Mindfulness-based programmes and 'bigger than self' issues: protocol for a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) have an established, growing evidence base as interventions to optimise health, well-being and performance of individual participants. Emerging evidence suggests that MBPs also enhance prosociality, encouraging individuals to contribute to positive social change. This study focuses on the potential of MBPs to facilitate development of participants' inner resources that support prosocial shifts. The review seeks to detect shifts in MBP benefit from individual toward 'bigger than self', informing and empowering individual and collective responses to complex societal and global issues. The review aims to map current literature on MBPs and social change, into a descriptive overview with commentary on quality, trends, theoretical models and gaps, and on how training in MBPs potentially enables individual and collective responses to societal and global issues. Recommendations for future directions for researchers seeking to advance this evidence base, and practitioners developing innovative MBPs for this purpose will be provided. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A scoping review of peer-reviewed literature will be undertaken and reported on according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidance. Systematic searches of four scientific databases will be undertaken to identify potentially eligible articles published from all time to current date. Data will be extracted using an extraction template and analysed descriptively using narrative synthesis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This scoping review involves no human participants, so ethics is not required. Findings will be shared through professional networks, conference presentations and journal publication.

Changes in mortality among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from the 1990s to the 2000s: a pooled analysis of two prospective cohort studies.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify and investigate changes in the mortality of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the same institute from the 1990s to the 2000s. We hypothesised that the improvement in long-term mortality of COPD was achieved due to the development of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective analysis of two observational prospective cohort studies. One study enrolled subjects from 1995 to 1997 (the 1990s), and the other enrolled subjects from 2005 to 2009 (the 2000s). SETTING: Two studies from a single centre, which was the same university hospital in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with stable COPD. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We analysed all-cause mortality data from the pooled database. Subanalyses were conducted by stratifying subjects into two groups according to airflow limitation severity as severe/very severe (per cent predicted value of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1) <50%) or mild/moderate (%FEV1≥50%). RESULTS: In total, 280 male patients with COPD were enrolled. Patients in the 2000s (n=130) were significantly older (71.6 vs 68.7 years) and had milder disease (%FEV1; 57.6% vs 47.1%) than those in the 1990s (n=150). Almost all severe/very severe patients in the 2000s received long-acting bronchodilators (LABDs), and they had a significantly lower risk of mortality than those in the 1990s according to Cox proportional regression analyses (OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.78), with a 48% reduction in 5-year mortality (from 31.0% to 16.1%). Moreover, any LABD use had a significantly positive impact on prognosis, even after adjustments for age, FEV1, smoking status, dyspnoea, body size, oxygen therapy and study period. CONCLUSIONS: Trends indicating a better prognosis for patients with COPD in the 2000s were observed. This improvement may be associated with the usage of LABDs.

Comparison of Rabies Cases Received by the Shomal Pasteur Institute in Northern Iran: A 2-Year Study.

The rabies virus, which belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, the family Rhabdoviridae, is the causative agent of rabies, a contagious, deadly, and progressive neurological infection. This illness is commonly distributed worldwide and affects all warm-blooded animals. Regarding the zoonotic aspects of rabies, the prevalence of rabies was investigated in this study. Over 2 years, 188 samples were examined via the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) and mouse inoculation test (MIT) techniques by using brain tissue samples. Our findings showed that 73.94% of samples were rabies positive. The highest number of samples belonged to cows and dogs, respectively. The positivity rate in cows was 71.88%, followed by dogs with a 57.78% infection rate. These findings suggested that despite the heavy monitoring protocols in Iran, rabies is still a prevalent disease, and it is advised that vaccinations and screening programs should be carried out more frequently with heavier observation.

Bridging the Gap: Innovative 'Center for Precision Oncology' in Missouri.

Background: Next generation sequencing (NGS) has become standard practice for identification and treatment of targetable driver mutations in advanced cancer. However, NGS interpretation of clinical applicability can be challenging to clinician, with potential impact on patient's outcome. Specialized precision medicine services are poised to bridge this gap by creating collaborative frameworks to formulate and deliver genomic patient care plans. Methods: Saint Luke's Cancer Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, (SLCI) instituted the Center for Precision Oncology (CPO) in 2017. The program accepts patient referrals for a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board and offers CPO clinic visits. An Institutional Review Board-approved molecular registry was initiated. It catalogues genomic files along with patient demographics, treatment and outcomes. CPO patient volumes, recommendation acceptance, clinical trial matriculation and funding for drug procurement were closely tracked. Results: In 2020 there were 93 referrals to the CPO with 29 patient clinic visits. 20 patients matriculated to CPO-recommended therapies. Two patients were successfully enrolled in Expanded Access Programs (EAPs). CPO successfully procured eight off-label treatments. Treatments initiated per CPO recommendations totaled over $1 million in drug costs. Conclusion: Precision medicine services are essential tool for oncology clinicians. In addition to expert NGS analysis interpretation, precision medicine programs provide crucial multidisciplinary support for patients to understand the implications of their genomic report and pursue targeted treatment as indicated. Molecular registries associated with these services offer valuable opportunities for research.

Intrasession repeatability and agreement of a new method to measure the foveal fixation axis.

Purpose: Ophthalmic lens adaptation, particularly with progressive addition lenses, requires accurate measurements of the patient nasopupillary distance (NPD) and interpupillary distance (IPD), which are usually collected using the pupil centre as a reference. However, differences between the pupil centre and visual or foveal axis could induce some subsidiary effects of correcting lenses. This study aimed to assess the intrasession repeatability of a new prototype (Ergofocus®; Lentitech, Barakaldo, Spain) that can measure the foveal fixation axis (FFA) distance and assess the agreement with the NPD measurements collected using a traditional method (frame ruler). Methods: The FFA at far and near distances was measured three consecutive times in 39 healthy volunteers to determine the intrasession repeatability according to the British Standards Institute and International Organization for Standardization. Additionally, the FFA and NPD (standard frame ruler) were measured in 71 healthy volunteers and compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Two blinded experienced practitioners conducted each FFA and NPD measurement. Results: The FFA measurements showed acceptable repeatability at far distances (right eye (RE): Sw = 1.16 ± 0.76 mm and coefficient of variation (CV) = 3.92 ± 2.51%; left eye (LE) Sw = 1.11 ± 0.79 mm and CV = 3.76 ± 2.51%) and at near distances (RE: Sw = 0.97 ± 0.85 mm and CV = 3.52 ± 3.02%; LE: Sw = 1.17 ± 0.96 mm and CV = 4.54 ± 3.72%). Additionally, agreement with the NPD showed large differences at far distances (RE: -2.15 ± 2.34, LoA = -6.73 to 2.43 mm (P < 0.001); LE: -0.61 ± 2.62, LoA = -5.75 to 4.53 mm (P = 0.052)) and near distances (RE: -3.08 ± 2.80, LoA -8.57 to 2.42 mm (P < 0.001); LE: -2.97 ± 3.97, LoA: -10.75 to 4.80 mm (P < 0.001)). Conclusions: FFA measurements showed clinically acceptable repeatability at both far and near distances. Agreement with the NPD measured using a standard frame ruler showed significant differences, suggesting that both measurements are not interchangeable in clinical practice to prescribe and center ophthalmic lenses. Further research is necessary to assess the impact of FFA measurement in ophthalmic lens prescriptions.

Institutional Patterns of Care of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

Background and Aim: Despite recent advances, the outcomes of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) remain dismal. This is a retrospective study to understand the pattern of care and its impact on DIPG patients diagnosed over 5 years in a single institute. Subjects and Methods: DIPGs diagnosed between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed to understand the demographics, clinical features, patterns of care, and outcomes. The usage of steroids and response to treatment were analyzed as per the available records and criteria. The re-irradiation cohort was propensity matched with patients with a progression-free survival (PFS) >6 months treated with supportive care alone based on PFS and age as a continuous variable. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression model was used to identify any potential prognostic factors. Results: One hundred and eighty-four patients were identified with demographic profiles similar to western population-based data in the literature. Of them, 42.4% were residents from outside the state of the institution. About 75.2% of patients completed their first radiotherapy treatment, of which only 5% and 6% had worsening clinical symptoms and persistent need for steroids 1 month posttreatment. On multivariate analysis, Lansky performance status <60 (P = 0.028) and cranial nerve IX and X (P = 0.026) involvement were associated with poor survival outcomes while receiving radiotherapy with better survival (P < 0.001). In the cohort of patients receiving radiotherapy, only re-irradiation (reRT) was associated with improved survival (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Many patient families still do not choose radiotherapy treatment, although it has a consistent and significant positive association with survival and steroid usage. reRT further improves outcomes in the selective cohorts. Involvement of cranial nerves IX and X needs improved care.

Effectiveness of a targeted brief intervention for recent suicide attempt survivors: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Effective, brief, low-cost interventions for suicide attempt survivors are essential to saving lives and achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and Zero Suicide. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) in averting suicide reattempts in the United States healthcare system, its psychological mechanisms as predicted by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, and the potential implementation costs, barriers and facilitators for delivering it. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomised controlled trial (RCT). ASSIP is delivered at three outpatient mental healthcare clinics in New York State. Participant referral sites include three local hospitals with inpatient and comprehensive psychiatric emergency services, and outpatient mental health clinics. Participants include 400 adults who have had a recent suicide attempt. All are randomised to 'Zero Suicide-Usual Care plus ASSIP' or 'Zero Suicide-Usual Care'. Randomisation is stratified by sex and whether the index attempt is a first suicide attempt or not. Participants complete assessments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12 and, 18 months. The primary outcome is the time from randomisation to the first suicide reattempt. Prior to the RCT, a 23-person open trial took place, in which 13 participants received 'Zero Suicide-Usual Care plus ASSIP' and 14 completed the first follow-up time point. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is overseen by the University of Rochester, with single Institutional Review Board (#3353) reliance agreements from Nathan Kline Institute (#1561697) and SUNY Upstate Medical University (#1647538). It has an established Data and Safety Monitoring Board. Results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals, presented at scientific conferences, and communicated to referral organisations. Clinics considering ASSIP may use a stakeholder report generated by this study, including incremental cost-effectiveness data from the provider point of view. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03894462.

Quality contract 'prevention of postoperative delirium in the care of elderly patients' study protocol: a non-randomised, pre-post, monocentric, prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative delirium (POD) is seen in approximately 15% of elderly patients and is related to poorer outcomes. In 2017, the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss) introduced a 'quality contract' (QC) as a new instrument to improve healthcare in Germany. One of the four areas for improvement of in-patient care is the 'Prevention of POD in the care of elderly patients' (QC-POD), as a means to reduce the risk of developing POD and its complications.The Institute for Quality Assurance and Transparency in Health Care identified gaps in the in-patient care of elderly patients related to the prevention, screening and treatment of POD, as required by consensus-based and evidence-based delirium guidelines. This paper introduces the QC-POD protocol, which aims to implement these guidelines into the clinical routine. There is an urgent need for well-structured, standardised and interdisciplinary pathways that enable the reliable screening and treatment of POD. Along with effective preventive measures, these concepts have a considerable potential to improve the care of elderly patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The QC-POD study is a non-randomised, pre-post, monocentric, prospective trial with an interventional concept following a baseline control period. The QC-POD trial was initiated on 1 April 2020 between Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the German health insurance company BARMER and will end on 30 June 2023. INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients 70 years of age or older that are scheduled for a surgical procedure requiring anaesthesia and insurance with the QC partner (BARMER). Exclusion criteria included patients with a language barrier, moribund patients and those unwilling or unable to provide informed consent. The QC-POD protocol provides perioperative intervention at least two times per day, with delirium screening and non-pharmacological preventive measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (EA1/054/20). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04355195.

Factors that sustain indigenous youth mentoring programs: a qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous youth worldwide continue to experience disproportional rates of poorer mental health and well-being compared to non-Indigenous youth. Mentoring has been known to establish favorable outcomes in many areas of health but is still in its early phases of research within Indigenous contexts. This paper explores the barriers and facilitators of Indigenous youth mentoring programs to improve mental health outcomes and provides evidence for governments' response to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. METHODS: A systematic search for published studies was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and grey literature through Trove, OpenGrey, Indigenous HealthInfoNet, and Informit Indigenous Collection. All papers included in the search were peer-reviewed and published from 2007 to 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute approaches to critical appraisal, data extraction, data synthesis, and confidence of findings were used. RESULTS: A total of eight papers describing six mentoring programs were included in this review; six papers were from Canada, and two originated from Australia. Studies included mentor perspectives (n = 4) (incorporating views of parents, carers, Aboriginal assistant teachers, Indigenous program facilitators, young adult health leaders, and community Elders), mentee perspectives (n = 1), and both mentor and mentee perspectives (n = 3). Programs were conducted nationally (n = 3) or within specific local Indigenous communities (n = 3) with varying mentor styles and program focus. Five synthesized findings were identified from the data extraction process, each consisting of four categories. These synthesized findings were: establishing cultural relevancy, facilitating environments, building relationships, facilitating community engagement, and leadership responsibilities, which were discussed in the context of extant mentoring theoretical frameworks. CONCLUSION: Mentoring is an appropriate strategy for improving general well-being. However, more research is needed to explore program sustainability and maintaining outcomes in the long term.

Closed reduction evaluation in dysplastic hip with the Ömeroglu system in children aged 24 to 36 months.

Closed reduction (CR) as an initial treatment for developmental hip dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children aged 24 to 36 months is debatable; however, it could have better results than open reduction (OR) or osteotomies, because it is minimally invasive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological results in children (24-36 months) with DDH initially treated with CR. Initial, subsequent, final anteroposterior pelvic radiological records were retrospectively analyzed. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute was used to classify the initial dislocations. To evaluate the final radiological results after CR (initial treatment) or additional treatment (CR failed), the Ömeroglu system was used (6 points excellent, 5 good, 4 fair-plus, 3 fair-minus, and ≤2 poor). The degree of acetabular dysplasia was estimated using the initial acetabular index and the final acetabular index, Buchholz-Ogden classification was used to measure avascular necrosis (AVN). A total of 98 radiological records were eligible, including 53 patients (65 hips). Fifteen hips (23.1%) were redislocated, OR with femoral osteotomy and pelvic osteotomy was the preferred surgical treatment 9 (13.8%). The initial acetabular index versus final acetabular index in total population was (38.9º ± 6.8º) and (31.9º ± 6.8º), respectively (t = 6.5, P < .001). The prevalence of AVN was 40%. Overall AVN in OR, femoral osteotomy and pelvic osteotomy were 73.3% versus CR 30%, P = .003. Unsatisfactory results ≤ 4 points on the Ömeroglu system were observed in hips that required OR with femoral and pelvic osteotomy. Hips with DDH treated with CR initially might had better radiological results than those treated with OR and femoral and pelvic osteotomies. Regular, good, and excellent results, ≥4 points on the Ömeroglu system, could be estimated in 57% of the cases, in whom CR was successful. AVN is frequently observed in hips with failed CR.

Research Opportunities in Stroke Prevention for Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Virtual Workshop.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the strongest risk factors for ischemic stroke, which is a leading cause of disability and death. Given the aging population, increasing prevalence of AF risk factors, and improved survival in those with cardiovascular disease, the number of individuals affected by AF will continue increasing over time. While multiple proven stroke prevention therapies exist, important questions remain about the optimal approach to stroke prevention at the population and individual patient levels. Our report summarizes the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute virtual workshop focused on identifying key research opportunities related to stroke prevention in AF. The workshop reviewed major knowledge gaps and identified targeted research opportunities to advance stroke prevention in AF in the following areas: (1) improving risk stratification tools for stroke and intracranial hemorrhage; (2) addressing challenges with oral anticoagulants; and (3) delineating the optimal roles of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and surgical left atrial appendage closure/excision. This report aims to promote innovative, impactful research that will lead to more personalized, effective use of stroke prevention strategies in people with AF.