Significant Mean Improvement Research Articles

Comparative Efficacy of Quadratus Lumborum Muscle Energy Technique with Gluteus Medius Strengthening Versus Gluteus Medius Strengthening Alone in Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pain in the sacroiliac joint is the most prevalent and often overlooked. The sacroiliac joints are thought to be sources of pain in roughly 10% to 25% of patients with chronic lower back pain. Due to the biomechanical nature of the joint, muscle imbalance is the most important cause of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The hamstring and gluteus medius are the primary muscles involved in postural dysfunction-related muscle imbalance; however, the quadratus lumborum's role in the compensatory mechanism is becoming more apparent, and its potential for treatment in conjunction with gluteus medius strengthening has not yet been investigated. Gluteus medius exercises, along with conventional treatment, are routinely given to patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction; however, the aim of this study is to explore the additional effects of the muscle energy technique (MET) on the quadratus lumborum along with strengthening of the gluteus medius on pain, disability and quality of life of patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Using a computer-generated random number table, seventy patients with unilateral sacroiliac joint pain were divided equally and randomly into two groups. Prior to initiating treatment, baseline measurements were taken using a hand-held dynamometer, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI-U) and short form 36-item survey (SF-36v2) to assess strength, pain, functional disability and quality of life, respectively. Over the course of four weeks, all patients received twelve sessions, and both the pre- and post-intervention outcome measures were documented. After 4 weeks of treatment, both groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.005) mean improvements in muscle strength, pain, disability and quality of life before and after intervention. However, the mean improvements in post-intervention on a dynamometer, VAS, ODI and SF-36 were better in the MET with exercise group (METGME) as compared to the conventional group with exercise (CTGME), with a larger effect size. The muscle energy technique, applied to the quadratus lumborum in combination with gluteus medius strengthening, is more effective clinically and significantly in improving pain, disability and quality of life in comparison to conventional treatment of sacroiliac joints with gluteus medius exercises.

Short-Term Powered Mobility Intervention is Associated With Improvements in Development and Participation for Young Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 short-term powered mobility interventions across developmental domains, participation, and perceptions of intervention implementation for young children with cerebral palsy and their families. This randomized, crossover clinical trial compared 2 powered mobility interventions: the Explorer Mini (Permobil AB, Timra, Sweden) and an adapted ride-on toy car. Analyses included 24 children aged 12 to 36months, recruited from 3 sites. Each device was trialed in the home for an 8-week period for a total of 16weeks. Three in-person study visits took place at baseline, crossover, and study completion, and 2 additional virtual check-ins were conducted for each device trial period. Outcome measures included all domains of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4); Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) participation questionnaire; and t3 perceptual implementation measures: Acceptability of Intervention Measure, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Analyses included descriptive statistics, 2 by 3 group × time analysis of variance, and post hoc t tests as warranted. Statistically significant mean improvements were observed in all domains of the Bayley-4 and in the self-care subscale of the CEDL regardless of device order. Caregivers ranked both devices as acceptable and feasible to implement, although the Explorer Mini was ranked slightly more favorably than the adapted ride-on toy car, with a device order effect being observed. Short-term powered mobility intervention may advance multiple domains of development and participation for young children with cerebral palsy. Caregivers rated 2 different powered mobility devices favorably as part of their child's early intervention strategies. This study enhances the quality of evidence available to clinicians and families to support decision-making about powered mobility intervention for young children with motor disabilities, especially those who may be reluctant to begin powered mobility due to stigma or concern for motor skill development.

Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Resurfacing (1440 nm and 1927 nm) for Photoaged Skin.

Nonablative lasers treat photoaged skin and stimulate new collagen formation while sparing epidermal damage. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonablative fractional diode combination laser skin resurfacing treatment (1440 and 1927 nm) in mild-to-moderate photoaged skin. The entire face was treated with both 1440-nm and 1927-nm wavelengths per treatment, with a total of 4 treatments spaced 1 month apart. Follow-up occurred at 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Outcomes were improvement in the appearance of ≥1 measure of photodamage (rhytides, skin texture, dyschromia/pigment, skin radiance, pore size, and overall appearance) at the 3-month (primary) and 1-month (secondary) follow-up visits. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Participants (N = 28; 89% female; mean age, 40 years) experienced significant mean improvement from baseline in all measures of photodamage with combination laser treatment at 1 and 3 months post-treatment (all p < .001). No serious adverse events occurred. Post-treatment erythema and edema were minimal, and pain levels remained consistent throughout treatment. Most participants (96.4%) considered their overall appearance as improved and expressed satisfaction with treatment outcomes. Nonablative combination laser skin resurfacing treatment was well tolerated and significantly improved measures of photodamage in photoaged skin across diverse skin types.

Safety and Efficacy of Staged, Bilateral Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy in Essential Tremor

Unilateral magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound ablation of ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus for essential tremor reduces tremor on 1 side, but untreated contralateral or midline symptoms remain limiting for some patients. Historically, bilateral lesioning produced unacceptable risks and was supplanted by deep brain stimulation; increasing acceptance of unilateral focused ultrasound lesioning has led to interest in a bilateral option. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of staged, bilateral focused ultrasound thalamotomy. This prospective, open-label, multicenter trial treated patients with essential tremor from July 2020 to October 2021, with a 12-month follow-up, at 7 US academic medical centers. Of 62 enrolled patients who had undergone unilateral focused ultrasound thalamotomy at least 9 months prior to enrollment, 11 were excluded and 51 were treated. Eligibility criteria included patient age (22 years and older), medication refractory, tremor severity (Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor [CRST] part A score ≥2 for postural or kinetic tremor), and functional disability (CRST part C score ≥2 in any category). A focused ultrasound system interfaced with magnetic resonance imaging allowed real-time alignment of thermography maps with anatomy. Subthreshold sonications allowed target interrogation for efficacy and off-target effects before creating an ablation. Tremor/motor score (CRST parts A and B) at 3 months for the treated side after treatment was the primary outcome measure, and secondary assessments for efficacy and safety continued to 12 months. The mean (SD) population age was 73 (13.9) years, and 44 participants (86.3%) were male. The mean (SD) tremor/motor score improved from 17.4 (5.4; 95% CI, 15.9-18.9) to 6.4 (5.3; 95% CI, 4.9 to 7.9) at 3 months (66% improvement in CRST parts A and B scores; 95% CI, 59.8-72.2; P < .001). There was significant improvement in mean (SD) postural tremor (from 2.5 [0.8]; 95% CI, 2.3 to 2.7 to 0.6 [0.9]; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8; P < .001) and mean (SD) disability score (from 10.3 [4.7]; 95% CI, 9.0-11.6 to 2.2 [2.8]; 95% CI, 1.4-2.9; P < .001). Twelve participants developed mild (study-defined) ataxia, which persisted in 6 participants at 12 months. Adverse events (159 of 188 [85%] mild, 25 of 188 [13%] moderate, and 1 severe urinary tract infection) reported most commonly included numbness/tingling (n = 17 total; n = 8 at 12 months), dysarthria (n = 15 total; n = 7 at 12 months), ataxia (n = 12 total; n = 6 at 12 months), unsteadiness/imbalance (n = 10 total; n = 0 at 12 months), and taste disturbance (n = 7 total; n = 3 at 12 months). Speech difficulty, including phonation, articulation, and dysphagia, were generally mild (rated as not clinically significant, no participants with worsening in all 3 measures) and transient. Staged, bilateral focused ultrasound thalamotomy significantly reduced tremor severity and functional disability scores. Adverse events for speech, swallowing, and ataxia were mostly mild and transient. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04112381.

Surgical Intervention is Associated with Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients with Symptomatic Sacral Tarlov Cysts: Results from a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

The treatment of symptomatic Tarlov cysts remains a controversial topic within neurosurgery. We describe our experience with patients who underwent surgical intervention for sacral Tarlov cysts at a single institution. General and disease-specific outcome measures were used to assess health-related quality of life. Patients who underwent surgical treatment for one or more sacral Tarlov cysts between 2018 and 2021 were included. The Tarlov Cyst Quality of Life (TCQoL), a validated disease-specific measure, was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes included general outcome measures: 36-Item Short Form Survey, the Oswestry Disability Index, and Visual Analog Scale. Patients were followed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative. Repeated measures analyses were used to assess change from preoperative to 12 months postoperative. Data were obtained from 144 patients who underwent surgery for sacral Tarlov cysts, average age 52.3 ± 11.3 years, 90.3% female. Patients reported significant mean improvement on the TCQoL over time (preoperative 3.2±0.1; 3-months postoperative 2.1±0.1; 6-months 1.9±0.1; 12-months 1.9±0.1; P< 0.001). Patient age and duration of symptoms were not associated with outcome. 82.3% of patients reported improvement on TCQoL. There was not a significant difference in the proportion of patients reporting improvement on TCQoL by cyst size (small 90.9% vs. large 77.9%; P = 0.066). Our longitudinal series demonstrated patient-reported improvement following surgery for symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts using a validated disease-specific health-related quality of life scale through 12 months following surgery. Patient age and preoperative duration of symptoms were not correlated with outcome.

Towards 24/7 MRI: the effect of routine weekend inpatient MRI scanning on patient waiting times

BackgroundDemand for inpatient MRI outstrips capacity which results in long waiting lists. The hospital commenced a routine weekend MRI service in January 2023.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a limited routine weekend MRI service on MRI turnaround times.MethodsWaiting times for inpatient MRI scans performed before and after the introduction of weekend MRI from January 1 to August 31, 2022, and January 1 to August 31, 2023, were obtained. The turnaround time (TAT) and request category for each study were calculated. Category 1 requests were required immediately, category 2 requests were urgent and category 3 requests were routine.ResultsThere was a 6% (n = 128) increase in MRI inpatient scanning activity in 2023 (n = 2449) compared to 2022 (n = 2322). There was a significant improvement in overall mean TAT for inpatient MRIs (p < .001) in 2023 (mean 65.2 h, range 0–555 h) compared to 2022 (mean 98.3 h, range 0–816 h). There was no significant difference in the mean waiting time for category 1 MRIs between 2022 and 2023. There was a significant improvement (p < .001) in mean waiting time in 2023 (mean 37.2 h, range 0–555) compared to 2022 (mean 55.4 h, range 0–816) for category 2 MRI. The mean waiting time for category 3 studies also significantly improved (p < .001) in 2023 (mean 93.4 h, range 1–2663) when compared to 2022 (mean 154.8, range 1–1706).ConclusionRoutine weekend inpatient MRI significantly shortens inpatient waiting times.

Repeated-Sprint Training With Blood-Flow Restriction Improves Repeated-Sprint Ability Similarly to Unrestricted Training at Reduced External Loads.

This study examined performance and physiological adaptations following 3 weeks of repeated-sprint training (RST) with blood-flow restriction (BFR) or without (non-BFR). Twenty-six semiprofessional and amateur adult male team-sport players were assessed for repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, neuromuscular function, and maximal aerobic capacity before and after RST. Participants completed 9 cycling RST sessions (3 sets of 5-7 × 5-s sprints, 25-s passive recovery, 3-min rest) over a 3-week period with BFR or non-BFR. During RST sessions, the BFR group demonstrated lower mean power output compared with non-BFR (-14.5%; g = 1.48; P = .001). Significant improvements (P < .05) in mean and peak power output during repeated-sprint ability (+4.1%; g = 0.42, and + 2.2%; g = 0.25, respectively) and anaerobic capacity (+4.8%; g = 0.47, and + 4.7%; g = 0.32, respectively) tests, leg lean mass (+2.0%; g = 0.16), and peak aerobic power (+3.3%; g = 0.25) were observed from pretesting to posttesting without any between-groups differences. No significant changes (P > .05) were observed for maximal isometric voluntary contraction and maximal aerobic capacity. Peak rate of force development decreased (P = .003) in both groups following RST (-14.6%; g = 0.65), without any between-groups differences. Repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, and peak aerobic power improved following 3 weeks of RST; however, the addition of BFR did not further enhance adaptations. Interestingly, comparable improvements were achieved between groups despite lower external loads experienced during RST sessions with BFR.

Adjunctive Brexpiprazole for Patient Life Engagement in Major Depressive Disorder: A Canadian, Phase 4, Open-Label, Interventional Study: Brexpiprazole d'appoint pour l'engagement dans la vie des patients souffrant de trouble dépressif majeur: une étude interventionnelle canadienne ouverte de phase 4.

To characterize the effects of adjunctive brexpiprazole on patient life engagement and depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) using patient-reported outcomes. An 8-week, Phase 4, open-label, interventional study was conducted at 15 Canadian trial sites between April 2021 and May 2022. Adult outpatients with MDD (at least moderately severe) and inadequate response to 1-2 antidepressants continued their current antidepressant and received oral adjunctive brexpiprazole 0.5-2 mg/day. Co-primary endpoints were change from baseline to Week 8 in Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (IDS-SR) 10-item Life Engagement subscale score, and IDS-SR 30-item total score. Safety was assessed by standard variables. Of 122 enrolled patients, 120 (98.4%) were treated (mean [SD] dose: 1.2 [0.4] mg/day) and analyzed, and 111 (91.0%) completed the study. Statistically significant least squares mean improvements to Week 8 were observed on IDS-SR10 Life Engagement subscale score (baseline mean [SD]: 16.1 [4.7]; change [95% confidence interval]: -8.11 [-9.34, -6.88]; p < 0.001) and IDS-SR total score (baseline mean [SD]: 41.3 [9.8]; change [95% confidence interval]: -17.38 [-20.08, -14.68]; p < 0.001). Improvements were observed from Week 2, onwards. Treatment-emergent adverse events with incidence ≥5% were fatigue (n = 13, 10.8%), headache (n = 13, 10.8%), insomnia (n = 12, 10.0%), nausea (n = 9, 7.5%), tremor (n = 8, 6.7%), and weight increase (n = 7, 5.8%). Six patients (5.0%) discontinued due to adverse events. Mean (SD) change in body weight from baseline to last visit was +1.9 (3.4) kg. Using an exploratory patient-reported outcome measure, patients with MDD and inadequate response to antidepressants who received open-label adjunctive brexpiprazole showed early and clinically meaningful improvement in patient life engagement, which should be further assessed in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patient-rated depressive symptoms (on the validated 30-item IDS-SR) also improved. Adjunctive brexpiprazole was well tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830215.

Evaluation of an advanced antioxidant and double-conjugated retinoid/AHA cream in participants with FST IV-V.

Topical antioxidants and retinoids are foundational components of an effective skincare regimen. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a potent free radical scavenger that supports efficient mitochondrial energy creation. An advanced antioxidant combines topical allyl PQQ with existing WEL antioxidant technology (TAP) to comprehensively address extrinsic and intrinsic skin aging. In conjunction with TAP, a double-conjugated retinoid/alpha hydroxy acid (AHA-Ret) designed to minimize irritation and optimize delivery was used over 12 weeks to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin. Twice-daily application of TAP and nightly application of AHA-Ret was evaluated in female participants aged 40-65 years with FST IV-V and mild (3) to moderate (6) facial photodamage using a 10-point grading scale. Visible improvements from baseline in lines/wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone, skin dullness and erythema were assessed using a six-point grading scale (0 = None to 5 = Severe). Adverse Events (AEs) were captured throughout the study period. Participants (N = 21; mean age, 56 years) equally represented mild and moderate photodamage, and FST IV and V (41%, Hispanic; 36%, African American; and 32%, Caucasian). Significant mean improvements from baseline occurred in skin dullness, skin texture, and skin tone (all, p < 0.0001), and significant mean reductions from baseline were demonstrated in erythema and melanin at Week 12. Mild, transient AEs were reported. No participant discontinued study participation due to an AE. A skincare regimen comprised of an advanced antioxidant and AHA-Ret cream, in conjunction with daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 56), led to significant improvements at 12 weeks in the appearance of photodamaged skin in females with FST IV and V.

Semaglutide 2.4mg clinical outcomes in patients with obesity or overweight in a real-world setting: A 6-month retrospective study in the United States (SCOPE).

Management guidelines for obesity suggest maintaining a minimum of 5% body weight reduction to help prevent or lower the risk of developing conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. However, achieving long-term weight control is difficult with lifestyle modification alone, making it essential to combine pharmacotherapy with diet and exercise in individual cases. Semaglutide 2.4mg has demonstrated significant reductions in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in clinical trials, but information on outcomes in a real-world setting is limited. To assess changes in body weight and other clinical outcomes at 6-month follow-up among adults on semaglutide 2.4mg in a real-world setting in the United States (US). Observational and retrospective cohort study of patients initiating treatment between 15 June 2021, and 31 March 2022, using a large US claims-linked electronic health record database. Mean (±SD) body mass index (BMI) of the 343 patients included in the analysis was 37.9±5.5kg/m2. After 6months, mean body weight change was -10.5±6.8kg (95% CI: -11.2; -9.8, p<0.001) and mean percentage body weight change was -10.0%±6.6% (95% CI: -10.7; -9.3, p<0.001). Most (79.0%) patients had ≥5% body weight reduction, 48.1% had ≥10% body weight reduction, and 19.0% had ≥15% body weight reduction. Among patients with available data, the mean change in HbA1c (n=30) was -0.6%±1.2% (95% CI: -1.0; -0.1, p=0.016) and nearly two-thirds of patients with prediabetes or diabetes at baseline reverted to normoglycemia. Mean reductions of -4.4±12.3mmHg (95% CI: -5.7; -3.0, p<0.001) and -1.7±8.4mmHg (95% CI: -2.6; -0.7, p<0.001) were observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively (n=307). Statistically significant reductions in mean total cholesterol (-12.2±38.8mg/dl [95% CI: -24.3 to -0.06, p<0.049]) and triglycerides (-18.3±43.6mg/dl [95% CI: -4.7; -31.9, p<0.009]) were also observed (n=42). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4mg in reducing body weight and improving cardiometabolic parameters in adults with overweight or obesity in a real-world clinical practice setting, showing a significant mean body weight reduction and improvements in biomarkers like blood pressure and HbA1c over a 6-month period. These findings, aligning with previous clinical trials at comparable time points, highlight the clinical relevance of semaglutide as an effective therapeutic option for obesity.

A pilot study examining a double-conjugated, retinoid-based skincare regimen for darker, blemish-prone skin.

Retinoids and alpha- and beta hydroxy acids are common components utilized in regimens for blemish-prone skin. However, balancing efficacy and tolerability is often challenging. This pilot study evaluated a double-conjugated retinoid serum specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin (AHARet-SA) in combination with exfoliating peel pads (double-conjugated retinoid, glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids), a cleanser, mineral-based sunscreen, and a lightweight moisturizer in female participants with mild-to-moderate blemish-prone skin. Fifty-five percent of participants were Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) IV and 27% were FST V. Participants used the exfoliating peel pads (3x/week for 8 weeks; 2x/week for 4 weeks) followed by nightly AHARet-SA and a moisturizer (as needed). Improvements in skin were assessed using the 5-point Investigator Global Assessment Scale, and participant satisfaction and tolerability were assessed over 12 weeks. Significant mean improvement from baseline in skin clarity occurred after 4 weeks (14%; p = 0.04) with progressive improvements through week 12 (52%; p = 0.004). Eighty-eight percent of participants reported improvements in the appearance and texture of their skin and fewer blemishes/breakouts. Mild, transient adverse events were reported. A regimen comprised of a double-conjugated serum and exfoliating peel pads formulated for blemish-prone skin led to significant improvements from baseline in skin clarity after 12 weeks in participants with predominately darker skin tones and mild-to-moderate blemish-prone skin.

Stretching is not essential for managing MS spasticity: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Clinical practice, expert opinion, and evidence-based guidelines recommend daily stretching as first-line treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity, but this has not been evaluated by fully powered clinical trials. Objective: To determine whether MS Spasticity: Take Control (STC), a guideline-based program of spasticity education and stretching exercises has different effects on the impact of spasticity than a control program of different spasticity education and range of motion (ROM) exercises. Methods: Ambulatory people with self-reported MS spasticity were randomly assigned to STC or ROM, delivered in same duration, facilitator-led, group classes, face-to-face (F2F) initially and later virtually, due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS) scores were compared between groups at 1 (primary outcome) and 6 months after interventions. Results: A total of 231 people enrolled. There was no significant difference in MSSS scores between STC and ROM at 1 month (mean difference = 0.28, 95% (confidence interval (CI)) = [−9.45 to 10.01], p = 0.955). There were significant group mean improvements in MSSS scores and most other outcomes at 1 and 6 months. Conclusion: Education with stretching exercises, the first-line recommended treatment for MS spasticity, and education with ROM exercises may both improve MS spasticity to a similar degree. This study debunks the belief that stretching is essential to managing MS spasticity.

Customized anterior temporal augmentation for treating anterior temporal hollowing (ATH) by 3D-printed cranioplasty

BackgroundAnterior temporal hollowing (ATH) leads to unattractive facial asymmetry and significant distress for the patient. This study aimed to correct ATH by a prefabricated cranioplasty using soft-tissue volume augmentation created by 3D printing and to evaluate the esthetic improvement. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 19 patients with ATH after brain surgery. Quantitative assessment used Materialized Mimics® and Images® to compare defect volume and quantitative measurement of the “defect value” pre- and post-PMMA implantation. Qualitative assessment was rated by patients on VAS pre- and 6 months post-surgery. ResultsThe mean defect value decreased significantly with the innovative PMMA implant, from 2.42 ± 0.57 cm to 0.57 ± 0.45 cm (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant reduction between pre- and postoperative defect value: 1.85 ± 0.48 (p < 0.01; 95% CI 2.08–1.61). After PMMA cranial implantation, 100% of patients reported esthetic improvement, 79% (15 out of 20) rating their esthetic improvement with the highest possible VAS score: mean VAS rating, 0.84 ± 1.2 preoperatively, and 4.63 ± 0.83 postoperatively, for a significant mean improvement of 3.789 ± 1.273 (p < 0.01; 95% CI 3.176–4.403). ConclusionsThe innovative PMMA cranial implants created by advanced customized 3D technology successfully managed ATH. This could be a therapeutic alternative for correcting ATH and can be routinely employed in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Post-Acute Kidney Injury Clinic on Awareness and Knowledge in Acute Kidney Injury Survivors

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) awareness and knowledge among survivors is poor, leading to suboptimal self-management and follow-up care. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary post-AKI clinic on AKI awareness and knowledge among survivors. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study among stage 2-3 AKI survivors who were followed in the multidisciplinary post-AKI clinic, comprising nephrologists, renal nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians. Patients were evaluated before and after entering the clinic during a 3-month follow-up period, using a three-component questionnaire including the following: (1) Do you know of your AKI diagnosis during hospitalization? (yes/no), (2) how do you rate your AKI knowledge? (ranging from 1 or “very low” to 5 or “excellent”), and (3) 25-item objective AKI knowledge survey instrument that covered general knowledge of AKI, nutrition, medication, and symptoms of renal failure. Results: A total of 108 AKI survivors were enrolled, with 37.0%, 41.7%, and 21.3% being stage 2 AKI, stage 3 AKI, and stage 3-dialysis AKI, respectively. Before entering the clinic, 50% of patients were unaware of their AKI during hospitalization. After receiving education from the multidisciplinary post-AKI clinic, all patients became aware they had experienced AKI. The mean perceived knowledge and objective knowledge scores were significantly increased over the 3-month period from 1.6 (0.7) to 3.9 (0.7) out of 5 and 15.4 (3.5) to 21.4 (2.0) out of 25, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Additionally, reverse transformation of the Likert scale to a percentage format also revealed a significant improvement in mean perceived AKI knowledge scores, transitioning from 13.8 ± 16.8 to 73.0 ± 17.6, p < 0.001. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary post-AKI clinic effectively enhanced AKI awareness and knowledge among survivors. These findings highlight the importance of follow-up care and the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term outcomes associated with increased knowledge.

Abstract 18383: Body Composition Changes in Peak Oxygen Uptake Responders and Non-Responders During Cardiac Rehabilitation

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is known to improve peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak) and body composition (BC). However, not all CR patients improve VO 2 peak and it remains unclear if non-responders also exhibit limited improvement in BC. This study aimed to examine if non-responders to VO 2 peak also demonstrate limited improvement in BC and whether BC is related to VO 2 peak changes in CR patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who completed CR between 2015 and 2022 at Mayo Clinic. The study included 143 patients who completed both dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after CR. Patients were grouped by VO 2 peak response to CR (36 non-responders=Δ≤0 vs 107 responders=Δ&gt;0 mL/kg/min). Within and between-group differences were assessed by paired and independent t-tests respectively. Regression models were used to evaluate whether baseline BC or ΔBC predict VO 2 peak changes. Results: As an entire cohort there were significant mean improvements in VO 2 peak and BC (Table 1, p&lt;0.05). VO 2 peak increased in 75% of patients (responders: Δ 2.9±2 vs non-responders: Δ -2.1 ±2, mL/kg/min, p&lt;0.05). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups including BC (Table 2, p&gt;0.05); however, non-responders had significantly shorter duration and exercise sessions compared to responders (Table 2, p&lt;0.001). Non-responders for VO 2 peak exhibited a significant improvement in body fat mass, body lean percentage, body fat percentage, and fat mass index (all p&lt;0.001), with no differences in ΔBC between groups (Table 3). Regression models revealed no significant BC predictors for VO 2 peak. Conclusion: Despite significant improvements in BC, 25% of patients did not improve VO 2 peak with CR. These data suggest VO 2 peak improvement is not related to baseline BC or change in BC. These findings suggest the need for additional strategies to maximize improvements in VO 2 peak for patients undergoing CR.

CT-based online adaptive radiotherapy improves target coverage and organ at risk (OAR) avoidance in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer

IntroductionStereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging treatment modality for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Online daily adaptive radiotherapy (ART) could potentially improve the therapeutic ratio of prostate SBRT by accounting for inter-fraction variation in target and OAR volumes. To our knowledge, no group has evaluated the clinical utility of a novel AI-augmented CT-based ART system for prostate SBRT. In this study we hypothesized that adaptive prostate SBRT plans would result in improved target coverage and lower dose to OARs in comparison to unadapted treatment plans. MethodsSeven patients with favorable intermediate to oligometastatic PCa treated with 5-fx prostate adaptive SBRT were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were treated with 3625 cGy to the prostate and seminal vesicles. 6 patients additionally received 2500 cGy to the pelvic nodes, 5 patients underwent a boost to 4000 cGy to the prostate. For each fraction, a CBCT was acquired and OARs (rectum, bladder, bowel, sigmoid, femurs) were segmented/deformed using AI. CTVs were rigidly registered. Volumes were adjusted manually and PTV expansions added. Adaptive treatment plans were developed based on the contoured targets and OARs and dose to these volumes for the adapted vs. initial plans were compared for each fraction. V100 and the D0.03 cc between scheduled and adapted treatment plans were compared using a Student’s t-test, with significance threshold of P < 0.05. ResultsSeven patients completed 35 Fx’s of adaptive RT. Daily adaptation resulted in a statistically significant mean improvement in PTV V100 for all targets: [21.4 % ± 4.3 % for PTV 4000 (p < 0.0001); 8.7 % ± 1.1 % for PTV 3625 (p < 0.0001); and 11.5 % ± 3.1 % for PTV 2500 (p = 0.0013)]. Mean rectal D0.03 was significantly reduced by 38.8 cGy ± 5.95 cGy (p < 0.0001) per fraction (194 cGy/5 fractions) compared to the initial plans. There was a modest increase in bladder dose of 10.9 cGy ± 4.93 cGy per fraction (p = 0.0424) for the adaptive plans. The adaptive plans met bladder constraints for every fraction. There were no statistically significant differences between sigmoid or bowel dose for adapted vs. initial plans. No patients experienced acute CTCAE grade ≥ 3 GI/GU adverse events (median F/U 9.5 months). All statistically significant differences were maintained in the presence and absence of rectal hydrogel spacer (p < 0.05). ConclusionsCT-based online adaptive SBRT resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PTV coverage and D0.03 cc dose to the rectum. A trial evaluating CT adaptive whole-pelvis prostate SBRT is underway.

Long-Term Outcomes of Primary Hip Arthroscopy With Labral Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Results at Minimum 9-Year Follow-up.

Hip arthroscopy continues to advance and become increasingly commonly performed. With the evolution of techniques and instrumentation, labral repair rather than debridement has emerged as the treatment of choice for labral pathology. There remains a lack of data on long-term outcomes after labral repair. To (1) evaluate long-term patient-reported outcomes of primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement, (2) report achievement rates of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and (3) investigate rates of reoperation and progression to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Prospectively collected data were reviewed for patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair between 2010 and 2013. Patients' medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, reoperation, and progression to THA. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the following scales: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; Tegner activity scale; modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS); 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12); Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL); HOS-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS); and Non-Arthritic Hip Score. Patients were also surveyed for satisfaction, subjective improvement, and level of function. A total of 32 patients (n = 24 women; n = 8 men) with a mean age of 27.7 years (range, 13.6-51 years) were evaluated for a mean of 9.4 years (range, 9-12.1 years). Patients achieved significant mean improvements in VAS pain at rest of 2 points, VAS pain with use of 1.9, mHHS of 19.9 points, iHOT-12 of 33.5 points, HOS-ADL of 17.4 points, and HOS-SSS of 29.5 points (P≤ .015 for all). Eleven patients (34.4%) underwent reoperation and 4 (12.5%) progressed to THA during the study period. At the final follow-up, the MCID achievement rate was ≥68%, the PASS achievement rates ranged from 39% to 65%, and the mean patient satisfaction was 8.1 on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 denoting most satisfied. Patients demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in pain, mHHS, iHOT-12, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SSS scores at 9 years postoperatively. The all-cause reoperation rate was 34.4%, and 12.5% of patients progressed to THA.

Yolov5 Vehicle Detection Model in Fog Based on Channel Attention Enhancement

Vehicle detection in foggy weather plays an indispensable role in the field of intelligent transportation. This article proposes an improved YOLOv5 vehicle detection model based on the problems of insufficient detection accuracy and high fault tolerance of most algorithms in foggy weather. First, the AOD-Net network is used for defogging preprocessing of the original image. Then, the SE attention mechanism is fused in the C3 module of the Backbone feature extraction backbone network to adaptively allocate weight information, enhance the attention to important features, and reduce the impact of noise and irrelevant information. Finally, BiFPN is used in the Neck feature fusion network to replace the original PANet and enhance the model’s feature fusion ability. Experiments are conducted on the Cityscapes and RTTS datasets, and the results show that the improved YOLOv5 algorithm in this article has significant improvements in precision, recall rate, and average precision mean compared to the original model, with increases of 8.4%, 9.5%, and 9.2%, respectively. It can better adapt to vehicle detection tasks in foggy weather.

Closure rates and patterns after light silicone oil tamponade for persistent full-thickness macular holes

PurposeTo report outcomes of re-vitrectomy using light silicone oil (SO) tamponade for persistent macular holes (MHs).MethodsWe reviewed cases of patients with full-thickness MHs that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with air/gas and were re-vitrectomized using light SO tamponade after primary non-closure (persistent MHs). Outcome measures included anatomic closure rates and patterns confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).ResultsA total of 42 eyes of 41 patients with unsuccessful primary PPV with air/gas were included. After re-vitrectomy with light SO (1000-centistoke), 29 (69%) eyes demonstrated type 1 closure without neurosensory defects in OCT scans, whereas 9 eyes (21%) showed type 2 closure with persisting neurosensory defects. Available data (n = 21) showed a significant mean improvement of BCVA from 0.99 logMAR (SD 0.25, range 0.7–1.3) preoperatively to 0.74 logMAR (SD 0.42, range 0.2–1.5) postoperatively (p = 0.035).ConclusionThe treatment of persistent MHs with PPV and light SO tamponade resulted in high closure rates.

Six-Month Persistence and Multi-domain Effectiveness of Guselkumab in Adults with Psoriatic Arthritis: Real-World Data from the CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry.

The aim of this work is to evaluate treatment persistence and clinical outcomes after 6months of on-label guselkumab use in patients with rheumatologist-diagnosed active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) enrolled in the CorEvitas PsA/Spondyloarthritis Registry. Participants with PsA who initiated and persisted with on-label guselkumab use post-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for active PsA (7/13/2020; subcutaneous 100mg at weeks 0, 4, and every 8weeks) at their 6-month follow-up visit (occurring through 3/31/2023) comprised the primary analysis population (On-Label Persisters). Hierarchical, multiplicity-controlled primary and secondary outcomes were mean (95% confidence interval) changes from baseline at 6months in clinical Disease Activity Index for PsA (cDAPSA; primary), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) of arthritis and psoriasis (visual analog scale [VAS] 0-100), patient-reported pain (VAS 0-100), and percent body surface area with psoriasis (%BSA). Paired ttests determined changes that were statistically significantly different from 0 (α = 0.05). Among 114 patients who initiated on-label guselkumab and had eligible baseline and 6-month visits, 90 (78.9%) had persistent use. Among these On-Label Persisters at baseline, mean duration of PsA symptoms = 13.6years; mean cDAPSA, PGA, and patient-reported pain = 22.0, 42.3, and 57.0, respectively; 94.4% had a history of psoriasis (mean BSA 7.6%); and 18.9% and 73.3%, respectively, previously received 1 or ≥ 2 biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The mean change (improvement) in cDAPSA was -5.4 (-8.5, -2.3; p < 0.001) at 6months. Significant mean improvements in PGA (-19.0 [-24.2, -13.8]), patient-reported pain (-9.1 [-14.4, -3.8]), and %BSA (-5.1 [-7.6, -2.7]) were also observed (all p < 0.001). In this real-world PsA population, generally characterized by longstanding, treatment-resistant, active disease at baseline, persistent guselkumab use in nearly 80% of patients with on-label use was accompanied by significant improvements in joint and skin symptoms and patient-reported pain at 6months. These registry data support results from randomized clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of guselkumab in improving PsA signs and symptoms. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02530268.