Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hemalkumar B. Mehta, Shuang Li, Huijun An, James S. Goodwin, G. Caleb Alexander, Jodi B. Segal
Summary: The study developed a simplified Elixhauser comorbidity score (S-Elixhauser) and demonstrated its good performance in predicting 30-day, in-hospital, and 1-year mortality in older adults through validation and calibration.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yuto Kubo, Koji Tanaka, Makoto Yamasaki, Kotaro Yamashita, Tomoki Makino, Takuro Saito, Kazuyoshi Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Takahashi, Yukinori Kurokawa, Masaaki Motoori, Yutaka Kimura, Kiyokazu Nakajima, Hidetoshi Eguchi, Yuichiro Doki
Summary: The study demonstrated that a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of >= 2 was significantly associated with poor postoperative nutritional indexes at 1 month after surgery for esophageal cancer. This suggests that effective nutritional interventions are necessary for postoperative malnutrition in patients, especially those with multiple comorbidities.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Benjamin Beska, Greg B. Mills, Hanna Ratcovich, Chris Wilkinson, Abdulla A. Damluji, Vijay Kunadian
Summary: In older adults with NSTE-ACS referred for coronary angiography, the presence of multimorbidity is associated with an increased risk of long-term adverse cardiovascular events, mainly driven by a higher risk of all-cause mortality.
Article
Medical Informatics
Stephen P. Fortin, Jenna Reps, Patrick Ryan
Summary: This study adapted and validated a coding algorithm for the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) using the SNOMED CT standardized vocabulary. The performance of the SNOMED CT and Quan coding algorithms were compared, and no differences were found in predicting one-year mortality among hospitalized patients.
BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jose-Angel Perez-Rivera, Carlos Arminanzas, Patricia Munoz, Martha Kestler, Blanca Pinilla, Maria-Carmen Farinas, Ignacio Alvarez-Rodriguez, Guillermo Cuervo, Angeles Rodriguez-Esteban, Aristides de Alarcon, Andrea Gutierrez-Villanueva, Ana Pello-Lazaro, Manuel Martinez Selles
Summary: This study aimed to describe the current profile of infective endocarditis (IE) in octogenarians and analyze the impact of baseline comorbidities on prognosis. The results showed that high comorbidities were associated with increased in-hospital and 1-year mortality in older patients with IE. The study also found that the performance of cardiac surgery in this group of patients was suboptimal, potentially contributing to their poor prognosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chin-Ling Li, Mei-Hsin Lin, Yuh-Chyn Tsai, Ching-Wan Tseng, Chia-Ling Chang, Lien-Shi Shen, Ho-Chang Kuo, Shih-Feng Liu
Summary: This study demonstrated the predictive value of the ADO index on the medical burden of COPD. There is a significant correlation between the ADO index and CCI in determining healthcare expenses for COPD patients, with higher ADO scores leading to increased hospitalization costs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Navid Masoumi, Majed Ghaffari, Majid Ali Asgari, Mehdi Dadpour
Summary: This study compared the predictive values of different comorbidity indices in kidney transplant patients. The mCCI-KT and CCI indices showed the best performance in predicting 10-year patient survival, while all three indices were weak in predicting graft survival.
INTERNATIONAL UROLOGY AND NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sarah A. Obead, Hsuan-Yin Lin, Eirik Rosnes, Jorg Kliewer
Summary: Private computation is a generalization of the private information retrieval (PIR) problem, where a user wishes to compute a function of messages stored in coded databases without revealing any information. This paper focuses on the problem of private linear computation (PLC) in a distributed storage system using linear storage codes. An outer bound on the PLC rate is derived, and a matching PLC scheme is presented for a specific class of linear storage codes.
IEEE JOURNAL ON SELECTED AREAS IN COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Stephanie Y. Chen, Raymond Huang, Joseph Kallini, Ashley M. Wachsman, Richard J. Van Allan, Daniel R. Margulies, Edward H. Phillips, Galinos Barmparas
Summary: Recurrent cholecystitis is less common in patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) after percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement, and fewer AAC patients require cholecystectomy compared to acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) patients.
WORLD JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Chong Wang, Shaodong Wang, Zhixin Li, Wenxin He
Summary: A nomogram was developed to predict postoperative complication risks after pneumonectomy in NSCLC patients, showing a high discrimination power.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Eva Meixner, Kristin Lang, Laila Konig, Elisabetta Sandrini, Jonathan W. Lischalk, Juergen Debus, Juliane Horner-Rieber
Summary: Research has shown that adjuvant radiotherapy for elderly women aged 80 years or older with endometrial cancer can achieve excellent local control and overall survival with minimal high-grade toxicity. Geriatric assessments are effective in predicting overall survival for these patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camille Mumm, Melissa L. Drexel, Torrin L. McDonald, Adam G. Diehl, Jessica A. Switzenberg, Alan P. Boyle
Summary: Recombinant plasmid vectors are versatile tools that have facilitated discoveries in various fields. However, errors can be introduced during the process of creating recombinant DNA, making sequence validation essential. While Sanger sequencing is the current standard for plasmid validation, it has limitations in sequencing complex secondary structures and scaling for full-plasmid sequencing. This article introduces OnRamp, an alternative method that combines the advantages of high-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing by leveraging nanopore's long-read sequencing technology. It provides customized wet-lab protocols and an analysis pipeline for plasmid preparation and data processing, aiming to make long-read sequencing more accessible for routine plasmid validation.
Article
Oncology
Ga Hee Kim, Kee Don Choi, Yousun Ko, Taeyong Park, Kyung Won Kim, Seo Young Park, Hee Kyong Na, Ji Yong Ahn, Jeong Hoon Lee, Kee Wook Jung, Do Hoon Kim, Ho June Song, Gin Hyug Lee, Hwoon-Yong Jung
Summary: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a safe and effective treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) in elderly patients, with good overall survival rates. However, sarcopenia is associated with lower survival rates. Prognostic nutritional index and Charlson comorbidity index are significant factors affecting the overall survival of elderly patients undergoing ESD.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Shuqing Zhao, Yingjuan Cao, Heng Cao, Kao Liu, Xiaoyan Lv, Jinxin Zhang, Yuxin Li, Patricia M. Davidson
Summary: This study translated the patient version of the interactive mHealth app usability questionnaire into Chinese and conducted cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity tests. The results showed that the translated questionnaire has good reliability and validity in the context of Chinese culture.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jeppe Damgren Vesterager, Morten Madsen, Thomas Johannesson Hjelholt, Pia Kjaer Kristensen, Alma Becic Pedersen
Summary: The study evaluated the predictive ability of different comorbidity indices for mortality in hip fracture surgery patients. The combination of CCI and Rx-Risk index showed the highest predictive ability, while age and gender alone had lower predictive ability.
CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ana I. Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Andreas D. Meid, Truc S. Dinh, Jeanet W. Blom, Marjan van den Akker, Petra J. M. Elders, Ulrich Thiem, Daniela Kuellenberg De Gaudry, Karin M. A. Swart, Henrik Rudolf, Donna Bosch-Lenders, Hans-Joachim Trampisch, Joerg J. Meerpohl, Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Benno Flaig, Ghainsom Kom, Kym I. E. Snell, Rafael Perera, Walter E. Haefeli, Paul P. Glasziou, Christiane Muth
Summary: The study developed and validated a prognostic model to predict deterioration in health-related quality of life in older general practice patients with chronic conditions. The model, validated internally and by internal-external cross-validation, showed good discrimination, calibration, and generalizability. Variables related to chronic conditions, inappropriate medication, functional status, well-being, and HRQoL were identified as strong predictors of deterioration in HRQoL.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Radhika Khosla, Nicole D. Miranda, Philipp A. Trotter, Antonella Mazzone, Renaldi Renaldi, Caitlin McElroy, Francois Cohen, Anant Jani, Rafael Perera-Salazar, Malcolm McCulloch
Summary: The unprecedented rise in global cooling demand is often overlooked in sustainability discussions. This study proposes an analytical framework and research agenda to promote sustainable cooling, discussing specific interventions to achieve this goal.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Primary Health Care
Chris Salisbury, Sarah Lay-Flurrie, Clare R. Bankhead, Alice Fuller, Mairead Murphy, Barbara Caddick, Jose M. Ordonez-Mena, Tim Holt, Brian D. Nicholson, Rafael Perera, F. D. Richard Hobbs
Summary: The study successfully identified indicators of complexity in general practice consultations and found that approximately 42.5% of consultations were classified as complex, with a longer duration compared to noncomplex consultations. The findings suggest that the complexity measure developed may be useful for research, management, and policy decision-making in different practices.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Truc S. Dinh, Andreas D. Meid, Jeanet W. Blom, Marjan van den Akker, Petra J. M. Elders, Ulrich Thiem, Daniela Kuellenberg de Gaudry, Kym I. E. Snell, Rafael Perera, Karin M. A. Swart, Henrik Rudolf, Donna Bosch-Lenders, Hans-Joachim Trampisch, Joerg J. Meerpohl, Benno Flaig, Ghainsom Kom, Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Walter E. Hafaeli, Paul P. Glasziou, Christiane Muth
Summary: The PROPERmed collaboration aims to derive prognostic models based on the interplay of multimorbidity and polypharmacy using an IPD database to predict patient-relevant outcomes in older patients. This helps stratify patients and enables clinicians to identify those likely to benefit most from interventions.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Arjun Chandna, Endashaw M. Aderie, Riris Ahmad, Eggi Arguni, Elizabeth A. Ashley, Tanya Cope, Vu Quoc Dat, Nicholas P. J. Day, Arjen M. Dondorp, Victor Illanes, Joanne De Jesus, Carolina Jimenez, Kevin Kain, Keang Suy, Constantinos Koshiaris, Estrella Lasry, Mayfong Mayxay, Dinesh Mondal, Rafael Perera, Tiengkham Pongvongsa, Sayaphet Rattanavong, Michael Rekart, Melissa Richard-Greenblatt, Mohammad Shomik, Phouthalavanh Souvannasing, Veronica Tallo, Claudia Turner, Paul Turner, Naomi Waithira, James A. Watson, Mikhael Yosia, Sakib Burza, Yoel Lubell
Summary: This study aims to develop a prognostic clinical prediction tool to assist healthcare providers in identifying febrile children who may benefit from referral or admission for medical care. The study will recruit at least 4900 paediatric inpatients and outpatients under the age of 5 with acute febrile illness in seven hospitals across six countries in Asia.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mei Sum Chan, Matthew Arnold, Alison Offer, Imen Hammami, Marion Mafham, Jane Armitage, Rafael Perera, Sarah Parish
Summary: This study found that lung function, kidney function, reaction time, insulin-like growth factor 1, hand grip strength, and blood pressure were significantly associated with derived biomarker age in a healthy population. The biomarker age explained a large proportion of mortality and hospital admissions effects, outweighing the impact of chronological age.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Massimo Micocci, Adam L. Gordon, Mikyung Kelly Seo, A. Joy Allen, Kerrie Davies, Dan Lasserson, Carl Thompson, Karen Spilsbury, Cyd Akrill, Ros Heath, Anita Astle, Claire Sharpe, Rafael Perera, Gail Hayward, Peter Buckle
Summary: The study found that the POCKIT (TM) Central point of care PCR test has acceptable sensitivity and specificity, especially for symptomatic cases, in care homes. Recommendations were provided to mitigate the frequency of residual use errors. Integration pathways were discussed to identify opportunities and limitations of adopting POCKIT (TM) Central for screening and diagnostic testing purposes.
Article
Respiratory System
Kay Wang, Malcolm G. Semple, Michael Moore, Alastair D. Hay, Sharon Tonner, Ushma Galal, Jenna Grabey, Tricia Carver, Rafael Perera, Ly-Mee Yu, Jill Mollison, Paul Little, Andrew Farmer, Christopher C. Butler, Anthony Harnden
Summary: This pragmatic trial found that early use of co-amoxiclav did not reduce the risk of reconsultation due to clinical deterioration in at risk children during the influenza season. The findings do not support the use of early co-amoxiclav in children with seasonal ILI.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jong-Wook Ban, Mei Sum Chan, Tonny Brian Muthee, Arsenio Paez, Richard Stevens, Rafael Perera
Summary: The study evaluated the design, methods, and reporting of impact studies of cardiovascular clinical prediction rules (CPRs). Most impact studies were found to either use inappropriate study design, have substantial risk of bias, or poorly adhere to reporting guidelines. The quality of methods and reporting did not show significant differences between impact and matched control studies. Users of CPRs should critically assess the evidence of the effectiveness of CPRs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Rafael Perera, John Fletcher
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Elizabeth T. Thomas, Sarah T. Thomas, Rafael Perera, Peter J. Gill, Susan Moloney, Carl Heneghan
Summary: This study aims to assess the quality of paediatric guidelines for the diagnosis of three common conditions in primary care: fever, gastroenteritis, and constipation. The overall quality of the included guidelines was moderate, with constipation guidelines rated the highest and fever guidelines rated the lowest. Major weaknesses included lack of consideration of guideline applicability, lack of involvement of parent representatives, and inadequate declaration or addressing of competing interests.
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Elizabeth T. Thomas, Sarah T. Thomas, Rafael Perera, Peter J. Gill, Susan Moloney, Carl J. Heneghan
Summary: This study evaluates the quality of guidelines for diagnosing childhood asthma in primary care. Results show that the quality of the guidelines is variable and there is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting diagnostic recommendations. Guidelines generally recommend spirometry and reversibility testing, but there are disagreements in specific thresholds for diagnosis. Poor adherence to guidelines and variation in testing may be a result of the variable quality of guidelines and lack of evidence.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ruta Buivydaite, Apostolos Tsiachristas, Steve Thomas, Hannah Farncombe, Rafael Perera-Salazar, Ray Fitzpatrick, Charles Vincent
Summary: This paper describes a proposed program of evaluation to examine the impact of the Family Solutions Plus (FSP) approach in child safeguarding services implemented by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). The evaluation will focus on the support provided to the whole family and aims to reduce the need for foster care. A mixed methods approach, including quantitative analysis of routine data and qualitative interviews with children, families, and staff, will be used to assess the impact of FSP on various aspects including time spent in services, outcomes for children, and long-term effects. The results will be disseminated to a wide audience through various channels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Wanat, Mary Logan, Jennifer A. Hirst, Charles Vicary, Joseph J. Lee, Rafael Perera, Irene Tracey, Gordon Duff, Peter Tufano, Thomas Fanshawe, Lazaro Mwandigha, Brian D. Nicholson, Sarah Tonkin-Crine, Richard Hobbs
Summary: This qualitative study explored the experiences of university students and staff in regular asymptomatic self-testing using LFTs, as well as their subsequent behaviors. Most participants were motivated to self-test regularly to know their infection status, and while a negative test result did not change their behavior, it provided reassurance for engaging in activities. Concerns about safety, convenience, and ability to conduct tests need to be addressed for successful scaling up of asymptomatic testing.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Massimo Micocci, Peter Buckle, Gail Hayward, A. Joy Allen, Kerrie Davies, Patrick Kierkegaard, Karen Spilsbury, Carl Thompson, Anita Astle, Ros Heath, Claire Sharpe, Cyd Akrill, Dan Lasserson, Rafael Perera, Richard Body, Adam L. Gordon
Summary: Successful adoption of POCTs for COVID-19 in care homes requires identification of ideal use cases and understanding of contextual and usability factors that affect test results and minimize biosafety risks. The study conducted in UK care homes showed that careful consideration of biosafety issues and contextual factors associated with care homes is mandatory for safe use of POCT, while further diagnostic accuracy evaluations are needed for effective adoption.
JOURNAL OF PATIENT SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
(2021)