Tag: nevin manimala

BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug 5;9(1):e001572. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001572.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Modern intraocular lens (IOL) designs for cataract treatment can be broadly classified into three focal range categories; monofocal, extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) and multifocal IOLs.Monofocal IOLs allow spectacle independence for one focus, typically distance. In contrast, EDOF IOLs provide a greater range of vision, extending spectacle independence to intermediate distance, while multifocal IOLs enable spectacle independence at all distances with the drawback of positive dysphotopsias and reduced contrast perception.EDOF lenses are an attractive compromise with fewer dysphotopic side effects than multifocals. The purpose of this study is to assess whether implanting an EDOF IOL in the second eye of a patient who received a monofocal IOL in the first eye can improve spectacle independence while maintaining the same optical quality as bilateral monofocal IOL implantation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study compares combined monofocal and EDOF IOL implantation versus bilateral monofocal IOL implantation in terms of clinical and patient-reported outcomes in a monocentric, randomised, patient-masked and assessor-masked, parallel group trial in 88 bilateral cataract patients. The primary outcome measure is binocular photopic distance corrected intermediate visual acuity. The secondary outcome measures include (un)corrected distance and near visual acuity, reading speed at intermediate distance, quality of visual function assessments, patient-reported spectacle independence, contrast sensitivity, aberrometry, stereopsis and straylight measurement at the 3-month follow-up.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by the ethical committee of the University Hospital of Brussels (BUN 23219_EDOF).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06002399.

PMID:39103234 | DOI:10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001572

Phytochem Anal. 2024 Aug 5. doi: 10.1002/pca.3427. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (SCF), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in treating virtual injury and strain since ancient times. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia reveals that SCF includes raw (RSCF) and vinegar-processed (VSCF) decoction pieces.

OBJECTIVE: This study developed an effective method combining the electronic eye (e-eye), electronic tongue (e-tongue), and chemometrics to discriminate RSCF and VSCF from the perspective of chemical composition, color, and taste.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: First, RSCF were collected and processed into VSCF, and their color parameters, e-tongue sensory properties, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-HPLC (UPLC) characteristic fingerprints, and nominal ingredients were determined. Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component, linear discriminant, similarity, and partial least squares discriminant analyses, were conducted.

RESULTS: HPLC and UPLC fingerprints were established, demonstrating a > 0.900 similarity. The content determination indicated increased schisantherin A, schisantherin B, and schisandrin A contents in VSCF. The e-eye data demonstrated a > 1.5 total color difference before and after processing ΔE*_ab, indicating the significantly changed sample color and appearance before and after processing. The e-tongue technology was used to quantitatively characterize the taste of RSCF and VSCF. The t-test revealed significantly reduced sourness, aftertaste-bitter, and aftertaste-astringent values of SCF after vinegar processing. Principal component and partial least squares discriminant analyses indicated that e-eye and e-tongue realize the rapid RSCF and VSCF identification.

CONCLUSION: The proposed comprehensive strategy of electronic eye and electronic tongue combined with chemometrics demonstrated satisfactory results with high efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. This can be developed into a novel and accurate method for discriminating RSCF and VSCF.

PMID:39103224 | DOI:10.1002/pca.3427

Nurs Health Sci. 2024 Sep;26(3):e13150. doi: 10.1111/nhs.13150.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated sex differences perceived relocation stress and glycemic control among older adults with type 2 diabetes in long-term care facilities. A cross-sectional correlation design was used to recruit 120 residents during their first year after moving into the facilities in southern Taiwan. The results showed that almost two-thirds of the participants (64.2%) were women. The mean age was 79.62 (SD = 1.71). Older women with diabetes were reported to have significantly lower levels of education and poor glycemic control but higher levels of perceived relocation stress than men; however, functional independence was significantly higher in men. Although perceived relocation stress significantly predicted HbA1c levels in both women and men, length of stay was also significant in predicting HbA1c levels in women. These findings indicate the need for effective physical and psychological measures to improve glycemic control during the first year of stay in long-term care facilities.

PMID:39103223 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.13150

Neuroradiol J. 2024 Aug 5:19714009241269526. doi: 10.1177/19714009241269526. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glioma is one of the most common primary brain tumors. The presence of the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (pTERT) mutation is associated with a better prognosis. This study aims to investigate the TERT mutation in patients with glioma using machine learning (ML) algorithms on radiographic imaging.

METHOD: This study was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 1, 2023. The statistical analysis was performed using the MIDAS package of STATA v.17.

RESULTS: A total of 22 studies involving 5371 patients were included for data extraction, with data synthesis based on 11 reports. The analysis revealed a pooled sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78-0.92) and a specificity of 0.80 (95% CI 0.72-0.86). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.23 (95% CI: 2.99-5.99) and 0.18 (95% CI: 0.11-0.29), respectively. The pooled diagnostic score was 3.18 (95% CI: 2.45-3.91), with a diagnostic odds ratio 24.08 (95% CI: 11.63-49.87). The Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curve had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.91).

CONCLUSION: The study suggests that ML can predict TERT mutation status in glioma patients. ML models showed high sensitivity (0.86) and moderate specificity (0.80), aiding disease prognosis and treatment planning. However, further development and improvement of ML models are necessary for better performance metrics and increased reliability in clinical practice.

PMID:39103206 | DOI:10.1177/19714009241269526

BMJ Lead. 2024 Aug 5:leader-2024-001003. doi: 10.1136/leader-2024-001003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Achieving gender equity in academic medicine is not only a matter of social justice but also necessary in promoting an innovative and productive academic community. The purpose of this study was to assess gender distribution in dual MD/PhD academic programme faculty members across North America.

METHODS: Academic metrics were analysed to quantify the relative career success of academic faculty members in MD/PhD programmes. Measured parameters included academic and leadership ranks along with nominal research factors such as peer-reviewed research publications, H-index, citation number and years of active research.

RESULTS: Χ² analysis revealed a statistically significant (p<0.0001, χ²=114.5) difference in the gender distribution of faculty and leadership across North American MD/PhD programmes. Men held 74.2% of full professor positions, 64% of associate professor positions, 59.4% of assistant professor positions and 62.8% of lecturer positions. Moreover, men occupied a larger share of faculty leadership roles with a statistically significant disparity across all ranks (p<0.001, χ²=20.4). A higher proportion of men held positions as department chairs (79.6%), vice chairs (69.1%) and programme leads (69.4%).

CONCLUSION: Gender disparity was prevalent in the MD/PhD programmes throughout North America with women achieving a lower degree of professional stature than men. Ultimately, steps must be taken to support women faculty to afford them better opportunities for academic and professional advancement.

PMID:39103197 | DOI:10.1136/leader-2024-001003

Health Serv Res. 2024 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.14365. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors impacting obstetric transport and referral processes for pregnant patients experiencing an emergency in a rural state without a perinatal regionalized system of care.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: Data is from Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) without obstetric units and healthcare providers involved in obstetric care and transport at hospitals with varying levels of obstetric capacity in Montana.

STUDY DESIGN: This mixed-methods study involved surveying CAHs without obstetric units about the hospitals’ capacity for obstetric emergencies and transport policies. Survey data were collected from 32 of 34 CAHs without obstetric units (94% response rate) in the fall of 2021. Subsequent interviews were conducted in the fall and winter of 2022-2023 with 20 hospital and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to provide further insights into the referral and transport process during obstetric emergencies.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Survey data were collected using REDCap; interviews were conducted via videoconference. We performed descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact tests for quantitative data. We analyzed qualitative data using a three-phase pragmatic analytic approach.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The survey of CAHs found 12 of 32 facilities faced difficulties coordinating transport for pregnant patients. Qualitative data indicated this was often due to the state’s decentralized transport system. Challenges identified through both quantitative and qualitative data included weather, securing a receiving facility/provider, and coordinating medical transport. Only 10 CAHs reported having written protocols for transporting pregnant patients; of those, four facilities had formal transfer agreements. Qualitative data emphasized variations in awareness and the utility of obstetric transport policies.

CONCLUSIONS: A decentralized transport system in a rural state can exacerbate existing challenges faced by providers arranging transport for pregnant patients during an obstetric emergency. State and interfacility policies could enhance the transport process for increased regionalization as well as increased support for and coordination of existing EMS.

PMID:39103196 | DOI:10.1111/1475-6773.14365

J Dr Nurs Pract. 2024 Aug 5;17(2):110-116. doi: 10.1891/JDNP-2023-0018.

ABSTRACT

Background: Transgender (TG) clients experience provider bias, erasure, refusal to treat, and violence. Objective: The purpose of this article is to identify barriers to healthcare for TG individuals and discuss recommendations for providers treating this population. Methods: Literature review of prime research was conducted using the Whittemore and Knafl methodology (2005). Results: Evidence suggests that barriers to TG healthcare include lack of provider TG knowledge and trans sensitivity, lack of provider communication, and lack of emotional and physical safe healthcare environments. Conclusions: TG clients face barriers to accessing healthcare, and specific recommendations to improve provider practice will decrease these barriers. Implications for Practice: Lack of provider education affects TG individuals accessing quality healthcare. Recommendations to improve provider practice are essential to improve care.

PMID:39103193 | DOI:10.1891/JDNP-2023-0018

J Dr Nurs Pract. 2024 Aug 5;17(2):100-109. doi: 10.1891/JDNP-2021-0010.

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescents affected by childhood cancer experience various degrees of psychosocial distress, social isolation, and social support throughout the treatment process. Objective: To create and implement an evidence-based practice project consisting of a pilot half-day camp program to improve social support and connectedness for adolescents affected by childhood cancer. Methods: A pilot half-day camp program was implemented. Twenty adolescent patients, survivors, and siblings (ages 13-18 years) participated in the program. Participants provided basic demographic information and completed pretest, immediate posttest, and 4-week posttest surveys to assess their levels of social support and camp connectedness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: All measures of social support in adolescent participants affected by childhood cancer trended upward following the conclusion of the program, then trended downward over time, with overall social support and family social support significantly decreasing over time postintervention. Camp connectedness was not significantly impacted by the program. Conclusions: Social support decreases as participants are further out from attending a half-day camp program. This pilot program demonstrated the feasibility of a short-term, local, cost-effective camp program that is scalable to larger groups. Implications for Nursing: Providers should refer adolescents affected by childhood cancer to camp programs for social support. More research is needed to determine if more frequent camp programs sustain a high level of social support in participants.

PMID:39103192 | DOI:10.1891/JDNP-2021-0010

J Dr Nurs Pract. 2024 Aug 5;17(2):86-99. doi: 10.1891/JDNP-2023-0060.

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite the innovative advancements in diabetes care, providers may not recognize patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who qualify for a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device or the benefits of a telemedicine program for improving self-management behaviors. Objective: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to determine if an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-led telemedicine program using CGM could improve glycemic control and self-management in patients with insulin-dependent T2DM. Methods: A 6-week telemedicine program was developed and implemented using the CGM’s time-in-range to deliver patient-specific education. Clinical metrics were collected at each visit. All patients completed a pre- and postintervention Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire-Revised (DSMQ-R) survey. Results: A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that the telemedicine program had a statistically significant impact on time-in-range outcomes, F(2, 14) = 18.203, p < .001. Paired-samples t tests indicate that APRN-led education improved body mass index, t(8) = 4.232, p = .002; decreased systolic blood pressure, t(8) = 2.90, p = .010, and diastolic blood pressure, t(8) = 3.21, p = .007; and increased self-management skills as evidenced by DSMQ-R, t(8) = -5.498, p < .001. Conclusions: This QI project highlights multiple interventions for improving diabetes management in a primary care facility. Implications for Nursing: An APRN-led telemedicine program integrating CGM time-in-range data can improve glycemic control and self-management skills in patients with T2DM who administer insulin.

PMID:39103191 | DOI:10.1891/JDNP-2023-0060

Biostatistics. 2024 Aug 5:kxae030. doi: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxae030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The under-5 mortality rate (U5MR), a critical health indicator, is typically estimated from household surveys in lower and middle income countries. Spatio-temporal disaggregation of household survey data can lead to highly variable estimates of U5MR, necessitating the usage of smoothing models which borrow information across space and time. The assumptions of common smoothing models may be unrealistic when certain time periods or regions are expected to have shocks in mortality relative to their neighbors, which can lead to oversmoothing of U5MR estimates. In this paper, we develop a spatial and temporal smoothing approach based on Gaussian Markov random field models which incorporate knowledge of these expected shocks in mortality. We demonstrate the potential for these models to improve upon alternatives not incorporating knowledge of expected shocks in a simulation study. We apply these models to estimate U5MR in Rwanda at the national level from 1985 to 2019, a time period which includes the Rwandan civil war and genocide.

PMID:39103178 | DOI:10.1093/biostatistics/kxae030