6-month Assessment Research Articles

The Modification of Dietary Protein with Ammonium Hydroxide Enhancement Improves Longevity and Metabolic Outcomes in a Sex-Dependent Manner.

(1) Background: Dietary protein is a key component of all dietary patterns. It has been demonstrated that there are subtle differences in health implications associated with the source of dietary protein consumed. This study examined dietary protein sources (DPSs) in a long-term study of diet-induced obesity ± ammonium hydroxide enhancement (AHE) and its role in improving long-term health outcomes. (2) Methods: Over 18 months, 272 C3H/HeJ mice (136 male and 136 female) were monitored on high-fat diets with varying DPSs ± AHE. Mice were monitored for weekly change in total mass, as well as 6-month assessments of lean and fat mass. At each assessment, a cohort (~8 mice per diet per sex) was censored for a cross-sectional examination of organ function. (3) Results: Longevity was improved in females fed AHE diets, regardless of DPSs. Females' measures of fat and lean mass were markedly elevated with casein protein diets compared to beef protein diets regardless of AHE. Females fed a beef protein diet + AHE demonstrated reduced fat mass and increased lean mass with aging. In males, AHE beef protein diet-fed mice showed marked improvement to longevity and increased lean mass at 6 months. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates that dietary protein modification by AHE attenuates the negative impacts of HF diets in both males and females in a sex-dependent manner. Furthermore, the results from this study emphasize the importance of identifying the differences in the utilization of dietary proteins in both a sex- and age-related manner and demonstrate the potential of DPS modification by AHE as a dietary intervention.

Mental health training for physicians supervising resident physicians: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate an online training program for physician supervisors with the aim of promoting a mentally healthy workplace by improving their use of both responsive and preventive mental health support strategies. Cluster randomised, waitlist-controlled trial. Royal Australasian College of Physicians fellows who were supervising at least one resident physician in any of the 31 primary health networks in Australia and 20 district health boards in New Zealand (health network clusters). A brief online skills-based mental health training program, comprising twelve modules grouped into three topics: common mental illnesses; helping trainees you are concerned about (responsive strategies); and minimising mental health risks at work (preventive strategies). Change between baseline and the 3-month assessment in self-reported recommended supervisor behaviours; differences between intervention and control groups in recommended behaviour scores three weeks, three months, and six months after the program. Ninety physicians from 20 health network clusters were allocated to the intervention group, 88 physicians from 22 clusters to the control group. Intervention group participants reported greater positive change in behaviour across the study period than those in the control group (mixed model repeated measures analysis, group × time interaction: P < 0.001). The mean change in self-reported supervisory behaviour score was higher for the intervention than the control group at the 3-week (mean difference in score, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-2.4), 3-month (0.9; 95% CI, 0.2-1.6), and 6-month assessments (1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7). The mean change in self-reported responsive behaviour score was also greater for the intervention group at the 3-week (mean difference, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.1), 3-month (1.0; 95% CI, 0.2-1.9), and 6-month assessments (2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9); differences in the mean change in preventive behaviour scores were statistically significant at the 3-week (mean difference, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.1-2.2) and 6-month assessments (1.8; 95% CI, 0.8-2.8), but not the 3-month assessment (0.8; 95% CI, -0.1 to 1.7). Brief online mental health training for senior physicians can lead to changes in their self-reported behaviour for supporting the mental health needs of resident physicians. Whether this leads to better mental health for resident physicians should be investigated. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001496101 (prospective).

Housing and supportive services for young mothers experiencing substance use disorder and homelessness: Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized trial

BackgroundMothers experiencing homelessness and caring for young children struggle with high rates of substance use and mental health problems. A comprehensive supportive housing intervention was implemented to assist young mothers experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) and homelessness. The cost-effectiveness of this intensive intervention could inform future dissemination. MethodsA cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial that lasted from May 2015 to October 2018. Mothers experiencing homelessness between the ages of 18–24 years with a SUD were randomly assigned to housing+support services (HOU + SS) (n = 80), housing-only (HOU) (n = 80), or services as usual SAU (n = 80). Using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), the study compared the costs of HOU + SS and HOU to SAU for three outcomes: housing stability (percent days of stable housing), substance use (percent days of substance use), and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score). Direct intervention costs of HOU + SS and HOU from both payor and societal perspectives were estimated. Cost data were collected from detailed study financial records. Outcomes were taken from 6-month assessments. ResultsThe average societal cost of HOU + SS per participant was $5114 [CI 95 %, $4949-5278], while the average societal cost of HOU was $3248 [CI 95 %, $ 3,140–$3341] (2019 U.S. dollars). The calculated ICERs show that HOU was more cost-effective than HOU + SS and SAU for housing outcome. For illicit drug use, HOU + SS was more cost-effective than HOU. Finally, for depressive symptoms, neither HOU + SS or HOU were more cost effective than SAU. ConclusionWhile HOU is more cost-effective for increasing housing, HOU + SS is more cost-effective for reducing illicit drug use. However, housing without improvements in substance use may not be sustainable, and supportive services are likely essential for improved well-being overall beyond the housing outcome alone.

Periareolar approach in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for right middle lobectomy: a novel technique

BackgroundUniportal thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy (RML) poses greater technical challenges than other lobectomies. Although two-port thoracoscopy offers convenience, it results in heightened surgical trauma and scarring. The periareolar incision is rarely used in lobectomy while known for its cosmetic advantages. This study presents the periareolar access (combining a periareolar port and a 1-cm port) for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in RML, comparing it with the traditional uniportal technique in both male and female patients.MethodsEighty patients who underwent RML were randomly divided into two groups: the periareolar VATS (PV) approach (n = 40) and the uniportal VATS (UV) approach (n = 40) from August 2020 to February 2023. All patients were followed up for 1 year and clinical data were collected and analyzed.ResultsNo significant differences in complications, blood loss, duration of chest tube placement, and length of postoperative hospital stay were observed between two methods. However, the PV group exhibited significantly shorter operative time, reduced postoperative visible scarring and lower visual analogue scores (VAS) for postoperative pain (P < 0.05). Additionally, the PV group demonstrated significantly higher cosmetic and satisfaction scores at the 6-month postoperative assessment (P < 0.05). Notably, breast ultrasound follow-up revealed two cases injuries of the mammary glands in female patients, and sensory function of most nipple and areola remained intact except two cases in all PV group patients.ConclusionsPeriareolar VATS emerges as a promising alternative approach for RML, providing clear benefits in pain management and cosmetic outcomes, while maintaining safety and convenience.Graphical

Upper limb function changes over 12 months in untreated SMA II and III individuals: an item-level analysis using the Revised Upper Limb Module

The Revised upper limb module (RULM) has been increasingly used in clinical trials and in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to use the ‘shift analysis’ to assess the patterns of lost or gained abilities for each item on the RULM in an untreated cohort, stratified by SMA type, age, SMN2 copy number, and motor functional status. The analysis was performed on 222 12-month paired assessments from 129 individuals (115 assessment from type II and 107 from type III) who had at least two assessments at yearly intervals. There was a loss of one or more activities in 54% in type II and in 29% type III. A gain of one or more activities was found in 42% type II and in 22% type III. There were concomitant gains and losses in 27% in SMA II and in 9% in SMA III. Our results, measuring the number of abilities that are lost or gained, provide an additional method of detecting changes that can be used for the interpretation of the longitudinal data collected in treated SMA individuals.

Incidence rate of chronic kidney disease and its association with long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in ankylosing spondylitis: A nationwide population-based study.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) predominantly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, with rare renal involvement. We investigated the incidence rate and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with AS and its relationship with long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. We retrospectively analyzed data of patients diagnosed with AS from the Korean National Health Insurance service. The 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) NSAID Intake Scores were categorized into four groups, as follows: =0, >0 and ≤33.3, 33.3-66.6, and >66.6. Of the 12 000 patients with AS, 150 were identified with CKD, and the incidence rate was 4.64 per 10 000 patient-years. Factors significantly associated with CKD included age ≥60 years, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In the nested case-control analysis, among the ASAS NSAIDs Intake Scores for 0-365 days from diagnosis, the ≥66.6 group had a significantly lower odds ratio than those of the =0 group. The present study established the incidence rate of CKD in Korean patients with AS. Though older age and comorbidities were found to be associated with a higher CKD risk, long-term NSAID use was associated with a lower risk. Therefore, the optimal use of NSAIDs in inflammatory diseases requires extensive research.

Cortical–striatal network functional connectivity markers in poststroke fatigue: a single-centre fMRI case–control study protocol

IntroductionStructural and functional abnormalities in the cortical–striatal network (CSN) are hypothesised to play a key role in the pathogenesis of neurological disease-associated fatigue. Some small-scale functional MRI (fMRI) studies have...

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Prediabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Remission: Impact of Ultraprocessed Food–Intake Reduction and Time-Restricted Eating in the DIABEPIC-1 Study

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation programs provide a valuable opportunity to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) and metabolic comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome and prediabetes. However, strategies to reverse these conditions remain to be explored. The DIABEPIC-1 study aimed to assess the feasibility of an enhanced 6-month cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with ASCVD while investigating prediabetes and metabolic syndrome remission. MethodsThe study combined exercise training with a comprehensive nutritional intervention, emphasizing reduction in intake of ultraprocessed foods, adoption of a Mediterranean diet, and implementation of time-restricted eating. Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month assessments included segmental body-composition measurements, blood analysis, maximal exercise testing, nutritional diaries recorded with the Keenoa AI app, and lifestyle questionnaires. Remission criteria included a return to an HbA1c level of < 5.7%, and < 3 National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP-III) criteria for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome, respectively. ResultsA total of 36 participants were recruited. The study demonstrated completion rates of 94.4% at 3 months, and 88.9% at 6 months, and a mean compliance rate of 92.5% for planned clinical appointments. Significant reductions in waist circumference (–9.2 cm, P < 0.001) and weight (–8.0 kg, P < 0.001) were observed. Improvement in glycemic and lipid profiles, insulin-resistance marker levels, and liver health were noted. Participants enhanced their cardiorespiratory fitness, reduced their consumption of ultraprocessed food, and increased their adherence to the Mediterranean diet and time-restricted eating. Notably, 50% achieved prediabetes remission, and 70% with metabolic syndrome at baseline achieved remission. ConclusionsThe study demonstrates the possibility of enhancing cardiac rehabilitation with an intensive nutritional intervention, yielding clinically significant outcomes, including remission of key risk factors in a substantial number of ASCVD patients. Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05459987.

Evidence for mood instability in patients with bipolar disorder: Applying multilevel hidden Markov modeling to intensive longitudinal ecological momentary assessment data.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by large episodic changes in mood and energy. Recently, BD has been proposed to be conceptualized as chronic cyclical mood instability, as opposed to the traditional view of alternating discrete episodes with stable periods in-between. Recognizing this mood instability may improve care and call for high-frequency measures coupled with advanced statistical models. To uncover empirically derived mood states, a multilevel hidden Markov model (HMM) was applied to 4-month ecological momentary assessment data in 20 patients with BD, yielding ∼9,820 assessments in total. Ecological momentary assessment data comprised self-report questionnaires (5 × daily) measuring manic and depressive constructs. Manic and depressive symptoms were also assessed weekly using the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale and the Quick Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report. Alignment between HMM-uncovered momentary mood states and weekly questionnaires was assessed with a multilevel linear model. HMM uncovered four mood states: neutral, elevated, mixed, and lowered, which aligned with weekly symptom scores. On average, patients remained < 25 hr in one state. In almost half of the patients, mood instability was observed. Switching between mood states, three patterns were identified: patients switching predominantly between (a) neutral and lowered states, (b) neutral and elevated states, and (c) mixed, elevated, and lowered states. In all, elevated and lowered mood states were interspersed by mixed states. The results indicate that chronic mood instability is a key feature of BD, even in "relatively" euthymic periods. This should be considered in theoretical and clinical conceptualizations of the disorder. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Simplifying vasectomy reversal without compromising outcomes: a single-surgeon series.

In vasovasostomy (VV) surgery, the micro-surgical technique has consistently been shown to provide superior outcomes to both macroscopic and loupe-assisted techniques, with large studies showing overall patency rates of ~86% and pregnancy rates of ~52%. However, the question of whether a single- or double-layer anastomosis offers the best outcomes remains contentious, and despite the popularity of the two-layer technique, a meta-analysis suggests little difference in outcomes. This study records the outcomes of a single-surgeon series of a simplified single-layer technique, along with the comparative outcomes and predictive factors. A retrospective analysis of 237 consecutive patients undergoing microsurgical vasectomy reversal between 2010 and 2022 in a single institution was performed. A microsurgical, single-layer, six-point, 8-0 nylon anastomosis was performed with macroscopic intra-operative assessment of vasal fluid. An ipsilateral vasoepididymostomy (VE) was only performed in cases of complete absence of vasal fluid or the presence of toothpaste-like discharge (bilateral VE were excluded from this series). Semen analysis was performed 3 months postoperatively to assess for the presence of motile sperm. A total of 237 men underwent microsurgical vasectomy reversal over a 12-year period. The median age of men at vasectomy was 34 years. The median age at vasectomy reversal was 42 years. The median obstructive interval was 7.3 years. An overall patency rate of 85.8% was achieved (motile sperm present), with 53.8% having a sperm count greater than 15 million/mL on initial 3-month assessment. For obstructive intervals of <3, 3-8, 9-14, and ≥15 years, there were declining patency rates of 96.3%, 90.5%, 80.0%, and 74.1%, respectively (P=0.04). These are the equivalent outcomes to published high-volume two-layer studies. We found no difference between patency rates of VV performed on the straight vas vs. the convoluted vas, and no difference when only one side could be re-anastomosed (20 patients). Using a micro-surgical technique in high volume, similar outcomes can be achieved from a simplified single-layer VV technique with fewer sutures, as compared to the more complex two-layer techniques described. We postulate that this may be due to reduced ischaemia relating to fewer sutures and less tissue-handling. Given the associated time and cost savings, as well as the easier learning curve involved, we would advocate the use of this technique in routine VV practise.

Comparative study of stabilization of a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture with either an intramedullary nail fixation or a superiorly placed plate.

This retrospective study compares two techniques of fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures: nail fixation versus plate fixation. We compared titanium elastic nail fixation with plate fixation in patients with uncomplicated midshaft clavicle fractures. In total, 84 patients were included in our study: 35 in the nail fixation group and 49 in the plate fixation group. We compared the 12-month postoperative shoulder function and scar assessment. Primary outcome was measured by the DASH score and POSAS score. Secondary outcome was measured by Constant score, surgery complications, implant removal, hospitalization days, and size and quality of the scar. Here was no significant difference in DASH and Constant scores between the two groups. However, the nail group leads in the POSAS (12 (12 - 12) 25 (17 - 30) p < 0.001) and in all scar parameters (size, scar influence). There were no significant differences in the complications despite implant removal where more removals were noted in the nail group (16 (44.4%) 4 (8.3%) p < 0.001). Fixation of uncomplicated midshaft clavicle fractures with nail provides better cosmetic results and scar quality than fixation with plate, and presents no significant differences in functional ability or complications.

Arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction: preliminary results from a prospective follow up of over five years

Patients with refractory temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) despite conservative therapies often require surgical intervention. Although techniques such as arthrocentesis or arthroscopy have been established for years, there remains a dearth of evidence regarding the long-term efficacy of these interventions. This preliminary prospective study aims to elucidate the outcomes of arthroscopic treatment conducted over five years ago in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. A study involving 31 patients with temporomandibular dysfunction who underwent level II arthroscopic surgery prior to 2019 is presented. The principal objective parameter for joint function was mouth opening, while the primary subjective parameters included pain, which was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and quality of life, assessed using the OHIP-14sp questionnaire. Objective parameters were assessed preoperatively at one year and five years postoperatively, while quality of life was evaluated both preoperatively and five years after the procedure. Subsequently, the long-term status of patients was analysed, including surgical outcomes and the necessity for supplementary techniques such as second arthroscopy or open surgery. The quality-of-life scores significantly improved (p < 0.001) after five years of follow up when compared with preoperative assessments. Pain levels exhibited a statistically significant decrease over the follow-up period (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between preoperative and both 12-months’ and five-years’ follow up (both p < 0.001) but not between the 12-month and five-year marks (p = 0.899). Similar trends were noted for maximum mouth opening, with differences between pre-surgery and both 12-months’ and five-years’ follow up (p = 0.049 and p = 0.005, respectively) but not between the 12-month and five-year assessments (p = 0.482). Mouth opening at 12 months (p = 0.003) and five years (p = 0.032), as well as OHIP results at five years (p = 0.003), demonstrated statistically significant differences between groups according to the final status. In all cases, poorer clinical outcomes post-surgery (requiring a second arthroscopy or meniscectomy) correlated with decreased mouth opening and worse OHIP results. Arthroscopy emerges as an effective technique in the long-term treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, as parameters such as pain and maximum mouth opening improve, and this improvement remains stable at the five-year follow up.

Endotype and Phenotype Related Postoperative Effects of Bacterial Lysate in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) endotypes have demonstrated clinical value in guiding treatment decisions. Bacterial lysates are immunomodulators that have shown beneficial effects in various respiratory inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of postoperative bacterial lysate therapy on different CRS endotypes. Patients diagnosed with CRS who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Bacterial lysates were administered postoperatively for 10 days per month for 3 months to the experimental group comprising patients with a history of frequent upper respiratory infections without adverse reactions. The remaining participants were allocated to the control group. The results of the postoperative 3-, 6-, and 12-month assessments, including the modified Lund-Kennedy (mLK) endoscopic and Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT) 22 scores, for the groups were compared. The tissue samples obtained from the participants were evaluated to detect the presence of relevant inflammatory mediators. Among the 92 participants, 47 started bacterial lysate therapy 2 weeks after the surgery. The tissue cytokine profiles and clinical parameters, such as the disease severity and blood eosinophil percentage, of the bacterial lysate and control groups were comparable before treatment. The mLK endoscopic and SNOT-22 scores did not differ after 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. The subgroup analysis revealed that the bacterial lysate group had significantly lower mLK endoscopic scores than the control group for CRS without nasal polyps, while there was a tendency toward significance for the interleukin (IL)-5 negative group after 6 months. Postoperative bacterial lysate therapy has some beneficial effects on the endoscopic findings of patients with CRS without nasal polyps or those who are negative for IL-5.

Overlap of obsessive compulsive and psychosis risk symptoms in a specialized clinic.

Psychotic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) commonly co-occur. Likewise, subthreshold psychosis symptoms (clinical high risk for psychosis; CHR) and obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) often overlap and may be difficult to differentiate. This study aimed to replicate research investigating the prevalence of OCD in a CHR clinic sample, validate and investigate factor structure of a self-report OCS measure in a CHR sample, explore how OCS may relate to CHR and co-occurring symptoms, and investigate whether real-world CHR treatment improves OCS and CHR symptoms. This study analysed archival clinical data from baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments collected by a specialist outpatient CHR clinic. Data included assessments of CHR symptoms, OCS, and clinician-rated diagnosis. Exploratory factor analysis examined the OCS measure. Within this CHR clinic sample, 13.5% experienced co-morbid OCD. The self-report OCS measure had two factors: (1) checking and counting behaviours and (2) intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt. The checking and counting factor correlated with depression and social anxiety. The intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt factor significantly correlated with unusual thought content and social anxiety. Between baseline to 6-month follow-up, clients exhibited CHR symptom improvement regardless of OCD diagnosis. However, OCS did not change. These findings support validity of a self-report OCS measure in a CHR clinic sample and that types of OCS experiences may exhibit different clinical patterns. Additionally, it appears that individuals with comorbid OCD responded similarly to CHR treatment compared to those without OCD.

Reflections on the challenges of conducting an international multicentre randomized controlled trial of balance training in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation and its impact on fall incidence in people with COPD

BackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is accepted as standard care for individuals with COPD. We conducted an international, multi-centred randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine if adding balance training to PR would reduce the incidence of falls in people with COPD. While there have been many trials investigating the effectiveness of PR, few have involved international collaboration. Successful execution of rehabilitation trials requires a significant investment of time, staffing, and resources. With the recent completion of the Balance Training for Fall Reduction in COPD RCT, we report on the design, implementation, and execution of our trial using project management phases. We also highlight our lessons learned for consideration in future multi-centre rehabilitation trials.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of the planning, preparation, timelines, and personnel training involved in the execution of this study using four of the five project management phases described by Farrell et al. in 2010: (1) initiation, (2) planning, (3) execution, and (4) monitoring and controlling. We report descriptive statistics as percentages and counts and summarize our lessons learned.ResultsTen outpatient PR programs in three continents participated. Thirty-one personnel worked on the trial across all sites. Enrolment began in January 2017 and was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 1275 patients were screened, 455 (36%) were eligible, 258 (57%) consented, 243 (53%) participated, and 130 (61%) completed the 12-month follow-up assessment. Lessons learned through our experience included (1) ensuring awareness of funder policies and considering the impact on collaborating sites; (2) preparing for the possibility of human resource and program disruptions; (3) anticipating site dropout and having a contingency plan in place; (4) planning and monitoring process measure data before, during, and after trial initiation; (5) ensuring frequent and consistent communication with and between collaborating sites; (6) maximizing features of database platform to ensure data set completeness and controlled data access; and (7) identifying strategies for increasing patient engagement in a high-demand study.ConclusionsWe identify seven lessons learned through our experience conducting an international, multicentre rehabilitation-based RCT. These lessons can provide guidance to other trialists conducting studies with similar logistics and may assist with future trial planning and implementation.

Inpatient Skin-to-skin Care Predicts 12-Month Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

To examine the relationship between inpatient skin-to-skin care rates and neurodevelopmental scores measured at 12months in very preterm (VPT) infants. From a retrospective review of medical records of 181 VPT infants (<32weeks gestational age [GA] at birth), we derived skin-to-skin care rate, ie, total minutes of skin-to-skin care each infant received over the number of days of hospital stay. We used scores on the Capute Scales from routine follow-up assessments at 12months to measure neurodevelopmental outcomes. Families averaged approximately 17minutes/day of skin-to-skin care (2days/week, 70minutes/session), although there was substantial variability. Variation in skin-to-skin rate was positively associated with outcomes at 12months corrected age (r=0.25, P<.001). Skin-to-skin rate significantly predicted 6.2% unique variance in 12-month neurodevelopmental outcomes, after adjusting for GA, socioeconomic status (SES), health acuity, and visitation frequency. A 20-minute increase in skin-to-skin care per day was associated with a 10-point increase (0.67 SDs) in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12months. GA and infant health acuity did not moderate these relations. VPT infants who experienced more skin-to-skin care during hospitalization demonstrated higher scores on 12-month neurodevelopmental assessments. Results provide evidence that skin-to-skin care confers extended benefits to VPT infants through the first year of life. Skin-to-skin care offers promise as a family-centered intervention designed to promote positive developmental outcomes in at-risk infants.

Suicidal thoughts among young bisexual women: Sexual violence, minority stress, and interpersonal factors.

The present study tested a model of suicidal thoughts among bisexual women focusing on sexual violence, bisexual minority stress, and risk factors for suicide identified within the interpersonal theory of suicide (i.e., perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness). The model was tested using cross-sectional, baseline data and longitudinally using 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments in a sample of bisexual women (N = 393, 98.3% cisgender, ages 18-35). Using structural equation modeling, we tested a serial mediation model predicting recent suicidal thoughts related to sexual violence and antibisexual stigma via internalized binegativity and expectations of rejection and subsequent perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Findings suggest that bisexual minority stress and child/adolescent sexual abuse relate to suicidal thoughts among bisexual women. In the cross-sectional model, the hypothesized serial links between antibisexual stigma and concurrent suicidal thoughts via expectations of rejection and internalized binegativity and subsequent perceived burdensomeness were significant. These paths were not significant in prospective analyses. Child/adolescent sexual abuse (but not adult sexual assault) related to suicidal thoughts via perceived burdensomeness; these paths were not significant in prospective analyses. It appears important to address both universal (i.e., perceived burdensomeness) and group-specific (i.e., expectations of rejection and internalized binegativity) mechanisms of risk in suicide prevention efforts with young bisexual women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following exposure to acute psychological trauma in children aged 8–16 years in South Africa: protocol for the Sinethemba longitudinal study

IntroductionChildren exposed to trauma are vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other adverse mental health outcomes. In low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), children are at increased risk of exposure...

Genetic Variation and Stroke Recovery: The STRONG Study.

Genetic association studies can reveal biology and treatment targets but have received limited attention for stroke recovery. STRONG (Stroke, Stress, Rehabilitation, and Genetics) was a prospective, longitudinal (1-year), genetic study in adults with stroke at 28 US stroke centers. The primary aim was to examine the association that candidate genetic variants have with (1) motor/functional outcomes and (2) stress-related outcomes. For motor/functional end points, 3 candidate gene variants (ApoE ε4, BDNF [brain-derived neurotrophic factor], and a dopamine polygenic score) were analyzed for associations with change in grip strength (3 months-baseline), function (3-month Stroke Impact Scale-Activities of Daily Living), mood (3-month Patient Health Questionnaire-8), and cognition (12-month telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment). For stress-related outcomes, 7 variants (serotonin transporter gene-linked promoter region, ACE [angiotensin-converting enzyme], oxytocin receptor, FKBP5 [FKBP prolyl isomerase 5], FAAH [fatty acid amide hydrolase], BDNF, and COMT [catechol-O-methyltransferase]) were assessed for associations with posttraumatic stress disorder ([PTSD]; PTSD Primary Care Scale) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8) at 6 and 12 months; stress-related genes were examined as a function of poststroke stress level. Statistical models (linear, negative binomial, or Poisson regression) were based on response variable distribution; all included stroke severity, age, sex, and ancestry as covariates. Stroke subtype was explored secondarily. Data were Holm-Bonferroni corrected. A secondary replication analysis tested whether the rs1842681 polymorphism (identified in the GISCOME study [Genetics of Ischaemic Stroke Functional Outcome]) was related to 3-month modified Rankin Scale score in STRONG. The 763 enrollees were 63.1±14.9 (mean±SD) years of age, with a median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 4 (interquartile range, 2-9); outcome data were available in n=515 at 3 months, n=500 at 6 months, and n=489 at 12 months. At 1 year poststroke, the rs6265 (BDNF) variant was associated with poorer cognition (0.9-point lower telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, P=1×10-5). For stress-related outcomes, rs4291 (ACE) and rs324420 (FAAH) were risk factors linking increased poststroke stress with higher 1-year depression and PTSD symptoms (P<0.05), while rs4680 (COMT) linked poststroke stress with lower 1-year depression and PTSD. Findings were unchanged when considering stroke subtype. STRONG replicated GISCOME: rs1842681 was associated with lower 3-month modified Rankin Scale score (P=3.2×10-5). This study identified genetic associations with cognitive function, depression, and PTSD 1 year poststroke. Genetic susceptibility to PTSD and depressive symptoms varied according to the amount of poststroke stress, underscoring the critical role of lived experiences in recovery. Together, the results suggest that genetic association studies provide insights into the biology of stroke recovery in humans.

Learning Curve in Two-Port Laparoscopic Gastropexy Using FlexDex.

Keyhole gastropexy is becoming increasingly popular, and the new development facilitates shorter surgical times. This paper reports on the learning curve in two-port laparoscopic gastropexy using FlexDex in a specialist's hands. FlexDex is a novel tool combining aspects of robotic surgery without requiring an expensive robot theatre setting. Cohort of 16 dogs >25 kg and at high risk of gastric volvulus and dilatation (GDV) undergoing elective laparoscopic gastropexy were enrolled in the study consecutively from 5/2022 to 9/2023. All patients were operated on by one surgeon (FM), and surgical time was recorded to assess learning curve. Competence was defined as plateauing surgical time. Detailed follow-up at 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, 2 months, 6 months, and long-term was recorded for success rate and complications. Ultrasound examination was scheduled at 4-6-month review to confirm lasting success of the gastropexy. All 16 patients were operated on successfully without any significant complications, as confirmed on the ultrasound. The surgical time of laparoscopic gastropexy reduced from 52 to 14 min (reduction of 38 min/73%) and reached plateau after the 12th case of the 16, making it a very steep learning curve in specialist hands. There were no serious complications, and success rate was 100% at the 6-month ultrasound assessment. This is the first paper to report on the learning curve with the FlexDex device in a two-port laparoscopic gastropexy setting. It effectively halves the operating time to 30 min, making the surgery safer for the patient and more cost-efficient, without compromising the result.