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Ayer — Octubre 2nd 2025Tus fuentes RSS

Hospitalisation and mortality trends in ANCA-associated vasculitis in Mexico: results from a nationwide retrospective registry analysis

Objective

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) entails substantial morbidity and mortality, yet no epidemiologic evidence exists on its outcomes in Mexico. This study assessed national hospitalisations (2005–2022) and mortality (2000–2022) related to AAV using data from the General Board of Health Information.

Design

Retrospective, population-based time-trend analysis on administrative health data.

Setting

Mexico’s national hospital discharge and mortality registries, covering 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2022.

Participants

All individuals aged ≥ 15 years with a primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, diagnosis of AAV recorded during hospitalisation or on death certificates nationwide.

Outcome measures

The study’s primary outcomes were the age-standardised hospitalisation and mortality rates for AAV (expressed per 100 000 population, overall and by sex), with temporal trends in both rates quantified using Joinpoint regression to calculate annual percent change (APC) and average APC (AAPC).

Results

We identified 2804 hospitalisations and 599 deaths. Females accounted for 49.7% of hospitalisations, while males represented 48.7% of deaths. Although the overall age-standardised hospitalisation rate (ASHR) and mortality rate (ASMR) AAPCs were not statistically significant, relevant trends emerged. From 2010 to 2022, ASHR declined significantly (APC: –5.2%; 95% CI –9.7, –0.5; p=0.03), whereas mortality rates remained stable from 2000 to 2022 (AAPC: +3%; 95% CI –4.6, 11.3; p=0.45). Nevertheless, mortality increased among males (APC: +6.4%; 95% CI 0.9, 12.2; p=0.02) and individuals over 45 years (APC: +8.6%; 95% CI 1.7, 16.0; p=0.02) from 2008 onwards.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings indicate no major changes in national rates but reveal a decline in hospitalisations since 2010 and a rise in mortality for specific subgroups since 2008. Targeted interventions, particularly for older adults and men, appear warranted to address this evolving disease burden. Future research should explore underlying risk factors and evaluate tailored strategies to improve clinical outcomes in AAV across Mexico.

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Ventilator-associated pneumonia biomarker evaluation (VIBE) study: protocol for a prospective, observational, case-cohort study

Por: Albin · O. · Nadimidla · S. · Saravolatz · L. · Barker · A. · Wayne · M. · Rockney · D. · Jean · R. · Nguyen · A. · Diwan · M. · Pierce · V. · Roman · A. · McSparron · J. · Dickson · R. · Rao · K. · Napolitano · L. M. · Wunderink · R. · Kaye · K.
Introduction

Current guideline-recommended antibiotic treatment durations for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are largely standardised, with limited consideration of individual patient characteristics, pathogens or clinical context. This one-size-fits-all approach risks both overtreatment—promoting antimicrobial resistance and adverse drug events—as well as undertreatment, increasing the likelihood of pneumonia recurrence and sepsis-related complications. There is a critical need for VAP-specific biomarkers to enable individualised treatment strategies. The Ventilator-associated pneumonia Biomarker Evaluation (VIBE) study aims to identify a dynamic alveolar biomarker signature associated with treatment response, with the goal of informing personalised antibiotic duration in future clinical trials.

Methods and analysis

VIBE is a prospective, observational, case-cohort study of 125 adult patients with VAP in Michigan Medicine University Hospital intensive care units. Study subjects will undergo non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage on the day of VAP diagnosis (Day 1) and then on Days 3 and 5. Alveolar biomarkers (quantitative respiratory culture bioburden, alveolar neutrophil percentage and pathogen genomic load assessed via BioFire FilmArray polymerase chain reaction) will be assessed. An expert panel of intensivists, blinded to biomarker data, will adjudicate each patient’s Day 10 outcome as VAP clinical cure (control) or treatment failure (case). Absolute biomarker levels and mean-fold changes in biomarker levels will be compared between groups. Data will be used to derive a composite temporal alveolar biomarker signature predictive of VAP treatment failure.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRB #HUM00251780). Informed consent will be obtained from all study participants or their legally authorised representatives. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and feedback into clinical guidelines committees.

Challenges of using and managing medication: a meta-ethnography of the experiences and perceptions of people with intellectual disability and people who support them

Por: Ghosh · I. · Adams · D. · Auguste · P. · Brown · A. · Chaplin · E. · Flynn · S. · Gauly · J. · Gill · P. · Langdon · P. E. · Mahon · D. · Martin · K. · Patterson · S. · Sutherland · D. · Tromans · S. J. · Chen · Y.-F. · Seers · K. · Supporting Medication use In people with a LEarning d
Objective

To explore the challenges experienced by people with intellectual disability, their carers and health and social care professionals when using and managing medication.

Design

A synthesis of qualitative research using meta-ethnography.

Data source

We searched seven databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Science, Social Science and Conference Proceedings Citation Indices (Web of Science), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Proquest Dissertations and Theses from inception to September 2022 (updated in July 2023).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included studies exploring the challenges and perceptions of people with intellectual disability, their carers and health and social care professionals regarding medication management and use.

Results

We reviewed 7593 abstracts and 475 full texts, resulting in 45 included papers. Four major themes were identified: (1) Medication-related issues, (2) navigating autonomy and relationships, (3) knowledge and training needs and (4) inequalities in the healthcare system. We formulated a conceptual framework centred around people with intellectual disability and described the interconnectedness between them, their carers and health and social care professionals in the process of managing and using medication. We identified challenges that could be associated with the person, the medication and/or the context, along with a lack of understanding of these challenges and a lack of capability or resources to tackle them. We developed an overarching concept of ‘collective collaboration’ as a potential solution to prevent or mitigate problems related to medication use in people with intellectual disability.

Conclusions

The effective management of medication for people with intellectual disability requires a collaborative and holistic approach. By fostering person-centred care and shared decision-making, providing educational and practical support, and nurturing strong relationships between all partners involved to form a collective collaboration surrounding people with intellectual disability, improved medication adherence and optimised therapeutic outcomes can be achieved.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022362903.

<i>Asaia</i> spp. exposure for improving mosquito mass-rearing, and the effects on <i>Culex pipiens pipiens</i> vector competence for West Nile virus

by Alessandro Roman, Charlotte Linthout, Ben Raymond, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt

Various vector control strategies are in place to reduce the spread of arthropod-borne viruses. Some of these, such as application of insecticides, are encountering operational challenges and a reduced overall effectiveness due to evolution of resistance. Alternative approaches for mosquito population control, such as the sterile insect technique, depend on efficient mass-rearing of healthy mosquitoes prior to mass-release in the field. Therefore, improving efficiency and quality of mass-rearing techniques is crucial to obtain fit mosquitoes. Previous studies have shown that Acetic Acid Bacteria of the genus Asaia can have a mutualistic effect on larval development in different mosquito species and can thus contribute to improved rearing output. However, whether improved performance in the larval stages may have knock-on effects in the adult stage, for example by increasing their capability to transmit arbovirus, remains unclear. Such effects may jeopardize future control efforts. We tested the effects of two Asaia species, Asaia krungthepensis and Asaia bogorensis, on development time and adult size under two rearing conditions: individual rearing and group rearing of Culex pipiens larvae. Besides investigating development and size, we also investigated whether Asaia spp. exposure during the larval stage can influence the vector competence of Culex pipiens pipiens for West Nile virus (WNV). Our work shows the potential of improving mass-rearing efficiency by employing Asaia krungthepensis as a mutualist for Culex pipiens pipiens. Importantly, this study reveals no significant increase in dissemination and transmission rate of WNV by Culex pipiens pipiens when inoculated with Asaia spp., although an increase in viral titer in the legs and the saliva was observed when the mosquitoes were inoculated with the two Asaia species. Interestingly, we confirmed that Asaia spp. bacteria did not establish as a permanent member of the microbiota of Culex pipiens pipiens. As Asaia spp. did not establish in adult mosquitoes, the observed change in WNV titers can be a result of indirect interactions of Asaia with the native Culex pipiens pipiens microbiome. Our results stress the importance of carefully evaluating host-symbiont interactions to avoid the potential of releasing mosquitoes with enhanced vector competence.

Trends in progress test performance of medical students at a university in Peru

by Franco Romaní-Romaní, César Gutiérrez

Background

Progress testing is a longitudinal assessment method used to monitor the acquisition and retention of knowledge throughout medical training. While progress tests (PTs) have been widely adopted internationally through collaborative networks of medical schools, in Peru, their implementation has been primarily institutional. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal trends in PT scores at a Peruvian medical school.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal analysis using data from PTs administered annually between 2017 and 2024. The PT assessed students’ knowledge based on the subjects completed at the time of testing. Scores ranged from 0 to 250 and were converted to a 20-point scale. Independent variables included number of PTs taken (1–7), year of entry into medical school (entry cohort; 2017–2024), year of test administration (2017–2024), and sex. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess score trends over time, applying an identity link function with a Gaussian distribution and robust standard errors clustered by student ID.

Results

We included 1,899 test scores from 669 medical students. The mean score across all tests was 9.19 (standard deviation = 2.34). No consistent upward trend in PT scores was observed over the study period; scores decreased by 0.088 points per additional year (CI95% CI: −0.147 to −0.029, p = 0.003). Students who completed five PTs scored significantly higher than those who took four (β = 1.40; 95% CI: 0.79 to 2.01). When stratified by entry cohort, no sustained improvement in scores was observed within cohorts over time.

Conclusion

Over an eight-year period of administering a progress test at a Peruvian medical school, student performance remained stable, with an average of approximately 50% of questions answered correctly per test. Longitudinal analysis did not reveal a sustained increase in scores as students advanced through the curriculum. This pattern may be explained by the PT design, which assesses only the content covered by students at the time of each administration, in contrast to other PTs that measure end-of-curriculum knowledge across all cohorts. Nevertheless, an increase in median scores was observed during the transition from basic science to clinical subjects.

Using qualitative research and the person-based approach to coproduce an inclusive intervention for postpartum blood pressure self-management

Por: Ochieng · C. A. · Burke · C. · Green · M. · Igwe · S. · Tucker · K. L. · Hinton · L. · Goddard · L. · Roman · C. · McManus · R. J. · Yardley · L.
Objective

To coproduce an inclusive intervention for blood pressure (BP) self-management post partum.

Design

Using the person-based approach, an intervention was coproduced in three phases. Phase 1 entailed intervention coproduction with a diverse patient and public involvement panel and stakeholders (clinical, academic, government and third sector-based). Phase 2 involved intervention optimisation through think-aloud interviews with former patients and clinicians. Phase 3 was user-testing followed by semistructured interviews with current patients and their clinicians.

Setting

Patients and clinicians from primary and secondary care drawn from Southern and Northern England.

Participants

Seven former patients and 11 clinicians participated in think-aloud interviews to provide their views of intervention prototypes (phase 2). Additionally, 23 patients and 9 of their clinicians participated in semistructured interviews after using the intervention for 2 weeks (phase 3).

Intervention

An interactive patient app—My BP Care—and accompanying leaflet to support BP self-monitoring. These were linked to a clinician dashboard with alerts and an emailing system to facilitate appropriate titration of patient medication.

Results

The intervention was codeveloped following these guiding principles to ensure it was accessible and inclusive: easily comprehensible, motivating, simple and quick to use. Interview findings indicated that patient adherence to the intervention was promoted by the initial patient training conducted by the midwives, the enhanced clinical oversight they felt they received as a result of the intervention, the free BP monitor they received, reassurance they received of the medication safety for them and their baby, the intervention’s simplicity and the motivating reminders they received.

Conclusions

Through coproduction with a diverse group of patients and stakeholders, and optimisation through testing among further diverse patients and clinicians, we developed a multicomponent intervention that is accessible and engaging for diverse patients, compatible with prevailing clinical practice and adaptable to different clinical contexts.

Randomised trial of home sleep apnoea testing compared to in-lab polysomnography for the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnoea in children: rationale and study protocol

Por: Roman Rosado · Y. D. · Somayaji · M. · Stefanovski · D. · Uwah · E. A. · Ward · M. · Tapia · I. E. · Galion · A. · DelRosso · L. M. · Davidson Ward · S. L. · Cielo · C. M.
Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 1–5% of the paediatric population, including 55–90% of children with Down syndrome (DS), and has been associated with negative effects on neurocognitive development, cardiovascular health, immune development and quality of life. In-lab attended polysomnography (PSG) is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of OSA in children, but it poses challenges due to the burden on families and limited testing facilities. Home sleep apnoea testing (HSAT), an unattended sleep test done at home, is an accepted alternative for adults but lacks sufficient evidence to be used clinically for the evaluation of OSA in children. HSAT may be especially beneficial for children with DS or others with sensory issues or those who struggle with sleeping in a laboratory setting overnight.

Methods and analysis

This single-centre trial compares HSAT to PSG for the diagnosis of OSA in children, including those with DS. The trial will enrol 317 children 5–12 years old, including approximately 100 with DS. The primary outcome is the diagnostic accuracy of HSAT compared with PSG for OSA evaluated through ROC. Secondary outcomes include the agreement between HSAT and PSG for therapeutic decision-making and comparison of preference and acceptability of HSAT versus PSG. This trial seeks to evaluate HSAT as an alternative diagnostic tool for paediatric OSA, potentially expanding testing options for clinicians and families.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (#21–0 19 533). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, and no identifiable data will be reported.

Trial registration number

NCT05382754.

Experiences of Females With Late Diagnosis of Autism: Descriptive Qualitative Study

imageBackground Females with autism often receive late diagnoses—especially those with average or above-average intellectual abilities—highlighting the need to explore the unique experiences of this population for better health care support. Objective To explore the experiences and perceptions of females who received a late diagnosis on the autism spectrum in terms of coping and managing their diagnosis. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 using semistructured interviews with 14 late-diagnosed autistic female subjects. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed, and thematic analysis of the interview data was performed using ATLAS.ti v.9 software. Findings were reported following standards for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results Two main themes emerged: (a) getting a diagnosis: fitting into the norm, and (b) navigating the distinct significance for autistic females. The findings indicated that masking strategies contribute to delayed diagnoses, and social and health care stigma surrounding autism in females was evident. Areas for improving access to resources and support programs were identified. Discussion The results show that masking and camouflaging are predominant strategies among autistic females, contributing to delayed diagnoses and exposing them to additional risks. Enhancing resources and training for health care professionals is necessary to address the specific needs of this population.

Leishmaniases in Ethiopia: a scoping review

Por: OBrien · K. · Grifferty · G. · Totten · A. · Asres · M. S. · Ayele · E. · Coombs · P. · Orriols · A. M. · Mosurkal · S. · Krulwich · E. · Oruko · L. · Roman · I. C. · Shah · P. · Fanning-Hughes · R. · Williams · A. L. · Wallace · F. · Wong · M. G. · Roe · S. · Gandhi · K. · Matari · L. · Sha
Objectives

With recent efforts to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, we aimed to map the breadth of research on leishmaniases in Ethiopia, one of the high-endemic countries in the region, to help understand the current literature landscape and highlight priority areas for future research.

Design

The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group’s guidance and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

Data sources

We searched the following databases and sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Global Medicus Index, PROSPERO, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry and known local journals.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies addressing the issue of leishmaniasis in Ethiopia that were published in English language.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted data from each study, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. The identified studies were analysed using an extensive codebook, which was previously developed by this team and adapted to the Ethiopian context to classify the research into different categories.

Results

A total of 8698 articles were identified. A stepwise review was conducted, and 639 papers were selected for inclusion. The research spans different themes and designs and has steadily increased over the past 14 years. Research on prevention and control, health systems/policies and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, as well as randomised controlled trials, was lacking. Studies on coinfections with other diseases accounted for 14% of research.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the growing amount of research on leishmaniasis in Ethiopia, addressing several themes and emphasising the need for more research in prevention, control, health systems/policy and high-quality studies for evidence-based treatment.

Orofacial functions with emphasis on breathing and chewing patterns in individuals with and without molar incisor hypomineralisation: observational study protocol conducted in a dental clinic in Brazil

Introduction

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a qualitative developmental defect of the enamel with a complex, multifactorial nature and a significant genetic component. Individuals with MIH have a compromised stomatognathic system manifested by muscle hyperactivity under postural and dynamic conditions. However, there is a gap in knowledge on the specific functional abnormalities that these individuals experience. Early identification and intervention, with a focus on the prevention of orofacial dysfunctions and deviations in facial growth and development, are aspects of the utmost importance. Therefore, the aim of the proposed study is to perform a comparative analysis of orofacial functions with an emphasis on breathing and chewing patterns in individuals with and without MIH. The secondary objective is to assess whether dentin hypersensitivity and the severity of MIH lesions are associated with alterations in orofacial functions.

Methods and analysis

Assessments will be performed using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). Descriptive analyses will characterise the sample. The Shapiro-Wilk test will assess normality. For normally distributed data, analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test will be used. For non-normal data, the Mann-Whitney U test will be applied. The 2 test will analyse categorical variables and compare NOT-S domains between groups. Potential confounders (eg, age, sex, socioeconomic status) will be controlled through stratification or as covariates. Logistic and Poisson regressions will model associations for categorical and count-based outcomes, respectively. Statistical significance will be set at p

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Nove de Julho University (certificate number: 83969924.2.0000.5511; approval date: 22 November 2024). Participants will agree to take part in the study by signing an informed consent form. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The collected data will be available on request.

Trial registration number

NCT06692257.

Examining suicide risk in sexual and gender minority youth: A descriptive observational study on depressive symptoms, social support and self‐esteem

Abstract

Aim

To understand the factors that contribute to the risk of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (sexual minorities) youth.

Background

The increase in the likelihood of suicide has made it an urgent issue in public health, particularly among young people, where it now ranks as the fourth leading cause of death. This issue becomes even more significant when focusing on sexual minorities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in targeted young individuals (15–29 years). Several variables were assessed, including suicide risk, self-esteem, presence and severity of depressive symptoms, perceived social support and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression.

Results

Statistically significant disparities were observed in suicide risk, presence of depressive symptoms and self-reported levels of anxiety and depression, all of which were more pronounced in sexual minority youth compared to heterosexual cisgender individuals. Likewise, statistically significant differences were noted concerning self-esteem and family support, both of which were lower in sexual minority youth.

Conclusion

This study has identified risk factors, such as anxiety, depression and limited social support, as well as protective factors, like higher self-esteem and self-concept. Understanding and addressing all these factors are essential in reducing the elevated rates of suicide among sexual minority youth. Consequently, evidence-based interventions such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances, which empower and create safe spaces for sexual minority youth, possess substantial potential for effectively addressing this issue.

Implications for the Profession

Given sexual minorities vulnerability, healthcare pros, especially nurses, must grasp suicide risk factors. They can help by educating, offering care, assessing risk and fighting stigma. This guarantees safety and access to mental health services for at-risk individuals from sexual minorities.

Reporting Method

The reporting follows the STROBE checklist.

Patient Contribution

People who were invited to participate voluntarily completed a range of questionnaires.

Manejo de la vía aérea con dispositivos supraglóticos e infraglóticos. Revisión sistemática

Objetivo principal: comparar los dispositivos supraglóticos frente a los dispositivos infraglóticos no quirúrgicos en el manejo de la vía aérea, para determinar cuál de ellos reúne las mejores condiciones para un uso eficiente en la atención en urgencias y emergencias. Metodología: la búsqueda fue realizada en las bases de datos de Pubmed, Cinahl y Scopus, incluyendo todos aquellos ensayos clínicos aleatorizados cuya antigüedad no sobrepasase los 10 años, redactados tanto en inglés como en español en población pediátrica o adulta. Se excluyeron ensayos realizados en cadáveres o maniquíes. Para evaluar su calidad metodológica hemos utilizado la escala PEDro. Resultados principales: encontramos un total de 8 ensayos clínicos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Conclusión principal: sería conveniente, pero no necesario, utilizar dispositivos supraglóticos en situaciones de emergencia.

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