Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Late Breaking Abstract - Automated coaching for physical activity in COPD patients: results from a pilot study

Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is important for COPD patients, however it is difficult to increase and maintain. An automated coaching program, based on self-regulation and objective PA data, has been recently developed (Van Genugten L. et al, 2016). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate if this web-based intervention can increase PA in COPD patients. In this RCT 21 patients were recruited and wore an activity monitor (DirectLife, Philips) throughout the study. PA was assessed as the number of minutes per day spent in moderate intensity, termed as ActivePoints (AP). After a 2-week baseline period, patients were randomized to the intervention (IG) or control (CG) group for 2 months. IG received automated coaching, based on PA, with weekly goals, daily feedback and coaching messages. CG was blinded to their PA and not exposed to any intervention. Ten IG (age 69.8±8.1y; FEV1%pred 44.3±14.3) and 8 CG (age 67.7±4.5y; FEV1%pred 42.5±11.5) patients completed the study. Baseline PA was comparable in the two groups (CG: 264.1±204.9 AP; IG: 241.0±126.6 AP, p=0.77). IG visited the coaching website 87.3±14.5% of days. Between start and end of the study, the % difference in PA was higher in IG patients than CG (19.6±28.7% and -12.2±21.9 respectively; p=0.014. Figure 1). This pilot study suggests that this coaching system is effective in increasing PA at home in patients with COPD. Further data are required to reinforce these promising results.

Comparison of Dexamethasone 4mg vs 8mg Doses in Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract: Introduction Dexamethasone is commonly administered intraoperatively to control postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain. There is limited evidence of the ideal dosage of dexamethasone during surgery. Dexamethasone administration may increase blood glucose levels, posing unique challenges in maintaining acceptable blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Objective Compare two doses of dexamethasone (4mg and 8mg) for outcomes in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods Medical records of 3,194 patients having undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 who were administered dexamethasone were reviewed. The eligible population included male and female patients aged 18-89, who underwent elective hip and knee replacement surgery and were administered dexamethasone intraoperatively. Demographics, clinical variables, and preoperative diabetic status were recorded. Primary outcomes included: blood glucose levels, incidence of PONV, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) time, and length of stay (LOS). Postoperative complications such as periprosthetic joint injection and urinary tract infections (UTI) were also examined within 90 days of surgery. The 30-day readmissions rate was also collected for analysis. Results There was no PONV in the entire patient population. There were no significant differences between 4mg and 8mg dexamethasone in patients with or without diabetes, for preop to postop blood glucose difference, surgical timing, and post-operative complications. Conclusion Dexamethasone in both 4mg and 8mg dose was effective in PONV prophylaxis. The effects of 4mg and 8mg dexamethasone were the same in individuals with and without diabetes and the increases in blood glucose were not significantly different. Dexamethasone should not be withheld, as its benefits seem to outweigh the risks even in patients with diabetes.

Deformation imaging of the atria using 2D strain: A noninvasive modality to characterize operating compliance?

Abstract: This viewpoint with two illustrated case summaries of biventricular and biatrial mechanical function/dysfunction emphasizes the importance of continued research in deformation imaging beyond the left ventricle, as there are no Cinderellas in the heart and we just cannot afford to be nonchalant toward the atria, particularly the right atrium.