Search Results Heading

MBRLSearchResults

mbrl.module.common.modules.added.book.to.shelf
Title added to your shelf!
View what I already have on My Shelf.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Oops! Something went wrong.
While trying to add the title to your shelf something went wrong :( Kindly try again later!
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
Oops! Something went wrong.
Oops! Something went wrong.
While trying to remove the title from your shelf something went wrong :( Kindly try again later!
    Done
    Filters
    Reset
  • Discipline
      Discipline
      Clear All
      Discipline
  • Is Peer Reviewed
      Is Peer Reviewed
      Clear All
      Is Peer Reviewed
  • Item Type
      Item Type
      Clear All
      Item Type
  • Subject
      Subject
      Clear All
      Subject
  • Year
      Year
      Clear All
      From:
      -
      To:
  • More Filters
34 result(s) for "Ramanakumar, Agnihotram V."
Sort by:
Prevalence and correlates of mental health difficulties in young Ghanaian children
BackgroundAlthough 90% of youth live in low- and middle-income countries, only 10% of child mental health research is conducted in these settings. We sought to shed light on the mental health of Ghanaian children by estimating the prevalence of socioemotional difficulties and examining associations with psychosocial risk and protective factors.MethodsData come from the cross-sectional Mental Health in Ghana study. Mothers and fathers reported their depressive symptoms, positive mental health, parenting practices and sociodemographic and household characteristics. Mothers reported child (ages 6–60 months) characteristics, including mental health according to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2) (administered for all children), Caregiver Reported Early Development Instruments (CREDI) (6–36 months old) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) (37–60 months old). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine CREDI and SDQ cut-offs, with the ASQ;SE-2 as the gold standard. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine associations with correlates.FindingsOut of 750 households, 748 with data on child mental health were included in analyses. According to the CREDI and ASQ:SE-2, 35.9% (95% CI 31.4% to 40.4%) of 6–36 months old were at risk of experiencing socioemotional difficulties. Prevalence rates in 37–60 months old were slightly lower at 26.3% (95% CI 21.2% to 31.4%). The prevalence of socioemotional difficulties in the whole sample was 47.1% (95% CI 43.5% to 50.6%), with higher rates in male (51.6% (95% CI 46.5% to 56.7%)) compared with female (42.5% (95% CI 37.5% to 47.6%)) children. Maternal and paternal positive mental health and maternal use of positive disciplinary strategies were significantly associated with fewer socioemotional difficulties in female children. Only maternal positive mental health was a significant protective factor for male children’s mental health.ConclusionA high burden of socioemotional difficulties exists among young Ghanaian children. Parental positive mental health is a key protective factor, highlighting the importance of considering the full spectrum of parental mental health and its associations with child mental health.
Assessment of symptomatic women for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer: results from the prospective DOvE pilot project
Around 90% of deaths from ovarian cancer are due to high-grade serous cancer (HGSC), which is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Several cancer organisations made a joint recommendation that all women with specified symptoms of ovarian cancer should be tested with the aim of making an early diagnosis. In the Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer Early (DOvE) study we investigated whether open-access assessment would increase the rate of early-stage diagnosis. Between May 1, 2008, and April 30, 2011, we enrolled women who were aged 50 years or older and who had symptoms of ovarian cancer. They were offered diagnostic testing with cancer antigen (CA-125) blood test and transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) at a central and a satellite open-access centre in Montreal, QC, Canada. We compared demographic characteristics of DOvE patients with those of women in the same age-group in the general population of the area, and compared indicators of disease burden with those in patients with ovarian cancer referred through the usual route to our gynaecological oncology clinic (clinic patients). Among 1455 women assessed, 402 (27·6%) were in the highest-risk age group (≥65 years). 239 (16·4%) of 1455 required additional investigations. 22 gynaecological cancers were diagnosed, 11 (50%) of which were invasive ovarian cancers, including nine HGSC. The prevalence of invasive ovarian cancer, therefore, was one per 132 women (0·76%), which is ten times higher than that reported in screening studies. DOvE patients were significantly younger, more educated, and more frequently English speakers than were women in the general population. They also presented with less tumour burden than did the 75 clinic patients (median CA-125 concentration 72 U/mL, 95% CI 12–1190 vs 888 U/mL, 440–1936; p=0·010); Eight (73%) tumours were completely resectable in DOvE patients, compared with 33 (44%) in clinic patients (p=0·075). Seven (78%) of the HGSC in the DOvE group originated outside the ovaries and five were associated with only slightly raised CA-125 concentrations and minimal or no ovarian abnormalities on TVUS. The proportion of HGSC that originated outside the ovaries in this study suggests that early diagnosis programmes should aim to identify low-volume disease rather than early-stage disease, and that diagnostic approaches should be modified accordingly. Although testing symptomatic women may result in earlier diagnosis of invasive ovarian cancer, large-scale implementation of this approach is premature. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Montreal General Hospital Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, Cedar's Cancer Institute, and La Fondation du Cancer Monique Malenfant-Pinizzotto.
Evaluating the impact of COVID‐19 on cancer declarations in Quebec, Canada
Background COVID‐19 affected healthcare worldwide, limited access to healthcare, and delayed cancer screening and diagnosis. In this study, the effect of the first year of COVID‐19 was determined on cancer diagnoses in the province of Quebec, Canada. Methods Data were collected from the 13 Quebec Cancer Registry health institutions. Newly diagnosed cancer declarations in the first year of the COVID‐19 (April 2020–March 2021) were compared with the reference periods (averages of 3 previous years). The main focus was on four leading cancers: lung, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers. Generalized regression models with a poisson approximation and interrupted time series (ITS) analysis were used. Underestimated cases were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The changes in the stage‐specific counts were also assessed in each of the four cancers. Results were illustrated separately for the first 4 months of the pandemic (first wave). Findings This study estimated an overall under‐reporting of 15.3% (29,019 vs. 24,584) of declarations. This under‐reporting was evident across all age groups above 35 years (p < 0.0001), four primary cancers (p < 0.0001), all stages of cancers (p < 0.0001), and both sexes (p < 0.0001). Based on the relative risks, stage‐specific lung cancer counts were underestimated by 5%–34% in the first wave (0%–11% in the first year), prostate cancer by 16%–46% in the first wave (0%–25% in the first year), colorectal cancer 15%–45% in the first wave (0%–24% in the first year), and breast cancer 3%–45% in the first wave and (0%–28% in the first year). However, no stage‐IV cancers were statically under‐reported compared to the pre‐pandemic era and not even in the first wave. Interpretation Cancer diagnosis was underestimated due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in the first year; this effect was more evident in the first phase of the pandemic in Quebec. Further research is required to determine the accurate burden of the disease in the long term. This study estimated an overall under‐reporting of 15.3% of Cancer declarations in the first year of the Pandemic in Quebec, Canada. This effect was more evident in the first phase.
Exploring the impact of cancer registry completeness on international cancer survival differences: a simulation study
Background Data from population-based cancer registries are often used to compare cancer survival between countries or regions. The ICBP SURVMARK-2 study is an international partnership aiming to quantify and explore the reasons behind survival differences across high-income countries. However, the magnitude and relevance of differences in cancer survival between countries have been questioned, as it is argued that observed survival variations may be explained, at least in part, by differences in cancer registration practice, completeness and the availability and quality of the respective data sources. Methods As part of the ICBP SURVMARK-2 study, we used a simulation approach to better understand how differences in completeness, the characteristics of those missed and inclusion of cases found from death certificates can impact on cancer survival estimates. Results Bias in 1- and 5-year net survival estimates for 216 simulated scenarios is presented. Out of the investigated factors, the proportion of cases not registered through sources other than death certificates, had the largest impact on survival estimates. Conclusion Our results show that the differences in registration practice between participating countries could in our most extreme scenarios explain only a part of the largest observed differences in cancer survival.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Background and Aim Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent conditions sharing common pathogenic factors. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis aiming to investigate the association between NAFLD and PCOS among premenopausal PCOS patients. Methods Relevant studies were systematically identified from scientific databases until 2019. We calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) using a random‐effect model, and heterogeneity was addressed through I2. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression for various covariates were performed. Results Of the 1833 studies retrieved, 23 studies with 7148 participants qualified for quantitative synthesis. The pooled result showed that women with PCOS had a 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD compared to controls (pooled OR 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.20–2.82). In subgroup analyses comparing PCOS to controls, South American/Middle East PCOS patients had a greater risk of NAFLD (OR 3.55, 95% CI 2.27–5.55) compared to their counterpart from Europe (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.85–2.67) and Asia (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.20–3.15). Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were more frequent in the PCOS group (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.71 and OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.42–4.76, respectively). Study quality and body mass index (BMI) were the only covariates that showed a relationship with the outcome in the meta‐regression, with a regression coefficient of −2.219 (95% CI −3.927 to −0.511) and −1.929 (95% CI −3.776 to −0.0826), respectively. Conclusions This meta‐analysis indicates that premenopausal PCOS patients are associated with 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD, and BMI seems to be the main cofactor. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to investigate the association between NAFLD and PCOS among premenopausal PCOS patients. Of 1833 studies, 23 studies with 7148 participants were included. Women with PCOS had a 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD compared to controls (Pooled OR 2.49, 95% CI 2.20‐2.82; I2=55.2%, p=0.001). South American/Middle East populations had a greater risk of NAFLD (OR 3.55, 95% CI 2.27‐5.55).
Opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after surgical discharge: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Excessive opioid prescribing after surgery has contributed to the current opioid crisis; however, the value of prescribing opioids at surgical discharge remains uncertain. We aimed to estimate the extent to which opioid prescribing after discharge affects self-reported pain intensity and adverse events in comparison with an opioid-free analgesic regimen. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, AMED, Biosis, and CINAHL from Jan 1, 1990, until July 8, 2021. We included multidose randomised controlled trials comparing opioid versus opioid-free analgesia in patients aged 15 years or older, discharged after undergoing a surgical procedure according to the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity definition (minor, moderate, major, and major complex). We screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials) in duplicate. The primary outcomes of interest were self-reported pain intensity on day 1 after discharge (standardised to 0–10 cm visual analogue scale) and vomiting up to 30 days. Pain intensity at further timepoints, pain interference, other adverse events, risk of dissatisfaction, and health-care reutilisation were also assessed. We did random-effects meta-analyses and appraised evidence certainty using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations scoring system. The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42020153050). 47 trials (n=6607 patients) were included. 30 (64%) trials involved elective minor procedures (63% dental procedures) and 17 (36%) trials involved procedures of moderate extent (47% orthopaedic and 29% general surgery procedures). Compared with opioid-free analgesia, opioid prescribing did not reduce pain on the first day after discharge (weighted mean difference 0·01cm, 95% CI –0·26 to 0·27; moderate certainty) or at other postoperative timepoints (moderate-to-very-low certainty). Opioid prescribing was associated with increased risk of vomiting (relative risk 4·50, 95% CI 1·93 to 10·51; high certainty) and other adverse events, including nausea, constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness (high-to-moderate certainty). Opioids did not affect other outcomes. Findings from this meta-analysis support that opioid prescribing at surgical discharge does not reduce pain intensity but does increase adverse events. Evidence relied on trials focused on elective surgeries of minor and moderate extent, suggesting that clinicians can consider prescribing opioid-free analgesia in these surgical settings. Data were largely derived from low-quality trials, and none involved patients having major or major-complex procedures. Given these limitations, there is a great need to advance the quality and scope of research in this field. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Epidemiologic Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus Type Competition and the Potential for Type Replacement Post-Vaccination
Millions of women have been vaccinated with one of two first-generation human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Both vaccines remain in use and target two oncogenic types (HPVs 16 and 18); however, if these types naturally compete with others that are not targeted, type replacement may occur following reductions in the circulating prevalence of targeted types. To explore the potential for type replacement, we evaluated natural HPV type competition in unvaccinated females. Valid HPV DNA typing information was available from five epidemiological studies conducted in Canada and Brazil (n = 14,685; enrollment across studies took place between1993 and 2010), which used similar consensus-primer PCR assays, capable of detecting up to 40 HPV types. A total of 38,088 cervicovaginal specimens were available for inclusion in our analyses evaluating HPV type-type interactions involving vaccine-targeted types (6, 11, 16, and 18), and infection with each of the other HPV types. Across the studies, the average age of participants ranged from 21.0 to 43.7 years. HPV16 was the most common type (prevalence range: 1.0% to 13.8%), and in general HPV types were more likely to be detected as part of a multiple infection than as single infections. In our analyses focusing on each of the vaccine-targeted HPV types separately, many significant positive associations were observed (particularly involving HPV16); however, we did not observe any statistically significant negative associations. Our findings suggest that natural HPV type competition does not exist, and that type replacement is unlikely to occur in vaccinated populations.
Maximizing patient adherence to prehabilitation: what do the patients say?
PurposeMultimodal prehabilitation programs (exercise, nutrition, and anxiety reduction) have been shown to be successful for enhancing patients’ physical function prior to surgery, although adherence remains a challenge. Given the short pre-operative period, maintaining adherence is critical to maximize program effectiveness. This study was designed to better understand patients’ perspectives of prehabilitation and to identify factors related to program adherence.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted based on 52 cancer patients enrolled in a prehabilitation program at the Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Canada. Data was collected with a structured questionnaire designed to evaluate the program.ResultsPatients enjoyed their experience in prehabilitation, especially the exercise program and training sessions. The primary motivating factor for participation was to be physically prepared for the surgery. The most challenging exercise component was resistance training, while the most enjoyed was the aerobic training. Approximately 50% of patients were interested in group fitness classes as opposed to supervised individual training sessions for reasons related to social support. The preferred methods for exercise program delivery were home-based and one supervised exercise session per week. The biggest barrier to participation was related to transportation.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need to make prehabilitation programs more patient-centered. This is critical when designing more effective therapeutic strategies tailored to meet patients’ specific needs while overcoming program non-adherence.
Implementation Leadership in the Point of Care Nursing Context: A Systematic Review Comparing Two Measurement Tools
Introduction Implementation leadership (IL) are effective point of care (POC) nursing leadership behaviors that facilitate contexts conducive to the successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs). However, no systematic evaluation of IL tools validated for the nursing context existed. Aims The purpose of this systematic review was to compare iterations of two IL measurement tools, the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS) and the iLEAD, for application in a nursing context; and to critically appraise and summarize the methodological quality of studies assessing their psychometric properties. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full-text articles, and performed extraction into data tables. Statisticians appraised the quality control aspects. Findings were narratively summarized. Results A total of 247 records were included, where 10 for the ILS (including different versions) and one for the iLEAD met the inclusion criteria. Three studies evaluated the psychometric properties of the ILS in nursing, and its translations into Chinese and Greek. Content validity was deemed to be doubtful for both tools, but the ILS had adequate rating for comprehensiveness; methodological quality was very good for structural validity, internal consistency, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness where applicable for both scales, with the exception of cross-cultural validity which had ratings of adequate and inadequate for versions of the scales. Several study findings met the criteria for good measurement properties. No studies for either tool formally assessed feasibility. Conclusion Applying validated and contextually relevant tools to evaluate the capacity of nursing leadership to engage in IL in real-world contexts are needed. The ILS shows promise but requires further validation for contexts with diverse and multiple nursing leaders at the POC. Feasibility needs to be further studied.
Lung Cancer Screening: Review and Performance Comparison Under Different Risk Scenarios
Lung cancer is currently one of the most common malignant diseases and is responsible for substantial mortality worldwide. Compared with never smokers, former smokers remain at relatively high risk for lung cancer, accounting for approximately half of all newly diagnosed cases in the US. Screening offers former smokers the best opportunity to reduce their risk of advanced stage lung cancer and there is now evidence that annual screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is effective in preventing mortality. Studies are being conducted to evaluate whether the benefits of LDCT screening outweigh its costs and potential harms and to determine the most appropriate workup for patients with screen-detected lung nodules. Program efficiency would be optimized by targeting high-risk current smokers, but low uptake among this group is a concern. Former smokers may be invited for screening; however, if fewer long-term current smokers and more former smokers with long quit duration elect to attend, this could have very adverse effects on cost and screening test parameters. To illustrate this point, we present three possible screening scenarios with lung cancer prevalence ranging from between 0.62 and 5.0 %. In summary, cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening may be improved if linked to successful smoking cessation programs and if better approaches are developed to reach very high-risk patients, e.g., long-term current smokers or others based on more accurate risk prediction models.