The role of the paraspinal muscles in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on surface electromyography and radiographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic scoliosis commonly present with an imbalance of the paraspinal muscles. However, it is unclear whether this muscle imbalance is an underlying cause or a result of idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of paraspinal muscles in the development of idiopathic scoliosis based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and radiographic analyses. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study of 27 patients with single-curve idiopathic scoliosis. Posteroanterior whole-spine radiographs and sEMG activity of the erector spinae muscles were obtained for all patients in the habitual standing position (HSP), relaxed prone position (RPP), and prone extension position (PEP). The Cobb angle, symmetrical index (SI) of the sEMG activity (convex/concave), and correlation between the two factors were analyzed. RESULTS: In the total cohort, the mean Cobb angle in the HSP was significantly greater than the mean Cobb angle in the RPP (RPP-Cobb) (p < 0.001), whereas the mean Cobb angle in the PEP (PEP-Cobb) did not differ from the RPP-Cobb. Thirteen patients had a PEP-Cobb that was significantly smaller than their RPP-Cobb (p = 0.007), while 14 patients had a PEP-Cobb that was significantly larger than their RPP-Cobb (p < 0.001). In the total cohort and two subgroups, the SI of sEMG activity at the apex vertebra (AVSI) in the PEP was significantly greater than 1, revealing significant asymmetry, and was also significantly larger than the AVSI in the RPP. In the RPP, the AVSI was close to 1 in the total cohort and two subgroups, revealing no significant asymmetry. CONCLUSION: The coronal Cobb angle and the SI of paraspinal muscle activity in AIS patients vary with posture changes. Asymmetrical sEMG activity of the paraspinal muscles may be not an inherent feature of AIS patients, but is evident in the challenging tasks. The potential significance of asymmetric paraspinal muscle activity need to be explored in further research.

Warfarin Adherence Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Rural Area of Dongyang, China: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Introduction: Adherence to warfarin is associated with improved outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but the adherence status of patients in rural areas of China is not known. Methods: A questionnaire-based study evaluating warfarin adherence of rural residents with AF was carried out in Dongyang, China. Potentially eligible patients were screened and contacted by telephone, and their demographic characteristics were collected. Illness perception was assessed using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and warfarin adherence was assessed using a Chinese-version adherence scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with unsatisfactory adherence. Results: A total of 201 patients (male, n=99; mean age, 70.3±8.12 years) were included, among whom 95 (47.3%) patients showed good adherence and 63 (31.3%) poor adherence. Number of co-dispensed drugs (multivariate analysis: odds ratio [OR]=3.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-9.81, p=0.011) and BIPQ score (OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.17-1.33, p<0.001) were identified as factors associated with good adherence. Conclusion: Medical adherence to warfarin needs to improve in rural patients with AF. Efforts that can reduce the number of co-dispensed drugs and increase illness perception may improve warfarin adherence. This study may benefit future management of warfarin administration to rural patients with AF.

Studies on antimicrobial effects of four ligands and their transition metal complexes with 8-mercaptoquinoline and pyridine terminal groups.

Four types of ligands (Q1-Q4) and their complexes (1-36) with transition metal ions have been synthesized, in which two new complexes (15 and 20) have been prepared and tested. In vitro antimicrobial activities of the ligands and their complexes were investigated against a representative panel of strains including two Gram positive bacteria (Sarcina ureae, Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and three fungi (Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense). The relationship between the structure and the antibacterial activities was discussed. Our study results indicated that some compounds have preferred antibacterial activities that may have potential pharmaceutical applications.