West Nile virus spread in Europe: Phylogeographic pattern analysis and key drivers.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks in birds, humans, and livestock have occurred in multiple areas in Europe and have had a significant impact on animal and human health. The patterns of emergence and spread of WNV in Europe are very different from those in the US and understanding these are important for guiding preparedness activities. METHODS: We mapped the evolution and spread history of WNV in Europe by incorporating viral genome sequences and epidemiological data into phylodynamic models. Spatially explicit phylogeographic models were developed to explore the possible contribution of different drivers to viral dispersal direction and velocity. A "skygrid-GLM" approach was used to identify how changes in environments would predict viral genetic diversity variations over time. FINDINGS: Among the six lineages found in Europe, WNV-2a (a sub-lineage of WNV-2) has been predominant (accounting for 73% of all sequences obtained in Europe that have been shared in the public domain) and has spread to at least 14 countries. In the past two decades, WNV-2a has evolved into two major co-circulating clusters, both originating from Central Europe, but with distinct dynamic history and transmission patterns. WNV-2a spreads at a high dispersal velocity (88km/yr-215 km/yr) which is correlated to bird movements. Notably, amongst multiple drivers that could affect the spread of WNV, factors related to land use were found to strongly influence the spread of WNV. Specifically, the intensity of agricultural activities (defined by factors related to crops and livestock production, such as coverage of cropland, pasture, cultivated and managed vegetation, livestock density) were positively associated with both spread direction and velocity. In addition, WNV spread direction was associated with high coverage of wetlands and migratory bird flyways. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that-in addition to ecological conditions favouring bird- and mosquito- presence-agricultural land use may be a significant driver of WNV emergence and spread. Our study also identified significant gaps in data and the need to strengthen virological surveillance in countries of Central Europe from where WNV outbreaks are likely seeded. Enhanced monitoring for early detection of further dispersal could be targeted to areas with high agricultural activities and habitats of migratory birds.

Biallelic variants in Plexin B2 (PLXNB2) cause amelogenesis imperfecta, hearing loss and intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Plexins are large transmembrane receptors for the semaphorin family of signalling proteins. Semaphorin-plexin signalling controls cellular interactions that are critical during development as well as in adult life stages. Nine plexin genes have been identified in humans, but despite the apparent importance of plexins in development, only biallelic PLXND1 and PLXNA1 variants have so far been associated with Mendelian genetic disease. METHODS: Eight individuals from six families presented with a recessively inherited variable clinical condition, with core features of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), with variable intellectual disability. Probands were investigated by exome or genome sequencing. Common variants and those unlikely to affect function were excluded. Variants consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance were prioritised. Variant segregation analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing. RNA expression analysis was conducted in C57Bl6 mice. RESULTS: Rare biallelic pathogenic variants in plexin B2 (PLXNB2), a large transmembrane semaphorin receptor protein, were found to segregate with disease in all six families. The variants identified include missense, nonsense, splicing changes and a multiexon deletion. Plxnb2 expression was detected in differentiating ameloblasts. CONCLUSION: We identify rare biallelic pathogenic variants in PLXNB2 as a cause of a new autosomal recessive, phenotypically diverse syndrome with AI and SNHL as core features. Intellectual disability, ocular disease, ear developmental abnormalities and lymphoedema were also present in multiple cases. The variable syndromic human phenotype overlaps with that seen in Plxnb2 knockout mice, and, together with the rarity of human PLXNB2 variants, may explain why pathogenic variants in PLXNB2 have not been reported previously.

Cancer incidence, treatment, and survival in the prison population compared with the general population in England: a population-based, matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The growing and ageing prison population in England makes accurate cancer data of increasing importance for prison health policies. This study aimed to compare cancer incidence, treatment, and survival between patients diagnosed in prison and the general population. METHODS: In this population-based, matched cohort study, we used cancer registration data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service in England to identify primary invasive cancers and cervical cancers in situ diagnosed in adults (aged ≥18 years) in the prison and general populations between Jan 1, 1998, and Dec 31, 2017. Ministry of Justice and Office for National Statistics population data for England were used to calculate age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) per year and age-standardised incidence rate ratios (ASIRR) for the 20-year period. Patients diagnosed with primary invasive cancers (ie, excluding cervical cancers in situ) in prison between Jan 1, 2012, and Dec 31, 2017 were matched to individuals from the general population and linked to hospital and treatment datasets. Matching was done in a 1:5 ratio according to 5-year age group, gender, diagnosis year, cancer site, and disease stage. Our primary objectives were to compare the incidence of cancer (1998-2017); the receipt of treatment with curative intent (2012-17 matched cohort), using logistic regression adjusted for matching variables (excluding cancer site) and route to diagnosis; and overall survival following cancer diagnosis (2012-17 matched cohort), using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for matching variables (excluding cancer site) and route to diagnosis, with stratification for the receipt of any treatment with curative intent. FINDINGS: We identified 2015 incident cancers among 1964 adults (1556 [77·2%] men and 459 [22·8%] women) in English prisons in the 20-year period up to Dec 31, 2017. The ASIR for cancer for men in prison was initially lower than for men in the general population (in 1998, ASIR 119·33 per 100 000 person-years [95% CI 48·59-219·16] vs 746·97 per 100 000 person-years [742·31-751·66]), but increased to a similar level towards the end of the study period (in 2017, 856·85 per 100 000 person-years [675·12-1060·44] vs 788·59 per 100 000 person-years [784·62-792·57]). For women, the invasive cancer incidence rate was low and so ASIR was not reported for this group. Over the 20-year period, the incidence of invasive cancer for men in prison increased (incidence rate ratio per year, 1·05 [95% CI 1·04-1·06], during 1999-2017 compared with 1998). ASIRRs showed that over the 20-year period, overall cancer incidence was lower in men in prison than in men in the general population (ASIRR 0·76 [95% CI 0·73-0·80]). The difference was not statistically significant for women (ASIRR 0·83 [0·68-1·00]). Between Jan 1, 2012, and Dec 31, 2017, patients diagnosed in prison were less likely to undergo curative treatment than matched patients in the general population (274 [32·3%] of 847 patients vs 1728 [41·5%] of 4165; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0·72 [95% CI 0·60-0·85]). Being diagnosed in prison was associated with a significantly increased risk of death on adjustment for matching variables (347 deaths during 2021·9 person-years in the prison cohort vs 1626 deaths during 10 944·2 person-years in the general population; adjusted HR 1·16 [95% CI 1·03-1·30]); this association was partly explained by stratification by curative treatment and further adjustment for diagnosis route (adjusted HR 1·05 [0·93-1·18]). INTERPRETATION: Cancer incidence increased in people in prisons in England between 1998 and 2017, with patients in prison less likely to receive curative treatments and having lower overall survival than the general population. The association with survival was partly explained by accounting for differences in receipt of curative treatment and adjustment for diagnosis route. Improved routine cancer surveillance is needed to inform prison cancer policies and decrease inequalities for this under-researched population. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, King's College London, and Strategic Priorities Fund 2019/20 of Research England via the University of Surrey.

Prospective manipulation of the gut microbiome with microbial ecosystem therapeutic 4 (MET4) in HPV-related locoregionally-advanced oropharyngeal cancer squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OPSCC) undergoing primary chemoradiation: ROMA2 study.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiome modulation to boost antitumor immune responses is under investigation. METHODS: ROMA-2 evaluated the microbial ecosystem therapeutic (MET)-4 oral consortia, a mixture of cultured human stool-derived immune-responsiveness associated bacteria, given with chemoradiation (CRT) in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer patients. Co-primary endpoints were safety and changes in stool cumulative MET-4 taxa relative abundance (RA) by 16SRNA sequencing. Stools and plasma were collected pre/post-MET-4 intervention for microbiome and metabolome analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients received ≥1 dose of MET-4 and were evaluable for safety: drug-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 13/29 patients: all grade 1-2 except one grade 3 (diarrhea). MET-4 was discontinued early in 7/29 patients due to CRT-induced toxicity, and in 1/29 due to MET-4 AEs. Twenty patients were evaluable for ecological endpoints: there was no increase in stool MET-4 RA post-intervention but trended to increase in stage III patients (p = 0.06). MET-4 RA was higher in stage III vs I-II patients at week 4 (p = 0.03) and 2-month follow-up (p = 0.01), which correlated with changes in plasma and stool targeted metabolomics. CONCLUSIONS: ROMA-2 did not meet its primary ecologic endpoint, as no engraftment was observed in the overall cohort. Exploratory findings of engraftment in stage III patients warrants further investigation of microbiome interventions in this subgroup.

Bullous Lung Disease in Turner Syndrome: An Underrecognized Comorbidity?

Congenital pulmonary anomalies in Turner syndrome (TS) are rarely reported. Herein, we describe a female with TS who presented with emphysema in infancy and developed pulmonary hypertension in adulthood. A 4-month-old patient presented with recurrent emesis and failure to thrive. Diagnostic testing indicated cardiomegaly and echocardiogram revealed abnormalities including left aortic arch with aberrant right subclavian artery, aortic coarctation, and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. At 19-months, she underwent surgical intervention through a lateral thoracotomy which exposed numerous small air-filled blebs over the left lung. She had persistent LV dysfunction postoperatively. At 12-years-old, genetic testing revealed 45,X/46,Xidic(Y)(q11.22) and she subsequently received routine treatment for Turner syndrome. At 23-years-old, this patient presented to the emergency department with dyspnea, worsening cough, and edema. Echocardiogram demonstrated a reduced LVEF, aortic valve insufficiency, and pulmonary artery (PA) hypertension. CT chest showed multiple apical blebs and cardiac catheterization demonstrated pulmonary hypertension. She was treated with intravenous diuresis and cessation of Humira, which normalized LVEF and reduced PA pressure. Repeat cardiac catheterization 6 months later indicated elevated LVEDP, pulmonary vascular resistance, and mean PA pressures. Altered lymphatic drainage in utero of patients with TS may lead to emphysematous changes in the lungs. These changes may not raise concern in infancy but can possibly contribute to cardiopulmonary pathology in the future. We recommend ongoing routine care to monitor for acquired cardiopulmonary co-morbidities. Bullous lung disease may occur due to altered lymphatic drainage in patients with TS and may be a risk factor for developing or contributing to pulmonary hypertension.

Is there scope to do better? Clinical communication with adolescents and young adults with cancer-A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: How to communicate effectively with adolescent and young adults with cancer (AYACs) is a research priority. In a UK-wide survey of young people with cancer's research priorities, communication was a striking cross-cutting theme. It is increasingly recognised that AYACs have experiences and communication needs that differ significantly from those of younger children and older adults. The purpose of this review is to explore the features of effective clinical communication with AYACs. METHODS: A literature search was undertaken to identify and map the available evidence using a broad scope to get an overview of the pertinent literature, identify knowledge gaps and clarify concepts. The searches yielded 5825 records, generating 4040 unique articles. These were screened and 71 full articles were read by four researchers with disagreements resolved by discussion leaving 29 included articles. Narrative synthesis was undertaken in relation to each of the research questions. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: being an adolescent/young adult, supporters, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). AYACs need to feel that HCPs understand their unique perspective. They want to be involved, this changes over time and in different contexts. Supporters are a central tenet, are most often parents and undertake several roles which are not always universally supportive. HCPs enable involvement of AYACs, and this needs to be actively promoted. AYACs preference for their level of involvement requires continual assessment. The three themes are interlinked and exist within the wider scope of the triadic encounter and cancer experience. CONCLUSION: Supporters, most often parents were a key feature across the data and were seemingly paradoxical in nature. Triadic communication, the presence of a third person, is a central tenet of communication with AYACs and we propose a conceptual model to represent the nuances, components, and facets of this complex communication.

Reducing Chloride Ion Permeation during Seawater Electrolysis Using Double-Polyamide Thin-Film Composite Membranes.

Low-cost polyamide thin-film composite membranes are being explored as alternatives to expensive cation exchange membranes for seawater electrolysis. However, transport of chloride from seawater to the anode chamber must be reduced to minimize the production of chlorine gas. A double-polyamide composite structure was created that reduced the level of chloride transport. Adding five polyamide layers on the back of a conventional polyamide composite membrane reduced the chloride ion transport by 53% and did not increase the applied voltage. Decreased chloride permeation was attributed to enhanced electrostatic and steric repulsion created by the new polyamide layers. Charge was balanced through increased sodium ion transport (52%) from the anolyte to the catholyte rather than through a change in the transport of protons and hydroxides. As a result, the Nernstian loss arising from the pH difference between the anolyte and catholyte remained relatively constant during electrolysis despite membrane modifications. This lack of a change in pH showed that transport of protons and hydroxides during electrolysis was independent of salt ion transport. Therefore, only sodium ion transport could compensate for the reduction of chloride flux to maintain the set current. Overall, these results prove the feasibility of using a double-polyamide structure to control chloride permeation during seawater electrolysis without sacrificing energy consumption.

Modeling Ion Transport across Thin-Film Composite Membranes During Saltwater Electrolysis.

Affordable thin-film composite (TFC) membranes are a potential alternative to more expensive ion exchange membranes in saltwater electrolyzers used for hydrogen gas production. We used a solution-friction transport model to study how the induced potential gradient controls ion transport across the polyamide (PA) active layer and support layers of TFC membranes during electrolysis. The set of parameters was simplified by assigning the same size-related partition and friction coefficients for all salt ions through the membrane active layer. The model was fit to experimental ion transport data from saltwater electrolysis with 600 mM electrolytes at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. When the electrolyte concentration and current density were increased, the transport of major charge carriers was successfully predicted by the model. Ion transport calculated using the model only minimally changed when the negative active layer charge density was varied from 0 to 600 mM, indicating active layer charge was not largely responsible for controlling ion crossover during electrolysis. Based on model simulations, a sharp pH gradient was predicted to occur within the supporting layer of the membrane. These results can help guide membrane design and operation conditions in water electrolyzers using TFC membranes.

Thin-Film Composite Membranes for Hydrogen Evolution with a Saline Catholyte Water Feed.

Hydrogen gas evolution using an impure or saline water feed is a promising strategy to reduce overall energy consumption and investment costs for on-site, large-scale production using renewable energy sources. The chlorine evolution reaction is one of the biggest concerns in hydrogen evolution with impure water feeds. The "alkaline design criterion" in impure water electrolysis was examined here because water oxidation catalysts can exhibit a larger kinetic overpotential without interfering chlorine chemistry under alkaline conditions. Here, we demonstrated that relatively inexpensive thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, currently used for high-pressure reverse osmosis (RO) desalination applications, can have much higher rejection of Cl- (total crossover of 2.9 ± 0.9 mmol) than an anion-exchange membrane (AEM) (51.8 ± 2.3 mmol) with electrolytes of 0.5 M KOH for the anolyte and 0.5 M NaCl for the catholyte with a constant current (100 mA/cm2 for 20 h). The membrane resistances, which were similar for the TFC membrane and the AEM based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Ohm's law methods, could be further reduced by increasing the electrolyte concentration or removal of the structural polyester supporting layer (TFC-no PET). TFC membranes could enable pressurized gas production, as this membrane was demonstrated to be mechanically stable with no change in permeate flux at 35 bar. These results show that TFC membranes provide a novel pathway for producing green hydrogen with a saline water feed at elevated pressures compared to systems using AEMs or porous diaphragms.

A summary of the 2023 Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) hypertension in pregnancy guideline.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect up to 10% of all pregnancies annually and are associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This guideline represents an update of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) guidelines for the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 2014 and has been approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) under section 14A of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992. In approving the guideline recommendations, NHMRC considers that the guideline meets NHMRC's standard for clinical practice guidelines. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: A total of 39 recommendations on screening, preventing, diagnosing and managing HDP, especially preeclampsia, are presented in this guideline. Recommendations are presented as either evidence-based recommendations or practice points. Evidence-based recommendations are presented with the strength of recommendation and quality of evidence. Practice points were generated where there was inadequate evidence to develop specific recommendations and are based on the expertise of the working group. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT RESULTING FROM THE GUIDELINE: This version of the SOMANZ guideline was developed in an academically robust and rigorous manner and includes recommendations on the use of combined first trimester screening to identify women at risk of developing preeclampsia, 14 pharmacological and two non-pharmacological preventive interventions, clinical use of angiogenic biomarkers and the long term care of women who experience HDP. The guideline also includes six multilingual patient infographics which can be accessed through the main website of the guideline. All measures were taken to ensure that this guideline is applicable and relevant to clinicians and multicultural women in regional and metropolitan settings in Australia and New Zealand.

WHIRLY proteins maintain seed longevity by effects on seed oxygen signalling during imbibition.

The WHIRLY (WHY) family of DNA/RNA binding proteins fulfil multiple but poorly characterised functions in plants. We analysed WHY protein functions in the Arabidopsis Atwhy1, Atwhy3, Atwhy1why3 single and double mutants and wild type controls. The Atwhy3 and Atwhy1why3 double mutants showed a significant delay in flowering, having more siliques per plant but with fewer seeds per silique than the wild type. While germination was similar in the unaged high-quality seeds of all lines, significant decreases in vigour and viability were observed in the aged mutant seeds compared with the wild type. Imbibition of unaged high-quality seeds was characterised by large increases in transcripts that encode proteins involved in oxygen sensing and responses to hypoxia. Seed aging resulted in a disruption of the imbibition-induced transcriptome profile such that transcripts encoding RNA metabolism and processing became the most abundant components of the imbibition signature. The imbibition-related profile of the Atwhy1why3 mutant seeds, was characterised by decreased expression of hypoxia-related and oxygen metabolism genes even in the absence of aging. Seed aging further decreased the abundance of hypoxia-related and oxygen metabolism transcripts relative to the wild type. These findings suggest that the WHY1 and WHY3 proteins regulate the imbibition-induced responses to oxygen availability and hypoxia. Loss of WHY1 and WHY3 functions decreases the ability of Arabidopsis seeds to resist the adverse effects of seed aging.

The role of cochlear and vestibular afferents in long-latency cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the origin of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) late waves (n34-p44) elicited with air-conducted click stimuli. DESIGN: Using a retrospective design, cVEMPs from normal volunteers were compared to those obtained from patients with vestibular and auditory pathologies. STUDY SAMPLE: (1) Normal volunteers (n = 56); (2) severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with normal vestibular function (n = 21); (3) peripheral vestibular impairment with preserved hearing (n = 16); (4) total vestibulocochlear deficit (n = 23). RESULTS: All normal volunteers had ipsilateral-dominant early p13-n23 peaks. Late peaks were present bilaterally in 78%. The p13-n23 response was present in all patients with SNHL but normal vestibular function, and 43% had late waves. Statistical comparison of these patients to a subset of age-matched controls showed no significant difference in the frequencies, amplitudes or latencies of their ipsilateral early and late peaks. cVEMPs were absent in all patients with vestibular impairment. CONCLUSION: The presence of long-latency cVEMP waves was not dependent on the integrity of sensorineural hearing pathways, but instead correlated with intact vestibular function. This finding conflicts with the view that these late waves are cochlear in origin, and suggests that vestibular afferents may assume a more prominent role in their generation.

User Experiences of CBT for Anxiety and Depression: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-synthesis.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety and depression. It is important to determine the positive and negative aspects of CBT from the perspective of service users. However, there has been a lack of qualitative exploration into service user experiences of the therapy. This review aimed to address this gap by examining participants' experiences of CBT for anxiety and depression. Databases were searched and data were synthesised thematically. CBT was well-received by participants, though barriers to engagement were identified. CBT was often perceived as too difficult or demanding, as well as interventions being short and therefore superficial. Clinician qualities of being trustworthy, non-judgemental, and understanding appear to be significant contributors to client engagement and recovery. Findings support the delivery of in-depth clinician led CBT for anxiety and depression, as well as highlighting the need to review CBT delivery to better support service users.

The Impact of Age, Sex, and Position on Visual-Motor Processing Speed and Reaction Time as Measured by the Vision CoachTM.

Occupational therapists are in a unique position to screen and evaluate fitness to drive with both visual-motor processing speed and reaction time being important factors to consider when determining fitness to drive. This study uses the Vision CoachTM to investigate the differences in visual-motor processing speed and reaction time across age and sex of healthy adults. It also explores whether the position of sitting or standing made any difference. The results showed no difference between male/female or standing/sitting positions. However, there was a statistically significant difference between age groups, with older adults demonstrating slower visual-motor processing speed and reaction times. These findings can be used for future studies to explore the impact of injury or disease on visual-motor processing speed and reaction times and its relation to fitness to drive.

Relative Insignificance of Polyamide Layer Selectivity for Seawater Electrolysis Applications.

Low-cost polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membranes are being explored as alternatives to cation exchange membranes for seawater electrolysis. An optimal membrane should have a low electrical resistance to minimize applied potentials needed for water electrolysis and be able to block chloride ions present in a seawater catholyte from reaching the anode. The largest energy loss associated with a TFC membrane was the Nernstian overpotential of 0.74 V (equivalent to 37 Ω cm2 at 20 mA cm-2), derived from the pH difference between the anolyte and catholyte and not the membrane ohmic overpotential. Based on analysis using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the pristine TFC membrane contributed only 5.00 Ω cm2 to the ohmic resistance. Removing the polyester support layer reduced the resistance by 79% to only 1.04 Ω cm2, without altering the salt ion transport between the electrolytes. Enlarging the pore size (∼5 times) in the polyamide active layer minimally impacted counterion transport across the membrane during electrolysis, but it increased the total concentration of chloride transported by 60%. Overall, this study suggests that TFC membranes with thinner but mechanically strong supporting layers and size-selective active layers should reduce energy consumption and the potential for chlorine generation for seawater electrolyzers.

Treating a limb-threatening arterial clot in a newborn with catheter-directed thrombolysis.

Non-catheter related arterial thromboembolism in the neonatal population is rare and carries a significant risk of organ damage or limb loss. Thrombolysis, whether systemic or catheter- directed, is reserved either for limb or life-threatening thrombosis due to risk of bleeding especially in premature neonates. In this case, an infant male born at 34 weeks and 4 days gestational age presented with limb-threatening clot in the distal right subclavian artery and proximal right axillary artery with no known cause. After discussion of risks and benefits of various treatment options, he received thrombolysis treatment with low dose recombinant TPA via an umbilical artery catheter. There was complete resolution of the thrombus with this treatment and the patient had no significant bleeding while receiving treatment. Further investigation is needed to identify the patient population that will benefit from catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy and how to best monitor these patients.

Effectiveness of peer support programmes for improving well-being and quality of life in parents/carers of children with disability or chronic illness: A systematic review.

AIM: This systematic review synthesized quantitative evidence from the past decade of the effectiveness of peer support programmes in improving the well-being and/or quality of life (QoL) for parents/carers of children with disability/chronic illnesses. BACKGROUND: For children with disability or chronic illness, parents/carers are critical in enabling or limiting their child's development. The parent's/carer's ability to provide the necessary responsive and structured care is impacted by several factors, including their own personality, skills, resources and well-being. Peer support programmes often aim to build parent/carer and/or family capabilities. Although studies and reviews have found positive benefits arising from such programmes, the impact of such programmes, specifically on well-being and QoL, is unknown RESULTS: Quantitative studies published between 2011 and 2020 that examined the impact of programmes with a significant peer support component on parental/carer well-being, QoL and/or distress were identified from four databases and were searched and yielded 3605 articles, with 13 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The results suggested that peer support is effective for reducing distress and improving the well-being and QoL among parents of children with disabilities; however, the evidence is limited by a high risk of bias in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Although existing evidence suggests that programmes for parents/carers with a significant peer support component are beneficial for well-being and QoL, rigorous methodologies are needed in the future to gain a better understanding of the benefits of such programmes.

Associations between diagnostic time intervals and health-related quality of life, clinical anxiety and depression in adolescents and young adults with cancer: cross-sectional analysis of the BRIGHTLIGHT cohort.

BACKGROUND: The association of diagnostic intervals and outcomes is poorly understood in adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA). We investigated associations between diagnostic intervals and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression in a large AYA cohort. METHODS: Participants aged 12-24 completed interviews post-diagnosis, providing data on diagnostic experiences and the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Demographic and cancer information were obtained from clinical and national records. Six diagnostic intervals were considered. Relationships between intervals and PROs were examined using regression models. RESULTS: Eight hundred and thirty participants completed interviews. In adjusted models, across 28 of 30 associations, longer intervals were associated with poorer PROs. Patient intervals (symptom onset to first seeing a GP) of ≥1 month were associated with greater depression (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):1.7, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.1-2.5) compared to <1 month. ≥3 pre-referral GP consultations were associated with greater anxiety (aOR:1.6, CI:1.1-2.3) compared to 1-2 consultations. Symptom onset to first oncology appointment intervals of ≥2 months was associated with impaired HRQoL (aOR:1.8, CI:1.2-2.5) compared to <2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged diagnostic intervals in AYA are associated with an increased risk of impaired HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Identifying and delivering interventions for this high-risk group is a priority.

Variation in trauma-related behavioral effects using a preclinical rat model of three predator exposure stress.

The underlying mechanisms of trauma-related disorders are challenging to discover and the disorders are difficult to treat, in part due to the complex and varied expressions of response to traumatic stress. These challenges will be easier to overcome as more is understood about the variability in response to trauma. Incorporating assessment of variability into animal models of traumatic stress may allow better translation to clinical research and treatment development. In this study, we characterized variability in behavioral responses following traumatic stress exposure using a predator exposure (PE) animal model. Elevated plus maze (EPM) and acoustic startle response (SR) were used to study avoidance and arousal symptoms in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Behavioral data were compared between control (n = 31) and predator-exposed (n = 30) rats. PE behavior was clustered using k-means principal components analysis. Four clusters and three distinct subgroups were identified and were characterized as avoidant (Cluster 4, 30%), moderately avoidant (Clusters 2 and 3, 49%), and unaffected (Cluster 1, 17%). These results demonstrate that rodent responses to PE are varied, similar to human presentations following traumatic stress, suggesting it may be possible to develop treatment strategies for varied symptom presentations using a preclinical animal model.

Virtual care and the impact of COVID-19 on nursing: A single centre evaluation.

AIMS: The overall aim of this evaluation was to look at the impact of the changes in working practices during the pandemic on nurses. This secondary analysis provided an evaluation of virtual care and being able/required to work from home. DESIGN: This was secondary analysis of an evaluation using semi-structured interviews. METHODS: Conducted at a single National Health Service (NHS) university hospital in the United Kingdom between May and July 2020. Forty-eight operational leads and nurses participated in semi-structured interviews which were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework analysis. RESULTS: Two overarching themes emerged relating to the patient experience and nursing experience. There were both positive and negative elements associated with virtual care and remote working related to these themes. However, the majority of nurses found that virtual clinics were useful when proper resources were provided, and managerial strategies were put in place to support them. Participants felt that virtual care could benefit many but not all patient groups moving forward, and that flexibility around working from home would be desirable in the future. CONCLUSION: Virtual care and remote working were implemented to accommodate the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic. The benefits of these changes to nurses and patients support these being business as usual. However, clear policies are needed to ensure that nurses feel supported when working remotely and there are robust assessments in place to ensure virtual care is provided to patients who have access to the necessary technology. IMPACT: This was a study of the move to virtual care and remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine and flexible working were not common in the NHS prior to the pandemic but the current evaluation supports the role out of these as standard care with policies in place to ensure that nurses and patients are appropriately supported.