Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Light therapy for multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, more than a quarter of whom consider fatigue to be their most disabling symptom. However, there are few effective treatment options for fatigue. We aim to investigate whether supplemental exposure to bright white light will reduce MS-associated fatigue. ⋯ We present a study design and rationale for randomizing a nonpharmacological intervention for MS-associated fatigue, using bright light therapy. The study limitations relate to the logistical issues of a self-administered intervention requiring frequent participant self-report in a relapsing condition. Ultimately, light therapy for the treatment of MS-associated fatigue may provide a low-cost, noninvasive, self-administered treatment for one of the most prevalent and burdensome symptoms experienced by people with MS.
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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health concern. Efficient screening requires criteria that are economical, easily accessible, and applicable for all populations. We aimed to compare the discriminating ability of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for the diagnosis of MetS in a Han Chinese population. ⋯ Multiple logistic regression confirmed the positive association between WHtR and the risk of MetS. In the nonobese subgroup, WHtR was also superior to BMI and WC for predicting MetS in men (P < .05) and better than BMI in women (P < .05). Among the obesity indices analyzed here, WHtR was the best for predicting MetS in Han Chinese adults, especially in nonobese adults.
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Clinical Trial
The effect of age and speed on foot and ankle kinematics assessed using a 4-segment foot model.
The effects of age and speed on foot and ankle kinematics in gait studies using foot models are not fully understood, whereas this can have significant influence. We analyzed these variables with the 4-segment Oxford foot model. ⋯ Our analysis found that speed significantly influenced the kinematic outcome parameters. This was more pronounced in the ankle joint. In contrast, no significant differences were found between younger and older healthy subjects.
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The aim of the study is to characterize the clinical ocular phenotype with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles type 1 (CFEOM1) and to confirm whether the kinesin family member 21A (KIF21A) mutation was the pathogenic gene in this Chinese family. Three affected individuals and 2 asymptomatic kinsfolk from a Chinese family underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, orbital computerized tomography (CT), and postoperative histological examinations were performed in the proband. All the recruited members were screened for 3 exons (8, 20, and 21) of KIF21A mutations using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing of corresponding PCR products. ⋯ The candidate mutation was not present in multiple web-accessible and in-house exome databases. The p. Arg954Trp mutation of KIF21A was the causative mutation in this Chinese pedigree with CFEOM1.
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Chart reviews have been used to assess the incidence and impact of adverse events, but most of them are not a nationally representative sample. In addition, the definition of adverse events is generally broad and covers unintended events; the relationship to outcome is often unclear, and official estimates have not matched those of medical practitioner's recognition. The number of patient deaths from adverse events remains unknown. ⋯ The mortality rate was high at acute care hospitals with ≥500 beds and at psychiatric hospitals. The nationwide number of patient deaths recognized by medical practitioners as caused by adverse events and its mortality rate were estimated. In comparison with a chart review, a mail survey was a faster and a cheaper way, and was able to cover a wide range of hospitals for estimating mortality rate of adverse events.