Introducing Sialendoscopy in a Veteran Population: Effect on Benign Salivary Disease Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of sialadenectomy in a veteran population before and after introduction of sialendoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All Veterans Affair (VA) Northern California Healthcare System (NCHS) encounters from 2006 to 2021 for benign obstructive salivary etiologies were identified using International Classification of Disease 9/10 codes. This cohort was then cross referenced with Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients who underwent a procedure for their salivary pathologies. The rates of sialadenectomy and minimally invasive procedures were measured before and after sialendoscopy was introduced to the VA NCHCS in 2016. Data was obtained via chart review and demographic information, diagnosis, and procedure type were extracted. Rates of sialadenectomy, minimally invasive procedures, and other patient and procedural characteristics were compared between the Pre-Sialendoscopy Era (PSE) and Sialendoscopy Era (SE). Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, version 16.66). RESULTS: An increasing number of patients per year sought care for benign obstructive salivary pathology in the SE when compared to the PSE cohort and a higher rate of female patients were treated in the SE cohort. A simultaneous reduction in sialadenectomy rates and increase in minimally invasive procedure rates was observed in the SE. Sialendoscopy represented most of the increase in minimally invasive techniques, but there was a slight increase in other procedure types. Submandibular gland obstructive pathologies required the most procedures and resulted in the most gland excisions. CONCLUSION: This retrospective review strongly suggests introducing sialendoscopy reduced the incidence of sialadenectomy for benign non-tumor obstructive pathology in this VA NCHS population. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate this in a more generalized setting.

Tympanostomy Tube Otorrhea: Microbiological Differences Between Children with and Without Cleft Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and compare microbiological profiles in tympanostomy tube otorrhea for children with and without cleft palate. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Pediatric otolaryngology and multidisciplinary cleft/craniofacial clinic at a single tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Children with and without cleft palate <18 years of age who underwent tympanostomy tube placement between 2017-2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Otopathogen profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns in ear culture specimens obtained in children presenting for treatment of recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea. RESULTS: Of the 886 children with tympanostomy tubes placed between 2017-2021, 345 (38.9%) had clinically significant otorrhea defined as requiring at least one otolaryngology visit for treatment. Children with cleft palate had higher rates of otorrhea (50.0% versus 35.7%; P < .01). In the 128 cultures obtained, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism in both groups present in 39.8% of cultures; 49% were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also frequently isolated (20.0% versus 23.4%, P = .69) in children with and without cleft palate. Collectively, fluoroquinolone resistance was observed in 68.6% and 27.6% of the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively, however, no differences in fluoroquinolone resistance were observed between cleft and non-cleft cohorts. Corynebacterium species were isolated more frequently in children with cleft palate (26.7% versus 6.1%, P < .01), a finding of unclear significance. CONCLUSIONS: Recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea is more common in children with cleft palate. MRSA was the most common isolate, which was commonly resistant to first-line fluoroquinolone therapy.

Exploring the potential of mobile health interventions to address behavioural risk factors for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in Asian populations: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Changing lifestyle patterns over the last decades have seen growing numbers of people in Asia affected by non-communicable diseases and common mental health disorders, including diabetes, cancer, and/or depression. Interventions targeting healthy lifestyle behaviours through mobile technologies, including new approaches such as chatbots, may be an effective, low-cost approach to prevent these conditions. To ensure uptake and engagement with mobile health interventions, however, it is essential to understand the end-users' perspectives on using such interventions. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions, barriers, and facilitators to the use of mobile health interventions for lifestyle behaviour change in Singapore. METHODS: Six virtual focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 34 participants (mean ± SD; aged 45 ± 3.6 years; 64.7% females). Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, followed by deductive mapping according to perceptions, barriers, facilitators, mixed factors, or strategies. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: (i) holistic wellbeing is central to healthy living (i.e., the importance of both physical and mental health); (ii) encouraging uptake of a mobile health intervention is influenced by factors such as incentives and government backing; (iii) trying out a mobile health intervention is one thing, sticking to it long term is another and there are key factors, such as personalisation and ease of use that influence sustained engagement with mobile health interventions; (iv) perceptions of chatbots as a tool to support healthy lifestyle behaviour are influenced by previous negative experiences with chatbots, which might hamper uptake; and (v) sharing health-related data is OK, but with conditions such as clarity on who will have access to the data, how it will be stored, and for what purpose it will be used. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight several factors that are relevant for the development and implementation of mobile health interventions in Singapore and other Asian countries. Recommendations include: (i) targeting holistic wellbeing, (ii) tailoring content to address environment-specific barriers, (iii) partnering with government and/or local (non-profit) institutions in the development and/or promotion of mobile health interventions, (iv) managing expectations regarding the use of incentives, and (iv) identifying potential alternatives or complementary approaches to the use of chatbots, particularly for mental health.

Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma of the Eyelid in a Young Man.

A 20-year-old male presented with a fast-growing nodule in his right inferior eyelid, no relevant history was obtained. Final histopathologic diagnosis of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (CD20+, CD10+, bcl6+, bcl10+, mum1+, PAX5+, and bcl2-) was determined. The patient had a complete negative systemic work-up, and 3 cycles of consisting of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy were completed. The initial histopathologic diagnosis had been a non-Hodgkin diffuse large B-cell lymphoma which is an infrequent lymphoma type for this location too. To our knowledge, this is the youngest person reported presenting with an eyelid primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma.

Neural Crest-Derived Stem Cells (NCSCs) Obtained from Dental-Related Stem Cells (DRSCs): A Literature Review on Current Knowledge and Directions toward Translational Applications.

Evidence from dental-related stem cells (DRSCs) suggests an enhanced potential for ectodermal lineage differentiation due to their neural crest origin. Growing evidence that DRSC cultures can produce cells with a neural crest-derived stem cell (NCSC)-like phenotype supports their potential for future therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injuries. However, most of the evidence is limited to the characterization of DRSCs as NCSCs by detecting the expression of neural crest markers. Only a few studies have provided proof of concept of an improved neuro-glial differentiation or direct applicability in relevant models. In addition, a current problem is that several of the existing protocols do not meet manufacturing standards for transferability to a clinical scenario. This review describes the current protocols to obtain NCSCs from DRSCs and their characterization. Also, it provides important considerations from previous work where DRSCs were established and characterized as mesenchymal stromal cells but studied for their neuro-glial differentiation potential. The therapeutic advancement of DRSCs would depend on establishing protocols that can yield a neural crest-like phenotype efficiently, using appropriate manufacturing standards and testing them in relevant models of disease or injury. Achieving these conditions could then facilitate and validate the therapeutic potential of DRSC-NCSCs in regenerative therapies.

Utility of Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea with the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) in Children with Craniofacial Anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea in children with craniofacial anomalies. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial clinic at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Children with craniofacial anomalies 2 to ≤18 years of age who both completed a PSQ screen and underwent polysomnography (PSG) without interval surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of the PSQ in detecting an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 events/hour. RESULTS: Fifty children met study criteria, with 66% (n = 33) having an associated syndrome. Mean patient age at time of PSQ was 9.6 + 4.0 years. Overall, 33 (64%) screened positive on the PSQ, while 20 (40%) had an AHI ≥ 5. The sensitivity and specificity for identifying AHI ≥ 5 was 70% and 40%, respectively. With subgroup analysis, the sensitivity and specificity were higher (100% and 50%) in children with non-syndromic palatal clefting but lower (65% and 31%) in children with a syndrome or chromosomal anomaly. There was no correlation detected between PSQ score and AHI severity (p = 0.25). The mean obstructive AHI in the study population was 10.1 ± 22.7 despite 44% (n = 22) undergoing prior adenotonsillectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The PSQ was less sensitive and specific in detecting an AHI ≥ 5 in children with craniofacial anomalies than in a general population, and particularly poor in for children with syndrome-associated craniofacial conditions. Given the high prevalence of OSA in this patient population, a craniofacial-specific validated screening tool would be beneficial.

Using the Behavior Change Wheel to Understand University Students' Prolonged Sitting Time and Identify Potential Intervention Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Several national public health guidelines recommend individuals to minimize time spent in prolonged, continuous periods of sitting. Developing effective interventions to break up sitting, however, requires in-depth understanding of the behavior as well as identification of the key elements that need to be targeted to achieve change. This qualitative study focused on university students-a highly sedentary group-with the aim of the following: (i) exploring the factors influencing prolonged sitting time in this population; and (ii) identifying potential avenues for future intervention, based on the Behavior Change Wheel framework. METHOD: Eighteen ambulatory undergraduate students participated in semi-structured one-on-one interviews, using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model and the complementary Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) as the theoretical framework. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach, followed by inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: All COM-B components and eight TDF domains were identified as relevant for influencing the target behavior. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that interventions and policies aimed at reducing prolonged sitting time in university students should (i) raise awareness about negative health implications; (ii) address productivity concerns; (iii) provide training in behavioral self-regulation; (iv) use external reminders; (v) implement habit formation techniques; and (vi) promote social acceptability for breaking up sitting.

Comparison of suturing models: the effect on perception of basic surgical skills.

BACKGROUND: Acquisition of Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) are essential for medical students. The objective was to determine it's fidelity impact. METHODS: Using four suturing models (SM) (pigskin, sponge, commercial pad, and orange), SM-quality and student-SM interaction were evaluated. After a 1-h class, participants were divided into groups and randomly assigned exercises in SM in 15-min intervals. The experiment included completing three individual simple stitches and a 3-stitch continuous suture in each SM. RESULTS: Eighty-two medical students participated. Suturing quality was better in pigskin and sponge, which were also the preferred models (p < 0.001). Significant differences in quality between the insertion and exit point, and firmness of knots (p < 0.05) in both simple and continuous sutures, as well as between length and distance in continuous ones (p < 0.001) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Acquisition and quality of BSS are influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of SM. An adequate degree of resistance, consistency, and elasticity are necessary.

How Sedentary Are University Students? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Accumulating high volumes of sedentary behaviour is a risk factor for multiple negative health-related outcomes. The objective of this review was to synthesise the evidence on the levels of sedentary behaviour in university students. Screened records from 13 databases were included if (i) published after 2007 and (ii) reported on university students' amount of total or domain-specific sedentary behaviour. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses were conducted to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity (moderators). A total of 125 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional (84%) and reported screen time (61%) or total sedentary time (39%). Self-reported data indicated that university students spend 7.29 h per day being sedentary. The levels of total sedentary behaviour were significantly higher when measured with accelerometers (M = 9.82 h per day). Computer use presented significantly higher prevalence over other modalities of screen time. Among the explored factors (i.e. countries' income, age, gender, and study's publication date), only publication date significantly moderated sedentary behaviour. Results suggest that a considerable proportion of university students (i) engage in higher levels of sedentary time compared to the general young adult population and (ii) accumulate levels of sedentary time that have been associated with an increased risk for detrimental health outcomes. In addition, meta-regression analyses suggest that sedentary time has increased over the last 10-year period among university students. These findings may inform future initiatives and policies targeting university students' sedentary behaviour. Further research is needed to identify the factors moderating sedentary behaviour in the university setting.

Potato snacks added with active components: effects of the vacuum impregnation and drying processes.

Potato snacks can be used as an ideal strategy for nutrient delivery, since they are one of the most widely consumed products in the world. Due to fried snacks are known to be a significant source of fat intake, consumption is changing towards healthier alternatives. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of vacuum impregnation and three dehydration techniques: heated air drying, freeze drying, and microwave vacuum drying of the potato snack that has been fortified with active components: calcium and vitamins C and E. Vacuum impregnation was evaluated using the response surface methodology that had a central composite experimental design with the following independent variables: vacuum pressure, vacuum stage time, and atmospheric stage time. The following were the dependent variables: fraction and volumetric deformation in the vacuum stage and at the end of the process and effective porosity. Finally, a sensorial analysis was carried out on the dehydrated potatoes. The results of the optimal vacuum impregnation process conditions were: a vacuum pressure of 77.3 kPa for 3.0 min followed by 4.0 min at atmospheric pressure. The content of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin E in the impregnated potato were 956, 472, and 35 mg 100 g-1 dry solids, respectively. The highest retention of the active components in snacks was obtained by the combination of vacuum impregnation and the dehydration techniques in the following order: freeze drying, microwave vacuum drying, and then heated air drying. It can be concluded that the integration processes give an added value to potato snacks due to the increased content of the active components; additionally, the vacuum impregnation process together with microwave vacuum drying was the alternative that had the highest sensorial acceptability.

Design and Construction of an ROV for Underwater Exploration.

The design of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a size of 18.41 cm × 29.50 cm × 33.50 cm, and a weight of 15.64 kg, is introduced herein. The main goal is to capture underwater video by remote control communication in real time via Ethernet protocol. The ROV moves under the six brushless motors governed through a smart PID controller (Proportional + Integral + Derivative) and by using pulse-wide modulation with short pulses of 1 µs to improve the stability of the position in relation to the translational, ascent or descent, and rotational movements on three axes to capture images of 800 × 640 pixels on a video graphic array standard. The motion control, 3D position, temperature sensing, and video capture are performed at the same time, exploiting the four cores of the Raspberry Pi 3, using the threading library for parallel computing. In such a way, experimental results show that the video capture stage can process up to 42 frames per second on a Raspberry Pi 3. The remote control of the ROV is executed under a graphical user interface developed in Python, which is suitable for different operating systems, such as GNU/Linux, Windows, Android, and OS X. The proposed ROV can reach up to 100 m underwater, thus solving the issue of divers who can only reach 30 m depth. In addition, the proposed ROV can be useful in underwater applications such as surveillance, operations, maintenance, and measurement.

Presence of 15p Marker D15Z1 on the Short Arm of Acrocentric Chromosomes is Associated with Aneuploid Offspring in Mexican Couples.

Variation in the location of the 15p region D15Z1 is recognized as a polymorphism in several human populations. We used high-stringency Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) to detect D15Z1 in a Mexican cohort. Here, we report the presence of extra D15Z1 sequences on the p-arm of acrocentric chromosomes other than 15 in two groups of Mexican couples, one with healthy offspring (n = 75) and the other with aneuploid offspring (n = 87), mainly trisomy 21. The additional D15Z1 polymorphism was significantly increased in individuals with aneuploid offspring (26.4%), in comparison to individuals with healthy offspring (14%). The most frequent acceptor chromosome of D15Z1 was chromosome 13p, followed by 14p, and finally, 21p. Our results show an overall frequency of 21.6% of this polymorphism in the Mexican population and suggest that its presence might be associated with the mis-segregation of other acrocentric chromosomes and aneuploid offspring. The high frequency of the polymorphism of the D15Z1 sequence on acrocentric chromosomes other than 15 suggests a sequence homogenization of the acrocentric p arms, related to the important function of the centromere and the nucleolar organization region, which flank satellite III DNA.

Correlates of sedentary behaviour in university students: A systematic review.

High levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with negative health-related outcomes. However, there is limited evidence on the variables influencing sedentary behaviour in university students. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, and time correlates of sedentary behaviour in university students. Records from 12 electronic databases were screened by two independent reviewers. Inclusion criteria included: (i) peer-reviewed articles written in English, Spanish, or French; (ii) studies including undergraduate or postgraduate university students; (iii) studies reporting on the association between sedentary behaviour and at least one variable. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017074198). A total of 126 studies published between 1994 and 2017 met the inclusion criteria. The primary measure of sedentary behaviour was self-reported screen time (61%), followed by total sitting time (28%). Most studies were cross-sectional (86%). After excluding high risk of bias studies (58%), only three intrapersonal variables were sufficiently investigated (≥4) to determine an association with sedentary behaviour: physical activity (negative association with sitting time), obesity markers (indeterminate associations with TV viewing), and gender - female (null associations with total sitting time and screen time). Overall, most of the reported correlates of sedentary behaviour were intrapersonal, non-modifiable factors. Further research on modifiable correlates covering all socio-ecologic levels is required to inform future intervention development. In addition, longitudinal studies are needed to enable the identification of determinants. Improvements in designing and reporting future studies are recommended to help strengthen the available evidence and facilitate future reviewing efforts.

Schwann Cell Precursor Transplant in a Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model.

BACKGROUND: Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into Schwann cell precursors could reverse established lesions and sequelae of medullary transection. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to study the clinical response of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation with Schwann precursor cell transplantation in a rat spinal cord injury model, using motor function and histopathologic studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided among four groups (n = 7 in each): sham group, control group, mesenchymal stem cell transplant group, and Schwann cell precursor transplant group. The surgical procedure was a laminectomy with transection of the spinal cord at the T11 level in the transplant groups and the injury control group. After 1 week, the transplant groups received stem cells directly in the injury site. Hind limb motor function was assessed using the locomotive scale of Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan. 1 month after transplantation, all specimens were sacrificed to make a histopathologic description of sections taken from the site of injury and where stem cells were transplanted. Mean scores of mobility were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) of one factor with 95% reliability between groups and ANOVA of repetitive measures to evaluate evolution in the same group. RESULTS: We observed that the control group had statistically greater mobility than the other groups (p < 0.0001) and that the group with spinal injury without treatment had the lowest mean mobility. The mobility score values from the Schwann cell precursor group were statistically higher than the group treated with mesenchymal stem cells (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Schwann precursor cells had a greater effect on locomotive function than mesenchymal stem cells.

ECAMulticapa: Effectiveness of double-layered compression therapy for healing venous ulcers in primary care: a Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous insufficiency, in its final stage can cause venous ulcers. Venous ulcers have a prevalence of 0.5 % to 0.8 % in the general population, and increases starting at 60 years of age. This condition often causes increased dependency in affected individuals, as well as a perceived reduced quality of life and family overload. Local Treating chronic venous ulcers has 2 components: topically healing the ulcer and controlling the venous insufficiency. There is evidence that compressive therapy favours the healing process of venous ulcers. The studies we have found suggest that the use of multilayer bandage systems is more effective than the use of bandages with a single component, these are mostly using in Spain. Multilayer compression bandages with 2 layers are equally effective in the healing process of chronic venous ulcers as 4-layer bandages and are better tolerated and preferenced by patients. More studies are needed to specifically compare the 2-layer bandages systems in the settings where these patients are usually treated. METHOD/DESIGN: Randomised, controlled, parallel, multicentre clinical trial, with 12 weeks of follow-up and blind evaluation of the response variable. The objective is to assess the efficacy of multilayer compression bandages (2 layers) compared with crepe bandages, based on the incidence of healed venous ulcers in individuals treated in primary care nursing consultations, at 12 weeks of follow-up. The study will include 216 individuals (108 per branch) with venous ulcers treated in primary care nursing consultations. The primary endpoint is complete healing at 12 weeks of follow-up. The secondary endpoints are the degree of healing (Resvech.2), quality of life (CCVUQ-e), adverse reactions related to the healing process. Prognosis and demographic variables are also recorder. Effectiveness analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves, a log-rank test and a Cox regression analysis. The analysis was performed by intention to treat. DISCUSSION: The study results can contribute to improving the care and quality of life of patients with venous ulcers, decreasing healing times and healthcare expenditure and contributing to the consistent treatment of these lesions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been recorded in the Clinical Trials.gov site with the code NCT02364921. 17 February 2015.

Centenarians and their hearts: A prospective registry with comprehensive geriatric assessment, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Data on the cardiac characteristics of centenarians are scarce. Our aim was to describe electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography in a cohort of centenarians and to correlate them with clinical data. METHODS: We used prospective multicenter registry of 118 centenarians (28 men) with a mean age of 101.5±1.7 years. Electrocardiogram was performed in 103 subjects (87.3%) and echocardiography in 100 (84.7%). All subjects underwent a follow-up for at least 6 months. RESULTS: Centenarians with abnormal ECG were less frequently females (72% vs 93%), had higher rates of previous consumption of tobacco (14% vs 0) and alcohol (24% vs 12%), and scored lower in the perception of health status (6.8±2.0 vs 8.3±6.8). Centenarians with significant abnormalities in echocardiography were less frequently able to walk 6 m (33% vs 54%). Atrial fibrillation/flutter was found in 27 subjects (26%). Mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 60.0±10.5%. Moderate or severe aortic valve stenosis was found in 16%, mitral valve regurgitation in 15%, and aortic valve regurgitation in 13%. Diastolic dysfunction was assessed in 79 subjects and was present in 55 (69.6%). Katz index and LV dilation were independently associated with the ability to walk 6 m. Age, Charlson and Katz indexes, and the presence of significant abnormalities in echocardiography were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Centenarians have frequent ECG alterations and abnormalities in echocardiography. More than one fifth has atrial fibrillation, and most have diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular dilation was associated with the ability to walk 6 m. Significant abnormalities in echocardiography were associated with mortality.

Atlas of Mexican Triatominae (Reduviidae: Hemiptera) and vector transmission of Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is one of the most important yet neglected parasitic diseases in Mexico and is transmitted by Triatominae. Nineteen of the 31 Mexican triatomine species have been consistently found to invade human houses and all have been found to be naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The present paper aims to produce a state-of-knowledge atlas of Mexican triatomines and analyse their geographic associations with T. cruzi, human demographics and landscape modification. Ecological niche models (ENMs) were constructed for the 19 species with more than 10 records in North America, as well as for T. cruzi. The 2010 Mexican national census and the 2007 National Forestry Inventory were used to analyse overlap patterns with ENMs. Niche breadth was greatest in species from the semiarid Nearctic Region, whereas species richness was associated with topographic heterogeneity in the Neotropical Region, particularly along the Pacific Coast. Three species, Triatoma longipennis, Triatoma mexicana and Triatoma barberi, overlapped with the greatest numbers of human communities, but these communities had the lowest rural/urban population ratios. Triatomine vectors have urbanised in most regions, demonstrating a high tolerance to human-modified habitats and broadened historical ranges, exposing more than 88% of the Mexican population and leaving few areas in Mexico without the potential for T. cruzi transmission.

Age- and gender-related variations in morphometric characteristics of thoracic spine pedicle: A study of 4,800 pedicles.

Transpedicular spinal fusion is the most commonly used fixation technique for the surgical treatment of vertebral disorders. However, the instrumentation of the thoracic spine using this technique continues to be controversial. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometric characteristics of the thoracic pedicle and to establish how these characteristics vary with gender and age. Two hundred thoracic spines (4800 thoracic pedicles) from individuals of known gender and age were analyzed (in accordance with the order of vertebrae). The spines were divided into six groups according to age and gender. The horizontal and vertical diameters of the thoracic pedicle were determined for each piece. The mean and standard deviation of each variable were determined, and differences between age groups for each gender were evaluated using parametric correlation tests. The pedicle diameters of men and women differed significantly for most groups (P < 0.05). The horizontal diameters decreased from T1 to T5 and increased up to T12. The vertical diameter followed a cephalocaudal pattern of development from T1-T12. The pedicle diameters decreased with increasing age in women, while the opposite trend was observed in men. In men, the dimensions of the thoracic spine pedicle increase with increasing age; in women, they decrease. These differences should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate pedicle screw.

[Study of peripheral nerve injury in trauma patients]. / Estudio de la lesión nerviosa periférica en pacientes atendidos por traumatismos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, location, mechanism, and characteristics of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) in trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records with PNI diagnosis secondary to trauma in the period of 2008-2012. The following information was collected: gender, age, occupation, anatomic location, affected nerve, mechanism of injury, degree of injury, costs, and hospitalization time. RESULTS: The prevalence of PNI is 1.12%. The location of the nerve injury was 61% upper limb, the highest incidence was presented to the brachial plexus (35%) and ulnar nerve (18%). The mechanism of the lesion was sharp injury (19%). DISCUSSION: The PNI are commonly present in people of a productive age. Neurotmesis was the most frequent degree of lesion. The patients stayed at hospital 2.51 ± 1.29 days and the average cost was 12,474.00 Mexican pesos ± 5,595.69 (US$ 1,007.54 ± 452.21) for one nerve injury.

Martial arts, combat sports, and mental health in adults: A systematic review.

Martial arts (MA) and combat sports (CS) are physical activities that may be associated with health-related outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize and evaluate the available evidence on the relationship between MA and CS training and mental health of adult practitioners (≥18 years). CochraneLibrary, EBSCOhost, Web-of-Science, and Scopus databases were searched up to September 2022 for measures of self-related constructs, ill-being and well-being, cognition and brain structure/function, in adult MA/CS practitioners. Seventy cross-sectional and two longitudinal studies were retained and submitted to risk of bias assessments through an adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool. Associations between MA/CS practice and self-related constructs were inconclusive for both consistency and strength of evidence. Limited evidence of significant associations emerged for sub-domains of ill-being (i.e., externalizing and internalizing emotion regulation), and well-being. In regard to cognitive and brain structural/functional variables, evidence of positive association with MA/CS practice was consistent with respect to perceptual and inhibition abilities but limited with respect to attention and memory. Evidence on negative associations of boxing with changes of brain structure integrity due to concussions was also inconclusive. Functional imaging techniques could shed light onto brain activation mechanisms underlying complex cognitive performance. In relation to moderators, mixed results were found for activity exposure, expertise, level of competitive engagement (which often covary with the length of training) and sex and type of MA/CS. The MA/CS' multifaceted nature may produce different, sometimes conflicting outcomes on mental health. Studies on MA/CS represent a flourishing research area needing extensive improvement in theoretical and practical approaches.