Articles: function.
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Dysphagia is often caused by radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), and reduced tongue pressure (TP) is often associated with swallowing dysfunction in the oral stage. However, the evaluation of dysphagia by measuring TP has not yet been established in HNC patients. Herein, we conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the usefulness of TP measurement using a TP-measuring device as an objective indicator of dysphagia induced by RT in HNC patients. ⋯ This trial aimed to investigate the usefulness of evaluation by measuring TP for dysphagia associated with HNC treatment. We expect that an easier evaluation for dysphagia will improve rehabilitation programs for dysphagia. Overall, we expect this trial to contribute to the improvement of patients' quality of life (QOL).
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Falls are a major concern for people of all ages, especially older adults with declining physical functions and deteriorating muscle strength. The Five Times Sit to Stand Test is used for the assessment of lower limb strength along with balance and postural control. Therefore, the systematic review at hand aimed to determine the optimal procedure and characteristics among older adults. ⋯ The Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test is a safe test, providing added value to apply risk for falls in people at moderate risk and in healthy populations using standardized chair heights and stopwatches.
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Sarcopenic obesity is a complex condition characterized by the combination of age-related loss of muscle mass and high levels of adiposity, or body fat. Up to 30% of older adults may be affected by this condition, and its prevalence varies by gender, race, and ethnicity. It can lead to postural instability and reduced physical activity, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and functional limitations. ⋯ This research has shown that countries with higher economic development tend to produce more research on the issue, and the number of publications on the topic will rise in the upcoming years. It is an important research topic in an aging society and needs to be further researched. We believe this article may aid clinicians and scientists in comprehending global efforts to combat sarcopenic obesity.
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Acute rupture of the fibular ligament complex is one of the commonest injuries in sports. Prospective randomized trials in the 1980s led to a paradigm shift from primary surgical repair to conservative functional treatment. ⋯ Conservative functional treatment is now the standard treatment in acute fibular ligament rupture of the ankle because it is low-risk, low-cost, and safe. Primary surgery is indicated in only 0.5% to 4% of cases. Physical examination for tenderness to palpation and for stability, as well as stress ultrasonography, can be used to differentiate sprains from ligamentous tears. MRI is superior only for the detection of additional injuries. Stable sprains can be successfully treated with an elastic ankle support for a few days, and unstable ligamentous ruptures with an orthosis for 5 to 6 weeks. Subsequent physiotherapy with proprioceptive exercises is the best way to prevent recurrent injury.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Analysis of effectiveness and outcome of traumatic brain injury treatment in ED during COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter in Taiwan.
The coronavirus disease 2019 has become a threat to global healthcare because of its rapid spread and evolution. In severe cases, the initial management of the disease is mainly supportive therapy and mechanical ventilation. Therefore, we investigated whether a modified emergency department workflow affects the efficacy will influence the efficacy and patient outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Taiwan. ⋯ The "Door to the operating room (OR)," with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, was on average 109.7 minutes slower than without the PCR testing in the reference period 2019. TBI treatment efficiency was delayed because of the PCR test. However, the surgical volume and functional outcome during these 2 periods were statistically insignificant compared to the pre-pandemic period because the spread of the virus was well controlled and hospital capacity was increased.