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European Journal of Ageing May 2024In old age, walking difficulty may reduce opportunities to reach valued activity destinations. Walking modifications, e.g., slower pace or using a walking aid, may...
In old age, walking difficulty may reduce opportunities to reach valued activity destinations. Walking modifications, e.g., slower pace or using a walking aid, may enable individuals to continue going where they wish, and hence postpone the consequences of the onset of walking difficulties. We studied visited activity destinations (type, distance) among older people with varying degrees of walking limitations. Community-dwelling 75-85-year-old people living in Jyväskylä (N = 901) were asked to state whether they had no difficulty walking 2 km, had modified their walking, or had difficulty walking. On a digital map, participants located physical exercise, attractive, and regular destinations they had visited during the past month. Destination counts and median distance to destinations from home were computed. Participants with intact walking reported higher counts of physical exercise (IRR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.31, 1.61]) and attractive destinations (IRR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.10, 1.40]) than those with walking difficulty and also visited these destinations further away from home than the others (b = 0.46, 95% CI [0.20, 0.71]). Those with walking modifications reported higher counts of physical exercise destinations than those with walking difficulty (IRR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.09, 1.40]). Counts of regular destinations and distance traveled were not associated with walking limitations. Walking modifications may help people with walking difficulty reach destinations further away from home, potentially contributing to their sense of autonomy. For those with walking difficulty, a low count of destinations other than regular destinations, e.g., shops or healthcare facilities, may signal their abandonment of recreational activities and a decrease in their life space, potentially leading to reduced well-being.
PubMed: 38775867
DOI: 10.1007/s10433-024-00813-1 -
Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal May 2024Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is the leading cause of non-infectious inflammatory myopathy in children. It is a heterogeneous group of autoimmune diseases characterized...
BACKGROUND
Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is the leading cause of non-infectious inflammatory myopathy in children. It is a heterogeneous group of autoimmune diseases characterized by a variable combination of muscular, dermatological, and visceral involvement. Myositis-specific autoantibodies help define homogeneous subgroups with common clinical characteristics and prognoses. Anti-SAE (small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO-1) activating enzyme) antibodies are among the most recently discovered specific autoantibodies. The presence of these antibodies is very rare, making it challenging to define clinical features and prognosis in the juvenile form. We report the first case of an African patient with juvenile dermatomyositis and positive anti-SAE antibodies.
CASE REPORT
A 5-year-3-month-old Moroccan boy presented to the pediatric emergency department with dysphagia that had been evolving for two days, preceded two months earlier by facial erythema associated with fatigue, lower limb pain, difficulty walking, and progressive inflammatory polyarthralgia. On admission, the child had a heliotrope rash with predominant pseudo-angioedema on the lips, periungual telangiectasia, and Gottron's papules over the bilateral interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. The patient had a more pronounced proximal muscle weakness in the lower limbs. He had no urticaria, fever, arthritis, calcinosis, cutaneous ulcers, or lipodystrophy. The Joint examination was normal, as was the pleuropulmonary examination. The electroneuromyography showed myogenic changes in all four limbs. Laboratory findings showed elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase and a mild inflammatory syndrome. The electrocardiogram was normal. The anti-SAE antibodies were positive. The boy was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. He received methylprednisolone bolus therapy followed by oral prednisone. The latter was gradually tapered in combination with weekly intramuscular methotrexate. As a result, dysphagia disappeared within 48 h. After two weeks, there was an improvement in the muscular score and a significant regression of facial pseudo-angioedema.
CONCLUSION
We report the first African patient with anti-SAE autoantibody-positive JDM. He had a typical dermatological manifestation of JDM associated with pseudo-angioedema predominant on the lips; a rarely reported sign in DM and JDM patients. The patient responded well to corticosteroid therapy and methotrexate.
Topics: Humans; Male; Dermatomyositis; Autoantibodies; Child, Preschool; Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes; Morocco
PubMed: 38773611
DOI: 10.1186/s12969-023-00921-9 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Loss of ambulation is common and highly variable in Parkinson's disease (PD), and poorly understood from the perspectives of those with PD. Gaining insights to the...
Loss of ambulation is common and highly variable in Parkinson's disease (PD), and poorly understood from the perspectives of those with PD. Gaining insights to the anticipated perceived trajectories and their drivers, will facilitate patient-centered care. Latent class growth analysis, a person-centered mixture modelling approach, was applied to 16,863 people with PD stratified by early (N = 8612; < 3 years), mid (N = 6181; 3-10 years) and later (N = 2070; > 10 years) disease to discern clusters with similar longitudinal patterns of self-reported walking difficulty, measured by EuroQoL 5D-5L that is validated for use in PD. There were four clusters in early and mid-disease strata, with a fifth identified in later disease. Trajectories ranged from none to moderate walking difficulty, with small clusters with severe problems. The percentage of subjects with moderate (early = 17.5%, mid = 26.4%, later = 32.5%) and severe (early = 3.8%, mid = 7.4%, later = 15.4%) walking difficulty at baseline increased across disease duration groups. The trajectories tended to be stable with variability in moderate and severe groups. Across strata, clusters with moderate to severe problems were associated with more severe impairment, depression, anxiety, arthritis, higher BMI, lower income, and lower education, but no consistent race or gender differences. The findings reveal distinct longitudinal patterns in perceived difficulties in walking in PD.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Walking; Longitudinal Studies; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38769128
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62179-9 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) May 2024Introduction Nutritional interventions targeting weight loss are useful for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the changes in body...
Weight and Muscle Mass Loss Associated with Acute Disease Can be Reversed with Appropriate Nutrition Therapy and Exercise in a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosisa: A Case Report.
Introduction Nutritional interventions targeting weight loss are useful for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the changes in body composition after nutritional intervention remain unclear. We herein present a patient with ALS who experienced an increased weight and muscle mass owing to nutritional therapy and physical exercise. Case Presentation An 86-year-old man presented with dysphagia and dysarthria. The patient was diagnosed with bulbar-type ALS. As weight loss progressed, a gastrostomy was performed. After 21 months of disease onset, gastrointestinal bleeding due to a bumper ulcer led to further weight loss (from 40.2 kg to 36.8 kg). The patient experienced difficulty walking and ingesting food orally. Although the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was estimated to be 1,122 kcal/day, an intake of 1,500 kcal/day beyond the calculated TDEE was administered. The patient continued to perform daily voluntary exercises in addition to his usual rehabilitation. After 5 months, his weight increased from 36.8 kg to 40.4 kg. Muscle mass increased from 25.1 kg to 30.1 kg, as measured using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance device. Muscle strength improved from 8.5/10.0 kg to 15.0/18.0 kg in grip strength and from 15.2 kPa to 20.4 kPa in tongue pressure. The patient's physical and swallowing functions also improved. Conclusion In patients with ALS, a decreased body weight and muscle mass due to acute disease may be improved by appropriate nutritional therapy and physical exercise.
PubMed: 38749729
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3622-24 -
BMJ Open May 2024There is strong evidence that mobility-assistive technologies improve occupational performance, social participation, educational and employment access and overall... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
There is strong evidence that mobility-assistive technologies improve occupational performance, social participation, educational and employment access and overall quality of life in people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities still face barriers in accessing mobility products and related services. This review aims to summarise and synthesise: (1) theories, models and frameworks that have been used to understand mobility-assistive technology access, (2) determinants of access and (3) gaps in knowledge.
DESIGN
A scoping review using the five-step framework by Arksey and O'Malley.
DATA SOURCES
We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and SCOPUS databases for publications published between 2000 and 2024. We searched for articles published up to 20 March 2024.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included English-published literature in peer-reviewed journals that reported (a) barriers to the provision of mobility-assistive technologies, (b) including at least one theory, model or framework and (c) between 2000 and 2024.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
We extracted the study characteristics, theories, models, framework usage, research recommendations, key findings on mobility-assistive technology barriers and theoretical propositions. We conduct a theoretical synthesis guided by Turner's approach.
RESULTS
We included 18 articles that used 8 theories, models and frameworks, synthesised into 9 propositions. The synthesised theory emphasises that mobility is essential for human flourishing, and that certain health conditions may impose restrictions on mobility. This impact can be alleviated by two direct determinants: (1) the provision of suitable services and (2) their comprehensive provision. Policies and costs influence these services indirectly. Environmental and personal factors also affect the use of these services. Ineffectively addressing these determinants can limit access to mobility-assistive technologies and subsequent disabilities.
CONCLUSION
Our synthetic model describes the logic of providing evidence-based mobility-assistive technologies, and we identify the determinants of access that can act as targets for future work to improve the provision of mobility-assistive technologies.
Topics: Humans; Disabled Persons; Self-Help Devices; Health Services Accessibility; Models, Theoretical; Quality of Life; Mobility Limitation
PubMed: 38749698
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080633 -
Research Square Apr 2024Despite the large number of children in India, there is little information on the impact of children's disability on school enrolment, and how this differs by...
Despite the large number of children in India, there is little information on the impact of children's disability on school enrolment, and how this differs by population. We estimated the prevalence of childhood disability in two sites in Tamil Nadu, southern India, and the effect of functional difficulty on school enrolment. We used a parent-reported survey containing the UNICEF-Washington Group questions to identify children aged 5 to 17 years with functional difficulty during a census conducted for an ongoing trial. We estimated pooled- and gender-specific prevalence of functional difficulty among 29,044 children. We fitted regression models to identify subgroups with higher rates of functional difficulty and the effect of functional difficulty on reported school enrolment. We estimated the modification of the effect of functional difficulty by age, gender, socioeconomic status, household education, and sub-site, on additive and multiplicative scales. We found of 29,044 children, 299 (1.0%) had any functional difficulty, equal among boys and girls. Being understood (0.5%) and walking (0.4%) were the most common difficulties. Functional difficulty was strongly associated with non-enrolment in school (Prevalence ratio [PR] 4.59, 95% CI: 3.87, 5.43) after adjusting for age, gender, and site. We show scale-dependent differences between age and socioeconomic groups in the effect of functional difficulty on enrolment. This study shows that at least one in a hundred children in this region have severe functional difficulties and nearly half of these children are not enrolled in school, highlighting the need for further efforts and evidence-based interventions to increase school enrolment among these groups.
PubMed: 38746354
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4154190/v1 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Presented here is a compelling case of a patient with a history of untreated hypertension, highlighting symptoms indicative of Wallenberg syndrome, including acute-onset...
Presented here is a compelling case of a patient with a history of untreated hypertension, highlighting symptoms indicative of Wallenberg syndrome, including acute-onset dizziness, visual disturbances, continuous vomiting, difficulty walking, and an altered level of consciousness. This case's significance lies in its clinical presentation and in the diagnostic journey undertaken to elucidate its underlying pathology. Throughout the patient's hospitalization, a comprehensive assessment incorporating clinical, laboratory, and imaging techniques was conducted to delineate the extent of their condition. Of particular significance were the findings derived from MRI and MRA examinations of the endocranium, which provided crucial insights into the underlying pathophysiology. The MRI revealed multifocal ischemic lesions, pointing towards basilar artery thrombosis affecting both vertebral branches and displaying characteristic features associated with Wallenberg syndrome. Notably, the patient's lack of antihypertensive, anticoagulant, or antiplatelet therapy underscores the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors early in the disease course. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in cerebrovascular diseases, highlighting the imperative of prompt recognition and management of predisposing factors. By presenting this case, we aim to underscore the clinical significance of timely intervention in mitigating potential complications of hypertension, such as cerebral artery thrombosis, thereby emphasizing the importance of proactive patient care and risk factor modification in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38745978
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.03.043 -
BMC Public Health May 2024Although COVID-19 has entered the endemic phase, individuals infected with COVID-19 are required to adhere to home quarantine measures. By exploring the public's...
INTRODUCTION
Although COVID-19 has entered the endemic phase, individuals infected with COVID-19 are required to adhere to home quarantine measures. By exploring the public's knowledge and attitude towards recommended home quarantine measures, their readiness in containing potential COVID-19 outbreak can be determined. This study aimed to assess the public knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions and their association with history of COVID-19 infections.
METHODS
This was a web-based cross-sectional study conducted among the public in Malaysia between August to October 2022. All Malaysian adults over 18 years of age were included. Knowledge on home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs were measured using "True," "False," or "I'm not sure", while attitude towards home quarantine instructions was measured using a five-point Likert Scale. The questionnaire was initially constructed in English and then translated into the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Face and content validation were performed. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was found to be satisfactory.
RESULTS
1,036 respondents were analyzed, comprised mostly of females (743, 71.6%) with a history of COVID-19 (673, 64.9%). In the knowledge domain, more than 80% of the respondents answered 9 out of 11 home quarantine instructions statements correctly. 457 (44.1%) were unaware or unsure about the minimum distance of the infected individual's bed from the rest of the occupants in a shared bedroom. The respondents reported relatively weaker knowledge in identifying uncommon warning signs of COVID-19 deterioration, including anuria (162, 44.5%), ingestion problems (191, 52.5%), and immobility (195, 53.6%). In the attitude domain, more than 90% of respondents answered correctly in 8 out of 9 questions. Respondents with a previous history of COVID-19 infections had better knowledge than COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals towards both home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs.
CONCLUSION
Most respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions, with those previously infected with COVID-19 showing greater awareness of uncommon warning signs. However, there was a notable lack of awareness regarding physical distancing within shared rooms, appropriate disinfectant use and mobility limitation within the household. This study highlights the knowledge gaps to be improved in future educational campaigns.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Malaysia; Male; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Quarantine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Adolescent; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38745185
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18739-9 -
Cureus Apr 2024Lymphatic filariasis, caused by filarial worms such as , , and , represents a significant public health burden in endemic regions. The disease primarily affects the...
Lymphatic filariasis, caused by filarial worms such as , , and , represents a significant public health burden in endemic regions. The disease primarily affects the lymphatic system, leading to lymphatic dysfunction and chronic morbidity. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of lymphatic filariasis, including its transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options. Special attention is given to the socioeconomic impact of the disease and the challenges associated with its control and elimination. The patient in this particular case is a 58-year-old man who had lower limb swelling and pain, characteristic of chronic lymphatic obstruction. Additionally, the swelling tends to worsen during the evening hours often resulting in difficulty in walking and discomfort. Lymphatic filariasis was diagnosed based on clinical presentation.
PubMed: 38741824
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58167 -
Cureus Apr 2024Parinaud syndrome, which most commonly involves the dorsal midbrain, has classical features of upward gaze paralysis, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and pupillary...
Parinaud syndrome, which most commonly involves the dorsal midbrain, has classical features of upward gaze paralysis, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and pupillary light near dissociation. A 62-year-old male presented to the Eye department with diminution of vision and symptoms of dry eye with associated difficulty in walking. Examination revealed nystagmus while performing convergence test. An MRI revealed lesions in the thalamic and gangliocapsular regions. Microangiopathies involving the thalamus and gangliocapsular region can lead to Parinaud syndrome. In our case, microangiopathies were most probably hypertensive.
PubMed: 38738087
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58120