Freehand correction of scoliosis in Rett’s syndrome

We present the case of an 18-year-old girl with a scoliosis (long C-shaped curve) in association with an atypical Rett’s syndrome. In order to attain a full correction and to provide her with adequate posture and sitting balance, segmental instrumentation was utilised from the high thoracic spine to the pelvis. We describe the procedure including the relevant pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative imaging.     

The role of peer support education model on the quality of life and self-care behaviors of patients with myocardial infarction

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the quality of life and self-care behaviors of patients with myocardial infarction.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 70 patients with myocardial infarction meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental (n = 35) or control (n = 35) groups using block randomization. Patients in the intervention group received two one-hour training sessions on the third day after myocardial infarction during the CCU stay along with routine care. Education intervention was performed by peers. The control group will follow routine care. All patients selected were assessed using McNews' quality of life questionnaire and Miller self-care questionnaire, respectively before the intervention and also one month after discharge. Chi-square and t-test were used to analyze the data.ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean of quality of life and the mean score of self-care behaviors in the experimental group were significantly higher compared to the control group.ConclusionsAccording to the results, to improve the quality of life and promote the self-care behaviors in such patients, using peer education along with healthcare professionals is recommended.Practice ImplicationThis patient education approach had a significant impact on quality of life and self-care behavior.     

Positron emission tomography in imaging evaluation of staging,restaging, treatment response,and prognosis in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a prevalent public health problem worldwide. While imaging has played a major role in this disease, there still remain many challenges and opportunities. Positron emission tomography with various physiologically based radiotracers is fundamentally suited to interrogate this biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease along the course of its natural history. In this article, I review briefly the published evidence for the use of positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, 11C-acetate, and 18F- or 11C-choline in the imaging evaluation of prostate cancer. Although the focus of the article will be on these radiotracers given the accumulated experience with them, but I will also comment on the outlook for the use of other emerging PET radiotracers such as those targeted to the prostate-specific membrane antigen and the amino acid metabolism pathway. It is anticipated that PET will play major role in the evaluation of prostate cancer in the current evidence-based medicine environment. There will also be exciting novel prospects for the use of therapeutic-diagnostic (theransotic) pairs in the management of patients with prostate cancer.     

Real time optic nerve sheath diameter measurement during lumbar puncture

Measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using point of care ultrasound has been used to indirectly assess the intracranial pressure (ICP) particularly in conditions where it is raised. Direct pressure measurements using probes reaching the ventricle system correlated with ONSD using ultrasound. Attempts were made to measure the ONSD pre and post lumbar puncture (LP) after draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as post ventricular shunt placement. We report ONSD measurement and demonstrate dynamic changes during LP in a patient with known idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).     

Plasma vasopressin and interpersonal functioning

The neuropeptide vasopressin has traditionally been associated with vasoconstriction and water reabsorption by the kidneys. However, data from experimental animal studies also implicate vasopressin in social bonding processes. Preliminary work suggests that vasopressin also plays a role in social behaviors in humans. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate associations among plasma vasopressin and self-reported interpersonal functioning in a sample of married couples. During a 24-h admission to a hospital-based research unit, 37 couples completed measures of interpersonal functioning and provided blood samples for neuropeptide analyses. Results showed that vasopressin was associated with markers of interpersonal functioning, but not with general psychological distress. Specifically, greater plasma vasopressin levels were related to a larger social network, fewer negative marital interactions, less attachment avoidance, more attachment security, and marginally greater spousal social support. These results indicate that vasopressin is likely implicated in different relationship maintenance processes in humans.     

Elder abuse and its sociocultural factors from the perspectives of Kurdish rural older people: Does gender matter?

Abstract

We aimed to explore the meaning of elder abuse and its sociocultural factors from the perspectives of Kurdish older people. We purposively selected the participants, 38 female and 17 male, from a rural area in Boukan country, Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and were analyzed applying conventional content analysis. Researchers finally characterized viewpoints of the participants into two themes including structural changes in family interactions and changes in sociocultural values. Public education about moral norms and enactment of supportive laws for elderly people may help minimize elder abuse.     

Prevalence and correlates of chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder after the outbreak of the COVID-19

Journal of NeuroVirology - As the SARS-COV-2 becomes a global pandemic, many researchers have a concern about the long COVID-19 complications. Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis...