Attention and executive delays in early childhood: a meta-analysis of neurodevelopmental conditions.

The objective of this review was to evaluate attention and executive function performance in children with neurodevelopmental conditions across the first 5 years of life, compared to neurotypical peers. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched until June 30, 2023, and studies comparing attention or executive function between children with (or at risk for) neurodevelopmental conditions and neurotypical (or low risk) peers, 0 to 5 years old, were included. Of the 4338 studies identified, 111 studies with 12292 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The qualitative analysis of brain development included 5 studies. Primary outcomes were the standardised mean difference (Hedges' g) in attention and executive function between groups. Meta-regressions examined moderating effects of age, biological sex, diagnosis, and measure type. Children with neurodevelopmental conditions showed small delays in attention (n = 49 studies, k = 251 outcomes, g = 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.48, p < 0.001) and moderate delays in executive function (n = 64 studies, k = 368 outcomes, g = 0.64,95% CI 0.53-0.76, p < 0.001). Attention and executive function delays could not be identified in the first year (equivalence tests, p < 0.001), small to moderate delays were found in toddlerhood and moderate delays by preschool. Delays identified were largely transdiagnostic, although there was some evidence of diagnosis-specific delays for attention and moderation by measure type (informant rating vs performance-based vs physiological). Qualitative analysis described how delays were underpinned by a divergence of brain development in medial prefrontal regions. These findings highlight the potential of using attention and executive measures to detect delay and to intervene in neurodevelopmental conditions early in life.

Mathematics skills in children with genetic generalized epilepsy: Cognitive and clinical correlates. Preliminary results.

Impairments in mathematics have been found in children with Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE), yet little is known about the underpinnings of these difficulties. The aim of this study was to investigate basic numeracy and secondary mathematics skills in GGE and explore cognitive and clinical correlates that relate to those skills. Nineteen children with GGE and 22 typically developing controls aged 8-16 years completed a neuropsychological battery which assessed: (i) basic numeracy skills: non-symbolic and symbolic magnitude comparison; (ii) secondary mathematics skills: calculation, reasoning, and fluency; and (iii) cognitive skills: intelligence, fluid reasoning, processing speed, and working memory. Epilepsy clinical factors (age of epilepsy onset, duration of epilepsy, number of anti-seizure medications) were also recorded. Children with GGE were impaired in select basic numeracy skills (non-symbolic magnitude comparison), and all secondary mathematics skills compared to controls. In children with GGE, the visuo-spatial central executive correlated with both basic numeracy skills. The verbal central executive correlated with mathematics reasoning. Non-verbal intelligence was related to symbolic magnitude comparison and mathematics reasoning. Fluid reasoning was correlated with non-symbolic magnitude comparison and mathematics problems solving. Epilepsy variables did not relate to mathematics outcomes. Overall, we found that children with GGE experience significant difficulties in select basic numeracy and all secondary mathematics skills. Risk factors for mathematics difficulties included reduced working memory capacity, lower intelligence and fluid reasoning. Our findings suggest that children with GGE may require accommodation for limited central executive working memory capacity in combination with academic supports for poor mathematics skills.

Strategies used during the cognitive evaluation of older adults with dual sensory impairment: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Dual sensory impairment (DSI), the combination of visual and hearing impairments, is associated with increased risk for age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Administering cognitive tests to individuals with sensory impairment is challenging because most cognitive measures require sufficient hearing and vision. Considering sensory limitations during cognitive test administration is necessary so that the effects of sensory and cognitive abilities on test performance can be differentiated and the validity of test results optimized. OBJECTIVE: To review empirical strategies that researchers have employed to accommodate DSI during cognitive testing of older adults. METHODS: Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Global Health and the Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews databases) were searched for relevant articles integrating the three concepts of cognitive evaluation, aging, and DSI. Given the inclusion criteria, this scoping review included a total of 67 papers. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies reported five categories of strategies for cognitive testing of older adult participants with DSI: the assistance of experts, the modification of standardized test scoring procedures, the use of communication strategies, environmental modifications, and the use of cognitive tests without visual and/or auditory items. CONCLUSIONS: The most used strategy reported in the included studies was drawing on the assistance of team members from related fields during the administration and interpretation of cognitive screening measures. Alternative strategies were rarely employed. Future research is needed to explore the knowledge-to-practice gap between research and current clinical practice, and to develop standardized testing strategies.

Exploring early life social and executive function development in infants and risk for autism: a prospective cohort study protocol of NICU graduates and infants at risk for cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Delays in early social and executive function are predictive of later developmental delays and eventual neurodevelopmental diagnoses. There is limited research examining such markers in the first year of life. High-risk infant groups commonly present with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges, including social and executive function delays, and show higher rates of autism diagnoses later in life. For example, it has been estimated that up to 30% of infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) will go on to be diagnosed with autism later in life. METHODS: This article presents a protocol of a prospective longitudinal study. The primary aim of this study is to identify early life markers of delay in social and executive function in high-risk infants at the earliest point in time, and to explore how these markers may relate to the increased risk for social and executive delay, and risk of autism, later in life. High-risk infants will include Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates, who are most commonly admitted for premature birth and/or cardiovascular problems. In addition, we will include infants with, or at risk for, CP. This prospective study will recruit 100 high-risk infants at the age of 3-12 months old and will track social and executive function across the first 2 years of their life, when infants are 3-7, 8-12, 18 and 24 months old. A multi-modal approach will be adopted by tracking the early development of social and executive function using behavioural, neurobiological, and caregiver-reported everyday functioning markers. Data will be analysed to assess the relationship between the early markers, measured from as early as 3-7 months of age, and the social and executive function as well as the autism outcomes measured at 24 months. DISCUSSION: This study has the potential to promote the earliest detection and intervention opportunities for social and executive function difficulties as well as risk for autism in NICU graduates and/or infants with, or at risk for, CP. The findings of this study will also expand our understanding of the early emergence of autism across a wider range of at-risk groups.

Triage tools for detecting cervical spine injury in paediatric trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric cervical spine injury (CSI) after blunt trauma is rare but can have severe consequences. Clinical decision rules (CDRs) have been developed to guide clinical decision-making, minimise unnecessary tests and associated risks, whilst detecting all significant CSIs. Several validated CDRs are used to guide imaging decision-making in adults following blunt trauma and clinical criteria have been proposed as possible paediatric-specific CDRs. Little information is known about their accuracy. OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of CDRs or sets of clinical criteria, alone or in comparison with each other, for the evaluation of CSI following blunt trauma in children. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and six other databases from 1 January 2015 to 13 December 2022. As we expanded the index test eligibility for this review update, we searched the excluded studies from the previous version of the review for eligibility. We contacted field experts to identify ongoing studies and studies potentially missed by the search. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included cross-sectional or cohort designs (retrospective and prospective) and randomised controlled trials that compared the diagnostic accuracy of any CDR or clinical criteria compared with a reference standard for the evaluation of paediatric CSI following blunt trauma. We included studies evaluating one CDR or comparing two or more CDRs (directly and indirectly). We considered X-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine, and clinical clearance/follow-up as adequate reference standards. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance, and carried out eligibility, data extraction and quality assessment. A third review author arbitrated. We extracted data on study design, participant characteristics, inclusion/exclusion criteria, index test, target condition, reference standard and data (diagnostic two-by-two tables) and calculated and plotted sensitivity and specificity on forest plots for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. We assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Version 2 tool. We graded the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included five studies with 21,379 enrolled participants, published between 2001 and 2021. Prevalence of CSI ranged from 0.5% to 1.85%. Seven CDRs were evaluated. Three studies reported on direct comparisons of CDRs. One study (973 participants) directly compared the accuracy of three index tests with the sensitivities of NEXUS, Canadian C-Spine Rule and the PECARN retrospective criteria being 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 1.00), 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00), respectively. The specificities were 0.56 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.59), 0.52 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.55) and 0.32 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.35), respectively (moderate-certainty evidence). One study (4091 participants) compared the accuracy of the PECARN retrospective criteria with the Leonard de novo model; the sensitivities were 0.91 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.96) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.97), respectively. The specificities were 0.46 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.47) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.52) (moderate- and low-certainty evidence, respectively). One study (270 participants) compared the accuracy of two NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) head injury guidelines; the sensitivity of the CG56 guideline was 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00) compared to 1.00 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00) with the CG176 guideline. The specificities were 0.46 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.52) and 0.07 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.11), respectively (very low-certainty evidence). Two additional studies were indirect comparison studies. One study (3065 participants) tested the accuracy of the NEXUS criteria; the sensitivity was 1.00 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.00) and specificity was 0.20 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.21) (low-certainty evidence). One retrospective study (12,537 participants) evaluated the PEDSPINE criteria and found a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.99) and specificity of 0.70 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.72) (very low-certainty evidence). We did not pool data within the broader CDR categories or investigate heterogeneity due to the small quantity of data and the clinical heterogeneity of studies. Two studies were at high risk of bias. We identified two studies that are awaiting classification pending further information and two ongoing studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of CDRs to detect CSIs in children following blunt trauma, particularly for children under eight years of age. Although most studies had a high sensitivity, this was often achieved at the expense of low specificity and should be interpreted with caution due to a small number of CSIs and wide CIs. Well-designed, large studies are required to evaluate the accuracy of CDRs for the cervical spine clearance in children following blunt trauma, ideally in direct comparison with each other.

Serum Levels of Vitamin C and Thiamin in Children With Suspected Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin C and thiamin have been trialed as adjunctive therapies in adults with septic shock but their role in critically ill children is unclear. We assessed serum levels of vitamin C and thiamin in children evaluated for sepsis. DESIGN: Single-center prospective observational study. Serum levels of vitamin C and thiamin were measured on admission and association with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was explored using logistic regression. SETTING: Emergency department and PICU in a tertiary children's hospital, Queensland, Australia. PATIENTS: Children greater than 1 month and less than 17 years evaluated for sepsis. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Vitamin levels were determined in 221 children with a median age of 3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.6, 8.3) years. Vitamin C levels were inversely correlated with severity as measured by pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (Spearman's rho = -0.16, p = 0.018). Median (IQR) vitamin C levels on admission were 35.7 (17.9, 54.1) µmol/L, 36.1 (21.4, 53.7) µmol/L, and 17.9 (6.6, 43.0) µmol/L in children without organ dysfunction, single organ dysfunction, and MODS, respectively (p = 0.017). In multivariable analyses, low levels of vitamin C at the time of sampling were associated with greater odds of MODS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.04; 95% CI, 1.51-6.12), and vitamin C deficiency was associated with greater odds of MODS at 24 hours after sampling (aOR 3.38; 95% CI, 1.53-7.47). Median (IQR) thiamin levels were 162 (138, 192) nmol/L, 185 (143, 200) nmol/L, and 136 (110, 179) nmol/L in children without organ dysfunction, single organ dysfunction, and MODS, respectively (p = 0.061). We failed to identify an association between thiamin deficiency and either MODS at sampling (OR 2.52; 95% CI, 0.15-40.86) or MODS at 24 hours (OR 2.96; 95% CI, 0.18-48.18). CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill children evaluated for sepsis frequently manifest decreased levels of vitamin C, with lower levels associated with higher severity.

Resuscitation With Early Adrenaline Infusion for Children With Septic Shock: A Randomized Pilot Trial.

OBJECTIVES: In children with septic shock, guidelines recommend resuscitation with 40-60 mL/kg of fluid boluses, yet there is a lack of evidence to support this practice. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomized trial comparing early adrenaline infusion with standard fluid resuscitation in children with septic shock. DESIGN: Open-label parallel randomized controlled, multicenter pilot study. The primary end point was feasibility; the exploratory clinical endpoint was survival free of organ dysfunction by 28 days. SETTING: Four pediatric Emergency Departments in Queensland, Australia. PATIENTS: Children between 28 days and 18 years old with septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned 1:1 to receive a continuous adrenaline infusion after 20 mL/kg fluid bolus resuscitation (n = 17), or standard care fluid resuscitation defined as delivery of 40 to 60 mL/kg fluid bolus resuscitation prior to inotrope commencement (n = 23). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty of 58 eligible patients (69%) were consented with a median age of 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-12.1 yr). The median time from randomization to inotropes was 16 minutes (IQR, 12-26 min) in the intervention group, and 49 minutes (IQR, 29-63 min) in the standard care group. The median amount of fluid delivered during the first 24 hours was 0 mL/kg (IQR, 0-10.0 mL/kg) in the intervention group, and 20.0 mL/kg (14.6-28.6 mL/kg) in the standard group (difference, -20.0; 95% CI, -28.0 to -12.0). The number of days alive and free of organ dysfunction did not differ between the intervention and standard care groups, with a median of 27 days (IQR, 26-27 d) versus 26 days (IQR, 25-27 d). There were no adverse events reported associated with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In children with septic shock, a protocol comparing early administration of adrenaline versus standard care achieved separation between the study arms in relation to inotrope and fluid bolus use.

Pediatric sport and nonsport concussions presenting to emergency departments: injury circumstances, characteristics, and clinical management.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare injury circumstances, characteristics, and clinical management of emergency department (ED) presentations for sports-related concussion (SRC) and non-SRC. METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study identified patients 5-17 years old who presented to EDs within 24 hours of head injury, with one or more signs or symptoms of concussion. Participants had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13-15 and no abnormalities on CT (if performed). Data were stratified by age: young children (5-8 years), older children (9-12 years), and adolescents (13-17 years). RESULTS: Of 4709 patients meeting the concussion criteria, non-SRC accounted for 56.3% of overall concussions, including 80.9% of younger child, 51.1% of older child, and 37.0% of adolescent concussions. The most common mechanism of non-SRC was falls for all ages. The most common activity accounting for SRC was bike riding for younger children, and rugby for older children and adolescents. Concussions occurring in sports areas, home, and educational settings accounted for 26.2%, 21.8%, and 19.0% of overall concussions. Concussions occurring in a sports area increased with age, while occurrences in home and educational settings decreased with age. The presence of amnesia significantly differed for SRC and non-SRC for all age groups, while vomiting and disorientation differed for older children and adolescents. Adolescents with non-SRC were admitted to a ward and underwent CT at higher proportions than those with SRC. CONCLUSIONS: Non-SRC more commonly presented to EDs overall, with SRC more common with increasing age. These data provide important information to inform public health policies, guidelines, and prevention efforts.

Does social connection mediate the association between neuroticism and cognition? Cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the association between neuroticism and six cognitive measures, and examined the potential mediating roles of social connection (social isolation and loneliness) among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Comprehensive Cohort, a sample of Canadians aged 45-85 years at baseline. Respondents with data collected at the first follow-up, between 2015 and 2018, were included (n = 27,765). Structural equation modelling was used to assess the association between neuroticism and six cognitive measures (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate recall and delayed recall, Animal Fluency Test, Mental Alternation Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test and Stroop Test interference ratio), with direct and indirect effects (through social isolation and loneliness). All analyses were stratified by sex, including females (n = 14,133) and males (n = 13,632). RESULTS: In unadjusted models, there was evidence of associations between neuroticism and all cognitive measures, except the Stroop Test interference ratio, suggesting higher neuroticism was associated with lower scores on memory and executive function tests. In the models of these other five outcomes, there was consistent evidence of indirect effects (through social isolation and loneliness) and, in some cases, direct effects. The results are discussed in context with limitations, including the use of cross-sectional design and alternative hypotheses to explain the association between personality and cognition. CONCLUSION: Among middle-aged and older adults, for both males and females, the findings suggest that the association between neuroticism and cognitive outcomes may be mediated by aspects of social connection.

Comparing easywrap with six other adjustable wraps for compression therapy in venous and lymphatic disease by variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear guidance or comprehensive comparative evidence to help clinicians select between adjustable wraps for compression therapy. However, adjustable wraps could be compared with three metrics used for compression bandages: variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity. AIMS: To determine whether easywrap (Haddenham Healthcare) had lower standard deviation (SD) in lying pressure, greater static stiffness index (SSI) and/or a greater mean elongation ratio than six other adjustable wraps. METHODS: In this preliminary exploratory study, seven adjustable wraps were tested in vivo 20 times each (140 tests in total), on 20 people (with a variable number of readings per participant), to give the SD in lying pressure and mean SSI. The same wraps were tested in vitro five times each to give the mean elongation ratio. FINDINGS: Of all seven adjustable wraps, easywrap had the second lowest SD in lying pressure at 5.9 mmHg, compared with 8.9 mmHg overall; the highest mean SSI at 13.2 mmHg, compared with 9.5 mmHg overall; and the highest mean elongation ratio at 137.0%, compared with 107.1% overall. CONCLUSIONS: These metrics suggest that easywrap has clinical advantages over other adjustable wraps. A lower variation in lying pressure suggests more consistent application of pressures within intended therapeutic levels. Higher SSI indicates greater resistance to stretching, which is linked to improved venous function and oedema reduction. Higher elongation ratio demonstrates greater tensile strength, which should maintain therapeutic pressure for longer without readjustment.

Comparing easywrap with six other adjustable wraps for compression therapy in venous and lymphatic disease by variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear guidance or comprehensive comparative evidence to help clinicians select between adjustable wraps for compression therapy. However, adjustable wraps could be compared with three metrics used for compression bandages: variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity. AIMS: To determine whether easywrap (Haddenham Healthcare) had lower standard deviation (SD) in lying pressure, greater static stiffness index (SSI) and/or a greater mean elongation ratio than six other adjustable wraps. METHODS: In this preliminary exploratory study, seven adjustable wraps were tested in vivo 20 times each (140 tests in total), on 20 people (with a variable number of readings per participant), to give the SD in lying pressure and mean SSI. The same wraps were tested in vitro five times each to give the mean elongation ratio. FINDINGS: Of all seven adjustable wraps, easywrap had the second lowest SD in lying pressure at 5.9 mmHg, compared with 8.9 mmHg overall; the highest mean SSI at 13.2 mmHg, compared with 9.5 mmHg overall; and the highest mean elongation ratio at 137.0%, compared with 107.1% overall. CONCLUSIONS: These metrics suggest that easywrap has clinical advantages over other adjustable wraps. A lower variation in lying pressure suggests more consistent application of pressures within intended therapeutic levels. Higher SSI indicates greater resistance to stretching, which is linked to improved venous function and oedema reduction. Higher elongation ratio demonstrates greater tensile strength, which should maintain therapeutic pressure for longer without readjustment.

Barriers and co-designed strategies for the implementation of negative pressure wound therapy in acute pediatric burn care in Australia: A mixed method study.

PURPOSE: Pediatric burn injuries are a global clinical issue causing significant morbidity. Early adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy improves re-epithelialization rates in children with burns, yet adoption in acute burn care is inconsistent. This investigation aimed to determine barriers to the implementation of adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy for the acute management of pediatric burns and co-design targeted implementation strategies. METHODS: A sequential mixed methods design was used explore barriers to adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy implementation in acute pediatric burn care. An online questionnaire was disseminated to healthcare professionals within four major Australian pediatric hospitals, each with a dedicated burns service. Barriers were coded according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Semi-structured interviews with senior clinicians tailored implementation strategies to local contexts. A stakeholder consensus meeting consolidated implementation strategies and local processes. RESULTS: Sixty-three healthcare professionals participated in the questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews involved nine senior burn clinicians. We identified eight implementation barriers across all five CFIR domains then co-designed targeted strategies to address identified barriers. Barriers included lack of available resources, limited access to knowledge and information, individual stage of change, patient needs and resources, limited knowledge and beliefs about the intervention, lack of external policies, intervention complexity, and poor implementation planning. CONCLUSION: Multiple contextual factors affect negative pressure wound therapy uptake in acute pediatric burn settings. Results will inform a multi-state stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial. Additional resources, education, training, updated policies, and guidelines are required for successful implementation. It is anticipated that adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy, in conjunction with tailored implementation strategies, will enhance adoption and sustainability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12622000166774. Registered 1 February 2022.

The assessment and management of foot and toe oedema as part of holistic lower limb care.

Toe and foot swelling can manifest as lymphoedema or chronic oedema but can also be a complication of the treatment of these conditions. In this article, the authors discuss the assessment and treatment options for toe and foot swelling, highlighting the importance of prevention in the first instance.

Mathematics Skills in Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mathematics incorporates a broad range of skills, which includes basic early numeracy skills, such as subitizing and basic counting to more advanced secondary skills including mathematics calculation and reasoning. The aim of this review was to undertake a detailed investigation of the severity and pattern of early numeracy and secondary mathematics skills in people with epilepsy. Searches were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Twenty adult studies and 67 child studies were included in this review. Overall, meta-analyses revealed significant moderate impairments across all mathematics outcomes in both adults (g= -0.676), and children (g= -0.593) with epilepsy. Deficits were also observed for specific mathematics outcomes. For adults, impairments were found for mathematics reasoning (g= -0.736). However, two studies found that mathematics calculation was not significantly impaired, and an insufficient number of studies examined early numeracy skills in adults. In children with epilepsy, significant impairments were observed for each mathematics outcome: early numeracy (g= -0.383), calculation (g= -0.762), and reasoning (g= -0.572). The gravity of impairments also differed according to the site of seizure focus for children and adults, suggesting that mathematics outcomes were differentially vulnerable to the location of seizure focus.

Exploring community enabling factors associated with recent HIV testing in a regional sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

HIV testing and diagnosis are the gateway into treatment and eventual viral suppression. With gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) persistently over-representing new HIV diagnoses in Canada, combined with the evolving nature of community social connection, an exploration of factors associated with recent HIV testing is warranted. As most studies of GBMSM rely on samples obtained from larger metropolitan regions, examining HIV testing from an under-researched region is necessary. With data collected from an online survey of LGBTQ+ persons 16 or older living, working, or residing in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, we used multinomial logistic regression to explore socio-demographic, behavioural, and psychosocial factors associated with recent HIV testing for GBMSM. In the final multivariate multinomial logistic regression model: sense of belonging was associated with more recently testing, as was having an increasing proportion of LGBT friends, app use to find sex partners in the past 12 months, access to the local AIDS service organization, and general sense of belonging to local community, among other. This analysis highlights the continued importance of enabling and need factors when accessing testing, and suggests areas for further testing promotion in physical and virtual spaces frequented by GBMSM.

At-home computerized executive-function training to improve cognition and mobility in normal-hearing adults and older hearing aid users: a multi-centre, single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss predicts cognitive decline and falls risk. It has been argued that degraded hearing makes listening effortful, causing competition for higher-level cognitive resources needed for secondary cognitive or motor tasks. Therefore, executive function training has the potential to improve cognitive performance, in turn improving mobility, especially when older adults with hearing loss are engaged in effortful listening. Moreover, research using mobile neuroimaging and ecologically valid measures of cognition and mobility in this population is limited. The objective of this research is to examine the effect of at-home cognitive training on dual-task performance using laboratory and simulated real-world conditions in normal-hearing adults and older hearing aid users. We hypothesize that executive function training will lead to greater improvements in cognitive-motor dual-task performance compared to a wait-list control group. We also hypothesize that executive function training will lead to the largest dual-task improvements in older hearing aid users, followed by normal-hearing older adults, and then middle-aged adults. METHODS: A multi-site (Concordia University and KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network) single-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted whereby participants are randomized to either 12 weeks of at-home computerized executive function training or a wait-list control. Participants will consist of normal-hearing middle-aged adults (45-60 years old) and older adults (65-80 years old), as well as older hearing aid users (65-80 years old, ≥ 6 months hearing aid experience). Separate samples will undergo the same training protocol and the same pre- and post-evaluations of cognition, hearing, and mobility across sites. The primary dual-task outcome measures will involve either static balance (KITE site) or treadmill walking (Concordia site) with a secondary auditory-cognitive task. Dual-task performance will be assessed in an immersive virtual reality environment in KITE's StreetLab and brain activity will be measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy at Concordia's PERFORM Centre. DISCUSSION: This research will establish the efficacy of an at-home cognitive training program on complex auditory and motor functioning under laboratory and simulated real-world conditions. This will contribute to rehabilitation strategies in order to mitigate or prevent physical and cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier: NCT05418998. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05418998.

The characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-positive children in Australian hospitals: a PREDICT network study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical characteristics and short term outcomes for children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections who presented to Australian hospitals during 2020 and 2021. DESIGN, SETTING: Retrospective case review study in nineteen hospitals of the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) network from all Australian states and territories, including seven major paediatric tertiary centres and eight Victorian hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: SARS-CoV-2-positive people under 18 years of age who attended emergency departments or were admitted to hospital during 1 February 2020 - 31 December 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Epidemiological and clinical characteristics, by hospital care type (emergency department [ED] or inpatient care). RESULTS: A total of 1193 SARS-CoV-2-positive children and adolescents (527 girls, 44%) attended the participating hospitals (107 in 2020, 1086 in 2021). Their median age was 3.8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.8-11.4 years); 63 were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people (5%). Other medical conditions were recorded for 293 children (25%), including asthma (86, 7%) and premature birth (68, 6%). Medical interventions were not required during 795 of 1181 ED presentations (67%); children were discharged directly home in 764 cases (65%) and admitted to hospital in 282 (24%; sixteen to intensive care units). The 384 admissions to hospital (including 102 direct admissions) of 341 children (25 infants under one month of age) included 23 to intensive care (6%); the median length of stay was three days (IQR, 1-9 days). Medical interventions were not required during 261 admissions (68%); 44 children received respiratory support (11%) and 21 COVID-19-specific treatments, including antiviral and biologic agents (5%). Being under three months of age (v one year to less than six years: odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-4.0) and pre-existing medical conditions (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.9-3.2) were the major predictors of hospital admission. Two children died, including one without a known pre-existing medical condition. CONCLUSION: During 2020 and 2021, most SARS-CoV-2-positive children and adolescents who presented to participating hospitals could be managed as outpatients. Outcomes were generally good, including for those admitted to hospital.

Sex-Specific Interactions Between Hearing and Memory in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Findings From the COMPASS-ND Study.

OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss (HL) in older adults is associated with a decline in performance on cognitive tasks and the risk of developing dementia. However, very few studies have investigated sex-related effects on these associations. A previous study of cognitively healthy older adults showed an association between HL and lower cognitive performance in females only. In the present study, we examined the effects of sex and hearing on cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We predicted that females with HL would be more likely to show poorer performance on the cognitive measures compared to females with normal hearing (NH), while cognitive performance in males would not depend on hearing. We further predicted that these auditory-cognitive associations would not depend on test modality, and would thus be observed in females for both auditory and visual tests. DESIGN: Participants were 101 older adults with amnestic MCI (M = 71 years, 45% females) in the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) COMPASS-ND study. Performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (RAVLT), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) was analyzed to investigate sex-related differences and/or hearing-related differences. Participants were categorized as having NH or HL using two different measures: pure-tone hearing screening results (normal based on a pure-tone threshold < 25 dB HL at 2000 Hz in the worse ear) and speech-in-noise speech reception thresholds (SRTs; normal < -10 dB SNR on the Canadian Digit Triplet Test [CDTT]). RESULTS: Males and female groups did not differ in age, years of education, or other relevant covariates. Yet, females with better hearing on either pure-tone or speech-in-noise measures outperformed their worse hearing counterparts on the MoCA total score. Additionally, females with better hearing were more likely to recall several words on the MoCA delayed recall trial relative to those with worse hearing. Females with NH showed significant correlations between CDTT SRTs and both MoCA and RAVLT scores, while no correlations were observed in males. In contrast, males but not females showed an effect of hearing group on BVMT-R test status. CONCLUSIONS: There were sex-specific differences in auditory-cognitive associations in individuals with MCI. These associations were mostly observed in females and on auditory tests. Potential mechanisms and implications are discussed.

Associations Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Audiometric Hearing: Findings From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine, among a population-based sample of Canadian adults, if risk factors for cardiovascular disease (alone and in combination) were associated with hearing loss. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations (the latter with about 3 years of follow-up) were examined. Risk factors considered included diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and smoking. We also aimed to determine if associations were modified by sex and age group (45 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 to 86 years old at baseline). DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data collected for the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was performed. Data were collected in two waves, the first between 2012 and 2015, and the second between 2015 and 2018. Hearing was measured using screening air-conduction pure-tone audiometry. The outcome of interest was defined as the mid-frequency (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) pure-tone average for both ears. Diabetes was defined based on self-reported physician diagnosis, use of diabetes medications, or a hemoglobin A1c level ≥6.5%. Dyslipidemia was determined by blood lipid profile as defined using the Canadian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥3.5 mmol/L or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥4.3 mmol/L). Hypertension was determined by self-reported physician diagnosis or an average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or an average diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. Obesity was defined as a waist-to-height ratio ≥0.6. Smoking history was determined by self-report (current/former/never-smoker). Two composite measures of cardiovascular risk were also constructed: a count of the number of risk factors and a general cardiovascular risk profile (Framingham) score. Independent associations between risk factors for cardiovascular disease and hearing were determined using multivariable regression models. Survey weights were incorporated into the analyses. All results were disaggregated by sex. Effect modification according to age was determined using multiplicative interaction terms between the age group and each of the risk factor variables. A complete case (listwise deletion) approach was performed for the primary analysis. We then repeated the multivariable regression analyses using multiple imputation using chained equations to determine if the different approaches to dealing with missing data qualitatively changed the outcomes. RESULTS: In longitudinal analyses, hypertension and the general cardiovascular risk profile score were associated with greater loss of hearing over the 3-year follow-up period for both sexes. In addition, smoking in males and obesity in females were associated with faster rates of hearing decline. In cross-sectional analyses, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and composite measures were each independently associated with worse hearing for both sexes (although for females, obesity was only associated with hearing loss in the 55 to 64-year-old age group). The results were similar for the complete case and multiple imputation approaches, but more cross-sectional associations were observed using multiple imputation. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and smoking were associated with hearing loss. Higher combinations of risk factors increased the risk of hearing loss. Further studies are needed to confirm age and sex differences and whether interventions to address these risk factors could slow the progression of hearing loss in older adults.

Sex-Linked Biology and Gender-Related Research Is Essential to Advancing Hearing Health.

There is robust evidence that sex (biological) and gender (behavioral/social) differences influence hearing loss risk and outcomes. These differences are noted for animals and humans-in the occurrence of hearing loss, hearing loss progression, and response to interventions. Nevertheless, many studies have not reported or disaggregated data by sex or gender. This article describes the influence of sex-linked biology (specifically sex-linked hormones) and gender on hearing and hearing interventions, including the role of sex-linked biology and gender in modifying the association between risk factors and hearing loss, and the effects of hearing loss on quality of life and functioning. Most prevalence studies indicate that hearing loss begins earlier and is more common and severe among men than women. Intrinsic sex-linked biological differences in the auditory system may account, in part, for the predominance of hearing loss in males. Sex- and gender-related differences in the effects of noise exposure or cardiovascular disease on the auditory system may help explain some of these differences in the prevalence of hearing loss. Further still, differences in hearing aid use and uptake, and the effects of hearing loss on health may also vary by sex and gender. Recognizing that sex-linked biology and gender are key determinants of hearing health, the present review concludes by emphasizing the importance of a well-developed research platform that proactively measures and assesses sex- and gender-related differences in hearing, including in understudied populations. Such research focus is necessary to advance the field of hearing science and benefit all members of society.