Infective endocarditis outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Western Australia: a retrospective cohort study from 2016 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe infection with considerable mortality. It is associated with geographical variation, complicating diagnosis and treatment of patients in a standardised manner. AIM: To evaluate the characteristics and management outcomes of patients with IE in Royal Perth Hospital (RPH). METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from medical records of 131 patients with a diagnosis of IE admitted to RPH between 2016 and 2021. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients with definite IE were included for analysis. The median age of patients was 51.5 years and 77.4% were male. Compared to the general Australian population, there was disproportionately greater representation of Indigenous Australians (21.4%), those with a history of injecting drug use (IDU) (27.4%), rheumatic heart disease (14.3%) and previous IE (13.1%). The most commonly affected valve was the mitral valve in 46.4% of patients, and the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus in 47.6% of patients. Twelve-month mortality was 16.7%, with significantly increased mortality in those treated non-surgically (25.6% vs 7.3%, P = 0.025). Factors associated with undergoing surgery included the presence of aortic valve disease, perivalvular extension of infection and infection with Enterococcus faecalis, whereas IDU, tricuspid valve disease and S. aureus infection were associated with non-surgical management. Adherence to multidisciplinary team review was 75.0%, and surgical management was performed in 70.7% of patients meeting an indication for surgery. CONCLUSION: IE mortality rates remain high, particularly in patients who do not undergo surgical management. Streamlined MDT assessment and referral for surgical management where appropriate is necessary to improve outcomes.

Long-Term Echocardiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Invasive and Non-Invasive Therapies for Sub-Massive and Massive Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

AIM: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of mortality in the hospital setting. The objective of this study was to outline the long-term outcomes after surgical and non-surgical management for patients with massive and submassive PE. METHODS: Population cohort observational study evaluating all patients who presented to three tertiary hospitals in the state of Western Australia with access to cardiothoracic services over 5 years (2013-2018). Reviewed notes of all patients as well as radiology, linked mortality data and all available echocardiography studies at the primary hospital. RESULTS: In total, 245 patients were identified, of which 41 received surgical management and 204 non-surgical management; demographic data was similar. Clinically, the surgical group had higher rates of shock requiring vasopressors, severe bradycardia, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to intervention. The 28-day mortality was not statistically significantly different between the surgical embolectomy group (2/41 [4.2%]) and the non-surgical group (17/201 [8.3%]) (p=0.382). There was no difference in 12-month mortality, including when this was adjusted for vasopressors, right ventricular (RV) strain, troponin, and brain natriuretic peptide. In the massive PE sub-group, 28-day mortality was not significantly different: 2/29 (6.9%) surgical group vs 7/34 (20.2%) non-surgical group (p=0.064). Higher rates of severe RV impairment and dilatation were present in the surgical group. All patients with available echocardiography studies at outpatient follow-up returned to normal or mild RV impairment. CONCLUSION: Patients who presented with massive or submassive PE had similar outcomes whether treated with surgical or non-surgical management. Surgical embolectomy is a safe option in a cardiothoracic centre setting.

Associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and cognitive domain performance of people living with mild cognitive impairment in the community.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is known to positively influence cognitive performance. For adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the relationship between physical activity levels and cognitive performance is unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine if cognitive performance [as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)] of people living in the community with MCI is associated with their physical activity levels or sedentary behaviour. METHODS: ActivPAL™ accelerometers were used to objectively measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour for seven full days. Cognitive performance was measured using the MoCA. CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: No involvement other than as research participants RESULTS: Eighty-two participants from the Balance on the Brain randomised controlled trial were included. Most participants were retired (88%), with 33 (40%) reporting a fall in the last year. The median MoCA score was 24 (IQR 22-26). Participants achieved a mean of 6296 (±2420) steps per day and were sedentary for 10.6 (±2) hours per day. The only physical activity outcomes that had a fair, positive correlation were moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity measures of total stepping time and total number of steps (with a cadence of ≥100 steps/min) with the orientation MoCA domain score (r(82) = 0.36, p ≤ 0.001 and r(82) = 0.37, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Higher total sedentary time had a weak, positive correlation with better visuospatial/executive performance (r(82) = 0.23, p = 0.041). The orientation outcomes remained significant when analysed in an adjusted logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: This study found that performance in the MoCA orientation domain had a fair-positive correlation with moderate-intensity physical activity (i.e., stepping time and step count with a cadence of ≥100 steps/min) as measured by a thigh-worn accelerometer for community-dwelling older adults with MCI. When considering the relationship between cognitive domains and sedentary behaviour, consideration may be needed regarding whether cognitive enhancing activities (such as crosswords and other brain games) are being performed, which may confound this relationship. Further investigation is required to confirm these results.

The effects of water-based circuit exercise training on vascular function in people with coronary heart disease.

Impaired endothelial function in people with coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased mortality. Water immersion can increase peripheral artery shear stress which may provide an additional stimulus to the endothelium during exercise. This study compared the effects of water-based circuit exercise training (WEX) and gym-based circuit exercise training (GEX) on vascular function in people with stable CHD. Participants were randomized to 12 wk of WEX (n = 20), GEX (n = 20), or a control group (usual activities; n = 12). Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and glyceryl trinitrate-mediated dilation (GTN) of the brachial artery were assessed pre- and postintervention. FMD increased following WEX [4.0% (3.0%-5.1%) to 5.3% (4.1%-6.5%); P = 0.016], but was unchanged following GEX [4.9% (3.8%-5.9%) to 5.0% (3.8%-6.1%); P = 0.822]. There were no between-group differences in the change in FMD and no significant changes in GTN-mediated dilation percentage. Triglycerides decreased following GEX [1.2 mmol·L-1 (1.0-1.4 mmol·L-1) to 1.0 mmol·L-1 (0.8-1.3 mmol·L-1); P = 0.022], but there were no further differences in lipid profiles. WEX improved endothelial function of the brachial artery in people with stable CHD, suggesting that WEX is an effective alternative to gym-based exercise in people living with CHD, which may specifically address vascular health.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study found that 12 wk of water-based circuit exercise training was well tolerated and improved vascular endothelial function in people with stable coronary heart disease. However, there was no effect on endothelium-independent function. Water-based exercise appears to be an effective alternative to gym-based exercise for people with coronary heart disease, which has specific benefits to vascular health and function.

Prevalence, risk factors and effectiveness of falls prevention interventions for adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment in the community: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify falls prevalence, falls risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions for community-dwelling people with Mild Cognitive Impairment. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles (inception to 4 August 2022) from PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, EMBASE, Scopus, SportDiscus and the Cochrane library. REVIEW METHODS: All types of methodological approaches were considered. Inclusion criteria were community-dwelling; diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment; aged 50+ years. Interventions needed to include falls prevention programs aiming to reduce falls and/or risk of falls. Outcomes of interest included number and/or rate of falls, falls prevalence and falls risk factors. For controlled trials, any control group was included. Quality assessment was completed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials and the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields for all other studies. Where statistical data pooling was not possible, narrative synthesis was used to present data in tables and figures. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies were included. Prevalence of falls was 43% when data were gathered prospectively for 12 months. Confirmed falls risk factors included slow gait, dual-tasking, postural control and non-amnesic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Few studies evaluated interventions to reduce falls. Six meta-analyses were conducted, no significant reduction in falls was found. CONCLUSIONS: Until further high-quality, adequately powered studies are available to guide practice, best practice guidelines recommend balance training as a core component of falls prevention programs for older people generally, as well as people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Clinical practice recommendations for management of lateropulsion after stroke determined by a Delphi expert panel.

OBJECTIVE: People exhibiting post-stroke lateropulsion actively push their body across the midline to the more affected side and/or resist weight shift toward the less affected side. Despite its prevalence and associated negative rehabilitation outcomes, no clinical practice guidelines exist for the rehabilitation of post-stroke lateropulsion. We aimed to develop consensus-based clinical practice recommendations for managing post-stroke lateropulsion using an international expert panel. DESIGN: This Delphi panel process conformed with Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies recommendations. PARTICIPANTS: Panel members had demonstrated clinical and/or scientific background in the rehabilitation of people with post-stroke lateropulsion. MAIN MEASURES: The process consisted of four electronic survey rounds. Round One consisted of 13 open questions. Subsequent rounds ascertained levels of agreement with statements derived from Round One. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥75% agreement (agree or strongly agree), or ≥70% agreement after excluding 'unsure' responses. RESULTS: Twenty participants completed all four rounds. Consensus was achieved regarding a total of 119 recommendations for rehabilitation approaches and considerations for rehabilitation delivery, positioning, managing fear of falling and fatigue, optimal therapy dose, and discharge planning. Statements for which 'some agreement' (50%-74% agreement) was achieved and those for which recommendations remain to be clarified were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations build on existing evidence to guide the selection of interventions for post-stroke lateropulsion. Future research is required to elaborate specific rehabilitation strategies, consider the impact of additional cognitive and perceptual impairments, describe positioning options, and detail optimal therapy dose for people with lateropulsion.

Retrieval of olfactory fear memory alters cell proliferation and expression of pCREB and pMAPK in the corticomedial amygdala and piriform cortex.

The brain forms robust associations between odors and emotionally salient memories, making odors especially effective at triggering fearful or traumatic memories. Using Pavlovian olfactory fear conditioning (OFC), a variant of the traditional tone-shock paradigm, this study explored the changes involved in its processing. We assessed the expression of neuronal plasticity markers phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (pCREB) and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (pMAPK) 24 h and 14 days following OFC, in newborn neurons (EdU+) and in brain regions associated with olfactory memory processing; the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, amygdale, and hippocampus. Here, we show that all proliferating neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb were colocalized with pCREB at 24 h and 14 days post-conditioning, and the number of proliferating neurons at both time points were statistically similar. This suggests the occurrence of long-term potentiation within the neurons of this pathway. Finally, OFC significantly increased the density of pCREB- and pMAPK-positive immunoreactive neurons in the medial and cortical subnuclei of the amygdala and the posterior piriform cortex, suggesting their key involvement in its processing. Together, our investigation identifies changes in neuroplasticity within critical neural circuits responsible for olfactory fear memory.

The relationship between symptom severity, bother and psychological factors in women with pelvic organ prolapse: A cross-sectional observational study.

AIM: The primary aim is to explore the relationship between symptom severity and prolapse bother in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The secondary aim is to determine the association between psychological variables and prolapse bother. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted via online surveys assessing POP bother (visual analog scale for bother), POP symptom severity (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms), and psychological measures of depression and anxiety (Kessler psychological distress scale [K-10]), catastrophizing (modified pain catastrophizing scale [mPCS]), and self-efficacy (modified pain self-efficacy questionnaire [mPSEQ]) in women with self-reported POP. Symptom severity, bother and psychological variables were analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS: Seventy-six women with a mean (SD) age of 42.8 (14.57) years were included in analysis. A moderate to strong positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.449, p < 0.001) was found between symptom severity and POP bother. Prolapse bother and psychological variables were moderately correlated, where increased K-10 scores (R2 = 0.230, p = 0.001), higher mPCS scores (R2 = 0.460, p < 0.001), and lower mPSEQ scores (R2 = 0.460, p < 0.001) were associated with increased POP bother. Moderate and severe catastrophizing was associated with significantly higher POP bother, with mean POP bother scores of 7.861 ± 0.45 (p < 0.001) and 8.652 ± 0.45 (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: A moderate positive relationship between POP bother and symptom severity was found, with greater psychological distress and lower self-efficacy associated with increasing POP bother. Women presenting with POP should be screened for psychological factors to guide management.

Survivors of Acute Lung Injury Have Greater Impairments in Strength and Exercise Capacity Than Survivors of Other Critical Illnesses as Measured Shortly After ICU Discharge.

PURPOSE: To compare the physical function on ICU discharge in adults who survived an ICU admission for acute lung injury (ALI) with those admitted for a critical illness other than ALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were recruited, (i) those who survived an ICU admission for ALI and, (ii) those who survived an ICU admission for a critical illness other than ALI. Within 7 days of discharge from ICU, in all participants, measures were collected of peripheral muscle strength, balance, walking speed and functional exercise capacity. RESULTS: Recruitment was challenging and ceased prior to achieving the desired sample size. Participants with ALI (n = 22) and critical illness (n = 33) were of similar median age (50 vs. 57 yr, p = 0.09), sex proportion (males %, 45 vs. 58, p = 0.59) and median APACHE II score (21.5 vs. 23.0, p = 0.74). Compared with the participants with critical illness, those with ALI had lower hand grip (mean ± SD, 18 ± 9 vs. 13 ± 8 kg, p = 0.018) and shoulder flexion strength (10 ± 4 vs. 7 ± 3 kg, p = 0.047), slower 10-meter walk speed (median [IQR], 1.03 [0.78 to 1.14] vs. 0.78 [0.67 to 0.94] m/s, p = 0.039) and shorter 6-minute walk distance (265 [71 to 328] vs. 165 [53 to 220] m, p = 0.037). The Berg balance scores were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with survivors of a critical illness that is not ALI, those with ALI are likely to have greater physical impairment when measured shortly after discharge to the ward.

Gentamicin-Containing Collagen Implant May Reduce Surgical Site Infections After Open Infrainguinal Arterial Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Deep-space surgical site infections carry significant morbidity and mortality. The evidence for gentamicin-containing collagen implants at reducing surgical site infections in open infrainguinal arterial surgery is limited. This study examined whether gentamicin-containing collagen implants reduces 30-day surgical site infections and their severity following open infrainguinal arterial surgery. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study that included all patients undergoing infrainguinal arterial bypass or endarterectomy between November 2015 and March 2019 at a single tertiary vascular unit. Patients with contaminated/infected surgical fields, surgical wounds treated with negative pressure therapy, or the usage of antimicrobial implants and dressings other than Collatamp GⓇ (Aralez Pharmaceuticals, Canada) were excluded. Patients with gentamicin-containing collagen implants placed abutting vasculature were compared against patients without gentamicin-containing collagen implants. Outcomes included the rate of surgical site infections and their severity within 30 days after the operation. RESULTS: In 159 procedures (mean age 67.7 years, 74.8% male, 33.3% diabetic, 16.4% chronic renal failure, 25.2% anticoagulated postoperatively, 32.7% with prosthetic implants), 55 (34.6%) procedures received gentamicin-containing collagen implants. There were significantly more males (85.5% vs. 69.2%; P = 0.025), higher rates of obesity (41.8% vs. 26.0%; P = 0.041), and hyperlipidemia (65.5% vs. 49.0%; P = 0.048) in the gentamicin-containing collagen implant group. In total, 6 (3.8%) procedures developed deep-space surgical site infections (1 with gentamicin-containing collagen implant, 5 without) and 13 (8.2%) had severe surgical site infections that required re-intervention (1 with gentamicin-containing collagen implant, 12 without). On logistic regression analysis, the absence of gentamicin-containing collagen implants statistically significantly increased the odds of overall surgical site infections (OR = 2.50; 95% CI 1.01 - 6.19; P = 0.047). There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of deep-space surgical site infections or the severity and need for reintervention of surgical site infections. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that examined the effect of gentamicin-containing collagen implants on the severity of surgical site infections in vascular surgery. Gentamicin-containing collagen implants may reduce the odds of overall surgical site infections. It did not reduce the odds of deep-space surgical site infections or the severity and reintervention rate of surgical site infections following infrainguinal arterial revascularization. Larger studies are required to achieve adequate power to assess for these outcomes.

Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical morbidity in high-risk head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: There is no registry data on morbidity and mortality of high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in Australia. AIM: To examine the clinicopathological features, mortality and morbidity in high-risk cSCC patients in Western Australia (WA). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted through hospital record review on cSCC patients discussed at multidisciplinary meetings at the two largest WA hospitals between March 2015 and December 2016. RESULTS: Of 141 patients, 129 were evaluable, with median follow up of 43.9 (range 3.0-53.2) months. Patients were predominantly older males (84%) with significant comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥5; 76%) and history of previous nonmelanoma skin cancer (57%) with advanced disease (57% stage IV without distant metastasis; American Joint Committee on Cancer, 7th edition). Pathological high-risk features were common including nodal extracapsular extension (47%) and cranial nerve involvement (16%). Clinical morbidity was significant with a median of 2 (range 0-13) excisions and 2 (range 0-21) cSCC-related hospitalisations for any cSCC event following the index case discussion. Recurrences of the primary index lesion occurred in 60% of patients and 20% had ≥2 recurrences. Median overall survival for patients with nonmetastatic disease was 39.8 (range 25.9-53.7) months and 16.1 (range 0.2-32.0) months for metastatic disease. CCI ≥5, advanced nodal stage and ≥2 recurrences were significantly associated with mortality on multivariable analyses (P < 0.05). Nodal extracapsular extension and any recurrences were identified as significant risk factors for disease-specific mortality on multivariable analyses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: High-risk cSCC patients have significant health needs represented by high-baseline comorbidities, multiplicity of cSCC events and the number of healthcare-associated interventions. There is an unmet need for robust cancer data collection.

Insight into the longitudinal relationship between chronic subclinical inflammation and obesity from adolescence to early adulthood: a dual trajectory analysis.

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: This study aimed to understand the longitudinal relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and body mass index (BMI) from adolescence to early adulthood. METHODS: CRP and BMI were collected from participants of the Raine Study Gen2 at 14-, 17-, 20- and 22-year follow-ups (n = 1312). A dual trajectory analysis was conducted to assess the association between CRP and BMI trajectories, providing conditional probabilities of membership of CRP trajectory membership given BMI trajectory membership. Best model fit was assessed by systematically fitting two to eight trajectory groups with linear and quadratic terms and comparing models according to the Bayesian Information Criterion statistic. RESULTS: The three CRP trajectories were; "stable-low" (71.0%), "low-to-high" (13.8%) and "stable-high" (15.2%). Participants in a "high-increasing" BMI trajectory had a higher probability of being in the "stable-high" CRP trajectory (60.4% of participants). In contrast, individuals in the "medium-increasing" BMI trajectory did not have a significantly increased probability of being in the "stable-high" CRP trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support that chronic sub-clinical inflammation is present through adolescence into early adulthood in some individuals. Targeting chronic sub-clinical inflammation though obesity prevention strategies may be important for improving future health outcomes.

Incorporating the Clinical Frailty Scale into routine outpatient nephrology practice: an observational study of feasibility and associations.

BACKGROUND: There is an unmet need for routine and accurate prognostication of older adults with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and subsequently inadequate advance care planning. Frailty, a clinical syndrome of increased vulnerability, is predictive of adverse health outcomes in the renal population. We propose the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) as a feasible tool for routine use in the nephrology outpatient setting to address this unmet need. AIMS: To assess feasibility and associations of incorporating CFS assessment into routine outpatient nephrology practice in the pre-dialysis setting. METHODS: CFS was integrated into the outpatient nephrology clinic proforma. A convenience sample of 138 patients aged >50 years, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 , attending the outpatient service between September 2018 and April 2019 was included. RESULTS: Eighty-one CFS assessments were completed by nephrologists, nephrology advanced trainees and clinical nurse specialists. CFS completion rates were 79% from the multidisciplinary Low Clearance Clinic and 41% from nurse-led Pre-dialysis Education Clinic. Planned modality of ESKD management varied with degree of frailty (P < 0.001). 21% of patients who had CFS completed were planned for Conservative Management of ESKD, in contrast to only 5% of those who did not have CFS assessment completed (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Frailty assessment via CFS was feasible in outpatient practice when integrated into routine clinical assessment in a dedicated clinic. Planned ESKD management varied with the degree of frailty. Completion of frailty assessment, when compared with non-completion, appears to be associated with increased planned conservative management of ESKD.

Multi-trajectory analysis of C-reactive protein and low back pain from adolescence to early adulthood.

PURPOSE: To identify low back pain (LBP) trajectories from early adolescence through to early adulthood and to investigate whether sustained levels of elevated subclinical C-reactive protein (CRP) are linked with these LBP trajectories. METHODS: We analysed longitudinal data from 1513 participants who were enrolled in the Raine Study cohort. Data on LBP with impact on daily living and CRP were collected at the ages of 14, 17, 20, and 22. We constructed group-based trajectory models to identify discrete trajectories of LBP with impact. We then evaluated how the CRP trajectories and the LBP with impact trajectories evolved jointly over time using a multi-trajectory analysis. RESULTS: The model identified three LBP trajectories. One subgroup included almost half the participants (46.1%) who had a consistently low probability of LBP. Another subgroup comprising 43.5% of participants had an increasing probability of LBP, while one in ten participants (10.4%) had a decreasing probability of LBP. There were no associations between elevated CRP and LBP trajectory subgroup membership. CONCLUSION: Although young people follow distinct trajectories of LBP, CRP trajectories do not appear to be a distinguishing factor of the LBP trajectories. Previously reported associations between CRP and LBP may be explained by comorbidity or other factors. Future studies undertaking trajectory analysis should consider comorbidity clusters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Ventilator hyperinflation determined by peak airway pressure delivered: A randomized crossover trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to see if a more sophisticated ventilator hyperinflation protocol might result in more sputum clearance compared to manual hyperinflation. BACKGROUND: Hyperinflation has been used to mobilize lung secretions in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit setting for almost 50 years. In the past decade, rather than using a bag external to the ventilator circuit to deliver hyperinflation (known as "bagging" or "manual hyperinflation"), a new technique has evolved using existing ventilator circuitry (known as "ventilator hyperinflation"). One conservative ventilator hyperinflation protocol has demonstrated equivalence with manual hyperinflation in sputum clearance. DESIGN: A randomized crossover study. METHOD: Patients received manual hyperinflation and ventilator hyperinflation in two randomly ordered treatments on the same day by the same physiotherapist, using a ventilator hyperinflation protocol involving titration of hyperinflation according to airway pressure. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, 48 patients were enrolled in the study. Physiotherapy treatment using ventilator hyperinflation yielded significantly more wet weight sputum (median 2.84 g, IQR 1.81, 4.22) than treatment using manual hyperinflation (median 1.5 g, IQR 0.73, 2.31, P < .001), without significant differences in secondary measures. CONCLUSIONS: A more sophisticated approach to the titration of the volume delivered using ventilator hyperinflation relative to the airway pressure resulted in greater wet weight sputum cleared during physiotherapy treatment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the application of ventilator hyperinflation using peak airway pressure rather than tidal volume may be superior in facilitating sputum clearance and improved oxygenation without patient harm.

Attitudes towards abortion in male and female adolescents with diverse sexual and pregnancy experiences: a cross-sectional study.

Background Research focused on adolescents' attitudes towards abortion is limited, and validated scales are not routinely used. A greater understanding of adolescents' attitudes towards abortion could better inform the sexuality education strategies targeted at this age group. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 1470 adolescents (437 males, 1033 females) aged 12-19 years and living in Perth, Australia. Participants were recruited from secondary schools, antenatal clinics and termination clinics to capture varying experiences of sexual activity and pregnancy. Survey items investigated abortion attitudes, sexual behaviour and pregnancy history alongside other demographic and psychosocial factors. Analyses included comparative means and adjusted linear regressions. RESULTS: Sexually active participants (n = 554) and females reporting a previous abortion (n = 196) held more supportive attitudes towards abortion (P < 0.001 for both). Among sexually active females, more supportive attitudes were held by those reporting a previous abortion (ß = 2.60, 95% confidence interval 0.93-4.27, P = 0.002), later age (≥16 years) at first vaginal intercourse (P < 0.001), use of oral contraception at last sex (P = 0.029), previous condom use (P < 0.001) and/or three or more oral sex partners in the previous 12 months (P = 0.005). For sexually active males, more supportive attitudes were reported by those whose female partners had used oral contraception at last sex (P = 0.013) or ever (P = 0.017). Multivariable analyses indicated that other correlates, including risky sexual behaviour, had minimal or no effect on attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents' attitudes towards abortion appear to be influenced by their ability to personalise and contextualise the effect of a pregnancy. Associations between less-effective contraceptive use and reduced support for abortion may be explained by a diminished perceived risk of parenthood. Educational strategies should acknowledge and respond to differences in abortion attitudes as adolescents commence and navigate sexual relationships.

The needs of patients with post-intensive care syndrome: A prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: The needs of critical illness survivors and how best to address these are unclear. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify critical illness survivors who had developed post-intensive care syndrome and to explore their use of community healthcare resources, the socioeconomic impact of their illness, and their self-reported unmet healthcare needs. METHODS: Patients from two intensive care units (ICUs) in Western Australia who were mechanically ventilated for 5 days or more and/or had a prolonged ICU admission were included in this prospective, observational study. Questionnaires were used to assess participants' baseline health and function before admission, which were then repeated at 1 and 3 months after ICU discharge. RESULTS: Fifty participants were enrolled. Mean Functional Activities Questionnaire scores increased from 1.8 out of 30 at baseline (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-3.5) to 8.9 at 1 month after ICU discharge (95% CI: 6.5-11.4; P = <0.001) and 7.0 at 3 months after ICU discharge (95% CI: 4.9-9.1; P = < 0.001). Scores indicating functional dependence increased from 8% at baseline to 54% and 33% at 1 and 3 months after ICU discharge, respectively. Statistically significant declines in health-related quality of life were identified in the domains of Mobility, Personal Care, Usual Activities, and Pain/Discomfort at 1 month after ICU discharge and in Mobility, Personal Care, Usual Activities, and Anxiety/Depression at 3 months after ICU discharge. An increase in healthcare service use was identified after ICU discharge. Participants primarily identified mental health services as the service that they felt they would benefit from but were not accessing. Very low rates of return to work were observed, with 35% of respondents at 3 months, indicating they were experiencing financial difficulty as a result of their critical illness. CONCLUSIONS: Study participants developed impairments consistent with post-intensive care syndrome, with associated negative socioeconomic ramifications, and identified mental health as an area they need more support in.

Occupational therapist use of the 'Timed Up and Go' test in a Memory Clinic to compare performance between cognitive diagnoses and screen for falls risk.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapists assess older patients attending Memory Clinics to address multiple facets, including memory, activities of daily living function, mobility and falls risk. Identifying deficits in motor and functional abilities represents a crucial and necessary component of cognitive diagnosis. The aim of this research was to compare performance on the TUG between patients with normal (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. METHODS: A prospective single-blind single-centre cohort study was conducted in a Memory Clinic. Patients underwent comprehensive medical assessment, including the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) to determine a cognitive diagnosis. The occupational therapist, blinded to any diagnosis, completed the TUG. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients aged 60 years and older were recruited. The average TUG was 15.4 s, which was similar between men and women (p = .87). A TUG greater than ≥14 s was significantly associated with the use of a walking aid (p ≤ .001). The TUG increased with age and a slower TUG was associated with a greater number of previous falls (p = .023). The TUG did not significantly differ between patients with dementia, MCI and NC (p = .095). However, there was a significant difference comparing patients with NC and MCI (14.3 s) to those with dementia (16.4 s) (p = .048). There was a significant weak negative correlation between the MMSE and the TUG of -0.253 (p = .003). Univariate models showed that a patient's ability to ambulate independently contributed to 33% of the variance in the TUG, whereas previous falls contributed to 4%, highlighting the importance of physical function and intervention to target this. CONCLUSION: A simple TUG test should be considered for use by occupational therapists in a Memory Clinic to screen patients at risk of falling. Patients diagnosed with dementia have a significantly slower TUG. However, this tool cannot assist with the early detection of patients with MCI.

Programmed death ligand-1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer in a Western Australian population and correlation with clinicopathologic features.

Immune checkpoint inhibition is an important therapeutic option in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression may serve as a predictive marker for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. The relationship between non-small cell lung cancer PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics remains unclear and there is no population level Australian data. We report the results of PD-L1 testing in patients with non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed at major Western Australian public hospitals served by a single state Pathology provider. We analyzed PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in 241 non-small cell lung cancer specimens using the 22C3 clone on a Dako autostainer platform. Tumor cell PD-L1 expression was scored as Tumor Proportion Score and categorized using pre-specified subsets of 1%, 1-49% and ≥ 50% for correlation with clinicopathologic features. PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score was 1% in 65 (27%) cases, 1-49% in 100 (41%) cases and ≥ 50% in 76 (32%) cases. PD-L1-positive rate was 92% in squamous cell carcinomas and 67% in adenocarcinomas. PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score was higher in squamous cell carcinomas (p = 0.004) and lower in adenocarcinomas (p = 0.003). Of the 196 non-squamous carcinomas, 35% had rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) mutations, 13% had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, 2% had anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocations and 2% had ROS1 translocations. Tumor Proportion Score ≥ 50% was seen in 34% (23/68), 28% (7/25) and 25% (1/4) of RAS, EGFR mutant, and ALK translocated carcinomas, respectively. There was no significant correlation between PD-L1 expression and molecular or genetic abnormalities, or other parameters including age, gender, stage, and smoking status. In our patient cohort, PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas and lower in adenocarcinomas. The overall prevalence of Tumor Proportion Score ≥ 50% is consistent with that reported in clinical trials.

In-Hospital Sequelae of Injurious Falls in 24 Medical/Surgical Units in Four Hospitals in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of patient falls in the hospital result in injury. This study was conducted to determine whether injurious falls were associated with increased hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge to a place other than home, and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: A secondary data analysis from a prospective case-control study was conducted in 24 medical/surgical units in four hospitals in the United States. Patients who fell and sustained an injury were matched with at least one control patient who was on the same unit, at the same time, for a similar number of days on the unit at the time of the fall. Data were collected by viewing patients' electronic health records, as well as the hospitals' incident reporting systems. Logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The 1,033 patients (mean age, 63.7 years; 510 males [49.4%]) who sustained an injurious fall were matched with 1,206 controls (mean age, 61.6 years; 486 males [40.3%]). Fallers were significantly more likely than controls to stay longer than 10 days in the hospital (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-1.74) and to be discharged to a place other than home (OR, 1.52; 95% CI = 1.21-1.91). CONCLUSION: Compared to controls, hospital patients who sustained an injurious fall had longer LOS and were more likely discharged to a place other than home. These associations remained when controlling for patient-level confounders, suggesting that the fall altered trajectory was sustained toward these outcomes. Injurious falls were not significantly associated with increased risk of mortality.