Association Between Platelet Levels on Admission and 90-day Mortality in Patients With Exertional Heatstroke, a 10 Years Cohort Study

Background: Heatstroke is a common clinical symptom in summer with high mortality requiring identification of appropriate and rapid methods of assessment.Method: This is a retrospective study that included the recent 10 years clinical data of heatstroke patients. A total of n = 186 patients were included in this study and grouped based on platelet (PLT) abnormality observed on admission.Results: In the study group, n = 120 patients (64.5%) patients had normal PLT and n = 66 patients (35.5%) had abnormal PLT. Compared with PLT-normal group, PLT-abnormal group had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores [median 15.0 (IQR 11.5–21.5) vs. 9.0 (IQR 7.0–12.5)] and SOFA scores [median 6.0 (IQR 4.0–10.0) vs. 2.0 (IQR 2.0–4.0)], lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (GCS)[median 8.0 (IQR 5.0–12.0) vs. 13.0 (IQR 9.0–14.0)]. The PLT-abnormal group had severe organ damage, including damage to the coagulation system, liver, and kidney (all p < 0.05). Significant differences were noted in 90-day survival between the two groups even after correction for Age, GCS, White blood cell count (WBC), Neutrophil, International normalized ratio (INR), Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Procalcitonin (PCT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Creatine (CR), D-Dime (D-D) (Before correction P < 0.001; After correction P = 0.009).The area under the ROC curve for the prediction of mortality based on PLT was 80.7% (95% CI 0.726–0.888, P < 0.001), the optimal cutoff value was 94, the sensitivity was 77.3%, and the specificity was 82.6%.Conclusion: Patients with heatstroke with platelet abnormalities during admission have more severe organ impairment and a lower 90-day survival rate even when adjusted for other factors.

Fully automated segmentation in temporal bone CT with neural network: a preliminary assessment study

Background Segmentation of important structures in temporal bone CT is the basis of image-guided otologic surgery. Manual segmentation of temporal bone CT is time- consuming and laborious. We assessed the feasibility and generalization ability of a proposed deep learning model for automated segmentation of critical structures in temporal bone CT scans. Methods Thirty-nine temporal bone CT volumes including 58 ears were divided into normal (n = 20) and abnormal groups (n = 38). Ossicular chain disruption (n = 10), facial nerve covering vestibular window (n = 10), and Mondini dysplasia (n = 18) were included in abnormal group. All facial nerves, auditory ossicles, and labyrinths of the normal group were manually segmented. For the abnormal group, aberrant structures were manually segmented. Temporal bone CT data were imported into the network in unmarked form. The Dice coefficient (DC) and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) were used to evaluate the accuracy of automatic segmentation. Results In the normal group, the mean values of DC and ASSD were respectively 0.703, and 0.250 mm for the facial nerve; 0.910, and 0.081 mm for the labyrinth; and 0.855, and 0.107 mm for the ossicles. In the abnormal group, the mean values of DC and ASSD were respectively 0.506, and 1.049 mm for the malformed facial nerve; 0.775, and 0.298 mm for the deformed labyrinth; and 0.698, and 1.385 mm for the aberrant ossicles. Conclusions The proposed model has good generalization ability, which highlights the promise of this approach for otologist education, disease diagnosis, and preoperative planning for image-guided otology surgery.

The Ontological Nature of Gender Equality as a Philosophical and Legal Category

This publication is aimed at gaining the insight into the concept of "gender equality". The article shows that the growing need for understanding the principle of gender equality at the philosophical and legal level is caused by the trends themselves within the changing legislation. The authors have specified that according to the generally accepted position, gender equality is understood as an absolutely identical range of opportunities. The participation and presence of both sexes in every area of society is an integral part of the legal equality of men and women. It is noted that value of women is heatedly discussed, as they are seen as an abnormal group from the point of view of a patriarchal society. All above is ultimately aimed at finding legal constructs that minimize the hierarchy of differences between the genders.

Magnetic Resonance Image of Neonatal Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy: A Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Study

Background and Objective: The abnormal T1-weighted imaging of MRI can be used to characterize neonatal acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) in newborns, but has limited use in evaluating the severity and prognosis of ABE. This study aims to assess the value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in detecting ABE and understanding its pathogenesis.Method: Seventy-six newborns with hyperbilirubinemia were grouped into three groups (mild group, moderate group, and severe group) based on serum bilirubin levels. All the patients underwent conventional MRI and DKI serial, as well as 40 healthy full-term infants (control group). The regions of interest (ROIs) were the bilateral globus pallidus, dorsal thalamus, frontal lobe, auditory radiation, superior temporal gyrus, substantia nigra, hippocampus, putamen, and inferior olivary nucleus. The values of mean diffusivity (MD), axial kurtosis (AK), radial kurtosis (RK), and mean kurtosis (MK), and fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axis diffusivity (AD) of the ROIs were evaluated. All newborns were followed up and evaluated using the Denver Development Screening Test (DDST). According to the follow-up results, the patients were divided into the normal group, the suspicious abnormal group, and the abnormal group.Result: Compared with the control group, significant differences were observed with the increased MK of dorsal thalamus, AD of globus pallidus in the moderate group, and increased RD, MK, AK, and RK value of globus pallidus, dorsal thalamus, auditory radiation, superior temporal gyrus, and hippocampus in the severe group. The peak value of total serum bilirubin was moderately correlated with the MK of globus pallidus, dorsal thalamus, and auditory radiation and was positively correlated with the other kurtosis value. Out of 76 patients, 40 finished the DDST, and only 9 patients showed an abnormality. Compared with the normal group, the AK value of inferior olivary nucleus showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the suspicious abnormal group, and the MK of globus pallidus, temporal gyrus, and auditory radiation; RK of globus pallidus, dorsal thalamus, and auditory radiation; and MD of globus pallidus showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the abnormal group.Conclusion: DKI can reflect the subtle structural changes of neonatal ABE, and MK is a sensitive indicator to indicate the severity of brain damage.

Assessment of Bone Density of Patients Referred to Arak Densitometry Center from 2016 to 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Osteoporosis and subsequent fractures increased mortality and disability. Along with this fact, the demand for diagnostic tests has also increased in recent years, which has created a heavy financial burden on the health system. Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate the compatibility of the indications of performing the bone density measurement in Arak city with the criteria of the international sociality of clinical densitometry (ISCD). Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed from 2016 to 2017. Patients’ information was extracted from checklists recorded by a bone density measurement expert. Patients who lived in Arak and did not have an underlying condition that reduced the value of the bone mineral densitometry (BMD) test were studied. We collected the information of the patients who had undergone a bone density test at the discretion of their physician. Results: Here, 816 out of 1,354 bone density tests, requested by non-rheumatologists, were abnormal, and 538 were normal. In the abnormal group, 800 (98%) cases had ISCD indications for BMD application, and only 16 (2%) cases had no indication. However, 636 bone density tests were requested by rheumatologists that 474 were abnormal and 162 were normal, and in the abnormal group, 471 (99.4%) had ISCD indications for BMD, and only 3 (0.6%) cases had no indications. Conclusions: In many cases, bone mineral density has been requested based on ISCD indications (85.13%), and bone disorders have been well identified (64.83%). The study also demonstrates that BMD requests are common among different specialized groups, and when rheumatologists request a bone density, the test is highly sensitive (99.37%).

699 Pre-Operative Screening and Investigation of Patients with Suspected Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Bariatric Surgery Patients

Introduction Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more prevalent. The investigations used to diagnose NAFLD include FIB-4 score, NAFLD score and AST/ALT ratio (AAR). Gold-standard for diagnosis is liver biopsy. Bariatric surgery reduces steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD patients. However, in undiagnosed NAFLD, it can lead to worsening fibrosis and decompensation of cirrhosis, causing complications. The aim is to identify how well bariatric patients are being screened for NAFLD pre-operatively. Method Database analysis was conducted in the bariatric clinics at Royal Derby Hospital and analysed using SPSS. Results 392 patients’ data (Overall group) were analysed and compared with those who had an AAR>1 (Abnormal group). Abnormal group had a higher mean AAR, NAFLD and FIB-4 scores. Surprisingly, ALT and AST levels were higher in Overall group compared to Abnormal. Generally, patients were not pre-operatively checked sufficiently (81.9% LFTs, 62.2% ASTs). Conclusions A large number of patients could have undiagnosed NAFLD due to the lack of LFT/AST checks as ALT scores alone would miss fibrosis. Using AAR>1 and FIB-4 would allow clinicians to detect fibrosis earlier to carry out non-invasive diagnostic measures, avoiding unnecessary biopsies. Early diagnosis means patients undergoing bariatric surgery with possible cirrhosis will not experience decompensation and associated complications.

Analysis of structural injury patterns in peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer and retinal ganglion cell layer in ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy

Background We investigated structural injury patterns in the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (p-RNFL) and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) caused by ethambutol treatment. Methods Sixty-four patients undergoing ethambutol treatment at Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital were recruited. Fourteen (14) exhibited visual dysfunction (abnormal group), and the remaining 50 had no visual dysfunction (subclinical group). The thickness of the p-RNFL, total macular retina layer and GCIPL were measured using Cirrus-HD Optical coherence tomography (Cirrus-HD OCT, Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography), and compared with 60 healthy, age-matched controls. Results The p-RNFL thickness was similar in both subclinical and control groups. When compared with the control group, p-RNFL thickness in the abnormal group was significantly increased in the inferior and superior quadrants (GEE, P = 0.040, P = 0.010 respectively). In contrast with the subclinical group, p-RNFL thickness in the inferior quadrant was increased in the abnormal group (GEE, P = 0.047). The GCIPL thickness in the inferonasal and inferior sectors was significantly deceased in the subclinical group when compared with controls (GEE, P = 0.028, P = 0.047, respectively). The average and minimum value of GCIPL thickness, and thickness in the superonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, superotemporal and superior sectors were significantly decreased in the abnormal group when compared with controls (GEE, P = 0.016, P = 0.001, P = 0.028, P = 0.010, P = 0.012, P = 0.015, P = 0.010, respectively). The cube average macular thickness (CAMT) in the abnormal group was significantly thinner than controls (GEE, P = 0.027). Conclusions GCIPL measurements using Cirrus-HD OCT detected retinal ganglion cell layer loss following ethambutol treatment, before visual dysfunction occurred.

Association Between the Swallowing Reflex and the Development of Aspiration Pneumonia in Patients with Dysphagia Admitted to Long-term Care Wards -A Prospective Cohort Study of 60 Days-

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between the simple swallowing provocation test (SSPT) and development of aspiration pneumonia in patients with dysphagia in long-term care (LTC) wards.DesignThe study design was a prospective cohort study. Subjects were followed for 60 days from admission.SettingLTC wards.ParticipantsStudy subjects were patients with dysphagia aged 65 years or older who were admitted to LTC wards between August 2018 and August 2019. In total, 39 subjects were included in the analysis (20 males, 19 females; mean age 83.8 ± 8.5 years). Subjects were divided into two groups based on SSPT results: normal swallowing reflex (SSPT normal group) and abnormal swallowing reflex (SSPT abnormal group). The covariates were age and sex, primary disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, Glasgow coma scale, body mass index, geriatric nutritional risk index, the mann assessment of swallowing ability, food intake level scale, functional independence measure, and oral health assessment tool.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasureThe outcome was the incidence of aspiration pneumonia during the first 60 days of hospitalization, and the predictive factor was SSPT: 0.4 ml.ResultsThe incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 33.3% in the SSPT normal group and 76.2% in the SSPT abnormal group. The phi coefficient was −0.43, the risk ratio was 2.29, and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.14 to 4.58. The predictive factor for aspiration pneumonia was SSPT: 0.4 ml (95% CI: 1.57–26.03).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the SSPT provides a valid index for the development of aspiration pneumonia in older patients with dysphagia admitted to LTC wards.

Preoperative Rotator Muscle Strength Ratio Predicts Shoulder Function in Patients After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background: Shoulder function after rotator cuff repair is associated with patient satisfaction after surgery. Several studies have demonstrated that the muscle strength ratio (external rotators/internal rotators) is an important factor to evaluate shoulder function, but little is known about the relationship between the preoperative muscle strength ratio and postoperative shoulder function. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the preoperative muscle strength ratio of the shoulder rotators on function after rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The study participants were patients with small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging; 77 patients were included in the analysis. Preoperative muscle strength was assessed through use of isokinetic equipment. Patients were classified into 2 groups (normal and abnormal) according to a normal strength ratio range of 55% to 75%, with “abnormal” meaning a deviation of more than 15% from the normal range. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Constant score were used to evaluate shoulder function preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Results: There were 30 patients in the normal group and 47 in the abnormal group, with a preoperative muscle strength ratio of 63.5% ± 5.5% and 42.6% ± 6.1%, respectively. The ASES score was 88.6 ± 9.1 in the normal group and 77.5 ± 13.6 in the abnormal group at 2 years postoperatively, and the Constant score was 82.7 ± 8.4 in the normal group and 69.5 ± 13.4 in the abnormal group at 2 years postoperatively. A significant difference was found in postoperative shoulder function between the normal and abnormal groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the preoperative muscle strength ratio was associated with postoperative shoulder function. The preoperative muscle strength ratio should be considered an important predictor of shoulder function after rotator cuff repair.

P919 The correlation between cardiac biomarkers and findings on transthoracic echocardiography in the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND Trans-thoracic echo (TTE) is a commonly performed non-invasive investigation for the cardiovascular assessment of critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Raised cardiac biomarkers are commonly cited as an indication for TTE, however the significance of these biomarker elevations in the critical care setting is unclear. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to describe findings on TTE in an Irish ICU cohort and to determine if there was any correlation between these findings and serum N-terminal pro b-type natiuretic (NT-proBNP) and high sensitivity troponin T (HsTnT) levels. METHODS Patients admitted to the ICU and who received a TTE between January 2018 and February 2019 were identified. Based on TTE findings, patients were divided into two groups: ‘Normal group’ and ‘Abnormal group’. For the purpose of this study, minor abnormalities including concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and hyper-dynamic left ventricular function were included in the Normal group. The Abnormal group included reductions in LV function, regional wall motion abnormalities and significant valvular heart disease. Continuous variables were expressed as medians and interquartile range. The groups were compared using the z-test for continuous variables and fishers exact test for categorical variables, with a p value of < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS There were 358 patients admitted to the ICU during the study period. The mean age was 59.8 ± 17 years and over half of the patients (55%) were male. One hundred and fifteen patients (32%) had a reported TTE, of which 55% were normal and 22% had minor abnormalities (Normal group). The remaining 23% showed significant abnormalities (Abnormal group). The prevalence of a NT-proBNP result over 4 times the upper limit of normal (>4xULN) was not significantly different between groups (67% in Normal group vs 71% in Abnormal group, Fisher exact test statistic value is 0.7887, p < .05). However a HsTnT value >4xULN was more common in the Abnormal group than the Normal group (73% vs 46%, Fisher exact test statistic value is 0.0231, p < .05). Similarly, Median NT-proBNP did not differ significantly between the groups; (2254pg/mL; IQR: 11,758 in the Normal group vs 6428pg/mL; IQR: 5,789 in the Abnormal group, p = 0.52218) but Median HsTnT level was significantly higher in the Abnormal group than Normal group; (123ng/L ; IQR: 656 vs 51ng/L; IQR: 163.5 ,p = 0.0278). CONCLUSION TTE is performed commonly in the ICU, with one-third of ICU admissions receiving a TTE. Over 75% were reported as normal or showing only minor abnormalities. NT-Pro BNP was commonly significantly elevated but did not correlate with the subsequent diagnostic yield of significant abnormalities on echocardiography. HsTnT levels were more commonly significantly raised in patients with abnormal TTE results and the role of troponin in this setting requires further evaluation.