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Continuous or discrete magnitudes? A comparative study between cats, dogs and humans

by Mireia Solé Pi, Luz A. Espino, Péter Szenczi, Marcos Rosetti, Oxána Bánszegi

A long-standing question in the study of quantity discrimination is what stimulus properties are controlling choice. While some species have been found to do it based on the total amount of stimuli and without using numerical information, others prefer numeric rather than any continuous magnitude. Here, we tested cats, dogs, and humans using a simple two-way spontaneous choice paradigm (involving food for the first two, images for the latter) to see whether numerosity or total surface area has a greater influence on their decision. We found that cats showed preference for the larger amount of food when the ratio between the stimuli was 0.5, but not when it was 0.67; dogs did not differentiate between stimuli presenting the two options (smaller vs. larger amount of food) regardless of the ratio between them, but humans did so almost perfectly. When faced with two stimuli of the same area but different shapes, dogs and humans exhibited a preference for certain shapes, particularly the circle, while cats’ choices seemed to be at chance level. Furthermore, cats’ and dogs’ reaction times were equal across conditions, while humans were quicker when choosing between stimuli in trials where the shape was the same, but the surface area was different, and even more so when asked to choose between two differently sized circle shapes. Results suggest that there is no universal rule regarding how to process quantity, but rather that quantity estimation seems to be tied to the ecological context of each species. Future work should focus on testing quantity estimation in different contexts and different sources of motivation.

Occurrence of advance care planning for persons with dementia, cancer and other chronic-progressive diseases in general practice: longitudinal analysis of data from health records linked with administrative data

Por: Hommel · D. · Azizi · B. · Visser · M. · Bolt · S. R. · Blom · J. W. · Janssen · D. J. A. · van Hout · H. P. J. · Francke · A. L. · Verheij · R. A. · Joling · K. J. · van der Steen · J. T.
Objectives

There are substantial barriers to initiate advance care planning (ACP) for persons with chronic-progressive disease in primary care settings. Some challenges may be disease-specific, such as communicating in case of cognitive impairment. This study assessed and compared the initiation of ACP in primary care with persons with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, organ failure and stroke.

Design

Longitudinal study linking data from a database of Dutch general practices’ electronic health records with national administrative databases managed by Statistics Netherlands.

Setting and participants

Data from general practice records of 199 034 community-dwelling persons with chronic-progressive disease diagnosed between 2008 and 2016.

Outcome measure

Incidence rate ratio (IRR) of recorded ACP planning conversations per 1000 person-years in persons with a diagnosis of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, organ failure, cancer or stroke, compared with persons without the particular diagnosis. Poisson regression and competing risk analysis were performed, adjusted for age, gender, migration background, living situation, frailty index and income, also for disease subsamples.

Results

In adjusted analyses, the rate of first ACP conversation for persons with organ failure was the lowest (IRR 0.70 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.73)). Persons with cancer had the highest rate (IRR 1.75 (95% CI 1.68 to 1.83)). Within the subsample of persons with organ failure, the subsample of persons with dementia and the subsample of stroke, a comorbid diagnosis of cancer increased the probability of ACP. Further, for those with organ failure or cancer, comorbid dementia decreased the probability of ACP.

Conclusions

Considering the complexity of initiating ACP for persons with organ failure or dementia, general practitioners should prioritise offering it to them and their family caregivers. Policy initiatives should stimulate the implementation of ACP for people with chronic-progressive disease.

Investigation of prophylactic clip haemorrhage control for colorectal cold snare polypectomy in patients taking antithrombotic drugs (PERCOLD): study protocol--a multicentre prospective parallel-group non-inferiority RCT phase 3 trial

Por: Okimoto · K. · Matsumura · T. · Taida · T. · Ishikawa · T. · Koshibu · Y. · Shu · N. · Ozeki · Y. · Furuya · M. · Mamiya · Y. · Nakazawa · H. · Ohyama · Y. · Takahashi · S. · Horio · R. · Goto · C. · Kurosugi · A. · Sonoda · M. · Kaneko · T. · Ohta · Y. · Matsusaka · K. · Inaba · Y. · Kato · J.
Introduction

The effect of prophylactic clipping for colorectal cold snare polypectomy (CSP) on delayed bleeding (DB) in patients with antithrombotic drugs remains unverified. The aim of the PERCOLD study is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of DB rates in cases without prophylactic clips compared with cases with prophylactic clips in patients taking antithrombotic drugs for colorectal CSP through randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre prospective parallel-group RCT phase 3 trial that is being conducted at 14 institutions in Japan at the time of writing this manuscript. After providing consent, patients will undergo screening and assessment for study enrolment eligibility. Patients taking antithrombotic drugs (aged 20 years or older at the time of consent and who have agreed to participate in this study) will be selected if they have a preoperative suspected adenoma (including sessile serrated lesion) with an endoscopic diameter of

Ethics and dissemination

The trial protocol has been approved by the Chiba University Certified Clinical Research Reviewer Board (CRB3180015), which serves as the central ethics committee, and registered with Japan Registry of Clinical Trials. The current protocol V.1.7, dated 4 October 2024. Written informed consent for participation in the study will be obtained from all participating patients. All participating institutions have formally agreed to conduct the study in accordance with this central approval, and local site permissions were obtained as required by each institution. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and the key findings will be presented at international scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT1032230086).

Barriers and enablers to healthcare access for older adults in Cambodia: perspectives of healthcare professionals - a qualitative study

Por: Maung · K. T. · Phou · S. · Hunsberger · M. · Santosa · A. · Ng · N. · Sopheab · H. · Chhea · C. · Eriksson · M.
Objective

To explore health professionals’ perspectives on the barriers and enablers of healthcare access for older adults in Cambodia.

Design

A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews conducted in Khmer, recorded, transcribed, translated into English and analysed using an abductive thematic analysis approach.

Setting

Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Participants

A purposive sample of 11 health professionals serving in diverse roles and sectors participated in the study.

Results

Three key barriers emerged: (1) institutional barriers, (2) patient-specific access barriers and (3) communication barriers. However, four key enablers were also identified: (1) supportive healthcare environment, (2) reaching out to improve access to health services, (3) peer and community engagement and (4) government direct support to access healthcare. Despite previous policy efforts, gaps in the implementation of healthcare services for older adults persist across all health facilities. Health professionals identified that improving healthcare access for older adults in Cambodia requires a multifaceted strategy involving proactive outreach, health promotion, financial assistance and stronger community and family support.

Conclusion

Effective policy implementation requires collaboration among stakeholders and the active involvement of older adults in programme design to enhance dignity and well-being in Cambodia’s ageing population.

Intrauterine high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy during pregnancy for women with a history of pregnancy ending in documented neonatal haemochromatosis (NH001): study protocol

Por: Sasaki · A. · Yachie · A. · Mizuta · K. · Takahashi · H. · Okada · N. · Toma · T. · Motomura · K. · Matsumoto · K. · Wada · Y. S. · Ito · Y. · Ito · R. · Kasahara · M. · Fukuda · A. · Inoue · E. · Yamaguchi · K. · Nakamura · H. · Wada · S. · Sako · M.
Introduction

Neonatal haemochromatosis, considered to be a gestational alloimmune liver disease (NH-GALD), is a rare but serious disease that results in fulminant hepatic failure. The recurrence rate of NH-GALD in a subsequent infant of a mother with an affected infant is 70%–90%. Recently, antenatal maternal high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been reported as being effective for preventing recurrence of NH-GALD in a subsequent infant. However, no clinical trial has been conducted to date.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre open-label, single-arm study of antenatal maternal high-dose IVIG therapy in pregnant women with a history of documented NH in a previous offspring. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antenatal maternal high-dose IVIG therapy in preventing or reducing the severity of alloimmune injury to the fetal liver.

Ethics and dissemination

The clinical trial is being performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The trial protocol was approved by the Clinical Research Review Board at four hospitals. Before enrolment, written informed consent would be obtained from eligible pregnant women. The results are expected to be published in a scientific journal.

Protocol version

28 October 2024, V.8.0.

Trial registration number

jRCT1091220353.

Investigating the use and impact of community Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews (C(E)TRs) in people with intellectual disability and autistic people: protocol for a cohort study using electronic health records

Por: McCoy · B. · Bell · L. · Wang · K. · Jin · H. · Hassiotis · A. · Strydom · A. · Downs · J. · Carter · B. · Shetty · H. · Stewart · R. · Ali · A. · Sheehan · R.
Introduction

Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews (C(E)TRs) are intended to reduce unnecessary psychiatric hospital admission and length of stay for people with intellectual disability and autistic people. The use and impact of C(E)TRs have not been systematically evaluated since their introduction in England in 2015. The aims of this study are to describe the demographic and clinical profiles of people who receive a community C(E)TR and to investigate their effects on admission, length of hospital stay and clinical and functional change.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a retrospective cohort study using de-identified data from electronic health records derived from two large National Health Service mental health providers in London, England, including one replication site. Data will be extracted using the Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) tool for all people with recorded intellectual disability and/or autism who received mental healthcare from 2015. We will identify community C(E)TR events using keyword searches. Community C(E)TRs will be examined in two ways: (1) In a community cohort, we will capture data in the 6-month periods before and after a community C(E)TR and compare this to a matched control group and (2) In a hospital cohort, we will compare groups who did and did not receive a community C(E)TR prior to their admission. We will describe the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of each group and their health service use, and compare C(E)TR and no C(E)TR groups using t-tests (or a non-parametric equivalent). The primary outcomes are admission to a psychiatric hospital (community cohort) and length of psychiatric hospital admission and clinical change (hospital cohort). Admission to psychiatric hospital will be estimated using propensity score weighting and difference-in-differences methods. Cox’s proportional hazard model will be used for length of hospital admission and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to assess clinical change.

Ethics and dissemination

Use of CRIS to examine de-identified clinical data for research purposes has overarching ethical approval. This study has been granted local approval by the South London and Maudsley CRIS Oversight Committee. Findings will be disseminated in an open-access peer-reviewed academic publication, at conference presentations, and to service users and carers in accessible formats.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of artificial intelligence among dietitians in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Por: Alhazmi · A. · Ibrahem · M. · Dawria · A.
Objectives

This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of licensed dietitians in Saudi Arabia regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in dietetics and identifies sociodemographic factors associated with higher AI knowledge and use, along with perceived benefits and concerns.

Design

Descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical component.

Setting

Conducted online across Saudi Arabia, targeting licensed dietitians in public and private healthcare sectors.

Participants

161 licensed dietitians completed the study. Inclusion criteria consisted of current registration and active practice in either clinical or community settings.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were levels of AI-related KAPs assessed via a structured questionnaire. The secondary outcomes examined associations between KAP and demographic factors.

Results

Among participants, 62.7% reported using AI in practice; 72.3% found it easy to use and 63.4% believed it improved their work. Higher knowledge was significantly linked to being aged 24–40, female, married, Saudi, a university graduate and employed (p

Conclusions

Dietitians in Saudi Arabia generally recognise AI’s value in dietetic practice, particularly in programme development and personalisation. However, concerns about diminished human interaction remain. Structured training and further longitudinal research are recommended to support balanced AI integration.

Understanding structured medication reviews delivered by clinical pharmacists in primary care in England: a national cross-sectional survey

Por: Agwunobi · A. J. · Seeley · A. E. · Tucker · K. L. · Bateman · P. A. · Clark · C. E. · Clegg · A. · Ford · G. · Gadhia · S. · Hobbs · F. D. R. · Khunti · K. · Lip · G. Y. H. · de Lusignan · S. · Mant · J. · McCahon · D. · Payne · R. A. · Perera · R. · Seidu · S. · Sheppard · J. P. · Willia
Objectives

This study explored how Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) are being undertaken and the challenges to their successful implementation and sustainability.

Design

A cross-sectional mixed methods online survey.

Setting

Primary care in England.

Participants

120 clinical pharmacists with experience in conducting SMRs in primary care.

Results

Survey responses were received from clinical pharmacists working in 15 different regions. The majority were independent prescribers (62%, n=74), and most were employed by Primary Care Networks (65%, n=78), delivering SMRs for one or more general practices. 61% (n=73) had completed, or were currently enrolled in, the approved training pathway. Patient selection was largely driven by the primary care contract specification: care home residents, patients with polypharmacy, patients on medicines commonly associated with medication errors, patients with severe frailty and/or patients using potentially addictive pain management medication. Only 26% (n=36) of respondents reported providing patients with information in advance. The majority of SMRs were undertaken remotely by telephone and were 21–30 min in length. Much variation was reported in approaches to conducting SMRs, with SMRs in care homes being deemed the most challenging due to additional complexities involved. Challenges included not having sufficient time to prepare adequately, address complex polypharmacy and complete follow-up work generated by SMRs, issues relating to organisational support, competing national priorities and lack of ‘buy-in’ from some patients and General Practitioners.

Conclusions

These results offer insights into the role being played by the clinical pharmacy workforce in a new country-wide initiative to improve the quality and safety of care for patients taking multiple medicines. Better patient preparation and trust, alongside continuing professional development, more support and oversight for clinical pharmacists conducting SMRs, could lead to more efficient medication reviews. However, a formal evaluation of the potential of SMRs to optimise safe medicines use for patients in England is now warranted.

Co-designing, evaluating and implementing online supportive care for endometriosis in Australia: study protocol for the hybrid type 1 effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation randomised controlled trial of the CodeEndo program

Por: Mikocka-Walus · A. · Naude · C. · Coitinho Biurra · Y. · Blake · L. · Bowring · J. · De Araugo · S. · Bassili · A. · Bennetts · S. K. · Hutchinson · A. M. · Ng · C. H. M. · Prasertsung · C. · Skvarc · D. · Aras · D. · Ciccia · D. · O · E. · Jacka · F. · Staudacher · H. M. · Varney · J. · A
Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting up to 11% of people presumed female at birth by the age of 44 years, characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus on other organs. Endometriosis significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and imposes a substantial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. International guidelines recommend the interdisciplinary management of endometriosis due to its significant biopsychosocial burden; however, research aimed at exploring psychological approaches for endometriosis is limited. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CodeEndo, an online co-designed interdisciplinary supportive care program, compared with a waitlist control (WLC), on HRQoL and biopsychosocial outcomes in people with a diagnosis of endometriosis.

Methods and analysis

A hybrid type 1 effectiveness and implementation randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either the CodeEndo program (n=176) or WLC group (n=176) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be HRQoL, and secondary outcomes will include psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, stress), self-efficacy, menstrual, bladder and gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, fatigue, sleep, exercise, diet, symptom bothersomeness and physical and psychological well-being, measured at 8 weeks post-randomisation (T2) and 6-month follow-up (T3). Cost-effectiveness will also be examined. Longitudinal qualitative individual interviews (up to n=40) will be conducted with participants who complete the CodeEndo program to explore benefits, barriers and facilitators of ongoing use. Additionally, the CodeEndo program will undergo evaluation by a group of endometriosis healthcare providers, who will assess potential barriers and facilitators to its real-world implementation. Various process evaluation strategies will also be measured to inform future implementation. Data analyses will incorporate mixed-effects regression models on an intention-to-treat basis, cost-consequences and cost-utility, dietary and qualitative thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol received ethics approval from Deakin University Research Ethics Committee (DUREC Ref: 2024-157). Dissemination is expected to include peer-reviewed journal articles, reports, conference presentations as well as websites or social media platforms of relevant chronic pain organisations. Participants will be sent a summary of trial results.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000598684p.

Study protocol for a prospective diagnostic accuracy study to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of serial ankle handheld Doppler waveform assessment (Ankle HHD) for surveillance after lower-limb revascularisation: WAVE study

Por: Alodayni · H. M. · Smith · S. · Poushpas · S. · Swagell · K. · Mandic · D. · Johnson · N. A. · Jaffer · U. · Davies · A. · Normahani · P.
Introduction

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects approximately one in five people over 60 in the UK. In severe cases, revascularisation, such as surgical bypass or endovascular methods, is often required to restore limb perfusion. Between 2000 and 2019, 527 131 revascularisation procedures were carried out in the UK. Postprocedural surveillance is essential to detect restenosis and maintain vessel patency. However, standard surveillance using duplex ultrasound (DUS) is resource intensive. Ankle Doppler waveform assessment is quick, inexpensive and accurate for PAD diagnosis, yet its role in postrevascularisation surveillance remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ankle handheld Doppler waveform assessment (ankle HHD) for detecting restenosis after lower limb revascularisation, as compared with formal DUS.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective diagnostic accuracy study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06619223). We aim to recruit 121 people with PAD undergoing planned lower limb revascularisation at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Follow-up assessments will take place at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post revascularisation. At each visit, a vascular scientist will perform the index test (Ankle HHD) followed by DUS as the reference standard. A subset of participants will undergo repeat testing to assess interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Restenosis will be defined as one or more arterial lesions of ≥50% stenosis or tandem lesions with a combined value of ≥50%. The primary outcome is the sensitivity of ankle Doppler waveform assessment for detecting restenosis, compared with DUS.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from Health Research Authority (HRA) and Health and Care Research Wales (REC reference 24/LO/0462). Results will be disseminated through research presentations and papers.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06619223.

Time to first optimal glycaemic control and associated factors among adult patients with diabetes at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Getahun · A. D. · Ayele · E. M. · Tsega · T. D. · Anberbr · S. S. · Geremew · G. W. · Biyazin · A. A. · Taye · B. M. · Mekonnen · G. A.
Objective

To assess the time to first optimal glycaemic control and its predictors among adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest, Ethiopia.

Participants

We recruited 423 adult diabetic patients who were diagnosed between 1 January 2018 and 30 December 2022 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was the time from diagnosis to the achievement of the first optimal glycaemic control, measured in months. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was fitted to identify predictors of time to first optimal glycaemic control. Data were collected with KoboToolbox from patient medical charts and exported to Stata V.17. The log-rank test was used to determine the survival difference between subgroups of participants.

Results

Median time to first optimal glycaemic control was 10.6 months. Among 423 adult diabetic patients, 301 (71.16%) achieved the first optimal glycaemic control during the study period. Age category (middle age (adjusted HR (AHR)=0.56, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.76), older age (AHR=0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.82)), comorbidity (AHR=0.52, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.76), therapeutic inertia (AHR=0.20, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.30) and medication non-compliance (AHR=0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.89) were significant predictors of time to optimal glycaemic control.

Conclusion

The median time to first optimal glycaemic control was prolonged. Diabetic care should focus on controlling the identified predictors to achieve optimal glycaemic control early after diagnosis.

New regimens of benznidazole for the treatment of chronic Chagas disease in adult participants in indeterminate form or with mild cardiac progression (NuestroBen study): protocol for a phase III randomised, multicentre non-inferiority clinical trial

Por: Marques · T. · Forsyth · C. · Barreira · F. · Lombas · C. · Blum de Oliveira · B. · Laserna · M. · Molina · I. · Bangher · M. d. C. · Javier Fernandez · R. · Lloveras · S. · Fernandez · M. L. · Scapellato · P. · Patterson · P. · Garcia · W. · Ortiz · L. · Schijman · A. · Moreira · O. C.
Introduction

Chagas disease (CD) is one of the most neglected diseases in the world. In Latin America, CD is endemic in 21 countries, with an estimated 70 million people at risk of infection. Current treatments are limited to two nitroheterocyclic compounds: nifurtimox and benznidazole (BZN). Each has significant limitations, including long duration and safety concerns. However, data from recently completed studies suggest that reduced-duration regimens may be equally effective while enhancing safety.

Methods and analysis

NuestroBen is a phase III, randomised, multicentre clinical trial designed to assess whether shorter (2- and 4-week) regimens of BZN are non-inferior to the standard 8-week treatment. A total of 540 adult participants with no evidence of organ damage (the indeterminate form) or with mild cardiac progression (mild electrocardiographic alterations and without systolic dysfunction or symptoms), all in the chronic phase of CD, will be recruited at six study sites in Argentina and two study sites in Bolivia. Participants will be randomised to receive one of the two shortened regimens of BZN (300 mg per day for 2 or 4 weeks) or standard treatment (300 mg per day for 8 weeks). The primary endpoint is sustained elimination of parasitaemia from the end of treatment through 12 months of follow-up. Secondary endpoints will assess sustained clearance of parasitaemia at 1, 4, 6 and 8 months of follow-up from the end of treatment, drug tolerability and adherence to treatment. NuestroBen will also evaluate whether two shortened regimens of BZN improve drug tolerability and treatment adherence compared with the current standard treatment while maintaining efficacy in participants with the indeterminate form of CD or with mild cardiac involvement.

Ethics and dissemination

In Argentina, this study was approved by Fundación de Estudios Farmacológicos y Medicamentos ‘Luis M. Zieher’ for its conduct at the Instituto de Cardiología de Corrientes ‘Juana Francisca Cabral’ (reference: NuestroBen-2020/2021) and the Instituto Nacional de Parasitología ‘Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben’ (reference: NuestroBen-2020/2021) by Comité Institucional de Ética de Investigación en Salud for the Centro de Chagas y Patología Regional de Santiago del Estero (reference: NuestroBen-2020-088/2021), by Comité de Ética en Investigación for the Hospital de Infecciosas F.J. Muñiz (reference: NuestroBen-2020–4037) and the Hospital General de Agudos D.F. Santojanni (reference: NuestroBen-2020–4039) and by Comité de Bioética for the Fundación Huésped (reference: NuestroBen-2020/2021). In Bolivia, it was approved by Comité de Ética en Investigación en Salud from the Universidad Autónoma Juan Misael Saracho (reference: NuestroBen-2020/2025). All participants are asked to provide written informed consent to participate. Recruitment processes started in July 2023, and as of 15 June 2025, 140 participants have been recruited. Findings will be shared with Argentinian and Bolivian public health officials and with the Chagas and tropical medicine communities via international conferences. Findings will also be published in medical journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04897516.

Adherence to the recommended diabetic retinopathy screening guidelines in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes: a cross-sectional survey study

Por: Widyaputri · F. · Rogers · S. L. · Nankervis · A. J. · Conn · J. J. · Shub · A. · Staffieri · S. E. · Sasongko · M. B. · Fagan · X. J. · Symons · R. C. A. · Lim · L. L.
Objective

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) in pregnancy can cause blindness. National guidelines recommend at least one eye examination in early pregnancy, then ideally 3-monthly, through to the postpartum for pregnant women with pregestational diabetes. Here we examined adherence rates, barriers and enablers to recommended DR screening guidelines.

Design

Cross-sectional survey study, as part of a larger prospective cohort study.

Setting

Participants were recruited from two tertiary maternity hospitals in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Of the 173 pregnant women with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the main cohort study, with an additional four who participated solely in this survey study, 130 (74.3%) completed the survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

This study calculated rates of adherence to guideline-recommended DR screening schedules and collected data on the enablers and barriers to attendance using a modified Compliance with Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Survey. Each of the 5-point Likert-scale survey items was compared between adherent and non-adherent participants using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and logistic regression models were constructed to quantify associations as ORs.

Results

A retinal assessment was undertaken at least once during pregnancy in 86.3% of participants, but only 40.9% attended during their first trimester and only 21.2% attended the recommended number of examinations. Competing priorities were the main barriers to adherence, with eye examinations ranked as the fourth priority (IQR 4th–5th) among other health appointments during pregnancy. Meanwhile, knowledge of the benefits of eye screening examinations, eye-check reminders and support from relatives was identified as enablers.

Conclusions

Despite the risk of worsening DR during pregnancy, less than half of the participants adhered to recommended screening guidelines, suggesting that eye health is not a priority. Proactive measures to integrate care are needed to prevent visual loss in this growing population.

Mindsets and menses: decoding young womens attitudes towards menstrual leave - an observational study from South India

Por: George · N. · Mahendran · P. · Kulothungan · K. · Dharmaraj · R. B. · Muniyapillai · T. · Subramanian · T. · Muthu Ranga Babu · A. · Arumugam · A. · Subramanian · S. · Shabash Khan · S. · Selvam · S. · Veeraragavan Suresh Babu · A.
Objective

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the perceived need and attitudinal perspectives regarding menstrual leave policies among young women in rural South India. The secondary objective was to determine the socio-demographic, menstrual and workplace-related factors associated with attitudes towards menstrual leave among young women.

Design

An analytical cross-sectional study was performed from May 2023 to August 2023.

Setting

In a rural district of Tamil Nadu, South India.

Participants

The study encompassed 955 young female students above 18 years of age enrolled in educational institutions in a rural district of Tamil Nadu, India. Participants were pursuing diverse professional programmes including medical, dental, allied health sciences, pharmacy and engineering courses.

Outcome measures

The primary outcomes included assessment of basic menstrual characteristics (age of menarche, regularity, product usage and pain experiences), pain evaluation using the WaLIDD scale (which measured working ability, anatomical pain location, pain intensity via Wong Baker scale and pain duration) and attitude assessment through a 10-dimension Likert scale. The attitude assessment explored both supportive factors (pain management, environmental considerations, medical leave allocation, menstruation normalisation and performance impact) and potential concerns (medicalisation, perceptions of fragility, stigma, disclosure issues and abnormal leave usage). Secondary outcome measures encompassed the analysis of factors influencing these attitudes, followed by a multivariable linear regression model to identify significant predictors.

Results

Among 955 female students (mean age 19.56±1.33 years), the majority supported menstrual leave for maintaining hygiene (82.3%) and managing dysmenorrhoea (75.8%). A substantial proportion (64.4%) viewed it as a means of normalising menstruation discourse, while 61.6% believed it could enhance workplace performance. However, concerns existed about medicalising menstruation (47.9%) and reinforcing gender stereotypes (43.4%). Multivariate analysis revealed that medical students (B=0.67, 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.00), those with graduate-educated fathers (B=1.64, 95% CI: 0.31 to 2.97), earlier age at menarche (B=–0.23, 95% CI: –0.45 to –0.01) and participants reporting menstrual interference with daily activities (B=0.96, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.89) held significantly more positive attitudes.

Conclusion

While young women generally support menstrual leave policies, particularly for hygiene and pain management, there are significant concerns about workplace stigmatisation and gender stereotyping. Educational background, parental education and personal menstrual experiences significantly influence attitudes toward menstrual leave. These findings suggest the need for carefully structured menstrual leave policies that balance biological needs with workplace/student place equality concerns.

Risk and resilience factors associated with the progression of influenza to severe disease outcomes: umbrella review protocol

Por: Park · J. Y. · Dowell · A. · Turner · N. · Albrecht · S. · Hills · I. · Marsh · S.
Introduction

Influenza is a major global health concern, responsible for up to 650 000 respiratory-related deaths annually. Although influenza is often perceived as mild in healthy adults, it can cause severe outcomes in high-risk groups, such as older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions. Various clinical, sociodemographic and environmental factors influence the progression to severe outcomes, whereas resilience factors, such as vaccination, may reduce risks. Despite growing research, the evidence base regarding risk and resilience is spread across many different aspects of the literature. This umbrella review will synthesise evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses to identify key risk and resilience factors associated with the progression of influenza to severe outcomes in the general population.

Methods and analysis

This umbrella review follows the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. We will include systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting host-related risk or resilience factors for severe influenza outcomes. Four databases (EMBASE, Scopus, Medline and CINAHL) will be searched for English-language publications. Study quality will be assessed using AMSTAR 2, and the body of evidence will be evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Due to heterogeneity, findings will be analysed narratively. Risk and resilience factors will be grouped into demographic, clinical, behavioural, social and psychological domains.

Ethics and disseminations

No ethical approval is required. The completed review will be shared through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD420250644475.

The impact of working conditions on breast cancer outcomes: a study protocol for a population-based cohort study using UK Biobank data

Por: van der Linden · B. W. A. · Carmeli · C. · Duijts · S. F. A. · Guseva Canu · I. · Rohrmann · S. · Chiolero · A.
Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. While the impact of lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity on breast cancer risk and survival is well documented, the effect of working conditions is not fully understood. Moreover, breast cancer can reduce employability, making it crucial to identify factors that facilitate return to work and improve life satisfaction. Since breast cancer is affected by sleep and lifestyle, which are related to working conditions, understanding how they affect breast cancer outcomes is key. This study aims to explore the relationship between working conditions and breast cancer outcomes, including incidence, mortality and survival within a causal framework. Our specific aims are to understand the relationship between (1) working conditions and occupational groups and breast cancer outcomes, including the extent to which sleep, lifestyle and breast cancer screening uptake explain these relationships and (2) prediagnosis working conditions, sleep and lifestyle and their effect on return to work and life satisfaction among breast cancer survivors.

Methods and analysis

We will use data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study with data on 273 825 women between 40 and 69 years old at baseline, followed from 2006 to 2022. The data has been linked with death and cancer registries and includes 8309 incident breast cancer cases. To quantify the effect of working conditions on breast cancer outcomes (aim 1) and their effect on return to work and life satisfaction (aim 2), we will implement g-methods to estimate the average causal effect and employ counterfactual-based mediation analysis to quantify how much mediating factors, such as sleep and lifestyle, explain this effect.

Ethics and dissemination

UK Biobank received ethical approval from the North West Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee. No further ethical approval was required for the proposed research project. In line with the two aims, four original research manuscripts will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals to disseminate the findings. In addition, findings will be disseminated at international conferences and scientific meetings.

Psychosocial factors and patient experience associated with diabetes treatment discontinuation: a cross-sectional study in Japan

Por: Kuwabara · Y. · Taniguchi · S.-I. · Hosoda-Urban · T. · Son · D. · Kinjo · A. · Kim · H. · Kaneda · Y. · Osaki · Y.
Objectives

The prevention of treatment discontinuation is crucial in mitigating the adverse consequences of diabetes. This study aimed to identify the psychosocial factors and patient experiences associated with the discontinuation of diabetes treatment.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted.

Setting

A nationwide online survey with convenience sampling.

Participants

Participants, aged 40–79 years, who reported living with diabetes, were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Treatment continuation status was the outcome variable. Participants who previously received regular treatment but were not currently under medical care were classified as the treatment discontinuation group. Psychological factors (mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem, procrastination), social factors (loneliness, economic difficulties, adverse childhood experiences) and patient experiences and opinions regarding diabetes were assessed.

Results

A total of 4715 individuals were included in the analysis. After adjusting for confounders, psychological distress (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.87, 95% CI (1.06 to 3.30), p=0.032) and higher procrastination (AOR=2.64, 95% CI (1.25 to 5.56), p=0.011) were significantly associated with treatment discontinuation. Overall, 9.7% of participants reported financial hardship, and 12.1% reported diabetes burnout during their course of treatment. Financial hardships (p=0.002), difficulty with child or older adult care (p

Conclusions

Psychological distress and higher procrastination levels were significantly associated with diabetes treatment discontinuation, after adjusting for potential confounders. The treatment discontinuation group reported significantly more psychosocial challenges than the continuation group. Healthcare providers and systems should prioritise addressing the psychosocial characteristics, experiences and challenges faced by individuals with diabetes.

Leveraging emotional intelligence to alleviate mental health: protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Bangladesh

Por: Salwa · M. · Chowdhury · S. M. · Rois · R. · Uddin · M. K. · Akhter · S. · Nahar · K. · Mullick · A. R. · Mannan · M. · Kundu · G. K. · Fatema · K. · Maruf Haque Khan · M. · Haque · M. A.
Background

Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders often experience high levels of stress that impact their mental health, yet few interventions focus on their well-being. To address this gap, we developed a mental health intervention based on emotional intelligence (EI), designed for delivery in healthcare settings. We hypothesise that enhancing EI can reduce parenting stress and improve psychological well-being. This study aims to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of this EI-based intervention in Bangladesh.

Methods and analysis

This hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation study will include a cluster randomised controlled trial, an implementation analysis and an economic evaluation. Eight child development centres will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to intervention and waitlist control groups. A total of 480 parents (mothers and fathers) will be recruited. The intervention consists of interactive sessions on EI skills, supported by personal diaries and a mobile app. Data will be collected at baseline and 12 weeks postintervention using validated tools to assess EI, parenting stress, psychological well-being and other mental health outcomes. Implementation will be evaluated using mixed methods to assess feasibility, acceptability and fidelity. Cost-effectiveness will be determined through a cost–utility analysis of direct and indirect costs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of Bangladesh Medical University (BSMMU/2022/10733). Written informed consent will be obtained at each stage of data collection and intervention. Findings will be disseminated through open-access publications, plain-language summaries, academic conferences, community workshops and policy briefs. Data will be shared in open-access platforms to inform mental health strategies in low-resource settings globally.

Trial registration number

NCT06166550.

Australian research priorities for inherited retinal diseases: a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership

Por: Robertson · E. G. · Hetherington · K. · Prain · M. · Ma · A. · Ayton · L. N. · Jamieson · R. V. · Shepard · E. · Boyd · L. · Hall · J. · Boyd · R. · Karandrews · S. · Feller · H. · Simunovic · M. P. · Grigg · J. R. · Yamamoto · K. · Wakefield · C. E. · Gonzalez-Cordero · A.
Objectives

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a broad range of diseases associated with abnormalities/degeneration of retinal cells. We aimed to identify the top 10 Australian research priorities for IRDs to ultimately facilitate more meaningful and potentially cost-effective research.

Design

We conducted a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership that involved two Australian-wide surveys and online workshops.

Setting

Australia-wide.

Participants

Individuals aged 16 years or older were eligible to participate if they had an IRD, were caregivers of an individual with an IRD or were health professionals providing care to this community.

Outcome measure

In Survey 1, we gathered participants’ unanswered questions about IRDs. We grouped these into summary questions and undertook a literature review to verify if they were truly unanswered (ie, evidence uncertainties). In Survey 2, participants voted for the uncertainties that they considered a priority. Top-ranked uncertainties progressed for discussion and final prioritisation in two workshops.

Results

In Survey 1, we collected 223 questions from 69 participants. We grouped these into 42 summary questions and confirmed 41 as evidence uncertainties. In Survey 2, 151 participants voted, with the 16 uncertainties progressing to final prioritisation. The top 10 priorities, set by the 24 workshop participants, represented (1) treatment/cure; (2) symptoms and disease progression; (3) psychosocial well-being and (4) health service delivery. The #1 priority was for treatment to prevent, slow down or stop vision loss, followed by the #2 priority to address the psychological impact of having an IRD.

Conclusion

The top 10 research priorities highlight the need for IRD research that takes a whole-person, systems approach. Collaborations to progress priorities will accelerate the translation of research into real-world benefits.

Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Evaluation Study with Addition of the Nonavalent Vaccine (QUEST-ADVANCE): protocol of an observational cohort study

Por: Middeldorp · M. · Donken · R. · Nirmal · A. · Smith · B. · Citlali Marquez · A. · Bettinger · J. A. · Brisson · M. · Burchell · A. N. · Dobson · S. R. · Dawar · M. · Franco · E. L. · Grennan · T. · Krajden · M. · Mayrand · M.-H. · McNeil · S. · Naus · M. · Sauvageau · C. · Singer · J. · Sm
Introduction

The Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Evaluation Study with Addition of the Nonavalent Vaccine Study (QUEST-ADVANCE) aims to provide insight into the long-term immunogenicity and effectiveness of one, two and three HPV vaccine doses. Here, we describe the protocol for QUEST-ADVANCE.

Methods and analysis

QUEST-ADVANCE is an observational cohort study including males and females who are unvaccinated or vaccinated with the quadrivalent or nonavalent HPV vaccine in British Columbia, Canada. Female participants who are unvaccinated or vaccinated with 1–3 doses of the quadrivalent or nonavalent HPV vaccine at 9–14 years of age will be recruited approximately 5 or 12 years postvaccination eligibility. Male participants who are unvaccinated or vaccinated with 1 or 2 doses of the nonavalent HPV vaccine at 9–14 years of age will be recruited at approximately 5 years postvaccination eligibility. The study involves a maximum of four visits over a period of 4–5 years for female participants, and two visits over a 12-month period for male participants. At each visit, self-collected swabs (cervico-vaginal or penile) and questionnaire data will be collected. In each study group, a subset of participants will be invited to participate in a substudy evaluating the long-term humoral immunogenicity of the HPV vaccine. Additional blood samples will be collected from participants who are part of the immunogenicity substudy. The total required sample size is 7180 individuals. The primary objectives are (1) to examine vaccine effectiveness in males and females against prevalent genital HPV infections for one, two and three doses of the HPV vaccine compared with unvaccinated participants and (2) to evaluate if there is non-inferior immunogenicity as indicated by type-specific antibody response of one dose of the HPV vaccine in 20–27-year-old females vaccinated at 9–14 years of age compared with historical data of three doses of the HPV vaccine females vaccinated at 16–26 years of age up to 12 years postvaccination.

Ethics and dissemination

QUEST-ADVANCE was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the University of British Columbia/Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia (H20-02111). Individual electronic informed consent or assent will be obtained from each participant before any study-specific procedures are undertaken. Results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal and on the study website.

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