Ensuring a Successful Transition From Cytology to Human Papillomavirus-Based Primary Cervical Cancer Screening in Canada by Investigating the Psychosocial Correlates of Women's Intentions: Protocol for an Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) test has emerged as a significant improvement over cytology for primary cervical cancer screening. In Canada, provinces and territories are moving toward implementing HPV testing in cervical cancer screening programs. Although an abundance of research exists on the benefits of HPV-based screening, there is a dearth of research examining women's understanding of HPV testing. In other countries, failure to adequately address women's concerns about changes has disrupted the implementation of HPV-based screening. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the multipart study described in this paper are to develop psychometrically valid measures of cervical cancer screening-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs; to examine the feasibility of a questionnaire examining psychosocial factors related to HPV-based screening; and to investigate psychosocial correlates of women's intentions to participate in HPV-based screening. METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey (study 1) of Canadian women to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a questionnaire, including the validation of scales examining cervical cancer knowledge, HPV testing knowledge, HPV testing attitudes and beliefs, and HPV test self-sampling attitudes and beliefs. Preferences for cervical cancer screening were assessed using the best-worst scaling methodology. A second web-based survey (study 2) will be administered to a national sample of Canadian women between June 2022 and July 2022 using the validated scales. Differences in the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of women who are currently either underscreened or adequately screened for cervical cancer will be examined through bivariate analyses. Multinomial logistic regression will be used to estimate the associations between psychosocial and sociodemographic factors and intentions to undergo HPV-based screening. RESULTS: Between October 2021 and November 2021, a total of 1230 participants completed the questionnaire in study 1, and 1027 (83.49%) responses were retained after data cleaning methods were applied. Feasibility was comparable with similar population-based surveys in terms of survey length, participant attrition, and the number of participants excluded after data cleaning. As of May 2022, analysis of study 1 is ongoing, and results are expected to be published in the summer of 2022. Data collection is expected to begin for study 2 in the summer of 2022. Results are expected to be published between late 2022 and early 2023. CONCLUSIONS: Findings will provide direction for Canadian public health authorities to align guidelines to address women's concerns and optimize the acceptability and uptake of HPV-based primary screening. Validated scales can be used by other researchers to improve and standardize the measurement of psychosocial factors affecting HPV test acceptability. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles; conference presentations; and direct communication with researchers, clinicians, policy makers, media, and specialty organizations. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/38917.

von Willebrand disease and cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report.

The anesthetic management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass can be challenging. Contact of blood with extracorporeal surfaces results in altered coagulational integrity and increased risk of bleeding. Patients with preexisting bleeding disorders are particularly vulnerable. In this article we discuss the anesthetic management of a patient with von Willebrand disease (vWD) undergoing mitral valve replacement on cardiopulmonary bypass. vWD describes a number of different von Willebrand factor disorders, associated with variable degrees of bleeding, which require an individualized approach. The extent of the surgery, the patient-specific vWD coagulopathy, and clinical indicators guided our therapy, which included desmopressin, cryoprecipitate, and vWF/Factor VIII concentrate.

Coronary calcium scanning independently detects coronary artery disease in asymptomatic firefighters: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death among firefighters in the United States. Fire departments commonly maintain physical examination protocols, often with exercise stress testing, to detect risk of coronary heart disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether coronary calcium detected by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) adds incremental risk stratification beyond the traditional risk factors in asymptomatic community-based firefighters. METHODS: Three hundred ninety nine asymptomatic firefighters underwent a coronary calcium scan on a GE/Imatron C-150 Ultrafast EBCT scanner, using standardized imaging protocols. Framingham risk factor data were obtained on each patient by using a questionnaire. Agatston scores were derived and compared with national database of Agatston scores for asymptomatic populations on the basis of age and sex, allowing determination of a calcium percentile for each score. RESULTS: Coronary calcium was found only in men >34 years of age. Of the 53% who had positive scans (Agatston score > 0), 87% had higher than average Agatston scores compared with a national database (P < 0.01). Agatston score above the 75th percentile was found in 57% of firefighters. No correlation was observed between traditional risk factors and those with and without coronary calcium. CONCLUSIONS: Firefighters have a high burden of calcified coronary atherosclerosis, greater than anticipated on the basis of age and coronary risk factors.

Anesthetic management of patients with major burn injury.

Burn injury is a leading cause of life-threatening trauma worldwide, affecting more than 450,000 Americans each year, and is associated with an average mortality rate of 0.8%. Patients with an increased risk of death from burn injuries include elderly patients and patients with large burns or inhalation injury. Providing optimal care for patients with major burn injuries requires the coordinated effort of multidisciplinary teams in which anesthesia providers play a critical role. Anesthetic management for burn surgery can be technically challenging because of difficult airway management and vascular access, as well as cognitively demanding because of dramatic pathophysiologic changes that compromise hemodynamic stability and alter patient response to many anesthetic agents. The following article reviews the literature related to the pathophysiology and clinical management of major burn injuries and highlights the key concepts relevant to the delivery of safe and efficacious anesthesia for these patients.

Radiation safety in fluoroscopy.

Fluoroscopy is an important diagnostic and interventional imaging tool that enables clinicians to view dynamic, real-time images of anatomy and function unmatched by other imaging techniques. However, operators must take into account many factors that impact the amount of radiation delivered, particularly over the course of a lengthy interventional procedure. After completing this review, readers will: Understand basic concepts of radiobiology and fluoroscopy systems. Know the typical doses and dose calculations for patients and fluoroscopic personnel. Recognize the pathology of biological effects and common radiation-induced skin injuries. Understand fluoroscopic technique factors to reduce patient exposure. Know the basic methods for controlling occupational exposure for fluoroscopic personnel.

HIV update.

Few diseases have spread so rapidly around the world or caused such severe morbidity and mortality as HIV/AIDS. After reading this review and update on the pandemic, readers will: Know the current status of HIV/AIDS in the United States and worldwide. Understand basic concepts of epidemiology and infectious disease and how these areas of study relate to HIV. Know basic concepts of immunology and the human immune system. Recognize major clinical manifestations of HIV/AIDS and their radiographic features. Understand the importance of universal precautions in protecting health care workers from blood-borne pathogens such as HIV. Understand the legal and psychosocial issues that affect people who have AIDS.