Σάββατο 2 Νοεμβρίου 2019


Expediting the management of cauda equina syndrome in the emergency department through clinical pathway design
IntroductionCauda equina syndrome (CES) is a neurosurgical emergency. Early diagnosis with MRI and subsequent surgical decompression surgery can prevent permanent neurological dysfunction. Charing Cross Hospital (CXH) is a tertiary neurosurgical referral centre where in the emergency department (ED), current practice mandated a neurosurgery review prior to requesting MRI. HypothesisIt was hypothesised that a new clinical pathway, with better coordination from the ED, radiology and neurosurgical...
Current issue
10:45
Development of a real-time physician-patient communication data collection tool
ObjectivesTo design a tool to assess and improve physician communication, provide physicians with personalised feedback in real time, and relate specific communication behaviours to patient experience measures. It was hypothesised that performance of fundamental communication behaviours would correlate with individual patient experience scores as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys. DesignProspective observational study. SettingSingle-centre...
Current issue
10:45
Prospective, observational study to evaluate the relation between patient-reported outcomes and component rotation in total knee replacement: protocol for the CRACK study
IntroductionTotal knee replacement (TKR) for osteoarthritis results in a satisfactory outcome in the majority of patients, although up to one in five patients may be dissatisfied with the outcome. Persistent pain is a main contributor to patient dissatisfaction, and femoral and tibial component malrotation have been identified as a potential cause for both persistent pain and patellofemoral problems. Based on the assumption that component malrotation is the causative factor for persistent pain, early...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Associations between adolescent experiences, parent experiences and HbA1c: results following two surveys based on the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry (NCDR)
ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to determine the association between the experiences of adolescents and their parents with paediatric diabetes care at hospital outpatient departments and the association between these experiences and the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of adolescents. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingPaediatric diabetes care at hospital outpatient departments in Norway. ParticipantsParents of all outpatients registered in the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry and...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
The structure and predictive value of intrinsic capacity in a longitudinal study of ageing
ObjectivesTo assess the validity of the WHO concept of intrinsic capacity in a longitudinal study of ageing; to identify whether this overall measure disaggregated into biologically plausible and clinically useful subdomains; and to assess whether total capacity predicted subsequent care dependence. DesignStructural equation modelling of biomarkers and self-reported measures in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing including exploratory factor analysis, exploratory bi-factor analysis and confirmatory...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Developing patient-centred, feasible alternative care for adult emergency department users with epilepsy: protocol for the mixed-methods observational 'Collaborate project
IntroductionEmergency department (ED) visits for epilepsy are common, costly, often clinically unnecessary and typically lead to little benefit for epilepsy management. An ‘Alternative Care Pathway’ (ACP) for epilepsy, which diverts people with epilepsy (PWE) away from ED when ‘999’ is called and leads to care elsewhere, might generate savings and facilitate improved ambulatory care. It is unknown though what features it should incorporate to make it acceptable to persons from this particularly vulnerable...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Difluprednate versus Prednisolone Acetate after Cataract Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ObjectiveTopical steroids are the cornerstone in controlling the inflammation after cataract surgery. Prednisolone acetate and difluprednate are the two main products for this purpose. However, it is unclear which one should be used in terms of effectiveness and safety. DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. Data sourcesMedline via PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of science and clinicaltrials.gov were searched through 10 January 2018, and updated on 20 July 2019,...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Association between syphilis seroprevalence and age among blood donors in Southern China: an observational study from 2014 to 2017
ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between syphilis seroprevalence and age among blood donors, and described the distribution of serological titres among syphilis-infected donors, aiming to confirm the syphilis epidemic characteristics and to promote effective interventions for older adults. MethodsData were obtained from the Shenzhen Programme for Syphilis Prevention and Control in 2014–2017. Blood samples were screened using the ELISAs, and confirmed using the Treponema pallidum...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
A school-based, multi-faceted health promotion programme to prevent obesity among children: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial (the DECIDE-Children study)
IntroductionObesity is a public health concern that is becoming increasingly more serious worldwide. Effective and sustainable childhood obesity prevention strategies may help to reduce the prevalence of obesity and may have an impact on lifelong health. However, few such strategies have been rigorously evaluated for Chinese children in different regions of China. Methods and analysisThe Diet, ExerCIse and CarDiovascular hEalth-Children is a cluster-randomised controlled trial that aims to assess...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Impact of repeat flooding on mental health and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional analysis of the English National Study of Flooding and Health
ObjectiveTo assess the association between flooding/repeat flooding and: (1) psychological morbidity (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) and (2) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 6 months post-flooding. DesignCross-sectional analysis of data from the English National Study of Flooding and Health. SettingCumbria, England. ParticipantsQuestionnaires were sent to 2500 residential addresses at 6 months post-flooding; 590 people responded. OutcomesProbable depression...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Relationships between dipstick proteinuria and risk of hearing impairment among Japanese workers: a prospective cohort study
ObjectivesHearing impairment is among the most significant health problems, and the number of adults with hearing impairment is increasing worldwide. Therefore, the prevention of hearing impairment is important. Proteinuria appears to be a risk factor for hearing impairment, but no prospective studies have examined the association between proteinuria and hearing impairment risk. This prospective study aimed to clarify the association between dipstick proteinuria and risk of hearing impairment. DesignThis...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Primary prevention of stroke: randomised controlled pilot trial protocol on engaging everyday activities promoting health
IntroductionStroke is a globally common disease that has detrimental effects on the individual and, more broadly, on society. Lifestyle change can contribute to reducing risk factors for stroke. Although a healthy lifestyle has direct benefits, sustaining and incorporating healthy activities into everyday life is a challenge. Engaging everyday activities have the potential to support lifestyle change and to promote sustainable activity patterns. Current healthcare is failing to reduce modifiable...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Pharmaceutical use and costs in patients with coronary artery disease, using Australian observational data
ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the annual pharmaceutical costs for patients with stable coronary artery disease, using Australian administrative data, comparing patients who had undergone interventional treatment with those had not. We also aimed to compare the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) prescription in the real-world, with recommended guidelines. DesignAn observational study using administrative data. ParticipantsWe used data from the QSkin study, a population-based prospective...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Systematic review of behavioural smoking cessation interventions for older smokers from deprived backgrounds
IntroductionThe associations between smoking prevalence, socioeconomic group and lung cancer outcomes are well established. There is currently limited evidence for how inequalities could be addressed through specific smoking cessation interventions (SCIs) for a lung cancer screening eligible population. This systematic review aims to identify the behavioural elements of SCIs used in older adults from low socioeconomic groups, and to examine their impact on smoking abstinence and psychosocial variables....
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Preoperative bariatric surgery programme barriers facing Pacific patients in Auckland, New Zealand as perceived by health sector professionals: a qualitative study
Minority ethnic patient groups typically have the highest bariatric surgery preoperative attrition rates and lowest surgery utilisation worldwide. Eligible patients of Pacific Island ethnicity (Pacific patients) in New Zealand (NZ) follow this wider trend. ObjectivesThe present study explored structural barriers contributing to Pacific patients’ disproportionately high preoperative attrition rates from publicly-funded bariatric surgery in Auckland, NZ. SettingPublicly-funded bariatric surgery programmes...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Progressive functional exercise versus best practice advice for adults aged 50 years or over after ankle fracture: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial in the UK - the Ankle Fracture Treatment: Enhancing Rehabilitation (AFTER) study
IntroductionAnkle fractures result in significant morbidity in adults, with prognosis worsening with increasing age. Previous trials have not found evidence supporting supervised physiotherapy sessions, but these studies have not focused on older adults or tailored the exercise interventions to the complex needs of this patient group. The Ankle Fracture Treatment: Enhancing Rehabilitation study is a pilot randomised controlled trial to assess feasibility of a later definitive trial comparing best-practice...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Predictors of quality of life 1 year after minor stroke or TIA: a prospective single-centre cohort study
ObjectivesIn patients after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, dysfunction is often underestimated by clinical measures due to invisible symptoms, including cognitive and emotional problems. Many of these patients need stroke care programme, but others do not. In this study, we aim to identify potential predictors of quality of life (QoL) in patients with TIA or minor stroke 1 year poststroke to be able to select which of these patients will need aftercare. DesignProspective observational...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of the combined effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide and exercise on maintenance of weight loss and health after a very low-calorie diet
IntroductionThe success rate of weight loss maintenance is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the maintenance of weight loss and immunometabolic health outcomes after diet-induced weight loss followed by 1-year treatment with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (liraglutide), physical exercise or the combination of both treatments as compared with placebo in individuals with obesity. Methods and analysisThis is an investigator-initiated, randomised, placebo-controlled,...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Fostering humanism: a mixed methods evaluation of the Footprints Project in critical care
ObjectivesThe objectives of this mixed-methods study were to assess the uptake, sustainability and influence of the Footprints Project. SettingTwenty-two-bed university-affiliated ICU in Hamilton, Canada. ParticipantsICU patients admitted and their families, as well as clinicians. InterventionsWe developed a personalised patient Footprints Form and Whiteboard to facilitate holistic, patient-centred care, to inform clinical encounters, and to create deeper connections among patients, families and...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Performance of externally validated enhanced computer-aided versions of the National Early Warning Score in predicting mortality following an emergency admission to hospital in England: a cross-sectional study
ObjectivesIn the English National Health Service, the patient’s vital signs are monitored and summarised into a National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to support clinical decision making, but it does not provide an estimate of the patient’s risk of death. We examine the extent to which the accuracy of NEWS for predicting mortality could be improved by enhanced computer versions of NEWS (cNEWS). DesignLogistic regression model development and external validation study. SettingTwo acute hospitals (YH—York...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Animal-related injuries and fatalities: evidence from a large-scale population-based cross-sectional survey in rural Bangladesh
ObjectiveThis study determines the magnitude and pattern of animal-related injury mortalities and morbidities in rural Bangladesh. Design and settingA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 51 Unions of 7 subdistricts of Bangladesh from June 2013 to September 2013. ParticipantsA total of approximately 1.17 million individuals across all age and gender profiles were included in the survey. The participants had to be residents of the seven subdistricts and have provided consent to participate in...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Measurement of coverage, compliance and determinants of uptake in a publicly funded rotavirus vaccination programme: a retrospective cohort study
ObjectivesIn June 2015, Alberta, Canada instituted a universal publicly funded rotavirus vaccination programme (Rotarix, RV1), with vaccine doses scheduled for 2 and 4 months of age. Vaccination was restricted so that infants were only allowed to receive first dose between 6 and 20 weeks of age, and second dose before eight calendar months of age. We assessed the coverage and schedule non-compliance of rotavirus vaccination for babies born between June 2015 and August 2016, that is, since the inception...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Using the General Social Survey - National Death Index cohort to study the relationship between neighbourhood fear and mortality in the USA
ObjectivesFear of crime is associated with adverse mental health outcomes and reduced social interaction independent of crime. Because mental health and social interactions are associated with poor physical health, fear of crime may also be associated with death. The main objective is to determine whether neighbourhood fear is associated with time to death. Setting and participantsData from the 1978–2008 General Social Survey were linked to mortality data using the National Death Index (GSS-NDI)...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Volume and in-hospital mortality after emergency abdominal surgery: a national population-based study
ObjectivesEmergency abdominal surgery (EAS) refers to high-risk intra-abdominal surgical procedures undertaken for acute gastrointestinal pathology. The relationship between hospital or surgeon volume and mortality of patients undergoing EAS is poorly understood. This study examined this relationship at the national level. DesignThis is a national population-based study using a full administrative inpatient dataset (National Quality Assurance Improvement System) from publicly funded hospitals in...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Multidisciplinary interventions for reducing the avoidable displacement from home of frail older people: a systematic review
ObjectivesTo synthesise existing literature on interventions addressing a new concept of avoidable displacement from home for older people with multimorbidity or frailty. The review focused on home-based interventions by any type of multidisciplinary team aimed at reducing avoidable displacement from home to hospital settings. A second objective was to characterise these interventions to inform policy. DesignA systematic search of the main bibliographic databases was conducted to identify studies...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Determinants of vaccine hesitancy in Switzerland: study protocol of a mixed-methods national research programme
IntroductionVaccine hesitancy is a complex public health issue referring to concerns about the safety, efficacy or need for vaccination. Relatively little is known about vaccine hesitancy in Switzerland. This ongoing study (2017–2021) focuses on biomedical and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers and their patients since healthcare professionals play important roles in vaccination decision-making. This national research programme seeks to assess the sociocultural determinants of...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Organisational context of hospitals that participated in a multi-site mentored medication reconciliation quality improvement project (MARQUIS2): a cross-sectional observational study
ObjectivesMedication reconciliation (MedRec) is an important patient safety strategy and is widespread in US hospitals and globally. Nevertheless, high quality MedRec has been difficult to implement. As part of a larger study investigating MedRec interventions, we evaluated and compared organisational contextual factors and team cohesion by hospital characteristics and implementation team members’ profession to better understand the environmental context and its correlates during a multi-site quality...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
A randomised controlled trial of a case management approach to encourage participation in colorectal cancer screening for people with schizophrenia in psychiatric outpatient clinics: study protocol for the J-SUPPORT 1901 (ACCESS) study
IntroductionOne of the reasons for the high mortality rate from cancer in people with schizophrenia is delay in diagnosis. Many studies have shown lower cancer screening rates in people with schizophrenia; however, there are no interventions for people with schizophrenia to increase cancer screening. Therefore, we developed a case management (CM) intervention to encourage participation in cancer screening. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of CM to encourage participation in cancer...
BMJ Open Current Issue
10:38
Rare presentation of a testicular glomus tumour
Glomus tumours are atypical in extracutaneous locations and very rarely located in reproductive organs. We present an unusual case of an incidentally discovered glomus tumour arising from the testis of a 47-year-old man. The testicular occurrence of this tumour type is not only exceptionally rare but also serves to highlight the debate regarding the optimal management of incidentally discovered small testicular lesions.
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Non-surgical management of a tibiofemoral knee dislocation in a patient with sarcoidosis
This case presents a patient who sustained a knee dislocation, and who due to her diagnosis of sarcoidosis, other comorbidities, and prolonged use of corticosteroids, external fixation and physical therapy were implemented versus soft tissue reconstruction/repair. Research indicates worse functional outcomes with non-surgical treatment, and guidelines on optimising outcomes in this population are lacking. Integrated care of the patient—even when complex injuries and comorbid medical conditions are...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Corynebacterium diphtheriae bloodstream infection: the role of antitoxin
A 65-year-old male patient presented with fever, fast atrial fibrillation and frank haematuria on return to Ireland from travel in East Africa. He had a systolic murmur leading to a clinical suspicion of endocarditis. He had no specific clinical features of diphtheria. Blood cultures were taken and empiric therapy commenced with benzylpenicillin, vancomycin and gentamicin. Corynebacterium diphtheriae was detected on blood culture. The isolate was submitted to a reference laboratory for evaluation...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Recurrent focal myositis developing into a generalised idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase autoantibodies
We present the case of a 43-year-old woman with generalised idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) autoantibodies (Abs) that developed following recurrent focal myositis. Anti-HMGCR Abs are myositis-specific Abs that are associated with immune-mediated necrotising myopathy, a subtype of IIM that is characterised by relatively prominent and severe muscle involvement, generally necessitating multimodal immunosuppressant treatment. While...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Acute tension hydrothorax in chronic liver disease secondary to spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture
Pleural effusion in liver cirrhotics is more commonly transudative. A transudative pleural effusion secondary to ascites in decompensated cirrhosis is also known as hepatic hydrothorax and is usually due to fluid seepage through congenital pores in the diaphragm. The patient, a known case of decompensated chronic liver disease, presented with a massive, left-sided, rapidly accumulating and transudative pleural effusion secondary to spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture. Clinically, he developed sudden...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Isolated leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and possible fungal meningitis as late sequelae of oesophageal adenocarcinoma
We describe a case of a 67-year-old man with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoarthritis, previous history of excess alcohol intake, and oesophagectomy 3 years earlier for T3N0 adenocarcinoma, referred by his general practitioner with confusion, weight loss and several recent falls. CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed a right middle-lobe pulmonary embolism, while CT of the head revealed a communicating hydrocephalus. Lumbar puncture...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
An unusual bullous eruption: olanzapine induced pseudoporphyria
A 27-year-old man with a background of schizophrenia presented during the summer months with a 2-day history of a blistering eruption predominantly affecting his hands, forearms and face. He had not knowingly been exposed to any chemicals or toxins and was otherwise well. Clinical examination revealed multiple, large, tense blisters affecting the sun-exposed sites. Histology subsequently demonstrated subepidermal blisters with minimal inflammation and negative immunofluorescence. Porphyrin biochemistry...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: treatment with low-dose corticosteroids, vitamin C and thiamine
We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with no significant past medical history who was admitted to an outside hospital for the abrupt onset of fevers, malaise and a diffuse mucocutaneous rash. Her constellation of symptoms and presentation were most consistent with a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome secondary to ibuprofen exposure. Her rash continued to worsen and she was transferred to our medical intensive care unit (ICU), where broad-spectrum...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Oesophageal tuberculosis with concomitant candidiasis: a rare cause of dysphagia
We present a case of a 23-year-old woman with dysphagia. She was reportedly newly diagnosed with HIV and had been initiated on antiretroviral treatment and tuberculosis (TB) prophylaxis. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an irregular, ulcerative oesophageal lesion. Subsequent histopathology revealed M ycobacterium tuberculosis as well as C andida albicans. A CT scan demonstrated widespread disease with miliary TB. She was subsequently initiated on antituberculous and antifungal medications. TB...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Diffuse normolipemic plane xanthoma with underlying photosensitive dermatoses
Diffuse plane xanthomatosis is a normolipemic non-Langerhan cell histiocytosis. Clinically, patient presents as asymptomatic yellowish plaques involving eyelids, neck, upper trunk and flexures. Usually, there is an associated haematological or lymphoproliferative malignancy which may precede or follow dermatological manifestations by many years. Rarely inflammatory dermatosis like atopic eczema, photosensitive dermatosis, erythroderma, previous scars and lymphoedema have been found to be associated...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
A 22q13.33 duplication harbouring the SHANK3 gene: does it cause neuropsychiatric disorders?
A young man with neuropsychiatric problems has a small 22q13.33 duplication. We suggest this causes his condition. His disorder may represent a 22q13.33 behavioural phenotype. In childhood, he was diagnosed with mild intellectual disability. He was later diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, atypical autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. Lithium seems effective in treating his affective symptoms. He has mild dysmorphic features, full lips and protruding ears. An array comparative genomic hybridisation...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45

Scalp ulceration: a rare manifestation of giant cell arteritis
An 81-year-old woman presented with an enlarging, tender ulcer on her scalp over an 8-week period, attributing it to a prior graze with garden shears. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated at 87.7 mg/L and 112 mm/hour, respectively. Incisional biopsies demonstrated ulceration and full thickness necrosis with no evidence of malignancy. Vasculitis was suggested as a likely cause of such extensive necrosis and subsequent temporal artery biopsy findings were consistent with...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
Mania induced by isoniazid preventive therapy during steroid treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and organising pneumonia
Isoniazid preventative therapy is widely used for latent tuberculosis infection. Isoniazid is highly effective but has many adverse effects, including neuropsychiatric. We describe the case of an 80-year-old woman with mania. She had received isoniazid preventative therapy during steroid treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and organising pneumonia for the previous 5 months. Her mania resolved after discontinuation of isoniazid. Adverse effects of isoniazid should be considered even if a long time...
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
10:45
New-onset asthma in a bilateral lung transplant patient
We present a case of new-onset asthma in a 35-year-old man who had undergone bilateral lung transplantation 11 years before due to idiopathic bronchiectasis and pulmonary hypertension. He presented with recurrent episodes of breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. Spirometry demonstrated severe airway obstruction. After treatment with systemic and inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators as well as short-acting beta-agonists as needed, his symptoms resolved and his spirometry normalised....
BMJ Case Reports Last 6 Issues
02:05
Renal epithelial cells retain primary cilia during human acute renal allograft rejection injury
Primary cilia are sensory organelles which co-ordinate several developmental/repair pathways including hedgehog signalling. Studies of human renal allografts suffering acute tubular necrosis have shown that le...
BMC Research Notes
Fri Nov 01, 2019 02:00
Contaminating reactivity of a monoclonal CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β antibody in differentiating myoblasts
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding proteins (C/EBPs) are transcription factors involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes. We used the Abcam Recombinant Anti-C/EBP beta antibody (E299) to detect C/EBPβ ...
BMC Research Notes
Thu Oct 31, 2019 02:00
Overweight and obesity among children under five in Ethiopia: further analysis of 2016 national demographic health survey: a case control study
The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of overweight and obesity among children under 5 years in Ethiopia.
BMC Research Notes
Thu Oct 31, 2019 02:00

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