MedWorm: Disability

Genomic Tics in Tourette Syndrome

Biological Psychiatry — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:12:03 +0100

It is a striking observation that studies of copy number variation (CNV) in neurodevelopmental phenotypes continue to report an excess of rare variants in case populations. This astonishing result has been observed and replicated in studies of intellectual disability (), autism (), schizophrenia (), and epilepsy (). In a study published this month in Biological Psychiatry, Tourette syndrome (TS) is now added to this growing list (). (Source: Biological Psychiatry)

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Genetic Variant Increases Risk Of Common Type Stroke

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A genetic variant that increases the risk of a common type of stroke has been identified by scientists in a study published online in Nature Genetics. This is one of the few genetic variants to date to be associated with risk of stroke and the discovery opens up new possibilities for treatment. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide (more than one in 10 of all deaths, and over six million deaths annually), and also in developed countries is a major cause of chronic disability. As the world's populations age the impact of stroke on wellbeing is likely to increase further... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Green Tea Protects Against Functional Disability Linked To Aging

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

Regular green tea drinkers have a lower risk of developing functional disability, researchers from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Functional disability refers to problems with daily chores and activities, such as bathing or dressing. As background information, the authors explained that prior studies had found that consuming green tea reduced the risk of diseases associated with functional disability, such as osteoporosis, cognitive impairment and stroke... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Dangers of Common Painkiller Medication

Disabled World — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:28:28 +0100

Prescription and over the counter painkillers are found in relatively every household and they are used for a variety of ailments and injuries. However, despite the widespread popularity of many painkillers, they also come with a variety of dangers. (Source: Disabled World)

Disability in Ireland - Policy Changes Necessary

Disabled World — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:55:14 +0100

A new study has identified significant gaps in public policy and service delivery for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland. (Source: Disabled World)

Aspirin Vs Warfarin Comparison for Heart Failure Treatment

Disabled World — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:36:50 +0100

In the largest and longest head-to-head comparison of two anti-clotting medications, warfarin was similar to aspirin in preventing deaths and strokes in patients with heart failure with normal heart rhythm. (Source: Disabled World)

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White Cane Week 2012 - Special Programs from Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)

Disabled World — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:27:27 +0100

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) to celebrate White Cane Week 2012 with compelling line-up of special programming from February 5 to 11. (Source: Disabled World)

House Vote to Repeal CLASS Ignores Needs of Seniors, Families and Caregivers

Disabled World — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:03:55 +0100

House Vote to Repeal CLASS Shows Congress is Out of Touch with the Struggles of Middle-Class Americans - Vote Ignores the Long-Term Care Needs of Millions of Seniors, Families, and Caregivers. (Source: Disabled World)

Comment: Frontal lobes, executive dysfunction, gait and the fallacy of Pseudo-transitivity. - Montgomery EB.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) is particularly vexing as it causes disability and yet is often treatment refractory. Further, gait disorders do not track with volitional motor control. For example, gait often worsens with hi... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

An Epidemiologic Survey on Burns in Yazd from 2008 till 2009. - Mirmohammadi SJ, Mehrparvar AH, Jalilmanesh M, Kazemeini K, Delbari N, Mostaghaci M.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Burns are injuries which may require long hospitalization and may result in important impairment and disability. Burn injuries are still common especially in developing countries. Assessment of the epidemiology of burns is very important for introduction o... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Disability Among Stroke Patients Not Improved By New Drug

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A new drug that showed promise in animal studies and an early clinical trial didn't improve disability among stroke patients, according to late-breaking research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2012. After a stroke and other types of brain damage, the brain naturally produces more granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The protein can prevent further cell injury by protecting nerve cells and boosting blood vessel growth. The new drug, AX200, is a manufactured form of G-CSF... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Psychedelic drugs: more a case of 'turn off, tune in, drop out' | Johnjoe McFadden

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Magic mushrooms work by shutting down parts of the brain, not expanding the mind, according to new researchSix thousand years ago palaeolithic hunters painted images on the walls of the Selva Pascuala caves in Spain that look remarkably similar to locally abundant Psilocybe hispanica, one of the many "magic mushrooms" that contains the hallucinogen psilocybin. The same or similar mushrooms have been used throughout the ages to induce states of religious ecstasy, spiritual enlightenment, mystical meanderings or simply to have a great time. But how do they work? Timothy Leary, who famously told a generation of Americans to "turn on, tune in, drop out", claimed these "mind-expanding chemicals … acts as a chemical key – it opens the mind, frees the nervous system of its ordinary patterns a...

Brain Anatomy and Its Relationship to Behavior in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study [Original Article]

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Adults with ASD have distributed differences in brain anatomy and connectivity that are associated with specific autistic features and traits. These results are compatible with the concept of autism as a syndrome characterized by atypical neural "connectivity." (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

How To Apply For Disability

About.com Eating Disorders — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Have everything on your checklist to get ready for your disability interview. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

Childhood Infections Increase Risks of Stroke

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Stroke is the third leading cause of death, as well as the leading cause of serious disability among adults. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Exploring factors relevant in the assessment of the return-to-work process of employees on long-term sickness absence due to a depressive disorder: a focus group study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study shows that 16 factors are relevant in the assessment of RTW-ES in employees sick-listed due to DD. Further research is necessary to expand this knowledge to other health conditions, and to investigate the impact of these results on the quality of the RTW-ES assessment. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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Green tea drinkers show less disability with age: study

Reuters: Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:14:51 +0100

(Reuters) - Elderly adults who regularly drink green tea may stay more agile and independent than their peers over time, according to a Japanese study that covered thousands of people. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Video: Disabled Haitian helps others back on their feet

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:15:16 +0100

Three days after the earthquake that struck Haiti, Shelove Julmiste was told her crushed leg would have to be amputated. She thought she would never walk again. Now two years later, Shelove is running Haiti's first rehab program and helping people get back on their feet. Whit Johnson reports. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Morgellons - Psychological or a Physical Disease?

Disabled World — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:19:52 +0100

Some people disagree with a psychological conceptualization of Morgellon's Disease and strongly believe it is a distinct form of medical condition. (Source: Disabled World)

[Seminar] Non-specific low back pain

LANCET — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Non-specific low back pain has become a major public health problem worldwide. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is reported to be as high as 84%, and the prevalence of chronic low back pain is about 23%, with 11–12% of the population being disabled by low back pain. Mechanical factors, such as lifting and carrying, probably do not have a major pathogenic role, but genetic constitution is important. History taking and clinical examination are included in most diagnostic guidelines, but the use of clinical imaging for diagnosis should be restricted. (Source: LANCET)

Green tea drinkers show less disability with age: study

Reuters: Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:26 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Elderly adults who regularly drink green tea may stay more agile and independent than their peers over time, a large study of Japanese adults suggests. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Green Tea Drinkers Show Less Disability with Age

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:11 +0100

Elderly adults who regularly drink green tea may stay more agile and independent than their peers over time, a large study of Japanese adults suggests.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Disabilities, Herbal Medicine, Seniors' Health (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

New drug doesn't improve disability among stroke patients, researchers find

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:05:01 +0100

A new drug that showed promise in animal studies and an early clinical trial didn't improve disability among stroke patients, according to new research. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

National Peanut Butter Day No Picnic for Kids with Peanut Allergies

Disabled World — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:44:49 +0100

National Peanut Butter Day is No Picnic for Kids with Peanut Allergies, But Educating Our Kids About Food Allergies Can Be - With over six million children in the US now facing peanut and other food allergies, food allergy education in schools is a must. Author Sue Ganz-Schmitt strives to help with the release of her children's book The Princess and the Peanut. (Source: Disabled World)

New Drug Doesn't Improve Disability Among Stroke Patients

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0100

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new drug that showed promise in animal studies and an early clinical trial didn't improve disability among stroke patients, according to late-breaking research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2012. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Risk Factors for Medical Disability in U.S. Enlisted Marines: Fiscal Years 2001 to 2009

Military Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:18:15 +0100

(Source: Military Medicine)

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VLDLR and ApoER2 Regulate ABCA1 Expression [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Activation of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (apoER2) results in either pro- or anti-atherogenic effects depending on the ligand. Using reelin and apoE as ligands, we studied the impact of VLDLR- and apoER2-mediated signaling on the expression of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and cholesterol efflux using RAW264.7 cells. Treatment of these mouse macrophages with reelin or human apoE3 significantly increased ABCA1 mRNA and protein levels, and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux. In addition, both reelin and apoE3 significantly increased phosphorylated disabled-1 (Dab1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ), and specificity protein 1 (Sp1). This reelin- or apoER2-mediated up-regulation of ABCA1 expression w...

Usefulness of CT Angiography for Therapeutic Decision Making in Thrombolyzing Intubated Patients with Suspected Basilar Artery Thrombosis

Journal of Neuroimaging — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONIn patients with BAT, intubated before assessment by neurologist, CTA might help in confirming the diagnosis and facilitating therapeutic decision making for initiating thrombolysis. J Neuroimaging 2012;XX:1–4. (Source: Journal of Neuroimaging)

[Original Articles] Emotional Stress and Heart Rate Variability Measures Associated With Cardiovascular Risk in Relocated Katrina Survivors

Psychosomatic Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Results showed this multilayer trauma’s impact on emotional health and HRV-based measures of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Specifically, dysregulation of depressed survivors’ HRV in response to trauma reminders supports more autonomic involvement in traumatic loss/depression than in PTSD. Diagnostic criteria for PTSD include physiologic reactivity, and the present findings suggest that, in this setting, altered physiologic reactivity observed when PTSD coexists with depression. (Source: Psychosomatic Medicine)

Early Intervention Services for Psychosis and Time Until Application for Disability Income Support: A Survival Analysis.

Community Mental Health Journal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Krupa T, Oyewumi K, Archie S, Stuart Lawson J, Nandlal J, Conrad G Abstract Ensuring the financial security of individuals recovering from first episode psychosis is imperative, but disability income programs can be powerful disincentives to employment, compromising the social and occupational aspects of recovery. Survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to examine the rate at which individuals served by early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services apply for government disability income benefits and factors that predict rate of application. Health records for 558 individuals served by EIP programs were reviewed. Within the first year of receiving services 30% will make application for disability income; 60% will do so by 5 years. Rate of application is p...

Anger management interventions for adults with learning disabilities living in the community: a review of recent (2000–2010) evidence

British Journal of Learning Disabilities — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study looks at research on helping adults with learning disabilities to manage their anger.• More research needs to be carried out to find better ways of helping adults with learning disabilities to manage their anger.SummaryEstimates suggest that around a quarter of adults with learning disabilities living in the community have difficulties controlling their anger. Angry or aggressive behaviour can have serious repercussions, including loss of residential or day placements, admission to hospital and reduced quality of life. In addition, the psychological well being of both paid and family carers can be adversely affected. A previous review of this area (Whitaker 2001) suggested equivocal results for cognitive‐behavioural (CBT) approaches. The current study provides an update to...

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The Mind Behind the Message: Advancing Theory‐of‐Mind Scales for Typically Developing Children, and Those With Deafness, Autism, or Asperger Syndrome

Child Development — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Children aged 3–12 years (n = 184) with typical development, deafness, autism, or Asperger syndrome took a series of theory‐of‐mind (ToM) tasks to confirm and extend previous developmental scaling evidence. A new sarcasm task, in the format of H. M. Wellman and D. Liu’s (2004) 5‐step ToM Scale, added a statistically reliable 6th step to the scale for all diagnostic groups. A key previous finding, divergence in task sequencing for children with autism, was confirmed. Comparisons among diagnostic groups, controlling age, and language ability, showed that typical developers mastered the 6 ToM steps ahead of each of the 3 disabled groups, with implications for ToM theories. The final (sarcasm) task challenged even nondisabled 9‐year‐olds, demonstrating the new scale’s sen...

Optoacoustic monitoring of cerebral venous blood oxygenation though intact scalp in large animals

Optics Express — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Monitoring (currently invasive) of cerebral venous blood oxygenation is a key to avoiding hypoxia-induced brain injury resulting in death or severe disability. Noninvasive, optoacoustic monitoring of cerebral venous blood oxygenation can potentially replace existing invasive methods. To the best of ... (Source: Optics Express)

New drug doesn't improve disability among stroke patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Heart Association) A new drug that showed promise in animal studies and an early clinical trial didn't improve disability among stroke patients, according to late-breaking research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2012. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Tobacco Quitlines in the United States

Nursing Clinics of North America — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:41:30 +0100

Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death and disability in the United States today. In 2003, the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health recommended to establish a federally funded national tobacco quitline network by 2005. Quitlines are telephone-based programs that assist tobacco users to quit. The combination of health professionals referring patients to an accessible, evidence-based, cost-effective cessation resource can produce a substantial reduction in the number of tobacco users in the United States. Initiatives to increase knowledge and working relationships between nurses and quitlines need to be created, implemented, and evaluated. (Source: Nursing Clinics of North America)

Effects of renin-angiotensin blockers/inhibitors and statins on mortality and functional impairment in polypathological patients.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:26:12 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The prescription of statins, alone or in combination with other drugs, may impact the survival and functional decline in polypathological patients. Further prospective blinded randomised assays are needed to confirm these observations. PMID: 22284251 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

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Semantic memory and language dysfunction in early Alzheimer's disease: a review

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:34:56 +0100

ConclusionsIdentifying and classifying the nature and degree of language impairment more closely could aid in developing targeted therapies. Treatments already established in other aphasic states, such as post‐stroke, may be especially relevant. The nature of these and the protective nature of cognitive reserve are potential therapeutic avenues. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

Acute Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injury

Current Treatment Options in Neurology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:19 +0100

Opinion statement Most treatment options for acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are directed at minimizing progression of the initial injury and preventing secondary injury. Failure to adhere to certain guiding principles can be detrimental to the long-term neurologic and functional outcome of these patients. Therapy for the hyperacute phase of traumatic SCI focuses on stabilizing vital signs and follows the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) algorithm for ensuring stability of airway, breathing and circulation, and disability (neurologic evaluation)—with spinal stabilization—and exposure. Spinal stabilization, with cervical collars and long backboards, is used to prevent movement of a potentially unstable spinal column injury to prevent further injury to the sp...

Treatment for Veterans with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Disabled World — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:49:21 +0100

United States military veterans now have the option to use Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy, a small, non-invasive nasal device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). (Source: Disabled World)

Connecting iPad iPhone or iPod to TV or Projector

Disabled World — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:27:17 +0100

Information on cables you can use to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your Television set or projector (Source: Disabled World)

The Career Trajectories of Health Care Professionals Practicing With Permanent Disabilities

Academic Medicine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:10:49 +0100

Conclusions: The responses revealed several missed opportunities for supporting health care professionals with disabilities in the workplace. These findings should inform the continuing debate regarding what defines “reasonable accommodation” and how to create a workplace that is welcoming for nurses and physicians with disabilities. (Source: Academic Medicine)

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Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Long-Term Outcomes of a Major Outbreak of Chikungunya in a Hamlet in Sri Lanka, in 2007: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Chikungunya outbreaks occurred in the central province, Sri Lanka in 2006. This community-based study reports the epidemiology and the natural history of the infection from an affected village. Of the 199 families and 1001 individuals in the village, 159 (80%) and 513 (51%) were affected, respectively, comprising 237 (46%) males with peak incidence at 40–50 years. The acute illness caused polyarthritis in 233 (46%), and of them 230 (98%) progressed to chronic arthritic disability (CAD). Of the CAD patients, 102 (44%) had recovered in 141 days (range 30–210 days) from the disability state whilst 128 (56%) had persisting disability which lasted 12, 24, and 36 months in 41 (17.8%), 22 (9.5%), and 14 (6.1%) individuals, respectively. Carpal ...

Britain's First Adult Autism Survey Reveals Previously 'Invisible' Group With Autism

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

New research on autism in adults has shown that adults with a more severe learning disability have a greater likelihood of having autism. This group, mostly living in private households, was previously 'invisible' in estimates of autism. Dr Terry Brugha, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Leicester, led research on behalf of the University for the report Estimating the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Conditions in Adults: Extending the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, which has today been published by the NHS Information Centre... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The relation between zoledronic acid infusion and interbody fusion in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery

Acta Neurochirurgica — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:55:58 +0100

Conclusions There was no association between ZOL treatment and nonunion of the lumbar spinal bone. Thus, undergoing lumbar interbody fusion surgery is not a valid reason to suspend or avoid treatment with ZOL. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00701-012-1283-7Authors Chao Li, Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaHui-Ren Wang, Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaXi-Lei Li, Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaXiao-Gang Zhou, Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaJian Dong, Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ...

The normative score and the cut-off value of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

European Spine Journal — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:54:52 +0100

Conclusions We defined the normative score and the cut-off value of the ODI. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00586-012-2173-7Authors Juichi Tonosu, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo, JapanKatsushi Takeshita, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo, JapanNobuhiro Hara, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo, JapanKo Matsudaira, Clinical Research Centre for Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders, Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kanagawa, JapanSo Kato, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, T...

Hospital management and outcomes of stroke in Indigenous Australians: evidence from the 2009 Acute Care National Stroke Audit

International Journal of Stroke — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsAustralian Indigenous patients with stroke received a reduced quality of care in hospitals and experienced worse outcomes than non‐Indigenous patients. Indigenous patients require the provision of evidence‐based care to increase their opportunities for optimal health outcomes following stroke. Further research to explain the differences is needed. (Source: International Journal of Stroke)

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Interferon beta for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Background Therapy with either recombinant beta-1a or beta-1b interferons (IFNs) is worldwide approved for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). A major unanswered question is whether this treatment is able to safely reverse or retard the progressive phase of the disease. Objectives The main objective was to verify whether IFNs treatment in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) is more effective than placebo in reducing the number of patients who experience disability progression. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis Group's Trials Register (1995 to 15 February 2011), the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings. Reg...

Exposure to parental mortality and markers of morbidity, and the risks of attempted and completed suicide in offspring: an analysis of sensitive life periods

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Parental morbidity and parental suicidal behaviour show the most detrimental effects on completed suicide among offspring when they appear early in life. Early interventions in families at risk are necessary to prevent suicide in offspring. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Deprivation, ethnicity and the prevalence of intellectual and developmental disabilities

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Children whose development is already compromised (and especially children with less severe intellectual disabilities) are at increased risk of exposure to social conditions that are themselves inimical to healthy development. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Cost-effectiveness of introducing the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into the universal immunisation of infants in Brazil

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The PCV10 universal infant immunisation programme is a cost-effective intervention (1–3 GDP per capita/DALY avoided). Owing to the uncertain burden of disease data, as well as unclear long-term vaccine effects, surveillance systems to monitor the long-term effects of this programme will be essential. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Familial 4.8 MB deletion on 18q23 associated with growth hormone insufficiency and phenotypic variability

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe deletion of the long arm of chromosome 18 causes a contiguous gene deletion syndrome with a highly variable phenotype, usually related to the extent of the deleted region. The most commonly reported clinical features include: decreased growth, microcephaly, facial abnormalities, hypotonia, developmental delay, intellectual disability, congenital aural atresia with hearing impairment and limb anomalies. Here we report on a familial terminal deletion of 18q23 region transmitted from a mother to two daughters, resulting in a remarkable phenotypic variability. The deletion was first detected by conventional cytogenetic analysis in one daughter and subsequently characterized using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and array‐CGH. FISH analysis using subtelomeric 18p and 18q...

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Open Lateral Retinacular Closure Surgery for Treatment of Anterolateral Knee Pain and Disability After Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release

The American Journal of Sports Medicine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Open LRC provides significant pain relief and improvement in functional knee outcome scores in patients with persistent pain and tenderness at the site of a previous lateral release and a positive medial patellar apprehension test. Lateral release procedures should be considered with caution. For patients with anterolateral knee pain and symptoms of medial patellar instability after lateral release, LRC may provide symptomatic relief and functional improvement. (Source: The American Journal of Sports Medicine)

Life‐threatening cervical spine collapse as a result of postradiation osteonecrosis—case report and review of the literature

Head and Neck — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionDelayed diagnosis of cervical ORN can result in marked disability and pain due to spinal cord compression, as well as serious deformity and instability requiring surgical intervention, and even death. It is important for otolaryngologists who treat head and neck malignancies to be aware of this potential complication so that patients may be diagnosed as early as possible and treated with conservative measures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Disease Progress and Response to Treatment as Predictors of Survival, Disability, Cognitive Impairment, and Depression in Parkinson's Disease

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings show that the time course of disease status based on UPDRS is a much better predictor of future clinical events than any baseline disease characteristic. Continued selegiline treatment appears to increase the hazard of death.© 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society (Source: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

Children with Disabilities Must Not be Forgotten - UNICEF

Disabled World — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:59:40 +0100

In conflict and crisis, children with disabilities must not be forgotten - Children with disabilities must not be forgotten during crises and conflict, UNICEF said at an international conference. (Source: Disabled World)

"Touch" Series on FOX TV - Child with Autism Predicts Future Events

Disabled World — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:41:35 +0100

ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide care and treatment to children with autism who cannot access or afford treatment, applauds the FOX network for producing its new television series "Touch." (Source: Disabled World)

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Decoding Brain Waves - Understanding Paralyzed Patients Thoughts

Disabled World — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:22:30 +0100

Scientists decode brain waves to eavesdrop on what we hear - Success opens door to hearing imagined conversations of paralyzed patients. (Source: Disabled World)

Efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide in preterm neonates.

Advances in Neonatal Care — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Love LE, Bradshaw WT Abstract Over the past 20 years, the recognition of nitric oxide (NO) as an endothelial-derived vasodilator has led to remarkable advances in vascular biology awareness. The signaling molecule NO, produced by NO synthase, is a molecule that is widespread in the body and important in multiple organ systems. Soon after its discovery, investigators found NO to be a potent pulmonary vasodilator in term neonates. Nitric oxide has come to perform a key function in neonatal therapy and management since its identification, especially in those with respiratory failure. It is conventionally used in the neonatal population for the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension, resulting in hypoxic respiratory failure of the term or near-term newborn. Inhaled NO ...

Probably role of citicoline in stroke rehabilitation: review of the literature.

Revista de Neurologia — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Secades JJ Abstract Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and the main cause of severe and long-term disability in adults. Following treatment during the acute phase, there is a need to continue the treatment of the patients in the rehabilitation phase, in order to improve the outcome and daily life activities. This is the role of rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation is focused on increasing brain plasticity to recover some of the lost functions, based on different methodologies, including pharmaco-therapy. In this context, the role of citicoline in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke is reviewed. PMID: 22278894 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revista de Neurologia)

Familial 16q24.3 microdeletion involving ANKRD11 causes a KBG‐like syndrome

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present a mother and child with a heterozygous 365 Kb deletion at 16q24.3 containing ANKRD11, ZNF778, and SPG7 genes. The child presented with developmental delay, facial anomalies, hand anomalies, and a congenital heart defect. The mother has short stature, facial anomalies, macrodontia, hand anomalies, and learning disability. Both individuals had many findings reported in KBG syndrome and the family met the suggested diagnostic criteria. However, typical macrodontia with fused incisors, costovertebral anomalies, and delayed bone age were not present. We conclude that microdeletions involving ANKRD11 result in a phenotype similar to that of KBG syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A)

The Economic Cost of Chronic Noncancer Pain in Ireland: Results From the PRIME Study, Part 2

The Journal of Pain — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: To assess the economic cost of chronic pain in Ireland, information was gathered from 140 people with chronic pain. Direct and indirect costs attributable to chronic pain and medical conditions of which chronic pain was a feature were recorded retrospectively for 12 months. Mean cost per chronic pain patient was estimated at €5,665 per year across all grades of pain, with mean costs increasing according to the severity of pain. A small proportion of patients account for the bulk of costs—the top 5% most expensive patients accounted for 26.4% of costs, with a mean cost per patient of €29,936, and the 10% most expensive patients were responsible for 42.8% of all costs. Total cost for individuals aged 20 and above was estimated at €5.34 billion per year, or 2.86% of Irish GD...

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Methodologies used in cost-effectiveness models for evaluating treatments in major depressive disorder: a systematic review

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The review identified several model input data gaps, including utility values in partial responders, efficacy of second-line treatments, and resource utilisation estimates obtained from relevant, high-quality studies. It highlighted the differences in outcome measures among the trials of MDD interventions, which can lead to difficulty in performing indirect comparisons, and the inconsistencies in definitions of health states used in the clinical trials and those used in utility studies. Clinical outcomes contributed to the uncertainty in cost-effectiveness estimates to a greater degree than costs or utility weights. (Source: Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation)

New study estimates autism prevalence among adults with learning disability

NHS Networks — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The report combines data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) 2007 with findings from a new study based on a sample of people with learning disabilities living in private households and communal care establishments. It aims to estimate the prevalence of autism in England, furthering previous research that suggests people with learning disabilities are more likely to have autism; and address the fact that the APMS did not include people with severe learning disabilities. (Source: NHS Networks)

Short-Term Effect of Superficial Heat Treatment on Paraspinal Muscle Activity, Stature Recovery, and Psychological Factors in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Use of the heat wrap was associated with a decrease in muscle activity and a short-term improvement in certain aspects of well-being for the CLBP patients. The results confirm the link between the biomechanical and psychological outcome measures. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Validity of an Exercise Test Based on Habitual Gait Speed in Mobility-Limited Older Adults

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Li X, Forman DE, Kiely DK, LaRose S, Hirschberg R, Frontera WR, Bean JF. Validity of an exercise test based on habitual gait speed in mobility-limited older adults. Objective: To evaluate whether a customized exercise tolerance testing (ETT) protocol based on an individual's habitual gait speed (HGS) on level ground would be a valid mode of exercise testing older adults. Although ETT provides a useful means to risk-stratify adults, age-related declines in gait speed paradoxically limit the utility of standard ETT protocols for evaluating older adults. A customized ETT protocol may be a useful alternative to these standard methods, and this study hypothesized that this alternative approach would be valid. Design: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a...

Predictors of Functional Outcome Change 18 Months After Anterior Ulnar Nerve Transposition

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CuTS is predominantly a clinical diagnosis. Electrophysiologic studies are important supplemental examinations for the diagnosis of CuTS because they not only contribute to diagnosis, but are also important prognostic features. Females may have more improvement with regard to functional outcomes than males when undergoing surgical intervention. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

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Multifidus Atrophy Is Localized and Bilateral in Active Persons With Chronic Unilateral Low Back Pain

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that despite a low level of disability and an activity level similar to that of matched control subjects, considerable localized, bilateral multifidus atrophy is present. Such impaired size of the multifidus will likely reduce its capacity to control intersegmental motion, thus increasing the susceptibility to further injury. Unlike acute unilateral low back pain (LBP), muscle size is reduced bilaterally in persons with chronic unilateral LBP. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Concussions in Wheelchair Basketball

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The current investigation was consistent with previous research in that women were more likely to sustain a concussion than men, and injury rates were similar to those in able-bodied basketball. Further work is needed in concussion assessment in persons with disability, as well as greater education concerning concussion in disability sports. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Prediction of Failure to Retain Work 1 Year After Interdisciplinary Functional Restoration in Occupational Injuries

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study identified demographic, psychosocial, and occupational factors that were predictive of failure to retain work. These risk factors may be used to individualize treatment plans for CDOMD patients in order to provide optimal functional restoration. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Building on Transformative Learning and Response Shift Theory to Investigate Health-Related Quality of Life Changes Over Time in Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions and Disability

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Barclay-Goddard R, King J, Dubouloz CJ, Schwartz CE, on behalf of the Response Shift Think Tank Working Group. Building on transformative learning and response shift theory to investigate health-related quality of life changes over time in individuals with chronic health conditions and disability. A major goal of treatment for people living with chronic illness or disability is self-management leading to optimized health-related quality of life. This change process has been described in the adult education literature as transformative learning, while in health-related quality of life research, response shift has emerged as a key concept. Response shift and transformative learning literature were reviewed, and the theoretical frameworks of the 2 concepts were compared and contras...

Co-occurring Conditions and Change in Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorders

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the presence of co-occurring psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions are associated with a change in ASD diagnosis. Questions remain as to whether changes in diagnosis of an ASD are due to true etiologic differences or shifts in diagnostic determination. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Characteristics and outcome of brachial plexus birth palsy in neonates

Acta Paediatrica — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Maternal and foetal characteristics influence risk of BPBP, but not extent of injury or reversibility of injury. Due to high risk of permanent disability and modest risk of low Apgar or pH among newborns with BPBP, the recommendation of prompt delivery may need to be re‐evaluated.© 2012 The Author(s)/Acta Pædiatrica © 2012 Foundation Acta Pædiatrica (Source: Acta Paediatrica)

Intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke patients with isolated homonymous hemianopia

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOur experience encourages application of intravenous thrombolytic treatment (especially when supported with multimodality neuroimaging) in patients with homonymous hemianopia, for which rehabilitation options are limited. (Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica)

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary care program on recovery and return to work of patients after gynaecological surgery; design of a randomized controlled trial

BMC Health Services Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe discrepancy between expected physical recovery and actual return to work after gynaecological surgery contributes to the relevance of this study. There is strong evidence that long periods of sick leave can result in work disability, poorer general health and increased risk of mental health problems. We expect that this multidisciplinary care program will improve peri-operative care, contribute to a faster return to work of patients after gynaecological surgery and, as a consequence, will reduce societal costs considerably.Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR2087 (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Risk factors of anxiety and depression in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:In this large cohort of IBD patients, risk factors for anxiety and depression were severe and active disease and socioeconomic deprivation. Psychological interventions would be useful when these factors are identified. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;) (Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

The value of education in special care dentistry as a means of reducing inequalities in oral health

European Journal of Dental Education — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article aims to discuss the role and value of promoting and harmonising education in Special Care Dentistry as a means of reducing inequalities in oral health. (Source: European Journal of Dental Education)

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The Impact of Sexual or Physical Abuse History on Pain‐Related Outcomes among Blacks and Whites with Chronic Pain: Gender Influence

Pain Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Our study confirms physical and mental health, and pain‐related outcomes are affected by abuse history for men and women. These results support screening all patients for abuse to improve the survivor's overall health and well‐being. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Association between parent reports of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behaviours and child impulsivity in children with severe intellectual disability

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Parent reports of ADHD symptoms in children with ID may be positively associated with data derived using clinical interview methods, but they may be less sensitive to developmental expectations when compared with observed child behaviour. Practical implications include the need for multiple sources of information and normative data for children with ID on simple experimental tasks that can be used to aid diagnosis of ADHD in clinical settings. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Urban–rural differences in the nature and prevalence of mental ill‐health in adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We found these results surprising and at odds with the majority of studies carried out in the general population and propose several reasons for the differences found. We believe that the results and further studies in this area will help inform health service provision for those with ID who live in different geographical areas. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Investigating low adaptive behaviour and presence of the triad of impairments characteristic of autistic spectrum disorder as indicators of risk for challenging behaviour among adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This study has shown that it is necessary to control for intercorrelation between potential risk factors for challenging behaviour and to explore how interaction between them might moderate associations. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

‘You need to let your voice be heard’: research participants' views on research

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our findings suggest that despite ethical challenges, researchers can and should pursue research that has the potential to improve the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Such research is more likely to be both ethical and successful if researchers pay attention to enhancing autonomy and person‐centredness, while at the same time engendering participant trust. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

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Use of ECT in patients with an intellectual disability: review [Special articles]

Psychiatric Bulletin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Aims and method The literature on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with an intellectual disability is scarce, despite a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than in the general adult population. We carried out a review of articles published before March 2010. All age ranges, severity of disability and diagnoses were included. Results We found 72 case reports, a retrospective chart review study and other reviews, but no controlled studies. Most patients (79%) showed a positive outcome following ECT. Complications were seen only in 13% and there were no reports of cognitive decline. Many patients relapsed following ECT (32%) and the majority were maintained with medication at follow-up (71%). Clinical implications Electroconvulsive therapy is a valuable treatment ...

Identification of new epilepsy treatments: Issues in preclinical methodology

Epilepsia — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryPreclinical research has facilitated the discovery of valuable drugs for the symptomatic treatment of epilepsy. Yet, despite these therapies, seizures are not adequately controlled in a third of all affected individuals, and comorbidities still impose a major burden on quality of life. The introduction of multiple new therapies into clinical use over the past two decades has done little to change this. There is an urgent demand to address the unmet clinical needs for: (1) new symptomatic antiseizure treatments for drug‐resistant seizures with improved efficacy/tolerability profiles, (2) disease‐modifying treatments that prevent or ameliorate the process of epileptogenesis, and (3) treatments for the common comorbidities that contribute to disability in people with epilepsy. New ...

British adults with autism 'invisible'

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:58:59 +0100

LEICESTER, England, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- British adults with a severe learning disability have elevated risk of autism and often live in private homes "invisible" in autism estimates, researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Access to fampridine which can help walking for some people with MS

Multiple Sclerosis Trust — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Fampridine is licensed for adult patients with MS who have a walking disability (defined as scoring 4-7 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor experienced in the management of MS. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a widely used measure of neurological disability. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)

Early Retirement Due to Bad Back Problems

Disabled World — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:32:43 +0100

People who retire early due to back problems face long-term financial disadvantage. (Source: Disabled World)

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Early Retirement Due to Back Pain

Disabled World — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:32:00 +0100

People who retire early due to back problems face long-term financial disadvantage. (Source: Disabled World)

Chronic Pain - A New Understanding

Disabled World — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:03:59 +0100

Scripps Research scientists provide new understanding of chronic pain - Findings suggest new target for drug development. (Source: Disabled World)

Amelia Rivera, 3, in struggle for kidney transplant over disability

Health News: CBSNews.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:06:32 +0100

Controversy sparked in January when Riveras said prominent hospital denied daughter kidney transplant because of disability (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Learning Disability Tied to Cadmium Burden (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Public Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Greater exposure to the heavy metal cadmium may be associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and teens, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Op-Ed Contributor: Pregnant, and Pushed Out of a Job

NYT — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:23:03 +0100

Thanks to a gap between discrimination laws and disability laws, it’s possible for a pregnant woman to be forced from her job. (Source: NYT)

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Businessman pleads guilty to selling, not delivering wheelchairs

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:35:36 +0100

The owner of 1st Class Mobility, Carlos B. Jerez, 35, formerly of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Sacramento to 16 counts of wire fraud for not delivering wheelchairs and scooters that disabled clients paid to have shipped to them. ... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Confession: this pediatrician is a sleep softie

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:13:35 +0100

This may not be a great confession to make as a pediatrician, but when it comes to sleep and kids, I am a total softie. Our kids slept in our bed. We slept in theirs (which was very cramped in the toddler bed, and didn’t do great things to the frame)—or lay next to them as they drifted off to sleep. We sat on the floor, telling stories and singing lullabies and slowly edging out of the bedroom as their breathing got deep and regular. We went in again and again to retrieve the stuffed animal from under the bed or to investigate the scary noise or possible spider. When they woke in the middle of the night, we held them until they went back to sleep—sometimes night after night. Our children have always had a reasonable bedtime (even if we ignore it sometimes), we’ve made sure their sl...

Natalizumab treatment of multiple sclerosis in Spain: results of an extensive observational study

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:10:02 +0100

Abstract Natalizumab has been shown to be effective in pivotal clinical trials in multiple sclerosis; however, the patients in whom treatment is indicated in clinical practice have a different clinical profile from those included in the clinical trials. The aim of this study is therefore to collect data on natalizumab use in everyday clinical practice in Spain. The 86 participating centers throughout Spain submitted data on disease characteristics at baseline and after treatment. Valid data were available for 1,364 patients (69.3% women, 86.9% with relapsing–remitting disease). Ninety-three percent had received prior therapy for multiple sclerosis. For the 825 patients on treatment for at least a year, the annualized relapse rate (ARR) decreased from median 2.0 [mean 2.0...

MRI appearance of the distal insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee: an additional criterion for ligament ruptures

Skeletal Radiology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:06:18 +0100

Conclusion The proposed classification has a high performance and reproducibility for the identification of abnormal anterior cruciate ligament. The results were influenced neither by the level of expertise of the readers nor by the image quality. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Scientific ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00256-012-1363-zAuthors G. Oldrini, Service d’imagerie Guilloz, CHU Nancy, Av De Lattre de Tassigny, 54000 Nancy, FranceP. Gondim Teixeira, Service d’imagerie Guilloz, CHU Nancy, Av De Lattre de Tassigny, 54000 Nancy, FranceA. Chanson, Service d’imagerie Guilloz, CHU Nancy, Av De Lattre de Tassigny, 54000 Nancy, FranceM. L. Erpelding, Service Epidémiologie et Evaluation Cliniques, CHU Nancy, Hôpitaux de Brabois Allée du Morvan, 54500 Vand...

36 months observational clinical study of 38 adult Pompe disease patients under alglucosidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:04:27 +0100

Conclusion Our data denote a rather variable course of neuromuscular deficits in chronic adult-onset Pompe patients during 36 months of alglucosidase alfa ERT. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10545-012-9451-8Authors Caroline Regnery, Friedrich-Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, GermanyCornelia Kornblum, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, GermanyFrank Hanisch, Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, GermanyStefan Vielhaber, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, GermanyNicola Strigl-Pill, Friedrich-Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich,...

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Op-Ed Contributor: Pregnant, and Pushed Out of a Job

NYT Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:10 +0100

Thanks to a gap between discrimination laws and disability laws, it’s possible for a pregnant woman to be forced from her job. (Source: NYT Health)

Long-Term Persistence With the Immunomodulatory Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Database Study.

Clinical Therapeutics — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the MS patients discontinued use of their IMD within 6 years. It is unknown whether this persistence is adequate because uncertainties remain regarding the optimal level of persistence to the IMDs. Further investigation is needed to examine why some individuals are more at risk for discontinuation of IMD therapy and why, in contrast to other chronic diseases, persistence to IMDs in patients with MS has not improved over time. PMID: 22296946 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

Baby Boom Caregivers: Care in the Age of Individualization.

The Gerontologist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study examines how Baby Boomers in Quebec, Canada, perceive and play their role as caregivers and how this might differ from their parents' generation. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a qualitative and empirical study using an interpretive constructivist design. We interviewed 39 Baby Boomers caring for a family member with a semistructured guide that examined respondents' identification with their social generation, their relationship to and values regarding caregiving, and the reality of the caregiving they offered. RESULTS: In contrast to our perceptions of previous generations, the majority of interviewees refuse to be confined to the sole identity of caregiver, as they work to juggle caregiving, work, family, and social commitments. To succeed in this juggling act, they have high ex...

Cochleo-vestibular clinical findings among drug resistant Tuberculosis Patients on therapy-a pilot study.

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary close surveillance of MDR and XDR TB patients on therapy is imperative. Finally researches into therapeutic trials on antidotes and potent safer substitutes for aminoglycosides in the management are recommended. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

A profile of immune response to herpesvirus is associated with radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A profile of immune response to purified CMV/EBV lysates is associated with radiographic joint damage. The correlation of this immune response to CMV serology implies possible involvement of latent CMV infection. Therefore, the findings suggest that the immune response to latent CMV infection could play a fundamental role in the progression of inflammation and structural joint damage in patients with RA. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

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Quality of life in allergic rhinitis

Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that causes major illness and disability worldwide. Although nasal and nonnasal symptoms are directly attributable to inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, individuals also experience generalized symptoms that include fatigue, mood changes, depression, anxiety and impairments of work and school performance, and cognitive function. Health-related quality of life focuses on patients’ perceptions of their disease and measures impairments that have a significant impact on the patient. The burden of disease, as the patient perceives it, forms the basic motivation to seek medical aid or to undergo therapy. Adherence to therapy requires changes in health, perceived by patients as relevant and outweighing eventual disadvantages of intervent...

The burden of allergic rhinitis and asthma

Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are common health problems that cause major illness and disability worldwide. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is estimated to range from 10% to 20% in the USA and Europe. Multiple factors contribute to the wide range of reported prevalence rates. These include type of prevalence rate reported (current or cumulative), study selection criteria, age of participants, differences in survey methods, varied geographic locations and socioeconomic status, any of which are significant enough to confound direct comparison between studies. There is no standard set of diagnostic criteria for allergic rhinitis. In most studies, the criteria for diagnosis are based on the subject’s reporting, solely by questionnaire and rarely confirmed by skin testing. In addition,...

Cervical radiculopathy: Study protocol of a randomised clinical trial evaluating the effect of mobilisations and exercises targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen [NCT01500044]

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is a double-blind (participants and evaluators blinded) randomised clinical trial that will allow the comparison of patients with a cervical radiculopathy randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive a 4-week rehabilitation program targeting the opening of intervertebral foramen, and the second group will receive a 4-week conventional rehabilitation program. Thirty-six subjects with cervical radiculopathy will be recruited from participating medical and physiotherapy clinics and will be evaluated at baseline, at the end of the 4-week program and four weeks following the end of the program. The primary outcome measure will be the validated Neck Disability Index questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures will include the short version of the Disabilities of the Ar...

TESPI (Thrombolysis in Elderly Stroke Patients in Italy): a randomized controlled trial of alteplase (rt‐PA) versus standard treatment in acute ischaemic stroke in patients aged more than 80 years where thrombolysis is initiated within three hours after stroke onset

International Journal of Stroke — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article describes the design of the Thrombolysis in Elderly Stroke Patients in Italy (TESPI) trial planned to fill the lack of controlled data on i.v. thrombolysis in this age category of stroke patients.AimsTo collect efficacy and safety data on i.v. alteplase (rt‐PA) in patients aged more than 80 years, to demonstrate that the treatment of these patients within three hours of symptoms onset of an acute ischaemic stroke with i.v. rt‐PA, compared to patients receiving standard treatment (according to the national guidelines), will result in an improved clinical outcome with a favourable benefit/risk ratio.DesignTESPI is a prospective, multicenter, national, open‐label, controlled (non‐treated group as control), randomized, parallel group trial with blinded evaluation of outcom...

Health‐related quality of life among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsPatients with ALL experienced important but declining deficits in HRQL during active treatment phases: Equivalent to losing approximately 2 months of life in perfect health. HRQL within the 2‐years post‐treatment phase was similar to controls. The policy challenge is to develop new treatment protocols producing fewer disabilities in mobility/ambulation, emotion, self‐care, and pain without compromising survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

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Poor neighborhoods suffer higher incidence of arthritis

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Melbourne) People living in poor neighborhoods have a higher rate and risk of arthritis - one of the most common causes of disability in the developed world. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Lumbar Disc Degeneration More Likely in Obese Adults

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- An age related disability, known as degenerative disc disease, was recently found to be linked to obesity. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Cerebral Palsy Linked With Genetic Abnormalities

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Geisinger Health System have found that genetic abnormalities may be the cause for the majority of cerebral palsy (CP) cases, a group of disorders that can involve the brain and nervous system functions, such as seeing, movement, hearing, thinking, and learning, rather than a difficult birth or other perinatal factors. CP is the most prevalent physical disability of childhood. The study is published in The Lancet Neurology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mutation in the AP4B1 gene cause hereditary spastic paraplegia type 47 (SPG47)

Neurogenetics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:07:44 +0100

Abstract We recently identified a new locus for spastic paraplegia type 47 (SPG47) in a consanguineous Arabic family with two affected siblings with progressive spastic paraparesis, intellectual disability, seizures, periventricular white matter changes and thin corpus callosum. Using exome sequencing, we now identified a novel AP4B1 frameshift mutation (c.664delC) in this family. This mutation was homozygous in both affected siblings and heterozygous in both parents. The mutant allele was absent in 316 Caucasian and 200 ethnically matched control chromosomes. We propose that AP4B1 mutations cause SPG47 and should be considered in early onset spastic paraplegia with intellectual disability. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s10048...

Halos and Starbursts After LASIK Eye Surgery

Disabled World — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:41:06 +0100

How Long Do Starbursts and Halos Last After LASIK Surgery? (Source: Disabled World)

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The lack of correspondence between work-related disability and receipt of workers' compensation benefits. - Spieler EA, Burton JF.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that many persons with disabilities caused by work do not receive workers' compensation benefits. METHODS: Data from surveys of persons with disabilities were used to estimate the proportion of disability due to work-re... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Designing a model for trauma system management using public health approach: the case of Iran. - Tarighi P, Tabibi SJ, Motevalian SA, Tofighi S, Maleki MR, Delgoshaei B, Panahi F, Masoomi GR.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability around the world. Injuries are responsible for about six million deaths annually, of which ninety percent occur in developing countries. In Iran, injuries are the most common cause of death among age groups... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Unintentional falls mortality among elderly in the United States: Time for action. - Alamgir H, Muazzam S, Nasrullah M.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:32:08 +0100

The objective of this study is to identify the groups among the ≥65 population by age, gender, race, ethnicity and state of residence which are most vulnerable to unintentional fa... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

The Non-Viable CLASS Act

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:49 +0100

One of Sen. Ted Kennedy's long-standing goals was the establishment of a federal program for long-term care for the infirm and disabled. This goal was – apparently – achieved posthumously when his Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act was incorporated into the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Uniting against Neglected Tropical Diseases

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:32:00 +0100

LONDON, United Kingdom Bill Gates, the world’s leading 13 pharmaceutical companies, governments and global organisations have announced unprecedented funding and support to eliminate and control 10 neglected tropical diseases (NTD) by 2020.More than US $785 million will be donated to control or eliminate these infections that affect around 1.4 billion people in 149 endemic countries. These infections kill or cause disability among the world’s poorest people mainly in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Propranolol's Potential to Increase Survival Time in a Disabled Submarine

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:55:03 +0100

(Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine)

Surgical treatment of the spinal stenosis with an interspinous distraction device: do we really restore the foraminal height?

Turkish Neurosurgery — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0100

CONCLUSION: Using the Coflex device is a minimal invasive, effective and safe procedure. Restoration of the foraminal height may not be a responsible factor for clinical improvement. We think microsurgical decompression looks responsible of the good clinical outcome and using interspinous device is unnecessary. Comparative clinical studies can be informative. PMID: 22274971 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Neurosurgery)

The Effect of KinesioTape Application on Functional Performance in Surgeons Who have Musculo-Skeletal Pain after Performing Surgery.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:02 +0100

CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated that Kinesio taping would be an effective method for reducing neck and low back pain and improving functional performance. PMID: 22274976 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Neurosurgery)

Rehabilitation of a patient with 'floating shoulder' and associated fractures: A case report.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Discussion: The patient achieved a favorable outcome, in spite of having a long-duration wound infection and a second surgery for hardware removal. Further research should identify the optimal rehabilitation progression for patients with this type of surgery. PMID: 22288656 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice)

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Haploinsufficiency of SOX5 at 12p12.1 is associated with developmental delays with prominent language delay, behavior problems, and mild dysmorphic features

Human Mutation — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report one individual with a reciprocal translocation breakpoint within SOX5, eight individuals with intragenic SOX5 deletions (four are apparently de novo and one inherited from an affected parent), and seven individuals with larger 12p12 deletions encompassing SOX5. Common features in these subjects include prominent speech delay, intellectual disability, behavior abnormalities, and dysmorphic features. The phenotypic impact of the deletions may depend on the location of the deletion and consequently which of the three major SOX5 protein isoforms are affected. One intragenic deletion involving only untranslated exons was present in a more mildly affected subject, was inherited from a healthy parent and grandparent, and is similar to a deletion found in a control cohort. Therefore, som...

The characteristics and activities of child and adolescent mental health services in Italy: a regional survey

BMC Psychiatry - Latest articles — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The percentage of young people in contact with CAMHS for mental disorders is in line with those observed in previous epidemiological studies. The overall number of child psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants is one of the highest in Europe and it is comparable with the most well equipped areas in the US. This comparison should be interpreted with caution, however, because in Italy, child psychiatrists also treat neurological disorders. Critical areas requiring improvement are: the uneven utilisation of standardised assessment procedures and the limited availability of dedicated emergency services during non-office hours (e.g., nights and holidays).KeywordsChild and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS); Process of care; Adolescence; Child Psychiatry. (Source: BMC Psychiatry...

Communities Learn the Good Life Can Be a Killer

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Developers in the last half-century called it progress when they built homes and shopping malls far from city centers throughout the country, sounding the death knell for many downtowns. But now an alarmed cadre of public health experts say these expanded metropolitan areas have had a far more serious impact on the people who live there by creating vehicle-dependent environments that foster obesity, poor health, social isolation, excessive stress and depression. As a result, these experts say, our “built environment” — where we live, work, play and shop — has become a leading cause of disability and death in the 21st century. Editor’s Note: The upcoming “Designing Healthy Communities” public television series described in this article is partially...

Quality of Life in Late‐Life Disability: “I Don't Feel Bitter Because I Am in a Wheelchair”

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionFactors that influence quality of life in late‐life disability were similar across ethnic groups. As the number of elderly adults from diverse backgrounds with late life disability increases in the United States, interventions should be targeted to maximize daily sense of control and dignity. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Demystifying moderators and mediators in intellectual and developmental disabilities research: a primer and review of the literature

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The field as a whole will advance if the recent theoretical and technical advances outlined in this paper are employed. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

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Interactional patterns between staff and clients with borderline to mild intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The interactional patterns found in this study suggest that staff and clients can face difficulties establishing collaborative dialogues on shared topics. Future research should take account of what staff and clients want to achieve in dialogues, along with the nature of their non‐verbal communication. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Abnormal repetitive behaviours: shared phenomenology and pathophysiology

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We can use available information from clinical and animal models to make more precise hypotheses regarding the particular pathophysiology driving SIB. The results of testing such hypotheses should generate pharmacological strategies that may prove efficacious in reducing SIB. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

"Familial" versus "Sporadic" Intellectual Disability: Contribution of Common Microdeletion and Microduplication Syndromes

BioMed Central — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This is the first investigation of a panel of CMMS in a large sample set of "familial ID patients". The findings of this study showed the low prevalence of CMMSs in "familial ID" patients in spite of the significant contribution of such aberrations in "sporadic ID" which has a very useful practical impact by avoiding unnecessary diagnostic tests in "familial ID" patients. (Source: BioMed Central)

ADA Amendments Act - Department of Education

Disabled World — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:36:47 +0100

Department of Education Issues ADA Amendments Act Dear Colleague Letter to Provide Guidance Under Amended Legal Standards - The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has issued a Dear Colleague letter concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act. (Source: Disabled World)

2012 Cost of Living Adjustment for Veterans and Beneficiaries

Disabled World — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:00:32 +0100

Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs saw a 3.6 percent increase in their compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1. (Source: Disabled World)

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14. Electrophysiological intraoperative monitoring in vestibular schwannoma surgery

Clinical Neurophysiology — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:42:18 +0100

We present the results of 48 patients, who underwent surgery of vestibular schwannomas (VS) from 2001 to 2011, with electrophysiological monitoring. Material and methods: Fifty operations (two re-resection). Monitoring used: EMG in identification and monitoring of CN VII, auditory evoked potentials (BAEP, ABR), motor evoked potentials (MEP). House–Brackmann scale (HB) was used in evaluation of postoperative deficit of CN VII. To determine the hearing disability we used audiometry or AAO-HNS score. We detected preoperative anacusis (respectively D score in the AAO-HNS classification) by 82% of patiens. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

1. Neuromodulation of motor learning in health and after stroke

Clinical Neurophysiology — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:42:16 +0100

Ischemic cerebral stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability among adults in industrialized countries. A fundamental but still not sufficiently solved question is how to improve disability after stroke. One approach to this unmet medical need is to explore ways of modifying synaptic plasticity and learning along a translational pathway from basic neuroscience over healthy human subjects to stroke patients [Ziemann et al. 2006, Neurorehabil Neural Repair; 20: 243–51]. This presentation will review evidence for this translational pathway on how pharmacological treatment or brain stimulation modulates synaptic plasticity (long-term plasticity, LTP) and motor learning, which is thought to be an LTP-dependent process. The focus will be on drugs that are agonists or antagonists at the...

VIDEO: Protest over disability cuts

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:07:48 +0100

Activists stage a "daring and disruptive act of civil disobedience" in opposition to the Government's controversial welfare reforms (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

PAKISTAN: New Rehab Plan Brings Hope for War-Disabled

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:21:00 +0100

The prolonged United States-led war against terrorism has left a large number of people disabled in Pakistan, compelling the government to institute a rehabilitation plan that will include imparting vocational skills. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Improving fine motor function after brain injury using gesture recognition biofeedback.

Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology. — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This pilot study of a heterogeneous group shows that GRB may offer a simple means to help impaired users re-learn specified manual tasks. [Box: see text]. PMID: 22283429 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology.)

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[Comment] Neonatal screening for lysosomal storage disorders

LANCET — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Lysosomal storage disorders are a diverse group of more than 50 serious, progressive diseases. Until recently, treatment was symptomatic with the expected outcomes of great disability and premature death. Improvements in bone-marrow transplantation and development of recombinant enzyme replacement therapies for some of these disorders have raised the expectation that neonatal screening could enable early treatment before irreversible damage occurs. The greatly improved early outcomes of infants treated soon after birth following identification through the Taiwanese Pompe's disease screening programme add support to this contention, but long-term data are not yet available. (Source: LANCET)

Disbilities

About.com Eating Disorders — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Exercise with a Disability - Exercising safely if you're sight or hearing impaired from your About Exercise Guide (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

Sallie Mae Insurance Services for College Students

Disabled World — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:47:26 +0100

Sallie Mae Insurance Services Now Available to College Students - Families Now Have Options to Protect the Investment in Higher Education. (Source: Disabled World)

Announcement of Requirements and Registration for EHR Accessibility Challenge

Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:27:36 +0100

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is challenging multidisciplinary teams to create and test a module or application that makes it easy for disabled consumers to access and interact with the health data stored in their Electronic Health Records (EHRs). (Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center)

Altered mTOR signaling and enhanced CYFIP2 expression levels in subjects with Fragile X syndrome

Genes, Brain and Behavior — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:35 +0100

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism. The protein (FMRP) encoded by the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), is an RNA‐binding protein linked to translational control. Recently, in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, dysregulated translation initiation signaling was observed. To investigate whether an altered signaling was also a feature of subjects with FXS compared to typical developing controls, we isolated total RNA and translational control proteins from lymphocytes of subjects from both groups (38 FXS and 14 TD). Although we did not observe any difference in the expression level of mRNAs for translational initiation control proteins isolated from participant with FXS, we found increased phosphorylation of the mammal...

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Adenoviruses - Viruses that Affect Children and Adults

Disabled World — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:15:22 +0100

Adenoviruses are common and can cause illness in both children and adults. While the majority of the illnesses people experience are not serious, adenoviruses cause respiratory illness most of the time. The viruses can also cause diarrhea, fever, bladder infection, rash illness, and pink eye. (Source: Disabled World)

Relationship between obesity and foot pain and its association with fat mass, fat distribution, and muscle mass

Arthritis Care and Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:28 +0100

ConclusionIncreasing BMI, specifically android fat mass, is strongly associated with foot pain and disability. This may imply both biomechanical and metabolic mechanisms. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Long‐term outcomes and costs of an integrated rehabilitation program for chronic knee pain: A pragmatic, cluster randomized, controlled trial

Arthritis Care and Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:25 +0100

ConclusionClinical and cost benefits of ESCAPE‐knee pain were still evident 30 months after completing the program. ESCAPE‐knee pain is a more effective and efficient model of care that could substantially improve the health, well‐being, and independence of many people, while reducing health care costs. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Work productivity in scleroderma: Analysis from the University of California, Los Angeles scleroderma quality of life study

Arthritis Care and Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:29:15 +0100

ConclusionSSc has a major impact on productivity at home and at work. Nearly 40% of patients reported disability due to their SSc. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Autism can be detected in babies, say scientists

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:42:03 +0100

Researchers used sensors placed on babies' scalps to measure the brain's response when the infants were shown facesSigns of autism can be detected in six-month-old babies by measuring their brain activity, research has shown.Scientists say the test could help identify infants most at risk of developing the disorder later in life.Autism, a lifelong developmental disability that impairs a person's ability to connect socially and communicate, is not officially diagnosed until after the age of two, but many experts believe children affected would benefit if therapy could be started at a younger age.An estimated 600,000 children and adults in the UK suffer from the condition, which covers a range of symptoms of varying severity.The research focused on six- to 10-month-old babies believed to be ...

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The unmet need in the elderly: How immunosenescence, CMV infection, co-morbidities and frailty are a challenge for the development of more effective influenza vaccines.

Vaccine — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: McElhaney JE, Zhou X, Talbot HK, Soethout E, Bleackley RC, Granville D, Pawelec G Abstract Influenza remains the single most important cause of excess disability and mortality during the winter months. In spite of widespread influenza vaccination programs leading to demonstrated cost-savings in the over 65 population, hospitalization and death rates for acute respiratory illnesses continue to rise. As a person ages, increased serum levels of inflammatory cytokines are commonly recorded (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6). Termed "inflammaging", this has been linked to persistent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and immune senescence, while increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) are possibly associated with more healthy aging. Paradoxically, a shift with aging toward an anti...

Supervised versus uncontrolled rehabilitation of patients after rotator cuff repair-clinical and neurophysiological comparative study.

The International Journal of Artificial Organs — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The supervised exercise therapy is more effective than uncontrolled one after the rotator cuff surgical reconstruction. PMID: 22287203 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Artificial Organs)

Leveling the Playing Field for Nursing Students With Disabilities: Implications of the Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Journal of Nursing Education — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article identifies the circumstances under which nursing faculty are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008, and the strategies faculty may use to assist students to successfully complete core requirements. When this knowledge is integrated into a nursing program's culture and curriculum, students with sensory loss, paralysis, mental illness, learning disabilities, limb differences, chronic illnesses, or other disabilities associated with impaired bodily functions can successfully complete nursing programs and provide excellent care to clients, the profession, and their communities. PMID: 22283155 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of...

Elder Self‐Neglect and Hospitalization: Findings from the Chicago Health and Aging Project

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionReported elder self‐neglect was associated with higher rates of hospitalization in this community population. Greater severity of self‐neglect was associated with a greater rate of hospitalization. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)