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Ayer — Septiembre 15th 2026Tus fuentes RSS

Patients in Every Practice: Health Status and Health Experiences of an International Sample of Adults Born Preterm

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Due to the increased survival and stable prevalence rates of preterm birth, every clinician, regardless of the patient population or practice setting, has cared for someone born preterm. Unfortunately, most healthcare teams fail to consider preterm birth as a risk factor to adult health, missing a critical opportunity to mitigate risk in this vulnerable population. The purpose of the study was to explore the health status and health experience of adults born preterm with comparisons between birth year cohorts and gestational age categories.

Design

The study utilized a cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive comparative design, augmented by qualitative analysis of open-ended questions.

Methods

The health status and health experience survey was developed in collaboration with leaders of an advocacy group for adults born preterm and based on the available research. Convenience, snowball sampling among members of the advocacy network and other preterm birth groups provided an international sample of participants (N = 80).

Results

Chronic conditions or symptoms, representing health status, were reported by 85.7% of participants, with 75% of those participants taking medications for the condition. Participants born less than 32 weeks of gestation reported experiencing health conditions significantly more than those born at later gestations (91.8% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.008); there was no difference in birth year cohort. The most commonly reported conditions were respiratory, mental health, neurodevelopmental, and musculoskeletal. Two-thirds of participants reported never being asked about preterm birth history by healthcare teams. Healthcare experiences were described as ambivalent or dismissive among those who chose to disclose preterm birth status to providers.

Conclusions

Chronic and comorbid conditions associated with preterm birth are common among adults born preterm. These conditions are responsive to prevention and mitigation strategies and, as such, failure to identify adults born preterm as a population susceptible to chronic health conditions results in unidentified, unmanaged risk.

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Prospective accuracy study on an artificial intelligence-based ultrasound system for gestational age estimation among pregnant women in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa: protocol

Por: Swarray Deen · A. · McDougall · A. R. A. · Chemway · R. · Craik · R. · Jayaratnam · S. · Joseph · N. · Mahar · R. · Koye · D. · Nguyen · L. · Simpson · J. · Gwako · G. · Hadebe · R. L. · Nartey · E. T. · Minckas · N. · Gülmezoglu · A. M. · Vogel · J. P. · Osman · A. · PEARLS Collaborat
Background

Risk screening for pre-eclampsia relies on accurate gestational age assessment, but routine access to ultrasound-based gestational dating remains challenging in many low- and middle-income countries. As part of the formative work for the ‘Preventing pre-eclampsia: Evaluating AspiRin Low-dose regimens following risk Screening’ (PEARLS) platform, we aim to validate and implement an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm for estimation of gestational age, using blind sweeps done with a handheld ultrasound device. This study protocol outlines the accuracy cohort for AI-based gestational age estimation in participating facilities in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

Methods and analysis

This multicountry prospective cohort study will recruit 969 pregnant women at 13 health facilities across Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. The eligible population is pregnant women presenting for antenatal visits from 11+0 to 13+6 weeks’ gestation. Eligible women will have a gestational age assessment by a trained sonographer using fetal biometry (reference standard), followed by gestational age estimation conducted by a trained midwife using the AI-based Intelligent Ultrasound ScanNav FetalCheck system (experimental). Both conventional and AI-based gestational age scans will be conducted with the General Electric VScan Air platform. Women will return for a second visit between 14+0 and 27+6 weeks’ gestation (week of visit is randomly selected) for an assessment with both conventional and AI-based ultrasound. The primary objective is to determine the accuracy and precision of gestational age estimation using an AI ultrasound system in first and second trimesters, as compared with gestational age estimation using crown-rump length measurement by conventional ultrasound in first trimester (11+0 to 13+6 weeks’).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received or sought ethics approval from the following entities: Australia: University of Melbourne, Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (Reference Number: 2024–28489-49438-3) and the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (Reference: Project 727/23); Ghana: Ghana Health Service Ethics Review Committee (GHS-ERC Number 002/01/24); Kenya: Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi ERC (Ref: KNH-ERC/01/MISC/20); South Africa: University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Science, Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC Ref: 138/2024). Key findings will be disseminated to research teams to inform future scale-up of AI-based pregnancy dating and pre-eclampsia risk screening. Findings from this pilot work will be published in peer-reviewed open-access journals, conferences and meetings to maximise reach of our findings.

Intermittent fasting and chronic pain: Protocol for a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Por: Bruton · A. M. · Staab · C. · Gray · O. · Chua · W. R. · Alsakhita · N. · Goldenberg · J. · Roberts · J. L.
Introduction

Chronic pain is a leading public health problem, impacting over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Standard-of-care includes pharmaceutical medication, surgery and physical therapy, yet many patients experience continued symptoms. Investigation into lifestyle-based approaches such as dietary interventions has increased in recent years, including intermittent fasting, due to known impacts on inflammation and neurotransmitters.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search will include the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), Web of Science (Core Collection) and LILACS (VHL) databases. The Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO, Open Science Forum and MedRXiv platforms will also be searched. Randomised, controlled trials investigating the impact of intermittent fasting interventions in adult humans with any chronic pain condition will be included. The primary outcomes will be self-reported pain or function and the secondary outcome will be rescue medication use. Study screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted independently in duplicate. The Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool will be used to assess bias at the study level, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines will be used to assess bias at the outcome level. The meta-analysis will use random effects, with heterogeneity assessed using the I2 statistic. For studies that report rescue medication use, we will analyse the impact of intermittent fasting on pain or function, adjusting for rescue medication use, using established methods. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

As this project involves analysis of publicly available data, no ethical oversight was or is required. The results of this review will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD #420261395061.

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in preventing relapse of IgG4-related disease with re-elevation of serum IgG4 level during maintenance therapy: a protocol for a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in China

Por: Zhang · J. · Nie · Y. · Peng · L. · Fei · Y. · Liu · Y. · Dong · L. · Kong · X. · Fu · M. · Zhang · X. · Liu · C. · Chen · Y. · Li · M. · Zhou · J. · Zhang · W.
Introduction

IgG4-related disease is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease with multiorgan involvement. Glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants as well as rituximab are both first-line treatments in remission induction therapy. However, relapse is common during the maintenance period, particularly in patients with re-elevation of serum IgG4 level. This study aims to evaluate whether adding mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) during the maintenance phase for such patients can reduce the risk of disease flare.

Methods

This study is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 108 eligible patients with re-elevation of serum IgG4 level during maintenance therapy will be included in this study and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive add-on MMF 0.5 g one time per day or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients experiencing relapse at week 52. Secondary outcomes include time-to-relapse, changes in disease activity and serum IgG4 level, stratified relapse rate according to the elevation level of IgG4. Analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (approval no. K3231). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrolment. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05974683.

Qualitative study to explore which components of home-based primary care may reduce emergency department visits among older adults

Por: Bring · H. · Bergqvist · M. · Gustafsson · L. L. · Modig · K. · Bastholm-Rahmner · P. · Schmidt-Mende · K.
Objective

Home-based primary care has been suggested to reduce emergency department visits among vulnerable older adults but how it should be organised to achieve this effect is unclear. This study aimed to increase the understanding of how older adults receiving home-based primary care and their family caregivers’ experience care during the period prior to an emergency department visit and to identify components of home-based primary care delivery that could help reduce such visits.

Design

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with older adults receiving home-based primary care who had recently visited the emergency department, along with their family caregivers. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in the homes of informants receiving home-based primary care in Region Stockholm, Sweden, 2022–2023.

Participants

Fourteen adults aged ≥65 years receiving home-based primary care who had visited an emergency department within the past 3 months were interviewed; seven interviews also included a family member.

Results

An overarching theme, Trust as a prerequisite for timely emergency assessments in home-based primary care, describes how patient trust–in home-based primary care in general and in specific individual healthcare professionals–seems important in reducing emergency department visits, especially when patients experience symptoms of uncertain urgency or gradual onset. Four subthemes describe how primary care may build trust: through (1) access to care, (2) medical competence, (3) respect and relationship and (4) coordination and teamwork.

Conclusion

Trust in both home-based primary care in general and in individual healthcare professionals is crucial in reducing emergency department visits among older adults receiving home-based primary care. Trust may be strengthened by accessible and competent care, familiarity with both general practitioners and the responsible nurse and working as a collaborative team.

Risk and benefit for targeted therapy agents in paediatric phase I trials in oncology: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Por: Ostrowska · J. · Strzebonska · K. · Waligora · M.
Introduction

Paediatric phase I oncology trials establish safe dosing and provide preliminary efficacy data for investigational anti-cancer agents in children. The aim of the proposed systematic review is to identify the risk and benefit ratio for targeted therapy agents in paediatric Phase I trials in oncology.

Methods and analysis

We will search Embase and PubMed for paediatric Phase I cancer trials published from 2 March 2015 to 30 June 2026. Eligible studies are dose-escalation trials enrolling participants under 21 years with solid or haematological malignancies, testing targeted therapy agents. We will measure two co-primary outcomes: (1) risk—proportion of participants experiencing drug-related adverse events of grade 3, 4 or 5; and (2) benefit—objective response rate. Where data permit, proportions will be pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will use publicly available data; therefore, ethics committee approval is not required. Results from the systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD420261408673.

Are study design characteristics in single-arm trials comparable with those of their objective performance criteria or performance goals? A scoping review

Por: Wang · H. · Chai · Q. · Jin · F. · Feng · Y. · Cao · R. · Liu · Z. · Li · X. · Luo · M. · Tao · L. · Fei · Y.
Objectives

Single-arm trials (SATs) with objective performance criteria (OPCs) or performance goals (PGs) are increasingly used for regulatory approval of medical devices and other interventions. However, the comparability of study design characteristics between SAT and their external comparator sources remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the comparability of study design characteristics between SATs and their matched OPC/PG sources.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and four Chinese databases—China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, CQVIP and SinoMed—were searched from inception to 30 April 2026.

Eligibility criteria

We included SATs that used one or more OPCs or PGs as external comparators to evaluate safety and/or effectiveness endpoints and reported specific numerical values of OPCs or PGs.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved records and extracted data using a standardised form. For each included SAT, we retrieved the cited OPC/PG sources and extracted study design characteristics data (age, sex, health conditions, outcome definitions and measurement time points) for comparison. Age and sex were compared using summary t-tests and ² tests; health conditions were assessed by two clinicians based on eligibility criteria and baseline characteristics. Results were stratified by OPC versus PG.

Results

A total of 1243 records were identified, and 133 SATs were included. Most studies used PGs (84, 63.2%); 34 (25.6%) claimed to use OPCs, and 15 (11.3%) could not be classified. Of the 60 age comparisons available from 41 studies, 30 showed statistically significant differences; of the 82 sex comparisons available from 59 studies, 60 showed significant differences. Health conditions, outcome definitions and time points were assessed descriptively in a subset of studies, and discrepancies were also observed.

Conclusion

Suboptimal comparability of study design characteristics was observed between SATs and their OPC/PG sources, which might influence the treatment effect estimates. Greater attention to the comparability of study design characteristics in SATs with OPC/PGs may improve the validity of evidence.

Antibacterial consumption in four paediatric inpatient facilities in Sri Lanka in 2023: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Objective

To describe antibacterial consumption (ABC) in four paediatric inpatient facilities in Sri Lanka in 2023.

Design

Descriptive cross-sectional study, adapted from the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System methodology.

Settings

Paediatric inpatient facilities in two tertiary and two secondary care government hospitals located across three provinces.

Data

Data on antibacterials for systemic use, J01 in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification issued to these paediatric inpatient facilities in 2023 by their respective hospital pharmacies.

Outcome measures

(1) ABC at ATC third and fifth levels expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs)/100 admissions, (2) ABC as per WHO ‘Access, Watch and Reserve’ category, (3) choice of antibacterials within a class, (4) DU 75% for oral and parenteral dosage forms, (5) quality indicators such as amoxicillin index and broad:narrow spectrum ratio.

Results

In 2023, total antibacterial (J01) consumption across the four paediatric inpatient facilities was 94.49 DDDs/100 admissions. Together, non-penicillin beta-lactams, penicillins and macrolides/lincosamides/streptogramins accounted for 90–98%. Co-amoxiclav was the most consumed antibacterial, and six agents (co-amoxiclav, cefotaxime, clarithromycin, azithromycin, cefuroxime and meropenem) collectively accounted for 70–90%. Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides and trimethoprim, and quinolones contributed minimally. Access and Watch group antibacterials accounted for 34 and 65%. Quality indicators demonstrated disproportionately higher use of broad-spectrum and Watch group antibacterials.

Conclusion

High use of broad-spectrum and Watch-group antibacterials was observed across the four paediatric inpatient facilities. The findings highlight targets for antibacterial stewardship programmes and demonstrate the feasibility of ABC surveillance in Sri Lanka.

Brain and behavioural responses to food viewing in women during pregnancy and their relationship with metabolic health: study protocol for the FOODY Play Study - a prospective observational study

Por: Trevino Montemayor · M. · Hamam-Mechkour · A. · Eisler · J. J. · Murray · M. M. · Spierer · L. · Schenk · S. · Halter · R. J. · Toepel · U. · Horsch · A. · Retsa · C. · Arhab · A. · Quansah · D. Y. · Puder · J. J.
Introduction

During pregnancy, physiological and psychological factors influence eating behaviour and food preferences. Food cravings are common in pregnancy and contribute to excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Excessive GWG is present across all body mass index (BMI) categories and is associated with adverse outcomes. Outside of pregnancy, highly palatable food cues activate brain regions involved in reward and attention, which may influence eating behaviour and behavioural responses. However, brain and behavioural responses to food cues across pregnancy, and their association with psychological and metabolic factors, remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate spatiotemporal brain responses to visual food cues across individuals with different BMI categories and their associations with behavioural, psychological and metabolic outcomes during pregnancy.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland. 94 pregnant individuals (47 healthy normal weight and 47 with overweight/obesity) will be assessed at 12–16 and 31–36 weeks of gestational age from November 2024 to September 2026. Data collected for the primary outcomes include electroencephalography-based brain responses to validated visual food cues varying in fat and carbohydrate content, behavioural responses to the same cues using a gamified smartphone Go/NoGo task. Secondary validated outcomes include heart rate variability (Actiheart), body composition (InBody S10), glycated haemoglobin (Afinion), cardiorespiratory fitness (The Chester step test), snack intake, eating behaviour (Intuitive Eating Scale-2, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised), food cravings (Food Craving Questionnaire-state), mood and depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Statistical analyses include group comparisons, longitudinal analyses and regression models adjusted for potential sociodemographic/medical confounders.

Ethics and dissemination

All participants will provide written informed consent. The Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton de Vaud approved the study protocol (CER-VD 2023-01462). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, (inter)national conferences and shared with healthcare professionals and stakeholders to inform strategies for improving maternal health.

Tranexamic acid to prevent anastomotic leak after rectal cancer surgery: protocol for a feasibility trial with embedded mechanistic analysis of the microbiome

Por: Helliwell · J. A. · Chilton · C. H. · Bestall · J. · Kirby · A. · Quirke · P. · Wood · H. M. · Stocken · D. D. · Jayne · D.
Introduction

Anastomotic leak is a major complication after anterior resection for rectal cancer, with reported rates of 10–15%. Recent evidence implicates the gut microbiome, where specific bacteria colonise the anastomotic site and secrete collagenase that weakens healing tissue. Preclinical studies demonstrate that tranexamic acid can inhibit this process when delivered rectally into the bowel lumen. This protocol outlines a feasibility trial of rectally administered tranexamic acid delivered via rectal catheter to the anastomotic site after anterior resection, accompanied by embedded microbiome and qualitative substudies.

Methods and analysis

This is an open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled feasibility trial. 45 patients undergoing anterior resection for rectal or sigmoid cancer will be randomised 2:1 to receive tranexamic acid or sterile water, administered intraoperatively and on postoperative days 1–3 via a rectal catheter. Feasibility outcomes include assessment of recruitment, intervention adherence, protocol compliance and safety. Exploratory clinical outcomes include anastomotic leak and other postoperative complications. A mandatory microbiome substudy will characterise changes in microbial composition and bacterial collagenase activity, providing mechanistic insight into treatment response. An optional qualitative substudy will explore acceptability of the intervention from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the North West Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on 30 October 2024 (24/NW/0254). Recruitment commenced on 7 January 2025 following receipt of site-specific approvals. Feasibility, mechanistic and qualitative findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences and stakeholder engagement activities. The results will inform progression to a definitive phase III trial and shape key elements of study design.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13727659.

PROspective Prostate Cancer Infrastructure: study protocol for the ProPCI 'trials within cohorts study

Por: Wissing · R. O. · van Elst · T. · Sedelaar · M. · Smeenk · R. J. · van den Berg · P. · van Dodewaard-de Jong · J. M. · Lont · A. P. · Hendriks · M. P. · Luijendijk-de Bruin · D. · van de Luijtgaarden · A. C. M. · Roelofs · L. A. J. · Vis · A. N. · Hoekstra · R. J. · Bloemendal · H
Introduction

The diagnostic and therapeutic landscape for high-risk localised prostate cancer and synchronous metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in imaging, risk stratification and systemic therapies, including the advent of precision medicine. High-quality real-world data integrating clinical, imaging, molecular, quality-of-life information and outcome data remain scarce. The PROspective Prostate Cancer Infrastructure (ProPCI) is a nationwide, multicentre observational cohort designed to collect comprehensive longitudinal data and biomaterials to support real-world evidence generation, facilitate biomarker discovery and enable future cohort multiple randomised controlled trials (cmRCTs).

Methods and analysis

ProPCI includes adult men with high-risk localised prostate cancer or synchronous mHSPC across hospitals in the Netherlands. Clinical data are extracted from electronic health records using a standardised protocol and linked to national registries and healthcare use datasets. Patient-reported outcome measures are collected at baseline and regular intervals using validated instruments. Serial blood samples are biobanked for circulating tumour DNA and other molecular analyses. Outcomes include diagnostic and treatment patterns, Prostate-specific antigen kinetics, time to castration-resistant prostate cancer, radiological and clinical progression, health-related quality of life trajectories and healthcare use, including expenditure and exploratory biomarker associations. Statistical methods include descriptive analyses, time-to-event models, mixed-effects models and biomarker-outcome correlates.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CMO) of Radboudumc. Written informed consent will be obtained from every participating patient and covers: (1) extraction and linkage of clinical, imaging, pathology and registry data, (2) future contact for potential cmRCT participation; and optional components (3) quality-of-life questionnaires, (4) collection of additional blood samples and (5) use of biomaterials for genomic testing. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT07560748.

Engaging community to co-design a multilevel intervention to reduce lung cancer disparities in persistent poverty tracts in California through group model building and simulation

Por: Lee · C. Y. J. · Waller · A. · Winn · L. · Hill · C. · Wood · E. H. · Ramos · O. F. E. · Conlon · K. C. · Darmstadt · G. L. · Patel · M. I.
Objectives

This study examined social determinants and structural barriers to lung cancer outcomes in Kern and Fresno counties, California, and co-developed a multilevel intervention strategy informed by community perspectives.

Design

Engaging stakeholders through group model building (GMB) to elicit their knowledge to build a system dynamics (SD) simulation model for intervention strategy design.

Setting and participants

We identified and trained four community members from two community-based organisations in Central Valley, California, to help recruit GMB participants. 14 community members representing patient advocacy organisations, cancer survivors, clinicians, caregivers, public health professionals, medical interpreters, housing, agriculture, sanitation, healthcare payer organisations and local policymaking sectors were recruited.

Procedures

The GMB protocol consisted of two in-person and four virtual workshops from 22 August to 11 November 2024. The SD simulation model was built with iSee System’s Stella Architect SD modelling software (V.4.0).

Results

The 181 variables suggested by the GMB workshop participants were categorised into 3 themes and 13 subthemes, which shaped the system boundary and model structure. 7 of the 16 intervention scenarios tested showed a cumulative reduction in the at-risk population and increases in screening, diagnoses, treatment and cancer-free survival. Participants selected a multilevel strategy focused on expanding public health and insurance education and advocating for air pollution-related screening within existing protocols.

Conclusion

Community engagement is essential for understanding lung cancer disparities and designing practical multilevel interventions. Scenario testing enables informed planning to improve long-term population health outcomes.

International collaboration to develop a dental implant standard set: study protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study for the validation of a core outcome set

Por: Chin · M. · Pijpe · J. · Blanco · J. · Cune · M. · Wolvius · E. · Kragt · L.
Introduction

Dental implants are a widely accepted solution for tooth replacement, but standardised outcome assessment, particularly patient-reported outcomes, remains limited. Moreover, international variability in implantology practices underscores the need for consistent and comprehensive evaluation tools. This study aims to develop and validate the DEntal implaNt Set (DENS), a standardised tool to capture clinician and patient perspectives on peri-implant health and restorative treatment outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This prospective multicentre cohort study aims to include 1000 patients aged 18–75 years from 30 dental practices in the Netherlands and Spain. The DENS was developed by an international multidisciplinary team through structured iterative working sessions, grounded in the mandatory outcome domains of the Implant Dentistry Core Outcome Set and Measurement (ID-COSM) framework and informed by expert consultation with the ID-COSM authors. Patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) items were adapted from validated instruments and subjected to forward-backward translation into Dutch, English and Spanish. Data are collected at six time points from pre-implant placement to 12-month follow-up. Clinical outcomes and PROMs are assessed via the digital. Descriptive analyses and psychometric testing of the DENS instrument are planned at the end of the data collection phase.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by committees in the Netherlands (Erasmus University Medical Center: MEC-2023-0688; Anna Hospital Eindhoven: 2024.076; Anna Hospital Geldrop: MEC-24.008; St. Antonius Hospital: R&D/Z24.070/DENS; University Medical Center Groningen: METc 2024/389) and Spain (CEI-SL 2024/122). Participants provide informed consent, and no procedures exceed standard clinical care. All data are pseudo-anonymised. Findings will be shared through publications, conferences and professional networks. The DENS tool will be made available for clinical practice and research purposes to promote standardised, evidence-based practice in implant dentistry.

Trial registration number

NCT07337057.

Continuous glucose monitoring in older inpatients with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment: an open single-arm feasibility study

Por: Donat Ergin · B. · Mattishent · K. · Minihane · A. M. · Holt · R. I. G. · Murphy · H. · Dhatariya · K. · Hornberger · M.
Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cognitive impairment are common long-term chronic conditions affecting older people in hospital. Cognitive impairment can complicate glucose monitoring and lead to diabetes-related emergencies in T2DM. Traditionally, point of care test measurements of capillary blood glucose are conducted in-hospital for T2DM while continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is not widely used.

Aim

To understand the feasibility, acceptability and tolerability of using CGM in older inpatients with T2DM and cognitive impairment.

Methods

32 older people (mean age=78.7±6.7 years) with comorbid T2DM and cognitive impairment (Abbreviated Mini-Mental Test ≤8/10 and Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination ≤22/30) were recruited within a tertiary care hospital in the UK. All participants were naive to CGM and were asked to wear blinded Dexcom G7 sensors for up to 10 days. Participants were asked about feasibility, acceptability and tolerability questions at the point of sensor removal.

Results

29 participants (96%) reported no pain during CGM fitting. All participants (100%) agreed that they did not notice wearing the sensor, and it did not affect their day-to-day hospital activities. All participants (100%) found it ‘very easy’ or ‘easy’ to have the sensor fitted and wearing it for 10 days, with 27 participants (90%) finding CGM convenient. 17 participants (57%) reported favourable perceptions of the subcutaneous sensor sensation.

Conclusion

CGM use in older inpatients with T2DM and cognitive impairment is highly feasible and acceptable for patients. Future studies and trials are now needed to evaluate the clinical use of CGM for glucose monitoring in hospitalised or community-dwelling older individuals with T2DM and cognitive impairment.

Intercultural interpreters perspectives on the provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare to Eritrean and Somali forced immigrant women in Switzerland: a qualitative exploration

Por: Zepro · N. B. · Erhardt · R. M. · Abongomera · C. · Paris · D. H. · Bohlius · J. · Chernet · A. · Merten · S.
Objectives

This study aimed to explore and synthesise interpreters’ perspectives on the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to Eritrean and Somali migrant women in Switzerland, and to identify and analyse the professional and ethical challenges they encounter in this context.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study from a social constructionist perspective. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, categorised and analysed through thematic analysis.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted in the canton of Basel-Stadt, northwestern Switzerland. We have purposively selected 10 Eritrean and Somali intercultural interpreters serving as crucial intermediaries in assisting immigrant women to access SRH services.

Results

Our analysis of the interpreters’ perspectives revealed three key thematic areas that they identified as central challenges for their Eritrean and Somali immigrant women: (1) perceived limited health literacy among patients, (2) sociocultural barriers that interpreters observed hindering patient provider communication and (3) structural difficulties that interpreters reported their patients faced in navigating the Swiss healthcare system. These challenges have now persisted for a long time, and research findings and recommendations do not appear to have changed practices. For example, while abortion services are fully covered by Swiss health insurance, contraceptive methods often require out-of-pocket payments. This financial disparity may discourage appropriate use of SRH services among immigrant women. The lack of culturally competent care and the limited availability of funding for intercultural interpreters were among important bottlenecks identified.

Conclusions

This study explored interpreters’ perspectives on the provision of SRH care to Eritrean and Somali immigrant women in Switzerland. Despite the outstanding Swiss healthcare system, a majority of Eritrean and Somali refugee women struggle to benefit from SRH services due to limited health literacy, language barriers and challenges in navigating the Swiss healthcare system. Partnerships and integration of community entities, such as the Swisso-Kalmo association for Somali women and different Eritrean communities, could contribute via facilitating entry points for access to SRH healthcare.

FinnDiane LifeOne Study: influence of ageing on people with type 1 diabetes - a prospective observational cohort study protocol

Por: Nicklen · J. · Satuli-Autere · S. · Rimpeläinen · K. · Dufva · A. · Ylinen · A. · Franzen · E. M. · Eriksson · M. I. · Jansson Sigfrids · F. · Öhman · H. · Thorn · L. M.
Introduction

Life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes has increased due to improved treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities, allowing many to reach old age. Still, we lack knowledge of how individuals with type 1 diabetes age. On one hand, those who reach older age can be considered survivors, but on the other hand their long-standing diabetes might still exhibit negative impacts on their health and functional ability. Healthy ageing is the WHO’s priority for this decade. The focus has shifted from chronological age to functional ability, which reflects the ability of individuals to perform meaningful activities. Functional ability is shaped by intrinsic capacity, the environment and their interaction. Intrinsic capacity encompasses five main domains: cognition, vitality, sensory function, locomotion and psychological domain. This observational study aims to assess how this vulnerable group of individuals with type 1 diabetes age and to identify factors that contribute to their healthy ageing, intrinsic capacity and its domains.

Methods and analysis

The FinnDiane LifeOne Study is a prospective observational cohort study. We aim to recruit a minimum of 300 individuals with type 1 diabetes from the FinnDiane Study, aged >65 and a minimum of 100 matched controls without insulin-dependent diabetes. The cohort will be comprehensively characterised, including clinical assessment, laboratory tests, questionnaires and a geriatric assessment of different aspects of functioning ability, with 5 years intervals. We will compare the individuals with type 1 diabetes to their matched controls. For those with type 1 diabetes, we will further assess which factors from the FinnDiane baseline and trajectories during follow-up predict healthy ageing in above 65-year-olds.

Ethics and dissemination

The LifeOne Study protocol is approved by the Ethics Committee of HUS Helsinki University Hospital (HUS/4387/2023) and the study adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent is obtained from each participant. Findings will be published in international peer-reviewed journals with an open access choice.

Trial registration number

NCT07289204.

Health system interventions to floods and heatwaves for maternal and child health services: a realist-informed systematic review protocol

Por: Debele · S. E. · Bozzani · F. M. · Mushinda-Musonda · G. · Kovats · S. · Bonnet · G. · Chama-Chiliba · C. M. · Foss · A. M. · da Silva · E. N. · Borghi · J.
Introduction

Floods and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense and can disrupt routine maternal and child health (MCH) services. Previous reviews have not systematically examined how context and mechanisms may shape adaptation outcomes. This realist-informed systematic review examines how, why and under what conditions interventions support access to, utilisation of and continuity of routine MCH services during flood and heat events.

Methods and analysis

The search strategy was developed by integrating terms from 17 related reviews, refined with the author team and checked by an experienced London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine librarian. The initial database search was conducted on 16 May 2025 and the search was updated on 30 April 2026. Eight databases were searched: Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, EconLit, GreenFILE, CINAHL and ProQuest Environmental Science & Public Policy. Records published between January 2000 and April 2026 were eligible. Search results were imported into EndNote and deduplicated. Title-and-abstract screening and full-text assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers for the initial search and are ongoing for the updated search, with ASReview being used to prioritise records during title-and-abstract screening. Data extraction across the full review evidence base remains ongoing using a structured template covering study context, intervention characteristics, mechanisms, outcomes, costs and implementation conditions. Study settings will be classified by country income group, health system context and Köppen–Geiger climate zone to compare evidence across settings and, where appropriate, to identify possible climate analogues for exploratory, context-specific assessment. Climate-zone similarity will not be used to infer intervention transferability or future effectiveness. The synthesis will be guided by the WHO Climate-Resilient Health Systems framework, Meadows’ leverage-points framework and realist-informed C–M–O reasoning. Interventions will be grouped to identify where they operate within the health system and which health system components and vulnerabilities they address. Findings will be reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required because the review uses published literature and does not involve human participants. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed systematic review publication. They will inform the design, improvement and scaling of interventions intended to maintain routine MCH services and strengthen health system resilience to floods and heatwaves across diverse settings.

Registration details

The review was not prospectively registered with PROSPERO.

AI in Health care: A Catalyst for Enhancement, Not Replacement

Journal of Clinical Nursing, Volume 35, Issue 10, Page 4004-4006, October 2026.

Association of demographic characteristics with evolution of interest in anesthesiology during medical school

by Max Y. Lu, Alexandra M. Hajduk, Jeph Herrin, Mytien Nguyen, Dowin Boatright, Sarwat I. Chaudhry

Background

Physician workforce diversity improves access to care, outcomes, and workforce productivity. Yet, women and sexual minorities remain underrepresented in anesthesiology, while representation for low-income trainees remains poorly characterized. How interest in anesthesiology evolves among these groups during medical school remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of U.S. MD-granting medical school matriculants from 2014–2017 used Association of American Medical Colleges data on self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and anesthesiology interest. Students were grouped by interest evolution from matriculation to graduation: never interested (no-no), cultivated (no-yes), lost (yes-no), sustained (yes-yes). Chi-square tests characterized sociodemographic differences across interest paths. Firth logistic regression models assessed odds of cultivated vs never interested and sustained vs lost paths across sociodemographic groups.

Results

Among 39,910 students in the cohort, 295 (0.7%) sustained, 2,007 (5.0%) cultivated, 494 (1.2%) lost interest, and 37,114 (93.0%) were never interested in anesthesiology. Women were less likely than men to have initial interest (1.5% vs 2.5%, p < .001), whereas initial interest among low-income (2.1% vs 1.9%, p = .087) and sexual minority (1.8% vs 2.0%, p = .505) students did not significantly differ from majority counterparts. Sustained interest did not differ significantly between women and men (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.63–1.14), according to low-income (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.65–1.22), or sexual minority status (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.41–1.45). Women (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.45–0.55) and sexual minority students (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.96) were less likely to cultivate interest than men and heterosexual students, respectively. Low-income students had greater (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16–1.40) odds of cultivating interest compared to non-low-income peers.

Conclusions

Women’s underrepresentation in anesthesiology is associated with lower initial and cultivated interest. Sexual minority students also demonstrated lower cultivated interest. These disparities identify time points in training where interest diverges by demographic group and may help prioritize where future research — including studies of targeted interventions — is most needed.

Therapeutic plasma exchange across multiple organ systems in an Egyptian tertiary center: A seven-year real-world cohort study

by Mohamed Ahmed El Maghawry, Reham Abd Elkhalek, Fatima Altaher Taha, Amira A. A. Othman, Aliaa Mohamed Abd El Khalik Ahmed, Dina A. Abdelhady, Fatma M. Attia Elsayed

Background

Real-world evidence on therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) from low- and middle-income countries remains limited. Egyptian data across multiple organ systems are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the indications, safety, efficacy, and predictors of outcomes in patients undergoing TPE at a tertiary center in Egypt over 7 years.

Methods and Findings

This retrospective cohort study included 221 consecutive patients who underwent TPE (2016–2022) at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Patients were stratified into renal, neurologic, hematologic, and metabolic groups. Primary outcomes were clinical response and all-cause mortality. Multivariate logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards models, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed. Among 221 patients (57.9% male; mean age 36.0 years), the most frequent indications were Guillain–Barré syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and myasthenia gravis crisis. ASFA category I indications constituted 77.8% of procedures, with response rates decreasing significantly across categories (p = 0.03). Overall response rate was 77.9% (complete remission in 93.0% of responders), with mortality 14.5%. Response rates exceeded 85% in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hyperviscosity syndrome, and TTP. Neurologic indications achieved 81.6% response; renal indications showed lower response (73.2%) and highest mortality (21.3%). Adverse events occurred in 37.2% of patients, all mild-to-moderate with no session terminations. Independent mortality predictors included mechanical ventilation, creatinine >2.5 mg/dL, renal indication, hemoglobin <8 g/dL, while ASFA category I was protective (all aORs 2.67–5.22). In exploratory analyses, PLASMIC score ≥6 and time to TPE ≤ 2 days were associated with complete remission in TTP, while Hughes score ≥4 and time to TPE > 7 days were associated with poor functional outcome in GBS. These findings require external validation before clinical application. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (n = 9) demonstrated 100% mortality despite intervention, whereas SLE patients (n = 23) had 52.2% mortality, with 47.8% achieving complete remission or clinical improvement. A three-tier risk model stratified patients into high, intermediate, and low mortality risk groups. Independent predictors of clinical response included neurologic, hematologic, and metabolic indications compared to renal, ASFA category I, and ≥5 TPE sessions, while hemoglobin <8 g/dL and creatinine >2.5 mg/dL predicted poorer response.

Conclusions

This single-center Egyptian TPE cohort demonstrates high efficacy and safety when aligned with ASFA guidelines. Neurologic and hematologic indications achieve optimal outcomes; renal indications and critical illness markers predict poorer prognosis. The PLASMIC score, treatment urgency in TTP and GBS, and the proposed three-tier model represent exploratory findings that, if prospectively validated, could become actionable prognostic tools. These findings suggest that evidence-based TPE expansion in resource-limited settings may be feasible, though multicenter validation is required.

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