Mechanisms of action of microbicides commonly used in infection prevention and control.

SUMMARYUnderstanding how commonly used chemical microbicides affect pathogenic microorganisms is important for formulation of microbicides. This review focuses on the mechanism(s) of action of chemical microbicides commonly used in infection prevention and control. Contrary to the typical site-specific mode of action of antibiotics, microbicides often act via multiple targets, causing rapid and irreversible damage to microbes. In the case of viruses, the envelope or protein capsid is usually the primary structural target, resulting in loss of envelope integrity or denaturation of proteins in the capsid, causing loss of the receptor-binding domain for host cell receptors, and/or breakdown of other viral proteins or nucleic acids. However, for certain virucidal microbicides, the nucleic acid may be a significant site of action. The region of primary damage to the protein or nucleic acid is site-specific and may vary with the virus type. Due to their greater complexity and metabolism, bacteria and fungi offer more targets. The rapid and irreversible damage to microbes may result from solubilization of lipid components and denaturation of enzymes involved in the transport of nutrients. Formulation of microbicidal actives that attack multiple sites on microbes, or control of the pH, addition of preservatives or potentiators, and so on, can increase the spectrum of action against pathogens and reduce both the concentrations and times needed to achieve microbicidal activity against the target pathogens.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Very Young Children - A Case Report and Modern Review.

Background: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears in young children are rare and optimal treatment is poorly described. Diagnosis may prove challenging as young children may not be able to verbalize a complete history of injury, may be difficult to examine, and plane film radiographs often appear within normal limits. Surgical treatment carries a risk of physeal arrest, but non-operative treatment may lead to recurrent instability and pain. Methods: We present a case report of a fouryear- old child with a PCL avulsion off the femoral insertion who received an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with combined arthroscopic synovial debridement. We performed a literature review which compared the mechanism, location, concomitant injuries, work up and management of PCL injuries in children under the age of ten compared to adolescents and adults. Results: Nineteen months following surgery, physical examination revealed full knee range of motion and return to baseline function. Imaging studies confirmed there was no evidence of physeal arrest. Conclusion: ORIF with arthroscopy can be an effective method to treat PCL avulsions in children under the age of 10 years. This is similar to other case reports which reported positive outcomes with ORIF in this population. Large studies are needed to best understand optimal treatment modalities for PCL injuries in very young children. Level of Evidence: IV.

Trace metals in the teleost fish gill: biological roles, uptake regulation, and detoxification mechanisms.

In fish, the gill plays a vital role in regulating the absorption of trace metals and is also highly susceptible to metal toxicity. Trace metals such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) are involved in various catalytic activities and molecular binding within the gill, thereby supporting a range of physiological processes in this organ. While beneficial at normal levels, these metals can become toxic when present in excess. Conversely, nonessential metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can gain entry into gill cells through similar metal transport pathways, potentially interfering with various cellular processes. The transepithelial transport of these metals across the gill epithelium is governed by a variety of metal transport and metal binding proteins. These include the Cu transporter 1 (CTR1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and members of the Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) and zinc transport (ZnT) families. Additionally, some of these metals can compete with major ions (e.g., calcium, sodium) for absorption sites in the gill. This complex crosstalk suggests an interdependent mechanism that balances metal uptake to meet physiological needs while preventing excessive accumulation. In this article, I review the roles of trace metals in proteins/enzymes that support the different functions in the gill of teleost fish. I also discuss current understanding of the pathways involved in regulating the branchial uptake of metals and their influence on ionic regulation, and the potential detoxification mechanisms in the gill. Finally, I summarize knowledge gaps and potential areas for further investigation.

(Cost-)effectiveness of personalised multimodal physiotherapy compared to surgery in patients with cervical radiculopathy: A systematic review.

RATIONALE: Cervical radiculopathy is initially typically managed conservatively. Surgery is indicated when conservative management fails or with severe/progressive neurological signs. Personalised multimodal physiotherapy could be a promising conservative strategy. However, aggregated evidence on the (cost-)effectiveness of personalised multimodal physiotherapy compared to surgery with/without post-operative physiotherapy is lacking. AIM/OBJECTIVES: To systematically summarise the literature on the (cost-)effectiveness of personalised multimodal physiotherapy compared to surgery with or without post-operative physiotherapy in patients with cervical radiculopathy. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched from inception to 1st of March 2023. Primary outcomes were effectiveness regarding costs, arm pain intensity and disability. Neck pain intensity, perceived recovery, quality of life, neurological symptoms, range-of-motion, return-to-work, medication use, (re)surgeries and adverse events were considered secondary outcomes. Randomised clinical trials comparing personalised multimodal physiotherapy versus surgical approaches with/without post-operative physiotherapy were included. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data-extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2 and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards statement. Certainty of the evidence was determined using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. RESULTS: From 2109 records, eight papers from two original trials, with 117 participants in total were included. Low certainty evidence showed there were no significant differences on arm pain intensity and disability, except for the subscale 'heavy work' related disability (12 months) and disability at 5-8 years. Cost-effectiveness was not assessed. There was low certainty evidence that physiotherapy improved significantly less on neck pain intensity, sensory loss and perceived recovery compared to surgery with/without physiotherapy. Low certainty evidence showed there were no significant differences on numbness, range of motion, medication use, and quality of life. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Considering the clinical importance of accurate management recommendations and the current low level of certainty, high-quality cost-effectiveness studies are needed.

Mode and Characteristics of Arrhythmia Initiation in Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation: A THESIS Substudy.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the mode of arrhythmia initiation in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF). A non-pause-dependent mechanism has been suggested to be the rule. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the mode and characteristics of initiation of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) in patients with short or long-coupled PVT/IVF included in THESIS (THerapy Efficacy in Short or long-coupled idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: an International Survey), a multicenter study involving 287 IVF patients treated with drugs or radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: We reviewed the initiation of 410 episodes of ≥1 PVT triplet in 180 patients (58.3% females; age 39.6 ± 13.6 years) with IVF. The incidence of pause-dependency arrhythmia initiation (prolongation by >20 ms of the preceding cycle length) was assessed. RESULTS: Most arrhythmias (n = 295; 72%) occurred during baseline supraventricular rhythm without ambient premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), whereas 106 (25.9%) occurred during baseline rhythm including PVCs. Nine (2.2%) arrhythmias occurred during atrial/ventricular pacing and were excluded from further analysis. Mode of PVT initiation was pause-dependent in 45 (15.6%) and 64 (60.4%) of instances in the first and second settings, respectively, for a total of 109 of 401 (27.2%). More than one type of pause-dependent and/or non-pause-dependent initiation (mean: 2.6) occurred in 94.4% of patients with ≥4 events. Coupling intervals of initiating PVCs were <350 ms, 350-500 ms, and >500 ms in 76.6%, 20.72%, and 2.7% of arrhythmia initiations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pause-dependent initiation occurred in more than a quarter of arrhythmic episodes in IVF patients. PVCs having long (between 350 and 500 ms) and very long (>500 ms) coupling intervals were observed at the initiation of nearly a quarter of PVT episodes.

Large Individual Differences in Functional Connectivity in the Context of Major Depression and Antidepressant Pharmacotherapy.

Clinical studies of major depression (MD) generally focus on group effects, yet interindividual differences in brain function are increasingly recognized as important and may even impact effect sizes related to group effects. Here, we examine the magnitude of individual differences in relation to group differences that are commonly investigated (e.g., related to MD diagnosis and treatment response). Functional MRI data from 107 participants (63 female, 44 male) were collected at baseline, 2, and 8 weeks during which patients received pharmacotherapy (escitalopram, N = 68) and controls (N = 39) received no intervention. The unique contributions of different sources of variation were examined by calculating how much variance in functional connectivity was shared across all participants and sessions, within/across groups (patients vs controls, responders vs nonresponders, female vs male participants), recording sessions, and individuals. Individual differences and common connectivity across groups, sessions, and participants contributed most to the explained variance (>95% across analyses). Group differences related to MD diagnosis, treatment response, and biological sex made significant but small contributions (0.3-1.2%). High individual variation was present in cognitive control and attention areas, while low individual variation characterized primary sensorimotor regions. Group differences were much smaller than individual differences in the context of MD and its treatment. These results could be linked to the variable findings and difficulty translating research on MD to clinical practice. Future research should examine brain features with low and high individual variation in relation to psychiatric symptoms and treatment trajectories to explore the clinical relevance of the individual differences identified here.

Advancing equitable access to digital mental health in the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A modified Delphi consensus study.

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on global mental health and well-being, including across the Asia-Pacific. Efforts to mitigate virus spread led to far-reaching disruption in the delivery of health and social services. In response, there was a rapid shift to the use of digital mental health (DMH) approaches. Though these technologies helped to improve access to care for many, there was also substantial risk of access barriers leading to increased inequities in access to mental health care, particularly among at-risk and equity-deserving populations. The objective of this study was to conduct a needs assessment and identify priorities related to equitable DMH access among at-risk and equity-deserving populations in the Asia Pacific region during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study consisted of a modified Delphi consensus methodology including two rounds of online surveys and online consultations with stakeholders from across the region. Study participants included policy makers, clinicians and service providers, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Results demonstrate that vulnerabilities to negative mental health impacts and access barriers were compounded during the pandemic. Access barriers included a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate DMH options, low mental health literacy and poor access to technological infrastructure and devices, low levels of awareness and trust of DMH options, and lack of policies and guidelines to support effective and equitable delivery of DMH. Recommendations to improve equitable access include ensuring that diverse people with lived experience are engaged in research, co-design and policy development, the development and implementation of evidence-based and equity-informed guidelines and frameworks, clear communication about DMH evidence and availability, and the integration of DMH into broader health systems. Study results can inform the development and implementation of equitable DMH as its use becomes more widespread across health systems.

Depression-Anxiety Coupling Strength as a predictor of relapse in major depressive disorder: A CAN-BIND wellness monitoring study report.

BACKGROUND: A critical challenge in the study and management of major depressive disorder (MDD) is predicting relapse. We examined the temporal correlation/coupling between depression and anxiety (called Depression-Anxiety Coupling Strength, DACS) as a predictor of relapse in patients with MDD. METHODS: We followed 97 patients with remitted MDD for an average of 394 days. Patients completed weekly self-ratings of depression and anxiety symptoms using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Using these longitudinal ratings we computed DACS as random slopes in a linear mixed effects model reflecting individual-specific degree of correlation between depression and anxiety across time points. We then tested DACS as an independent variable in a Cox proportional hazards model to predict relapse. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients (29 %) relapsed during the follow-up period. DACS significantly predicted confirmed relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95 % CI [1.01, 2.22], p = 0.043; Concordance 0.79 [SE 0.04]). This effect was independent of baseline depressive or anxiety symptoms or their average levels over the follow-up period, and was identifiable more than one month before relapse onset. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, in a single study. Narrow phenotype and comorbidity profiles. CONCLUSIONS: DACS may offer opportunities for developing novel strategies for personalized monitoring, early detection, and intervention. Future studies should replicate our findings in larger, diverse patient populations, develop individual patient prediction models, and explore the underlying mechanisms that govern the relationship of DACS and relapse.

Integrative Genetic Variation, DNA Methylation, and Gene Expression Analysis of Escitalopram and Aripiprazole Treatment Outcomes in Depression: A CAN-BIND-1 Study.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the interplay between genetics and epigenetics on antidepressant treatment (1) response and remission, (2) side effects, and (3) serum levels. This study explored the relationship among single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), DNA methylation (DNAm), and mRNA levels of four pharmacokinetic genes, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and ABCB1, and its effect on these outcomes. METHODS: The Canadian Biomarker Integration Network for Depression-1 dataset consisted of 177 individuals with major depressive disorder treated for 8 weeks with escitalopram (ESC) followed by 8 weeks with ESC monotherapy or augmentation with aripiprazole. DNAm quantitative trait loci (mQTL), identified by SNP-CpG associations between 20 SNPs and 60 CpG sites in whole blood, were tested for associations with our outcomes, followed by causal inference tests (CITs) to identify methylation-mediated genetic effects. RESULTS: Eleven cis-SNP-CpG pairs (q<0.05) constituting four unique SNPs were identified. Although no significant associations were observed between mQTLs and response/remission, CYP2C19 rs4244285 was associated with treatment-related weight gain (q=0.027) and serum concentrations of ESCadj (q<0.001). Between weeks 2-4, 6.7% and 14.9% of those with *1/*1 (normal metabolizers) and *1/*2 (intermediate metabolizers) genotypes, respectively, reported ≥2 lbs of weight gain. In contrast, the *2/*2 genotype (poor metabolizers) did not report weight gain during this period and demonstrated the highest ESCadj concentrations. CITs did not indicate that these effects were epigenetically mediated. DISCUSSION: These results elucidate functional mechanisms underlying the established associations between CYP2C19 rs4244285 and ESC pharmacokinetics. This mQTL SNP as a marker for antidepressant-related weight gain needs to be further explored.

Cauda Equina Syndrome: Cost Burden After Spinal Decompression.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare neurologic condition with potentially devastating consequences. The objective of this study was to compare the 2-year postoperative cost-associated treatments after posterior spinal decompression between patients with and without CES. METHODS: By analyzing a commercial insurance claims database, patients who underwent posterior spinal decompression with a concurrent diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, or disk herniation in 2017 were identified and included in the study. The primary outcome was the cost of payments for identified treatments in the 2-year period after surgery. Treatments included were (1) physical therapy (PT), (2) pain medication, (3) injections, (4) bladder management, (5) bowel management, (6) sexual dysfunction treatment, and (7) psychological treatment. RESULTS: In total, 3,140 patients (age, 55.3 ± 12.0 years; male, 62.2%) were included in the study. The average total cost of treatments identified was $2,996 ± 6,368 per patient. The overall cost of identified procedures was $2,969 ± 6,356 in non-CES patients, compared with $4,535 ± 6,898 in patients with CES ( P = 0.079). Among identified treatments, only PT and bladder management costs were significantly higher for patients with CES (PT: +115%, P < 0.001; bladder management: +697%, P < 0.001). The difference in overall cost was significant between patients (non-CES: $1,824 ± 3,667; CES: $3,022 ± 4,679; P = 0.020) in the first year. No difference was found in the second year. DISCUSSION: A short-term difference was observed in costs occurring in the first postoperative year. Cost of treatments was similar between patients apart from PT and bladder management.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2023 Update on Clinical Guidelines for Management of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: Réseau canadien pour les traitements de l'humeur et de l'anxiété (CANMAT) 2023 : Mise à jour des lignes directrices cliniques pour la prise en charge du trouble dépressif majeur chez les adultes.

BACKGROUND: The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) last published clinical guidelines for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2016. Owing to advances in the field, an update was needed to incorporate new evidence and provide new and revised recommendations for the assessment and management of MDD in adults. METHODS: CANMAT convened a guidelines editorial group comprised of academic clinicians and patient partners. A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analyses published since the 2016 guidelines. Recommendations were organized by lines of treatment, which were informed by CANMAT-defined levels of evidence and supplemented by clinical support (consisting of expert consensus on safety, tolerability, and feasibility). Drafts were revised based on review by patient partners, expert peer review, and a defined expert consensus process. RESULTS: The updated guidelines comprise eight primary topics, in a question-and-answer format, that map a patient care journey from assessment to selection of evidence-based treatments, prevention of recurrence, and strategies for inadequate response. The guidelines adopt a personalized care approach that emphasizes shared decision-making that reflects the values, preferences, and treatment history of the patient with MDD. Tables provide new and updated recommendations for psychological, pharmacological, lifestyle, complementary and alternative medicine, digital health, and neuromodulation treatments. Caveats and limitations of the evidence are highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: The CANMAT 2023 updated guidelines provide evidence-informed recommendations for the management of MDD, in a clinician-friendly format. These updated guidelines emphasize a collaborative, personalized, and systematic management approach that will help optimize outcomes for adults with MDD.

Torsional Deformity Significantly Impacts Lateral Ankle Radiographic Imaging Parameters.

Background Optimal lateral ankle imaging is important for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple ankle conditions. The effects of limb deformity on lateral ankle imaging are not well described and are clarified in this osteological study. Materials and methods We utilized an osteological collection and imaged all specimens after the first positioning of the talus in the lateral position and positioning the tibia and fibula to match. We then measured the relative positions of the tibia and fibula and their widths to calculate standard ratios. All measurements were evaluated for reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients. Multiple regression analysis determined how patient characteristics, tibial torsion, and medial proximal tibial angle affected various lateral ankle imaging ratios. Results The intra-class correlation coefficient was excellent for all measurements. In the multiple regression analysis, all five imaging ratios had at least one statistically significant outcome. The anterior tibiofibular interval (ATFI)-tibial width (TW) ratio (ATFI:TW) had only one association with sex and had the lowest standard deviation. All other parameters had variation with tibial torsion and/or medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA). The mean ATFI was 1.06 ± 0.21 cm and 1.19 ± 0.23 cm for females and males, respectively. Conclusions Patient sex and tibial torsion impacted the fidelity of lateral imaging parameters. ATFI:TW may pose the greatest utility given its minimal association with deformity parameters and low standard deviation.

Analyzing Pelvic Asymmetry by Sex and Ancestry: Insights From an Osteological Collection.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic asymmetry has been noted in pelvic imaging, and might influence the development of various spinal pathologies, most notably scoliosis. There is a limited understanding of the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and sex and ancestry, and limited use of 3D modeling. The purpose of this study was to identify pelvic asymmetry and morphology differences between sex and ancestry utilizing 3D modeling on young adults in an osteological collection. METHODS: Thirty-three osteological pelvic specimens aged 18-25 years (average age 21.4 ± 2.0 years) were scanned to create virtual 3D models for analysis. Pelvic asymmetry and morphology were measured and compared across sex (male and female) and ancestry (European American and African American). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the variables measured. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated statistically significant relationships between innominate-pelvic ring ratio and both sex (p < 0.001) and ancestry (p= 0.003) with larger ratios in male and African American specimens respectively. There was also a statistically significant relationship of greater sacral 1 coronal tilt in European American specimens (p= 0.042). There were no statistically significant differences with sex or ancestry in terms of innominate or sacral asymmetry. CONCLUSION: Although there are differences in overall pelvic shape between sex and ancestry, there is no relationship between these two variables versus pelvic asymmetry in the axial or sagittal planes in young adult osteological specimens.

2023 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially in many developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recognises healthcare factors, expertise and expenditure relevant to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare environments including considerations of potential implications for First Nations Peoples. The statement is cognisant of international advice but tailored to local conditions and populations, and is intended to be used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists and general physicians across all disciplines caring for patients with AF. They are also intended to provide guidance to healthcare facilities seeking to establish or maintain catheter ablation for AF.

Correction: An activator of G protein-coupled receptor and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling inhibits HIV-1 replication by altering viral RNA processing.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008307.].

Cost-effectiveness of Transforaminal epidural steroid injections for patients with ACUTE sciatica: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal epidural injections with steroids (TESI) are increasingly being used in patients sciatica. The STAR (steroids against radiculopathy)-trial aimed to evaluate the (cost-) effectiveness of TESI in patients with acute sciatica (< 8 weeks). This article contains the economic evaluation of the STAR-trial. METHODS: Participants were randomized to one of three study arms: Usual Care (UC), that is oral pain medication with or without physiotherapy, n = 45); intervention group 1: UC and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TESI) 1 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine and 1 ml of 40 mg/ml Methylprednisolone and intervention group 2: UC and transforaminal epidural injection (TEI) with 1 ml of 0,5% Levobupivacaine and 1 ml of 0.9% NaCl (n = 50). The primary effect measure was health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes were pain, functioning, and recovery. Costs were measured from a societal perspective, meaning that all costs were included, irrespective of who paid or benefited. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation, and bootstrapping was used to estimate statistical uncertainty. RESULTS: None of the between-group differences in effects were statistically significant for any of the outcomes (QALY, back pain, leg pain, functioning, and global perceived effect) at the 26-weeks follow-up. The adjusted mean difference in total societal costs was €1718 (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 3020 to 6052) for comparison 1 (intervention group 1 versus usual care), €1640 (95%CI: - 3354 to 6106) for comparison 2 (intervention group 1 versus intervention group 2), and €770 (95%CI: - 3758 to 5702) for comparison 3 (intervention group 2 versus usual care). Except for the intervention costs, none of the aggregate and disaggregate cost differences were statistically significant. The maximum probability of all interventions being cost-effective compared to the control was low (< 0.7) for all effect measures. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that adding TESI (or TEI) to usual care is not cost-effective compared to usual care in patients with acute sciatica (< 8 weeks) from a societal perspective in a Dutch healthcare setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch National trial register: NTR4457 (March, 6th, 2014).

Optimizing calibration of modern skeletal maturity systems.

Purpose: Greulich and Pyle is the most used system to estimate skeletal maturity but has significant drawbacks, prompting the development of newer skeletal maturity systems, such as the modified Fels skeletal maturity systems based on knee radiographs. To create a new skeletal maturity system, an outcome variable, termed a "skeletal maturity standard," must be selected for calibration of the system. Peak height velocity and 90% of final height are both considered reasonable skeletal maturity standards for skeletal maturity system development. We sought to answer two questions: (1) Does a skeletal maturity system developed using 90% of final height estimate skeletal age as well as it would if it was instead developed using peak height velocity? (2) Does a skeletal maturity system developed using 90% of final height perform as well in lower extremity length prediction as it would if it was instead developed using peak height velocity? Methods: The modified Fels knee skeletal maturity system was recalibrated based on 90% of final height and peak height velocity skeletal maturity standards. These models were applied to 133 serially obtained, peripubertal antero-posterior knee radiographs collected from 38 subjects. Each model was used to estimate the skeletal age of each radiograph. Skeletal age estimates were also used to predict each patient's ultimate femoral and tibial length using the White-Menelaus method. Results: The skeletal maturity system calibrated with 90% of final height produced more accurate skeletal age estimates than the same skeletal maturity system calibrated with peak height velocity (p < 0.05). The 90% of final height and peak height velocity models made similar femoral and tibial length predictions (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Using the 90% of final height skeletal maturity standard allows for simpler skeletal maturity system development than peak height velocity with potentially more accuracy.

A Randomized Evaluation of MoodFX, a Patient-Centred e-Health Tool to Support Outcome Measurement for Depression: Une évaluation randomisée de MoodFX, un outil de santé en ligne centré sur le patient pour soutenir la mesure du résultat dans la dépression.

BACKGROUND: e-Health tools using validated questionnaires to assess outcomes may facilitate measurement-based care for psychiatric disorders. MoodFX was created as a free online symptom tracker to support patients for outcome measurement in their depression treatment. We conducted a pilot randomized evaluation to examine its usability, and clinical utility. METHODS: Patients presenting with a major depressive episode (within a major depressive or bipolar disorder) were randomly assigned to receive either MoodFX or a health information website as the intervention and control condition, respectively, with follow-up assessment surveys conducted online at baseline, 8 weeks and 6 months. The primary usability outcomes included the percentage of patients with self-reported use of MoodFX 3 or more times during follow up (indicating minimally adequate usage) and usability measures based on the System Usability Scale (SUS). Secondary clinical outcomes included the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Self-Rated (QIDS-SR) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Forty-nine participants were randomized (24 to MoodFX and 25 to the control condition). Of the 23 participants randomized to MoodFX who completed the user survey, 18 (78%) used MoodFX 3 or more times over the 6 months of the study. The mean SUS score of 72.7 (65th-69th percentile) represents good usability. Compared to the control group, the MoodFX group had significantly better improvement on QIDS-SR and PHQ-9 scores, with large effect sizes and higher response rates at 6 months. There were no differences between conditions on other secondary outcomes such as functioning and quality of life. CONCLUSION: MoodFX demonstrated good usability and was associated with reduction in depressive symptoms. This pilot study supports the use of digital tools in depression treatment.

E-health tools may be useful for measuring and tracking symptoms and other outcomes during treatment for depression. This study is a randomized evaluation of MoodFX, a free web-based app that helps patients track their symptoms using validated questionnaires, and also offers depression information and self-management tips. A total of 49 participants with clinical depression were randomized to using MoodFX or a health information website, for 6 months. In a survey, the participants that used MoodFX found it easy and useful to use. In addition, the participants that used MoodFX had greater improvement in depressive symptoms after 6 months, compared to those who used the health information website. These results suggest that MoodFX may be a useful tool to monitor outcomes and support depression treatment.

Exploring the Language Used to Describe Older Patients at Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences.

Older adults with cancer often present with distinct complexities that complicate their care, yet the language used to discuss their management at multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCCs) remains poorly understood. A mixed methods study was conducted at a tertiary cancer centre in Toronto, Canada, where MCCs spanning five tumour sites were attended over six months. For presentations pertaining to a patient aged 75 or older, a standardized data collection form was used to record their demographic, cancer-related, and non-cancer-related information, as well as the presenter's specialty and training level. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed to explore MCC depictions of older patients (n = 75). Frailty status was explicitly mentioned in 20.0% of presentations, but discussions more frequently referenced comorbidity burden (50.7%), age (33.3%), and projected treatment tolerance (30.7%) as surrogate measures. None of the presentations included mentions of formal geriatric assessment (GA) or validated frailty tools; instead, presenters tended to feature select GA domains and subjective descriptions of appearance ("looks to be fit") or overall health ("relatively healthy"). In general, MCCs appeared to rely on age-focused language that may perpetuate ageism. Further work is needed to investigate how frailty and geriatric considerations can be objectively incorporated into discussions in geriatric oncology.

Atypical Brain Aging and Its Association With Working Memory Performance in Major Depressive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) can present with altered brain structure and deficits in cognitive function similar to those seen in aging. However, the interaction between age-related brain changes and brain development in MDD remains understudied. In a cohort of adolescents and adults with and without MDD, we assessed brain aging differences and associations through a newly developed tool that quantifies normative neurodevelopmental trajectories. METHODS: A total of 304 participants with MDD and 236 control participants without depression were recruited and scanned from 3 studies under the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network for Depression. Volumetric data were used to generate brain centile scores, which were examined for 1) differences between participants with MDD and control participants; 2) differences between individuals with versus without severe childhood maltreatment; and 3) correlations with depressive symptom severity, neurocognitive assessment domains, and escitalopram treatment response. RESULTS: Brain centiles were significantly lower in the MDD group than in the control group. Brain centile was also significantly correlated with working memory in the control group but not the MDD group. No significant associations were observed between depression severity or antidepressant treatment response and brain centiles. Likewise, childhood maltreatment history did not significantly affect brain centiles. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous work on machine learning models that predict brain age, brain centile scores differed in people diagnosed with MDD, and MDD was associated with differential relationships between centile scores and working memory. The results support the notion of atypical development and aging in MDD, with implications for neurocognitive deficits associated with aging-related cognitive function.