California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale were used followed by structured face to face interviews. Descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and stepwise regression analysis were used for data analysis.RESULTS: The mean score of Resilience was 70.7 (±11.7)/111, social support was 60.2 (±21.4)/95, and Loneliness was 38.5(±11.9)/80. For the Resilience, there was a statistically significant correlation between loneliness (r=0.56, p<0.01) and social support (r=0.72, p<0.01). Hierarchical analysis shows that social support completely mediates the effect of resilience on loneliness. Stepwise regression analysis represents affection emotional support and positive social interaction have the highest descriptive power.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, social support fully mediates the impact of resilience on loneliness. The findings suggest developing social support intervention programs, especially which can give emotional support and positive social interaction, is effective and crucial to decrease loneliness for elderly who are living alone.]]>
Aged ; California ; Dementia ; Depression ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Loneliness ; Mass Screening ; Statistics as Topic

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perioperative stroke remains a devastating complication after surgical procedures, due to hemodynamic and inflammatory changes that increase the risk of strokes within 30 days following surgery. We aimed to assess the incidence of perioperative strokes in patients undergoing various surgical procedures and reach a national estimate. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using California State Inpatient Databases, State Emergency Department Databases, State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases, and the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) during the period 2008 to 2011 from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to obtain published articles that reported the incidence of perioperative stroke in various surgical procedures. RESULTS: Analysis of 3,694,410 surgical encounters from the state of California (mean±standard deviation age: 52.4±21.1 years) yielded an overall rate of perioperative stroke of 0.32% (n=11,759). The incidence of perioperative strokes was highest following neurological (1.25%), vascular (1.07%), and cardiac (0.98%) surgeries. The NIS database contained a total of 48,672,974 weighted hospitalizations and yielded a rate of perioperative stroke of 0.42% (n=204,549). The systematic review completed yielded 187 articles, which had an overall sample size of 184,922 and an incidence of perioperative stroke ranging from 0% to 13.86%. It is estimated that in any given year, there would be approximately 40,000 to 55,000 (0.33% to 0.46%) perioperative strokes nationally. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support further strategies to identify and stratify patients undergoing surgical procedures with a high incidence of perioperative strokes to improve patient counseling and a future potential treatment plan.
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures ; California ; Cohort Studies ; Counseling ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Health Care Costs ; Hemodynamics ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inpatients ; Perioperative Period ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Sample Size ; Stroke

BACKGROUND: Family doctors are increasingly managing the diabetes care of Korean-Americans. Little is known about the prevalence of diabetes among non-obese Korean-Americans, or the extent to which they receive timely and appropriate diabetes care. The purpose of this investigation is to: (1) identify the prevalence of diabetes and to determine the adjusted odds of diabetes among non-obese Korean-Americans compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) Americans, (2) examine the factors associated with having diabetes in a large sample of non-obese Korean-Americans, and (3) determine the prevalence and adjusted odds of optimal frequency of eye care, foot care and A1C blood glucose level monitoring among non-obese Korean-Americans with diabetes in comparison to NHWs with diabetes. METHODS: Secondary analysis of population-based data from the combined 2007, 2009, and 2011 adult California Health Interview Survey. The sample included 74,361 respondents with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 (referred to as ‘non-obese BMI’), of whom 2,289 were Korean-Americans and 72,072 were NHWs, and 4,576 had diabetes. RESULTS: The prevalence and adjusted odds of diabetes among non-obese Korean-Americans are significantly higher than among their NHW peers. More than 90% of Korean-Americans with diabetes were non-obese. NHWs had substantially higher odds of having optimal frequency of eye care, foot care and A1C glucose level monitoring, even after adjusting for insulin dependence, sex, age, education, income, and BMI. CONCLUSION: Non-obese Korean-Americans are at higher risk for diabetes and are much less likely to receive optimal diabetes care in comparison to NHWs. Targeted outreach is necessary.
Adult ; Asian Americans ; Blood Glucose ; Body Mass Index ; California ; Chronic Disease ; Community Medicine ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Education ; Emigrants and Immigrants ; Foot ; Glucose ; Healthcare Disparities ; Humans ; Insulin ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic stabilization of torn coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments gained popularity recently. However, loss of reduction after the operation and complications unique to this technique involving tunnel placement through the distal clavicle and coracoid process are concerns. The purpose of this study was to report intraoperative and early postoperative complications associated with this procedure. METHODS: This study retrospectively evaluated 18 consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic stabilization for torn CC ligaments between 2014 and 2015. The indications for surgery were acute or chronic acromioclavicular dislocation and acute fracture of the distal clavicle, associated with CC ligament disruption. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Intra- and postoperative complications and reoperations were investigated. RESULTS: There were six female and 12 male patients with a mean age of 47 years (range, 22 to 86 years). At a mean follow-up of 17 ± 10 months (range, 10 to 28 months), the mean ASES score was 88.8 ± 19.9 and the mean UCLA score was 30.9 ± 5.2. Intraoperatively, seven complications developed: breach of lateral cortex of the coracoid process in five patients, medial cortex of the coracoid process in one, and anterior cortex of the clavicle in one. Postoperative complications developed in eight patients: four ossifications of the CC interspace, four tunnel widening of the clavicle, one bony erosion on the clavicle, and one superficial infection. A loss of reduction was found in six patients. Reoperation was performed in three patients for loss of reduction in two and superficial infection in the other. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic CC stabilization resulted in high rates of intraoperative and early postoperative complications. Most of them were related to the surgical technique involving bone tunnel placement in the coracoid process and the clavicle.
California ; Clavicle ; Dislocations ; Elbow ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ligaments ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Surgeons

BACKGROUND: Latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer is used as a treatment option for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, and recently, an arthroscopic-assisted technique was introduced. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears in active middle-aged patients. METHODS: The records of five patients (two males) with irreparable tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons managed by arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) scores, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scale, and ranges of motion. Postoperative integrities of transferred tendon were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients and by ultrasound in one. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 55 years (range, 48–61 years), and mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 12.0–27.2 months). Mean VAS score significantly improved from 6.6 ± 2.6 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 2.5 postoperatively (p=0.009), mean ASES score increased from 67.6 ± 9.2 to 84.6 ± 15.1, and mean UCLA score from 18.0 ± 1.4 to 28.8 ± 8.5 (all p<0.001). Postoperative imaging of the transferred LD tendon showed intact repair in 4 patients. The remaining patient experienced LD transfer rupture and a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer improved shoulder pain and function in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, and may be an option for this condition, especially in physically active patients.
California ; Elbow ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Rotator Cuff ; Rupture ; Shoulder ; Shoulder Pain ; Superficial Back Muscles ; Tears ; Tendon Transfer ; Tendons ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: In Korea, the Korean Laboratory Accreditation Program (KLAP) has set minimum standards for verification of clinical test performance. This verification process is time-consuming and labor-intensive when performed manually. We developed a free, statistical software program for KLAP, using the R language (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). METHODS: We used CLSI guidelines for the algorithm. We built graphic user interfaces, including data input, with Embarcadero Delphi EX4 (Embarcadero Technologies, Inc., Texas, USA). The R Base Package and MCR Package for Method Comparison Regression were used to implement statistical and graphical procedures. RESULTS: Our program LaboStats has six modules: parallel test, linearity, method comparison, precision, reference interval, and cutoff. Data can be entered into the field either manually or by copying and pasting from an MS Excel worksheet. Users can print out precise reports. CONCLUSIONS: LaboStats can be useful for evaluating clinical test performance characteristics and preparing documents requested by KLAP.
Accreditation ; Korea ; Mathematical Computing ; Methods ; Texas

The study of coprolites has been a theme of archaeology in the American Southwest. A feature of archaeoparasitology on the Colorado Plateau is the ubiquity of pinworm infection. As a crowd parasite, this ubiquity signals varying concentrations of populations. Our recent analysis of coprolite deposits from 2 sites revealed the highest prevalence of infection ever recorded for the region. For Salmon Ruins, the deposits date from AD 1140 to 1280. For Aztec Ruins, the samples can be dated by artifact association between AD 1182–1253. Both sites can be placed in the Ancestral Pueblo III occupation (AD 1100–1300), which included a period of cultural stress associated with warfare. Although neither of these sites show evidence of warfare, they are typical of large, defensible towns that survived this time of threat by virtue of large populations in stonewalled villages with easily accessible water. We hypothesize that the concentration of large numbers of people promoted pinworm infection and, therefore, explains the phenomenal levels of infection at these sites.
Archaeology ; Artifacts ; Colorado ; Enterobius ; Occupations ; Parasites ; Prevalence ; Salmon ; Violence ; Virtues ; Warfare ; Water

BACKGROUND: Racial differences in American patients undergoing brain tumour surgery remain poorly characterized within urban medical centres. Our objective was to assess racial differences in operative brain tumour patients at a single academic hospital in Los Angeles, California. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of adult patients undergoing craniotomy for tumour resection from March 2013 to January 2017 at UCLA Medical Centre. Patients were categorized as Asian, Hispanic, Black, or White. Racial cohorts were matched on demographic variables for comparisons. Our primary outcome was post-operative length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality and discharge disposition. RESULTS: In this study, 462 patients identified as Asian (15.1%), Hispanic (8.7%), Black (3.9%), or White (72.3%). After cohort matching, non-White patients had elevated risk of prolonged LOS [odds ratio (OR)=2.62 (1.44, 4.76)]. No differences were observed in hospital mortality or non-routine discharge. Longer LOS was positively correlated with non-routine discharge [r(pb) (458)=0.41, p<0.001]. Black patients with government insurance had average LOS 2.84 days shorter than Black patients with private insurance (p=0.04). Among Hispanics, government insurance was associated with non-routine discharge [OR=4.93 (1.03, 24.00)]. CONCLUSION: Racial differences manifested as extended LOS for non-White patients, with comparable rates of hospital mortality and non-routine discharge across races. Prolonged LOS loosely reflected complicated clinical course with greater risk of adverse discharge disposition. Private insurance coverage predicted markedly lower risk of non-routine discharge for Hispanic patients, and LOS of three additional days among Black patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the basis of these differences.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Brain ; Brain Neoplasms ; California ; Cohort Studies ; Continental Population Groups ; Craniotomy ; Hispanic Americans ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Insurance ; Insurance Coverage ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Socioeconomic Factors

BACKGROUND: Glenoid loosening and postoperative instability are common causes of failed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). When soft-tissue problems or large glenoid bone defect interferes with reimplantation in revision RTSA, conversion to hemiarthroplasty can be considered. We present a case series of patients who underwent conversion to hemiarthroplasty due to glenoid loosening and early instability after RTSAs, along with clinical results. METHODS: A total of 72 primary RTSAs using the Aequalis prosthesis were performed at our institution from May 2009 to December 2016. Of these, five patients, including one with humeral neck fracture and absent rotator cuff and four with cuff tear arthropathy, underwent conversion to hemiarthroplasty. Another patient who had RTSA at a local clinic underwent hemiarthroplasty at our institution for unresolved postoperative anterior dislocation. The mean age of the six patients was 71.7 years (range, 62 to 76 years), and the mean follow-up period was 24.4 months (range, 18 to 30 months). Clinical assessments were conducted by using the visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The conversion to hemiarthroplasty in the six patients dramatically improved the mean VAS score (preoperative, 8.1; postoperative, 2.5), ASES score (preoperative, 22.1; postoperative, 56.5), and UCLA score (preoperative, 12; postoperative, 18.1). However, the range of motion was almost unchanged after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion to hemiarthroplasty can be a good alternative to revision RTSA in patients with serious complications (such as unresolved instability and glenoid loosening) difficult to treat with revision RTSA.
Arthroplasty ; California ; Dislocations ; Elbow ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemiarthroplasty ; Humans ; Neck ; Prostheses and Implants ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Replantation ; Rotator Cuff ; Shoulder ; Tears ; Visual Analog Scale

BACKGROUND: The anterior cortical window technique was developed to facilitate stem removal in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this technique, only the anterior cortex of the proximal femur is osteomized; the trochanter, lateral cortex, and medial cortex remain intact. Therefore, a new stem can be press-fitted into the femur and mediolateral stability can be obtained. However, the long-term results of revision THA using this technique are unknown. We report the outcome and survivorship at a minimum of 10-year follow-up. METHODS: From May 2003 to April 2006, 69 patients (75 hips) underwent revision THA using an anterior cortical window and a cementless distal interlocking stem. Of these, 50 patients (56 hips) were followed up for 10 to 13 years (mean, 11.5 years). There were 26 men (29 hips) and 24 women (27 hips) with a mean age of 51.2 years (range, 29 to 82 years) at the time of revision arthroplasty. We evaluated radiographs, Harris hip score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, Koval category, and survivorship. RESULTS: Nonunion of the osteotomy occurred in one hip (2%). Five stems (8.9%) subsided 5 mm or more. At the final evaluation, the mean Harris hip score, UCLA activity score, and the Koval category were 82.5, 4.6, and 1.5, respectively. Survivorship with any operations as the end point was 80.4% and that with stem-revision as the end point was 91.1%. CONCLUSIONS: With use of an anterior cortical window, a well-fixed stem can be easily removed, and a new stem can be inserted with firm mediolateral stability in the proximal femur in revision THA. We recommend using this technique instead of the extended trochanteric osteotomy in revision THA.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; California ; Female ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Male ; Osteotomy ; Reoperation ; Survival Rate