Technology and Health Care - Volume 31, issue 5

Authors: Wieber, Juliane | Brandt, Jasmin | Pieper, Maike | Hirschhäuser, Eva | Catalá-Lehnen, Philip | Rein, Robert | Braunstein, Bjoern

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Joint position sense test assess patient mobility and proprioceptive ability. Yet, application used under different conditions may biases reproduction error resulting in different therapeutic consequences. OBJECTIVE: To investigate knee angle reproduction test under different test conditions. METHODS: 25 healthy subjects (mean ± SD, age = 25 ± 2 years, activity level: 9 ± 2 training hours/week) performed knee angle reproduction test in the sitting and prone position, while changing the knee angle starting (i) from flexion and (ii) extension, (iii) …inducing vibration on the semitendinosus tendon. RESULTS: Absolute mean knee angle reproduction error showed significant difference for body position and vibration (Position: 95% CI 0.71 to 2.32; p < 0.001. No Vibration & Vibration: 95% CI - 1.71 to - 0.12; p = 0.027). Relative knee angle reproduction error was significant different in all conditions (No Vibration & Vibration: 95% CI - 3.30 to - 0.45; p = 0.010. Body orientation: 95% CI 1.08 to 3.93; p < 0.001. Direction of movement: 95% CI 0.56 to 3.41; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Body orientation and movement direction influence the resulting knee angle reproduction error in healthy subjects. Practitioners are advised to use standardised test procedures when comparing different within- and between-patient results. Trial registration: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AFWRP. Show more

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, proprioception, knee joint, return to sport, physiotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220747

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1567-1578, 2023

Authors: Rafeeq, Reem A. | Saleem, Alan E. | Nahidh, Mohammed | Kadhum, Ammar S. | Al-Huwaizi, Akram F. | Marrapodi, Maria Maddalena | Cicciù, Marco | Minervini, Giuseppe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is considered a highly infectious and life threatening disease. OBJECTIVE: The present paper aims to evaluate various aspects of preventive measures and clinical management of the scheduled visits for orthodontic patients to the dental clinics during the outbreak of COVID-19, and to assess how orthodontists dealt with this challenge. METHODS: Orthodontists in private and public clinics were invited to fill a questionnaire that addressed infection control protocols and concerns about clinical management of patients in the clinics during the pandemic. Frequncies and percentages of the responses were obtained and compared …using Chi-square tests. RESULTS: About 77% of those working in private clinics, and 63% of those working in private and governmental clinics performed room disinfection following each patient. In case of patients needing urgent management and have active infection, 56% of the participants provided care under high infection control measures; on the contrary, 64% provided symptomatic intervention including orthodontic wax, analgesics and sometimes mouthwash. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the orthodontic treatments. All pre-cautionary measures have to be made available in the clinic in order to minimize the spread of viral infection with continuous dental health care training. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, infection control, orthodontics

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220909

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1579-1592, 2023

Authors: Elmanowski, Jule | Kleynen, Melanie | Geers, Richard P.J. | Rovelo-Ruiz, Gustavo | Geurts, Eva | Coninx, Karin | Verbunt, Jeanine A. | Seelen, Henk A.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Improving arm-hand skill performance is a major therapeutic target in stroke rehabilitation. Arm-hand rehabilitation may be enriched in content and variation by using technology-assisted training. Especially for people with a severely affected arm, technology-assisted training offers more challenging training possibilities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of ReHab-TOAT, a “Remote Handling Based Task-Oriented Arm Training” approach featuring enriched haptic feedback aimed at improving daily activities and participation. METHODS: Five subacute or chronic stroke patients suffering moderate to severe arm-hand impairments and five rehabilitation therapists participated. All participants …received 2 ReHab-TOAT sessions. Outcome measure was a bespoke feasibility questionnaire on user experiences and satisfaction regarding ‘motivation ’, ‘individualization of training ’, ‘potential training effects ’, and ‘implementation in rehabilitation ’ of patients and therapists. RESULTS: Both patients and therapists experienced ReHab-TOAT as being feasible. They found ReHab-TOAT very motivating and challenging. All patients perceived an added value of ReHab-TOAT and would continue the training. Small improvements regarding exercise variability were suggested. CONCLUSION: ReHab-TOAT seems to be a feasible and very promising training approach for arm-hand rehabilitation of stroke patients with a moderately or severely affected arm. Further research is necessary to investigate potential training effects of ReHab-TOAT. Show more

Keywords: ReHab-TOAT, technology-assisted, arm-hand skill performance, rehabilitation, stroke

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220465

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1593-1605, 2023

Authors: Riemer, Lena | Dargel, Jens | Schäferhoff, Peter | Eysel, Peer | Steimel, Thomas | Reineck, Sönke | Grevenstein, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee injuries and has substantial impact on knee function. Beside primary ruptures, an increasing number of re-(re-)ruptures occur, representing a therapeutical challenge for the treating surgeon. Several risk factors for re-ruptures have been previously identified, including an increased tibial slope. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the effect of femoral condyle configuration on ACL-ruptures and re-ruptures. METHODS: In-vivo magnetic resonance imaging scans of three different groups of patients were compared. Group 1 included patients with an intact ACL on …both sides, group 2 included patients with primary, unilateral ACL-rupture, while group 3 included patients with an ACL-re-rupture or re-(re-)rupture. Fourteen different variables were obtained and analyzed regarding their impact on ACL-re-(re-)rupture. RESULTS: Overall, 334 knees were investigated. Our data allowed us to define parameters to identify anatomical configurations of bones associated with an increased risk of ACL-re-rupture. Our results show, that patients with ACL-re-rupture show increased radii of the extension facet of the lateral femoral condyle (p < 0.001) as well as of the extension facet of the medial femoral condyle (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that a spherical femoral condyle form does influence the clinical outcome after ACL-reconstruction. Show more

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, ACL-tear, knee, femoral condyle, knee anatomy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220640

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1607-1617, 2023

Authors: Ma, Zhuo | Zhang, Yan-Nan | Ma, Xun | Chen, Chen | Feng, Hao-Yu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the clinical efficacy of unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw fixation and fusion in treating atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of unilateral and bilateral fixation and fusion for atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation and to explore the feasibility of the unilateral surgical procedure. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation were included in the study from June 2013 to May 2018. They were divided into a unilateral fixation group and a bilateral fixation group (14 patients in each group with an average age of 43.6 ± 16.3 …years and 51.8 ± 15.4 years, respectively). The unilateral group had a unilateral anatomical variation of the pedicle or vertebral artery, or traumatic pedicle destruction. All patients underwent atlantoaxial unilateral or bilateral pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Intraoperative blood loss and operation time were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring systems were used to evaluate pre- and postoperative occipital-neck pain and neurological function. X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) were used to assess atlantoaxial stability, the implants’ position, and bone graft fusion. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 39–71 months postoperatively. Intraoperatively, no spinal cord or vertebral artery injury was observed. At the last follow-up, occipital-neck pain and neurological function in the two groups were significantly improved (P < 0.05). The X-ray films and CT showed satisfactory atlantoaxial stability, implant position, and osseous fusion in all the patients at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw fixation and fusion can restore atlantoaxial stability and improve occipital-neck pain and neurological function in patients with atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation. The unilateral surgical procedure can be a supplementary option for patients with unilateral abnormal atlantoaxial lesions. Show more

Keywords: Atlantoaxial, fracture-dislocation, unilateral, pedicle screw, fusion

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220721

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1619-1629, 2023

Authors: Yang, Yu-Lan | Su, Rong-Rong | Chen, Li | Xu, Yuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of viral keratitis has been on the rise. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the application effect of continuous care for patients with viral keratitis. METHODS: A total of 148 patients with viral keratitis admitted to the ophthalmology department of the authors’ hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and divided into the observation group and the control group via the random number table method, with 74 cases in each group. Continuous care was conducted following routine discharge guidance for patients in the observation group, while routine …discharge guidance only was provided for the control group. The patients in both groups were continuously observed for one year. The medication compliance, return visit rate, recurrence rate, nursing satisfaction, and quality of life between the two groups were compared and analyzed after one year. RESULTS: The medication compliance was higher in the observation than in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The rate of return visits at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year in the observation group were higher than those in the control group and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups at 1 week was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), while the recurrence rate at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total score of the quality of life in the observation group was higher than in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous care had a good application effect on patients with viral keratitis, which could potentially effectively improve medication compliance and the rate of return visits, reduce recurrence rate, and improve patient satisfaction and their quality of life. Accordingly, the results of this study present high clinical value. Show more

Keywords: Continuous care, viral keratitis, application effects

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220767

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1631-1645, 2023

Authors: Zhang, Weiliang | Cao, Xiaoqin | Yang, Lu | Duan, Yajian | Zhang, Wei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Orbital blowout fracture is common in ocular trauma. Accurate measurement of orbital volume after fracture is key in improving intraocular correction. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the impact of 3D reconstruction technology in restoring normal exophthalmos in patients with old orbital wall fractures. METHODS: A total of 31 patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 16). For orbital wall repair and reconstruction, the conventional group used the conventional surgical scheme, and …the 3D group used 3D printing technology. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the preoperative mean extraocular muscle volume of the healthy eye and the affected eye. However, the mean orbital volume (24.76 vs 27.11, P = 0.005) and mean retrobulbar fat volume (17.53 vs 16.42, P = 0.006) were significantly different between the healthy eye and the affected eye. After an average follow-up of 16 weeks, the differences in pre- and post-surgery exophthalmos in the two groups were 0.42 ± 0.08 mm and 1.63 ± 0.51 mm, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 4.42, P = 0.003). The complications were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: Using 3D reconstruction technology preoperatively can significantly improve exophthalmos in patients with old orbital wall fractures. Show more

Keywords: Orbital wall fracture, old, exophthalmos, 3D reconstruction

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220245

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1647-1657, 2023

Authors: Liu, Xin | Guo, Xinwei | Zhang, Zhimin | Wu, Huang | Zhang, Yu | Zhao, Hongyan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dentists must be able to identify subtle color changes as shade-matching is crucial in aesthetic dentistry. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether color discrimination ability is related to shade-matching accuracy among dentists. METHODS: The sensitivity of the normal-color vision population to different colors was investigated using Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue (FM-100) test results. The FM-100 test was administered to 37 dentists at the Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University. Sensitivity of dentists with normal-color vision to different colors was investigated using the FM-100 test. Participants were instructed to arrange color caps of various colors according …to the gradual change in colors and the results were scored. Visual shade matching test using Vita 3D-MASTER shade guide was performed to determine shade-matching accuracy. The relationship between color discrimination ability and shade-matching accuracy was analyzed. The number of misplaced color caps in the FM-100 test was also calculated. RESULTS: The FM-100 test revealed that 16 and 21 participants had excellent and average color discrimination ability, respectively, and their shade-matching accuracies were 68.75% and 66.67%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the shade-matching accuracy between the two groups. No significant correlation was observed between the color discrimination ability and shade-matching accuracy. In addition, the number of wrong color caps on the 43–63 color tray with the transition from blue-green to blue-purple was the highest according to Friedman’s test. CONCLUSION: Color discrimination ability of dentists does not affect their visual shade-matching accuracy. Additionally, people with normal color vision are not sensitive to the transition from blue-green to blue-purple. Show more

Keywords: Color vision, cosmetic dentistry, tooth preparation, color perception tests

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220344

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1659-1669, 2023

Authors: Xing, Xiu-Rong | Luo, Li-Ping | Li, Ya-Lin | Guo, Ya-Wei | Wang, Jing | Qin, Jian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the treatment of sepsis over time, this condition remains both a serious threat and a cause of death among critical patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the role of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κ B) signaling pathway in the development of septic cardiomyopathy in rats with sepsis. METHOD: A total of 32 Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into a sham operation group and three groups with sepsis, which were tested at one of the following time-points: 3, 6, or 12 h. Each group included eight …rats. Sepsis models were created via cecal ligation and puncture procedures. All the study rats had the following cardiac parameters and serum levels measured at either 3, 6, or 12 h after the operation (according to their assigned group): heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise (+ dP/dt max ) and fall (- dP/dt max ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α ), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). The myocardium of the left ventricle was collected and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining to observe the changes in pathological morphology. The expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NF-κ B in the myocardium were detected by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in the sepsis subgroups exhibited significantly lower values for all the cardiac parameters measured, including the heart rate (sham operation group = 386.63 ± 18.62 beats per minute [bpm], sepsis 3-h group = 368.38 ± 12.55 bpm, sepsis 6-h group = 341.75 ± 17.05 bpm, sepsis 12-h group = 302.13 ± 21.15 bpm), LVSP (sham operation group = 125.50 ± 11.45 mmHg, sepsis 3-h group = 110.88 ± 7.51 mmHg, sepsis 6-h group = 100.00 ± 15.06 mmHg, sepsis 12-h group = 91.38 ± 14.73 mmHg), + dp/dtmax (sham operation group = 7137.50 ± 276.44 mm Hg/sec, sepsis 3-h group = 5745.00 ± 346.16 mm Hg/sec, sepsis 6-h group = 4360.00 ± 312.04 mm Hg/sec, sepsis 12-h group = 2871.25 ± 443.99 mm Hg/sec), and - dp/dtmax (sham operation group = 6363.75 ± 123.86 mm Hg/sec, sepsis 3-h group = 6018.75 ± 173.49 mm Hg/sec, sepsis 6-h group = 5350.00 ± 337.89 mm Hg/sec, sepsis 12-h group = 4085.00 ± 326.76 mm Hg/sec). They also displayed significantly higher levels of serum cytokines, including TNF-α (sham operation group = 14.72 ± 2.90 pg/mL, sepsis 3-h group = 34.90 ± 4.79 pg/mL, sepsis 6-h group = 24.91 ± 2.57 pg/mL, sepsis 12-h group 22.06 ± 3.11 pg/mL), IL-1β (sham operation group = 42.25 ± 16.91, 3-h group = 112.25 ± 13.77, sepsis 6-h group = 207.90 ± 22.64, sepsis 12-h group = 157.18 ± 23.06), IL-6 (sham operation group = 39.89 ± 5.74, sepsis 3-h group = 78.27 ± 9.31, sepsis 6-h group = 123.75 ± 13.11, sepsis 12-h group = 93.21 ± 8.96), and cTnI (sham operation group = 0.07 ± 0.03 ng/mL, sepsis 3-h group = 0.18 ± 0.06 ng/mL, sepsis 6-h group = 0.67 ± 0.19 ng/mL, sepsis = 12-h group 1.28 ± 0.10 ng/mL). The rats in the sepsis groups exhibited pathological changes in the myocardium, which deteriorated gradually over time. The animals in all the sepsis groups exhibited significantly higher levels of TLR4 and NF-κ B protein expression compared with the sham group. The TLR4 protein expressions were 0.376 in the sham operation group, 0.534 in the sepsis 3-h group, 0.551 in the sepsis 6-h group, and 0.719 in the sepsis 12-h group. The NF-κ B protein expressions were 0.299 in the sham operation group, 0.488 in the sepsis 3-h group, 0.516 in the sepsis 6-h group, and 0.636 in the sepsis 12-h group. CONCLUSION: Sepsis can lead to myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction. This may be related to the activation of the NF-κ B intracellular signal transduction pathway and the release of inflammatory factors as a result of lipopolysaccharides acting on TLR4 during the onset of sepsis. Show more

Keywords: Septic cardiomyopathy, TLR4, NF-κB signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220471

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1671-1681, 2023

Authors: Zhong, Baoying | Shi, Chunjuan | Xu, Dan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of anxiety in patients with breast cancer is high, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupoint stimulation on the anxiety of patients with breast cancer during operations and in the waiting period for intraoperative frozen section analysis. METHODS: Sixty patients with breast cancer experiencing anxiety who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. The patients in the control group received routine nursing, and the patients in the …experimental group were given acupoint stimulation on the basis of routine nursing. The HAMD scores, blood pressure readings, and heart rates were recorded before admission at one hour before the operation and in the waiting period for intraoperative frozen section analysis. RESULTS: The HAMD scores, blood pressure readings, and heart rates of the two groups showed an upward trend at all time points, and the differences were statistically significant. Compared with the control group, there were significant differences in indices detected at one hour before the operation and in the waiting period for intraoperative frozen section analysis. CONCLUSION: Acupoint stimulation therapy can effectively alleviate anxiety in patients with breast cancer. Show more

Keywords: Acupoint stimulation, patients with breast cancer, anxiety

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220488

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 1683-1689, 2023