Clinical Characteristics Of Individuals Research Articles

Health-Related Quality of Life in Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Survivors

The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with Colorectal Cancer (CRC), tumour-intrinsic characteristics and treatment received with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of data from 805 survivors from the MCC study was conducted. HRQoL was assessed through a general and specific questionnaire, SF-12 and FCSI (Colorectal Symptom Index). Statistical analyses were performed with linear regression with adjustment for sociodemographic variables, stage at diagnosis and histological grade. Results: Participants had survived a median of 7.9 years from diagnosis (IQR 7.1–8.5 years). Age at diagnosis, sex and area showed a clear association with HRQoL in both physical and mental dimensions of the SF-12 questionnaire. A direct association between CRC recurrence was also found in the PCS-12 and MCS-12 dimensions and radical surgery in the PCS-12. Regarding the scores in FCSI questionnaire, statistically significant differences were observed by sex, age and area, with older women being the most impaired (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age, sex and area was associated with lower scores of HRQoL among CRC survivors. Knowing the determinants related to HRQoL would allow us to lay the groundwork to develop strategies that help reduce morbidity and mortality, relapses and increase HRQoL.

Means to an end: Characteristics and follow-up of emergency department patients with a history of suicide attempt via medication overdose.

Availability and accessibility of a wide range of medications may be a contributing factor to rising medication-related overdose (OD) rates. Treatment for both suicide attempts (SAs) and ODs often occurs in the emergency department (ED), highlighting its potential as a screening and intervention point. The current study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who reported SA via medication OD compared to other methods and to examine how these patients' suicide severity and behaviors differed over 12-month post-ED follow-up. Data were analyzed from Phases 1 and 2 of the Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation multicenter study (N = 1376). Participants with a history of SA (n = 987) were categorized based on whether they indicated a past medication-related SA via OD. Of participants with history of SA, 62.7% (n = 619) reported medication OD for either their most serious or their most recent SA. Multivariate analyses indicated female birth sex, diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and having some college education were significantly associated with membership in the medication OD attempt group (p <0.05). Of those who attempted suicide over the 12-month follow-up, nearly 60% of participants in the medication OD attempt group reported a subsequent SA via OD over follow-up. However, nearly half (46.5%) of participants with no medication OD at baseline also reported medication OD at follow-up. Among patients presenting to the ED, females, individuals with bipolar disorder, and patients with a college education, respectively, may be at highest risk for SAs via medication OD. Prospectively, medication OD appears to be a frequent method, even among individuals with no prior attempt via OD, as demonstrated by the high percentage of patients who did not have a medication OD at baseline, but reported a medication OD during follow-up.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with psychosis symptoms who died by suicide: Findings of a psychological autopsy study

Suicide is a critical public health concern among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Still, significant gaps remain in understanding relationships between suicide outcomes and both demographic and clinical characteristics. Data were examined from 57 adults of a psychological autopsy study who had psychosis symptoms and died between 1989 and 2017 in the Midwestern United States. This study compared demographic and clinical characteristics of those who died by suicide (n = 26) to those who died by natural (n = 26) or accidental (n = 5) causes. Those who died by suicide were more often younger, white/Caucasian, more educated, and more often employed than those who died by natural or accidental causes (p < .05). Furthermore, symptoms of depression, recurrent suicidal ideation, history of suicide attempt, and being in a first episode of psychosis were experienced significantly more by those who died by suicide in comparison to natural or accidental causes (p < .05). Findings highlight the need to consider depression in suicide risk for psychosis populations, intervene in early stages of psychosis illness, and implement suicide prevention strategies tailored to individuals with psychosis and SSDs. Implications point towards the need for tailored interventions to mitigate risk for suicide death in this vulnerable population.

Association of Weight Status and Waist Circumference with Physical Activity in people with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and healthy controls

BackgroundIndividuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) often suffer from obesity and do limited Physical Activity (PA). PA has many beneficial effects on a variety of somatic and mental variables and it should be strengthened among people with mental disorders. The relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), and PA in this population is poorly understood, with a lack of precise PA assessment. This study investigates the association between BMI, WC, weight, and PA in individuals with SSD and controls using accelerometers. MethodsOne hundred twenty-six patients with SSD (residents and outpatients) and 110 sex- and age-matched controls were enrolled. Clinical, sociodemographic, and quality-of-life data were collected. PA was measured with a tri-axial ActiGraph GT9X and quantified by Vector Magnitude (VM). Relationships between PA and BMI, WC, and weight changes were analysed using linear regression models. ResultsPatients were more likely to be unmarried, unemployed, and less educated compared to controls (p < 0.001). Residents had more medical comorbidities (p = 0.001), while outpatients had higher BMI, weight, and WC (p < 0.001). Residents reported more severe psychopathology, lower functioning, and greater use of psychopharmacological medications (p < 0.001). Higher PA levels were not significantly associated with lower BMI, WC, or weight. Although not statistically significant, increased PA showed a trend towards lower obesity risk. ConclusionsSociodemographic, medical, and clinical characteristics of individuals with SSD define vulnerability factors that can inform tailored interventions to improve PA.

The Role of Immunomodulatory Therapy with Oxiris in COVID-19 with Renal Failure and Immune Dysfunction

Introduction: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of hemoadsorption on the elimination of inflammatory mediators. Methods: A prospective, bicenter, observational cohort study was conducted between March 2020 and February 2022 to explore the immunomodulatory response, demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU with severe acute respiratory failure and in need of CRRT with Oxiris® with or without AKI. Results: Sixty-four patients were analyzed. Statistically significant differences were observed between exposed and unexposed groups, in relation to the reduction in D-dimer levels −15,614 (24,848.9) versus −4,136.5 (9,913.47) (p 0.031, d: 1.59, 95% CI: −21,830, −1,126). An increase in PCT was observed 0.47 (2.08) versus −0.75 (2.3) (p 0.044 95% CI: 0.03, 2.44). No differences were found in a decrease in CRP −4.21 (7.29) versus −1.6 (9.02) (p 0.22) nor in the rest of inflammatory parameters fibrinogen, IL-6, ferritin, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Subgroup analysis in patients exposed to therapy also showed a significant decrease in D-dimer of 55% from baseline: 6,000 (1,984.5–27,750) pre-therapy versus 2,700 (2,119.5–6,145) (95% CI: −23,000, −2,489) post-therapy with a strong effect size (p 0.001, d: 0.65). Conclusion: The hemoadsorptive therapy in COVID-19 was associated with a significant decrease in D-dimer parameters without showing decreases in the rest of the clinical, inflammatory parameters and severity scales analyzed.

Clinical characteristics and HLA associations of azithromycin-induced liver injury.

Azithromycin (AZ) is a widely used antibiotic. The aim of this study was to characterise the clinical features, outcomes, and HLA association in patients with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) due to AZ. The clinical characteristics of individuals with definite, highly likely, or probable AZ-DILI enrolled in the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) were reviewed. HLA typing was performed using an Illumina MiSeq platform. The allele frequency (AF) of AZ-DILI cases was compared to population controls, other DILI cases, and other antibiotic-associated DILI cases. Thirty cases (4 definite, 14 highly likely, 12 probable) of AZ-DILI were enrolled between 2004 and 2022 with a median age of 46 years, 83% white, and 60% female. Median duration of AZ treatment was 5 days. Latency was 18.5 days. 73% were jaundiced at presentation. The injury pattern was hepatocellular in 60%, cholestatic in 27%, and mixed in 3%. Ten cases (33%) were severe or fatal; 90% of these were hepatocellular. Two patients required liver transplantation. One patient with chronic liver disease died of hepatic failure. Chronic liver injury developed in 17%, of which 80% had hepatocellular injury at onset. HLA-DQA1*03:01 was significantly more common in AZ-DILI versus population controls and amoxicillin-clavulanate DILI cases (AF: 0.29 vs. 0.11, p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Azithromycin therapy can lead to rapid onset of severe hepatic morbidity and mortality in adult and paediatric populations. Hepatocellular injury and younger age were associated with worse outcomes. HLA-DQA1*03:01 was significantly more common in AZ cases compared to controls.

Defects of Midbrain/Hindbrain Development: Defects of Anteroposterior and Dorsoventral Patterning

AbstractThe knowledge regarding the midbrain and the hindbrain (MBHB) malformations has been progressively increased in recent years, thanks to the advent of neuroimaging and genetic technologies. Many classifications have been proposed in order to well describe all of these patterns. The most complete and detailed one is based on the genetic and embryologic features that allow an easier and effective knowledge of these disturbs. It categorizes them into four primary groups: (1) Malformations resulting from early anteroposterior and dorsoventral patterning defects or the misspecification of MBHB germinal zones.(2) Malformations linked to later generalized developmental disorders that notably impact the brain stem and cerebellum, with a pathogenesis that is at least partially comprehended.(3) Localized brain malformations significantly affecting the brain stem and cerebellum, with a pathogenesis that is partly or largely understood, encompassing local proliferation, migration, and axonal guidance.(4) Combined hypoplasia and atrophy observed in presumed prenatal-onset degenerative disorders. Regarding diagnosis, brain stem malformations are typically identified during prenatal assessments, particularly when they are linked with anomalies in the cerebellum and cerebrum. Magnetic resonance imaging is the primary neuroimaging method in the evaluation of these malformations. The clinical characteristics of individuals with malformations in the midbrain or hindbrain are generally nonspecific. Common findings at presentation are hypotonia, motor retardation, ataxia, variable degree of intellectual disability, and abnormal eye movement (e.g., nystagmus, abnormal saccades, oculomotor apraxia, strabismus, and abnormal smooth pursuit). The complexity and the number of these MBHB malformations are constantly increasing. We will provide an overview of MBHB disorders, focusing on embryology, genetic, clinical, and neuroradiology features that could be helpful for clinicians and neuroscientist to understand process of these conditions.

Gut microbial and clinical characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder differ depending on the ecological structure of the gut microbiome

Understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of ASD. Here, we analyzed the microbial and clinical characteristics of individuals with ASD using enterotypes. A total of 456 individuals participated in the study, including 249 participants with ASD, 106 typically developing siblings, and 101 controls. The alpha and beta diversities of the ASD, sibling, and control groups did not show significant differences. Analysis revealed a negative association between the Bifidobacterium longum group and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, as well as a negative association between the Streptococcus salivarus group and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) within the ASD group. When clustered based on microbial composition, participants with ASD exhibited two distinct enterotypes, E1 and E2. In the E2 group, the SRS score was significantly higher, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale score was significantly lower compared to the E1 group. Machine learning results indicated that the microbial species predicting SRS scores were distinct between the two enterotypes. Our study suggests that the microbial composition in individuals with ASD exhibits considerable variability, and the patterns of associations between the gut microbiome and clinical symptoms may vary depending on the enterotype.

Clinical Characteristics of Individuals with Interstitial Lung Diseases and Indication of End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care (EOLC) is palliative support provided in the last 6 months to 1 year of a patient’s life. Although there are established criteria for its indication, few studies describe the clinical and functional characteristics of individuals with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) in EOLC. ILD individuals underwent various assessments, including lung function, exercise capacity (6 min walk test), physical activity in daily life (PADL), peripheral muscle strength, maximal respiratory pressures, body composition, quality of life (SGRQ-I), symptoms of anxiety and depression, dyspnea (MRC scale), and sleep quality. Fifty-eight individuals were included and divided into two groups according to the indication for commencing EOLC (ILD with an indication of EOLC (ILD-EOLC) or ILD without an indication of EOLC (ILD-nEOLC). There were differences between the groups, respectively, for steps/day (2328 [1134–3130] vs. 5188 [3863–6514] n/day, p = 0.001), time spent/day carrying out moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (1 [0.4–1] vs. 10 [3–19] min/day, p = 0.0003), time spent/day in standing (3.8 [3.2–4.5] vs. 4.8 [4.1–6.7] h/day, p = 0.005), and lying positions (5.7 [5.3–6.9] vs. 4.2 [3.6–5.1] h/day, p = 0.0004), the sit-to-stand test (20 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 7 reps, p = 0.01), 4 m gait speed (0.92 ± 0.21 vs. 1.05 ± 0.15 m/s, p = 0.02), quadriceps muscle strength (237 [211–303] vs. 319 [261–446] N, p = 0.005), SGRQ-I (71 ± 15 vs. 50 ± 20 pts, p = 0.0009), and MRC (4 [3–5] vs. 2 [2–3] pts, p = 0.001). ILD individuals with criteria for commencing EOLC exhibit reduced PADL, functional performance, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, and increased dyspnea.

Antecedents, clinical and psychological characteristics of a large sample of individuals who have self-harmed recruited from primary care and hospital settings in Pakistan.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and the majority of suicide deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who have presented to health services following self-harm in Pakistan. This study is a cross-sectional baseline analysis of participants from a large multicentre randomised controlled trial of self-harm prevention in Pakistan. A total of 901 participants with a history of self-harm were recruited from primary care clinics, emergency departments and general hospitals in five major cities in Pakistan. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and Suicide Attempt Self Injury Interview assessment scales were completed. Most participants recruited were females (n = 544, 60.4%) in their 20s. Compared with males, females had lower educational attainment and higher unemployment rates and reported higher severity scores on BSI, BDI and BHS. Interpersonal conflict was the most frequently cited antecedent to self-harm, followed by financial difficulties in both community and hospital settings. Suicide was the most frequently reported motive of self-harm (N = 776, 86.1%). Suicidal intent was proportionally higher in community-presenting patients (community: N = 318, 96.9% v. hospital: N = 458, 79.9%; P < 0.001). The most frequently reported methods of self-harm were ingestion of pesticides and toxic chemicals. Young females are the dominant demographic group in this population and are more likely to attend community settings to seek help. Suicidal intent as the motivator of self-harm and use of potentially lethal methods may suggest that this population is at high risk of suicide.

Sociodemographic Characteristics and Clinical Profile of Suicide Attempters Attending the Emergency Department at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman: A Retrospective Study.

This study examined the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who attended the emergency department of a tertiary care center in Muscat, Oman following a suicide attempt. A retrospective study (N=154) was conducted between January 2015 and June 2018. Information that was collected included sociodemographic variables (age, nationality, sex, marital status, and occupation), risk (medical comorbidities, psychiatric history, substance misuse, alcohol misuse, and previous history of suicide attempts), and precipitating factors, as well as the chosen methods for the suicide attempts. In all, 83.1% of the sample were Omanis, and women constituted 69.5%. The mean age of the sample was 27 years; 30% were students, 42% were unemployed, and 40.9% had a history of psychiatric disorders. Family conflict, suffering from chronic illness, and having social problems were the most common precipitating factors for the suicide attempt. The most common method used in the suicide attempt was drug overdose (48.1%), mainly involving paracetamol (acetaminophen) (40%). Significant gender differences emerged in precipitating factors, history of substance misuse, and methods of suicide. The data from this study are consistent with international trends that suggest that women and younger age groups are the most vulnerable to suicide attempts. Although in its infancy, the type of research presented here could lay the groundwork for preventive interventions and programs.

Psychiatric aspect of suicide in a sample of Iraqi people

Abstract Background: Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. To identify risk factors for prevent suicide, it is essential to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with suicidal ideation and behavior. Objectives: This study seeks to assess suicide symptoms in people of Babylon City and assesses the effect of factors that increase the suicide rate and to find sociodemographic and psychological factors that may influence the act of suicide and whether they differ from other suicide intensions prevailing in the world. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 57 patients with suicidal behavior who were admitted to at Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital in Babylon City, Iraq between 2021 and 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between suicide attempters and completers, and a correlation matrix was used to explore relationships between these characteristics. Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.2 years, and the majority were women (63.2%) and single (56.1%). Previous suicide attempts were reported by 50 patients (87.7%). Hanging and poisoning were the most common methods of attempted suicide, whereas firearms were the most common method of completed suicide. Depression and anxiety were the most common co-morbid psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain was the most common co-morbid medical condition. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of screening for suicide risk factors and providing appropriate treatment for co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions. The results also suggest that suicide prevention efforts may benefit from targeting younger individuals, for those who are single or have lower education levels, and those with a history of suicide attempts.

Evaluation of acute ischemic stroke in the emergency department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study

Background: Stroke is a severe illness that can cause death and significant disability. Age is a factor in the incidence of ischemic stroke. In our study, we aimed at contributing the acute stroke data in Saudi population by defining the etiological, epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of individuals with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Method: A retrospective descriptive was conducted involving patients admitted to the adult emergency department due to an AIS at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020. Data preparation and statistical analysis were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24 and Microsoft Excel, respectively. Results: Among the study participants, 55.2% (n = 144) were men with an average of 65.8. Among the AIS patients, 34.2% of the patients had coronary artery disease, 30.3% had diabetic mellitus, and 61.9% had hypertension (HT) history. Conclusion: The incidence of AIS was statistically significantly higher in older age groups, with 72.5% of patients between the ages of 60 and 89. The distribution of HT, diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation by gender in patient backgrounds was found to be significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05).

1094. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Persons Fully Vaccinated with Two Doses of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Compared with Persons with Partial or No Vaccination Reported, U.S. National MIS-C Surveillance

Abstract Background CDC began collecting COVID-19 vaccination status of persons with MIS-C as part of national surveillance in May, 2021. We describe and compare MIS-C in fully vaccinated persons with MIS-C in persons with partial or no vaccination reported. Methods We identified COVID-19 vaccine age-eligible persons meeting the CDC MIS-C case definition reported by health departments as of March 28, 2022 and divided them into 3 groups for this analysis: 1) fully vaccinated (receipt of a 2-dose mRNA primary vaccine series with MIS-C onset ≥28 days after vaccine dose 2 to account for the delay between infection and MIS-C), 2) partially vaccinated (MIS-C onset after dose 1 or &amp;lt; 28 days from dose 2 or receipt of Janssen [Johnson &amp; Johnson] vaccine and 3) no vaccination reported. We compared characteristics between the groups. Results Of 7,880 MIS-C cases reported, 1,085 were vaccine eligible: 45 were fully vaccinated, 64 partially vaccinated, and 976 had no vaccine reported. Demographic characteristics were similar, although the Northeast had the lowest percentage of persons with vaccination not reported (Table). Though not statistically significant, fully vaccinated persons less frequently had severe cardiac involvement (67% vs 74%), shock (33% vs 44%), severe hematologic involvement (47% vs 54%), and mucocutaneous involvement (53% vs 63%) compared with those with no vaccine reported (Table). Forty-four percent of those fully vaccinated required ICU-level care vs 59% with no vaccine reported (p=0.053). Nineteen (2%) of those without vaccine reported died; no fully or partially vaccinated persons died. Table.Demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with MIS-C with COVID-19 vaccine not reported compared to partially and fully vaccinated individuals Conclusion Persons who acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection after being fully vaccinated can develop MIS-C, with similar clinical characteristics to those with no vaccination reported. A lower but not statistically significant percentage of fully vaccinated persons required ICU-level care compared with those without vaccination, and there were no deaths in the fully vaccinated group. These data do not account for trends in MIS-C over time, including the influence of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants on MIS-C clinical manifestations. We will continue to evaluate these comparisons as the sample size of reported MIS-C cases increases. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Altered Effective Connectivity of the Primary Motor Cortex in Transient Ischemic Attack.

This study is aimed at exploring alteration in motor-related effective connectivity in individuals with transient ischemic attack (TIA). A total of 48 individuals with TIA and 41 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study. The participants were scanned using MRI, and their clinical characteristics were collected. To investigate motor-related effective connectivity differences between individuals with TIA and HCs, the bilateral primary motor cortex (M1) was used as the regions of interest (ROIs) to perform a whole-brain Granger causality analysis (GCA). Furthermore, partial correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between GCA values and the clinical characteristics of individuals with TIA. Compared with HCs, individuals with TIA demonstrated alterations in the effective connectivity between M1 and widely distributed brain regions involved in motor, visual, auditory, and sensory integration. In addition, GCA values were significantly correlated with high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols in individuals with TIA. This study provides important evidence for the alteration of motor-related effective connectivity in TIA, which reflects the abnormal information flow between different brain regions. This could help further elucidate the pathological mechanisms of motor impairment in individuals with TIA and provide a new perspective for future early diagnosis and intervention for TIA.

Association Between NLR and NAFLD in Adults Exposed to Famine in Early Life.

AimExposure to famine in early life has been shown to increase the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a risk factor for developing NAFLD. However, it is not clear that the association between NLR and NAFLD in individuals who were exposed to famine in early life.MethodsTo match for age, we selected two group populations from Xuzhou city, China, on two different occasions, 2013 and 2017. The group recruited in 2013 included participants who were born during a period of great famine in China. Participants in the another group recruited in 2017 were born between 1965 and 1968. Clinical characteristics of individuals as well as serology indexes were examined for all participants. Ultrasonography to diagnose NAFLD was performed by trained doctors. A total of 10,574 participants were included in the final analysis.ResultsIndividuals born during the famine period have a higher NAFLD prevalence than those who had not been exposed to famine and these findings were similar for both sexes (male: 57.6% vs 48.9%, female: 47.6% vs 40.3%). The prevalence of NAFLD according to NLR quartiles in those exposed to famine was 49.5%, 52.7%, 52.9% and 55.5% for Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 NLR, respectively, and was higher than that in non-exposed to famine group. After adjusting for age, BMI, and other metabolic variables, the association between NLR and NAFLD disappeared in the non-famine group. The non-linear relationship between NLR and NAFLD was found in those who had been exposed to famine.ConclusionIndividuals who were exposed to famine in early life have a higher prevalence of NAFLD than those who were not exposed. Compared with lower NLR levels, elevated NLR is a risk factor for developing NAFLD. However, there is a non-linear relationship between NLR and the risk of developing NAFLD.

Relationships Between Active Myofascial Trigger Points and Depressive Symptoms and Physical and Clinical Characteristics of Individuals With Shoulder Pain: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships between the presence and number of active myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in shoulder muscles and physical and demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, pain and function, range of motion (ROM), and strength in individuals with shoulder pain. MethodsFifty-eight individuals were assessed for physical and demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, shoulder pain and function, MTPs (upper and lower trapezius, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus), shoulder ROM and strength test, and pain during ROM and strength test. Relationships were verified using point-biserial (rpb), Spearman correlation test, and multiple linear regression analysis. ResultsWe found weak to moderate (P < .05) correlations between presence and number of MTPs and depressive symptoms (rpb, 0.28-0.32), pain during ROM (rpb, 0.36-0.40), pain during strength test (rpb, 0.29-0.38), and shoulder function (rpb, –0.29 to 0.33) and strength (rpb, 0.26-0.34). MTPs in the infraspinatus contributed 10% (R² = 0.10; P < .05) to depressive symptoms; in the upper and lower trapezius contributed 27% (R² = 0.27; P < .05) to pain during internal rotation ROM; in the upper trapezius contributed 15% (R² = 0.15; P < .01) to pain during internal rotation strength test and 14% to pain during internal rotation ROM (R² = 0.14; P < .01); and in the supraspinatus contributed 17% (R² = 0.17; P < .01) to pain during external rotation ROM. ConclusionThis study found that MTPs in individuals with shoulder pain contributed to depressive symptoms and pain during internal and external rotation ROM and internal rotation strength test.

A study to eveluate the outcome of psychosocial intervention on motivation and readiness to change among individuals with alcohol use disorder at Dharwad institute of mental health and neurosciences (DIMHANS) Dharwad

Background of the study and objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of psychosocial intervention on Motivation and Readiness to change among individuals with Alcohol use disorder at DIMHANS, Dharwad. The study was conducted with following objectives: (1) To assess the motivation and readiness to change among individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder. (2) To evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial intervention by comparing post-intervention motivation and readiness to change scores of experimental and control group subjects. (3) To find out the correlation between motivation and readiness to change (4) To find out association between motivation and readiness to change with selected demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with alcohol use disorder.Research methodology: For the present study, quasi experimental non-equivalent control group pre-test post-test design was adopted. The independent variable was psychosocial intervention and dependent variable was Motivation and Readiness to change scores of alcohol use disorder patients. By using convenient sampling technique 60 alcohol use disorder patients were selected from psychiatric wards of DIMHANS Dharwad, based on the convenience first 30 subjects were taken to control group and next 30 subjects were taken to experimental group.The Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) and University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale – URICA was used to collect the data on assessing Motivation and Readiness to change among individuals with alcohol use disorder. The pre-test was conducted for both experimental and control group subjects. Psychosocial intervention was administered to experimental group subjects in 4 sessions for 10 days. Post-test was conducted on 11th day after the intervention for both the groups.Results: Majority (70%) were in the age group 18-40yrs. 60% of the subjects were having secondary education. 28.33% of the subjects were farmers and private workers. 81.67% of the subjects were married. Largest proportions of participants were residing in rural area. In terms of clinical characteristics, 93.33% of the subjects were having the family history of substance abuse, 63.33% of the subjects were started to consume alcohol above the age of 18 years, among them 80% of the subjects were having peer pressure.Subjects in experimental group improved in motivation and readiness to change scores compared to control group subjects at post-tests level. There was a significant positive correlation between motivation and readiness to change scores among alcohol subjects.Interpretation and conclusion: The present study implies that nurse should involve in conducting psycho social intervention programme to improve the Motivation and readiness to change behaviour of alcohol dependents and help them to have a balanced lifestyle.

Development of a natural language processing algorithm to detect chronic cough in electronic health records

BackgroundChronic cough (CC) is difficult to identify in electronic health records (EHRs) due to the lack of specific diagnostic codes. We developed a natural language processing (NLP) model to identify cough in free-text provider notes in EHRs from multiple health care providers with the objective of using the model in a rules-based CC algorithm to identify individuals with CC from EHRs and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with CC.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study of enrollees in Optum’s Integrated Clinical + Claims Database. Participants were 18–85 years of age with medical and pharmacy health insurance coverage between January 2016 and March 2017. A labeled reference standard data set was constructed by manually annotating 1000 randomly selected provider notes from the EHRs of enrollees with ≥ 1 cough mention. An NLP model was developed to extract positive or negated cough contexts. NLP, cough diagnosis and medications identified cough encounters. Patients with ≥ 3 encounters spanning at least 56 days within 120 days were defined as having CC.ResultsThe positive predictive value and sensitivity of the NLP algorithm were 0.96 and 0.68, respectively, for positive cough contexts, and 0.96 and 0.84, respectively, for negated cough contexts. Among the 4818 individuals identified as having CC, 37% were identified using NLP-identified cough mentions in provider notes alone, 16% by diagnosis codes and/or written medication orders, and 47% through a combination of provider notes and diagnosis codes/medications. Chronic cough patients were, on average, 61.0 years and 67.0% were female. The most prevalent comorbidities were respiratory infections (75%) and other lower respiratory disease (82%).ConclusionsOur EHR-based algorithm integrating NLP methodology with structured fields was able to identify a CC population. Machine learning based approaches can therefore aid in patient selection for future CC research studies.

Demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome data from 2 global, phase 3 trials of chronic cough

BackgroundThe current characterization of patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough (RCC and UCC, respectively) primarily stems from relatively small clinical studies. ObjectiveTo report the baseline medical history and clinical characteristics of individuals with RCC or UCC who were enrolled in COUGH-1 and COUGH-2, 2 large, global, phase 3 trials of gefapixant, a P2 × 3-receptor antagonist. MethodsAdults with a chronic cough lasting for more than 1 year, diagnosis of RCC or UCC, and score greater than 40 mm on a 100-mm cough severity visual analog scale at both screening and baseline were eligible for enrollment. Demographics, medical history, and cough characteristics were collected at baseline. Cough-related measures included objective cough frequency, cough severity visual analog scale, Leicester Cough Questionnaire, and Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics. ResultsOf 2044 participants, 75% were women; mean age was 58 years, and mean cough duration was approximately 11 years. Among all participants, 73% were previously diagnosed with asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or upper airway cough syndrome. The mean Leicester Cough Questionnaire total score was 10.4, with domain scores reflecting impaired cough-specific quality of life across physical, psychological, and social domains. The mean Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire score was 39.6, with some of the most burdensome reported items being consistent with features of cough-reflex hypersensitivity. Participant characteristics and cough burden were comparable across geographic regions. ConclusionParticipants with RCC or UCC had characteristics consistent with published demographics associated with chronic cough. These data reflect a global population with burdensome cough of long duration and substantial impairment to quality of life. Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: COUGH-1, NCT03449134 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03449134); COUGH-2, NCT03449147 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03449147).