Management of sagittal craniosynostosis: morphological comparison of eight surgical techniques

The aim of this study was to carry out a retrospective multicentre study comparing the morphological outcome of 8 techniques used for the management of sagittal synostosis versus a large cohort of control patients. Computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained from children CT-scanned for non-craniosynostosis related events (n = 241) and SS patients at preoperative and postoperative follow-up stages (n = 101). No significant difference in morphological outcomes was observed between the techniques considered in this study. However, the majority of techniques showed a tendency for relapse. Further, the more invasive procedures at older ages seem to lead to larger intracranial volume compared to less invasive techniques at younger ages. This study can be a first step towards future multicentre studies, comparing surgical results and offering a possibility for objective benchmarking of outcomes between methods and centres.     

Electromyographic comparison of vastus medialis obliquus facilitatory versus vastus lateralis inhibitory kinesio taping in athletes with patellofemoral pain: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is among the most common orthopedic complications afflicting active young people. Diminished coordination of the vastii, delayed activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and decreased VMO-to-vastus lateralis (VL) activity ratio are well documented as underlying causes of PFP. This study compares the effects of VMO facilitatory kinesio tape (KT) versus VL inhibitory KT on electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastii, balance, and pain in athletes with PFP.MethodsIn this single-blind randomized clinical trial, thirty-two female athletes with PFP (mean age 26.33 ± 5.93 years) were randomly assigned to VMO facilitatory KT (n = 16) or VL inhibitory KT (n = 16) groups. In the facilitatory group, a Y-shaped strip of KT at 25% of its available tension was attached from the origin of the VMO to its insertion and in the inhibitory group, an insertion-to-origin Y-shaped strip of KT at 15% of its available tension was applied on the VL. Pain intensity, dynamic balance, and EMG data were assessed respectively with a visual analogue scale, the modified Star Excursion Balance Test, and an EMG telemetry system, before and immediately after KT application.ResultsPain intensity decreased and dynamic balance improved significantly after taping in both groups, and VMO: VL activity ratio increased significantly in the VL group. However, none of the parameters differed significantly between groups.ConclusionsBoth VMO facilitatory and VL inhibitory KT can improve pain and balance, while the inhibitory technique might be more effective in regulating the VMO to VL activity ratio in athletes with PFP.     

Compensatory postural responses to backward loss of balance in patients with cerebellar disease

BackgroundImpaired control of balance and coordinated reactions are a primary deficit of cerebellar dysfunction. As compared to other neurological patients with balance impairments, there has been little research assessing the characteristics of compensatory responses associated with falls in patients with cerebellar disease (CD).Research questionThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of cerebellar disease on compensatory balance control in response to postural perturbation. Do CD patients increase the number of steps when responding to instability because of inappropriate initial step reactions or poor control of trunk motion or both?MethodsIn this explorative study, 10 patients suffering from degenerative cerebellar ataxia and 10 age-matched healthy controls were examined. The balance recovery reactions were assessed using a lean-and-release postural perturbation method. Spatiotemporal characteristics of stepping movement and COM variables associated with torso motion were analyzed using 3D motion capture system.ResultsCD patients took multiple steps whereas matched controls generally took single steps to recover balance following perturbation. The characteristics of the initial step at the time of the fall revealed that foot reaction time, foot response time, and step distance of the initial step were similar between CD patients and matched controls. However, CD patients exhibited a shorter foot-to−COM distance, higher COM velocity, and less trunk flexion with which to attenuate their body momentum after the landing of the first step than did matched controls.SignificanceAlthough initial step responses were probably adequate, poor control of torso motion appears to be a particular problem that causes multiple-step reactions in CD patients. This observation would help to guide the development of tailored fall intervention strategies in CD patients aimed at promoting their recovery capacity in response to a pronounced balance challenge.     

张力平衡针法联合电针对脑卒中足下垂患者下肢功能及日常生活能力的影响

目的:研究张力平衡针法联合电针对脑卒中足下垂患者下肢功能及日常生活能力的影响。方法:选取我院2016年1月—2019年5月收治的脑卒中足下垂患者78例,根据随机数字表法分为两组,各39例。对照组给予电针疗法,治疗组在对照组基础上给予张力平衡针法,对比两组患者治疗前后的肌张力和CSI评分、足内翻角度和足下垂角度、Barthel指数评分和FMA评分、SF-36量表评分。结果:经治疗后,两组患者肌张力评分显著升高,CSI评分显著降低(P<0.05),且治疗组改善程度较大(P<0.05);两组患者足内翻角度和足下垂角度显著低于治疗前(P<0.05),且治疗组降低程度较大(P<0.05);两组患者FMA评分和Barthel指数评分显著升高(P<0.05),且治疗组升高程度较大(P<0.05);两组患者情感功能、生理功能和社会功能评分均显著高于治疗前(P<0.05),且治疗组升高程度较大(P<0.05)。结论:采用张力平衡针法联合电针治疗脑卒中足下垂能够改善日常生活能力及下肢功能,值得在临床上推广应用。     

伞骨草利尿抗炎活性及急性毒性研究＊

目的 研究伞骨草水提物的利尿和抗炎作用，以及利尿后对电解质平衡、糖代谢及肾脏功能的影响，并对伞骨草水提物安全性进行初步评价。方法 采用小鼠代谢笼法，检测盐水负荷小鼠在给药6 h后的排尿量，并分析小鼠尿液中离子浓度、血清中糖原、尿素氮和肌酐的变化；采用二甲苯致小鼠耳廓肿胀法，计算耳廓肿胀度及肿胀抑制率，角叉菜胶致大鼠足趾肿胀法，计算足趾肿胀率，小鼠急性毒性试验初步评价伞骨草水提物的安全性。结果 与对照组比较，伞骨草水提物能明显增加小鼠的排尿量，尿液中K⁺、Cl^-的浓度明显增加，高剂量组Na⁺、Ca²⁺浓度明显增加；伞骨草对小鼠血清中的糖原、尿素氮和肌酐均无明显影响；伞骨草中、高剂量对二甲苯所致小鼠耳廓肿胀和角叉菜胶所致大鼠足趾肿胀具有明显的抑制作用；伞骨草水提物24 h内小鼠单次灌胃给药急性毒性试验的LD₅₀为：12.33 g·kg^-1（相当于生药82.15 g·kg^-1），动物在4 h内出现毒性反应，主要表现为主要表现为腹泻、俯卧、竖毛、运动失调、死亡，腹泻至给药第2天恢复。结论 伞骨草水提物具有明显的利尿和抗炎作用，并且对机体的血糖水平和肾脏功能无明显影响。     

英国价值定价理念对我国医保药品报销政策的启示

本文在梳理英国医保药品报销政策的基础上,通过对价值定价理念的深入研究和理解,系统探讨其在报销政策制定过程中对药品目录遴选、价值测算、支付标准确定、医保基金平衡和报销效益评估的作用机制,并深入思考通过价值定价理念建立起的药物警戒体系与药品报销政策间的衔接机制。在此基础上总结价值定价理念的特点、应用阶段和具体操作方法,以期为我国提供借鉴。     

Comparison of Gap Balancing vs Measured Resection Technique in Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: One Technique per Knee

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty requires careful surgical technique to attain the goal of a well-aligned and symmetrically balanced knee. Soft tissue balance and correct femoral component rotation are paramount in achieving these goals. The two competing techniques to select femoral component rotation and soft tissue balance are the gap balance technique and the measured resection technique.MethodsWe performed a randomized, prospective study to compare the two techniques in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty, whereby one technique was performed in each knee. Fifty (50) subjects were enrolled into the study. The inclusion criteria were osteoarthritic varus knee deformities with similar deformities in both knees. Subjects were followed up for a minimum of two years.ResultsThe knees balanced via the gap balance technique had significantly more posterior medial bone removed from the femur than those knees balanced via the measured resection technique (P < .001). Knees in the gap balance group tended to require more medial knee releases in extension and tended to have smaller sized femoral components as a result of cutting more bone from the femur in flexion. The modular tibial polyethylene bearing tended to be thicker in the gap balance group. Despite these differences, average knee flexion and functional revised Oxford Knee Scores at 2-year follow-up were not statistically different.ConclusionAt 2-year follow-up, there were no differences between the function and scores using the two techniques. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to evaluate any differences in long-term durability.     

Management of Neonatal Hypotension and Shock

The current standard approach to manage circulatory insufficiency is inappropriately simple and clear: respond to low blood pressure to achieve higher values. However, the evidence for this is limited affecting all steps within the process: assessment, decision making, therapeutic options, and treatment effects. We have to overcome the ‘one size fits all’ approach and respect the dynamic physiologic transition from fetal to neonatal life in the context of complex underlying conditions. Caregivers need to individualize their approaches to individual circumstances. This paper will review various clinical scenarios, including managing transitional low blood pressure, to circulatory impairment involving different pathologies such as hypoxia-ischemia and sepsis. We will highlight the current evidence and set potential goals for future development in these areas. We hope to encourage caregivers to question the current standards and to support urgently needed research in this overlooked but crucial field of neonatal intensive care.     

基于虚实辨证的补泻平衡手法治疗膝骨关节炎临床研究

目的观察补泻平衡手法治疗膝骨关节炎的疗效及对患者临床症状、体征的影响。方法采用随机数字表法将220例单膝骨关节炎患者分为治疗组和对照组各110例。治疗组予补泻平衡手法,对照组予常规推拿手法,均每次20 min,每日2次,1周为1个疗程,连续治疗2个疗程。观察2组治疗前后及治疗后3、6个月全身临床症状、体征及中医证候评分,比较2组临床疗效及不良反应。结果与本组治疗前比较,2组治疗后全身临床症状、体征评分明显降低(P<0.05),治疗组中医证候评分明显降低(P<0.05);2组治疗后比较,治疗组全身临床症状、体征改善程度优于对照组(P<0.05);与本组治疗后比较,2组治疗后3、6个月全身临床症状、体征评分升高。治疗组治疗后3、6个月中医证候评分升高,仍低于治疗前(P<0.05)。治疗组总有效率为91.8%(101/110),对照组为78.2%(86/110),2组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组均未见不良反应。结论补泻平衡手法与常规推拿手法治疗膝骨关节炎均有效,前者疗效优于后者,且中远期疗效更佳。