Effects of dextrose prolotherapy on tendinopathy, fasciopathy, and ligament injuries, fact or myth?: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Prolotherapy or proliferative therapy is a treatment option for damaged connective tissues involving the injection of a solution (proliferant) which theoretically causes an initial cell injury and a subsequent "proliferant" process of wound healing via modulation of the inflammatory process. Nonetheless, the benefits of dextrose prolotherapy have not been adequately evaluated. Therefore, the present study assesses the effectiveness and superiority of prolotherapy separately in treating dense fibrous connective tissue injuries.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from the earliest record to February 18, 2019. This study included randomized controlled trials whichBoth analysis at individual studies level and pooled meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Ten trials involving 358 participants were included for review. At study level, the majority of comparisons did not reveal significant differences between dextrose prolotherapy and no treatment (or placebo) regarding pain control. The meta-analysis showed dextrose prolotherapy was effective in improving activity only at immediate follow-up (i.e., 0-1 month) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-1.50; I = 0%); and superior to corticosteroid injections only in pain reduction at short-term follow-up (i.e., 1-3 month) (SMD: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.14-1.27; I = 51%). No other significant SMDs were found in this analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support the clinical benefits of dextrose prolotherapy in managing dense fibrous tissue injuries. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to establish the benefits of dextrose prolotherapy.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42019129044).

Predicting admission to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation in patients with acute stroke

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of admission to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation settings follow-ing acute care for stroke survivors in Taiwan.

DESIGN

Prospective observation study.

PARTICIPANTS

Stroke survivors (n = 558) admitted to acute care wards for inpatient rehabilitation (62% male; mean age 60.0 ± 12.2 years).

METHODS

The primary outcome was whether survivors were admitted to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation settings after discharge from acute care wards. Logistic regression model was adopted to examine the predictors of admission to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to compute the ability of the predictors to discriminate the outcome.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis results indicated Activity Measure Post-Acute Care "6-Clicks" Basic Mobility score to be the only significant predictor of admission to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval: 0.34-0.56). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results indicated that the cut-off point for Basic Mobility was 13 (standardized score: 33.99). This yielded a sensitivity value of 0.98 and a specificity value of 0.96 for determining the admission to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Activity Measure Post-Acute Care "6-Clicks" Basic Mobility subscale scores at admission for acute care can predict admission to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation for stroke survivors in Taiwan. This tool can aid clinicians in formulating adequate discharge plans at an early stage, and thus improve the quality of care.

Recovery after stroke: perspectives of young stroke survivors in Taiwan

PURPOSE

To learn about the experiences of stroke recovery among young stroke survivors in Taiwan and to elucidate the beliefs, goals, and facilitators of and barriers to their recovery.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was used for data collection, and data were obtained from five focus groups consisting of stroke survivors aged 20-64 years (n = 25). Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically by two independent coders using NVivo version 10.

RESULTS

"Returning to prestroke status" was a common belief of recovery for stroke survivors; their goals of recovery changed overtime from regaining physical functions, independent living, and participating in work and leisure activities to maintaining functions or returning to normality. Their perceived personal and environmental facilitators of recovery included positive attitude, family and friends, and rehabilitation, whereas barriers to recovery included psychological factors, social stigma, and physical environment.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide useful insights for rehabilitation clinicians to develop culturally tailored interventions to improve poststroke recovery outcomes in young stroke survivors.Implications for rehabilitationRehabilitation clinicians should understand stroke survivors' beliefs and goals of recovery to provide tailored services.Optimizing the goal-setting process and patient-provider communication may help clinicians and survivors examine and adjust their expectations toward recovery during rehabilitation.Interventions will be needed to address personal and environmental supports and barriers, such as motivation, psychological factors, social support, and the physical environment to help survivors achieve their recovery goals.

Strategy Training for Adults With Chronic Stroke and Brain Injury in Taiwan: Perspectives of Clients and Therapists

Date Presented 03/27/20

We explored the experiences of clients and their therapists using strategy training in outpatient settings in Taiwan with qualitative data to understand the benefits and challenges that they perceived during the intervention. Findings of this study support the use of strategy training in individuals with chronic stroke and brain injury and indicate potential challenges that OTs may encounter as delivering strategy training to clients in outpatient settings in Taiwan.

Primary Author and Speaker: Feng-Hang Chang

Additional Authors and Speakers: Chao-Yi Wu, Elizabeth Skidmore

Contributing Authors: Wan-Chi Lin, Yi-Hsuan Wu, Pei-Chun Yeh, Yen-Nung Lin

Effects of interactive video-game-based exercise on balance in older adults with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a customized interactive video game-based (IVGB) training on balance in older adults with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

In this 12-week crossover trial, PD patients ≥65 years of age were randomly divided into Group A (a 6-week intervention phase followed by a 6-week control phase) and Group B (a 6-week control phase followed by a 6-week intervention phase). Participants received IVGB exercise training during the intervention phase and no exercise during the control phase. Functional outcomes were measured using behavioral evaluation scales and questionnaires at baseline, week 6 and week 12.

RESULTS

Twenty-four PD patients were included in this study, and were evenly divided into two groups. After Bonferroni adjustment, the changes in Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) and two subscales of Multi-Directional Reach Test were significantly different between two groups in the first 6-week period. In addition, the changes in Berg Balance Scale, MFES, and two subscales of Maximum Step Length were significantly different between two groups in the second 6-week period. Compared to controls, 6-week IVGB exercise intervention significantly improved different but overlapping functional outcomes in two groups of PD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The customized IVGB exercise training improves balance, postural stability and confidence in preventing falls in older adults with mild-to-moderate PD. However, this IVGB exercise doesn't have a significant impact on quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03689764 . Registered 27 September 2018, retrospectively registered.

Adapting Strategy Training for Adults With Acquired Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study in a Chinese Population

IMPORTANCE

Before introducing strategy training into a cross-cultural (Chinese) context, it is necessary to evaluate its feasibility.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility of applying strategy training to improve participation outcomes of rehabilitation patients in Taiwan and evaluate the potential intervention effects.

DESIGN

A single-group, repeated-measures study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation outpatient settings.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of adults (N = 20) with a primary diagnosis of acquired brain injury (ABI) and with cognitive impairment received the intervention and were assessed before and after it.

INTERVENTION

The participation-focused strategy training intervention, a modified version of the strategy training intervention, was provided to participants in 1-2 sessions weekly for a total of 10-20 intervention sessions.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Feasibility indicators, Participation Measure-3 Domains, 4 Dimensions (PM-3D4D), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

RESULTS

Eighteen participants completed 100% of the scheduled intervention sessions. Participants had very good engagement in the intervention sessions with sufficient comprehension. Participants reported moderate to high satisfaction. Positive score changes were observed for the PM-3D4D (d = 0.46-1.25) and COPM scales (d = 1.82 and 2.12).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study demonstrated the feasibility of delivering participation-focused strategy training in Taiwan to people with cognitive impairment after ABI. The preliminary evidence also showed that participants who received the strategy training intervention had positive changes in participation outcomes and in performance of their self-identified goals. On the basis of this study's findings, a larger clinical trial is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of the strategy training intervention.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS

Participation-focused strategy training is feasible and acceptable for Taiwanese community-dwelling adults with cognitive impairment after ABI. However, because strategy training is quite different from traditional rehabilitation delivered in Taiwan, additional instructions and discussion among the therapist, client, and caregiver may be needed before the intervention is provided.

Pneumonia in Parkinson's disease: barium aspiration in videofluoroscopic swallowing study

Barium aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree is a remarkable warning sign of dysphagia-related aspiration pneumonia. Clinical swallowing assessment is warranted for patients with aspiration pneumonia and videofluoroscopic swallowing study is a good add-on tool for dysphagia treatment plan. In patients with Parkinson's disease, dysphagia is often overlooked due to atypical presentations.

Effects of protein supplementation on aerobic training-induced gains in cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle mass, and functional performance in chronic stroke: A randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The beneficial effects of protein supplementation on aerobic exercise-induced gains in patients with stroke are currently unknown. This study evaluated the feasibility and potential value of protein supplementation with aerobic exercise among stroke survivors.

METHODS

This double-blinded randomized controlled pilot study included 20 ambulatory persons with chronic (>6 months) stroke randomly assigned to either the protein (PRO) or carbohydrate (CHO) group. All participants received three 40-min cycling ergometric training sessions a week for 8 weeks. Training intensity at 60%-80% heart rate reserve was determined using cardiopulmonary exercise pretests. Immediately before and after each session, the PRO group received a 20-g protein-rich supplement, and the CHO group received a 20-g calorie-matched carbohydrate-rich supplement. Outcomes included changes in body composition, cardiopulmonary capacity, and clinical functional performance.

RESULTS

Those completing the protocol (n = 18) received 18-24 cycling training sessions, achieving target training intensity without major adverse effects. Of the two groups, the PRO group tended to obtain greater aerobic capacity (effect size [ES]>0.5 in every cardiopulmonary index), greater improvements in functional performance (0.25 < ES < 1.00 in various clinical tests), and greater total lean mass versus total fat mass (ES = 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Protein supplementation with aerobic exercise training tends to improve body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, and function among persons with stroke. This study protocol is feasible, and future trials with larger sample sizes could confirm these results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03244527.

Clinical non-superiority of technology-assisted gait training with body weight support in patients with subacute stroke: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Technology-assisted gait training (TAGT) with body weight support (BWS) has been designed to provide high numbers of repetitions during stepping practice, but its benefits have been inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the superiority of TAGT over conventional overground training (COT) to judge the clinical benefits.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases from their earliest record to July 1, 2019 and included randomized controlled trials of TAGT with BWS, such as robot-assisted gait training and body weight-supported treadmill training, for treating walking disability in patients within 6months after stroke. We conducted a meta-analysis of the outcomes motor impairment, mobility capacity, walking speed, endurance and fitness, balance, and activities of daily living as well as subgroup analyses of initial ambulatory ability and stroke duration.

RESULTS

Among 14robotics and 10body weight-supported treadmill studies included for review, 23studies involving 1452participants contributed to the meta-analysis. We found no significant standardized mean differences between TAGT and COT (P>0.05) across all outcome categories in the robotics subgroup, the body weight-supported treadmill subgroup, or both subgroups combined, for both the short and long term. Further subgroup analyses also revealed non-significant standardized mean differences (P>0.05) across all outcomes in the subgroups initially ambulatory, non-ambulatory, or stroke duration less than 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

TAGT with BWS was not superior to COT in improving post-stroke recovery in patients with subacute stroke. Strategies other than simply increasing the repetitions by external assistance may be considered to augment the treatment effects of TAGT.

The effect of mechanical traction on low back pain in patients with herniated intervertebral disks: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of traction in improving low back pain, functional outcome, and disk morphology in patients with herniated intervertebral disks.

DATA SOURCE

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from the earliest record to July 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

We included randomized control trials which (1) involved adult patients with low back pain associated with herniated disk confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, (2) compared lumbar traction to sham or no traction, and (3) provided quantitative measurements of pain and function before and after intervention. Methodological quality was assessed using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale and Cochrane risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

Initial searches for literature yielded 3015 non-duplicated records. After exclusion based on the title, abstract, and full-text review, 7 articles involving 403 participants were included for quantitative analysis. Compared with the control group, the participants in the traction group showed significantly greater improvements in pain and function in the short term, with standard mean differences of 0.44 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11-0.77) and 0.42 (95% CI: 0.08-0.76), respectively. The standard mean differences were not significant to support the long-term effects on pain and function, nor the effects on herniated disk size.

CONCLUSION

Compared with sham or no traction, lumbar traction exhibited significantly more pain reduction and functional improvements in the short term, but not in the long term. There is insufficient evidence to support the effect of lumbar traction on herniated disk size reduction.

Incidence and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in middle-aged patients with chronic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

For early prevention, information regarding the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in middle-aged patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be more beneficial than that regarding MACE prevalence. But, literature comparing the incidence and risk of MACEs in middle-aged patients with CKD with the controls using a population-based cohort study is scant. Our aim was to estimate the incidence and risk of MACEs, such as congestive heart failure (CHF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD), in middle-aged patients with advanced (stages 3-5) CKD.

METHODS

From the National Health Insurance Research Database, 261 patients aged 35-65 years who had received advanced CKD diagnoses in 2000 and 1305 age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched controls were recruited. Patients with CHF alone (MACE 1), IHD alone (MACE 2), or CHF and IHD (MACE 3) diagnoses between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2008, were identified in the CKD and control groups.

RESULTS

Patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 50.0 ± 8.3 years; female, 56%) exhibited a higher incidence of MACE 1, MACE 2, and MACE 3 (11.9 vs. 1.4/1000, 30.7 vs. 13.4/1000, and 13.4 vs. 1.7/1000 person-years, respectively, all p < 0.001) and were at a higher risk of experiencing MACEs than the controls (adjusted hazard ratios: MACE 1, MACE 2, and MACE 3: 8.57, 2.26, and 3.80, respectively, all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CKD is an independent risk factor for CHF and IHD among patients aged 35-65 years. Early intervention for preventing CHF and IHD in middle-aged patients with CKD is crucial.

Adults with polio are at risk of hip fracture from middle age: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Having motor impairment since childhood and being at risk of osteoporosis and falls, adults with polio would be more likely to suffer a hip fracture (HF) and may experience different epidemiological characteristics from the general population.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk and incidence of HF in adults with polio.

DESIGN

Using a national database, we conducted a population-based cohort study. We identified patients with polio using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code of 138. For each patient with polio, we randomly selected five age- and sex-matched control subjects. Those subjects aged <40 years were excluded. We analyzed participants aged 40˜64 years (middle-aged) and subjects aged ≥65 years (elderly) separately and recognized subjects who had an HF (ICD-9-CM code, 820) only when they received hospitalization to care for the illness from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2008.

RESULTS

We identified 403 adults with polio (mean age ± standard deviation, 47.2 ± 8.6 years). Compared to the controls, patients with polio had a higher incidence of HF (all, 4.1 vs. 1.1/1000 person-years, p = 0.002; middle-aged, 2.3 vs. 0.3/1000 person-years, p < 0.001; male, 6.2 vs. 0.9/1000 person-years, p < 0.001); had a younger mean age (±standard deviation) of fracturing a hip (61.0±14.9 vs. 74.4±9.3 years, p = 0.015); had a lower cumulative HF-free probability (±standard error) before the age of 65 years (0.970±0.017 vs. 0.988±0.007, p<0.001) and throughout the study duration (0.415 ± 0.296 vs. 0.682 ± 0.158, p<0.001); and had a higher risk of HF, yielding an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 3.58 (1.45˜8.79, p = 0.006). Patients with polio aged >48.2 years were likely to experience an HF.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with polio are at risk of HF. A customized HF prevention program is important for people with polio. The program should be started early in middle-age and should include men.

Meta-analyzability Concerns in Meta-analyses

Many studies to date have conducted a meta-analysis on a mix of effectiveness and superiority studies. This methodological flaw will lead to difficulties in interpreting the results. We addressed this issue in this article, illustrated our point with a simulated experiment, and re-analyzed a recent meta-analysis study based on the effectiveness-superiority dichotomy to provide a real-world correlate of our point of view.

[Mutational analysis of RNA splicing machinery genes SF3B1, U2AF1 and SRSF2 in 118 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and related diseases]

目的

探讨RNA剪接体复合物编码基因SF3B1、U2AF1和SRSF2突变在MDS及相关疾病中的突变率、突变特点及临床意义。

方法

以118例MDS及相关疾病患者为研究对象，采用PCR扩增产物直接测序法分别检测SF3B1（K700E）、U2AF1（S34、Q157P）和SRSF2（P95）突变情况。

结果

118例MDS患者中，男76例，女42例，中位年龄53.5（13~84）岁。对全部患者均进行SF3B1（K700E）基因突变分析，SF3B1（K700E）的突变率为19.49%（118例中23例）。在突变的22例MDS患者中，14例环形铁粒幼红细胞（RS）比例≥15%，其中难治性贫血伴环状铁粒幼红细胞（RARS）7例、难治性血细胞减少伴有多系发育异常（RCMD）6例、难治性贫血（RA）1例。与未突变组相比，突变组患者的年龄偏大[58（32~78）岁对51（13~84）岁，z=−1.981，P=0.048]、PLT偏高[121（22~888）×10⁹/L对59（6~1 561）× 10⁹/L，z=−3.305，P=0.001]、骨髓原始细胞比例偏低[0.007（0~0.122）对0.017（0~0.268），z=−2.885，P=0.004]、RS比例偏高[0（0~64%）对0（0~58%），z=−4.664，P<0.001]，HGB偏低[63（40~95）g/L对77（34~144）g/L，z=−3.192，P=0.001]。对105例患者进行U2AF1（S34、Q157P）基因突变分析，突变率为21.90%（105例中23例）。突变组患者各临床特征与未突变组相比差异均无统计学意义。107例患者有SRSF2（P95）突变结果，8例突变，突变率为7.48%，突变组患者初诊时年龄偏高，中位年龄63（50~84）岁，其中难治性贫血伴有原始细胞增多-1（RAEB-1）4例，突变率为14.29%（28例中4例）；MDS转化的急性髓系白血病3例。1例患者同时出现SF3B1（K700E）和SRSF2（P95H）突变，2例患者同时出现SF3B1（K700E）和U2AF1（S34Y）突变。

结论

SF3B1、U2AF1和SRSF2剪接体复合物蛋白编码基因中，仅SF3B1基因突变与环状铁粒幼红细胞增多性贫血密切相关，是该亚型的主要致病基因。

Effectiveness and Superiority of Rehabilitative Treatments in Enhancing Motor Recovery Within 6 Months Poststroke: A Systemic Review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of various rehabilitative interventions aimed at enhancing poststroke motor recovery by assessing their effectiveness when compared with no treatment or placebo and their superiority when compared with conventional training program (CTP).

DATA SOURCE

A literature search was based on 19 Cochrane reviews and 26 other reviews. We also updated the searches in PubMed up to September 30, 2017.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials associated with 18 experimented training programs (ETP) were included if they evaluated the effects of the programs on either upper extremity (UE) or lower extremity (LE) motor recovery among adults within 6 months poststroke; included ≥10 participants in each arm; and had an intervention duration of ≥10 consecutive weekdays.

DATA EXTRACTION

Four reviewers evaluated the eligibility and quality of literature. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Among the 178 included studies, 129 including 7450 participants were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Six ETPs were significantly effective in enhancing UE motor recovery, with the standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals outlined as follow: constraint-induced movement therapy (0.82, 0.45-1.19), electrostimulation (ES)-motor (0.42, 0.22-0.63), mirror therapy (0.71, 0.22-1.20), mixed approach (0.21, 0.01-0.41), robot-assisted training (0.51, 0.22-0.80), and task-oriented training (0.57, 0.16-0.99). Six ETPs were significantly effective in enhancing LE motor recovery: body-weight-supported treadmill training (0.27, 0.01-0.52), caregiver-mediated training (0.64, 0.20-1.08), ES-motor (0.55, 0.27-0.83), mixed approach (0.35, 0.15-0.54), mirror therapy (0.56, 0.13-1.00), and virtual reality (0.60, 0.15-1.05). However, compared with CTPs, almost none of the ETPs exhibited significant SMDs for superiority.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain experimented interventions were effective in enhancing poststroke motor recovery, but little evidence supported the superiority of experimented interventions over conventional rehabilitation.

Kinesio taping reduces elbow pain during resisted wrist extension in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study

Background

Lateral epicondylitis is frequently seen in racquet sport players and the treatments are usually symptomatic rather than curative. Taping therapy is cheap and easy to apply in the sport field. In this study we valued the effectiveness of Kinesio taping (KT) on immediate pain control for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study with 15 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. All participants received two taping sessions in a random order with a 3-day interval in between: one with KT and the other with sham taping (ST). Pain perceived during resisted wrist extension and at rest using numeric rating scale (NRS), the pain-free grip strength, and the pressure pain threshold, were measured before and 15 min after the tape was applied.

Results

A significant reduction of 2.1 ± 1.6 (Z = − 3.081, P = 0.002) and 0.7 ± 0.8 (Z = − 2.428, P = 0.015) was found on a NRS with KT and ST, respectively, indicating that both taping sessions produced immediate pain relief for resisted wrist extension. Both taping sessions significantly improved the pain-free grip strength with increases of 3.31 ± 5.05 (Z = − 2.615, P = 0.009) and 2.43 ± 3.31 (Z = − 2.783, P = 0.005) kg found with KT and ST, respectively. Compared with ST, KT exhibited superiority in controlling pain experienced during resisted wrist extension (Z = − 2.168, P = 0.030).

Conclusions

Taping produced unneglectable placebo effects on pain relief and painf-free grip strength for patients with lateral epicondylitis, and KT seemed to have additional effects on controlling pain that was elicited by resisted wrist extension.

Trial registration

ISRCTN13618356 (retrospectively registered on 13/02/2017).

Non-elastic taping, but not elastic taping, provides benefits for patients with knee osteoarthritis: systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether therapeutic taping, which includes elastic (Kinesio tape) and non-elastic (Leukotape) taping, is superior to control taping in improving pain and functions for patients with knee arthritis. To understand whether both elastic and non-elastic taping are beneficial.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases from their earliest record to 31 May 2017 for randomized controlled and cross-over studies that used taping to treat knee osteoarthritis. We extracted the mean differences and SD between baseline and posttreatment for selected outcomes measured in the experimental and control groups for subsequent meta-analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 11 studies were included in the review. Of which, five Leukotaping and five Kinesio taping studies involving 379 participants were used in the meta-analysis. PEDro scores of the Leukotaping and Kinesio taping studies were 4.2 and 7.8, respectively. Overall, therapeutic taping exhibited significantly greater pain reduction than control taping with a significant weighted mean difference of 12.8 mm on a 0- to 100-mm visual analogue scale. Compared to control taping, Leukotaping produced a significant weighted mean difference of 11.6 mm regarding pain with a large effect size of 0.89 and I2 = 0%, while Kinesio taping produced a non-significant weighted mean difference of 12.1 mm and I2 = 93%. Leukotaping also exhibited a large and significant standard mean difference of 0.82, while Kinesio taping exhibited a non-significant standard mean difference of 1.34 regarding climbing stairs and stepping.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic taping seemed to be superior to control taping in pain control for knee osteoarthritis. Non-elastic taping, but not elastic taping, provides benefits in pain reduction and functional performance.

[Pulmonary surfactant protein adenosine triphosphate-binding-cassette-A3 gene composite mutations in infant congenital interstitial lung disease: report of a case and review of literature]

Objective: To report a case of the pulmonary surfactant protein(SP) adenosine triphosphate-binding-cassette-A3 (ABCA3) gene mutations in infant congenital interstitial lung disease(ILD), and review the related literature, to investigate the relationships of ABCA3 gene mutation associated with ILD in infants. Method: A 6-months-old boy was hospitalized in the department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. The clinical, radiological, histological information from transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and genetic testing in this case was analyzed; 12 reports retrieved on literature search at Pubmed, OVID databases from 2004 to 2015 by using the ABCA3 as keyword were reviewed and analyzed. Result: (1)The patient, a 6-months-old boy, had progressive tachypnea and dyspnea since 4 months old. Physical examination on admission revealed respiratory rate of 78 times/min , heart rate of 187 times/min, SpO₂ 0.93(mask oxygen-inspiration with 6 L/min), scattered fine moist crackles could be heard over the both lungs, clubbing fingers were found. High-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) revealed diffuse ground-glass opacity, interlobular and intralobular septal thickening. Lung biopsies showed evidences of the alveolar cavity atelectatic changes and interstitial fibrosis. SP-A and SP-B were negative in immunohistochemical stainting. SP-related gene sequence analysis found that there was compound heterozygous missense mutation of ABCA3 gene in c. 1942A>G, c.2701-33G>C and c. 991-105C>A. (2)The review of related literature found that totally 12 cases were reported. The main manifestations were progressive tachypnea and dyspnea, age of onset was between birth and 4 years of age. The imaging characteristics of chest HRCT revealed diffuse infiltration or diffuse ground-glass pattern in the lung.

PROGNOSIS

6 cases died, and 6 cases survived, including 4 cases with pulmonary function disturbance to different degrees; 12 cases had ABCA3 gene mutations, 9 cases had composite ABCA3 gene mutations, in 11 cases the mutation occured in the exon of coding region, in 1 case in the intron, 9 cases had heterozygous mutations, 3 cases had homozygous mutations. Conclusion: The main phenotypes of ABCA3 mutation associated with ILD were full term neonatal respiratory distress syndrome or progressive tachypnea or dyspnea unexplained in infants. The chest HRCT showed two diffuse pulmonary interstitial changes. ABCA3 mutation mainly was multi-site composite mutations and heterozygous mutations in the exon of coding region.

Association Between Manual Loading and Newly Developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Subjects With Physical Disabilities: A Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the association between body composition and newly developed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to search for the best probabilistic cutoff value of associated factors to predict subjects with physical disabilities developing new CTS.

DESIGN

Longitudinal.

SETTING

University-affiliated medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Subjects with physical disabilities (N=47; mean age ± SD, 42.1±7.7y).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Median and ulnar sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured at the initial and follow-up tests (interval >2y). Total and regional body composition were measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the initial test. Leg lean tissue percentage was calculated to delineate each participant's manual loading degree during locomotion. Leg lean tissue percentage is the lean tissue mass of both legs divided by body weight.

RESULTS

Based on median SNCV changes, we divided all participants into 3 groups: subjects with bilateral CTS (median SNCV value <45m/s plus a normative ulnar SNCV value >37.8m/s) in the initial test (n=10), subjects with newly developed CTS in the follow-up test (n=8), and subjects without additional CTS in the follow-up test (n=27). Eight of 35 subjects not having bilateral CTS initially developed new CTS (8.8% per year; mean follow-up period, 2.6y). Leg lean tissue percentage was associated with the probability of newly developed CTS (adjusted odds ratio, .64; P<.05). Subjects with a leg lean tissue percentage >12% were less likely to have developed new CTS at the follow-up test (sensitivity, .75; specificity, .85; area under the curve, .88; P<.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Leg lean tissue percentage may be useful for early identification of developing new CTS in subjects with physical disabilities. Therefore, a preventive program for those subjects at risk can start early.

[Efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke with hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction with hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS). Methods: Acute cerebral infarction patients with HMCAS from July 2010 to November 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University were collected.These patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received IVT or not.The Nation Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to evaluate early and long-time therapeutic effects.Efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 93 patients were eligible for the analysis, with 45 cases in IVT group and 48 cases in non-IVT group.As time went by, NIHSS score in IVT group showed significant downward trend than the non-IVT group.The rate of patients with good outcome in IVT group was higher than that in non-IVT group (P<0.05). The rate of hemorrhage transformation (HT) in IVT group and non-IVT group was 35.6% (16/45) and 10.4% (11/48), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). While no statistically significant difference was found about the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) (8.9% vs 2.1%, P>0.05) and mortality (33.3% vs 27.1%, P>0.05) between these two groups.Logistic regression analysis identified relativity between IVT treatment and good outcome (P<0.05), hemorrhage transformation (P<0.05), rather than mortality (P>0.05). Conclusions: Intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA is an effective and safe treatment for most acute ischemic stroke patients with HMCAS and can promote early neurologic improvement and significantly improve long-term functional prognosis.Although Ⅳ thrombolysis can increase the risk of overall HT, it does not add risk in sICH and mortality.

[Characterization of mutational pattern in patients with Ph negative myeloproliferative neoplasms]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the molecular profile in patients with Ph negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) by exploring 49 gene mutations.

METHODS

Targeted gene sequencing were performed to analyze 49 MPN-associated genes in 51 patients with Ph negative MPN, of which CARL (exon 9), NPM1 (exon 12) and CEBPA (TAD, BZIP domains) were investigated by using Sanger sequencing simultaneously, while FLT3-ITD was assessed by PCR method.

RESULTS

Mutations were detected in 73.5% (36/49) of genes, and the mutational rates of JAK2-V617F, CALR (exon 9) and MPL were 60.8%(31/51), 7.8%(4/51) and 7.8%(4/51) respectively, whereas the mutational rates of ASXL1, SETBP1, and SF3B1 were around 10%. In addition, 96.1% (49/51) of patients harbored at least one mutation, and more than half of the patients (52.9%, 27/51) possessed 3 or 4 gene mutations. The amount of gene mutations was significantly higher in patients with JAK2-V617F mutation than those without JAK2-V617F or CALR (exon 9) mutation (P<0.05). The last finding was that there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of mutations among four MPN subtypes (PV, ET, PMF, and MPN-U).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with Ph negative MPN possesses three or more gene mutations, with various mutational profiles.