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Study protocol: improving response to malaria in the Amazon through identification of inter-community networks and human mobility in border regions of Ecuador, Peru and Brazil

Por: Janko · M. M. · Araujo · A. L. · Ascencio · E. J. · Guedes · G. R. · Vasco · L. E. · Santos · R. O. · Damasceno · C. P. · Medrano · P. G. · Chacon-Uscamaita · P. R. · Gunderson · A. K. · OMalley · S. · Kansara · P. H. · Narvaez · M. B. · Coombes · C. · Pizzitutti · F. · Salmon-Mulano
Introduction

Understanding human mobility’s role in malaria transmission is critical to successful control and elimination. However, common approaches to measuring mobility are ill-equipped for remote regions such as the Amazon. This study develops a network survey to quantify the effect of community connectivity and mobility on malaria transmission.

Methods

We measure community connectivity across the study area using a respondent driven sampling design among key informants who are at least 18 years of age. 45 initial communities will be selected: 10 in Brazil, 10 in Ecuador and 25 in Peru. Participants will be recruited in each initial node and administered a survey to obtain data on each community’s mobility patterns. Survey responses will be ranked and the 2–3 most connected communities will then be selected and surveyed. This process will be repeated for a third round of data collection. Community network matrices will be linked with each country’s malaria surveillance system to test the effects of mobility on disease risk.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the institutional review boards of Duke University (USA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru) and Universidade Federal Minas Gerais (Brazil). Results will be disseminated in communities by the end of the study.

Scaling hypertension treatment in 24 low-income and middle-income countries: economic evaluation of treatment decisions at three blood pressure cut-points

Por: Hutchinson · B. · Walter · A. · Campbell · N. · Whelton · P. K. · Varghese · C. · Husain · M. J. · Nugent · R. · Kostova · D. · Honeycutt · A.
Objective

Estimate the incremental costs and benefits of scaling up hypertension care in adults in 24 select countries, using three different systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment cut-off points—≥140, ≥150 and ≥160 mm Hg.

Intervention

Strengthening the hypertension care cascade compared with status quo levels, with pharmacological treatment administered at different cut-points depending on the scenario.

Target population

Adults aged 30+ in 24 low-income and middle-income countries spanning all world regions.

Perspective

Societal.

Time horizon

30 years.

Discount rate

4%.

Costing year

2020 USD.

Study design

Data sources

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Epi Visualisations database—country-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, prevalence and death rates. Mean SBP and prevalence—National surveys and NCD-RisC. Treatment protocols—WHO HEARTS. Treatment impact—academic literature. Costs—national and international databases.

Outcome measures

Health outcomes—averted stroke and myocardial infarction events, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years; economic outcomes—averted health expenditures, value of averted mortality and workplace productivity losses.

Results of analysis

Across 24 countries, over 30 years, incremental scale-up of hypertension care for adults with SBP≥140 mm Hg led to 2.6 million averted CVD events and 1.2 million averted deaths (7% of expected CVD deaths). 68% of benefits resulted from treating those with very high SBP (≥160 mm Hg). 10 of the 12 highest-income countries projected positive net benefits at one or more treatment cut-points, compared with 3 of the 12 lowest-income countries. Treating hypertension at SBP≥160 mm Hg maximised the net economic benefit in the lowest-income countries.

Limitations

The model only included a few hypertension-attributable diseases and did not account for comorbid risk factors. Modelled scenarios assumed ambitious progress on strengthening the care cascade.

Conclusions

In areas where economic considerations might play an outsized role, such as very low-income countries, prioritising treatment to populations with severe hypertension can maximise benefits net of economic costs.

Artificial intelligence-based prediction of diabetic retinopathy evolution (EviRed): protocol for a prospective cohort

Por: Tadayoni · R. · Massin · P. · Bonnin · S. · Magazzeni · S. · Lay · B. · Le Guilcher · A. · Vicaut · E. · Couturier · A. · Quellec · G. · Investigators · E.
Introduction

An important obstacle in the fight against diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the use of a classification system based on old imaging techniques and insufficient data to accurately predict its evolution. New imaging techniques generate new valuable data, but we lack an adapted classification based on these data. The main objective of the Evaluation Intelligente de la Rétinopathie Diabétique, Intelligent evaluation of DR (EviRed) project is to develop and validate a system assisting the ophthalmologist in decision-making during DR follow-up by improving the prediction of its evolution.

Methods and analysis

A cohort of up to 5000 patients with diabetes will be recruited from 18 diabetology departments and 14 ophthalmology departments, in public or private hospitals in France and followed for an average of 2 years. Each year, systemic health data as well as ophthalmological data will be collected. Both eyes will be imaged by using different imaging modalities including widefield photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography. The EviRed cohort will be divided into two groups: one group will be randomly selected in each stratum during the inclusion period to be representative of the general diabetic population. Their data will be used for validating the algorithms (validation cohort). The data for the remaining patients (training cohort) will be used to train the algorithms.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the French South-West and Overseas Ethics Committee 4 on 28 August 2020 (CPP2020-07-060b/2020-A01725-34/20.06.16.41433). Prior to the start of the study, each patient will provide a written informed consent documenting his or her agreement to participate in the clinical trial. Results of this research will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The database will also be available for further study or development that could benefit patients.

Trial registration number

NCT04624737

The role of orthobiologics in chronic wound healing

Abstract

Chronic wounds, characterized by prolonged healing processes, pose a significant medical challenge with multifaceted aetiologies, including local and systemic factors. Here, it explores the complex pathogenesis of chronic wounds, emphasizing the disruption in the normal phases of wound healing, particularly the inflammatory phase, leading to an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics and persistent inflammation. Senescent cell populations further contribute to impaired wound healing in chronic lesions. Traditional medical management focuses on addressing underlying causes, but many chronic wounds resist to conventional treatments, necessitating innovative approaches. Recent attention has turned to autologous orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as potential regenerative interventions. These biologically derived materials, including bone marrow aspirate/concentrate (BMA/BMAC) and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), exhibit promising cytokine content and regenerative potential. MSCs, in particular, have emerged as key players in wound healing, influencing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. This paper reviews relevant scientific literature regarding basic science and brings real-world evidence regarding the use of orthobiologics in the treatment of chronic wounds, irrespective of aetiology. The discussion highlights the regenerative properties of PRP, PRF, BMA, BMAC and SVF, showcasing their potential to enhance wound healing. Despite advancements, further research is essential to elucidate the specific roles of each orthobiologic and determine optimal applications for different wound types. The conclusion underscores the evolving landscape in chronic wound management, with a call for more comprehensive studies to refine treatment strategies and maximize the benefits of regenerative medicine.

A purified reconstituted bilayer matrix shows improved outcomes in treatment of non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers when compared to the standard of care: Final results and analysis of a prospective, randomized, controlled, multi‐centre clinical trial

Abstract

As the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) increases, better treatments that improve healing should reduce complications of these ulcers including infections and amputations. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing outcomes between a novel purified reconstituted bilayer membrane (PRBM) to the standard of care (SOC) in the treatment of non-healing DFUs. This study included 105 patients who were randomized to either of two treatment groups (n = 54 PRBM; n = 51 SOC) in the intent to treat (ITT) group and 80 who completed the study per protocol (PP) (n = 47 PRBM; n = 33 SOC). The primary endpoint was the percentage of wounds closed after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included percent area reduction, time to healing, quality of life, and cost to closure. The DFUs that had been treated with PRBM healed at a higher rate than those treated with SOC (ITT: 83% vs. 45%, p = 0.00004, PP: 92% vs. 67%, p = 0.005). Wounds treated with PRBM also healed significantly faster than those treated with SOC with a mean of 42 versus 62 days for SOC (p = 0.00074) and achieved a mean wound area reduction within 12 weeks of 94% versus 51% for SOC (p = 0.0023). There were no adverse events or serious adverse events that were related to either the PRBM or the SOC. In comparison to the SOC, DFUs healed faster when treated with PRBM. Thus, the use of this PRBM is an effective option for the treatment of chronic DFUs.

A systematic review of reasons and risks for acute service use by older adult residents of long‐term care

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To identify the reasons and/or risk factors for hospital admission and/or emergency department attendance for older (≥60 years) residents of long-term care facilities.

Background

Older adults' use of acute services is associated with significant financial and social costs. A global understanding of the reasons for the use of acute services may allow for early identification and intervention, avoid clinical deterioration, reduce the demand for health services and improve quality of life.

Design

Systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022326964) and reported following PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

The search strategy was developed in consultation with an academic librarian. The strategy used MeSH terms and relevant keywords. Articles published since 2017 in English were eligible for inclusion. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection were searched (11/08/22). Title, abstract, and full texts were screened against the inclusion/exclusion criteria; data extraction was performed two blinded reviewers. Quality of evidence was assessed using the NewCastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Thirty-nine articles were eligible and included in this review; included research was assessed as high-quality with a low risk of bias. Hospital admission was reported as most likely to occur during the first year of residence in long-term care. Respiratory and cardiovascular diagnoses were frequently associated with acute services use. Frailty, hypotensive medications, falls and inadequate nutrition were associated with unplanned service use.

Conclusions

Modifiable risks have been identified that may act as a trigger for assessment and be amenable to early intervention. Coordinated intervention may have significant individual, social and economic benefits.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review has identified several modifiable reasons for acute service use by older adults. Early and coordinated intervention may reduce the risk of hospital admission and/or emergency department.

Reporting method

This systematic review was conducted and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Characterizing nursing time with patients using computer vision

Abstract

Background

Compared to other providers, nurses spend more time with patients, but the exact quantity and nature of those interactions remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interactions of nurses at the bedside using continuous surveillance over a year long period.

Methods

Nurses' time and activity at the bedside were characterized using a device that integrates the use of obfuscated computer vision in combination with a Bluetooth beacon on the nurses' identification badge to track nurses' activities at the bedside. The surveillance device (AUGi) was installed over 37 patient beds in two medical/surgical units in a major urban hospital. Forty-nine nurse users were tracked using the beacon. Data were collected 4/15/19–3/15/20. Statistics were performed to describe nurses' time and activity at the bedside.

Results

A total of n = 408,588 interactions were analyzed over 670 shifts, with >1.5 times more interactions during day shifts (n = 247,273) compared to night shifts (n = 161,315); the mean interaction time was 3.34 s longer during nights than days (p < 0.0001). Each nurse had an average of 7.86 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.13) interactions per bed each shift and a mean total interaction time per bed of 9.39 min (SD = 14.16). On average, nurses covered 7.43 beds (SD = 4.03) per shift (day: mean = 7.80 beds/nurse/shift, SD = 3.87; night: mean = 7.07/nurse/shift, SD = 4.17). The mean time per hourly rounding (HR) was 69.5 s (SD = 98.07) and 50.1 s (SD = 56.58) for bedside shift report.

Discussion

As far as we are aware, this is the first study to provide continuous surveillance of nurse activities at the bedside over a year long period, 24 h/day, 7 days/week. We detected that nurses spend less than 1 min giving report at the bedside, and this is only completed 20.7% of the time. Additionally, hourly rounding was completed only 52.9% of the time and nurses spent only 9 min total with each patient per shift. Further study is needed to detect whether there is an optimal timing or duration of interactions to improve patient outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing time with the patient has been shown to improve patient outcomes but precise information about how much time nurses spend with patients has been heretofore unknown. By understanding minute-by-minute activities at the bedside over a full year, we provide a full picture of nursing activity; this can be used in the future to determine how these activities affect patient outcomes.

Multicomponent processes to identify and prioritise low-value care in hospital settings: a scoping review

Por: Tyack · Z. · Carter · H. · Allen · M. · Senanayake · S. · Warhurst · K. · Naicker · S. · Abell · B. · McPhail · S. M.
Objectives

This scoping review mapped and synthesised original research that identified low-value care in hospital settings as part of multicomponent processes.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature were last searched 11 July and 3 June 2022, respectively, with no language or date restrictions.

Eligibility criteria

We included original research targeting the identification and prioritisation of low-value care as part of a multicomponent process in hospital settings.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening was conducted in duplicate. Data were extracted by one of six authors and checked by another author. A framework synthesis was conducted using seven areas of focus for the review and an overuse framework.

Results

Twenty-seven records were included (21 original studies, 4 abstracts and 2 reviews), originating from high-income countries. Benefit or value (11 records), risk or harm (10 records) were common concepts referred to in records that explicitly defined low-value care (25 records). Evidence of contextualisation including barriers and enablers of low-value care identification processes were identified (25 records). Common components of these processes included initial consensus, consultation, ranking exercise or list development (16 records), and reviews of evidence (16 records). Two records involved engagement of patients and three evaluated the outcomes of multicomponent processes. Five records referenced a theory, model or framework.

Conclusions

Gaps identified included applying systematic efforts to contextualise the identification of low-value care, involving people with lived experience of hospital care and initiatives in resource poor contexts. Insights were obtained regarding the theories, models and frameworks used to guide initiatives and ways in which the concept ‘low-value care’ had been used and reported. A priority for further research is evaluating the effect of initiatives that identify low-value care using contextualisation as part of multicomponent processes.

Positive modulation of a new reconstructed human gut microbiota by Maitake extract helpfully boosts the intestinal environment <i>in vitro</i>

by Alessandra De Giani, Federica Perillo, Alberto Baeri, Margherita Finazzi, Federica Facciotti, Patrizia Di Gennaro

The human gut is a complex environment where the microbiota and its metabolites play a crucial role in the maintenance of a healthy state. The aim of the present work is the reconstruction of a new in vitro minimal human gut microbiota resembling the microbe-microbe networking comprising the principal phyla (Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota), to comprehend the intestinal ecosystem complexity. In the reductionist model, we mimicked the administration of Maitake extract as prebiotic and a probiotic formulation (three strains belonging to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera), evaluating the modulation of strain levels, the release of beneficial metabolites, and their health-promoting effects on human cell lines of the intestinal environment. The administration of Maitake and the selected probiotic strains generated a positive modulation of the in vitro bacterial community by qPCR analyses, evidencing the prominence of beneficial strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) after 48 hours. The bacterial community growths were associated with the production of metabolites over time through GC-MSD analyses such as lactate, butyrate, and propionate. Their effects on the host were evaluated on cell lines of the intestinal epithelium and the immune system, evidencing positive antioxidant (upregulation of SOD1 and NQO1 genes in HT-29 cell line) and anti-inflammatory effects (production of IL-10 from all the PBMCs). Therefore, the results highlighted a positive modulation induced by the synergic activities of probiotics and Maitake, inducing a tolerogenic microenvironment.

Using explainable AI to investigate electrocardiogram changes during healthy aging—From expert features to raw signals

by Gabriel Ott, Yannik Schaubelt, Juan Miguel Lopez Alcaraz, Wilhelm Haverkamp, Nils Strodthoff

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading global cause of mortality. Age is an important covariate whose effect is most easily investigated in a healthy cohort to properly distinguish the former from disease-related changes. Traditionally, most of such insights have been drawn from the analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) feature changes in individuals as they age. However, these features, while informative, may potentially obscure underlying data relationships. In this paper we present the following contributions: (1) We employ a deep-learning model and a tree-based model to analyze ECG data from a robust dataset of healthy individuals across varying ages in both raw signals and ECG feature format. (2) We use explainable AI methods to identify the most discriminative ECG features across age groups.(3) Our analysis with tree-based classifiers reveals age-related declines in inferred breathing rates and identifies notably high SDANN values as indicative of elderly individuals, distinguishing them from younger adults. (4) Furthermore, the deep-learning model underscores the pivotal role of the P-wave in age predictions across all age groups, suggesting potential changes in the distribution of different P-wave types with age. These findings shed new light on age-related ECG changes, offering insights that transcend traditional feature-based approaches.

Specific nanoprobe design for MRI: Targeting laminin in the blood-brain barrier to follow alteration due to neuroinflammation

by Juan F. Zapata-Acevedo, Mónica Losada-Barragán, Johann F. Osma, Juan C. Cruz, Andreas Reiber, Klaus G. Petry, Amael Caillard, Audrey Sauldubois, Daniel Llamosa Pérez, Aníbal José Morillo Zárate, Sonia Bermúdez Muñoz, Agustín Daza Moreno, Rafaela V. Silva, Carmen Infante-Duarte, William Chamorro-Coral, Rodrigo E. González-Reyes, Karina Vargas-Sánchez

Chronic neuroinflammation is characterized by increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, leading to molecular changes in the central nervous system that can be explored with biomarkers of active neuroinflammatory processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has contributed to detecting lesions and permeability of the BBB. Ultra-small superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) are used as contrast agents to improve MRI observations. Therefore, we validate the interaction of peptide-88 with laminin, vectorized on USPIO, to explore BBB molecular alterations occurring during neuroinflammation as a potential tool for use in MRI. The specific labeling of NPS-P88 was verified in endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and astrocytes (T98G) under inflammation induced by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) for 3 and 24 hours. IL-1β for 3 hours in hCMEC/D3 cells increased their co-localization with NPS-P88, compared with controls. At 24 hours, no significant differences were observed between groups. In T98G cells, NPS-P88 showed similar nonspecific labeling among treatments. These results indicate that NPS-P88 has a higher affinity towards brain endothelial cells than astrocytes under inflammation. This affinity decreases over time with reduced laminin expression. In vivo results suggest that following a 30-minute post-injection, there is an increased presence of NPS-P88 in the blood and brain, diminishing over time. Lastly, EAE animals displayed a significant accumulation of NPS-P88 in MRI, primarily in the cortex, attributed to inflammation and disruption of the BBB. Altogether, these results revealed NPS-P88 as a biomarker to evaluate changes in the BBB due to neuroinflammation by MRI in biological models targeting laminin.

A modified rehabilitation paradigm bilaterally increased rat extensor digitorum communis muscle size but did not improve forelimb function after stroke

by Sally Caine, Mariam Alaverdashvili, Frederick Colbourne, Gillian D. Muir, Phyllis G. Paterson

Malnutrition after stroke may lessen the beneficial effects of rehabilitation on motor recovery through influences on both brain and skeletal muscle. Enriched rehabilitation (ER), a combination of environmental enrichment and forelimb reaching practice, is used preclinically to study recovery of skilled reaching after stroke. However, the chronic food restriction typically used to motivate engagement in reaching practice is a barrier to using ER to investigate interactions between nutritional status and rehabilitation. Thus, our objectives were to determine if a modified ER program comprised of environmental enrichment and skilled reaching practice motivated by a short fast would enhance post-stroke forelimb motor recovery and preserve forelimb muscle size and metabolic fiber type, relative to a group exposed to stroke without ER. At one week after photothrombotic cortical stroke, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to modified ER or standard care for 2 weeks. Forelimb recovery was assessed in the Montoya staircase and cylinder task before stroke and on days 5–6, 22–23, and 33–34 after stroke. ER failed to improve forelimb function in either task (p > 0.05). Atrophy of extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and triceps brachii long head (TBL) muscles was not evident in the stroke-targeted forelimb on day 35, but the area occupied by hybrid fibers was increased in the EDC muscle (p = 0.038). ER bilaterally increased EDC (p = 0.046), but not TBL, muscle size; EDC muscle fiber type was unchanged by ER. While the modified ER did not promote forelimb motor recovery, it does appear to have utility for studying the role of skeletal muscle plasticity in post-stroke recovery.

Design considerations for the migration from paper to screen-based media in current health education for older adults: a scoping review

Por: Ferraz · L. T. · Santos · A. J. T. · Lorenzi · L. J. · Frohlich · D. M. · Barley · E. · Castro · P. C.
Objectives

To map the current use of paper-based and/or screen-based media for health education aimed at older people.

Design

A scoping review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Data sources

The search was carried out in seven databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, ACM Guide to Computing Literature, PsycINFO), with studies available from 2012 to the date of the search in 2022, in English, Portuguese, Italian or Spanish. In addition, Google Scholar was searched to check the grey literature. The terms used in the search strategy were older adults, health education, paper and screen-based media, preferences, intervention and other related terms.

Eligibility criteria

Studies included were those that carried out health education interventions for older individuals using paper and/or screen-based media and that described barriers and/or facilitators to using these media.

Data extraction and synthesis

The selection of studies was carried out by two reviewers. A data extraction form was developed with the aim of extracting and recording the main information from the studies. Data were analysed descriptively using Bardin’s content analysis.

Results

The review included 21 studies that carried out health education interventions with different purposes, the main ones being promotion of physical activity, hypertension prevention and psychological health. All 21 interventions involved screen-based media on computers, tablets, smartphones and laptops, while only 4 involved paper-based media such as booklets, brochures, diaries, flyers and drawings. This appears to reflect a transition from paper to screen-based media for health education for the older population, in research if not in practice. However, analysis of facilitators and barriers to using both media revealed 10 design factors that could improve or reduce their use, and complementarity in their application to each media type. For example, screen-based media could have multimedia content, additional functionality and interactivity through good interaction design, but have low accessibility and require additional learning due to complex interface design. Conversely, paper-based media had static content and low functionality but high accessibility and availability and a low learning cost.

Conclusions

We recommend having improved screen-based media design, continued use of paper-based media and the possible combination of both media through the new augmented paper technology.

Registration number

Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/GKEAH).

Further development and validation of the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire (MTBQ)

Por: Duncan · P. · Scott · L. J. · Dawson · S. · Munas · M. · Pyne · Y. · Chaplin · K. · Gaunt · D. · Guenette · L. · Salisbury · C.
Objectives

To undertake further psychometric testing of the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire (MTBQ) and examine whether reversing the scale reduced floor effects.

Design

Survey.

Setting

UK primary care.

Participants

Adults (≥18 years) with three or more long-term conditions randomly selected from four general practices and invited by post.

Measures

Baseline survey: sociodemographics, MTBQ (original or version with scale reversed), Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ), four questions (from QQ-10) on ease of completing the questionnaires. Follow-up survey (1–4 weeks after baseline): MTBQ, TBQ and QQ-10. Anonymous data collected from electronic GP records: consultations (preceding 12 months) and long-term conditions. The proportion of missing data and distribution of responses were examined for the original and reversed versions of the MTBQ and the TBQ. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s rank correlation (Rs) assessed test–retest reliability and construct validity, respectively. Ease of completing the MTBQ and TBQ was compared. Interpretability was assessed by grouping global MTBQ scores into 0 and tertiles (>0).

Results

244 adults completed the baseline survey (consent rate 31%, mean age 70 years) and 225 completed the follow-up survey. Reversing the scale did not reduce floor effects or data skewness. The global MTBQ scores had good test–retest reliability (ICC for agreement at baseline and follow-up 0.765, 95% CI 0.702 to 0.816). Global MTBQ score was correlated with global TBQ score (Rs 0.77, ps 0.17, p=0.010), and number of different general practitioners consulted (Rs 0.23, ps –0.063, p=0.330). Most participants agreed that both the MTBQ and TBQ were easy to complete and included aspects they were concerned about.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates test–retest reliability and ease of completion of the MTBQ and builds on a previous study demonstrating good content validity, construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire.

Association between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and mortality in Chinese maintenance haemodialysis patients: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Qi · L. · Zhang · A. · Zhang · Y. · Ren · Z. · Zhao · C. · Wang · Q. · Ren · K. · Bai · J. · Cao · N.
Objective

To investigate the relationship between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in Chinese haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Patients from June 2015 to September 2016 and followed through September 2021 were categorised into quartiles according to the follow-up averaged TG/HDL-C ratio. The association between TG/HDL-C and mortality was examined by univariate and multivariate time-varying Cox regression analyses. The C-index was used to assess the predictive accuracy of the Cox regression models.

Participants

A total of 534 maintenance HD patients were enrolled.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcomes were all-cause death and CV mortality.

Results

During the median follow-up of 61 months, 207 patients died, with 94 (45.4%) classified as CV death. After adjusting for confounders, multivariate time-varying Cox regression analysis showed that the quartile 4 group (TG/HDL-C ≥2.64) was associated with decreased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.77, p=0.001) and CV mortality (adjusted HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.62; p=0.001) in maintenance HD patients. Model 1 of all-cause mortality achieved a C-index of 0.72 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.75), and model 2 achieved a C-index of 0.77 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.82). The C-index for model 1 in CV mortality was 0.74 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.77), and the C-index for model 2 was 0.80 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84).

Conclusions

High TG/HDL-C was associated with decreased all-cause and CV mortality in HD patients.

Reporting form and content of research priorities identified in knee osteoarthritis clinical practice guidelines: a methodological literature analysis

Por: Gao · Y. · Liu · Z. · Cao · R. · Feng · Y. · Tao · L. · Su · C. · Guan · X. · Fang · R. · Deng · Y. · Xiang · W. · Fei · Y.
Objectives

Clinical practice guideline (CPG) developers conduct systematic summaries of research evidence, providing them great capacity and ability to identify research priorities. We systematically analysed the reporting form and content of research priorities in CPGs related to knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to provide a valuable reference for guideline developers and clinicians.

Design

A methodological literature analysis was done and the characteristics of the reporting form and the content of the research priorities identified in KOA CPGs were summarised.

Data sources

Six databases (PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Wanfang and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) were searched for CPGs published from 1 January 2017 to 4 December 2022. The official websites of 40 authoritative orthopaedic societies, rheumatology societies and guideline development organisations were additionally searched.

Eligibility criteria

We included all KOA CPGs published in English or Chinese from 1 January 2017 that included at least one recommendation for KOA. We excluded duplicate publications, older versions of CPGs as well as guidance documents for guideline development.

Data extraction and synthesis

Reviewers worked in pairs and independently screened and extracted the data. Descriptive statistics were used, and absolute frequencies and proportions of related items were calculated.

Results

187 research priorities reported in 41 KOA CPGs were identified. 24 CPGs reported research priorities, of which 17 (41.5%) presented overall research priorities for the entire guideline rather than for specific recommendations. 110 (58.8%) research priorities were put forward due to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, more than 70% of the research priorities reflected the P (population) and I (intervention) structural elements, with 135 (72.2%) and 146 (78.1%), respectively. More than half of the research priorities (118, 63.8%) revolved around evaluating the efficacy of interventions. Research priorities primarily focused on physical activity (32, 17.3%), physical therapy (30, 16.2%), surgical therapy (27, 14.6%) and pharmacological treatment (26, 14.1%).

Conclusions

Research priorities reported in KOA CPGs mainly focused on evaluating non-pharmacological interventions. There exists considerable room for improvement for a comprehensive and standardised generation and reporting of research priorities in KOA CPGs.

Using interoperable nursing care data to improve outcomes for multiple traumas patients with Impaired Physical Mobility

Abstract

Aim(s)

To demonstrate how interoperable nursing care data can be used by nurses to create a more holistic understanding of the healthcare needs of multiple traumas patients with Impaired Physical Mobility. By proposing and validating linkages for the nursing diagnosis of Impaired Physical Mobility in multiple trauma patients by mapping to the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) equivalent terms using free-text nursing documentation.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional design, combining quantitative analysis of interoperable data sets and the Kappa's coefficient score with qualitative insights from cross-mapping methodology and nursing professionals' consensus.

Methods

Cross-mapping methodology was conducted in a Brazilian Level 1 Trauma Center using de-identified records of adult patients with a confirmed medical diagnosis of multiple traumas and Impaired Physical Mobility (a nursing diagnosis). The hospital nursing free-text records were mapped to NANDA-I, NIC, NOC and NNN linkages were identified. The data records were retrieved for admissions from September to October 2020 and involved medical and nursing records. Three expert nurses evaluated the cross-mapping and linkage results using a 4-point Likert-type scale and Kappa's coefficient.

Results

The de-identified records of 44 patients were evaluated and then were mapped to three NOCs related to nurses care planning: (0001) Endurance; (0204) Immobility Consequences: Physiological, and (0208) Mobility and 13 interventions and 32 interrelated activities: (6486) Environmental Management: Safety; (0840) Positioning; (3200) Aspiration Precautions; (1400) Pain Management; (0940) Traction/Immobilization Care; (3540) Pressure Ulcer Prevention; (3584) Skincare: Topical Treatment; (1100) Nutrition Management; (3660) Wound Care; (1804) Self-Care Assistance: Toileting; (1801) Self-Care Assistance: Bathing/Hygiene; (4130) Fluid Monitoring; and (4200) Intravenous Therapy. The final version of the constructed NNN Linkages identified 37 NOCs and 41 NICs.

Conclusion

These valid NNN linkages for patients with multiple traumas can serve as a valuable resource that enables nurses, who face multiple time constraints, to make informed decisions efficiently. This approach of using evidence-based linkages like the one developed in this research holds high potential for improving patient's safety and outcomes.

No Patient or Public Contribution

In this study, there was no direct involvement of patients, service users, caregivers or public members in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of data or preparation of the manuscript. The study focused solely on analysing existing de-identified medical and nursing records to propose and validate linkages for nursing diagnoses.

Shanghai Community-Based Schizophrenia Cohort (SCS): a protocol for establishing a longitudinal cohort and research database of patients with schizophrenia receiving community-based mental health treatment

Por: Zhu · Y. · He · S. · Liu · Y. · Chen · C. · Ge · X. · Zhang · W. · Zhu · Y. · Zhou · Q. · Jiang · Y. · Zhang · Y. · Xu · W. · Wang · N. · Cai · J. · Xie · B.
Introduction

Drivers for remission, relapse and violence-related behaviour among patients with schizophrenia are the most complicated issue.

Methods and analysis

This study aims to recruit a longitudinal cohort of patients with schizophrenia. Two suburban districts and two urban districts were randomly selected according to health service facilities, population, geographical region and socioeconomic status. Individuals (>18 years old) who received a diagnosis of schizophrenia following the International Classification of Diseases (10th edition) criteria within the past 3 years will be invited as participants. Assessments will be carried out in local community health centres. Data will be used to (1) establish a community-based schizophrenia cohort and biobank, (2) prospectively determine the course of multidimensional functional outcomes of patients with schizophrenia who are receiving community-based mental health treatment, and (3) map the trajectories of patients with schizophrenia and prospectively determine the course of multidimensional outcomes based on the differential impact of potentially modifiable moderators.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Shanghai Mental Health Center (2021-67). Results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals. If effective, related educational materials will be released to the public.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in paediatric patients: a review systematic and meta-analysis protocol

Por: Freitas · C. L. · Sarmento · A. C. A. · Serquiz · N. · Nobre · M. L. · Costa · A. P. F. · Medeiros · K. S. · Goncalves · A. K.
Introduction

The paediatric population represents a quarter of the world’s population, and like adult patients, they have also suffered immeasurably from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Immunisation is an effective strategy for reducing the number of COVID-19 cases. With the advancements in vaccination for younger age groups, parents or guardians have raised doubts and questions about adverse effects and the number of doses required. Therefore, systematic reviews focusing on this population are needed to consolidate evidence that can help in decision-making and clinical practice. This protocol aims to assess the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in paediatric patients and evaluate the correlation between the number of vaccine doses and side effects.

Methods and analysis

We will search the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Scopus and Cochrane databases for randomised and quasi-randomised clinical trials that list the adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and assess its correlation with the number of doses, without any language restrictions. Two reviewers will select the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extract data and asses for risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The Review Software Manager (RevMan V.5.4.1) will be used to synthesise the data. We will use the Working Group’s Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations to grade the strength of the evidence of the results.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as no primary data are collected. This systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023390077.

Creencias sobre prácticas de alimentación y obesidad de madres con hijos menores de 5 años del noroeste de México

Introducción: Existe una tendencia mundial de incremento en los índices de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños menores de 5 años. Las creencias, percepciones y actitudes de las madres hacia las prácticas de alimentación y la obesidad tienen implicaciones directas sobre la salud del hijo. Objetivo: Explorar creencias sobre prácticas de alimentación y obesidad infantil entre madres con hijos menores de cinco años del noroeste de México. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo de aproximación etnográfica. Mediante un muestreo propositivo se realizaron nueve entrevistas semiestructuradas a mujeres que contaban con un promedio de 12 años de educación. Resultados: Las creencias incluyeron inseguridad para asumir el rol de madre, una baja percepción de apoyo familiar y creencias que no se alineaban con las recomendaciones de la lactancia materna exclusiva e introducción de alimentos complementarios. Además, estas tenían la creencia de que la obesidad no es un problema debido a la corta edad de sus hijos. Conclusiones: Existe una ambivalencia entre las creencias de las participantes y sus prácticas con relación a la alimentación y la obesidad infantil. Es imperativo desarrollar estrategias de educación y comunicación que proporcionen información basada en evidencia, de fácil acceso y disponible para madres con la intención de prevenir problemas de nutrición durante la primera infancia.

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