Conceptualizing Sexual Wellbeing: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Development of a Measure (Natsal-SW)

Despite increasing scientific and policy interest in sexual wellbeing, it remains poorly conceptualized. Many studies purporting to measure it instead measure related but distinct concepts, such as sexual satisfaction. This lack of conceptual clarity impedes understanding, measuring, and improving sexual wellbeing. We present qualitative research from multi-stage, mixed-methods work to develop a new measure of sexual wellbeing (Natsal-SW) for the fourth British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles. Literature review and discussion generated a conceptual framework with seven proposed domains: respect, self-esteem, comfort, self-determination, safety and security, forgiveness, and resilience. Semi-structured interviews with 40 adults aged 18-64 then explored whether and how these domains aligned with participants' own understandings, experiences, and language of sexual wellbeing. Data were analyzed thematically. Participants conceptualized sexual wellbeing as distinct from sexual satisfaction and sexual health and as multidimensional, dynamic, and socially and structurally influenced. All seven proposed domains resonated with accounts of sexual wellbeing as a general construct. The personal salience of different domains and their dimensions varied between individuals (especially by gender and sexual orientation) and fluctuated individually over time. This study clarifies dimensions of domains that participants considered important, providing an empirical basis to inform development of a new measure of sexual wellbeing.

The effects of short-term, progressive exercise training on disease activity in smouldering multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a single-arm pilot study

BACKGROUND

High levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk of the blood cancer multiple myeloma (MM). MM is preceded by the asymptomatic stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) which are clinically managed by watchful waiting. A case study (N = 1) of a former elite athlete aged 44 years previously indicated that a multi-modal exercise programme reversed SMM disease activity. To build from this prior case study, the present pilot study firstly examined if short-term exercise training was feasible and safe for a group of MGUS and SMM patients, and secondly investigated the effects on MGUS/SMM disease activity.

METHODS

In this single-arm pilot study, N = 20 participants diagnosed with MGUS or SMM were allocated to receive a 16-week progressive exercise programme. Primary outcome measures were feasibility and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre- to post-exercise training changes to blood biomarkers of MGUS and SMM disease activity- monoclonal (M)-protein and free light chains (FLC)- plus cardiorespiratory and functional fitness, body composition, quality of life, blood immunophenotype, and blood biomarkers of inflammation.

RESULTS

Fifteen (3 MGUS and 12 SMM) participants completed the exercise programme. Adherence was 91 ± 11%. Compliance was 75 ± 25% overall, with a notable decline in compliance at intensities > 70% V̇O2PEAK. There were no serious adverse events. There were no changes to M-protein (0.0 ± 1.0 g/L, P =.903), involved FLC (+ 1.8 ± 16.8 mg/L, P =.839), or FLC difference (+ 0.2 ± 15.6 mg/L, P =.946) from pre- to post-exercise training. There were pre- to post-exercise training improvements to diastolic blood pressure (- 3 ± 5 mmHg, P =.033), sit-to-stand test performance (+ 5 ± 5 repetitions, P =.002), and energy/fatigue scores (+ 10 ± 15%, P =.026). Other secondary outcomes were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

A 16-week progressive exercise programme was feasible and safe, but did not reverse MGUS/SMM disease activity, contrasting a prior case study showing that five years of exercise training reversed SMM in a 44-year-old former athlete. Longer exercise interventions should be explored in a group of MGUS/SMM patients, with measurements of disease biomarkers, along with rates of disease progression (i.e., MGUS/SMM to MM).

REGISTRATION

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65527208 (14/05/2018).

Acute Toxicity of Hypofractionated and Conventionally Fractionated (Chemo)Radiotherapy Regimens for Bladder Cancer: An Exploratory Analysis from the RAIDER Trial

AIMS

Adding concurrent (chemo)therapy to radiotherapy improves outcomes for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. A recent meta-analysis showed superior invasive locoregional disease control for a hypofractionated 55 Gy in 20 fractions schedule compared with 64 Gy in 32 fractions. In the RAIDER clinical trial, patients undergoing 20 or 32 fractions of radical radiotherapy were randomised (1:1:2) to standard radiotherapy or to standard-dose or escalated-dose adaptive radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and concomitant therapy were permitted. We report exploratory analyses of acute toxicity by concomitant therapy-fractionation schedule combination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants had unifocal bladder urothelial carcinoma staged T2-T4a N0 M0. Acute toxicity was assessed (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) weekly during radiotherapy and at 10 weeks after the start of treatment. Within each fractionation cohort, non-randomised comparisons of the proportion of patients reporting treatment emergent grade 2 or worse genitourinary, gastrointestinal or other adverse events at any point in the acute period were carried out using Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Between September 2015 and April 2020, 345 (163 receiving 20 fractions; 182 receiving 32 fractions) patients were recruited from 46 centres. The median age was 73 years; 49% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 71% received concomitant therapy, with 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin C most commonly used: 44/114 (39%) receiving 20 fractions; 94/130 (72%) receiving 32 fractions. The acute grade 2+ gastrointestinal toxicity rate was higher in those receiving concomitant therapy compared with radiotherapy alone in the 20-fraction cohort [54/111 (49%) versus 7/49 (14%), P < 0.001] but not in the 32-fraction cohort (P = 0.355). Grade 2+ gastrointestinal toxicity was highest for gemcitabine, with evidence of significant differences across therapies in the 32-fraction cohort (P = 0.006), with a similar pattern but no significant differences in the 20-fraction cohort (P = 0.099). There was no evidence of differences in grade 2+ genitourinary toxicity between concomitant therapies in either the 20- or 32-fraction cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Grade 2+ acute adverse events are common. The toxicity profile varied by type of concomitant therapy; the gastrointestinal toxicity rate seemed to be higher in patients receiving gemcitabine.

Statistical (n, γ ) cross section model comparison for short-lived nuclei

Neutron-capture cross sections of neutron-rich nuclei are calculated using a Hauser-Feshbach model when direct experimental cross sections cannot be obtained. A number of codes to perform these calculations exist, and each makes different assumptions about the underlying nuclear physics. We investigated the systematic uncertainty associated with the choice of Hauser-Feshbach code used to calculate the neutron-capture cross section of a short-lived nucleus. The neutron-capture cross section for 73 Zn (n, γ ) 74 Zn was calculated using three Hauser-Feshbach statistical model codes: TALYS, CoH, and EMPIRE. The calculation was first performed without any changes to the default settings in each code. Then an experimentally obtained nuclear level density (NLD) and γ -ray strength function ( γ SF ) were included. Finally, the nuclear structure information was made consistent across the codes. The neutron-capture cross sections obtained from the three codes are in good agreement after including the experimentally obtained NLD and γ SF , accounting for differences in the underlying nuclear reaction models, and enforcing consistent approximations for unknown nuclear data. It is possible to use consistent inputs and nuclear physics to reduce the differences in the calculated neutron-capture cross section from different Hauser-Feshbach codes. However, ensuring the treatment of the input of experimental data and other nuclear physics are similar across multiple codes requires a careful investigation. For this reason, more complete documentation of the inputs and physics chosen is important.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1140/epja/s10050-023-00920-0.

Understanding friction mechanisms of Si-DLC/steel interfaces under aqueous lubrication

A key driver in current research on lubricant formulation is the need to move away from older technology that is highly reliant on resources derived from industries associated with high carbon dioxide emissions. In this paper, the adoption of water based (or aqueous) lubrication is explored. This is in direct contrast with most lubricated systems that rely on oil or other petroleum products. In nature, most known biological systems employ aqueous lubrication for tribological contacts, such as those found in cartilage and more widely in mammalian joints including hips and knees giving friction coefficients as low as μ < 0.002. This is achieved very effectively without the presence of an oil or grease as a base lubricant. In most engineering applications, however, oils and greases are used to achieve desired low friction levels. While effective, this comes with the associated higher costs and carbon footprint of using petroleum derived products. In recent years, certain engineering applications have shifted to aqueous lubrication, a notable example of which is stern tube bearings in maritime applications. These are typically low pressure contacts though. Depending on speed of travel this can range from 100–400 MPa. The research detailed in this paper explores the viability of high pressure contacts lubricated with novel aqueous packages and what effects this shift may have on friction and wear profiles of the system. The work reported herein demonstrates that with some modifications, effective lubrication can be achieved using aqueous lubricant packages.

A key driver in current research on lubricant formulation is the need to move away from older technology that is highly reliant on resources derived from industries associated with high carbon dioxide emissions.

Pharmacist-led medication reviews for older care home residents: are we delivering person-centred care?

Introduction

National policy and guidance in England has identified Pharmacists as having a pivotal role in medications optimisation for care home residents with complex polypharmacy. Guidance advocates a person-centred approach to the medication reviews.1 Despite this, studies looking at reviewing and stopping medication rarely include patients’ goals and pReferences regarding medication. There is no consensus regarding a definition for person-centred care or how this translates into practice. Multiple factors may influence the ability of a pharmacist-led care home medication review to include residents’ goals and pReferences, including the pharmacist; local context and resources supporting the review process, and the resident or their family. By exploring these factors, this research study aims to develop a deeper understanding of what person-centred care means in the context of medication reviews in the care home environment, and the barriers and enablers to achieving a person-centred approach.

Aim

This study aims to explore what person-centred care means in the context of pharmacist-led medication reviews for older care home residents, aged 65 years and above and to identify barriers and enablers to achieving a person-centred approach.

Methods

Virtual or telephone, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with pharmacists working in care home roles in England (n=17). Participants were recruited via local and national care home pharmacist networks, and by snowball recruitment. Interviews were anonymised and audio transcribed verbatim before undertaking reflexive thematic analysis2, supported by NVivo software. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Leicester Medicines and Biological Sciences Research Ethics Committee.

Results

What it means to be person-centred when conducting medication reviews within a care home environment for older residents was seen to be multifactorial, consisting of six key components; 1) focusing on quality of life; 2) understanding what matters to the resident and family regarding medication use; 3) being able to see the resident; 4) showing respect and compassion; 5) considering the resident’s identity, 6) optimising medicines. Four key themes were constructed that shaped the extent to which pharmacists reviews could be person-centred: 1) Trust, acceptance and understanding of the pharmacists’ role; 2) co-ordination and communication regarding care; 3) managing risks, 4) practical barriers.

Discussion/Conclusion

Guidance suggests that structured medication reviews should be person-centred, including the goals and pReferences of the patient and their understanding of medication.1 However, a standard model of how this should be applied to practice does not exist. In order to deliver person-centred care, there needs to be an understanding of what this means in context. By exploring how residents’ goals and pReferences form part of the pharmacist-led care home medication review, this research provides insight into what person-centred care means in context, identifies barriers and enablers to achieving a person-centred approach in the care home environment, and identifies suggestions for practice. This study describes the views of pharmacists and does not include the perspectives of patients or their carers. A further limitation of this research study was that it was undertaken during the pandemic, therefore some participants were only able to reflect on their experiences of virtual reviews.

References

1. Department of Health and Social Care. Good for you, good for us, good for everybody: A plan to reduce overprescribing to make patient care better and safer, support the NHS, and reduce carbon emissions. Department of Health and Social Care; 2021.

2. Byrne D. A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity. 2022;56:1391-1412.

Liposomal amphotericin B—the future

Advances in medicine have led to a growing number of people with compromised or suppressed immune systems who are susceptible to invasive fungal infections. In particular, severe fungal infections are becoming increasingly common in ICUs, affecting people within and outside of traditional risk groups alike. This is exemplified by the emergence of severe viral pneumonia as a significant risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and the recognition of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and, more recently, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis.

The treatment landscape for haematological malignancies has changed considerably in recent years, and some recently introduced targeted agents, such as ibrutinib, are increasing the risk of invasive fungal infections. Consideration must also be given to the risk of drug–drug interactions between mould-active azoles and small-molecule kinase inhibitors.

At the same time, infections caused by rare moulds and yeasts are increasing, and diagnosis continues to be challenging. There is growing concern about azole resistance among both moulds and yeasts, mandating continuous surveillance and personalized treatment strategies.

It is anticipated that the epidemiology of fungal infections will continue to change and that new populations will be at risk. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain the most important predictors of survival, and broad-spectrum antifungal agents will become increasingly important. Liposomal amphotericin B will remain an essential therapeutic agent in the armamentarium needed to manage future challenges, given its broad antifungal spectrum, low level of acquired resistance and limited potential for drug–drug interactions.

P-414 Ultrastructural and functional defects in cilia of endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure

Study question

Do endometrial gland factors influence pregnancy success?

Summary answer

Increased proportion of cilia defects during the window of implantation in endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure compared to controls

What is known already

Endometrial glands are important for embryo implantation and successful pregnancy. There is an unmet clinical need to relate endometrial gland structure to function, identify markers for reproductive failure and targets for therapeutic interventions. Ciliated epithelial cells in the endometrium are a distinct cell type with a particular cell transcriptomic signature. Cilia defects have been reported in endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure however, a quantitative study of cilia defects in endometrial glands is yet to be established.

Study design, size, duration

An observational study comparing women with subfertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and controls

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Endometrial samples were collected during the implantation period from fertile controls (n = 10), women with subfertility (n = 11) and women with recurrent pregnancy loss (n = 15). Ciliated cells in endometrial glands were imaged by transmission electron microscopy and the proportion of cilia defects were quantified and compared between study groups. Endometrial glands were isolated from endometrial biopsies and the cilia beat frequency of ciliated cells was quantified by high-speed video analysis.

Main results and the role of chance

Our study reports a significant increase in the proportion of cilia ultrastructural defects in endometrial glands from women with subfertility versus fertile controls (P &lt; 0.05). Cilia defects included microtubule disarrangement, transposition and loss of cilia inner dynein arm motor proteins. Ciliated cells in endometrial glands from women with recurrent pregnancy loss demonstrated a higher proportion of defects compared to fertile controls but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). A significant decrease in cilia beat frequency was reported in ciliated cells of endometrial glands from women with subfertility compared to fertile controls (P &lt; 0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is an observational study with a relatively small sample size however, the participants in the study and control groups were matched for age, BMI and menstrual cycle characteristics.

Wider implications of the findings

This study quantified ultrastructural and functional differences of ciliated cells in endometrial glands from women with reproductive failure. Endometrial glands with perturbed cilia structure and function may be non-conductive to successful pregnancy. Differences in endometrial gland cilia could be used to identify a perturbed endometrium and develop targeted therapies.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Acceptability and barriers to adopting physical therapy and rehabilitation as standard of care in hernia disease: a prospective national survey of providers and preliminary data

PURPOSE

Physical therapy (PT) and rehabilitation are widely utilized in a variety of disease processes to improve function, return to activities of daily living (ADLs), and promote overall recovery. However, hernia repair has struggled to adopt this practice despite operations occurring in one of the most dynamic parts of the body - the abdominal core. This study sought to understand perspectives and perceived barriers regarding the incorporation of PT and rehabilitation in hernia care.

METHODS

A standardized rehabilitation protocol was developed by the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC), a national quality improvement initiative specific to hernia disease, and launched in 2019. Empiric data from the ACHQC was then obtained to describe preliminary utilization. A prospective electronic survey was then deployed to all surgeons participating in the ACHQC to aid in interpreting the identified trends. The survey included questions regarding the current use of PT in their practice, as well as further opinions on the functionality, benefit, and barriers to its use.

RESULTS

We identified 1,544 patients who were listed as receiving some form of postoperative rehabilitation, of which 992 (64.2%) had a primary diagnosis of ventral hernia and 552 (35.8%) had an inguinal hernia. Among patients who had a ventral hernia, 863 (87.0%) received self-directed rehabilitation exercises compared to 488 (88.4%) of inguinal hernia patients. The subsequent survey exploring these trends was completed by 46 ACHQC surgeons (10.2%). More than half (52%) reported using PT for hernia patients, primarily in abdominal wall reconstruction cases (92%). Of those who did not report using PT, 50% cited unknown clinical benefit and another 27% cited unknown PT resources. PT utilization was typically concentrated to the postoperative period (58%), while 42% reported also using it preoperatively. Despite 72% of respondents citing a perceived benefit of PT in hernia patients, overall use of PT was primarily reported as 'occasional' by 42%, with another 27% reporting 'rarely.' Perceived benefits of PT included increased core strength, stability, mobility, patient satisfaction, education, independence, earlier return to work and ADLs, overall improved recovery, and decreased risk of postoperative issues. Reported barriers to implementing PT in practice or adapting the ACHQC Rehabilitation Protocol included lack of education, lack of evidence of clinical benefit, and difficulties operationalizing the protocol.

CONCLUSION

A national survey of hernia surgeons demonstrated willingness to adopt PT and rehabilitation protocols in their clinical practices and noted a high perceived benefit to patients. However, lack of education and evidence regarding the protocol may represent important barriers to overcome in widely disseminating these resources to patients. These gaps can be addressed through dedicated educational venues and additional studies establishing PT and rehabilitation as critical future adjuncts for the recovery of hernia repair patients.

The impact of sleep, physical activity and sedentary behaviour on symptoms of depression and anxiety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of South African participants

During lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals have experienced poor sleep quality and sleep regularity, changes in lifestyle behaviours, and heightened depression and anxiety. However, the inter-relationship and relative strength of those behaviours on mental health outcomes is still unknown. We collected data between 12 May and 15 June 2020 from 1048 South African adults (age: 32.76 ± 14.43 years; n = 767 female; n = 473 students) using an online questionnaire. Using structural equation modelling, we investigated how insomnia symptoms, sleep regularity, exercise intensity/frequency and sitting/screen-use (sedentary screen-use) interacted to predict depressive and anxiety-related symptoms before and during lockdown. We also controlled for the effects of sex and student status. Irrespective of lockdown, (a) more severe symptoms of insomnia and greater sedentary screen-use predicted greater symptoms of depression and anxiety and (b) the effects of sedentary screen-use on mental health outcomes were mediated by insomnia. The effects of physical activity on mental health outcomes, however, were only significant during lockdown. Low physical activity predicted greater insomnia symptom severity, which in turn predicted increased depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Overall, relationships between the study variables and mental health outcomes were amplified during lockdown. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining physical activity and reducing sedentary screen-use to promote better sleep and mental health.

Fall prevention in community-dwelling adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment (CI) increases an individual's risk of falls due to the role cognition plays in gait control. Older adults with dementia fall 2-3 times more than cognitively healthy older adults and 60-80% of people with dementia fall annually. Practitioners require evidence-based fall prevention best practices to reduce the risk of falls in cognitively impaired adults living in the community.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the effectiveness of primary and secondary fall prevention interventions in reducing falls and fear of falling, and improving gait, balance, and functional mobility. We searched 7 databases for fall prevention interventions involving community-dwelling adults ≥50 years with mild to moderate CI. Reviewers screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence (GRADE). We assessed statistical and methodological heterogeneity and performed a meta-analysis of studies including subgroup analysis based on intervention and risk of bias groupings.

RESULTS

Five hundred nine community-dwelling adults (mean age 67.5 to 84.0 years) with mild to moderate CI from 12 randomized or clinical controlled trials (RCTs/CCTs) were included in this review. Eight studies were exercise interventions, 3 were multifactorial, and 1 provided medication treatment. Fall prevention interventions had significant effects of medium magnitude on fear of falling (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.73 [- 1.10, - 0.36]), balance (SMD 0.66 [0.19, 1.12]), and functional mobility measured as Timed Up and Go test (SMD -0.56 [- 0.94, - 0.17]) and significant effects of small magnitude on gait control (SMD 0.26 [0.08, 0.43]) all with moderate certainty of evidence. The meta-analysis showed no significant effects for falls (number of events or falls incidence). Sub-analysis showed that exercise and low risk of bias studies remained significant for balance and perceived risk of falls.

CONCLUSION

The effect of fall prevention interventions on direct outcomes, such as falls, remains unclear in cognitively impaired individuals. Exercise interventions are effective at improving fall risk factors, however, high quality studies with longer follow-up and adequate sample sizes are needed to determine their effectiveness on falls directly. There remains a gap in terms of effective fall prevention interventions for older adults with CI.

In situ evaluation of contact stiffness in a slip interface with different roughness conditions using ultrasound reflectometry

Understanding the dynamic condition of the interface between a railway wheel and rail is important to reduce the risks and consider the effectiveness of countermeasures for tribological problems. Traditionally the difficulty in obtaining accurate non-destructive interfacial measurements has hindered systematic experimental investigations. Recently, an ultrasound reflectometry technique has been developed as a direct observation method of a rolling–sliding interface; however, the topography dependence under the high contact pressures in a wheel–rail contact has not been clarified. For this reason, a novel in situ measurement of the contact stiffness using ultrasound reflectometry was carried out for three different levels of roughness. A contact pressure equivalent to that in a wheel–rail interface was achieved by using a high-pressure torsion test approach. The dynamic change of contact stiffness with slip was measured using ultrasound and the influence of roughness was investigated. The measured changes were validated using a newly developed numerical simulation, and mechanisms to explain the observed behaviour were proposed in terms of fracture and plastic deformation of the asperity bonds. These findings could help in understanding the traction characteristics for different roughness conditions and also assist in understanding damage mechanisms better, such as wear and rolling contact fatigue.

The Health and wellbeing impacts of Home and agile working in Wales: A HIA Approach

The SARS-COV-02 pandemic has globally resulted in a number of policies and interventions to address and reduce the transmission of the disease throughout the population. Mitigation measures have ranged from ‘Staying at Home' or ‘Lockdowns' to social distancing policies and requirements to work from home when you can. Whilst there are a number of papers which discuss the effects of home or remote working on employees and their families the large scale shift, accelerated pace and wider impacts of such a shift has not been well explored in the literature or has been focussed on specific topics, for example, productivity. HIA is promoted as a beneficial tool to identify the wider impacts of a policy, plan or intervention across a population and as such is well placed to examine and articulate who in a population may be affected and how, and the inequalities that may be created by an intervention such as home working. Using the lens of social determinants and equity focussed-HIA, this work examines the wider impact of home working in Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a coherent overview of the major impacts on health and the particular populations affected. It articulates the process followed, the key evidence based findings, discusses the gaps in the evidence base that require further exploration and the impact and influence it has had to date. Finally, it shares the transferable learning, which will be of use to researchers, policy and decision makers, organisations and public health agencies.

P–555 Recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with changes in the pre-pregnant endometrial gland transcriptome

Study question

Do endometrial gland factors influence recurrent pregnancy loss?

Summary answer

The endometrial gland transcriptome during the window of implantation is altered in women with recurrent pregnancy loss compared to controls.

What is known already

Secretions from endometrial glands contribute to the uterine environment that supports the attachment and implantation of the embryo in early pregnancy. Studies have attempted to identify an endometrial gene expression pattern associated with recurrent pregnancy loss however, the cellular heterogeneity within the endometrium may obscure important differences in specific cell populations.

Study design, size, duration

An observational study comparing controls and women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Endometrial samples were collected during the implantation period of the menstrual cycle from five matched participant egg donor controls and women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Endometrial glands were isolated from fresh endometrial biopsies and RNA sequencing was performed. A differential gene expression analysis and a gene ontology enrichment analysis was performed between egg donor controls and women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Main results and the role of chance

This study reports a glandular epithelium specific gene expression profile and demonstrates differential gene expression of endometrial glands from women with recurrent pregnancy loss compared to controls. 18 genes were upregulated and 1 gene was downregulated in the endometrial glands from women with recurrent pregnancy loss compared to controls (5% false discovery rate). Biological processes which contain genes that were differentially expressed in women with recurrent pregnancy loss compared to controls include epithelial cell migration and regulation of secretion by the cell.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is an observational study with a relatively small sample size.

Wider implications of the findings: This study identified differences in gene expression in women with recurrent pregnancy loss that are specifically associated with endometrial glands rather than endometrium as a whole. These differences could be used to identify a perturbed endometrium, isolate causes of recurrent pregnancy loss and develop targeted therapies.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Applying the RE-AIM implementation framework to evaluate fall prevention interventions in community dwelling adults with cognitive impairment: a review and secondary analysis

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a risk factor for falls due to environmental or living settings, balance, gait and vision impairments, as well as medications. While previous systematic reviews have focused on the effectiveness of fall prevention programs in adults with cognitive impairment, very limited information is available on their implementation. This review examines what aspects of fall prevention interventions for community-dwelling adults with CI have been reported using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to support successful implementation.

METHODS

We examined the included studies from our systematic review, which searched 7 databases for primary and secondary fall prevention interventions involving community-dwelling adults ≥50 years with mild to moderate CI. Reviewers screened citations and extracted data for study characteristics and the 5 dimensions (62 criteria) of the RE-AIM framework.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized or clinical controlled trials (RCTs/CCTs) consisting of 8 exercise interventions, 3 multifactorial interventions, and 1 medication treatment were included in the review. Only 4 of 62 criteria were reported by all 12 included studies and 29 criteria were not reported by any of the studies. Five of the included studies reported on 20 or more of the 62 possible RE-AIM criteria and 3 of these studies self-identified as "feasibility" studies. While Reach was the best-reported construct by the included studies, followed by Effectiveness and Implementation, the criteria within the Adoption and Maintenance constructs were rarely mentioned by these studies. In general, there was also wide variation in how each of the criteria were reported on by study authors.

CONCLUSION

Based on the reporting of RE-AIM components in this review, we are unable to make connections to successful intervention components and thus practice-based recommendations for fall prevention in those with CI. The lack of detail regarding implementation approaches greatly limits the interpretation and comparisons across studies to fully inform future research efforts.

The Development of Therapeutic Radiographers in Imaging and Adaptive Radiotherapy Through Clinical Trial Quality Assurance

AIMS

Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an emerging advanced treatment option for bladder cancer patients. Therapeutic radiographers (RTTs) are central to the successful delivery of this treatment. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and ART experience of RTTs before participating in the RAIDER trial. A plan of the day (PoD) quality assurance programme was then implemented. Finally, the post-trial experience of RTTs was evaluated, together with the impact of trial quality assurance participation on their routine practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pre-trial questionnaire to assess the experience of the RTT staff group in IGRT and ART in bladder cancer was sent to each centre. Responses were grouped according to experience. The PoD quality assurance programme was implemented, and the RAIDER trial commenced. During stage 1 of the trial, RTTs reported difficulties in delivering PoD and the quality assurance programme was updated accordingly. A follow-up questionnaire was sent assessing experience in IGRT and ART post-trial. Any changes in routine practice were also recorded.

RESULTS

The experience of RTTs in IGRT and ART pre-trial varied. For centres deemed to have RTTs with more experience, the initial PoD quality assurance programme was streamlined. For RTTs without ART experience, the full quality assurance programme was implemented, of which 508 RTTs completed. The quality assurance programme was updated (as the trial recruited) and it was mandated that at least one representative RTT (regardless of pre-trial experience) participated in the update in real-time. The purpose of the updated quality assurance programme was to provide further support to RTTs in delivering a complex treatment. Engagement with the updated quality assurance programme was high, with RTTs in 24/33 centres participating in the real-time online workshop. All 33 UK centres reported all RTTs reviewed the updated training offline. Post-trial, the RTTs' experience in IGRT and ART was increased.

CONCLUSION

Overall, 508 RTTs undertook the PoD quality assurance programme. There was a high engagement of RTTs in the PoD quality assurance programme and trial. RTTs increased their experience in IGRT and ART and subsequently updated their practice for bladder cancer and other treatment sites.

β Decay of ^{61}V and its Role in Cooling Accreted Neutron Star Crusts

The interpretation of observations of cooling neutron star crusts in quasipersistent x-ray transients is affected by predictions of the strength of neutrino cooling via crust Urca processes. The strength of crust Urca neutrino cooling depends sensitively on the electron-capture and β-decay ground-state-to-ground-state transition strengths of neutron-rich rare isotopes. Nuclei with a mass number of A=61 are predicted to be among the most abundant in accreted crusts, and the last remaining experimentally undetermined ground-state-to-ground-state transition strength was the β decay of ^{61}V. This Letter reports the first experimental determination of this transition strength, a ground-state branching of 8.1_{-3.1}^{+4.0}%, corresponding to a log ft value of 5.5_{-0.2}^{+0.2}. This result was achieved through the measurement of the β-delayed γ rays using the total absorption spectrometer SuN and the measurement of the β-delayed neutron branch using the neutron long counter system NERO at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. This method helps to mitigate the impact of the pandemonium effect in extremely neutron-rich nuclei on experimental results. The result implies that A=61 nuclei do not provide the strongest cooling in accreted neutron star crusts as expected by some predictions, but that their cooling is still larger compared to most other mass numbers. Only nuclei with mass numbers 31, 33, and 55 are predicted to be cooling more strongly. However, the theoretical predictions for the transition strengths of these nuclei are not consistently accurate enough to draw conclusions on crust cooling. With the experimental approach developed in this work, all relevant transitions are within reach to be studied in the future.

The role of Allied Health Professions and Nursing Research Internships in developing a research culture: a mixed-methods exploration of stakeholder perspectives

BACKGROUND

Developing research capability and capacity within the healthcare professions is a challenge throughout diverse international settings. Within England, the National Institute for Health Research aimed to address these challenges through the Integrated Clinical Academic (ICA) research careers escalator for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. Poor academic progression has been identified in the advanced stages of the pathway, though progression from the earlier entry point (Internship) has not previously been investigated. A national evaluation of four completed Internship cohorts was undertaken to explore stakeholder perspectives and progression beyond the Internship programme.

METHODS

A mixed methods project used sequential qualitative and quantitative data collection phases commencing with two stakeholder focus groups (n = 10); the findings informed the development of an online survey distributed to previous cohorts of interns (n = 104), their managers (n = 12) and academic mentors (n = 36). Eight semi-structured interviews subsequently explored the challenges and opportunities afforded by the internships. Thematic analysis was used to review qualitative data from focus groups and interviews, with survey data analysed and displayed using descriptive statistics. Synthesis of data from each phase is displayed within the four level evaluation framework outlined within the New World Kirkpatrick® Training Evaluation Model.

RESULTS

Important regional differences exist yet the internships are highly valued by all stakeholders. Representation varied between different professions, with nursing and some service-based professions poorly represented. All interns successfully completed the programme (n = 104), with evidence of positive impacts on interns, colleagues and patient care. Balancing research commitments with clinical activity was challenging; middle managers were seen as gatekeepers to programme success. Progression to the next stage of the ICA pathway is highly competitive and was achieved by only a quarter of interns; access to mentors outside of the funded programme is vital for a successful transition.

CONCLUSIONS

The Internship programme succeeds in providing a range of important early experiences in research, though progression beyond the programme is challenging due, in part, to a widening gap between Internship and the next level of the ICA framework. Vital mentorship support to bridge this gap is threatened by a lack of time and funding; therefore, the pursuit of a clinical-academic career will continue to be elusive for many nurses and allied health professionals. A partnership approach to clinical academic support at institutional level is needed with several international models offering alternative strategies for consideration.

0665 Bilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HGNS) decreases obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity by contracting the tongue and decreasing upper airway collapsibility. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a new implantable device that delivers bilateral HGNS: the Genio™ system.

Methods

The BLAST OSA study (BiLAteral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea), was a prospective, open-label, non-randomized, single arm treatment study conducted at eight centres in three countries (Australia, France, UK). Primary outcomes were the incidence of device-related Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) and change in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The secondary outcome was change in the 4% Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI). Additional outcomes included measures of sleepiness, quality of life, snoring, and device use. Participants were eligible if: 21-75 years old; BMI ≤ 32 kg/m2; obstructive AHI 20-60 events/hr and combined central and mixed AHI &lt; 10 events/hr; no positional OSA; no Complete Concentric Collapse of the soft palate during Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy; and failed to tolerate or accept Positive Airway Pressure treatments.

Results

27 participants were implanted (63% male, aged 55.9±12.0 years, BMI 27.4±3.0 kg/m2). 22 completed the protocol. At 6 months, AHI decreased from 23.7±12.2 to 12.9±10.1 events/hr [p&lt;0.001]; and ODI decreased from 19.1±11.2 to 9.8±6.9 events/hr [p&lt;0.001]. Daytime sleepiness (ESS, p=0.011) and sleep-related quality of life (FOSQ-10, p=0.016) both significantly improved. 91% of participants reported using their device &gt;5 days per week, and 77% used it &gt;5 hours per night. The number of bed partners reporting disruptive snoring decreased from 96% to 35%. No device-related SAE occurred.

Conclusion

In a targeted population of individuals with moderate-to-severe OSA, the Genio system reduced OSA severity and sleepiness, improved quality of life, and was associated with high adherence and an acceptable safety profile.

Support

This study trial was funded by Nyxoah S.A. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03048604.

Mirror-symmetry violation in bound nuclear ground states

Conservation laws are deeply related to any symmetry present in a physical system^1,2. Analogously to electrons in atoms exhibiting spin symmetries³, it is possible to consider neutrons and protons in the atomic nucleus as projections of a single fermion with an isobaric spin (isospin) of t = 1/2 (ref. ⁴). Every nuclear state is thus characterized by a total isobaric spin T and a projection T_z-two quantities that are largely conserved in nuclear reactions and decays^5,6. A mirror symmetry emerges from this isobaric-spin formalism: nuclei with exchanged numbers of neutrons and protons, known as mirror nuclei, should have an identical set of states⁷, including their ground state, labelled by their total angular momentum J and parity π. Here we report evidence of mirror-symmetry violation in bound nuclear ground states within the mirror partners strontium-73 and bromine-73. We find that a J^π = 5/2^- spin assignment is needed to explain the proton-emission pattern observed from the T = 3/2 isobaric-analogue state in rubidium-73, which is identical to the ground state of strontium-73. Therefore the ground state of strontium-73 must differ from its J ^π = 1/2^- mirror bromine-73. This observation offers insights into charge-symmetry-breaking forces acting in atomic nuclei.

Follow-up blood cultures are associated with improved outcome of patients with gram-negative bloodstream infections: retrospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We examined factors associated with follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in patients with monomicrobial Gram-negative (GN) bloodstream infection (BSI) and investigated the impact of FUBCs on therapeutic management and patient outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of adult patients diagnosed with GN-BSI at a tertiary-care university hospital during 2013-2016. FUBCs performed between 24 hours and 7 days after index BCs was the exposure variable. Risk factors for 30-day mortality were analysed by multivariate Cox analysis on the overall cohort, including FUBCs as a time-varying covariate and on 1:1 matched patients according to Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and time to FUBC.

RESULTS

In 278 (17.6%) of 1576 patients, FUBCs were performed within a median of 3 and 2 days after index BCs and active antibiotic therapy initiation. Persistent BSI was found in 107 (38.5%) of 278 patients. FUBCs were performed in more severely ill patients, with nonurinary sources, difficult-to-treat pathogens and receipt of initial inappropriate therapy. Source control and infectious disease consultation rates were higher among patients with preceding FUBCs and was associated with longer treatment duration. Thirty-day mortality was 10.4%. Independent risk factors for mortality were Charlson comorbidity index (hazard ratio (HR) 1.12) SOFA (HR 1.11), septic shock (HR 2.64), urinary source (HR 0.60), central venous catheter source (HR 2.30), complicated BSI (HR 2.10), carbapenem resistance (HR 2.34), active empiric therapy (HR 0.68), source control (HR 0.34) and FUBCs (HR 0.48). Association between FUBCs and lower mortality was confirmed in the 274 matched pairs.

CONCLUSIONS

FUBCs were performed in more severe GN-BSIs, yielding a high rate of persistent BSI. In this context, FUBCs were associated with lower mortality.

Determination of β-Carotene in Supplements and Raw Materials by Reversed-Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study

Twelve laboratories representing 4 countries participated in an interlaboratory study conducted to determine all-trans-β-carotene and total β-carotene in dietary supplements and raw materials. Thirteen samples were sent as blind duplicates to the collaborators. Results obtained from 11 laboratories are reported. For products composed as softgels and tablets that were analyzed for total β-carotene, the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 3.35 to 23.09% and the HorRat values ranged from 1.06 to 3.72. For these products analyzed for trans β-carotene, the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 4.28 to 22.76% and the HorRat values ranged from 0.92 to 3.37. The RSDr and HorRat values in the analysis of a beadlet raw material were substantial and it is believed that the variability within the material itself introduced significant variation in subsampling. The method uses high pressure liquid chromatography (LC) in the reversed-phase mode with visible light absorbance for detection and quantitation. If high levels of α-carotenes are present, a second LC system is used for additional separation and quantitation of the carotene species. It is recommended that the method be adopted as an AOAC Official Method.

The impact of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization on infection risk after liver transplantation: a prospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of colonization with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) on the CPE infection risk after liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of all adult patients undergoing LT at our centre over an 8-year period (2010-2017). Individuals were screened for CPE colonization by rectal swabs at inclusion onto the waiting list, immediately before LT and weekly after LT until hospital discharge. Asymptomatic carriers did not receive decolonization, anti-CPE prophylaxis or pre-emptive antibiotic therapy. Participants were followed up for 1 year after LT.

RESULTS

We analysed 553 individuals who underwent a first LT, 38 were colonized with CPE at LT and 104 acquired colonization after LT. CPE colonization rates at LT and acquired after LT increased significantly over the study period: incidence rate ratios (IRR) 1.21 (95% CI 1.05-1.39) and 1.17 (95% CI 1.07-1.27), respectively. Overall, 57 patients developed CPE infection within a median of 31 (interquartile range 11-115) days after LT, with an incidence of 3.05 cases per 10 000 LT-recipient-days and a non-significant increase over the study period (IRR 1.11, 95% CI 0.98-1.26). In multivariable analysis, CPE colonization at LT (hazard ratio (HR) 18.50, 95% CI 6.76-50.54) and CPE colonization acquired after LT (HR 16.89, 95% CI 6.95-41.00) were the strongest risk factors for CPE infection, along with combined transplant (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.20-5.59), higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease at the time of LT (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07), prolonged mechanical ventilation (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.48-4.67), re-intervention (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.21-3.84) and rejection (HR 2.81, 95% CI 1.52-5.21).

CONCLUSIONS

CPE colonization at LT or acquired after LT were the strongest predictors of CPE infection. Prevention strategies focused on LT candidates and recipients colonized with CPE should be investigated.

Publisher's Note: Experimental Neutron Capture Rate Constraint Far from Stability [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 242502 (2016)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.242502.

Simultaneous measurements of ammonia volatilisation and deposition at a beef feedlot

The nitrogen (N) excreted at intensive livestock operations is vulnerable to volatilisation, and, subsequently, may form a source of indirect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The present study simultaneously investigated volatilisation and deposition of N at a beef feedlot, semi-continuously over a 129-day period. These data were examined relative to pen manure parameters, management statistics and emission-inventory calculation protocols. Volatilisation measurements were conducted using a single, heated air-sampling inlet, centrally located in a feedlot pen area, with real time concentration analysis via cavity ring-down spectroscopy and backward Lagrangian stochastic (bLS) modelling. Net deposited mineral-N was determined via two transects of soil-deposition traps, with samples collected and re-deployed every 2 weeks. Total volatilised ammonia amounted to 210 tonnes of NH3-N (127 g/animal.day), suggesting that the inventory volatilisation factor probably underestimated volatilisation in this case (inventory, 30% of excreted N; 65 g N volatilised/animal.day; a value of ~60% of excreted N is indicated). Temperature contrast between the manure and air was observed to play a significant role in the rate of emission (R2 = 0.38; 0.46 Kendall’s tau; P &lt; 0.05). Net deposition within 600 m of the pen boundary represented only 1.7% to 3% of volatilised NH4+-N, between 3.6 and 6.7 tonnes N. Beyond this distance, deposition approached background rates (~0.4 kg N/ha.year).

Effect of Clot Stiffness on Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Lytic Susceptibility in Vitro

The lytic recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating ischemic stroke. Less than 40% of patients with large vessel occlusions who are treated with rt-PA have improved blood flow. However, up to 6% of all patients receiving rt-PA develop intracerebral hemorrhage. Predicting the efficacy of rt-PA treatment a priori could help guide therapeutic decision making, such that rt-PA is administered only to those individuals who would benefit from this treatment. Clot composition and structure affect the lytic efficacy of rt-PA and have an impact on elasticity. However, the relationship between clot elasticity and rt-PA lytic susceptibility has not been adequately investigated. The goal of this study was to quantify the relationship between clot elasticity and rt-PA susceptibility in vitro. Human and porcine highly retracted and mildly retracted clots were fabricated in glass pipettes. The rt-PA lytic susceptibility was evaluated in vitro using the percent clot mass loss. The Young's moduli of the clots were estimated using ultrasound-based single-track-location shear wave elasticity imaging. The percent mass loss in mildly retracted porcine and human clots (28.9 ± 6.1% and 45.2 ± 7.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in highly retracted porcine and human clots (10.9 ± 2.1% and 25.5 ± 10.0%, respectively). Furthermore, the Young's moduli of highly retracted porcine and human clots (5.33 ± 0.92 and 3.21 ± 1.97 kPa, respectively) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of mildly retracted porcine and human clots (2.66 ± 0.55 and 0.79 ± 0.21 kPa, respectively). The results revealed an inverse relationship between the percent clot mass loss and Young's modulus. These findings motivate continued investigation of ultrasound-based methods to assess clot stiffness in order to predict rt-PA thrombolytic efficacy.

Test-retest reliability and smallest detectable change of the Bristol Impact of Hypermobility (BIoH) questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

The Bristol Impact of Hypermobility (BIoH) questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome measure developed in conjunction with adults with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS). It has demonstrated strong concurrent validity with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component score but other psychometric properties have yet to be established. This study aimed to determine its test-retest reliability and smallest detectable change (SDC).

DESIGN

A test-retest reliability study.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from the Hypermobility Syndromes Association, a patient organisation in the United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

Recruitment packs were sent to 1080 adults who had given permission to be contacted about research.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

BIoH and SF-36 questionnaires were administered at baseline and repeated two weeks later. An 11-point global rating of change scale (-5 to +5) was also administered at two weeks. Test-retest analysis and calculation of the SDC was conducted on 'stable' patients (defined as global rating of change -1 to +1).

RESULTS

462 responses were received. 233 patients reported a 'stable' condition and were included in analysis (95% women; mean (SD) age 44.5 (13.9) years; BIoH score 223.6 (54.0)). The BIoH questionnaire demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC 0.923, 95% CI 0.900-0.940). The SDC was 42 points (equivalent to 19% of the mean baseline score). The SF-36 physical and mental component scores demonstrated poorer test-retest reliability and larger SDCs (as a proportion of the mean baseline scores).

CONCLUSION

The results provide further evidence of the potential of the BIoH questionnaire to underpin research and clinical practice for people with JHS.