bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of heart failure echocardiography index in HF patients with preserved, mid-ranged and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Chen Jian-Shu , Pei Ying , Li Cai-e , Li Ning-yin , Guo Tao , Yu Jing
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate the clinical value of heart failure echocardiography index (HFEI) in evaluating the cardiac function and predicting the prognosis of patients with different types of heart failure (HF).

Methods

Four hundred eighty-nine consecutively admitted HF patients were divided into three groups: HF with reduced ejection (HFrEF), HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The baseline characteristics and ultrasound indexes were compared between the three groups. The correlation between HFEI and one-year risk of adverse events was compared by multivariate logistic regression. The clinical value of HFEI and plasma level of NT-proBNP in assessing the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

HFEI in HFrEF was significantly higher than that in HFmrEF and HFpEF. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that HFEI and plasma level of NT-proBNP were independent risk factors for predicting the short-time prognosis of HF patients. The ROC curve indicated that the HFEI cutoff level of 3.5 and the plasma NT-proBNP level of 3000 pg/ml predicted a poor prognosis of CHF patients with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 75% vs. 68 and 65%.

Conclusion

HFEI can comprehensively evaluate the overall cardiac function of patients with various types of HF, and may prove to be an important index of assessing the prognosis of HF patients.
Measuring psychological safety in healthcare teams: developing an observational measure to complement survey methods
Authors: O’Donovan Róisín , Van Dun Desirée , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: July 2020

Background

Psychological safety is a dynamic team-level phenomenon which exists when team members believe that it is safe to take interpersonal risks. In healthcare teams, the presence of psychological safety is critical to delivering safe care. Scholars have highlighted a need for alternative measures which compliment survey-based measures of psychological safety in healthcare teams.

Methods

The exploratory phase of this study raised concerns about whether current survey measures could provide a sufficient understanding of psychological safety within healthcare teams to inform strategies to improve it. Thus, previously validated psychological safety surveys and a meeting observation measure were adapted for use in healthcare teams. First, two group feedback sessions were held with 22 healthcare professionals, as well as a systematic literature review. Then, the members of eleven healthcare teams in Ireland and The Netherlands (n = 135) took part in the pilot test of the adapted composite measure.

Results

The final composite measure has two parts: a team meeting observation measure and an adapted survey. The observation measure has 31 observable behaviours fitting seven categories: voice, defensive voice, silence behaviours, supportive, unsupportive, learning or improvement-oriented and familiarity type behaviours. The survey part consists of 19 items in three sub-dimensions related to; the team leader, other team members and the team as a whole. Three additional items capture the perceived representativeness of the observed team meeting compared to other similar meetings. Final adaptations were made in order to integrate the observation and survey measure.

Conclusions

The resulting composite measure combines the strengths of observational and survey measures and is tailored for use in healthcare teams. It is uniquely co-developed with healthcare professionals and grounded in the psychological safety and healthcare literature. This composite measure can enable longitudinal research on psychological safety and inform future research to develop and test interventions to improve psychological safety.
Informing retention in longitudinal cohort studies through a social marketing lens: Raine Study Generation 2 participants’ perspectives on benefits and barriers to participation
Authors: Costello Leesa , Dare Julie , Dontje Manon , Straker Leon
Published: July 2020

Background

Longitudinal cohort studies have made significant contributions to medical discoveries and provide the impetus for health interventions which reduce the risk of disease. Establishing and maintaining these cohorts is challenging and costly. While some attrition is unavoidable, maintaining a sufficient number of participants ensures that results remain representative and free from bias. Numerous studies have investigated ways to reduce attrition but few studies have sought to understand the experience of participants, and none have examined this through a social marketing framework. This first paper in a two part-series describes participants’ experiences according to: benefits, barriers, motivators and influencers. The second paper uses this understanding to address issues relating to the 4Ps (product, price, place, promotion) of social marketing.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the Raine Study, a pregnancy cohort study that has been running in Western Australia since 1989. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 active and inactive participants from the Generation 2 cohort, who were originally enrolled in the Raine Study at birth by their parents (Generation 1). ‘Active’ participants (n = 17) were defined as those who agreed to attend their 27 year follow-up, while ‘inactive’ (n = 12) participants were defined as those who had not attended either of the past two follow-ups (at 22 and 27 years).

Results

There were considerable differences between active and inactive participants, with active participants perceiving far more personal and collective benefits from their participation. Inactive participants described being constrained by structural barriers around work and life, whereas active participants were able to overcome them to attend follow-ups. Inactive participants also described the value of extrinsic incentives which might motivate their attendance, and active participants described the role of their parents as significant influencers in their propensity to remain in the study.

Conclusions

This paper provides rich descriptions of what participation in a long-running study means to participants. Use of a social marketing framework ensured that participants were constructed as ‘human consumers’ who are influenced by individual and broader social systems. Understanding participants in this way means that differentiated strategies can be tailored to enhance retention.
Clinical and genomic characteristics of mucosal signet-ring cell carcinoma in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected stomach
Authors: Kiso Mariko , Urabe Yuji , Ito Masanori , Masuda Kazuhiko , Boda Tomoyuki , Kotachi Takahiro , Hata Kosaku , Yorita Naoki , Nagasaki Naoko , Abduwali Madina , Hiyama Yuich , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2020

Background

Gastric cancer develops even in Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)-uninfected patients and its typical histological feature is signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) within the mucosal layer. However, the biological characteristics of SRCC remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the pathological and genetic features of SRCC in H. pylori-uninfected patients.

Methods

Seventeen H. pylori-uninfected patients with mucosal SRCCs were enrolled and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared with those of H. pylori-infected patients with mucosal SRCCs. Seven SRCCs without H. pylori-infected, including two invasive SRCCs, and seven H. pylori-infected SRCCs were subjected to a genetic analysis using next-generation sequencing.

Results

H. pylori-uninfected patients with mucosal SRCCs revealed male dominancy and a significantly higher prevalence of smokers among them as compared with the H. pylori-infected patients with SRCC. A CDH1 mutation (frame shift indel) was detected in one H. pylori-uninfected cancer not only in the mucosal SRCC but also in the invasive portion. A TP53 mutation was detected in one SRCC without H. pylori-infected. In the control group, ARID1A and TP53 mutations were detected in one SRCC each. The C to A mutation, which is a characteristic smoking-induced mutation, was not found in any of the samples.

Conclusions

Some SRCCs in H. pylori-uninfected patients may have a malignant potential similar to that of SRCCs in H. pylori-infected patients. Smoking may not be the main carcinogenic factor for the development of SRCCs among the H. pylori-uninfected patients.
Racial disparities of Black Americans hospitalized for decompensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Spiewak Ted , Taefi Amir , Patel Shruti , Li Chin-Shang , Chak Eric
Published: July 2020

Background

Racial disparities have been reported in liver transplantation and chronic hepatitis C treatment outcomes. Determining causes of these disparities is important given the racially diverse American population and the economic burden associated with chronic liver disease.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed among 463 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis admitted from (January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2018) to a tertiary care academic medical center. Patients were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) for cirrhosis or its complications. Demographic information, laboratory data, medical comorbidities, insurance and adherence to cirrhosis quality care indicators were recorded to determine their relationship to readmission rates and other healthcare outcomes.

Results

A total of 463 individual patients with cirrhosis were identified including Whites (n = 241), Hispanics (n = 106), Blacks (n = 50), Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (API, n = 27) and Other (n = 39). A significantly higher proportion of Blacks had Medicaid insurance compared to Whites (40% versus 20%, p = 0.0002) and Blacks had lower median income than Whites ($45,710 versus $54,844, p = 0.01). All groups received high quality cirrhosis care. Regarding healthcare outcomes, Black patients had the highest mean total hospital admissions (6.1 ± 6.3, p = 0.01) and the highest mean number of 30-day re-admissions (2.1 ± 3.7, p = 0.05) compared to all other racial groups. Multivariable proportional odds regression analysis showed that race was a statistically significant predictor of 90-day readmission (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Black Americans hospitalized for complications of cirrhosis may experience significant disparities in healthcare outcomes compared to Whites despite high quality cirrhosis care. Socioeconomic factors may contribute to these disparities.
Use of BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal PCR panel associated with reductions in antibiotic use, time to optimal antibiotics, and length of stay
Authors: Torres-Miranda Daisy , Akselrod Hana , Karsner Ryan , Secco Alessandra , Silva-Cantillo Diana , Siegel Marc O. , Roberts Afsoon D. , Simon Gary L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are needed for appropriate management of infectious diarrhea.

Methods

We evaluated the impact of the introduction of rapid multiplex PCR testing using the FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) panel (BioFire Diagnostics, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT) at our institution, and compared the results to those of standard stool cultures.

Results

The most common pathogens detected by the FilmArray GI panel were Clostridium difficile (55.0%), Campylobacter species (20.9%), Salmonella species (12.4%), and Shigella/EIEC species (12.4%). Rates of reproducibility in stool culture for these pathogens ranged from 56.3 to 77.8%. Co-detection of two or more organisms was common (24.2%), most commonly involving EPEC, EAEC, ETEC, and STEC. The time from arrival in the Emergency Department to discharge or admission to the hospital was unchanged after the introduction of FilmArray GI panel, but length of hospital stay was shorter (3 vs. 7.5 days, p = 0.0002) for the FilmArray group. The time to empiric antibiotics did not differ significantly, but optimal antibiotics were started earlier after introduction of the FilmArray GI panel (hospital day 1 vs. 2, p < 0.0001). More patients were discharged without antibiotics after introduction of the FilmArray GI panel (14.0% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the FilmArray GI panel is an important tool for improving both patient care and antibiotic stewardship, despite the tendency for positive results with multiple pathogens.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the celiac disease adherence test questionnaire
Authors: Nikniaz Zeinab , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ghaffarifar Saeideh , Saeedi Zahra , Akbari Namvar Zahra , Shirmohammadi Masood
Published: July 2020

Background

A gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only effective treatment for celiac patients and assessing adherence to this diet is important. Celiac disease Adherence Test (CDAT) is a valid English-language questionnaire that is used for assessing the adherence to the GFD. In the present study, we aimed to translate the CDAT questionnaire in Persian and evaluate its validity and reliability.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, CDAT was translated and back-translated by three bilingual professional translators. Content validity was evaluated by 12 gastroenterologists and nutritionists. To assess the construct validity, 230 patients with celiac disease were randomly selected from the national celiac disease registry database. Internal consistency of the items and test-retest reliability were assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). To assess the convergent validity of the questionnaire, the correlation coefficient between the CDAT score and anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (anti-t-TG-IgA) titer was assessed.

Results

The content validity index, content validity ratio, and impact score of the Persian version of CDAT (Pv-CDAT) were 0.97, 0.95, and 4.61 respectively. Three significant factors were extracted and according to the confirmatory factor analysis the three-factor model had adequate fitness (chi-square p-value of 0.74, root mean error of approximation: 0.001 [95% CI: 0.001–0.083], comparative fit index: 1, standardized root mean squared residual: 0.04, and coefficient of determination: 0.78). The questionnaire had good feasibility with the floor effect of 3.1% and the ceiling effect of 0.4%. Moreover, it has high internal consistency (Cronbach-alpha: 0.71) and test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.78). The correlations between CDAT categories and anti-tTG-IgA categories showed a significant correlation between the two tests (r = 0.53; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that the Pv-CDAT questionnaire with high validity, reliability, and internal consistency can be used for assessing adherence to the GFD in adult celiac patients in Iran.
Dual-task tests discriminate between dementia, mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive impairment, and healthy controls – a cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Åhman Hanna B. , Cedervall Ylva , Kilander Lena , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Berglund Lars , McKee Kevin J. , Rosendahl Erik , Ingelsson Martin , Åberg Anna Cristina
Published: July 2020

Background

Discrimination between early-stage dementia and other cognitive impairment diagnoses is central to enable appropriate interventions. Previous studies indicate that dual-task testing may be useful in such differentiation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether dual-task test outcomes discriminate between groups of individuals with dementia disorder, mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive impairment, and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 464 individuals (mean age 71 years, 47% women) were included in the study, of which 298 were patients undergoing memory assessment and 166 were cognitively healthy controls. Patients were grouped according to the diagnosis received: dementia disorder, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective cognitive impairment. Data collection included participants’ demographic characteristics. The patients’ cognitive test results and diagnoses were collected from their medical records. Healthy controls underwent the same cognitive tests as the patients. The mobility test Timed Up-and-Go (TUG single-task) and two dual-task tests including TUG (TUGdt) were carried out: TUGdt naming animals and TUGdt months backwards. The outcomes registered were: time scores for TUG single-task and both TUGdt tests, TUGdt costs (relative time difference between TUG single-task and TUGdt), number of different animals named, number of months recited in correct order, number of animals per 10 s, and number of months per 10 s. Logistic regression models examined associations between TUG outcomes pairwise between groups.

Results

The TUGdt outcomes “animals/10 s” and “months/10 s” discriminated significantly (p < 0.001) between individuals with an early-stage dementia diagnosis, mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. The TUGdt outcome “animals/10 s” showed an odds ratio of 3.3 (95% confidence interval 2.0–5.4) for the groups dementia disorders vs. mild cognitive impairment. TUGdt cost outcomes, however, did not discriminate between any of the groups.

Conclusions

The novel TUGdt outcomes “words per time unit”, i.e. “animals/10 s” and “months/10 s”, demonstrate high levels of discrimination between all investigated groups. Thus, the TUGdt tests in the current study could be useful as complementary tools in diagnostic assessments. Future studies will be focused on the predictive value of TUGdt outcomes concerning dementia risk for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive impairment.
Spirituality and quality of life in older adults: a path analysis model
Authors: Lima Sara , Teixeira Lurdes , Esteves Raquel , Ribeiro Fátima , Pereira Fernanda , Teixeira Ana , Magalhães Clarisse
Published: July 2020

Background

Study older adults’ quality of life is becoming increasingly important in the assessment, quality improvement and allocation of health and social care service. The purpose of this study was to enhance knowledge on the relationship between modifiable (psychological variables) and non-modifiable variables (sociodemographic), and quality of life in elderly, regarding psychological and social variables in Portuguese context.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, including 604 older adults from general community. 63.6% of the sample was composed by female gender with a mean age of 71.6(SD = 4.81). Participants completed the following instruments: Barthel Index to assess functionality; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale to assess social support; The Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness to assess spirituality and Short Form Health Survey 36, to assess mental and physical quality of life.

Results

A path analysis model was performed where the presence of a chronic disease, age and functionality has a direct effect on physical quality of life and spirituality had a direct effect on mental quality of life. Social support mediated the relationship between functionality and mental quality of life, and in turn, functionality mediated the relationship between age and physical quality of life.

Conclusions

Results reinforce the effect of age and chronic disease as non-modifiable variables as well as functionality, spirituality and satisfaction with social support as modifiable variables, in the quality of life of older people. Social support, health and education programs in the community should be promoted in order to improve quality of life in this population. Strategies to promote functionality and enhance the social support network, especially in the elder with chronic illness, should be a priority.
Socioeconomic status, health-related behaviours, and death among older people: the Concord health and aging in men project prospective cohort study
Authors: Khalatbari-Soltani Saman , Blyth Fiona M. , Naganathan Vasi , Handelsman David J. , Le Couteur David G. , Seibel Markus J. , Waite Louise M. , Cvejic Erin , Cumming Robert G.
Published: July 2020

Background

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with mortality among older people and little is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. We investigated the association of SES with mortality among older Australian men. We also investigated potential mediating effects of health-related behaviours in SES-mortality associations.

Methods

We used data from a prospective population-based cohort (the Concord Health and Aging in Men Project), in Sydney, Australia. The main outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Educational attainment, occupational position, source of income, housing tenure, and a cumulative SES score were assessed at baseline. Longitudinally assessed alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and body mass index were investigated as potential mediators. Associations were quantified using Cox regression.

Results

We evaluated 1527 men (mean age: 77.4 ± 5.5 years). During a mean follow-up time of 9.0 years, 783 deaths occurred. For deaths from all causes, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the lowest tertile of cumulative SES score versus the highest tertile was 1.44 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.70); the corresponding sub-HRs were 1.35 (0.96 to 1.89) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality; 1.58 (1.15 to 2.18) for cancer mortality, and 1.86 (1.36 to 2.56) for non-CVD, non-cancer mortality. SES-mortality associations were attenuated by 11–25% after adjustment for mediating health-related behaviours.

Conclusion

Low SES is associated with increased mortality in older Australian men and health-related behaviours accounted for less than one-fourth of these associations. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying SES inequalities in mortality among older people.
“Establishing the criterion validity of the interRAI Check-Up Self-Report instrument”
Authors: Geffen Leon N. , Kelly Gabrielle , Morris John N. , Hogeveen Sophie , Hirdes John
Published: July 2020

Background

Low and middle-income countries have growing older populations and could benefit from the use of multi-domain geriatric assessments in overcoming the challenge of providing quality health services to older persons. This paper reports on the outcomes of a study carried out in Cape Town, South Africa on the validity of the interRAI Check-Up Self-Report instrument, a multi-domain assessment instrument designed to screen older persons in primary health settings. This is the first criterion validity study of the instrument. The instrument is designed to identify specific health problems and needs, including psychosocial or cognition problems and issues related to functional decline. The interRAI Check-Up Self-Report is designed to be compatible with the clinician administered instruments in the interRAI suite of assessments, but the validity of the instrument against clinician ratings has not yet been established. We therefore sought to establish whether community health workers, rather than trained healthcare professionals could reliably administer the self-report instrument to older persons.

Methods

We evaluated the criterion validity of the self-report instrument through comparison to assessments completed by a clinician assessor. A total of 112 participants, aged 60 or older were recruited from 7 seniors clubs in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Each participant was assessed by one of two previously untrained, non-healthcare personnel using the Check-Up Self-report version and again by a trained assessor using the clinician version of the interRAI Check-Up within 48 h. Our analyses focused on the degree of agreement between the self-reported and clinician-rated versions of the Check-Up based on the simple or weighted kappa values for the two types of ratings. Binary variables used simple kappas, and ordinal variables with three or more levels were examined using weighted kappas with Fleiss-Cohen weights.

Results

Based on Cohen’s Kappa values, we were able to establish that high levels of agreement existed between clinical assessors and lay interviewers, indicating that the instrument can be validly administered by community health workers without formal healthcare training. 13% of items had kappa values ranging between 0.10 and 0.39; 51% of items had kappa values between 0.4 and 0.69; and 36% of items had values of between 0.70 and 1.00.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that there is potential for the Check-Up Self-Report instrument to be implemented in under-resourced health systems such as South Africa’s.
Dose response relationship of cumulative anticholinergic exposure with incident dementia: validation study of Korean anticholinergic burden scale
Authors: Suh Yewon , Ah Young-Mi , Han Euna , Jun Kwanghee , Hwang Sunghee , Choi Kyung Hee , Lee Ju-Yeun
Published: July 2020

Background

The dose response relationship of nine-year cumulative anticholinergic exposure and dementia onset was investigated using the Korean version anticholinergic burden scale (KABS) in comparison with the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB). We also examined the effect of weak anticholinergics in the prediction of dementia.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted comprising 86,576 patients after 1:2 propensity score matching using the longitudinal national claims database. For cumulative anticholinergic burden estimation, average daily anticholinergic burden score during the 9 years prior to dementia onset was calculated using KABS and ACB and categorized as minimal, < 0.25; low, 0.25–1; intermediate, 1–2; and high, ≥ 2. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) between cumulative anticholinergic burden and incident dementia was estimated.

Results

Patients with high exposure according to KABS and ACB comprised 3.2 and 3.4% of the dementia cohort and 2.1 and 2.8% of the non-dementia cohort, respectively. Dose-response relationships were observed between anticholinergic burden and incident dementia. After adjusting covariates, compared with minimal exposure, patients with high exposure according to KABS and ACB had a significantly higher risk for incident dementia with aOR of 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55–1.87) and 1.22 (CI 1.12–1.33), respectively. With the exclusion of weak anticholinergics, the association became stronger, i.e., 1.41 (CI 1.14–1.75) with ACB whereas the association became slightly weaker with KABS, i.e., 1.60 (CI 1.38–1.86).

Conclusion

This study confirmed the dose response relationship for cumulative anticholinergic burden measured using the Korean specific anticholinergic burden scale with incident dementia.
Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in the general population of Myanmar via nationwide study
Authors: Kyaw Yi Yi , Lwin Aye Aye , Aye Khin Saw , Thu Hlaing Myat , Htun Moh Moh , Soe Hnin Ohmar , Aye Kay Thi , Thant Kyaw Zin , Hwang Hyeon Jeong , Cheong JaeHun
Published: July 2020

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are a severe health concern worldwide. HBV is a DNA virus with a rapid rate of mutation. Based on heterogeneity of the nucleotide sequence, the HBV strains are divided into nine genotypes, each with a characteristic geographical distribution. Identifying and tracking alterations of HBV genotypes is important in epidemiological and transmission studies, and contributes to predicting the risk for development of severe liver disease and response to antiviral treatment. The present study was undertaken to detect HBV genotypes and sub-genotypes in the general population of different states and regions in Myanmar.

Methods

In 2015, a total of 5547 adults of the general population, residing in seven states, seven regions and the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, were screened for Hepatitis B Surface antigen (HBsAg) by the immunochromatographic test (ICT). Of the 353 HBsAg positive samples, the HBVDNA was identified using polymerase chain reactions (PCR) targeting the DNA sequences encoding the Pre-S region. A total of 153 PCR positive samples were subsequently subjected to genotyping by partial genome sequencing in both directions. The resulting sequences were then edited, aligned, and compared with reference sequences using the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) web-based genotyping tool.

Results

Three HBV genotypes (HBV genotype B, genotype C and genotype D) were detected in Myanmar, of which genotype HBV genotype C (66.7%) was the most prevalent, followed by HBV genotype D (32%) and HBV genotype B (1.3%). Sub-genotyping revealed a total of 7 variants within the B, C and D genotypes: 2 (B4 and B5) in HBV genotype B, 3 (C1, C5 and C7) in HBV genotype C, and 2 (D3 and D6) in HBV genotype D.

Conclusion

HBV genotype C, sub-genotype C1 was predominantly distributed in all states and regions of Myanmar. This study is the first report on the nationwide distribution of HBV genotypes and sub-genotypes in Myanmar. We believe our findings will enable huge support for the hepatitis disease surveillance program, since HBV infection is one of the National Priority Diseases in Myanmar.
Development and evaluation of a TaqMan MGB RT-PCR assay for detection of H5 and N8 subtype influenza virus
Authors: Yang Fan , Xu Lihua , Liu Fumin , Yao Hangping , Wu Nanping , Wu Haibo
Published: July 2020

Background

Highly pathogenic influenza A (H5N8) viruses have caused several worldwide outbreaks in birds and are of potential risk to humans. Thus, a specific, rapid and sensitive method for detection is urgently needed.

Methods

In the present study, TaqMan minor groove binder probes and multiplex real-time RT-PCR primers were designed to target the H5 hemagglutinin and N8 neuraminidase genes. A total of 38 strains of avian influenza viruses and other viruses were selected to test the performance of the assay.

Results

The results showed that only H5 and N8 avian influenza viruses yielded a positive signal, while all other subtypes avian influenza viruses and other viruses were negative. High specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity were achieved, with a detection limit of 10 copies per reaction.

Conclusions

The developed assay could be a powerful tool for rapid detection of H5N8 influenza viruses in the future.
Breast MRI texture analysis for prediction of BRCA-associated genetic risk
Authors: Vasileiou Georgia , Costa Maria J. , Long Christopher , Wetzler Iris R. , Hoyer Juliane , Kraus Cornelia , Popp Bernt , Emons Julius , Wunderle Marius , Wenkel Evelyn , Uder Michael , Beckmann Matthias W. , Jud Sebastian M. , Fasching Peter A. , Cavallaro Alexander , Reis André , Hammon Matthias
Published: July 2020

Background

BRCA1/2 deleterious variants account for most of the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer cases. Prediction models and guidelines for the assessment of genetic risk rely heavily on criteria with high variability such as family cancer history. Here we investigated the efficacy of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) texture features as a predictor for BRCA mutation status.

Methods

A total of 41 female breast cancer individuals at high genetic risk, sixteen with a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant and twenty five controls were included. From each MRI 4225 computer-extracted voxels were analyzed. Non-imaging features including clinical, family cancer history variables and triple negative receptor status (TNBC) were complementarily used. Lasso-principal component regression (L-PCR) analysis was implemented to compare the predictive performance, assessed as area under the curve (AUC), when imaging features were used, and lasso logistic regression or conventional logistic regression for the remaining analyses.

Results

Lasso-selected imaging principal components showed the highest predictive value (AUC 0.86), surpassing family cancer history. Clinical variables comprising age at disease onset and bilateral breast cancer yielded a relatively poor AUC (~ 0.56). Combination of imaging with the non-imaging variables led to an improvement of predictive performance in all analyses, with TNBC along with the imaging components yielding the highest AUC (0.94). Replacing family history variables with imaging components yielded an improvement of classification performance of ~ 4%, suggesting that imaging compensates the predictive information arising from family cancer structure.

Conclusions

The L-PCR model uncovered evidence for the utility of MRI texture features in distinguishing between BRCA1/2 positive and negative high-risk breast cancer individuals, which may suggest value to diagnostic routine. Integration of computer-extracted texture analysis from MRI modalities in prediction models and inclusion criteria might play a role in reducing false positives or missed cases especially when established risk variables such as family history are missing.
Deep semi-supervised learning for brain tumor classification
Authors: Ge Chenjie , Gu Irene Yu-Hua , Jakola Asgeir Store , Yang Jie
Published: July 2020

Background

This paper addresses issues of brain tumor, glioma, classification from four modalities of Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) scans (i.e., T1 weighted MRI, T1 weighted MRI with contrast-enhanced, T2 weighted MRI and FLAIR). Currently, many available glioma datasets often contain some unlabeled brain scans, and many datasets are moderate in size.

Methods

We propose to exploit deep semi-supervised learning to make full use of the unlabeled data. Deep CNN features were incorporated into a new graph-based semi-supervised learning framework for learning the labels of the unlabeled data, where a new 3D-2D consistent constraint is added to make consistent classifications for the 2D slices from the same 3D brain scan. A deep-learning classifier is then trained to classify different glioma types using both labeled and unlabeled data with estimated labels. To alleviate the overfitting caused by moderate-size datasets, synthetic MRIs generated by Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are added in the training of CNNs.

Results

The proposed scheme has been tested on two glioma datasets, TCGA dataset for IDH-mutation prediction (molecular-based glioma subtype classification) and MICCAI dataset for glioma grading. Our results have shown good performance (with test accuracies 86.53% on TCGA dataset and 90.70% on MICCAI dataset).

Conclusions

The proposed scheme is effective for glioma IDH-mutation prediction and glioma grading, and its performance is comparable to the state-of-the-art.
Who should be responsible for the care of advanced chronic kidney disease? Do the guidelines point to the end of nephrology follow-up of advanced CKD or are they the starting point for a new approach?
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: July 2020

The editorial comments on a recently published study in which 242 patients, with “stable” chronic kidney disease, recruited during a hospital stay, were randomised either to receiving support from nephrologists (co-management by primary care physicians and nephrologists), or to be managed by primary care physicians with written instructions and nephrology consultations on demand. After a mean follow-up of 4 years, the results in terms of dialysis start, hospitalisation and death were similar for both groups.

This study gave the possibility to discuss about the options of follow-up of CKD patients, including on one side the advantage of a greater involvement of primary care physicians, who could oversee care by applying a common set of simplified guidelines, and on the other one the importance of a direct and deep involvement of the specialists that seems necessary in particular if personalised approaches have to be pursuit. The data of the present study are somehow in disagreement with the literature, usually suggesting better outcomes in intensive treatment, in which specialists are directly involved. The literature is heterogeneous, the goals vary and the populations are differently selected. The compliance issue is probably one of the missing pieces of the puzzle, and specific interventions should also be tailored to “reluctant” patients. Guidelines should probably be staring points for improvement, and not the standard of care; the study herein discussed may suggest that primary care physicians may be of great help in granting a good standard of care, hopefully as a baseline for further improvement, and personalised care.
Renal function deterioration in adult patients with type-2 diabetes
Authors: Bramlage Peter , Lanzinger Stefanie , Hess Eva , Fahrner Simon , Heyer Christoph H. J. , Friebe Mathias , Buschmann Ivo , Danne Thomas , Holl Reinhard W. , Seufert Jochen
Published: July 2020

Background

To explore, in a large group of patients with type-2 diabetes (T2DM), renal function decline in terms of the slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time, and to find out how classical risk factors, such as the presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and microalbuminuria, affect the renal function.

Methods

The analysis included 32,492 adult T2DM patients from the DIVE/DPV registries who had serial eGFR determinations and information on the presence of microalbuminuria, hypertension and dyslipidemia available.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 66.3 years, 52.6% were male with a mean BMI of 31.7 kg/m2. The mean eGFR was 78.4 ± 21.4 mL/min/1.73m2. The results showed that the prevalence of renal function impairment understood as chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considerable (53.0%) in a population of patients with T2DM and has a high incidence rate of 6.6% within a year. Serial determinations of the eGFR are, however, infrequent (7.8% of all patients) and these patients are characterised by the presence of a high-risk profile for CKD, such as hypertension (88.1%) and dyslipidemia (66.1%). Over a three-year time period, 30.9% of the patients had an eGFR slope of -12 mL/min/1.73m2 or more; and more than a doubled proportion of patients with an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (3.8% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001). Hypertension and albuminuria contributed to renal function decline while dyslipidemia did not negatively affect the slope.

Conclusion

CKD is highly prevalent in patients with T2DM. Serial surveillance of the glomerular filtration rate is, however, not established in clinical practice, which would be necessary as indicated by a doubling of patients with an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 within 3 years. Moreover, the use of renin-angiotensin blocking agents was low, pointing at considerable room for improvement. Taken together we conclude that a closer surveillance of patients with diabetes based on the presence of further risk factors is mandatory combined with a mandatory prescription of RAS blocking agents once microalbuminuria and / or renal function deterioration develops.
Magnitude and trend of perinatal mortality and its relationship with inter-pregnancy interval in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jena Belayneh Hamdela , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Gete Yigzaw Kebede
Published: July 2020

Background

Perinatal mortality remains a problem in Ethiopia. Findings of primary studies varied on level of perinatal mortality and its predictors including inter-pregnancy interval. The aim of this review was to estimate the pooled perinatal mortality rate, its trend overtime and verify the association with inter-pregnancy interval in Ethiopian context.

Methods

Studies were accessed through the electronic web-based search strategies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Hinari for health via Research4Life, Google and Advanced Google search, and retrieving via relevant references using a combination of medical subject headings (MeSH terms) and key words related with inter-pregnancy interval. R version 3.4.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. A forest plot and I2test were done to assess heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were done to deal with heterogeneity. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled effect sizes. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were done to check publication bias.

Results

A total of 34 studies used to answer review questions (30 for perinatal mortality rate and its trend estimation from 1997 to 2019 and 8 for its relationship with inter-pregnancy interval). The pooled perinatal mortality rate was 51.3 per 1000 total births (95% CI: 40.8–62.8). The pooled stillbirth rate was 36.9 per 1000 births (95% CI: 27.3–47.8) and early neonatal mortality rate was 29.5 per 1000 live births (95% CI: 23.9–35.6). Increasing trend was seen in stillbirth rate (23.7 to 36.9 per 1000 births) while decreasing trend in early neonatal mortality rate (51 to 29.5 per 1000 live births). Slight reduction trend was observed in overall perinatal mortality rate (66 to 51.3 per 1000 births). An inter-pregnancy interval less than 15 months was found to be statistically significantly associated with perinatal mortality; pooled OR = 2.76 (95% CI: 2.1–3.62). Spacing pregnancy for at least 15 months was related with reducing perinatal mortality by 64% (95% CI: 52.38, 72.38%).

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, perinatal mortality rate remains high. Insignificant reduction trend was observed in overall perinatal mortality rate. Counseling couples about the importance of spacing pregnancy and intensifying long-acting contraceptive use will help in reducing perinatal mortality related to poor pregnancy spacing.
The RECIPE study: reducing emergency Caesareans and improving the Primiparous experience: a blinded, prospective, observational study
Authors: Murphy Niamh C , Burke Naomi , Dicker Patrick , Cody Fiona , Kent Etaoin , Tully Elizabeth C , Malone Fergal D , Breathnach Fionnuala M
Published: July 2020

Background

The RECIPE study aims to validate a risk prediction model for intrapartum caesarean delivery which has been developed by our group. The Genesis study was a prospective observational study carried out by the Perinatal Ireland Research Consortium across 7 clinical centres in Ireland between October 2012 and June 2015. Genesis investigated a range of maternal and fetal parameters in a prospective blinded study of 2336 singleton pregnancies between 39 + 0–41 + 0 weeks’ gestational age. This resulted in the development of a risk prediction model for Caesarean Delivery in nulliparous women at term. The RECIPE study now proposes to provide external validation of this risk prediction tool.

Methods

In order to externally validate the model, we aim to include a centre which was not involved in the original study. We propose a trial of risk-assignment for intrapartum caesarean amongst nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy between 38 + 0 and 40 + 6 weeks’ gestational age who are planning a vaginal birth. Results of the risk prediction tool will be concealed from participants and from midwives and doctors providing labour care.. Participants will be invited for an ultrasound scan and delivery details will be collated postnatally. The principal aim of this study is to externally validate the risk prediction model. This prediction model holds the potential to accurately identify nulliparous women who are likely to achieve an uncomplicated vaginal birth and those at high prospect of requiring an unplanned caesarean delivery.

Discussion

Validation of the Genesis prediction model would enable more accurate counselling for women in the antenatal setting regarding their own likelihood of requiring an intrapartum Caesarean section. It would also provide valuable personalised information to women about the anticipated course of their own labour. We believe that this is an issue of national relevance that will impact positively on obstetric practice, and will positively empower women to make considered, personalised choices surrounding labour and delivery.
Delays in obstetric care increase the risk of neonatal near-miss morbidity events and death: a case-control study
Authors: Carvalho Ocilia Maria Costa , Junior Antônio Brazil Viana , Augusto Matheus Costa Carvalho , Leite Álvaro Jorge Madeiro , Nobre Rivianny Arrais , Bessa Olivia Andrea Alencar Costa , de Castro Eveline Campos Monteiro , Lopes Fernanda Nogueira Barbosa , Carvalho Francisco Herlânio Costa
Published: July 2020

Background

To evaluate the association between delays in obstetric care and neonatal near-miss mortality events and death in a public maternity referral center.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 142 neonates, meeting the near-miss criteria of 5-min Apgar < 7, weight < 1500 g, gestational age < 32 weeks, and use of mechanical ventilation or congenital malformation, as well as 284 controls (without the near-miss criteria), at a ratio of 1:2. After follow-up, the following outcomes were reclassified: survival of the neonatal period without the near-miss criteria (true “controls”), “near-miss,” and “neonatal death.” Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, prenatal care, and pregnancy resolution were evaluated. Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used. Simple logistic regression was performed to determine the association between the three delay factors with near-miss outcomes and/or neonatal death. The variables that had maintained values of p < 0.05 were subjected to multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Comparisons revealed the following associations: for controls and near-miss events, delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–5.1) and inappropriate conduct with the patient (OR, 12.1; 95% CI, 1.3–108.7); for controls and death, absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.6–7.1) and delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–5.6); and for near-miss events and death, absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0–5.0). Logistic regression for the combined outcome (near-miss plus neonatal deaths) revealed absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–2.8), lack of specialized services (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.7–4.5), and improper conduct with the patient (OR, 10.6; 95% CI, 1.2–91.8).

Conclusions

The delays in obstetric care associated with the presence of near-miss and/or neonatal death included absent or inadequate prenatal care, delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services, and inappropriate conduct with the patient.