6-month Study Research Articles

Decoding Acute Scrotum: Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound in Urgent Clinical Settings.

Background Acute scrotum is a medical emergency commonly encountered in clinical practice, particularly in pediatric and adolescent populations. It is characterized by sudden onset of scrotal pain and may involve swelling, redness, or tenderness. The most common etiologies include testicular torsion, epididymo-orchitis, trauma, and, less frequently, tumors. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical, especially in cases of testicular torsion, where timely surgical intervention is required to preserve testicular viability. Ultrasound (US), particularly high-resolution gray-scale imaging combined with color Doppler (CD), has emerged as the primary imaging modality for evaluating acute scrotal conditions due to its accessibility, non-invasiveness, and high diagnostic accuracy. Aims and objectives This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of US in differentiating the causes of acute scrotum, specifically focusing on testicular torsion, epididymo-orchitis, and varicocele. We also evaluate its role in reducing unnecessary surgical explorations and improving clinical decision-making in urgent settings. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Puducherry, India. A total of 250 male patients, ranging in age from 10 to 70 years, presented with acute scrotal pain over the 12-month study period. Inclusion criteria included all patients with sudden scrotal pain, regardless of clinical suspicion of underlying pathology. US scans were performed using a 7.5- to 12-MHz linear transducer. Gray-scale imaging was used to evaluate the testes, epididymis, spermatic cord, scrotal wall, and inguinal region, while CD was used to assess vascular flow. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 18 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Diagnostic accuracy was calculated based on sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results The most common cause of acute scrotum was inflammatory pathology, including epididymo-orchitis, accounting for 56.4% of cases (141 patients). Varicocele was the second most common cause, diagnosed in 11.6% of patients (29 cases), while hernias and epididymal cysts were found in 8% and 7.6% of cases, respectively. Testicular torsion was diagnosed in 2% of cases (five patients). US demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for inflammatory pathologies, with sensitivity and specificity reaching 97% and 96%, respectively. The sensitivity for testicular torsion was 62%, reflecting the challenges in diagnosing partial or intermittent torsion, while specificity was high at 99%. US's performance in identifying varicocele was excellent, with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%. Conclusion US, especially when combined with CD, is an indispensable tool in the emergency evaluation of acute scrotum. It provides high diagnostic accuracy for inflammatory pathologies and varicocele while serving as an effective screening modality for testicular torsion. This study reinforces the role of US in reducing unnecessary surgical explorations, guiding clinical management, and improving patient outcomes in urgent clinical settings.

12200 Impact Of Strict IGF-1 Control (I-Con) On Quality Of Life Scores In Patients With Acromegaly

Abstract Disclosure: C. Gandhi: None. C.L. Chik: Advisory Board Member; Self; Ipsen, Novo Nordisk, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Grant Recipient; Self; Pfizer, Inc.. J.A. Rivera: None. M. Denis: None. S. Van Uum: Advisory Board Member; Self; Ipsen, Pfizer, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Spruce. D.T. Holmes: Other; Self; Roche Diagnostics. S.Z. Ezzat: Advisory Board Member; Self; Bayer, Inc., Eli Lilly & Company, Ipsen, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Merck, Eisai. Objective: Examine, in a real world setting, whether strict normalization of modestly elevated IGF-1 can result in clinical and health-related quality of life benefits in patients with acromegaly in a prospective 6-month multicenter interventional study. Methods: Strict IGF-1 control was achieved by the addition or dose optimization of pegvisomant (PEGV) in acromegaly patients with modest elevation of IGF-1 levels (>100% and <150% of upper limit of normal [%ULN]). IGF-1 measurements were completed in a designated central laboratory, initially using the IDS-iSYS and after the first four patients with the Roche Elecsys® method. The transition did not impact study results. Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months for dose titration of PEGV and at 6 months. The Patient-Assessed Acromegaly Symptom Questionnaire (PASQ), the Acromegaly Quality of Life questionnaire (AcroQoL) and the Acromegaly Disease Activity Tool (ACRODAT®) were completed at baseline and at 6 months. Results: Ten patients (8 males, mean age at screening 50.7 ± 11.3 years) from four centers across Canada participated in the study. Age at diagnosis was 43.9 ± 12.1 years and all patients had macrotumors. Nine patients had prior transsphenoidal surgeries including one with adjunct radiation therapy. All 10 patients had trials of somatostatin analogs (SSA) and SSA was switched to PEGV in two patients because of lack of efficacy. At the time of screening, six patients were on SSA, two on PEGV, and two on SSA and PEGV. At six months, the mean daily dose of PEGV increased from 7.5 ± 12.3 mg (range 0 to 30 mg daily) to 17.6 ± 13.7 mg (range 5 to 40 mg daily). After six months of dose escalation or the addition of PEGV, IGF-1 decreased from 258.5 ± 59.2 µg/L (121.8 ± 14.4 %ULN) to 184.1 ± 41.1 µg/L (86.6 ± 20.0 %ULN) (p=0.001). The summation of PASQ1 to PASQ6 score decreased from 14.6 ± 10.7 to 11.1 ± 8.9 (p=0.02); however there was no statistically significant difference in the AcroQoL score (63.8 ± 24.0 vs 66.5 ± 22.6, p=0.11). The ACRODAT® overall status decreased from 84.3 ± 27.6 to 33.8 ± 17.1 (p=0.001) and there was a decline in the summation of the tumor status, comorbidities, symptoms and health-related qualify of life impairment score (7.1 ± 1.8 vs 6.4 ± 1.8, p=0.02). Hemoglobin A1c, fasting lipids, liver enzymes and renal function were not significantly affected. Repeat MRI of the sella at 6 months showed no change. Conclusions: In spite of the small number of patients participating in this study, strict control in patients with a modest IGF-1 elevation was accompanied by clinical improvements detected by the PASQ and ACRODAT®. Our results support the notion that strict IGF-1 control can be accompanied by improvement in clinical symptoms with lower PASQ scores. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger scale clinical trial. Presentation: 6/2/2024

The continuous rise in orbital subperiosteal abscess incidence in the Iranian pediatric population

In this study, we aimed to follow up on the surprising increase in the incidence of orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) reported in the Iranian pediatric population in the post-COVID era. Pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) diagnosed with orbital SPA following acute sinusitis who were hospitalized between October 1st, 2023, and March 31st, 2024 in Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were included. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and radiological characteristics of patients were reviewed. During the 6-month study period, 39 patients were admitted to our tertiary referral hospital. The average age of patients was 7.29 ± 4.13 years and 30 patients (76.92%) were male. The ethmoid sinus was involved in 100% of patients, and SPA involvement was in the medial wall in 27 patients (69.23%). The mean volume of SPA was 1.45 ± 1.77 cm3. Nineteen patients (48.72%) underwent surgical interventions, however, 20 patients (51.28%) received only medical treatment. The best corrected visual acuity of patients increased from 0.63 (0.20 LogMAR) on the first day of admission to 0.84 (0.07 LogMAR) according to the Snellen chart in the first month after treatment. It seems that the outbreak of orbital SPA in the Iranian children population in the post-COVID era is an increasing trend.

8378 Disparities In Telemedicine Use In Latinx Patients With Diabetes: Real Life Observations

Abstract Disclosure: S. Kim: Consulting Fee; Self; Signos, Inc.. Grant Recipient; Self; The Diabetes Link. P. Thedki: None. L.A. Wright: None. Background and Aims The Latinx population is disproportionately affected by diabetes and related complications and face greater challenges to accessing medical care than white patients. Telemedicine, a novel strategy for addressing such lack of access has not been evaluated in the Latinx population affected by diabetes.We aimed to assess telemedicine use in Latinx patients with diabetes compared to non-Latinx, within the same diabetes clinic (same care team and access to same digital platform). Secondary aims: HbA1c and use of CGM. Methods: All patients were offered telemedicine services and were considered users if they completed =/>1 telemedicine visit during the 3-month study period. Demographics, race/ethnicity, telemedicine use, language, type of diabetes: type 1(T1D), type 2(T2D) or other; HbA1c(+/- 3 months from visit) and use of CGM at the time of visit were extracted. Results: Latinx patients: n=61, 42 Spanish speaking only; mean age 52.4; 32 female; 46 with T2D. Non-Latinx: n=81, mean age 53.2; 43 female; 43 had T1D. Telemedicine use was 22% in Latinx vs 39% in non-Latinx patients, p=0.007. Mean A1c was 7.4% in Latinx vs 7.1% in non-Latinx, p=0.04 CGM use was more common in non-Latinx patients, p=0.01. Conclusions T2D was more common and telemedicine use was lower in Latinx compared to non-Latinx patients, most were Spanish speaking only, they had higher HbA1c and less CGM use. While telemedicine has the potential to increase access to care, social determinants of health, such as digital literacy, access to device and/or reliable internet are likely barriers that contribute to health inequalities in this population. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: pediatric hepatic perspective

BackgroundHepatic manifestations of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), an underrecognized primary presentation in pediatric age group, mandate high levels of suspicion for early diagnosis.AimThis is to study the frequencies of clinical and laboratory hepatic involvement in patients with familial/primary or secondary/acquired HLH in relation to disease reactivation and outcome.MethodsA 6-month retrospective cohort study recruited 35 patients with HLH. Detailed clinical, laboratory, and genetic characteristics of HLH were collected. Hepatic transaminases and synthetic liver functions were collected at presentation, weeks 2 and 8 after starting treatment, and at time of reactivation. Biochemical liver involvement was considered when alanine aminotransferase (ALT) lived three-times more than the upper normal level. Overall (OS) and reactivation free survival were analyzed according to liver involvement.ResultsTwenty patients (57%) had genetically confirmed HLH, 12 (34.3%) had MUNC13D mutations, 3 (8.5%) had STXBP2 mutations, and 5 (14.3%) had RAB27A mutations, while 9 (25.7%) had no genetic mutations with 4 of them had secondary HLH. Six patients (17.2%) patients had unknown genetics status. Median (IQR) age of the whole group was 18 months (6–36) with an age range of 2–108 months. Liver enlargement was detected at diagnosis in 29 (82.9%) and at reactivation in 18 (51.4%) patients. Eight (22.86%) patients had biochemical hepatic involvement at presentation with no significant difference in their demographic, initial clinical presentation, survival, or the type of mutant gene according to liver involvement.ConclusionVariable hepatic biochemical involvement might be the presenting manifestation of HLH at diagnosis and upon reactivation, yet it did not impact disease outcome.

Online social platform engagement by young treatment seekers in a digital vaping cessation intervention: Effects on confidence in the ability to quit vaping and vaping abstinence

BackgroundThe evidence-based vaping cessation program, This is Quitting (TIQ), has been found to be effective in promoting abstinence among young people who use e-cigarettes. PurposeTo estimate acceptability and engagement with Discord among treatment seeking youth and young adults and assess the benefit of adding an online social platform via Discord to TIQ. MethodsBetween February and March 2023, 527 TIQ participants (aged 13–24 years) were invited to join Discord with other TIQ users (TIQ Discord). Participants completed two online surveys, at baseline and 1-month post study enrollment. Descriptive statistics were used to describe acceptability and engagement with TIQ Discord. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t-tests were used to compare changes in confidence in ability to quit and vaping abstinence across those who joined and engaged with TIQ Discord, compared to those receiving TIQ only. ResultsAmong the n = 319 who were invited to TIQ Discord and provided follow-up data, 57.4 % joined. Among those who joined (n = 183), 61.7 % engaged with TIQ Discord by contributing at least one message or reaction. The mean number of contributed messages was 4.0 (median = 1, range = 1 to 51) and reactions was 0.31 (median = 0, range = 0 to 14). Engaging with TIQ Discord was positively associated with increased confidence in quitting at follow-up (p-value = 0.02), but vaping abstinence at follow-up did not differ (p-value = 0.87). DiscussionOver half of participants who were invited to TIQ Discord joined – indicating high acceptability and an uptake rate that is higher than what is typically observed for online cessation communities. Engagement was positively associated with proximal outcomes, but self-selection prevents causal attribution. Pilot study results suggest acceptability of Discord for providing digital cessation support to young people in combination with a text-message cessation intervention.

B-063 Changes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and M2BPGi due to lifestyle intervention in primary healthcare

Abstract Background A healthy lifestyle is the most important method for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mac-2-binding protein glycosylated isomer (M2BPGi) has been suggested as a biomarker for NAFLD. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of personalized lifestyle interventions on NAFLD remission. Methods This single-arm intervention study recruited participants with NAFLD who underwent health checkups at seven health-promotion centers in five South Korean cities. Fatty liver diagnosis was based on ultrasonography (US). The 109 individuals were recruited for personalized lifestyle interventions of hypocaloric diets and exercise. The participants attended the lifestyle intervention programs once per month for the first 3 months, and once every 3 months for the subsequent 6 months. And phone-based self-monitoring were also provided monthly during the 3-month follow-up period. The primary outcome was NAFLD remission at month 12 as measured on US and magnetic resonance elastography. The secondary outcomes were the changes in metabolic factors and M2BPGi. Results The 108 individuals (62 males and 46 females; age 51.1±12.4 years, mean±standard deviation) were finally analyzed after the 12month intervention. Body mass index, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-C), and fasting blood sugar levels were improved relative to baseline (all P<0.05). Fatty liver at or above the moderate grade according to US was decreased at month 12 relative to baseline (67.6% vs 50.9%) (P=0.002). M2BPGi levels decreased during the 12-month study period (P<0.001). M2BPGi levels were moderately correlated with hepatic fat fraction by magnetic resonance imaging (r=0.33, P=0.05). WC (OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.67-1.00, P=0.05) and HDL-C (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.03-1.32, P=0.014) were associated with remission of fatty liver in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions The personalized lifestyle intervention was effective in improving fatty liver and metabolic factors, but not hepatic stiffness, in NAFLD.

Health-Care Utilisation and Costs of Transition from Paliperidone Palmitate 1-Monthly to 3-Monthly Treatment for Schizophrenia: A Real-World, Retrospective, 24-Month Mirror-Image Study.

Poor adherence to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia is a leading cause of relapse and functional deterioration. Long-acting injectable paliperidone may reduce relapse risks, health-care utilisation, and health-care costs in these patients. In this 24-month mirror-image study, we compared health-care utilization and costs before and after the initiation of paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M) treatment in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Before the initiation of PP3M, the patients received paliperidone 1-monthly (PP1M) treatment. The primary study outcomes were changes in health-care utilisation and costs over the study period. This study included 34 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. During the 12-months period after the initiation of PP3M treatment, the mean duration of hospitalisation decreased from 57.7 to 28.5 days (p = 0.03). Moreover, significant reductions were noted in emergency room visits (PP1M vs PP3M: 0.3 vs 0.0, respectively; p = 0.05) and health-care costs (PP1M vs PP3M: 107,328.8 vs 57,848.6, respectively; p = 0.03). PP3M may significantly reduce hospitalisation duration, emergency room visits, and health-care costs in patients with schizophrenia.

A Diagnostic Study Using STARD Platform on Liquid-Based Cytology in Cervical Smear and Its Positivity Rate among Females with Abnormal Vaginal Conditions Attending a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a newer method of preparing cervical cell samples. This technique involves collecting cells in a liquid fixative and preparing and evaluating them. Aim: This study aims to investigate cervical smears prepared using the Ezi-Prep LBC method and analyze the positivity rate for cervical cancer and assess the diagnostic accuracy of LBC in detecting cervical abnormalities among females with abnormal vaginal conditions attending a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: The present diagnostic study was performed in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 1 year (April 1, 2021–November 30, 2021). A total of 230 women, aged 21–70 years, presented at the gynecology outpatient department for either routine cervical screening or with complaints of vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pelvic pain. Cervical smears were prepared using the Ezi-Prep method and stained with ULTRA-PAP stain. Results: LBC smears are monolayer smears and are without nuclear overlapping with spread over a diameter of 16 mm. Minimum cellular overlapping and crowding were observed in LBC smears. The mean age of the participants was 35.5 ± 5.1 years. The smears were studied by using nine morphological parameters. Conclusion: The majority of the smears were inflammatory smears. A total of 16 cases and three cases were found to be bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis, respectively. In an 8-month study, HSIL was found in two cases, whereas LSIL was found in only one case. The positivity rate was observed to be 0.9% in HSIL cases and 0.4% in LSIL cases, 0.9% ASC-US case, and 0.4% invasive carcinoma case.

Ovarian traits, spawning pattern and season, length at first maturity, and batch fecundity of Caragobius urolepis (Bleeker, 1852) caught from the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Caragobius urolepis has a wide range of distribution, from brackish to freshwater water, ranging from India to the Philippines and Fiji, including the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), where it lives mainly in the coastal regions and plays a vital role in food supply. Our preliminary observation showed that its population tended to decline, but little is known about this species. This study, therefore, was conducted to provide data on the ovarian structure, spawning pattern and season, length at first maturity, and batch fecundity of this fish. The study of 306 specimens caught with trawl nets from April 2022 to March 2023 in two coastal areas of VMD—Dong Hai, Bac Lieu (DHBL), and Dam Doi, Ca Mau (DDCM)—showed that this goby spawned more than once because the oocytes in stage IV ovary showed different stages of development. It could release eggs monthly during a 12-month study, with a peak in July–September since stage IV ovaries were found monthly during the study period and the GSI exhibited a high value in July–September. The fish length at first maturity and batch fecundity varied with the site, as they were 18.8 cm and 3,757–9,187 (6,142 ± 707 SE eggs/female) in DDCM and 20.5 cm and 3,760–11,118 (5,634 ± 750 SE eggs/female) in DHBL. The findings provide valuable foundations for exploiting their resources and serve as a basis for studying artificial reproduction. It is suggested to avoid catching these fish species during the breeding season to ensure sustainable exploitation in the future.

Educational practice in Germany between racism and far-right ideologies

Researching educational responses to far-right youth mobilization and ideologies has so far focused mainly on informal education spaces. We thus know little about how and why teachers seek to respond to these issues in their classrooms in formal education. This is despite the fact that far-right mobilization and attitudes are rising in Germany and are having a political impact. In this article I present data from an 18-month ethnographic study in Berlin’s secondary schools, arguing that it is not only important to understand how teachers conceptualize the problem in their student body but also how teachers seek to address these issues. Through this knowledge, we will be able to better understand and systematically respond to far-right ideologies in classrooms.

Sex-related Differences in Insulin Resistance in the Geriatric Population

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus significantly impacts long-term cardiovascular disease, increasing elderly mortality and morbidity. Half of elderly diabetics are asymptomatic, with vague symptoms. Insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction are central to diabetes pathophysiology. Gender differences in IR and beta-cell function are increasingly recognized in diabetes research. Methods: In 18-month observational cross-sectional study focusing on elderly patients (60+) done at tertiary hospital in North India included 32 diabetic and 32 healthy controls. Fasting blood sample of eligible subjects were sent for hemogram, hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c), blood glucose, and insulin. IR and beta-cell function were calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) model and analyzed using SPSS, with P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 67.77 years and the average duration of having diabetes was 5.11 years. Median HOMA IR was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (4.23 vs 0.89, P < 0.05), while HOMA β was comparable. HOMA IR decreased with longer diabetes duration, with a more rapid decline in female subjects compared to males. Subgroup analysis showed IR increased with age and was higher in females. Conclusion: Our research highlights gender-based differences in IR in the geriatric age group. Elderly women had higher IR compared to men. These findings are significant in understanding gender-specific metabolic differences and tailoring interventions. Further research with a larger sample size is warranted to corroborate these findings. Clinical Implication: This study addresses the gap in research on IR and beta-cell function in the elderly, particularly in India. This research can be compared with past studies on other age groups, aiding in the development of tailored diabetes treatments and improving therapeutic strategies for the elderly.

Aesthetic rehabilitation of dental fluorosis: 18-month follow-up study

Aesthetic rehabilitation of dental fluorosis: 18-month follow-up study

Prognostic value of the duke activity Status Index Questionnaire in predicting mortality in patients with chronic heart failure: 36-month follow-up study

BackgroundThe Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire has been the focus of numerous investigations - its discriminative and prognostic capacity has been continuously explored, supporting its use in the clinical setting, specifically during rehabilitation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).However, studies exploring optimal DASI questionnaire threshold scores are limited.ObjectiveTo investigate optimal DASI questionnaire thresholds values in predicting mortality in a CHF cohort and assess mortality rates based on the DASI questionnaire using a thresholds values obtained.MethodologyThis is a prospective cohort study with a 36-month follow-up in patients with CHF. All patients completed a clinical assessment, followed by DASI questionnaire, pulmonary function, and echocardiography. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to discriminate the DASI questionnaire score in determining the risk of mortality. For survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier model was used to explore the impact of ≤/>23 points on mortality occurring during the 36-month follow-up.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-four patients were included, the majority being elderly men. Kaplan Meier analysis revealed that ≤/> 23 was a strong predictor of CHF mortality over a 36-month follow-up.ConclusionA score of ≤/>23 presents good discriminatory capacity to predict mortality risk in 36 months in patients with CHF, especially in those with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction. Age, ejection fraction, DASI questionnaire score and use of digoxin are risk factors that influence mortality in this population.

Prevalence of stimulant use and the role of opioid agonist treatment among people who inject drugs in France: Results from the COSINUS cohort study.

The co-use of stimulants and opioids, including opioid agonist treatment (OAT), is very prevalent worldwide. A large body of data exists on the association between stimulant use and its health complications, and on OAT effectiveness among people with opioid use disorder. However, few data exist on stimulant-opioid co-use among people receiving OAT. Using data from the COSINUS cohort study, we investigated the association between the type of OAT and problematic stimulant use among persons who inject drugs (PWID). COSINUS is a 12-month French cohort study of 665 PWID. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews at enrolment, at 6 and 12 months. We defined problematic stimulant use as daily use of and/or injecting stimulants. We used Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to identify factors associated with problematic stimulant use. At baseline, 76% (n = 505) of the participants reported problematic stimulant use. The optimal model from the BMA estimation showed that, after adjusting on social precarity and daily injection, participants on prescribed morphine sulfate as an OAT (compared with methadone) and those who use daily unprescribed buprenorphine were less likely to report problematic stimulant use. Our work highlights the high prevalence of problematic stimulant use among PWID in France but also the potential association between the type of OAT taken and stimulant use, by suggesting a protective effect of morphine sulfate on stimulant use. Since it has a higher intrinsic activity than other opioids, PWID on this OAT may be less interested in stimulants. Our findings warrant further investigation in clinical studies.

Exploratory analysis of the variable response to an intensive lifestyle change program for metabolic syndrome

BackgroundSubstantial variability in response to lifestyle interventions has been recognized for many years, and researchers have begun to disentangle sources of error from inherent differences in individual responsiveness. The objective of this secondary analysis of an intensive lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise) for metabolic syndrome (MetS) was to identify potentially important differences among study completers grouped by treatment response as measured by change in a continuous metabolic syndrome score (Gurka/MetS).MethodsAll study completers from a 12-month primary care study were categorized into one of five groups according to change in the Gurka/MetS score. A change of 0.4 in z-score defined clinically relevant change in line with results of previous studies. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine cardiovascular disease risk and individual clinical indicators of MetS over 12 months, looking for differences in response over time by the five groups.ResultsOf 176 participants, 50% (n = 88) had stable scores, 10% (n = 18) had relevant change scores in the first 3 months only and reverted toward baseline, 20% (n = 35) achieved meaningful change over the whole study, 11% (n = 20) had a delayed response at 3–12 months, and 9% (n = 15) demonstrated worsening scores. Significant differential patterns were noted for groups over the duration of the intervention (p < .001). Improvement in diet quality and fitness scores were similar across all groups. Other available variables were tested and did not account for the differences.ConclusionWork is needed to identify key factors that account for differences in responses to lifestyle interventions that can be used to guide treatment decisions for intensive lifestyle interventions for this common condition.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01616563; first registered June 12, 2012.

Feasibility test of WORK-ON: a vocational rehabilitation intervention for people with chronic inflammatory arthritis

BackgroundPeople with chronic inflammatory arthritis (IA) often have a reduced work ability. Consequently, they are at high risk of losing their jobs and being permanently excluded from the labor market. Therefore, we developed a new context-specific vocational rehabilitation intervention for people with IA based on the Medical Research Council’s framework for complex interventions. This intervention is called “WORK-ON” and consists of: (1) Initial assessment and goal setting by an occupational therapist experienced in rheumatology rehabilitation; (2) coordinated support from the same occupational therapist, including assistance in navigating the primary and secondary healthcare and social care systems; (3) group sessions for peer support; and (4) individually tailored consultations with physiotherapists, nurses, and/or social workers. This study investigates the feasibility of WORK-ON.MethodsA 6-month single-arm feasibility study with a pre-test post-test design was conducted to evaluate recruitment, intervention fidelity and delivery, data collection, and possible outcome measures. Work ability was the primary outcome, and sick leave, quality of life, fatigue, pain, physical activity, sleep, and well-being were the secondary outcomes evaluated.ResultsIn total, 19 participants (17 women and 2 men) with a median age of 55 years (range, 34–64) participated and completed WORK-ON. Of these, 17 participants completed patient-reported outcomes at baseline and follow-up, and the results indicated a tendency to improvement in work ability, quality of life, level of physical activity, decrease in pain, and increase in days of sick leave during the 6-month intervention period. The rehabilitation clinicians spent an average of 15.3 h per participant, and the participants spent an average of 13.5 h in the intervention.ConclusionsWORK-ON is considered feasible and has the potential to increase work ability among people with IA who are concerned about their future ability to keep working. Though, an adjustment of the intervention is needed before testing in a randomized controlled trial.

A 6-Month Follow-Up Comparative Study of Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (Trans-PRK) Using the StreamLight Software with and without Epithelial Thickness Customization.

To compare corneal aberrometry, densitometry, and refractive outcomes of single-step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (Trans-PRK) with and without epithelial thickness customization. This was a prospective, interventional, randomized controlled study. Patients undergoing Trans-PRK using the WaveLight EX500 laser with StreamLight software (Alcon Laboratories, Forth Worth, TX, USA) were randomly assigned to control (55µm standard epithelial thickness) or customized (thinnest point of epithelial thickness for each patient) groups. MS-39 (CSO, Italy) anterior segment optical coherence tomography was used to measure the epithelial thickness. Inclusion criteria were spherical equivalent <6 diopters (D), astigmatism <4D, and CDVA 20/25 or better. The assessments were at baseline and 6 months post-op: visual acuity, refraction, aberrometry, and corneal densitometry. 108 eyes were enrolled, [control group (n=56) and customized group (n=52)]. Mean epithelial ablation thickness in the customized group was 54.81±3.56µm (p=0.470 vs control group). Both groups experienced significant postoperative increases in higher-order aberrations (HOA) and spherical aberrations, with no significant intergroup differences. Mean HOA RMS (µm) of the frontal cornea and total cornea increased by 0.27, and 0.29, respectively, in the control group, and 0.26 and 0.28, respectively, in the customized group (p<0.001 for all). Mean change in spherical aberrations in the frontal cornea and total cornea was 0.23µm (p<0.001) and 0.25µm (p<0.001), in the control group, and 0.19µm (p<0.001) and 0.20µm (p<0.001), in the customized group. Mean corneal densitometry in anterior cornea decreased by 0.63GSU (p=0.021) and 1.18GSU (p<0.001) in the control and customized groups. In the posterior cornea, it increased by 1.67GSU (p=0.004) and 0.38GSU (p=0.006). No significant differences in refractive and aberrometry outcomes between control and customized Trans-PRK groups, with corneal densitometry changes not affecting visual acuity.

Assessing Barriers and Facilitators to Return to Work for Kidney Cancer Survivors: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the factors that impact the readiness and success of kidney cancer survivors returning to work, providing insights for healthcare professionals, employers, and policymakers. MethodsA prospective longitudinal study was conducted at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from April 2022 to June 2023. The study enrolled 282 kidney cancer survivors aged 18 to 60 who completed three surveys at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery. Data collection involved telephone interviews and self-administered questionnaires, capturing sociodemographic information, medical history, and employment status, while follow-up assessments tracked return-to-work readiness. The scales used for analysis included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Brief Fatigue Inventory. Generalized Estimation Equations were applied to identify significant factors, with both single-factor and multivariate analyses performed to pinpoint the most critical variables. ResultsReturn-to-work rates at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery were 26.9%, 59.9%, and 76.2%, respectively. Higher levels of anxiety, lower self-efficacy, older age, and greater fatigue were associated with reduced return-to-work rates. Physically demanding jobs posed more barriers compared to nonmanual roles. Significant factors identified in multivariate analysis included anxiety, self-efficacy, fatigue, and the nature of the patient's work. ConclusionPsychological, physical, and job-related factors play a crucial role in determining whether kidney cancer survivors can successfully return to work. Tailored support and flexible work arrangements could help kidney cancer survivors reintegrate into the workforce, leading to better long-term outcomes. Implication for Nursing PracticeNursing professionals can play a vital role in assessing and supporting kidney cancer survivors during their recovery process by addressing both psychological and physical factors. Incorporating return-to-work readiness into postoperative care plans, offering mental health support, and liaising with employers to create flexible working conditions could enhance the reintegration of survivors into the workforce.

Quality indicators in enteral nutrition in chronic patients at nutritional risk: A 3-month follow-up study at a transition hospital in Brazil

Quality indicators in enteral nutrition in chronic patients at nutritional risk: A 3-month follow-up study at a transition hospital in Brazil