Machine-learning-based models for the optimization of post-cervical spinal laminoplasty outpatient follow-up schedules.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergo regular clinical follow-up after laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy. However, those whose symptoms significantly improve and remain stable do not need to conform to a regular follow-up schedule. Based on the 1-year postoperative outcomes, we aimed to use a machine-learning (ML) algorithm to predict 2-year postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We enrolled 80 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy. The patients' Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores (range: 0-17) were analyzed at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative timepoints to evaluate their ability to predict the 2-year postoperative outcomes. The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) was defined as a JOA score ≥ 14.25 at 24 months postoperatively and, based on clinical outcomes recorded up to the 1-year postoperative timepoint, eight ML algorithms were developed to predict PASS status at the 24-month postoperative timepoint. The performance of each of these algorithms was evaluated, and its generalizability was assessed using a prospective internal test set. RESULTS: The long short-term memory (LSTM)-based algorithm demonstrated the best performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.90 ± 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: The LSTM-based algorithm accurately predicted which group was likely to achieve PASS at the 24-month postoperative timepoint. Although this study included a small number of patients with limited available clinical data, the concept of using past outcomes to predict further outcomes presented herein may provide insights for optimizing clinical schedules and efficient medical resource utilization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered as a clinical trial (Clinical Trial No. NCT02487901), and the study protocol was approved by the Seoul National University Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 1505-037-670).

Economic evaluation of the prevention of falls resulting from missed care in polish hospitals.

Objectives: Falls are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospitalization and an increase in the cost of treatment in hospitals. They contribute to the deterioration of fitness and quality of life, especially among older patients, thus posing a serious social and economic problem. They increase the risk of premature death. Falls are adverse, costly, and potentially preventable. The aim of the study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of avoiding one fall by nurse care provided by the nurses with higher education, from the perspective of the health service provider. Methods: The economic analysis included and compared only the cost of nurse intervention measured by the hours of care provided with higher education in non-surgical departments (40.5%) with higher time spend by nurses with higher education level an increase in the number of hours by 10% (50.5%) to avoid one fall. The time horizon for the study is 1 year (2021). Cost-effectiveness and Cost-benefit analysis were performed. All registered falls of all hospitalized patients were included in the study. Results: In the analyzed was based on the case control study where, 7,305 patients were hospitalized, which amounted to 41,762 patient care days. Care was provided by 100 nurses, including 40 nurses with bachelor's degrees and nurses with Master of Science in Nursing. Increasing the hours number of high-educated nurses care by 10% in non-surgical departments decreased the chance for falls by 9%; however, this dependence was statistically insignificant (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.72-1.65; p = 0.65). After the intervention (a 10% increase in Bachelor's Degrees/Master of Science in Nursing hours), the number of additional Bachelor's Degrees/Master of Science hours was 6100.5, and the cost was USD 7630.4. The intervention eliminated four falls. The cost of preventing one fall is CER = USD 1697.1. Conclusion: The results of these studies broaden the understanding of the relationship among nursing education, falls, and the economic outcomes of hospital care. According to the authors, the proposed intervention has an economic justification.

Different Radiological Indices of Patellar Height Predict Patients' Diverse Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The patellar component plays a crucial role in knee biomechanics and can influence postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiological indices of patellar height and patient outcomes following TKA. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis. Radiographic measurements of patellar height, including the Insall-Salvati (IS) ratio, modified Blackburne-Peel (mBP) ratio, Caton-Deschamps ratio, and plateau-patellar angle (PPA), were obtained. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Patient satisfaction and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis and multiple regression models, were performed to determine the association between radiological indices and patient outcomes. Results: The study included 330 cases that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed significant correlations between different radiological indices of patellar height and patient outcomes. Lower postoperative PPA was correlated with worse KSS and range of motion scores. A decreased mBP ratio was associated with poorer FJS-12 responses and higher risks of dissatisfaction and patellar clunk or crepitus. Increased IS ratio was linked to a lower likelihood of incidental giving way of the knee. Advanced age was associated with reduced dissatisfaction and incidental giving way probabilities. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that radiological indices of patellar height can predict patient outcomes following TKA. Assessing patellar height using various radiographic measurements provides valuable information for surgical planning and prognostic evaluation. Understanding the impact of patellar height on clinical outcomes can aid in optimizing TKA procedures and improving patient satisfaction. These findings emphasize the importance of considering patellar height as a predictive factor in TKA and highlight its potential role in guiding postoperative management and rehabilitation strategies.

Post-discharge Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the post-discharge outcomes of COVID-19 patients is essential for informed healthcare planning and support services. This study aimed to assess the physical health status of COVID-19 patients three months after discharge from a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. METHODS: A descriptive follow-up study design was used, involving 200 COVID-19 discharged patients. Data were collected from healthcare facilities and participants through structured questionnaires and telephonic interviews. The study duration was between November 2020 to April 2021. RESULTS: Persistence of COVID-19-related symptoms was reported by 49 (24.50%) of participants reported at follow-up, while 41 (20.50%) indicated previous symptoms from discharge. CONCLUSIONS: After discharge, most of patient returned to normal activities within three months.Persistence of symptoms and test positive rate was less in those patients.

Survival Rate, Biomechanical Complications, and Patient Satisfaction of Implant-Supported FRC Full-Arch Prostheses: A Retrospective Study with Follow up of 5 Years.

Statement of the Problem: The satisfaction of patients with dentures on implants has different points of view that become fundamental aspects for the development of research on the quality of life of these patients, the eventual biomechanical complications to which these prostheses and implants can be subjected, and design considerations for cantilever extensions. Purpose: The objective of research was to assess the implants and prosthesis survival rates, biomechanical complications relative to the length of the distal extensions (cantilevers), and the satisfaction of the patients with a fixed implant-supported full-arch fiber-reinforced composites prosthesis. Materials and Method: A retrospective clinical and radiographic cohort study was developed. Clinical records of a selected cohort were analyzed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on a patient who underwent to fixed implant-supported full-arch fiber-reinforced composites prosthesis at least of five years of function were collected. Data analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Fisher's Exact Test. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: After insertion, 1 of 29 prostheses failed, the overall prosthetic survival rate observed at 5 years was 96.5%. Of the 120 implants placed in 28 patients, only 4 patients experienced loss of an implant during the 5 years of observation; the implant survival rate throughout the observation period was 86.2%. Distal extension seems to negatively affect the prognosis of implant-supported rehabilitation. Regarding the level of satisfaction of the patient with the prosthesis, none reported being uncomfortable or dissatisfied neither with their appearance nor with the taste of food throughout the studied period. Conclusion: No relevant associations were found between the variables involved. The study found the improvement in quality of life following the installation of fixed rehabilitation on the patients. Once the potential benefits of patients are obtained, controlled clinical trials are encouraged.

Examining Agreement in Psychotic Symptom Assessment: Insights from Parkinson's Disease Dementia Dyads.

BACKGROUND: Psychosis and cognitive decline often co-occur in Parkinson's Disease (PD), which complicates assessment. OBJECTIVE: We measured agreement between patients with PD and dementia (PDD) and care partners (CPs) in their independent evaluation of PD-related psychotic symptoms. METHODS: We compared responses to a PD psychosis rating scale (SAPS-PD) in 21 dyads of patients with PDD and cognitively normal CPs. We assessed the concordance of responses using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Following the psychosis assessment, the clinician used all available information and adjudicated who provided the most reliable responses. RESULTS: Dyads demonstrated poor concordance in summary scores (ICC = 0.464). Six of the nine individual items had poor agreement. The clinician adjudicated the patient's response as the more reliable in 71.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although many psychotic symptoms are internal and not observable, in the context of PDD, both patient and CP inputs are valuable, but final adjudication favors patient responses.

New Protocol for Evaluating Maximum Inspiratory Pressure: Concurrent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to validate a maximum inspiratory pressure test protocol based on the principles of the one-repetition maximum test, assess its test-retest reliability, and establish minimal detectable change in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Forty-nine individuals with COPD were included in the study, of whom 44 individuals attended 2 appointments separated by 7 to 10 days for test-retest reliability. The maximum inspiratory pressure test was performed using a threshold valve device (one-repetition maximum-based protocol) and the digital manometer (reference test). The one-repetition maximum-based protocol consisted of an incremental phase (inspiratory load increase [10 cmH2O] to achieve respiratory failure) and an approach phase (load halfway between the lowest failed attempt and the last valid attempt was prescribed). RESULTS: The concurrent validity of the one-repetition maximum-based protocol for the maximum inspiratory pressure test was good with respect to the reference test (day 1, ICC = 0.81; day 2, ICC = 0.85). The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92), with a standard error of measurement of 6.3 cmH2O and a minimal detectable change of 17.5 cmH2O. CONCLUSION: This study validated a new one-repetition maximum-based protocol for the maximum inspiratory pressure test using an inspiratory muscle training device in individuals with COPD, showing good concurrent validity compared with the reference test, as well as excellent test-retest reliability. The minimal detectable change reported can be interpreted and applied in the clinical setting. IMPACT: There was a need for developing new, inexpensive, simple, and feasible methods for the maximum inspiratory pressure test. The validation of the one-repetition maximum-based protocol addresses this issue, allowing for the appropriate prescription of inspiratory muscle training, favoring its widespread use in people with COPD and therefore improving their physical therapist care.

Have changes in colorectal surgery training impacted on mortality in cancer patients? A retrospective cohort study of 51,562 procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore whether there were any differences in consultant colorectal surgeon training and adjusted 90-day postoperative colorectal cancer mortality rates (AMR). METHODS: We undertook a retrospective analysis of outcomes data published on the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) website. A total of 51,562 procedures for patients in England diagnosed with large bowel cancer between 2010 and 2015, registered under 551 consultants were included. Consultants were split into two cohorts. The first group were the pre-Calman Trained Consultants (pre-CTr), who completed their training before 1998. The second group-the post-Calman Trained Consultants (post-CTr)-included those who received their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) under the Calman Training Principles (CTC, 1998-2007) and the Modernising Medical Careers Curriculum (MMC, 2008 and onwards). The outcome measure was an AMR. RESULTS: The pre-CTr cohort (n=84) consisted of 3.6% female colorectal consultants (n=3/84), whereas the post-CTr cohort (n=467) consisted of 14.3% female colorectal consultants (n=67/467) (p=0.006). In this cross-sectional analysis over 5 years, the average pre-CTr undertook a greater number of colorectal resections than their post-CTr peers: median procedures (interquartile range, IQR): 104 (59) vs 89 (57) respectively, p=0.008. The median AMR was significantly greater among pre-CTrs compared with post-CTrs, median AMR (IQR): 2.7% (2.0) vs 2.1% (2.9), p=0.022. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the implementation of the MMC and Calman training principles for colorectal training is associated with a statistically lower AMR compared with other historical training periods. This merits further exploration.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of surgeons regarding venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in tertiary healthcare hospitals of the Rawalpindi Districts.

Objective: To assess doctors' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2021 in three public-sector hospitals affiliated with the Rawalpindi Medical University: Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and Rawalpindi District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised physicians of either gender who were actively involved in patient care. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire regarding venous thromboembolism. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: All the 220(100%) subjects approached responded positively to the study questionnaire. There were 144(65.45%) general surgeons, 50(22.72%) gynaecologists and 26(11.81%) orthopaedic surgeons. Overall, there were 26(11.81%) senior consultants, 65(29.54%) postgraduate residents and 129(58.63%) house officers. There were 150(68.2%) doctors who reported having witnessed deep-vein thrombosis in their patients, and 113(51.4%) had witnessed deaths related to pulmonary embolism. Among the methods employed for DVT diagnosis, the use of clinical criteria was the most common 136(36.1%), while venography was the least common technique used by 8(2.2%). While 210(95.5%) subjects expressed the desire for adopting an institute-wide regimen for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, only 66(30%) were currently following such a regimen.

Data-Driven Implementation Strategy to Optimise Clinician Behaviour Change at Scale in Complex Clinical Environments: A Multicentre Emergency Care Study.

AIM: To develop an evidence-driven, behaviour change focused strategy to maximise implementation and uptake of HIRAID (History including Infection risk, Red flags, Assessment, Interventions, Diagnostics, communication and reassessment) in 30 Australian rural, regional and metropolitan emergency departments. DESIGN: An embedded, mixed-methods study. METHODS: This study is the first phase of a step-wedge cluster randomised control trial of HIRAID involving over 1300 emergency nurses. Concurrent quantitative and qualitative data were collected via an electronic survey sent to all nurses to identify preliminary barriers and enablers to HIRAID implementation. The survey was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, which is a synthesis of behavioural change theories that applies the science of intervention implementation in health care to effect change. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data with inductive content analysis. Data were then integrated to generate barriers and enablers to HIRAID implementation which were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Corresponding intervention functions and Behaviour Change techniques were selected and an overarching implementation strategy was developed through stakeholder consultation and application of the APEASE criteria (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects/safety and Equity). RESULTS: Six barriers to HIRAID implementation were identified by 670 respondents (response rate ~58%) representing all 30 sites: (i) lack of knowledge about HIRAID; (ii) high workload, (iii) lack of belief anything would change; (iv) not suitable for workplace; (v), uncertainty about what to do and (vi) lack of support or time for education. The three enablers were as follows: (i) willingness to learn and adopt something new; (ii) recognition of the need for something new and (iii) wanting to do what is best for patient care. The 10 corresponding domains were mapped to seven intervention functions, 21 behaviour change techniques and 45 mechanisms. The major components of the implementation strategy were a scaffolded education programme, clinical support and environmental modifications. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic process guided by the behaviour change wheel resulted in the generation of a multifaceted implementation strategy to implement HIRAID across rural, regional and metropolitan emergency departments. Implementation fidelity, reach and impact now require evaluation. IMPACT: HIRAID emergency nursing assessment framework reduced clinical deterioration relating to emergency care and improved self-confidence and documentation in emergency departments in pilot studies. Successful implementation of any intervention in the emergency department is notoriously difficult due to workload unpredictability, the undifferentiated nature of patients and high staff turnover. Key barriers and enablers were identified, and a successful implementation strategy was developed. This study uses theoretical frameworks to identify barriers and enablers to develop a data-driven, behavioural-focused implementation strategy to optimise the uptake of HIRAID in geographically diverse emergency departments which can be used to inform future implementation efforts involving emergency nurses. REPORTING METHOD: The CROSS reporting method (Supporting Information S3) was used to adhere to EQUATOR guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand; Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) number: ACTRN12621001456842, registered 25/10/2021.

Impact of the I-DECIDED Tool to Improve Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Care in Paediatrics: Interrupted Time-Series Study.

AIM: To determine whether the I-DECIDED assessment and decision tool enhances peripheral intravenous catheter assessment, care and decision-making in paediatrics. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, interrupted time-series study. METHODS: An interrupted time-series study was conducted in a paediatric inpatient unit at a public teaching hospital in Brazil. The participants were patients aged less than 15 years old with a peripheral intravenous catheter, and their parents or guardians. Data were collected between January and July 2023, encompassing six time points, three pre-intervention and three post-intervention. Evaluation data were based on the I-DECIDED tool, including idle devices, dressings, complications, patient/family awareness, hand hygiene, disinfection and documentation. RESULTS: We conducted 585 peripheral intravenous catheter observations, with 289 in the pre-intervention phase and 296 in the post-intervention phase, inserted in 65 hospitalised children, 30 in the pre-intervention phase and 35 in the post-intervention phase. After the intervention, reductions were observed in the number of idle catheters, substandard dressings and complications. Patients and family members reported an increase in device assessment, hand hygiene and peripheral intravenous catheter disinfection. Additionally, there was an increase in documentation of decision-making performed by nurses and nursing technicians/assistants. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the I-DECIDED assessment and decision tool in a paediatric unit significantly improved the assessment, care and decision-making regarding peripheral intravenous catheters. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Opportunity to enhance practice standards, elevate the quality of care provided to paediatric patients, contribute to improved patient outcomes, advance evidence-based practice in vascular access management and enhance patient experience through increased involvement in care. IMPACT: To influence clinical practice and healthcare policies aimed at improving peripheral intravenous catheter care and patient safety in paediatric settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution to the design of this study.

Mental disorders in adults from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil: a cross-sectional analysis of two birth cohorts.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the prevalence of mental disorders is heterogeneous, with most studies conducted in large cities with high population density. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental disorders and psychiatric comorbidities among young adults (22-23 years old) and adults (37-38 years old) from Ribeirão Preto, a city located in the Northeast of the São Paulo state, with approximately 700,000 inhabitants, and to explore associations with sociodemographic variables, suicide risk, and health service usage. Second, we aimed to evaluate the performance of the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) as a screening tool for mental disorders to be applied to the local population. METHODS: Participants from the 1978/1979 and 1994 Ribeirão Preto birth cohorts were evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the SRQ-20 at mean ages of 22-23, and 37-38 years, respectively. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 1,769 individuals from the 1978/1979 cohort and 1,037 from the 1994 cohort. The prevalence of mental disorders ranged from 28.6% (1978/79) to 31% (1994), with frequent comorbid diagnoses (42.7% and 43.3%, respectively). Men and women had a similar prevalence of mental disorders in the younger cohort, while women had a higher prevalence in the older cohort. Low educational attainment was associated with higher rates of diagnosis. In both cohorts, alcohol and other psychoactive substance use was higher among those with a psychiatric diagnosis. Although those with a psychiatric diagnosis were less satisfied with their own health, only one-fifth had seen a mental health professional in the previous year. A psychiatric diagnosis increased the suicide risk by 5.6 to 9.1 times. Regarding the SRQ-20, the best cutoff points were 5/6 for men and 7/8 for women, with satisfactory performance. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders were high in both cohorts and comparable to those in larger Brazilian cities. However, few individuals with a diagnosis had sought specialized care. These data suggest that the mental health gap is still significant in Brazil.

Validity and reliability of the Six-Minute Pegboard Ring Test for assessing functional capacity and upper limb function in persons with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The timed walk test is essential for assessing the functional capacity of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). When a decline in ambulation ability and loss of function in the later stages of MS is observed, it is imperative to utilize alternative methods for measuring functional capacity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Six-Minute Pegboard Ring Test (6PBRT) in persons with MS. METHODS: Forty-three persons with MS were included in this study. Disease severity was quantified using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The 6PBRT was employed to assess upper extremity function during exercise stress, and vital signs were monitored pre- and post-test. Muscle strength was measured using a digital dynamometer for shoulder flexor, shoulder abductor, and grip strength, in addition to a hand dynamometer. Manual dexterity was evaluated through the 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and walking endurance was assessed using the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT). Test-retest reliability was computed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICC value for the 6PBRT was 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-0.97), indicating excellent test-retest reliability. Significant differences in vital signs were observed before and after conducting the 6PBRT (p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation was found between the 6PBRT score and EDSS (r = -0.650, p < 0.001). The 9HPT of the dominant side demonstrated a moderate correlation with the 6PBRT score (r = -0.502, p = 0.001), whereas no significant correlation was shown between the non-dominant side 9HPT and the 6PBRT score (p > 0.05). Moreover, a positive moderate correlation was shown between the performance on the 2MWT and the 6PBRT score (r = 0.413, p = 0.006). However, no significant correlation was detected between the proximal muscle strength of the upper extremity, handgrip strength, and the 6PBRT score in individuals with multiple sclerosis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 6PBRT is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate upper extremity function and exercise capacity in persons with MS.

Benefits of a Juvenile Arthritis Support Program (JASP-1) for children recently diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and their parents.

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) has improved radically since the development of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, children suffer from pain and anxiety, and parents often experience loneliness and lack of support. Some parents reported that information provided at the time their child was diagnosed could be difficult to assimilate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a Juvenile Arthritis Support Program (JASP-1) for children recently diagnosed with JIA and their parents. Moreover, the aim was to explore patients´ and parents´ experiences with JASP-1 and its potential impact on patients´ physical health. METHODS: JASP-1 included seven patient- and family-centered clinical visit from time of diagnose and one year ahead. Data were collected from a study-specific questionnaire answered by children and their parents after participation in JASP-1 and from the pediatric rheumatology register. The study-specific questionnaire explored participants´ experience with the care they received during their first year with JIA. Registry and questionnaire data from the intervention (JASP-1) group was compared to a control group. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that children and parents who completed JASP-1 were more satisfied with the care they had received during their first year with JIA than the control group. The results also showed that children who completed JASP-1 were assessed as having better overall health after 12 months, than children in the control group (JASP-1 = mean 4.33, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.17 - 4.46), (Control = mean 3.68, 95% CI 3.29 - 4.06), (p = 0.002). Moreover, children in the JASP-1 group had less disease impact on daily life (JASP-1 = mean 0.15, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.24) (Control = mean 0.40, 95% CI 0.13 - 0.67), (p = 0.017) and less active joints than the control group (JASP-1 = mean 0.62, 95% CI 0.35 - 1.58), (Control = mean 0.87, 95% CI 0.18 - 1.56), (p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: A support program like JASP-1 could be an effective way of not only supporting children newly diagnosed with JIA and their parents psychologically but may also increase children's overall physical health and improve quality of care within pediatric rheumatology. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, the 13th of February with ID NCT06284616.

Postoperative Outcomes in Surgical Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) who require surgical procedures are likely to experience higher postoperative mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to evaluate the perioperative course of patients infected with SARS-COV-2 undergoing surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, outcomes, and the effect of the presence of symptoms. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: We analyzed the records of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgical procedures from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients with ongoing infection at the time of surgery and those who had recently recovered were included. The primary outcome measure was 30-day in-hospital mortality after surgery. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay in ICU, postoperative length of stay, and complications. FINDINGS: Data from 102 patients were analyzed. Twenty-four patients (23.5%) died postoperatively in the hospital within 30 days. Forty-four patients required ICU admission (average stay 13 days). The median postoperative length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 3.75 to 19.25 days). Pulmonary, thromboembolic, and surgical complications were noted in 29 (28.4%), 14 (13.7%), and 18 (17.6%), respectively. Patients aged 41 to 60 years experienced higher rates of pulmonary and thromboembolic complications. Comparison of asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients revealed significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality (9 [15%] vs 15 [35.7%], P = .019), ICU admission (17 [28.3%] vs 27 [64.3%], P < .001), length of stay in ICU (3 [2 to 11.5] vs 18 [7 to 27], P = .001), postoperative length of stay (6 [3 to 10.75] vs 12 [5 to 25.25], P = .016) and pulmonary complication rates (11 [18.3%] vs 18 [42.9%], P = .008) in the symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic SARS-COV-2 patients undergoing surgical procedures experience significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, longer ICU and hospital stay, and pulmonary complications.

Influence of denture-bearing conditions on masticatory function and patient-reported outcomes measures.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of different denture-bearing conditions on the masticatory function and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of complete denture wearers. METHODS: Sixty edentulous patients were selected and allocated into two groups according to the American College of Prosthodontics' (ACP) classification: non-atrophic (NAT) (Classes I and II) (n = 24) and atrophic (AT) (Classes III and IV) (n = 36). All patients received new complete dentures (CDs). The objective variables (masticatory performance and swallowing threshold) were assessed as well as the PROMs (oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-EDENT), patient satisfaction) and quality of the prosthesis, at baseline (using the old CD) and after 4 months new prostheses use. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test followed by the Generalized Equations Estimation (GEE), linear regression and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Higher masticatory performance was observed in the NAT group (p < .05) for both time points, baseline and after 4 months. However, compared to baseline, both groups showed significant masticatory improvement after 4 months (p < .05). Satisfaction and overall quality of life improved after 4 months with no difference between groups (p > .05). Regarding the quality of the CD, baseline results were significantly (p < .05) lower in the AT group, but after 4 months, no significant differences were found between groups and in intragroup analysis (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The denture-bearing conditions seems to impact masticatory function, but the PROMs are barely affected.

Application of the PAPERS Grading Criteria Within a Rapid Evidence Review to Determine the Psychometric and Pragmatic Properties of Patient Empowerment Tools.

Self-management of long-term conditions requires health professionals to understand and develop capabilities that empower the population they serve. A rapid evidence review was undertaken to assess the current evidence based on the psychometric properties of patient empowerment tools. MEDLINE was searched, and data were extracted for each publication and scored using a modified Psychometric and Pragmatic Evidence Rating Scale (PAPERS) evidence rating scale. The results were grouped into the following domains: (a) health literacy; (b) patient activation; (c) long-term conditions; (d) self-management needs and behaviors. A full-text review of 65 publications led to the inclusion of 29 primary studies. The highest scoring tools were selected with respect to performance for each domain: (a) Newest Vital Sign and the Brief Health Literacy Screen; (b) Consumer Health Activation Index and PAM-13; (c) LTCQ and LTCQ8; and (d) SEMCD and Patient Enablement Instrument. PAPERS was a useful tool in determining the generalizability, validity, and reliability of these patient empowerment tools. However, further research is required to establish whether an individual's health literacy status influences patient empowerment tool outcomes.

Quality of life with diverticular disease: translation and validation of the German version of the diverticulitis quality of life questionnaire (DV-QOL).

BACKGROUND: The DV-QoL is a 17-item questionnaire measuring health-related quality of life in patients affected by symptomatic diverticular disease, covering four domains: physical symptoms, concerns, feelings, and behavioral changes. Given the lack of a diverticulitis-specific questionnaire to be used for German-speaking patients, we prospectively validated the German version of the DV-QoL. METHODS: German-speaking patients with CT-confirmed history of recurrent diverticular disease admitted to a Swiss surgical department completed the German version of the DV-QoL, along with short form-36 (SF-36) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Reliability was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, a Martin-Loef test, and Cronbach's alpha. For convergent validity testing, correlations were calculated with the GIQLI and SF-36. Discriminant validity tests included age and gender. RESULTS: We included 121 patients, of whom 77 were admissions for elective surgery and 44 presented with acute diverticulitis treated conservatively. The DV-QoL's total score showed good correlations with the GIQLI (r = - 0.77) and its subscales (r = - 0.76 to - 0.45), as well as with the SF-36's subscales (r = - 0.30 to - 0.57). No relationships were found with age or gender (p < 0.05). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.89 over all items and 0.69, 0.90, 0.78, and 0.77 for the four separated domains (physical symptoms, cognitions/concerns, feelings, and behavioral changes, respectively). A nonsignificant Martin-Loef test indicated unidimensionality (p = 1), further supported by the exploratory factor analysis, which showed an item information sharing of 65%. CONCLUSION: The German DV-QoL questionnaire can be used as a valid and reliable disease-specific measure for quality of life in patients with recurrent diverticular disease.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the 4-Domain Sports PROM into Italian.

OBJECTIVES: This work aims to evaluate and validate the process of cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 4-Domain Sports PROM (4-DSP) into Italian, assessing its understandability and reproducibility in all questionnaire domains for Italian-speaking patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, level of evidence II. The questionnaire was self-administered by 100 patients (80 males and 20 females) who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and had a one-year minimum follow-up. The mean age and standard deviation (SD) was 31.20 â€‹± â€‹12.65 years. According to their level of sports participation, 51% were recreational, 31% were regional, 12% were national, and 6% were international athletes. All patients filled in the 4-DSP questionnaire without direct supervision of their trainer/coach or researcher. All data were collected and processed anonymously. The translation and cultural adaptation of the 4-DSP involved six phases: (1) translation, (2) synthesis, (3) back-translation, (4) pre-test, (5) expert committee review and (6) final version approval by the author of the original version for publication. RESULTS: The cross-cultural validation of the questionnaire 4-DSP into Italian presented a global Cronbach's alpha of 0.65, Conceptual equivalence to translation and relevance were 99.09% and 99.81%, respectively, and the percentage of agreement was 99.09%. CONCLUSION: The cross-culturally validated version of the 4-DSP into Italian proved to be adequately understandable and reproducible in all questionnaire domains and can be safely and reliably used in Italian-speaking patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Study level II.

Gene therapy for people with hemophilia B: a proposed care delivery model in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy is designed to provide people with hemophilia B with a steady and elevated factor (F)IX activity, thereby strengthening protection and relieving the burden of frequent replacement therapy infusions. The European Medicines Agency has approved gene therapy for the severe and moderately severe forms of hemophilia B that uses the FIX-Padua variant (etranacogene dezaparvovec). OBJECTIVES: The aim was to provide a document dedicated to hemophilia B gene therapy and give a comprehensive overview of the topic. METHODS: An Italian group of experts in hemophilia carried out a narrative review of the literature and discussed during a virtual meeting several key aspects of the delivery of this treatment in Italy. The discussion covered the organizational model, the role of the multidisciplinary team, the laboratory surveillance, and the patient's journey, from the follow-up to the identification of safety issues and outcome measures. RESULTS: This article highlights the need to follow the Hub and Spoke organizational model and sheds light on the role of each professional figure within the multidisciplinary teams to favor patient engagement, management, and retention. Moreover, this article stresses the need to perform laboratory tests for patient screening and follow-up and proposes a checklist to help patient identification. Finally, the needs of Italian hemophilia centers have been considered to ensure an efficient implementation of the care delivery model. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to ensure that centers are appropriately organized, equipped, and trained to adequately select patients, deliver the gene therapy, and perform follow-up.