bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative-effectiveness research of COVID-19 treatment: a rapid scoping review
Authors: Pham Ba , Rios Patricia , Radhakrishnan Amruta , Darvesh Nazia , Antony Jesmin , Williams Chantal , Ramkissoon Naveeta , Cormack Gordon V , Grossman Maura R , Kampman Melissa , Patel Milan , Yazdi Fatemeh , Robson Reid , Ghassemi Marco , Macdonald Erin , Warren Rachel , Muller Matthew P , Straus Sharon E , Tricco Andrea C
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated growing research on treatment options. We aim to provide an overview of the characteristics of studies evaluating COVID-19 treatment.

Design

Rapid scoping review

Data sources

Medline, Embase and biorxiv/medrxiv from inception to 15 May 2021.

Setting

Hospital and community care.

Participants

COVID-19 patients of all ages.

Interventions

COVID-19 treatment.

Results

The literature search identified 616 relevant primary studies of which 188 were randomised controlled trials and 299 relevant evidence syntheses. The studies and evidence syntheses were conducted in 51 and 39 countries, respectively.

Most studies enrolled patients admitted to acute care hospitals (84%), included on average 169 participants, with an average age of 60 years, study duration of 28 days, number of effect outcomes of four and number of harm outcomes of one. The most common primary outcome was death (32%).

The included studies evaluated 214 treatment options. The most common treatments were tocilizumab (11%), hydroxychloroquine (9%) and convalescent plasma (7%). The most common therapeutic categories were non-steroidal immunosuppressants (18%), steroids (15%) and antivirals (14%). The most common therapeutic categories involving multiple drugs were antimalarials/antibiotics (16%), steroids/non-steroidal immunosuppressants (9%) and antimalarials/antivirals/antivirals (7%). The most common treatments evaluated in systematic reviews were hydroxychloroquine (11%), remdesivir (8%), tocilizumab (7%) and steroids (7%).

The evaluated treatment was in favour 50% and 36% of the evaluations, according to the conclusion of the authors of primary studies and evidence syntheses, respectively.

Conclusions

This rapid scoping review characterised a growing body of comparative-effectiveness primary studies and evidence syntheses. The results suggest future studies should focus on children, elderly ≥65 years of age, patients with mild symptoms, outpatient treatment, multimechanism therapies, harms and active comparators. The results also suggest that future living evidence synthesis and network meta-analysis would provide additional information for decision-makers on managing COVID-19.
Prevalence and risk factors of hyperuricaemia in non-obese Chinese: a single-centre cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Jinghua , Chen Yishu , Chen Shenghui , Wang Xinyu , Zhai Haoliang , Xu Chengfu
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Hyperuricaemia is closely related to metabolic diseases and is receiving increasing attention from all over the world. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with hyperuricaemia in non-obese Chinese population.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

A large general hospital that can provide health check-ups in Hangzhou, China.

Participants

A total of 5731 apparently healthy Chinese adults (2349 men and 3382 women) who took their health check-ups during the year of 2019. Exclusion criteria: (1) those with body mass index ≥24 kg/m2; (2) those with incomplete anthropometric and biochemical data; (3) those with a history of malignancy and (4) those under urate-lowering treatment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The prevalence and factors associated with hyperuricaemia in non-obese Chinese adults.

Results

Of the 5731 non-obese subjects enrolled, 538 (9.4%) were identified as having hyperuricaemia, specifically 16.3% in men and 4.6% in women. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia markedly increased in women aged above 50 years. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was significantly higher in metabolically unhealthy participants with normal weight than in metabolically healthy participants with normal weight. Participants with hyperuricaemia showed a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease than participants with normouraemia. Age, waist circumference, estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood urea nitrogen, excessive drinking and fatty liver were associated with hyperuricaemia in both genders.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 9.4% in non-obese Chinese adults. Non-obese participants with hyperuricaemia also showed multiple metabolic disorders. We suggest that clinicians pay attention to serum uric acid level in non-obese patients.
Interventions to promote the implementation of pressure injuries prevention measures in nursing homes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Yang Long-Fei , Liu Yan-Ling , Wu Chun-Tao , Ni Cui-Ping , Liu Yu
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Currently, various guidelines and documents on the prevention of pressure injuries have been published, but there are many serious lags in the actual practice in nursing homes. So some interventions are required to promote the implementation of normative practices. There was a review of preventive interventions for pressure injuries in long-term care facilities, but there is no systematic review of how to promote the implementation of preventive measures. This review aims to summarise interventions that promote the implementation of pressure injuries prevention measures in nursing homes, explore the research scope and gaps in this field and provide evidence and striving direction for global nursing homes to improve existing preventive behaviours.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will combine the Arksey and O’Malley framework with further clarification and advice of the scoping review by Levac et al as methodological guidance. Systematic retrieval of relevant literature databases, grey literature and references included studies will be conducted. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts independently, and then screen the full text of potentially relevant articles to determine final inclusion. After that, two reviewers will extract data based on a predesigned data extraction table independently. Inductive analysis and narrative analysis will be used to collate, summarise and report the results. Finally, managers of nursing homes in China will be consulted for additional information and their viewpoints on the research findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Since the scoping review is a secondary analysis of the literature, there is no need to apply for ethical approval. Our goal is to share the results with key stakeholders to help them find the direction of effort and improve clinical practice. Therefore, dissemination plans include publication in international journals and sharing it at conferences to inform more healthcare workers about the scope and gaps of the studies.
Characteristics of serum lipid levels in patients with hypertension: a hospital-based retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Wu Heming , Yu Zhikang , Huang Qingyan
Published: June 2022

Background

Dyslipidaemia is different among patients with hypertension in different populations. The serum lipid profiles among Hakka patients with hypertension in southern China are still unclear.

Methods

35 448 patients with hypertension were enrolled in this study from January 2016 to October 2020, and their serum lipids were analysed.

Results

Low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (29.9%) accounted for the highest proportion in dyslipidaemia, followed by high triglyceride (TG) (20.7%), high total cholesterol (TC) (14.0%) and high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (7.9%) in all subjects. The largest proportion of dyslipidaemia types was independent low HDL-C (12.7%). The proportion of low HDL-C was 15.5% in non-elderly men, 6.4% in non-elderly women, 16.7% in elderly men and 8.5% in elderly women, respectively. The largest proportion of dyslipidaemia types was independent high TG in non-elderly female patients (13.7%) and elderly patients (8.9%). The results showed that higher LDL-C, TC and TG levels in non-elderly patients than elderly patients. TG, TC and LDL-C levels decreasing with the increasing age, the differences were statistically significant. The levels of TG, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C in women were higher than in men among various age groups. Homocysteine level was increasing with increasing age.

Conclusions

Serum lipid levels varied in different groups according to age and sex in patients with hypertension. Dyslipidaemia is more common in non-elderly patients than elderly. TG, TC and LDL-C levels were higher in female patients than male.
Harm minimisation for self-harm: a cross-sectional survey of British clinicians’ perspectives and practices
Authors: Haris Aishah Madinah , Pitman Alexandra , Mughal Faraz , Bakanaite Evelina , Morant Nicola , Rowe Sarah L
Published: June 2022

Objective

Harm minimisation for self-harm is an alternative to preventive strategies and focuses on maximising safety when self-harming. We explored the views of clinicians on harm minimisation for self-harm to describe reported use and acceptability in clinical practice.

Design

A cross-sectional study using an online survey consisting of fixed-choice and open-ended questions.

Setting

Primary and secondary care practices in England, Scotland and Wales.

Participants

Snowball sampling of UK-based clinicians (n=90; 67% female) working with people who self-harm and who have or have not previously recommended harm minimisation methods to patients.

Results

Of the 90 clinicians sampled, 76 (84%) reported having recommended harm minimisation techniques to people in their care who self-harm. Commonly recommended techniques were snapping rubber bands on one’s wrist and squeezing ice. Other techniques, such as teaching use of clean instruments when self-harming, were less likely to be recommended. Perceived client benefits included harm reduction and promotion of the therapeutic relationship. Perceived potential limitations of a harm minimisation approach for self-harm were (a) potential worsening of self-harm outcomes; (b) ethical reservations; (c) doubts about its effectiveness and appropriateness; and (d) lack of training and clear policies within the workplace.

Conclusions

In our sample of UK-based clinicians in various settings, harm minimisation for self-harm was broadly recommended for clients who self-harm due to perceived client benefits. However, future policies on harm minimisation must address clinicians’ perceived needs for training, well-defined guidelines, and clear evidence of effectiveness and safety to mitigate some clinician concerns about the potential for further harm.
Behavioral factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results from a web-based case-control survey in the Capital Region of Denmark
Authors: Cajar Mille Dybdal , Tan Florence Chia Chin , Boisen Mogens Karsboel , Krog Sebastian Moretto , Nolsoee Rúna , Collatz Christensen Helle , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Moeller Amalie Lykkemark , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Lindegaard Birgitte , Kristensen Peter Lommer , Christensen Thomas Broe , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Lendorf Maria Elisabeth
Published: June 2022

Objective

To study the association between behavioural factors and incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Design

Case–control web-based questionnaire study.

Setting

Questionnaire data were collected in the Capital Region of Denmark in December 2020 when limited restrictions were in place, while the number of daily SARS-CoV-2 cases increased rapidly.

Participants

8913 cases of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with two groups of controls: (1) 34 063 individuals with a negative SARS-CoV-2 test from the same date (negative controls, NCs) and 2) 25 989 individuals who had never been tested for a SARS-CoV-2 infection (untested controls, UC). Controls were matched on sex, age, test date and municipality.

Exposure

Activities during the 14 days prior to being tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 or during the same period for matched controls and precautions taken during the entire pandemic.

Main outcomes and measures

SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence rate ratios (IRR).

Results

Response rate was 41.4% (n=93 121). Using public transportation, grocery shopping (IRR: NC: 0.52; UC: 0.63) and outdoor sports activities (NC: 0.75; UC: 0.96) were not associated with increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most precautions, for example, using hand sanitizer (NC: 0.79; UC: 0.98), physical distancing (NC: 0.79; UC: 0.82) and avoiding handshakes (NC: 0.74; UC: 0.77), were associated with a lower rate of infection. Activities associated with many close contacts, especially indoors, increased rate of infection. Except for working from home, all types of occupation were linked to increased rate of infection.

Conclusions

In a community setting with moderate restrictions, activities such as using public transportation and grocery shopping with the relevant precautions were not associated with an increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exposures and activities where safety measures are difficult to maintain might be important risk factors for infection. These findings may help public health authorities tailor their strategies for limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Refreshing medical students’ intravenous-cannulation skills: a blinded observer three-arm randomised comparison of mental imagery, part-task trainer simulation and written instructions
Authors: Berger-Estilita Joana , Blülle Rafael , Stricker Daniel , Balmer Mathias , Greif Robert , Berendonk Christoph
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Intravenous cannulation is a core competence in medicine, but is considered challenging to learn. This study investigates the effectiveness of three educational strategies used to refresh the intravenous cannulation skills of first-year medical students: mental imagery, part-task trainer simulation and written instructions.

Materials and methods

In this single-centre randomised controlled trial, first-year medical students were assigned to one of three different refresher tutorials on intravenous cannulation. Six months after their compulsory 4 hour instructor-led intravenous-cannulation course, each student was randomised to a 6 min self-learning tutorial: a mental imagery audioguide session, hands-on intravenous cannulation on a part-task trainer or reading written instructions.

Immediately after the refresher tutorials, trained evaluators who were blinded to the randomised group assessed the students’ performance. Each evaluator completed a 15-item standardised checklist in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station for intravenous cannulation. We performed a descriptive analysis of the data and a one-way analysis of variance. Additionally, we investigated the influence of previous intravenous cannulation experience on the total OSCE score.

Results and discussion

On analysing the 309 students’ results, we did not find differences in the total rating of the performance (in percentage) between the three groups at the OSCE station (mental imagery group: 72.0%±17.9%; part-task trainer group: 74.4%±15.6%; written instructions group: 69.9%±16.6%, p=0.158). Multiple linear regression showed a small but statistically significant effect of students’ previous intravenous cannulation experience on OSCE performance. With the same outcome, written instructions and mental imagery had a better return on effort, compared with resource-intensive hands-on training with part-task trainers.

Conclusion

A single, short refresher seems to have a limited effect on intravenous-cannulation skills in first-year medical students. Less resource-intensive interventions, such as written instructions or mental imagery, are effective compared with hands-on part-task trainer simulation for refreshing this simple but important skill.

Trial registration number

AEARCTR-0008043.
Mixed-methods evaluation of a behavioural intervention package to identify and amend incorrect penicillin allergy records in UK general practice
Authors: Wanat Marta , Santillo Marta , Galal Ushma , Davoudianfar Mina , Bongard Emily , Savic Sinisa , Savic Louise , Porter Catherine , Fielding Joanne , Butler Christopher C , Pavitt Sue , Sandoe Jonathan , Tonkin-Crine Sarah
Published: June 2022

Objectives

About 6% of the UK general practice population has a record of a penicillin allergy but fewer than 10% of these are likely to be truly allergic. In the ALABAMA (Allergy Antibiotics and Microbial resistance) feasibility trial, primary care patients with penicillin allergy were randomised to penicillin allergy assessment pathway or usual care to assess the effect on health outcomes. A behavioural intervention package was developed to aid delabelling. This study aimed to investigate patients’ and clinicians’ views of penicillin allergy testing (PAT).

Design

We conducted a mixed-methods process evaluation embedded within the ALABAMA trial, which included a clinician survey, a patient survey (at baseline and follow-up) and semistructured interviews with patients and clinicians.

Settings

The study was conducted in primary care, as part of the feasibility stage of the ALABAMA trial.

Participants

Patients and primary care clinicians.

Results

Clinicians (N=53; 52.2%) were positive about PAT and its potential value but did not have previous experience of referring patients for a PAT and were unsure whether patients would take penicillin after a negative allergy test. Patients (N=36; 46%) were unsure whether they were severely allergic to penicillin and did not fear a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. Clinician interviews showed that they were already aware of the benefit of PAT. Interviews with patients suggested the importance of safety as patients valued having numerous opportunities to address their concerns about safety of the test.

Conclusions

This study highlights the positive effects of the ALABAMA behavioural intervention for both patients and clinicians.

Trial registration number

NCT04108637; ISRCTN20579216; Pre-results.
Impact of leadership behaviour on physician well-being, burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave: a multicentre cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Mete Mihriye , Goldman Charlotte , Shanafelt Tait , Marchalik Daniel
Published: June 2022

Objective

To examine how perceived leadership behaviours affect burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave the organisation among physicians.

Design

Anonymous cross-sectional survey study from November 2016 to October 2018.

Setting

12 036 attending and resident physicians at 11 healthcare organisations participating in the Physician Wellness Academic Consortium (PWAC) were surveyed to assess burnout and professional fulfilment and their drivers.

Participants

A sample of 5416 attending physicians with complete data on gender, specialty, leadership, burnout and professional fulfilment.

Main outcomes and measures

The leadership behaviour of each physician’s supervisor was assessed using the Mayo Clinic Participatory Management Leadership Index and categorised in tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the effect of leadership behaviour rating of each physician’s supervisor on burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave controlling for gender and specialty.

Results

The response rate was 45% across 11 institutions. Half of the respondents were female. Professional fulfilment increased with increasing tertiles of leadership behaviour rating (19%, 34%, 47%, p<0.001). The odds of professional fulfilment were 5.8 times higher (OR=5.8, 95% CI: 5.1 to 6.59) for physicians in the top tertile compared with those in the lowest tertile. Physicians in the top tertile were also 48% less likely to be burned out (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.61) and reported 66% lower intent to leave (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.44). Individuals who rated their supervisor’s leadership in upper tertiles relative to lower tertiles exhibited lower levels of burnout (18% vs 35% vs 47%, p<0.001), and intent to leave (16% vs 24% vs 50% p<0.001).

Conclusion

Perceived leadership behaviours have a strong relationship with burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave among physicians. Organisations should consider leadership development as a potential vehicle to improve physician wellness and prevent costly physician departures.
Trends in sedentary behaviour and associated factors among adults in Mongolia: results from national cross-sectional surveys in 2009, 2013 and 2019
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: June 2022

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence and correlates of sedentary behaviour (SB) in people aged 15–64 years from 2009 to 2019 in Mongolia.

Design

Repeat population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

Nationally representative sample of persons living in the general community aged 15–64 years in Mongolia.

Participants

The sample included 17 780 people (15–64 years) who participated in Mongolia STEPS surveys 2009, 2013 or 2019.

Primary and secondary outcome measures: self-reported

SB, along with physical measurements, health status and health behaviour, and sociodemographic covariates. Multinomial logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for moderate and high SB, with low SB as reference category.

Results

Across study years, the proportion of low (<4 hours) SB was 62.3%, moderate (4–<8 hours) SB was 26.4% and high (≥8 hours) SB was 11.3%. Compared to the survey year 2009, in the survey years 2013 and 2019, high SB increased significantly, while moderate SB increased in the survey year 2013 but not in 2019. Urban residence was positively associated with moderate and high SB. Male sex and higher education were positively associated with moderate SB. Current tobacco use, current heavy alcohol use, and obesity class II were positively and high physical activity was negatively associated with moderate and/or high SB. Belonging to the Khalkha ethnic group and hypertension increased the odds of moderate or high SB in 2019 and 2013, respectively. Age, higher number of adults household members and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake were not associated with moderate or high SB.

Conclusion

More than 1 in 10 people aged 15 years and older engaged in high SB. Several sociodemographic and health variables associated with moderate and/or high SB were identified that can help guide public interventions.
Real-time seizure detection in paediatric intensive care patients: the RESET child brain protocol
Authors: Waak Michaela , Gibbons Kristen , Sparkes Louise , Harnischfeger Jane , Gurr Sandra , Schibler Andreas , Slater Anthony , Malone Stephen
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Approximately 20%–40% of comatose children with risk factors in intensive care have electrographic-only seizures; these go unrecognised due to the absence of continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (cEEG). Utility of cEEG with high-quality assessment is currently limited due to high-resource requirements. New software analysis tools are available to facilitate bedside cEEG assessment using quantitative EEG (QEEG) trends. The primary aim of this study is to describe accuracy of interpretation of QEEG trends by paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses compared with cEEG assessment by neurologist (standard clinical care) in children at risk of seizures and status epilepticus utilising diagnostic test statistics. The secondary aims are to determine time to seizure detection for QEEG users compared with standard clinical care and describe impact of confounders on accuracy of seizure detection.

Methods and analysis

This will be a single-centre, prospective observational cohort study evaluating a paediatric QEEG programme utilising the full 19 electrode set. The setting will be a 36-bed quaternary PICU with medical, cardiac and general surgical cases. cEEG studies in PICU patients identified as ‘at risk of seizures’ will be analysed. Trained bedside clinical nurses will interpret the QEEG. Seizure events will be marked as seizures if >3 QEEG criteria occur. Post-hoc dedicated neurologists, who remain blinded to the QEEG analysis, will interpret the cEEG. Determination of standard test characteristics will assess the primary hypothesis. To calculate 95% (CIs) around the sensitivity and specificity estimates with a CI width of 10%, the sample size needed for sensitivity is 80 patients assuming each EEG will have approximately 9 to 18 1-hour epochs.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval by the Children’s Health Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/19/QCHQ/58145). Results will be made available to the funders, critical care survivors and their caregivers, the relevant societies, and other researchers.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 12621001471875.
The effects of psychosocial and economic factors on the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease and their caregivers in Klang Valley, Malaysia: protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ibrahim Norhayati , Chu Sin Yee , Siau Ching Sin , Amit Noh , Ismail Rozmi , Abdul Gafor Abdul Halim
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The number of patients in Malaysia requiring dialysis is expected to rise substantially in the future due to the ageing population and increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Hence, more individuals will be expected to adopt the role of caregivers in the future. The upward trend of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and caregiving for dialysis patients has detrimental consequences for both patients and caregivers in terms of their psychological well-being and quality of life. Despite the current circumstances, there are very few studies in Malaysia that have explored the psychosocial factors, specifically on the economic impact of the management of ESRD.

Methods and analysis

This two-phase sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, incorporating a quantitative design (phase I) and a qualitative study (phase II), is to be conducted in 4 government hospitals and 10 other non-governmental organisations or private dialysis centres within Klang Valley, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey (phase I) will include 236 patient-caregiver dyads, while focus group discussions (phase II) will include 30 participants. The participants for both phases will be recruited purposively. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and multiple regression analysis will be used for analyses in phase I, and thematic analysis will be used in phase II.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for the study has been obtained from the National Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) (NMRR-21-1012-59714) and the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (UKM PPI/111/8/JEP-2021–078) and University of Malaya Medical Centre (MREC ID NO: 2 02 178–10346). Informed consent of the participants will be obtained beforehand, and no personal identifiers will be obtained from the participants to protect their anonymity. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national or international conferences with minimal anonymised data.
What are the expectations and experiences of a GMH research programme delivered in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia and Uganda? A prospective longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Rajabzadeh Vian , McGrath Michael , van Loggerenberg Francois , Bird Victoria Jane , Priebe Stefan
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Global health research collaborations between partners in high-income countries and low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) aim to generate new evidence, strengthen research capacity, tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes. Previous evaluations of such programmes have identified areas for improvement but consisted only of retrospective experiences. We conducted the first prospective study to assess the initial expectations as well as the final experiences of participants of a global health research programme.

Design, settings and participants

This study adopted a prospective longitudinal qualitative study, 38 participants of a global mental health research programme with partners in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, Uganda and the (UK). The interviewees included senior investigators, coordinators and researchers. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data.

Outcome measures

Participants were interviewed about their initial expectations at the inception of the research programme and their final experiences at the end.

Results

Many of the original expectations were later reported as met or even exceeded. They included experiences of communication, relationships, developed research expertise, further research opportunities and extending networks. However, other expectations were not met or only partially met, mainly on developing local leadership, strengthening institutional research capacity and opportunities for innovation and for mutual learning. Around equity of partnership and ownership of research the views of participants in the UK tended to be more critical than those of partners in LMICs.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that global health research programmes can achieve several of their aims, and that partners in LMICs feel equity has been established in the partnership despite the imbalance of the funding arrangement. Aims of global health research projects should have a realistic focus and be proportionate to the parameters of the funding arrangement. More resources and longer time scales may be required to address sustainable structural capacity and long-standing local leadership sufficiently.
Study protocol: an observational study of distress, immune function and persistent pain in HIV
Authors: Madden Victoria J , Msolo Ncumisa , Mqadi Luyanduthando , Lesosky Maia , Bedwell Gillian J , Hutchinson Mark R , Peter Jonathan Grant , Parker Romy , Schrepf Andrew , Edwards Robert R , Joska John A
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Many people with HIV report both distress and pain. The relationship between distress and pain is bidirectional, but the mechanisms by which distress exacerbates pain are unclear. The inflammatory response to challenge (inflammatory reactivity, IR) may be a partial mediator, given that neuroimmune interactions provide a substrate for IR to also influence neurological reactivity and, thus, pain-related neural signalling. This prospective, observational, case–control study will characterise the relationships between distress, IR, pain-related signalling as captured by induced secondary hyperalgesia (SH), and pain, in people with HIV who report persistent pain (PP) (cases) or no pain (controls).

Methods and analysis

One hundred people with suppressed HIV, reporting either PP or no pain, will be assessed two or four times over 6 months. The primary outcomes are distress (Hopkins 25-item symptom checklist), IR (multiplex assay after LPS challenge), and PP (Brief Pain Inventory), assessed at the baseline timepoint, although each will also be assessed at follow-up time points. Induced SH will be assessed in a subsample of 60 participants (baseline timepoint only). To test the hypothesis that IR partly mediates the relationship between distress and pain, mediation analysis will use the baseline data from the PP group to estimate direct and indirect contributions of distress and IR to pain. To test the hypothesis that IR is positively associated with SH, data from the subsample will be analysed with generalised mixed effects models to estimate the association between IR and group membership, with SH as the dependent variable.

Ethics and dissemination

Information obtained from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. The study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Cape Town (approval number: 764/2019) and the City of Cape Town (ref: 24699).

Trial registration number

NCT04757987.
Development and validation of a social vulnerabilities survey for medical inpatients
Authors: Tang Karen L , Sajobi Tolulope , Santana Maria-Jose , Lawal Oluwaseyi , Tesorero Leonie , Ghali William A
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Our objective was to validate a Social Vulnerabilities Survey that was developed to identify patient barriers in the following domains: (1) salience or priority of health; (2) social support; (3) transportation; and (4) finances.

Design

Cross-sectional psychometric study.

Questions for one domain (health salience) were developed de novo while questions for the other domains were derived from national surveys and/or previously validated questionnaires. We tested construct (ie, convergent and discriminative) validity for these new questions through hypothesis testing of correlations between question responses and patient characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine structural validity of the survey as a whole.

Setting

Patients admitted to the inpatient internal medicine service at a tertiary care hospital in Calgary, Canada.

Participants

A total of 406 patients were included in the study.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 55.5 (SD 18.6) years, with the majority being men (55.4%). In feasibility testing of the first 107 patients, the Social Vulnerabilities Survey was felt to be acceptable, comprehensive and met face validity. Hypothesis testing of the health salience questions revealed that the majority of observed correlations were exactly as predicted. Exploratory factor analysis of the global survey revealed the presence of five factors (eigenvalue >1): social support, health salience, drug insurance, transportation barriers and drug costs. All but four questions loaded to these five factors.

Conclusions

The Social Vulnerabilities Survey has face, construct and structural validity. It can be used to measure modifiable social vulnerabilities, such that their effects on health outcomes can be explored and understood.
Body composition, mitochondrial oxygen metabolism and metabolome of patients with obesity before and after bariatric surgery (COMMITMENT): protocol for a monocentric prospective cohort study
Authors: Neu Charles , Skitek Kornel , Kissler Hermann , Baumbach Philipp , Settmacher Utz , Esper Treml Ricardo , Coldewey Sina M
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Obesity, defined as a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, is one of the most prevalent health conditions worldwide. It is part of the metabolic syndrome, which encompasses arterial hypertension, dyslipoproteinaemia and diabetes. Obesity is viewed as a systemic disease with pathophysiological mechanisms on the molecular level. Dysfunction of the mitochondrion and systemic low-grade inflammation are among the proposed causes for the metabolic changes. In severe cases of obesity, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a bariatric operation, can achieve the desired weight loss and has been associated with clinical outcome improvement. Hitherto, the influence of patients’ body composition on mitochondrial function and concomitant metabolic changes has not been fully understood. This study aims to quantify the patient’s body composition before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and to correlate these findings with changes in mitochondrial oxygen metabolism, metabolome and immune status.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective monocentric cohort study, patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (n=30) at Jena University Hospital (Germany) will be assessed before surgery and at four time points during a 1-year follow-up. Body composition will be measured by bioimpedance analysis. Non-invasive assessment of mitochondrial oxygen metabolism using protoporphyrin IX-triplet state lifetime technique (PPIX-TSLT) and blood sampling for, among other, metabolomic and immunological analysis, will be performed. The primary outcome is the difference in relative fat mass between the preoperative time point and 6 months postoperatively. Further outcomes comprise longitudinal changes of PPIX-TSLT and metabolic and immunological variables. Outcomes will be assessed using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2018-1192-BO). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients prior to enrolment in the study. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at appropriate conferences.

Trial registration number

DRKS00015891.
Child drownings in Bangladesh: need for action
Authors: Hossain Md. Jamal , Al-Mamun Md. , Alam Morshed , Khatun Mst. Rukaia , Sarker Md. Moklesur Rahman , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: June 2022

Drowning is one of the major public health concerns, and children are the most vulnerable victims of drowning death in Bangladesh, which has been a paramount threat to child survival. Based on available data, we intend to underline the prevalence and associated risk factors for child drowning deaths in Bangladesh. According to the Center for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh, about 19 000 people of all ages drown per year across the country, where approximately 77% are children (<18 years), which means that over 40 Bangladeshi children drown per day. A recent survey reported that as of data collected from January 2020 to June 2021, 83% of drowning victims were children. Insufficient parental supervision, mother’s illiteracy, lack of swimming ability, male gender, children under 5 years, geographical and environmental conditions, seasonality, and disasters significantly contribute to child drowning deaths in Bangladesh. We urge the governments and local administrations to address the current crisis by coordinating and integrating several effective efforts to prevent child drowning deaths.
Home symptom management training programme: carer evaluation
Authors: Parker Deborah , Reymond Liz , Cooper Karen , Tieman Jennifer , Ivynian Serra
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Most people say if they had a terminal illness, they would prefer to be cared for at home and, if possible, to die there. Often this is not possible without a carer to assist with on-going practical care and symptom management. If breakthrough symptoms are not treated in a timely manner, symptoms can escalate quickly causing increased suffering resulting in unwanted hospital transfers. Many carers report feeling motivated but uneducated for the task of medicine management, especially if it involves preparation and/or administration of subcutaneous medicines This study assesses the impact of an education and resource package, caring@home, on carers’ confidence, knowledge, and skills in managing palliative symptoms at home using subcutaneous medicines.

Methods

Nurses trained volunteer carers on the use of the package. Carers were invited to complete a 10 min written evaluation survey and to consider consenting to a 30 min semistructure phone interview.

Results

Fifty carers returned surveys and 12 were interviewed. Most carers agreed or strongly agreed that the package provided them with the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to safely and confidently manage breakthrough symptoms using subcutaneous medicines, further, they would recommend the package to others. Interview analysis revealed three main themes: (1) hesitation and motivation to adopt expanded carer role; (2) the importance of a layered approach to support; and (3) avoiding perceived unnecessary contact with nurses.

Conclusion

The programme can be used by clinical services to empower carers to help enable a person to be cared for, and to die at home.
Population-basedBRCA1/2testing programmes are highly acceptable in the Jewish community: results of the JeneScreen Study
Authors: Tiller Jane M , Cousens Nicole E , Kaur Rajneesh , Rowley Simone , Ko Yi-An , Mahale Sakshi , Bankier Agnes , Meiser Bettina , Barlow-Stewart Kristine , Burnett Leslie , Jacobs Chris , James Paul , Trainer Alison , Neil Suzanne , Campbell Ian G , Andrews Lesley , Delatycki Martin
Published: June 2022

Background

Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) people have a higher incidence ofBRCA1/2pathogenic variants (PVs) than unselected populations. ThreeBRCA-Jewish founder mutations (B-JFMs) comprise >90% ofBRCA1/2PVs in AJ people. Personal/family cancer history-based testing misses ≥50% of people with B-JFM.

Methods

We compared two population-based B-JFM screening programmes in Australia—using (1) an online tool (Sydney) and (2) in-person group sessions (Melbourne).

Results

Of 2167 Jewish people tested (Sydney n=594; Melbourne n=1573), 1.3% (n=28) have a B-JFM, only 2 of whom had a significant cancer family history (Manchester score ≥12). Pretest anxiety scores were normal (mean 9.9±3.5 (6–24)), with no significant post-result change (9.5±3.3). Decisional regret (mean 7.4±13.0 (0–100)), test-related distress (mean 0.8+/2.2 (0–30)) and positive experiences (reverse-scored) (mean 3.4±4.5 (1–20)) scores were low, with no significant differences between Sydney and Melbourne participants. Post-education knowledge was good overall (mean 11.8/15 (±2.9)) and significantly higher in Melbourne than Sydney. Post-result knowledge was the same (mean 11.7 (±2.4) vs 11.2 (±2.4)). Participants with a B-JFM had higher post-result anxiety and test-related distress and lower positive experiences, than those without a B-JFM, but scores were within the normal range. Family cancer history did not significantly affect knowledge or anxiety, or pretest perception of B-JFM or cancer risks. Most participants (93%) were satisfied/very satisfied with the programme.

Conclusion

Both B-JFM screening programmes are highly acceptable to Australian Jewish communities. The programme enabled identification of several individuals who were previously unaware they have a B-JFM, many of whom would have been ineligible for current criteria-based testing in Australia.
The search for genetic dark matter and lessons learned from the journey
Authors: Borden Katherine L.B.
Published: June 2022

In this review, I describe our scientific journey to unearth the impact of RNA metabolism in cancer using the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E as an exemplar. This model allowed us to discover new structural, biochemical, and molecular features of RNA processing, and to reveal their substantial impact on cell physiology. This led us to develop proof-of-principle strategies to target these pathways in cancer patients leading to clinical benefit. I discuss the important role that the unexpected plays in research and the necessity of embracing the data even when it clashes with dogma. I also touch on the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the success of the scientific enterprise.
The construction of a high-density consensus genetic map for soybean based on SNP markers derived from genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Fallah Manel , Jean Martine , Boucher St-Amour Vincent-Thomas , O'Donoughue Louise , Belzile François
Published: June 2022

Genetic linkage maps are used to localize markers on the genome based on the recombination frequency. Most often, these maps are based on the segregation observed within a single biparental population of limited size ( n < 300) where relatively few recombination events are sampled and in which some genomic regions are monomorphic because both parents carry the same alleles. Together, these two limitations affect both the resolution and extent of genome coverage of such maps. Consensus genetic maps overcome the limitations of individual genetic maps by merging the information from multiple segregating populations derived from a greater diversity of parental combinations, thus increasing the number of recombination events and reducing the number of monomorphic regions. The aim of this study was to construct a high-density consensus genetic map for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained through a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach. Individual genetic maps were generated from six F4:5 mapping populations ( n = 278–365), totaling 1857 individuals. The six linkage maps were then merged to produce a consensus map comprising a total of 16 311 mapped SNPs that jointly cover 99.5% of the soybean genome with only two gaps larger than 10 cM. Compared to previous soybean consensus maps, it offers a more extensive and uniform coverage.
Non-minimal coupled warm inflation with quantum-corrected self-interacting inflaton potential
Authors: Samart Daris , Ma-adlerd Patinya , Koad Peeravit , Channuie Phongpichit
Published: June 2022

In this work, we investigate the non-minimally coupled scenario in the context of warm inflation with quantum-corrected self-interacting potential. We transform the potential in the Jordan frame to the Einstein frame and consider a dissipation parameter of the form $$\Gamma = C_{T}T$$

Γ
=

C
T

T

with $$C_T$$

C
T

being a coupling parameter. We focus on the strong regime of which the interaction between inflaton and radiation fluid has been taken into account. We compute inflationary observables and constrain the parameters of our model using current Planck 2018 data. With the sizeable number of e-folds and proper choices of parameters, we discover that allowed values of $$C_T$$

C
T

lie in the range $$0.014\lesssim C_{T}\lesssim 0.020$$

0.014
≲

C
T

≲
0.020

in which the predictions are in good agreement with the latest Planck 2018 results at the $$2\,\sigma $$

2

σ

confident level.
Observational constraints on Starobinsky f(R) cosmology from cosmic expansion and structure growth data
Authors: Bessa P. , Campista M. , Bernui A.
Published: June 2022

The unknown physical nature of the Dark Energy motivates in cosmology the study of modifications of the gravity theory at large distances. One of these types of modifications is to consider gravity theories, generally termed as f(R). In this paper we use observational data to both constrain and test the Starobinsky f(R) model (Starobinsky in JETP Lett 86(3):157–163, 2007), using updated measurements from the dynamics of the expansion of the universe, H(z); and the growth rate of cosmic structures, $$[f\sigma _8](z)$$

[
f

σ
8

]

(
z
)

, where the distinction between the concordance $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM model and modified gravity models f(R) becomes clearer. We use MCMC likelihood analyses to explore the parameters space of the f(R) model using H(z) and $$[f\sigma _8](z)$$

[
f

σ
8

]

(
z
)

data, both individually and jointly, and further, examine which of the models best fits the joint data. To further test the Starobinsky model, we use a method proposed by Linder (Astropart Phys 86:41–45, 2017), where the data from the observables is jointly binned in redshift space. This allows one to further explore the model’s parameter that better fits the data in comparison to the $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM model. The joint analysis of H(z) and $$[f\sigma _8](z)$$

[
f

σ
8

]

(
z
)

show that the $$n=2$$

n
=
2

–Starobinsky f(R) model fits well the observational data. In the end, we confirm that this joint analysis is able to break the degenerescence between modified gravity models as proposed in the original work (Starobinsky 2007). Our results indicate that the f(R) Starobinsky model provides a good fit to the currently available data for a set of values of its parameters, being, therefore, a possible alternative to the $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM model.
The generalized holographic c-function for regular AdS black holes
Authors: Li Yang , Miao Yan-Gang
Published: June 2022

We use the causal horizon entropy to study the asymptotic behaviors of regular AdS black holes. In some literature, the causal horizon entropy is regarded as a generalized holographic c-function. In this paper, we apply this idea to the case of regular AdS black holes. We show that the causal horizon entropy decreases to zero at the center of regular AdS black holes and in particular it is stationary because its derivative with respect to the affine parameter approaches zero asymptotically. Meanwhile, the asymptotic behavior of the metric of regular AdS black holes implies that the black hole center corresponds to an IR fixed point. Therefore, we conclude that the causal horizon entropy is a valid candidate for the holographic c-function of these regular AdS black holes.