Adrenal washout CT in patients with no history of cancer: a waste of time?

PURPOSE: To validate the diagnostic performance of adrenal washout CT in patients without known malignancy in a Western Australian population. METHODS: A radiology information system (RIS) search for CT reports containing "adrenal" and "washout" across six networked metropolitan public hospitals between January 2005 and November 2021. Homogenous nodules ≥ 1 cm, ≥ 10 HU without a suspected functional component in patients without a history of malignancy were included. Reported absolute and relative washout percentages were recorded and re-measured from unenhanced, 60-s portal venous and 15-min delayed phase imaging and compared to either histopathological or CT follow up for growth (≥ 12 months) reference standards. RESULTS: 2653 studies were screened with 191 meeting inclusion criteria. 105 nodules underwent washout CT and then had either histopathological (12 patients) or CT follow up (93 patients) reference standards available. Reported absolute washout (aWO) estimated sensitivity and specificity for malignant/indeterminate nodules was low at 33% (95% CI 25-43%) and 77% (95% CI 68-84%) respectively. Reported relative washout (rWO) sensitivity and specificity were 56% (95% CI 46-65%) and 69% (95% CI 60-77%) respectively. Negative predictive values for both aWO and rWO were reassuring at 92% (95% CI 86-96%) and 94% (95%CI 88-97%). CONCLUSION: Our study validates a recent report suggesting that adrenal washout has poor sensitivity for and consequent limited utility to exclude malignancy in patients with no cancer history. However, patients with incidental adrenal nodules < 4 cm in size with benign washout can be reassured by the high negative predictive value and worked up to exclude functional adenoma and re-imaged in a year to confirm no growth.

The association between neuroimaging data and presence of lateropulsion after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke lateropulsion is prevalent and has been associated with varied lesion locations, but existing imaging studies are limited by small participant cohorts. Evidence to guide lateropulsion rehabilitation is also limited. Improved understanding of lesion localization associated with lateropulsion post-stroke may inform more targeted intervention approaches. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the associations between stroke neuroimaging data and presence of lateropulsion at inpatient rehabilitation admission. METHODS: This prospective, observational study included participants aged ≥65 years, admitted for inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Using routinely collected clinical neuroimaging data, stroke type, location, and volume were reported, and their association with lateropulsion presence (Four-Point Pusher Score - 4PPS) at admission was explored. RESULTS: Of 144 included participants, 82 (56.9%) had lateropulsion (4PPS ≥1). Lateropulsion presence was univariately associated with hemorrhagic stroke (p = 0.002), frontal cortical involvement (OR = 2.17, 95%CI 1.02-6.46), and white matter involvement (OR = 2.45, 95%CI 1.24-4.85), particularly frontal white matter (p = 0.021). Lesions involving the posterior limb of the internal capsule (OR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.14-7.27) and those involving the entire thalamus (OR = 1.0, p = 0.03) were associated with lateropulsion presence. When stratified by stroke type, no specific location was significantly associated with lateropulsion presence in hemorrhagic strokes. Among participants with ischemic stroke, involvement of the pre-central gyrus (OR = 2.45, 95%CI 1.05-5.76), post-central gyrus (OR = 2.76, 95%CI 1.15-6.60), inferior parietal cortex (OR = 3.95, 95%CI 1.43-10.90), and supramarginal gyrus (OR = 3.73, 95%CI 1.25-11.13) were associated with lateropulsion presence. The stroke laterality and size were not significantly associated with lateropulsion presence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a role of network disconnection in the post-stroke lateropulsion presence. Future, larger-cohort lesion-network mapping studies are recommended.

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.

Spinal degeneration and lumbar multifidus muscle quality may independently affect clinical outcomes in patients conservatively managed for low back or leg pain.

Few non-surgical, longitudinal studies have evaluated the relations between spinal degeneration, lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) quality, and clinical outcomes. None have assessed the potential mediating role of the LMM between degenerative pathology and 12-month clinical outcomes. This prospective cohort study used baseline and 12-month follow-up data from 569 patients conservatively managed for low back or back-related leg pain to estimate the effects of aggregate degenerative lumbar MRI findings and LMM quality on 12-month low back and leg pain intensity (0-10) and disability (0-23) outcomes, and explored the mediating role of LMM quality between degenerative findings and 12-month clinical outcomes. Adjusted mixed effects generalized linear models separately estimated the effect of aggregate spinal pathology and LMM quality. Mediation models estimated the direct and indirect effects of pathology on leg pain, and pathology and LMM quality on leg pain, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified a leg pain rating change of 0.99 [0.14; 1.84] (unstandardized beta coefficients [95% CI]) in the presence of ≥ 4 pathologies, and a disability rating change of - 0.65 [- 0.14; - 1.16] for each 10% increase in muscle quality, but no effect on back pain intensity. Muscle quality had a non-significant mediating role (13.4%) between pathology and leg pain intensity. The number of different pathologies present demonstrated a small effect on 12-month leg pain intensity outcomes, while higher LMM quality had a direct effect on 12-month disability ratings but no mediating effect between pathology and leg pain. The relations between degenerative pathology, LMM quality, and pain-related outcomes appear complex and may include independent pathways.

Lateropulsion resolution and outcomes up to one year post-stroke: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke lateropulsion is prevalent and associated with poor rehabilitation outcomes; however, data regarding long-term function associated with lateropulsion are lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore lateropulsion resolution and associations between lateropulsion, functional outcomes, and fall occurrence up to 12 months post-stroke. METHODS: Participants for this prospective, longitudinal cohort study were recruited from a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit (SRU). Assessments were conducted at SRU admission, at discharge, and at three, six, nine, and twelve months post-stroke. Outcomes included the Four-Point Pusher Score (4PPS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and fall occurrence. Longitudinal outcomes were modeled using generalized linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The final analyses included data from 144 participants. Eighty-two participants (56.9) had lateropulsion (4PPS ≥ 1) on admission. Odds of resolved lateropulsion (4PPS = 0) increased longitudinally from discharge for people who participated in rehabilitation physiotherapy (OR: 9.7, 28.1, 43.1, 81.3: <0.001 at three, six, nine, and twelve months respectively). The greatest FIM improvement among participants in all 4PPS categories occurred during the SRU inpatient phase. The probability of falls post-discharge was greatest among participants with 4PPS = 1 at three months, when compared with 4PPS = 0 (p= 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that lateropulsion can continue to resolve up to one year post-stroke. Earlier lateropulsion resolution was associated with ongoing rehabilitation physiotherapy participation. Long-term functional gains were maintained among people discharged home, whereas functional status deteriorated after six months among those in residential care. Study findings will allow rehabilitation and service providers to better plan for and accommodate the long-term rehabilitation and care needs of people with post-stroke lateropulsion.

Hot avulsion versus argon plasma coagulation for the management of the non-ensnarable polyp: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aim: Snare resection of nonlifting colonic lesions often requires supplemental techniques. We compared the success rates of neoplasia eradication using hot avulsion and argon plasma coagulation in colonic polyps when complete snare polypectomy had failed. Methods: Polyps that were not completely resectable by snare polypectomy were randomized to argon plasma coagulation or hot avulsion for completion of resection. Argon plasma coagulation was delivered using a forward shooting catheter, using a nontouch technique (flow 1.2 L, 35 watts). Hot avulsion was performed by grasping the neoplastic tissue with hot biopsy forceps and applying traction away from the bowel wall while using EndoCut I or soft coagulation for avulsion. Surveillance colonoscopies were performed at 6, 12, and 18 months. Results: From November 2013 to July 2017, 59 patients were randomized to argon plasma coagulation (28) or hot avulsion (31). The median age was 69 (60-75), with 46% being female. The median residual tissue size was 10 mm (6-12). The residual adenoma rate at 6 months (hot avulsion 6% vs argon plasma coagulation 21% P = 0.09) and 18 months was not different between the groups (6.6% vs 3.6% P = 0.25). One patient in the argon plasma coagulation arm was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of likely colorectal origin despite benign histology in the original polypectomy specimen, supporting the importance of tissue acquisition. Conclusion: Both hot avulsion and argon plasma coagulation are effective and safe modalities to complete resection of non-ensnarable colonic polyps.

Effectiveness of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centers for Improving Physical Fitness for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To synthesise the best available evidence for the effectiveness of interventions delivered in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centers on physical fitness, for community-dwelling older adults living in Asian countries. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven English and two Chinese electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that were conducted by centers providing CBR. Independent reviewers screened, quality-appraised and extracted data. The primary outcome was physical fitness measured by validated assessment tools, including the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), gait speed, hand grip strength, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and one-leg standing test. Assessments of activity of daily living and quality of life using tools including the Barthel Index, Short Form (SF)-12, and SF-36 were secondary outcomes. After screening 5,272 studies, 29 studies were included (16 RCTs, 13 quasi-experimental studies) from four countries. Meta-analyses found that CBR programs significantly decreased TUG time (mean difference [MD], -1.89 seconds; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -2.84 to -0.94; I2=0%; Z=3.90, p<0.0001), improved gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s; 95% CI, 0.01-0.18; I2=0%; Z=2.26, p=0.02), and increased one-leg standing time (MD, 2.81 seconds; 95% CI, 0.41-5.22; I2=0%; Z=2.29, p=0.02). Handgrip strength and FRT showed no statistically significant improvement in the meta-analyses. CBR may improve aspects of physical fitness for older adults in Asian countries. However, variability in intervention components and measurement tools reduced the ability to pool individual studies. Further trials are required with robust designs including standardised measures of physical fitness.

Percutaneous microwave ablation of T1a renal cell carcinomas: A 10-year single-center retrospective review.

INTRODUCTION: Partial nephrectomy is currently the preferred treatment option for T1a renal cell carcinomas (RCC), with nephron-sparing techniques, including microwave ablation, becoming more common in select patients. Primary aims are to document outcomes of microwave ablation for T1a RCCs in an Australian tertiary centre to add to the evidence for its safety and efficacy. METHODS: The prospectively maintained Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Interventional Radiology database was retrospectively searched for all Renal Microwave ablations completed between June 2012 and February 2022. This database and a combination of hospital programmes including Agfa Impax PACS, Bossnet digital medical record and iSoft Clinical Manager were used to extract the relevant data which was anonymized and entered into an Excel spreadsheet for analysis. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients underwent microwave ablation for 50 tumours. Of these, there were two local and two distant recurrences. A fifth patient had metastases on presentation. Higher local recurrence rates were associated with larger tumour size (P = 0.043). Tumour proximity to the collecting system <4 mm was associated with higher rates of complications (P = 0.020). RENAL scores did not show statistically significant correlation with complications (P = 0.092) or local or distant recurrence. Notably, the study follow-up time was longer than many comparative studies (mean = 2796, ~7.66 years censoring for death and mean = 832 days, ~2.28 years not censoring for death). CONCLUSION: Consistent with the literature, this study further demonstrates that microwave ablation is a safe and efficacious option for treatment of T1a RCC.

Embedding stakeholder preferences in setting priorities for health research: Using a discrete choice experiment to develop a multi-criteria tool for evaluating research proposals.

We determined weights for a multi-criteria tool for assessing the relative merits of clinical-trial research proposals, and investigated whether the weights vary across relevant stakeholder groups. A cross-sectional, adaptive discrete choice experiment using 1000minds online software was administered to consumers, researchers and funders affiliated with the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA). We identified weights for four criteria-Appropriateness, Significance, Relevance, Feasibility-and their levels, representing their relative importance, so that research proposals can be scored between 0% (nil or very low merit) and 100% (very high merit). From 220 complete survey responses, the most important criterion was Appropriateness (adjusted for differences between stakeholder groups, mean weight 28.9%) and the least important was Feasibility (adjusted mean weight 19.5%). Consumers tended to weight Relevance more highly (2.7% points difference) and Feasibility less highly (3.1% points difference) than researchers. The research or grant writing experience of researchers or consumers was not associated with the weights. A multi-criteria tool for evaluating research proposals that reflects stakeholders' preferences was created. The tool can be used to assess the relative merits of clinical trial research proposals and rank them, to help identify the best proposals for funding.

Testing the association between shoulder pain prevalence and occupational, physical activity, and mental health factors in two generations of Australian adults.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is common among the adult population, but it appears to reduce in prevalence around retirement age. Associations between shoulder pain and work-place exposures, physical activity, or mental health status are unclear and may change with age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain in Australian adults across two generations and test the association with occupational factors, physical activity, and mental health. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we used data from a longitudinal Australian pregnancy cohort (the Raine Study). We analysed data from the children (Gen2) at the 22-year follow-up (N = 1128) and parents (Gen1) at the 26-year follow-up (N = 1098). Data were collected on self-reported shoulder pain, occupational factors (employment status and work description), physical activity, and mental health at the respective follow-ups. Prevalence rates were provided as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Univariate analysis for group comparisons included chi squared for categorical comparisons. The association of predictor variables and shoulder pain was assessed using logistical regression. RESULTS: In Gen1 31.4% of adults aged 40-80 reported the presence of shoulder pain in the last month, with no significant difference between females and males. Gen1 participants younger than 65 reported more shoulder pain (OR[95%CI] = 1.80 [1.04-3.09]). Gen2 females (14.7%) reported shoulder pain in either shoulder more frequently than males (7.7%) and bilateral shoulder pain (8.0%) more frequently than males (1.9%). Gen1 had increased odds of reporting shoulder pain if their work was "physical or heavy manual" compared to "sedentary" (OR [95% CI] = 1.659 [1.185-2.323]) and when categorised with depression (OR [95% CI] = 1.940 [1.386-2.715]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 1.977 [1.368-2.857]). Gen2 participants with depression (OR [95% CI] = 2.356 [1.620-3.427]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 2.003 [1.359-2.952]) reported more shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: Overall, shoulder pain was more prevalent in young females than males and was more prevalent in those under the age of 65. Cross-sectional associations were established between some occupational factors in older adults and depression in all adults, and shoulder pain.

Comparison of toric intraocular lens calculation with the integrated K method and three single biometric devices.

PURPOSE: To compare astigmatic outcomes using the Integrated K method and anterior surface keratometry from 3 different biometric devices. SETTING: Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Australia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Eyes of patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery were analyzed. Predicted postoperative astigmatism was calculated for Integrated K method, IOLMaster 700, Lenstar and Pentacam. The mean centroid error in predicted postoperative refractive astigmatism (PE), mean absolute PE and percentage of eyes within 0.5 diopter (D), 0.75 D and 1 D of absolute magnitude of PE were compared. A subset analysis was done where the difference in cylinder magnitude between the 2 methods was more than 0.25 D. Spherical prediction outcomes were also analyzed. RESULTS: 241 eyes of 139 patients were included in the study. The mean centroid PE of Integrated K method (-0.07 @ 69) was significantly different from IOLMaster and Pentacam. The mean absolute PE with Integrated K method (0.33 ± 0.17) was significantly lower than all 3 devices. The percentage of eyes within 0.5 D and 0.75 D of absolute magnitude of PE was 82% and 99% for Integrated K method, 76% and 95% for IOLMaster and Lenstar, and 60% and 86% for Pentacam. In the subset analysis, the improvement in accuracy of the Integrated K method compared with a single device was greater in terms of the percentage of eyes predicted within 0.5 D. The Integrated K method did not impact the spherical prediction outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The integrated K method is more accurate and precise than anterior surface keratometry from a single biometric device.

Modified forced expiration technique using expiratory resistance in adults with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Participation in airway clearance techniques (ACT) is important to minimise development of irreversible airway obstruction in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and expiratory resistance devices (ERD) are often used as they can improve collateral ventilation and aid in the shearing of mucus from airways. This project looked to identify whether utilising an ERD during a forced expiration technique (FET) improves ease of expectoration, sputum amount and coughing frequency in patients with CF. METHOD: Patients with CF admitted for a respiratory exacerbation completed two sessions of 10 cycles of their usual ACT with half of the FET components performed with an ERD, half with FET alone. RESULTS: EOE, sputum wet weight, cough frequency and patient preference were similar between groups. Improved EOE without the ERD was found in participants who usually use PEP for their ACT regime. CONCLUSION: Combining the FET with a PEP mask did not improve EOE and other outcomes in this small study. Investigating the efficacy of this technique within a larger population is warranted.

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.

Accumulated Secretions and Associated Aerodigestive Function in Patients With Dysphagia.

PURPOSE: Accumulated pharyngo-laryngeal secretions are associated with dysphagia, aspiration, and poor health outcomes. Despite ongoing developments in the evaluation of pharyngo-laryngeal secretions, understanding of the underlying mechanisms is limited. Pathophysiology associated with accumulated secretions is needed to guide tailored, targeted treatment pathways. This study reports the prevalence of accumulated pharyngo-laryngeal secretions in a large acute care caseload and explores the relationship between secretions and aerodigestive function. METHOD: Consecutive inpatients (N = 222) referred for flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES) with suspected dysphagia following assessment by a speech-language pathologist were recruited (43% neurological, 22% neurosurgical, 20% critical care, 15% other), and 250 standardized FEES were completed (222 first FEES, 28 repeat FEES). The assessment protocol included secretion assessment using the New Zealand Secretion Scale (NZSS), pharyngeal squeeze maneuver, laryngeal motor and sensory assessment, Penetration-Aspiration Scale, and Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale. Urge-to-clear ratings were collected during endoscopy. Cough peak expiratory flow and swallow frequency measures were also collected, as well as clinical outcomes at time of discharge. RESULTS: There was a high incidence of accumulated secretions, with 77% of inpatients having elevated NZSS (Mdn = 3, range: 0-7) and 37% with pooled laryngeal secretions. Accumulated secretions were associated with reduced swallow frequency, reduced laryngeal adductor reflex, impaired pharyngeal squeeze maneuver, and peak expiratory flow. NZSS scores also correlated with swallow measures (Penetration-Aspiration Scale and Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale) and patient outcomes including diet recommendations at discharge and pneumonia during admission. CONCLUSIONS: This large study contributes to evidence associating both sensory and motor impairments with secretion accumulation and aspiration risk. Further exploration of the key physiological mechanisms contributing to accumulated secretions will serve as markers to provide proof of principle for targets for secretion management protocols. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24101667.

Intravenous vitamin C for vasoplegia: A double-blinded randomised clinical trial (VALENCIA trial).

PURPOSE: To determine whether intravenous vitamin C compared with placebo, reduces vasopressor requirements in patients with vasoplegic shock. METHODS: Double-blinded, randomised clinical trial (RCT) conducted in two intensive care units in Perth, Australia. Vasopressor requirements at enrolment needed to be >10 µg/min noradrenaline after hypovolaemia was clinically excluded. Patients received either intravenous 1.5 g sodium ascorbate in 100 ml normal saline every 6 h for 5 days, or placebo (100 ml normal saline). The primary outcome was duration of vasopressor usage in hours. Secondary outcomes were ICU and hospital length of stay, and 28-day, ICU and hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of the 71 patients randomised (35 vitamin C, 36 placebo group), the median vasopressor duration was 44 h [95% CI, 37-54 h] and 55 h [95% CI, 33-66 h]) in the vitamin C and placebo groups (p = 0.057). ICU and hospital length of stay, mortality outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this RCT of patients with vasoplegic shock of at least moderate severity, the use of IV vitamin C compared with placebo did not significantly reduce the duration of vasopressors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospective registration - trial number ACTRN12617001392358.

CONNECT 60+: A Wellness Program for Older Adults Delivered From a Community Hub.

BACKGROUND: Community hubs offer a pragmatic approach to address the wellness needs for older adults at risk of social isolation and declining physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a wellness program delivered from a community hub (either in person or online) on exercise and social connections of community-dwelling older adults living in Australia during a time of social isolation imposed by COVID-19. METHODS: A single group pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted online and in person from a community hub. The 9-week program (CONNECT60+) was designed using a community-based participatory approach. It consisted of weekly group exercises led by a health professional and a wellness activity that aligned with active ageing guidelines, such as education, book club, and nature walks. Participants were encouraged to complete daily wellness activities and record these in a workbook. Data were gathered at pretest and 10-week post-test using questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 47 participants completed the program. Most participants were aged between 64 and 74 years (61.7%), and 82.9% were female. Thirty-five participants (74.5%) attended the program in person, and 12 (25.5%) attended online from home. Preliminary findings showed participants prioritized social connections during the week and increased the duration (median [interquartile range] minutes) of exercise completed per week (pretest: 285 minutes (inter-quartile range, 246-567 minutes); post-test: 346 minutes (interquartile range, 150-415 minutes); P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The study endorsed the wellness program delivered in person and online from a community hub to enable older adults to complete wellness activities, including exercise and socially connecting during a time of self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Short- and long-term test-retest reliability of the English version of the 7-item DN4 questionnaire - a screening tool for neuropathic pain.

OBJECTIVES: The original French version of the "Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4) questionnaire" is a valid screening tool for the identification of neuropathic pain (NeP). The DN4 has been translated into English, but the reliability of the English version has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the 7-item DN4 questionnaire in regards to short-term reliability before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the clinical examination and long-term reliability one week later (T2). METHODS: A total of 222 participants (age 56.33 ± 16 years, 56 % female) were recruited from a Pain Management Department and Neurosurgery Spinal Clinic. For T2 measurements, the 7-item DN4 was sent by post with the "Patient Global Impression of Change Scale". The scale detects possible changes of symptoms, scoring from "very much improved" (1) to "very much worse" (7). Only participants whose symptoms had not changed much (scores 3-5) were included in the T0-T2 analysis. Weighted Kappa was used to analyse the reliability of the DN4 total scores and unweighted Kappa for the DN4 classifications. RESULTS: Considering missing data and exclusions, data of 215 participants could be used for the T0-T1 and data of 103 participants for T0-T2 analysis. There was almost perfect agreement for the 7-item DN4 total score between T0-T1 (weighted k: 0.891, CI: 0.758-1.024) and T0-T2 (weighted k: 0.850, CI: 0.657-1.043). Classifications between neuropathic pain and no neuropathic pain showed almost perfect agreement (k: 0.835, CI: 0.755-0.915) for T0-T1 and substantial agreement (k: 0.733, CI: 0.598-0.868) for T0-T2. CONCLUSIONS: The English 7-item DN4 is a reliable screening tool for neuropathic pain. ETHICAL COMMITTEE NUMBER: #RGS0000001759.