bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding resilience among transition-age youth with serious mental illness: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Nesbitt Amy E , Sabiston Catherine M , deJonge Melissa L , Barbic Skye Pamela , Kozloff Nicole , Nalder Emily Joan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Transition-age youth (16–29 years old) are disproportionately affected by the onset, impact and burden of serious mental illness (SMI; for example, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders). Emerging evidence has increasingly highlighted the concept of resilience in mental health promotion and treatment approaches for this population. A comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence is needed to enhance conceptual clarity in this area, identify knowledge gaps, and inform future research and practice. As such, the present scoping review is guided by the following questions: How has resilience been conceptualised and operationalised in the transition-age youth mental health literature? What factors influence resilience among transition-age youth with SMI, and what outcomes have been studied within the context of transition-age youth’s mental health recovery?

Methods and analysis

The present protocol will follow six key stages, in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) established scoping review methodology and recent iterations of this framework, and has been registered with Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/rzfc5). The protocol and review process will be carried out by a multidisciplinary team in consultation with community stakeholders. A comprehensive search strategy will be conducted across multiple electronic databases to identify relevant empirical literature. Included sources will address the population of transition-age youth (16–29 years) diagnosed with SMI, the concept of resilience (in any context) and will report original research written in English. Data screening and extraction will be completed by at least two independent reviewers. Following meta-narrative review and qualitative content analyses, findings will be synthesised as a descriptive overview with tabular and graphical summaries.

Ethics and dissemination

University of Toronto Health Sciences Research Ethics Board approval was obtained to complete the community stakeholder consultation stage of this review. Results will be disseminated through conference presentations, publications, and user-friendly reports and graphics.
Benefits of heart failure-specific pharmacotherapy in frail hospitalised patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Horwood Chris , Hakendorf Paul , Thompson Campbell
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Up to 50% of heart failure (HF) patients may be frail and have worse clinical outcomes than non-frail patients. The benefits of HF-specific pharmacotherapy (beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor-blockers and mineralocorticoid-receptor-antagonist) in this population are unclear. This study explored whether HF-specific pharmacotherapy improves outcomes in frail hospitalised HF patients.

Design

Observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study.

Settings

Tertiary care hospitals.

Participants

One thousand four hundred and six hospitalised frail HF patients admitted between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020.

Measures

The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) determined frailty status and patients with HFRS ≥5 were classified as frail. The primary outcomes included the days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) at 90 days following discharge, 30-day and 180-day mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS) and 30-day readmissions. Propensity score matching (PSM) compared clinical outcomes depending on the receipt of HF-specific pharmacotherapy.

Results

Of 5734 HF patients admitted over a period of 8 years, 1406 (24.5%) were identified as frail according to the HFRS and were included in this study. Of 1406 frail HF patients, 1025 (72.9%) received HF-specific pharmacotherapy compared with 381 (27.1%) who did not receive any of these medications. Frail HF patients who did not receive HF-specific pharmacotherapy were significantly older, with higher creatinine and brain natriuretic peptide but with lower haemoglobin and albumin levels (p<0.05) when compared with those frail patients who received HF medications. After PSM frail patients on treatment were more likely to have an increased DAOH (coefficient 16.18, 95% CI 6.32 to 26.04, p=0.001) than those who were not on treatment. Both 30-day (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.39, p<0.001) and 180-day mortality (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.54, p<0.001) were significantly lower in frail patients on HF treatment but, there were no significant differences in LOS and 30-day readmissions (p>0.05).

Conclusion

This study found an association between the use of HF-specific pharmacotherapy and improved clinical outcomes in frail HF hospitalised patients when compared to those who were not on treatment.

Trial registration number

ANZCTRN383195.
Recommendations for the safety of hospitalised patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Martins Maristela Santini , Lourenção Daniela Campos de Andrade , Pimentel Rafael Rodrigo da Silva , de Oliveira Janine Melo , Manganoti Letícia Tuany de Carvalho Nogueira , Modesto Roberto Chrispim , Silva Maiquele Sirlei dos Santos , dos Santos Marcelo José
Published: September 2022

Objective

To map the recommendations for hospitalised patient safety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Scoping review using the method recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Data sources

Databases: Medline, SCOPUS, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, LILACS, CINAHL and IBECS; grey literature platform: Google Scholar; and 11 official websites of leading healthcare institutions were searched on 27 April 2021 and updated on 11 April 2022.

Eligibility criteria

We included documents that present recommendations for the safety of hospitalised patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, published in any language, from 2020 onwards.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data extraction was performed in pairs with consensus rounds. A descriptive analysis was carried out to present the main characteristics of the articles. Qualitative data from the extraction of recommendations were analysed through content analysis.

Results

One hundred and twenty-five documents were included. Most papers were identified as expert consensus (n=56, 44.8%). Forty-six recommendations were identified for the safety of hospitalised patients: 17 relating to the reorganisation of health services related to the flow of patients, the management of human and material resources and the reorganisation of the hospital environment; 11 on the approach to the airways and the prevention of the spread of aerosols; 11 related to sanitary and hygiene issues; 4 about proper use of personal protective equipment and 3 for effective communication.

Conclusions

The recommendations mapped in this scoping review present the best practices produced so far and serve as a basis for planning and implementing good practices to ensure safe hospital care, during and after COVID-19. The engagement of everyone involved in the care of hospitalised patients is essential to consolidate the mapped recommendations and provide dignified, safe and quality care.
Patient-related factors associated with superficial surgical site infection and progression to a periprosthetic joint infection after elective primary total joint arthroplasty: a single-centre, retrospective study in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Hannah K , Lazarinis Stergios
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Superficial surgical site infection (SSSI) may increase the risk of serious complications such as periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study aims to identify patient-related risk factors associated with SSSI and investigate their correlation with the progression of PJI.

Design

In this retrospective study, 1191 elective hip and knee prostheses were included. Patients were interviewed 3–5 months after surgery to answer questions about the postoperative period. Patient records were reviewed to determine whether there had been any documentation of wound-healing difficulties or whether antibiotics were prescribed to treat an infection related to arthroplasty surgery.

Setting

Uppsala University Hospital, patients treated between November 2008 and December 2012.

Participants

The study population comprised 433 knees and 758 hips.

Outcome measures

We studied patient-related risk factors (joint, age, sex, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetes and rheumatic disease) to determine whether they were associated with (1) SSSI and (2) the progress from SSSI to PJI.

Results

84 (7%) patients of the total cohort developed SSSI. This infection progressed to a PJI in 24 (29%) of the patients. Factors with increased adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) for SSSIs were knee surgery (1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.7), age≥65 years (1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.8), BMI≥30 (1.9; 95% CI: 1.0 to 3.4) and ASA classification≥3 (1.7; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.9). ASA classification≥3 was the only factor showing a significant progression from SSSI to PJI (aRR=3.3; 95% CI: 1.0 to 10.3).

Conclusions

The risk of progressing from an SSSI to a PJI is high. Older patients, patients with obesity, and those with a high ASA classification considered for elective total knee arthroplasty seem to have an increased risk of developing SSSI. Patients with a high ASA classification seem to have an increased risk of progressing from SSSI to PJI.
Age-dependent and sex-dependent differences in mortality from influenza-associated cardiovascular diseases among older adults in Shanghai, China: a population-based study
Authors: Jin Shan , Jiang Chenyan , Xia Tian , Gu Zhen , Yu Huiting , Li Jing , Zheng Yaxu , Pan Hao , Qiao Jiaying , Cai Renzhi , Wu Huanyu , Wang Chunfang
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Influenza epidemics lead to substantial morbidity and mortality among older adults. This study aimed to analyse and assess the age-specific and sex-specific differences in mortality rates for cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with influenza in older adults.

Design

We obtained weekly data on mortality from CVD in adults≥60 years, categorised into five age groups. We used a quasi-Poisson model and adjusted for long-term and seasonal trends and absolute humidity as confounding factors. The male-to-female ratio (M/F ratio) was an indicator for assessing sex differences.

Setting

Shanghai, China.

Participant

We analysed 440 107 CVD deaths in adults aged ≥60 years, including 44 913 cases positive for influenza and 1 927 487 outpatient visits for influenza-like illness from 2010 to 2019.

Main outcome measures

Age-specific and sex-specific excess CVD mortality rates in older adults for various combinations of CVDs and influenza viruses.

Results

Variations were observed in the excess mortality from CVD, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke depending on the influenza types/subtypes in different age and sex categories. The ≥85 years group had the highest excess mortality rates per 100 000 persons for CVD, IHD and stroke, while influenza A (H3N2) virus accounted for the highest mortality from CVD, IHD and stroke in people aged ≥65 years. Older men had a significantly lower influenza-associated IHD mortality rate than women, with an M/F ratio of 0.77 (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Excess mortality rates for CVDs associated with influenza increased with age in older adults. The risk for influenza-associated IHD mortality was significantly higher in older women than men. Our findings will help implement targeted health strategies, including the promotion of influenza vaccination and early therapeutic intervention for the older population with CVD, to curb the influenza burden effectively.
Protocol of an iterative qualitative study to develop a molecular testing decision aid for shared decision-making in patients with lung cancer after surgery
Authors: Wei Xing , Liu Yangjun , Yu Hongfan , Dai Wei , Yang Ding , Zhang Kunpeng , Sun Jing , Xu Wei , Gong Ruoyan , Yu Qingsong , Pu Yang , Wang Yaqin , Liao Jia , Mu Yunfei , Zhang Yuanqiang , Feng Wenhong , Pan Qi , Li Qiang , Shi Qiuling
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Although molecular testing is crucial for many patients with lung cancer, the decision to carry out molecular testing is not easy to make in actual clinical scenarios. Using a specific decision aid (DA) to conduct shared decision-making (SDM) may help ameliorate this problem. However, no DA currently exists for lung cancer molecular testing (DA_LCMT). We aim to develop an evidence-based, iteratively refined DA, which may facilitate SDM and improve the quality of SDM.

Methods and analysis

After considering the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, International Patient Decision Aid Standards and Food and Drug Administration guidance about methods to identify what is important to patients, semistructured interviews with qualitative research methods will be used to generate the decision-making needs of patients with lung cancer diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma by intraoperative frozen pathological sections. Input will be provided by patients and other stakeholders, including thoracic surgeons, nurses, hospital administrators, molecular testing company staff and insurance company staff. Then, a modified Delphi method will be used to develop the DA_LCMT V.1.0 (DA_LCMT 1.0). Structured interviews with qualitative research methods will be used in the cognitive debriefing (alpha tests) and field testing (beta tests) to revise and improve the DA_LCMT from version 1.0 to the final version, version 3.0. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarise the baseline characteristics of the patients and other stakeholders. Qualitative data will be analysed using the three steps of grounded theory: generate a codebook, update the codebook and create a comprehensive list of related items.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics Committee for Medical Research and New Medical Technology of Sichuan Cancer Hospital approved this study. This protocol is based on the latest version 1.0, dated 31 October 2021. The study was also approved by the Ethics Committees of The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Zigong First People’s Hospital and Jiangyou People’s Hospital. The results of this study will be presented at medical conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05191485.
Assessing the outcomes and experiences of care from the perspective of people living with chronic conditions, to support countries in developing people-centred policies and practices: study protocol of the International Survey of People Living with Chronic Conditions (PaRIS survey)
Authors: de Boer Dolf , van den Berg Michael , Ballester Marta , Bloemeke Janika , Boerma Wienke , de Bienassis Katherine , Groenewegen Peter , Groene Oliver , Kendir Candan , Klazinga Niek , Porter Ian , Sunol Rosa , Thomas Laura , Valderas Jose Maria , Williams Rachel , Rijken Mieke
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In view of growing populations with chronic conditions, many countries are redesigning their health systems. However, little information is available about how health systems perform from the perspective of people living with chronic conditions. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Member States therefore mandated the OECD to initiate the International Survey of People Living with Chronic Conditions (PaRIS survey), which aims to provide insight in outcomes and experiences of care as reported by people living with chronic conditions. The PaRIS-SUR consortium has been tasked by the OECD to support the development and implementation of the survey.

Methods and analysis

As primary care services play a pivotal role in the management of chronic conditions, the PaRIS survey will be implemented in the primary care setting. Data will be collected with a survey among users of primary care services aged 45 years or older, of whom many have chronic conditions. An additional survey is conducted among their primary care providers. The nested study design will allow analysis of the patient-reported data in relation to characteristics of and care provided by primary care providers within and across countries. In 2022, the survey will be tested in a Field Trial in participating countries. Data for cross-country comparison will be collected by the Main Survey in 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

Informed consent will be obtained from primary care providers and service users. National Project Managers search ethical approval of the survey in their country, if required. Reporting by the OECD will focus on questions for international comparison. A secured information technology platform will be developed for participants and stakeholders in countries to receive feedback and answer their own questions. Findings will also be disseminated through an international OECD flagship report, conferences, scientific papers and policy briefs, to inform strategies to improve care for people living with chronic conditions throughout the world.
Peripartum care of persons with obesity: a scoping review of recommendations and practical tools for implementation
Authors: Kominiarek Michelle A , Cassimatis Irina , Peace Jack , Premkumar Ashish , Toledo Paloma , O'Dwyer Linda
Published: September 2022

Objective

Despite the growing prevalence of obesity among reproductive aged persons in the USA, evidence-based guidelines for peripartum care are lacking. The objective of this scoping review is to identify obesity-related recommendations for peripartum care, evaluate grades of evidence for each recommendation, and identify practical tools (eg, checklists, toolkits, care pathways and bundles) to support their implementation in clinical practice.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to December 2020 for eligible studies addressing peripartum care in persons with obesity.

Study eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria were published evidence-rated recommendations and practical tools for peripartum care of persons with obesity.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Pairs of independent reviewers extracted data (source, publication year, content and number of recommendations, level and grade of evidence, description of tool) and identified similarities and differences among the articles.

Results

Of 18 315 screened articles, 18 were included including 7 articles with evidence-rated recommendations and 11 practical tools (3 checklists, 3 guidelines, 1 care bundle, 1 flowchart, 1 care pathway, 1 care map and 1 protocol). Thirteen of 39 evidence-rated recommendations were based on expert opinion. Recommendations related to surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and subcutaneous tissue closure at caesarean delivery received the highest grade of evidence. Some of the practical tools included a checklist from the USA regarding anticoagulation after caesarean delivery (evidence-supported recommendation), a bundle for surgical site infections after caesarean delivery in Australia (evidence did not support recommendation) and a checklist with content for several aspects of peripartum care from Canada (evidence supported seven of nine definitive recommendations).

Conclusion

The recommendations for peripartum care for persons with obesity are based on limited evidence and few practical tools for implementation exist. Future work should focus on developing practical tools based on high-quality studies.
PEDAL protocol: a prospective single-arm paired comparison of multiparametric MRI and 18F-DCPFyl PSMA PET/CT to diagnose prostate cancer
Authors: Tran Vy , Hong Anne , Sutherland Tom , Taubman Kim , Lee Su-Faye , Lenaghan Daniel , Sethi Kapil , Corcoran Niall M , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Woo H , Tarlinton Lisa , Bolton Damien , Spelman Tim , Thomas Lauren , Booth Russell , Hegarty Justin , Perry Elisa , Wong Lih-Ming
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) has emerged as valuable imaging to assessing metastatic disease in prostate malignancy. However, there has been limited studies exploring the utility PSMA-PET as primary imaging assessing for index lesions prior to biopsy. The primary objective of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 18-fluorine PSMA (18F DCFPyL PSMA) PET scans to multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) to detect primary prostate cancer at prostate biopsy.

Methods and analysis

The PEDAL trial is a multicentre, prospective, single-arm, paired comparison, non-randomised phase III trial in subjects considered for diagnostic prostate biopsy. Subjects who are eligible for a diagnostic mpMRI prostate will undergo additional same-day 18 F DCFPyl PSMA PET/CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Software coregistration of the mpMRI and PSMA-PET/CT images will be performed. The reporting of the mpMRI prostate, PSMA-PET/CT and PSMA PET/MRI coregistration will be performed blinded. The diagnostic accuracy of PSMA PET/CT alone, and in combination with mpMRI, to detect prostate cancer will be assessed. Histopathology at prostate biopsy will be used as the reference standard. Sample size calculations estimate that 240 subjects will need to be recruited to demonstrate 20% superiority of PSMA-PET/CT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the combination of mpMRI prostate and PSMA PET/CT compared with targeted and systematic prostate biopsy will be evaluated. It is hypothesised that PSMA PET/CT combined with mpMRI prostate will have improved diagnostic accuracy compared with mpMRI prostate alone for detection of prostate cancer in biopsy-naïve men, resulting in a significant impact on patient management.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the independent Human Research Ethics Committee. Results will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals with eligible investigators will significantly contribute.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000261910.
Piloting of the virtual telecare technology ‘Addison Care’ to promote self-management in persons with chronic diseases in a community setting: protocol for a mixed-methods user experience, user engagement and usability pilot study
Authors: Krutter Simon , Schuessler Nadine , Kutschar Patrick , Šabić Edin , Dellinger Johanna , Klausner Tabea , Nestler Nadja , Beasley Morgan , Henderson Bailey , Pitzer Stefan , Mitterlehner Barbara , Langegger Doris , Winkler Anna , Kloesch Michael , Eßl-Maurer Roland , van der Zee-Neuen Antje , Osterbrink Jürgen
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Chronic diseases in older adults are one of the major epidemiological challenges of current times and leading cause of disability, poor quality of life, high healthcare costs and death. Self-management of chronic diseases is essential to improve health behaviours and health outcomes. Technology-assisted interventions have shown to improve self-management of chronic diseases. Virtual avatars can be a key factor for the acceptance of these technologies. Addison Care is a home-based telecare solution equipped with a virtual avatar named Addison, connecting older persons with their caregivers via an easy-to-use technology. A central advantage is that Addison Care provides access to self-management support for an up-to-now highly under-represented population—older persons with chronic disease(s), which enables them to profit from e-health in everyday life.

Methods and analysis

A pragmatic, non-randomised, one-arm pilot study applying an embedded mixed-methods approach will be conducted to examine user experience, usability and user engagement of the virtual avatar Addison. Participants will be at least 65 years and will be recruited between September 2022 and November 2022 from hospitals during the discharge process to home care. Standardised instruments, such as the User Experience Questionnaire, System Usability Scale, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, Short-Form-8-Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Stendal Adherence with Medication Score and Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Diseases Scale, as well as survey-based assessments, semistructured interviews and think-aloud protocols, will be used. The study seeks to enrol 20 patients that meet the criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the ethic committee of the German Society for Nursing Science (21-037). The results are intended to be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through conference papers.

Trial registration number

DRKS00025992.
Prognosis of acute exacerbation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with pulmonary emphysema: a retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Horio Yukihiro , Takihara Takahisa , Takahashi Fuminari , Enokida Keito , Nakamura Noriko , Tanaka Jun , Tomomatsu Katsuyoshi , Niimi Kyoko , Tajiri Sakurako , Hayama Naoki , Ito Yoko , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Asano Koichiro
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To analyse the clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pulmonary emphysema.

Design

A multicentre retrospective cohort study

Setting

Two university hospitals in Japan

Participants

Patients admitted to hospitals due to AE of IPF diagnosed based on a multidisciplinary discussion.

Interventions

None

Primary and secondary outcome measures

90-day mortality rate

Methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients with AE of IPF, with or without pulmonary emphysema, admitted to two university hospitals between 2007 and 2018.

Results

Among 62 patients (median age, 75 years; 48 men) admitted for AE of IPF, 29 patients (46%) presented with concomitant pulmonary emphysema. There was no significant difference in the arterial partial oxygen pressure/fraction of inhaled oxygen (P/F) ratio or other laboratory and radiographic data between patients with and without emphysema. The 90-day mortality rate was significantly lower in patients with emphysema than in those with IPF alone (23% vs 52%, p=0.03). The median survival time was significantly longer in patients with emphysema than in those with IPF alone (405 vs 242 days, p=0.02).

Conclusion

Patients with IPF and emphysema had better short-term survival after AE than those with non-emphysematous IPF.
Child and family-focused interventions for child maltreatment and domestic abuse: development of core outcome sets
Authors: Powell Claire , Feder Gene , Gilbert Ruth , Paulauskaite Laura , Szilassy Eszter , Woodman Jenny , Howarth Emma
Published: September 2022

Background

The current evidence for child maltreatment (CM) and domestic violence and abuse (DVA) interventions is limited by the diversity of outcomes evaluated and the variety of measures used. The result is studies that are difficult to compare and lack focus on outcomes reflecting service user or provider priorities.

Objective

To develop core outcome sets (COSs) for evaluations of child and family-focused interventions for: (1) CM and (2) DVA.

Design

We conducted a two-stage consensus process. Stage 1: a long list of candidate outcomes across CM and DVA was developed through rapid systematic reviews of intervention studies, qualitative and grey literature; stakeholder workshops; survivor interviews. Stage 2: three-panel, three-round e-Delphi surveys for CM and DVA with consensus meetings to agree with the final COSs.

Participants

287 stakeholders participated in at least one stage of the process (ie, either CM or DVA COS development): workshops (n=76), two e-Delphi surveys (n=170) and consensus meetings (n=43). Stakeholders included CM and DVA survivors, practitioners, commissioners, policymakers and researchers.

Results

Stage 1 identified 335 outcomes categorised into 9 areas and 39 domains. Following stage 2, the final five outcomes included in the CM-COS were: child emotional health and well-being; child’s trusted relationships; feelings of safety; child abuse and neglect; service harms. The final five outcomes in the DVA-COS were: child emotional health and well-being; caregiver emotional health and well-being; family relationships; freedom to go about daily life; feelings of safety.

Conclusions

We developed two COSs for CM and DVA with two common outcomes (child emotional health and well-being; feelings of safety). The COSs reflect shared priorities among service users, providers and researchers. Use of these COSs across trials and service evaluations for children and families affected by CM and DVA will make outcome selection more consistent and help harmonise research and practice.
EPI-ASTHMA study protocol: a population-based multicentre stepwise study on the prevalence and characterisation of patients with asthma according to disease severity in Portugal
Authors: Jácome Cristina , Brito Dinis , João Catarina , Lopes Filipa , Santos Janete , Amorim Liliana , Barbosa Maria João , Pardal Marisa , Teixeira Pedro , Bernardo Filipa , Fonseca Joao A , Correia-de-Sousa Jaime
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In Portugal as in other countries, data on the epidemiology of asthma are mainly grounded in questionnaire studies. Additionally, the detailed characterisation of asthma in terms of disease severity, control and phenotypes remain scarce. Studies assessing the prevalence of asthma and its subgroups using accurate methods are needed. This study aims to determine the prevalence of asthma, difficult-to-treat asthma and severe asthma, and to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of those patients, in mainland Portugal.

Methods and analysis

A population-based nationwide study with a multicentre stepwise approach will be conducted between 2021 and 2023 in 38 primary care centres of the Portuguese National Health Service. The stepwise approach will comprise four stages: Stage 0—telephone call invitation to adult subjects (≥18 years) randomly selected (n~15 000); stage 1—telephone screening interview assessing the participants’ respiratory symptoms (n~7500); stage 2—diagnostic visit, including physical examination, diagnostic tests (eg, spirometry, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, blood eosinophil count) and patient-reported outcome measures for diagnostic confirmation of those identified with possible asthma at stage 1 (n~1800); stage 3—further evaluation of patients with asthma and of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma and severe asthma, after 3 months (n~460). At stage 3, data will be collected from a review of the patient’s electronic health records, a follow-up telephone call and the CARATm (Caracteristicas Auto-reportadas de Asma em Tecnologias Móveis) app database. The prevalence of asthma, difficult-to-treat asthma and severe asthma will be determined as the percentage of patients with asthma confirmed from the overall population (stage 1). For the analysis of factors associated with asthma, difficult-to-treat asthma and severe asthma, logistic regression models will be explored.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approvals for the study were obtained from the ethics committee of the local health unit of Matosinhos, Porto (38/CES/JAS), Alto Minho (38/2021/CES) and the regional health administration of Lisbon-Vale do Tejo (035/CES/INV/2021). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05169619.
Physiological responses and adaptations to exercise training in people with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jakobsson Johan , De Brandt Jana , Nyberg André
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Exercise training is a cornerstone in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to several physiological adaptations including, but not limited to, structural and muscular alterations, increased exercise capacity and improved cognitive function. Still, it is not uncommon that the acute physiological response to an exercise session and the extent of chronic adaptations to exercise training are altered compared with people without COPD. To date, potential differences in acute physiological responses and chronic adaptations in people with or without COPD are not fully understood, and results from individual studies are contradictory. Therefore, the current study aims to synthesise and compare the acute physiological responses and chronic adaptations to exercise training in people with COPD compared with people without COPD.

Methods and analyses

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) and cross-sectional studies (CSSs) will be conducted. A comprehensive search strategy will identify relevant studies from MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, CENTRAL and Cochrane Airways Trials Register databases. Studies including adults with and without COPD will be considered. Outcomes will include cardiorespiratory, muscular and cognitive function, intramuscular adaptations, lung volumes and cardiometabolic responses. The protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols and the Cochrane Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews. Risk of bias assessment will be conducted using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2 Tool (for RCTs), Risk-of-Bias in Non-Randomised Studies Tool (for NRSIs) and Downs and Black checklist (for CSS). Meta-analyses will be conducted when appropriate, supplemented with a systematic synthesis without meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study is a systematic review, ethical approval is not required. The final review results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022307577
Exercise and obstructive sleep apnoea: a 24-week follow-up study
Authors: Karlsen Trine , Engstrøm Morten , Steinshamn Sigurd L
Published: September 2022

Objective

Report on long-term follow-up results in the apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) and self-reported daytime sleepiness in participants with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea at 12 weeks after completion of a high-intensity exercise training or control intervention.

Methods

Twenty-six participants with obstructive sleep apnoea (body mass index (BMI) 37 (36–39) kg/m, age 52 (49–55) years, apnoea-hypopnoea index 40.5 (31.3–50.2) events/hour), randomised to either 12 weeks of supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (4×4 min of treadmill running or walking at 90%–95% of maximal heart rate) or no intervention (control), underwent a sleep evaluation follow-up 24 weeks after intervention initiation. Respiratory measures during sleep were registered at baseline, 12 weeks (postintervention) and 24 weeks (long-term follow-up).

Results

At the 24-week follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the AHI (HIIT 30.7 (17.2–44.1) and control 38.7 (22.8–54.5) events/hour), Epworth score (HIIT 7.0 (4.7–9.3) and control 5.5 (3.9–7.0)), mean oxygen saturation (HIIT 93.2 (92.5–93.9) and control 92.0 (91.1–92.8)) or oxygen desaturation events (HIIT 32.9 (20.4–45.4) and control 44.3 (27.3–61.3) n/hour). BMI remained unchanged from the baseline in both groups. In the HIIT group, only two participants reported having continued with HIIT at 24 weeks.

Conclusion

The effect of 12 weeks of supervised high-intensity exercise training on AHI and self-reported daytime sleepiness was lost at the 24-week follow-up.
Fatigue is independently associated with disease activity assessed using the Physician Global Assessment but not the SLEDAI in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mertz Philippe , Piga Matteo , Chessa Elisabetta , Amoura Zahir , Voll Reinhard E , Schwarting Andreas , Maurier Francois , Blaison Gilles , Bonnotte Bernard , Poindron Vincent , Fiehn Christoph , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Korganow Anne-Sophie , Sibilia Jean , Martin Thierry , Arnaud Laurent
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To analyse whether reported fatigue, one of the most challenging manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may bias the assessment of disease activity in SLE according to the Physician Global Assessment (PGA).

Methods

Patients from the Lupus BioBank of the upper Rhein database, a cross-sectional multicentre collection of detailed clinical and biological data from patients with SLE, were included. Patients had to fulfil the 1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE and the PGA (0–3 scale) at the time of inclusion had to be available. Fatigue was assessed according to the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions. Univariate and multivariate regression models were built to determine which variables were associated with the PGA.

Results

A total of 350 patients (89% female; median age: 42 years, IQR: 34–52) were included. The median Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score was 4 (IQR: 2–6). Of these 350 patients, 257 (73%) reported significant fatigue. The PGA (p=0.004) but not the SELENA-SLEDAI (p=0.43) was significantly associated with fatigue. Both fatigue and SELENA-SLEDAI were independently associated with the PGA in two different multivariate models.

Conclusion

Fatigue is independently associated with disease activity assessed using the PGA but not the SLEDAI. These findings highlight the fact that the PGA should capture only objectively active disease manifestations in order to improve its reliability.
Coupled-channel description for mirror mass-11 nuclei compared to shell-model structures
Authors: Amos K. , Karataglidis S. , Canton L. , Fraser P. R. , Murulane K.
Published: September 2022

The spectra of mass-11 nuclei are unusual, and so pose a challenge for nuclear-structure theory. Relating to nucleon emission, the set of isobars range from being well-bound ($$^{11}$$

11

B,$$^{11}$$

11

C) through weakly bound ($$^{11}$$

11

Li, $$^{11}$$

11

Be), to being proton unstable ($$^{11}$$

11

N,$$^{11}$$

11

O). To add complexity, the weakly bound $$^{11}$$

11

Li takes the form of a two-nucleon halo nucleus. A self-consistent approach to understand this set of nuclei is especially important as the mirror pair $$^{11}$$

11

Be-$$^{11}$$

11

N exhibit a parity-inverted ground state compared to their neighboring nuclei. Herein, the Multi-Channel Algebraic Scattering method (MCAS) has been used to describe the low excitation spectra of those isobars in terms of nucleon-nucleus clusters. A collective model description of the low-excitation states of the mass-10 mass-10 core nuclei has been used to form the coupled-channel interactions required in the method. For comparison, and to understand the underlying configurations, a shell model approach has been used to obtain those spectra with no-core $$(0+2+4)\hbar \omega $$

(
0
+
2
+
4
)
ħ
ω

and $$(0+2)\hbar \omega $$

(
0
+
2
)
ħ
ω

shell-model spaces for the mass 10 and mass 11 nuclei respectively. The results of the calculations suggest the need of a strong coupling in the collective coupled-channel vibrational model. In particular, the strong coupling of the collective $$2^+_1$$

2
1
+

state of $$^{10}$$

10

Be to the valence neutron plays a decisive role in forming the positive parity ground state in $$^{11}$$

11

Be; an effect confirmed by the shell-model results.
Evolution equation for elastic scattering of hadrons
Authors: Kakkad Hiren , Kohara Anderson Kendi , Kotko Piotr
Published: September 2022

We turn high energy elastic scattering of hadrons into an initial value problem using an evolution equation based on the Regge Field Theory, which has a form of the complex nonlinear reaction–diffusion equation, with time being played by the logarithm of energy. The initial conditions are provided by the data-driven models for the real and imaginary parts of the amplitude. Numerical calculations of pp differential cross sections and forward quantities for LHC energies agree very well with experimental data extending up to, and including the diffractive cone. Furthermore, we show that at current accessible energies the non-linear effects play an important role, as the impact parameter space profiles approach the unitarity bound. The equation also predicts some other effects discussed in the literature, like the hollowness of nuclear matter or existence of stationary points in momentum transfert.
The ReBB model and its H(x) scaling version at 8 TeV: Odderon exchange is a certainty
Authors: Szanyi I. , Csörgő T.
Published: September 2022

The Real Extended Bialas-Bzdak (ReBB) model is shown here to describe, in the $$0.37 \le -t \le 1.2$$

0.37
≤
-
t
≤
1.2

GeV$$^2$$

2

region, the proton-proton elastic differential cross section data published by the TOTEM Collaboration at LHC at $$\sqrt{s} = 8 $$

s

=
8

TeV center of mass energy. In this kinematic range, corresponding to the diffractive minimum-maximum region, a model-dependent Odderon signal higher than 18 $$\sigma $$
σ
is obtained by comparing the ReBB model prediction for the $$p{\bar{p}}$$

p

p

¯

elastic differential cross section to this TOTEM measured pp elastic differential cross section data at 8 TeV. However, when combining this signal with the Odderon signals from the ReBB model in the $$0.37 \le -t \le 1.2$$

0.37
≤
-
t
≤
1.2

GeV$$^2$$

2

four-momentum-transfer range at $$\sqrt{s} = $$

s

=

1.96, 2.76 and 7 TeV, it turns out that the combined significance is dominated not by the new 8 TeV but by that of earlier 7 TeV TOTEM data, that carry an even larger Odderon effect. Thus, in any practical terms, within the framework of the ReBB model, the Odderon signal in the limited $$0.37 \le -t \le 1.2$$

0.37
≤
-
t
≤
1.2

GeV$$^2$$

2

and $$1.96 \le \sqrt{s} \le 8$$

1.96
≤

s

≤
8

TeV kinematic region is not a probability, but a certainty. We show also that the H(x) scaling version of the ReBB model works reasonably well at 8 TeV in the $$0.37 \le -t \le 0.97$$

0.37
≤
-
t
≤
0.97

GeV$$^2$$

2

region.
Charged and rotating multi-black holes in an external gravitational field
Authors: Astorino Marco , Viganò Adriano
Published: September 2022

We construct analytical and regular solutions in four-dimensional General Relativity which represent multi-black hole systems immersed in external gravitational field configurations. The external field background is composed by an infinite multipolar expansion, which allows to regularise the conical singularities of an array of collinear static black holes. A stationary rotating generalisation is achieved by adding independent angular momenta and NUT parameters to each source of the binary configuration. Moreover, a charged extension of the binary black hole system at equilibrium is generated. Finally, we show that the binary Majumdar–Papapetrou solution is consistently recovered in the vanishing external field limit. All of these solutions reach an equilibrium state due to the external gravitational field only, avoiding in this way the presence of any string or strut defect.
MicroRNAs, Key Regulators in Glioma Progression as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Chinese Medicine
Authors: Fan Huali , Xie Xiaofang , Kuang Xi , Du Junrong , Peng Fu
Published: September 2022

Gliomas are tumors of the primary central nervous system associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. The 5-year survival rate of patients with gliomas received surgery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy does not exceed 5%. Although temozolomide is commonly used in the treatment of gliomas, the development of resistance limits its use. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs involved in numerous processes of glioma cells, such as proliferation, migration and apoptosis. MicroRNAs regulate cell cycle, PI3K/AKT signal pathway, and target apoptosis-related genes (e.g., BCL6), angiogenesis-related genes (e.g., VEGF) and other related genes to suppress gliomas. Evidence illustrates that microRNAs can regulate the sensitivity of gliomas to temozolomide, cisplatin, and carmustine, thereby enhancing the efficacy of these agents. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine (e.g., tanshinone IIA, xanthohumol, and curcumin) exert antiglioma effects by regulating the expression of microRNAs, and then microRNAs inhibit gliomas through influencing the process of tumors by targeting certain genes. In this paper, the mechanisms through which microRNAs regulate the sensitivity of gliomas to therapeutic drugs are described, and traditional Chinese medicine that can suppress gliomas through microRNAs are discussed. This review aims to provide new insights into the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of gliomas.
Underwater Target Tracking in Radar Images Using Exponential Competitive Swarm-based Deep Neuro Fuzzy Network
Authors: Thiruselvan D. , Ananth J. P.
Published: September 2022

The tracking of underwater targets represents a basic unit in underwater surveillance for offering effective search and rescue operations. However, the tracking of the target is a major constraint in finding the underwater target. This paper devises a model for underwater target tracking considering radar signals. Radar signals are subjected to the image reconstruction process to make them suitable for further processing. The gridding is the next step, which is utilized for generating the grids to focus on each region in a precise manner. The features like Ridgelet transform and Local Gabor XOR Pattern (LGXP) are produced. Data augmentation is the next process, which helps to reduce the size of data by performing resizing. At last, the tracking of targets is performed from each grid with a Deep neuro fuzzy network (DNFN). Here, DNFN training is performed with Exponential-Competitive Swarm Optimization (E-CSO), which is derived by integrating Exponential Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) and Competitive Swarm Optimization (CSO). The proposed E-CSO-based DNFN offered high efficiency with a maximal detection rate of 98.8%, minimal Mean square error of 0.012, and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 17.883.
TUNING OF IMC CONTROLLER FOR SYSTEMS WITH TIME-DELAY USING AN IMPROVED STRANGE NONCHAOTIC OPTIMIZATION APPROACH
Authors: SHEN YUNZHU , TANG WEI , LIU YUNGANG
Published: September 2022

The internal model control (IMC) has received extensive attention due to strong robustness, while it is challenging to tune the parameters of the controller. So far, strange nonchaotic optimization algorithm, based on grazing bifurcation, has been proposed to tune the parameters of the IMC controller in some recent progress, which processes a strong ability to escape from local optimization. However, the nonuniformity of the strange nonchaotic sequence distribution can result in insufficient optimization capability. In this paper, in order to obtain an excellent optimization effect, an improved strange nonchaotic optimization algorithm (ISNOA) based on grazing bifurcation is proposed to tune the parameters of the IMC controller. First, the boundary of a strange nonchaotic sequence is redefined by analyzing the strange nonchaotic sequence distribution. Furthermore, normalization function is applied to determine the optimization space. Consequently, the proposed ISNOA has better ability to escape from the local minima, higher stability and finer performance than the general SNOA, which is more suitable to tune the parameters of the IMC controller. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of ISNOA. In addition, for mismatch model, numerical simulations demonstrate the good performance of the control system based on ISNOA, meanwhile, the ISNOA is also demonstrated to be superior to particle swarm optimization (PSO).