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2006

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Estimation Of Uninsurance Rate: Comparison Of Four Estimation Methods, Jackie Zhang, Renee Hotchkiss, Thomas Wan Jul 2014

Estimation Of Uninsurance Rate: Comparison Of Four Estimation Methods, Jackie Zhang, Renee Hotchkiss, Thomas Wan

Thomas T.H. Wan

Objective: Although high percentage of the uninsured is an important public policy issue, the discrepancies in both state and national estimates of the numbers of uninsured are reported. This study compares four advanced estimation methods for uninsurance, by using Florida Health Insurance Survey data as an example. Design: The four predictive models include decision tree, neural network, general logistic regression, and two-stage logistic regression. Risk factors to uninsurance are identified. Population: The study sample comes from the Florida Health Insurance Study data collected for the Florida Agency of Health Care Administration in 1999, representing the first large-scale study designed exclusively …


Environmental Equity Is Child's Play: Mapping Public Provision Of Recreation Opportunities In Urban Neighbourhoods, Jason Gilliland, Martin Holmes, Jennifer Irwin, Patricia Tucker May 2013

Environmental Equity Is Child's Play: Mapping Public Provision Of Recreation Opportunities In Urban Neighbourhoods, Jason Gilliland, Martin Holmes, Jennifer Irwin, Patricia Tucker

Trish Tucker

This paper examines the spatial distribution of recreational opportunities for children and youth in a mid-sized Canadian city (London, Ontario), in relation to the socioeconomic status of neighbourhoods and estimated local need for publicly provided recreation spaces. Public recreation facilities (N = 537) throughout the city were identified, mapped and analysed in a geographic information system. To explore potential socio-environmental inequities, neighbourhoods (N = 22) were characterized by socioeconomic and environmental variables, an index of neighbourhood social distress, a neighbourhood play space needs index, and measures of the prevalence and density of recreational opportunities. The results of the spatial analysis …


Feasibility Of A Campus-Based "Buddy System" To Promote Physical Activity: Canadian Students' Perspectives, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin May 2013

Feasibility Of A Campus-Based "Buddy System" To Promote Physical Activity: Canadian Students' Perspectives, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

Objective: To explore the characteristics of a university-wide buddy system that students would be receptive to using. Methods: This study targeted a heterogeneous sample of undergraduate university students age 18 to 25 y. An experienced moderator, using a semi-structured interview guide, conducted 13 focus groups (n = 65). Focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Measures were incorporated throughout to ensure data trustworthiness. Results: The value of this campus-based physical activity intervention was emphasized by the vast majority of participants. Five main themes exemplified students' preferences: sign-up methods; matching …


Surveillance Of The Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among Demographic Subgroups: A Spatial Analysis, Chiehwen Hsu, Francisco Soto Mas Jan 2012

Surveillance Of The Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among Demographic Subgroups: A Spatial Analysis, Chiehwen Hsu, Francisco Soto Mas

Francisco Soto Mas

Objective: The literature suggests that colorectal cancer mortality in Texas is distributed inhomogeneously among specific demographic subgroups and in certain geographic regions over an extended period. To understand the extent of the demographic and geographic disparities, the present study examined colorectal cancer mortality in 15 demographic groups in Texas counties between 1990 and 2001. Methods: The Spatial Scan Statistic was used to assess the standardized mortality ratio, duration and age-adjusted rates of excess mortality, and their respective p-values for testing the null hypothesis of homogeneity of geographic and temporal distribution. Results: The study confirmed the excess mortality in some Texas …


Depressed Contractile Responses To Neurokinin A In Idiopathic But Not Neurogenic Overactive Human Detrusor Muscle, Donna Sellers, Christopher Chapple, Douglas Hay, Russell Chess-Williams Sep 2011

Depressed Contractile Responses To Neurokinin A In Idiopathic But Not Neurogenic Overactive Human Detrusor Muscle, Donna Sellers, Christopher Chapple, Douglas Hay, Russell Chess-Williams

Russ Chess-Williams

Objective: The role of tachykinins such as neurokinin A in regulating bladder function is unclear, but NK2 receptors seem to mediate contraction in the human bladder and it has been suggested that these peptides may have a role in the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction. The present study investigates neurokinin receptor-mediated contractility of detrusor muscle in the idiopathic overactive and neurogenic overactive bladder and investigates the neurokinin receptor subtypes involved.

Methods: Human bladder was obtained from patients undergoing cystectomy (normal) or clam cystoplasty (idiopathic overactive) and from patients with spinal injuries (neurogenic overactive). Strips of isolated detrusor muscle were mounted in …


G And P Genotyping Of Human Rotavirus Isolated In A University Hospital In Korea: Implications For Nosocomial Infections, Jung Oak Kang, Chang Ryul Kim, Paul E. Kilgore, Tae Yeal Choi Dec 2006

G And P Genotyping Of Human Rotavirus Isolated In A University Hospital In Korea: Implications For Nosocomial Infections, Jung Oak Kang, Chang Ryul Kim, Paul E. Kilgore, Tae Yeal Choi

Department of Pharmacy Practice

To characterize rotavirus G and P genotypes circulating among infants and young children hospitalized with severe diarrhea in a university hospital in Gyeonggi province, Korea, and to examine any association of the genotypes and nosocomial infections, we genotyped 103 isolates of rotavirus by multiplex RT-PCR. In July 2001- June 2002, we found that globally common strains constituted 64.2% (G2P[4] 28.3%, G3P[8] 28.3%, G4P[8] 5.7%, and G1P[8] 1.9%), and the uncommon strain, G4P[6], constituted 26.4%. During July 2002-June 2003, the percentage of common strains decreased to 44.0% (G3P[8] 18.0%, G2P[4] 16.8%, and G1P[8] 10.0%), but G4P[6] increased to 36.0%. G9P[8] was …


Smallpox Vaccination Outcomes And Adverse Event Surveillance Of 18 Counties In North Central Florida Dec 2006

Smallpox Vaccination Outcomes And Adverse Event Surveillance Of 18 Counties In North Central Florida

Florida Public Health Review

Based on the directive from President George W. Bush to prepare the nation better for a possible smallpox attack, Florida enacted Operation Vaccinate Florida- Stage I (OVF I). Between February 10, 2003, and March 31, 2003, Florida vaccinated 4,434 individuals against smallpox. During this period a smallpox vaccine surveillance study was conducted in 18 counties in North Central Florida. The study was conducted via journal log, which participants completed daily by recording all symptoms, vaccination site stage development, and demographic information. The study included 350 vaccinees from Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Hamilton, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Flagler, Marion, …


Effects Of Family Factors On The Development Of Alcohol-Related Problems Among Males From Pre-Adolescence To Adulthood Dec 2006

Effects Of Family Factors On The Development Of Alcohol-Related Problems Among Males From Pre-Adolescence To Adulthood

Florida Public Health Review

Alcohol use is a leading risk factor in suicides, homicides and unintentional injuries (including motor vehicle crashes and drownings) among adolescents, and is associated with adolescent health risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, illicit drug use, and risky sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine if family factors would predict alcohol-related problems as the study cohort transitioned into young adulthood, and to determine if early alcohol use remained a significant influence on the development of alcohol-related problems in young adulthood. Results of the analyses indicate that three of the family factors measured in mid-adolescence were statistically significant …


The Impact Of Nhi Co-Payment Policy On The Utilization Pattern Of Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Huang-Chung Chen, Fei-Lin Chang, Jui-Fen Rachel Lu, Ngok-Kiu Chu, Wen-Chung Tsai, Lin-Na Shih, Yiu-Chung Lau, Fuk-Tan Tang Dec 2006

The Impact Of Nhi Co-Payment Policy On The Utilization Pattern Of Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Huang-Chung Chen, Fei-Lin Chang, Jui-Fen Rachel Lu, Ngok-Kiu Chu, Wen-Chung Tsai, Lin-Na Shih, Yiu-Chung Lau, Fuk-Tan Tang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

In response to pressing financial distress as a result of escalating health care expenditures, Bureau of National Health Insurance (NHI) has adopted various deliberate policy interventions to increase the sources of incomes and meanwhile enhance cost containment. Co-payment policy is one measure often taken when focusing on demand-side mechanism, which aims to reduce the potential misuse of medical resources by the insured through cost sharing. The co-payment policy for outpatient rehabilitation services implemented since August, 1999 is one good example.The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the co-payment policy on the utilization pattern of hospital outpatient …


Assessment Of Client Satisfaction In Six Urban Wic Clinics, Catherine Christie, Judy E. Perkin Dec 2006

Assessment Of Client Satisfaction In Six Urban Wic Clinics, Catherine Christie, Judy E. Perkin

Florida Public Health Review

Customer service is a measure of support and courtesy provided to individuals who patronize an organization, and is a factor vital to the success of any business. Programs that strive to meet critical needs of at risk populations, such as the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), may also benefit from assessment of client satisfaction. The purpose of the study was to examine factors related to customer satisfaction in Duval County Florida WIC clinics and identify potential barriers to participation through a two-year project initiated by the health department and the state university. The study examined …


Conducting Surveys Among Immigrants: Methodology And Implementation Of A Health Needs Assessment In The Haitian Community Of Miami, Florida Dec 2006

Conducting Surveys Among Immigrants: Methodology And Implementation Of A Health Needs Assessment In The Haitian Community Of Miami, Florida

Florida Public Health Review

Lack of reliable data about foreign-born groups creates gaps in demographic measurement methodology leading to a cycle of misinformed policy development. Haitian immigrants represent one of the largest foreign-born groups in Florida. Only limited information is available on the health care issues that they face. This paper describes the methodological design and strategies employed for the implementation of a study whose primary purpose was to identify and evaluate basic health care needs and barriers to health care access for the Haitian immigrant population of Miami, Florida. Information was collected during face-to-face interviews on demographic characteristic and health needs and access …


Bird Flu Update Dec 2006

Bird Flu Update

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract provided.


A Forty-Year Retrospective Of Assessment Of Activities Of Daily Living, Hsi-Ying Chang, Yu-Wei Hsieh, I-Ping Hsueh, Ching-Lin Hsieh Dec 2006

A Forty-Year Retrospective Of Assessment Of Activities Of Daily Living, Hsi-Ying Chang, Yu-Wei Hsieh, I-Ping Hsueh, Ching-Lin Hsieh

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background and Purpose: The term activities of daily living (ADL) refers to the basic skills that a person needs in order to carry out the fundamental physical functions of self-care and independent living. In this survey paper, we reviewarticle the studies on ADL that involve theories of ADL, the concepts and items of measurement, and the test theory developed for ADL assessment. Unfortunately, the issues mentioned above have not been well integrated systematically. With this reviewarticle, we would like to provide a picture of past and current trends in ADL assessment.Method: We searched literature reviewarticles and rehabilitation or measurement textbooks …


Analysis Of Speech Motor Control In Children With Normal Development: Preliminary Report, Liang-Yi Yang, Chai-Ling Chen, Wei-Hsien Hong, Hsieh-Ching Chen, Ching-Yi Wu, Alice M.K. Wong Dec 2006

Analysis Of Speech Motor Control In Children With Normal Development: Preliminary Report, Liang-Yi Yang, Chai-Ling Chen, Wei-Hsien Hong, Hsieh-Ching Chen, Ching-Yi Wu, Alice M.K. Wong

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Speech is a complex motor skill. It requires the coordination of articulatory and phonation systems, including the chest wall, larynx and oral system, to produce precise oral motor control. Treatment of motor speech dysfunction is based on understanding the mechanism underlying normal speech development and motor control. The purpose of this study is to establish speech motor control patterns in children with normal development (ND) by kinematic analysis.Twenty-eight children with ND (16 males and 12 females) aged 4 to 12 years participated in this study. The children were split into three groups based on age: group A aged 4 to …


Metastatic Tumor In The Atlantoaxial Spine: A Casereport, Hsin-Chi Wu, Chieh-Tsai Chiu, Pu-Sheng Yeh, Yi-Shiung Horng Dec 2006

Metastatic Tumor In The Atlantoaxial Spine: A Casereport, Hsin-Chi Wu, Chieh-Tsai Chiu, Pu-Sheng Yeh, Yi-Shiung Horng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Atlantoaxial involvement is rare in metastatic tumors of the spine. We report a case of atlantoaxial metastatic adenocarcinoma of pulmonary origin, which was treated as cervical spondylosis because the first clinical manifestations were cervical pain followed by limitation of rotation. In the literature, most authors stated that in patients with cervical spine metastases but without neurological signs, pain may be the only complaint. Most metastasized tumors of the atlantoaxial spine originate in the lung or breast. The goal of treatment for these cases is palliative. Posterior fixation is indicated for patients having intractable pain or whose cervical spine is unstable. …


A Pitfall Of Using Ultrasonography In Evaluating Ruptured Long Head Tendon Of The Biceps Brachii: A Casereport, Chien-Hung Shih, Chung-Che Lin, I-Ru Chen, Ya-Fang Lee Dec 2006

A Pitfall Of Using Ultrasonography In Evaluating Ruptured Long Head Tendon Of The Biceps Brachii: A Casereport, Chien-Hung Shih, Chung-Che Lin, I-Ru Chen, Ya-Fang Lee

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a widely used diagnostic tool to visualize shoulder tendon pathology. The diagnostic accuracy for biceps tendon pathology is high. An empty groove may be seen when there is complete rupture, and the long head tendon markedly retracts into the arm. We report a case of ruptured tendon of the right biceps brachii in a 55-year-old male injured during pull-up exercise 2 years ago. Sonography demonstrated the presence of echoic material filling the bicipital groove. This material erroneously resembled the biceps tendon and resulted in a false first impression of intact tendon. However, a careful longitudinal scan failed …


Waveform Symmetry During The Habituation Process Of Sympathetic Skin Response, Wei-Ting Wu, Ya-Ping Huang, Chi-Lun Rau, Hao-Pai Ni, Shin-Liang Pan Dec 2006

Waveform Symmetry During The Habituation Process Of Sympathetic Skin Response, Wei-Ting Wu, Ya-Ping Huang, Chi-Lun Rau, Hao-Pai Ni, Shin-Liang Pan

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

For investigating autonomic function, sympathetic skin response (SSR) is usually used as a non-invasive test. In previous studies, SSR was applied in the patients with neurological diseases (such as stroke), and the amplitude of SSR was compared between the left and right hand (or foot). Most researchers used electrical limb stimulation to elicit SSR in both limbs. However, the symmetry of SSR in healthy subjects has not been well established. Besides, SSR testing may affect the symmetry of SSR. Moreover, although habituation phenomena are commonly seen during SSR testing, few studies have discussed the symmetry of SSR during repetitive SSR …


Investigation Of The Probe Position For Ultrasonography Of The Long Head Of The Biceps Brachii Tendon, Yi-Pin Chiang, Min-Jung Hsu, Ying-Hung Liu, Chia Lee Dec 2006

Investigation Of The Probe Position For Ultrasonography Of The Long Head Of The Biceps Brachii Tendon, Yi-Pin Chiang, Min-Jung Hsu, Ying-Hung Liu, Chia Lee

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Musculoskeletal ultrasound has been utilized in rehabilitation medicine for many years. However, the accuracy and speed of the examination are very operator-dependent. It is often difficult for inexperienced operators to locate target structures quickly. We therefore designed this study to determine the best positioning for the transducer to detect the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii on shoulder ultrasonography.One hundred people (200 shoulders) were recruited, including 33 men and 67 women, with a mean age of 50.8±12.5 years. Patients sat upright with the arm flexed and the forearm supinated. The ultrasound transducer was placed on the anterior …


The Effect Of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation On Local Skin Temperature, Chien-Ting Liu, Pei-Ying Chao, Shin-Liang Pan, Chein-Wei Chang, Yen-Ho Wang Dec 2006

The Effect Of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation On Local Skin Temperature, Chien-Ting Liu, Pei-Ying Chao, Shin-Liang Pan, Chein-Wei Chang, Yen-Ho Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Previous reports have shown that transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) can accelerate the rate of chronic wound healing, but the mechanism for such is unknown. It has been proposed that TENS may enhance healing by increasing cutaneous blood flow. In the present study, we investigated the effects of TENS on local skin temperature. Infrared thermography was used to measure the changes of local skin temperature after treatment with TENS. Twelve subjects, 6 men and 6 women, were enrolled and underwent the following four different TENS modes in random sequences: (1) sham stimulation (control), (2) perception threshold TENS, (3) below motor …


Rehabilitation Of Middle-Aged And Elderly Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear, Chen-Liang Chou, Yuan-Yang Cheng, Ching-Chun Chen, Chia-Ling Chang, Tung-Fu Huang, Shun-Ping Cheng, Tcho-Jen Liu Dec 2006

Rehabilitation Of Middle-Aged And Elderly Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear, Chen-Liang Chou, Yuan-Yang Cheng, Ching-Chun Chen, Chia-Ling Chang, Tung-Fu Huang, Shun-Ping Cheng, Tcho-Jen Liu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Rotator cuff tear is one of the most common causes of shoulder disability in middle-aged and elderly people. Although many patients with rotator cuff tear have pain and dysfunction, there is a great variability in the clinical manifestations. The management of rotator cuff tear includes non-operative and operative methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of rehabilitation and to compare the rehabilitation effects between patients receiving operation or not.Twenty-two patients were enrolled in this study (13 operative and 9 non-operative). Each subject received rehabilitation therapy (including heat packing, TENS, massage, and therapeutic exercise) twice a …


The Pressure Distribution Of Hemiplegics At The Femoral Greater Trochanter And Sacrum In Different Bed Positions, Chin-Teng Chung, Wei-Feng Tang, Chorng-Song Chou, Lu-Han Liu, May-Hua Liao, Yu-Chun Yin Dec 2006

The Pressure Distribution Of Hemiplegics At The Femoral Greater Trochanter And Sacrum In Different Bed Positions, Chin-Teng Chung, Wei-Feng Tang, Chorng-Song Chou, Lu-Han Liu, May-Hua Liao, Yu-Chun Yin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Pressure ulcers frequently develop in hemiplegic stroke patients who are immobilized and bedridden. Common sites for pressure ulcers include the sacrum, greater trochanter of the femur, lateral malleolus, and the heel. Such ulcers cause extra burdens for the whole medical team, the caregiver, and the patients themself. The ulcers also increase more medical cost at the same time. Patients with pressure ulcers also become depressed and less motivated to undergo rehabilitation. The prevention of pressure ulcer formation has thus become an important issue among stroke patients.The most important factor in pressure ulcer formation is the direct pressure of the mattress …


Rehabilitation Of Patients With Melas Syndrome: A Casereport, Chia-Sho Yang, Tsung-Ying Li, Shuu-Hai Jiang, Chang-Hung Hsu, Yaw-Don Hsu, Shin-Tsu Chang Dec 2006

Rehabilitation Of Patients With Melas Syndrome: A Casereport, Chia-Sho Yang, Tsung-Ying Li, Shuu-Hai Jiang, Chang-Hung Hsu, Yaw-Don Hsu, Shin-Tsu Chang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and recurrent stroke-like episodes) syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder. Patients with mitochondrial myopathies typically have exercise-induced symptoms. Thus, patients are often advised to avoid exercise, which leads to deconditioning. Currently, the concept of aerobic exercise training as therapy for mitochondrial disease is not well established. We report the case of a patient with adult-onset MELAS, who responded positively to a low intensity rehabilitation program. Low intensity training was safe and significantly improved our patient's physical fitness. During the 20-month follow-up period, there was no significant reduction in muscle strength and function. Therefore, short-term endurance training …


Temporal And Kinetic Characteristics Of Different Sit-To-Stand Movement Strategies In Females With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures, Katie Pei-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Cheng Pei, Mei-Yun Liaw, Wei-Hsien Hong, Jyh-Yuh Ke, Alice M.K. Wong Dec 2006

Temporal And Kinetic Characteristics Of Different Sit-To-Stand Movement Strategies In Females With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures, Katie Pei-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Cheng Pei, Mei-Yun Liaw, Wei-Hsien Hong, Jyh-Yuh Ke, Alice M.K. Wong

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

The purpose of this investigation was to objectively identify the temporal and kinetic features of the three different sit-to-stand (STS) strategies in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures for possible future reference. Fourteen female patients, aged 68.2±7.8 years, with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were included. Subjects sat on a height adjustable, armless, backless chair with their feet on force plates to perform STS using simple, flexion, and extension strategies. Temporal and kinetic features, including STS duration, horizontal and vertical momentums, and maximal left-right vertical force differences (Max-LR-VF-Diff) were measured. The flexion strategy allowed for the longest overall STS duration. The …


Retrospective Study Of Long-Term Medical Complications In Spinal Cord Injured Patients, Hui-Wen Yu, Su-Ju Tsai, Fan-Fei Tseng, Yu-Hui Huang, Ying-Ju Shih, Liu-Ing Bih Dec 2006

Retrospective Study Of Long-Term Medical Complications In Spinal Cord Injured Patients, Hui-Wen Yu, Su-Ju Tsai, Fan-Fei Tseng, Yu-Hui Huang, Ying-Ju Shih, Liu-Ing Bih

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

In order to determine the prevalence of medical complications after spinal cord injury, 52 patients who received regular follow up in a rehabilitation hospital (average 14.1 years) were studied. Medical records were reviewarticleed and analyzed, including demographic data, onset duration, neurological level, locomotion, reason for visiting doctor's office, rehospitalization, medication usage, and surgical intervention. The most common complication encountered was constipation (82.7%). Other common complications were neurogenic bladder dysfunction (80.8%), urinary tract infection (75.0%), musculoskeletal pain (71.2%), spasticity (67.3%) and gastrointestinal disturbance (51.9%). reviewarticleing the medical records in the most recent year, constipation was still the most common complication (46.2%). …


Therapeutic Effect Of Air-Jet Therapy In Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Preliminary Report, Wan-Chia Lee, Cheng-Liang Chou, Cheng-Min Chiu, Tcho-Jen Liu, Rai-Chi Chan Dec 2006

Therapeutic Effect Of Air-Jet Therapy In Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Preliminary Report, Wan-Chia Lee, Cheng-Liang Chou, Cheng-Min Chiu, Tcho-Jen Liu, Rai-Chi Chan

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Lymphedema is a common sequela of breast cancer therapy. The decreased arm function with swelling, pain, numbness, and a limited range of motion, is associated with a psychological distress that affects the quality of life. There is no cure for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Complex physical therapy is currently the mainstream of therapy, combined with manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic compression pumps and compression bandaging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate compressed air therapy as a new approach to lymphedema management.Eleven women with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema were recruited into the study. Air-jet therapy was performed to massage limb in …


The Relationship Between Nasogastric Tube Feeding And Hemineglect In Patients After Right Hemisphere Stroke, Kwo-Shieng Tuo, Shu-Fen Sun, Ken-Hao Hsu, Jue-Long Wang Dec 2006

The Relationship Between Nasogastric Tube Feeding And Hemineglect In Patients After Right Hemisphere Stroke, Kwo-Shieng Tuo, Shu-Fen Sun, Ken-Hao Hsu, Jue-Long Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

The purpose of this study was to evaluate impairment of swallowing, nasogastric tube feeding, feeding function, and complications of pneumonia in 42 patients hospitalized following a right hemispheic stroke with or without hemineglect. Twenty-three patients with diagnoses of right hemispheric stroke and left hemineglect, as demonstrated by computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging, comprised the experimental group. The diagnosis of hemineglect is based on the Schenkenberg test (i.e., line bisection test) of greater than 10% right deviation. Nineteen age-, lesion-, and Brunnstrom stage-matched right hemispheic stroke patients without hemineglect were designated as the control group. The 23 patients with …


The Influence Of Nasogastric Tube To Post-Stroke Depressive Tendency And Functional Outcome, Nai-Chiung Huang, Ta-Sen Wei, Sen-Yung Liu Dec 2006

The Influence Of Nasogastric Tube To Post-Stroke Depressive Tendency And Functional Outcome, Nai-Chiung Huang, Ta-Sen Wei, Sen-Yung Liu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Depression is reported in a portion of stroke patients during the period of their stay in acute and rehabilitation hospitals. Depression may influence the patient's motivation to participate in the rehabilitation program and result in slower functional recovery and poor functional outcome. In addition, patients with prolonged usage of nasogastric tube for food intake experience a stronger degree of physical impairment, slower functional recovery, and less motivation. The purpose of our study was to determine the correlation between prolonged usage of nasogastric tube and post-stroke patients' depression tendency, and their effects on the patients' functional outcome. Eighty-six patients participated in …


Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy Due To Drug Overdose With Coma, Susan Y Fan, Chang-Zern Hong, Lin-Fen Hsieh, Yii-Jiun Shao, Hsu-Yi Chen Dec 2006

Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy Due To Drug Overdose With Coma, Susan Y Fan, Chang-Zern Hong, Lin-Fen Hsieh, Yii-Jiun Shao, Hsu-Yi Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Limb compression in an unattended comatous patient often results in peripheral nerve injuries; however, bilateral sciatic neuropathy in these patients has rarely been described in literature. A 37-year-old woman with bilateral numbness and paralysis of the lower limb after drug overdose with coma was reported. After onset of unconsciousness, she was in a seated position with trunk and hips flexed and knees nearly fully extended for approximately ten hours. In the department of emergency, she was found to have bilateral thighs and buttocks swollen as well as myoglobulinuria. Electrodiagnostic studies supported a diagnosis of complete denervation bilaterally in the distribution …


Acute Neuropathy Mimicking Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Casereport, Po-Hong Chen, Hsiu-Fang Hsueh, Chang-Zern Hong Dec 2006

Acute Neuropathy Mimicking Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Casereport, Po-Hong Chen, Hsiu-Fang Hsueh, Chang-Zern Hong

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

A 42 year-old woman was admitted in a comatose state after exhibiting polydipsia and progressive body weight loss of 4-week duration. Diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed due to an increased blood glucose level (956 mg/dl), metabolic acidosis, and positive urinary ketone bodies. On the fourth hospital day, despite recovery from the critical state of ketoacidosis, the patient suffered from progressively ascending paresthesia and weakness in the lower limbs. On the basis of clinical and electrophysiological findings, axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome presenting as a paraparesis variant, a very unusual neuropathy related to diabetic ketoacidosis, was diagnosed. The patient reached satisfactory functional outcome after …


Mirror Writing After Left Anterior Cerebral Artery Infarction: A Casereport, Rong-Bin Hong, I-Hsien Wu, Yi-Ming Lo, Hui-Chun Juan, Mei-Ju Ko, Willy Chou Dec 2006

Mirror Writing After Left Anterior Cerebral Artery Infarction: A Casereport, Rong-Bin Hong, I-Hsien Wu, Yi-Ming Lo, Hui-Chun Juan, Mei-Ju Ko, Willy Chou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Mirror writing is characterized by the writing of alphanumeric characters in the direction opposite to normal. It has been reported infrequently in patients with stroke. We present a 67-year-old male patient who is left-handed but writes with his right hand. He developed sudden onset of right side weakness. CT scan and MRI both revealed acute left anterior cerebral artery infarction involving cingulated gyrus and corpus callosum. His right side weakness gradually improved after rehabilitation. Mirror writing was found when he wrote with his left hand but not with his right hand. The frequency of his mirror writing gradually dropped and …