Technology and Health Care - Volume 28, issue 2

Authors: Gao, Yu-Hang | Dong, Ning | Yang, Chen | Li, Shu-Qiang | Liu, Jian-Guo | Qi, Xin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated interleukin (IL)-33 as a potential proinflammtory cytokine in the joint cavity following subchondral fracture occurring during osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether IL-33 and other proinflammtory cytokines, in addition to cartilage degeneration, were elevated in the joint cavity following subchondral fracture. METHODS: IL-33 levels were analyzed in the plasma, synovial fluid, and bone marrow aspirate, and the levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-1β , tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α , matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-13, and carboxy-terminal …telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) in synovial fluid were also quantitated to compare the levels of these proteins between stages II and III. Macro- and microscopic articular cartilage were evaluated and compared between stages II and III in the same patient. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of MMP-13 and Col-II were examined. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients enrolled in the present study, 15 had hips in stage II and 18 had hips in stage III. IL-33 levels in all three sample types were significantly higher in stage III. Synovial fluid IL-6 and CTX-II levels were significantly higher in stage III. A clear step-off region in the weight-bearing area was macroscopically observed in the stage III femoral head. Microscopic evaluation showed symmetrical cartilage matrix deposition around the chondrocytes in the stage II articular cartilage, unlike that in stage III. Immunohistochemical staining of the stage III articular cartilage samples revealed positive MMP-13 staining in chondrocytes and decreased Col-II deposition in the matrix. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed elevated IL-33 and IL-6 levels and cartilage degeneration in stage III ONFH. Show more

Keywords: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head, cartilage degeneration, interleukin-33, interleukin-6

DOI: 10.3233/THC-191811

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 203-212, 2020

Authors: Perry, Omer | Wacht, Oren | Jaffe, Eli | Sinuany-Stern, Zilla | Bitan, Yuval

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Video communications during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve the quality of information exchange between a bystander performing CPR and an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD). OBJECTIVE: To improve chest compression effectiveness, a filming protocol instructing video camera placements around a patient was developed. This study measured whether the filming protocol increased chest compressions’ effectiveness. METHODS: A simulation study was conducted comparing CPR effectiveness under three conditions: telephone-instructed , video-instructed , and video-instructed with the filming protocol . Twenty-five emergency medical technicians acted as EMDsin the three conditions. A mannequin measured five factors that …determined the effectiveness of the chest compressions. RESULTS: Compared with telephone-instructed CPR, the filming protocol improved the proportion of time in which the bystander’s hands were in the correct position during chest compressions. Compared with video-instructed CPR, the filming protocol improved both the proportion of time in which the chest was fully released after each compression and the proportion of time in which the compressions were conducted with an appropriate rhythm. The depth and rate of compressions did not improve in the filming protocol condition. CONCLUSIONS: Video-instructed CPR with the filming protocol improves CPR effectiveness compared to telephone- and video-instructed CPR. Detailed implementation can improve new technology introduction. Show more

Keywords: Emergency medical dispatcher, cardiac arrest, telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation, video cardiopulmonary resuscitation, filming protocol

DOI: 10.3233/THC-192024

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 213-220, 2020

Authors: Shang, Haitao | Wu, Bolin | Liu, Zhao | Liu, Ying | Cheng, Wen

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the efficiency of shear wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: This retrospective study constituted of 446 patients with 510 thyroid nodules. SWE values and ultrasound parameters of each nodule were used for comparison and analysis. RESULTS: The ultrasonography findings between malignant and benign nodules differed significantly (P < 0.05). The benign and PTMC nodule groups showed a remarkable difference in the stiffness, i.e., higher SWE values. CONCLUSION: SWE is useful in diagnosing micro thyroid nodules, and …the values were significantly correlated with tumor size and thyroid capsule invasion of PTMC. Show more

Keywords: Shear wave elastography, ultrasound, thyroid nodules, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

DOI: 10.3233/THC-191895

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 221-226, 2020