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To estimate all-cause mortality in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and determine whether antibiotic duration beyond 8 days is associated with reduction in all-cause mortality in patients admitted with VAP in the intensive care unit.
A prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with VAP based on the National Healthcare Safety Network definition and clinical criteria.
Single tertiary care hospital in Southern India.
100 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with VAP were followed up for 28 days postdiagnosis or until discharge.
The incidence of mortality at 28 days postdiagnosis was measured. Tests for association and predictors of mortality were determined using 2 test and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Secondary outcomes included baseline clinical parameters such as age, underlying comorbidities as well as measuring total length of stay, number of ventilator-free days and antibiotic-free days.
The overall case fatality rate due to VAP was 46%. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between those receiving shorter antibiotic duration (5–8 days) and those on longer therapy. Among those who survived until day 9, the observed risk difference was 15.1% between both groups, with an HR of 1.057 (95% CI 0.26 to 4.28). In 70.4% of isolates, non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli were identified, of which the most common pathogen isolated was Acinetobacter baumannii (62%).
In this hospital-based cohort study, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that prolonging antibiotic duration beyond 8 days in patients with VAP improves survival.
Twin registries and cohorts face numerous challenges, including significant resource allocation, twins’ recruitment and retention. This study aimed to assess expert feedback on a proposed pragmatic idea for launching a continuous health promotion and prevention programme (HPPP) to establish and maintain twin cohorts.
A qualitative study incorporating an inductive thematic analysis.
Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Researchers with expertise in twin studies participated in our study.
Expert opinions were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the findings and develop a model for designing a comprehensive, long-term health promotion programme using ATLAS.ti software. Additionally, a standardised framework was developed to represent the conceptual model of the twin HPPP.
Eight FGDs were conducted, involving 16 experts. Thematic analysis identified eight themes and seven subthemes that encompassed the critical aspects of a continuous monitoring programme for twin health. Based on these identified themes, a conceptual framework was developed for the implementation of an HPPP tailored for twins.
This study presented the initial endeavour to establish a comprehensive and practical solution in the form of a continuous HPPP designed to tackle the obstacles of twins’ cohorts.
To identify and synthesize evidence available on nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence.
Systematic mixed-methods review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist.
The data were collected following predefined inclusion criteria. Two authors independently performed the study selection using Covidence software. Three authors assessed the quality using Joanna Briggs' Institute's critical appraisal tool and the mixed-methods appraisal tool. The data-based convergent synthesis design and narrative synthesis were used.
CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Business Source Elite, Academic Search Premier, Communication & Mass Media Complete, PsycInfo, Web of Sciences, Medic and Finna.fi were searched and the screening of citations in relevant articles. The final searches were performed on 17 October 2022.
A total of 26 studies—15 quantitative, 9 qualitative and 1 of both mixed-method and multi-method—met the inclusion criteria. The nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competences described in the extant literature were categorized into three themes: message competence, relational competence and task competence. There were considerable differences in the levels of competence, as some competences were considered basic communication skills, while others required more advanced level competences. Furthermore, three competence levels were identified: novice, competent and expert.
This study unravels a unique hierarchical description of communication skills across competence categories, supported by the assumption that communication skills are structured hierarchically. The studies reviewed herein had a narrow perception of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence and indicated a transmissional understanding of communication.
This is the first mixed-methods systematic review that describes and synthesizes the evidence on nurse leaders' communication competencies hierarchically and across competence levels. The study suggests that further research should focus on a broader and more analytical understanding of the cognitive and affective aspects of interpersonal communication competence.
CRD42023385058.
No patient or public contribution.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Improving nurses' situation awareness skills would likely improve patient status recognition and prevent adverse events. Technologies such as electronic health record dashboards can be a promising approach to support nurses' situation awareness. However, the effect of these dashboards on this skill is unknown. This systematic literature review explores the evidence around interventions to improve nurses' situation awareness at the point of care. Current research on this subject is limited. Studies that examined the use of electronic health record dashboards as an intervention had weak evidence to support their effectiveness. Other interventions, including communication interventions and structured nursing assessments, may also improve situation awareness, but more research is needed to confirm this. It is important to carefully consider the design and content of situation awareness interventions, as well as the specific outcomes being measured, when designing situation awareness interventions. Overall, there is a need for higher-quality research in this area to determine the most effective interventions for improving nurse situation awareness. Future studies should focus on developing dashboards that follow a theoretical situation awareness model information and represent all situation awareness levels.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) allows patients increased autonomy and flexibility; however, both infectious and non-infectious complications may lead to technique failure, which shortens treatment longevity. Maintaining patients on PD remains a major challenge for nephrologists. This study aims to describe nephrologists’ perspectives on technique survival in PD.
Qualitative semistructured interview study. Transcripts were thematically analysed.
30 nephrologists across 11 countries including Australia, the USA, the UK, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Colombia and Uruguay were interviewed from April 2017 to November 2019.
We identified four themes: defining patient suitability (confidence in capacity for self-management, ensuring clinical stability and expected resilience), building endurance (facilitating access to practical support, improving mental well-being, optimising quality of care and training to reduce risk of complications), establishing rapport through effective communications (managing expectations to enhance trust, individualising care and harnessing a multidisciplinary approach) and confronting fear and acknowledging barriers to haemodialysis (preventing crash landing to haemodialysis, facing concerns of losing independence and positive framing of haemodialysis).
Nephrologists reported that technique survival in PD is influenced by patients’ medical circumstances, psychological motivation and positively influenced by the education and support provided by treating clinicians and families. Strategies to enhance patients’ knowledge on PD and communication with patients about technique survival in PD are needed to build trust, set patient expectations of treatment and improve the process of transition off PD.
Healthcare consumers require diverse resources to assist their navigation of complex healthcare interactions, however, these resources need to be fit for purpose.
In this study, we evaluated the utility, usability and feasibility of children, families and adults requiring long-term intravenous therapy using a recently developed mobile health application (App), intravenous (IV) Passport.
Multi-site, parallel, multi-method, prospective cohort study.
A multi-site, multi-method study was carried out in 2020–2021, with 46 participants (20 adults, 26 children/family) reporting on their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.
Overall, utility rates were acceptable, with 78.3% (N = 36) using the IV Passport over the follow-up period, with high rates of planned future use for those still active in the project (N = 21; 73%), especially in the child/family cohort (N = 13; 100%). Acceptability rates were high (9/10; IQR 6.5–10), with the IV Passport primarily used for documenting new devices and complications. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes (and multiple subthemes) in the qualitative data: Advocacy for healthcare needs, Complexity of healthcare and App design and functionality.
Several recommendations were made to improve the end-user experience including ‘how to’ instructions; and scheduling functionality for routine care.
The IV Passport can be safely and appropriately integrated into healthcare, to support consumers.
Patient-/parent-reported feedback suggests the Intravenous Passport is a useful tool for record-keeping, and positive communication between patients/parents, and clinicians.
Not applicable.
Consumers reported their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.
The correlation between sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) and other early indicators of pressure ulcer (PU) development is yet to be determined. This three-part series aims to bridge this knowledge gap, through investigating SEM and its correlation with evidence-based technologies and assessments. This article focuses on the correlation between SEM and ultrasound. A prospective cohort observational study was undertaken between February and November 2021. Patients undergoing three surgery types were consecutively enrolled to the study following informed consent. Assessments were performed prior to and following surgery for 3 days at the sacrum, both heels and a control site, using a SEM scanner and high-frequency ultrasound scanner (5–15 MHz). Spearman's rank (r s ) explored the correlation between SEM and ultrasound. A total of 60 participants were included; 50% were male with a mean age of 58 years (±13.46). A statistically significant low to moderately positive correlation was observed between SEM and ultrasound across all anatomical sites (r s range = 0.39–0.54, p < 0.05). The only exception was a correlation between SEM and ultrasound on day 0 at the right heel (r s = 0.23, p = 0.09). These results indicate that SEM and ultrasound agreed in the presence of injury; however, SEM was able to identify abnormalities before ultrasound.
In the ongoing challenge to reduce burn-associated mortality rates, this study explores the predictive capacity of clinical factors in burn patients, focusing on vitamin D, calcium, and serum albumin levels during hospitalisation in cases with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Our research involves a comprehensive analysis of 100 burn patients, encompassing crucial clinical parameters such as the burn severity index, serum albumin, vitamin D, and calcium levels at admission. Data were meticulously entered into IBM Statistics SPSS software version 28 and subjected to statistical analysis. The study reveals an average patient age of 39.75 years and a notable 34% mortality rate. Additionally, the average lengths of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays are determined to be 11.33 and 7.79 days, respectively. Significantly, a correlation between calcium and albumin variables and treatment outcomes is established, showcasing their potential to predict variable changes in patient mortality rates. Furthermore, a noteworthy association is observed between serum calcium levels and the duration of ICU hospitalisation. In conclusion, albumin and calcium variables emerge as sensitive and specific indicators for predicting outcomes in burn patients. Importantly, the independence of these factors from the physician's experience and diagnosis reduces human error and thus increases the accuracy of mortality prediction in this patient population.
Pre-eclampsia affects ~5%–7% of pregnancies. Although improved obstetric care has significantly diminished its associated maternal mortality, it remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the world. Term pre-eclampsia accounts for 70% of all cases and a large proportion of maternal–fetal morbidity related to this condition. Unlike in preterm pre-eclampsia, the prediction and prevention of term pre-eclampsia remain unsolved. Previously proposed approaches are based on combined third-trimester screening and/or prophylactic drugs, but these policies are unlikely to be widely implementable in many world settings. Recent evidence shows that the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (s-Flt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio measured at 35–37 weeks’ gestation predicts term pre-eclampsia with an 80% detection rate. Likewise, recent studies demonstrate that induction of labour beyond 37 weeks is safe and well accepted by women. We hypothesise that a single-step universal screening for term pre-eclampsia based on sFlt1/PlGF ratio at 35–37 weeks followed by planned delivery beyond 37 weeks reduces the prevalence of term pre-eclampsia without increasing the caesarean section rates or worsening the neonatal outcomes.
We propose an open-label randomised clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a screening of term pre-eclampsia with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio followed by planned delivery in asymptomatic nulliparous women at 35–37 weeks. Women will be assigned 1:1 to revealed (sFlt-1/PlGF known to clinicians) versus concealed (unknown) arms. A cut-off of >90th centile is used to define the high risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia and offer planned delivery from 37 weeks. The efficacy variables will be analysed and compared between groups primarily following an intention-to-treat approach, by ORs and their 95% CI. This value will be computed using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model for binary response (study group as fixed effect and the centre as intercept random effect).
The study is conducted under the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This study was accepted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clinic Barcelona on 20 November 2020. Subsequent approval by individual ethical committees and competent authorities was granted. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences.
To evaluate the feasibility of using the NeuroMotion smartphone application for remote General Movements Assessment for screening infants for cerebral palsy in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Thirty-one term-born infants at risk of cerebral palsy due to birth asphyxia or neonatal seizures were recruited for the follow-up at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, 1 October 2021 to 7 January 2022. Parents filmed their children at home using the application at 3 months’ age and the videos were assessed for technical quality using a standardised form and for fidgety movements by Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment. The usability of the application was evaluated through a parental survey.
Twenty families sent in altogether 46 videos out of which 35 had approved technical quality. Sixteen children had at least one video with approved technical quality. Three infants lacked fidgety movements. The level of agreement between assessors was acceptable (Krippendorf alpha 0.781). Parental answers to the usability survey were in general positive.
Engaging parents in screening of cerebral palsy with the help of a smartphone-aided remote General Movements Assessment is possible in the urban area of a South Asian lower middle-income country.
by Kristina Anna Djupvik Aakvik, Silje Dahl Benum, Marjaana Tikanmäki, Petteri Hovi, Katri Räikkönen, Sarah L. Harris, Lianne J. Woodward, Brian A. Darlow, Marit S. Indredavik, Stian Lydersen, Paul Jarle Mork, Eero Kajantie, Kari Anne I. Evensen
ObjectiveIndividuals born very preterm ( Study design
Cohorts with data on physical activity and cognitive function in adults born very preterm/very low birth weight and term-born controls were recruited from the Research on European Children and Adults Born Preterm, and the Adults Born Preterm International Collaboration Consortia. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase.
ResultsFive cohorts with 1644 participants aged 22–28 years (595 very preterm/very low birth weight and 1049 controls) were included. Adults born very preterm/very low birth weight reported 1.11 (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.54) hours less moderate to vigorous physical activity per week than controls, adjusted for cohort, age and sex. The difference between individuals born very preterm/very low birth weight and controls was larger among women than among men. Neither intelligence quotient nor self-reported executive function mediated the association between very preterm/very low birth weight and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Results were essentially the same when we excluded individuals with neurosensory impairments.
ConclusionAdults born very preterm/very low birth weight, especially women, reported less moderate to vigorous physical activity than their term-born peers. Cognitive function did not mediate this association. Considering the risk of adverse health outcomes among individuals born preterm, physical activity could be a target for intervention.
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
BackgroundEscalating 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.
MethodsA 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.
ResultsMean 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.
Autism (formally autism spectrum disorder) encompasses a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions, characterised by differences in communication and social interactions. Co-occurring chronic gastrointestinal symptoms are common among autistic individuals and can adversely affect their quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of oral encapsulated faecal microbiome transfer (FMT) in improving gastrointestinal symptoms and well-being among autistic adolescents and adults.
This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial will recruit 100 autistic adolescents and adults aged 16–45 years, who have mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) score ≥2.0). We will also recruit eight healthy donors aged 18–32 years, who will undergo extensive clinical screening. Recipients will be randomised 1:1 to receive FMT or placebo, stratified by biological sex. Capsules will be administered over two consecutive days following an overnight bowel cleanse with follow-up assessments at 6, 12 and 26 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome is GSRS score at 6 weeks. Other assessments include anthropometry, body composition, hair cortisol concentration, gut microbiome profile, urine/plasma gut-derived metabolites, plasma markers of gut inflammation/permeability and questionnaires on general well-being, sleep quality, physical activity, food diversity and treatment tolerability. Adverse events will be recorded and reviewed by an independent data monitoring committee.
Ethics approval for the study was granted by the Central Health and Disability Ethics Committee on 24 August 2021 (reference number: 21/CEN/211). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to both scientific and consumer group audiences.
ACTRN12622000015741.
To analyse the content of the nursing diagnosis ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot.
A methodological study with a quantitative approach was performed.
The analysis was performed between January and May 2021 by 34 nurses with clinical/theoretical/research experience with diabetes or nursing diagnoses. These nurses evaluated the relevance, clarity and precision of 12 diagnosis-specific etiological factors, 22 clinical indicators and their conceptual and operational definitions.
All 12 etiological factors analysed were considered relevant to diagnostic identification. However, five showed inconsistencies regarding the clarity or precision of the operational definitions, requiring adjustments. Regarding the 22 clinical indicators evaluated, all of them presented a Content Validity Index (CVI) that was statistically significant. However, in the indicators, the colour does not return to lowered limb after 1 min of leg elevation, and cold foot had Content Validity Index (CVI) <0.9 regarding relevance and accuracy of operational definitions.
Twelve etiological factors and 22 clinical indicators were validated. Thus, this study revealed new and relevant aspects characterising peripheral perfusion in patients with diabetic foot that have not yet been clinically validated.
This study contributes to support the professional practice of nurses through the early identification of etiological factors and clinical indicators in persons with diabetic foot. As a proposal, we suggest the inclusion of new defining characteristics and related factors for the nursing diagnosis ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in the NANDA-I taxonomy.
The research highlights new and relevant aspects such as etiological factors and clinical indicators to characterise peripheral perfusion in patients with diabetic foot. Based on these findings, clinical validation is recommended to confirm the relevance of the proposed elements in the population studied for greater reliability and improved diagnostic assessment for the professional practice of nurses.
EQUATOR guidelines were adhered to using the GRRAS checklist for reporting reliability and agreement studies.
No patient or public contribution.
Early sepsis treatment in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to improve patient survival. Despite international promulgation, the uptake of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) Hour-1 Bundle (lactate measurement, blood culture, broad-spectrum antibiotics, 30 mL/kg crystalloid for hypotension/lactate ≥4 mmol/L and vasopressors for hypotension during/after fluid resuscitation within 1 hour of sepsis recognition) is low across healthcare settings. Delays in sepsis recognition and a lack of high-quality evidence hinder its implementation. We propose a novel sepsis care model (National Early Warning Score, NEWS-1 care), in which the SSC Hour-1 Bundle is triggered objectively by a high NEWS-2 (≥5). This study aims to determine the feasibility of a full-scale type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial on the NEWS-1 care in multiple EDs.
We will conduct a pilot type 1 hybrid trial and prospectively recruit 200 patients from 4 public EDs in Hong Kong cluster randomised in a stepped wedge design over 10 months. All study sites will start with an initial period of standard care and switch in random order at 2-month intervals to the NEWS-1 care unidirectionally. The implementation evaluation will employ mixed methods guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework, which includes qualitative and quantitative data from focus group interviews, staff survey and clinical record reviews. We will analyse the 14 feasibility outcomes as progression criteria to a full-scale trial, including trial acceptability to patients and staff, patient and staff recruitment rates, accuracy of sepsis screening, protocol adherence, accessibility to follow-up data, safety and preliminary clinical impacts of the NEWS1 care, using descriptive statistics.
The institutional review boards of all study sites approved this study. This study will establish the feasibility of a full-scale hybrid trial. We will disseminate the findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and educational activities.
To explore the rate of NUPs and associated factors in the PED of the ‘Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe’ in Valencia (Spain) using Andersen's Behavioural Model.
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using Andersen's Behavioural Model in parents visiting the PED with their children at the ‘Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe’ in Valencia (Spain).
The study involved a total of 530 participants, of whom 419 (79%) had made an NUP. The predisposing factors identified were: (I) paediatric patients brought in by their fathers (OR = 0.460; p = 0.005), (II) lower educational attainment (OR = 3.841; p = 0.000), (III) first-time parenthood (OR = 2.335; p = 0.000) and (IV) higher parental stress (OR = 1.974; p = 0.023). The enabling factors included: (I) responsibility for a significant part of the childcare shared with others (OR = 0.348; p = 0.041) and (II) the perception that PEDs provide better care than primary care (PC) services (OR = 1.628; p = 0.005). The need factors were: (I) existing chronic illness in the child seeking care (OR = 0.343; p = 0.000) and (II) the perceived severity of the urgency (OR = 0.440; p = 0.031).
The NUP rates found in this study are similar to those found internationally. In accordance with Andersen's Behavioural Model, we identify predisposing, enabling and need factors to explain the multifactorial nature of NUPs in PEDs.
Identifying the factors associated with NUPs enables interventions to be targeted at those groups most likely to engage in NUPs, thereby optimising the functioning of the PED and improving the well-being of children and families. These interventions should focus on improving parental health literacy, providing education on making appropriate decisions about accessing health services and recognising severe symptoms in children, as well as improving access to high-quality PC services. Providing support to parents during the transition to parenthood would also be beneficial.
This paper adheres to the STROBE initiative guidelines.
Participants, who voluntarily agreed to take part, contributed to the study by completing a paper-based questionnaire containing all the study variables as prepared by the research team.
by Nanako Takaoka, Michiko Yamane, Ayami Hasegawa, Koya Obara, Kyoumi Shirai, Ryoichi Aki, Hiroyasu Hatakeyama, Yuko Hamada, Nobuko Arakawa, Manabu Tanaka, Robert M. Hoffman, Yasuyuki Amoh
There has been only limited success to differentiate adult stem cells into cardiomyocyte subtypes. In the present study, we have successfully induced beating atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from rat hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells, which are adult stem cells located in the bulge area. HAP stem cells differentiated into atrial cardiomyocytes in culture with the combination of isoproterenol, activin A, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and cyclosporine A (CSA). HAP stem cells differentiated into ventricular cardiomyocytes in culture with the combination of activin A, BMP4, bFGF, inhibitor of Wnt production-4 (IWP4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Differentiated atrial cardiomyocytes were specifically stained for anti-myosin light chain 2a (MLC2a) antibody. Ventricular cardiomyocytes were specially stained for anti-myosin light chain 2v (MLC2v) antibody. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) showed significant expression of MLC2a in atrial cardiomyocytes and MLC2v in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Both differentiated atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes showed characteristic waveforms in Ca2+ imaging. Differentiated atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes formed long myocardial fibers and beat as a functional syncytium, having a structure similar to adult cardiomyocytes. The present results demonstrated that it is possible to induce cardiomyocyte subtypes, atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, from HAP stem cells.
by Vijay M. Ravindra, Lorraina Robinson, Hailey Jensen, Elena Kurudza, Evan Joyce, Allison Ludwick, Russell Telford, Osama Youssef, Justin Ryan, Robert J. Bollo, Rajiv R. Iyer, John R. W. Kestle, Samuel H. Cheshier, Daniel S. Ikeda, Qinwen Mao, Douglas L. Brockmeyer
IntroductionThe fibrous posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) at the craniocervical junction is typically removed during decompression surgery for Chiari malformation type I (CM-I); however, its importance and ultrastructural architecture have not been investigated in children. We hypothesized that there are structural differences in the PAOM of patients with CM-I and those without.
MethodsIn this prospective study, blinded pathological analysis was performed on PAOM specimens from children who had surgery for CM-I and children who had surgery for posterior fossa tumors (controls). Clinical and radiographic data were collected. Statistical analysis included comparisons between the CM-I and control cohorts and correlations with imaging measures.
ResultsA total of 35 children (mean age at surgery 10.7 years; 94.3% white) with viable specimens for evaluation were enrolled: 24 with CM-I and 11 controls. There were no statistical demographic differences between the two cohorts. Four children had a family history of CM-I and five had a syndromic condition. The cohorts had similar measurements of tonsillar descent, syringomyelia, basion to C2, and condylar-to-C2 vertical axis (all p>0.05). The clival-axial angle was lower in patients with CM-I (138.1 vs. 149.3 degrees, p = 0.016). Morphologically, the PAOM demonstrated statistically higher proportions of disorganized architecture in patients with CM-I (75.0% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.012). There were no differences in PAOM fat, elastin, or collagen percentages overall and no differences in imaging or ultrastructural findings between male and female patients. Posterior fossa volume was lower in children with CM-I (163,234 mm3 vs. 218,305 mm3, p Conclusions
In patients with CM-I, the PAOM demonstrates disorganized architecture compared with that of control patients. This likely represents an anatomic adaptation in the presence of CM-I rather than a pathologic contribution.
by Ausilah Alfraihat, Amer F. Samdani, Sriram Balasubramanian
Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering (AVBT) is a growing alternative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), offering an option besides spinal fusion. While AVBT aims to correct spinal deformity through growth correction, its outcomes have been mixed. To improve surgical outcomes, this study aimed to develop a machine learning-based tool to predict short- and midterm spinal curve correction in AIS patients who underwent AVBT surgery, using the most predictive clinical, radiographic, and surgical parameters. After institutional review board approval and based on inclusion criteria, 91 AIS patients who underwent AVBT surgery were selected from the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia. For all patients, longitudinal standing (PA or AP, and lateral) and side bending spinal Radiographs were retrospectively obtained at six visits: preop and first standing, one year, two years, five years postop, and at the most recent follow-up. Demographic, radiographic, and surgical features associated with curve correction were collected. The sequential backward feature selection method was used to eliminate correlated features and to provide a rank-ordered list of the most predictive features of the AVBT correction. A Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) model was trained and tested using the selected features to predict the final correction of the curve in AIS patients. Eleven most predictive features were identified. The GBR model predicted the final Cobb angle with an average error of 6.3 ± 5.6 degrees. The model also provided a prediction interval, where 84% of the actual values were within the 90% prediction interval. A list of the most predictive features for AVBT curve correction was provided. The GBR model, trained on these features, predicted the final curve magnitude with a clinically acceptable margin of error. This model can be used as a clinical tool to plan AVBT surgical parameters and improve outcomes.
FreshRSS