Publication date: Available online 17 December 2018
Source: Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Danilo Pagliari, Rossella Cianci, Donato Rigante
https://ift.tt/2rH438D
Δευτέρα 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2018
Autoimmune pancreatitis in children: The impact of immune system in a challenging disease
Publication date: Available online 17 December 2018
Source: Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Danilo Pagliari, Rossella Cianci, Donato Rigante
https://ift.tt/2rH438D
Cell Death and Differentiation
Author Correction: Eosinophil differentiation in the bone marrow is promoted by protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2
Posted:2018-12-13
Post-translational modifications of Beclin 1 provide multiple strategies for autophagy regulation
Posted:2018-12-13
Author Correction: ATF4 regulation of mitochondrial folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is neuroprotective
Posted:2018-12-13
By reducing global mRNA translation in several ways, 2-deoxyglucose lowers MCL-1 protein and sensitizes hemopoietic tumor cells to BH3 mimetic ABT737
Posted:2018-12-11
Mutant p53 as a guardian of the cancer cell
Posted:2018-12-11
Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (Egypt Rheumatol Rehabil) 2019 | January-March | Volume 46 | Issue 1
| Intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma and therapeutic exercise in knee osteoarthritis Mona E. M Badr, Eman A. R Hafez, Atif I El-Ghaweet, Heba M El-Sayed Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):1-10 Context There is no definite treatment strategy capable of decreasing destruction of cartilage and enhancing its healing. Intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides a lot of growth factors that are capable of stimulating regeneration of cartilage and is supposed to be a future solution to patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Aim To detect the efficacy of intra-articular injection of PRP or therapeutic exercise (Ex) alone as well as a combination of both in the treatment of idiopathic knee OA. Settings and design A prospective randomized controlled clinical study was conducted. Patients and methods A total of 60 patients, 44 to 65 years of age, having idiopathic unilateral knee OA were included in the study and were divided into three groups: PRP group included 20 patients and were treated with intra-articular PRP injection, Ex group included 20 patients and were treated with only therapeutic Ex, and PRP and Ex group included 20 patients who were treated with both PRP intra-articular injection and therapeutic Ex. Evaluation of all patients was done by visual analogue scale, tenderness, range of motion, thigh circumference, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at baseline and 1 and 6 months later. Objective evaluation was done through MRI of osteoarthritic knee at baseline and 6 months later. Statistical analysis Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for windows, version 20.0. Results Baseline WOMAC score differences among the three groups were not statistically significant but were significant 6 months after treatment. In PRP and Ex groups, there was a significant improvement after treatment, whereas a highly significant improvement in PRP+Ex group. MRI grading differences among the three groups were not significant before or after treatment, with no improvement in all three groups after treatment. Conclusion A combination of intra-articular injection of PRP and therapeutic Ex resulted in significantly lesser visual analogue scale, WOMAC score, and joint tenderness compared with PRP or Ex alone. |
| Association of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, severity with electrocardiographic findings, and carotid artery atherosclerosis Samia M Abd El-Monem, Ahmed Y Ali, Nashwa I Hashaad, Ahmed M Bendary, Hend A.F Abd El-Aziz Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):11-20 Aim The aim was to detect specific ECG changes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as well as to study atherosclerotic changes of the carotid arteries as an indicator of cardiovascular system risk factors and to correlate findings with disease activity and severity parameters to elucidate possible associations between these variables. Patients and methods This study included 30 RA patients, 30 age-matched and sex-matched systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers as control groups. The patients were subjected to clinical examination, assessment of disease activity score-28 (DAS28), functional disability Health Assessment Questionnaire, and laboratory and radiological assessments. ECG and measurement of the carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) by carotid ultrasound scan was also done. Results Ten (33.3%) RA patients had ECG abnormalities, with ST or T-wave abnormality being the most common abnormality present. RA patients had the highest frequencies of ECG abnormalities. Most ECG changes occurred in RA patients using steroids (90%). ST or T-wave abnormality in RA occurred more in patients with a higher swollen joint count, higher DAS28, and a higher patients’ global health assessment. RA patients had the highest mean. The mean CIMT was significantly higher in RA patients with ECG abnormalities. There were significant positive correlations of average CIMT with DAS28, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Simple Erosion Narrowing Score. There were significant positive correlations of mean CIMT with the level of triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a highly significant correlation between mean CIMT and C-reactive protein. CIMT at a cut-off point of 0.75 mm can predict ECG abnormalities with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion ECG changes were present in 33.3% of RA patients. Increased CIMT was observed in RA patients and correlated well with disease activity and severity parameters. |
| The therapeutic application of functional electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in rehabilitation of the hand function in incomplete cervical spinal cord injury Shereen Fawaz, Fatma Kamel, Ahmed El Yasaky, Heba El Shishtawy, Ahmed Genedy, Reda M Awad, Lobna El Nabil Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):21-26 Background Functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy has a potential to improve voluntary grasping and induce plastic changes among individuals with tetraplegia secondary to traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Also, evidence suggests that the use of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to increase corticomotor excitability improves hand function in persons with cervical SCI. Purpose Our randomized controlled trial was carried out to compare the two rehabilitation programs, the first applied to FES and real rTMS whereas the second applied to FES and sham rTMS, with repect to hand function in chronic traumatic incomplete cervical SCI patients, and also with respect to changes in cortical excitability, and its relation to hand function before and after the rehabilitation programs. Patients and methods Our study included 22 patients with chronic traumatic incomplete SCI. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups, 11 patients each. Group I patients received FES for 12 weeks with an additional real rTMS therapy for the last two weeks, at 10 Hz frequency, subthreshold intensity for a total of 1500 pulse per session for 10 sessions. Whereas group II patients received FES for 12 weeks with an additional sham rTMS therapy for the last two weeks. All were followed by an intensive hand training program. Patients were assessed: using hand function tests (action research arm test, modified Sollerman hand function test, nine-hole pegboard scale, and finger tapping test) and corticomotor excitability tests (using amplitude of motor evoked potential). Conclusion Our study showed statistically significant improvements in hand function tests in group I, who received FES in addition to real rTMS therapy in comparison with group II, who received FES in addition to sham rTMS at 12-week assessment. This could support the evidence of the additional benefit of real rTMS therapy for 10 sessions/2 weeks in improving hand function and motor recovery following SCI. |
| Electromyographic study to predict functional outcome of transforaminal epidural steroid injection in lumbosacral radiculopathy Hussein Sultan, Tamer H Shehata, Wafaa S El-Emary, Shehad M Fakhry Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):27-34 Context Epidural steriod injections (ESIs) are commonly used for managment of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR). Predicting outcomes after ESIs could be another valuable application of needle electromyography (EMG) in these patients. Aim The aim was to determine if EMG study can predict the functional outcome of transforaminal ESIs in patients with LSR. Materials and methods The study included 20 patients with clinical diagnosis of LSR. Peripheral nerve conduction study, late responses, somatomsensory evoked potentials, and needle EMG were performed in both lower limbs followed by transforaminal ESI under fluoroscopic guidance. The functional outcome was evaluated using visual analog scale for pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) that were performed before and after injections. Results There were statistically significant decrease in pain severity (visual analog scale; P=0.022) and in ODI (improvement in functional score; P=0.029) after injection in patients with symptom duration less than 3 months compared with patients with longer duration of symptoms. In patients with negative EMG findings, there was a significantly greater reduction in pain severity (P<0.01) and ODI score (P<0.01) after injection compared with patients with positive findings. Regression analysis showed that negative needle EMG findings were significant predictors of pain reduction (P=0.001) and functional improvement (P=0.002) in patients with LSR after ESI. Conclusion This study supports the notion that EMG studies can be used for prediction of functional outcome in patients with LSR performing transforaminal ESI. |
| Body, wrist, and hand anthropometric measurements as risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome Mohamed H Imam, Marwa M Hasan, Rehab A ELnemr, Riham H El-Sayed Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):35-41 Aim The aim of this study was to identify cut-off values for body, hand, and wrist measurements in order to correctly identify individuals with increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Patients and methods This study included 30 patients with clinically diagnosed and electrophysiologically confirmed idiopathic CTS and 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers as the control group. Both groups performed sensory and motor conduction studies of the median nerve. Body, hand, and wrist anthropometric measurements were taken including weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumferences, wrist depth/width, third digit length, palm length/width, and hand length. Obesity indicators and hand/wrist ratios were calculated. Area under the ROC curve (AUC), confidence intervals, cut-off values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated separately for each measured parameter. Results There were statistically significant differences among the studied participants regarding all measured anthropometric parameters (P<0.001). As a result, all studied patients had squarer wrists and shorter hands than healthy participants. The AUC values for all studied measurements showed high accuracy (AUC<95) except for hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, palm length, third digit length, and digit index which showed moderate accuracy. In the studied patients there were positive significant correlations between BMI, wrist depth, wrist ratio, and shape index with an electrophysiological severity grading of CTS of the studied patients; on the other hand, there were negative significant correlations between palm length, hand length, and hand ratio with electrophysiological severity grading of CTS. Conclusion The cut-off values for body, wrist, and hand anthropometric measurements are useful tools to assess the risk factors for CTS. |
| Importance of patient education in management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an intervention study Soha H Senara, Wafaa Y Abdel Wahed, Shimaa E Mabrouk Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):42-47 Background People living with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are extremely in need of patient education (PE) to adapt and cope with the effects of the disease and treatments. PE comprises all educational activities provided for patients, including aspects of therapeutic education, health education, and health promotion. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PE program following the eight evidence-based EULAR-2015 recommendations in the management of patients with RA. Patients and methods A randomized controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms was carried out at the Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Egypt. One hundred patients (both sexes) having RA were included in the study, and their mean age was 39.23±11.28 years, with range from 19 to 71 years. Patients were randomly allocated into two comparable groups: group I received health education through designed PE program and group II did not receive PE program. Disease activity and disability were assessed at the start of study and at two visits later, that is, after 3 months and 6 months, by using the 28 joint disease activity score 28 and the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index. Results On comparing laboratory investigation and outcome scores at follow-up visits, although there were no significant differences between the two study groups regarding laboratory investigation, disease activity score 28 and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores at the start of the study, comparative differences were reported in the follow-up visits. Significant decreases in the laboratory values and scores were reported in group I, whereas no difference was reported in group II. Conclusion PE interventions in patients with RA documented significant improvements in behavior, pain, and disability among these patients. |
| Depression in patients with chronic low back pain N Nassar, N Assaf, D Farrag, D Ibrahim, A Al-Sheekh Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):48-54 Background Low back pain is a common health issue affecting at least 80% of individuals during their lifetime. It is usually recurrent and develops into chronic low back pain (CLBP). In chronic pain, psychosocial risk factors become relevant, and may explain how individuals respond to pain. CLBP is often comorbid with depression. Aim The aim of this study was to detect if there is an association between depression and functional disability in patients with CLBP. Patients and methods This cross-sectional, descriptive preliminary study included 50 patients with CLBP. Pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS), functional disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and depression assessment was done using Beck depression inventory (BDI) questionnaire II. Results The mean age of the patients was 43.66±13.96 years. Mean scores for VAS, ODI, and BDI were 5.38±2.42, 18.66±7.26, and 22.40±9.20, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between VAS and each of ODI and BDI (r=0.797 and 0.515, respectively; P=0.000). Similarly, a positive significant linear relation was detected between degree of disability by ODI and severity of depression by BDI (P=0.039). Conclusion Depression strongly influences pain intensity and degree of disability in patients with CLBP. Screening and early management of depression is essential for reducing pain and disability associated with CLBP. |
| Comparative study between platelet-rich plasma injection and steroid injection in mild–moderate shoulder osteoarthritis and their relation to quality of life Dalia Salah Saif, Deena Mamdouh Serag, Mohamed Ahmed El Tabl Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):55-61 Context Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder that causes joint pain and stiffness. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered a recent effective line of management of OA. Aims To compare the effect of local injection of PRP versus steroid in shoulder OA and their relation to quality of life. Patients and methods This study included 50 patients with mild–moderate OA shoulder diagnosed according to Samilson and Prieto grading system of shoulder OA and were recruited from the outpatient clinic of physical medicine, and rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University Hospital, in the period between 2017 and 2018. The study included both sexes. Group I included 25 patients who were injected intra-articularly with PRP in the affected shoulder, and group II included 25 patients who were injected with triamcinolone acetate. They were evaluated by Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder index and visual analogue scale before and after injection. Statistical analysis A descriptive and analytic study by SPSS, version 16, on IBM compatible computer was done. Results There was a highly statistical significant difference between preinjection and postinjection parameters regarding Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder score and visual analogue scale in both groups, with more improvement in the PRP group. Conclusion Intra-articular injections with PRP and steroids are effective less-invasive lines of shoulder OA treatment, with superiority to PRP owing to more persistence of its effects. |
| Comparison between the roles of musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in detection of joint inflammation and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis Sherihan M Salama Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 2019 46(1):62-69 Background Detection of early signs of synovitis and bone erosions by modern radiological techniques such as musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) and MRI has gained a great interest, as early diagnosis and treatment to target for patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has its impact on disease control. Aim The aim of the following study is to detect the ability of US compared with MRI for the early detection of joint synovitis and bone erosion in RA patients. Patients and methods Six hundred joints (second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints and second to fifth proximal interphalangeal joints) were examined in 50 patients with RA diagnosis. Clinical assessment, noncontrast MRI, US, and conventional radiography were performed for synovitis and bone erosion evaluation. Results and conclusion We concluded that both US and MRI had high ability to detect inflamed joints with close agreement but favoring the US, especially with the added value of power Doppler US where it can reflect increased vascularity associated with inflammation and also with higher scores for these affected joints than that shown by MRI. On the other hand, the study has found that although both US and MRI had high ability to detect erosions with close agreement, the MRI favorably had higher scores for joint erosions compared with the scores shown by US. |
Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation (J Egypt Soc Nephrol Transplant) 2018 | October-December | Volume 18 | Issue 4
| Relation of wnt-signaling antagonist sclerostin to valvular calcification and carotid intimal-medial thickness in hemodialysis patients Ghada El-Said, Mohamed AbdAlbary, Ahmed Bahi, Rash R Elzehry, Ghada El-Kannishy Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation 2018 18(4):103-111 Introduction Sclerostin (Scl) is a Wnt pathway antagonist and is considered to have a role in the bone-vascular axis in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, there is a paucity of data on the relation of circulating serum Scl and valvular calcifications (VCs) in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis (HD) patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum Scl level and cardiac valve calcification (CVC) as well as carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT) in HD patients. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 75 HD patients in Mansoura Nephrology and Dialysis Unit. Patients with age older than 75 years, rheumatic valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, prosthetic valves, ischemic heart disease, and carotid artery surgery were excluded. Echocardiogram calcification scores were used to assess the degree of aortic and mitral valve calcification. CIMT was measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Patients’ basic clinical and biochemical data were recorded. Serum Scl level was measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits before HD sessions. Results CIMT (>0.9 mm) was present in 68% of the patients. Double-valve calcification (aortic and mitral) was present in 72% of the patients and 21.3% of the patients had single-valve calcification. Serum Scl level was significantly higher in studied HD patients than normal healthy control (P=0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum Scl level and degree of cardiac valve calcification as well as with CIMT. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age was the strongest predictor for CIMT in HD patients. Conclusion Cardiac valve calcification and increased CIMT were prevalent in HD patients. Serum Scl level was strongly related to both CVC and CIMT, and it may be considered as one of the calcification modulators in HD patients. |
| Risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in post-renal transplant recipients Jitesh Jeswani, Suraj Godara, Chandani Bhagat Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation 2018 18(4):112-115 Introduction Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a potentially life-threatening infection that occurs in immunocompromised patients. A timely diagnosis of PJP is difficult and relies on clinical features, imaging, and detection of the organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes for 15 patients who developed PJP infection. Patients and methods A retrospective clinical study included all 578 kidney transplant patients who underwent kidney transplantation at the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Of the 578 patients, 15 patients developed PJP infection. Results The median age of all recipients was 55.3 years. The mean duration of prophylaxis was 6.9 months (range: 3–9 months). Only one patient had cytomegalovirus infection, and eight patients had a history of graft rejection. Most of our patients had fever and cough as the presenting symptoms, and all patients had breathlessness on admission. Bilateral haziness seen on chest radiograph was present in seven patients, and 10 patients had bilateral ground-glass appearance on high-resolution computed tomography scan. PCR finding for PJP was positive in all patients. Mortality was seen in four patients, where all the four cases had received anti-rejection therapy with ATG. Conclusion We concluded that among renal transplant recipients, PJP can still occur several months after transplantation, late after prophylaxis discontinuation. Treatment with anti-rejection therapy appears to be the major risk factor for PJP in these patients. |
| Predictive value of novel biomarkers for acute kidney injury in critically ill patients at Assiut University Hospitals Effat A.E Tony, Hatem H.M Maghraby, Shady Y Gayed, Ayat A Sayed Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation 2018 18(4):116-125 Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical problem in critically ill patients, which is associated with adverse outcomes. There is a persistent need to find reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prediction of AKI. Many genes are upregulated in the damaged kidneys, with the subsequent protein products appearing in the urine. Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (uL-FABP) and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) are among the promising upregulated biomarkers. Aim To assess the ability of uL-FABP in comparison with kidney injury molecule-1 for early prediction of AKI in adult critically ill patients. Patients and methods A cohort study was conducted enrolling 100 critically ill patients admitted to medical critical care units (CCUs) who had risk factors for developing AKI. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was calculated on admission. Serum creatinine was measured on admission and thereafter daily till the seventh day of CCU stay. Urine samples for uL-FABP and uKIM-1 assay were collected at the time of CCU admission, on day 3, and on day 5. Results Among critically ill patients, 60% had AKI diagnosed mostly on the second (53.3%) and third (40%) day of CCU admission. There was a significant difference in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (P<0.001), and duration of CCU stay (P<0.01) between AKI and non-AKI groups. The mean baseline of uKIM-1 was significantly higher in patients with AKI (7.17±1.56 ng/ml) compared with those without AKI (3.01±0.85 ng/ml; P=0.01). A significant high baseline uL-FABP level in patients with AKI was 168.51±45.98 (P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of uKIM-1 and uL-FABP levels at the time of admission for prediction of AKI in critically ill patients within the first 7 days of their stay were 0.95 and 0.78, respectively, with a better predictive performance of uKIM-1 than uL-FABP. Conclusion UKIM-1 was a sensitive and specific biomarker (superior to uL-FABP) for the prediction of AKI in critically ill patients. |
| Spectrum of biopsy-proven kidney diseases at a tertiary care hospital in South India Sanjeev S Manjunath, Chettypunyam S Chetan, Chaandrashekar Manoj, Satish Suchitha, Krishnamurthy K Kiran, Gangadhar Chirag Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation 2018 18(4):126-129 Introduction The prevalence of kidney diseases, glomerular and tubulointerstitial, varies with the geographical area, socioeconomic conditions of the people, population demographics, race and ethnicity, access to health care, and also the threshold for doing a renal biopsy. Objective The primary objective was to study the prevalence of biopsy-proven kidney diseases presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Mysore, South India. Patients and methods We have retrospectively analyzed the renal biopsy data from 2005 to 2013. The clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected from biopsy request forms, and histopathology data were recorded. Biopsy specimens were examined by light and immunofluorescence microscopy. As a hospital policy, all biopsies were based on definite indications. A total of 1113 biopsies were considered. Transplant biopsies and those with inadequate specimen were excluded. Results A total of 914 patients had some kind of glomerulopathy. Minimal change disease (n=182/1113) was the commonest histological type among glomerular diseases, followed in order by postinfectious glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, membranous glomerulopathy, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Among the secondary glomerular diseases, the commonest was diabetic nephropathy (n=72) followed by lupus nephritis (n= 58) and crescentic glomerulonephritis. Most common indication for renal biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (n=274/1113), chronic kidney disease (n=141), acute glomerulonephritis (n=107), acute kidney injury with unclear etiology or delayed recovery, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Conclusion Nephrotic syndrome was the commonest indication for renal biopsy, and minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) was the most common glomerular disease followed by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, the incidence of which has decreased in the developed world, still accounts for a significant number in our population. There is a need for electronic data monitoring in India with nationwide integration for a proper analysis of the changing trends of diseases occurring over an extended time frame. |
| Cognitive disorders in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis patients Ahmed S El Belbessi, Iman E El Gohary, Hesham A Sheshtawi, Mona M Abdulmoneim Mohamed Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation 2018 18(4):130-136 Introduction Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and among those treated with hemodialysis (HD). It may jeopardize treatment adherence by affecting the efficiency of every-day tasks, including correct medication and dietary rules. The severity of CKD is associated with the severity of CI, independent of age, education, and other key confounders. It is important to identify those patients with CI to reduce the considerable morbidity associated with this condition and improve their quality of life. Objectives The aim of the present study is to assess cognitive functions in patients with chronic renal diseases and patients on regular HD and to identify CI in these patients. Patients and methods A total of 30 patients with CKD were recruited from the outpatient clinic of Alamerya General Hospital (group I), and 30 HD patients were enrolled in the dialysis unit of the Alamerya General Hospital (group II). Moreover, 30 sex-matched and age-matched patients were recruited as controls (group III). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Depression Anxiety Stress scale-21 were used as cognitive and neurological tests. Result The mean executive functions score was significantly lower in group II (2.37±0.67) in comparison with group I (3.33±0.48), with a P value less than 0.001, and it is also significantly lower in groups I and II in comparison with the control group (3.90±0.31), with a P value of 0.002 and less than 0.001, respectively. The mean attention score was significantly lower in group I (4.20±0.81) and group II (4.23±0.94) in comparison with the control group (5.27±0.69), with a P value of less than 0.001. The mean memory score was significantly lower in group I (3.10±0.40) and group II (2.57±0.90) in comparison with the control group (4.47±0.73), with a P value of less than 0.001. The mean total MoCA test score was significantly lower in group II (22.87±1.68) in comparison with group I (24.27±1.26), with a P value of less than 0.017, and it is also significantly lower in groups I and II in comparison with the control group (28.33±1.47), with a P value of less than 0.001. Conclusion Impaired renal function affects total MoCA score in the studied groups. |
| A study of comparison of clinical assessment of substituted frailty versus performance-based frailty in patients on maintenance hemodialysis program funded by cashless government scheme Priyadarshini John, Manjusha Yadla, Sailaja Singiri Journal of The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation 2018 18(4):137-143 Introduction Frailty is common in patients on maintenance dialysis.The common methods used to assess Frailty include questionnaires,Frailty index.SF-36 is a commonly used questionnaire to assess quality of life.SF-36 in modified version may be used as substituted Frailty index.Whether Frailty can be assessed with the substituted frailty index is not clear. We tried to compare the two methods of assessment of Frailty with Performance based Frailty and Substituted Frailty to analyse the better index of assessment in patients on maintenance dialysis. Aim The aims were to compare frailty using two different methods of assessment in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and to determine the utility of substituted frailty as screening tool for assessment of frailty. Patients and methods We studied frailty in patients on maintenance hemodialysis using two different methods of assessment. Fried frailty index is performance based and is inconvenient to assess in every patient. In a search to find an alternative, we came across another method of evaluation using physical function (PF) component in SF-36 score. We studied quality of life in these patients using SF-36 questionnaire. PF in SF-36 scale was used as a substitute for gait speed and grip strength, which are the components in the original frailty index. The other components like unintentional weight loss, physical inactivity and physical exertion were the same in both the methods of assessment. Substituted frailty (Fsubs)=PF score on SF-36, unintentional weight loss greater than 4.5 kg, physical exhaustion, and physical inactivity. Performance-based frailty/measured frailty (Fmeas)=weight loss greater than 4.5 kg, physical exhaustion, low physical activity, handgrip strength assessment, and gait speed. Results A total of 117 (78%) patients reported frailty based on self-assessment (substituted frailty, Fsubs) and 136 (90.6%) patients had frailty on performance-based frailty index using Fried frailty index (Fmeas). Overall, 28 (18.6%) patients had performance-based frailty only and did not report the symptoms suggestive of frailty. Age and sex were not significantly different among the groups. In our study, we observed the sensitivity of Fsubs (substituted frailty) was 79.5%, specificity was 35.7%, and accuracy was 75.3%. Positive predictive value of Fsubs was 92.30% and negative predictive value was 15.15%. Conclusion Substituted frailty may be a useful screening modality to identify frailty in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. |
The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists (Physiother - J Indian Assoc Physiother)
| Expanding the horizon of physiotherapy profession Sanjiv Kumar Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):49-52 |
| Cognition and quality of life in older adults Dhara Abhinav Sharma, Megha Sandip Sheth, Disha Janak Dalal Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):53-57 BACKGROUND: According to the recent report by the Ministry of Statistics in India, number of elderly accounts for 8.6% of the country's population. Aging causes biological as well as psychological changes. Decline in cognitive functions is one of the normative changes of aging; however, this may impact both physical and mental health of an individual. Quality of Life (QoL) is one of the prime features of successful aging. Hence, this study was undertaken to correlate the level of cognition and QoL in older adults. METHODOLOGY: One twenty-nine males and females of age 60–75 with or without cognitive impairment were selected using convenience sampling, those who could not read Hindi, who had any unstable medical condition, whose vision could not be corrected to normal level, and those with impaired speech were excluded from the study. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was administered to assess the cognitive level. QoL was assessed by QoL-Alzheimer's disease (AD) scale. RESULTS: Result indicated that there is a moderate positive correlation between MoCA and QoL-AD with r = 0.465 and P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the level of cognition and QoL of older adults are moderately in positive correlation with each other. |
| Reaction time in sitting and standing postures among typical young adults MN Anitha, Vijay Raj V Samuel Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):58-62 CONTEXT: Reaction time (RT) is one of the important components of physical fitness. Evaluation of RT is vital to understand and plan a training program. There is a need to comprehend the normative values of RT in young adults in different functional postures, which will enable the clinician to plan the fitness program effectively. AIMS: The aim of this study was to observe the RT in sitting and standing postures among typical young adults. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an observational study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five young Indian men and women students from a college at Mysore were included in the study. The participants' dominant hand was used to assess the RT in standing and sitting postures with their dominant hand. With the given distance, the RT was then calculated using standard conversion formulae. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The RT between standing and sitting was analyzed using mean, standard deviation (SD), and paired t-test. RESULTS: The RT analyzed for 22 men in sitting showed excellent RT with a mean 0.1188 (SD 0.0455) and 0.0929 (SD 0.0385) in sitting and standing postures, respectively. Women (n = 43) in sitting had a good RT with a mean of 0.1401 (SD 0.0314) and in standing an excellent RT with a mean of 0.1092 (SD 0.0323). Men had better performance when compared with women, both in standing and sitting postures. Paired test for standing and sitting showed significant difference with t value of 5.364 and P < 0.005, with reduced RT in standing. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that the RT is comparatively reduced in standing than in sitting among the young adults. |
| Comparative effects of Stratified Back care approaches in individuals with nonspecific low back pain Bashir Bello, Muhyiddeen Suleiman Bichi Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):63-72 BACKGROUND: Stratified Back care is a recently developed method for treating low back pain. PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of two stratified care approaches (sub-grouping for targeted treatment [STarT] and specific treatment of the problems of the spine [STOPS] in patients with nonspecific low back pain [NSLBP]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six individuals, with NSLBP, participated in this single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into one of the two groups: STarT Back Group (n = 23) or STOPS group (n = 23). Treatment was applied twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcomes assessed pre- and post-interventions were pain intensity (PI) using numeric pain rating scale and functional disability (FD) using the Oswestry Disability Index. Participants in both groups were comparable in age (44.65 ± 9.03 vs. 46.40 ± 7.39) years. At baseline, PI, FD, and anthropometric values were comparable in both groups. RESULTS: The Results showed a significant difference in PI between the STarT and STOPS with a mean difference of −1.24 and 95% confidence interval (−0.86 to −0.04), P < 0.05, with no significant difference in FD, P > 0.05 between the groups. However, there was a significant difference within each group in pain and FD with P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that STarT Back approach was more effective in reducing PI only than STOPS approach in individuals with NSLBP. |
| Enhancing professionalism in physiotherapy interns using a structured teaching and assessment module Mariya Jiandani, Amita Mehta Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):73-78 INTRODUCTION: Professionalism describes the skills, competency, attributes, and behavior of an individual belonging to a profession. The physiotherapy graduate on completion of internship has direct access with the community as a professional. Hence, there is a need to explicitly teach and assess professionalism. The purpose of this study was to prepare a module to enhance professionalism and use tools to assess the professional attributes uniformly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A module was formulated with the help of experts, literature review, and guidelines of various physiotherapy regulatory bodies nationally and internationally. Focused group discussions were used as a method to identify competencies. After designing the module, a prospective intervention trial was conducted wherein 40 students who joined the internship program of a tertiary care hospital of India, were enrolled for the study. A participatory approach was used which included an interactive workshop on “ethics in clinical practice, communication skills, and professionalism.” A written pre-post evaluation and workplace-based assessment were carried out in four core physiotherapy areas. Competencies and attributes were measured using tools such professional mini-evaluation exercise (P-MEX), prevalidated checklist for clinical reasoning, patient feedback form, and a retro-preevaluation of self-assessment form of the American Physical Therapy Association. RESULTS: A total of 34 students completed the module. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. Nonparametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to analyze the descriptive data. The statistical significance was kept at P < 0.05 at a confidence interval of 95%. There was a statistically significant increase in the knowledge component pre-post analysis (P < 0.00). Change in professional attributes as measured by P-MEX showed a significant change in Doctor-patient relationship (P < 0.01) and interprofessional skills (P < 0.001) followed by reflective skills (P < 0.007) and time management skills (P < 0.003). There was also a significant difference in total patient feedback scores from baseline (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The module helped students gain the knowledge and skills required to communicate and handle difficult situations relevant to physiotherapy practice. |
| Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, validity, and factor analysis of the Gujarati version of the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia in chronic low back pain Dibyendunarayan Dhrubaprasad Bid, A Thangamani Ramalingam, Saumi R Sinha, Payal B Rathi, Vidhi N Patel, Jainab M Rajwani, Krutika N Patel Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):79-86 BACKGROUND: Nowadays more attention is being given to standardizing the outcome measures for improving treatment methods for chronic low back pain (CLBP). The Gujarati translation of the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) in patients with CLBP has never been validated in the native Gujarati population. PURPOSE: Translating, culturally adapting, and validating the Gujarati version of the TSK-Gujarati (TSK-G) to allow its use for Gujarati-speaking patients with CLBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The development of the TSK-G questionnaire involved its translation and backtranslation, a final review by an expert committee, and testing of the pre final version in establishing its correspondence to the original English version. The psychometric testing included reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation [ICC]), convergent and divergent validity (Pearson's correlation) by comparing TSK-G to a numerical pain rating scale, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ), the Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); and factor analysis. RESULTS: Factor analysis indicated a 6-factor 17-item solution (64.07% of explained variance). The questionnaire showed satisfactory internal consistency (0.639) and moderate test-retest reliability (ICC 0.696). Divergent validity showed low correlations with numerical pain rating scale (r = 0.044), the RMDQ-G (r = 0.06), and PHQ-9-G (r = 0.269); but convergent validity showed highly significant correlation with FABQ-G (r = 0.407, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The successful translation of TSK questionnaire into the Gujarati language shows good psychometric properties and factorial structure and approximates the results of the current English version of the TSK questionnaire. |
| Long-term effectiveness of physiotherapy in a case of ankylosing spondylitis Ratan P Khuman Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):88-92 Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a relatively uncommon inflammatory arthritis that affects the axial joints. The diagnosis is often missed and markedly delayed. Here, we report a delayed diagnosis of AS in a 47-year-old male, 10 years after the onset of back symptoms, using the modified New York criteria. The objective of this case report is to outline the long-term effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. The condition was managed with supervised physiotherapy intervention and unsupervised home exercises for 3 months and was followed for 1 year to investigate the long-term effectiveness of the interventions. It was found that the combination of supervised physiotherapy interventions and unsupervised home exercises had promising short term as well as long-term effects without deterioration in AS symptoms with increased patient satisfaction and confidence. |
| Feasibility of application of constraint-induced movement therapy in a child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A single-case study Darshanaben J Tadvi, Vasanthan Rajagopalan Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):93-97 Children suffering from hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) develop developmental disregard (DD). In addition, they fail to comprehend the consequences of nonuse. The utility of affected upper limb is jeopardized. Current evidence supports the use of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for upper limb function in individuals with hemiplegia. This single-case study attempts to identify feasibility of application of pediatric CIMT on a child with hemiplegic CP. The aim of this study is to identify the benefits and feasibility of application of CIMT for improving quality of the upper limb movement in a child with hemiplegic CP. A 2½-year-old girl with hemiplegic CP visited the outpatient department (OPD) with the problem of lack of use of the right upper limb for activities and play along with the poorer quality of the upper limb movement. Disregard index was calculated to identify the presence of DD. CIMT was chosen as the child had above minimal ability to open fingers and extend the wrist. A 2-week intervention was designed based on the goal-oriented, ability-specific, child-specific practice of functional tasks. A rigid tape was used to provide constraint. The child was motivated to play with the affected hand for 2 h in the OPD and 2 h at home. Tasks of incremental difficulty were utilized as shaping method. The improvement in the quality of movement was measured using quality of upper extremity skilled test (QUEST) and Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA). The score on QUEST improved from 66.35 to 72.1, AHA improved from 66 to 73, and the disregard index score improved from 42.75 to 26.3 in 2 weeks. The treatment was adjusted to accommodate the behavior of the child. |
| Providing cancer rehabilitation services: Are there some guiding principles? Tan Yeow Leng, Saw Hay Mar Physiotherapy - The Journal of Indian Association of Physiotherapists 2018 12(2):98-99 |
Physiological and pathophysiological roles of hypothalamic astrocytes in metabolism
Abstract
The role of glial cells, including astrocytes, in metabolic control has received increasing attention in recent years. Although the original interest in these macroglial cells was due to the observation that astrogliosis occurs in the hypothalamus of diet‐induced obese subjects, studies have also focused on how they participate in the physiological control of appetite and energy expenditure. Astrocytes express receptors for numerous hormones, growth factors and neuropeptides. Some functions of astrocytes include: Transport of nutrients and hormones from the circulation to the brain; Storage of glycogen; Participation in glucose sensing; Synaptic plasticity; Uptake and metabolism of neurotransmitters; Release of substances to modify neurotransmission; and Cytokine production, amongst others. In the hypothalamus, these physiological glial functions impact on neuronal circuits that control systemic metabolism to modify their outputs. The initial response of astrocytes to poor dietary habits and obesity involves activation of neuroprotective mechanisms, but with chronic exposure to these situations hypothalamic astrocytes participate in the development of some of the damaging secondary effects. This review discusses some of the physiological functions of hypothalamic astrocytes in metabolism, but also their role in the secondary complications of obesity such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular affectations.
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