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OBJECTIVES: Unintended events (UEs) are prevalent in healthcare facilities, and learning from them is key to improve patient safety. The Prevention and Recovery Information System for Monitoring and Analysis (PRISMA)-method is a root cause analysis method used in healthcare facilities. The aims of this systematic review are to map the use of the PRISMA-method in healthcare facilities worldwide, to assess the insights that the PRISMA-method offers, and to propose recommendations to increase its usability in healthcare facilities. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE.com, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to February 26, 2020. Studies were included if the PRISMA-method for analyzing UEs was applied in healthcare facilities. A quality appraisal was performed, and relevant data based on an appraisal checklist were extracted. RESULTS: The search provided 2773 references, of which 25 articles reporting 10,816 UEs met our inclusion criteria. The most frequently identified root causes were human-related, followed by organizational factors. Most studies took place in the Netherlands (n = 20), and the sample size ranged from 1 to 2028 UEs. The study setting and collected data used for PRISMA varied widely. The PRISMA-method performed by multiple persons resulted in more root causes per event. CONCLUSIONS: To better understand UEs in healthcare facilities and formulate optimal countermeasures, our recommendations to further improve the PRISMA-method mainly focus on combining information from patient files and reports with interviews, including multiple PRISMA-trained researchers in an analysis, and modify the Eindhoven Classification Model if needed.

Introduction Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular supplement in consumer products in recent years, resulting in part from normalization of the cultivation of low THC cannabis in 2018. However, the actual content of CBD-labeled products is frequently uncertain, as oversight of such products is minimal. To date, there is little pragmatic knowledge regarding exposures to products labeled as containing CBD. Methods Cases reported to Poison Control Centers from April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020, the first year in which CBD was identified uniquely as a substance in the National Poison Data System, were analyzed for demographic, temporal, and clinical trends. Results Poison Control Centers handled 1581 cases exposures to CBD-containing products between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. There was a significant trend of over 5 additional cases related to this substance per month (linear regression coefficient = 5.2, 95% CI: 1.52–8.98). Patients under age 13 years made up 44.0% of reported exposures. Mild CNS depression (10.3%), tachycardia (5.7%), dizziness/vertigo (5.3%), vomiting (4.9%), nausea (4.5%), and agitation (4.4%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. 13% of cases were coded as having “moderate” or “severe” medical outcomes. There were no fatalities. Conclusions Cases reported to Poison Control Centers regarding exposures to CBD-labeled products have been increasing, representing an emerging trend of interest to Poison Control Center professionals, clinicians, and public health officials. Further monitoring of this trend is recommended.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The current treatments of primary musculoskeletal low back pain (LBP) have a low to moderate efficacy, which might be improved by looking at the contribution of placebo effects. However, the size of true placebo effects in LBP is unknown. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were executed of randomized controlled trials investigating placebo effects in LBP.DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: The study protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews Prospero (CRD42019148745). A literature search (in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) up to 2021 February 16th yielded 2,423 studies. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility and risk of bias.RESULTS: Eighteen studies were eligible for the systematic review and 5 for the meta-analysis. Fourteen of the 18 studies were clinical treatment studies, and 4 were experimental studies specifically assessing placebo effects. The clinical treatment studies provided varying evidence for placebo effects in chronic LBP but insufficient evidence for acute and subacute LBP. Most experimental studies investigating chronic LBP revealed significant placebo effects. The meta-analysis of 5 treatment studies investigating chronic LBP depicted a significant moderate effect size of placebo for pain intensity (SMD = 0.57) and disability (SMD = 0.52).CONCLUSIONS: This review shows a significant contribution of placebo effects to chronic LBP symptom relief in clinical and experimental conditions. The meta-analysis revealed that placebo effects can influence chronic LBP intensity and disability. However, additional studies are required for more supporting evidence and evidence for placebo effects in acute or subacute LBP.SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence of true placebo effects in low back pain (LBP). It shows a significant contribution of placebo effects to chronic LBP symptom relief. The results highlight the importance of patient- and context-related factors in fostering treatment effects in this patient group. New studies could provide insight into the potential value of actively making use of placebo effects in clinical practice.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute peripheral arterial occlusion is time consuming and carries a risk of major hemorrhage. Contrast-enhanced sonothrombolysis (CEST) might enhance outcomes compared with standard CDT. In the study described here, we systematically reviewed all in vivo studies on contrast-enhanced sonothrombolysis in a setting of arterial thrombosis. A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases was conducted. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. Primary outcomes were recanalization rate and thrombus weight. Secondary outcome was any possible adverse event. The 35 studies included in this review were conducted in four different (pre)clinical settings: ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, (peripheral) arterial thrombosis and arteriovenous graft occlusion. Because of the high heterogeneity among the studies, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. In almost all studies, recanalization rates were higher in the group that underwent a form of CEST. One study was terminated early because of a higher incidence of intracranial hemorrhage. Studies on CEST suggest that adding microbubbles and ultrasound to standard intra-arterial CDT is safe and might improve outcomes in acute peripheral arterial thrombosis. Further research is needed before CEST can be implemented in daily practice.

Along the U.S. West Coast, sustainable manage­ment has rebuilt fish stocks, providing an oppor­tunity to supply nutrient-rich food to adjacent coastal communities where food insecurity and diet-based diseases are common. However, the market has not successfully supplied locally sourced seafood to nutritionally vulnerable people. Rather, a few organizations make this connection on a limited scale. We used a “positive deviant” approach to learn how these organizations’ efforts developed, how they overcame challenges, and what conditions enabled their interventions. We found that organizations in these positive deviant cases provided fish from a wide variety of species and sources, and distributed them through different channels to a diversity of end consumers. A key factor facilitating success was the ability to negotiate a price point that was both profitable and reasonable for organizations supplying nutritionally vulnerable or low-income consumers. Further­more, securing access to grants overcame initial costs of establishing new supply channels. All cases highlighted the importance of individual cham­pi­ons who encouraged development and cultural connections between the initiative and the nearby community. Organizations overcame key chal­lenges by establishing regulations governing these new channels and either using partnerships or vertically integrating to reduce costs associated with processing and transport. Oftentimes training and education were also critical to instruct workers on how to process unfamiliar fish and to increase consumer awareness of local fish and how to pre­pare them. These lessons illuminate pathways to improve the contribution of local seafood to the healthy food system.

BackgroundDiagnostic and treatment response criteria for the JAK2/CALR/MPL mutation-related myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are largely based on bone marrow (BM) biopsy results. However, these biopsies have several limitations, such as the risk of sampling error. Also, the prognostic impact of BM abnormalities is largely unclear. Although not currently used in clinical practice, imaging techniques might offer additional information. In this review, we investigated the value of BM, liver, and spleen imaging for diagnosis, prognostication, and response monitoring of the JAK2/CALR/MPL mutation-related MPNs (i.e. essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF)).MethodsA systematic literature search was performed via PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library up to 2020 March 26th. Of 5505 identified records, 55 publications met the eligibility criteria (i.e. containing original data on the imaging appearance of BM, spleen, or liver in adult ET, PV, or MF patients, published in a peer-reviewed journal, written in English).ResultsMany explorative studies described imaging features, sometimes with comparisons to clinical characteristics. Studies reporting measures of diagnostic accuracy included 1) splenic transient elastography to predict BM fibrosis grade in MF, 2) dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to discern MF patients from ET patients and healthy controls, and 3) 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET to detect residual disease after stem cell transplantation in MF. The diagnostic accuracies of radiography and99mTc-colloid scintigraphy were derived from several other articles. Except for the study on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET, we established substantial concerns regarding risk of bias and applicability across these studies, using the QUADAS-2 tool. Three publications described a correlation between imaging results and prognosis, of which one quantified the effect.ConclusionsBased on current data, MRI (T1-weighted/STIR, Dixon) seems especially promising for the evaluation of BM fat content - and indirectly cellularity/fibrosis - in MF, and possibly for estimating BM cellularity in ET/PV. 18-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18-fluorothymidine PET/CT might be useful for evaluating BM fibrosis, with good reported accuracy of the former for the diagnosis of residual disease. Further research on these and other techniques is warranted to determine their exact value. Future researchers should improve methodology and focus on evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and prognostic implications of results.

The objective of this study was to explore Seattle's farmers' market incentive program, known as Fresh Bucks, and associated shopping behaviors based on participants' food security status. Researchers surveyed a convenience sample of Fresh Bucks users and classified subjects as high/marginal, low, or very low food security. Investigators analyzed for differences in demographics and farmers' market shopping behaviors by food security levels. Study findings suggest that once present at the farmers' market, Fresh Bucks users across all food security levels experience the market and the Fresh Bucks program in similar ways. These relationships should be explored in a larger and more diverse population.

Optimizing emergency care for the aging population is an important future challenge, as the proportion of older patients at the emergency department (ED) rapidly increases. Older patients, particularly those who are frail, have a high risk of adverse outcomes after an ED visit, such as functional decline, institutionalization, and death. The ED can have a key position in identifying frail older patients who benefit most from comprehensive geriatric care [including delirium preventive measures, early evaluation of after-discharge care, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)]. However, performing extensive frailty assessment is not suitable at the ED. Therefore, quick and easy-to-use instruments are needed to identify older patients at risk for adverse outcomes. This narrative review outlines the importance and complexity of frailty assessment at the ED. It aligns the available screening instruments, including clinical judgment as frailty assessment, and summarizes arguments for and against frailty assessment at the ED.

Although studies have demonstrated an association between increased economic resources and improvements in food security and health, there is a paucity of qualitative research regarding the relationships between household resources, food security, and health. Policy changes related to increasing low wages are potential opportunities to understand changes to material resources. The aims of this analysis were to describe how low-wage workers perceive household resources in relation to food acquisition and to explore how workers in low-wage jobs connect food and diet to perceptions of health and well-being. We analyzed 190 transcripts from 55 workers in low-wage jobs who were living in households with children who were part of the Seattle Minimum Wage Study (up to three in-depth qualitative interviews and one phone survey per participant, conducted between 2015 and 2017). We coded and analyzed interviews using Campbell’s food acquisition framework and best practices for qualitative research. Participants relied on a combination of wages, government assistance, and private assistance from community or family resources to maintain an adequate food supply. Strategies tended to focus more on maintaining food quality than food quantity. Restricted resources also limited food-related leisure activities, which many participants considered important to quality of life. Although many low-wage workers would like to use additional income to purchase higher quality foods or increase food-related leisure activities, they often perceive trade-offs that limit income-based adjustments to food-spending patterns. Future studies should be specifically designed to examine food choices in response to changes in income.

Introduction Historically, copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) envenomations were not treated with antivenom owing to related adverse events and little benefit. However, recent studies have shown improved outcomes with antivenom use. We hypothesized that the frequency of antivenom use for copperhead envenomation in Ohio has increased as benefits of administration became more widely known. Methods All copperhead snakebites reported to the Ohio poison control centers from 2006 through 2016 were compiled. Antivenom use, bite severity, and disposition were abstracted. A nonparametric test for trend was used to evaluate changes over time for the number of patients treated with antivenom and patient disposition. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds of admission vs discharge with antivenom administration, bite severity, age, and sex as independent variables. Results Ninety-eight patients reported copperhead snakebites to the poison control centers. The test of trend showed no change in the proportion of patients treated with antivenom by year (P=0.42). There was no difference in the proportion of patients discharged home (P=0.38) per year. Logistic regression showed antivenom use was associated with an odds ratio for admission of 46.7 (95% CI: 7.3–296.4). Conclusions The frequency of antivenom use for copperhead bites did not significantly increase between 2006 and 2016. Administration of antivenom was associated with a large increase in the odds of admission to the hospital, even when controlling for bite severity. Further education regarding the benefits and safety of antivenom may increase its use for copperhead snakebites, but may lead to an increase in hospital admissions.

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) can be objectively assessed with inertial sensors to describe bodily movement. Higher SB and lower PA is associated with higher chronological age and negative health outcomes. This study aimed to quantify the association between instrumented measures of SB (i-SB) and PA (i-PA) and mortality in community-dwelling older adults, to subsequently compare the quantitative effect sizes and to determine the dose-response relationships. Methods: An electronic search in six databases from inception to 27th of June 2019 was conducted. All articles reporting on i-SB or i-PA and mortality in community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older were considered eligible. A meta-analysis was conducted for the association between i-SB and i-PA and mortality expressed in Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). A meta-regression analysis was performed to determine the dose-response relationship between i-SB and steps per day and mortality. Results: Twelve prospective articles representing eleven cohorts, reporting data of 38,141 participants were included. In total 2502 (6.4%) participants died during follow-up (2.0 to 9.8 years). Comparing the most sedentary with the least sedentary groups of participants resulted in a pooled HR of 2.44 (95% CI 1.82–3.25). Comparing the least active with the most active groups of participants resulted in a pooled HR of 1.93 (95% CI 1.39-2.69); 2.66 (95% CI 2.11–3.35); 3.43 (95% CI 2.61–4.52), and 3.09 (95% CI 2.33–4.11) for light, moderate-to-vigorous-, total PA and steps per day, respectively. Meta-regression analyses showed clear dose-response relationships between i-SB and steps per day and mortality risk. Conclusion: Both i-SB and i-PA are significantly associated with mortality in community-dwelling older adults, showing the largest effect size for total physical activity. Dose-response relationships could be observed for i-SB and steps per day.

Low skeletal muscle mass is highly prevalent in older cancer patients and affects 5% to 89% depending on the type and stage of cancer. Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor clinical outcomes such as post‐operative complications, chemotherapy toxicity and mortality in older cancer patients. Little is known about the mediating pathophysiological mechanisms. In this review, we summarize proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the association between low skeletal muscle mass and poor clinical outcomes in older cancer patients including a) systemic inflammation; b) insulin‐dependent glucose handling; c) mitochondrial function; d) protein status and; e) pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs. The mechanisms of altered myokine balance negatively affecting the innate and adaptive immune system, and altered pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs leading to a relative overdosage of anticancer drugs are best‐substantiated. The effects of glucose intolerance and circulating mitochondrial DNA as a consequence of low skeletal muscle mass are topics of interest for future research. Restoring myokine balance through physical exercise, exercise mimetics, neuro‐muscular activation and adapting anticancer drug dosing on skeletal muscle mass could be targeted approaches to improve clinical outcomes in older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass.

States adopt minimum wages to improve workers’ economic circumstances and well-being. Many studies, but not all, find evidence of health benefits from higher minimum wages. This study used a rigorous “triple difference” strategy to identify the associations between state minimum wages and adult obesity, body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2), hypertension, diabetes, fair or poor health, and serious psychological distress. National Health Interview Survey data (United States, 2008–2015) on adults aged 25–64 years (n = 131,430) were linked to state policies to estimate the prevalence odds ratio or mean difference in these outcomes associated with a $1 increase in current and 2-year lagged minimum wage among less-educated adults overall and by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. In contrast to prior studies, there was no association between current minimum wage and health; however, 2-year lagged minimum wage was positively associated with the likelihood of obesity (prevalence odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.16) and with elevated body mass index (mean difference = 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.49). In subgroup models, current and 2-year lagged minimum wage were associated with a higher likelihood of obesity among male and non-White or Hispanic adults. The associations with hypertension also varied by sex and the timing of the exposure.

Contains fulltext : 218913.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), as a novel treatment modality, has transformed the field of oncology with unprecedented successes. However, the efficacy of ICI for patients with glioblastoma or brain metastases (BMs) from any tumor type is under debate. Therefore, we systematically reviewed current literature on the use of ICI in patients with glioblastoma and BMs. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the efficacy and survival outcomes of ICI in patients with glioblastoma or BMs, and published between 2006 and November 2019, were considered. A total of 88 studies were identified (n = 8 in glioblastoma and n = 80 in BMs). In glioblastoma, median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all studies were 2.1 and 7.3 months, respectively. In patients with BMs, intracranial responses have been reported in studies with melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The median intracranial and total PFS in these studies were 2.7 and 3.0 months, respectively. The median OS in all studies for patients with brain BMs was 8.0 months. To date, ICI demonstrate limited efficacy in patients with glioblastoma or BMs. Future research should focus on increasing the local and systemic immunological responses in these patients.

Family caregivers (FCGs) face numerous stressors and are at heightened risk of psychological distress. While theoretical explanations exist linking caregiving stressors with outcomes such as anxiety and depression, limited testing of these theories has occurred among FCGs of patients nearing the end of life.Researchers sought to evaluate mediational relationships among burden experienced by hospice FCGs because of symptom management demands, caregivers' coping responses, and caregivers' psychological distress.Quantitative data for this descriptive exploratory study were collected through survey. Hypothesized relationships among caregiver variables were examined with structural equation modeling.Respondents were FCGs (N = 228) of hospice patients receiving services from a large, non-profit community hospice in the Mid-Southern United States.Burden associated with managing hospice patients' psychological symptoms was shown to predict psychological distress for FCGs. Caregivers' use of escape-avoidance coping responses mediated this relationship.Results suggest that FCGs would benefit from additional tools to address patients' psychological symptoms at end of life. When faced with psychological symptom management burden, caregivers need a range of coping skills as alternatives to escape-avoidance coping.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sarcopenia and malnourishment are highly prevalent in older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), who form a growing group of patients at risk of adverse outcome after surgery. Intervention on physical function and/or nutritional status may decrease the risk of postoperative complications. However, the overall effect of preoperative physical and nutritional interventions (better known as prehabilitation) in older patients with CRC remains unknown. The objective was to review the literature on physical and nutritional prehabilitation performed as observational cohort studies or randomized controlled trials in patients 60 years and older undergoing elective CRC surgery.METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase.com, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 16, 2015, for relevant literature. Search terms included colorectal cancer, aged, pre- and perioperative period, surgery, physical activity, and nutrition.RESULTS: A total of 6 studies were included: 1 study applied a physical intervention, 3 studies applied a nutritional intervention, and 2 studies applied a combination of both interventions. None of the preoperative interventions significantly reduced length of stay, mortality, or readmission rates.CONCLUSIONS: Physical and nutritional prehabilitation in older patients with CRC has not shown a significant reduction in postoperative complications or length of stay. One study that examined the effect of a perioperative nutritional supplement reported a reduction in postoperative complications. Future research should explore targeted combined interventions, taking into account physical and nutritional patient requirements.

Objectives: Several chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with cardiovascular disease, but the risk in ANCA-associated vasculitis is poorly quantified. The aim of the present study was to review the evidence for an increased cardiovascular risk, including ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accidents and peripheral arterial disease, in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in accordance with guidelines of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The databases PubMed, Embase.com and the Cochrane Library (Wiley) were searched for original observational studies comparing vasculitis patients with at least one control group. Summary estimates were derived with a random-effects model and reported as relative risks.Results: One thousand three hundred and seventy-five studies were identified. Seven studies were included, comprising almost 14 000 ANCA-associated vasculitis patients vs general population controls in six studies and chronic kidney disease patients in one study. ANCA-associated vasculitis carried a relative risk of 1.65 (95% CI: 1.23, 2.22) for all cardiovascular events, 1.60 (95% CI: 1.39, 1.84) for ischaemic heart disease and 1.20 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.48) for cerebrovascular accidents. We did not find studies that addressed the risk for peripheral arterial disease separately. No heterogeneity was seen in the estimates.Conclusion: This meta-analysis of observational studies supports an increase in cardiovascular risk in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis of ∼65%, similar to that found in other chronic inflammatory diseases. Hence, there is a clear need for active cardiovascular risk management in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

In the United States, 40 percent of all food intended for human consumption is lost or wasted. This has economic, environmental, and social consequences that justify the involvement of public agenc...

Background: Surgical-site infection (SSI) and anastomotic leakage (AL) are major complications following surgical resection of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The beneficial effect of prophylactic oral antibiotics (OABs) on AL in particular is inconsistent. We investigated the impact of OABs on AL rates and on SSI. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent RCTs and cohort studies was performed including patients undergoing elective CRC surgery, receiving OABs with or without mechanical bowel preparation (MBP). Primary outcomes were rates of SSI and AL. Secondarily, rates of SSI and AL were compared in broad-spectrum OABs and selective OABs (selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD)) subgroups. Results: Eight studies (seven RCTs and one cohort study) with a total of 2497 patients were included. Oral antibiotics combined with MBP was associated with a significant reduction in SSI (RR = 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.69), I2 = 1.03%) and AL rates (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.91, I2 = 0.00%), compared to MBP alone. A subgroup analysis demonstrated that SDD resulted in a significant reduction in AL rates compared to broad-spectrum OABs (RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.91), I2 = 0.00%). Conclusion: OABs in addition to MBP reduces SSI and AL rates in patients undergoing elective CRC surgery and, more specifically, SDD appears to be more effective compared to broad-spectrum OABs in reducing AL.

Objectives Supportive organizational breastfeeding policies can establish enabling environments for breastfeeding. In this qualitative study we identify facilitators and barriers to the development, adoption, and implementation of supportive breastfeeding policies and practices in four influential sectors for breastfeeding women: hospitals, clinics, early care and education settings, and worksites. Methods We interviewed 125 individuals representing 110 organizations in Washington State about their breastfeeding policy development and implementation process between August 2014 and February 2015. Greenhalgh's diffusion of innovations framework guided the interviews and qualitative analysis. Results Breastfeeding policy facilitators across the sectors include national and state laws and regulations, performance tracking requirements, and an increasingly supportive sociopolitical climate; barriers include limited resources and appreciation about the need for breastfeeding policies, and certain organizational characteristics such as workforce age. Despite broad support for breastfeeding, organizations differed on perceptions about the usefulness of written breastfeeding policies. Personal breastfeeding experiences of policy makers and staff affect organizational breastfeeding policies and practices. Conclusions for Practice Supportive organizational systems and environments are built through effective policy development processes; public health can support breastfeeding policy development and assure a coordinated continuum of care by leveraging federal health care policy requirements, building networks to support training and collaboration, and disseminating strategies that reflect the personal nature of breastfeeding.

Introduction: Reference values to define cognitive impairment in individuals aged 90 years and older are lacking. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the level of cognitive functioning of individuals aged 90 years and older without dementia. Methods: The search identified 3972 articles of which 20 articles were included in the review. We calculated mean cognitive test scores and cut-off scores for cognitive tests published in two or more articles. Results: The mean cognitive test scores (SD)/cut-off scores for individuals aged 90 years and older without dementia of the five most commonly used cognitive tests were: MMSE: 26.6 (2.6)/23.3 points, Digit Span forward: 5.9 (1.8)/3.6 digits, Digit Span backward: 4.4 (1.6)/2.4 digits, TMT-A: 85.8 (42.5)/140.2 s and TMT-B: 220.3 (99.2)/347.3 s. Discussion: We provided mean cognitive test scores and cut-off scores that will improve the diagnostic process of cognitive impairment in individuals aged 90 years and older. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background With the majority of US children enrolled in some form of early care and education, the settings for early care and education represent a valuable opportunity to positively impact young children's diets and their interactions with food. Little evidence exists on how early care and education providers make food purchasing and service decisions for this population of young children. Objective Our aim was to explore the factors that influence early care and education providers' food purchasing and service decisions. Design A qualitative design consisting of individual, in-person, and semi-structured interviews with providers and on-site observations was used. Participants/setting Sixteen early care and education providers—selected across a variety of characteristics that might affect food selection (eg, size of site, participation in reimbursement programs, presence of staff assigned to foodservice) using maximum variation purposive sampling—based in the Puget Sound region, Washington, were interviewed from June to September 2014. Main outcome measure Provider perspectives on food purchasing and service decisions. Statistical analyses performed Inductive analysis of transcribed interviews using TAMS Analyzer software (GPL version 2, 2012) to identify themes. Results Ten main influencers emerged from the data. These were grouped into four categories based on an ecological framework: macro-level environments (ie, regulations; suppliers and vendors, including stores); physical environment and settings (ie, organizational mission, budget, and structure; the facility itself); social environments (ie, professional networks; peers; the site-specific parent and child community); and individual factors at both a provider and child-level (ie, providers' skills, behaviors, motivations, attitudes, knowledge, and values; child food preferences; and, child allergies). A model was then developed to identify potential pathways of intervention and underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to improve early care and education nutrition. Conclusions This study suggests that a more system-based understanding and approach—one that accounts for an array of influencers and their interactions—is necessary to take advantage of opportunities and address barriers to improving early care and education-based nutrition.

Objective: To examine the effects of increasing minimum wage on supermarket food prices in Seattle over 2 years of policy implementation, overall and differentially across food quality metrics. Methods: Prices for the UW Center for Public Health Nutrition (CPHN) market basket of 106 foods were obtained for 6 large supermarket chain stores in Seattle (&ldquo, intervention&rdquo, ) and for the same chain stores in King County (&ldquo, control&rdquo, ) at four time points: 1-month pre- (March 2015), 1-month post- (May 2015), 1-year post- (May 2016), and 2-years post-policy implementation (May 2017). Prices for all food items were standardized and converted to price per 100 kcal. Food quality metrics were used to explore potential differential price increases by (a) food groups, as defined by US Department of Agriculture, (b) NOVA food processing categories, and (c) nutrient density quartiles, based on the Nutrient Rich Foods Index 9.3. Separate difference-in-differences linear regression models with robust standard errors, examined price differences per 100 kcal overall, clustered by store chain, and stratified by each food quality metric. Results: There were no overall market basket price changes attributable to Seattle&rsquo, s minimum wage policy. Moreover, no minimum wage effect was detected by USDA food group, food processing, or nutrient density categories. Conclusions: Local area supermarket food prices were not impacted by Seattle&rsquo, s minimum wage policy 2 years into policy implementation and after the first increase to $15/h overall or by sub-classification. Low-income workers may be able to afford higher quality diets if wages increase yet supermarket prices stay the same.

Background In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), achieving the balance between overtreatment and undertreatment remains challenging. Final height (FH) can serve as a long-term outcome measure. We aimed to identify age-dependent factors that influence FH in CAH patients, resulting in age-specific treatment goals. Methods We retrospectively evaluated longitudinal data of 39 pediatric CAH patients born between 1980 and 1997 from the Radboudumc CAH database. We analyzed height and bone age (BA) at diagnosis or 4 years of age, at the start of puberty and at FH. Height data were corrected for parental height and secular trend. Hydrocortisone (HC) use and salivary steroid concentrations were studied longitudinally throughout childhood and puberty. Results Median FH standard deviation scores (SDSs) corrected for target height SDSs (THSDSs) was −1.63. Median height SDS corrected for THSDS (HSDS-THSDS) decreased from diagnosis/age 4 years to FH in both salt wasting (SW) CAH and simple virilizing (SV) CAH, and in both male and female patients. However, when height was corrected for BA, no height loss occurred from diagnosis/age 4 years to FH in any of the subgroups, while a height gain was seen in SV males. In the combined model analyzing both HC dose and salivary steroid concentrations, in childhood the androstenedione (A) concentration was negatively associated with FH, while in puberty the HC dose was negatively associated with FH. Conclusions In CAH, loss of growth potential already occurs in early childhood. In prepubertal children, exposure to elevated androgens is associated with decreased FH. In puberty, the growth suppressing effects of HC outweigh the negative effects of elevated androgens. Therefore, we suggest different treatment approaches in prepubertal and pubertal patients.

Background Midwives’ practices during the second stage of labour vary nationally and internationally. We aim to retrieve evidence that supports high-quality intrapartum care by conducting a systematic review of the literature. Methods Electronic bibliographic databases including PubMed, EMBASE.com, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care Database (through MIDIRS), and The Cochrane Library will be searched to identify studies that meet the inclusion criteria. No language or publication date constraints will be applied. Articles that pass the two-stage screening process will then be assessed for risk of bias and have their reference lists hand searched. Discussion A midwife’s practice can be influenced by education and cultural practices but ultimately it should be informed by up-to-date research evidence. By analysing and synthesising the results of the studies, this systematic review will provide valuable insight into high-quality evidence-based midwifery care, which can inform practice, education and future research. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42018088300 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13643-018-0916-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Many studies on spiritual care in palliative care are performed in the US, leaving other continents unexplored. The objective of this systematic review is to map the recent studies on spiritual care in palliative care in Europe. PubMed, CINAHL, ATLA, PsycINFO, ERIC, IBSS, Web of Science, EMBASE, and other databases were searched. Included were European studies published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2015, 2016, or 2017. The characteristics of the included studies were analyzed and a narrative synthesis of the extracted data was performed. 53 articles were included. Spiritual care was seen as attention for spirituality, presence, empowerment, and bringing peace. It implied creative, narrative, and ritual work. Though several studies reported positive effects of spiritual care, like the easing of discomfort, the evidence for spiritual care is low. Requirements for implementation of spiritual care in (palliative) care were: Developing spiritual competency, including self-reflection, and visibility of spirituality and spiritual care, which are required from spiritual counselors that they participated in existing organizational structures. This study has provided insight into spiritual care in palliative care in Europe. Future studies are necessary to develop appropriate patient outcomes and to investigate the effects of spiritual care more fully.

National health authorities uniformly express an urgent need for large-scale policies that incorporate population-based strategies to improve diet-related population health outcomes. On October 30, 2013, Washington State passed the first statewide comprehensive policy on food service guidelines (i.e., Executive Order 13-06: "Improving the Health and Productivity of State Employees and Access to Healthy Foods in State Facilities") aimed at improving diet-related health outcomes and estimated to impact 73,000 individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the facilitators and constraints to the development and passage of Executive Order 13-06 to inform future food service guideline development and passage in other agencies, states, and municipalities. We conducted 17 semi-structured telephone interviews with key stakeholders involved in the development and/or passage of Executive Order 13-06. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using the Advocacy Coalition Framework. Interviewees were from local and state public health departments, Washington State government, public agencies, academia, advocacy coalitions, and national organizations. Two main coalitions (proponents and opponents) diverged in their support of the passage of Executive Order 13-06. Proponents supported it given its potential to increase access to healthy food and beverage options. Opponents felt that it was not feasible to meet food service guidelines without affecting sales and profit. Study findings highlight the importance of early engagement with stakeholders most impacted by proposed food service guidelines, using existing guidelines rather than developing new guidelines, and creating a workgroup to discuss the feasibility of food service guideline implementation and compliance.

Recent analyses indicate that global fruit and vegetable (F&V) production will need to increase by 50%–150% by 2050 in order to achieve sustainable and healthy diets for 10 billion people. Although global production of F&V has grown by 50% during the last two decades alone, simply scaling up current systems of F&V production, supply chains, and consumption will inevitably worsen environmental and socioeconomic tradeoffs. This article examines three examples of important F&V—avocados, leafy greens, and tomatoes—to assess the global challenge of meeting dietary recommendations at affordable prices to consumers while sustaining producer livelihoods and minimizing environmental damage. These three cases highlight key characteristics of F&V systems that make the challenge of sustainable expansion especially difficult: knowledge-, input-, and labor-intensive production, high rates of food loss and waste, and low affordability to consumers relative to less nutrient-dense food groups. Our analysis shows that only by investing in innovations that increase diversity, integrate technology, and improve equity will truly sustainable expansion of F&V systems be possible.

© 2021 The Author(s)Background: Engaging in physical activity (PA) and avoiding sedentary behavior (SB) are important for healthy ageing with benefits including the mitigation of disability and mortality. Whether benefits extend to key determinants of disability and mortality, namely muscle strength and muscle power, is unclear. Aims: This systematic review aimed to describe the association of objective measures of PA and SB with measures of skeletal muscle strength and muscle power in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Six databases were searched from their inception to June 21st, 2020 for articles reporting associations between objectively measured PA and SB and upper body or lower body muscle strength or muscle power in community dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. An overview of associations was visualized by effect direction heat maps, standardized effect sizes were estimated with albatross plots and summarized in box plots. Articles reporting adjusted standardized regression coefficients (β) were included in meta-analyses. Results: A total of 112 articles were included representing 43,796 individuals (range: 21 to 3726 per article) with a mean or median age from 61.0 to 88.0 years (mean 56.4 % female). Higher PA measures and lower SB were associated with better upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), upper body muscle power (arm curl), lower body muscle strength, and lower body muscle power (chair stand test). Median standardized effect sizes were consistently larger for measures of PA and SB with lower compared to upper body muscle strength and muscle power. The meta-analyses of adjusted β coefficients confirmed the associations between total PA (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) with hand grip strength (β = 0.041, β = 0.057, and β = 0.070, respectively, all p ≤ 0.001), and TPA and MVPA with chair stand test (β = 0.199 and β = 0.211, respectively, all p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Higher PA and lower SB are associated with greater skeletal muscle strength and muscle power, particularly with the chair stand test.

Simple Summary Offspring of patients with heritable retinoblastoma have a high risk of developing retinoblastoma themselves. Ophthalmological screening from birth in at-risk children ensures early detection and increases survival. As not every at-risk child develops retinoblastoma it should be determined until what age familial retinoblastoma can occur, so that ophthalmological screening could safely be stopped at that age. Extended screening beyond this age would result in unnecessary patient burden and costs. By systematically searching the medical literature for latest age at diagnosis in this population, we ascertained that among adequately screened patients the oldest age at diagnosis is 48 months. Therefore, screening for familial retinoblastoma can safely be stopped at four years of age. Abstract The aim of this systematic review is to assess the latest age at diagnosis for detection of familial retinoblastoma in order to evaluate at what age screening of at-risk children could be discontinued. Extended screening beyond this age would result in unnecessary patient burden and costs. However, discontinuing screening prematurely would have the adverse effect of missing tumors. We performed a literature search (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library) up until February of 2021 and systematically included studies where patients had a family history of retinoblastoma, a known age at diagnosis, and who were ophthalmologically screened for retinoblastoma from birth. A total of 176 familial retinoblastoma patients from 17 studies were included in this review. Based on 48 months of age being the latest age of diagnosis, ophthalmological screening for familial retinoblastoma could safely be discontinued at age four years.

Objective: We aimed to explore the association between food insecurity and depression among early care and education (ECE) workers, a vulnerable population often working in precarious conditions. Design: We utilized cross-sectional data from a study exploring the effects of wage on ECE centers. Participants were enrolled between August 2017 and December 2018. Food insecurity was measured using the validated six-item U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module and participants were categorized as food secure (score = 0&ndash, 1), low food security (score = 2&ndash, 4), and very low food security (score = 5&ndash, 6). Depression (defined as a score &ge, 16) was measured using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised. We employed a logistic regression model to examine the relationship between food insecurity and depression. All models controlled for marital status, nativity, race/ethnicity, number of children in the household, job title, weekly hours of work, education, income, and study site. Setting: Participants were from Seattle (40%) and South King County (26%), Washington, and Austin, Texas (34%). Participants: Participants included 313 ECE workers from 49 ECE centers. Results: A majority of participants were female, non-Hispanic White, born in the U.S., and did not have children. Compared to being food secure, very low and low food insecurities were associated with a 4.95 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.29, 10.67) and 2.69 (95% CI: 1.29, 5.63) higher odds of depression, respectively. Conclusions: Policies and center-level interventions that address both food insecurity and depression may be warranted, in order to protect and improve the health of this valuable, yet vulnerable, segment of the U.S. workforce.

Objectives Breastfeeding promotion is increasingly recognized as a key public health strategy. Policies can promote breastfeeding by creating supportive environments and addressing challenges. In 2014, the Washington State legislature considered bills to create a voluntary recognition system for breastfeeding-friendly hospitals, clinics, worksites and childcare settings. These Breastfeeding-Friendly Washington (BFW) bills (SB 6298 and HB 2329) did not pass. Methods The purpose of this case study was to analyze the policy development process for the BFW bills using the Advocacy Coalition Framework. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the state policy process, and document review. We used thematic analysis to identify deductive and inductive themes. Results Though all policy actors indicated general support for breastfeeding, two main coalitions (proponents and opponents) diverged in their support of the BFW bills as policy solutions to address barriers to breastfeeding. We conducted 29 interviews with mainly bill proponents, and 54 documents confirmed data about bill opponents. Proponents supported the bills given increasingly strong evidence of breastfeeding's benefits and that public policy could address environmental challenges to breastfeeding. Opponents saw the bills as government overreach into the private matter of choosing to breastfeed. Opposition to the bills came late in the session, and proponents felt opponents' messaging misconstrued the intent of the legislation. Conclusions for Practice Key learnings for developing breastfeeding-friendly state policies include analyzing differences between proponents' and opponents' beliefs, framing advocacy messages beyond individuals and health, expanding the coalition outside of traditional health entities, and anticipating the opposition.

In the United States, 32% of beverages consumed by adults and 19% of beverages consumed by children in 2007 to 2010 contained low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs). Among all foods and beverages containing LCSs, beverages represent the largest proportion of LCS consumption worldwide. The term LCS includes the 6 high-intensity sweeteners currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and 2 additional high-intensity sweeteners for which the US Food and Drug Administration has issued no objection letters. Because of a lack of data on specific LCSs, this advisory does not distinguish among these LCSs. Furthermore, the advisory does not address foods sweetened with LCSs. This advisory reviews evidence from observational studies and clinical trials assessing the cardiometabolic outcomes of LCS beverages. It summarizes the positions of government agencies and other health organizations on LCS beverages and identifies research needs on the effects of LCS beverages on energy balance and cardiometabolic health. The use of LCS beverages may be an effective strategy to help control energy intake and promote weight loss. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of evidence on the potential adverse effects of LCS beverages relative to potential benefits. On the basis of the available evidence, the writing group concluded that, at this time, it is prudent to advise against prolonged consumption of LCS beverages by children. (Although water is the optimal beverage choice, children with diabetes mellitus who consume a balanced diet and closely monitor their blood glucose may be able to prevent excessive glucose excursions by substituting LCS beverages for sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs] when needed.) For adults who are habitually high consumers of SSBs, the writing group concluded that LCS beverages may be a useful replacement strategy to reduce intake of SSBs. This approach may be particularly helpful for persons who are habituated to a sweet-tasting beverage and for whom water, at least initially, is an undesirable option. Encouragingly, self-reported consumption of both SSBs and LCS beverages has been declining in the United States, suggesting that it is feasible to reduce SSB intake without necessarily substituting LCS beverages for SSBs. Thus, the use of other alternatives to SSBs, with a focus on water (plain, carbonated, and unsweetened flavored), should be encouraged.

Sixty percent of US children 5 years old and under receive up to two-thirds of their daily nutrition in early care and education (ECE) settings. Although participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is shown to improve nutrition, little is known about the relationship between procurement practices (where and how child care programs purchase food) and nutrition in ECE settings or whether these practices differ depending on participation in CACFP.We assessed self-reported nutrition practices and procurement practices by CACFP participation using a 2013 cross-sectional survey of 690 Washington ECE centers ("Centers") and 1260 family homes (family home child care [FHCCs]) serving children aged 2-5 years old using validated survey tools. We examined the relationship between procurement variables (i.e., main store and main mode) and nutrition scores using multinomial logistic regression models that adjusted for sociodemographic and program characteristics.In-person shopping was the primary mode of shopping for all programs, regardless of CACFP participation. Some Centers but very few FHCCs reported online shopping as their primary mode. Centers and non-CACFP FHCCs shopped primarily at megastores (Costco, Target, etc.). CACFP FHCCs used both megastores and grocery stores (Albertsons, QFC, etc.) at similar rates. Adjusted multinomial models found that shopping online or at two or more stores was associated with higher nutritional quality of foods served by programs.Understanding the procurement behaviors of ECE programs helps to illuminate and prioritize potential interventions that would support healthy food purchases.

Public schools waste approximately 30% to 50% of edible food and thus provide opportunities to study the problem of food waste and explore food rescue initiatives. This case study evaluates lunch­room waste sorting and food waste diversion prac­tices in a Washington State school district. It pro­vides a comprehensive analysis including descrip­tive characteristics and comparative statistical analyses to determine the types and amount of edible, wasted food and the potential to reduce or recover this wasted food. Waste audits were performed at 18 schools to quantify the amount and type of waste generated at each school. Audits consisted of weighing, sorting, and recording the pre and post-sort weights of all lunchroom com­post, recycling, and trash. Edible, rescuable food items were removed from bags and counted separately. Lunchroom-specific observational data, including lunchroom layout and implementation of food rescue programs, were also recorded. Statistical analysis evaluated the effect of these programs on lunchroom waste sorting. Data revealed significantly higher post-sort compost rates than pre-sort rates and significantly lower post-sort trash rates than pre-sort rates. Pre- and post-sort recycling rates were not significantly different. This suggests that a significant amount of trash could be diverted from landfills with imple­mentation of a lunchroom composting system. Additionally, participation in sustainability initia­tives, such as a county-wide resource conservation program, and use of lunchroom monitors affected waste sorting. Further, audits uncovered a large amount of wasted, edible food. This type of food could potentially be diverted to feeding students or community members experiencing food insecurity by means of food rescue programs, such as lunch­room food share programs or school-to-food-bank donation services. Overall, this study identified potential points for food waste reduction strategies in public school lunchrooms.

Background Until now, there is no clear overview of how fidelity is assessed in school-based obesity prevention programmes. In order to move the field of obesity prevention programmes forward, the current review aimed to 1) identify which fidelity components have been measured in school-based obesity prevention programmes; 2) identify how fidelity components have been measured; and 3) score the quality of these methods. Methods Studies published between January 2001–October 2017 were selected from searches in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and ERIC. We included studies examining the fidelity of obesity prevention programmes (nutrition and/or physical activity and/or sitting) at school (children aged 4–18 year) measuring at least one component of implementation fidelity. A data extraction was performed to identify which and how fidelity components were measured. Thereafter, a quality assessment was performed to score the quality of these methods. We scored each fidelity component on 7 quality criteria. Each fidelity component was rated high (> 75% positive), moderate (50–75%) or low (

ObjectiveTo examine the impacts of Seattle’s minimum wage ordinance on food prices by food processing category.DesignSupermarket food prices were collected for 106 items using a University of Washington Center for Public Health Nutrition market basket at affected and unaffected supermarket chain stores at three times: March 2015 (1-month pre-policy enactment), May 2015 (1-month post-policy enactment) and May 2016 (1-year post-policy enactment). Food items were categorized into four food processing groups, from minimally to ultra-processed. Data were analysed across time using a multilevel, linear difference-in-differences model at the store and price level stratified by level of food processing.SettingSix large supermarket chain stores located in Seattle (‘intervention’) affected by the policy and six same-chain but unaffected stores in King County (‘control’), Washington, USA.SubjectsOne hundred and six food and beverage items.ResultsThe largest change in average price by food item was +$US 0·53 for ‘processed foods’ in King County between 1-month post-policy and 1-year post-policy enactment (P < 0·01). The smallest change was $US 0·00 for ‘unprocessed or minimally processed foods’ in Seattle between 1-month post-policy and 1-year post-policy enactment (P = 0·94). No significant changes in averaged chain prices were observed across food processing level strata in Seattle v. King County stores at 1-month or 1-year post-policy enactment.ConclusionsSupermarket food prices do not appear to be differentially impacted by Seattle’s minimum wage ordinance by level of the food’s processing. These results suggest that the early implementation of a city-level minimum wage policy does not alter supermarket food prices by level of food processing.

Background To counteract decline in physical performance and physical activity in older patients during hospitalization, multiple physical interventions were developed. However, it is unknown whether these are effective in this particular population. This systematic review aimed to identify the effect of physical interventions on physical performance and physical activity in older patients during hospitalization. Methods The systematic search included PubMed, EMBASE, Cinahl, the Trials database of The Cochrane Library and SPORTdiscus from inception to 22 November 2017. Studies were included if the mean age of the patient cohort was 65 years and older and the effect of physical interventions on physical performance or physical activity was evaluated during hospitalization. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the effect of physical interventions on physical performance was inconsistent. Patient tailored interventions, i.e. continuously adapted to the capabilities of the patient were not found to be superior over interventions that were not. Physical activity as outcome measure was not addressed. Reporting of intensity of the interventions and adherence were frequently lacking. Conclusions Evidence for the effect of physical interventions on physical performance in older patients during hospitalization was found uncertain. Further research on the efficacy of the intervention is needed, comparing types of intervention with detailed reporting of frequency, intensity and duration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-018-0965-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Colorectal cancer is diagnosed progressively in employed patients due to screening programs and increasing retirement age. The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors for return to work and work disability in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: The research protocol was published at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42017049757. A systematic review of cohort and case-control studies in colorectal cancer patients above 18 years, who were employed when diagnosed, and who had a surgical resection with curative intent were included. The primary outcome was return to work or work disability. Potentially prognostic factors were included in the analysis if they were measured in at least three studies. Risk of bias was assessed according to the QUality In Prognosis Studies tool. A qualitative synthesis analysis was performed due to heterogeneity between studies. Quality of evidence was evaluated according to Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Results: Eight studies were included with a follow-up period of 26 up to 520 weeks. (Neo)adjuvant therapy, higher age, and more comorbidities had a significant negative influence on return to work. A previous period of unemployment, extensive surgical resection and postoperative complications significantly increased the risk of work disability. The quality of evidence for these prognostic factors was considered very low to moderate. Conclusion: Health care professionals need to be aware of these prognostic factors to select patients eligible for timely intensified rehabilitation in order to optimize the return to work process and prevent work disability.

Background: Once recurrent or persistent locoregional tumour after radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is identified, few curative-intent treatment options are available. Selected patients might benefit from surgical salvage. We performed a systematic review of the available literature for this emerging treatment option. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Publications about persistent or (locoregional) recurrent disease after radical/definitive CRT for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer were identified. Results: Eight full papers were found, representing 158 patients. All were retrospective series and data were heterogeneous: definition and indication for salvage surgery varied and the median time from radiotherapy to surgery was 4.1–33 months. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 85–100%, with vital tumour in 61–100%. A large number of pneumonectomies were performed, and additional structures were often resected. Where reported, 90-day mortality was 0–11.4%. Reported survival metrics varied but included median overall survival 9–46 months and 5-year survival 20–75%. Conclusion: There are limited, low-level, heterogeneous data in support of salvage surgery after radical CRT. Based on this, perioperative mortality appears acceptable and long-term survival is possible in (highly) selected patients. In suitable patients (fit, no distant metastases, tumour appears completely resectable and preferably with confirmed viable tumour), this treatment option should be discussed in an experienced multidisciplinary lung cancer team.

Introduction: Stereotactic body (or ablative) radiotherapy (SBRT/SABR) is now a guideline-recommended treatment for medically inoperable patients with peripherally-located, stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and for medically operable patients who decline surgery. The 5-year local failure rate after SBRT is about 10% and in highly selected patients, surgery has been used as a salvage therapy. We performed a systematic review to address the feasibility, safety, and outcome of salvage surgery for locally recurrent early stage NSCLC after SBRT. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched and two authors independently assessed the articles. A total of seven eligible articles were identified. Results: All seven articles were retrospective case series, representing a total of 47 patients. Surgery was completed in all patients. Where reported in sufficient detail, morbidity (four studies) was between 29 and 50% (series of two patients) and 90-day mortality (six studies) was between 0% (four studies) and 11% ( n = 1, disease progression). Median ( n = 5)/mean ( n = 1) reported or calculated follow ups were 7–54.5/17.3 months. Median overall survival was reported in three studies and ranged between 13.6–82.7 months. Crude survival in three others was 2–35 months. Conclusion: Limited, low-level evidence prevents firm conclusions, but based on the existing data, salvage surgery after local recurrence of NSCLC following SBRT appears technically feasible, with acceptable morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected and counselled patients who are fit enough and who accept the risks (level of evidence 4, strength of recommendation C).

The 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa has presented a significant public health crisis to the international health community and challenged U.S. emergency departments (EDs) to prepare for patients with a disease of exceeding rarity in developed nations. With the presentation of patients with Ebola to U.S. acute care facilities, ethical questions have been raised in both the press and medical literature as to how U.S. EDs, emergency physicians (EPs), emergency nurses, and other stakeholders in the health care system should approach the current epidemic and its potential for spread in the domestic environment. To address these concerns, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine developed this joint position paper to provide guidance to U.S. EPs, emergency nurses, and other stakeholders in the health care system on how to approach the ethical dilemmas posed by the outbreak of EVD. This paper will address areas of immediate and potential ethical concern to U.S. EDs in how they approach preparation for and management of potential patients with EVD.

Contains fulltext : 152691.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency can be monitored by salivary androstenedione (A-dione) and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels. There are no objective criteria for setting relevant target values or data on changes of 17OHP and A-dione during monitoring. METHODS: We evaluated A-dione and 17OHP levels in nearly 2000 salivary samples collected during long-term treatment of 84 paediatric patients with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency. RESULTS: A-dione and 17OHP levels and its ratio 17OHP/A-dione remained constant from 4 to 11 years with no sex-related differences. During puberty, A-dione and 17OHP levels both increased, starting at earlier age in girls than in boys. The ratio 17OHP/A-dione declined. Normalised A-dione concomitant with elevated 17OHP [1.43 nmol/L (0.46-4.41) during prepuberty; 2.36 nmol/L (0.63-8.89) for boys and 1.99 nmol/L (0.32-6.98) for girls during puberty] could be obtained with overall median glucocorticoid doses of 11-15 mg/m2/day. A-dione levels above the upper reference limit (URL), suggesting undertreatment, coincided with 17OHP levels >/=10 times URL. The percentage of A-dione levels above URL was 16% at ages 4-8 years, but increased to 31% for girls at 16 years and 46% for boys at 17 years. CONCLUSIONS: Normalised A-dione consistent with 17OHP three times URL during prepuberty and normalised A-dione consistent with 4-6 times URL during puberty could be obtained by moderate glucocorticoid dosages. A constant 17OHP/A-dione ratio during prepuberty suggested absence of adrenarche. During puberty, a higher percentage of samples met the criteria for undertreatment, especially of boys. 8 p.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of physical training combined with growth hormone (GH) on muscle thickness and its relationship with muscle strength and motor development in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).METHODS:In a randomized controlled trial, 22 infants with PWS (12.9 ± 7.1 months) were followed over 2 years to compare a treatment group (n = 10) with a waiting-list control group (n = 12). Muscle thickness of 4 muscle groups was measured by using ultrasound. Muscle strength was evaluated by using the Infant Muscle Strength meter. Motor performance was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measurement. Analyses of variance were used to evaluate between-group effects of GH on muscle thickness at 6 months and to compare pre- and posttreatment (after 12 months of GH) values. Multilevel analyses were used to evaluate effects of GH on muscle thickness over time, and multilevel bivariate analyses were used to test relationships between muscle thickness, muscle strength, and motor performance.RESULTS:A significant positive effect of GH on muscle thickness (P < .05) was found. Positive relationships were found between muscle thickness and muscle strength (r = 0.61, P < .001), muscle thickness and motor performance (r = 0.81, P < .001), and muscle strength and motor performance (r = 0.76, P < .001).CONCLUSIONS:GH increased muscle thickness, which was related to muscle strength and motor development in infants with PWS. Catch-up growth was faster in muscles that are most frequently used in early development. Because this effect was independent of GH, it suggests a training effect.

The case presented here highlights an unconventional use of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) to provide a specialized medication to a critically ill patient when definitive transport was delayed. A 39-year-old man presented to a rural hospital 1 hour after sustaining a copperhead envenomation. He developed severe symptoms and was intubated. Arrangements were made for transfer to a tertiary referral center by HEMS, but because of incoming weather conditions, the team would not be able to make the return flight safely. The decision was made for the HEMS team to fly antivenom to the patient, administer the medication, and then transport the patient by ground to the tertiary medical center. This plan was executed, and the patient was safely transported to the accepting facility. Antivenom is most effective when administered early because this will halt the progression of edema and may reverse the systemic effects of envenomation. In this case, HEMS transport of antivenom to the patient with severe toxicity prevented a delay to administration and likely improved the patient's outcome. Although the traditional role of HEMS is to provide rapid transport to critically ill patients, HEMS teams can also function to deliver specialized medications to remote settings.

Contains fulltext : 172188.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) 3 p.