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Genetics in Medicine : Official Journal... Jun 2024Germline testing in pediatric cancer presents opportunities and challenges. Understanding family perspectives, experiences, and preferences will optimize integration... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Germline testing in pediatric cancer presents opportunities and challenges. Understanding family perspectives, experiences, and preferences will optimize integration into routine care.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched four databases for studies exploring perspectives, experiences, and preferences of parents/caregivers and/or patients regarding germline testing of children with cancer. Qualitative and quantitative data was extracted, organized, and summarized by research question and themes.
RESULTS
We identified 2286 unique articles, of which 24 were included. Interest in and uptake of testing was high. Families were motivated by altruism and a desire for inheritance/causation information. Testing barriers included psychological concerns, timing of the testing approach if offered at diagnosis or in a high-risk cancer setting and privacy/discrimination. Testing experiences highlighted challenges yet also positive impacts, with results providing psychological relief and informing proactive decision-making. Timing preferences varied, however allowing time to adjust to a new diagnosis was a common theme. Most wanted to receive as many germline sequencing-related results as possible.
CONCLUSION
Findings underscore the importance of integrating germline analyses into pediatric cancer care with flexibility and support for families facing challenges. Where possible, consent should be provided at a time that suits each family's situation with access to information aligning with their needs and preferences.
PROSPERO
CRD42023444890.
PubMed: 38943478
DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101197 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Owing to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the trajectory of mortality and morbidity associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Highly active antiretroviral therapy is necessary but not sufficient. A systematic review and meta-analysis of mortality incidence rates and predictors among HIV-infected adults receiving treatment in Ethiopia, a surrogate study for resource-poor settings.
BACKGROUND
Owing to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the trajectory of mortality and morbidity associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has significantly decreased in developed countries. However, this remains a formidable public health challenge for people living with HIV in resource-poor settings. This study was undertaken to determine the pooled person-time incidence rate of mortality, analyze the trend, and identify predictors of survival among HIV-infected adults receiving HAART.
METHODS
Quantitative studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and Web of Science. The Joana Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the included articles. The data were analyzed using the random-effects Dersimonian-Laird model.
RESULTS
Data abstracted from 35 articles involving 39,988 subjects were analyzed. The pooled person-time incidence rate of mortality (all-cause) was 4.25 ([95% uncertainty interval (UI), 3.65 to 4.85]) per 100 person-years of observations. Predictors of mortality were patients aged ≥ 45 years (hazard ratio (HR), 1.70 [95% UI,1.10 to 2.63]), being female (HR, 0.82 [95% UI, 0.70 to 0.96]), history of substance use (HR, 3.10 [95% UI, 1.31 to 7.32]), HIV positive status non disclosure (HR, 3.10 [95% UI,1.31 to 7.32]), cluster of differentiation 4 + T cell - count < 200 cells/mm3 (HR, 3.23 [95% UI, [2.29 to 4.75]), anemia (HR, 2.63 [95% UI, 1.32 to 5.22]), World Health Organisation classified HIV clinical stages III and IV (HR, 3.02 [95% UI, 2.29 to 3.99]), undernutrition (HR, 2.24 [95% UI, 1.61 to 3.12]), opportunistic infections (HR, 1.89 [95% UI, 1.23 to 2.91]), tuberculosis coinfection (HR, 3.34 [95% UI, 2.33 to 4.81]),bedridden or ambulatory (HR,3.30 [95% UI, 2.29 to 4.75]), poor treatment adherence (HR, 3.37 [95% UI,1.83 to 6.22]), and antiretroviral drug toxicity (HR, 2.60 [95% UI, 1.82 to 3.71]).
CONCLUSION
Despite the early introduction of HAART in Ethiopia, since 2003, the mortality rate has remained high. Therefore, guideline-directed intervention of identified risk factors should be in place to improve overall prognosis and increase quality-adjusted life years.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ethiopia; Incidence; Adult; Female; Male
PubMed: 38943123
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19268-1 -
Clinical Radiology Jun 2024A number of studies have reported that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging might be used for the early diagnosis of adnexal masses. A meta-analysis was performed...
Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) ultrasound risk stratification for adnexal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AIM
A number of studies have reported that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging might be used for the early diagnosis of adnexal masses. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS combined with Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) ultrasound risk stratification for adnexal masses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Related articles were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in strict accordance with established standards, and data (including true positive, false positive, false negative, and true negative values) was extracted from the original articles. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 was used to evaluate the quality of articles and the possibility of bias. STATA 12.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Five articles that included 598 patients were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS combined with O-RADS for the diagnosis of adnexal masses were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.98) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79-0.91). Moreover, the positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were 6.81 (95% CI: 4.61-10.08), 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03-0.11), 111.30 (95% CI: 65.32-189.65), and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.98), respectively. The pooled AUC and DOR for the detection of CEUS combined with O-RADS were superior to O-RADS US.
CONCLUSION
Our findings revealed that O-RADS combined with CEUS can improve the diagnostic accuracy of ovarian adnexal masses.
PubMed: 38942707
DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2024.05.021 -
Korean Journal of Radiology Jul 2024This study systematically reviewed the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of molecular prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, focusing on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study systematically reviewed the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of molecular prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, focusing on the correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with hormone receptor status and prognostic biomarkers. Our meta-analysis includes data from 52 studies examining ADC values in relation to estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki-67 status. The results indicated significant differences in ADC values among different receptor statuses, with ER-positive, PgR-positive, HER2-negative, and Ki-67-positive tumors having lower ADC values compared to their negative counterparts. This study also highlights the potential of advanced DWI techniques such as intravoxel incoherent motion and non-Gaussian DWI to provide additional insights beyond ADC. Despite these promising findings, the high heterogeneity among the studies underscores the need for standardized DWI protocols to improve their clinical utility in breast cancer management.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Biomarkers, Tumor; Prognosis; Receptor, ErbB-2; Receptors, Estrogen; Receptors, Progesterone; Ki-67 Antigen
PubMed: 38942456
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.1188 -
Cancer Nursing Jun 2024Interventions to foster resilience may promote mental health recovery after exposure to stressors. However, comprehensive systematic syntheses of such evidence in family...
BACKGROUND
Interventions to foster resilience may promote mental health recovery after exposure to stressors. However, comprehensive systematic syntheses of such evidence in family members of pediatric cancer patients are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence for the effects of psychological interventions at fostering resilience in family members of pediatric cancer patients.
METHODS
PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and 9 other databases were searched for articles published until March 2023. Empirical studies on psychological interventions to improve resilience in family members of pediatric cancer patients were included. Full-text and quality appraisals were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were included, of which 10 were included in the meta-analyses. There was a positive effect of interventions on resilience at postintervention time points, but no effects on depressive symptoms, stress, or well-being. The improvement in resilience was sustained in the short term (≤3 months) and medium term (>3 to ≤6 months), with delayed effects on depressive symptoms and stress. In the 6 studies that reported moderate effect sizes, the interventions comprised problem-solving skills, cognitive strategies, promotion of personal strength, and social resources.
CONCLUSION
The findings indicated that psychological interventions targeting resilience have the potential to positively affect the resilience and mental health outcomes of family members, particularly parents.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Psychological interventions targeting resilience hold promise in improving the mental health of family members. Future interventions should clearly specify the characteristics of the intervention, such as mode of delivery, format, and duration.
PubMed: 38941110
DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001368 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Jun 2024This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic value of echocardiography for Acute Heart Failure (AHF) and its utility in urgent clinical situations, emphasizing its...
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic value of echocardiography for Acute Heart Failure (AHF) and its utility in urgent clinical situations, emphasizing its significance for accurate and timely diagnosis in critical care.
METHODS
Relevant studies from databases like PubMed and Embase were selected using terms such as 'Ultrasound' and 'acute heart failure'. Inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating echocardiographic diagnosis in adult patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of AHF. Quality assessment was performed using RevMan 5.3 and QUADAS. Key metrics like sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were analyzed using STATA 15.1. The types of echocardiography assessed included transthoracic and focused cardiac ultrasound.
RESULTS
Eighteen articles were included, indicating echocardiography's high sensitivity (0.92) and specificity (0.96) in diagnosing AHF. The combined positive likelihood ratio of 23.2 suggests that patients with AHF are over 23 times more likely to have a positive echocardiography result than those without AHF, greatly influencing clinical decision-making toward confirming the diagnosis. The AUC of the SROC curve was 0.98, indicating excellent overall accuracy.
CONCLUSION
Echocardiography is highly accurate in diagnosing AHF, underscored by its critical role in early treatment decisions and potential integration into standard care protocols, thereby preventing adverse outcomes and improving patient management.
PubMed: 38940797
DOI: No ID Found -
Thyroid : Official Journal of the... Jun 2024Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) co-occur with a prevalence of about 30%. PTC harbouring BRAFV600E(PTC-BRAF) confers a worse prognosis,...
BACKGROUND
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) co-occur with a prevalence of about 30%. PTC harbouring BRAFV600E(PTC-BRAF) confers a worse prognosis, but it is unclear if LT alters prognostic features and recurrence of PTC.
OBJECTIVE
We compared prevalence of PTC-BRAF with and without LT. The risk of adverse pathologic features in (i) PTC-BRAF, irrespective of LT status, was compared to (ii)PTC with LT, irrespective of BRAF status.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science Core Collection for observational studies published from 2010 to June 2023 on adult patients with PTC. The search strategy yielded 47 studies with relevant data. Data of baseline characteristics, clinicopathological features and the quality assessment tool was extracted by two reviewers.
RESULTS
Of the 47 studies, 39 studies with a total cohort of 28 143, demonstrated the odds of PTC-BRAF was significantly lower in the presence on LT compared to its absence (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.48-0.58, p<0.00001). In PTC-BRAF patients, there was positive association of central neck nodal disease (CNND), PTC>1cm, extra-thyroidal extension, AJCC Stage 3-4 and multifocality with pooled OR 1.54 (95%CI:1.16-2.04), 1.14 (95%CI: 0.82- 1.58) , 1.66 (95%CI: 1.40-1.97), 1.53 (95% CI: 1.35-1.75) and 1.24 (95%CI: 1.11-1.40) respectively, compared to wild type PTC, irrespective of LT status. In the same studies, PTC with LT patients had lower pooled OR of 0.64 (95%CI: 0.51-0.81) for CNND, 0.83 (95%CI: 0.73 - 0.95) for PTC> 1cm, 0.71 (95%CI: 0.58-0.86) for ETE, 0.84 (95%CI: 0.75-0.94) for AJCC Stage 3-4 compared to PTC without LT, irrespective of BRAF status. PTC recurrence was not affected by BRAF or LT with pooled OR of 1.12 (95%CI: 0.66-1.90, p=0.67) and 0.60 (95%CI: 0.28-1.30, p=0.20) respectively. Similar results were seen with recurrence expressed as hazard ratio in this limited data-set.
CONCLUSION
The odds of PTC-BRAF is significantly lower in the presence of LT than without. PTC with LT, irrespective of BRAF status, was significantly associated with better prognostic factors. Further studies are required to evaluate if LT inhibits PTC-BRAF, and weather this is relevant to the role of immunotherapy in advanced thyroid cancer.
PubMed: 38940753
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0142 -
Health and Social Care Delivery Research Jun 2024People with learning disabilities are living longer. Despite government policy to encourage people to lead supported lives in their community, family carers often...
BACKGROUND
People with learning disabilities are living longer. Despite government policy to encourage people to lead supported lives in their community, family carers often maintain support due to dissatisfaction with services. This can lead to people moving from the family home in a crisis.
OBJECTIVES
(1) Find out what is known about health needs and resources for older people with learning disabilities (aged ≥ 40 years); (2) identify exemplars of good services for older people with learning disabilities; (3) explore service exemplars through ethnographic case studies; (4) evaluate support for older people with learning disabilities and their families through co-producing and testing future planning tools and (5) co-produce recommendations and resources.
DESIGN AND METHODS
Work package 1 rapid scoping reviews - three reviews focused on the health and social care needs of older people with learning disabilities and 'behaviours that challenge others', and family carers, and the co-ordination of support for this group. Work package 2 scoping and mapping exemplars of good practice - analysis of published service standards to assess excellence criteria, by mapping services, interviews ( = 30), survey ( = 9) and informal discussion with commissioners. Work package 3 ethnography of case studies of exemplar provision; independent supported living ( = 4); residential/nursing home ( = 2); day activities ( = 1), Shared Lives ( = 2). Fieldwork (20 days per model), interviews ( = 77) with older people with learning disabilities, family carers, support staff and commissioners. Work package 4 - co-producing and testing resources for older people with learning disabilities and their families involved interviews and focus groups with 36 people with learning disabilities, parents, and siblings, and experience-based co-design with 11 participants. Eight families evaluated the resources. Work package 5 - three stakeholder workshops co-produced service recommendations.
FINDINGS
The reviews confirmed an inadequate evidence base concerning the experiences and support of family carers and older people with learning disabilities and 'behaviours that challenge others'. Criteria of excellence were produced, and a shortlist of 15 services was identified for consideration in work package 3. The ethnographic work found that environmental, organisational and social factors were important, including supporting independence and choice about who people live with, matching staff to people, consistent relationships and adapting to ageing. Practices of institutionalisation were observed. In work package 4, we found that families were worried about the future and unsupported to explore options. 'Planning Ahead' cards and a booklet to record discussions were produced, and the evaluation was positively rated. Finally, formative discussion informed recommendations. Outputs include training packages, a carers' forum, a film, a podcast and academic papers.
CONCLUSIONS
There is little focus on older people with learning disabilities and family carers. Services vary in their approach to planning for older-age support. Families are unsupported to plan, leaving people without choice. 'Behaviours that challenge others' was found to be unhelpful terminology. Recommendations: A new strategy is recommended for older people with learning disabilities and family carers that encompasses commissioning practices, professional input and peer learning, proactive support in ageing well and excellent service design.
LIMITATIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic created recruitment challenges. Reliance on providers for recruitment resulted in a lack of diversity in work package 3. Families' plans, and therefore change, may be frustrated by insufficient service resources.
FUTURE WORK
Given the lack of focus in this area, there is a range of future work to consider: experiences of older people with learning disabilities from diverse ethnic backgrounds; supporting people to age and die 'in place'; best practice regarding designing/commissioning services, including housing; the role of social workers; access to nature; accessing mainstream support; and evaluation of the 'Planning Ahead' cards.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial is registered as ISRCTN74264887.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR129491) and is published in full in ; Vol. 12, No. 16. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Humans; Caregivers; Aged; Learning Disabilities; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Social Support; Qualitative Research; Aged, 80 and over; Anthropology, Cultural; Health Services Needs and Demand
PubMed: 38940476
DOI: 10.3310/MTHW2644 -
American Journal of Infection Control Jun 2024Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has emerged as a significant healthcare-associated infection carrying substantial mortality. We aimed to assess the...
BACKGROUND
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has emerged as a significant healthcare-associated infection carrying substantial mortality. We aimed to assess the clinical impact of active screening cultures for CRAB.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis, aiming to answer two questions: 1. Does screening vs no screening improve clinical outcomes? 2. Does positive screening ("CRAB carrier") predict CRAB infections? We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and conferences, until January 2024, comparative studies reporting clinical outcomes (mortality, invasive CRAB infections).
RESULTS
Of 5,407 screened publications, 9 studies (10,865 individuals) were included for study question #2. Invasive CRAB infection rate was significantly higher among CRAB carriers (odds ratio [OR] 11.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.95-25.05, with substantial heterogeneity stemming from size rather than direction of the effect). Negative predictive value (NPV) of non-carriage for invasive infection was 97%. CRAB bloodstream infections rate was significantly higher among carriers (OR 16.23, 95% CI 2.9-110.08). No significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups CRAB ventilator-associated pneumonia, length of stay, and mortality. Only one study reported outcomes for the screening vs no screening (study question #1).
CONCLUSIONS
Data to support active CRAB screening are scarce regarding its clinical benefit for patients. Positively screened patients are at significantly higher risk for invasive CRAB infections, with high NPV for non-carriage. This did not translate to reduced mortality.
PubMed: 38936479
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.06.017 -
Journal of Nursing Care Quality Jun 2024Nurse-led interventions in ophthalmology care can enhance the overall patient experience while optimizing health care system efficiency.
BACKGROUND
Nurse-led interventions in ophthalmology care can enhance the overall patient experience while optimizing health care system efficiency.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nurse-led interventions in ophthalmology care.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases for articles published from 2000 to 2023. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational studies were included. Quality assessments were performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, based on study design.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies were included. Nurse-led interventions positively impacted patient outcomes, improved efficiency and resource utilization, enhanced patient satisfaction and adherence, maintained safety and efficacy, and demonstrated notable diagnostic accuracy. Included studies originated from different countries and employed diverse methodologies, offering a global perspective on nurse-led interventions in ophthalmology care.
CONCLUSION
The findings advocate for the integration of nurse-led strategies in routine practice to realize equitable, efficient, and patient-centered eye care.
PubMed: 38936403
DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000788