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AnteayerInterdisciplinares

A standardized wound infection model for antimicrobial testing of wound dressings in vitro

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against wound infections, experiments using either 2D cultures with planktonic microorganisms or animal infection models are frequently carried out. However, the transferability of the results to human skin is limited by the lack of complexity of the 2D models or by the poor translation of the results from animal models. Hence, there is a need for wound infection models capable of assessing antimicrobial agents. In this study, an easily standardized wound infection model was established. This model consists of a mechanically wounded human skin model on a collagen matrix infected with various clinically relevant bacteria. Infection of the model led to recognition of the pathogens and induction of an inflammatory response. The untreated infection spread over time, causing significant tissue damage. By applying an antimicrobial-releasing wound dressing, the bacterial load could be reduced and the success of the treatment could be further measured by a decrease in the inflammatory reaction. In conclusion, this wound infection model can be used to evaluate new antimicrobial therapeutics as well as to study host-pathogen interactions.

Parecoxib decreases cellular growth and Bcl‐2 protein levels in primary cultures of keloid fibroblasts

Abstract

Keloids seem to overexpress cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), suggesting a role in its deregulated pathway in inducing an altered epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, which may be responsible for the overgrowth of dermal components resulting in scars or keloid lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Parecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, on cell growth in fibroblast primary cultures obtained from human keloid tissues. Tissue explants were obtained from patients who underwent intralesional excision of untreated keloids; central fractions were isolated from keloid tissues and used for establishing distinct primary cultures. Appropriate aliquots of Parecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor were diluted to obtain the concentration used in the experimental protocols in vitro (1, 10 or 100 μM). Treatment with Parecoxib (at all concentrations) caused a significant decrease in cellular growth from 24 hours onwards, and with a maximum at 72 hours (P < .02). Moreover, at 72 hours Parecoxib significantly reduced cellular vitality. Parecoxib treatment also induced an increase in fragmented nuclei with a maximum effect at 100 μM and a significant decrease in Bcl-2 and an increase in activated caspase-3 protein levels at 72 hours compared with control untreated cultures. Our findings suggest a potential use of the COX-2 inhibitor, Parecoxib, as the therapy for keloids.

A systematic review of the impact of compression therapy on quality of life and pain among people with a venous leg ulcer

Abstract

Aim

To gain a greater understanding of how compression therapy affects quality of life, this systematic review appraised existing published studies measuring the impact of compression therapy on health quality of life (HRQoL), and pain, among people with venous leg ulcers (VLU).

Method

Five databases were searched, and two authors extracted data and appraised the quality of selected papers using the RevMan risk of bias tool. Due to heterogeneity in the types of compression and instruments used to evaluate HRQoL, meta-analysis was not appropriate; thus, a narrative synthesis of findings was undertaken.

Results

Ten studies were included, 9 RCTs and one before-after study. The studies employed nine different HRQoL tools to measure the impact of a variety of compression therapy systems, with or without an additional exercise programme, versus other compression systems or usual care, and the results are mixed. With the use of the Cardiff Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule, the SF-8 and the SF-12, study authors found no differences in QoL scores between the study groups. This is similar to one study using QUALYs (Iglesias et al., 2004). Conversely, for studies using EuroQol-5D, VEINES-QOL, SF-36 and CIVIQ-20 differences in QoL scores between the study groups were noted, in favour of the study intervention groups. Two further studies using QUALYs found results that favoured a two-layer cohesive compression bandage and the TLCCB group, respectively. Results for the five studies that assessed pain are also mixed, with one study finding no difference between study groups, one finding that pain increased over the study period and three studies finding that pain reduced in the intervention groups. All studies were assessed as being at risk of bias in one or more domains.

Conclusion

Results were varied, reflecting uncertainty in determining the impact of compression therapy on quality of life and pain among people with a venous leg ulcer. The heterogeneity of the compression systems and the measures used to evaluate HRQoL make it a challenge to interpret the overall evidence. Further studies should strive for homogeneity in design, interventions and comparators to enhance both internal and external validity.

Beyond the burn: An observational study of cardiovascular risk in burn survivors in the north of Iran

Abstract

Burn survivors experience profound physiological changes following injury, which may have lasting implications for cardiovascular health. This study aims to investigate the cardiovascular risk profile among burn survivors treated at a burn center in northern Iran. This observational study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 at the burn centre affiliated with Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. This study assessed a cohort study of 210 burn survivors, focusing on individuals with ≥20% TBSA burn injuries who had recovered and returned to their daily lives. This study assessed patients' lipid profiles, Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) and risk factors, including demographics, clinical variables and physical activity. Statistical analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age was 49.23 years, and the mean TBSA burned was 37.06%. The risk of cardiovascular disease in 66% of the study population was less than 10%, and in 13%, it was more than 20%. Significant associations were identified between CVD risk and sex, diabetes, hypertension, BMI, TBSA burned, years after burn, physical activity level and LDL. Of the lipid profile measures, LDL, triglycerides and TC/HDL exceeded the desirable levels. This research highlights the heightened cardiovascular risk in burn survivors, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions and regular monitoring. Identifying modifiable risk factors enables healthcare practitioners to develop tailored strategies, enhancing cardiovascular health in this vulnerable population and improving overall outcomes and quality of life.

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

Introduction

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

Methods and analysis

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

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

Ethics and dissemination

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

Trial registration number

NCT04207892.

National cross-sectional cluster survey of tuberculosis prevalence in Timor-Leste: a study protocol

Por: Lopes · C. · Joao · J. C. · Lowbridge · C. · Martins · N. · dos Santos · R. I. G. · da Silva · E. · Dias · J. · Ramalingam · S. · Amaral · S. · Oakley · T. · Ico · L. d. C. · Sarmento · N. · Yan · J. · Francis · J. R.
Introduction

Timor-Leste has one of the world’s highest estimated tuberculosis (TB) incidences, yet the data which informs this estimate is limited and the true burden of TB disease is not known. TB prevalence surveys offer the best means of determining robust estimates of disease burden. This study aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB in Timor-Leste and provide additional insights into diagnostic coverage and health-seeking behaviour of persons with symptoms suggestive of TB.

Methods and analysis

A national population-based cross-sectional cluster survey will be conducted in which participants aged 15 years and older will be screened for pulmonary TB using an algorithm consisting of symptom screening and digital X-ray of the chest with computer-aided detection software for X-ray interpretation. Xpert Ultra and liquid culture methods will be used to confirm survey TB cases. Additional data will be collected from persons reporting symptoms suggestive of TB to assess health-seeking behaviour and access to TB diagnosis and care. The survey aims to screen a target sample population of 20 068 people, living within 50 clusters, representing every municipality of Timor-Leste. Bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB prevalence will be estimated using WHO-recommended methods.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval has been granted by the human research ethics committee of the Northern Territory, Australia, and the Instituto Nacional da Saúde, Timor-Leste. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and disseminated with relevant stakeholders.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000718640.

Multicentre randomised trial of screening with sFlt1/PlGF and planned delivery to prevent pre-eclampsia at term: protocol of the PE37 study

Por: Llurba · E. · Crispi · F. · Crovetto · F. · Youssef · L. · Delgado · J. L. · Puig · I. · Mora · J. · Krofta · L. · Mackova · K. · Martinez-Varea · A. · Tubau · A. · Ruiz · A. · Paya · A. · Prat · M. · Chantraine · F. · Comas · C. · Kajdy · A. · Lopez-Tinajero · M. F. · Figueras · F. · Gratac
Introduction

Pre-eclampsia affects ~5%–7% of pregnancies. Although improved obstetric care has significantly diminished its associated maternal mortality, it remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the world. Term pre-eclampsia accounts for 70% of all cases and a large proportion of maternal–fetal morbidity related to this condition. Unlike in preterm pre-eclampsia, the prediction and prevention of term pre-eclampsia remain unsolved. Previously proposed approaches are based on combined third-trimester screening and/or prophylactic drugs, but these policies are unlikely to be widely implementable in many world settings. Recent evidence shows that the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (s-Flt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio measured at 35–37 weeks’ gestation predicts term pre-eclampsia with an 80% detection rate. Likewise, recent studies demonstrate that induction of labour beyond 37 weeks is safe and well accepted by women. We hypothesise that a single-step universal screening for term pre-eclampsia based on sFlt1/PlGF ratio at 35–37 weeks followed by planned delivery beyond 37 weeks reduces the prevalence of term pre-eclampsia without increasing the caesarean section rates or worsening the neonatal outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We propose an open-label randomised clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a screening of term pre-eclampsia with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio followed by planned delivery in asymptomatic nulliparous women at 35–37 weeks. Women will be assigned 1:1 to revealed (sFlt-1/PlGF known to clinicians) versus concealed (unknown) arms. A cut-off of >90th centile is used to define the high risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia and offer planned delivery from 37 weeks. The efficacy variables will be analysed and compared between groups primarily following an intention-to-treat approach, by ORs and their 95% CI. This value will be computed using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model for binary response (study group as fixed effect and the centre as intercept random effect).

Ethics and dissemination

The study is conducted under the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This study was accepted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clinic Barcelona on 20 November 2020. Subsequent approval by individual ethical committees and competent authorities was granted. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04766866.

Efficacy of a digital lifestyle intervention on health-related QUAlity of life in non-small cell LUng CAncer survivors following inpatient rehabilitation: protocol of the QUALUCA Swiss multicentre randomised controlled trial

Por: Weber · M. · Raab · A. M. · Schmitt · K.-U. · Büsching · G. · Marcin · T. · Spielmanns · M. · Puhan · M. A. · Frei · A.
Introduction

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors suffer from impaired physical and psychological functioning and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that persist after active treatment ends. Sustaining rehabilitation benefits, promoting a healthy lifestyle and facilitating self-management at home require a multifaceted aftercare programme. We aim to investigate the effect of a 12-week digital lifestyle intervention on HRQoL and lifestyle-related outcomes in NSCLC survivors after completion of inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods and analysis

QUAlity of life in LUng CAncer Survivors (QUALUCA) is a multicentre randomised controlled trial that follows a hybrid type 1 design. We randomly allocate participants in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (digital lifestyle intervention) or the control group (standard care) using block randomisation stratified by tumour stage and study site. Four accredited Swiss inpatient rehabilitation centres recruit participants. Key inclusion criteria are a diagnosis of NSCLC, an estimated life expectancy of ≥6 months and access to a smartphone or tablet. The 12-week intervention comprises physical activity, nutrition and breathing/relaxation, delivered through a mobile application (app). The primary outcome is the change in HRQoL from baseline (1 week after rehabilitation) to follow-up (3 months after baseline), assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Secondary outcomes include body mass index, self-reported physical activity, exercise capacity, risk of low protein intake, appetite, psychological distress, cancer-related fatigue, enablement and self-rated health. Explanatory outcomes in the intervention group include app usability, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention, experiences and satisfaction with the intervention, and app usage data. We aim to enrol 88 participants. For the main statistical analysis, we will use analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline measures, stratification variables, age and sex.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committees of the Canton of Zurich (lead), the Canton of Bern and Northwest and Central Switzerland approved the study (2023-00245). We will disseminate study results to researchers, health professionals, study participants and relevant organisations, and through publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05819346.

Cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation among higher secondary school adolescents in an urban city of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Por: Kunwar · S. · Sharma · S. · Marasini · S. · Joshi · A. · Adhikari · A. · Ranjit · A. · Byanju Shrestha · I. · Shrestha · A. · Shrestha · A. K. · Karmacharya · B. M.
Objective

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation among high school adolescents of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal.

Participants

We used convenient sampling to enrol 450 adolescents aged 16–19 years from four distinct higher secondary schools in Pokhara Metropolitan City.

Outcome measures

We administered the Cyberbullying and an Online Aggression Survey to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs. Data were analysed using STATA V.13.

Results

The 30-day prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation was 14.4% and 19.8%, and the over-the-lifetime prevalence was 24.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Posting mean or hurtful comments online was the most common form of both cyberbullying and cyber-victimisation. Compared with females, males were more likely to be involved in cyberbullying (adjusted OR (AOR)=13.52; 95% CI: 6.04 to 30.25; p value

Conclusion

The study recommends the implementation of cyber-safety educational programmes, and counselling services including the rational use of internet and periodic screening for cyberbullying in educational institutions. The enforcement of strong anti-bullying policies and regulations could be helpful to combat the health-related consequences of cyberbullying.

Analysis of problems and potentials for increasing pandemic resilience in public health administrations in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany--a mixed-methods approach

Por: Samtlebe · P. · Niemann · J. · Markert · J. · Knöchelmann · A. · Bernard · M.
Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of resilient, modern, and well-equipped public health administrations from national to communal levels. In Germany, the surveillance, contact tracing, and local adaptions went through local health offices, revealing both their important role and also their lack of equipment and general preparation for health crises. Research on the mode of operation of the public health service (PHS), especially in a time of crisis, is rare. The present study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively assess problem areas, conflict potentials, and challenges that have become apparent for the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt during the pandemic. It focuses on the individual insight of employees of the PHS of Saxony-Anhalt and its 14 health offices to derive concrete needs and fields of action for increasing pandemic preparedness. Furthermore, the prospective personnel and resource-based requirements as well as the necessary structural and organisational changes of the public health departments are to be considered.

Methods and analysis

The study will follow a sequential mixed-methods approach. Introductory expert interviews (n=12) with leading staff of Saxony-Anhalt’s PHS will be conducted, followed by focus group interviews (n=4) with personnel from all departments involved in the pandemic response. Thereafter, a quantitative survey will be carried out to validate and complement the results of the qualitative phase.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained by the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg ethics commission (Ref number 2023-102). The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant peer-reviewed journals and give national and international oral presentations to researchers, members of the PHS, and policymakers.

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

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

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

Methods and analysis

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

Ethics and dissemination

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

Trial registration numb

NCT05996640

Biomechanical comparison of two surgical methods for Hallux Valgus deformity: Exploring the use of artificial neural networks as a decision-making tool for orthopedists

by Katarzyna Kaczmarczyk, Maria Zakynthinaki, Gabor Barton, Mateusz Baran, Andrzej Wit

Hallux Valgus foot deformity affects gait performance. Common treatment options include distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy and chevron osteotomy. Nonetheless, the current process of selecting the appropriate osteotomy method poses potential biases and risks, due to its reliance on subjective human judgment and interpretation. The inherent variability among clinicians, the potential influence of individual clinical experiences, or inherent measurement limitations may contribute to inconsistent evaluations. To address this, incorporating objective tools like neural networks, renowned for effective classification and decision-making support, holds promise in identifying optimal surgical approaches. The objective of this cross-sectional study was twofold. Firstly, it aimed to investigate the feasibility of classifying patients based on the type of surgery. Secondly, it sought to explore the development of a decision-making tool to assist orthopedists in selecting the optimal surgical approach. To achieve this, gait parameters of twenty-three women with moderate to severe Hallux Valgus were analyzed. These patients underwent either distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy or chevron osteotomy. The parameters exhibiting differences in preoperative and postoperative values were identified through various statistical tests such as normalization, Shapiro-Wilk, non-parametric Wilcoxon, Student t, and paired difference tests. Two artificial neural networks were constructed for patient classification based on the type of surgery and to simulate an optimal surgery type considering postoperative walking speed. The results of the analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between surgery type and postoperative gait parameters, with the first neural network achieving a remarkable 100% accuracy in classification. Additionally, cases were identified where there was a mismatch with the surgeon’s decision. Our findings highlight the potential of artificial neural networks as a complementary tool for surgeons in making informed decisions. Addressing the study’s limitations, future research may investigate a wider range of orthopedic procedures, examine additional gait parameters and use more diverse and extensive datasets to enhance statistical robustness.

Institutional capacity assessment in the lens of implementation research: Capacity of the local institutions in delivering WASH services at Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh

by Mahbubur Rahman, Mahbub-Ul Alam, Sharmin Khan Luies, Sharika Ferdous, Zahidul Mamun, Musarrat Jabeen Rahman, Debashish Biswas, Tazrina Ananya, Asadullah, Abul Kamal, Ritthick Chowdhury, Eheteshamul Russel Khan, Dara Johnston, Martin Worth, Umme Farwa Daisy, Tanvir Ahmed

Background

The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) has left the Southwest coastal district of Cox’s Bazar with one of the greatest contemporary humanitarian crises, stressing the existing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources and services. This study aimed to assess the existing capacity of local institutions involved in delivering WASH services and identify relevant recommendations for intervention strategies.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach, including interviews and capacity assessment workshops with institutions engaged in WASH service delivery. We conducted five key informant interviews (KII) with sub-district level officials of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) to have a general idea of WASH service mechanisms. Seven capacity assessment workshops were organized with the relevant district and sub-district level stakeholders from August 2019 to September 2019. These workshops followed three key areas: i) knowledge of policy, organizational strategy, guidelines, and framework; ii) institutional arrangements for service delivery such as planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting; and iii) availability and management of human, financial and infrastructural resources. Data were categorized using thematic content analysis.

Results

The majority of stakeholders lacked awareness of national WASH policies. Furthermore, the top-down planning approaches resulted in activities that were not context-specific, and lack of coordination between multiple institutions compromised the optimal WASH service delivery at the local level. Shortage of human resources in delivering sustainable WASH services, inadequate supervision, and inadequate evaluation of activities also required further improvement, as identified by WASH stakeholders.

Conclusion

Research evidence suggests that decision-makers, donors, and development partners should consider learning from the WASH implementers and stakeholders about their existing capacity, gaps, and opportunities before planning for any WASH intervention in any particular area.

Inflammatory markers in world trade center workers with asthma: Associations with post traumatic stress disorder

by Juan P. Wisnivesky, Nikita Agrawal, Jyoti Ankam, Adam Gonzalez, Alex Federman, Steven B. Markowitz, Janette M. Birmingham, Paula J. Busse

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) is associated with worse asthma outcomes in individuals exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) site.

Research question

Do WTC workers with coexisting PTSD and asthma have a specific inflammatory pattern that underlies the relationship with increased asthma morbidity?

Study design and methods

We collected data on a cohort of WTC workers with asthma recruited from the WTC Health Program. Diagnosis of PTSD was ascertained with a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders) and the severity of PTSD symptoms was assessed with the PTSD Checklist 5. We obtained blood and sputum samples to measure cytokines levels in study participants.

Results

Of the 232 WTC workers with diagnosis of asthma in the study, 75 (32%) had PTSD. PTSD was significantly associated with worse asthma control (p = 0.002) and increased resource utilization (p = 0.0002). There was no significant association (p>0.05) between most blood or sputum cytokines with PTSD diagnosis or PCL-5 scores both in unadjusted and adjusted analyses.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that PTSD is not associated with blood and sputum inflammatory markers in WTC workers with asthma. These findings suggest that other mechanisms likely explain the association between PTSD and asthma control in WTC exposed individuals.

Physical activity and cognitive function in adults born very preterm or with very low birth weight–an individual participant data meta-analysis

by Kristina Anna Djupvik Aakvik, Silje Dahl Benum, Marjaana Tikanmäki, Petteri Hovi, Katri Räikkönen, Sarah L. Harris, Lianne J. Woodward, Brian A. Darlow, Marit S. Indredavik, Stian Lydersen, Paul Jarle Mork, Eero Kajantie, Kari Anne I. Evensen

Objective

Individuals born very preterm ( Study design

Cohorts with data on physical activity and cognitive function in adults born very preterm/very low birth weight and term-born controls were recruited from the Research on European Children and Adults Born Preterm, and the Adults Born Preterm International Collaboration Consortia. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase.

Results

Five cohorts with 1644 participants aged 22–28 years (595 very preterm/very low birth weight and 1049 controls) were included. Adults born very preterm/very low birth weight reported 1.11 (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.54) hours less moderate to vigorous physical activity per week than controls, adjusted for cohort, age and sex. The difference between individuals born very preterm/very low birth weight and controls was larger among women than among men. Neither intelligence quotient nor self-reported executive function mediated the association between very preterm/very low birth weight and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Results were essentially the same when we excluded individuals with neurosensory impairments.

Conclusion

Adults born very preterm/very low birth weight, especially women, reported less moderate to vigorous physical activity than their term-born peers. Cognitive function did not mediate this association. Considering the risk of adverse health outcomes among individuals born preterm, physical activity could be a target for intervention.

An objective comparative study of non‐surgical cleansing techniques and cleanser types in bacterial burden management

Abstract

Cleansing is a vital component of effective wound hygiene and biofilm management, often accomplished through vigorous mechanical action or through soaking with moistened gauze. In the present study, a quantitative comparison of the effectiveness of different cleansing techniques and solutions in removing bacteria was conducted on 71 chronic wounds using bacterial fluorescence imaging as a real-time diagnostic for moderate to high bacterial loads. Vigorous gauze cleansing for 30 s proved most effective by reducing bacterial fluorescence by 33.99%, surpassing 10-min soaking in bacterial reduction (13.24%). Among different cleansers, no statistically significant differences in effectiveness were observed, but povidone-iodine showed the strongest trend towards bacterial reduction. Sub-analysis highlighted the superiority of antiseptic cleansers over saline and gentle soap (−33.30% vs. −1.80% bacterial reduction respectively). Five percent acetic acid was also shown to be more effective in removing specific bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Findings from studies like this contribute to refining wound hygiene guidelines and clinical algorithms for bacterial and biofilm management.

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

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

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

Methods and analysis

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

Ethics and dissemination

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

Trial registration number

NCT06018545.

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