Selective Genicular Artery Embolization in the Management of Osteoarthritic Knee Pain-A Narrative Review.

Many people with pain from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are either not ready for surgery or may never be surgical candidates. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new proposed management for those with pain despite maximum medical management. It has historically been used to manage recurrent spontaneous haemarthrosis following total knee replacement, but newer studies are showing a positive effect in managing pre-arthroplasty knee OA. The goal of this review is to summarise current and relevant literature from searches of computerised databases and relevant journals, and analyse their results. Studies included show that GAE has promising outcomes in managing mild to moderate OA knee pain in those who have exhausted at least 3 months of conservative therapy. Most studies show improvements in VAS pain and PROM scores (including KOOS, and/or WOMAC). Minimal adverse effects have been associated in up to two years of follow up, the majority of which are self-resolving. The article précises a concise general procedural technique for performing GAE, as well as comparing and contrasting different embolic agents that may be utilised. GAE shows promising outcomes in management of mild to moderate OA knee pain. In the future, there will need to be higher volume studies to determine effectiveness, suitable candidates, and other potential adverse effects.

Clinical Manifestations of an Outbreak of Monkeypox Virus in Captive Chimpanzees in Cameroon, 2016.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a reemerging virus of global concern. An outbreak of clade I MPXV affected 20 captive chimpanzees in Cameroon in 2016. We describe the epidemiology, virology, phylogenetics, and clinical progression of this outbreak. Clinical signs included exanthema, facial swelling, perilaryngeal swelling, and eschar. Mpox can be lethal in captive chimpanzees, with death likely resulting from respiratory complications. We advise avoiding anesthesia in animals with respiratory signs to reduce the likelihood of death. This outbreak presented a risk to animal care staff. There is a need for increased awareness and a One Health approach to preparation for outbreaks in wildlife rescue centers in primate range states where MPXV occurs. Control measures should include quarantining affected animals, limiting human contacts, surveillance of humans and animals, use of personal protective equipment, and regular decontamination of enclosures.

Vulnerable Parkin Loss-of-Function Drosophila Dopaminergic Neurons Have Advanced Mitochondrial Aging, Mitochondrial Network Loss and Transiently Reduced Autophagosome Recruitment.

Selective degeneration of substantia nigra dopaminergic (DA) neurons is a hallmark pathology of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). While the mechanism of degeneration is elusive, abnormalities in mitochondrial function and turnover are strongly implicated. An Autosomal Recessive-Juvenile Parkinsonism (AR-JP) Drosophila melanogaster model exhibits DA neurodegeneration as well as aberrant mitochondrial dynamics and function. Disruptions in mitophagy have been observed in parkin loss-of-function models, and changes in mitochondrial respiration have been reported in patient fibroblasts. Whether loss of parkin causes selective DA neurodegeneration in vivo as a result of lost or decreased mitophagy is unknown. This study employs the use of fluorescent constructs expressed in Drosophila DA neurons that are functionally homologous to those of the mammalian substantia nigra. We provide evidence that degenerating DA neurons in parkin loss-of-function mutant flies have advanced mitochondrial aging, and that mitochondrial networks are fragmented and contain swollen organelles. We also found that mitophagy initiation is decreased in park (Drosophila parkin/PARK2 ortholog) homozygous mutants, but autophagosome formation is unaffected, and mitochondrial network volumes are decreased. As the fly ages, autophagosome recruitment becomes similar to control, while mitochondria continue to show signs of damage, and climbing deficits persist. Interestingly, aberrant mitochondrial morphology, aging and mitophagy initiation were not observed in DA neurons that do not degenerate. Our results suggest that parkin is important for mitochondrial homeostasis in vulnerable Drosophila DA neurons, and that loss of parkin-mediated mitophagy may play a role in degeneration of relevant DA neurons or motor deficits in this model.

Trends in Robotic Thyroid Surgery in the United States from 2009 Through 2013.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe national trends in robotic thyroid surgery from 2009 through 2013. METHODS: The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database was searched for patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy (RT) from 2009 through 2013. Another U.S. institution's RT data, not included in the UHC database, were also evaluated. Patient demographics, institutional volume, comorbid conditions, complications, and cost information were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-one institutions performed 484 RT during the study period. From 2009 through 2011, U.S. annual RT volume increased from 39 cases to 140. Annual volume dropped to 69 cases in 2012 and 93 cases in 2013. Higher-volume centers reported lower complication rates (p<0.02). Hematoma formation (3.7%) was the most common complication, and there was one death. More than 10% of patients were obese. Brachial plexus injury and axillary skin flap perforations were reported in <1% of cases. Mean cost for a total RT was $13,287 ($5,125-42,444). CONCLUSIONS: From 2009 through early 2011, there was a steady increase in RT volume, especially among high-volume institutions. In mid-to-late 2011, there was a noticeable drop in RT volume, which significantly altered the projected trajectory of the procedure in this country. Despite higher complication rates, lower-volume centers perform the majority of RT and are also responsible for recent increases in RT utilization patterns in the United States.

Patient-identified quality indicators for colonoscopy services.

BACKGROUND: Current quality improvement tools for endoscopy services, such as the Global Rating Scale (GRS), emphasize the need for patient-centred care. However, there are no studies that have investigated patient expectations and/or perceptions of quality indicators in endoscopy services. OBJECTIVES: To identify quality indicators for colonoscopy services from the patient perspective; to rate indicators of importance; to determine factors that influence indicator ratings; and to compare the identified indicators with those of the GRS. METHODS: A two-phase mixed methods study was undertaken in Montreal (Quebec), Calgary (Alberta) and Hamilton (Ontario) among patients ≥18 years of age who spoke and read English or French. In phase 1, focus group participants identified quality indicators that were then used to construct a survey questionnaire. In phase 2, survey questionnaires, which were completed immediately after colonoscopy, prompted respondents to rate the 20 focus group-derived indicators according to their level of importance (low, medium, high) and to list up to nine additional items. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors that influenced focus group-derived indicator ratings. Patient-identified indicators were compared with those used in the GRS to identify novel indicators. RESULTS: Three quality indicator themes were identified by 66 participants in 12 focus groups: communication, comfort and service environment. Of the 828 surveys distributed, 402 (48.6%) were returned and 65% of focus group-derived indicators were rated highly important by at least 55% of survey respondents. Indicator ratings differed according to age, sex, site and perceived colorectal cancer risk. Of the 29 patient-identified indicators, 17 (58.6%) were novel. CONCLUSIONS: Patients identified 17 novel quality indicators, suggesting that patients and health professionals differ in their perspectives with respect to quality in colonoscopy services.

Neighborhood determinants of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccination in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Neighborhood-level analyses of influenza vaccination can identify the characteristics of vulnerable neighborhoods, which can inform public health strategy for future pandemics. In this study, the authors analyzed rates of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccination in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, using individual-level vaccination records from a vaccination registry with census, survey, and administrative data to estimate the population at risk. The neighborhood socioeconomic and demographic determinants of vaccination were identified using Bayesian ecologic logistic regression, with random effects to account for spatial autocorrelation. A total of 918,773 (49.9%) Montreal residents were vaccinated against pandemic A/H1N1 influenza from October 22, 2009, through April 8, 2010. Coverage was greatest among females, children under age 5 years, and health-care workers. Neighborhood vaccine coverage ranged from 33.6% to 71.0%. Neighborhoods with high percentages of immigrants (per 5% increase, odds ratio = 0.90, 95% credible interval: 0.86, 0.95) and material deprivation (per 1-unit increase in deprivation score, odds ratio = 0.93, 95% credible interval: 0.88, 0.98) had lower vaccine coverage. Half of the Montreal population was vaccinated; however, considerable heterogeneity in coverage was observed between neighborhoods and subgroups. In future vaccination campaigns, neighborhoods that are materially deprived or have high percentages of immigrants may benefit from focused interventions.

Influenza vaccination coverage across ethnic groups in Canada.

BACKGROUND: The success of influenza vaccination campaigns may be suboptimal if subgroups of the population face unique barriers or have misconceptions about vaccination. We conducted a national study to estimate influenza vaccine coverage across 12 ethnic groups in Canada to assess the presence of ethnic disparities. METHODS: We pooled responses to the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2003 and 2009 (n = 437 488). We estimated ethnicity-specific self-reported influenza vaccine coverage for the overall population, for people aged 65 years and older, and for people aged 12-64 years with and without chronic conditions. We used weighted logistic regression models to examine the association between ethnicity and influenza vaccination, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health status. RESULTS: Influenza vaccination coverage ranged from 25% to 41% across ethnic groups. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health status for people aged 12 years and older, all ethnic groups were more likely to have received a vaccination against influenza than people who self-identified as white, with the exception of those who self-identified as black (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-1.15). Compared with white Canadians, Canadians of Filipino (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.67-2.40) and Southeast Asian (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.36-2.03) descent had the greatest likelihood of having received vaccination against influenza. INTERPRETATION: Influenza vaccine coverage in Canada varies by ethnicity. Black and white Canadians have the lowest uptake of influenza vaccine of the ethnic groups represented in our study. Further research is needed to understand the facilitators, barriers and misconceptions relating to vaccination that exist across ethnic groups, and to identify promotional strategies that may improve uptake among black and white Canadians.

The determinants of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccination: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccine coverage varied widely across countries. To understand the factors influencing pandemic influenza vaccination and to guide the development of successful vaccination programs for future influenza pandemics, we identified and summarized studies examining the determinants of vaccination during the 2009 influenza pandemic. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review using the PubMED electronic database from June 2009 to February 2011. We included studies examining an association between a possible predictive variable and actual receipt of the pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccine. We excluded studies examining intention or willingness to receive the vaccine. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were identified from twelve countries. Pandemic influenza vaccine coverage varied from 4.8% to 92%. Coverage varied by population sub-group, country, and assessment method used. Most studies used questionnaires to estimate vaccine coverage, however seven (26%) used a vaccination registry. Factors that positively influenced pandemic influenza vaccination were: male sex, younger age, higher education, being a doctor, being in a priority group for which vaccination was recommended, receiving a prior seasonal influenza vaccination, believing the vaccine to be safe and/or effective, and obtaining information from official medical sources. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine coverage during the pandemic varied widely across countries and population sub-groups. We identified some consistent determinants of this variation that can be targeted to increase vaccination during future influenza pandemics.

Building a person-centered medical home: lessons from a program for people with developmental disabilities.

The HOME Program provides medical and behavioral health care for people with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Its unique funding structure provides a fiscally viable, and replicable, means of supporting case management in a medical home setting, addressing system-level barriers that typically impede the implementation of the patient-centered medical home.

Socio-economic disparities in the burden of seasonal influenza: the effect of social and material deprivation on rates of influenza infection.

BACKGROUND: There is little empirical evidence in support of a relationship between rates of influenza infection and level of material deprivation (i.e., lack of access to goods and services) and social deprivation (i.e. lack of social cohesion and support). METHOD: Using validated population-level indices of material and social deprivation and medical billing claims for outpatient clinic and emergency department visits for influenza from 1996 to 2006, we assessed the relationship between neighbourhood rates of influenza and neighbourhood levels of deprivation using Bayesian ecological regression models. Then, by pooling data from neighbourhoods in the top decile (i.e., most deprived) and the bottom decile, we compared rates in the most deprived populations to the least deprived populations using age- and sex-standardized rate ratios. RESULTS: Deprivation scores ranged from one to five with five representing the highest level of deprivation. We found a 21% reduction in rates for every 1 unit increase in social deprivation score (rate ratio [RR] 0.79, 95% Credible Interval [CrI] 0.66, 0.97). There was little evidence of a meaningful linear relationship with material deprivation (RR 1.06, 95% CrI 0.93, 1.24). However, relative to neighbourhoods with deprivation scores in the bottom decile, those in the top decile (i.e., most materially deprived) had substantially higher rates (RR 2.02, 95% Confidence Interval 1.99, 2.05). CONCLUSION: Though it is hypothesized that social and material deprivation increase risk of acute respiratory infection, we found decreasing healthcare utilization rates for influenza with increasing social deprivation. This finding may be explained by the fewer social contacts and, thus, fewer influenza exposure opportunities of the socially deprived. Though there was no evidence of a linear relationship with material deprivation, when comparing the least to the most materially deprived populations, we observed higher rates in the most materially deprived populations.

Perceptions of frontline staff regarding data collection methodologies used during the 2009 A H1N1 influenza immunization campaign in Canada.

BACKGROUND: During the 2009 H1N1 immunization campaign, electronic and hybrid (comprising both electronic and paper components) systems were employed to collect client-level vaccination data in clinics across Canada. Because different systems were used across the country, the 2009 immunization campaign offered an opportunity to study the usability of the various data collection methods. METHODS: A convenience sample of clinic staff working in public health agencies and hospitals in 9 provinces/territories across Canada completed a questionnaire in which they indicated their level of agreement with seven statements regarding the usability of the data collection system employed at their vaccination clinic. Questions included overall ease of use, effectiveness of the method utilized, efficiency at completing tasks, comfort using the method, ability to recover from mistakes, ease of learning the method and overall satisfaction with the method. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to measure responses. RESULTS: Most respondents (96%) were employed in sites run by public health. Respondents included 186 nurses and 114 administrative staff, among whom 90% and 47%, respectively, used a paper-based method for data collection. Approximately half the respondents had a year or less of experience with immunization-related tasks during seasonal influenza campaigns. Over 90% of all frontline staff found their data collection method easy to use, perceived it to be effective in helping them complete their tasks, felt quick and comfortable using the method, and found the method easy to learn, regardless of whether a hybrid or electronic system was used. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there may be a greater willingness of frontline immunization staff to adapt to new technologies than previously perceived by decision-makers. The public health community should recognize that usability may not be a barrier to implementing electronic methods for collecting individual-level immunization data.

Cochlear implantation in Cockayne syndrome: our experience of two cases with different outcomes.

Cockayne syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive defect in DNA repair resulting in a classic facies with potential visual and auditory impairment. The hearing loss begins peripherally and may become central as the condition progresses. Coexisting sensory deprivation from visual impairment and the possibility of progressive deterioration in mental function conspire with a lack of published experience to produce many challenges for the cochlear implant team. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case reports with documented follow-up of cochlear implantation in two patients with different manifestations of Cockayne syndrome.