Tag: pubmed

PLoS One. 2024 Oct 24;19(10):e0304932. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304932. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the technology acceptance of a proposed multimodal wearable sensing framework, named mSense, within the context of non-invasive real-time neurofeedback for student stress and anxiety management. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified mental health challenges, particularly for students. Non-invasive techniques, such as wearable biofeedback and neurofeedback devices, are suggested as potential solutions. To explore the acceptance and intention to use such innovative devices, this research applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), based on the co-creation approach. An online survey was conducted with 106 participants, including higher education students, health researchers, medical professionals, and software developers. The TAM key constructs (usage attitude, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use) were validated through statistical analysis, including Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling. Additionally, qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses was performed. Results confirm the acceptance of the mSense framework for neurofeedback-based stress and anxiety management. The study contributes valuable insights into factors influencing user intention to use multimodal wearable devices in educational settings. The findings have theoretical implications for technology acceptance and practical implications for extending the usage of innovative sensors in clinical and educational environments, thereby supporting both physical and mental health.

PMID:39446926 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0304932

PLoS One. 2024 Oct 24;19(10):e0312498. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312498. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Frailty is a common condition among older adults and is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including mortality, disability, dysmobility, falls, and hospitalization. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), these risks are further exacerbated. However, evidence linking AF and frailty, particularly in the South American context, is limited. This study aimed to assess frailty and other geriatric conditions in older outpatients with atrial fibrillation in a resource-limited setting in Lima, Peru.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included adults aged 60 years and older diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who were attending outpatient check-ups. Patients who were hospitalized, receiving chemotherapy induction, or presenting with acute infections or exacerbations were excluded. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional dependence. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio version 4.3.1, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Among the 200 patients who agreed to participate (mean age 74.76 ± 8.42 years, 41% females), 28.5% exhibited frailty, and 46.5% were classified as prefrail. Frailty and prefrailty were significantly associated with older age (p<0.01), female gender (p = 0.01), illiteracy (p<0.01), heart failure (p<0.01), falls (p<0.05), cognitive impairment (p<0.01), and functional dependence (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between frailty and cognitive impairment (p<0.05), frailty and functional dependence (p<0.05), and cognitive impairment and functional dependence (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: One-third of older outpatients with atrial fibrillation were identified as frail, while half were classified as prefrail. In this population, frailty frequently coexists with cognitive impairment and functional dependence, highlighting the need for timely screening and the implementation of evidence-based interventions for individuals with atrial fibrillation in resource-limited settings.

PMID:39446924 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0312498

Mod Br Hist. 2024 May 31;35(2):164-179. doi: 10.1093/tcbh/hwae033.

ABSTRACT

During the Second World War and the austerity period that followed it, the British government operated clothes rationing as a welfare policy. Its official aim was to ensure that all citizens had equal access to essential clothing. Despite being associated with the principle of ‘fair shares’, rationing did not work well for large-bodied consumers. Government agents’ assumptions about citizens’ bodies generated a rationing scheme that overlooked large bodies. As a result, rationing regulations and economic controls amplified the normalizing impulses of mass production, creating a constant shortage of ready-made large garments and a market in which purchasing power and access to goods depended on body size. Struggling to navigate this market, consumers attempted to hold the government accountable for its declarations of equality. Tracing this issue in government records and in local, national, and trade press, this article discusses how the conflicting motivations of state, trade, and citizens shaped rationing in a way that prioritized the culturally and statistically ‘normal’ and reflects on what mass welfare meant for citizens with ‘abnormal’ needs.

PMID:39446474 | DOI:10.1093/tcbh/hwae033

Pflege. 2024 Oct 24. doi: 10.1024/1012-5302/a001018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

On the effectiveness of a new advisory service for parents of children in need of care: a controlled study Abstract: Background: Families with children in need of care are exposed to great stress. This results in risks that often lead to a poor living and care situation for families. To support them, an innovative regionally anchored support service is being developed by so-called Family Health Partners (FGP) as part of the NEST research project. Aim/Objective: The primary endpoint of the study is the quality of life of the families. Secondary outcomes are resilience factors and associated measures as well as access to care services. Methods: The effectiveness of the FGP will be tested in a controlled study with four measurement times (baseline, after 6, 12 and 18 months) between January 2022 and April 2024. A total of 204 families with children in need of care were recruited for an intervention and control group. Multilevel models are used to analyze the longitudinal data. Results: Between T0 and T1 there are statistically significant improvements in the intervention group, especially in daily and social stress in the family, in mental health and resilience. In addition, knowledge about general benefit rights as well as specific support and relief offers for caring parents has increased. Conclusions: The results of the first two measurement times indicate that a positive change in quality of life, resilience and health literacy can be achieved through the FGP.

PMID:39446470 | DOI:10.1024/1012-5302/a001018

J Vasc Access. 2024 Oct 24:11297298241291695. doi: 10.1177/11297298241291695. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Optimizing vascular access for hemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease is crucial. While arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are preferred for better patency and fewer complications, many patients require alternatives options like arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) due to anatomical constraints. This study compares outcomes between elbow and upper arm (UA) basilic veins for forearm loop AVGs, highlighting the potential benefits of the UA basilic vein to improve patency and feasibility in patients with poor elbow veins through retrospective analysis.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 59 limbs of patients who underwent forearm loop AVG formation from January 2018 to June 2022. Elbow veins (basilic, median cubital, brachial) and UA basilic veins were evaluated for suitability using duplex ultrasonography. AVG decisions were based on patient age, health, and vein diameter (⩾2.3 mm). Statistical analyses compared baseline characteristics and evaluated primary and secondary patency rates at 12 and 18 months using Pearson’s chi-square, Student’s t-test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the Log-rank test.

RESULTS: Thirty-six patients had elbow anastomosis, while 23 had UA anastomosis for forearm loop AVG. The elbow group had a higher male proportion (72.7% vs 34.7% in UA, p = 0.005) and larger elbow vein diameters (2.52 ± 0.19 mm vs 2.16 ± 0.21 mm in UA, p < 0.001). Primary patency rates at 12 months were 72.7% for elbow and 56.2% for UA; at 18 months, 59.4% and 25.5%, respectively (p = 0.376). Secondary patency rates at 12 months were 75.7% for elbow and 62.2% for UA; at 18 months, 67.8% and 33.9%, respectively (p = 0.238).

CONCLUSION: The primary and secondary patency rates of forearm loop AVG with UA basilic vein anastomosis were not inferior to those with elbow veins anastomosis. UA basilic vein can be a feasible alternative for creating forearm loop AVG when elbow veins are not suitable.

PMID:39446468 | DOI:10.1177/11297298241291695

JMIR Res Protoc. 2024 Oct 24;13:e60496. doi: 10.2196/60496.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Connected sensor technologies can capture raw data and analyze them using advanced statistical methods such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to generate interpretable behavioral or physiological outcomes. Previous research conducted on connected sensor technologies has focused on design, development, and validation. Published review studies have either summarized general technological solutions to address specific behaviors such as physical activity or focused on remote monitoring solutions in specific patient populations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to map research that focused on using connected sensor technologies to augment rehabilitation services by informing care decisions.

METHODS: The Population, Concept, and Context framework will be used to define inclusion criteria. Relevant articles published between 2008 to the present will be included if (1) the study enrolled adults (population), (2) the intervention used at least one connected sensor technology and involved data transfer to a clinician so that the data could be used to inform the intervention (concept), and (3) the intervention was within the scope of rehabilitation (context). An initial search strategy will be built in Embase; peer reviewed; and then translated to Ovid MEDLINE ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, and CINAHL. Duplicates will be removed prior to screening articles for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will screen articles in 2 stages: title/abstract and full text. Discrepancies will be resolved through group discussion. Data from eligible articles relevant to population, concept, and context will be extracted. Descriptive statistics will be used to report findings, and relevant outcomes will include the type and frequency of connected sensor used and method of data sharing. Additional details will be narratively summarized and displayed in tables and figures. Key partners will review results to enhance interpretation and trustworthiness.

RESULTS: We conducted initial searches to refine the search strategy in February 2024. The results of this scoping review are expected in October 2024.

CONCLUSIONS: Results from the scoping review will identify critical areas of inquiry to advance the field of technology-augmented rehabilitation. Results will also support the development of a longitudinal model to support long-term health outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework jys53; https://osf.io/jys53.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/60496.

PMID:39446418 | DOI:10.2196/60496

JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024 Oct 24. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.4395. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Since fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors (FGFRi) are used for treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), understanding potential complications following longer-term use in clinical practice settings is warranted. This study describes cataract formation or progression as a complication of FGFRi use for the treatment of iCCA, even after treatment discontinuation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe cases of cataract formation or worsening in patients with iCCA treated with FGFRi and to characterize the ophthalmologic features, risk factors, and outcomes for FGFRi-associated cataracts.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective case series study used data from patients with iCCA harboring FGFR2 aberrations who received FGFRi in clinical trials or as standard therapy from the University of California, San Francisco, Hepatobiliary Tissue Bank and Registry. Data were collected from patient visits between February 2015 and October 2021, and this retrospective investigation was conducted from September 6, 2022, to May 4, 2023. Data analysis was conducted from May 5, 2023, to September 6, 2023.

EXPOSURE: Use of an FGFRi for the treatment of iCCA.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was designated as development of a new or worsening cataract after FGFRi initiation. Statistical analysis for the association between cataract formation and clinical covariates was performed using unpaired t tests and Fisher exact tests. A single bivariate logistic regression model was used to examine total duration of FGFRi therapy and age at the conclusion of FGFRi therapy as predictors of cataract development.

RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were included in the study; median (range) patient age was 54 (27-81) years, and 13 patients (72%) were female. Nine patients (50%) developed a cataract or had cataract progression in at least 1 eye after initiation of FGFRi. Of 17 eyes with cataract, 8 eyes (47%) required cataract surgery. One patient rapidly developed a cataract associated with phacomorphic glaucoma, which required urgent surgery. The median (range) time to cataract onset or worsening from initiation of FGFRi was approximately 18 (1-23) months. Five of 9 patients (56%) who developed cataracts or had cataract progression were diagnosed with new or worsening cataracts after discontinuation of FGFRi. Patients who developed cataracts had longer median (range) duration of FGFRi treatment compared with patients who did not develop cataracts (13 months [2-26] vs 5 months [1-11]; odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: While this retrospective case series study cannot prove cause and effect conclusively due to the study design, study results highlight cataract formation or progression as a potential adverse effect of FGFRi therapy, supporting consideration of periodic eye examinations in patients who have received this treatment.

PMID:39446357 | DOI:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.4395

JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Oct 1;7(10):e2440130. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40130.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Despite the unmet need for donor organs, organ use from donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD) donors has been limited by inferior transplant outcomes. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) improves recipient outcomes and organ utilization from DCD donors. There is variability in NRP policies and experience among US organ procurement organizations (OPOs).

OBJECTIVES: To determine OPO experience, identify operational inconsistencies, and explore needs related to NRP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This survey study included 55 OPOs in the US that had recovered DCD organs and completed a survey on operational, administrative, and educational components related to NRP in November to December 2023. Data analysis was performed from February to April 2024.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the number of OPOs participating in and/or anticipating NRP participation. Secondary outcomes were NRP implementation barriers, OPO education practices, and future needs regarding consensus NRP recommendations and standards.

RESULTS: Of 55 respondents, 11 (20%) were chief executive officers, 8 (15%) were chief operating officers, and 36 (65%) were medical directors or chief clinical officers. Forty-nine OPOs facilitated NRP cases: 26 OPOs (53%) facilitated both thoracoabdominal NRP (TA-NRP) and abdominal NRP (A-NRP) cases, 16 OPOs (33%) facilitated only TA-NRP, and 7 OPOs (14%) facilitated only A-NRP. OPOs reported 606 NRP cases (421 TA-NRP [69%], 185 A-NRP [31%]); median (range) case experience was 8 (1-52). Fifty-two of 55 OPOs (95%) thought standardized guidance documents would be helpful. All 49 OPOs facilitated NRP at a transplant center’s request; 39 (80%) had NRP initiated by a nonlocal transplant center. Twenty-three of 49 OPOs (47%) participated in NRP without a policy and without a policy pending approval. Positive donor hospital feedback was received by 29 OPOs (59%), primarily focused on increased organs transplanted and prerecovery communication. Allocation challenges were experienced by 21 OPOs (43%); their median (range) case volume was higher than those with no reported allocation challenges (11 [3-52] vs 6.5 [1-29]; P = .03). Eleven OPOs (22%) had incorporated NRP into general donor hospital education.

CONCLUSIONS: In this survey study of US OPOs, wide variation existed with respect to NRP experience and practice. Allocation challenges occurred more frequently with increased NRP experience. NRP guidelines and standardization were desired by most OPOs to decrease allocation challenges and maximize the gift of organ donation.

PMID:39446328 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40130

JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Oct 1;7(10):e2440673. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40673.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: The impact of patient-specific, disease-related, and social factors on outcomes in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) is not well defined. A post hoc secondary analysis of such factors from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 30610-Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0538 trial may impact future trial design.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the comprehensive demographic, disease-related, treatment-related, and social factors for potential associations with survival outcomes and understand whether specific subpopulations may benefit from radiotherapy (RT) dose escalation in LS-SCLC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This post hoc secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial included 638 adults with LS-SCLC treated at 186 unique treatment sites with at least 1 accrual for all patients from March 15, 2008, to December 1, 2019; 313 patients were randomized to receive RT twice daily to a dosage of 45 Gy for 3 weeks and 325 to receive RT once daily to a dosage of 70 Gy for 7 weeks. Data were locked February 28, 2022, and analyzed from November 28, 2022, to June 4, 2024.

INTERVENTIONS: Twice-daily RT or once-daily RT.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association of treatment groups and other risk factors with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patient-specific factors included age, sex, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. Disease-related factors included tumor, nodal, and overall cancer stages. Treatment-related factors included type of chemotherapy, timing of concurrent RT, RT technique, and prophylactic cranial irradiation. Social factors included marital status and treatment center accrual volume.

RESULTS: Among 507 patients (260 [51.3%] female and 247 [48.7%] male; mean [SD] age, 62.6 [7.9] years) included in the multivariate survival analysis, with a median follow-up of 4.7 (IQR, 3.7-7.1) years, female sex was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.58-0.91]; P = .006), while being 70 years or older was associated with decreased OS (HR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.14-1.98]; P = .004). Neither age nor sex was associated with PFS. When compared with those with N1 disease, OS and PFS were worse in patients with N2 (HRs, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.19-2.26]; P = .002 and 1.36 [95% CI, 1.02-1.81]; P = .04, respectively) and N3 (HRs, 2.03 [95% CI, 1.40-2.93]; P < .001 and 1.63 [95% CI, 1.17-2.26]; P = .004) disease. Compared with stage II cancer, OS was worse for stage IIIA (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.17-2.31]; P = .004) and stage IIIB (HR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.34-2.83]; P < .001). Compared with high-volume accrual centers, treatment at low- or middle-volume accrual centers was associated with worse PFS (HRs, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.33-2.82; P < .001] and 1.44 [95% CI, 1.15-1.82; P = .002], respectively) and worse OS (HRs, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.03-2.32; P = .03] and 1.33 [95% CI, 1.04-1.70; P = .02], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This secondary analysis of the CALGB 30610-RTOG 0538 randomized clinical trial of patients with LS-SCLC found associations between female sex or being younger than 70 years and improved overall survival and between advanced nodal stage or treatment at low- or middle-volume accrual centers and worse outcomes. These findings suggest that stratification by nodal stage, clinical stage, and age should be considered in future randomized trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00632853.

PMID:39446327 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40673

JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Oct 1;7(10):e2441056. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.41056.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Racial disparities in receipt of guideline-concordant care (GCC) among older patients with potentially curable breast cancer are understudied.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether rates of GCC, time to treatment initiation, and all-cause mortality in stage I to III breast cancer differ by race among older adults.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study used data from the National Cancer Database and included patients aged 65 years and older with stage I to III breast cancer, diagnosed between 2010 and 2019. Data analysis was conducted between July 2022 to July 2023.

EXPOSURES: Race, defined as non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic White.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was nonreceipt of GCC, defined using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was time to treatment initiation. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to determine association between exposure and outcomes. Models for GCC and all-cause mortality included age, stage, receptor status, year of diagnosis, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index, insurance, health care setting, and neighborhood-level educational attainment and median income.

RESULTS: The analytic cohort included 258 531 participants (mean [SD] age, 72.5 [6.0] years), with 25 174 participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black (9.7%) and 233 357 participants who identified as non-Hispanic White (90.3%), diagnosed between 2010 and 2017. A total of 4563 non-Hispanic Black participants (18.1%) and 35 374 non-Hispanic White participants (15.2%) did not receive GCC. Non-Hispanic Black race, compared with non-Hispanic White race, was associated with increased odds of not receiving GCC in the multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.17; P < .001). Non-Hispanic Black race was associated with 26.1% increased risk of all-cause mortality in the univariate analysis, which decreased to 4.7%, after adjusting for GCC and clinical and sociodemographic factors (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P = .006). Non-Hispanic White race, compared with non-Hispanic Black race, was associated with increased odds of initiating treatment within 30 (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.6-1.69), 60 (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 2.04-2.18), and 90 (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.27-2.51) days of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, non-Hispanic Black race was associated with increased odds of not receiving GCC and less timely treatment initiation. Non-Hispanic Black race was associated with increased all-cause mortality, which was reduced after adjusting for GCC and clinical and sociodemographic factors. These findings suggest that optimizing timely receipt of GCC may represent a modifiable pathway to improving inferior survival outcomes among older non-Hispanic Black patients with breast cancer.

PMID:39446324 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.41056