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PloS One 2024Factors associated with upper limb prosthesis adoption are not well understood. In this study, we explored how prosthesis usability experience relates to the extent of...
Factors associated with upper limb prosthesis adoption are not well understood. In this study, we explored how prosthesis usability experience relates to the extent of prosthesis adoption through the development of a structural equation model (SEM). First, items related to prosthesis usability were developed and refined using cognitive testing and pilot testing and employed in a survey of 402 prosthesis users (mean age 61.7 (sd 14.4), 77.1% Veterans). The SEM examined two unidimensional latent constructs: Prosthesis Usability Experience and Prosthesis Adoption-and each had multiple measured indicators. SEMs tested direct as well as moderating and mediating effects between the latent constructs and covariates related to demographics and prosthesis type. SEM found a significant positive association between Prosthesis Usability Experience and Extent of Prosthesis Adoption. Several covariates had direct effects on prosthesis adoption: 1) Extent of Prosthesis Adoption was lower for those with transhumeral and shoulder amputation, and higher for those with bilateral amputation, compared to the reference group with unilateral transradial amputation and 2) Myoelectric multiple degree of freedom (multi-DOF) prosthesis use was associated with lower Extent of Prosthesis Adoption, compared to body-powered prosthesis use. Myoelectric multi-DOF use also modified the effect of Prosthesis Usability Experience on Extent of Prosthesis Adoption. For those with bilateral ULA, the strength of the relationship between Prosthesis Usability Experience and Extent of Prosthesis Adoption was reduced. Findings suggest that in order to increase prosthesis adoption, prosthetics developers and rehabilitation providers should focus on implementing strategies to improve prosthesis usability experience. New Prosthesis Usability Experience measures could be used to identify persons at greater risk for poor prosthesis adoption and target interventions to increase prosthesis use.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Limbs; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Upper Extremity; Aged; Latent Class Analysis; Prosthesis Design; Amputation, Surgical; Amputees; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38917074
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299155 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus that is caused by metabolic toxicity to peripheral axons. We aimed to gain deep...
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus that is caused by metabolic toxicity to peripheral axons. We aimed to gain deep mechanistic insight into the disease process using bulk and spatial RNA sequencing on tibial and sural nerves recovered from lower leg amputations in a mostly diabetic population. First, our approach comparing mixed sensory and motor tibial and purely sensory sural nerves shows key pathway differences in affected nerves, with distinct immunological features observed in sural nerves. Second, spatial transcriptomics analysis of sural nerves reveals substantial shifts in endothelial and immune cell types associated with severe axonal loss. We also find clear evidence of neuronal gene transcript changes, like in nerves with axonal loss suggesting perturbed RNA transport into distal sensory axons. This motivated further investigation into neuronal mRNA localization in peripheral nerve axons generating clear evidence of robust localization of mRNAs such as and in human sensory axons. Our work gives new insight into the altered cellular and transcriptomic profiles in human nerves in DPN and highlights the importance of sensory axon mRNA transport as an unappreciated potential contributor to peripheral nerve degeneration.
PubMed: 38915676
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.15.599167 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024The mouse digit tip regenerates following amputation, a process mediated by a cellularly heterogeneous blastema. We previously found the gene Mest to be highly expressed...
The mouse digit tip regenerates following amputation, a process mediated by a cellularly heterogeneous blastema. We previously found the gene Mest to be highly expressed in mesenchymal cells of the blastema and a strong candidate pro-regenerative gene. We now show Mest digit expression is regeneration-specific and not upregulated in post-amputation fibrosing proximal digits. Mest homozygous knockout mice exhibit delayed bone regeneration though no phenotype is found in paternal knockout mice, inconsistent with the defined maternal genomic imprinting of Mest. We demonstrate that promoter switching, not loss of imprinting, regulates biallelic Mest expression in the blastema and does not occur during embryogenesis, indicating a regeneration-specific mechanism. Requirement for Mest expression is tied to modulating neutrophil response, as revealed by scRNAseq and FACS comparing wildtype and knockout blastemas. Collectively, the imprinted gene Mest is required for proper digit tip regeneration and its blastema expression is facilitated by promoter switching for biallelic expression.
PubMed: 38915675
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598713 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024The aim of this study was to compare the use of pedicled local (PFs) versus random pattern flaps (RpFs) in foot and ankle reconstruction in patients with chronic,...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare the use of pedicled local (PFs) versus random pattern flaps (RpFs) in foot and ankle reconstruction in patients with chronic, nonhealing wounds.
METHODS
A single-center, retrospective review of 204 patients with 118 PFs and 86 RpFs was performed. The primary outcome included rates of limb salvage.
RESULTS
PFs were used more often in the hindfoot (44.1% versus 30.2%, = 0.045), lateral and medial surface (39.8% versus 18.6%, = 0.001), and wounds containing exposed bone and hardware (78.8% versus 62.8%, = 0.018). RpFs were used more for forefoot (19.8% versus 10.2%, = 0.053) and plantar defects (58.1% versus 30.3%, = 0.000). RpFs had a higher rate of immediate success (100% versus 95.8%, = 0.053), with no significant differences in rate of long-term limb salvage (77.1% versus 69.8%, = 0.237). PFs had higher rates of ischemia requiring intervention (11.0% versus 3.5%, = 0.048). RpFs had a higher rate of minor amputations (15.12% versus 6.8%, = 0.053) but similar rates of major amputation (15.1% versus 16.1%, = 0.848). There were no significant differences in rates of mortality or ambulatory status.
CONCLUSIONS
Both RpFs and PFs remain reliable options to reconstruct defects of the foot and ankle. Optimizing the use of each flap type should consider wound characteristics. RpFs are preferred for dorsal and plantar defects, whereas PFs are protective for minor infections and preferred for deeper wounds despite a higher rate of partial necrosis.
PubMed: 38911575
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005921 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports Jun 2024Cryptococccus neoformans is a fungus which typically presents in immunocompromised hosts, commonly presenting as meningoencephalitis. There have been very few documented...
INTRODUCTION
Cryptococccus neoformans is a fungus which typically presents in immunocompromised hosts, commonly presenting as meningoencephalitis. There have been very few documented incidents of intramuscular manifestations of this pathogen.
CASE REPORT
We report on a case of a 45-year-old caucasian male with disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans who developed cryptococcal intramuscular abscesses of all extremities and osteomyelitis of the left upper limb. Clinical treatment and surgical debridement of the forearm was performed. Persistent infection resulted in a left humeral amputation and ultimately the patient's death. This is one of the few documented intramuscular abscesses of Cryptococcus neoformans.
CONCLUSION
Orthopedic manifestations of cryptococcal infections are rare; however, awareness and prompt diagnosis may improve outcomes.
PubMed: 38910993
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i06.4488 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports Jun 2024Charcot arthropathy consists of a rapid and destructive complication of the joints following the loss of innervation caused by many complicated etiologies. Diabetic...
INTRODUCTION
Charcot arthropathy consists of a rapid and destructive complication of the joints following the loss of innervation caused by many complicated etiologies. Diabetic neuropathy has become the most common etiological factor.
CASE REPORT
We present a case of a 64-year-old female patient with a history of chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and Type 2 diabetes, complicated with neuropathy and Charcot disease, who referred to our department. Initially, the patient was managed with a restraint orthotic device due to a bimalleolar ankle fracture. An unsuccessful treatment and the presence of a pressure ulcer with pus-like drainage on the lateral malleolus 2 months later led to the decision for a below-knee amputation.
CONCLUSION
High clinical suspicion by the attending physician may reduce the risk of complications and lead to proper treatment with better outcomes.
PubMed: 38910990
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i06.4498 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports Jun 2024Metallic foreign body reactions are observed many times, usually in the early periods. However, late presentations are often uncommon. Management of these foreign bodies...
INTRODUCTION
Metallic foreign body reactions are observed many times, usually in the early periods. However, late presentations are often uncommon. Management of these foreign bodies varies from a military setting to a civilian setting where saving a patient's life is the priority.
CASE REPORT
In this case report, we present a 49-year-old soldier with recent onset swelling in the right gluteal region with elevated local temperature and minimal tenderness. The patient suffered a land mine blast injury 10 years ago with multiple injuries to the chest, abdomen, and lower limb. According to military protocols, he was initially managed for life-threatening chest and open abdominal injuries. The right lower limb was non-salvageable and underwent above-knee amputation. A dormant metallic foreign body, which was retained inside the right iliac bone, presented a decade later with a subacute non-pyogenic abscess.
CONCLUSION
The primary goal in military injuries is always to save a patient's life. While acute management remains the same for both military and civilian injuries. In military injuries, deep-seated, inactive foreign bodies are often left behind in order to avoid fresh plane dissection, and to minimize blood loss for early stabilization and save patient lives. Late-onset inflammatory responses are the cause of the delayed presentation of retained foreign bodies.
PubMed: 38910972
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i06.4536 -
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and... 2024Improving diabetic patients' foot care behaviours is crucial in the incidence reduction of diabetic foot ulceration-associated complications.
INTRODUCTION
Improving diabetic patients' foot care behaviours is crucial in the incidence reduction of diabetic foot ulceration-associated complications.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the knowledge and practice of diabetic patients towards diabetic foot care and their general understanding of diabetes causes, complications, and treatment.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aldaraga Clinic Centre, Sudan, with a sample size of 100 diabetic patients. A questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data for this study. The data was analyzed through SPSS Version 16 software.
RESULTS
The majority of respondents were females (62%), above 40 years old (66%), married, with a low educational level, and moderate-income (76%). The study revealed that most respondents did not attend any educational program about diabetes, indicating poor or no knowledge about diabetes mellitus. However, respondents had good knowledge of most signs and symptoms of diabetes, with the highest percentage (88%) for extreme thirst. Concerning the knowledge of respondents about complications of diabetes, it was generally poor, except for retinal diseases (70%). Participants' knowledge of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia was found to be poor at 25%. The study showed that most respondents did not know what diabetes gangrene is. Foot infections were the most dominant cause of hospitalization among diabetic patients, often leading to amputations.
CONCLUSION
Enhancing foot care behaviours in diabetic patients is crucial to reduce diabetic foot ulceration risks. Patient-friendly educational interventions and regular physician reinforcement are urgently needed, including awareness programs, specialized diabetes centres, and health education through mass media to improve foot care practices and prevent complications like amputations.
PubMed: 38910911
DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S453666 -
Cureus May 2024Breast metastases of extramammary origin are an extremely rare entity. Solid organ metastases to the breast include malignant melanoma, epithelial carcinoma...
Breast metastases of extramammary origin are an extremely rare entity. Solid organ metastases to the breast include malignant melanoma, epithelial carcinoma (adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and gastrointestinal tract), and sarcoma. A breast neoplasm can be caused by a primary tumor, in-transit metastasis, breast metastasis, and skin metastasis. A 42-year-old female patient presented with a hyperpigmented lesion on the first finger of her left hand. An incisional biopsy was carried out, reporting pigmented epithelioid melanoma. Amputation of the finger was performed, as well as an axillary sentinel lymph node excision. Later during the treatment and follow-up by medical oncology, a breast tumor was located, followed by a protocol and the approach of possible differential diagnoses. Finally, it was characterized as metastatic cutaneous melanoma. The therapeutic approach regarding the possible origin of the metastatic neoplastic character of breast tumors culminated in this case in the palliative treatment with immunotherapy of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The diagnosis of breast metastases from cutaneous malignant melanoma is a real challenge, so an extensive history and high clinical suspicion are crucial in order to provide adequate treatment, despite the gloomy prognosis.
PubMed: 38910784
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60931 -
Cureus May 2024Introduction Diabetic foot complications leading to limb amputations pose a global health concern. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel has emerged as a promising method for...
Introduction Diabetic foot complications leading to limb amputations pose a global health concern. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel has emerged as a promising method for ulcer healing, leveraging the growth factors provided by autologous PRP to enhance tissue healing. Therefore, we aimed to assess the frequency of the success of PRP therapy in the treatment of non-healing diabetic foot ulcers. Methods This quasi-experimental study, conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, from April 2021 to October 2022, enrolled 80 eligible individuals with non-responsive diabetic foot ulcers using a consecutive sampling technique. Inclusion criteria involved patients of both genders, aged 45-75 years, with unhealed diabetic foot ulcers, and exclusion criteria considered factors such as recurrent ulcers at the same site, smoking, and immunosuppressive or anticoagulant drug therapy. Baseline demographic details, ulcer measurements using a scale, and AutoCAD (Autodesk, Inc., San Francisco, California, United States)-assisted quantification of ulcer base were recorded. Autologous PRP injections were administered following strict aseptic protocols, with dressing changes and assessments performed at specified intervals over four weeks. Treatment success, defined as >90% healing after four weeks, was the primary outcome. Data analysis utilized IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), employing post-stratification chi-square and t-tests where appropriate for significant differences. Results The mean age of the patients was 60.40 ± 9.72 years, the mean duration of diabetes was 9.48 ± 2.21 years, and the mean ulcer duration was 11.41 ± 1.63 months. The treatment success rate was 63.7%. Age, gender, and disease duration showed no significant impact on treatment success. However, patients with a normal BMI and shorter ulcer duration exhibited a significantly higher success rate (p <0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions This study reaffirms the efficacy of PRP in treating non-healing diabetic foot ulcers, aligning with previous research. Despite a slightly lower success rate compared to literature reports, PRP remains a promising agent for managing diabetic foot ulcers.
PubMed: 38910752
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60934