Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 176
Filter
1.
BMJ Open Respir Res ; 11(1)2024 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38754906

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have clear causal relationships with environmental and occupational exposures. Exposure identification can assist with diagnosis, understanding disease pathogenesis, prognostication and prevention of disease progression and occurrence in others at risk. Despite the importance of exposure identification in ILD, there is no standardised assessment approach. Many questionnaires are in clinical and research use, yet their utility, applicability, relevance and performance characteristics are unknown. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to summarise the available evidence relating to ILD exposure assessment questionnaires, identify research gaps and inform the content for a future single evidence-based ILD questionnaire. METHODS: A scoping review based on Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework was conducted. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Any questionnaire that elicited exposures specific to ILD was included. A modified COSMIN Risk of Bias Framework was used to assess quality. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: Relevant articles were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE up to 23 July 2023. RESULTS: 22 exposure questionnaires were identified, including 15 generally pertaining to ILD, along with several disease-specific questionnaires for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n=4), chronic beryllium disease, sarcoidosis and silicosis (1 questionnaire each). For most questionnaires, quality was low, whereby the methods used to determine exposure inclusion and questionnaire validation were not reported or not performed. Collectively the questionnaires covered 158 unique exposures and at-risk occupations, most commonly birds, mould/water damage, wood dust, asbestos, farming, automotive mechanic and miners. Only five questionnaires also provided free-text fields, and 13 queried qualifiers such as temporality or respiratory protection. CONCLUSIONS: Designing a robust ILD-specific questionnaire should include an evidence-based and relevance-based approach to exposure derivation, with clinicians and patients involved in its development and tested to ensure relevance and feasibility.


Subject(s)
Lung Diseases, Interstitial , Occupational Exposure , Humans , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnosis , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/etiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
2.
World J Diabetes ; 15(4): 758-768, 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38680692

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prolonged fetal exposure to hyperglycemia may increase the risk of developing abnormal glucose metabolism and type-2 diabetes during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood; however, the mechanisms by which gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) predisposes offspring to metabolic disorders remain unknown. AIM: To quantify the nerve axons, macrophages, and vasculature in the pancreas from adult offspring born from mouse dams with GDM. METHODS: GDM was induced by i.p. administration of streptozotocin (STZ) in ICR mouse dams. At 12 wk old, fasting blood glucose levels were determined in offspring. At 15 wk old, female offspring born from dams with and without GDM were sacrificed and pancreata were processed for immunohistochemistry. We quantified the density of sensory [calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)] and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) axons, blood vessels (endomucin), and macro-phages (CD68) in the splenic pancreas using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Offspring mice born from STZ-treated dams had similar body weight and blood glucose values compared to offspring born from vehicle-treated dams. However, the density of CGRP+ and TH+ axons, endomucin+ blood vessels, and CD68+ macrophages in the exocrine pancreas was significantly greater in offspring from mothers with GDM vs control offspring. Likewise, the microvasculature in the islets was significantly greater, but not the number of macrophages within the islets of offspring born from dams with GDM compared to control mice. CONCLUSION: GDM induces neuronal, vascular, and inflammatory changes in the pancreas of adult progeny, which may partially explain the higher propensity for offspring of mothers with GDM to develop metabolic diseases.

3.
BMC Complement Med Ther ; 24(1): 142, 2024 Apr 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38575888

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are exposed to significant stressors that can impact their mental health, increasing risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, burnout, at-risk alcohol use, depression, and suicidality. Compromised LEO health can subsequently lead to aggression and excessive use of force. Mindfulness training is a promising approach for high-stress populations and has been shown to be effective in increasing resilience and improving mental health issues common among LEOs. METHODS: This multi-site, randomized, single-blind clinical feasibility trial was intended to establish optimal protocols and procedures for a future full-scale, multi-site trial assessing effects of mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) versus an attention control (stress management education [SME]) and a no-intervention control, on physiological, attentional, and psychological indices of stress and mental health. The current study was designed to enhance efficiency of recruitment, engagement and retention; optimize assessment, intervention training and outcome measures; and ensure fidelity to intervention protocols. Responsiveness to change over time was examined to identify the most responsive potential proximate and longer-term assessments of targeted outcomes. RESULTS: We observed high feasibility of recruitment and retention, acceptability of MBRT, fidelity to assessment and intervention protocols, and responsiveness to change for a variety of putative physiological and self-report mechanism and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this multi-site feasibility trial set the stage for a full-scale, multi-site trial testing the efficacy of MBRT on increasing LEO health and resilience, and on decreasing more distal outcomes of aggression and excessive use of force that would have significant downstream benefits for communities they serve. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03784846 . Registered on December 24th, 2018.


Subject(s)
Mindfulness , Resilience, Psychological , Humans , Mindfulness/methods , Police/psychology , Aggression/psychology , Feasibility Studies , Single-Blind Method
4.
JCO Precis Oncol ; 8: e2300552, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38452310

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Germline genetic testing (GT) is important for prostate cancer (PCA) management, clinical trial eligibility, and hereditary cancer risk. However, GT is underutilized and there is a shortage of genetic counselors. To address these gaps, a patient-driven, pretest genetic education webtool was designed and studied compared with traditional genetic counseling (GC) to inform strategies for expanding access to genetic services. METHODS: Technology-enhanced acceleration of germline evaluation for therapy (TARGET) was a multicenter, noninferiority, randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04447703) comparing a nine-module patient-driven genetic education webtool versus pretest GC. Participants completed surveys measuring decisional conflict, satisfaction, and attitudes toward GT at baseline, after pretest education/counseling, and after GT result disclosure. The primary end point was noninferiority in reducing decisional conflict between webtool and GC using the validated Decisional Conflict Scale. Mixed-effects regression modeling was used to compare decisional conflict between groups. Participants opting for GT received a 51-gene panel, with results delivered to participants and their providers. RESULTS: The analytic data set includes primary outcome data from 315 participants (GC [n = 162] and webtool [n = 153]). Mean difference in decisional conflict score changes between groups was -0.04 (one-sided 95% CI, -∞ to 2.54; P = .01), suggesting the patient-driven webtool was noninferior to GC. Overall, 145 (89.5%) GC and 120 (78.4%) in the webtool arm underwent GT, with pathogenic variants in 15.8% (8.7% in PCA genes). Satisfaction did not differ significantly between arms; knowledge of cancer genetics was higher but attitudes toward GT were less favorable in the webtool arm. CONCLUSION: The results of the TARGET study support the use of patient-driven digital webtools for expanding access to pretest genetic education for PCA GT. Further studies to optimize patient experience and evaluate them in diverse patient populations are warranted.


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling , Prostatic Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Testing , Germ Cells , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy
5.
Aggress Behav ; 50(2): e22145, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38477412

ABSTRACT

Repeatedly capturing national headlines, excessive law enforcement officer (LEO) use of force in critical incident encounters is one of the most divisive human rights issues in the United States. Valid and reliable measures of potential precursors to LEO excessive use of force, such as aggression, are needed. The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire-short form (BPAQ-SF) is a validated measure of aggression across various populations; however, evaluation of this easily administered measure in high-stress, frontline populations such as LEOs is limited. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change the BPAQ-SF in a sample of LEOs. A confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the hierarchical solution provides a mixed fit to the data: SBχ²(25.84) = 62.50, p = .0001; comparative fit index = .94, non-normed fit index = .92, root mean square error of approximation = .19 (90% confidence interval = .17-.21), standardized root mean squared residual = .08. The BPAQ-SF demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .84) and test-retest reliability (r = .86), correlations in the expected direction with predictors of and buffers against aggression, and sensitivity to change among LEOs who participated in an intervention targeting aggression. Results support and extend previous findings suggesting that the BPAQ-SF is a valid and reliable measure of aggression among LEOs.


Subject(s)
Aggression , Police , Humans , United States , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires
6.
Mol Microbiol ; 2024 Mar 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38511257

ABSTRACT

Gene transfer agents (GTAs) are genetic elements derived from ancestral bacteriophages that have become domesticated by the host. GTAs are present in diverse prokaryotic organisms, where they can facilitate horizontal gene transfer under certain conditions. Unlike typical bacteriophages, GTAs do not exhibit any preference for the replication or transfer of the genes encoding them; instead, they exhibit a remarkable capacity to package chromosomal, and sometimes extrachromosomal, DNA into virus-like capsids and disseminate it to neighboring cells. Because GTAs resemble defective prophages, identification of novel GTAs is not trivial. The detection of candidates relies on the genetic similarity to known GTAs, which has been fruitful in α-proteobacterial lineages but challenging in more distant bacteria. Here we consider several fundamental questions: What is the true prevalence of GTAs in prokaryote genomes? Given there are high costs for GTA production, what advantage do GTAs provide to the bacterial host to justify their maintenance? How is the bacterial chromosome recognized and processed for inclusion in GTA particles? This article highlights the challenges in comprehensively understanding GTAs' prevalence, function and DNA packaging method. Going forward, broad study of atypical GTAs and use of ecologically relevant conditions are required to uncover their true impact on bacterial chromosome evolution.

7.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg ; 170(5): 1430-1441, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38415855

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the positivity rate of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing among universal, hearing-targeted CMV testing (HT-cCMV) and delayed targeted dried blood spot (DBS) testing newborn screening programs, and to examine the characteristics of successful HT-cCMV testing programs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey of birth hospitals performing early CMV testing. SETTING: Multiple institutions. METHODS: Birth hospitals participating in the National Institutes of Health ValEAR clinical trial were surveyed to determine the rates of cCMV positivity associated with 3 different testing approaches: universal testing, HT-cCMV, and DBS testing. A mixed methods model was created to determine associations between successful HT-cCMV screening and specific screening protocols. RESULTS: Eighty-two birth hospitals were surveyed from February 2019 to December 2021. Seven thousand six hundred seventy infants underwent universal screening, 9017 infants HT-cCMV and 535 infants delayed DBS testing. The rates of cCMV positivity were 0.5%, 1.5%, and 7.3%, respectively. The positivity rate for universal CMV screening was less during the COVID-19 pandemic than that reported prior to the pandemic. There were no statistically significant drops in positivity for any approach during the pandemic. For HT-cCMV testing, unique order sets and rigorous posttesting protocols were associated with successful screening programs. CONCLUSION: Rates of cCMV positivity differed among the 3 approaches. The rates are comparable to cohort studies reported in the literature. Universal CMV prevalence decreased during the pandemic but not significantly. Institutions with specific order set for CMV testing where the primary care physician orders the test and the nurse facilitates the testing process exhibited higher rates of HT-cCMV testing.


Subject(s)
Cytomegalovirus Infections , Neonatal Screening , Humans , Cytomegalovirus Infections/diagnosis , Cytomegalovirus Infections/congenital , Cytomegalovirus Infections/epidemiology , Neonatal Screening/methods , Infant, Newborn , Prospective Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/diagnosis , United States/epidemiology , Dried Blood Spot Testing , Female , Male
8.
mBio ; 15(1): e0165623, 2024 Jan 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38078767

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Clostridioides difficile and Enterococcus faecalis are two pathogens of great public health importance. Both bacteria colonize the human gastrointestinal tract where they are known to interact in ways that worsen disease outcomes. We show that the damage associated with C. difficile infection (CDI) releases nutrients that benefit E. faecalis. One particular nutrient, heme, allows E. faecalis to use oxygen to generate energy and grow better in the gut. Understanding the mechanisms of these interspecies interactions could inform therapeutic strategies for CDI.


Subject(s)
Clostridioides difficile , Clostridium Infections , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Humans , Enterococcus faecalis , Clostridium Infections/microbiology , Bacteria
9.
J Anat ; 244(3): 424-437, 2024 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37953410

ABSTRACT

Resorption within cortices of long bones removes excess mass and damaged tissue and increases during periods of reduced mechanical loading. Returning to high-intensity exercise may place bones at risk of failure due to increased porosity caused by bone resorption. We used point-projection X-ray microscopy images of bone slices from highly loaded (metacarpal, tibia) and minimally loaded (rib) bones from 12 racehorses, 6 that died during a period of high-intensity exercise and 6 that had a period of intense exercise followed by at least 35 days of rest prior to death, and measured intracortical canal cross-sectional area (Ca.Ar) and number (N.Ca) to infer remodelling activity across sites and exercise groups. Large canals that are the consequence of bone resorption (Ca.Ar >0.04 mm2 ) were 1.4× to 18.7× greater in number and area in the third metacarpal bone from rested than exercised animals (p = 0.005-0.008), but were similar in number and area in ribs from rested and exercised animals (p = 0.575-0.688). An intermediate relationship was present in the tibia, and when large canals and smaller canals that result from partial bony infilling (Ca.Ar >0.002 mm2 ) were considered together. The mechanostat may override targeted remodelling during periods of high mechanical load by enhancing bone formation, reducing resorption and suppressing turnover. Both systems may work synergistically in rest periods to remove excess and damaged tissue.


Subject(s)
Bone Remodeling , Bone Resorption , Animals , Tibia , Ribs , Osteogenesis
10.
Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg ; 28(1): 39-44, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37899629

ABSTRACT

Elbow arthroscopy is an important surgical technique for the treatment of various elbow pathologies. Range of indications for elbow arthroscopy include, but are not limited to, diagnostic evaluation, removal of loose bodies, synovectomy, contracture releases, lateral epicondylitis treatment, and adjunct use for fracture reduction. Surgeons' understanding of anatomy and portal placement is critical for successful treatment. This article reviews the relevant surgical anatomy, portal placement, patient positioning, surgical indications, and complications for this technique.


Subject(s)
Elbow Joint , Surgeons , Tennis Elbow , Humans , Arthroscopy/methods , Elbow/surgery , Elbow Joint/surgery , Tennis Elbow/surgery
11.
Glob Health Res Policy ; 8(1): 50, 2023 Dec 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38057919

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite global efforts to reduce preventable childhood illness by distributing infant vaccines, immunization coverage in sub-Saharan African settings remains low. Further, timely administration of vaccines at birth-tuberculosis (Bacille Calmette-Guérin [BCG]) and polio (OPV0)-remains inconsistent. As countries such as Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) prepare to add yet another birth-dose vaccine to their immunization schedule, this study aims to improve current and future birth-dose immunization coverage by understanding the determinants of infants receiving vaccinations within the national timeframe. METHODS: The study used two ordered regression models to assess barriers to timely BCG and first round of the hepatitis B (HepB3) immunization series across multiple time points using the Andersen Behavioral Model to conceptualize determinants at various levels. The assessment leveraged survey data collected during a continuous quality improvement study (NCT03048669) conducted in 105 maternity centers throughout Kinshasa Province, DRC. The final sample included 2398 (BCG analysis) and 2268 (HepB3 analysis) women-infant dyads living with HIV. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, 1981 infants (82.6%) received the BCG vaccine, and 1551 (68.4%) received the first dose of HepB3 vaccine. Of those who received the BCG vaccine, 26.3%, 43.5%, and 12.8% received BCG within 24 h, between one and seven days, and between one and 14 weeks, respectively. Of infants who received the HepB3 vaccine, 22.4% received it within six weeks, and 46% between six and 14 weeks of life. Many factors were positively associated with BCG uptake, including higher maternal education, household wealth, higher facility general readiness score, and religious-affiliated facility ownership. The factors influencing HepB3 uptake included older maternal age, higher education level, household wealth, transport by taxi to a facility, higher facility general and immunization readiness scores, and religious-affiliated facility ownership. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the study participants' uptake of vaccines was consistent with the country average, but not in a timely manner. Various factors were associated with timely uptake of BCG and HepB3 vaccines. These findings suggest that investment to strengthen the vaccine delivery system might improve timely vaccine uptake and equity in vaccine coverage.


Subject(s)
BCG Vaccine , Hepatitis B , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Hepatitis B Vaccines , Immunization , Immunization Programs
12.
Psychol Rep ; : 332941231213646, 2023 Nov 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37970811

ABSTRACT

Racially minoritized adults lack equal representation in research and experience disparities in healthcare. Little is known about which trait-level factors may help mitigate negative and promote positive psychological health among adults from these communities. The aim of this study was to assess the differential impact of dispositional mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience in predicting depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction in a sample of racially minoritized adults. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of 169 participants (37.3% female and 62.7% male) between the ages of 18 and 64 (M = 37.05; SD = 11.94). Separate hierarchical multiple regression models examined the relative influence of mindfulness facets (acting with awareness (AA); nonjudging of inner experience (NJ), and nonreactivity of inner experience (NR)), self-compassion, and resilience in predicting depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction. Self-compassion, resilience, AA, and NR predicted depression; self-compassion, resilience, and NR predicted anxiety; self-compassion, resilience, and NR predicted stress; and self-compassion predicted satisfaction with life. Self-compassion, resilience, AA, NJ, and NR differentially predicted depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction; however, only self-compassion consistently predicted all outcomes. Future research may incorporate an intersectional methodology and account for differences among different racially minoritized groups.

13.
BMC Genomics ; 24(1): 454, 2023 Aug 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37568116

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trichoderma is a diverse genus of fungi that includes several species that possess biotechnological and agricultural applications, including the biocontrol of pathogenic fungi and nematodes. The mitochondrial genome of a putative strain of Trichoderma harzianum called PAR3 was analyzed after isolation from the roots of Scarlet Royal grapevine scion grafted to Freedom rootstock, located in a grapevine vineyard in Parlier, CA, USA. Here, we report the sequencing, comparative assembly, and annotation of the nuclear genome of PAR3 and confirm its identification as a strain of T. harzianum. We subsequently compared the genes found in T. harzianum PAR3 to other known T. harzianum strains. Assembly of Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore reads by the popular long-read assemblers, Flye and Canu, and the hybrid assemblers, SPAdes and MaSuRCA, was performed and the quality of the resulting assemblies were compared to ascertain which assembler generated the highest quality draft genome assembly. RESULTS: MaSuRCA produced the most complete and high-fidelity assembly yielding a nuclear genome of 40.7 Mb comprised of 112 scaffolds. Subsequent annotation of this assembly produced 12,074 gene models and 210 tRNAs. This included 221 genes that did not have equivalent genes in other T. harzainum strains. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS, rpb2, and tef1a sequences from PAR3 and established Trichoderma spp. showed that all three sequences from PAR3 possessed more than 99% identity to those of Trichoderma harzianum, confirming that PAR3 is an isolate of Trichoderma harzianum. We also found that comparison of gene models between T. harzianum PAR3 and other T. harzianum strains resulted in the identification of significant differences in gene type and number, with 221 unique genes identified in the PAR3 strain. CONCLUSIONS: This study gives insight into the efficacy of several popular assembly platforms for assembly of fungal nuclear genomes, and found that the hybrid assembler, MaSuRCA, was the most effective program for genome assembly. The annotated draft nuclear genome and the identification of genes not found in other T. harzainum strains could be used to investigate the potential applications of T. harzianum PAR3 for biocontrol of grapevine fungal canker pathogens and as source of anti-microbial compounds.


Subject(s)
Hypocreales , Trichoderma , Phylogeny , Trichoderma/genetics , Hypocreales/genetics , Genome, Fungal
14.
J Community Health ; 48(6): 975-981, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37498406

ABSTRACT

Community health workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in improving child health and development in underserved populations. However, CHWs often face challenges in accessing appropriate guidance and materials for their home visits, hindering their ability to deliver accurate and relevant information to families. Extensive searches for existing resources were conducted to search for established field manual guidebooks for CHWs, however, no suitable material was found, highlighting the need for this case study. The exercise aimed to develop a comprehensive field manual guidebook and animated videos to support CHWs in the Amazon of Peru during their home visits. A multidisciplinary team of specialists was assembled to develop the material. The material development process employed a design thinking methodology, incorporating participatory content creation workshops with CHWs and experts in health topics relevant to the Amazon. This approach ensured cultural relevance and sensitivity in conveying information. The team created a list of 38 essential health and early childhood development messages for Amazonian communities. Infographics were designed for each topic, accompanied by easy-to-understand language and images to assist CHWs in conveying information effectively. To provide additional support, seven animated videos were created based on health behavior theory, covering topics such as anemia, healthy diet, diarrhea, breastfeeding, clean water, child-caregiver bond, and early childhood stimulation. The videos were designed for CHWs to share with caregivers during home visits, enhancing information transmission. The resulting guidebook, infographics, and animated videos were presented to CHWs in Loreto, Peru for feedback. Updated versions were printed and distributed to CHWs in seven communities in Loreto.


Subject(s)
Child Health , Community Health Workers , Child, Preschool , Female , Child , Humans , Community Health Workers/education , House Calls , Medically Underserved Area , Breast Feeding
15.
BMJ Open ; 13(6): e071489, 2023 06 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37328182

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To develop a physiotherapist-led consensus statement on the definition and provision of high-value care for people with musculoskeletal conditions. DESIGN: We performed a three-stage study using Research And Development/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method methodology. We reviewed evidence about current definitions through a rapid literature review and then performed a survey and interviews with network members to gather consensus. Consensus was finalised in a face-to-face meeting. SETTING: Australian primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Registered physiotherapists who are members of a practice-based research network (n=31). RESULTS: The rapid review revealed two definitions, four domains of high value care and seven themes of high-quality care. Online survey responses (n=26) and interviews (n=9) generated two additional high-quality care themes, a definition of low-value care, and 21 statements on the application of high value care. Consensus was reached for three working definitions (high value, high-quality and low value care), a final model of four high value care domains (high-quality care, patient values, cost-effectiveness, reducing waste), nine high-quality care themes and 15 statements on application. CONCLUSION: High value care for musculoskeletal conditions delivers most value for the patient, and the clinical benefits outweigh the costs to the individual or system providing the care. High-quality care is evidence based, effective and safe care that is patient-centred, consistent, accountable, timely, equitable and allows easy interaction with healthcare providers and healthcare systems.


Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Diseases , Physical Therapists , Humans , Australia , New South Wales , Consensus , Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy
16.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract ; 11(9): 2686-2692, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37182567

ABSTRACT

For food-allergic patients, hypoallergenic formulas (HFs) are medically indicated, often a primary component of the diet and essential for patient safety, health, nutrition, and overall well-being. Yet, food allergy is not included among the conditions mandated for coverage under federal health programs and private health insurance. The 2022 infant formula crisis has affected many North American families and has particularly influenced patients with food allergies who rely on a limited number of safe HF brands to safely meet their nutritional needs for growth and development. The current formula shortage further highlights the longstanding difficulties faced by families with food allergies in accessing HF. Within this context, this article focuses on chronic barriers faced by patients with food allergies in accessing HF and proposes potential solutions. Legislation is desperately needed to address HF affordability through changes in insurance reimbursement and disparities in access to HF among individuals with food allergy.


Subject(s)
Food Hypersensitivity , Milk Hypersensitivity , Infant , Humans , Infant Formula , Diet , Allergens
17.
Ethn Health ; 28(7): 1053-1068, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37137819

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACTPerceived ethnic discrimination (PED) is predictive of chronic pain-related outcomes. Less is known about pathways through which these constructs interact. The goal of this study was to test whether PED was predictive of chronic pain-related outcomes (pain interference, pain intensity, and symptoms related to central sensitization), whether depression mediated the relationship between PED and pain outcomes, and if these relationships were maintained across sex in a sample of racially and ethnically minoritized adults (n = 77). PED significantly predicted pain interference, pain intensity, and symptoms related to central sensitization. Sex accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in pain interference only. Depression explained the relationship between PED and pain interference and pain intensity. Sex moderated the indirect pathway, such that for men, the relationship between PED and pain interference and pain intensity was explained via depression. Depression partially explained the relationship between PED and symptoms related to central sensitization. Sex did not moderate this mediational effect. This study provided a unique contribution to the pain literature by providing a contextual analysis of PED and pain. Addressing and validating experiences of lifetime discrimination may be a clinically relevant tool in the management of chronic pain for of racially and ethnically minoritized adults.


Subject(s)
Chronic Pain , Racism , Adult , Male , Humans , Depression
18.
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol ; 33(7): 2773-2792, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37010580

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are several approaches to THA, and each has their respective advantages and disadvantages. Previous meta-analysis included non-randomised studies that introduce further heterogeneity and bias to the evidence presented. This meta-analysis aims to present level I evidence by comparing functional outcomes, peri-operative parameters and complications of direct anterior approach (DAA) versus posterior approach (PA) or lateral approach (LA) in THA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comprehensive multi-database search (PubMed, OVID Medline, EMBASE) was conducted from date of database inception to 1st December 2020. Data from randomised controlled trials comparing outcomes of DAA versus PA or LA in THA were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies comprising 2010 patients were included in this meta-analysis. DAA has a longer operative time (MD = 17.38 min, 95%CI: 12.28, 22.47 min, P < 0.001) but a shorter length of stay compared to PA (MD = - 0.33 days, 95%CI: - 0.55, - 0.11 days, P = 0.003). There was no difference in operative time or length of stay when comparing DAA versus LA. DAA also had significantly better HHS than PA at 6 weeks (MD = 8.00, 95%CI: 5.85, 10.15, P < 0.001) and LA at 12 weeks (MD = 2.23, 95%CI: 0.31, 4.15, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in risk of neurapraxia for DAA versus LA or in risk of dislocations, periprosthetic fractures or VTE between DAA and PA or DAA and LA. CONCLUSION: The DAA has better early functional outcomes with shorter mean length of stay but was associated with a longer operative time than PA. There was no difference in risk of dislocations, neurapraxias, periprosthetic fractures or VTE between approaches. Based on our results, choice of THA approach should ultimately be guided by surgeon experience, surgeon preference and patient factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Joint Dislocations , Periprosthetic Fractures , Venous Thromboembolism , Humans , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods , Treatment Outcome
19.
Psychol Rep ; : 332941231169673, 2023 Apr 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37052148

ABSTRACT

Psychological flexibility relates to various aspects of mental health, including psychological distress and adaptive mental health. The CompACT has been developed to assess psychological flexibility by quantifying psychological flexibility as a multidimensional whole, and by three processes of psychological flexibility including, Openness to Experience (OE), Behavioral Awareness (BA), and Valued Action (VA). The current study examined the unique predictive property of each three process of the CompACT with aspects of mental health. Participants (N = 593) were a diverse sample of United States adults. Our results found OE and BA significantly predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. OE and VA significantly predicted satisfaction with life, and all three processes significantly predicted resilience. Our results support multidimensional assessment of psychological flexibility when examining aspects of mental health.

20.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 30(20): 58002-58018, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36973626

ABSTRACT

The Ocean decade (2021-2030) for sustainable development proclaimed in 2017 by the UN, seeks to promote and conserve the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. For this, the distribution of n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and biomarkers, in sediments from the Fortaleza coastal zone (Mucuripe harbor (MH) and Inner Continental shelf (ICS)) were used to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activities in the area. The concentrations of total n-alkanes (Σ16 n-alkanes) in MH and ICS sediments varied from 35.9 to 94.9 and 17.9 to 197.3 µg g-1, respectively, while the isoprenoids phytane and pristane in MH and ICS sediments ranged from 0.1 to 1.69 ug g-1 and from 0.14 and 1.20 µg g-1, respectively. Most of the sediment samples presented carbon preference index (CPI) values close to unity, indicating that the area is submitted to petroleum-related sources. The concentrations of Σ16 PAHs in MH and ICS sediments varied from 87.0 to 562.0 and 98 to 288.0 ng g-1. This work presents the first investigation of the petroleum biomarkers hopanes and steranes in the Fortaleza coastal zone, in which ΣBiomarkers varied from 0.10 to 1.79 and 0.02 to 0.24 ug g-1 in MH and ICS sediments, respectively. The presence at stations of biomarkers also indicates petrogenic input. The diagnosis of the distribution of pollutants in the investigated zones of the Fortaleza coast suggests contamination from urban areas and oil spills and vessel traffic.


Subject(s)
Petroleum , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Petroleum/analysis , Brazil , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Geologic Sediments , Hydrocarbons/analysis , Alkanes/analysis , Oceans and Seas , Biomarkers , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...