Healthcare Workers Beliefs about COVID-19; a Longitudinal, Mixed Methods Analysis.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 on Health Care Workers (HCWs) has been widely reported. Few studies have sought to examine HCWs personal models of COVID-19 utilising an established theoretical framework. We undertook a mixed methods study of beliefs about COVID-19 held by HCWs in the Mid-West and South of Ireland during the first and third waves of COVID-19. Template analysis was undertaken on the free text responses of 408 HCWs about their perceptions of the Cause of COVID-19 as assessed by the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ). Responses were re-examined in the same cohort for stability at 3 months follow-up (n = 100). This analytic template was subsequently examined in a new cohort (n = 253) of HCWs in the third wave. Female HCWs perceived greater emotional impact of COVID-19 than men (t = -4.31, df405, p < 0.01). Differences between occupational groups were evident in relation to Timeline (F4,401 = 3.47, p < 0.01), Treatment Control (F4,401 = 5.64, p < 0.001) and Concerns about COVID-19 (F4,401 = 3.68, p < 0.01). Administration staff believed that treatment would be significantly more helpful and that COVID-19 would last a shorter amount of time than medical/nursing staff and HSCP. However, administration staff were significantly more concerned than HSCP about COVID-19. Template analysis on 1059 responses to the Cause items of the B-IPQ identified ten higher order categories of perceived Cause of COVID-19. The top two Causes identified at both Waves were 'individual behavioural factors' and 'overseas travel'. This study has progressed our understanding of the models HCWs hold about COVID-19 over time, and has highlighted the utility of the template analysis approach in analysing free-text questionnaire data. We suggest that group and individual occupational identities of HCWs may be of importance in shaping HCWs responses to working through COVID-19.

Genetic investigation of equine recurrent uveitis in Appaloosa horses.

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is characterized by intraocular inflammation that often leads to blindness in horses. Appaloosas are more likely than any other breed to develop insidious ERU, distinguished by low-grade chronic intraocular inflammation, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Appaloosas are known for their white coat spotting patterns caused by the leopard complex spotting allele (LP) and the modifier PATN1. A marker linked to LP on ECA1 and markers near MHC on ECA20 were previously associated with increased ERU risk. This study aims to further investigate these loci and identify additional genetic risk factors. A GWAS was performed using the Illumina Equine SNP70 BeadChip in 91 horses. Additive mixed model approaches were used to correct for relatedness. Although they do not reach a strict Bonferroni genome-wide significance threshold, two SNPs on ECA1 and one SNP each on ECA12 and ECA29 were among the highest ranking SNPs and thus warranted further analysis (P = 1.20 × 10-5 , P = 5.91 × 10-6 , P = 4.91 × 10-5 , P = 6.46 × 10-5 ). In a second cohort (n = 98), only an association with the LP allele on ECA1 was replicated (P = 5.33 × 10-5 ). Modeling disease risk with LP, age and additional depigmentation factors (PATN1 genotype and extent of roaning) supports an additive role for LP and suggests an additive role for PATN1. Genotyping for LP and PATN1 may help predict ERU risk (AUC = 0.83). The functional role of LP and PATN1 in ERU development requires further investigation. Testing samples across breeds with leopard complex spotting patterns and a denser set of markers is warranted to further refine the genetic components of ERU.

Genetic risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the nictitating membrane parallels that of the limbus in Haflinger horses.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer affecting the equine eye, with a higher incidence documented in Haflinger horses. Recently, a missense variant in the gene damage specific DNA binding protein 2 (DDB2, p.Thr338Met) on ECA12 was identified as a risk factor for the development of limbal SCC in Haflinger horses. SCC also occurs on the nictitating membrane; therefore, investigating the role of this missense variant in nictitating membrane SCC is warranted. In this study, a common ancestor was identified among Haflinger horses affected with limbal SCC or with nictitating membrane SCC, thus supporting a recessive risk factor for the development of cancer at both ocular locations. Analysis of genotype data from Haflinger horses with and without nictitating membrane SCC revealed that the same region on ECA12 associated with limbal SCC was also associated with nictitating membrane SCC (P < 2.04 × 10-5 ). Fine mapping of this locus using 25 cases and 49 controls supported the hypothesis that DDB2:c.1013C>T, p.Thr338Met, is a risk factor for nictitating membrane SCC, as 88% of our cases were homozygous for this variant and no other polymorphism was more strongly associated (P = 4.13 × 10-14 ). These data indicate that the genetic risk is the same for the development of both limbal and nictitating membrane SCC in Haflinger horses and validates utilization of genetic testing of the DDB2 variant for both clinical management and the guidance of mating decisions.

Genetic testing facilitates prepubertal diagnosis of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Neonatal micropenis and cryptorchidism raise the suspicion of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), a rare genetic disorder caused by gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency. Low plasma testosterone levels and low gonadotropins during minipuberty provide a clinical diagnostic clue, yet these tests are seldomly performed in general practice. We report a male neonate with no family history of reproductive disorders who was born with micropenis and cryptorchidism. Hormonal testing at age 2.5 months showed low testosterone (0.3 nmol/L) and undetectable gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone both <0.5 U/L), suggestive of CHH. Genetic testing identified a de novo, heterozygous mutation in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1 p.L630P). L630 resides on the ATP binding cleft of the FGFR1 tyrosine kinase domain, and L630P is predicted to cause a complete loss of receptor function. Cell-based assays confirmed that L630P abolishes FGF8 signaling activity. Identification of a loss-of-function de novo FGFR1 mutation in this patient confirms the diagnosis of CHH, allowing for a timely hormonal treatment to induce pubertal development. Therefore, genetic testing can complement clinical and hormonal assessment for a timely diagnosis of CHH in childhood.

The KICA Carer: informant information to enhance the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment.

BACKGROUND: A quality dementia-screening tool is required for older remote Aboriginal Australians who have high rates of dementia and limited access to appropriate medical equipment and clinicians. The Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA Cog) is a valid cognitive test for dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The KICA cognitive informant questionnaire (KICA Carer) had yet to be analyzed to determine validity alone or in combination with the KICA Cog. METHODS: The KICA Carer was completed by nominated informants of 349 remote-living Aboriginal Australians in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. Validity was assessed by comparing KICA Carer with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) consensus diagnoses based on a blinded specialist review. KICA Carer and KICA Cog were then compared to determine joint validity. RESULTS: A KICA Carer score of ≥3/16 gave optimum sensitivity (76.2%) and specificity (81.4%), area under curve (AUC) 0.89 (95% CI = 0.85, 0.94) with positive predictive value (PPV) of 35.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.2%. A KICA Cog score of ≤33/39 gave a sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 89.9%, AUC 0.96 (95% CI = 0.94, 0.98), with PPV of 55.6% and NPV of 98.9%. Cut-off scores of KICA Cog ≤ 33/39 and KICA Carer ≥ 2/16 in series indicate possible dementia, with sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 93.5%. In this setting, PPV was 66.5% and NPV was 98.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The KICA Carer is an important tool to accurately screen dementia in remote Aboriginal Australians when the KICA Cog is unable to be used for a patient. It is readily accepted by caregivers. KEY POINTS: • For the best practice in the cognitive assessment of an Aboriginal Australian aged over 45 years, KICA Cog should be utilized. • In cases where Aboriginal patients are not assessed directly, KICA Carer should be conducted with an informant. A cut-off score of ≥3/16 should be used (these tools can be downloaded from www.wacha.org.au/kica.html).

[Transition in diabetology]. / Transition en diabétologie.

For patients with type I diabetes, transition from pediatric to adult care is a challenge due to complex treatment requirements and the physical, psychological and social changes of adolescence. Members of the care team must recognize that while these emerging adults need to develop self-management skills, this may conflict at times with the developmentally appropriate desire for increasing autonomy. The role of nursing in coordinating a successful transition is critical for maintaining continuity of patient-centered care that responds to the specific needs of these young adults.

Adaptation of the chronic disease self-management program for cancer survivors: feasibility, acceptability, and lessons for implementation.

Self-management in chronic disease has been shown to improve patient-reported and health care-related outcomes. However, relatively little information about its utility in cancer survivorship is known. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the delivery of an adaptation of the evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-management Program (Stanford) called Cancer Thriving and Surviving (CTS). Triangulated mixed methods were used to capture baseline characteristics and post-program experiences using a combination of closed- and open-ended survey items; emergent coding and simple descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Twenty-seven workshops were delivered by 22 CTS leaders to 244 participants between August 2011 and January 2013 in a variety of settings (48 % community, 30 % health care, 22 % regional/community cancer center). Representing a variety of cancer types, about half the participants were 1-3 years post-diagnosis and 45 % were 4 or more years from diagnosis. Program attendance was high with 84 % of participants attending four or more of the six sessions in the workshop. Overall, 95 % of the participants were satisfied with the program content and leaders, and would recommend the program to friends and family. These results confirm the feasibility and acceptability of delivery of a high-fidelity, peer-led model for self-management support for cancer survivors. Expansion of the CTS represents a powerful tool toward improving health-related outcomes in this at-risk population.

Preliminary evaluation of the prevalence of falls, pain and urinary incontinence in remote living Indigenous Australians over the age of 45 years.

AIMS: To report on the prevalence of falls, urinary incontinence, pain and associated factors in remote living Indigenous Australians over the age of 45 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional, semi-purposeful sample of 363 indigenous men and women aged over 45 years living in six remote communities and one town in Kimberley, Australia. Participants were assessed for self- or informant-reported rates of falls, urinary incontinence and pain. RESULTS: The prevalence of self- or informant-reported falls was 31% (95% CI 25.3, 36.7), pain 55% (95% CI 47.4, 62.6) and urinary incontinence 9% (95% CI 5.9, 12.1%). Associations with falls after adjustment for age, sex and education included alcohol use (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4, 4.2), stroke (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1, 5.0), epilepsy (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1, 11.6), head injury (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3, 3.3) and poor hearing (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1); for urinary incontinence epilepsy (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7, 21.2) and stroke (OR 16.7, 95% CI 6.0, 46.3); and for pain, poor hearing (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0, 3.3) and female sex (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2, 2.7). CONCLUSIONS: Falls, urinary incontinence and pain are common and reported for the first time in older indigenous people living in remote regions. The presence of these syndromes in ages over 45 may be due to accumulation of health insults during the life course.

[Caring for patients with pediatric endocrinopathies and diabetes into adulthood: challenges of an often difficult transition]. / Prise en charge des jeunes patients avec endocrinopathies pediatriques chroniques: les défis d'une transition souvent difficile.

The success of therapies for a number of pediatric disorders has posed new challenges for the long-term follow-up of adolescents with chronic endocrinopathies. Unfortunately, too many patients are lost during the transfer from pediatric to adult clinics. The transition process should be well-organized and include the young person and family. Recognizing the special needs of these adolescents is an important step in developing patient-centered approaches to care that enable patients to develop autonomy and self care skills. Key elements in this process include structured policies and guidelines, communication and close collaboration between pediatric and adult clinics, and integrating nurse clinicians in the transition process to help close the gaps in care.

Identifying the essential knowledge and skills for Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: a systematic analysis of practice.

The knowledge and skills expected for board certification in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (NPM) should reflect the clinical practice of neonatology. First, a 14-member panel of practicing neonatologists, convened by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), drafted a practice analysis document which identified the practice domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills deemed essential for clinical practice. NPM fellowship program directors provided feedback via online survey resulting in revisions to the document. During the second phase of the project, the panel organized testable knowledge areas into content domains and subdomains to update the existing ABP NPM content outline. All ABP board-certified neonatologists were asked to review via online survey, and results were used to guide final revisions to the content outline. The NPM practice analysis document and the updated NPM content outline should serve as helpful resources for educators, trainees, and practicing neonatologists.

EARLY ASSESSMENT OF RENAL TRANSPLANTS USING BOLD-MRI: PROMISING RESULTS.

Non-invasive evaluation of renal transplant function is essential to minimize and manage renal rejection. A computer-assisted diagnostic (CAD) system was developed to evaluate kidney function post-transplantation. The developed CAD system utilizes the amount of blood-oxygenation extracted from 3D (2D + time) blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) to estimate renal function. BOLD-MRI scans were acquired at five different echo-times (2, 7, 12, 17, and 22) ms from 15 transplant patients. The developed CAD system first segments kidneys using the level-sets method followed by estimation of the amount of deoxyhemoglobin, also known as apparent relaxation rate (R2*). These R2* estimates were used as discriminatory features (global features (mean R2*) and local features (pixel-wise R2*)) to train and test state-of-the-art machine learning classifiers to differentiate between non-rejection (NR) and acute renal rejection. Using a leave-one-out cross-validation approach along with an artificial neural network (ANN) classifier, the CAD system demonstrated 93.3% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 90% specificity in distinguishing AR from non-rejection . These preliminary results demonstrate the efficacy of the CAD system to detect renal allograft status non-invasively.

Patient perceived barriers to treatment of depression and anxiety in hemodialysis patients.

Untreated psychiatric illness correlates with increased mortality, reduced quality of life and increased risk of suicide in renal failure patients, but little is known about why these patients fail to seek mental health care. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived barriers to mental health services in the hemodialysis patient population. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to identify the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in a group of 179 hemodialysis patients. Of the 103 patients who completed the surveys, 73.8% were African-American and 62.1% were male. Of the 54.4% of patients identified with depression by scoring 10 or greater on the BDI, 34.0% had mild-to-moderate, 12.6% had moderate-to-severe, and 7.8% had severe depression. Only 13.6% of respondents met criteria for anxiety. Each patient was asked to choose from a list of possible barriers, and 71.4% of patients meeting criteria for depression or anxiety identified a barrier to mental health treatment. Of these, over 70% of patients were unaware of symptoms of depression/ anxiety or did not perceive the need for help. Our results indicate a high prevalence of untreated depression in hemodialysis patients. Patient perceptions of the need for therapy present the most significant barriers to identification and treatment.

A review of 145 234 ophthalmic patient episodes lost to follow-up.

PurposeLost to follow-up and delays in follow-up care are a major problem in chronic diseases, particularly when irreversible progression precedes symptoms. The NPSA Glaucoma Safety Alert in 2009 highlighted the risk and requirements for consistent robust review systems in ophthalmology. In response, Moorfields Eye Hospital reviewed the records of all patients in all subspecialties without review appointments booked. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ophthalmic patients lost to follow-up had come to harm and develop investigation techniques to optimise safety, which do not put excessive demands on clinical staff time.MethodsThe health records of all patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) between July 2007 and November 2012 were reviewed for evidence of clinical harm using a risk-based strategy involving an initial administrative review, then a clinician led electronic patient record review, followed by a review of paper records by clinicians. The final stage was a clinical outpatient review where required determined by clinical risk.ResultsPatients identified as lost to follow-up were 145 234; 79 562 episodes were closed following administrative review; 50 519 were discharged following clinician examination of paper records; 12 316 patients required clinical review; and 16 serious incidents were identified, of which 14 patients had glaucoma, 1 a medical retinal condition with secondary glaucoma, and 1 an oculoplastic condition. A number of actions implemented hospital wide are described which minimise future risk.ConclusionRisk from delays or lost to follow-up care continue and require better capacity and more accurate data nationally.

Detection of pulmonary metastases in patients with osteogenic and soft-tissue sarcomas: the superiority of CT scans compared with conventional linear tomograms using dynamic analysis.

A prospective serial evaluation in 19 patients with soft-tissue and osteogenic sarcomas was performed to determine whether computerized tomography (CT) or conventional linear tomography (LT) detected pulmonary metastases earlier. Analysis of the metastatic nodules was performed radiographically with histologic confirmation by obtaining serial CTs and LTs followed by metastasectomy. Nodules were classified as stable, growing, or developing and by detection on CT and/or LT. CT was the first positive study in a significantly greater number of patients (13 CT, 1 LT; P less than .005), and CT detected the nodules earlier than LT (56 CT first v 7 LT first; P less than .0001). Ninety of 166 nodules resected were detected by CT, LT, or both (54%). The median size of metastatic nodules documented at surgical exploration and first detected by CT was significantly smaller than that first detected by LT (7.6 mm for CT v 13.2 mm for LT; P less than .05). Of 55 histologically documented metastases detected initially either by CT or LT, CT was markedly superior to LT with 50 (91%) first detected only by CT (P less than .001). These data reveal that CT detects more pulmonary metastases earlier than LT and that developing or growing nodules in patients with sarcomas are usually metastases. Decisions regarding metastasis resection in sarcoma patients, therefore, should be based primarily on CT findings.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psycho-oncology patients: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a group-based intervention similar to mindfulness-based stress reduction, but which includes cognitive therapy techniques. This study investigates its usefulness in the treatment of depressive, anxiety and stress/distress symptoms in cancer patients referred to a psycho-oncology service. It also examines whether effect on depression is mediated by self-compassion. METHOD: In phase 1 of this study, 16 cancer patients with mild/moderate psychological distress were randomised to MBCT (n=8) or treatment as usual (TAU; n=8), and assessed pre- and post-treatment. Analysis of variance was performed to examine the effect of treatment on anxiety and depression. In phase 2, the TAU group received the intervention, and results of pre- and post-MBCT assessments were combined with those receiving MBCT in phase 1. Finally, both groups were followed up at 3 months. RESULTS: In phase 1, the MBCT group had a significant improvement in mindfulness and a decrease in anxiety. Statistically significant improvements in both depression and anxiety were found at 3 month follow-up. Self-compassion appeared to mediate the effect on anxiety/depression. CONCLUSION: This small pilot study suggests that MBCT may have a beneficial effect on psychological variables often adversely affected in cancer in a heterogeneous cancer population.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog treatment of boys with hypothalamic hamartoma and true precocious puberty.

A long-acting analog of LRH (LRHa) has been shown to suppress pituitary gonadotropin and estradiol secretion to prepubertal levels in girls with idiopathic true precocious puberty. We treated six boys, aged 1-6 yr, with true precocious puberty due to hypothalamic hamartoma for 6-24 months with daily sc injections of LRHa. The patients had enlarged testes (6-25 ml), Tanner stage II-IV pubic hair, facial and axillary hair, increased growth rate, and an advanced bone age. Frequent erections occurred in all patients. Computed tomography of the head showed abnormalities characteristic of hypothalamic hamartoma (0.5-3 cm in diameter) in each boy. Each patient had measurable LH and FSH levels, with pulsed nocturnal secretion, and pubertal LH and FSH responses to LRH. Serum testosterone was in the range for normal adult men (200-600 ng/dl). LRHa significantly decreased basal LH (P less than 0.005) and FSH levels (P less than 0.01), LRH-stimulated gonadotropin levels (P less than 0.005), and serum testosterone levels (P less than 0.005). Testis size decreased significantly (P less than 0.005). Annualized growth velocity (centimeters per yr) decreased significantly compared to the pretreatment growth rate (P less than 0.01). Bone age advancement per yr slowed significantly during the course of LRHa treatment (P less than 0.01). Pubic hair, facial hair, and erections decreased in all patients. LRHa is an effective treatment for boys with precocious puberty associated with hypothalamic hamartoma. Chronic therapy will be required, however, to assess the ultimate effect of LRHa.

True precocious puberty complicating congenital adrenal hyperplasia: treatment with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a recognized cause of precocious pseudopuberty. Some children with CAH also develop true precocious puberty with early maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. We have seen four such children (three boys and one girl) who had the diagnosis of CAH made between the ages of 3 and 6 yr. These patients were treated with standard doses of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. A diagnosis of true precocious puberty was made because of testicular enlargement in the boys, breast development in the girl, progressive pubic hair development, rapid growth, and rapid bone age maturation. Plasma steroid levels were elevated for age, and gonadotropin levels were within the normal pubertal range, both basally and in response to LHRH stimulation. We treated these children with daily sc injections of a LHRH analog (LHRHa) for 6-18 months in addition to the standard hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone therapy for CAH. LHRHa significantly decreased basal plasma LH and FSH, peak LH and FSH responses to native LHRH, and testosterone levels. Testis size decreased in the males, and breast development regressed in the female. LHRHa therapy led to significant decreases in linear growth rate, ulnar growth rate, and rate of bone age advancement. These results suggest that LHRHa is an effective adjunct to hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone in the treatment of true precocious puberty complicating CAH.

Radionuclide determination of cardiac chamber flow/volume characteristics.

The flow/volume characteristics of an externally monitored radionuclide dilution curve may contain valuable information about specific cardiac chamber abnormalities. a simplified method of obtaining this flow/volume ratio on a standard scintillation camera is presented. Preliminary clinical application to right-sided cardiac lesions has been undertaken. The implications of flow/volume variation with time are discussed.

Immunopathology of pineal glands from horses with uveitis.

PURPOSE: Pinealitis accompanying uveitis is well established in laboratory models of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. In naturally occurring uveitis, pinealitis has been demonstrated in the pineal gland from a mare with active uveitis and is suspected in some human uveitides. We have evaluated pineal glands from horses with various stages of uveitis for signs of immunopathology accompanying spontaneous uveitis. METHODS: Pineal glands from 10 horses with uveitis and from 13 horses without uveitis were evaluated for histochemical (H&E, collagen) and immunohistochemical (MHC class II antigen expression, infiltration of T and B lymphocytes, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin upregulation) evidence of inflammation. RESULTS: Septal areas of pineal glands from horses with uveitis had clusters of MHC class II antigen-expressing cells, T lymphocytes, and enhanced collagen deposition. These changes were not as readily observed in pineal glands from horses without uveitis. B lymphocytes were detected only in the pineal gland from the one mare with active uveitis in which T and B lymphocytes were organized into follicles. No differences in GFAP or vimentin immunoreactivity were noted in pineal glands from horses with or without uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: These pineal gland changes suggest that the pinealitis associated with equine uveitis is transient just as the uveitis of these horses is recurrent. Study of pineal glands from horses with clinically documented uveitis allows demonstration of subtle pineal changes associated with natural uveitis. Similar changes would be difficult to document in human patient populations.