Development of a method to assess alignment of the foot and lower leg

ABSTRACT Ito S, Tomita Y, Tanabe S. Development of a method to assess alignment of the foot and lower leg. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2013; 4: 80-83. Purpose: Three-dimensional analyses of the foot and lower leg have been restricted to large-scale research facilities, since such analyses require a large experimental area and expensive measurement systems. Therefore, we developed a new threedimensional method of analyzing still pictures using commercially available digital cameras, and applied it to clinical use. Methods: We used three digital cameras. One was set 6 m behind the subject, while the other two were placed at 45 degrees to the right and left sides of the first camera, each the same distance from the subject. We used a plaster model of a lower leg and foot, on which several markers were mounted. The positions of the three-dimensional coordinates of the markers were computed by triangulation from the pictures taken with the three cameras, and the accuracy was verified. Results: The average reading error was 0.6 mm, and the average and maximum repetition errors were 1.3 mm and 1.6 mm, respectively. Comparison with direct evaluation was found to be 2.3% at maximum. These results showed that the method is highly reliable. Conclusion: Although a three-dimensional analysis using this method has the limitation of still picture analysis, it may be useful in many clinical applications because it requires only inexpensive apparatus and a small experimental area

Mohebali M. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antigens in sera from experimentally infected mice. Pak J Med Sci. 2007;23(1):100-102. 32 pour Azami et al. : Rapid Detection of Toxoplasma gondii

ABSTRACT Objective: Detection of Toxoplasma antigen in serum of mice by Immunoblotting. Design: Serum samples isolated from Balb/C mice experimentally infected with T. gondii, RH strain. IgG isolated from rabbits that were immunized with T. gondii Immunoblotting was performed to detect T. gondii antigens in sera of mice

Transition for adolescents with a rare disease

$\bf Purpose$ The transition process from paediatric/adolescent to adult medical care settings is of utmost importance for the future health of adolescents with chronic diseases and poses even more difficulties in the context of rare diseases (RDs). Paediatric care teams are challenged to deliver adolescent-appropriate information and structures. Here we present a structured transition pathway which is patient-focused and adoptable for different RDs. $\bf Methods$ The transition pathway for adolescents 16 years and older was developed and implemented as part of a multi-centre study in 10 university hospitals in Germany. Key elements of the pathway included: assessment of patients' disease-related knowledge and needs, training/educational and counselling sessions, a structured epicrisis and a transfer appointment jointly with the paediatric and adult specialist. Specific care coordinators from the participating university hospitals were in charge of organization and coordination of the transition process. $\bf Results$ Of a total of 292 patients, 286 completed the pathway. Deficits in disease-specific knowledge were present in more than 90% of participants. A need for genetic or socio-legal counselling was indicated by > 60%. A mean of 2.1 training sessions per patient were provided over a period of almost 1 year, followed by the transfer to adult care in 267 cases. Twelve patients remained in paediatric care as no adult health care specialist could be identified. Targeted training and counselling resulted in improved disease-specific knowledge and contributed to empowering of patients. $\bf Conclusion$ The described transition pathway succeeds to improve health literacy in adolescents with RDs and can be implemented by paediatric care teams in any RD specialty. Patient empowerment was mainly achieved by individualized training and counselling

THE PREVALENCE OF SUPERFICIAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN THE ELDERLY

ABSTRACT Objective: The main goals of this study were to determine the distribution and frequency of dermatologic diseases in geriatric patients according to age and gender, and the place of residence. Methodology: A total of 349 patients aged 65 years and over lived in elderly care centers and geriatric patients in Ahvaz Jundishapur University Hospitals were studied in winter of 2008. Specimens were collected from clinically suspected fungal infections of various body sites including toenail, fingernail, body and groin, head and scalp, face, hand, and foot. Results: The distribution of the patients in the different age groups was as follows: 16 patients in the 65-74 year age group [11 female (69%) and 5 male (31%)]; 11 patients in the 75-84 year age group [7 female (58%) and 5 male (42%)]; and 3 patients in the > 85 year age group [1 female (33%) and 2 male (67%)]. Overall, the 3 most frequent diseases in this cohort of patients were erythrasma [16 patients (53.3 %)], onychomycosis [10 patients (33.3%)] and skin yeast infections [4 patients (13.4%)]. Conclusion: In this study Corynebacterium minutissimum was the most frequent agent of infections (53.3%) followed by filamentous fungi (23.3%), C. albicans, Candida sp. and yeasts (6.7 % each). Only one dermatophyte (T. verrucosum) was isolated (3.3%)

Are Nonpharmacologic Interventions Delivered Through Synchronous Telehealth as Effective and Safe as In-Person Interventions for the Management of Patients With Nonacute Musculoskeletal Conditions? A Systematic Rapid Review

Objective : To determine whether nonpharmacologic interventions delivered through synchronous telehealth are as effective and safe compared with in-person interventions for the management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions in improving pain, functioning, self-reported recovery, psychological outcomes, or health-related quality of life using rapid review methods. Data Sources : We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 2010 to August 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English or French; we updated our search in January 2021. Study Selection : One reviewer screened citations in 2 phases (phase 1: title/abstract; phase 2: full-text) selecting RCTs comparing synchronous telehealth with in-person care for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. A random 10% sample was screened by 2 independent reviewers with minimum 95% agreement prior to full screening. One reviewer critically appraised and one reviewer validated appraisal for eligible RCTs. Data Extraction : One author extracted participant characteristics, setting, sample size, interventions, comparisons, follow-up period, and outcome data. A second author validated data extraction. Data Synthesis : We summarized the findings narratively. Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests that synchronous telehealth (ie, videoconference or telephone calls) alone or in combination with in-person care leads to similar outcomes as in-person care alone for nonspecific low back pain, generalized osteoarthritis, hip or knee osteoarthritis, and nonacute headaches in adults. Conclusions : Synchronous telehealth may be an option for the management of nonacute musculoskeletal conditions in adults. However, our results may not be generalizable to rural or low socioeconomic populations. Future research should investigate the outcomes associated the use of new technologies, such as videoconference