Cultivating Inclusivity and Bridging Gaps Through Reverse Mentoring: A Feasibility Study Within the Royal College of Radiologists.

AIM: The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) recognizes the importance of addressing differential attainment, bridging existing disparities, and fostering diversity and equity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A joint-faculty reverse mentoring (RM) pilot launched from July 2023 to January 2024. Participation was voluntary, mentors (trainees) from ethnic minority backgrounds and mentees (RCR officers) were recruited across the UK. Mentoring pairs engaged in regular meetings focused on sharing lived experiences and informal discussions. Data were collected through prepilot and postpilot surveys, virtual question polls at induction meeting, and written reports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. RESULTS: Eight matched pairs met predominantly online, on average 4 times over 6 months. Discussions covered a wide range of topics exploring systemic biases and professional development. Expectations expressed were to learn from others' experiences and achieve personal and professional growth. The prepilot survey revealed that 50% of respondents had experienced or witnessed racial discrimination, with only 28.5% feeling capable of supporting colleagues facing challenges. By mid-pilot, meaningful connections were established, allowing mentors to share experiences, and foster safe spaces. The postpilot survey results indicated that 90% of respondents felt better equipped to support colleagues facing challenges related to protected characteristics. Key lessons included understanding cultural differences, resilience, and empowering participants to drive change. CONCLUSIONS: The exchange of perspectives and experiences between individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise enhanced mutual understanding and inclusivity. This dynamic process has the potential to catalyze positive change across diverse domains, underlining its significance in shaping a more equitable postgraduate training landscape.

Biomechanical and ergonomic risks associated with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction amongst surgeons: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Surgeons are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms due to a range of factors including, maladaptive positioning and surgical ergonomics. Cervical muscle strain and biomechanical load is most prevalent due to repetitive motions and prolonged static neck positioning. This issue is apparent through reports of prevalence between 10 and 74.4% among surgeons. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an objective assessment of the clinical evidence available and a descriptive analysis of the effects of kinematics and surgical ergonomics on the prevalence of surgeons' cervical musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This is PRISMA-compliant systematic review of clinical studies assessing the prevalence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in surgeons by searching PUBMED and Ovid EMBASE databases from inception to 19th October 2023. Study quality was graded according to the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were included in the final qualitative analysis. The use of loupes, open surgery and excessive neck flexion (>30°) were associated with cervical dysfunction. Comparison of study outcomes was challenging due to heterogeneity within study methods and the paucity of methodological quality. CONCLUSION: The current literature assessing ergonomic and biomechanical factors predisposing surgeons to cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction is insufficient to provide reliable guidance for clinicians. Although the literature identifies factors contributing to work-related cervical dysfunction, few attempt to evaluate interventions for improved surgical ergonomics. An objective assessment of interventions that prompt postural correction with the aim to improve neck pain in surgeon cohorts is warranted.

Unveiling Disparities: Exploring Differential Attainment in Postgraduate Training Within Clinical Oncology.

AIMS: Differential attainment (DA) in post graduate medical training is a recognised challenge and refers to unexplained variation across groups when split by several protected characteristics. The Royal College of Radiology is committed to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and equality with the goal of narrowing existing gaps and improving training outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a mixed methods study aiming to understand the causes of DA with view to helping the RCR develop strategies to address this. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 140 clinical oncology trainees in September 2022. Trainees and trainers (17 and 6 respectively) from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, took part in focus group and interviews from August to December 2022. Quantitative and qualitative data merged and interpreted. RESULT: Results showed international medical graduates and trainees from ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to encounter challenges. The qualitative findings were used to identify three themes through which these problems could be framed. The trainee as a "space invader," the hidden curriculum of clinical oncology training and the process of navigating and tacking the training journey. CONCLUSION: Differential attainment is the product of a complex interplay between the trainee, trainer, and the training environment. Therefore, interventions must be tailored to different people and contexts. At a national level, the RCR can adopt general policies to promote this such as mentorship programmes, protected time for supervision and cultural competency training. Efficacy of proposed interventions for trial and their impact on DA should be evaluated to drive evidence-based changes.

Perspectives of Interstitial Lung Disease Patients and Carers During COVID-19.

Aim To gain an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the daily life, healthcare needs, mental wellbeing and outlook of patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and their caregivers. Methods ILD patients and caregivers were invited to participate in a quantitative survey. Respondents could self-select to then participate in in-depth structured telephone interviews. Survey data was compared to Department of Health COVID-19 public opinion tracker findings for the comparable time period. Results There were 170 survey respones (111 patients and 59 caregivers) and 14 in-depth interview participants. 32% (n=36) of patients and 42% (n=25) of caregivers expressed extreme worry regarding COVID-19 on a 1-10 scale. 83% (n=92) of patients expressed concern about safe hospital access, 33% (n=37) had received a telephone consultation with their clinician, 43% (n=48) reported test delays, 47% (n=52) were exercising less, 23% (n=26) reported worse sleep and 15% (n=17) reported being financially worse off. Carers reported that sleep was worse for 58% (n=34), 42% (n=25) reported being worse off financially, and 40% (n=24) reported a worse diet. Worry (66%, n=39), stress (51%, n=30), anxiety (49%, n=29) were commonly reported by carers. Discussion ILD patients and caregivers reported higher levels of worry regarding COVID-19 compared to the general public. Alternative pathways for quality ILD patient care and interventions to reduce the burden of care on ILD caregivers are required.

Surveillance optimisation to detect poliovirus in the pre-eradication era: a modelling study of England and Wales.

Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases are essential for polio eradication. However, as most poliovirus infections are asymptomatic and some regions of the world are inaccessible, additional surveillance tools require development. Within England and Wales, we demonstrate how inclusion of environmental sampling (ENV) improves the sensitivity of detecting both wild and vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) when compared to current surveillance. Statistical modelling was used to estimate the spatial risk of wild and VDPV importation and circulation in England and Wales. We estimate the sensitivity of each surveillance mode to detect poliovirus and the probability of being free from poliovirus, defined as being below a pre-specified prevalence of infection. Poliovirus risk was higher within local authorities in Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford and London. The sensitivity of detecting wild poliovirus within a given month using AFP and enterovirus surveillance was estimated to be 0.096 (95% CI 0.055-0.134). Inclusion of ENV in the three highest risk local authorities and a site in London increased surveillance sensitivity to 0.192 (95% CI 0.191-0.193). The sensitivity of ENV strategies can be compared using the framework by varying sites and the frequency of sampling. The probability of being free from poliovirus slowly increased from the date of the last case in 1993. ENV within areas thought to have the highest risk improves detection of poliovirus, and has the potential to improve confidence in the polio-free status of England and Wales and detect VDPVs.

Evolving epidemiology of poliovirus serotype 2 following withdrawal of the serotype 2 oral poliovirus vaccine.

Although there have been no cases of serotype 2 wild poliovirus for more than 20 years, transmission of serotype 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV2) and associated paralytic cases in several continents represent a threat to eradication. The withdrawal of the serotype 2 component of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV2) was implemented in April 2016 to stop VDPV2 emergence and secure eradication of all serotype 2 poliovirus. Globally, children born after this date have limited immunity to prevent transmission. Using a statistical model, we estimated the emergence date and source of VDPV2s detected between May 2016 and November 2019. Outbreak response campaigns with monovalent OPV2 are the only available method to induce immunity to prevent transmission. Yet our analysis shows that using monovalent OPV2 is generating more paralytic VDPV2 outbreaks with the potential for establishing endemic transmission. A novel OPV2, for which two candidates are currently in clinical trials, is urgently required, together with a contingency strategy if this vaccine does not materialize or perform as anticipated.

Bacteraemia in the ED: Are We Meeting Targets?

AIM: An audit was performed in an Irish Emergency department (ED) to evaluate adherence to established antimicrobial guidelines and to determine the most common presentations of sepsis. METHODS: Data on ED patients with clinically significant bacteraemia on blood cultures were recorded for three months . The antimicrobial given to the patient was compared to that which the hospital guidelines would recommend for the ED diagnosis. RESULTS: Eleven patients out of 53 had no antimicrobial guidelines for diagnosis. Of the 42/53 patients, non-adherence to antimicrobial guidelines by physicians was observed in 81% (n=34/42) patients and adherence was observed in 19% (n=8/42) patients. Escherichia coli 35.70% (n=18), was the most frequent organism isolated. CONCLUSIONS: Non-adherence to antimicrobial guidelines resulted in 68% (n=23/34) of organisms covered by the antibiotic. Adherence to antimicrobial guidelines resulted in 87% (n=7/8) of organisms covered by the antibiotic.

Inhibitors of the NMDA-Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway Protect Against Neuronal Atrophy and Synapse Loss Provoked by l-alpha Aminoadipic Acid-treated Astrocytes.

The impact of treating astrocytes with the astrocytic toxin l-alpha amino adipic acid (L-AAA) on neuronal outgrowth, complexity and synapse formation was assessed, using a model of astrocyte-neuronal interaction. Treatment of rat primary cortical neurons with conditioned media (CM) derived from astrocytes treated with L-AAA reduced neuronal complexity and synapse formation. L-AAA provoked a reduction in the expression of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and a reduction in ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration in astrocytic cells. As the NMDA-R/PSD-95/NOS signaling pathway is implicated in regulating the structural plasticity of neurons, treatment of neuronal cultures with the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor 1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] imidazole (TRIM) [100 nM] was assessed and observed to protect against L-AAA-treated astrocytic CM-induced reduction in neuronal complexity and synapse loss. Treatment with the NMDA-R antagonist ketamine protected against the CM-induced loss of synapse formation whereas the novel PSD-95/nNOS inhibitors 2-((1H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-5-ylamino) methyl)-4,6-dichlorophenol (IC87201) and 4-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (ZL006) protected against synapse loss with partial protection against reduced neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, L-AAA delivery to the pre-limbic cortex (PLC) of mice was found to increase dendritic spine density and treatment with ZL006 reduced this effect. In summary, L-AAA-induced astrocyte impairment leads to a loss of neuronal complexity and synapse loss in vitro and increased dendritic spine density in vivo that may be reversed by inhibitors of the NMDA-R/PSD-95/NOS pathway. The results have implications for understanding astrocytic-neuronal interaction and the search for drug candidates that may provide therapeutic approaches for brain disorders associated with astrocytic histopathology.

The influence of androgens on hibernation phenology of free-living male arctic ground squirrels.

Free-living ground squirrel species are sexually dimorphic in hibernation phenology. The underlying causes of these differences are not yet known. Androgens, testosterone (T) in particular, inhibit hibernation. To determine the influence of endogenous androgens on annual timing of hibernation we first measured circulating levels of T and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal androgen implicated in non-mating season aggression in other species, in free-living male arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii, AGS). We also manipulated endogenous androgen levels by surgical castration, and consequently compared body temperature records from intact (n=24) and castrated (n=9) males to elucidate the influence of endogenous androgens on annual body temperature cycles. The highest T levels (0.53±0.10ng/mL) were in reproductively mature male AGS in spring; whereas, both immature males in spring and all males in late summer had T levels an order of magnitude lower (0.07±0.01 and 0.06±0.00ng/mL, respectively). DHEA levels were higher in males during the late summer compared to reproductively mature males in spring (120.6±18.9 and 35.9±2.3pg/mL, respectively). Eliminating gonadal androgens via castration resulted in males delaying euthermy by extending heterothermy significantly in spring (Apr 22 ±2.9) than reproductive males (Mar 28 ±3.9) but did not change the timing of hibernation onset (castrate: Oct 12 ±1.0 vs. intact: Oct 3 ±3.1). We conclude that while androgens play a significant role in spring hibernation phenology of males, their role in fall hibernation onset is unclear.

Anticholinergic burden in schizophrenia and ability to benefit from psychosocial treatment programmes: a 3-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Many medications administered to patients with schizophrenia possess anticholinergic properties. When aggregated, pharmacological treatments may result in a considerable anticholinergic burden. The extent to which anticholinergic burden has a deleterious effect on cognition and impairs ability to participate in and benefit from psychosocial treatments is unknown. METHOD: Seventy patients were followed for approximately 3 years. The MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) was administered at baseline. Anticholinergic burden was measured with the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale. Ability to benefit from psychosocial programmes was measured using the DUNDRUM-3 Programme Completion Scale (D-3) at baseline and follow-up. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the PANSS. Total antipsychotic dose was measured using chlorpromazine equivalents. Functioning was measured using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). RESULTS: Mediation analysis found that the influence of anticholinergic burden on ability to participate and benefit from psychosocial programmes was completely mediated by the MCCB. For every 1-unit increase on the ACB scale, change scores for DUNDRUM-3 decreased by -0.27 points. This relationship appears specific to anticholinergic burden and not total antipsychotic dose. Moreover, mediation appears to be specific to cognition and not psychopathology. Baseline functioning also acted as mediator but only when MCCB was not controlled for. CONCLUSIONS: Anticholinergic burden has a significant impact on patients' ability to participate in and benefit from psychosocial treatment programmes. Physicians need to be mindful of the cumulative effect that medications can have on patient cognition, functional capacity and ability to benefit from psychosocial treatments.

The burden of illness in patients with hyponatraemia in Sweden: a population-based registry study.

BACKGROUND: Hyponatraemia (HN; serum sodium level < 135 mmol/l) is the most common electrolyte disturbance seen in clinical practice, and is associated with varying spectrum of symptoms. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common aetiology in hospitalised patients, and can be caused by several different underlying conditions. AIMS: The objectives of this study were to retrospectively examine the baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes and hospital resource utilisation of patients with HN and/or SIADH in Sweden over a 10-year period from 2001 to 2011. Additional analysis was performed on subpopulations of patients with hip fracture, pneumonia and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to see if trends in outcomes were consistent across a broad range of aetiologies commonly associated with the condition. METHODS: Patient information was taken from the Swedish National Patient Registry, the Swedish Cancer Registry, the Swedish Cause of Death Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. A total of 34,537 patients (4.38%) were identified with HN and/or SIADH, with the incidence and prevalence rising over the 10-year study period. RESULTS: Of the 34,537 patients identified, 841 had hip fracture, 2635 had pneumonia and 106 had SCLC. Compared with matched control patients, those with HN and/or SIADH had a longer length of hospital stay, a higher re-admission rate and a shorter time to re-admission. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that HN and/or SIADH negatively impact patient outcomes and healthcare resources related to hospital stay irrespective of the underlying cause. The impact of HN is not confined to the initial hospitalisation, as re-admission rates are also affected.

A New Method for Estimating the Coverage of Mass Vaccination Campaigns Against Poliomyelitis From Surveillance Data.

Mass vaccination campaigns with the oral poliovirus vaccine targeting children aged <5 years are a critical component of the global poliomyelitis eradication effort. Monitoring the coverage of these campaigns is essential to allow corrective action, but current approaches are limited by their cross-sectional nature, nonrandom sampling, reporting biases, and accessibility issues. We describe a new Bayesian framework using data augmentation and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to estimate variation in vaccination coverage from children's vaccination histories investigated during surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis. We tested the method using simulated data with at least 200 cases and were able to detect undervaccinated groups if they exceeded 10% of all children and temporal changes in coverage of ±10% with greater than 90% sensitivity. Application of the method to data from Pakistan for 2010-2011 identified undervaccinated groups within the Balochistan/Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, as well as temporal changes in coverage. The sizes of these groups are consistent with the multiple challenges faced by the program in these regions as a result of conflict and insecurity. Application of this new method to routinely collected data can be a useful tool for identifying poorly performing areas and assisting in eradication efforts.

Transport networks and inequities in vaccination: remoteness shapes measles vaccine coverage and prospects for elimination across Africa.

Measles vaccination is estimated to have averted 13·8 million deaths between 2000 and 2012. Persisting heterogeneity in coverage is a major contributor to continued measles mortality, and a barrier to measles elimination and introduction of rubella-containing vaccine. Our objective is to identify determinants of inequities in coverage, and how vaccine delivery must change to achieve elimination goals, which is a focus of the WHO Decade of Vaccines. We combined estimates of travel time to the nearest urban centre (⩾50 000 people) with vaccination data from Demographic Health Surveys to assess how remoteness affects coverage in 26 African countries. Building on a statistical mapping of coverage against age and geographical isolation, we quantified how modifying the rate and age range of vaccine delivery affects national coverage. Our scenario analysis considers increasing the rate of delivery of routine vaccination, increasing the target age range of routine vaccination, and enhanced delivery to remote areas. Geographical isolation plays a key role in defining vaccine inequity, with greater inequity in countries with lower measles vaccine coverage. Eliminating geographical inequities alone will not achieve thresholds for herd immunity, indicating that changes in delivery rate or age range of routine vaccination will be required. Measles vaccine coverage remains far below targets for herd immunity in many countries on the African continent and is likely to be inadequate for achieving rubella elimination. The impact of strategies such as increasing the upper age range eligible for routine vaccination should be considered.

Geographic differences in vertical connectivity in the Caribbean coral Montastraea cavernosa despite high levels of horizontal connectivity at shallow depths.

The deep reef refugia hypothesis proposes that deep reefs can act as local recruitment sources for shallow reefs following disturbance. To test this hypothesis, nine polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci were developed and used to assess vertical connectivity in 583 coral colonies of the Caribbean depth-generalist coral Montastraea cavernosa. Samples were collected from three depth zones (≤10, 15-20 and ≥25 m) at sites in Florida (within the Upper Keys, Lower Keys and Dry Tortugas), Bermuda, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Migration rates were estimated to determine the probability of coral larval migration from shallow to deep and from deep to shallow. Finally, algal symbiont (Symbiodinium spp.) diversity and distribution were assessed in a subset of corals to test whether symbiont depth zonation might indicate limited vertical connectivity. Overall, analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation by depth in Florida, but not in Bermuda or the U.S. Virgin Islands, despite high levels of horizontal connectivity between these geographic locations at shallow depths. Within Florida, greater vertical connectivity was observed in the Dry Tortugas compared to the Lower or Upper Keys. However, at all sites, and regardless of the extent of vertical connectivity, migration occurred asymmetrically, with greater likelihood of migration from shallow to intermediate/deep habitats. Finally, most colonies hosted a single Symbiodinium type (C3), ruling out symbiont depth zonation of the dominant symbiont type as a structuring factor. Together, these findings suggest that the potential for shallow reefs to recover from deep-water refugia in M. cavernosa is location-specific, varying among and within geographic locations likely as a consequence of local hydrology.