Gestational age, maternal smoking, neurological lesion and retinopathy predict strabismus at age 5.5 in preterm children.

AIM: Prematurity is a risk factor for strabismus, but the roles of intermediate factors like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and neurological lesions are less understood. We aimed to identify neonatal risk factors for strabismus at age 5.5 in preterm children. METHODS: Data were extracted from the étude épidémiologique sur les petits âges gestationnels 2 cohort, a French prospective population-based study of preterm children born in 2011 with gestational age of 34 weeks or less. Strabismus was recorded during a medical interview at 5.5 years. Using a directed acyclic graph, intermediate and confounding factors were identified. Total and direct effects of gestational age on strabismus risk were analysed using generalised estimating equation. RESULTS: Among 2419 children assessed, 274 (52.6% male) presented strabismus at 5.5 years. The direct effect of gestational age remained significant after adjustment (p < 0.001). In the complete imputed model: maternal smoking during pregnancy (odds ratio, OR 1.8; 95% confident interval, 95% CI 1.3-2.6), neonatal severe cerebral lesions (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.8-4.6) and severe ROP (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9-9.0) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Special attention is needed regarding strabismus screening at age 5.5 in preterm children, even without severe cerebral lesions and ROP. Smoking cessation during pregnancy should be encouraged.

[A survey on tobacco-free areas at hospital entrances]. / Enquête sur la mise en place d'un lieu de santé sans tabac à l'hôpital.

INTRODUCTION: In a prevalence and opinion survey on smoking, this work focused on a strategy favoring tobacco-free areas at hospital entrances. METHODS: Outreach to the public occupying outdoor spaces led to immediate collection of responses over the course of 13 actions carried out in November 2022, a tobacco-free month. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of the persons interrogated were smokers, 38% among patients, 26% among professionals and 18% among nursing students. A majority expressed support for smoke-free building entrances, which were viewed by half of the smokers as an encouragement to quit or cut down on their consumption. However, a quarter of participants anticipated difficulties, particularly the "heaviest" smokers. In the psychiatry sector, 54% were smokers, and they were relatively unfavorable to the initiative. As for non-smokers, most voiced discomfort regarding the smell of tobacco, the infiltration of smoke in indoor spaces, passive smoking, a negative image of the hospital, and the detrimental ecological impact. CONCLUSIONS: The tobacco-free hospital entrance initiative is relevant and of benefit to hospitals. In order to succeed, it must involve all stakeholders, whether they are users or professionals, in a concerted attempt to optimize assistance to smokers wishing to quit, by applying an educational and synergistic approach at all levels.

Prevalence of Dichelobacter nodosus in western Austrian sheep flocks: Comparison of bacterial cultures, clinical foot rot and lameness with PCR and analysis of sample pooling for PCR diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Ovine foot rot is a highly contagious and multifactorial claw disease, caused by Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) and is the main cause of lameness in sheep. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of D. nodosus in western Austria both at animal and farm levels. Real-time PCR was evaluated in comparison with clinical and bacteriological investigations from interdigital foot swabs to detect D. nodosus-infected animals. In addition, the use of pooled four-foot swabs to detect foot rot was determined. In course of the study a total of 3156 sheep from 124 farms were examined for lameness and clinical signs of foot rot. The found flock prevalence of D. nodosus was 30,65 % with bacterial culture showing a sensitivity of 75,0 % and a specificity of 100,0 % (p < 0,001) respectively, compared with PCR. Furthermore, clinical foot rot scores (Ckorr = 0,87; p < 0,001) and lameness scores (Ckorr = 0,71; p < 0,001) highly correlated with the detection of D. nodosus by PCR. The result showed that the clinical examination can be used to identify animals infected with D. nodosus in flocks, but PCR must be used to confirm the diagnosis. D. nodosus could be detected equally well with risk-based pools-of-five samples as with undiluted samples (p < 0,001), suggesting that a pool-of-five samples might be a suitable and cost-effective method for detecting D. nodosus in sheep flocks. This study provides an overview of foot rot in Tyrolean sheep flocks and outlines the possibilities and limitations of the various diagnostic tools for D. nodosus. Further studies to investigate possible influencing factors, including alpine pasturing, management factors and biosecurity predisposing to foot rot are necessary for the design of effective future control programs in alpine regions.

INTRODUCTION: Le piétin ovin est une maladie des onglons hautement contagieuse et multifactorielle, causée par Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) qui constitue la principale cause de boiterie chez les ovins. L'objectif de cette étude transversale était de déterminer la prévalence de D. nodosus dans l'ouest de l'Autriche, tant au niveau de l'animal que de l'exploitation. La PCR en temps réel a été évaluée en comparaison avec les examens cliniques et bactériologiques effectués à partir d'écouvillons des espaces interdigités pour détecter les animaux infectés par D. nodosus. En outre, l'utilisation d'un pool d'écouvillons des quatre membres pour détecter le piétin a été déterminée. Au cours de l'étude, un total de 3156 moutons provenant de 124 fermes ont été examinés pour détecter des boiteries et des signes cliniques de piétin. La prévalence de D. nodosus dans les troupeaux était de 30,65 %, la culture bactérienne montrant une sensibilité de 75 % et une spécificité de 100 % (p < 0,001), respectivement, par rapport à la PCR. En outre, les scores cliniques de piétin (Ckorr = 0,87; p < 0,001) et les scores de boiterie (Ckorr = 0,71; p < 0,001) étaient fortement corrélés avec la détection de D. nodosus par PCR. Les résultats montrent que l'examen clinique peut être utilisé pour identifier les animaux infectés par D. nodosus dans les troupeaux mais que la PCR doit être utilisée pour confirmer le diagnostic. D. nodosus a pu être détecté aussi bien avec des pools de cinq échantillons basés sur le risque qu'avec des échantillons non dilués (p < 0,001), ce qui suggère qu'un pool de cinq échantillons pourrait être une méthode appropriée et rentable pour détecter D. nodosus dans les troupeaux de moutons. Cette étude donne un aperçu du piétin dans les troupeaux de moutons tyroliens et souligne les possibilités et les limites des différents outils de diagnostic pour D. nodosus. D'autres études visant à examiner les facteurs d'influence possibles, y compris les pâturages alpins, les facteurs de gestion et la biosécurité prédisposant au piétin, sont nécessaires pour la conception de futurs programmes de contrôle efficaces dans les régions alpines.

Anti-factor H autoantibodies in patients with lupus nephritis.

INTRODUCTION: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a disease marked by autoantibodies against complement components. Autoantibodies against negative complement regulator factor H (anti-FH) are prevalent in aHUS, are associated with deletion of factor H-related protein 1 (FHR1) gene, and have overt functional consequences. They are also observed in C3 glomerulopathies. The frequency and relevance of anti-FH in LN are poorly studied. AIM: The aim of our investigation was to screen for the presence of anti-FH and FHR1 gene deletion in a cohort of LN patients and to evaluate their association with LN activity. METHOD: ELISA test and Western blot for detection of anti-FH and FHR1 deletion were used, respectively. Patients' clinical and laboratory parameters regarding anti-FH role were processed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Anti-FH were found at low level in a small number of LN patients - 11.7% (7/60) and were not associated with deletion of FHR1. Anti-FH did not correlate with ANA titers, anti-dsDNA, C3/C4 hypocomplementemia, eGFR, proteinuria, or active urinary sediment in LN patients. A weak correlation was found between anti-FH and anti-C3 levels. Anti-FH were linked with endocapillary proliferation and histological activity index. Four anti-FH positive patients had severe to moderate LN as per the BILAG renal score. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-FH autoantibodies are an accessory finding in LN and are more likely to manifest during the active phase of the disease. Due to their low frequency and plasma levels, they do not seem suitable for routine laboratory investigation in patients with LN.

Promoting Self-Management in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Development of the Impact of Glucose Monitoring on Self-Management Scale.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management requires behavioural engagement to achieve optimal outcomes and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies may facilitate self-management. In this study we describe the development and validation of a self-report instrument, the Impact of Glucose Monitoring on Self-Management Scale (IGMSS), assessing the impact of device use (primarily CGM but also self-monitored blood glucose [SMBG]) on the capability, motivation, and opportunity to engage in self-management. METHODS: Potential items were generated from 3 sources: themes and quotes from 13 adults with T2D motivated by CGM use who participated in a qualitative study; behaviour change theory identifying capability, opportunity, and motivation to self-manage; and expert committee review of items. An initial pool of 42 items were generated describing CGM as promoting personalized knowledge, improved health (Capability), improved relationships, having positive device characteristics (Opportunity), and improved engagement in self-management (Motivation). Based on expert committee consensus, items were written so as to be completed by those using any glucose-sensing device (SMBG and CGM). Psychometric evaluation was conducted with 514 English-speaking Canadians. Scale reduction (22 final items) was completed using item-response distribution, internal consistency, factor analysis, and expert opinion. Construct and convergent validity were evaluated using the Impact of Glucose Monitoring Satisfaction Scale, the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire, the Diabetes Distress Scale, the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, and the Centre for Epidemiology Depression Scale. Test-retest reliability was determined for 130 participants. RESULTS: Internal consistency was high for all scales, ranging from 0.73 to 0.91. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.79, except for Device Characteristics. Construct and convergent validity indices were acceptable. There was substantial overlap between the IGMSS and established measures of CGM satisfaction. IGMSS findings were also predictive of self-management behaviour and emotional functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The IGMSS has positive psychometric characteristics and has the potential to screen people with T2D for engagement in diabetes self-management using CGM or any sensing device. Scores can be determined for various aspects of Capability (Personalized Knowledge, Improved Health), Opportunity (Relationships and Device Characteristics), and Motivation.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Deficits in Different Types of Achalasia.

Background and objective Achalasia cardia is a primary esophageal motility disorder, and the etiopathology of this disease's progression is not known. Moreover, autonomic dysfunction has not been studied in different types of achalasia. In light of this, we aimed to address this lack of data in this study. Methods The diagnosis of achalasia was done using high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM)-based Chicago classification v4.0. Autonomic function tests (AFT) such as the head-up tilt test, deep breathing test (DBT), Valsalva maneuver (VM), handgrip test (HGT), and cold pressor test (CPT), as well as the heart rate variability (HRV) test, were performed among the cohort and the results were compared with those of 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results AFT and HRV tests were done on 62 patients (30 achalasia type I, 28 type II, and 4 type III) and compared with 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The mean duration of symptoms, high Eckardt score, and dysphagia were most common in type I achalasia, followed by type II and III. The results of AFT showed a generalized loss of parasympathetic and baroreflex-independent sympathetic reactivity in all types of achalasia. However, baroreflex-dependent cardiovascular adrenergic reactivity was normal. Regarding cardiac autonomic tone, there was a loss of parasympathetic and sympathetic influence, but sympathovagal balance was maintained. The severity of the loss of autonomic functions was higher in type I, followed by type II. Conclusions In all types of achalasia, parasympathetic reactivity, baroreflex-independent sympathetic reactivity, and cardiac autonomic tone were lower compared to healthy controls, and the severity of dysfunction increased during the progression of the disease from type II to type I.

Evaluating Patient Experience with Food in a Hospital-Wide Survey.

Purpose: Patient dissatisfaction with hospital food is an important driver of poor food intake in hospitals. The objective of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with current menu offerings and explore patient preferences and values, in order to inform a patient-centred menu redesign.Methods: Between July and September 2021, a cross-sectional survey was distributed to inpatients receiving a lunch tray at Vancouver General Hospital, a large tertiary care centre in Vancouver, Canada. The survey was based on the Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, with additional questions on food experience, factors impacting preferences for hospital meals, interest in plant-rich diets, and demographics.Results: The response rate was 5.5%, with 271 patients completing at least part of the survey. On a 5-point Likert scale, (5 - highest score; 1 - lowest score) satisfaction with food quality (mean = 3.09, p < 0.001) and the overall experience (mean = 3.54, p < 0.001) was lower than industry benchmark of 4, and qualitative feedback was generally negative. Open-ended responses indicated patients were interested in expanded cultural diversity in food provision, more fresh produce and better flavours, and were generally open to trying plant-rich foods.Conclusions: A number of opportunities for improvement were identified in this survey, which will inform an upcoming menu redesign in this institution.

Jazz Musicians and Their Disabilities: Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, and Michel Petrucciani.

Musicians with physical disabilities who achieved stardom are part of the lore of popular music. Guitarist Django Reinhardt contrived alternate fingering patterns necessitated by burn contractures of his left hand. Les Paul, a legend in the development of the solid body electric guitar and multitrack recording, mangled his right arm in a car wreck so severely that his elbow was set permanently at 90° so he could continue to play guitar. Michel Petrucciani suffered from osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that stunted his growth to the point where he used a special attachment to reach the sustaining pedals of his piano. Their stories show the force of human genius in music.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for hypercontractile (Jackhammer) esophagus: A retrospective multicenter series with long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term outcome data are limited for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders treated by peroral endoscopy myotomy (POEM) as a separate group. We investigated a subset of symptomatic patients with hypercontractile esophagus (Jackhammer esophagus). METHODS: Forty two patients (mean age 60.9 years; 57% female, mean Eckardt score 6.2 ± 2.1) treated by primary peroral myotomy for symptomatic Jackhammer esophagus 2012-2018 in seven European centers were retrospectively analyzed; myotomy included the lower esophageal sphincter but did not extend more than 1 cm into the cardia in contrast to POEM for achalasia. Manometry data were re-reviewed by an independent expert. The main outcome was the failure rate defined by retreatment or an Eckardt score >3 after at least two years following POEM. RESULTS: Despite 100% technical success (mean intervention time 107 ± 48.9 min, mean myotomy length 16.2 ± 3.7 cm), the 2-year success rate was 64.3% in the entire group. In a subgroup analysis, POEM failure rates were significantly different between Jackhammer-patients without (n = 22), and with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO, n = 20) (13.6% % vs. 60%, p = 0.003) at a follow-up of 46.5 ± 19.0 months. Adverse events occurred in nine cases (21.4%). 14 (33.3%) patients were retreated, two with surgical fundoplication due to reflux. Including retreatments, an improvement in symptom severity was found in 33 (78.6%) at the end of follow-up (Eckardt score ≤3, mean Eckardt change 4.34, p < 0.001). EGJOO (p = 0.01) and frequency of hypercontractile swallows (p = 0.02) were predictors of POEM failure. The development of a pseudodiverticulum was observed in four cases within the subgroup of EGJOO. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic Jackhammer without EGJOO benefit from POEM in long-term follow-up. Treatment of Jackhammer with EGJOO, however, remains challenging and probably requires full sphincter myotomy and future studies which should address the pathogenesis of this variant and alternative strategies.

Effect of food on oral pharmacokinetics of edaravone coamorphous dispersion containing bile salts as coformers - Part II.

OBJECTIVES: Edaravone (EDR) is an effective neuroprotective agent in various neurological diseases; however, its use is restricted due to poor oral absorption. Bile salts are known for improving solubility and inhibiting drug crystallization in supersaturated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In our previous work, we prepared coamorphous dispersion (COAM) of EDR with sodium taurocholate (NaTC) using spray drying. The optimized EDR COAM exhibited superior in vitro performance compared to plain EDR. EDR is well absorbed in fasted-over-fed conditions. METHODS: The present work, we conducted a pharmacokinetic study for EDR and EDR COAM in fasted and fed conditions to check effect of food on its oral absorption. The LC-MS/MS-based method was developed and validated to determine the amount of EDR in plasma. RESULTS: The results suggested that EDR COAM did not show a significant difference in Cmax (P=0.3544) and AUC (P=0.1696) of fasted and fed states. On the other hand, plain EDR showed 2-fold and 3-fold reduced Cmax (P<0.0001) and AUC (P=0.0094) in the fed condition, respectively. The Cmax and AUC of EDR COAM were improved in fasted (AUC: 2.56-fold) and fed states (AUC: 5.74-fold) than plain EDR, suggesting better oral absorption of COAM than crystalline EDR without having the effect of food. CONCLUSIONS: The unique structural attributes of NaTC had the potential to inhibit the recrystallization of EDR in GIT, while concurrently reducing the impact of food on the oral absorption of EDR.

Lupus de inicio tardío en un grupo de pacientes paraguayos

Introducción: Los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) diagnosticados después de los 50 años presentan una enfermedad menos severa y un curso clínico más leve. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características clínicas y de laboratorios del LES en pacientes de edad avanzada. Material y Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte trasverso, retrospectivo, de pacientes con el diagnóstico de LES, de inicio posterior a los 50 años de edad, que consultaron en el Hospital Nacional, en el periodo comprendido entre diciembre de 2016 y mayo de 2024. Resultados: Se estudiaron 30 pacientes entre 51 y 87 años (edad media: 62,5 años ± 8,5), 16 mujeres (53,3%) y 14 varones 14 (46,6 %). El tiempo de enfermedad previo al diagnóstico fue de 59,4 ± 8.3 (50-80) días. La duración de la enfermedad fue en promedio 5 años ± 5,1 (1-26). Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron las artralgias 26 (86,6%), artritis 22 (72,3%), pérdida de peso 10 (33,3%) y fiebre prolongada (30%). Presentaron comorbilidades 19 pacientes (63,3 %), siendo la hipertensión arterial la principal. El anti-DNA fue positivo en 12 pacientes (42,8%), el anti-Ro en 5/25 pacientes (20%), el anti-Sm en 2/26 (7,9%). La eritrosedimentación en la primera hora fue ≥ 20 mm en 17/23 (73,9%). El 100% recibió tratamiento con hidroxicloroquina, mientras que recibieron corticoides 26 (86.6%) pacientes, micofenolato mofetil 7 (24,4%), ciclofosfamida 4 (13,3%). La mortalidad fue del 6,6 %. Conclusión: Los principales hallazgos fueron artralgias y artritis, siendo menos frecuentes los casos graves. La mayoría presentó comorbilidades, siendo la hipertensión arterial la más frecuente. La mortalidad fue del 6,6% de causa cardiovascular.

Introduction: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosed after the age of 50 have a less severe disease and a milder clinical course. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of SLE in elderly patients. Material and Method: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study of patients with the diagnosis of SLE, with onset after 50 years of age, evaluated at the National Hospital, in the period between December 2016 and May of 2024. Results: 30 patients between 51 and 87 years old (mean age: 62.5 years ± 8.5) were studied, 16 women (53.3%) and 14 men (46.6%). The time to diagnosis was 59.4 ± 8.3 (50-80) days. The duration of the disease was on average 5 years ± 5.1 (1-26). The main clinical manifestations were arthralgia in 26 (86.6%), arthritis in 22 (72.3%), weight loss in 10 (33.3%) and prolonged fever (30%). Nineteen patients (63.3%) had comorbidities, the main one being high blood pressure. Anti-dsDNA was positive in 12 patients (42.8%), anti-Ro in 5/25 patients (20%), anti-Sm in 2/26 (7.9%). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was ≥ 20 mm in 17/23 (73.9%). All patients were treatment with hydroxychloroquine, 26 (86.6%) patients received corticosteroids, 7 (24.4%) mycophenolate mofetil, 4 (13.3%) cyclophosphamide. Mortality was 6.6%. Conclusion: The main findings were arthralgia and arthritis, with severe cases being less frequent. The majority presented comorbidities, with high blood pressure being the most common. Mortality was 6.6% due to cardiovascular causes.

Transient Performance Analysis of Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Devices Coupled With Windkessel Model: Large Eddy Simulations Study on Continuous and Pulsatile Flow Operation.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are widely used to develop and analyze blood-contacting medical devices such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This work presents an analysis of the transient behavior of two centrifugal LVADs with different designs: HeartWare VAD and HeartMate3. A scale-resolving methodology is followed through Large Eddy Simulations, which allows for the visualization of turbulent structures. The three-dimensional (3D) LVAD models are coupled to a zero-dimensional (0D) 2-element Windkessel model, which accounts for the vascular resistance and compliance of the arterial system downstream of the device. Furthermore, both continuous- and pulsatile-flow operation modes are analyzed. For the pulsatile conditions, the artificial pulse of HeartMate3 is imposed, leading to a larger variation of performance variables in HeartWare VAD than in HeartMate3. Moreover, CFD results of pulsatile-flow simulations are compared to those obtained by accessing the quasi-steady maps of the pumps. The quasi-steady approach is a predictive tool used to provide a preliminary approximation of the pulsatile evolution of flow rate, pressure head, and power, by only imposing a speed pulse and vascular parameters. This preliminary quasi-steady solution can be useful for deciding the characteristics of the pulsatile speed law before running a transient CFD simulation, as the former entails a significant reduction in computational cost in comparison to the latter.

Land2Lab Project: Reflections on Learning about Mi'kmaw Foodways.

Land2Lab is an evolving community-based intergenerational program that brings together Elders and youth on the land and in the kitchen and lab to share and celebrate Mi'kmaw foodways. Rooted in an Etuaptmumk-Two Eyed Seeing (E-TES) perspective, which acknowledges both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, the project to date has featured seasonal food workshops, involvement in a children's summer math camp, a food safety training workshop for teens, and the development of an online toolkit. The project was guided by the Mi'kmaw principle of Netukulimk, which reinforces respect for Mother Earth and stewardship of the land, water, and air for subsequent generations. Involvement of community leaders has been key to successful planning and implementation. While technology plays an important role, lessons learned on the land are critical and will inform efforts to include language and ceremony in future programming. Dietitians are encouraged to support Indigenous-led land-based learning in support of the profession's commitment to reconciliation.

Sensitivity of Post-TAVR Hemodynamics to the Distal Aortic Arch Anatomy: A High-Fidelity CFD Study.

PURPOSE: Patient-specific simulations of transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) often rely on assumptions regarding proximal and distal anatomy due to the limited availability of high-resolution imaging away from the TAV site and the primary research focus being near the TAV. However, the influence of these anatomical assumptions on computational efficiency and resulting flow characteristics remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different distal aortic arch anatomies-some of them commonly used in literature-on flow and hemodynamics in the vicinity of the TAV using large eddy simulations (LES). METHODS: Three aortic root anatomical configurations with four representative distal aortic arch types were considered in this study. The arch types included a 90-degree bend, an idealized distal aortic arch anatomy, a clipped version of the idealized distal aortic arch, and an anatomy extruded along the normal of segmented anatomical boundary. Hemodynamic parameters both instantaneous and time-averaged such as Wall Shear Stress (WSS), and Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI) were derived and compared from high-fidelity CFD data. RESULTS: While there were minor differences in flow and hemodynamics across the configurations examined, they were generally not significant within our region of interest i.e., the aortic root. The choice of extension type had a modest impact on TAV hemodynamics, especially in the vicinity of the TAV with variations observed in local flow patterns and parameters near the TAV. However, these differences were not substantial enough to cause significant deviations in the overall flow and hemodynamic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that under the given configuration and boundary conditions, the type of outflow extension had a modest impact on hemodynamics proximal to the TAV. The findings contribute to a better understanding of flow dynamics in TAV configurations, providing insights for future studies in TAV-related experiments as well as numerical simulations. Additionally, they help mitigate the uncertainties associated with patient-specific geometries, offering increased flexibility in computational modeling.

[Insomnia: definitions, epidemiology and changes with age]. / Insomnie : définitions, épidémiologie et évolution avec l'âge.

INSOMNIA: DEFINITIONS, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CHANGES WITH AGE. Chronic insomnia is a disorder defined as a subjective complaint relating to the quality and/or quantity of sleep associated with daytime impact, and which must be present 3 nights per week for a period of at least 3 months. This is a common sleep problem in the general population and represents a significant proportion of reasons for consultation in the general practice. It requires early identification at all ages of life to allow the establishment of adequate care, which will have the benefit of both improving the quality of life of these patients in the short term and preventing the consequences of chronic insomnia.

Computational Rhinology: Unraveling Discrepancies between In Silico and In Vivo Nasal Airflow Assessments for Enhanced Clinical Decision Support.

Computational rhinology is a specialized branch of biomechanics leveraging engineering techniques for mathematical modelling and simulation to complement the medical field of rhinology. Computational rhinology has already contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of the nasal function, including airflow patterns, mucosal cooling, particle deposition, and drug delivery, and is foreseen as a crucial element in, e.g., the development of virtual surgery as a clinical, patient-specific decision support tool. The current paper delves into the field of computational rhinology from a nasal airflow perspective, highlighting the use of computational fluid dynamics to enhance diagnostics and treatment of breathing disorders. This paper consists of three distinct parts-an introduction to and review of the field of computational rhinology, a review of the published literature on in vitro and in silico studies of nasal airflow, and the presentation and analysis of previously unpublished high-fidelity CFD simulation data of in silico rhinomanometry. While the two first parts of this paper summarize the current status and challenges in the application of computational tools in rhinology, the last part addresses the gross disagreement commonly observed when comparing in silico and in vivo rhinomanometry results. It is concluded that this discrepancy cannot readily be explained by CFD model deficiencies caused by poor choice of turbulence model, insufficient spatial or temporal resolution, or neglecting transient effects. Hence, alternative explanations such as nasal cavity compliance or drag effects due to nasal hair should be investigated.

Managing Medications During "Sick Days" in Patients With Diabetes, Kidney, and Cardiovascular Conditions: A Theory-informed Approach to Intervention Design and Implementation.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim in this work was to 1) explore barriers and enablers to patient and health-care provider (HCP) behaviours related to sick-day medication guidance (SDMG), 2) identify theory-informed strategies to advise SDMG intervention design, and 3) obtain perspectives on an eHealth tool for this purpose. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study using qualitative conventional content analysis was undertaken. Interviews and focus groups were held with patients and HCPs from January 2021 to April 2022. Data were analyzed using the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework to inform intervention design. RESULTS: Forty-eight people (20 patients, 13 pharmacists, 12 family physicians, and 3 nurse practitioners) participated in this study. Three interventions were designed to address the identified barriers and enablers: 1) prescriptions provided by a community-based care provider, 2) pharmacists adding a label to at-risk medications, and 3) built-in prompts for prescribing and dispensing software. Most participants accepted the concept of an eHealth tool and identified pharmacists as the ideal point-of-care provider. Challenges for an eHealth tool were raised, including credibility, privacy of data, medical liability, clinician remuneration and workload impact, and equitable access to use of the tool. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and HCPs endorsed non-technology and eHealth innovations as strategies to aid in the delivery of SDMG. These findings can guide the design of future theory-informed SDMG interventions.

Research Knowledge Translation in Sensory Integration-Based Therapy: Exploring Subjectivity of Clinical Expertise.

Background. Clinical expertise is the mechanism through which practitioners implement other components of evidence-based practice (EBP). Within occupational therapy practice, intervention approaches that are both closely and loosely aligned with Ayres' Theory of Sensory Integration are widespread, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the subjective nature of clinical expertise in EBP. Purpose. This qualitative study explored motivations to offer sensory integration-based interventions, and factors informing occupational therapists' clinical decision making in relation to an arguably contentious evidence base. Method. Six post-graduate sensory integration trained UK occupational therapists participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed, member-checked and analyzed using thematic coding analysis. Findings. Despite sound understanding of theory and continuous efforts to develop clinical knowledge, non-traditional hierarchies of evidence notably inform clinical decisions. The clinical expertise required for integration of patient preferences, clinical state and circumstances, and research evidence is informed by pragmatic responses to facilitators and barriers across contexts, combined with unique profession-specific identity factors. Implications. While empirical healthcare research is ideally undertaken under controlled conditions, realities of clinical practice are rarely so clear cut. Study findings highlight important subjective factors that are central to real-world research knowledge translation and further understanding of the clinical expertise component of EBP.

Online Educational Resources for Youth Living With Type 1 Diabetes Transitioning to Adult Care: An Environmental Scan of Canadian Content.

OBJECTIVES: There are many educational resources for adolescents and young adults living with type 1 diabetes; however, it is unknown whether they address the breadth of topics related to transition to adult care. Our aim in this study was to collect educational resources relevant to Canadian youth and assess their quality and comprehensiveness in addressing the knowledge necessary for youth to prepare for interdependent management of their diabetes. METHODS: We conducted an environmental scan, a systematic assessment and analysis, of online education resources in English and French relevant to Canadian youth living with type 1 diabetes. Resources were screened using an open education resource evaluation grid and relevant resources were mapped to the Readiness for Emerging Adults with Diabetes Diagnosed in Youth, a validated diabetes transition readiness assessment tool. RESULTS: From 44 different sources, 1,245 resources were identified and, of these, 760 were retained for analysis. The majority were webpages (50.1%) and downloadable PDFs (42.4%), and 12.1% were interactive. Most resources covered Diabetes Knowledge (46.0%), Health Behaviour (23.8%), Insulin and Insulin Pump Management (11.8% and 8.6%, respectively), and Health-care System Navigation (9.7%). Topic areas with the fewest resources were disability accommodations (n=5), sexual health/function (n=4), and locating trustworthy diabetes resources (n=3). CONCLUSIONS: There are many resources available for those living with type 1 diabetes preparing to transition to adult care, with the majority pertaining to diabetes knowledge and the least for navigation of the health system. Few resources were available on the topics of substance use, sexual health, and reproductive health. An interactive presentation of these resources, as well as a central repository to house these resources, would improve access for youth and diabetes care providers during transition preparation.

Esophageal body adaptation to Nissen fundoplication: Increased esophagogastric outflow resistance yields delayed and sustained peristaltic contractions without increased amplitude.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) competency after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is well established, yet esophageal body physiology data are limited. We aimed to describe the impact of LNF on whole esophagus physiology using standard and novel manometric characteristics. METHODS: A cohort of patients with an intact fundoplication without herniation and no postoperative dysphagia were selected and underwent esophageal manometry at one-year after surgery. Pre- and post-operative manometry files were reanalyzed using standard and novel manometric characteristics and compared. KEY RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included in this study. At 16.1 (8.7) months LNF increased LES overall and abdominal length and resting pressure (p < 0.0001). Outflow resistance (IRP) increased [5.8 (3-11) to 11.1 (9-15), p < 0.0001] with a 95th percentile of 20 mmHg in this cohort of dysphagia-free patients. Distal contractile integral (DCI) also increased [1177.0 (667-2139) to 1321.1 (783-2895), p = 0.002], yet contractile amplitude was unchanged (p = 0.158). There were direct correlations between pre- and post-operative DCI [R: 0.727 (0.62-0.81), p < 0.0001] and postoperative DCI and postoperative IRP [R: 0.347 (0.16-0.51), p = 0.0006]. Contractile front velocity [3.5 (3-4) to 3.2 (3-4), p = 0.0013] was slower, while distal latency [6.7 (6-8) to 7.4 (7-9), p < 0.0001], the interval from swallow onset to proximal smooth muscle initiation [4.0 (4-5) to 4.4 (4-5), p = 0.0002], and the interval from swallow onset to point when the peristaltic wave meets the LES [9.4 (8-10) to 10.3 (9-12), p < 0.0001] were longer. Esophageal length [21.9 (19-24) to 23.2 (21-25), p < 0.0001] and transition zone (TZ) length [2.2 (1-3) to 2.5 (1-4), p = 0.004] were longer. Bolus clearance was inversely correlated with TZ length (p = 0.0002) and time from swallow onset to proximal smooth muscle initiation (p < 0.0001). Bolus clearance and UES characteristics were unchanged (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Increased outflow resistance after LNF required an increased DCI. However, this increased contractile vigor was achieved through sustained, not stronger, peristaltic contractions. Increased esophageal length was associated with increased TZ and delayed initiation of smooth muscle contractions.