Adrenal functional reserve in the full spectrum of chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Altered cortisol levels have been associated with an increase in mortality and a decrease in health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test has not been evaluated in patients with stage 3a to 5 CKD with and without renal replacement therapy (RRT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adrenal function in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults with CKD underwent a low-dose cosyntropin stimulation test (1 µg synthetic ACTH), with serum cortisol levels being measured at 0, +30 and +60 minutes post-test. RESULTS: Sixty participants with stage 3, 4 and 5 CKD (with and without RRT) were included. None of the patients had adrenal insufficiency (AI). The correlation observed between cortisol concentration at baseline and 30 minutes and 1 hour after stimulation and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was negative and statistically significant (r: -0.39 [p = 0.002], r: -0.363 [p = 0.004], r: -0.4 [p = 0.002], respectively). CONCLUSION: Since CKD early stages, cortisol levels increase as GFR decreases. Therefore, we conclude that systematic screening for AI is not necessary in CKD patients.

ANTECEDENTES: Niveles alterados de cortisol se han asociado a un incremento en la mortalidad y disminución en la calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), sin embargo, la respuesta adrenal a la prueba de estimulación con adrenocorticotropina (ACTH) no ha sido evaluada en pacientes con ERC etapas 3a a 5 con y sin terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la función adrenal de pacientes con ERC. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Adultos con ERC se sometieron a una prueba de estimulación con cosintropina a dosis baja (1 mg de ACTH sintética) y se midieron los niveles séricos de cortisol a los 0, +30 y +60 minutos postestimulación. RESULTADOS: 60 participantes con ERC en etapas 3, 4 y 5 (con y sin TRR) fueron incluidos. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó insuficiencia adrenal (IA). La correlación observada entre la concentración basal, a los 30 minutos y 1 hora de cortisol postestimulación y la tasa de filtrado glomerular (TFG) fue negativa y estadísticamente significativa (r: ­0.39 [p = 0.002], r: ­0.363 [p = 0.004], r: ­0.4 [p = 0.002], respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: Desde etapas tempranas de la ERC los niveles de cortisol se incrementan a medida que la TFG disminuye. Concluimos que no es necesario un tamizaje sistemático para detectar IA en pacientes con ERC.

Perineural spread-susceptible structures: a non-pathological evaluation of the skull base.

Perineural spread adenoid cystic carcinoma can alter the dimension of foramina and canals of the skull base. The objective of this study was to determine the range of normal variation of the foramina and canals of both hemicranium. We analyzed 200 individuals with no alterations of the skull base in a retrospective manner using high-resolution computed tomography. We measured the short and long axis diameters of the foramen rotundum (FR), foramen ovale (FO), stylomastoid foramen (SMF), pterygoid canal (PTC), internal auditory canal (IAC), and the facial nerve canal in its labyrinthine portion (LPFC) to calculate the area in each hemicranium, compare them and obtain the normal range of asymmetry. Parametric and non-parametric comparison tests were realized. The structures that had the lowest range of asymmetry were the LPFC (0.00-0.79 mm2) and the FR (0.00-2.12 mm2). The one that had the highest asymmetry range was the FO (0.00-9.16 mm2). Significant differences were found in the FO (p = 0.01) and the IAC (p = 0.00) in the gender comparison. We determined a normal asymmetry range of the susceptible foramina and canals of the skull base. This study reports a useful and objective measure to differentiate anatomical from pathological variations of the foramina and canals of the skull base by age and gender. Our results establish a basis for future studies that evaluate this range as a diagnostic tool of metastasis in the skull base as a complement of other imaging techniques.

The association between county-level mental health provider shortage areas and suicide rates in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Prior literature has shown that mental health provider Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSAs) experienced a greater increase in suicide rates compared to non-shortage areas from 2010 to 2018. Although suicide rates have been on the rise, rates have slightly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to characterize the differences in suicide rate trends during the pandemic by MHPSA status. METHOD: We used generalized estimating equation regression to test the associations between MHPSA status and suicide rates from 2018 to 2021. Suicide deaths were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research. RESULTS: MHPSA status was associated with higher suicide rates (adjusted IRR:1.088 [95% CI, 1.024-1.156]). Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between MHPSA status and year (adjusted IRR:1.056 [95% CI, 1.022-1.091]), such that suicide rates did not significantly change among MHPSAs but slightly decreased among non-MHPSAs from 2018 to 2021. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a slight decrease in suicide rates among non-MHPSAs, while those with shortages experienced no significant changes in suicide rates. It will be important to closely monitor MHPSAs as continued at-risk regions for suicide as trendlines return to their pre-pandemic patterns.

Occipital condyle screw fixation viability according to age and gender anatomy: A computed tomography-based analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Occipital condyle morphology in an all-age population of Northeastern Mexico, and determine age and gender related changes for surgical viability. METHODS: A total of 175 consecutive HRCT scans were included and divided into 5 age groups. The condylar length, width, height, sagittal angle, anterior, posterior and medial intercondylar distances, and intercondylar angle of the OC were measured. RESULTS: Mean condylar length, width, and height in total population were 20.58 mm, 9.42 mm, and 9.02 mm, respectively. Differences were observed in most morphometric parameters when comparing age groups. Significant intergender differences in total population were observed in most parameters, when individualizing each age group the height remained significant in all. The group with the least height measurement was aged 5-9 years, this however, could allow the OC screw (≥6.5 mm) placement. CONCLUSION: Differences in most morphometric parameters of OC were observed between age groups and gender, particularly patients with 5-9 years. However, all groups presented a minimum height that allows the placement of a standard screw. A preoperative imaging study is always recommended due to the variability and complexity of the region.

Avoiding iatrogenic injuries to the vertebral artery: A morphometric study of the vertebral artery-free dissection area.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the area of a safety window that excludes the vertebral artery for the safe access of the occipital condyle screws during occipitocervical fixation. METHODS: This study included 138 cervical computed tomography angiograms. Six measurements per side were made in each imaging study. These measurements are from the vertebral artery to (A) the mastoid process, (B) the mastoid incisura, (C) the posterior condylar fossa, (D) the occipital condyle in its midline, and (E) the medial border of the condyle. We also measured from the tip of the mastoid process to the lower border of the occipital condyle on its lateral side (F). RESULTS: A total of 276 areas from 138 individuals were included, of which 51.4 % were men. The mean age was 54.2 ±â€¯18.63 years. The mean variable measurements (mm) for all the population were 21 ±â€¯4, 16 ±â€¯3, 6 ±â€¯2, 3 ±â€¯2, 2 ±â€¯1 and 35 ±â€¯4 for variables A-F, respectively. We found significant differences between sex when we compared measurements A (p = 0.003), C (p = 0.001), D (p = 0.000) and F (p = 0.000). The incidence rate of dominance for the vertebral artery was 18.8 % and 30.4 % for right and left respectively. CONCLUSION: Women had significantly smaller measures than men. This could indicate a higher risk of iatrogenic injury secondary to a smaller vertebral artery-free area. Results may guide surgeons in the pre-surgical planning aiming to reduce the risk of iatrogenic injuries to the vertebral artery.

Effect of online hemodiafiltration compared with hemodialysis on quality of life in patients with ESRD: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is related to high morbidity, mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life. While hemodialysis (HD) is the current life-saving standard of treatment for patients with ESRD, their quality of life (QoL) remains far from desirable. Online HDF (OL-HDF), due to its convenience, could improve the QoL of patients with ESRD, however, this remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the body of evidence of OL-HDF compared to HD regarding QoL in patients with ESRD. METHODS: We comprehensively searched in multiple data bases from their inception to February 2018. Reviewers working independently and in duplicate appraised the quality and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated, in patients with ESRD and HD or OL-HDF, QoL (Short Form Health Survey with 36 questions (SF-36) with physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) as well as scores about social activity, fatigue, and emotion). A meta-analysis of each outcome of interest was performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Six moderate quality RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs including a total of 1,209 patients showed that OL-HDF was associated with a lower yet non-significant score of PCS: MD (mean difference) -0.77 (95% CI -1.94 to 0.41, p = 0.20), and MCS: MD -1.25 (95% CI -3.10 to 0.59, p = 0.18); indicating a poorer QoL in patients on OL-HDF. Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs including a total of 845 patients showed OL-HDF was associated with a significant increase in the score of social activity compared to HD: SMD (standardized mean difference): 1.95 (95% CI 0.05 to 3.86, p = 0.04), indicating a better QoL in patients on OL-HDF; but regarding fatigue and emotion, there was no significant improvement when compared to HD by meta-analysis of 3 RCTs (133 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The body of evidence suggests that OL-HDF does not improve QoL in patients with ESRD when compared to HD.

Applying Social Network Analysis to Evaluate Implementation of a Multisector Population Health Collaborative That Uses a Bridging Hub Organization.

Background: Multisector collaboratives are increasingly popular strategies for improving population health. To be comprehensive, collaboratives must coordinate the activities of many organizations across a geographic region. Many policy-relevant models encourage creation and use of centralized hub organizations to do this work, yet there is little guidance on how to evaluate implementation of such hubs and track their network reach. We sought to demonstrate how social network analysis (SNA) could be used for this purpose. Methods: Through formative research, we defined and conceptualized key characteristics of a bridging hub network and identified a set of candidate measures-(1) network membership, (2) network interaction, (3) role and reach of the bridging hub, and (4) network collaboration-to evaluate its implementation within a pre-determined geographic region of Southeast Minnesota, USA. We then developed and administered a survey to assess outcomes as part of a SNA. We commented on the feasibility and usefulness of the methods. Results: The initial surveyed network consisted of 50 healthcare organizational sites and 50 community organizations representing sectors of public health, education, research, health promotion, social services, and long-term care and supports. Fifty-three of these organizations responded to the survey. The network's level of collaboration was "Cooperation" (level 2 of 5) and reported levels of collaboration varied by organization. Thirty-eight additional, unsurveyed organizations were identified as collaborators by respondents, pushing the theoretical network denominator up to 138 organizations. These additional organizations included grocery stores, ambulance services, and smaller, independent healthcare and community-based services focused on meeting the needs of underserved populations. The bridging hub organization had the highest betweenness centrality and was in good position to bridge healthcare and the community, although its organizational reach was estimated at only 51%. The SNA methods were feasible and useful for identifying opportunities and guiding implementation. Conclusions: Bridging hub organizations are not likely to link-or even be aware of-all relevant organizations in a geographic region at initial implementation. SNA may be a useful method for evaluating the value and reach of a bridging hub organization and guiding ongoing implementation efforts. Trial registration: http://ClinicalTrials.gov; #NCT03046498.

Clinical, biomechanical and morphological assessment of anterior cruciate ligament Kevlar®-based artificial prosthesis in rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, biomechanical and morphological characteristics of a Kevlar®-based prosthetic ligament as a synthetic graft of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in an experimental animal model in rabbits. METHODS: A total of 27 knees of rabbits randomly divided into 3 groups (control, ACL excision and ACL replacement with a Kevlar® prosthesis) were analyzed using clinical, biomechanical and morphological tests at 6, 12 and 18 weeks postprocedure. RESULTS: The mean displacement in mechanical testing was 0.73 ± 0.06 mm, 1.58 ± 0.19 mm and 0.94 ± 0.20 mm for the control, ACL excision and ACL replacement with synthetic prosthesis groups, respectively. The results showed an improvement in the stability of the knee with the use of the Kevlar® synthetic prosthesis in the biomechanical testing (p<0.05) compared with rabbits that underwent ACL excision, in addition to displacements that were larger but comparable to that in the control group (p>0.05), between the replacement group and the control group. The histological study revealed a good morphological adaptation of the synthetic material to the knee. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a new animal model for the placement and evaluation of Kevlar®-based synthetic ACL implants. The studied prosthesis showed promising behavior in the clinical and biomechanical tests and in the histological analysis. This study lays the foundation for further basic and clinical studies of artificial ACL prostheses using this material.