Older people's perceptions and experiences of older people with the Sit-to-stand activity: An ethnographic pre-feasibility study / Percepções e experiências de idosos com a atividade Sit-to-stand: Um estudo etnográfico de pré-viabilidade / Percepciones y experiencias de los adultos mayores con respecto a la actividad Sit-to-stand: Un estudio etnográfico de viabilidad previa

Abstract Objective: the purpose of this pre-feasibility study was to examine perceptions and experiences of a Sit-to-stand activity with urban Brazilian community-dwelling older people in their homes. Method: the exploration method was focused ethnography. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 older people. Five means of data generation were used, namely: socio-demographic surveys, participant observations, informal interviews, formal semi-structured interviews, and field notes. Data analysis was qualitative content analysis. Results: the experience of mobility-challenged older people with the Sit-to-stand activity was dependent on their mobility expectations involving many factors that worked together to influence their beliefs and attitudes towards the activity, preferences, behaviors, and cultural perceptions. The participants of this study seemed to find the activity enjoyable; however, the most noticeable shortcomings for their engagement in the Sit-to-stand activity emerged as gaps in their personal and intrapersonal needs. Conclusion: the recommendations generated from the study findings call for the design of implementation strategies for the Sit-to-stand intervention that are tailored to this particular population's needs.

Resumo Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo de pré-viabilidade foi examinar percepções e experiências da atividade de Sit-to-stand com idosos brasileiros residentes em suas casas, no meio urbano. Método: o método exploratório foi etnografia focada. Foi utilizada a amostragem intencional para recrutar 20 idosos. Foram utilizados cinco meios de geração de dados: inquéritos sociodemográficos, observações participantes, entrevistas informais, entrevistas formais semiestruturadas e notas de campo. Os dados foram analisados mediante análise de conteúdo qualitativo. Resultados: a experiência dos idosos com problemas de mobilidade na realização da atividade Sit-to-stand dependia de suas expectativas de mobilidade envolvendo muitos fatores coordenados que, de forma conjunta, influenciaram suas crenças e atitudes em relação à atividade, suas preferências, seus comportamentos e percepções culturais. Os participantes deste estudo pareciam considerar a atividade aprazível; no entanto, as deficiências mais perceptíveis para o engajamento dos participantes na atividade Sit-to-stand surgiram de falhas em suas necessidades pessoais e intrapessoais. Conclusão: as recomendações geradas a partir dos achados do estudo convocam a concepção de estratégias de implementação da intervenção Sit-to-stand adaptadas às necessidades dessa população em particular.

Resumen Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio de viabilidad previa fue examinar percepciones y experiencias con respecto a la actividad Sit-to-stand entre los adultos mayores de Brasil que viven en sus hogares en comunidades urbanas. Método: el método de exploración se enfocó en la etnografía. Se utilizó muestreo intencional para reclutar 20 adultos mayores. Se emplearon cinco medios para generar datos, a saber: encuestas sociodemográficas, observaciones participantes, entrevistas informales, entrevistas formales semiestructuradas y notas de campo. Para el análisis de los datos se recurrió a análisis de contenido cualitativo. Resultados: la experiencia de los adultos mayores con problemas de movilidad en relación con la actividad Sit-to-stand dependió de sus expectativas en torno a la movilidad, las cuales implicaron muchos factores que actuaron en conjunto para influenciar sus creencias y actitudes con respecto a la actividad, al igual que preferencias, conductas y percepciones culturales. Aparentemente, a los participantes de este estudio la actividad les resultó amena; sin embargo, los inconvenientes más notorios para adoptar la actividad Sit-to-stand surgió en la forma de déficits en sus necesidades personales e intrapersonales. Conclusión: las recomendaciones resultantes de los hallazgos del estudio indican la necesidad de diseñar estrategias de implementación para la intervención Sit-to-stand a la medida de las necesidades de este grupo poblacional específico.

"Students Moving Together", Tailored Exercise for Students Facing Mental Health Challenges-A Pilot Feasibility Study.

An increasing number of university students are facing mental health challenges. The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of 10 weeks of supervised tailored group exercise for 60 min twice a week delivered by the student health service for students facing mental health challenges. Secondary aims were to explore changes in mental health and physical fitness from pre- to post-test. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment, drop-outs, attendance, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes included symptoms of depression and anxiety, wellbeing, satisfaction with life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance/strength. A total of 13 university students with self-reported mental health challenges, aged 20-39 years, were recruited during a four-week period. Ten (77%) of these completed the intervention and post-test as planned, and no adverse events occurred. There was a significant average reduction of 20% in symptoms of depression and anxiety (p = 0.008), and non-significant improvements of 21% in well-being and 16% in satisfaction with life were found. On average, cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01) and muscular strength (push-ups test, p = 0.01, and sit-ups test, p = 0.02) increased. In conclusion, a 10-week tailored exercise intervention delivered by the student mental health service was found to be feasible, and beneficial for mental health and physical fitness in students facing mental health challenges.

Adaptability of Existing Feasibility Tools for Clinical Study Research Data Platforms.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing need for secondary use of clinical study data requires FAIR infrastructures, i.e. provide findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable data. It is crucial for data scientists to assess the number and distribution of cohorts that meet complex combinations of criteria defined by the research question. This so-called feasibility test is increasingly offered as a self-service, where scientists can filter the available data according to specific parameters. Early feasibility tools have been developed for biosamples or image collections. They are of high interest for clinical study platforms that federate multiple studies and data types, but they pose specific requirements on the integration of data sources and data protection. METHODS: Mandatory and desired requirements for such tools were acquired from two user groups - primary users and staff managing a platform's transfer office. Open Source feasibility tools were sought by different literature search strategies and evaluated on their adaptability to the requirements. RESULTS: We identified seven feasibility tools that we evaluated based on six mandatory properties. DISCUSSION: We determined five feasibility tools to be most promising candidates for adaption to a clinical study research data platform, the Clinical Communication Platform, the German Portal for Medical Research Data, the Feasibility Explorer, Medical Controlling, and the Sample Locator.

Diagnosing COVID-19 in nasopharyngeal secretion through Raman spectroscopy: a feasibility study.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has sought to develop fast and accurate techniques for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Raman spectroscopy is a promising technique for diagnosing COVID-19 through serum samples. In the present study, the diagnosis of COVID-19 through nasopharyngeal secretion has been proposed. Raman spectra from nasopharyngeal secretion samples (15 Control, negative and 12 COVID-19, positive, assayed by immunofluorescence antigen test) were obtained in triplicate in a dispersive Raman spectrometer (830 nm, 350 mW), accounting for a total of 80 spectra. Using principal component analysis (PCA) the main spectral differences between the Control and COVID-19 samples were attributed to N and S proteins from the virus in the COVID-19 group. Features assigned to mucin (serine, threonine and proline amino acids) were observed in the Control group. A binary model based on partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) differentiated COVID-19 versus Control samples with accuracy of 91%, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100%. Raman spectroscopy has a great potential for becoming a technique of choice for rapid and label-free evaluation of nasopharyngeal secretion for COVID-19 diagnosis.

Feasibility of a Community Healthy Eating and Cooking Intervention Featuring Traditional African Caribbean Foods from Participant and Staff Perspectives.

Culturally appropriate healthy eating resources are intended to help people from different ethnic backgrounds consume diets reflecting government dietary recommendations, yet evidence on use in the target groups is lacking. This study evaluated the feasibility of a new brief culturally appropriate community intervention that aimed to introduce food-based healthy eating and recipe resources featuring African Caribbean foods, which were recently co-developed with people from these ethnic backgrounds. Working with a community organization in the UK, a single-arm study was used to collect verbal data from participants and staff on the acceptability of intervention whilst knowledge, skills and behaviours related to healthy eating were evaluated using pre-, post- and follow-up questionnaires. A total of 30 participants were recruited, and 22 completed all three questionnaires; who were mostly female aged 55 years+ (n = 17) and of African Caribbean ethnicity (45%, n = 10), with 32% (n = 7) reporting no educational attainment. At post-intervention and follow-up, most participants reported high satisfaction (n = 21, 95%) with the intervention sessions and high levels of confidence in using the resources at home within budget. The number of participants who were familiar with the healthy eating guidance featuring Caribbean foods increased from pre- (36%, n = 8) to post-intervention/follow-up (n = 22, 100%) (p < 0.05). Findings suggest the intervention is feasible in a community setting and could help increase awareness and use of culturally appropriate healthy eating guidance amongst a diverse group.

Assessing the Global Cognition of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Using Motor and Sensory Factors: A Cross-Sectional Feasibility Study.

Impairments in gait, postural stability, and sensory functions were proved to be strongly associated with severe cognitive impairment such as in dementia. However, to prevent dementia, it is necessary to detect cognitive deterioration early, which requires a deeper understanding of the connections between the aforementioned functions and global cognition. Therefore, the current study measured gait, postural, auditory, and visual functions and, using principal component analysis, explored their individual and cumulative association with global cognition. The global cognitive function of 82 older Korean males was determined using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The motor and sensory functions were summarized into seven independent factors using factor analysis, followed by age and education-level-adjusted linear regression model analysis. The seven factors obtained using factor analysis were gait speed, gait stability, midstance, general auditory ability, auditory recognition, overall visual ability, and postural stability. The linear regression model included years of education, gait stability, postural stability, and auditory recognition, and was able to explain more than half of the variability in cognitive score. This shows that motor and sensory parameters, which are obtainable through wearable sensors and mobile applications, could be utilized in detecting cognitive fluctuations even in the early stages of cognitive deterioration.

The feasibility of using the compound kushen injection to treat cervical cancer based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the molecular targets and mechanisms of compound kushen injection (CKI) in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics. METHODS: In this study, we used network pharmacology methods to screen for effective compounds, integrated the results of network pharmacology and RNA-seq to comprehensively screen and predict target genes, analyze the biological functions and signaling pathways of target genes, and construct a PPI network to screen for hub genes. The results were further verified by biological experiments, molecular docking, RT-PCR, and western blot analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the hub genes CXCL2, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, hexokinase 2 are therapeutic targets of CKI for the treatment of Cervical Cancer. These targets were significantly enriched in pathways mainly including pathways in cancer, cell cycle, MAPK signaling pathways, etc. In vitro cell experiments showed that CKI could effectively inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, promote apoptosis, and induce cell cycle arrest. RT-PCR and western blot experiments showed that the expression of hub genes was significantly decreased. The compounds have good binding activity to hub genes. CONCLUSION: CKI, based on its active ingredients and through multiple targets and multiple pathways, can stop the growth of cervical cancer cells at a certain phase of the cell cycle and cause apoptosis, which proved CKI's effect in treating cervical cancer.

Exploring the Feasibility of Circulating miRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Osteoarthritis: Challenges and Opportunities.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. As the most common aging-related joint disease, OA is marked by inadequate extracellular matrix synthesis and the breakdown of articular cartilage. However, traditional diagnostic methods for OA, relying on clinical assessments and radiographic imaging, often need to catch up in detecting early-stage disease or i accurately predicting its progression. Consequently, there is a growing interest in identifying reliable biomarkers that can facilitate early diagnosis and prognosis of OA. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential candidates due to their involvement in various cellular processes, including cartilage homeostasis and inflammation. This review explores the feasibility of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in OA, focusing on knee OA while shedding light on the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation in clinical practice.

Development, Design and Utilization of a CDSS for Refeeding Syndrome in Real Life Inpatient Care-A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: The refeeding syndrome (RFS) is an oftentimes-unrecognized complication of reintroducing nutrition in malnourished patients that can lead to fatal cardiovascular failure. We hypothesized that a clinical decision support system (CDSS) can improve RFS recognition and management. METHODS: We developed an algorithm from current diagnostic criteria for RFS detection, tested the algorithm on a retrospective dataset and combined the final algorithm with therapy and referral recommendations in a knowledge-based CDSS. The CDSS integration into clinical practice was prospectively investigated for six months. RESULTS: The utilization of the RFS-CDSS lead to RFS diagnosis in 13 out of 21 detected cases (62%). It improved patient-related care and documentation, e.g., RFS-specific coding (E87.7), increased from once coded in 30 month in the retrospective cohort to four times in six months in the prospective cohort and doubled the rate of nutrition referrals in true positive patients (retrospective referrals in true positive patients 33% vs. prospective referrals in true positive patients 71%). CONCLUSION: CDSS-facilitated RFS diagnosis is possible and improves RFS recognition. This effect and its impact on patient-related outcomes needs to be further investigated in a large randomized-controlled trial.

Feasibility, effectiveness and acceptability of two perturbation-based treadmill training protocols to improve reactive balance in fall-prone older adults (FEATURE): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) targets the mechanism of falls (eg, slipping, tripping) to specifically train the recovery actions needed to avoid a fall. This task-specific training has shown great promise as an effective and efficient intervention for fall prevention in older adults. However, knowledge about the dose-response relationship of PBT, as well as its feasibility and acceptability in older adults with increased risk of falling is still limited. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different treadmill PBT protocols for improving reactive balance control in fall-prone older adults, and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of these protocols. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study is designed as a pilot randomised controlled trial with a 6-week intervention and 6-week follow-up period. Thirty-six community-dwelling, fall-prone (Timed Up and Go >12 s, habitual gait speed <1.0 m/s and/or fall history) older adults will be randomised (1:1) to receive six (weeks 1-6) or two treadmill PBT sessions (weeks 1+6) plus four conventional treadmill training sessions (weeks 2-5). Training sessions are conducted 1×/week for 30 min. Each PBT will include 40 perturbations in anterior-posterior and mediolateral directions. Reactive balance after perturbations in standing (Stepping Threshold Test (STT)) and walking (Dynamic Stepping Threshold Test (DSTT)) will be assessed as the primary outcome for effectiveness. Secondary outcomes are spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters collected during STT, DSTT and PBT, maximum perturbation magnitude for each PBT session, static and dynamic balance, physical capacity, physical activity, concerns with falling and executive functions. Feasibility will be assessed via training adherence, drop-out rate, perturbations actually performed and adverse events; and acceptability via self-designed questionnaire and focus groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty Heidelberg (S-602/2022). Findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00030805.

Feasibility and safety of exercise during chemotherapy in people with gastrointestinal cancers: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor in cancer patients, and exercise is one of the treatments to improve sarcopenia. However, there is currently insufficient evidence on whether exercise can improve sarcopenia in patients with advanced cancers. This study examined the feasibility of exercise in advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients treated with palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: Between 2020 and 2021, 30 patients were enrolled in a resistance and aerobic exercise program for six weeks. The exercise intervention program (EIP) consisted of low, moderate, and high intensity levels. Patients were asked to select the intensity level according to their ability. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of the EIP measured by compliance during the six weeks. A compliance of over 50% was considered acceptable. The secondary endpoints were changes in weight and muscle mass, safety, quality of life (QoL) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The median age of the study's participants was 60 (30-77). The total compliance to the EIP was 63.3% (19/30 patients). Sixteen (53.3%) patients had a compliance of over 80%. The attrition rate was 30.0% (9/30). The mean exercise time was 41.4 min, and the aerobic exercise was 92.3% and the resistant exercise was 73.7%, and both exercise was 66.5%. Most patients performed the moderate intensity level exercises at home or near their home. The mean skeletal muscle index (SMI) was 43.5 cm2/m2 pre-chemotherapy and 42.2 cm2/m2 after six weeks of chemotherapy, with a decrease of -1.2 ± 2.8 cm2/m2 (-3.0%) (p = 0.030). In the poor compliance group, the mean SMI decrease was -2.8 ± 3.0 cm2/m2 which was significantly different (p = 0.033); however, in the good compliance group, the mean SMI decrease was -0.5 ± 2.5 cm2/m2 which was maintained over the six weeks (p = 0.337). The good compliance group had a significantly longer median OS compared with the poor compliance group (25.3 months vs. 7.9 months, HR = 0.306, 95% CI = 0.120-0.784, p = 0.014). The QoL showed a better score for insomnia (p = 0.042). There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The EIP during palliative chemotherapy in advanced GI cancer patients showed good compliance. In the good compliance group, muscle mass and physical functions were maintained for six weeks. The EIP was safe, and the QoL was maintained. Based on this study, further research in exercise intervention in advanced cancer patients is needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial registration number is KCT 0005615 (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/ ); registration date, 23rd Nov 2020.

Fully automated volumetric modulated arc therapy planning for locally advanced rectal cancer: feasibility and efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has emerged as a promising technique, but the planning process can be time-consuming and dependent on planner expertise. We aimed to develop a fully automated VMAT planning program for LARC and evaluate its feasibility and efficiency. METHODS: A total of 26 LARC patients who received VMAT treatment and the computed tomography (CT) scans were included in this study. Clinical target volumes and organs at risk were contoured by radiation oncologists. The automatic planning program, developed within the Raystation treatment planning system, used scripting capabilities and a Python environment to automate the entire planning process. The automated VMAT plan (auto-VMAT) was created by our automated planning program with the 26 CT scans used in the manual VMAT plan (manual-VMAT) and their regions of interests. Dosimetric parameters and time efficiency were compared between the auto-VMAT and the manual-VMAT created by experienced planners. All results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test. RESULTS: The auto-VMAT achieved comparable coverage of the target volume while demonstrating improved dose conformity and uniformity compared with the manual-VMAT. V30 and V40 in the small bowel were significantly lower in the auto-VMAT compared with those in the manual-VMAT (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively); the mean dose of the bladder was also significantly reduced in the auto-VMAT (p < 0.001). Furthermore, auto-VMAT plans were consistently generated with less variability in quality. In terms of efficiency, the auto-VMAT markedly reduced the time required for planning and expedited plan approval, with 93% of cases approved within one day. CONCLUSION: We developed a fully automatic feasible VMAT plan creation program for LARC. The auto-VMAT maintained target coverage while providing organs at risk dose reduction. The developed program dramatically reduced the time to approval.

A Semantic-Based Cognitive Training Programme on Everyday Activities: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study among Cognitively Healthy Older Adults.

Background: During the normal ageing process, a person's cognitive functions and memory gradually decline, which can affect their ability to perform everyday activities including cooking, cleaning, managing finances, and shopping. Semantic memory encoding strategies benefit older adults' cognitive and functional performance. Such strategies can be taught by an accessible, cost-effective, and flexible app-based programme. Currently, no studies examine such an app-based programme focussed on everyday activities. Objectives: To determine if an app-based programme constructed on the principles of semantic memory encoding strategies, targeted towards older adults, called Enhancing Memory in Daily Life (E-MinD Life) is (1) feasible by examining acceptance, engagement, and attendance and (2) acceptable by examining the perceived effectiveness, relevancy, clarity, and convenience. Methods: Eleven participants were recruited to a nine-week (18 sessions) programme using E-MinD Life. Feasibility was measured by collecting data on recruitment and retention rates, attendance, and duration of sessions. Acceptability was measured via a Likert scale questionnaire and free comments. Likert scale responses were analysed using descriptive statistics; open-ended responses were categorised qualitatively via constant comparative approach. Results: Nine participants completed the programme. Overall, most participants found the programme relevant, convenient, logical, and easy to understand and perceived it to be effective to address functional cognitive problems impacting performance of everyday activities. The results from the qualitative analysis showed that participants found the programme enjoyable and the interaction with the research team throughout the intervention beneficial. Conclusion: E-MinD Life shows promise as the focus of further research to determine the effectiveness of the programme and sematic-based cognitive strategies in maintaining cognition and performance in everyday activities among older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Amide proton transfer (APT) and magnetization transfer (MT) in predicting short-term therapeutic outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy: a feasibility study of three-dimensional chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI.

BACKGROUND: The three-dimensional chemical exchange saturation transfer (3D CEST) technique is a novel and promising magnetic resonance sequence; however, its application in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) lacks sufficient evaluation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the 3D CEST technique in predicting the short-term treatment outcomes for chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in NPC patients. METHODS: Forty NPC patients and fourteen healthy volunteers were enrolled and underwent the pre-treatment 3D CEST magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The reliability of 3D CEST was assessed in healthy volunteers by calculating the intra- and inter-observer correlation coefficient (ICC) for amide proton transfer weighted-signal intensity (APTw-SI) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) values. NPC patients were divided into residual and non-residual groups based on short-term treatment outcomes after CRT. Whole-tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn to measure APTw-SI, MTR and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Multivariate analysis and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the prediction performance of clinical characteristics, APTw-SI, MTR, ADC values, and combined models in predicting short-term treatment outcomes in NPC patients. RESULTS: For the healthy volunteer group, all APTw-SI and MTR values exhibited good to excellent intra- and inter-observer agreements (0.736-0.910, 0.895-0.981, all P > 0.05). For NPC patients, MTR values showed a significant difference between the non-residual and residual groups (31.24 ± 5.21% vs. 34.74 ± 1.54%, P = 0.003) while no significant differences were observed for APTw-SI and ADC values (P > 0.05). Moreover, the diagnostic power of MTR value was superior to APTw-SI (AUC: 0.818 vs. 0.521, P = 0.017) and comparable to ADC values (AUC: 0.818 vs. 0.649, P > 0.05) in predicting short-term treatment outcomes for NPC patients. The prediction performance did not improve even when combining MTR values with APTw-SI and/or ADC values (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pre-treatment MTR value acquired through 3D CEST demonstrated superior predictive performance for short-term treatment outcomes compared to APTw-SI and ADC values in NPC patients after CRT.

Feasibility, comprehensibility and acceptability of the VISION-Cog, a novel tool to assess cognitive impairment in visually impaired older adults: a cross-sectional pilot study in Singapore.

OBJECTIVES: We pilot-tested the VISually Independent test battery Of NeuroCOGnition (VISION-Cog) to determine its feasibility, comprehensibility and acceptability in evaluating cognitive impairment (CI) in visually impaired older Asian adults. DESIGN: The VISION-Cog was iteratively fine-tuned through pilot studies and expert-panel discussion. In the first pilot study (Stage 1), we recruited 15 visually impaired and cognitively normal participants aged ≥60 years to examine the pilot VISION-Cog's feasibility (length of time to administer), comprehensibility (clarity of instructions) and acceptability (participant burden). We then presented the pilot results to the expert panel (Stage 2) who decided via agreement on a revised version of the VISION-Cog. Subsequently, we conducted a second pilot study (Stage 3) on another four participants to ascertain improvement in feasibility, comprehensibility and acceptability of the revised version. SETTING: Singapore Eye Research Institute. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen Asian adults aged ≥60 years with visual impairment (defined as near visual acuity worse than N8) were recruited. OUTCOME MEASURE: Revised VISION-Cog. RESULT: The VISION-Cog was deemed feasible, taking approximately 60 min to complete on average. All participants agreed that the test instructions were clear, and the battery did not cause undue discomfort or frustration. The data collector rated all tests as very user-friendly (score of 5/5). Minor modifications to the pilot VISION-Cog were suggested by the panel to improve its safety, clarity of instructions and content validity, which were incorporated and iteratively tested in the second pilot study until no further issues emerged. CONCLUSIONS: Using an iterative mixed-methods process, we have developed a feasible, comprehensible and acceptable 5-domain and 9-item visually independent VISION-Cog test battery suitable to assist CI diagnosis in older adults with visual impairment. We will assess its diagnostic potential against clinician-based assessment of CI in subsequent phases.

The Stride program: Feasibility and pre-to-post program change of an exercise service for university students experiencing mental distress.

Rates of mental illness are disproportionately high for young adult and higher education (e.g., university student) populations. As such, universities and tertiary institutions often devote significant efforts to services and programs that support and treat mental illness and/or mental distress. However, within that portfolio of treatment approaches, structured exercise has been relatively underutilised and greater research attention is needed to develop this evidence base. The Stride program is a structured 12-week exercise service for students experiencing mental distress. We aimed to explore the feasibility of the program and assess pre- and post-program change, through assessments of student health, lifestyle, and wellbeing outcomes. Drawing from feasibility and effectiveness-implementation hybrid design literatures, we conducted a non-randomised feasibility trial of the Stride program. Participants were recruited from the Stride program (N = 114, Mage = 24.21 years). Feasibility results indicated the program was perceived as acceptable and that participants reported positive perceptions of program components, personnel, and sessions. Participants' pre-to-post program change in depressive symptomatology, physical activity levels, mental health-related quality of life, and various behavioural outcomes were found to be desirable. Our results provide support for the feasibility of the Stride program, and more broadly for the delivery and potential effectiveness of structured exercise programs to support university students experiencing mental distress.

Projection mapping system for laser speckle contrast image: feasibility study for clinical application.

Significance: Laser speckle contrast images (LSCIs) have been utilized to monitor blood flow perfusion. However, they have conventionally been observed on monitor screens, resulting in potential spatial mismatching between the imaging region of interest (IROI) and monitor screen. Aim: This study proposes a projection mapping (PM) system for LSCIs (PMS_LSCI) that projects LSCIs to directly observe the blood flow perfusion in the IROI. Approach: The PMS_LSCI consists of a camera, imaging optics, a laser projector, and graphic user interface software. The spatial matching in the regions of interest was performed by adjusting the software screen of the LSCI in the IROI and evaluated by conducting in-vitro and in-vivo studies. An additional in-vivo study was performed to investigate the feasibility of real-time PM of the LSCI. Results: The spatial mismatching in the regions of interest was ranged from 2.74% to 6.47% depending on the surface curvature. The PMS_LSCI could enable real-time PM of LSCI at four different blood flow states depending on blood pressure. Conclusions: The PMS_LSCI projects the LSCI in the IROI by interacting with a projector instead of the monitor screen. The PMS_LSCI presented clinical feasibility in the in-vitro and in-vivo studies.

Evaluation of electronic patient-reported outcome assessment in inpatient cancer care: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are increasingly important in evaluating medical care. The increased integration of technology within the healthcare systems allows for collection of PROs electronically. The objectives of this study were to Ashley et al. J Med Internet Res (2013) implement an electronic assessment of PROs in inpatient cancer care and test its feasibility for patients and Dawson et al. BMJ (2010) determine the equivalence of the paper and electronic assessment. METHODS: We analyzed two arms from a study that was originally designed to be an interventional, three-arm, and multicenter inpatient trial. A self-administered questionnaire based on validated PRO-measures was applied and completed at admission, 1 week after, and at discharge. For this analysis - focusing on feasibility of the electronic assessment - the following groups will be considered: Group A (intervention arm) received a tablet version, while group B (control arm) completed the questionnaire on paper. A feasibility questionnaire, that was adapted from Ashley et al. J Med Internet Res (2013), was administered to group A. RESULTS: We analyzed 103 patients that were recruited in oncology wards. ePRO was feasible to most patients, with 84% preferring the electronic over paper-based assessment. The feasibility questionnaire contained questions that were answered on a scale ranging from "1" (illustrating non achievement) to "5" (illustrating achieving goal). The majority (mean 4.24, SD .99) reported no difficulties handling the electronic tool and found it relatively easy finding time for filling out the questionnaire (mean 4.15, SD 1.05). There were no significant differences between the paper and the electronic assessment regarding the PROs. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that electronic PRO assessment in inpatient cancer care is feasible.

Pilot Trial Characteristics, Postpilot Design Modifications, and Feasibility of Full-Scale Trials.

Importance: Pilot trials often lead to study design changes in subsequent full-scale trials. Yet, it remains unclear whether these modifications improve the feasibility of the larger trial. Objective: To compare feasibility estimates between pilot and full-scale trials and identify pilot trial characteristics and modifications associated with equivalent or improved feasibility in the full-scale trial. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used pilot trials published between January 2005 and December 2018 and their corresponding full-scale trials. PubMed was searched for trials on February 19, 2022. Exposures: Pilot trial characteristics and postpilot trial design modifications. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcome of interest was difference in 3 feasibility parameters: successful screening probability, enrollment rate, and retention probability. These metrics were defined as equivalent or improved if the full-scale trial's estimate was within or exceeding 10% of the pilot trial's estimate. Results: A total of 249 pairs of pilot and full-scale trials were analyzed, with 43%, 77%, and 82% of full-scale trials having equivalent or improved successful screening probabilities, enrollment rates, and retention probabilities, respectively. When pilot trials used feasibility progression criteria (relative risk [RR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.02-5.97) and maintained masking for participants (RR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.04-4.33) or health care practitioners (RR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.03-3.97) consistent with the full-scale trial, the likelihood of achieving equivalent or improved screening success in full-scale trials increased. Increasing study sites after the pilot was associated with higher likelihood of equivalent or improved enrollment rates (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08). Adding extra content to the intervention (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98), changing to active control (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48-0.99), administrating the control treatment more frequently (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.29-0.93), different follow-up lengths (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97), and more follow-up visits (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.98) were associated with lower likelihood of equivalent or improved retention probability in the full-scale trial. Conclusions and relevance: In this cohort study of pilot and full-scale trial pairs, pilot trial characteristics and postpilot modifications had varying associations with full-scale trial's feasibility. If full-scale trials planned for masking, it was desirable to use it in the pilot. Modifications increasing participant burden might decrease full-scale trial feasibility. Trialists and funders should consider both pilot trial data and proposed design changes when assessing full-scale trials.

Feasibility and safety of Stanford A aortic dissection complete endovascular repair system in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a catastrophic disease with high morbidity and mortality. Although open surgery is still the gold standard for the treatment of ATAAD, some patients, with advanced age and multiple comorbidities, can only receive medical management alone. Nowadays, thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) provides a potential treatment option for the patient with ATAAD, but traditional stent grafts (SGs), which are not designed for the ATAAD, are inapplicable to the unique anatomy of the aortic arch. Therefore, we innovatively created the BRIDGE system (Chuangxin Medical, Shenzhen, China), a complete endovascular reconstruction system designed to treat ATAAD. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the novel Stanford A aortic dissection complete endovascular reconstruction system in a porcine model. METHOD: The BRIDGE system consists of the type A stent system and the type C stent system. Between November 2020 and March 2021, three white swine were utilized in the study. The BRIDGE system was deployed via the transcatheter approach under angiographic guidance. The swine(n = 3) treated with our system were evaluated using angiography before sacrifice 1-month after implantation, which was followed by gross specimen evaluation and histological examination of harvested tissues. RESULT: The acute procedure success rate was 100% (3/3). The immediate post-procedural angiography showed that both type A SGs and type C SGs were deployed in satisfactory locations, with patency of the supra-aortic trunk and no endoleak. The cumulative mortality of 30-day was 0% without any adverse events. No device migration or leakage was observed angiographically, before sacrifice. The gross observation confirmed a type A SG covered part of the entry of anonyma. Favorable endothelialization, no thrombogenesis, and slight inflammatory infiltration of the tissues around the device were confirmed by microscopic examinations in all pigs. CONCLUSION: It was feasible and secure to use Stanford A aortic dissection complete endovascular reconstruction system to implement a transcatheter endovascular repair in a porcine model. With this novel system, treating acute type A aortic dissection may be more efficient and secure in human.