The educational game SonoQz improves diagnostic performance in ultrasound assessment of ovarian tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to determine whether the educational game SonoQz can improve diagnostic performance in ultrasound assessment of ovarian tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SonoQz mobile application was developed as an educational tool for medical doctors to practice ultrasound assessment, based on still images of ovarian tumors. The game comprises images from 324 ovarian tumors, examined by an ultrasound expert prior to surgery. A training phase, where the participants assessed at least 200 cases in the SonoQz app, was preceded by a pretraining test, and followed by a posttraining test. Two equal tests (A and B), each consisting of 20 cases, were used as pre- and posttraining tests. Half the users took test A first, B second, and the remaining took the tests in the opposite order. Users were asked to classify the tumors (1) according to International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple Rules, (2) as benign or malignant, and (3) suggest a specific histological diagnosis. Logistic mixed models with fixed effects for pre- and posttraining tests, and crossed random effects for participants and cases, were used to determine any improvement in test scores, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: Fifty-eight doctors from 19 medical centers participated. Comparing the pre- and posttraining test, the median of correctly classified cases, in Simple Rules assessment increased from 72% to 83%, p < 0.001; in classifying the lesion as benign or malignant tumors from 86% to 95%, p < 0.001; and in making a specific diagnosis from 43% to 63%, p < 0.001. When classifying tumors as benign or malignant, at an unchanged level of sensitivity (98% vs. 97%, p = 0.157), the specificity increased from 70% to 89%, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the educational game SonoQz is an effective tool that may improve diagnostic performance in assessing ovarian tumors, specifically by reducing the number of false positives while maintaining high sensitivity.

'Experiencing one thing and saying another'-Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) of nursing students' competence and challenge during clinical placements compared with retrospective interviews.

Clinical placements are essential to nursing education and understanding students' challenges in the clinical context is important for educators. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated students' experiences in the clinical context itself but rely on methods which ask participants to generalize their clinical experiences retrospectively. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore nursing students' experiences of clinical activities during and after clinical placements with a focus on feelings of competence and challenge. A particular interest was on comparing momentary assessments in the clinical context with retrospective interview data. METHODS: Smartphones were used for ecological momentary assessment of students' experiences of clinical activities during five-week placements at 21 nursing homes. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Interviews were conducted after the placements. RESULTS: 575 responses were obtained showing final-year nursing students rated their competence significantly higher and challenge significantly lower than first-year students. An analysis of the quantitative data using the four-channel flow model showed that first-year students' activities were to a significantly higher extent associated with flow and anxiety, compared to those of final-year students. Conversely, the final-year students' activities were to a significantly higher extent associated with boredom than those of first-year students. The analysis of the students' reflections resulted in five themes: Specific activities are challenging, Lack of challenge, Learning and developing, Reflects critically on competence, and Arrangement of the clinical placement. DISCUSSION: Final-year nursing students were significantly less challenged during the placements compared to first-year students. There was overlap in how students described their clinical experiences during and after placements, but there were also striking differences. The first-year students were overwhelmed by the challenges during the placements but viewed these experiences as valuable learning experiences afterwards. The final-year students also described several challenging clinical activities during the placements but none of these challenges were brought up afterwards in the interviews and instead a lack of challenge was emphasized. Momentary assessment thus enabled capturing data about clinical activities which may be overlooked by retrospective methods.

Safety of cholecystectomy performed by surgeons who prefer fundus first versus surgeons who prefer a standard laparoscopic approach.

Background: An alternative method to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC) is the "fundus first" method (FFLC). Concerns have been raised that FFLC can lead to misinterpretation of important anatomical structures, thus causing complications of a more serious kind than SLC. Comparisons between the methods are complicated by the fact that FFLC is often used as a rescue procedure in complicated cases. To avoid confounding related to this we conducted a population-based study with comparisons on the surgeon level. Method: In GallRiks, the Swedish registry for Gallbladder surgery, we stratified all cholecystectomies performed 2006-2020 in three groups: surgeries carried out by surgeons that uses FFLC in <20 % of the cases (N = 150,119), in 20-79 % of the cases (N = 10,212) and in 80 % or more of the cases (N = 3176). We compared the groups with logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, surgical experience, year of surgery and history of acute cholecystitis. All surgical complications (bleeding, gallbladder perforation, visceral perforation, infection, and bile duct injury) were included as outcome. A separate analysis was done with regards to operation time. Results: No difference in incidence of all surgical complications or bile duct injury were seen between groups. The rates of bleeding (OR 0.34 [0.14-0.86]) and gallbladder perforation (OR 0.61 [0.45-0.82]) were significantly lower in the "fundus first > 80% group" and the operative time was shorter (OR 0.76 [0.69-0.83]). Conclusion: In this study including >160,000 cholecystectomies, both methods was found to be equally safe. Key message: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the standard method of dissection and fundus first dissection are equally safe surgical techniques. Surgeons need to learn both methods to be able to use the one most appropriate for each individual case.

Glycemic Control and Coronary Stent Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The impact of glycemic control in the risk of stent failure in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to study whether poor glycemic control is associated with a higher risk of stent failure in subjects with T2D. METHODS: This observational study included all patients in Sweden with T2D who underwent implantation of second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) during 2010 to 2020. The exposure variable was the updated mean of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Individuals were stratified by glycemic control, with HbA1c 6.1% to 7.0% (43-53 mmol/mol) as the reference group. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of stent failure (in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis). The main result was analyzed in a complete cases model. Sensitivity analyses were performed for missing data and a model with death as a competing risk. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 52,457 individuals (70,453 DES). The number of complete cases was 24,411 (29,029 DES). The median follow-up was 6.4 years. The fully adjusted HR was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.80-1.52) for HbA1c of ≤5.5% (≤37 mmol/mol), 1.02 (95% CI: 0.85-1.23) for HbA1c of 5.6% to 6.0% (38-42 mmol/mol), 1.25 (95% CI: 1.11-1.41) for HbA1c of 7.1% to 8.0% (54-64 mmol/mol), 1.30 (95% CI: 1.13-1.51) for HbA1c of 8.1% to 9.0% (65-75 mmol/mol), 1.46 (95% CI: 1.21-1.76) for HbA1c of 9.1% to 10.0% (76-86 mmol/mol), and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.06-1.66) for HbA1c of ≥10.1% (≥87 mmol/mol). Sensitivity analyses did not change the main result. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant association between poor glycemic control and a higher risk of stent failure driven by in-stent restenosis.

Establishment and representativeness of the Stockholm Sodium Cohort: A laboratorial and pharmacoepidemiologic database covering 1.6 million individuals in the Stockholm County.

OBJECTIVE: Hyponatremia is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, but causal links have been difficult to establish. Here, we describe the establishment and representativeness of the Stockholm Sodium Cohort (SSC), designed to study etiologies and outcomes of hyponatremia. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: All residents of Stockholm County undertaking at least one serum sodium test between 2005-2018 were included in the SSC. Individual-level test results from over 100 laboratory parameters relevant to hyponatremia were collected and linked to data on demographics, socioeconomic status, healthcare contacts, diagnoses and dispensed prescription medications using national registers. RESULTS: A total of 1,632,249 individuals, corresponding to 64% of the population of Stockholm County, were included in the SSC. Coverage increased with advancing age, ranging from 32% in children and adolescents (≤18 years) to 97% among the oldest (≥80 years). The coverage of SSC included the vast majority of patients in Stockholm County diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (93%), myocardial infarction (98%), ischemic stroke (97%), cancer (85%), pneumonias requiring inpatient care (95%) and deaths (88%). CONCLUSION: SSC is the first cohort specifically designed to investigate sodium levels in a large, population-based setting. It includes a wide range of administrative health data and laboratory analyses. The coverage is high, particularly among elderly and individuals with comorbidities. Consequently, the cohort has a large potential for exploration of various aspects of hyponatremia.

Maternal type 1 diabetes, preterm birth, and risk of intellectual disability in the offspring: A nation-wide study in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: There are few data on long-term neurological or cognitive outcomes in the offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aims of this study were to examine if maternal T1D increases the risk of intellectual disability (ID) in the offspring, estimate the amount of mediation through preterm birth, and examine if the association was modified by maternal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). DESIGN: Population-based cohort study using population-based data from several national registries in Sweden. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: All offspring born alive in Sweden between the years 1998 and 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The risk of ID was estimated through hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (HR, 95% CI) from Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for potential confounding. Risks were also assessed in mediation analyses and in subgroups of term/preterm births, in relation to maternal HbA1c and by severity of ID. RESULTS: In total, 1,406,441 offspring were included. In this cohort, 7,794 (0.57%) offspring were born to mothers with T1D. The risk of ID was increased in offspring of mothers with T1D (HR; 1.77, 1.43-2.20), of which 47% (95% CI: 34-100) was mediated through preterm birth. The HRs were not modified by HbA1c. CONCLUSION: T1D in pregnancy is associated with moderately increased risks of ID in the offspring. The risk is largely mediated by preterm birth, in particular for moderate/severe cases of ID. There was no support for risk-modification by maternal HbA1c.

Trends in Incidence and Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest Occurring in Swedish ICUs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine temporal trends in the incidence of cardiac arrest occurring in the ICU (ICU-CA) and its associated long-term mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Swedish ICUs, between 2011 and 2017. PATIENTS: Adult patients (≥18 yr old) recorded in the Swedish Intensive Care Registry (SIR). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: ICU-CA was defined as a first episode of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or defibrillation following an ICU admission, as recorded in SIR or the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry. Annual adjusted ICU-CA incidence trend (all admissions) was estimated using propensity score-weighted analysis. Six-month mortality trends (first admissions) were assessed using multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for pre-admission characteristics (sex, age, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, medications, and healthcare utilization), illness severity on ICU admission, and admitting unit. We included 231,427 adult ICU admissions. Crude ICU-CA incidence was 16.1 per 1,000 admissions, with no significant annual trend in the propensity score-weighted analysis. Among 186,530 first admissions, crude 6-month mortality in ICU-CA patients was 74.7% (95% CI, 70.1-78.9) in 2011 and 68.8% (95% CI, 64.4-73.0) in 2017. When controlling for multiple potential confounders, the adjusted 6-month mortality odds of ICU-CA patients decreased by 6% per year (95% CI, 2-10). Patients admitted after out-of-hospital or in-hospital cardiac arrest had the highest ICU-CA incidence (136.1/1,000) and subsequent 6-month mortality (76.0% [95% CI, 73.6-78.4]). CONCLUSIONS: In our nationwide Swedish cohort, the adjusted incidence of ICU-CA remained unchanged between 2011 and 2017. More than two-thirds of patients with ICU-CA did not survive to 6 months following admission, but a slight improvement appears to have occurred over time.

Time-trends in body mass index, and overweight and obesity as independent risk factors for diabetes angiopathy in young females with type 1 diabetes - A nationwide study in Sweden.

AIMS: To examine time-trends in BMI-distributions of young females with and without type 1 diabetes (T1D), with focus on the upper half of the distribution i.e., the median and above, and to explore if overweight and obesity independently increase risk of diabetes angiopathy. METHODS: Population-based cohort study of 3,473 females with T1D, 16-35 years, identified in the Swedish National Diabetes Registers, January 2005 to October 2015, and 8,487 females from the background population. BMI-distributions were examined using kernel density estimates and quantile regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for angiopathy in overweight/obese subjects were estimated with adjusted Cox regression. RESULTS: The BMI-distribution in females with T1D was right shifted to that of the background population (p < 0.001). The 90th percentile and median BMI increased equally overtime in both groups, but females with T1D started from a higher baseline. In T1D, HRs were significantly increased for any angiopathy in individuals with obesity (adj HR 1.37 (CI 1.14-1.64)), and for retinopathy; adj HRs (CIs): overweight; 1.15 (1.02-1.29), obesity; 1.30 (1.08-1.56). CONCLUSIONS: Females with T1D have increasing BMI overtime and are heavier than females without T1D. Overweight and obesity are by themselves risk factors for angiopathy.

Inflammatory reaction to suture materials after flexor tendon repair. A retrospective study of 594 patients.

We report granuloma formation after using FiberWire® for flexor tendon repairs. Four subcutaneous granulomas were identified in 115 patients with FiberWire® core sutures, none in 426 with braided polyester. Foreign body reactions were found in the granuloma cases. We suggest early suture removal if this specific complication is encountered.

Estimated glucose disposal rate is associated with retinopathy and kidney disease in young people with type 1 diabetes: a nationwide observational study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a proxy for insulin resistance, and retinopathy or kidney disease, i.e. micro-, or macroalbuminuria, in young individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using data from the Swedish pediatric registry for diabetes (SweDiabKids) and the registry for adults (NDR), all individuals with T1D with a duration of diabetes of less than 10 years between 1998 and 2017 were included. We calculated the crude incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and used multivariable Cox regression to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for two cohorts: retinopathy cohort or kidney disease cohort, stratified by eGDR categories: < 4, 4 to 5.99, 6 to 7.99, and ≥ 8 mg/kg/min (reference). RESULTS: A total of 22 146 (10 289 retinopathy cohort, and 11 857 kidney disease cohort with an overlapping of 9575) children and adults with T1D (median age 21 years, female 42% and diabetes duration of 6 and 7 years, respectively for the cohorts) were studied. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years (IQR 2.6-7.7) there were 5040 (24.7%), 1909 (48.1%), 504 (52.3%) and 179 (57.6%) events for retinopathy in individuals with an eGDR ≥ 8, 7.99 to 6, 5.99 to 4, and < 4 mg/kg/min, respectively. Corresponding numbers for kidney disease was 1321 (6.5%), 526 (13.3%), 255 (26.8%) and 145 (46.6%). After multiple adjustments for different covariates, individuals with an eGDR 7.99 to 6, 5.99 to 4 and < 4 mg/kg/min, had an increased risk of retinopathy compared to those with an eGDR ≥ 8 mg/kg/min (adjusted HRs, 95% CIs) 1.29 (1.20 to 1.40); 1.50 (1.31 to 1.71) and 1.74 (1.41 to 2.14). Corresponding numbers for kidney disease was (adjusted HRs, 95% CIs) 1.30 (1.11 to 1.52); 1.58 (1.25 to 1.99) and 1.33 (0.95 to 1.86), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: eGDR, a proxy for insulin resistance, is associated with retinopathy and kidney disease in young adults with T1D. The risk of retinopathy increased with lower eGDR. The risk of kidney disease also increased with lower eGDR; however results show no association between the lowest eGDR and kidney disease. eGDR can be helpful to identify young T1D individuals at risk.

Glycaemic control and sepsis risk in adults with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: To study the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and sepsis in adults with type 1 diabetes, and to explore the relationship between HbA1c and mortality among individuals who developed sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 33 549 adult individuals with type 1 diabetes recorded in the Swedish National Diabetes Register between January 2005 and December 2015. We used multivariable Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analyses to study the relationship between HbA1c values and sepsis occurrence and association between HbA1c and mortality among those with sepsis. RESULTS: In total, 713 (2.1%) individuals developed sepsis during the study period. Compared with the HbA1c reference interval of 48-52 mmol/mol (6.5-6.9%), the adjusted hazard ratio for sepsis was: 2.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-5.29] for HbA1c <43 mmol/mol; 1.88 (95% CI 0.96-3.67) for HbA1c 43-47 mmol/mol; 1.78 (95% CI 1.09-2.89) for HbA1c 53-62 mmol/mol; 1.86 (95% CI 1.14-3.03) for HbA1c 63-72 mmol/mol; 3.15 (95% CI 1.91-5.19) for HbA1c 73-82 mmol/mol; and 4.26 (95% CI 2.53-7.16) for HbA1c >82 mmol/mol. On multivariable restricted cubic spline analysis, we found a J-shaped association between HbA1c and sepsis risk, with the lowest risk observed at HbA1c of approximately 53 mmol/mol. We found no association between HbA1c and mortality among those individuals who developed sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: In our nationwide observational study of adult individuals with type 1 diabetes we found a J-shaped relationship between HbA1c and risk of sepsis, with the lowest risk at HbA1c levels about 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). HbA1c was not associated with mortality in individuals affected by sepsis.

Editor's Choice - Nationwide Outcome Analysis of Primary Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients Depending on Closure Technique and Patch Type.

OBJECTIVE: Current European guidelines recommend both eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and conventional CEA with routine patch closure, rather than routine primary closure. Polyester and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been used as patch material for a long time. More recently, bovine pericardium has been used; however, there are few studies comparing long term results between bovine pericardium and other patch types. The aim of this study was to investigate the short and long term results after CEA depending on surgical technique and patch material. METHODS: A registry based study on all primary CEAs (n = 9 205) performed for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis in Sweden from July 2008 to December 2019, cross linked with data from the Swedish stroke registry, Riksstroke, and chart review for evaluation of any events occurring during follow up. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral stroke < 30 days. Secondary endpoints included re-operations due to neck haematoma and < 30 day ipsilateral stroke, > 30 day ipsilateral stroke, all stroke > 30 days, and all cause mortality. RESULTS: 2 495 patients underwent eversion CEA and 6 710 conventional CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. The most commonly used patch material was Dacron (n = 3 921), followed by PTFE (n = 588) and bovine pericardium (n = 413). A total of 1 788 patients underwent conventional CEA with primary closure. Two hundred and seventy-three patients (3.0%) had a stroke < 30 days. Primary closure was associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke and stroke or death <30 days: odds ratio 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 - 2.4, p = .002); and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2 - 2.0), respectively. During follow up (median 4.2 years), 592 patients had any form of stroke and 1 492 died. There was no significant difference in long term risk of ipsilateral stroke, all stroke, or death depending on surgical technique or patch material. CONCLUSION: There was an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke < 30 days in patients operated on with primary closure compared with eversion CEA and patch angioplasty. There was no difference between primary closure, different patch types, or eversion after the peri-operative phase.

Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimic eating disorders in a clinical setting: Results from a randomized trial with one-year follow-up.

Background: Those who suffer from eating disorders often experience serious impairment in quality of life and the majority never receive treatment. Treatment availability may be increased by implementing methods that demand less resources and are more easy accessible such as internet-based treatments, but knowledge about their effects is still insufficient. The study evaluated effects of two types of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and a structured day patient program, the latter being a standard treatment at an eating disorder clinic at the time for the study. Methods: 150 participants with bulimic eating disorders randomized to two types of internet based treatments (one pure online treatment and one based on a self-help guide in book-format) or an intensive 16-week day patient program. The number of participants that started treatment was 120 of which 98 in internet treatment and 22 in the day program. Outcome assessments were carried out at baseline, post treatment, and at one-year follow-up. Results: All treatments were associated with significantly improved eating disorder pathology, self-image, and clinical impairment. Although the day program generally showed larger effects, only one significant difference found was in diagnostic remission post treatment; 51 % of the participant was in remission in internet treatment and 88 % in the day program. At one-year follow-up, participants in the internet treatments had continued to improve, whereas in the day patient program the effect sustained. Internet treatment had a 36 % drop out rate, there were no dropouts found in the day program. Conclusions: All treatments were comparable in effect at follow-up, suggesting that internet treatment is a conceivable alternative to standard treatment. Internet treatment in a book-based format was also equally effective as a pure online format. Internet delivered cognitive behavioral treatment forms can make important contributions to achieve increased access to treatment for patients with bulimic eating disorders. Future research and clinical implications for internet delivered treatments in eating disorder services are discussed. Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN registry https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN44999017. The study was registered retrospectively.

Maternal type 1 diabetes, pre-term birth and risk of autism spectrum disorder-a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that maternal type 1 diabetes (T1D) increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the offspring. However, it is unclear whether this risk is mediated by pre-term birth, affecting around one-third of pregnancies with T1D, and whether maternal levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) impact the risk. METHODS: A cohort of 1.4 million Swedish children born between 1998 and 2015, and their parents. Maternal T1D and HbA1c before or in early pregnancy, gestational and ASD diagnoses were obtained from Swedish national registers. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs of ASD were estimated by hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox regression or RR from log-binomial regression. RESULTS: Of 1 406 650 children, 8003 (0.6%) were born to mothers with T1D, 24 941 (1.8%) were diagnosed with ASD and 81 915 (5.8%) were born pre-term. The risk of ASD was increased in offspring of mothers with T1D was HR = 1.40 (1.21-1.61). The RR for each +5-mmol/mol excess HbA1c was estimated at HR = 1.03 (0.97-1.10). The T1D effect on ASD mediated through pre-term birth was estimated at RR = 1.06 (1.05 to 1.08), corresponding to 22% (16% to 41%) of the total effect. T1D in pregnancy was associated with increased ASD risk in the offspring. Twenty percent of the total effect was accounted for by pre-term birth. HbA1c was not associated with ASD risk, beyond the risk associated by the T1D diagnosis itself. CONCLUSION: Awareness of ASD in the offspring of mothers with T1D may be warranted, especially considering the additional effect of pre-term birth.

The impact of psychological factors on outcome after salvage surgery for wrist osteoarthritis.

This prospective longitudinal study of 80 patients analysed the effect of preoperative pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and sense of coherence on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, quality of life, grip strength and range of motion during the first year after salvage surgery for wrist osteoarthritis. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the effect of the psychological factors on the outcome variables. Pain catastrophizing or a tendency for anxiety preoperatively had a strong negative impact on postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. Anxiety also predicted a lower postoperative quality of life, whereas pain catastrophizing had a negative impact on grip strength. Sense of coherence did not influence the outcome.Level of evidence: II.

The effects of partial wrist denervation in wrist osteoarthritis: patient-reported outcomes and objective function.

This prospective longitudinal study aimed to analyse the effect of partial wrist denervation on patient-reported outcomes, quality of life and objective function in symptomatic wrist osteoarthritis during the first year after surgery. Sixty consecutive patients underwent an anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomy during 2018-2020. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, EuroQol-5D-3L, pain at rest and on load, and objective function were assessed preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the effect on the outcome variables. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and pain scores improved significantly postoperatively with no decline over time, but no patient reported outcome measure reached the minimal clinically important difference. Quality of life, strength and range of motion did not improve. We found no complications. Seventeen patients needed further surgery during the study period. More studies are needed to evaluate whether denervation is truly effective or not.Level of evidence: II.

Trapeziectomy with or without a tendon-based adjunct: a registry-based study of 650 thumbs.

This study aimed to assess the outcomes after simple trapeziectomy and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and/or tendon interposition based on data in the Swedish national healthcare quality registry for hand surgery (HAKIR). Six-hundred and fifty thumbs were included, and 265 were assessed up to 12 months after operation. There was significant and clinically relevant improvement in patient-reported measures (pain on load, pain on motion without load, pain at rest, stiffness, weakness, and ability to perform activities of daily living and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score) and objective measures (strength and thumb mobility) at 3 and 12 months for all procedures. The use of the abductor pollicis longus tendon had better improvement in some respects compared with the use of flexor carpi radialis or extensor carpi radialis tendons. However, overall, the use of a tendon adjuncts yielded no better outcomes than simple trapeziectomy.Level of evidence: III.

Fertilizer Type Affects Stable Isotope Ratios of Nitrogen in Human Blood Plasma─Results from Two-Year Controlled Agricultural Field Trials and a Randomized Crossover Dietary Intervention Study.

The stable nitrogen isotope ratio δ15N is used as a marker of dietary protein sources in blood. Crop fertilization strategies affect δ15N in plant foods. In a double-blinded randomized cross-over dietary intervention trial with 33 participants, we quantified the effect of fertilizer type (conventional: synthetic fertilizer and organic: animal or green manure) on δ15N in blood plasma. At study baseline, plasma δ15N was +9.34 ± 0.29‰ (mean ± standard deviation). After 12 days intervention with a diet based on crops fertilized with animal manure, plasma δ15N was shifted by +0.27 ± 0.04‰ (mean ± standard error) compared to synthetic fertilization and by +0.22 ± 0.04‰ compared to fertilization with green manure (both p < 0.0001). Accordingly, differences in the δ15N values between fertilizers are propagated to the blood plasma of human consumers. The results indicate a need to consider agricultural practices when using δ15N as a dietary biomarker.

The role of ventilatory support for long-term outcomes after critical infection with COVID-19: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The full range of long-term health consequences in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors with COVID-19 is unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of ventilatory support for long-term pulmonary impairment in critically ill patients and further to identify risk factors for prolonged radiological recovery. METHODS: A prospective observational study from a single general hospital, including all with COVID-19 admitted to ICU between March and August 2020, investigating the association between ventilatory support and the extent of residual parenchymal changes on chest computed tomography (CT) scan and measurement of lung volumes at follow-up comparing high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with invasive ventilation. A semi-quantitative score (CT involvement score) based on lobar involvement and a total score for all five lobes was used to estimate residual parenchymal changes. The association was calculated with logistic regression and adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and severity of illness. RESULTS: Among the 187 eligible, 86 had a chest CT scan and 76 a pulmonary function test at the follow-up with a median time of 6 months after ICU discharge. Residual lung changes were seen in 74%. The extent of pulmonary changes was similar regardless of ventilatory support, but patients with invasive ventilation had a lower total lung capacity 84% versus 92% of predicted (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ICU-treated patients with COVID-19 had residual lung changes at 6 months of follow-up regardless of ventilator support or not, but the total lung capacity was lower in those treated with invasive ventilation.