatment frequency, the high-frequency intervention did not result in a favorable effect on ventilator duration compared with the moderate frequency of treatment (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI = -1.13-2.64; P = 0.43). CONCLUSION: Early rehabilitation with progressive mobility is highly recommended to decrease the ventilation duration received by patients in the ICU. Depending on clinical resources and the tolerance of patients, the frequency of interventions should reach moderate-to-high frequency, that is, at least one session per day and 3 days a week. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42021243331).

Investigating the rate of skeletal muscle atrophy in men and women in the intensive care unit: a prospective observational study.

Muscle atrophy greatly affects the prognosis of patients in the intensive care unit, but the rate of change remains unclear. In this prospective observational study, we used ultrasound to measure the change in muscle thickness of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) in 284 patients who were admitted to the SICU of Taoyuan General Hospital between January 1 and June 30, 2020. Patients were excluded if there is a wound at the right thigh which hinders the ultrasonography probe from placing. Daily rates of muscle atrophy were calculated using linear analysis and the ratios of change were plotted against the period of hospitalization. Patient characteristics were adjusted using propensity score matching and differences between men and women were analyzed. A linear mixed model was used to calculate the influence of other factors on muscle loss. The average daily atrophy rates of the RF and VI were 0.84% and 0.98%, respectively. The rate of atrophy was the highest in the third and fourth weeks. Daily atrophy rates of the RF and VI were approximately three times higher in women than in men. Protective factors of muscle atrophy included higher BMI and lower initial thickness of the RF and VI. Our study depicts the trend of muscle atrophy in the ICU and suggests more discussion in prevention to be conducted especially for women.

[Investigation on the integrative course of genetics and genomics].

Genomics is an important subdiscipline of genetics, and it forms a complete research system based on novel theories and techniques. Incorporating genomics in undergraduate curriculum is a response to the need of the development of genetics. The teaching of genomics has significant advantages on developing scientific thinking, enhances bioethics accomplishment, and professional interests in undergraduate students. The integration of genomics into genetics is in accordance with the principles of subject development and education. Related textbooks for undergraduate education are currently available in China, and it is feasible to set up a genetics and genomics integrative course by modifying teaching contents of the genetics course, selecting appropriate teaching approaches, and optimal application of the computer-assisted instruction.