Improving patient outcomes following vital sign monitoring protocol failure: A retrospective cohort study.

Background and Aims: Vital sign monitoring needs to be timely and correct to recognize deteriorating patients early and trigger the relevant clinical response. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate compliance specifically toward the regional vital sign monitoring protocol the so called early warning score protocol (EWS-protocol) 72 h before a medical emergency team response (MET-response) and thereby illuminate whether poor compliance translates into a worse patient outcome. Methods: It was investigated all eligible patients that underwent MET responses during the calendar year 2019. The inclusion criteria encompassed somatic patients above 18 years of age admitted to the hospital and detailed evaluations of the medical records of the included patients were conducted. Results: Four hundred and twenty-nine MET-responses were included in the final analysis. EWS-protocol failure was observed for more than half the patients within all the time frames assessed. Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher for patients subject to EWS protocol failure in the timeframes 24-16, 16-8, 8-0 h before MET response. Adjusting for admission length, age, and gender, patients subject to EWS-protocol failure had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.3 for mortality in the time frames 72-48, 24-16, 16-8, and 8-0 h before the MET-response, respectively. The adjusted OR for ICU-admission was 1.7, and 1.6 for patients subject to EWS-protocol failure in the time frames 16-8 and 8-0 h before MET-response, respectively. Conclusion: According to all the data analysis in this article, there is evidence that compliance toward the NEWS-protocol is poor. EWS-protocol failure is associated with a significant higher mortality and ICU-admission rate.

Appetite stimulation with cannabis-based medicine and methods for assessment of glomerular filtration in older patients with medical illness: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Malnutrition in older patients is linked to poor appetite. Cannabis-based medicine may have orexigenic properties in older patients, but this has to our knowledge never been investigated. In older patients, uncertainty applies to the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on creatinine, which is crucial for medication prescribing. In older patients with poor appetite, the study aims (1) to assess the efficacy of Sativex® (8.1-mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] and 7.5-mg cannabidiol [CBD]) to stimulate appetite and (2) to compare the performance of various GFR-estimates and measured-GFR (mGFR) for determining gentamicin clearance utilizing population pharmacokinetic (popPK) modelling methods. METHODS AND OBJECTIVES: This study is composed of two substudies. Substudy 1 is an investigator-initiated single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, superiority, cross-over study. Substudy 1 will recruit 17 older patients with poor appetite, who will also be invited to substudy 2. Substudy 2 is a single-dose pharmacokinetics study and will recruit 55 patients. Participants will receive Sativex® and placebo in substudy 1 and gentamicin with simultaneous measurements of GFR in substudy 2. The primary endpoints are as follows: Substudy 1-the difference in energy intake between Sativex® and placebo conditions; substudy 2- the accuracy of different eGFR equations compared to mGFR. The secondary endpoints include safety parameters, changes in the appetite hormones, total ghrelin and GLP-1 and subjective appetite sensations, and the creation of popPK models of THC, CBD, and gentamicin.

A Randomized Study on the Effect of Dried Fruit on Acid-Base Balance, Diet Quality, and Markers of Musculoskeletal Health in Community Dwelling Adults.

OBJECTIVES: We tested whether 100 g/day of dried fruit (vs. no supplemental fruit control) for 6 months alters 24-hr urinary net acid excretion (NAE), bone resorption, weight, body composition, muscle performance, and diet quality. We explored consistency of self-selected dietary composition and potential renal acid load (PRAL). METHODS: This randomized, single-blind, 2-armed study included 83 normal- and over-weight men and postmenopausal women (age ≥50 years) on self-reported low fruit diets. Endpoints included group differences in NAE (primary), 24-hr urinary N-telopeptide (NTX), weight, body composition, muscle performance, and diet quality. RESULTS: At baseline, mean (±SD) age was 69 ± 8 years; 86% were Caucasian; body mass index was 24.5 ± 2.8 kg/m2; 46% female, and NAE was 32.4 ± 23.1 mmol with no significant baseline group differences. No significant group differences were noted in NAE (primary), NTX, weight, body composition, muscle performance or diet quality at 6 months. In the cohort as a whole, 6-month change in NAE was positively associated with change in NTX, but no significant associations were noted in other outcomes. PRAL on the day of the urine collection was positively associated with NAE. Comparison of two consecutive baseline 24-hr diet recalls revealed wide intra-individual variability in PRAL in self-selected diets in our participants. CONCLUSION: In this field study of older adults consuming self-selected diets, making one change to the diet by adding 100 g/day of dried fruit (equivalent to 4 servings per day) had no significant impact on NAE when compared to a no supplemental fruit control. This null finding may be attributable to the high day-to-day variability in consumption of foods affecting NAE. Added fruit also had no significant effect on weight, fat, muscle, or bone outcomes over a 6-month period.

Absence of colon as the predominant risk factor for liver fibrosis in adults requiring home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis is a well-known complication of long-term use of parenteral nutrition in patients with intestinal failure associated to the nutrient composition in parenteral nutrition. This study investigates the prevalence of significant liver fibrosis and identifies risk factors for liver fibrosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 35 parenteral nutrition-dependent patients with intestinal failure and 54 patients with intestinal insufficiency and oral nutrition only with a valid liver stiffness measurement obtained with transient elastography from November 2016 to August 2018. Clinical and demographic parameters including age, fat mass index and fat-free mass index, intact colon or colectomy, and nutritional management were analyzed for their association with liver stiffness. RESULTS: A prevalence for liver fibrosis (liver stiffness >7.0 kPa) was established at 37.1% in parenteral nutrition-dependent patients and at 22.2% in patients on oral nutrition. Several factors were significantly and independently associated with liver fibrosis including lipids in home parenteral nutrition (OR 10.66, p = 0.010) and colectomies (OR 3.24, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: More than a third of patients receiving home parenteral nutrition have liver fibrosis. Several risk factors were demonstrated such as the amount of lipids and performed colectomies despite current international guidelines for lipids are followed. Our findings emphasize suggest a new perspective to prevent significant hepatic complications: colectomies.

Longitudinal alterations in nutrient intake and food pattern in patients with non-small cell lung cancer during anti-neoplastic treatment: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Unintentional weight loss is frequently observed in cancer patients. Nutritional therapy is essential, and dietary counselling is the first step. The present study aimed to explore the nutrient intake and food patterns in weight-stable and weight-losing patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during anti-neoplastic treatment. METHODS: Patients with NSCLC (n = 62) were observed during first-line systemic anti-neoplastic treatment. Body weight and dietary intake were assessed on the first and second cycle, and after completing three cycles of treatment. Longitudinal changes were analysed in three groups: weight stable, weight losers and mixed weight. RESULTS: Nutrient intake did not change during treatment in weight stable, although weight losers significantly increased the relative protein intake. Weight stable maintained the food pattern during treatment apart from a decreased consumption of oral nutritional support (ONS). At baseline, weight losers were characterised by pretreatment weight loss, high consumption of ONS, as well as low consumption of grains and animal products. During treatment, weight losers increased the consumption of protein, fatty foods and ONS but decreased the consumption of sweets and alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: Large heterogeneity in nutrient and food intake was observed in NSCLC patients during anti-neoplastic treatment. Weight losers and weight stable had a similar nutrient intake although protein intake increased in weight losers. Grains and animal products were lower and ONS higher in weight losers compared to weight stable during treatment. Weight losers further increased the consumption of ONS and fatty foods, while the consumption of sweets and alcohol decreased during treatment.

Protein and energy intake improved by in-between meals: An intervention study in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Disease related malnutrition is a major problem in hospitals. Malnutrition in hospitalized patients is caused by many factors. Among these factors are decreased appetite and early satiety, and reaching nutritional requirements in nutritional risk patients is a challenge when using ordinary energy and protein dense food. The aim of this study was to examine if total protein and energy intake in medical and surgical patients at nutritional risk could be improved by protein fortified and energy rich in-between meals. METHODS: An assortment of fortified in-between meals including 10 g of protein was developed based on patient preferences and served in the Departments of Lung Medicine and Abdominal Surgery for a period of three months. Nutrition intake was recorded before and after intervention. RESULTS: Food intake records were collected from a total of 92 patients, (46 before and 46 after intervention). The total amount of protein intake per in-between meal was increased from 2,6 g to 10,3 g. Total daily protein intake increased from 49% to 88% (p < 0.00) and total energy intake from 74% to 109% (p < 0.00) of requirements. CONCLUSION: Protein and energy intake for surgical and medical patients at in-between meals as well as total daily intake increased significantly. Recommended average level for individually measured requirements was reached.

Insufficient intake of energy and protein is related to physical functional capacity among COPD patients referred to municipality based pulmonary rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is frequent in COPD. Malnourished patients participating in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) may benefit less and even worsen prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate energy and protein intake in outpatients with COPD referred to municipality based PR and to investigate the relation to functional capacity. METHODS: COPD patients referred to PR at five Danish municipals were assessed for energy and protein intake by self-reported intake record and 24-hour recall by a dietician. Nutritional status was assessed by BMI, weight loss, and eating validation scheme, functional status by 30-seconds chair stand (30s-CST), and 6-minutes walking test (6MWT), and severity of disease by FEV1 and mMRC. RESULTS: We included 79 patients (41% male and 73% above 65 + y). Ninety-six% had a FEV1 below 80%, 59% had a mMRC-score of 3 + and 14% had a BMI below 20 kg/m2. Fifty-one % and 41% of the patients had insufficient intake of protein and energy, respectively, defined as an average intake below the 75% of the recommended. Kruskal Wallis test showed a significant positive association between protein intake and 30s-CST (p = 0.012) and 6MWT (p = 0.024) but no association with energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with COPD referred for PR, there is a high prevalence of insufficient intake of energy and protein. This causes concern, as the physical training, which is the main component of PR, is likely to be futile unless the patients obtain a sufficient intake of energy and protein during the pulmonary; rehabilitation program.

Randomised clinical trial: 2% taurolidine versus 0.9% saline locking in patients on home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: The catheter lock solutions 2% taurolidine and 0.9% saline are both used to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in home parenteral nutrition patients. AIMS: To compare the effectiveness and safety of taurolidine and saline. METHODS: This multicentre double-blinded trial randomly assigned home parenteral nutrition patients to use either 2% taurolidine or 0.9% saline for 1 year. Patients were stratified in a new catheter group and a pre-existing catheter group. Primary outcome was the rate of CRBSIs/1000 catheter days in the new catheter group and pre-existing catheter group, separately. RESULTS: We randomised 105 patients, of which 102 were analysed as modified intention-to-treat population. In the new catheter group, rates of CRBSIs/1000 catheter days were 0.29 and 1.49 in the taurolidine and saline arm respectively (relative risk, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.71; P = 0.009). In the pre-existing catheter group, rates of CRBSIs/1000 catheter days were 0.39 and 1.32 in the taurolidine and saline arm respectively (relative risk, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.03-1.82; P = 0.25). Excluding one outlier patient in the taurolidine arm, mean costs per patient were $1865 for taurolidine and $4454 for saline (P = 0.03). Drug-related adverse events were rare and generally mild. CONCLUSIONS: In the new catheter group, taurolidine showed a clear decrease in CRBSI rate. In the pre-existing catheter group, no superiority of taurolidine could be demonstrated, most likely due to underpowering. Overall, taurolidine reduced the risk for CRBSIs by more than four times. Given its favourable safety and cost profile, taurolidine locking should be considered as an additional strategy to prevent CRBSIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT01826526.

Onicomadesis en paciente adulto inmunocompetente / Onychomadesis in an immunocompetent adult patient

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Fast and stable gratings inscription in POFs made of different materials with pulsed 248 nm KrF laser.

This paper presents fiber Bragg grating (FBG) inscription with a pulsed 248 nm UV KrF laser in polymer optical fibers (POFs) made of different polymers, namely polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cyclic-olefin polymer and co-polymer, and Polycarbonate. The inscribed gratings and the corresponding inscription parameters are compared with grating inscribed in POFs made of the aforementioned materials but with the hitherto most used laser for inscription, which is a continuous wave 325 nm UV HeCd laser. Results show a reduction of the inscription time of at least 16 times. The maximum time reduction is more than 130 times. In addition, a reflectivity and a bandwidth close to or higher than the ones with the 325 nm laser were obtained. The polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings (POFBGs) inscribed with the 248 nm laser setup present high stability with small variations in their central wavelength, bandwidth, and reflectivity after 40 days.

Systems genetics analysis of pharmacogenomics variation during antidepressant treatment.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely used antidepressants, but the efficacy of the treatment varies significantly among individuals. It is believed that complex genetic mechanisms play a part in this variation. We have used a network based approach to unravel the involved genetic components. Moreover, we investigated the potential difference in the genetic interaction networks underlying SSRI treatment response over time. We found four hub genes (ASCC3, PPARGC1B, SCHIP1 and TMTC2) with different connectivity in the initial SSRI treatment period (baseline to week 4) compared with the subsequent period (4-8 weeks after initiation), suggesting that different genetic networks are important at different times during SSRI treatment. The strongest interactions in the initial SSRI treatment period involved genes encoding transcriptional factors, and in the subsequent period genes involved in calcium homeostasis. In conclusion, we suggest a difference in genetic interaction networks between initial and subsequent SSRI response.

Selective attention and mismatch negativity in antipsychotic-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients before and after 6 months of antipsychotic monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficits have been frequently reported in schizophrenia. It has been suggested that treatment with second-generation antipsychotics can ameliorate these deficits. In this study, the influence of 6 months treatment with quetiapine, a compound with less affinity for dopamine D2 receptors than for serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors, on electrophysiological parameters of attention was investigated in a group of antipsychotic-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients compared with a group of age- and gender-matched healthy controls. METHOD: A total of 34 first-episode, antipsychotic-naïve patients with schizophrenia and an equal number of healthy controls were tested in a selective attention and a typical mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm at baseline and after 6 months. The patients were treated with quetiapine according to their clinical needs during the period between baseline and follow-up, whereas controls received no treatment. RESULTS: Patients showed lower MMN and P200 amplitude than healthy controls in the selective attention paradigm at baseline, while this was not the case for MMN of the typical MMN paradigm. Interestingly, after 6 months treatment, this MMN deficit was only ameliorated in patients treated with above median dosages of quetiapine. Patients had lower P3B amplitude, yet showed similar levels of processing negativity and N100 amplitude compared with healthy controls, both at baseline and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that deficits in MMN, P200 and P3B amplitude are present at early stages of schizophrenia, although depending on the paradigm used. Furthermore, the results indicate that 6 months quetiapine treatment ameliorates MMN but not P3B deficits, and only in those subjects on higher dosages.

Evaluation of a dietary screener: the Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans tool.

BACKGROUND: Evidence exists for an association between accordance with a Mediterranean diet pattern and slower rates of cognitive decline. However, an 'Americanised' version of the Mediterranean diet screener is needed to assess accordance in the USA. Thus, the Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans (MEPA) tool was developed to assess accordance with a Mediterranean-like food pattern when time is limited. The present study aimed to determine whether the MEPA screener captured the key elements of the Mediterranean diet compared to the more comprehensive food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). METHODS: The study comprised a cross-sectional study in which 70 women completed both the VioScreen™ FFQ (Viocare, Princeton, NJ, USA) electronically and the 16-item MEPA screener, either electronically or by telephone, aiming to evaluate the inter-method reliability of the proposed screener. The convenience sample included patients (n = 49) and healthcare providers (n = 21) recruited from a tertiary care medical centre. RESULTS: The overall score from the MEPA screener correlated with corresponding overall MEPA FFQ score (ρ = 0.365, P = 0.002). Agreement between screener items and FFQ items was moderate-to-good for berries (κ = 0.47, P < 0.001), nuts (κ = 0.42, P < 0.001), fish (κ = 0.62, P < 0.001) and alcohol (κ = 0.64, P < 0.001), whereas those for olive oil (κ = 0.33, P = 0.001) and green leafy vegetables (κ = 0.36, P = 0.0021) were fair. Usual intakes of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, saturated fat, selected carotenoids, folate and fibre derived from the FFQ varied with MEPA screener scores in the anticipated directions. CONCLUSIONS: The MEPA screener captures several components of the Mediterranean style pattern, although further testing of the MEPA screener is indicated.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Methylphenidate in Healthy Adults Emphasizing Novel and Known Effects of Several Carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) Variants.

The aim of this study was to identify demographic and genetic factors that significantly affect methylphenidate (MPH) pharmacokinetics (PK), and may help explain interindividual variability and further increase the safety of MPH. d-MPH plasma concentrations, demographic covariates, and carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) genotypes were gathered from 122 healthy adults and analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. The structural model that best described the data was a two-compartment disposition model with absorption transit compartments. Novel effects of rs115629050 and CES1 diplotypes, as well as previously reported effects of rs71647871 and body weight, were included in the final model. Assessment of the independent and combined effect of CES1 covariates identified several specific risk factors that may result in severely increased d-MPH plasma exposure.

Protein and energy intake improved by breakfast intervention in hospital.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Undernutrition affects about 40% of patients in hospitals. Ordinary food is recommended as the first choice to prevent and correct undernutrition. Meanwhile, sufficient intake, especially regarding protein, is difficult to reach, in patients at nutritional risk. The aim of this study was to improve protein intake at breakfast to at least 20% of total daily requirement or at least 20 g. METHODS: A protein rich breakfast including 20 g of protein was served in the departments of heart and lung surgery and vascular surgery for three months. Nutrition intake was registered before and after intervention. RESULTS: Food intake records were collected from 32 and 30 patients respectively, mean age 69 (SD 8) years. At breakfast, protein intake was improved from 14% of individual requirements to 22% (p<0.001) and energy intake was improved from 18% to 25% (p=0.01). Total amount of protein intake for breakfast was increased from 14 g to 20 g (p<0.002). Total daily protein intake increased from 64% to 77% (p=0.05) and total energy intake from 76% to 99% (p<0.01) of requirements. CONCLUSION: Protein and energy intake for surgical patients at breakfast as well as total daily intake was significantly increased to meet recommended average level for minimum individually measured requirements.

The effect of increased classroom ventilation rate indicated by reduced CO2 concentration on the performance of schoolwork by children.

The article reports on an experiment which investigated the effect of increased classroom ventilation rate on the performance of children aged 10-12 years. The experiment was executed at two different schools (two classrooms at each school) as a double-blind 2 × 2 crossover intervention where four different performance tests were used as surrogates for short-term concentration and logical thinking. Only complete pairs of test responses were included in the within-subject comparisons of performance, and data were not corrected for learning and fatigue effects. Analysis of the total sample suggested the number of correct answers was improved significantly in four of four performance test, addition (6.3%), number comparison (4.8%), grammatical reasoning (3.2%), and reading and comprehension (7.4%), when the outdoor air supply rate was increased from an average of 1.7 (1.4-2.0) to 6.6 l/s per person. The increased outdoor air supply rate did not have any significant effect on the number of errors in any of the performance tests. Results from questionnaires regarding pupil perception of the indoor environment, reported Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, and motivation suggested that the study classroom air was perceived more still and pupil were experiencing less pain in the eyes in the recirculation condition compared to the fresh air condition.

Individualised dietary counselling for nutritionally at-risk older patients following discharge from acute hospital to home: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many older patients are undernourished after hospitalisation. Undernutrition impacts negatively on physical function and the ability of older patients to perform activities of daily living at home after discharge from acute hospital. The present study aimed to evaluate the evidence for an effect of individualised dietary counselling following discharge from acute hospital to home on physical function, and, second, on readmissions, mortality, nutritional status, nutritional intake and quality of life (QoL), in nutritionally at-risk older patients. METHODS: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials was conducted. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE) criteria. RESULTS: Four randomised controlled trials (n = 729) were included. Overall, the evidence was of moderate quality. Dietitians provided counselling in all studies. Meta-analyses showed a significant increase in energy intake [mean difference (MD) = 1.10 MJ day(-1), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66-1.54, P < 0.001], protein intake (MD = 10.13 g day(-1), 95% CI = 5.14-15.13, P < 0.001) and body weight (BW) (MD = 1.01 kg, 95% CI = 0.08-1.95, P = 0.03). Meta-analyses revealed no significant effect on physical function assessed using hand grip strength, and similarly on mortality. Narrative summation of effects on physical function using other instruments revealed inconsistent effects. Meta-analyses were not conducted on QoL and readmissions as a result of a lack of data. CONCLUSIONS: Individualised dietary counselling by dietitians following discharge from acute hospital to home improved BW, as well as energy and protein intake, in older nutritionally at-risk patients, although without clearly improving physical function. The effect of this strategy on physical function and other relevant clinical outcomes warrants further investigation.

Effect of meal portion size choice on plate waste generation among patients with different nutritional status. An investigation using Dietary Intake Monitoring System (DIMS).

BACKGROUND: The trolley meal system allows hospital patients to select food items and portion sizes directly from the food trolley. The nutritional status of the patient may be compromised if portions selected do not meet recommended intakes for energy, protein and micronutrients. The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) the portion size served, consumed and plate waste generated, (2) the extent to which the size of meal portions served contributes to daily recommended intakes for energy and protein, (3) the predictive effect of the served portion sizes on plate waste in patients screened for nutritional risk by NRS-2002, and (4) to establish the applicability of the dietary intake monitoring system (DIMS) as a technique to monitor plate waste. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in two hospital wards over five weekdays. The DIMS was used to collect paired before- and after-meal consumption photos and measure the weight of plate content. RESULTS: The proportion of energy and protein consumed by both groups at each meal session could contribute up to 15% of the total daily recommended intake. Linear mixed model identified a positive relationship between meal portion size and plate waste (P = 0.002) and increased food waste in patients at nutritional risk during supper (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Meal portion size was associated with the level of plate waste produced. Being at nutritional risk further increased the extent of waste, regardless of the portion size served at supper. The use of DIMS as an innovative technique might be a promising way to monitor plate waste for optimizing meal portion size servings and minimizing food waste.