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☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Evidence related to a vegetarian diet and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: protocol for a scoping review

Por: Moss · K. · Gitman · V. · Pinto Sanchez · M. I. · Oczkowski · S. · Armstrong · D. · Jayakumar · S. · Karvellas · C. J. · Selzner · N. · Dionne · J. — Abril 11th 2024 at 04:41
Introduction

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Given that there is no pharmacological treatment for MASLD, it is imperative to understand whether lifestyle modifications may improve biochemical and pathological outcomes. One commonly proposed dietary modification is the Mediterranean diet; however, vegetarianism may also be a promising intervention. Vegetarianism has been shown to be associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in metabolic syndrome outcomes in coronary artery disease and diabetes; however, the relationship between vegetarian diet and MASLD is less clear. In this scoping review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the current body of evidence related to a vegetarian diet and MASLD.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this scoping review is to describe and summarise the current body of evidence related to MASLD and a vegetarian diet. This review will be conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The literature review will be conducted using the following databases: SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL-Plus, Cochrane Library and Medline. No restriction will be made on publication date. Included studies will encompass clinical trials and observational designs that examine effects or association of vegetarian diet in adults (≥16 years) and report on the incidence, prevalence or progression of MASLD. Grey literature, non-human studies and articles focusing on changes in a specific food or nutraceutical will be excluded. Articles must have an English-language abstract available to be considered for inclusion. Screening and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. The findings will be summarised with descriptive statistics.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from a medical ethics committee is not required for this review. Once the review is complete, the findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

☐ ☆ ✇ Evidence-Based Nursing

Patient-centered perspectives in diabetic retinopathy care: phenomenology and practice

Por: Raman · R. · Kumar · S. — Marzo 28th 2024 at 14:43

Commentary on: Zhang M, Zhang C, Chen C, et al. The experience of diabetic retinopathy patients during hospital-to-home full-cycle care: a qualitative study. BMC Nurs. 2023 Mar 3;22(1):58. doi: 10.1186/s12912-023-01206-y.

Implications for practice and research

  • Consideration of patients' life experiences, which aids in examining their feelings and patient’ experiences.

  • Future research should further investigate the phenomenological approach in diverse healthcare contexts.

  • Context

    The transition from hospital to home treatment for patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the subject of a study by Zhang and colleagues. The authors attempt to comprehend the substance of this phenomenon a shift towards patient-centric healthcare research by using a phenomenological method.1 Such first-hand experiences may help to close the gap between patient demands and medical practise, laying the groundwork for personalised and emphathetic care strategies.

    Methods

    The descriptive phenomenology method was used to implement this...

    ☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

    Out‐of‐pocket expenditure among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in a tertiary care hospital of south India: A cross‐sectional study

    Abstract

    Diabetic foot ulcer is a debilitating complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus. Patients lose their earning potential, face repeated hospitalizations, and are forced to bear heavy treatment costs. This places an enormous financial burden on the patients and their families. This study seeks to ascertain the out-of-pocket expenditure among these patients and correlate it with their risk factor profile. In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 154 patients with diabetic foot ulcers or amputations have been studied with an elaborate patient questionnaire and relevant clinical examinations. The costs incurred and the risk factors of the patients were analyzed for statistical association. The median total annual out-of-pocket expenditure for the management of diabetic foot ulcers among the study participants was found to be ₹29 775 (₹9650–₹81 120) ($378.14 [$122.56–$1030.22]). Out of the total expenditure, 58.49% went towards direct medical costs, 5.64% towards direct non-medical costs, and 35.88% for indirect costs. Medications, ulcer dressing and periodic debridement have accounted for 79.26% of direct medical costs. Transportation (61.37%) and patient's loss of income (89.45%) account for the major costs under the direct non-medical and indirect cost categories, respectively. A high ulcer grade and area, long ulcer duration, and past history of ulcers have higher expenditure. Patients seeking treatment from private establishments and those engaged in professional/skilled occupations have higher expenses. Adequate dressing of foot ulcers and proper footwear are associated with lower treatment expenditure. 68.8% of the participants have faced catastrophic expenditure due to treatment costs of diabetic foot ulcers. Adequate glycaemic control and proper foot care are necessary. Patients must seek medical care at the earliest in case of foot ulceration. Clinicians must provide proper wound care, institute effective antibiotics, and manage the complications. Government and insurance schemes are required to alleviate the patients' financial burden.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Feasibility study of a multimodal prehabilitation programme in women receiving neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer in a major cancer hospital: a protocol

    Por: Grant · S. J. · Kay · S. · Lacey · J. · Kumar · S. · Kerin-Ayres · K. · Stehn · J. · Gonzalez · M. · Templeton · S. · Heller · G. · Cockburn · J. · Wahlroos · S. · Malalasekera · A. · Mak · C. · Graham · S. — Marzo 20th 2024 at 16:56
    Introduction

    Neoadjuvant therapy has become a standard treatment for patients with stage II/III HER2 positive and triple negative breast cancer, and in well-selected patients with locally advanced and borderline resectable high risk, luminal B breast cancer. Side effects of neoadjuvant therapy, such as fatigue, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, anxiety, insomnia, vasomotor symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbance as well as a raft of immune-related adverse events, may impact treatment tolerance, long-term outcomes, and quality of life. Providing early supportive care prior to surgery (typically termed ‘prehabilitation’) may mitigate these side effects and improve quality of life.

    During our codesign of the intervention, consumers and healthcare professionals expressed desire for a programme that ‘packaged’ care, was easy to access, and was embedded in their care pathway. We hypothesise that a multimodal supportive care programme including exercise and complementary therapies, underpinned by behavioural change theory will improve self-efficacy, quality of life, readiness for surgery and any additional treatment for women with breast cancer. We seek to explore cardiometabolic, residual cancer burden and surgical outcomes, along with chemotherapy completion (relative dose intensity). This article describes the protocol for a feasibility study of a multimodal prehabilitation programme.

    Methods and analysis

    This is a prospective, mixed-method, feasibility study of a multi-modal programme in a hospital setting for 20–30 women with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Primary outcomes are recruitment rate, retention rate, adherence and acceptability. Secondary outcomes include patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), surgical outcomes, length of stay, satisfaction with surgery, chemotherapy completion rates, changes in metabolic markers and adverse events. Interviews and focus groups to understand the experience with prehabilitation and different factors that may affect feasibility of the intervention . The output of this study will be a codesigned, evidence-informed intervention assessed for feasibility and acceptability by women with breast cancer and the healthcare professionals that care for them.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study received ethics approval from the St Vincents Hospital HREC (HREC/2021/ETH12198). Trial results will be communicated to participants, healthcare professionals, and the public via publication and conferences.

    Trial registration number

    ACTRN12622000584730.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Can glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) be used as a predictor of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in non-hypertensive patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre in Eastern India

    Por: Porel · R. · Shyama · S. · Ahmad · S. · Kumar · N. · Ahmad · S. · Biswas · R. · Ojha · V. S. — Marzo 20th 2024 at 03:21
    Objectives

    This study was conducted to establish the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in non-hypertensive patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and determine the cut-off value of HbA1c for detecting LVDD.

    Design

    Cross-sectional study.

    Setting

    This study was conducted in General Medicine Department in collaboration with the Cardiology Department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.

    Participants

    The study population comprised patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM within the past 3 months, aged between 18 years and 80 years, who were not hypertensive and without any systemic diseases and who presented to the General Medicine Department.

    Primary and secondary outcome measures

    The presence of LVDD was the primary outcome measure.

    Results

    Among the total of 60 participants, it was observed that age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.169, 95% CI: 1.066 to 1.283) and HbA1c (AOR: 2.625, 95% CI: 1.264 to 5.450) were found to be independent predictors for the presence of LVDD. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a cut-off value of HbA1c at 9.5% (80 mmol/mol) for detecting LVDD, with a specificity of 96.43%, a sensitivity of 37.5% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91.62%.

    Conclusions

    This study demonstrated that age and HbA1c levels are independent predictors of LVDD in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM without hypertension. A cut-off value of 9.5% for HbA1c was identified with a high specificity and PPV for predicting LVDD in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. This underscores the importance of conducting echocardiography in patients with newly diagnosed asymptomatic type 2 diabetes with HbA1c 9.5% or more to assess LVDD, allowing for prompt interventions if necessary and to decelerate the progression towards heart failure.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof of concept study of LSALT peptide as prevention of acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

    Por: Somayaji · R. · Luke · D. R. · Lau · A. · Guner · R. · Tabak · O. F. · Hepokoski · M. · Gardetto · N. · Conrad · S. A. · Kumar · S. D. · Ghosh · K. · Robbins · S. M. · Senger · D. L. · Sun · D. · Lim · R. K. S. · Liu · J. · Eser · F. · Karaali · R. · Tremblay · A. · Muruve · D. — Marzo 15th 2024 at 14:25
    Objective

    Dipeptidase-1 (DPEP-1) is a recently discovered leucocyte adhesion receptor for neutrophils and monocytes in the lungs and kidneys and serves as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate inflammation in moderate-to-severe COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the DPEP-1 inhibitor, LSALT peptide, to prevent specific organ dysfunction in patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

    Design

    Phase 2a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, trial.

    Setting

    Hospitals in Canada, Turkey and the USA.

    Participants

    A total of 61 subjects with moderate-to-severe COVID-19.

    Interventions

    Randomisation to LSALT peptide 5 mg intravenously daily or placebo for up to 14 days.

    Primary and secondary outcome measures

    The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects alive and free of respiratory failure and/or the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Numerous secondary and exploratory endpoints were assessed including ventilation-free days, and changes in kidney function or serum biomarkers.

    Results

    At 28 days, 27 (90.3%) and 28 (93.3%) of subjects in the placebo and LSALT groups were free of respiratory failure and the need for RRT (p=0.86). On days 14 and 28, the number of patients still requiring more intensive respiratory support (O2 ≥6 L/minute, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) was 6 (19.4%) and 3 (9.7%) in the placebo group versus 2 (6.7%) and 2 (6.7%) in the LSALT group, respectively (p=0.14; p=0.67). Unadjusted analysis of ventilation-free days demonstrated 22.8 days for the LSALT group compared with 20.9 in the placebo group (p=0.4). LSALT-treated subjects had a significant reduction in the fold expression from baseline to end of treatment of serum CXCL10 compared with placebo (p=0.02). Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between groups.

    Conclusion

    In a Phase 2 study, LSALT peptide was demonstrated to be safe and tolerated in patients hospitalised with moderate-to-severe COVID-19.

    Trial registration number

    NCT04402957.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Management of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocations in paediatric patients: study protocol for a prospective global multicentre observational cohort registry

    Por: Zomar · B. O. · Chen · M. · Schaeffer · E. K. · Mulpuri · K. · Joeris · A. · PedORTHO Study Group · Buunaaim · Imran Buckari · Ajith Kumar · Johnson · Little · Schmittenbecher · Bosak Versic · Konstantopoulou · Aguado Maestro · Stitzman Wengrowicz · Mulpuri · Carsen · Gupta · N — Marzo 9th 2024 at 02:25
    Introduction

    Management controversy and clinical equipoise exist in treatments of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocation in paediatric patients due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence. This protocol describes the effort of a large prospective global multicentre cohort study (registry) aiming at providing quality data to assist evidence-based treatment decision-making.

    Methods and analysis

    Eligible paediatric patients (N=750–1000) with open physes suffering from proximal humerus fractures, distal humerus fractures, proximal radius fractures, forearm shaft fractures, traumatic hip dislocations, femoral neck fractures or tibial shaft fractures will be recruited over a period of 24–36 months. Hospitalisation and treatment details (including materials and implants) will be captured in a cloud-based, searchable database. Outcome measures include radiographic assessments, clinical outcomes (such as range of motion, limb length discrepancies and implant removal), patient-reported outcomes (Patient Reported Outcomes Of Fracture, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-Y)) and adverse events.

    Aside from descriptive statistics on patient demographics, baseline characteristics, types of fractures and adverse event rates, research questions will be formulated based on data availability and quality. A statistical analysis plan will be prepared before the statistical analysis.

    Ethics and dissemination

    Ethics approval will be obtained before patients are enrolled at each participating site. Patient enrolment will follow an informed consent process approved by the responsible ethics committee. Peer-reviewed publication is planned to disseminate the study results.

    Trial registration number

    NCT04207892.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Study protocol for a cross-sectional online survey investigating patient preferences and experiences of waiting for elective cardiac surgery

    Por: Russo · M. · Watson · K. · Richards · K. · Olive · R. R. · Krausova · B. · Kumar · R. · Burridge · J. · Goulding · L. · Chua · K.-C. · Hardy · D. · Vassilios · A. · Kamran · B. · Bhudia · S. · Alia · N. · Habib · K. · Sevdalis · N. · Petrou · M. — Marzo 5th 2024 at 04:40
    Introduction

    Being on a waiting list for elective (planned) cardiac surgery can be physically and psychologically challenging for patients. Research suggests that stress associated with waiting for surgery is dependent on different individual and contextual factors. However, most data on patients’ experiences of waiting for surgery and preferences for waiting list management derives from non-cardiac clinical populations. The aim of the current study is to explore patients’ experiences of being on a waiting list for elective cardiac surgery, and their views on how the waiting experience could be improved in the future. This work will inform the patient management strategy during the waiting period for surgery across the four major hospitals in London directly involved in this study, and potentially beyond by transferring learning to other services.

    Methods and analysis

    This is a mixed-methods study that will collect quantitative and qualitative data using a cross-sectional online survey. Patients who are on waiting lists for elective surgery across four major cardiac surgery departments in London hospitals, and are at least 18 years old, will be invited by their healthcare team via text message or letter to complete the survey. The target sample size of non-randomly selected participants will be 268. Bivariable and multivariable regression models will be used to assess associations between survey items measuring the impact of the cardiac condition on specific life domains (eg, daily activities, social and family relationships, hobbies, sexual life), anxiety and depression symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and survey items evaluating experiences of health services. Data on experience and preferences for improvements to the waiting experience will be analysed with qualitative content analysis using an inductive approach.

    Ethics and dissemination

    This study was reviewed and granted ethical approval by the East of England—East Cambridge Research Ethics Committee. Findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, a research website and social media and with an online event engaging patients, members of the public, healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders.

    Trial registration numb

    NCT05996640

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    AI assisted reader evaluation in acute CT head interpretation (AI-REACT): protocol for a multireader multicase study

    Por: Fu · H. · Novak · A. · Robert · D. · Kumar · S. · Tanamala · S. · Oke · J. · Bhatia · K. · Shah · R. · Romsauerova · A. · Das · T. · Espinosa · A. · Grzeda · M. T. · Narbone · M. · Dharmadhikari · R. · Harrison · M. · Vimalesvaran · K. · Gooch · J. · Woznitza · N. · Salik · N. · Campbell · A. — Febrero 13th 2024 at 01:46
    Introduction

    A non-contrast CT head scan (NCCTH) is the most common cross-sectional imaging investigation requested in the emergency department. Advances in computer vision have led to development of several artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect abnormalities on NCCTH. These tools are intended to provide clinical decision support for clinicians, rather than stand-alone diagnostic devices. However, validation studies mostly compare AI performance against radiologists, and there is relative paucity of evidence on the impact of AI assistance on other healthcare staff who review NCCTH in their daily clinical practice.

    Methods and analysis

    A retrospective data set of 150 NCCTH will be compiled, to include 60 control cases and 90 cases with intracranial haemorrhage, hypodensities suggestive of infarct, midline shift, mass effect or skull fracture. The intracranial haemorrhage cases will be subclassified into extradural, subdural, subarachnoid, intraparenchymal and intraventricular. 30 readers will be recruited across four National Health Service (NHS) trusts including 10 general radiologists, 15 emergency medicine clinicians and 5 CT radiographers of varying experience. Readers will interpret each scan first without, then with, the assistance of the qER EU 2.0 AI tool, with an intervening 2-week washout period. Using a panel of neuroradiologists as ground truth, the stand-alone performance of qER will be assessed, and its impact on the readers’ performance will be analysed as change in accuracy (area under the curve), median review time per scan and self-reported diagnostic confidence. Subgroup analyses will be performed by reader professional group, reader seniority, pathological finding, and neuroradiologist-rated difficulty.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study has been approved by the UK Healthcare Research Authority (IRAS 310995, approved 13 December 2022). The use of anonymised retrospective NCCTH has been authorised by Oxford University Hospitals. The results will be presented at relevant conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

    Trial registration number

    NCT06018545.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study

    by Md. Abu Raihan, Md. Saiful Islam, Shariful Islam, A. F. M. Mahmudul Islam, Khandaker Tanveer Ahmed, Tania Ahmed, Md. Nahidul Islam, Shamsunnahar Ahmed, Mysha Samiha Chowdhury, Dipto Kumar Sarker, Anika Bushra Lamisa

    Background

    Escalating antibiotic resistance presents a notable worldwide dilemma, pointing a large involvement of general population. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the utilization of antibiotics among Bangladeshi residents.

    Methods

    A cross-sectional study, conducted from January 01 to April 25, 2022, included 1,947 Bangladeshi adults with a history of antibiotic use, via online surveys and face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate linear regression models were employed.

    Results

    Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.59±1.20, 8.34±1.19, and 12.74±2.59, with correct rates of 73.22%, 92.67%, and 57.91%. Positive predictors for knowledge included being unmarried (β = 0.10, p = 0.001), higher education (College: β = 0.09, p = 0.025; Bachelor: β = 0.22, p Conclusions

    Participants exhibited adequate knowledge and positive attitudes but lagged behind in proper practice of antibiotic use. Proper initiatives should be tailored to enhance prudent antibiotic use and mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Therapeutic interventions on human breast cancer xenografts promote systemic dissemination of oncogenes

    by Gorantla V. Raghuram, Kavita Pal, Gaurav Sriram, Afzal Khan, Ruchi Joshi, Vishalkumar Jadhav, Sushma Shinde, Alfina Shaikh, Bhagyeshri Rane, Harshada Kangne, Indraneel Mittra

    Metastatic dissemination following successful treatment of the primary tumour remains a common cause of death. There is mounting evidence that therapeutic interventions themselves may promote development of metastatic disease. We earlier reported that cell-free chromatin particles (cfChPs) released from dying cancer cells are potentially oncogenic. Based on this observation we hypothesized that therapeutic interventions may lead to the release of cfChPs from therapy induced dying cancer cells which could be carried via the blood stream to distant organs to transform healthy cells into new cancers that would masquerade as metastasis. To test this hypothesis, we generated xenografts of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in severe combined immune-deficient mice, and using immuno-fluorescence and FISH analysis looked for cfChPs in their brain cells. We detected multiple human DNA signals representing cfChPs in nuclei of brain cells of mice which co-localized with eight human onco-proteins. No intact MDA-MB-231 cells were detected. The number of co-localizing human DNA and human c-Myc signals increased dramatically following treatment with chemotherapy, localized radiotherapy or surgery, which could be prevented by concurrent treatment with three different cfChPs deactivating agents. These results suggest that therapeutic interventions lead to the release cfChPs from therapy induced dying cancer cells carrying oncogenes and are transported via the blood stream to brain cells to potentially transform them to generate new cancers that would appear as metastases. cfChPs induced metastatic spread of cancer is preventable by concurrent treatment with agents that deactivate cfChPs.
    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Perceptions on artificial intelligence-based decision-making for coexisting multiple long-term health conditions: protocol for a qualitative study with patients and healthcare professionals

    Por: Gunathilaka · N. J. · Gooden · T. E. · Cooper · J. · Flanagan · S. · Marshall · T. · Haroon · S. · DElia · A. · Crowe · F. · Jackson · T. · Nirantharakumar · K. · Greenfield · S. — Febrero 2nd 2024 at 03:55
    Introduction

    Coexisting multiple health conditions is common among older people, a population that is increasing globally. The potential for polypharmacy, adverse events, drug interactions and development of additional health conditions complicates prescribing decisions for these patients. Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated decision-making tools may help guide clinical decisions in the context of multiple health conditions, by determining which of the multiple medication options is best. This study aims to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients on the use of AI in the management of multiple health conditions.

    Methods and analysis

    A qualitative study will be conducted using semistructured interviews. Adults (≥18 years) with multiple health conditions living in the West Midlands of England and HCPs with experience in caring for patients with multiple health conditions will be eligible and purposively sampled. Patients will be identified from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum; CPRD will contact general practitioners who will in turn, send a letter to patients inviting them to take part. Eligible HCPs will be recruited through British HCP bodies and known contacts. Up to 30 patients and 30 HCPs will be recruited, until data saturation is achieved. Interviews will be in-person or virtual, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The topic guide is designed to explore participants’ attitudes towards AI-informed clinical decision-making to augment clinician-directed decision-making, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of both methods and attitudes towards risk management. Case vignettes comprising a common decision pathway for patients with multiple health conditions will be presented during each interview to invite participants’ opinions on how their experiences compare. Data will be analysed thematically using the Framework Method.

    Ethics and dissemination

    This study has been approved by the National Health Service Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 22/SC/0210). Written informed consent or verbal consent will be obtained prior to each interview. The findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and lay summaries.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Exploring knowledge, perceptions, and practices of antimicrobials, and their resistance among medicine dispensers and community members in Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal

    by Sabina Marasini, Sudim Sharma, Anjali Joshi, Surakshya Kunwar, Roshan Kumar Mahato, Archana Shrestha, Biraj Karmacharya

    Background

    Inappropriate use of antimicrobials is a global public health issue, particularly in developing countries, including Nepal, where over-the-counter sales and self-medication of antimicrobials are common.

    Objectives

    To explore knowledge, perceptions, and practices of antimicrobials and their resistance among medicine dispensers and community members in Nepal.

    Methods

    The study was conducted in three rural and five urban municipalities of the Kavrepalanchok district from May 2021 to August 2021. Data were collected using two qualitative approaches: In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis that combined deductive and inductive approaches to identify codes under pre-specified themes.

    Results

    A total of 16 In-depth interviews with medicine dispensers and 3 focus group discussions with community members were conducted. Knowledge regarding antimicrobial resistance varied among dispensers. Those with a prior educational background in pharmacy often had good knowledge about the causes and consequences of antimicrobial resistance. Meanwhile, consumers were less aware of antimicrobial resistance. Community members perceived antimicrobials as effective medicines but not long-term solution for treating diseases. They reported that dispensing without a prescription was common and that both consumers and dispensers were responsible for the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. On the contrary, several dispensers said that self-medication was common among the consumers, especially among more educated groups. The medicine dispensers and consumers expressed concerns about the weak enforcement of policies regarding pharmacy drug use and dispensing practices.

    Conclusion

    Promoting and strengthening the appropriate use of antimicrobials among medicine dispensers and community members is crucial. Bold policies and collective implementation of regulations could help combat antimicrobial resistance.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Dislodgement resistance and structural changes of tricalcium silicate-based cements after exposure to different chelating agents

    by Özgür İlke Ulusoy, Nidambur Vasudev Ballal, Rajkumar Narkedamalli, Nuran Ulusoy, Krishna Prasad Shetty, Alexander Maniangat Luke

    This study aimed to evaluate the dislodgement resistance and structural changes of different mineral trioxide aggregate cements (MTA) like Pro-Root MTA, Ortho MTA, and Retro MTA after exposure to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), NaOCl-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (Dual Rinse HEDP), and NaOCl-Maleic acid (MA). The root canal spaces of 150 dentine slices were obturated using tricalcium silicate cements and divided into 3 groups (n = 50): Group1: ProRoot MTA, Group2: Retro MTA, and Group3: Ortho MTA. The samples in each group were further subdivided into four experimental (n = 10) and one control groups (n = 10): 2.5% NaOCl-17% EDTA, Dual Rinse HEDP, 2.5% NaOCl-7% Maleic acid, 2.5% NaOCl, distilled water (control). The dislodgement resistance and structural changes of cements were measured. Use of DR HEDP resulted in higher dislodgement resistance compared to17% EDTA and 7% MA in the samples obturated with Ortho MTA and Pro-Root MTA (p
    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Refinement of the motorised laminectomy-assisted rat spinal cord injury model by analgesic treatment

    by Harikrishnan Vijayakumar Sreelatha, Hamza Palekkodan, Ansar Fasaludeen, Lissy K. Krishnan, Klas S. P. Abelson

    Usage and reporting of analgesia in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI) have been sparse and requires proper attention. The majority of experimental SCI research uses rats as an animal model. This study aimed to probe into the effects of some commonly used regimens with NSAIDs and opioids on well-being of the rats as well as on the functional outcome of the model. This eight-week study used forty-two female Wistar rats (Crl: WI), randomly and equally divided into 6 treatment groups, viz. I) tramadol (5mg/kg) and buprenorphine (0.05mg/kg); II) carprofen (5mg/kg) and buprenorphine (0.05mg/kg); III) carprofen (5mg/kg); IV) meloxicam (1mg/kg) and buprenorphine (0.05mg/kg); V) meloxicam (1mg/kg); and VI) no analgesia (0.5 ml sterile saline). Buprenorphine was administered twice daily whereas other treatments were given once daily for five days post-operatively. Injections were given subcutaneously. All animals underwent dental burr-assisted laminectomy at the T10-T11 vertebra level. A custom-built calibrated spring-loaded 200 kilodynes force deliverer was used to induce severe SCI. Weekly body weight scores, Rat Grimace Scale (RGS), and dark-phase home cage activity were used as markers for well-being. Weekly Basso Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scores served as markers for functionality together with Novel Object Recognition test (NOR) at week 8 and terminal histopathology using area of vacuolisation and live neuronal count from the ventral horns of spinal cord. It was concluded that the usage of analgesia improved animal wellbeing while having no effects on the functional aspects of the animal model in comparison to the animals that received no analgesics.
    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Electroacupuncture use for treatment of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer: protocol for a pilot, randomised, blinded, sham-controlled trial (EA for CIPN)

    Por: Choi · V. · Park · S. B. · Lacey · J. · Kumar · S. · Heller · G. · Grimison · P. — Enero 9th 2024 at 17:50
    Introduction

    Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapy. Acute symptoms of CIPN during treatment can lead to dose reduction and cessation. Trials using electroacupuncture (EA) to treat established CIPN postchemotherapy have shown some efficacy. The current trial aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of using EA to treat CIPN during chemotherapy.

    Methods and analysis

    The current study is a single-centre, 1:1 randomised, sham-controlled pilot study set in a tertiary cancer hospital in Sydney, Australia, and will recruit 40 adult patients with early breast cancer undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant paclitaxel chemotherapy. Patients who develop CIPN within the first 6 weeks of chemotherapy will receive either true EA or sham-EA once a week for 10 weeks. The coprimary endpoints are recruitment and adherence rate, successful blinding of patients and compliance with the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints are mean change of CIPN symptoms from randomisation to end of treatment, sustained change in CIPN symptoms at 8-week and 24-week follow-up postchemotherapy, proportion of subjects attaining completion of 12 weeks of chemotherapy without dose reduction or cessation, change in acupuncture expectancy response pretreatment, during treatment and posttreatment. The primary assessment tool for the secondary endpoints will be a validated patient-reported outcome measure (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy) captured weekly from randomisation to week 12 of chemotherapy.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study protocol (2021/ETH12123) has been approved by the institutional Human Research Ethics Committee at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Informed consent will be obtained prior to starting study-related procedures. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.

    Trial registration number

    ACTRN12622000081718.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Medical students impacted by discrimination: a qualitative study into their experiences of belonging and support systems at medical schools in the UK

    Por: Ikhlaq · H. · Agarwal · S. · Kwok · C. · Golamgouse · H. · Derby · S. · McRae · N. · Brown · M. E. L. · Collin · V. · Parekh · R. · Kumar · S. — Diciembre 28th 2023 at 16:47
    Objective

    To better understand the broader experience of medical students impacted by discrimination and the support systems they engage with.

    Design

    Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

    Setting

    Four medical schools based in the UK.

    Participants

    17 medical students were recruited using volunteer and snowball sampling: all students self-identified as being impacted by discrimination.

    Results

    5 themes were identified: feelings of isolation, imposter syndrome and exclusion; a lack of representation and positive role modelling; the importance of peer support; issues relating to the accessibility of support; building support networks through shared experiences and attempts to foster a sense of inclusion through peer and institutionally led initiatives.

    Conclusions

    The findings of this study suggest medical schools could do more to recognise the importance of acknowledging the multiple identities at risk of discrimination held by students, perpetuating feelings of isolation and exclusion. Our research highlights the need for practical systemic initiatives to improve the sense of belonging of medical students who are impacted by discrimination. Medical educators and institutions should consider formal and informal provisions, such as creating time and space for students to meet and share experiences, access support and reporting networks, to foster a greater sense of belonging.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Defining anthropometric thresholds (mid-arm circumference and calf circumference) in older adults residing in the community: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the population representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI DAD)

    Por: Bhagwasia · M. · Rao · A. R. · Banerjee · J. · Bajpai · S. · Khobragade · P. Y. · Raman · A. V. · Talukdar · A. · Jain · A. · Rajguru · C. · Sankhe · L. · Goswami · D. · Shanthi · G. S. · Kumar · G. · Varghese · M. · Dhar · M. · Gupta · M. · Koul · P. A. · Mohanty · R. R. · Chakrabarti · S. — Diciembre 27th 2023 at 10:54
    Objectives

    To identify factors associated with malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) and determine appropriate cut-off values for mid-arm circumference (MAC) and calf circumference (CC) among community-dwelling Indian older adults.

    Design

    Data from the first wave of harmonised diagnostic assessment of dementia for Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-DAD) were used. Various sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, childhood financial and health status were included. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI), MAC and CC.

    Setting

    Nationally representative cohort study including 36 Indian states and union territories.

    Participants

    4096 older adults aged >60 years from LASI DAD.

    Outcome measures

    The outcome variable was BMI, categorised as low (2), normal (18.5–22.9 kg/m2) and high (>23 kg/m2). The cut-off values of MAC and CC were derived using ROC curve with BMI as the gold standard.

    Results

    902 (weighted percentage 20.55%) had low BMI, 1742 (44.25%) had high BMI. Undernutrition was associated with age, wealth-quintile and impaired cognition, while overnutrition was associated with higher education, urban living and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic heart disease. For CC, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for males were 28.1 cm and >31.5 cm, respectively, while for females, the corresponding values were 26 cm and >29 cm. Similarly, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for MAC in males were 23.9 cm and >26.9 cm, and for females, they were 22.5 cm and >25 cm.

    Conclusion

    Our study identifies a high BMI prevalence, especially among females, individuals with higher education, urban residents and those with comorbidities. We establish gender-specific MAC and CC cut-off values with significant implications for healthcare, policy and research. Tailored interventions can address undernutrition and overnutrition in older adults, enhancing standardised nutritional assessment and well-being.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

    Analysis of maternal and child health spillover effects in PEPFAR countries

    Por: Gaumer · G. · Crown · W. H. · Kates · J. · Luan · Y. · Hariharan · D. · Jordan · M. · Hurley · C. L. · Nandakumar · A. — Diciembre 22nd 2023 at 04:36
    Objectives

    This study examined whether the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding had effects beyond HIV, specifically on several measures of maternal and child health in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). The results of previous research on the question of PEPFAR health spillovers have been inconsistent. This study, using a large, multicountry panel data set of 157 LMICs including 90 recipient countries, adds to the literature.

    Design

    Seven indicators including child and maternal mortality, several child vaccination rates and anaemia among childbearing-age women are important population health indicators. Panel data and difference-in-differences estimators (DID) were used to estimate the impact of the PEPFAR programme from inception in 2004 to 2018 using a comparison group of 67 LMICs. Several different models of baseline (2004) covariates were used to help balance the comparison and treatment groups. Staggered DID was used to estimate impacts since all countries did not start receiving aid at PEPFAR’s inception.

    Setting

    All 157 LMICs from 1990 to 2018.

    Participants

    90 LMICs receiving PEPFAR aid and cohorts of those countries, including those required to submit annual country operational plans (COP), other recipient countries (non-COP), and three groupings of countries based on cumulative amount of per capita aid received (high, medium, low).

    Interventions

    PEPFAR aid to combat the HIV epidemic.

    Primary outcome measures

    Maternal mortality and child mortality rates, vaccination rates to protect children for diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus, measles, HepB3, and tetanus, and prevalence of anaemia in women of childbearing age.

    Results

    Across PEPFAR recipient countries, large, favourable PEPFAR health effects were found for rates of childhood immunisation, child mortality and maternal mortality. These beneficial health effects were large and significant in all segments of PEPFAR recipient countries studied. We also found significant and favourable programme effects on the prevalence of anaemia in women of childbearing age in PEPFAR recipient countries receiving the most intensive financial support from the PEPFAR programme. Other recipient countries did not demonstrate significant effects on anaemia.

    Conclusions

    This study demonstrated that important health indicators, beyond HIV, have been consistently and favourably influenced by PEPFAR presence. Child and maternal mortality have been substantially reduced, and childhood immunisation rates increased. We also found no evidence of ‘crowding out’ or negative spillovers in these resource-poor countries. These findings add to the body of evidence that PEPFAR has had favourable health effects beyond HIV. The implications of these findings are that foreign aid for health in one area may have favourable health effects in other areas in recipient countries. More research is needed on the influence of the mechanisms at work that create these spillover health effects of PEPFAR.

    ☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

    Comparing the effectiveness of mother-focused interventions to that of mother-child focused interventions in improving maternal postpartum depression outcomes: A systematic review

    Por: Divya Kumar · Waqas Hameed · Bilal Iqbal Avan — Diciembre 20th 2023 at 15:00

    by Divya Kumar, Waqas Hameed, Bilal Iqbal Avan

    Background

    Most empirically researched interventions for postpartum depression (PPD) tend to target mothers’ depression alone. Harmful effects of PPD on physical and mental health of both mother and child has led researchers to investigate the impact of interventions on PPD and child outcomes together. So far, the evidence is limited regarding how these interventions compare with those focusing only on mothers’ depression. This review compares the effectiveness of PPD-improving interventions focusing only on mothers with those focusing on mother and child together.

    Methods

    Nine electronic databases were searched. Thirty-seven studies evaluating mother-focused (n = 30) and mother-child focused interventions (n = 7) were included. Under each category, three theoretical approaches—psychological, psychosocial and mixed—were compared using standardized qualitative procedures. The review’s primary outcome was maternal PPD.

    Results

    A higher proportion of mother-focussed interventions [20/30 (66.7%)] brought significant reduction in PPD outcomes as compared to a lower proportion of mother-child focused interventions [4/7 (57.14%)]. Mother-focused mixed approaches [3/3 (100%)] performed better in improving PPD than psychological [16/24 (67%)] or psychosocial approaches [1/3 (33.3%)] alone. Amongst mother-child focused interventions, psychosocial approaches performed well with two-thirds demonstrating positive effects on PPD.

    Conclusion

    The evidence strongly favors mother-focused interventions for improving PPD with mixed interventions being more effective. Psychosocial approaches performed better with PPD once child-related elements were added, and also seemed best for child outcomes. Psychological approaches were most practiced and effective for PPD, irrespective of the intervention’s focus. Further trials are needed to unpack intervention components that improve PPD and increase uptake, especially in lower-and middle-income countries.

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