Understanding sagittal compensation in adult spinal deformity patients: relationship between pelvic tilt and lower-extremity position

OBJECTIVE In adult spinal deformity (ASD), quantifying preoperative lower-extremity (LE) compensation is important in formulating an operative plan to achieve optimal global sagittal alignment. Whole-body radiographs are not always available. This study evaluated the possibility of estimating LE compensation without whole-body radiographs. METHODS In total, 200 consecutive ASD patients with full-body radiographic assessment were categorized into the following three groups according to their cranio-hip balance (distance from the cranial sagittal vertical axis to the hip axis [CrSVA-H]): group 1, anterior-shift (A-shift) group (CrSVA-H > 40 mm); group 2, balanced group, −40 mm < CrSVA-H < 40 mm; and group 3, posterior-shift (P-shift) group, CrSVA-H < −40 mm. After analyzing the correlation between CrSVA-H, pelvic tilt (PT), and LE parameters, the cutoff PT and PT/pelvic incidence (PI) values that correlated with the presence of LE compensation were determined. Previously published data from asymptomatic volunteers were used as a baseline threshold (sacrofemoral angle [SFA] > 217.0° and knee flexion angle [KA] > 11.0°). RESULTS Among the hip, knee, and ankle, only KA showed a significant increase in the A-shift group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.01). With a wide threshold (SFA > 208.0° and KA > 5.0°), 84.9% of the A-shift group showed LE compensation (hip or knee or both), which was a significantly greater percentage than those in the balanced and P-shift groups (48.4% and 51.9%, p < 0.01). With a narrow threshold (SFA > 217.0° and KA > 11.0°), 62.2% of the A-shift group showed any LE compensation, which was also a higher percentage than the other two groups. The CrSVA-H was moderately correlated with KA (r = 0.502), but had no correlation with PT, SFA, and ankle dorsiflexion angle (AA). PT showed a moderate/strong correlation with SFA, KA, and AA (r = 0.846, 0.624, and 0.622, respectively). With receiver operating characteristic curves, the authors determined that a 23.0° PT with PT/PI > 0.46 predicts the presence of any type of LE compensation with use of the wide threshold. CONCLUSIONS ASD patients with increased CrSVA-H, which represents cranio-hip anterior imbalance, demonstrated a higher prevalence of LE compensation, especially knee flexion, compared to those with neutral and posterior shift of CrSVA. PT represents the extent of LE compensation in patients with spinal sagittal malalignment. Using the cutoff value of PT determined in this study, surgeons can preoperatively estimate the extent of LE compensation without obtaining a full-body radiograph.

Effect of functional lateral shift of the mandible on hyaluronic acid metabolism related to lubrication of temporomandibular joint in growing rats

Summary Background Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major molecular component of the articular cartilage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) influencing joint lubrication. Functional lateral shift of the mandible (FLSM) can lead to malocclusion. This study investigated the effects of FLSM on HA metabolism and lubrication of the TMJ in growing rats. Methods Thirty 5-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into shift, recovery, and control groups. Rats in the shift and recovery groups were fitted with guiding plates to produce a 2-mm FLSM which were removed from the rats in the recovery group 14 days later. Animals were sacrificed at 14 and 28 days after the appliances were attached. Immunohistochemistry of HA-binding protein (HABP), hyaluronan synthase (HAS), and hyaluronoglucosaminidases (HYALs) was examined. Results The thickness of HABP-positively stained areas in the lateral regions in the bilateral condyle was reduced during the experimental period in the shift group compared with that in the control group. The proportion of HAS2-stained areas was bilaterally decreased in different regions of condylar cartilage during the experimental period in the shift group. The reduction of the HYAL2-stained area proportion in the condylar cartilage was more significant than that of HYAL1 at 14 days after appliance attachment in the shift group. HAS2 staining was not recovered in the recovery group. Limitations This research was based on animal experiments with a limited experimental period. Conclusion FLSM altered lubrication related HA metabolism in the articular cartilage of the TMJ in growing rats.

Relationship between the night shift work and thyroid disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives. The night shift workers were reported to have health consequences, ranging from mild, as cluster headache, to severe, as heart attacks and hormonal irregularities. This study is aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analyze of the association between the night shift work and the thyroid disorders.Methods. We comprehensively searched eight databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar for the relevant articles. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement.Results. We finally included six papers involving 4074 participants. Four papers were eligible for meta-analysis involving 1864 night shift workers and 2017 day shift workers. We against found that thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is significantly higher in the night shift group compared to the day shift group.Conclusions. The higher TSH among the night shift workers is attributed to disruption of the circadian rhythm and sleep/wake cycle, with subsequent eating disorders. We proposed that more attention should be paid to the working pattern and the related health consequences.

A night on call or an overnight shift does not reduce residents’ empathy: a randomized crossover multicenter survey

Background Studies have shown that sleep deprivation may reduce empathy among medical students. Yet, little is known about the empathy after a night on call or an overnight shift among resident physicians. Hence, we aimed to examine whether a night on call or an overnight shift reduces the physicians’ empathy. Methods We conducted a multicenter randomized crossover survey using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSE). A total of 260 physicians who worked at academic hospitals and community hospitals in Japan in 2016 were recruited and randomized into two groups. Group A first completed the JSE prior to a night on call or an overnight shift; then, 8 weeks later, Group A completed the JSE after a night on call or an overnight shift. Group B first completed the JSE after a night on call or an overnight shift; then, 8 weeks later, Group B completed the JSE prior to a night on call or an overnight shift. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the JSE scores of pre- and post-night on call or overnight shifts. Results A total of 117 Group A physicians and 112 Group B physicians returned a completed JSE. The overall response rate was 88.08%. There was no significant difference in the JSE scores between pre- and post-night on call or overnight shift. (Group A before night vs Group B after night, p = 0.40, Group A after night vs Group B before night, p = 0.68). Conclusion As per our results, a night on call or an overnight shift did not reduce the Japanese physicians’ empathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on physicians’ empathy after a night on call or an overnight shift.

Comparison of clinical and patient-reported outcomes of three procedures for recurrent anterior shoulder instability: arthroscopic Bankart repair, capsular shift, and open Latarjet

Background Best surgical of recurrent anterior shoulder instability remained controversial. We knew little about the superiority and choice between traditional open and modern arthroscopic techniques. We hypothesized that outcomes of all patients will be similar regardless of surgical technique. Methods A retrospective case-cohort analysis of 168 patients who had recurrent anterior shoulder instability was conducted from September 2010 to December 2013. All cases (mean age 30.8 [range 18–50] years) were performed with arthroscopic Bankart repair (33 males/20 females), open Latarjet (34 males/18 females), and capsular shift (31 males/14 females). The average follow-up was 67.6 months (range 60–72). The shoulder instability index score (ISIS) was more than 3 with an average of 6.4. Results All treatments proved to be effective in improving shoulder functional status and reducing symptoms, while Latarjet had an advantage over subjective perception. The Rowe scores in arthroscopic Bankart, open Latarjet, and capsular shift group were 92.3 ± 1.5, 96.2 ± 2.1, and 93.2 ± 2.3, respectively, with significant difference. There was no significant difference in other functional outcomes. However, the Latarjet group in subjective results (subjective shoulder value (SSV) and subjective shoulder value for sport practice (SSV Sport)) was superior to the others (P < 0.05). There were two relapsed cases in arthroscopic Bankart and capsular shift group, respectively, and no recurrence in open Latarjet group. Conclusion Arthroscopic Bankart repair has the advantage of mini-invasion and rapid recovery. Capsular shift offers stabilizing of inferior or multidirectional type, especially for little bone defect. Latarjet was more effective in reducing recurrence with higher stability. Level of evidence Therapeutic level III

As long as you get paid: expectation of reward modulates executive inhibition

In order to address the question of the adaptive changes in executive inhibition induced by expectation, we designed a stop signal task where participants either knew or ignored the possibility of receiving distinct monetary feedbacks after each successful inhibition. Our results confirmed previous observations demonstrating a “kick start effect”: that the presence of a high reward feedback at the beginning of the task has the potential to enhance response inhibition, compared to when participants start with low reward, getting high reward at the end. The progression of inhibition scores (SSRT) evidenced a progressive delta change between the 1st and the following trial blocks when participants were aware of the reward shift. In contrast, the unexpected reward shift group exhibited a main change between the no rewarded and the first rewarded block, with no further changes on the SSRT scores. Our findings suggest that the cognizance of reward magnitudes seems to play a crucial role in executive modulation of inhibition.

Sleep Quality Associated With Different Work Schedules: A Longitudinal Study of Nursing Staff

Purpose: To explore the differences in sleep parameters between nurses working a slow, forward rotating shift and those working a fixed day shift. Method: A longitudinal parallel-group comparison design was used in this prospective study. Participants (female) were randomly assigned to a rotating shift or a fixed day shift group. Participants in the rotating shift group worked day shift for the first 4 weeks, followed by evening shift for the second and night shift the third. Those in the day shift group worked day shift for all 12 weeks. Each kept a sleep diary and wore an actigraph (actigraph data were used to calculate total sleep time [TST], sleep onset latency [SOL], wake after sleep onset [WASO], and sleep efficiency [SE]) for 12 days, from Workday 1–4 in each of Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Results: TST in nurses working evening rotating shift was higher than that for those working the day or night rotating shift and fixed day shift. WASO was significantly longer on Day 2 for rotating shift participants working evening versus day shift. SOL and SE were significantly shorter and lower in rotating shift nurses working night versus both day and evening shifts. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of the sleep patterns and quality of nurses with different work shifts may lead to better management of work shifts that reduces the influence of shift work on sleep quality.

A Comparison of the Effects of Fixed- and Rotating-Shift Schedules on Nursing Staff Attention Levels

Purpose:Sleep deficit affects neurobehavioral functioning, reduces attention and cognitive function, and negatively impacts occupational safety. This study investigated selective attention levels of nursing staff on different shifts.Methods:Using a prospective, randomized parallel group study, selective attention was measured using the d2 test in 62 nursing staff in a medical center in Taiwan.Findings:There were significant differences in selective attention indicators (E%) between the fixed-day-shift group (control group) and rotating-shift group (experimental group): The percentage of errors (E%) for night-shift workers in the rotating-shift group was higher than that of fixed-day-shift workers, while the total number of items scanned minus error (TN − E) and concentration performance (CP) scores were higher for fixed-day-shift workers. Within the experimental group, the error rate on night shift was 0.44 times more than that on day shift and .62 times more than on evening shift; the TN-E on night shift was 38.99 items less than that on day shift, and the CP was 27.68 items less on night shift than on day shift; indicating that staff on the night shift demonstrated poorer speed and accuracy on the overall test than did the staff on day shifts.Conclusions:Inadequate sleep and a state of somnolence adversely affected the attention and operation speed of work among night-shift workers. More than 2 days off is suggested when shifting from the night shift to other shifts to provide adequate time for circadian rhythms to adjust.