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Håkansson S, Tuci M, Bolliger M, Curt A, Jutzeler CR, Brüningk SC. Data-driven prediction of spinal cord injury recovery: An exploration of current status and future perspectives. Exp Neurol 2024; 380:114913. [PMID: 39097073 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) presents a significant challenge in rehabilitation medicine, with recovery outcomes varying widely among individuals. Machine learning (ML) is a promising approach to enhance the prediction of recovery trajectories, but its integration into clinical practice requires a thorough understanding of its efficacy and applicability. We systematically reviewed the current literature on data-driven models of SCI recovery prediction. The included studies were evaluated based on a range of criteria assessing the approach, implementation, input data preferences, and the clinical outcomes aimed to forecast. We observe a tendency to utilize routinely acquired data, such as International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI), imaging, and demographics, for the prediction of functional outcomes derived from the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) III and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores with a focus on motor ability. Although there has been an increasing interest in data-driven studies over time, traditional machine learning architectures, such as linear regression and tree-based approaches, remained the overwhelmingly popular choices for implementation. This implies ample opportunities for exploring architectures addressing the challenges of predicting SCI recovery, including techniques for learning from limited longitudinal data, improving generalizability, and enhancing reproducibility. We conclude with a perspective, highlighting possible future directions for data-driven SCI recovery prediction and drawing parallels to other application fields in terms of diverse data types (imaging, tabular, sequential, multimodal), data challenges (limited, missing, longitudinal data), and algorithmic needs (causal inference, robustness).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Håkansson
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Miklovana Tuci
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), Zürich, Switzerland; Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bolliger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Catherine R Jutzeler
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah C Brüningk
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), Zürich, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Geroldinger M, Verbeeck J, Thiel KE, Molenberghs G, Bathke AC, Laimer M, Zimmermann G. A neutral comparison of statistical methods for analyzing longitudinally measured ordinal outcomes in rare diseases. Biom J 2024; 66:e2200236. [PMID: 36890631 DOI: 10.1002/bimj.202200236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Ordinal data in a repeated measures design of a crossover study for rare diseases usually do not allow for the use of standard parametric methods, and hence, nonparametric methods should be considered instead. However, only limited simulation studies in settings with small sample sizes exist. Therefore, starting from an Epidermolysis Bullosa simplex trial with the above-mentioned design, a rank-based approach using the R package nparLD and different generalized pairwise comparisons (GPC) methods were compared impartially in a simulation study. The results revealed that there was not one single best method for this particular design, because a trade-off exists between achieving high power, accounting for period effects, and for missing data. Specifically, nparLD as well as the unmatched GPC approaches do not address crossover aspects, and the univariate GPC variants partly ignore the longitudinal information. The matched GPC approaches, on the other hand, take the crossover effect into account in the sense of incorporating the within-subject association. Overall, the prioritized unmatched GPC method achieved the highest power in the simulation scenarios, although this may be due to the specified prioritization. The rank-based approach yielded good power even at a sample size ofN = 6 $N=6$ , whereas the matched GPC method could not control the type I error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Geroldinger
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Research and Innovation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johan Verbeeck
- Data Science Institute (DSI), Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Konstantin E Thiel
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Research and Innovation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Data Science Institute (DSI), Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne C Bathke
- Intelligent Data Analytics (IDA) Lab Salzburg, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces, Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Research and Innovation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Patsakos EM, Bailey KA, Ditor DS. Exploring the Lived Experiences of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241226827. [PMID: 38263725 PMCID: PMC10807388 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241226827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has affected over 100 countries and has led to the tragic loss of life, overwhelmed health care systems and severely impacted the global economy. Specifically, individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic as they often face adverse impacts on their health, emotional well-being, community participation, and life expectancy. The objective of this study was to investigate the lived experience of individuals with SCI during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. An exploratory design with a qualitative descriptive approach was used to address the study objective. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic SCI (37-69 years, C3-L5, AIS A-D, and 5-42 years post-injury). Using reflexive thematic analysis, the following themes were created: (1) Caregiver exposure to COVID-19; (2) Staying physically active in quarantine; (3) Living in social isolation; (4) Difficulty obtaining necessary medical supplies; (5) Access to health services and virtual care during COVID-19; and (6) Fighting COVID-19 misinformation. This is one of the first studies to explore the impact of COVID-19 on individuals living with SCI in Ontario. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with SCI and provides insight into how to better support and respond to the specific and unique needs of individuals with SCI and their families during a national emergency or pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David S. Ditor
- Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-being, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Miller T, Roik LJ, Kalimullina T, Samejima S, Shackleton C, Malik RN, Sachdeva R, Krassioukov AV. The temporal burden of preparing catheters for re-use in adults with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2023; 9:39. [PMID: 37528074 PMCID: PMC10393987 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-023-00596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional OBJECTIVES: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Although single-use clean intermittent catheterization is recommended to facilitate routine bladder emptying, catheter re-use is common. Barriers associated with the preparation (i.e., cleaning) of catheters for re-use are unknown. This study examined barriers to catheter re-use in adult individuals with SCI by assessing (1) the time needed to clean a catheter, and (2) the perceived difficulty of the catheter cleaning routine. SETTING Laboratory METHODS: Twenty individuals with chronic SCI ( ≥ 1 year since injury; Group 1 = 10 with tetraplegia; Group 2 = 10 with paraplegia) completed the study. Using a standardized cleaning procedure (i.e., Milton method), catheter cleaning was timed for each participant. Perceived difficulty was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Functional impairment was assessed with the Upper Extremity Motor Score (UEMS). RESULTS Significant between-group differences were observed for total cleaning time (Group 1 = 1584.1 ± 179.8 s; Group 2 = 1321.0 ± 93.8 s, p = 0.004) and perceived difficulty [Group 1 = 2.6 (2, 3); Group 2 = 2 (1.7, 2.3), p = 0.028]. Total cleaning time was significantly correlated with UEMS (ρ = -0.709, p ≤ 0.001) and perceived difficulty (ρ = 0.468, p = 0.037). UEMS emerged as an independent predictor of total cleaning time (R2 = 0.745, β = -0.833, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Preparing catheters for re-use is time-intensive and difficult for people with higher SCI level, severity and more pronounced upper limb motor impairment, which was independently associated with total cleaning time. Performing this routine on a consistent basis would require a substantial time commitment and would have a profoundly negative impact on overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Miller
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - L J Roik
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - T Kalimullina
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - S Samejima
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - C Shackleton
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - R N Malik
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - R Sachdeva
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - A V Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Spinal Cord Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Miller T, Lange D, Kizhakkedathu JN, Yu K, Felix D, Samejima S, Shackleton C, Malik RN, Sachdeva R, Walter M, Krassioukov AV. The Microbiological Burden of Short-Term Catheter Reuse in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1929. [PMID: 37509568 PMCID: PMC10377649 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the risk of developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), catheter reuse is common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study examined the microbiological burden and catheter surface changes associated with short-term reuse. Ten individuals with chronic SCI reused their catheters over 3 days. Urine and catheter swab cultures were collected daily for analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were used to assess catheter surface changes. Catheter swab cultures showed no growth after 48 h (47.8%), skin flora (28.9%), mixed flora (17.8%), or bacterial growth (5.5%). Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found for most participants at baseline (n = 9) and all at follow-up (n = 10). Urine samples contained Escherichia coli (58%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%), Enterococcus faecalis (26%), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (10%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6%) or Proteus vulgaris (2%). Most urine cultures showed resistance to one or more antibiotics (62%). SEM images demonstrated structural damage, biofilm and/or bacteria on all reused catheter surfaces. XPS analyses also confirmed the deposition of bacterial biofilm on reused catheters. Catheter surface changes and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were evident following short-term reuse, which may increase susceptibility to CAUTI in individuals with SCI despite asymptomatic bacteriuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiev Miller
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Dirk Lange
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- The Stone Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Jayachandran N Kizhakkedathu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Science Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- The School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Science Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Demian Felix
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- The Stone Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Soshi Samejima
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Claire Shackleton
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Raza N Malik
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Rahul Sachdeva
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Matthias Walter
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrei V Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
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Effectiveness of Non-Contact Dietary Coaching in Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020252. [PMID: 36673620 PMCID: PMC9859545 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary coaching and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with diabetes or prediabetes to improve their behavioral skills and health outcomes. A randomized controlled study with pre- and post-testing was conducted. Data were collected between November 2020 and April 2021. Forty-five patients with diabetes or prediabetes who used a CGM device were enrolled and analyzed. Dietary education, individual coaching and group coaching were provided to participants in the experimental group for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the thigh circumference in men significantly differed between the two groups (z = -2.02, p = 0.044). For women, participants in the experimental group showed greater improvement in eating self-efficacy compared with those in the control group (z = -2.66, p = 0.008). Insomnia was negatively related to the change in eating self-efficacy (r = -0.35, p = 0.018) and increase in thigh circumference (r = -0.35, p = 0.017). Even if used within a short intervention period, non-contact dietary coaching programs can help enhance behavioral skills, such as eating self-efficacy and health outcomes, such as thigh circumference. Moreover, the changed variables can indirectly improve other health outcomes in patients with diabetes or prediabetes.
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Löscher W, Trinka E. The potential of intravenous topiramate for the treatment of status epilepticus. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 138:109032. [PMID: 36528009 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable clinical evidence that topiramate (TPM) has a high potential in the treatment of refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus (RSE, SRSE). Because TPM is only approved for oral administration, it is applied as suspension via a nasogastric tube for SE treatment. However, this route of administration is impractical in an emergency setting and leads to variable absorption with unpredictable plasma levels and time to peak concentration. Thus, the development of an intravenous (i.v.) solution for TPM is highly desirable. Here we present data on two parenteral formulations of TPM that are currently being developed. One of these solutions is using sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD; Captisol®) as an excipient. A 1% solution of TPM in 10% Captisol® has been reported to be well tolerated in safety studies in healthy volunteers and patients with epilepsy or migraine, but efficacy data are not available. The other solution uses the FDA- and EMA-approved excipient amino sugar meglumine. Meglumine is much more effective to dissolve TPM in water than Captisol®. A 1% solution of TPM can be achieved with 0.5-1% of meglumine. While the use of Captisol®-containing solutions is restricted in children and patients with renal impairment, such restrictions do not apply to meglumine. Recently, first-in-human data were reported for a meglumine-based solution of TPM, indicating safety and efficacy when used as a replacement for oral administration in a woman with epilepsy. Based on the multiple mechanisms of action of TPM that directly target the molecular neuronal alterations that are thought to underlie the loss of efficacy of benzodiazepines and other anti-seizure medications during prolonged SE and its rapid brain penetration after i.v. administration, we suggest that parenteral (i.v.) TPM is ideally suited for the treatment of RSE and SRSE. This paper was presented at the 8th London-Innsbruck Colloquium on Status Epilepticus and Acute Seizures held in September 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
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Exploring the Relationship Between Quality and Quantity of Physical Activity Participation in Community-Based Exercise Programs for Persons With Physical Disabilities. Adapt Phys Activ Q 2022; 39:380-398. [PMID: 35453125 DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2021-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-based exercise programs for persons with disabilities promote greater quantity of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation among their members, perhaps because of the quality experiences fostered by the program. This study aimed to explore the relationship between quality and quantity of physical activity participation in the context of community-based exercise programming and the role that gender plays in this relationship. Adults with physical disabilities (N = 91; Mage = 55, 49 men) from three community-based exercise programs across Canada completed a survey asking about quality participation (Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation [MeEAP]) and LTPA. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between MeEAP scores and LTPA. Quality participation was not related to LTPA, even with gender included as a moderator. Men reported higher levels of LTPA and quality participation than women, highlighting gender differences that should be considered when researching and designing exercise programs for individuals with disabilities.
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Castillo-Escario Y, Kumru H, Ferrer-Lluis I, Vidal J, Jané R. Detection of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury Using a Smartphone. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217182. [PMID: 34770489 PMCID: PMC8587662 DOI: 10.3390/s21217182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have an increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which can lead to serious comorbidities and impact patients’ recovery and quality of life. However, sleep tests are rarely performed on SCI patients, given their multiple health needs and the cost and complexity of diagnostic equipment. The objective of this study was to use a novel smartphone system as a simple non-invasive tool to monitor SDB in SCI patients. We recorded pulse oximetry, acoustic, and accelerometer data using a smartphone during overnight tests in 19 SCI patients and 19 able-bodied controls. Then, we analyzed these signals with automatic algorithms to detect desaturation, apnea, and hypopnea events and monitor sleep position. The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly higher in SCI patients than controls (25 ± 15 vs. 9 ± 7, p < 0.001). We found that 63% of SCI patients had moderate-to-severe SDB (AHI ≥ 15) in contrast to 21% of control subjects. Most SCI patients slept predominantly in supine position, but an increased occurrence of events in supine position was only observed for eight patients. This study highlights the problem of SDB in SCI and provides simple cost-effective sleep monitoring tools to facilitate the detection, understanding, and management of SDB in SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Castillo-Escario
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.F.-L.); (R.J.)
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-Barcelona Tech (UPC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (Y.C.-E.); (H.K.)
| | - Hatice Kumru
- Fundación Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Correspondence: (Y.C.-E.); (H.K.)
| | - Ignasi Ferrer-Lluis
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.F.-L.); (R.J.)
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-Barcelona Tech (UPC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Vidal
- Fundación Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Fundació Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Raimon Jané
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.F.-L.); (R.J.)
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-Barcelona Tech (UPC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Mathematics, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Research and Innovation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Edgar Brunner
- Department of Medical Statistics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner Brannath
- Competence Centre for Clinical Trials, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Martin Happ
- Team Smart Analytics, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arne C. Bathke
- Department of Mathematics, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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11
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Aschauer-Wallner S, Leis S, Bogdahn U, Johannesen S, Couillard-Despres S, Aigner L. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in traumatic spinal cord injury. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1642-1655. [PMID: 33781952 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine used in pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Evidence from experimental studies indicates that G-CSF exerts relevant activities in the central nervous system (CNS) in particular after lesions. In acute, subacute, and chronic CNS lesions, G-CSF appears to have strong anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antioxidative, myelin-protective, and axon-regenerative activities. Additional effects result in the stimulation of angiogenesis and neurogenesis as well as in bone marrow stem cell mobilization to the CNS. There are emerging preclinical and clinical data indicating that G-CSF is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of acute and chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI), which we summarize in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Aschauer-Wallner
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Stefan Leis
- Department of Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Bogdahn
- Velvio GmbH, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Siw Johannesen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Sebastien Couillard-Despres
- Institute of Experimental Neuroregeneration, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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Zimmermann G, Bolter L, Sluka R, Höller Y, Bathke AC, Thomschewski A, Leis S, Lattanzi S, Brigo F, Trinka E. Sample sizes and statistical methods in interventional studies on individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review. J Evid Based Med 2019; 12:200-208. [PMID: 31231977 PMCID: PMC6771853 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Prevalence and incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) are low. However, sample sizes have not been systematically examined yet, although this might represent useful information for study planning and power considerations. Therefore, our objective was to determine the median sample size in clinical trials on SCI individuals. Moreover, within small-sample size studies, statistical methods and awareness of potential problems regarding small samples were examined. METHODS We systematically reviewed all studies on human SCI individuals published between 2014 and 2015, where the effect of an intervention on one or more health-related outcomes was assessed by means of a hypothesis test. If at least one group had a size <20, the study was classified as a small sample size study. PubMed was searched for eligible studies; subsequently, data on sample sizes and statistical methods were extracted and summarized descriptively. RESULTS Out of 8897 studies 207 were included. Median total sample size was 18 (range 4-582). Small sample sizes were found in 167/207 (81%) studies, resulting limitations and implications for statistical analyses were mentioned in 109/167 (65%) studies. CONCLUSIONS Although most recent SCI trials have been conducted with small samples, the consequences on statistical analysis methods and the validity of the results are rarely acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Zimmermann
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Centre SalzburgParacelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Department of MathematicsParis Lodron UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | | | - Ronny Sluka
- Department of PsychologyParis Lodron UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Yvonne Höller
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Arne C. Bathke
- Department of MathematicsParis Lodron UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Aljoscha Thomschewski
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Centre SalzburgParacelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Department of PsychologyParis Lodron UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Stefan Leis
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement SciencesUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
- Division of NeurologyFranz Tappeiner HospitalMeranoItaly
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Department of Public HealthHealth Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMITHall i. T.Austria
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