bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and prognosis associated with troponin elevation after cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Clément Arthur , Daulasim Anousone , Souibri Magali , Nguyen Lee S
Published: August 2022

Objective

Cardiac troponin is used as a prognostic biomarker after cardiac surgery. However, numerous confounding elements, such as inflammation, liver and renal function biomarkers, have been associated with troponin variations. Furthermore, several thresholds regarding the definition of myocardial infarction have been suggested. We aimed to confirm the accuracy of troponin, analysed as time-dependent variable, to predict mortality independently from other biomarkers; and to assess the incidence and prognosis of a 10 times upper normal value threshold (troponin10N) used in the current fourth definition of myocardial infarction.

Methods

In a prospective cohort of patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass cardiac procedures, we assessed the association between serum levels of troponin, creatinine, bilirubin, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate and in-hospital mortality. Several models were tested, including time-dependent Cox regression, survival and latent class analyses. Repetitive measurements were accounted for.

Results

We included 3857 patients. In-hospital mortality was 2.8%. Troponin was independently associated with mortality in all models, after adjusting for other biomarkers. Of note, troponin10Nwas reached in 3830/3857 (99.3%) of patients. Similarly, renal function was independently associated with mortality. Conversely, CRP and liver biomarkers were not associated with mortality, once adjusting for other confounders.

Conclusion

We confirmed that troponin increase was independently associated with mortality after cardiac surgery. This association was independent of inflammatory syndrome and renal and liver failure. Troponin10Nwas reached in almost all patients, questioning the relevance of this criterion to define postoperative myocardial infarctions after cardiac surgery.
Prognostic associations of ECG tracings in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Interior Jasmine S , Garcia Jerremiah G , Yu Gaius Sulpicio G , Regencia Zypher Jude G , Baja Emmanuel S , Ligsay Antonio D , Gerodias Ferdinand R
Published: August 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although most COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic or mild, a significant number of patients experienced adverse outcomes. In addition, studies have shown that cardiac abnormalities are associated with increased mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. This finding sets a precedent for the potential use of ECG tracing as an indicator of patient mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine associations between the 12-lead ECG findings and various clinical outcomes of hospitalised patients with COVID-19, measured as incidence of endotracheal intubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality rate.

Methods and analysis

An electronic literature search will identify all potentially relevant articles using specific databases and websites. The search will be limited to studies published from December 2019 to May 2021. In addition, studies will include hospitalised patients with COVID-19 with normal and abnormal 12-lead ECG findings assessed for clinical outcomes, including the incidence of endotracheal intubation, ICU admission and mortality rate. The risk of bias in individual studies will be evaluated using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool or the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis will be conducted if at least two studies indicate a prognostic factor’s effect. Moreover, subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed accordingly to address heterogeneity. Reporting the review results will comply with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The quality of evidence generated will be assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been exempted from ethics review. There will be no patient or public involvement in this study. Furthermore, the findings will be disseminated via conferences, seminars, symposia and congresses on top of peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021257155.
Development, acceptability and construct validity of the Aboriginal Women’s Experiences of Partner Violence Scale (AEPVS): a co-designed, multiphase study nested within an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander birth cohort
Authors: Glover Karen , Gartland Deirdre , Leane Cathy , Nikolof Arwen , Weetra Donna , Clark Yvonne , Giallo Rebecca , Brown Stephanie J
Published: August 2022

Objective

Few studies employ culturally safe approaches to understanding Indigenous women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). The aim of this study was to develop a brief, culturally safe, self-report measure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s experiences of different types of IPV.

Design

Multistage process to select, adapt and test a modified version of the Australian Composite Abuse Scale using community discussion groups and pretesting. Revised draft measure tested in Wave 2 follow-up of an existing cohort of Aboriginal families. Psychometric testing and revision included assessment of the factor structure, construct validity, scale reliability and acceptability to create the Aboriginal Women’s Experiences of Partner Violence Scale (AEPVS).

Setting

South Australia, Australia.

Participants

14 Aboriginal women participated in discussion groups, 58 women participated in pretesting of the draft version of the AEPVS and 216 women participating in the Aboriginal Families Study completed the revised draft version of the adapted measure.

Results

The initial version of the AEPVS based on item review and adaptation by the study’s Aboriginal Advisory Group comprised 31 items measuring physical, emotional and financial IPV. After feedback from community discussion groups and two rounds of testing, the 18-item AEPVS consists of three subscales representing physical, emotional and financial IPV. All subscales had excellent construct validity and internal consistency. The AEPVS had high acceptability among Aboriginal women participating in the Aboriginal Families Study.

Conclusions

The AEPVS is the first co-designed, multidimensional measure of Aboriginal women’s experience of physical, emotional and financial IPV. The measure demonstrated cultural acceptability and construct validity within the setting of an Aboriginal-led, community-based research project. Validation in other settings (eg, primary care) and populations (eg, other Indigenous populations) will need to incorporate processes for community governance and tailoring of research processes to local community contexts.
Time trends in the prevalence and determinants of age-appropriate breast feeding among children aged 0–23 months in Ghana: a pooled analysis of population-based surveys, 2003–2017
Authors: Mohammed Shamsudeen , Oakley Laura L , Marston Milly , Glynn Judith R , Calvert Clara
Published: August 2022

Objective

We assessed the sociodemographic and maternal–child characteristics associated with age-appropriate breast feeding among children aged 0–23 months in Ghana.

Methods

We pooled data on 12 743 children aged 0–23 months from three Demographic and Health Surveys (2003, 2008 and 2014) and three Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (2006, 2011 and 2017–2018). The outcome was age-appropriate breast feeding from birth to 23 months, with age-appropriate breast feeding defined as exclusive breast feeding at 0–5 months (ie, at less than 6 months) and breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding at 6–23 months. Potential determinants were maternal–child sociodemographic, obstetric and healthcare factors. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with age-appropriate breast feeding. We accounted for the complex sampling design of the cross-sectional surveys in the analysis.

Results

Most children aged 0–3 months were exclusively breastfed. Among children aged 4–5 months, the most common feeding pattern was breastfeeding alongside water and/or solid foods. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence in children less than 6 months peaked in 2008 at 62.8% and declined to 42.9% in 2017. For 6–11 month olds, the percentage experiencing age-appropriate breast feeding has been stable over the last four surveys, ranging from 79.3% in 2008 to 81.1% in 2017. Age-appropriate breast feeding in 12–23 month olds declined from 77.8% in 2003 to 61.2% in 2017. Rural residence, younger age, non-facility births and multiple births were associated with decreased odds of exclusively breast feeding. For 6–11 month olds, age-appropriate breast feeding was less likely if the woman did not receive postnatal care. Younger age, being unmarried, high income, wanting a child later and earlier birth order were associated with decreased odds of age-appropriate breast feeding in 12–23 month olds.

Conclusion

Ghanaian children are now less likely to be exclusively breastfed than they were a decade ago. To succeed, breastfeeding promotion programmes should adopt approaches that address the predictors of suboptimal breast feeding at each age, as identified in this study.
Informing the implementation and use of person-centred quality indicators: a mixed methods study on the readiness, barriers and facilitators to implementation in Canada
Authors: Manalili Kimberly , Scott Catherine M , O'Beirne Maeve , Hemmelgarn Brenda R , Santana Maria-Jose
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To ensure optimal implementation of person-centred quality indicators (PC-QIs), we assessed the readiness of Canadian healthcare organisations and explored their perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing and using PC-QIs.

Design

Mixed methods.

Setting and participants

Representatives of Canadian healthcare delivery and coordinating organisations that guide the development and/or implementation of person-centred care (PCC) measurement. Representatives from primary care clinics and organisations from the province of Alberta, Canada also participated.

Methods

We conducted a survey with representatives of Canadian healthcare organisations. The survey comprised two sections that: (1) assessed readiness for using PC-QIs, and (2) were based on the Organizational Readiness for Change Assessment tool. We summarised the survey results using descriptive statistics. We then conducted follow-up interviews with organisations representing system and clinical-level perspectives to further explore barriers and facilitators to implementing PC-QIs. The interviews were informed by and analysed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

Thirty-three Canadian regional healthcare organisations across all 13 provinces/territories participated in the survey. Only 5 of 26 PC-QIs were considered highly feasible to implement for 75% of organisations and included: coordination of care, communication, structures to report performance, engaging patients and caregivers and overall experience. A representative sample of 10 system-level organisations and 11 primary care organisations/clinics participated in the interviews. Key barriers identified were: resources and staff capacity for quality improvement, a shift in focus to COVID-19 and health provider motivation. Facilitators included: prioritisation of PCC measurement, leadership and champion engagement, alignment with ongoing provincial strategic direction and measurement efforts, and the use of technology for data collection, management and reporting.

Conclusions

Despite high interest and policy alignment to use PC-QI ‘readiness’ to implement them effectively remains a challenge. Organisations need to be supported to collect, use and report PCC data to make the needed improvements that matter to patients.
Prevalence and factors associated with self-reported injuries in Nepal: a secondary analysis of the nationally representative cross-sectional STEPS Survey, 2019
Authors: Dhimal Meghnath , Poudyal Anil , Bista Bihungum , Dahal Sitasnu , Raj Pant Puspa , Gyanwali Pradip
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with injuries in the adult population of Nepal.

Design and participants

Secondary analysis of the data from the cross-sectional WHO STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) Survey Nepal, 2019. A multistage cluster sample of 5593 adults aged 15–69 years who have been the usual residents of the household for at least 6 months. A binary logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants of injuries.

Setting

Data were derived from the STEPS Survey Nepal, 2019.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was injured person defined as one who had road traffic injuries (RTIs), had other serious unintentional/accidental injury, or had been seriously injured in a violent incident within the past 12 months. The secondary outcome measure was factors associated with injuries.

Results

Over 11% of the 4996 study participants reported any injuries during the past 12 months. About 3.75% of the participants experienced a RTI, 4.71% had experienced unintentional injuries other than RTI, while 5.33% had been injured in violent incidents. Individuals belonging to the middle wealth quintile (crude OR (COR)=2.95, 95% CI 1.27 to 6.84) were associated with increased odds of RTIs. By occupation, homemaker (COR=0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84) was protective against these injuries. Likewise, currently married individuals (COR=3.74, 95% CI 1.37 to 10.17), ever married individuals (COR=3.49, 95% CI 1.08 to 11.25) and individuals not in employment (COR=2.13, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.91) were associated with an increased likelihood of sustaining an intentional injury. Injuries were higher among rural participants.

Conclusions

This study provides the baseline population-based estimates of the prevalence of injuries in Nepal. It describes the mechanisms and risk factors of these injuries. It is hoped that this evidence will serve as a stimulus for future studies to elucidate comprehensive national information about injuries.
Time intervals from first symptom recognition to pathological diagnosis among patients with oesophageal cancer in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dessalegn Berhe , Getachew Sefonias , Yirgu Robel , Enqueselassie Fikre , Assefa Mathewos , Addissie Adamu
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the time intervals from first symptom recognition to pathological diagnosis among patients with oesophageal cancer in Ethiopia.

Methods

Design

A cross-sectional study design was employed.

Settings and participants

Patients with oesophageal cancer aged ≥18 years were included from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (n=338) from February 2019 to August 2020. The participants were selected consecutively from six health facilities that provided cancer care nearly for 90% of patients.

Main outcomes and measurements

The Aarhus statement criteria were applied to classify patient intervals (time from first symptom recognition to presentation) and diagnostic intervals (time from first presentation to diagnosis). Patient and diagnostic intervals >60 and >30 days were considered as delays, respectively. For tumour classification, the American Joint Committee on Cancer was used. Data were analysed using SPSS V.24. Descriptive statistics were applied to describe patients’ characteristics. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to compute prevalence ratios. In all statistical tests, significance was declared at a p value of <0.05.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 54.30±12.49 years.

Approximately 78% of study participants had never heard of oesophageal cancer and thought they had gastritis. Dysphagia was the commonly mentioned symptom. About 76% of the cases were diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV). Median patient interval was 108.5 (60.5–215) days and median diagnostic interval was 77.5 (39–133) days. After adjusting confounders, being single and unawareness of oesophageal cancer had association with consultation delay; cost of transportation and medical consultation had association with diagnostic delay; and patient delay of >2 months had association with late-stage diagnosis.

Conclusion

Patients with oesophageal cancer in Ethiopia had prolonged patient and diagnostic intervals. Increasing awareness of symptoms of oesophageal cancer and shortening time to diagnosis will help to improve the outcome of oesophageal cancer care in Ethiopia.
Practices and challenges of community engagement in health research in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: Solomon Kalkidan , Jibat Nega , Bekele Alemayehu , Abdissa Alemseged , Kaba Mirgissa
Published: August 2022

Objective

The role of the community in the research process in Ethiopia has not been documented. This study aims to explore the existing practices and challenges of community engagement in health research in Ethiopia.

Design

A qualitative study with a narrative approach was conducted. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, inductively coded and analysed thematically.

Setting

Participants were recruited from members of institutional review boards, academic and research staff of Addis Ababa and Jimma universities, research institutions and key development partners.

Participants

Thirty-six participants were involved in the study. They were purposively selected on the basis of their diverse research experiences and disciplinary profiles with clinical, biomedical and public health representation.

Data collection

Twenty-two key informant interviews were conducted with members of the institutional review board, community representatives in the institutional review board, community engagement officers, and research focal persons of the universities, research intuitions and key development partners. Fourteen participants who were senior PhD students or senior researchers in academic and research institutions were involved in the in-depth interviews.

Results

Despite differences of justification, all participants believed in the importance of the participating research community not only to own the research outcome but also contribute to the research planning, sharing of evidence, managing the research process and dissemination of findings. However, it was argued that lack of guidance, skills and experience on how to engage the community at different levels of the research process and limitation of resources affect community engagement in research.

Conclusion

As an important component of the research process, community engagement facilitates the research process and ensures community ownership of the outcome. Nevertheless, lack of experience and limitation of resources affect operationalisation of community engagement in health research. This calls for building capacity and advocacy to consider community engagement as an integral component of the research process.
Effects of combining electrical stimulation of the calf and thigh muscles in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: protocol for a double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Briggs-Price Samuel , Houchen-Wolloff Linzy , Daynes Enya , Gerlis Charlotte , Latimer Lorna , Mills George Evan , Esler Colin , Singh Sally J
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability and is characterised by degenerative changes causing pain and loss of function. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to influence muscle size and strength in healthy subjects. A novel self-administered NMES device has been developed to help manage the symptoms of KOA. This study aims to investigate the effects of combining NMES of the calf and quadriceps on individuals with KOA.

Methods and analysis

193 individuals with KOA will be recruited to a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial at the Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK. Participants will be randomised (1:1) to follow an 8-week home-based intervention using a NMES device or sham device. The NMES device consists of footplate electrodes and two quadriceps electrodes. Footplate stimulation will be completed daily for 30 min and quadriceps stimulation for 20 min, five times a week (compliance is recorded in a self-reported participant diary). The primary outcome is the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain domain, taken at 8 weeks follow-up. Secondary outcomes will explore quadriceps muscle strength, swelling, health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, anxiety and depression, sleep, physical activity and self-reported compliance. A powered subgroup analysis for compliance to the active device will be complete for the primary outcome. Participant focus groups will be completed following recruitment of half of the participants and after all participants have been recruited.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the North-West Preston ethics committee (17/NW/0081). Participants are required to provide informed consent following review of the participant information sheet and discussion regarding study procedures with a member of the research team. The study results will be disseminated to the appropriate stakeholders through presentations, conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Results will be presented to participants following study completion at the Biomedical Research Centre—Respiratory, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN registry,ISRCTN12112819(date registered 1 May 2019). IRAS registry 219 693. University Hospitals of Leicester registry 91 017. Protocol Version 8.
Slowly absorbable mesh versus standard care in the management of contaminated midline incisional hernia (COMpACT-BIO): a multicentre randomised controlled phase III trial including a health economic evaluation
Authors: Passot Guillaume , Margier Jennifer , Kefleyesus Amaniel , Rousset Pascal , Ortega-Deballon Pablo , Renard Yohann , Bin Sylvie , Villeneuve Laurent
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Incisional hernia (IH) is the most frequent mid-term and long-term complication after midline laparotomy. The current standard treatment includes repair using a mesh. In a contaminated field, the use of a non-absorbable mesh increases the risk of surgical site infection and the costs. Slowly absorbable meshes are safe in contaminated fields, but no data have been reported regarding their long-term recurrence rate. COMpACT-BIO is a multicentre prospective randomised controlled phase III trial designed to compare the 3-year recurrence rate in patients undergoing contaminated IH repair with either a slowly absorbable mesh or standard care.

Methods

In patients undergoing midline IH repair in a contaminated surgical field (grade III of the modified Ventral Hernia Working Group classification), the COMpACT-BIO study compares the use of a slowly absorbable mesh with that of conventional care according to standardised surgical procedures (primary closure, non-absorbable synthetic mesh or biologic mesh, at the discretion of the surgeon). Randomisation is done during surgery before closure the fascia with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The choice of the slowly absorbable mesh is left to the criteria of each centre. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with scan-confirmed IH recurrence within 3 years after repair.

Ethics/dissemination

This trial is conducted in compliance with international standards for research practice and reporting. Written informed consent will be obtained from patients prior to inclusion. All data were identified and anonymised prior to analysis. The protocol has been approved by an Institutional Review Board (2020-A0823-36/SI:20.07.03.66831), and will be conducted in compliance with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed medical journals and presented to patients and healthcare professionals.

Protocol version

Version 2—13 October 2020.

Trial registration number

NCT04597840.
Continuous glucose monitoring metrics for earlier identification of pre-diabetes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gottfried Sara , Pontiggia Laura , Newberg Andrew , Laynor Gregory , Monti Daniel
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Glycaemic variability and other metrics are not well characterised in subjects without diabetes. More comprehensive sampling as obtained with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may improve diagnostic accuracy of the transition from health to pre-diabetes. Our goal is to investigate the glycaemic system as it shifts from health to pre-disease in adult patients without diabetes using CGM metrics. New insights may offer therapeutic promise for reversing dysglycaemia more successfully with dietary, nutritional and lifestyle change before progression occurs to pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will include comprehensive searches of the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, with restrictions set to studies published in the last 10 years in English and planned search date 10 March 2022. Reference lists of studies that meet eligibility criteria in the screening process will subsequently be screened for the potential inclusion of additional studies. We will include studies that examine CGM use and report diagnostic criteria such as fasting glucose and/or haemoglobin A1c such that we can assess correlation between CGM metrics and established diagnostic criteria and describe how CGM metrics are altered in the transition from health to pre-diabetes. The screening and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers using Covidence. All included papers will also be evaluated for quality and publication bias using Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tools. If there are two or more studies with quantitative estimates that can be combined, we will conduct a meta-analysis after assessing heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

The systematic review methodology does not require formal ethical review due to the nature of the study design. Study findings will be publicly available and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022308222.
Examining virtual visit use during a pandemic and perspectives of primary care providers, patients and caregivers: a mixed-methods research protocol
Authors: Halas Gayle , Singer Alexander , Katz Alan , Labine Lisa , Baldwin Alanna , Wong Sabrina T , Kirby Sarah , Bohm Eric , Abrams Elissa , MacKay Kerri , Francois Jose , Talpade Siddhesh
Published: August 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 prompted rapid shifts to virtual primary care; however, the secondary implications and ideal applications of this change require further consideration. Patient and public stakeholder input has been bypassed. To integrate virtual care (VC) in what currently appears to be a lengthier battle against COVID-19 and related sequelae, further investigation is needed to support ideal implementation and use. This study aims to describe factors associated with the use of virtual visits in primary care practices, along with more in-depth description of users’ experiences and perspectives.

Methods and analysis

This study will be conducted in three phases, using a mixed-methods approach and in consultation with community advisors. Phase 1 will analyse data from electronic medical records (EMRs) to characterise the use and users of VC in primary care during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis will be primarily descriptive; regression modelling will assess associations between patient and provider factors with a virtual visit. In phase 2, we will use an EMR-facilitated process to automate the distribution of patient surveys within an estimated 10 clinics. These surveys aim to describe care experiences, transactional use and perspectives of VC. In phase 3, focus groups with patients, caregivers and primary care clinicians will seek more in-depth exploration of VC regarding accessibility of care, acceptability and perceptions of quality care. Interpretive phenomenological analysis will be used for thematic analysis. The framework method will employ a matrix structure to organise the data and to facilitate comparison, integration and further interpretation.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of Manitoba’s Health Research Ethics Board (HS24197). A co-designed dissemination strategy will include reports and infographics to policymakers and the public, manuscripts and presentations to academic and clinician audiences, and contributions to a learning plan for professional development.
Palliative care interventions for people who use substances during communicable disease outbreaks: a scoping review
Authors: Lau Jenny , Ding Philip , Lo Samantha , Fazelzad Rouhi , Furlan Andrea D , Isenberg Sarina R , Spithoff Sheryl , Tedesco Alissa , Zimmermann Camilla , Buchman Daniel Z
Published: August 2022

Objectives

When resources are strained during communicable disease outbreaks, novel palliative care interventions may be required to optimally support people who use substances with life-limiting illnesses. Therefore, we asked the question, ‘what is known about communicable disease outbreaks, palliative care and people who use substances?’, such as palliative care interventions that can improve the quality of life of patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Design

We conducted a scoping review that involved comprehensive searches in six bibliographic databases from inception to April 2021 (Medline ALL (Medline and Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations), Embase Classic+Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, PsycInfo all from the OvidSP platform, Scopus from Elsevier) and grey literature searches. We included English and French records about people ≥18 years old with life-limiting illnesses who use substances during communicable disease outbreaks. We identified, summarised and presented the findings about palliative care interventions in figures, tables and narrative descriptions.

Results

We identified 32 records about palliative care interventions for people who use substances during communicable disease outbreaks. The majority focused on palliative care for people who use substances with AIDS during HIV epidemics (n=27, 84.4%), and approximately half were published in the USA (n=15, 46.9%). Most common substances used were alcohol (n=18, 56.3%), opioids (n=14, 43.8%) and cocaine (n=10, 31.3%). Four groups of palliative care interventions were identified: (1) symptom management (n=20, 62.5%), (2) psychosocial support (n=15, 46.9%), (3) advance care planning (n=8, 25.0%) and (4) healthcare provider training (n=6, 18.8%).

Conclusions

Beyond studies on HIV epidemics, there is limited knowledge about palliative care interventions for people who use substances during communicable disease outbreaks. Research and guidance are needed about how best to provide palliative care to this population with complex needs including in resource-limited countries.

Protocol

Buchman DZ, Ding P, Lo S, et al. Palliative care for people who use substances during communicable disease epidemics and pandemics. BMJ Open 2021; 11: e053124
Association between work stress and health behaviours in Korean and Japanese ageing studies: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheng Taozhu , Zhang Bo , Guo Jing , Pikhart Hynek
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Limited research has focused on the association between work stress and health behaviours in Asian countries. We aimed to explore the effect of work stress on two health behaviours among employees aged 45 years or above in two countries with ageing populations, Korea and Japan.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This secondary data analysis was conducted on baseline data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA, 2006) and the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR, 2007 and 2009).

Participants

Included in the analytical sample were 4982 responders without missing data aged 45 years or older who reported work positions and hours (KLoSA n=3478, JSTAR n=1504).

Main outcome measures

Work stress was represented by the short version of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model. We used logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression to investigate the association between work stress and smoking (binary current smoking) and between work stress and drinking (categorical volume of alcohol). Socioeconomic and work-related characteristics were taken into consideration, and we examined the potential interaction between ERI and gender.

Results

Work stress as measured by ERI ratio was significantly associated with both smoking and drinking in the KLoSA analysis; after the model was fully adjusted, ORs were 1.45 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.80) and 1.44 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.90), respectively. In analysis of the data from JSTAR, the ERI ratio was associated with smoking (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.89) but not with drinking. No statistically significant interaction was found between ERI and gender in any model (p=0.82 in KLoSA data and p=0.19 in JSTAR data).

Conclusions

Statistically significant associations were found between work stress and both smoking and drinking behaviours in Korea and between work stress and smoking in Japan. Government integration of effort-reward balance programmes and health promotion programmes could effectively promote population health in these two Asian countries.
Preoperative and postoperative memory in epilepsy patients with ‘gliosis only’ versus hippocampal sclerosis: a matched case–control study
Authors: Taube Julia , Witt Juri-Alexander , Grote Alexander , Delev Daniel , Enkirch Jonas , Hattingen Elke , Becker Albert J , Elger Christian Erich , Helmstaedter Christoph
Published: August 2022

Background

Gliosis only (GO) and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) are distinct histopathological entities in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. This study explores whether this distinction also exists on a functional level when evaluating pre- and postoperative memory.

Methods

Using a retrospective matched case–control study design, we analysed verbal and visual memory performance in 49 patients with GO and 49 patients with HS before and one year after elective surgery.

Results

Clinical differences were evident with a later age at seizure onset (18±12 vs 12±9 years) and fewer postoperative seizure-free patients in the GO group (63% vs 82%). Preoperatively, group and individual-level data demonstrated that memory impairments were less frequent, less severe and relatively non-specific in patients with GO compared with HS. Postoperatively, verbal memory declined in both groups, particularly after left-sided resections, with more significant losses in patients with GO. Factoring in floor effects, GO was also associated with more significant visual memory loss, particularly after left resections.

Conclusions

Compared with HS, GO is characterised by (1) a later onset of epilepsy, (2) less pronounced and more non-specific memory impairments before surgery, (3) a less successful surgical outcome and (4) a more significant memory decline after surgery. Overall, our results regarding cognition provide further evidence that GO and HS are distinct clinical entities. Functional integrity of the hippocampus appears higher in GO, as indicated by a better preoperative memory performance and worse memory outcome after surgery. The different risk–benefit ratios should be considered during presurgical patient counselling.
Antibodies to FXa and thrombin in patients with SLE differentially regulate C3 and C5 cleavage
Authors: McDonnell Thomas , Amarnani Raj , Spicer Carina , Jbari Hajar , Pericleous Charis , Spiteri Valentina A , Wincup Chris , Artim-Esen Bahar , Mackie Ian , Botto Marina , Rahman Anisur , Giles Ian
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The significance of antibodies directed against activated factor X (FXa) and thrombin (Thr) in patients with SLE and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is unknown. FXa and Thr are coregulated by antithrombin (AT) and activate complement. Therefore, we studied the ability of anti activated factor X (aFXa) and/or anti-(a)Thr IgG from patients with SLE±APS to modulate complement activation.

Methods

Patients with SLE±APS were selected on the basis of known aThr and/or aFXa IgG positivity, and the effects of affinity-purified aFXa/aThr IgG on FXa and Thr-mediated C3 and C5 activation were measured ±AT. Structural analyses of FXa and Thr and AT–FXa and AT–Thr complexes were analysed in conjunction with the in vitro ability of AT to regulate aFXa–FXa and aThr–Thr-mediated C3/C5 activation.

Results

Using affinity-purified IgG from n=14 patients, we found that aThr IgG increased Thr-mediated activation of C3 and C5, while aFXa IgG did not increase C3 or C5 activation. Structural analysis identified potential epitopes and predicted a higher likelihood of steric hindrance of AT on FXa by aFXa IgG compared with the AT–Thr–aThr IgG complex that was confirmed by in vitro studies. Longitudinal analysis of 58 patients with SLE (±APS) did not find a significant association between positivity for aFXa or aTHr IgG and C3 levels or disease activity, although there was a trend for patients positive for aFXa IgG alone or both aFXa and aThr IgG to have lower levels of C3 compared with aThr IgG alone during clinical visits.

Conclusions

We propose a novel method of complement regulation in patients with SLE±APS whereby aFXa and aThr IgG may have differential effects on complement activation.
The analgesic benefit of Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block in hip arthroscopic surgery: a retrospective pragmatic analysis at an academic health center
Authors: Patel Vanisha , Patel Vivesh , Abdallah Faraj , Whelan Daniel , Bansal Shikha , Gabra Martino , Brull Richard
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The novel pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has recently been reported to provide effective motor-sparing local anesthetic-based analgesia to the hip joint. We aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of a preoperative PENG block among patients undergoing ambulatory hip arthroscopic surgery where systemic analgesia is the gold standard.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective pragmatic exploratory cohort study of consecutive outpatient hip arthroscopic surgery cases from January 2017 to March 2019. We identified 164 cases in which patients received general anesthesia with or without a preoperative PENG block. The primary analgesic outcome measures were time to first postoperative analgesic request, intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption (intravenous morphine equivalent), and postoperative pain severity (visual analog scale 10 cm scale ranging from 0=no pain to 10=severe pain) in hospital. Secondary outcomes included duration of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, opioid-related side effects, time to discharge readiness, and block-related complications.

Results

Seventy-five cases received a preoperative PENG block and 89 cases received systemic analgesia alone. The addition of a PENG block reduced intraoperative (6.6 mg vs 7.5 mg, difference: 0.9 mg; 95% CI 0.2 to 1.7; p=0.01) and postoperative (10.7 mg vs 13.9 mg, difference: 3.2 mg; 95% CI 0.9 to 5.5; p=0.01) intravenous morphine consumption, as well as the mean (3.5 vs 4.2, difference: 0.7; 95% CI 0.1 to 1.3; p=0.03) and highest (5.5 vs 6.5, difference: 1.0; 95% CI 0.2 to 1.7; p=0.02) postoperative pain severity scores in hospital. The PENG block did not prolong the time to first analgesic request (15.8 min vs 12.3 min, difference: 3.5 min; 95% CI −9.0 to 2.0; p=0.23). Fewer patients in the PENG group experienced postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with systemic analgesia alone (36% vs 52%, OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.6; p=0.02), while the PENG block expedited discharge readiness (165.0 min vs 202.8 min, difference: 37.8 min; 95% CI 2.9 to 72.3; p=0.04). No block-related complications were noted in any patient.

Discussion

Based on our retrospective dataset, this pragmatic exploratory cohort study suggests that a preoperative PENG block is associated with questionable improvements in postoperative in-hospital analgesic outcomes which may or may not prove to be clinically relevant when compared with systemic analgesia alone for patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. This small signal should be investigated in a prospective randomized trial.
Examining physical literacy in young adults: psychometric properties of the PLAYself
Authors: Kleis Rachel R. , Dlugonski Deirdre , Baker Carrie S. , Hoch Johanna M. , Hoch Matthew C.
Published: August 2022

The PLAYself is a commonly utilized tool to assess physical literacy in child and adolescent populations. Currently, there are no measurement tools designed to examine physical literacy among adults. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the psychometric properties of PLAYself subsections in a sample of young adults. Two hundred forty-five young adults (ages 18–25) from the United States completed the PLAYself questionnaire. Multiple principal component analyses using promax rotation were utilized to assess the current factor structure of the PLAYself subsections. Each subsection was analyzed independently to explore individual summary components. PLAYself subsections were assessed for reliability using Cronbach's  α, inter-item correlations, and item-total correlations. A multi-factor structure was identified for each PLAYself subsection. A 2-factor structure was identified for the Environment subsection accounting for 55.2% of the variance. A 2-factor structure was identified for the Physical Literacy Self-Description subsection accounting for 57.1% of the variance. A 3-factor structure was identified for the Relative Ranking of Literacies subsection accounting for 70.3% of the variance. The Environment, Physical Literacy Self-Description, and Relative Ranking of Literacies subsections demonstrated poor ( α = 0.577), good ( α = 0.89), and acceptable ( α = 0.79) internal consistencies, respectively. The Physical Literacy Self-Description subsection demonstrated the best psychometric properties in our sample, and thus may be an appropriate tool to assess physical literacy in a young adult population until additional measurement tools are developed.
Superradiance scattering off Kerr-like black hole and its shadow in the bumblebee gravity with noncommutative spacetime
Authors: Jha Sohan Kumar , Rahaman Anisur
Published: August 2022

We consider a bumblebee gravity-based Kerr-like black hole in a noncommutative (NC) background and study the superradiance effect and the shadow cast. We extensively study the different aspects of the black hole associated with a generalized Kerr-like spacetime metric endowed with the corrections jointly linked with Lorentz violation and NC spacetime effect. We examine the deviation of shape, and size of the ergosphere, energy emission rate, in this generalized situation. We also examine the influence of admissible values of Lorentz violating parameter $$\ell $$
ℓ
and NC parameter b on the superradiance effect and shadow of the black hole. The admissible range has been determined from the observation of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration concerning $$M87^{*}$$

M

87

∗

astronomical black hole. We observe that the superradiance phenomena has a crucial dependence on the parameter $$\ell $$
ℓ
and b apart from its dependence on a or $${\hat{a}}= \sqrt{\ell +1}a$$

a
^

=

ℓ
+
1

a

which is linked with the spin of the black hole. We also observe that with the increase in Lorentz violating parameter $$\ell $$
ℓ
, the size of the black hole shadow increases, and with the increase in the NC parameter b the size of the black hole decreases. We have made an attempt to constrain the NC parameters b of this modified Kerr-like black hole by using the data available from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration. This study shows that black holes associated with NC Kerr-like spacetime may be a suitable candidate for the astrophysical black holes.
DIGITAL DISRUPTION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: A STRATEGIC INTEGRATIVE FRAMEWORK
Authors: WIRTZ BERND W. , WEYERER JAN C. , HECKEROTH JOHANNA K.
Published: August 2022

Digital disruptions are substantially impacting businesses and reshaping our economy worldwide, attracting increasing attention in research and practice. However, research lacks theoretical framing and understanding of the emergence, development, and impact of digital disruption. This study analyses and structures the fragmented knowledge on digital disruption by means of a systematic literature review, identifying five relevant key dimensions, i.e., disruption characteristics, market factors, organisational factors, value constellation, and impact/outcomes. Based on this analysis and classic disruption theory, we develop a theory-informed integrative framework, proposing nine relevant layers of digital disruption and deriving corresponding theoretical propositions for future research. The study makes an initial contribution towards theory development and a comprehensive understanding of the digital disruption concept. It may serve as the starting point for further theory development and a guiding scheme for managers on how to create or deal with digital disruption.
THE GLOBALIZATION CONUNDRUM POST COVID-19: INTERNALIZING THE RISKS OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: PELZMAN JOSEPH , BAZEL-SHOHAM OFRA
Published: August 2022

In 2020, US and European firms undertook financial risk that they can ill-afford to carry, stemming from their supply chain networks. Many have gradually deluded themselves into thinking their risk was reasonable, while other firms have made production sourcing decisions with little idea of the true magnitude of their risks. However, the rising risk was an inevitable consequence of the economy’s multinational firms, spreading the supply chain further away from their home base. For the purposes of this paper, we consider risk associated with a transaction to be excessive when the domestic multinational is likely to incur a loss that will seriously compromise its production and sales, and possibly force the firm into bankruptcy.
Mobile Augmented Reality: User Interfaces, Frameworks, and Intelligence
Authors: Cao Jacky , Lam Kit-Yung , Lee Lik-Hang , Liu Xiaoli , Hui Pan , Su Xiang
Published: August 2022

Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) integrates computer-generated virtual objects with physical environments for mobile devices. MAR systems enable users to interact with MAR devices, such as smartphones and head-worn wearables, and perform seamless transitions from the physical world to a mixed world with digital entities. These MAR systems support user experiences using MAR devices to provide universal access to digital content. Over the past 20 years, several MAR systems have been developed, however, the studies and design of MAR frameworks have not yet been systematically reviewed from the perspective of user-centric design. This article presents the first effort of surveying existing MAR frameworks (count: 37) and further discusses the latest studies on MAR through a top-down approach: (1) MAR applications; (2) MAR visualisation techniques adaptive to user mobility and contexts; (3) systematic evaluation of MAR frameworks, including supported platforms and corresponding features such as tracking, feature extraction, and sensing capabilities; (4) and underlying machine learning approaches supporting intelligent operations within MAR systems. Finally, we summarise the development of emerging research fields and the current state-of-the-art and discuss the important open challenges and possible theoretical and technical directions. This survey aims to benefit both researchers and MAR system developers alike.