A real-life comparison of hypoglycaemia symptomatology between insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants with and without impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.

AIMS: We aim to compare and correlate Gold and Clarke questionnaire scores with hypoglycaemic symptomatic responses between insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants with and without IAH in a real-life study. METHODS: Insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants attending an outpatient diabetes clinic in Singapore were asked to complete the Gold and Clarke questionnaires, record capillary blood glucose (CBG) and hypoglycaemic symptoms for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Data were collected from 153 participants (M:F = 98:55) with mean age 61.0 ± 9.4 years, duration of diabetes 19.5 ± 8.8 years and HbA1c 68 ± 17 mmol/mol (8.4 ± 1.5%). Gold and Clarke methods classified 19.6% and 26.8% of participants with IAH, respectively. Using CBG threshold of <3 mmol/L, significantly greater proportion of participants with intact awareness were experiencing autonomic symptoms than those with IAH with either method (Gold: 69% vs. 18%, p = 0.006; Clarke: 85% vs. 46%, p = 0.010). Significantly greater proportion of participants with IAH experienced no hypoglycaemia symptoms than those with intact awareness (Gold: 3.4% vs. 36%, p = 0.015; Clarke: 3.7% vs. 31%, p = 0.031). Participants with IAH had significantly higher rates of severe hypoglycaemia in the preceding year compared to those without (Gold: 17% vs. 3.3%; Clarke: 15% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Gold and Clarke questionnaires are appropriate tools in ascertaining IAH status in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants. This is the first time whereby the hypoglycaemia symptomology has robustly validated the Gold and Clarke questionnaire in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes participants.

RETRACTED: Parallel bimodal single-cell sequencing of transcriptome and methylome provides molecular and translational insights on oocyte maturation and maternal aging.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. It has been brought to our attention that the authors of the article "Parallel bimodal single-cell sequencing of transcriptome and methylome provides molecular and translational insights on oocyte maturation and maternal aging" cannot agree on who should be listed as an author of the article. Further inquiry by the journal revealed that the authorship was also changed at the revision stages of the article without notifying the handling Editor, which is contrary to the journal policy on changes to authorship. The journal considers this unacceptable practice, and the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.

Are e-cigarette use and vaping associated with increased respiratory symptoms and poorer lung function in a population exposed to smoke from a coal mine fire?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: E-cigarette use has become increasingly prevalent, but there is some evidence demonstrating potential harms with frequent use. We aimed to identify the profiles of e-cigarette users from a regional community in Australia and investigate the associations of e-cigarettes with respiratory symptoms and lung function. METHODS: A total of 519 participants completed a cross-sectional study. Exposure to e-cigarettes was collected via a validated questionnaire. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated via a self-reported questionnaire and lung function measured with spirometry and forced oscillation technique (FOT). Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the associations between e-cigarettes and outcomes, while controlling for confounders such as tobacco smoking. RESULTS: Of the 519 participants, 46 (9%) reported e-cigarette use. Users tended to be younger (mean ± SD 45.2 ± 14.5 vs. 55.3 ± 16.0 years in non-users), concurrently using tobacco products (63% vs. 12% in non-users), have a mental health diagnosis (67% vs. 37% in non-users) and have self-reported asthma (63% vs. 42% in non-users). After controlling for known confounders, chest tightness (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.9, p = 0.02) was associated with e-cigarette use. Spirometry was not different after adjustment for confounding. However, FOT showed more negative reactance and a greater area under the reactance curve in e-cigarette users than non-users. CONCLUSION: E-cigarette use was associated with increased asthma symptoms and abnormal lung mechanics in our sample, supporting a potential health risk posed by these products. Vulnerable populations such as young adults and those with mental health conditions have higher usage, while there is high concurrent tobacco smoking.

Oral administration of protein nanoparticles: An emerging route to disease treatment.

Over the last two decades, developments in nanomedicine have resulted in technical advances with application to clinical science. Both organic and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have shown tolerability, pharmacologic specificity and biodegradability. A subclass of NPs, protein NPs, have garnered recent attention due to the inherent biocompatibility of protein substrates. Protein NPs are currently being employed widely in pharmaceuticals development with applications in nasal, pulmonary, intravenous, ocular and oral delivery. Despite the distinct advantages of orally administered pharmaceuticals, the development of oral delivery systems has been comparatively limited. Therefore, this review attempts to discuss the most recent experimental and pre-clinical findings in the development of protein NPs for oral delivery, while envisioning upcoming challenges.

Evaluating hospital tools and services that were co-produced with patients: A rapid review.

PURPOSE: To describe the process and outcomes of services or products co-produced with patients in hospital settings. DATA SOURCES: Database searches on Medline, CINAHL and Business Source between 2008 and 2019. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that evaluate the products of co-production in hospital settings. DATA EXTRACTION: Primary outcome is the individual and organizational outcomes resulting from co-production. Study characteristics, co-production process, level of engagement and intensity of engagement were also extracted. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 13 studies were included. Types of co-produced outputs were health services and care processes, tools and resources, and technology-based products, such as mobile application. Most studies engaged patients at a consultative or involvement level, with only four studies engaging patients as partners. Moderate-to-high acceptability and usability by patients and health services were reported for co-produced outputs. Organizational outcomes were also reported qualitatively as producing various positive effects, such as improved communication and diagnostic process. Positive patient outcomes were reported for co-produced outputs in qualitative (e.g. improved social support) and quantitative results (e.g. reduction of clinic wait time). No patient clinical outcomes were reported. CONCLUSION: Co-produced outputs have moderate-to-high acceptability, usability or uptake. There is insufficient evidence on other organizational or patient outcomes due to the lack of reporting of outcomes in co-production. Future research should focus on the outcomes (i.e. effects on patients and health service providers), not just the output of co-production. This is critical to provide feedback to advance the knowledge and implementation of co-production.

Inflammatory pseudotumours in the abdomen and pelvis: a pictorial essay.

Inflammatory pseudotumours are uncommonly encountered lesions in the abdomen and pelvis that often present with variable and nonspecific imaging features. They may mimic other more common lesions, including malignancy. Within the appropriate clinical context, inflammatory pseudotumours merit consideration in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue masses within the abdomen and pelvis. A preoperative diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumour, established through biopsy, may help to differentiate this benign entity from malignancy. In this article, we reviewed the imaging features of inflammatory pseudotumours of the abdomen and pelvis, including liver, spleen, bowel, retroperitoneum, kidney, bladder, uterus, and adnexa.

Psychological Outcomes in Families of PICU Survivors: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric critical illness exposes family members to stressful experiences that may lead to subsequent psychological repercussions. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review psychological outcomes among PICU survivors' family members. DATA SOURCES: Four medical databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo) were searched from inception till October 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Studies reporting psychological disorders in family members of PICU patients with at least 3 months follow-up were included. Family members of nonsurvivors and palliative care patients were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Screening and data extraction was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of 5360 articles identified, 4 randomized controlled trials, 16 cohort studies, and 2 cross-sectional studies were included (total patients = 55 597; total family members = 97 506). Psychological distress was reported in 35.2% to 64.3% and 40.9% to 53% of family members 3 to 6 months and 1 year after their child's PICU admission, respectively. Post-traumatic stress disorder was diagnosed in 10% to 48% of parents 3 to 9 months later. Parents that experienced moderate to severe anxiety and depression 3 to 6 months later was 20.9% to 42% and 6.1% to 42.6%, respectively. Uptake of mental counseling among parents was disproportionately low at 0.7% to 29%. Risk factors for psychiatric morbidity include mothers, parents of younger children, and longer duration of PICU stay. LIMITATIONS: The majority of studies were on parents with limited data on siblings and second degree relatives. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high burden of psychological sequelae in family members of PICU survivors. Risk stratification to identify high-risk groups and early interventions are needed.

Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis through the Lens of Health Equity.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellites is one of the health problems disproportionally affecting people with low socioeconomic statuses. Gestational diabetes mellites increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to ten-fold for women. Lifestyle interventions prevent type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes. However, it is unknown if similar effectiveness can be expected for all population subgroups. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes using population characteristics according to the PROGRESS (place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital) criteria. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EBM Reviews databases were searched for interventional studies of diet, physical activity, or behavioural interventions published up to 21 February 2023. Random effects subgroup meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of population characteristics and intervention effects. RESULTS: All studies were conducted in high-income countries or middle-income countries. Two-thirds of the studies reported on race/ethnicity and education level. Less than one-third reported on place (urban/rural), occupation, and socioeconomic status. None reported on religion or social capital. Studies from high-income countries (MD = -1.46; 95% CI: -2.27, -0.66, I2 = 70.46, p < 0.001) showed a greater reduction in bodyweight compared with the studies conducted in middle-income countries (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: -1.12, 0.89, I2 = 69.31, p < 0.001) (p for subgroup difference = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There are significant equity gaps in the evidence for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes due to reports on population characteristics being poor. Interventions may be less effective in reducing bodyweight in women from middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. Collecting and analysing data related to equity is needed to understand the effect of lifestyle interventions on type 2 diabetes for different population subgroups.

Imaging assessment of congenital and acquired abnormalities of the portal venous system.

Abnormalities of the portal venous system are a heterogeneous group of conditions that can cause substantial morbidity and mortality and may lead to complications during surgery or percutaneous interventions involving the portal venous system. High-resolution computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging permit a comprehensive, noninvasive evaluation of the portal venous system, enabling the detection of both structural and functional abnormalities. However, an understanding of the embryologic development of the normal portal venous anatomy and anatomic variants is essential to accurately interpret the imaging findings. Knowledge of the characteristic appearances of abnormalities of the portal venous system allows a more confident diagnosis, permitting timely treatment and more informed guidance of surgical procedures and percutaneous interventions, which may lead to an improved outcome.

Evaluation of focal hepatic lesions with ultrasound contrast agents.

Ultrasound contrast agents have gained wide acceptance for the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. This pictorial essay reviews the growing body of evidence that supports the use of modern ultrasound contrast agents and illustrates the enhancement characteristics of commonly encountered focal liver lesions. Pathologies discussed include metastases, hepatocellular carcinomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenomas, hemangiomas, abscesses, complex cysts, and focal fatty deposition.

Diagnosing colorectal polyps and masses - the use of CT colonography.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is common, over 13,000 cases were diagnosed in Australia in 2005. The pathogenesis of colorectal cancer has been well investigated and usually occurs in a predictable sequence progressing from dysplasia, to carcinoma in situ before becoming an invasive malignancy. The symptoms and signs of colorectal polyps and masses are often nonspecific, however, given that polyps are easily cured with polypectomy, it is vital to have an accurate and acceptable diagnostic test. Traditional tests include conventional (optical) colonoscopy and double contrast barium enema. Computed tomographic (CT) colonography is a newer, minimally invasive method for examining the colon for colorectal polyps. OBJECTIVE: To inform general practitioners about CT colonography, its evidence, indications, controversies and extracolonic ancillary findings. DISCUSSION: The evidence supporting CT colonography is discussed along with how it is performed, as well as a discussion of the factors unique to it, such as extracolonic findings and polyp management.

Peer-supported lifestyle interventions on body weight, energy intake, and physical activity in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is an increasing interest in peer interventions in the management of chronic conditions, but evidence on peer interventions for body weight is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of peer interventions on body weight, energy intake, and physical activity in adults. Interventions delivered by peer (lay member that participants identify with) were included. We searched 14 databases. Outcomes were combined in the meta-analysis using the inverse variance random-effects model. From 2435 articles, 65 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 15,673). Peer interventions resulted in significant reduction in weight (mean difference [MD] -1.05 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.68, -0.43; 95% prediction interval [PI] -3.25, 1.14; 28 studies; 7142 participants), BMI (MD -0.24 kg/m2 ; 95% CI -0.44, -0.04; 95% PI -0.92, 0.45; 25 studies; 6672 participants), waist circumference (MD -0.75 cm; 95% CI -1.29, -0.21; 95% PI -1.36, -0.14; 12 studies; 4280 participants), and significant increase in physical activity (SMD 0.20; 95% CI 0.09, 0.32; 95% PI -0.46, 0.86; 41 studies; 10,778 participants) with no significant effect on energy intake. This study suggests peer interventions are effective in reducing waist circumference, but further research is needed to confirm its effect on other obesity-related outcomes.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound features of primary splenic lymphoma.

We report a case of primary splenic lymphoma incidentally detected on abdominal ultrasound as a well-defined homogenous hypoechoic splenic mass. Further characterization with contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed the mass to enhance homogenously during the arterial phase to a degree similar to that of the normal splenic parenchyma followed by rapid washout becoming hypoenhanced on delayed phase.

Use and performance of machine learning models for type 2 diabetes prediction in community settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify machine learning (ML) models for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prediction in community settings and determine their predictive performance. METHOD: Systematic review of ML predictive modelling studies in 13 databases since 2009 was conducted. Primary outcomes included metrics of discrimination, calibration, and classification. Secondary outcomes included important variables, level of validation, and intended use of models. Meta-analysis of c-indices, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, publication bias assessments and sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies (40 prediction models) were included. Studies with high-, moderate-, and low- risk of bias were 3, 14, and 6 respectively. All studies conducted internal validation whereas none conducted external validation of their models. Twenty studies provided classification metrics to varying extents whereas only 7 studies performed model calibration. Eighteen studies reported information on both the variables used for model development and the feature importance. Twelve studies highlighted potential applicability of their models for T2DM screening. Meta-analysis produced a good pooled c-index (0.812). Sources of heterogeneity were identified through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Issues pertaining to methodological quality and reporting were observed. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of good performance of ML models for T2DM prediction in the community. Improvements to methodology, reporting and validation are needed before they can be used at scale.

Interpol review of toxicology 2016-2019.

This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in toxicology from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20.Papers%202019.pdf.

Metastasis to the breast from an adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Metastases to the breast from extramammary malignancies are rare. We report a case of metastasis to the breast from a colonic adenocarcinoma in a 50-year-old man who was 6 years status after a right hemicolectomy for T3N1M1 adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon. Sonographic evaluation of the right breast lump showed a hypoechoic mass with slightly irregular margins, but there was no internal vascularity. Chest CT also documented a poorly enhancing suspicious mass in the right breast. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma metastasis to the breast was achieved with sonographically guided core biopsy.

Abdominal manifestations of extranodal lymphoma: spectrum of imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to illustrate the spectrum of appearances of extranodal lymphoma in the abdomen using cross-sectional imaging techniques. CONCLUSION: Extranodal lymphoma in the abdomen can mimic other neoplastic or inflammatory conditions. Although a definitive diagnosis is possible only with biopsy, it is important to consider extranodal lymphoma in the presence of certain imaging appearances in the appropriate clinical setting for the correct diagnosis, accurate staging, and optimal management.

Infected (mycotic) aneurysms: spectrum of imaging appearances and management.

Infected aneurysms are uncommon. The aorta, peripheral arteries, cerebral arteries, and visceral arteries are involved in descending order of frequency. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species are the most common causative pathogens. Early clinical diagnosis of infected aneurysms is challenging owing to their protean manifestations. Clinically apparent infected aneurysms are often at an advanced stage of development or are associated with complications, such as rupture. Nontreatment or delayed treatment of infected aneurysms often has a poor outcome, with high morbidity and mortality from fulminant sepsis or hemorrhage. Current state-of-the-art imaging modalities, such as multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have replaced conventional angiography as minimally invasive techniques for detection of infected aneurysms in clinically suspected cases, as well as characterization of infected aneurysms and vascular mapping for treatment planning in confirmed cases. Doppler ultrasonography allows noninvasive assessment for infected aneurysms in the peripheral arteries. Imaging features of infected aneurysms include a lobulated vascular mass, an indistinct irregular arterial wall, perianeurysmal edema, and a perianeurysmal soft-tissue mass. Perianeurysmal gas, aneurysmal thrombosis, aneurysmal wall calcification, and disrupted arterial calcification at the site of the infected aneurysm are uncommon findings. Imaging-guided endovascular stent-graft repair and embolotherapy can be performed in select cases instead of open surgery. Familiarity with the imaging appearances of infected aneurysms should alert the radiologist to the diagnosis and permit timely treatment, which may include endovascular techniques.