Temporal Trends of Enrollment by Sex and Race in Major Cardiovascular Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Women and racialized minorities continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular (CV) trial outcomes data, despite comprising a significant global burden of CV disease. This study evaluated the impact of trial characteristics on the temporal enrollment of women and racialized minorities in prominent CV trials published in the period 1986-2023. Methods: MEDLINE was searched for CV trials published in The Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the New England Journal of Medicine. Participant and investigator demographics, types of interventions, clinical indications, and funding sources were compared according to the enrollment of women or racialized minorities. Results: From 799 studies, including 4,071,921 patients, the enrollment of women and racialized minorities significantly increased from 1986 to 2023 (both P ≤ 0.001). Although the enrollment of women varied by trial indication, comprising 25.0% of coronary artery disease, 35.2% of noncoronary and/or vascular disease, 13.8% of heart failure, 17.0% of arrhythmia, and 28.7% of other CV trials (P ≤ 0.001), it did not differ by peer-reviewed vs industry funding. First authors who were women were more likely than first authors who were men to enroll significantly more women (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Active efforts to increase diverse enrollment, along with improved reporting, including of sex and race, in future CV trials may increase the generalizability of their findings and applicability to global populations.

Contexte: Les femmes et les groupes racisés demeurent sous-représentés dans les données de résultats d'essais cliniques sur les maladies cardiovasculaires (CV) malgré l'important fardeau global associé à ces maladies. Cette étude visait à évaluer l'effet des caractéristiques des essais sur la sélection temporelle des femmes et des membres de groupes racisés dans les essais portant principalement sur les maladies CV durant la période de 1986 à 2023. Méthodologie: La base de données MEDLINE a été consultée à la recherche d'essais sur les maladies CV publiés dans The Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association et New England Journal of Medicine. Les données démographiques des participants et des chercheurs, les types d'interventions, les indications cliniques et les sources de financement ont été comparés en fonction de la sélection des femmes ou des membres de groupes racisés. Résultats: Dans 799 études cumulant 4 071 921 patients, la sélection des femmes et des membres de groupes racisés a augmenté significativement entre 1986 et 2023 (p ≤ 0,001 dans les deux cas). Bien que la sélection des femmes variait en fonction des indications des essais, soit 25,0 % dans les essais portant sur les coronaropathies, 35,2 % pour les maladies non coronariennes et/ou vasculaires, 13,8 % pour l'insuffisance cardiaque, 17,0 % pour l'arythmie et 28,7 % pour d'autres maladies CV (p ≤ 0,001), elle ne différait pas selon que les études étaient révisées par des pairs ou qu'elles étaient financées par l'industrie. Lorsqu'une femme était l'autrice principale, le nombre de femmes sélectionnées était susceptible d'être plus élevé que lorsque l'auteur principal était un homme (p = 0,01). Conclusions: Des efforts actifs pour diversifier davantage la sélection des participants et mieux rendre compte des différences, notamment en ce qui concerne le sexe et la race, pourraient élargir la portée des conclusions des futurs essais sur les maladies CV et leur application à l'ensemble de la population.

Women's Knowledge of Future Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Complications of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Several common pregnancy conditions significantly increase a woman's risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Patient education and interventions aimed at awareness and self-management of cardiovascular risk factors may help modify future cardiovascular risk. The aim of this systematic review was to examine education interventions for cardiovascular risk after pregnancy, clinical measures/scales, and knowledge outcomes in published qualitative and quantitative studies. Methods: Five databases were searched (from inception to June 2023). Studies including interventions and validated and nonvalidated measures of awareness/knowledge of future cardiovascular risk among women after complications of pregnancy were considered. Quality was rated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results were analyzed using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis reporting guideline. Characteristics of interventions were reported using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Fifteen studies were included; 3 were randomized controlled trials. Results: In total, 1623 women had a recent or past diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, and/or premature birth. Of the 7 studies that used online surveys or questionnaires, 2 reported assessing psychometric properties of tools. Four studies used diverse educational interventions (pamphlets, information sheets, in-person group sessions, and an online platform with health coaching). Overall, women had a low level of knowledge about their future CVD risk. Interventions were effective in increasing this knowledge. Conclusions: In conclusion, women have a low level of knowledge of risk of CVD after pregnancy complications. To increase this level of knowledge and self-management, this population has a strong need for psychometrically validated tailored education interventions.

Contexte: Plusieurs problèmes médicaux liés à la grossesse augmentent significativement le risque d'une maladie cardiovasculaire (MCV) ultérieure chez les femmes. L'éducation des patients et les interventions axées sur la sensibilisation aux facteurs de risques cardiovasculaire et sur l'autoprise en charge pourraient aider à limiter le risque de MCV. La présente analyse des études qualitatives et quantitatives publiées visait à examiner les interventions éducatives au sujet des risques cardiovasculaires après la grossesse, les mesures et échelles cliniques qui y sont associées, et les résultats de ces interventions sur le plan des connaissances. Méthodologie: Des recherches ont été réalisées dans cinq bases de données (de leur date de création jusqu'à juin 2023). Les études considérées incluaient des interventions et des mesures validées ou non de la sensibilisation des femmes au sujet des risques de MCV après des complications liées à la grossesse ou de leurs connaissances à ce sujet. La qualité des études a été évaluée avec l'Outil d'évaluation de la qualité méthodologique des études incluses dans une revue mixte, et les résultats ont été évalués à l'aide de la méthodologie Synthesis Without Meta-analysis. Les caractéristiques des interventions ont été relevées selon le modèle Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Quinze études ont été retenues, dont 3 essais contrôlés randomisés. Résultats: Au total, 1623 femmes avaient reçu récemment ou auparavant un diagnostic de trouble hypertensif lié à la grossesse, de diabète gestationnel et/ou de travail prématuré. Parmi les 7 études ayant eu recours à des questionnaires ou des sondages en ligne, 2 mentionnaient l'évaluation des propriétés psychométriques des outils. Dans 4 études, plusieurs interventions éducatives ont été utilisées (dépliants, feuillets informatifs, séances de groupe en personne et plateforme en ligne offrant un accompagnement en matière de santé). De manière générale, le niveau de connaissance des femmes au sujet de leur risque de MCV était faible, mais les interventions se sont révélées efficaces pour améliorer ces connaissances. Conclusions: En conclusion, les femmes ne connaissent pas bien les risques de MCV associés aux complications survenues au cours de la grossesse. Pour améliorer le niveau des connaissances et l'autoprise en charge, des interventions conçues pour cette population et validées sur le plan psychométrique sont indispensables.

Does preoperative calcium and 1, 25 OH vitamin D supplementation impact postoperative hypocalcemia and length of stay following pediatric thyroidectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether perioperative calcium and 1,25 OH vitamin D supplementation (PCDS) influences the rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and length of stay (LOS) following pediatric thyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Review. SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital. METHODS: 94 patients who underwent completion or total thyroidectomy with or without concomitant neck dissection from 2010 to 2020 at a single institution were included. Patients with pre-existing hypocalcemia or preoperative vitamin D insufficiency were excluded. Rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and LOS were compared for patients receiving PCDS to those receiving no supplementation. RESULTS: Thirty percent of patients with PCDS had documented postoperative hypocalcemia compared to 64% of patients without PCDS (p = 0.01). Patients with PCDS had a median LOS of 30 h compared to 36 h (p = 0.002). Multivariable analyses confirmed that patients with PCDS had lower odds of postoperative hypocalcemia (OR: 0.32, CI: 0.11, 0.89) and shorter LOS by 17 h (SE: 8, p = 0.04) after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSION: PCDS is associated with significantly lower risk of hypocalcemia and shorter LOS. Standardizing preoperative care for pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy may decrease variability and improve outcomes following surgery.

Variability in Manual Segmentation of Temporal Bone Structures in Cone Beam CT Images.

PURPOSE: Manual segmentation of anatomical structures is the accepted "gold standard" for labeling structures in clinical images. However, the variability in manual segmentation of temporal bone structures in CBCT images of the temporal bone has not been systematically evaluated using multiple reviewers. Therefore, we evaluated the intravariability and intervariability of manual segmentation of inner ear structures in CBCT images of the temporal bone. METHODS: Preoperative CBCTs scans of the inner ear were obtained from 10 patients who had undergone cochlear implant surgery. The cochlea, facial nerve, chorda tympani, mid-modiolar (MM) axis, and round window (RW) were manually segmented by five reviewers in two separate sessions that were at least 1 month apart. Interreviewer and intrareviewer variabilities were assessed using the Dice coefficient (DICE), volume similarity, mean Hausdorff Distance metrics, and visual review. RESULTS: Manual segmentation of the cochlea was the most consistent within and across reviewers with a mean DICE of 0.91 (SD = 0.02) and 0.89 (SD = 0.01) respectively, followed by the facial nerve with a mean DICE of 0.83 (SD = 0.02) and 0.80 (SD = 0.03), respectively. The chorda tympani had the greatest amount of reviewer variability due to its thin size, and the location of the centroid of the RW and the MM axis were also quite variable between and within reviewers. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant variability in manual segmentation of some of the temporal bone structures across reviewers. This variability needs to be considered when interpreting the results in studies using one manual reviewer.

The effect of chronic exercise training and acute exercise on power spectral analysis of heart rate variability.

Moderate to vigorous physical activity performed regularly is cardioprotective and reduces all-cause mortality, concomitant with increased resting heart rate variability (HRV). However, there are contradictory reports regarding the effects of chronic and acute exercise on nocturnal HRV in those performing exercise well-beyond physical activity guidelines. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the power spectral analysis components of HRV in middle-aged endurance athletes (EA) and recreationally active individuals (REC) and explore acute exercise effects in EA. A total of 119 EA (52, 49-57 years) and 32 REC (56, 52-60 years) were recruited to complete 24 h Holter monitoring (GE SEER 1000) in the absence of exercise. Fifty one EA (52, 49-57 years) then underwent 24 h Holter monitoring following an intense bout of endurance exercise. Power spectral HRV analysis was completed hourly and averaged to quantify morning (1000-1200 h), evening (1900-2100 h), and nocturnal (0200-0400 h) HRV. EA had greater very low frequency (VLF) and low frequency (LF) (both p < 0.001) compared to REC. LF/high frequency (HF) was greater in EA at 0200-0400 h (p = 0.04). Among all participants, the change in HR and HF from 1000-1200 to 0200-0400 h was negatively correlated (r = -0.47, p < 0.001). Following acute exercise in EA, only nocturnal HRV was assessed. VLF (p < 0.001) and HF (p = 0.008) decreased, while LF/HF increased (p = 0.02). These results suggest that in EA, both long-term and acute exercises increase nocturnal sympathovagal activity through an increase in LF and decrease in HF, respectively. Further work is required to understand the mechanism underlying reduced nocturnal HRV in middle-aged EA and the long-term health implications.

Maternal infant bonding in tracheostomy dependent infants: A cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To report the current state of maternal infant bonding (MIB) in mothers of tracheostomy-dependent infants and identify demographic factors associated with MIB. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a pediatric tertiary care hospital. Mothers of tracheostomy-dependent children below the age of two, seen during the 24 months prior to June 2021, were recruited to participate. The exclusion criteria consisted of clinical instability of the infant at the time of recruitment or lack of custody. The Maternal Infant Bonding Questionnaire (MIBQ) was administered to biological mothers. The possible range of scores was 0-24 with higher scores indicating poorer bonding. Mean MIBQ scores, as well as elevated MIBQ scores (greater than 0), were evaluated with respect to patient demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Of 46 eligible participants, the response rate was 6 7% (n = 31). The median maternal age was 30 (IQR:8.5), and the median infant age was 15 months (IQR: 7.5). The mean MIBQ score in the tracheostomy-dependent infant population was 1.38 (SD: 1.96), and 45% had a score greater than 0. The mean MIBQ of our cohort was not statistically different from the control group of healthy infants. Elevated MIBQ scores signaling poorer bonding were seen in caregivers of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and older caregivers. Preliminary evidence suggests that caregivers of infants with mechanical ventilation and neurologic comorbidities may have improved bonding compared to other tracheostomized infants. MIBQ scores were not associated with other sociodemographic or clinical characteristics, such as gestational age at birth, previous history of psychiatric illness, admission status or sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: We observe a mean MIBQ score of 1.38 in mothers of tracheostomy-dependent infants. Efforts to improve bonding may aid infant development and maternal affect.

Use of Digital Health Technology in Heart Failure and Diabetes: a Scoping Review.

Use of digital health technologies (DHT) in chronic disease management is rising. We aim to evaluate the impact of DHT on clinical outcomes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Electronic databases were searched for DHT RCTs in patients with HF and DM until February 2021. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. One published (N = 519) and 6 registered (N = 3423) eligible studies were identified, with one study exclusively including HF and DM patients. Median DHT monitoring was 12 months, with six studies using mobile platforms as their key exposure. Clinical outcomes included quality-of-life or self-care surveys (n = 1 each), physical activity metrics, changes in biomarkers, and other clinical endpoints (n = 3). Limited data exist on RCTs evaluating DHT in patients with concomitant HF and DM. Further work should define standardized clinical endpoints and platforms that can manage patients with multiple comorbidities.

Exploring flipped classrooms in undergraduate nursing and health science: A systematic review.

AIM: We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of implementing flipped classroom designs on academic performance, student satisfaction and self-efficacy in undergraduate health science disciplines. BACKGROUND: Blended learning approaches, including the flipped classroom, have been increasingly implemented in higher education. To date, studies examining the effectiveness of the flipped classroom in nursing and health sciences programs have reported mixed findings. DESIGN: Systematic review METHODS: We used the PRISMA framework and searched electronic databases (Education Source, ERIC via ProQuest, Scholars Portal, CINAHL, Pubmed) with the terms "flip* class", "health," and "undergraduate" or "higher education". Original research articles were limited to peer-reviewed, quantitative and/or mixed-methods studies published between 2010 and 2021. We extracted data through a full-text screening and of the articles. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the 16 articles reviewed, including positive gains in academic performance (n = 8/12 studies reporting; 67 % studies), student satisfaction (n = 7/13 studies reporting; 54 % studies) and increased self-efficacy (n = 1/1 reporting; 100 % studies). Effect sizes demonstrated significant heterogeneity in these outcome measures. Note that none of these studies reported a negative effect for flipped classroom interventions. Structured design of teaching strategies and curriculum appears to be an important determinant of performance, satisfaction and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Studies on flipped classrooms in undergraduate health sciences disciplines indicated positive changes in academic performance, student satisfaction and self-efficacy linked to well-designed curriculum. Methodological limitations in the studies reviewed include the absence of demographic analysis, minimal descriptions of the flipped classroom curriculum design, inadequate data reporting and the absence of randomized, comparison groups. Future research should focus on pre-class, in-class and post-class flipped classroom design, careful documentation of research methods and improving the quality of data collected. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A systematic review of flipped classroom use in undergraduate nursing and health science programs indicates positive academic performance, satisfaction and self-efficacy changes.

Sex Differences in Predictors of Completion of a 6-Month Adapted Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for People With Type 2 Diabetes and No Known Cardiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: Our aim in this study was to determine sex differences and predictors of noncompletion of a comprehensive adapted cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) for people with type 2 diabetes (no known cardiac disease). METHODS: Reasons for noncompletion of a 6-month adapted diabetes exercise-based CRP were ascertained by interview between 2006 and 2017. Regression analyses were conducted to determine demographic, cardiopulmonary, medical and psychosocial predictors of noncompletion in all participants and in females and males separately. RESULTS: Among all participants (460 females and 375 males), predictors of dropout included higher depression score, being unemployed, higher glycated hemoglobin (A1C), younger age and fewer comorbidities. There was no difference in completion rate between females and males in bivariate (28% vs 28.3%, p=0.9) or multivariate (odds ratio=1.089, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 1.5, p=0.6) analyses, but predictors of dropout varied. In females, these predictors included being married/partnered, living with obesity and having a higher depression score, A1C and triglycerides level, independent of age. For males, only higher depression score and younger age predicted dropout. There was no difference in medical dropouts between females and males (37.2% vs 34% of all dropouts, p=0.6) or in reasons for dropout (p>0.05 for all) or attendance to prescheduled sessions in completers (69.2±16.8% vs 70.4±18.8%, p=0.5) or dropouts (24.7±15.7% vs 25.2±16.1%, p=0.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no sex difference in noncompletion, attendance or reasons for dropout from a diabetes CRP. However, being married/partnered, living with obesity and having higher A1C and triglycerides were unique predictors of dropout for females and younger age for males. Being unemployed, glycemic control and depressive symptoms are targets for promoting completion in all participants that can be addressed by multidisciplinary CRP teams.

Capturing the perspectives of women with coronary artery disease regarding interval training or continuous exercise in cardiac rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Motivators and barriers to exercise participation in women with coronary artery disease remain poorly understood. With evidence suggesting that women with coronary artery disease are less likely to adhere to exercise during cardiac rehabilitation and are more likely to drop out, it is important to understand these factors in order to optimize cardiac rehabilitation programs for women. METHODS: We contribute to the discussion by presenting findings from a qualitative study using two focus groups with nine women with coronary artery disease sharing their experiences with attending cardiac rehabilitation and exercising in this setting, in addition to their perceived motivators and barriers to performing aerobic interval training. Focus group transcripts were analysed using a deductive thematic approach with Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory as the guiding conceptual framework. RESULTS: Four themes were identified regarding the attitudes and experiences of attending and exercising at cardiac rehabilitation, while five themes capturing the motivators and barriers for these women to perform aerobic interval training were identified for the first time. These novel themes encompassed the daunting nature of it, the physical discomfort associated with it, and conversely, the potential sense of enjoyment and accomplishment that it could bring. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the complexity of implementation of aerobic interval training into clinical practice, and suggests that further research is warranted to explore this domain.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDespite challenges in feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial in female patients with coronary artery disease examining the effects of aerobic interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on aerobic exercise capacity, there was a significant per protocol treatment effect of 0.95 ml·kg-1·min-1 in favour of aerobic interval training.The cardiac rehabilitation environment provides key facilitators and perceived benefits for exercising and attending cardiac rehabilitation for women, and thus emphasises the need for improving referral and enrolment processes specifically for women into cardiac rehabilitation programs.Aerobic interval training may elicit feelings of fear and physical discomfort, or may be precluded by comorbid conditions, therefore, judicious consideration must be taken in examining the suitability of implementation into clinical practice for each female patient.

The effect of insulin on post-exercise hypoglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes participating in outpatient exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: Few studies have reported on self-monitored blood glucose changes following acute exercise, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed oral sulfonylureas and insulin medication. This study sought to determine the magnitude of post-exercise blood glucose changes and incidence of hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 4.0 mmol/L) in relation to medication regimen. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted in adults with type 2 diabetes attending a 6-month rehabilitation program. Demographics, medications, exercise prescription and patient-reported pre/post-BG values were collected at program initiation. It was hypothesized that patients with type 2 diabetes will experience a post-exercise capillary blood glucose reduction (ΔcapBG), and that incidents of hypoglycemia (< 4.0 mmol/L) will be strongly associated with insulin or oral secretagogue class of medication. RESULTS: A chart review was conducted (n = 52, 46.2% males, mean age: 62.7 ± 8.3 years, A1c: 7.7 ± 1.6%, body mass index, BMI: 34.4 ± 7.8 kg/m2) in patients with type 2 diabetes (9.0 ± 7.7 years since diagnosis). A greater reduction in BG was related to a greater pre-exercise BG (beta [95% CI]: - 0.46 [- 0.54, - 0.37] mmol, p < 0.0001), independent of BMI and exercise duration. Post-exercise hypoglycemia (< 4.0 mmol) was associated with prescribed insulin use (vs. non-users: 14.5% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.05). Among insulin users, pre-mixed insulin had the highest incidence of hypoglycemia (vs. non-users: 50% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001) and insulin (bolus and basal; vs. non-users: 11.1% vs. 3%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: These findings may suggest a low post-exercise hypoglycemia occurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes, except when taking insulin. Self-management strategies should be considered, especially for patients on insulin medications.

Atrial structure and function in middle-aged, physically-active males and females: A cardiac magnetic resonance study.

Recent studies have reported on an association between endurance sport, atrial enlargement and the development of lone atrial fibrillation in younger, male cohorts. The atrial morphology and function of middle-aged, physically-active males and females have not been well studied. We hypothesized that middle-aged males would demonstrate larger left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) volumes compared to females, but atrial function would not differ. LA and RA volume and function were evaluated at rest in healthy adults, using a standardized 3.0Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance protocol. Physical activity, medical history, and maximal oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 peak ) were also assessed. Physically-active, middle-aged men (n = 60; 54 ± 5 years old) and women (n = 30; 54 ± 5 years old) completed this study. Males had a higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and V ˙ O 2 peak than females (p < .05 for all), despite similar reported physical activity levels. Absolute and BSA and height-indexed LA and RA maximum volumes were higher in males relative to females, despite no differences in ejection fractions (p < .05 for all). In multivariable regression, male sex p < .001) and V ˙ O 2 peak (p = .004) were predictors of LA volume (model R2  = 0.252), whereas V ˙ O 2 peak (p < .001), male sex (p = .03), and RV EF (p < .05) were predictors of RA volume (model R2  = 0.377). While middle-aged males exhibited larger atrial volumes relative to females, larger, prospective studies are needed to explore the magnitude of physiologic atrial remodeling and functional adaptations in relation to phenotypic factors.

Cardiovascular Physicians, Scientists, and Trainees Balancing Work and Caregiving Responsibilities in the COVID-19 Era: Sex and Race-Based Inequities.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a work-life (im)balance that has been present but not openly discussed in medicine, surgery, and science for decades. The pandemic has exposed inequities in existing institutional structure and policies concerning clinical workload, research productivity, and/or teaching excellence inadvertently privileging those who do not have significant caregiving responsibilities or those who have the resources to pay for their management. METHODS: We sought to identify the challenges facing multidisciplinary faculty and trainees with dependents, and highlight a number of possible strategies to address challenges in work-life (im)balance. RESULTS: To date, there are no Canadian-based data to quantify the physical and mental effect of COVID-19 on health care workers, multidisciplinary faculty, and trainees. As the pandemic evolves, formal strategies should be discussed with an intersectional lens to promote equity in the workforce, including (but not limited to): (1) the inclusion of broad representation (including equal representation of women and other marginalized persons) in institutional-based pandemic response and recovery planning and decision-making; (2) an evaluation (eg, institutional-led survey) of the effect of the pandemic on work-life balance; (3) the establishment of formal dialogue (eg, workshops, training, and media campaigns) to normalize coexistence of work and caregiving responsibilities and to remove stigma of gender roles; (4) a reevaluation of workload and promotion reviews; and (5) the development of formal mentorship programs to support faculty and trainees. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that a multistrategy approach needs to be considered by stakeholders (including policy-makers, institutions, and individuals) to create sustainable working conditions during and beyond this pandemic.

CONTEXTE: La pandémie de COVID-19 a mis en lumière le déséquilibre entre travail et vie personnelle qui règne depuis des décennies dans les milieux de la médecine, de la chirurgie et des sciences, mais dont on ne parlait pas ouvertement. La pandémie a en effet mis au jour des iniquités dans la structure et les politiques des établissements en matière de charge de travail clinique, de productivité de la recherche et d'excellence en enseignement, qui favorisent par inadvertance les personnes qui n'ont pas de responsabilités familiales importantes ou qui ont les ressources nécessaires pour leur prise en charge. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons tenté de cerner les difficultés auxquelles font face les enseignants multidisciplinaires et les stagiaires ayant des personnes à charge, et nous proposons un certain nombre de stratégies possibles pour faciliter la conciliation travail-vie personnelle. RÉSULTATS: À ce jour, il n'existe pas de données canadiennes permettant de quantifier les répercussions physiques et mentales de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur les travailleurs de la santé, les enseignants multidisciplinaires et les stagiaires. Au fil de l'évolution de la pandémie, il conviendrait de formuler des stratégies officielles à la lumière des commentaires d'intervenants des différents secteurs concernés, afin de promouvoir l'équilibre au sein des effectifs; ces stratégies pourraient notamment inclure ce qui suit (sans toutefois s'y limiter) : 1) l'inclusion d'une vaste représentation (y compris une représentation égale des femmes et des autres personnes marginalisées) pour la réponse à la pandémie dans les établissements, la planification du rétablissement et la prise de décisions; 2) une évaluation (p. ex. au moyen d'un sondage mené sous la direction des établissements) des répercussions de la pandémie sur la conciliation travail-vie personnelle; 3) l'établissement d'un dialogue formel (p. ex. ateliers, activités de formation et campagnes dans les médias) afin de normaliser la coexistence des responsabilités professionnelles et familiales et d'éliminer la stigmatisation associée aux rôles des sexes; 4) une réévaluation de la charge de travail et des promotions; et 5) la mise sur pied de programmes formels de mentorat pour soutenir les enseignants et les stagiaires. CONCLUSIONS: Nous croyons que les intervenants (décideurs, établissements et personnes) devraient envisager une approche multistratégie afin d'instaurer des conditions de travail viables pendant la pandémie et par la suite.

Evaluation of Short-term Outcomes of Tracheostomy Procedures in a NICU Population With High Ventilator Settings.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether tracheostomy placement in infants requiring high ventilator pressure is safe and effective. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital. METHODS: Fifty ventilator-dependent neonatal intensive care unit patients who underwent tracheotomy from 2009 to 2018 were included. Patients requiring high ventilator pressures were compared to those requiring low ventilator pressures. Demographics, comorbidities, and surgical and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent (n = 16) had low ventilator settings at the time of tracheostomy tube placement, and 68% (n = 34) had high ventilator settings. The median peak inspiratory pressure of the high ventilator group was 29.5 cm H2O, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 8 cm H2O, mean airway pressure was 13 cm H2O, pressure support (PS) was 14 cm H2O, PS above PEEP was 6 cm H2O, and inspiratory time was 0.65 seconds. The high ventilator cohort had a higher median age at the time of surgery compared to the low ventilator group (P = .02). Female patients were more likely to have high ventilator settings (P = .02). There were no intraoperative complications or deaths within the first 7 days of tracheostomy tube placement. Pneumonia incidence and rate of mortality during admission did not vary by ventilator settings (P = .92 and P = .94, respectively). CONCLUSION: Few differences in tracheostomy tube placement outcomes were observed for patients with high ventilator settings compared to low ventilator settings. These data demonstrate that patients requiring high ventilator pressures can benefit from tracheostomy tube placement with no additional short-term risks.

Sex, Race, and Age Differences of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy RCTs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is beneficial in patients who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or arrhythmic events. However, most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing survival benefits primarily enrolled older white men. This study aims to evaluate CRT efficacy by sex, race, and age in RCTs. METHODS: Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Medline, and PubMed) were searched from inception to July 12, 2021 for RCTs with CRT in adult patients. Data were analyzed for clinical outcomes including all-cause or cardiovascular (CV) death, worsening heart failure (HF), and HF hospitalization (HFH) according to sex, race, and age. RESULTS: Among six RCTs with up to moderate risk of bias, 54% (n = 3,630 of 6,682; mean age 64 years, 22% female, 8% black patients) had CRT device implantation. All-cause death (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; P = 0.053) was reduced in female versus male CRT patients, whereas CV death, HFH, or all-cause death with worsening HF or HFH did not differ significantly. No difference was seen in CRT patients for all-cause death and worsening HF (OR, 1.32; P = 0.46) among white vs black patients or for all-cause death and HFH (OR, 1.19; P = 0.55) among ≥ 65 versus < 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas all-cause death was lower in female CRT patients, other reported outcomes did not significantly differ by sex, race, or age. Only 6 studies partially reported outcomes. Thus, enhanced reporting and analyses are required to overcome such paucity of data to evaluate the impact of these factors on clinical outcomes in distinct patient cohorts with CRT indication.

CONTEXTE: La thérapie de resynchronisation cardiaque (TRC) est salutaire chez les patients qui souffrent d'insuffisance cardiaque avec fraction d'éjection réduite ou qui subissent des épisodes arythmiques. Toutefois, la plupart des essais contrôlés randomisés (ECR) montrant des bienfaits en matière de survie ont été principalement menés chez des hommes blancs âgés. Cette étude vise à évaluer l'efficacité de la TRC en fonction du sexe, de la race et de l'âge des participants aux ECR. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons effectué des recherches dans cinq bases de données électroniques (CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Medline et PubMed) en ciblant une période allant de la date de leur création jusqu'au 12 juillet 2021 afin de recenser les ECR menés chez des patients adultes ayant subi une TRC. Les données ont fait l'objet d'une analyse axée sur les résultats cliniques, notamment les décès toutes causes confondues ou d'origine cardiovasculaire (CV), l'aggravation de l'insuffisance cardiaque (IC) et les hospitalisations pour cause d'IC (HIC), en fonction du sexe, de la race et de l'âge des patients. RÉSULTATS: Dans six ECR présentant un risque de biais tout au plus modéré, 54 % des patients (n = 3 630 sur 6 682; âge moyen : 64 ans, 22 % de femmes, 8 % de patients noirs) étaient porteurs d'un dispositif de RC. Les décès toutes causes confondues (rapport de cotes [RC] : 0,51; p = 0,053) étaient moins nombreux chez les femmes que chez les hommes parmi les patients ayant subi une TRC. En revanche, aucune différence significative entre les deux sexes n'a été relevée en ce qui concerne les décès d'origine CV, les HIC ou les décès toutes causes confondues liés à l'aggravation de l'IC ou aux HIC. Au sein de la population ayant subi une TRC, aucune différence n'a été observée quant aux décès toutes causes confondues et à l'aggravation de l'IC (RC : 1,32; p = 0,46) chez les patients blancs par rapport aux patients noirs. Il y avait aussi absence de différence quant aux décès toutes causes confondues et aux HIC (RC : 1,19; p = 0,55) chez les patients âgés de 65 ans ou plus par rapport aux patients âgés de moins de 65 ans au sein de la même population. CONCLUSIONS: Les décès toutes causes confondues étaient moins nombreux chez les femmes qui avaient subi une TRC, mais les autres résultats rapportés ne différaient pas significativement selon le sexe, la race ou l'âge des patients. Seulement six études ont signalé partiellement les résultats. Des rapports et des analyses plus détaillés sont nécessaires pour remédier à la paucité des données et ainsi permettre d'évaluer l'effet des facteurs étudiés sur les résultats cliniques au sein de cohortes distinctes de patients chez qui la TRC est indiquée.

Sex, Race, and Age Differences in Cardiovascular Outcomes in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data are limited regarding the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in diverse populations. This study explores cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and mortality from ICD randomized controlled trials (RCTs), by sex, race, and age. METHODS: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Emcare, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature CINAHL) were searched for dates from their inception to July 12, 2021, for RCTs of ICD therapy in adult patients. Data were analyzed for clinical outcomes, including all-cause or CV death, and heart failure hospitalization (HFH). RESULTS: Among 5 RCTs (mean age: 63 years; 78% male; 76% White) with moderate overall risk of bias, clinical outcomes in patients with an ICD (n = 3260) vs a control group (n = 3685) were compared. No between-group sex differences were observed for all-cause death (odds ratio [OR] 0.86, P = 0.51), CV death (OR 0.98, P = 0.96), HFH (OR 0.95, P = 0.87), or HFH and all-cause death (OR 0.83, P = 0.51) in the ICD group, in a comparison of male vs female sex. All-cause death (OR 1.20, P = 0.67) did not differ for White vs Black patients receiving ICD therapy. Outcomes data for other non-White, non-Black race groups were often unreported. Most RCTs originated in North America, had male leadership, and were evenly sponsored by industry vs peer-reviewed funding. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes data are sparse, by sex, race, and age, in current RCTs evaluating ICD therapy. Although ICD patient outcomes did not significantly differ by sex or race, improved data analyses and reporting are needed to determine the relationship between these sociocultural factors and clinical outcomes among distinct ICD patient cohorts.

CONTEXTE: Les données sur l'utilisation des défibrillateurs cardioverteurs implantables (DCI) dans diverses populations sont limitées. Cette étude porte sur les résultats cardiovasculaires (CV) et les décès liés aux DCI qui ont été signalés dans le cadre d'essais contrôlés randomisés (ECR), en fonction du sexe, de la race et de l'âge. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans cinq bases de données électroniques (PubMed, EmCare, Embase, Medline et CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature]) en ciblant une période allant de la date de leur création jusqu'au 12 juillet 2021 afin de recenser les ECR menés chez des patients adultes ayant reçu un DCI. Les données ont été analysées en fonction des résultats cliniques, notamment les décès toutes causes confondues ou d'origine CV et les hospitalisations pour insuffisance cardiaque (hIC). RÉSULTATS: Cinq ECR (âge moyen des patients : 63 ans; 78 % d'hommes; 76 % de race blanche) présentant globalement un risque de biais modéré ont permis de comparer les résultats cliniques obtenus chez les patients ayant reçu un DCI (n = 3 260) et ceux du groupe témoin (n = 3 685). Aucune différence intergroupe entre les sexes n'a été observée pour les décès toutes causes confondues (rapport de cotes [RC] : 0,86, p = 0,51), les décès d'origine CV (RC : 0,98, p = 0,96) et les hIC (RC : 0,95, p = 0,87), ou les hIC et les décès toutes causes confondues (RC : 0,83, p = 0,51) au sein du groupe de patients ayant reçu un DCI, dans une comparaison entre les sexes. Aucune différence entre les patients de race blanche et de race noire ayant reçu un DCI n'a été notée pour ce qui est des décès toutes causes confondues (RC : 1,20, p = 0,67). Souvent, les données sur les résultats obtenus au sein de groupes de patients de race autre que blanche ou noire n'étaient pas signalées. La plupart des ECR avaient été menés en Amérique du Nord, étaient dirigés par des hommes et commandités à parts égales par l'industrie et des organismes offrant du financement approuvé par les pairs. CONCLUSIONS: Les ECR portant sur l'utilisation des DCI fournissent actuellement peu de données sur les résultats en fonction du sexe, de la race et de l'âge. Les résultats obtenus chez les patients ayant reçu un DCI ne différaient pas significativement selon le sexe ou la race. Néanmoins, des analyses de données et des rapports plus détaillés sont nécessaires pour déterminer la relation entre ces facteurs socioculturels et les résultats cliniques au sein de cohortes distinctes de patients ayant reçu un DCI.

A Novel Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) Biomarker-Anti-DSG2-Is Absent in Athletes With Right Ventricular Enlargement.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) enlargement is common in endurance athletes. It is usually considered to be physiological, but it is possible that this remodelling is adverse, manifesting as a variant of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), termed "exercise-induced ARVC." A novel biomarker (anti-desmoglein-2 [anti-DSG2] antibody) has been shown to indicate ARVC with high sensitivity and specificity and may be an immune response to breakdown of RV desmosomes. It is not known if this antibody is present in endurance athletes with RV enlargement but without clinical ARVC. METHODS: Middle-aged, healthy endurance athletes with RV enlargement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging had serum tested for the presence of the anti-DSG2 antibody. All athletes also underwent Holter monitoring, a signal-averaged electrocardiogram, and an exercise questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 30 athletes (20 men, 10 women, average age 53 ± 6 years) were enrolled in this study with median RV end-diastolic volume indexes of 117.1 mL/m2 (men) and 103.5 mL/m2 (women). Athletes demonstrated other characteristics of endurance training, including depolarization abnormalities (abnormal signal-averaged electrocardiogram, 19 of 30) and incomplete right bundle branch block (8 of 30). No athlete met criteria for definite or probable ARVC. None of the athletes tested positive for anti-DSG2 antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Among middle-aged endurance athletes with RV enlargement, the anti-DSG2 antibody, a suggested ARVC biomarker, is absent in all and is highly specific in this cohort (95% confidence interval, 88%-100%). Despite significant RV remodelling, these athletes did not express a previously characterized pathologic biomarker known to be sensitive for ARVC. Physiological exercise remodelling and pathologic ARVC remodelling are likely separate processes.

INTRODUCTION: L'augmentation du volume du ventricule droit (VD) est fréquente chez les sportifs d'endurance. On considère habituellement que ce remodelage est physiologique, mais il est possible qu'il soit indésirable, c'est-à-dire qu'il révèle une variante de la cardiomyopathie arythmogène du ventricule droit (CAVD), appelée « CAVD induite par l'exercice ¼. Il a été démontré qu'un nouveau biomarqueur (l'anticorps anti-desmogléine 2 [anti-DSG2]) présente une sensibilité et une spécificité élevées pour dépister la CAVD et qu'il peut être une réponse immunitaire à la dégradation des desmosomes du VD. On ne sait pas si cet anticorps est présent chez les sportifs d'endurance qui ont une augmentation du volume du VD, sans CAVD clinique. MÉTHODES: Les sportifs d'endurance d'âge moyen en bonne santé qui ont une augmentation du volume du VD à l'imagerie cardiaque par résonance magnétique ont subi une épreuve pour vérifier la présence de l'anticorps anti-DSG2 dans le sérum. Tous les athlètes ont également eu une surveillance par la méthode de Holter, un électrocardiogramme à signaux moyennés et un questionnaire sur l'exercice. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons inscrit à cette étude un total de 30 athlètes (20 hommes, 10 femmes, âge moyen de 53 ± 6 ans) dont les indices volumiques télédiastoliques médians du VD des hommes étaient de 117,1 ml/m2 et des femmes, de 103,5 ml/m2. Les athlètes ont démontré d'autres caractéristiques de l'entraînement en endurance, notamment des anomalies de la dépolarisation (électrocardiogramme à signaux moyennés anormal, 19 sur 30) et un bloc de branche droit incomplet (8 sur 30). Aucun athlète n'a répondu aux critères de CAVD définie ou probable. Aucun des athlètes n'a eu de résultats positifs au test de dépistage des anticorps anti-DSG2. CONCLUSIONS: Chez tous les sportifs d'endurance d'âge moyen qui ont une augmentation du volume du VD, l'anticorps anti-DSG2, un biomarqueur proposé pour dépister la CAVD, est absent et est hautement spécifique dans cette cohorte (intervalle de confiance à 95 %, 88 %-100 %). En dépit d'un remodelage important du VD, les athlètes n'ont pas exprimé le biomarqueur pathologique, auparavant caractérisé, connu pour être sensible au dépistage de la CAVD. Le remodelage physiologique induit par l'exercice et le remodelage pathologique associé à la CAVD sont des processus probablement distincts.

Cardiac remodeling in middle-aged endurance athletes: relation between signal-averaged electrocardiogram and LV mass.

The relationship between structural and electrical remodeling in the heart, particularly after long-standing endurance training, remains unclear. Signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) may provide a more sensitive method to evaluate cardiac remodeling than a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Accurate measures of electrical function (SAECG filtered QRS duration (fQRSd) and late potentials (LP) and left-ventricular (LV) mass (cardiac magnetic resonance, CMR) can allow an assessment of structural remodeling and QRS prolongation. Endurance athletes (45-65 yr old, >10 yr of endurance sport), screened to exclude cardiac disease, had standardized 12-lead ECG, SAECG, resting echocardiogram (ECHO), and CMR performed. SAECG fQRSd was correlated with QRS duration on the 12-lead ECG, and ECHO and CMR-derived LV mass. Participants (n = 82, 67% male, mean age: 54 ± 6 yr, mean V̇o2max: 50 ± 7 mL/kg/min) had a CMR-derived LV mass of 118 ± 28 g/m2 and a fQRSd of 112 ± 8 ms (46% had abnormal fQRSd (>114 ms), and 51% met clinical threshold for abnormal SAECG). fQRSd was positively correlated with the 12-lead ECG QRS duration (r = 0.83), ECHO-derived LV mass (r = 0.60), CMR-derived LV mass (r = 0.58) and LV end-diastolic volume (r = 0.63, P < 0.001 for all). fQRSd had higher correlations with ECHO and CMR-derived LV mass than 12-lead ECG (P < 0.0008 and P < 0.0005, respectively). In conclusion, in a healthy cohort of middle-aged endurance athletes, the SAECG is often abnormal by conventional criteria, and is correlated with structural remodeling, but CMR evaluation does not indicate pathologic structural remodeling. SAECG fQRSd is superior to the 12-lead ECG for the electrocardiographic evaluation of LV mass.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Study findings indicate that a positive correlation exists between electrical (SAECG fQRSd) and structural indices (LV mass) in middle-aged endurance athletes with normal physiological LV adaptation, in the absence of known cardiac pathology. SAECG fQRSd may also provide an alternative, superior method for identifying increased LV mass compared to other 12-lead ECG criteria.

Sex, Gender, and Equity in Cardiovascular Medicine, Surgery, and Science in Canada: Challenges, Successes, and Opportunities for Change.

BACKGROUND: A previous review of sex, gender, and equity within cardiovascular (CV) medicine, surgery, and science in Canada has revealed parity during medical and graduate school training. The purpose of this study was to explore sex and gendered experiences within the Canadian CV landscape, and their impact on career training and progression. METHODS: An environmental scan was conducted of the Canadian CV landscape, which included an equity survey using Qualtrics software. RESULTS: The environmental scan revealed that women remain underrepresented within CV training programs as trainees (12%-30%), program directors (33%), in leadership roles at the divisional level (21%), and in other professional or career-related activities (< 30%). Our analysis also showed improvements of career engagement at these levels of women at over time. The thematic analysis of the equity survey responses (n = 71 respondents; 83% female; 9.7% response rate among female Canadian Cardiovascular Society members) identified the following themes reported within the socio-ecological framework: desire to report inequities vs staying the course (individual level); desire for social support and mentorship and challenges of dual responsibilities (interpersonal level); concerns over exclusionary cliques and desire for respect and opportunity (organizational level); and increasing awareness and actions to overcome institutional barriers and accountability (societal level). CONCLUSIONS: Although women face challenges and remain underrepresented in CV medicine, surgery, and science, this study highlights potential opportunities for improving access of female medical, surgical, and research trainees and professionals to specialized cardiovascular training, career advancement, leadership, and research.

CONTEXTE: Une étude antérieure portant sur le sexe, le genre et l'équité en médecine, chirurgie et sciences cardiovasculaires (CV) au Canada a révélé une parité au cours de la formation médicale et des études supérieures. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les expériences liées au sexe et au genre dans le paysage canadien du domaine CV, et leur impact sur la formation et la progression de carrière. MÉTHODES: Une analyse de l'environnement du paysage canadien dans le domaine CV a été réalisée, incluant une étude sur l'équité en utilisant le logiciel Qualtrics. RÉSULTATS: L'analyse de l'environnement a révélé que les femmes restent sous-représentées dans les programmes de formation du domaine CV que ce soit en tant que stagiaires (12 à 30 %), directrices de programme (33 %), dans les rôles de direction au niveau divisionnaire (21 %) et dans d'autres activités professionnelles ou associées à la carrière (< 30 %). Notre analyse a également montré une amélioration de l'engagement professionnel des femmes à ces niveaux au fil du temps. L'analyse thématique des réponses à l'enquête sur l'équité (n = 71 répondants; 83 % de femmes ; 9,7 % de taux de réponse parmi les membres féminins de la Société canadienne de cardiologie) a permis de dégager les thèmes suivants au sein du système socioécologique : désir de signaler les inégalités par rapport à la volonté de maintenir cap précis (au niveau individuel); désir de soutien social et de mentorat et défis liés à la double responsabilité (au niveau interpersonnel); préoccupations concernant les cliques exclusives et désir de respect et d'opportunité (au niveau organisationnel); et sensibilisation et actions accrues pour surmonter les obstacles institutionnels et les niveaux de responsabilité (au niveau sociétal). CONCLUSIONS: Bien que les femmes soient confrontées à des défis et restent sous-représentées dans les domaines de la médecine, de la chirurgie et des sciences CV, cette étude met en évidence les possibilités d'améliorer l'accès des stagiaires féminines et des professionnelles de la médecine, de la chirurgie et de la recherche à la formation spécialisée en cardiologie, à l'avancement de carrière, au rôle de direction et à la recherche.

Quantitative Assessment of Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVES: Objective evaluation of the ergonomic risk of common otolaryngology procedures and assessment of work-related musculoskeletal pain and injury. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional intraoperative assessment and survey. SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology at a tertiary children's hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixteen otolaryngology attendings, fellows, and residents participated in a blinded study. Intraoperative ergonomics was assessed for tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomy tube insertions using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Follow-up surveys were sent to all participating surgeons to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and formal ergonomic training. RESULTS: Zero percent (N = 0/275) of intraoperative observations were found to have a negligible level of ergonomic risk, with 47% low risk, 37% high risk, and 16% very high risk. Tympanostomy tube insertions conferred less risk than tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, while the use of headlamp or loupes conferred increased risk. Eighty percent of respondents reported having musculoskeletal pain and 40% reported experiencing pain while operating within the past year. The most common area of pain was the cervical spine. No surgeons reported formal ergonomic training. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates an unacceptable level of ergonomic risk for common procedures in otolaryngology. Furthermore, most participants reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain despite the duration of examined procedures being relatively short. The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain and the lack of ergonomic training in our cohort highlight the need for increased awareness of ergonomics as well as the development of formal ergonomic curricula.