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Psychiatry Research Jun 2024The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on mental health both in the general population and in individuals with preexisting mental disorders. Lockdown, social...
The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on mental health both in the general population and in individuals with preexisting mental disorders. Lockdown, social restrictions, changes in daily habits and limited access to health services led to changes in consultations in mental health services. This study aimed to determine changing trends in psychiatric admissions by the inclusion of adult patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona between 2019 and 2021. Acute admissions, social issues and psychiatric diagnoses were compared between years, seasons and considering the interaction between both years and seasons. A total of 13,677 individuals were included in the analysis. An overall reduction in consultations to the ED and a higher proportion of acute admissions was observed in 2020 in context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Increased prevalence of sleeping disorders and substance use disorders was found in 2020. Self-harming behavior, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior showed an increasing tendency over time, with their highest rates in 2021. Prevention and management strategies should be considered in order to address increasing needs in mental health care.
PubMed: 38943785
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116015 -
The Oncologist Jun 2024PREDICT is a web-based tool for forecasting breast cancer outcomes. PREDICT version 3.0 was recently released. This study aimed to validate this tool for a large...
BACKGROUND
PREDICT is a web-based tool for forecasting breast cancer outcomes. PREDICT version 3.0 was recently released. This study aimed to validate this tool for a large population in mainland China and compare v3.0 with v2.2.
METHODS
Women who underwent surgery for nonmetastatic primary invasive breast cancer between 2010 and 2020 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were selected. Predicted and observed 5-year overall survival (OS) for both v3.0 and v2.2 were compared. Discrimination was compared using receiver-operator curves and DeLong test. Calibration was evaluated using calibration plots and chi-squared test. A difference greater than 5% was deemed clinically relevant.
RESULTS
A total of 5424 patients were included, with median follow-up time of 58 months (IQR 38-89 months). Compared to v2.2, v3.0 did not show improved discriminatory accuracy for 5-year OS (AUC: 0.756 vs 0.771), same as ER-positive and ER-negative patients. However, calibration was significantly improved in v3.0, with predicted 5-year OS deviated from observed by -2.0% for the entire cohort, -2.9% for ER-positive and -0.0% for ER-negative patients, compared to -7.3%, -4.7% and -13.7% in v2.2. In v3.0, 5-year OS was underestimated by 9.0% for patients older than 75 years, and 5.8% for patients with micrometastases. Patients with distant metastases postdiagnosis was overestimated by 10.6%.
CONCLUSIONS
PREDICT v3.0 reliably predicts 5-year OS for the majority of Chinese patients with breast cancer. PREDICT v3.0 significantly improved the predictive accuracy for ER-negative groups. Furthermore, caution is advised when interpreting 5-year OS for patients aged over 70, those with micrometastases or metastases postdiagnosis.
PubMed: 38943540
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae164 -
Health Technology Assessment... Jun 2024Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder in industrialised societies. The prevalence of gallstones in the adult population is estimated to be... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder in industrialised societies. The prevalence of gallstones in the adult population is estimated to be approximately 10-15%, and around 80% remain asymptomatic. At present, cholecystectomy is the default option for people with symptomatic gallstone disease.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of observation/conservative management compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for preventing recurrent symptoms and complications in adults presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones in secondary care.
DESIGN
Parallel group, multicentre patient randomised superiority pragmatic trial with up to 24 months follow-up and embedded qualitative research. Within-trial cost-utility and 10-year Markov model analyses. Development of a core outcome set for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease.
SETTING
Secondary care elective settings.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstone disease referred to a secondary care setting were considered for inclusion.
INTERVENTIONS
Participants were randomised 1: 1 at clinic to receive either laparoscopic cholecystectomy or observation/conservative management.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was quality of life measured by area under the curve over 18 months using the Short Form-36 bodily pain domain. Secondary outcomes included the Otago gallstones' condition-specific questionnaire, Short Form-36 domains (excluding bodily pain), area under the curve over 24 months for Short Form-36 bodily pain domain, persistent symptoms, complications and need for further treatment. No outcomes were blinded to allocation.
RESULTS
Between August 2016 and November 2019, 434 participants were randomised (217 in each group) from 20 United Kingdom centres. By 24 months, 64 (29.5%) in the observation/conservative management group and 153 (70.5%) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group had received surgery, median time to surgery of 9.0 months (interquartile range, 5.6-15.0) and 4.7 months (interquartile range 2.6-7.9), respectively. At 18 months, the mean Short Form-36 norm-based bodily pain score was 49.4 (standard deviation 11.7) in the observation/conservative management group and 50.4 (standard deviation 11.6) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. The mean area under the curve over 18 months was 46.8 for both groups with no difference: mean difference -0.0, 95% confidence interval (-1.7 to 1.7); -value 0.996; = 203 observation/conservative, = 205 cholecystectomy. There was no evidence of differences in quality of life, complications or need for further treatment at up to 24 months follow-up. Condition-specific quality of life at 24 months favoured cholecystectomy: mean difference 9.0, 95% confidence interval (4.1 to 14.0), < 0.001 with a similar pattern for the persistent symptoms score. Within-trial cost-utility analysis found observation/conservative management over 24 months was less costly than cholecystectomy (mean difference -£1033). A non-significant quality-adjusted life-year difference of -0.019 favouring cholecystectomy resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £55,235. The Markov model continued to favour observation/conservative management, but some scenarios reversed the findings due to uncertainties in longer-term quality of life. The core outcome set included 11 critically important outcomes from both patients and healthcare professionals.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested that in the short term (up to 24 months) observation/conservative management may be a cost-effective use of National Health Service resources in selected patients, but subsequent surgeries in the randomised groups and differences in quality of life beyond 24 months could reverse this finding. Future research should focus on longer-term follow-up data and identification of the cohort of patients that should be routinely offered surgery.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial is registered as ISRCTN55215960.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 14/192/71) and is published in full in ; Vol. 28, No. 26. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Humans; Gallstones; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Conservative Treatment; Adult; Technology Assessment, Biomedical; Aged; United Kingdom; Markov Chains
PubMed: 38943314
DOI: 10.3310/MNBY3104 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Jun 2024Demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare disorders characterized by inflammation and the selective destruction of CNS myelin. The incidence...
BACKGROUND
Demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare disorders characterized by inflammation and the selective destruction of CNS myelin. The incidence of this disorder is increasing in developed countries. Nigerian studies on the pediatric population on the subject are very scarce.
AIMS
The aim of the study was to document the epidemiology, clinical profile, and impact of late presentation on the treatment outcome of demyelinating diseases of the CNS in pediatric patients.
METHODS
The retrospective review of patients aged 1-15 years admitted in a tertiary hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 with various symptoms suggestive of demyelinating CNS disorders. The diagnosis was clinically and radiologically confirmed. Information retrieved from the case notes included patients' demographics, clinical symptoms and signs, number of days with symptoms to presentation in the hospital, results of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatment, and treatment outcomes. Data were entered in Excel sheet and results were presented in tables and percentages.
RESULTS
The incidence of demyelinating disorders over the period was 0.013% (10 out of 769 patients admitted over the period). Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was the most common disorder seen in the study population (60%, n = 6), followed by transverse myelitis and two (20%) had optic neuritis (ON). Most of the patients with ADEM were in the 1-5-year age group. The female-to-male ratio was 2.3:1. Paraplegia, visual impairment, and ataxia were the most common clinical presentations in the study population. One of the patients met the criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis during follow-up. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was identified as the cause of demyelination in one case. Most of the patients improved with steroids.
CONCLUSION
ADEM was the most common clinical phenotype seen in this study. Patients with ADEM and ON had a better prognosis than transverse myelitis. Late presentation was also identified as a poor prognostic factor. Follow-up of cases is very important to monitor disease progression to multiple sclerosis.
Topics: Humans; Nigeria; Child; Female; Male; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Retrospective Studies; Infant; Demyelinating Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Incidence; Treatment Outcome; Myelitis, Transverse; Optic Neuritis
PubMed: 38943292
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_155_23 -
Health Expectations : An International... Aug 2024Providing personal demographic information is routine practice in the United States, and yet, little is known about the impacts of this process. This study aims to...
OBJECTIVES
Providing personal demographic information is routine practice in the United States, and yet, little is known about the impacts of this process. This study aims to examine the experiences and perspectives of Multiracial/ethnic adults in the United States when disclosing racial/ethnic identity.
METHODS
Seventeen semistructured interviews were conducted with adults identifying as Multiracial/ethnic. The Multiracial/ethnic identities of participants included Black or African American and White; Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Hispanic or Latino; Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino; Black or African American and AI/AN; AI/AN and White and Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and White. Multiple participants reported identifying with multiple ethnic groups for any single broad category. Three identified as sexual minorities. Nine were Millennials; six were Gen X; one was Gen Z; one was Baby Boomer. Qualitative data were analyzed using staged hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Disclosure of racial and ethnic identities presents a unique stressor for Multiracial/ethnic populations due to methods used to obtain data, perceived mismatch of identity and phenotype and exposure to prejudice. Social norms, constructs and movements impact the categories that a Multiracial/ethnic person indicates to external parties.
CONCLUSIONS
The stress and negative feelings that Multiracial/ethnic adults face when identifying their race/ethnicity underscore the broader implications of standard demographic questions on feelings of inclusivity and visibility within a population.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Gathering data on individuals' racial and ethnic backgrounds is a standard practice, and yet, it can pose challenges for those who identify with multiple groups or do not see their identities reflected in the options provided. Such individuals may feel excluded or experience unfair treatment when disclosing their identity, leading to significant stress. As the frequency of this data collection increases, it is essential that the questions are posed empathetically and equitably, with a strong commitment to enhancing inclusivity throughout the process.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adult; United States; Middle Aged; Social Identification; Interviews as Topic; Qualitative Research; Ethnicity; Racial Groups; Aged; Disclosure
PubMed: 38943250
DOI: 10.1111/hex.14083 -
Trials Jun 2024Most patients starting chronic in-center hemodialysis (HD) receive conventional hemodialysis (CHD) with three sessions per week targeting specific biochemical clearance....
Comparative effectiveness of an individualized model of hemodialysis vs conventional hemodialysis: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial (the TwoPlus trial).
BACKGROUND
Most patients starting chronic in-center hemodialysis (HD) receive conventional hemodialysis (CHD) with three sessions per week targeting specific biochemical clearance. Observational studies suggest that patients with residual kidney function can safely be treated with incremental prescriptions of HD, starting with less frequent sessions and later adjusting to thrice-weekly HD. This trial aims to show objectively that clinically matched incremental HD (CMIHD) is non-inferior to CHD in eligible patients.
METHODS
An unblinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial will be conducted across diverse healthcare systems and dialysis organizations in the USA. Adult patients initiating chronic hemodialysis (HD) at participating centers will be screened. Eligibility criteria include receipt of fewer than 18 treatments of HD and residual kidney function defined as kidney urea clearance ≥3.5 mL/min/1.73 m and urine output ≥500 mL/24 h. The 1:1 randomization, stratified by site and dialysis vascular access type, assigns patients to either CMIHD (intervention group) or CHD (control group). The CMIHD group will be treated with twice-weekly HD and adjuvant pharmacologic therapy (i.e., oral loop diuretics, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium binders). The CHD group will receive thrice-weekly HD according to usual care. Throughout the study, patients undergo timed urine collection and fill out questionnaires. CMIHD will progress to thrice-weekly HD based on clinical manifestations or changes in residual kidney function. Caregivers of enrolled patients are invited to complete semi-annual questionnaires. The primary outcome is a composite of patients' all-cause death, hospitalizations, or emergency department visits at 2 years. Secondary outcomes include patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes. We aim to enroll 350 patients, which provides ≥85% power to detect an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.9 between CMIHD and CHD with an IRR non-inferiority of 1.20 (α = 0.025, one-tailed test, 20% dropout rate, average of 2.06 years of HD per patient participant), and 150 caregiver participants (of enrolled patients).
DISCUSSION
Our proposal challenges the status quo of HD care delivery. Our overarching hypothesis posits that CMIHD is non-inferior to CHD. If successful, the results will positively impact one of the highest-burdened patient populations and their caregivers.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05828823. Registered on 25 April 2023.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Time Factors; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Equivalence Trials as Topic; United States; Kidney Failure, Chronic
PubMed: 38943204
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08281-9 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Jun 2024Upper Cross Syndrome is a pattern of muscle imbalance and postural dysfunction that can cause discomfort and pain. This study's objective was to compare the effects of...
INTRODUCTION
Upper Cross Syndrome is a pattern of muscle imbalance and postural dysfunction that can cause discomfort and pain. This study's objective was to compare the effects of Pilates exercises, corrective exercises, and Alexander's technique on upper cross syndrome in adolescent girls aged 13-16 years: a six-week intervention study.
METHODS
The present study was Quasi-experimental, and its statistical population consisted of 13 to 16-year-old female students. Forty-five students who were diagnosed with upper cross syndrome were purposefully selected as samples and randomly assigned to three groups: Pilates exercises (N = 15), corrective exercises (N = 15), and Alexander's technique (N = 15). The participants performed exercises for 60 min per session, three sessions per week, and six weeks. This study's objective was to compare the effects of Pilates exercises, corrective exercises, and Alexander's technique on upper cross syndrome in adolescent girls aged 13-16 years: a six-week intervention study. This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) on 2023-09-19 to comply with the journal's policies. The assigned trial registration number is IRCT20230810059106N1.
RESULTS
The results of the dependent t-test showed significant decreases in forward head angle (p = 0.0001), rounded shoulder (p = 0.001), and kyphosis (p = 0.0001) as a result of corrective exercises. There were also significant decreases in forward head angle (p = 0.0001), rounded shoulder (p = 0.002), and kyphosis (p = 0.001) after six weeks of practising Alexander's technique. However, in the case of Pilates exercises, a significant decrease in forward head angle (p = 0.110), rounded shoulder (p = 0.598), and kyphosis (p = 0.371) was not observed. The one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the forward head angle (p = 0.012), rounded shoulders (p = 0.013), and kyphosis (p = 0.009).
CONCLUSIONS
The effect of Alexander's technique and corrective exercises on forward head angle, rounded shoulder, and kyphosis abnormalities was almost similar and more effective than pilates exercises.
PubMed: 38943175
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00933-2 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology Jun 2024The Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, has been implicated in the risk of ischemic stroke. However, the interplay between TyG...
BACKGROUND
The Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, has been implicated in the risk of ischemic stroke. However, the interplay between TyG levels, lifestyle factors, and their collective impact on stroke risk in non-diabetic populations remains inadequately explored. This study aims to evaluate the association of ischemic stroke with the joint development of the TyG index and lifestyle in the non-diabetic population.
METHODS
In this prospective cohort study, data was collected across three consecutive biennial surveys of the Kailuan Study from 2006 to 2011. The dual-trajectory model was used to determine the temporal development of TyG levels and lifestyle scores. Statistical analysis involved Cox regression models to evaluate the association between TyG-lifestyle trajectories and ischemic stroke risk, adjusting for potential confounders.
RESULTS
A total of 44,403 participants were included, with five distinct TyG levels and lifestyle scores trajectory subtypes identified. In the multivariable-adjusted analyses, significant differences in ischemic stroke risk among the trajectory subtypes. Group 5, characterized by the highest TyG levels and moderate lifestyle scores, exhibited the greatest ischemic stroke risk (HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.51-2.18), while group 4, with moderate TyG levels and higher lifestyle scores, demonstrated the lowest risk (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.37), compared with group 3. Participants with elevated TyG levels were at an increased risk of ischemic stroke in cases of pronounced insulin resistance, even with a healthy lifestyle.
CONCLUSIONS
This study reveals the significant associations between the identified TyG and lifestyle trajectories and the stratification of ischemic stroke risk among non-diabetics. The TyG index is a valuable indicator for assessing insulin resistance. However, the potential benefits of lifestyle changes for those with significantly high TyG levels need to be clarified by more research to develop more effective stroke prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Prospective Studies; Ischemic Stroke; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; China; Aged; Insulin Resistance; Life Style; Triglycerides; Risk Reduction Behavior; Time Factors; Adult; Prognosis; Healthy Lifestyle
PubMed: 38943172
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02313-z -
Nutrition Journal Jun 2024Choline is a nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of the body with a multidimensional impact on human health. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Choline is a nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of the body with a multidimensional impact on human health. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the dietary intake of choline are limited. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze current trends in choline intake in European and non-European populations. The secondary aim was to discuss possible future choline trends.
METHODS
The search strategy involved a systematic approach to identifying relevant literature that met specific inclusion criteria. Observational studies and randomized clinical trials were searched for in PubMed and Scopus databases from January 2016 to April 2024. This review includes the characteristics of study groups, sample sizes, methods used to assess choline intake and time period, databases used to determine intake, choline intakes, and the main sources of choline in the diet. The review considered all population groups for which information on choline intake was collected.
RESULTS
In most studies performed in Europe after 2015 choline intake did not exceed 80% of the AI standard value. The mean choline intake for adults in different European countries were 310 mg/day, while the highest value was reported for Polish men at 519 mg/day. In non-European countries, mean choline intakes were 293 mg/day and above. The main reported sources of choline in the diet are products of animal origin, mainly eggs and meat. The available data describing the potential intake of these products in the EU in the future predict an increase in egg intake by another 8% compared to 2008-2019 and a decrease in meat intake by about 2 kg per capita from 2018 to 2030.
CONCLUSIONS
In the last decade, choline intake among adults has been insufficient, both in Europe and outside it. In each population group, including pregnant women, choline intake has been lower than recommended. Future choline intake may depend on trends in meat and egg consumption, but also on the rapidly growing market of plant-based products. However, the possible changes in the intake of the main sources of choline may lead to either no change or a slight increase in overall choline intake.
Topics: Humans; Choline; Europe; Diet; Female; Male; Adult
PubMed: 38943150
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-024-00970-0 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Jun 2024An under-recognised aspect of the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is the impact of the war on the environment and the associated risks for human health. This...
An under-recognised aspect of the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is the impact of the war on the environment and the associated risks for human health. This commentary contextualises these impacts against the background of human suffering produced by the overwhelming violence associated with the use of military force against the general population of Gaza. In calling for an immediate cessation to the violence, the authors draw attention to the urgent need to rebuild the health care system and restore the physical and human infrastructure that makes a liveable environment possible and promotes human health and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable in the population. Environmental remediation should therefore form one of the most important parts of international efforts to assist reconstruction, through which we hope Palestinians and Israelis will achieve lasting peace, health, and sustainable development, all as part of accepted international human rights obligations.
Topics: Humans; Middle East; Public Health; Violence; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Environmental Health
PubMed: 38943149
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01097-9