The 100 most-cited and 100 most-mentioned COVID-19-related radiological articles: a comparative bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the 100 most-cited and 100 most-mentioned coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-related radiological articles and compare their characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the Web of Science and Altmetric.com using the search terms "COVID," "COVID-19," "Coronavirus," "SARS-CoV-2," "nCoV," and "pandemic" to identify the most-cited and most-mentioned COVID-19-related articles. We identified the top 100 most-cited and 100 most-mentioned articles in the field of radiology, regardless of their publication journal. We extracted the information from the listed articles and compared the characteristics between the most-cited and most-mentioned. RESULTS: Thirty (30%) articles were featured in the lists of the most-cited and most-mentioned articles. The comparison of the 100 most-cited and most-mentioned articles on each list showed that the most frequently cited articles were published in November 2020 and before (p < .001), originated from China (p < .001), covered the topic of diagnosis of COVID-19 (p < .001), and were related to the subspecialty of pulmonary imaging (p < .001); the most frequently mentioned articles were published in December 2020 and after (p < .001), originated from the USA (p < .001), covered the topic of diagnosis of sequelae of COVID-19 (p = .013) and post-vaccination complications (p < .001), and were related to the subspecialties of cardiac imaging (p < .001) and neuroradiology (p < .013). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were observed in publication date, country of origin, topic, and subspecialty of scientific knowledge related to COVID-19 in the field of radiology, between citation and public dissemination. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This bibliometric analysis compares the 100 most-cited and 100 most-mentioned COVID-19-related radiologic articles, aiming to provide valuable insights into the patterns of knowledge dissemination during the pandemic era. KEY POINTS: • Thirty articles were featured on the lists of the 100 most-cited and 100 most-mentioned COVID-19-related articles. • The 70 unique most-cited articles more frequently originated from China (48.6%), while the unique most-mentioned articles more frequently originated from the USA (51.4%) (p < 0.001). • The 70 unique most-mentioned articles were more frequently related to cardiac imaging (25.7% vs.0%, p < 0.001) and neuroradiology (15.7% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.005) compared to the unique most-mentioned articles.

Comprehensive Physical Work Capacity Evaluations for Korean Farmers Assessed in Healthy Volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the lower limits of normative values of the physical work capacity for Korean farmers in healthy working individual. METHODS: We developed a comprehensive set of physical work capacity evaluation items that encompass common farming tasks. These items include measurements of trunk flexion/extension angles, strength (hand grip, trunk flexion/extension, leg/back lifting, and pushing/pulling), and positional tolerances. We calculated the normative values for the items and defined the normal range in 124 healthy volunteers aged 20-79 years. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to validate the test-retest reliability of the measurements protocol. RESULTS: The normal values for each measurement item were as follows: trunk flexion and extension angle (65.3°±11.6° and 29.6°±6.6°), dominant hand grip strength (32.2±10.5 kgf), trunk flexion and extension strength (288.4±119.0 N and 297.3±129.9 N), leg and back lifting strength (452.9±233.5 N and 349.2±166.7 N), pushing and pulling strength (214.7±75.1 N and 221.7±63.3 N), and positional tolerance time (squat: 76.8±9.0 seconds, front: 73.8±7.7 seconds, twist: 82.2±8.8 seconds, upward: 71.9±11.3 seconds). Regarding test-retest reliability, all strength measurements demonstrated excellent absolute agreement (ICC, 0.91-0.96). However, positional tolerance showed poor-to-moderate absolute agreement (ICC, 0.37-0.58). CONCLUSION: We conducted measurements of muscle strength and positional tolerance in healthy participants of various ages, focusing on tasks commonly performed by Korean farmers. The outcomes hold significant value as they offer a pertinent instrument for assessing the appropriateness of workers, thereby carrying implications for rehabilitation objectives, legal evaluations, and work capacity assessments within the agricultural domain.

Back Extensor Strength as a Potential Marker of Frailty Using Propensity Score Matching and Machine Learning.

This study assessed the potential of back extensor strength as an alternative marker of frailty. A total of 560 farmers were included. Computed tomography scans measured fat and muscle mass volumes at the mid-L4 vertebral level. Back extensor strength was measured in a seated posture. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the associations between back extensor strength and trunk muscle/fat compositions. The participants were divided into two groups based on back extensor strength. Propensity score matching, multivariate logistic regression, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were employed to evaluate the relationship between Fried's frailty criteria and back extensor strength. Back extensor strength exhibited positive associations with abdominal muscle volume (r = 1.12) as well as back muscle volume (r = 0.89) (p < 0.05). Back extensor strength was linked to more frail status, such as reduced grip strength, walking speed, and frequent self-reported exhaustion. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that back extensor strength was associated with higher frail status (OR = 0.990), and XGBoost analysis identified back extensor strength as the most important predictor (gain = 0.502) for frailty. The prediction models using grip strength produced similar results (OR = 0.869, gain = 0.482). These findings suggested the potential of back extensor strength as an alternative frailty marker.

Korean Version of the Longer-Term Unmet Needs After Stroke Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: : To translate the 22-item Longer-term Unmet Needs after Stroke (LUNS) questionnaire, validate it in the Korean stroke population, and assess the reliability of face-to-face and telephone surveys. METHODS: : Sixty-six adult patients with stroke from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Kangwon National University Hospital were involved in the validation. Participants were interviewed twice using the LUNS Korean version: first, a face-to-face survey for validation, and second, a telephone survey for test-retest reliability. Participants completed the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) and Short Form 12 (SF-12) Mental and Physical Component Summary (MCS and PCS) scores at the first interview. For concurrent validity, the differences in health status (FAI, SF-12 MCS and PCS) between the groups that reported unmet needs and those that did not were analyzed for each item. Cohen's kappa and percentage of agreement between the first and second administrations were calculated for each item to determine the test-retest reliability. RESULTS: : The average age of the participants was 61.2±12.8 years and 74.2% were male. Fifty-seven patients were involved in the second interview. Depending on the unmet needs, SF-12 MCS, PCS, and FAI were significantly different in 12 of 22 items. In the test-retest reliability test, 12 items had a kappa of 0.6 or higher, and two had a kappa of <0.4. CONCLUSION: : The LUNS instrument into Korean (LUNS-K) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing unmet health needs in patients with stroke. In addition, telephone surveys can be considered reliable.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of a Korean Version of the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation Scale.

OBJECTIVE: : To translate and culturally adapt the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation (INCR) questionnaire into Korean and perform psychometric validation. METHODS: : The original English version of the INCR, in which patients are asked to rate the importance of 55 topics, was translated into Korean (INCR-K) and culturally adapted. The INCR-K was tested on 101 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants at Kangwon National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in Korea. Structural validity was assessed using principal component analysis, and Cronbach's alpha of the areas was computed. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing information needs according to CR duration and knowledge sufficiency according to receipt of education. Half of the participants were randomly selected for 1 month of re-testing to assess their responsiveness. RESULTS: : Following cognitive debriefing, the number of items was reduced to 41 and ratings were added to assess participants' sufficient knowledge of each item. The INCR-K structure comprised eight areas, each with sufficient internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha>0.7). Criterion validity was supported by significant differences in mean INCR-K scores based on CR duration and knowledge sufficiency ratings according to receipt of education (p<0.05). Information needs and knowledge sufficiency ratings increased after 1 month of CR, thus supporting responsiveness (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: : The INCR-K demonstrated adequate face, content, cross-cultural, structural, and criterion validities, internal consistency, and responsiveness. Information needs changed with CR, such that multiple assessments of information needs may be warranted as rehabilitation progresses to facilitate patient-centered education.

Comprehensiveness of cardiac rehabilitation program in Korea: a nation-wide survey result.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an essential component in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Current guidelines recommend that the program should be comprehensive including multidisciplinary behavioral intervention, not only exercise training. While the utilization of CR is gradually increasing, the comprehensiveness of the program has not been systemically evaluated in Korea. METHODS: During the year 2020, nation-wide survey was done to evaluate the current status of CR in Korea. Survey was done by web-based structured questionnaire. Survey was requested to 164 hospitals performing percutaneous coronary intervention. RESULTS: Among 164 hospitals, 47 (28.7%) hospitals had CR programs. In hospitals with CR, multidisciplinary intervention other than exercise-based program was provided only partially: nutritional counseling (63%), vocational counseling for return to work (39%), stress management (31%), psychological evaluation (18%). Personnel for CR was commonly not dedicated to the program or even absent: (percentage of dedicated, concurrent with other work, absent) physical therapist (59, 41, 0%), nurse (31, 69, 0%), dietician (6, 65, 29%), clinical psychologist (0, 37, 63%). CONCLUSION: Comprehensiveness of CR in Korea is suboptimal and human resource for it is poorly disposed. More awareness of current status by both clinicians and health policy makers is needed and insurance reimbursement for educational program should be improved.

Association Between Ergonomic Burden Assessed Using 20-Item Agricultural Work-Related Ergonomic Risk Questionnaire and Shoulder, Low Back, and Leg Pain in Korean Farmers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the agricultural ergonomic burden in Korean farmers and to analyze its correlation with musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: In total, 1001 farmers (525 females and 476 males; mean age, 59.6±7.5years) who owned or rented a farm and belonged to an agricultural cooperative unit were recruited. Ergonomic burdens were assessed using a 20-item Agricultural Work-related Ergonomic Risk Questionnaire (20 agricultural works). The presence of musculoskeletal pain (shoulder, low back, and leg/foot), Farm Stressor Inventory, subjective stress index, and agricultural workload (low, moderate, somewhat hard, or hard) were collected using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the Agricultural Work-related Ergonomic Risk Questionnaire revealed a four-factor solution: neck and upper limb, trunk and push - pull, machine and heavy lifting, and repetitive trauma. Cronbach's alpha was greater than 0.65. For 18 of the 20 items, there was a significant association with the Farm Stressor Inventory, subjective stress index, and agricultural workload. The most frequent ergonomic burdens were squatting (51.2%), highly repetitive wrist movements (53.5%), shoulder flexion at 45-90° (51.2%), and trunk flexion or twisting at≥45° (48.8%). Ergonomic burdens were significantly different in 13 items between sexes. The musculoskeletal pain was associated with increased agricultural burdens in 10 items in male farmers and 14 items in female farmers. CONCLUSION: Increased agricultural ergonomic burdens were associated with musculoskeletal pain. Ergonomic burden showed different patterns between male and female farmers, with female farmers appearing to be more affected by ergonomic burden than male farmers.

The influence of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policy on the contributing factors to ADU development: an assessment of the city of Los Angeles.

Since the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) has emerged as a policy alternative to increase housing stock and provide affordable options for areas impacted by housing shortages, many local governments recently adopted ADU policies that promote the construction of ADUs. Taking the City of Los Angeles as the study area, this paper examines how the city's ADU ordinance impacts the relationship of the characteristics of the properties and neighborhoods with ADU development by constructing multilevel logistic regression models. The outputs of the models suggest that the ordinance contributes to diversifying the types and locations of the properties and neighborhoods where ADUs are built. The influence of the property characteristics associated with ADU development before the implementation of the ordinance significantly diminished after the ordinance. The outputs also indicate that the ordinance probably attracted ADU developments in the areas with higher accessibility to bus transit. These findings will help planners take appropriate actions and policies that support ADU developments.

Esophageal Motility Disorders in Patients With Esophageal Barium Residue After Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate esophageal motility disorders in patients with esophageal residual barium on chest x-rays after videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) through high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). METHODS: We reviewed the records of 432 patients who underwent VFSS from September 2019 to May 2021, and 85 patients (19.7%) with large residual barium (diameter ≥1 cm) were included. As a result of HREM, motility disorders were classified as major or minor motility disorders according. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and chest computed tomography results available were also reviewed. RESULTS: Among 85 patients with large residual barium in the esophagus, 16 patients (18.8%) underwent HREM. Abnormal esophageal motilities were identified in 68.8% patient: three patients (18.8%) had major motility disorders-achalasia (n=1), esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction (n=2)-and eight patients (50%) had minor motility disorders-ineffective esophageal motility (n=7), fragmented peristalsis (n=1). In those with normal esophageal motility, three patients of esophageal structure disorders (18.8%)-esophageal cancer (n=1), cardiogenic dysphagia (n=1), slight narrowing without obstruction of EGJ (n=1)-and two patients (12.5%) with chronic atrophic gastritis (n=2) were confirmed. CONCLUSION: Esophageal motility disorders were identified in 68.8% of 16 patients with large esophageal residual barium with three patients in the major and eight patients in the minor categories. Residual barium in the esophagus was not rare and can be a sign of significant esophageal motility disorders.

A survey of the perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of cardiac rehabilitation in healthcare providers and policy stakeholders.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a prognostic management strategy to help patients with CVD achieve a good quality of life and lower the rates of recurrence, readmission, and premature death from disease. Globally, cardiac rehabilitation is poorly established in hospitals and communities. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the discrepancies in the perceptions of the need for CR programs and relevant health policies between directors of hospitals and health policy personnel in South Korea to shed light on the status and to establish practically superior and effective strategies to promote CR in South Korea. METHODS: We sent a questionnaire to 592 public health policy managers and directors of selected hospitals, 132 of whom returned a completed questionnaire (response rate: 22.3%). The participants were categorized into five types of organizations depending on their practice of PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), establishment of cardiac rehabilitation, director of hospital, and government's policy makers. Differences in the opinions between directors of hospitals that perform/do not perform PCI, directors of hospitals with/without cardiac rehabilitation, and between hospital directors and health policy makers were analyzed. RESULTS: Responses about targeting diseases for cardiac rehabilitation, patients' roles in cardiac rehabilitation, hospitals' roles in cardiac rehabilitation, and governmental health policies' roles in cardiac rehabilitation were more positive among hospitals that perform PCI than those that do not. Responses to questions about the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation and hospitals' roles in cardiac rehabilitation tended to be more positive in hospitals with cardiac rehabilitation than in those without. Hospital directors responded more positively to questions about targeting diseases for cardiac rehabilitation and governmental health policies' roles in cardiac rehabilitation than policy makers, and both hospitals and public organizations provided negative responses to the question about patients' roles in cardiac rehabilitation. Responses to questions about targeting diseases for cardiac rehabilitation, patients' roles in cardiac rehabilitation, and governmental health policies' roles in cardiac rehabilitation were more positive in hospitals that perform PCI than those that do not and public organizations. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals must ensure timely referral, provide education, and promote the need for cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, governmental socioeconomic support is needed in a varity of aspects.

Associations Between Trunk Muscle/Fat Composition, Narrowing Lumbar Disc Space, and Low Back Pain in Middle-Aged Farmers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of trunk fat and muscle composition, lumbar disc space narrowing, and low back pain in middle-aged farmers. METHODS: Fat and muscle areas were identified using standard Hounsfield unit ranges for adipose tissue and skeletal muscle with computed tomography images at the mid-L4 vertebral level. Trunk fat mass, muscle mass, and fat/muscle mass ratio were calculated. Low back pain was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The L4/5-disc space and low back pain were also assessed. RESULTS: Male had a higher total trunk, back, psoas, and abdominal muscle mass, and visceral fat; female had a higher subcutaneous fat mass and fat/muscle ratio. Pearson correlation coefficients with ODI for waist circumference, total fat mass, visceral fat mass, and fat/muscle ratio were all significant in female; only the fat/muscle ratio was significant in male. Pearson correlation coefficients with L4/5-disc space narrowing grades for visceral fat mass, total, back, and psoas muscle mass, and fat/muscle ratio, were all significant in female; total and back muscle mass, and fat/muscle ratio in male. CONCLUSION: There were significant relationships between: fat indicators with low back pain; trunk muscle mass with lumbar disc degeneration; and fat/muscle ratio with both lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain. The fat/muscle ratio may be a useful index for low back pain.

A Comparison of Barrier Factors between Hospitals with and without Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Korea: A Nation-Wide Survey Research.

The percentage of patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) is very low (30-40%), and hospitals providing CRP are either insufficient or lacking, even in countries with advanced medical care; therefore, this study aims to investigate the barriers, as well as compare the differences between hospitals, with or without CRP. We conducted a survey, in which the questionnaire was distributed through post or email to 607 specialists who work at 164 hospitals performing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The results were as follows: (1) of the 164 hospitals, 132 responded (response rate: 80.5%). While all 47 hospitals with CRP responded (100%), from among the 117 hospitals without CRP, 85 responded (72.7%). (2) Of the 607 specialists, 227 responded (response rate: 36.9%). The response rates according to specialties were as follows: cardiologists (28.9%), cardiac surgeons (24.5%), and physiatrists (64.1%). (3) While the specialists at hospitals with CRP identified patient referral, transportation, and cost as the major barriers, for those at hospitals without CRP, all items were considered barriers, especially the items related to equipment, space, workforce, and budget as being more serious barriers. Therefore, in order to actively promote CRP, it is suggested that governments consider the customized support system according to the performance of CRPs.

Evaluation of Current Resources Available for Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korea: A Nationwide Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: In Korea, the actual distribution of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to the clinical field is insufficient due to the many barriers for cardiovascular patients to participate in CR. Community-based CR is a useful alternative to overcome these obstacles. Through a nationwide survey, we investigated the possibility of regional medical and public health management institutes which can be in charge of community-based CR in Korea. METHODS: The questionnaires on recognition of CR and current available resources in health-related institutions were developed with reference to the CR evaluation tools of York University and the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. The questionnaires were sent to regional public and private medical institutions and public health management institutions. RESULTS: In total, 2,267 questionnaires were sent to 1,186 institutions. There were 241 and 242 responses from 173 and 179 regional private and public medical institutions, respectively. And a total of 244 responses were gathered from 180 public health management institutions. Although many institutions were equipped with the necessary facilities for exercise training, there were few patient-monitoring systems during exercise. Most institutions were aware of the need for CR, but were burdened with the cost of establishing personnel and facilities to operate CR. CONCLUSION: Most regional medical, and public health management institutions in Korea are unprepared for the implementation of community-based CR programs. To encourage the utilization of such, there should be efforts to establish a national consensus.

A comprehensive analysis of self-corrected publications in the imaging literature.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of self-corrected publications have not been fully evaluated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the annual number and characteristics of self-corrected publications in the imaging literature within the last 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) using the following keyword: ("Published Erratum" [Publication Type] OR "Corrected and Republished Article" [Publication Type]) in the imaging literature to identify all self-corrected publications in which initial versions of articles were published during 1999-2018. Extracted data included: date of publication of the original version; date of correction notification; the time interval between initial publication and correction; journal name; journal impact factor (IF); type of articles; number of authors; country of origin; and location of errors. Journals were divided into four quartiles (Q1-Q4) based on their IF. RESULTS: A total of 1071 self-corrected publications were identified, representing 0.30% of all papers published in the imaging literature. Trend analysis showed exponential growth of the number and rate of self-corrected publications during 1999-2018. The median (range) time interval from initial publication to correction was 120 days (0-7755 days). The rate of self-corrected publications in Q4 journals (0.17%) was significantly lower than those in Q1 (0.35%, P<0.0001), Q2 (0.26%, P=0.0007), and Q3 (0.30%, P<0.0001) journals. Additionally, 80.8% of self-corrected publications were original articles, 29.2% were from the USA, and 30.7% were corrected for author information (name, affiliation, and email address). CONCLUSION: Self-corrected publications in the imaging literature have increased exponentially during 1999-2018 and author information was the most common location of error correction.

Current Status of Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Centers in Korea.

Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Centers (RCCs)-a Korean government initiative-seek to reduce medical gaps across regions, and their cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are expected to model post-acute care for the Korean CR program. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the current status of CR programs in the RCCs. We distributed surveys on the CR condition, activity, and barriers to 12 RCCs in different provinces. The results revealed significant gaps in the annual number of acute myocardial infarction admissions, and CR candidates, capacity, and density across the 12 RCCs. The CR capacity (50-500) and density (0.42-7.36) indicated particularly large gaps. Twelve RCCs had the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel for CR assessments and management, with high CR referral (97%) and patient education (78%) rates. However, the inpatient CR exercise training (56%) participation rate was inadequate, with much lower enrollment (47%) and adherence (17%) rates to the outpatient CR program and large differences across centers. Therefore, this study's results will provide the evidence required to establish special national health strategies to overcome the CR barriers of patient, doctor/hospital, and policy factors for activating Korean CR programs.

The Association Between Sagittal Plane Alignment and Disc Space Narrowing of Lumbar Spine in Farmers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether lumbar lordosis (LL) and lumbar segmental lordosis (LSL) are related to sex, age, low back pain (LBP), and lumbar disc space narrowing (DSN). METHODS: A total of 569 farmers were recruited. In lateral spine radiograph, LL (L1-L5) and LSL (L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5) were measured using Cobb's method. The differences in LSL values (ΔLSL) according to the presence or absence of a DSN were calculated as LSLDSN - LSLnoDSN for each DSN level. RESULTS: In male, the lateral spine radiograph showed significantly greater L4-LSL and L5-LSL and smaller L1-LSL and L2-LSL compared to female. LLs in the 50-59 and ≥60 years age groups were significantly smaller compared to those in the <50 years age group. In subjects with LBP, LL and L4-LSL were significantly smaller than in those without. The ΔLSLs at the disc level with DSN showed the greatest decrease: L1-ΔLSL (Δ-3.99°), L2-ΔLSL (Δ-3.31°), L3-ΔLSL (Δ-2.87°), L4-ΔLSL (Δ-3.31°), and L5-ΔLSL (Δ-4.44°) in L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 DSN, respectively. Conversely, distant ΔLSLs were inversely increased: L1-LSL (Δ0.75°) with L4/5 DSN and L2-LSL (Δ0.94°) with L5/S1 DSN. CONCLUSION: Sagittal plane alignment was significantly associated with sex, age, LBP, and DSN. LSLs around the levels of DSN were decreased, and there was compensational increase of LSL distant to the DSN to maintain the overall LL.

Community-Based Aerobic Exercise Program for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults With Visual or Auditory Impairments: A Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a public health center-based aerobic and resistance training program for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with visual, auditory, or physical/brain impairments. METHODS: The study included 25 adults aged >40 years who lived in Cheorwon-gun in South Korea, had a disability registered for visual, auditory, or physical/brain impairments under the Disability Welfare Act, and had either known cardiovascular disease or two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The program comprised four education sessions and 12 weeks of customized aerobic and strengthening exercises performed twice a week at moderate intensity, with each exercise session lasting for 1 hour. The body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and 30-second sit-to-stand test results were measured at baseline and on program completion. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects (68%) completed the program. There were significant decreases in BMI and percent body fat (both p<0.05), with a significant increase in 30-second sit-to-stand strength (p<0.05) but no changes in the 6MWD. In subjects with visual or auditory impairments, BMI and percent body fat were significantly decreased after the program; however, there was no significant change in the results of the 30-second sit-to-stand strength test or the 6MWD. CONCLUSION: In people with disabilities, a 3-month community-based exercise program can decrease body mass index and percent body fat and increase sit-to-stand strength. The 30-second sit-to-stand test may be a useful measure of the strength and endurance of the lower extremities in people with disabilities.

The Most Widely Disseminated COVID-19-Related Scientific Publications in Online Media: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Articles with the Highest Altmetric Attention Scores.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. This study's aim was to identify and characterize the top 100 COVID-19-related scientific publications, which had received the highest Altmetric Attention Scores (AASs). Hence, we searched Altmetric Explorer using search terms such as "COVID" or "COVID-19" or "Coronavirus" or "SARS-CoV-2" or "nCoV" and then selected the top 100 articles with the highest AASs. For each article identified, we extracted the following information: the overall AAS, publishing journal, journal impact factor (IF), date of publication, language, country of origin, document type, main topic, and accessibility. The top 100 articles most frequently were published in journals with high (>10.0) IF (n = 67), were published between March and July 2020 (n = 67), were written in English (n = 100), originated in the United States (n = 45), were original articles (n = 59), dealt with treatment and clinical manifestations (n = 33), and had open access (n = 98). Our study provides important information pertaining to the dissemination of scientific knowledge about COVID-19 in online media.

Estimation of energy expenditure of Nordic walking: a crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Nordic walking (NW) requires more energy compared with conventional walking (W). However, the metabolic equation for NW has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize responses in oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography of the upper and lower limb muscles during NW and W and develop a metabolic equation for energy expenditure (E, mL·kg- 1·min- 1) of NW. METHODS: This study was performed in a randomized, controlled, crossover design to test the energy expenditure during NW and W. Fifteen healthy young men were enrolled (aged 23.7 ± 3.0 years). All participants performed two randomly ordered walking tests (NW and W) on a treadmill at a predetermined stepwise incremental walking speed (3-5 km·h- 1) and grade (0-7%). The oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography signals of the three upper limb muscles and three lower limb muscles in their right body were recorded and compared between NW and W using paired-t test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to draw estimation of E during W and NW. RESULTS: Oxygen uptake (+ 15.8%), minute ventilation (+ 17.0%), heart rate (+ 8.4%), and systolic blood pressure (+ 7.7%) were higher in NW than in W (P < .05). NW resulted in increased muscle activity in all of the upper limb muscles (P < .05). In the lower limb, surface electromyography activities in two of the three lower limb muscles were increased in NW than in W only during level walking (P < .05). Energy expenditure during W and NW was estimated as follows: ENW = 6.1 + 0.09 × speed + 1.19 × speed × grade and EW = 4.4 + 0.09 × speed + 1.20 × speed × grade. CONCLUSION: NW showed higher work intensity than W, with an oxygen consumption difference of 1.7 mL·kg- 1·min- 1. The coefficients were not different between the two walking methods. NW involved more muscles of the upper body than W.

Unusual Pharyngo-Esophageal Dysphagia Caused by a High-Riding Right Brachiocephalic Artery.

High-riding right brachiocephalic and subclavian arteries are often asymptomatic and rare vascular variations. We present a patient with high-riding right brachiocephalic and subclavian arteries that caused compressive pharyngeal and cervical esophageal dysphagia. An 82-year-old woman presented to our hospital with dysphagia that worsened with solid food. A pulsatile lump was observed on the right neck side. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study showed a deviated food bolus movement anterolaterally from the normal vertical pharyngoesophageal transition, with a filling defect in the lower pharynx through the upper esophagus. Neck computed tomography (CT) showed high-riding right brachiocephalic and subclavian arteries and a tortuous right common carotid artery located adjacent to the trachea in the cervical area. The cervical midline structures were deviated to the left neck side. A neck mass with vascular variation should be considered as a cause of dysphagia that worsens with solid food; CT should be considered to determine its cause.