Major University Hospital Research Articles

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and colorectal cancer risk: a large case control study in the Moroccan population.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern associated with several health benefits, including reduction of risk for various cancers. We conducted a study to investigate associations between adherence to the MD and colorectal cancer (CRC) subtype risk among Moroccan adults. A matched case-control study. The five major university hospitals in Morocco. A total of 3032 subjects (1516 CRC patients and 1516 controls) matched on age, sex and center, were recruited between September 2009 and February 2017 at five major hospitals in Morocco. Diet was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed through a score, ranging from 0 (no adherence) to 10 (maximal adherence) and divided into three categories (low, middle and high). Conditional logistic regression was performed to calculate multivariable odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with low adherence (score 0-3) as referent, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Close adherence to the Mediterranean diet (score 6-9) was associated with reduced risk of CRC (ORa = 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.86); rectal cancer (ORa = 0.73, 95% CI 0.58- 0.90) and colon cancer (ORa = 0.74, 95% CI 0.60-0.92). Our study, conducted in a southern Mediterranean population, adds to the evidence suggesting a protective effect of MD against CRC risk.

Detecting freezing of gait: A comprehensive toolkit for enhanced Parkinson's assessment.

Detecting Freezing of Gait (FOG) poses challenges, with the subjective 6-item FOG Questionnaire relying solely on patient perception. We aim to create a holistic FOG Detection Toolkit combining subjective and objective elements (descriptions, images, and videos) to improve FOG detection precision. Development of the FOG Detection Toolkit involved a detailed cover sheet on FOG and its triggers, along with video exemplars and a 4-item FOG-specific self-assessment questionnaire, all rigorously validated. The toolkit was administered to 100 eligible consecutive Parkinson's disease (PD) patients at a PD referral clinic in a major public university hospital in Thailand. The FOG Detection Toolkit results are based on the total score from a 4-item FOG-specific self-assessment questionnaire (range: 0-16). Freezers were identified by scores ≥6. The cover sheet, images, and videos displayed robust content validity and inter-rater reliability. The 4-item questionnaire exhibited high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (100%), with a substantial Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.990 and satisfactory construct validity (r=0.68; p=0.01). Users reported positive pragmatic (1.75) and hedonic (1.34) experiences. Patients with FOG scored significantly higher on the Toolkit and demonstrated distinct gait parameters (p<0.001). The FOG Detection Toolkit showcases strong diagnostic performance, adequate construct validity, and positive user experience, facilitating accurate FOG detection. Its utility extends outside clinical environments, promising broader applicability for FOG management.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Patients with Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

Background: Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms account for 3% to 7% of intracranial aneurysms. They have increased risk of premature rupture during surgery and tend to have a higher morbidity. We aim to determine the clinical characteristics, management strategies and outcomes of patients with these aneurysms who underwent microsurgical clipping at a major university hospital in Nepal.Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms who underwent microsurgical clipping between 2012-2022. Demographic data and clinical-radiological factors like Hunt and Hess grade, aneurysm location, and modified Rankin scale score at three, six, and 12 months were collected.Results: A total of 26 aneurysms were microsurgically clipped in 20 patients in ten years. Most patients presented with Hunt and Hess grade II. Of the 26 aneurysms, 16 (62%) were in A3 segment. Six patients had associated anterior communicating artery aneurysm, two patients had middle cerebral artery aneurysm and two patients had associated arteriovenous malformation. Sixteen patients (80%) had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤2) at 12 months follow-up.Conclusions: Aneurysms in the distal anterior cerebral artery locations are a challenging subset of aneurysms to treat. The majority of the patients had aneurysms in A3 segment and 80% patients had a favourable outcome at 12 months follow up period. Keywords: Aneurysm; distal anterior cerebral artery; outcome; subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Enhanced Metabolic Control in a Pediatric Population with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Using Hybrid Closed-Loop and Predictive Low-Glucose Suspend Insulin Pump Treatments.

Insulin pumps coupled with continuous glucose monitoring sensors use algorithms to analyze real-time blood glucose levels. This allows for the suspension of insulin administration before hypoglycemic thresholds are reached or for adaptive tuning in hybrid closed-loop systems. This longitudinal retrospective study aims to analyze real-world glycemic outcomes in a pediatric population transitioning to such devices. We evaluated children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) admitted to the Pediatric Diabetes Department from a major University Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, who transitioned to hybrid closed-loop or predictive low-glucose suspend system from either non-automated insulin pumps or multiple daily injections. The primary outcome was assessing the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) after initiating these devices. Secondary outcomes analyzed changes in glucose metrics from the 90 days prior to the baseline and follow-up visit. 51 children were included (58.8% girls), the mean age was 10.3 ± 3.7 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 13.2 ± 4.5 months. The analyzed parameters, such as HbA1c (6.9 ± 0.7% vs. 6.7 ± 0.6%, p = 0.023), time in range (69.3 ± 11.2% vs. 76 ± 9.9%, p < 0.001), time in tight range (47.4 ± 10.9% vs. 53.7 ± 10.7%, p < 0.001), time below range (5.6 ± 2.9% vs. 3.5 ± 1.9%, p < 0.001), time above range (25 ± 11.2% vs. 20.4 ± 9.4%, p = 0.001), and coefficient of variation (37.9 ± 4.8% vs. 35.6 ± 4.6%, p = 0.001), showed significant improvements. The application of these sensor-integrated insulin pumps can significantly enhance metabolic control in pediatric populations, minimizing glycemic variations to mitigate complications and enrich the quality of life.

The cumulative risk and severity of postoperative complications in patients with frailty undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery-A prospective cohort study.

Major emergency abdominal surgery (MEAS) has high morbidity and mortality rates. With an aging and frail population, understanding the impact of frailty on postoperative complications is crucial. This prospective cohort study was conducted at a major university hospital in Denmark from October 1, 2020, to January 1, 2024. A total of 733 patients undergoing MEAS were assessed for frailty using the clinical frailty scale (CFS) at admission and grouped into low (CFS 1-3), moderate (CFS 4-6), and high (CFS 7-9) frailty categories. Postoperative complications were classified by the Clavien-Dindo score and comprehensive complication index (CCI) until discharge. Patients with CFS one to three had 140 complications per 100 patients, CFS four to six had 267 complications per 100 patients, and CFS seven to nine had 297 complications per 100 patients (p<0.001). Increased frailty was associated with higher severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo score). Median CCI scores were 8.7 (CFS 1-3), 29.6 (CFS 4-6), and 38.2 (CFS 7-9) (p<0.001). The cumulative risk of complications was higher in patients with CFS four to six and seven to nine. Higher frailty scores correlate with an increased number and severity of complications as well as a greater overall burden of postoperative complications. The clinical frailty scale is effective for preoperative identification of high-risk patients. The study was approved by the Capital Region of Denmark (P-2020-1166 and R-21038079) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (P-2021-431).

HeadCTDosi: A python-based automated calculation of head water equivalent diameter and size specific dose estimate based on AAPM 220 report

The aim of the current study is to propose an algorithm for the automated calculation of water-equivalent diameter (Dw) and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) from clinical computed tomography (CT) images in head protocol context, a python-based algorithm was developed in order to execute an interface to read DICOM images and compute the mentioned metrics. All CT datasets were retrospectively acquired by the Siemens emotion 16 C T scanner. The algorithm developed in this study presents a novel approach for preprocessing and analyzing DICOM images obtained from head CT scans. Exploiting a custom Python script, the preprocessing pipeline begins with the conversion of pixel values to Hounsfield Units (HU) to ensure quantitative analysis accuracy. Subsequently, Gaussian filtering reduced noise while preserving essential features, followed by thresholding using Otsu's method for head region segmentation. Morphological operations refined the binary mask, which enhanced the method for contour detection via active contours. The outcome of this procedure is an accurate measurement of the head size metrics, including lateral (LAT) and anteroposterior (AP) dimensions, effective diameter (Deff), and water equivalent diameter (Dw). Statistical analyses are performed to derive mean statistics and compute SSDE using a conversion factor derived from Dw. Validation of the proposed algorithm used images of patients who had undergone head examination in a major pediatric university hospital. The proposed algorithm was compared to IndoseCT v20 b for Dw and SSDE calculations. The Dw values from HeadCTDosi were strongly correlated to those of IndoseCT by R2 = 0.97 and the SSDE values also presented high correlation of R2 = 0.93. This study presents an improved algorithm for calculating Dw and SSDE in the context of head CT, which notably can outperform the manual, subjective, and time-consuming process of contouring the head region, positioning it as a potentially essential tool for routine clinical dose monitoring.

Evaluating the Economic Impact of the PedAMINES App in Reducing Medication Errors in Pediatric Emergency Care: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

The administration of drugs in pediatric emergency care is a time-consuming process and is associated with a higher occurrence of medication errors compared with adult care. This is attributed to the intricacies of administration, which involve calculating doses based on the child's weight or age. To mitigate the occurrence of adverse drug events (ADEs), the PedAMINES (Pediatric Accurate Medication in Emergency Situations; Geneva University Hospitals) mobile app has been developed. This app offers a step-by-step guide for preparing and administering pediatric drugs during emergency interventions by automating the dose calculation process. Although previous simulation-based randomized controlled trials conducted in emergency care have demonstrated the efficacy of the PedAMINES app in reducing drug administration errors, there is a lack of evidence regarding its economic implications. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of implementing the PedAMINES app for 4 emergency drugs: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and midazolam. The economic evaluation was conducted by combining hospital data from 2019, previous trial outcomes, information extracted from existing literature, and PedAMINES maintenance costs. The cost per avoided medication error was calculated, along with the number of administrations needed to achieve a positive return on investment. Subsequently, Monte Carlo simulations were used to identify the key parameters contributing to result uncertainty. The study revealed the number of preventable errors per administration for the 4 examined drugs: 0.513 for epinephrine, 0.484 for norepinephrine, 0.500 for dopamine, and 0.671 for midazolam. The cost-effectiveness ratios per ADE prevented were computed as follows: US $4808 for epinephrine, US $9705 for norepinephrine, US $6957 for dopamine, and US $2074 for midazolam. Accounting for the economic impact of ADEs, the analysis estimated that 16 administrations of epinephrine, 17 of norepinephrine and dopamine, and 13 of midazolam would be required to attain a positive return on investment. This corresponds to roughly one-third of the annual administrations at a major university hospital in Switzerland. The primary factors influencing the uncertainty in the estimated cost per ADE include the cost of maintenance of the app, the likelihood of an ADE resulting from an administration error, and the frequency of underdosing in the trial's control group. A dedicated mobile app presents an economically viable solution to alleviate the health and economic burden of drug administration errors in in-hospital pediatric emergency care. The widespread adoption of this app is advocated to pool costs and extend the benefits on a national scale in Switzerland.

Predominance of blaNDM- and blaIMP-Harboring Escherichia coli Belonging to Clonal Complexes 131 and 23 in a Major University Hospital.

Background and Objectives: Carbapenem resistance is a growing global challenge for healthcare, and, therefore, monitoring its prevalence and patterns is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to mitigate its impact on patient outcomes and public health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistance among Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains in the largest tertiary care hospital of the capital territory of Pakistan and to characterize the isolates for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Additionally, the most prevalent sequence types were analyzed. Materials and Methods: A total of 15,467 clinical samples were collected from November 2020 to May 2022, underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance genes through conventional PCR and sequence typing using MLST. Results: In carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CR-EC), 74.19% of isolates harbored the blaNDM gene, with blaNDM-1 (66.96%), blaNDM-5 (12.17%), and blaNDM-7 (20.87%) variants detected. Additionally, blaIMP was found in 25.81% and blaOXA-48 in 35.48% of isolates. The presence of blaCTX-M15 and blaTEM was identified in 83.87% and 73.55% of CR-EC isolates, respectively, while armA and rmtB were detected in 40% and 65.16% of isolates, respectively. Colistin and tigecycline were the most effective drugs against CR-EC isolates, with both showing an MIC50 of 0.5 µg/mL. The MIC90 for colistin was 1 µg/mL, while for tigecycline, it was 2 µg/mL. MLST analysis revealed that the CR-EC isolates belonged to ST131 (24.52%), ST2279 (23.87%), ST3499 (16.13%), ST8051 (15.48%), ST8900 (9.68%), ST3329 (7.10%), ST88 (1.94%), and ST6293 (1.29%). The ST131 complex (70.97%) was the most prevalent, harboring 95.65% of the blaNDM gene, while the ST23 complex (18.06%) harbored 62.50% of the blaIMP gene. Conclusions: Implementing large-scale surveillance studies to monitor the spread of specific pathogens, along with active infection control policies, is crucial for the effective containment and prevention of future epidemics.

Increased knee-extension strength and steps per day after a novel post-hospitalization rehabilitative program in older adults (65+): Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled single-blinded trial using an expanded sample size

IntroductionOlder adults are at risk of developing new or worsened disability when hospitalized for acute medical illness. This study is a secondary analysis of the STAND-Cph trial on the effect of a simple strength training intervention initiated during hospitalization and continued after discharge. We investigated the between-group difference in change in functional performance outcomes, the characteristics of patients who experienced a relevant effect of the intervention, and the characteristics of those who were compliant with the intervention, using an expanded sample size as protocolized. MethodsThe STAND-Cph was a randomized controlled trial conducted at a major Danish university hospital. Acutely admitted older adult patients (65+) from the Emergency Department were randomized to the intervention group receiving progressive strength training and a protein supplement during and after hospitalization (12 sessions over 4 weeks) or control group receiving usual care. The primary outcome was the de Morton Mobility Index assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after discharge. The secondary outcomes were 24-h mobility (assessed by ActivPAL accelerometers), isometric knee-extension strength, 30 s. sit-to-stand performance, and habitual gait speed. ResultsBetween September 2013 and September 2018, a total of 158 patients were included and randomized to either the intervention group (N = 80; mean age 79.9 ± 7.6 years) or the control group (N = 78; mean age 80.8 ± 7.4 years). We found no significant between-group difference in change in our primary outcome (p > 0.05). Both the intention-to-treat (difference in change 0.14 Nm/kg (95 % CI 0.03;0.24), p = 0.01) and the per protocol (difference in change 0.16 Nm/kg (95 % CI 0.04;0.29), p = 0.008) analyses showed that between baseline and 4 weeks, knee-extension strength increased significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group. Also, the per protocol analysis showed that the intervention group increased their daily number of steps significantly more than the control group (difference in change 1088 steps (95 % CI 44; 2132); p = 0.04). When examining subgroups of patients, we found no significant differences neither between those who experienced a clinically relevant improvement in the de Morton Mobility Index and those who did not, nor between those who were compliant and those who were not. ConclusionThis exploratory analysis indicates that while simple progressive strength training and protein supplementation does not improve functional performance assessed by the de Morton Mobility Index, it can benefit specific facets of physical activity and muscle strength among geriatric patients.

Awareness of down syndrome screening among educated Muslim women is associated with a favorable attitude toward testing

ObjectiveThere is a general assumption that Muslim women refuse Down syndrome screening, and therefore, many health practitioners do not offer it or briefly discuss it with their participants. This study aims to objectively assess women’s awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward Down Syndrome screening (D.S.S) in a Muslim-majority population.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among attendees of antenatal clinics at a major university hospital in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a sample size of at least 385 Muslim women. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed awareness of different D.S.S. options and the source of that information (2 items), specific knowledge of D.S.S. (14 items), and attitudes (4 items). The knowledge and attitudes scores were calculated using a five-level agreement Likert-type scale.ResultsAmong 434 participants, with an even distribution among all age groups and a majority of a college degree holder or higher (71%), 178 (41.0%) reported awareness of D.S.S. Factors associated with increased awareness were maternal age above 40 or those under 30, nulliparity, and extended family history of fetal congenital anomalies (P-value = 0.03,0.015, and 0.017, respectively). Recognized tests were ultrasound measurement of nuchal translucency (71.9%) and first-trimester serum screening (58.4%). The sources of knowledge were obstetricians (53.9%), followed by family and friends (27.0%). The overall mean ± SD knowledge score was 53.9 ± 8.7 out of 70, and the mean attitude score was 17.4 ± 2.9 out of 20. Having 1 or 2 children is associated with a higher knowledge score, and most participants who reported awareness of D.S.S. (51.7%) had a favorable attitude toward screening.ConclusionAwareness of D.S.S. among Muslim women is associated with favorable attitudes towards testing, contradicting the general assumption and highlighting the need for systematic education to increase awareness and subsequent testing uptake.

The sample locator: A federated search tool for biosamples and associated data in Europe using HL7 FHIR

BackgroundThis study outlines the development of a highly interoperable federated IT infrastructure for academic biobanks located at the major university hospital sites across Germany. High-quality biosamples linked to clinical data, stored in biobanks are essential for biomedical research. We aimed to facilitate the findability of these biosamples and their associated data. Networks of biobanks provide access to even larger pools of samples and data even from rare diseases and small disease subgroups. The German Biobank Alliance (GBA) established in 2017 under the umbrella of the German Biobank Node (GBN), has taken on the mission of a federated data discovery service to make biosamples and associated data available to researchers across Germany and Europe. MethodsIn this context, we identified the requirements of researchers seeking human biosamples from biobanks and the needs of biobanks for data sovereignty over their samples and data in conjunction with the sample donor's consent. Based on this, we developed a highly interoperable federated IT infrastructure using standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (HL7 FHIR) and Clinical Quality Language (CQL). ResultsThe infrastructure comprises two major components enabling federated real-time access to biosample metadata, allowing privacy-compliant queries and subsequent project requests. It has been in use since 2019, connecting 16 German academic biobanks, with additional European biobanks joining. In production since 2019 it has run 4941 queries over the span of one year on more than 900,000 biosamples collected from more than 170,000 donors. ConclusionThis infrastructure enhances the visibility and accessibility of biosamples for research, addressing the growing demand for human biosamples and associated data in research. It also underscores the need for improvements in processes beyond IT infrastructure, aiming to advance biomedical research and similar infrastructure development in other fields.

A closer look at utilized radiation doses during chest CT for COVID-19 patients

This study examined radiation exposure from CT scans performed on 500 adult COVID-19 patients at two major university hospitals in Morocco. A robust correlation (r = 0.82) was found between patient size and Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE), which ranged from 10.11 to 17.87 mGy. The mean CTDIvol was 6.7 mGy, contrasting markedly with the mean SSDE of 12.81 mGy. This highlights a substantial difference, with the SSDE-to-CTDIvol ratio being approximately 1.91. Notably, the SSDE was nearly twice as high as the CTDIvol, underscoring the vulnerability of obese COVID-19 patients. Evaluation of different CT scanner models showed higher radiation doses associated with the Siemens Somaton Emotion 16 compared to the GE Optima CT520 Series, emphasizing the need to account for scanner-specific factors in dose optimization protocols. A comparison of chest CT reference doses (DRL) from this study with international data showed a lower mean CTDIvol here (6.7 mGy) than reported in other countries. However, the DRL in terms of DLP is in the same range or lower as compared to others. Using the BEIR VII model, the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer from COVID-19 chest CTs was estimated. Elevated risks of lung cancer in both genders and increased breast cancer risk in females were projected, albeit with limitations regarding overestimated cancer incidence. The high effective dose values, approaching 15.3 mSv, underscore the need for dose optimization, especially in obese COVID-19 patients receiving chest CTs.

Enhancing Diagnosis and Prognosis by Assessing the Clinical, Morphological, and Behavior Aspects in Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are an uncommon and diverse group of cancers, consisting of more than 80 different kinds, each showing unique mesenchymal differentiation as described by the World Health Organization (WHO). The prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis mostly depend on the size, depth, and histological grade of the lymphatic involvement. Improved prognostic indicators are necessary to identify patients at high risk who may derive advantages from adjuvant therapy and those at low risk who might avoid treatment-related side effects. Over a period of five years, a considerable number of patients experience the recurrence of the tumor in the same area or the metastasis of the disease to other parts of the body, even after the complete removal of the localized tumor through surgery. To further personalize and focus medicines, it is critical to enhance prediction accuracy and uncover new therapy targets. This is particularly important considering the high mortality and morbidity rate associated with metastatic STS. The significant diversity of STS poses difficulty in comprehending its pathobiology and in converting biological progress into therapeutic application. This prospective cohort study was carried out at a major university hospital to ascertain adult patients who were diagnosed with STS of the extremities between the period from 2018 to 2023. The inclusion criteria were individuals who were 18 years of age or older with a histological diagnosis of STS. The exclusion criteria encompassed individuals with malignancies other than STS and those with inadequate data on essential factors. Thorough assessments were conducted to analyze patient demographics, tumor features (including site, size, depth, neurovascular or bone invasion), and histologic type and grade (according to the French Federation of Cancer Centers (FNCLCC) grading system). The purpose was to find predictive markers and evaluate results. The results are consistent with previous research and enhance our current knowledge of STS prognosis. Key prognostic markers for metastasis and mortality risk include tumor size larger than 5 cm, histologic grade, and sarcoma subtype. Radical surgical procedures, such as amputation or disarticulation, did not show any survival advantage, probably because they were used in situations where the disease had already progressed locally and had significant involvement in the blood vessels. Histologic grading has been identified as the most important factor in predicting the likelihood of metastasis in adult STSs. The study found that most tumors were of high grade, and there was a statistically significant association between tumor grade, Ki67 levels, and overall survival. A small proportion of patients experienced prolonged longevity beyond five years, emphasizing the connection between early detection, tumors of lesser severity, and enhanced results. These observations emphasize the significance of accurate prognostic assessments and customized therapeutic approaches in the treatment of STS.

Prevalence of Hepatitis D in People Living with HIV: A National Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

This study assesses the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Greece. Given the compounding effects of HDV and hepatitis B (HBV) on liver disease progression, as well as the emergence of new therapeutic options such as bulevirtide, understanding regional disparities and the epidemiological impact of such co-infections is vital. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted utilizing 696 serum samples from PLWHIV attending five major university hospitals. The methodology included HDV antibody detection by ELISA and HDV RNA confirmation. Of the 30 HBsAg-positive samples analyzed, the study population was primarily male (93%), with a median age of 54 years. Participants had been on antiretroviral therapy for a median of 10 years, and the median CD4 count was 738 (539-1006) copies/mL. Additional serological findings revealed a 7% prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) IgG antibodies and a 55% prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG antibodies. Seroreactivity for syphilis (RPR/VDRL/TPHA positive) was identified in 33% of the participants. The results indicated a low HDV prevalence, with only one individual (3%) testing positive for anti-HDV IgG antibodies and none for HDV RNA. This indicates a lower prevalence of HDV among PLWHIV with chronic HBV in Greece compared to global data.

Testing Hepatitis E Seroprevalence among HIV-Infected Patients in Greece: The SHIP Study.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses significant health concerns worldwide, particularly among people living with HIV (PLWHIV), due to an increased risk of chronic infection and progression to cirrhosis in individuals with low CD4 cell counts. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, chronicity potential, and risk factors of HEV infection among PLWHIV in Greece, where data are currently absent. A synchronic multicentric study encompassing five major Greek university hospitals was executed over 24 months, recruiting 696 PLWHIV participants. The prevalence of HEV IgG antibodies was 16.5%, with 8.6% showing evidence of acute HEV infection (HEV IgM). Active viral replication (HEV RNA) was present in 2.3% of the study population. Longitudinal analysis revealed that of the 25 initially anti-HEV IgM-positive individuals, only 3 seroconverted to IgG positivity, and among those with prior HEV RNA positivity (16), none showed evidence of active replication in subsequent tests. Comparative subgroup analysis highlighted the lack of significant differences in HIV-related parameters between HEV seropositive and seronegative individuals. Laboratory evaluations generally showed no significant disparities across most parameters; however, a higher seropositivity for Hepatitis A was observed in the HEV-positive subgroup. Our findings highlight a considerable prevalence of HEV among PLWHIV in Greece, with no observed cases of chronicity.

Comparative Mortality Analysis in Febrile and Afebrile Emergency Department Patients with Positive Blood Cultures: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective analysis at a major Italian university hospital (January 2018–September 2022) assessed the prognostic significance of fever in patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). Of the 1299 patients with positive blood cultures, a comparison between febrile and afebrile patients at emergency department admission was conducted. This study particularly focused on the mortality rates associated with these two groups. Notably, afebrile patients exhibited a higher mortality rate. The odds ratio for mortality in afebrile patients was significantly higher compared to febrile patients. This suggests that the absence of fever might be an indicator of increased mortality risk, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing bloodstream infections based on fever presence. This study contributes to the understanding of fever as a diagnostic marker in emergency settings.

The MAPSTROKE project: A computational strategy to improve access to acute stroke care.

Global access to acute stroke treatment is variable worldwide, with notable gaps in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), especially in rural areas. Ensuring a standardized method for pinpointing the existing regional coverage and proposing potential sites for new stroke centers is essential to change this scenario. To create and apply computational strategies (CSs) to determine optimal locations for new acute stroke centers (ASCs), with a pilot application in nine Latin American regions/countries. Hospitals treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and meeting the minimum infrastructure requirements per structured protocols were categorized as ASCs. Hospitals with emergency departments, noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scanners, and 24/7 laboratories were identified as potential acute stroke centers (PASCs). Hospital geolocation data were collected and mapped using the OpenStreetMap data set. A 45-min drive radius was considered the ideal coverage area for each hospital based on the drive speeds from the OpenRouteService database. Population data, including demographic density, were obtained from the Kontur Population data sets. The proposed CS assessed the population covered by ASCs and proposed new ASCs or artificial points (APs) settled in densely populated areas to achieve a target population coverage (TPC) of 95%. The observed coverage in the region presented significant disparities, ranging from 0% in the Bahamas to 73.92% in Trinidad and Tobago. No country/region reached the 95% TPC using only its current ASCs or PASCs, leading to the proposal of APs. For example, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, the introduction of 132 new centers was suggested. Furthermore, it was observed that most ASCs were in major urban hubs or university hospitals, leaving rural areas largely underserved. The MAPSTROKE project has the potential to provide a systematic approach to identify areas with limited access to stroke centers and propose solutions for increasing access to AIS treatment. Data used for this publication are available from the authors upon reasonable request.

The relationship between peritraumatic distress, mental health symptoms, and functioning impairment in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 emergency.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were considered a population at risk for developing psychiatric symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Peritraumatic distress is associated with post-traumatic psychopathological symptoms; however, little is known about how it may affect functioning. The study aimed at evaluating the level of peritraumatic distress in a sample of HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and at examining the relationship between peritraumatic distress, mental health symptoms, and functioning impairment. A sample of 554 frontline HCWs were consecutively enrolled in major university hospitals and community services in Italy. The PDI, IES-R, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were used to assess peritraumatic distress, symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, respectively, and the WSAS to investigate functioning impairment. PDI scores were higher among females, community services, physicians, and nurses. Furthermore, the PDI correlated significantly with the GAD-7, PHQ-9, IES-R, and WSAS. In a mediation analysis, the direct effect of PDI on WSAS and the indirect effects through the PHQ-9 and IES-R were statistically significant (P<.001). Peritraumatic distress reported by HCWs was associated with symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, but the association with reduced functioning may be only partially mediated through symptoms of depression and PTSD.

Syrian crises effect on specialty choice and the decision to work in the country among residents of six major hospitals in Syria, Damascus.

Assessing the impact of war on medical residents' specialty choices and migration decisions is critical to ensure the sustainability of healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Syrian crisis on specialty choices, related factors, and decisions to work in Syria among residents of six major university hospitals in Damascus. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire from 20/4/2022 to 20/5/2022, including all eligible residents with no missing data. The questionnaire was comprised of 68 items, and residents were divided into two groups: group 1 included residents who made their specialty choice after the end of the military war in Damascus 2018, while group 2 included residents who made their specialty choice (the point of submitting their lists and applying for residency) during the war. A total of 370 residents were included, with 38.4% females and 61.6% males. Our findings revealed that 30% of residents preferred working in Syria, while 43.5% preferred working abroad. The factor of a "safer and more stable life" was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (3.86>3.5, p-value = 0.026). Additionally, Group 1 residents were more likely to choose radiology, pathology, laboratory, and psychiatry specialization as their specialties, while choosing surgical specializations and hematology decreased compared to Group 2 (p-value<0.05). Factors related to social life were rated higher by group 1 (mean = 3.31) than by group 2 (mean = 2.27, Standard deviation = 0.19, p-value = 0.002). Moreover, the factor of "a specialization to facilitate traveling abroad" was significantly higher in Group 1 (2.69>2.21, Standard deviation = 0.22, p-value = 0.033). The Syrian crisis and its economic aftermath have influenced residents' specialty choices and practice locations. Even after the war's end, the high level of migration intentions could negatively affect the quality of provided healthcare services.

Nonradiology Health Care Professionals Significantly Benefit From AI Assistance in Emergency-Related Chest Radiography Interpretation

BackgroundChest radiography (CXR) is still of crucial importance in primary diagnostics, but interpretation poses difficulties at times. Research QuestionCan a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based AI system that interprets CXRs add value in an emergency unit (EU) setting? Study Design and MethodsA total of 563 CXRs acquired in the EU of a major university hospital were retrospectively assessed twice by three board-certified radiologists (BCRs), three radiology residents (RRs), and three EU-experienced non-radiology residents (NRRs) employing a two-step reading process: (1) without AI support (woAI), (2) with AI support providing additional images with AI overlays (wAI). Suspicion of four suspected pathologies (pleural effusion, pneumothorax, consolidations suspicious for pneumonia, nodules) was reported on a 5-point confidence scale. BCRs’ confidence scores were converted into four binary reference standards (RFS I-IV) of different sensitivities. RRs' and NRRs' performances woAI/wAI were statistically compared using receiver operating characteristics (ROCs), Youden statistics and operating point metrics derived from fitted ROC curves. ResultsNRRs could significantly improve performance, sensitivity and accuracy wAI in all four pathologies tested. E.g., in the most sensitive RFS IV, NRR consensus improved the AUC (mean, 95%-confidence-interval) in the detection of the time-critical pathology pneumothorax from 0.846 (0.785-0.907) woAI to 0.974 (0.947-1.000) wAI [p<0.001], which represented a gain of 30% in sensitivity and 2% in accuracy (while maintaining an optimized specificity). The most pronounced effect was observed in nodule detection, with NRR wAI improving sensitivity by 53% and accuracy by 7% (AUC woAI: 0.723 [0.661-0.785], wAI: 0.890 [0.848-0.931], p<0.001). The RR consensus wAI showed smaller, mostly non-significant gains in performance, sensitivity and accuracy. InterpretationIn an EU setting without 24/7 radiology coverage, the presented AI solution features an excellent clinical support tool to non-radiologists, similar to a second reader, and allows for a more accurate primary diagnosis and thus earlier therapy initiation.