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The project aimed to rapidly identify priority topic uncertainties as a first step to identify future systematic review questions of pertinence to key international faecal incontinence (FI) stakeholders (patients, carers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and voluntary, community or social enterprise representatives). The paper aim is to share our methods, experience and learning with other groups planning to deliver a rapid priority setting exercise.An evidence gap map incorporated three evidence streams: emerging evidence identified through horizon scanning; existing evidence identified through systematic searches of bibliographic databases; and FI stakeholder insights collected through an international survey. The evidence gap map was presented during an online workshop with stakeholders, where they shared their expertise to expand, refine and rank topic uncertainties using ideation techniques, focus group discussions, consensus techniques and online polling.The multi-step methods used to deliver this priority-setting exercise resulted in identification of broad priority topic uncertainties. The methods appear to have high acceptability and engagement with participants but await full evaluation.This project successfully followed robust methodology, building upon frameworks from published priority setting and evidence gap mapping projects whilst incorporating strong patient and public involvement components.

AimThe aim of this study was to examine how new technologies in late-stage clinical trials might address unmet patient, practitioner or caregiver need for faecal incontinence (FI) over the next 5 years.MethodsHorizon scanning techniques were used to provide insights into the current landscape of emerging health technologies. A search was performed across clinical trial registries using the National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory’s ScanMedicine database (scanmedicine.com) to identify new, emerging interventions or health technologies (drugs, medical devices or diagnostics) that were addressing or investigating FI. Trials were then screened for relevance to FI in a non-blinded duplicate manner.Results1163 records were identified through searching ScanMedicine, and 136 trials were included in the final data extraction and mapping process. The most frequently investigated FI intervention topics were complementary therapies (n=17, 12.4%); electrical stimulation (n=13, 9.5%); pelvic floor muscle training/biofeedback/sphincter exercises (n=13, 9.5%) and implanted sacral nerve stimulation (n=12, 8.7%). There was little evidence of new pharmaceutical technologies in development. Existing drugs are, however, being repurposed and trialled for the treatment of FI (eg, linaclotide, colesevelam). Such repurposed drugs often have lower development costs, shorter timelines and report lower failure rates compared with new pharmaceutical products.ConclusionOverall, the innovation space as indicated by late-stage clinical trials related to FI, is relatively stagnant. Patients, carers and healthcare professionals are demanding more effective treatment and containment options; however, these are unlikely to come to market in the immediate future.

BACKGROUND Health technology innovation is increasingly supported by a bottom-up approach to priority setting, aiming to better reflect the concerns of its intended beneficiar-ies. Online forums provide parents with an outlet to share concerns, advice, and information related to parenting and the health and wellbeing of their children. They provide a rich source of data on parenting concerns and priorities that could inform future child health research and innovation. OBJECTIVE To identify common concerns expressed on two major online forums and cluster these to identify potential family health concern topics as indicative priority areas for future research and innovation. METHODS We text-mined the r/Parenting subreddit (69846 posts) and the parenting section of Mumsnet (99848 posts) to create a large corpus of posts. A generative statistical model (latent Dirichlet allocation – LDA) was used to identify the most discussed topics in the corpus and content analysis applied to identify the parenting concerns found in a subset of posts. RESULTS A model with 25 topics produced the highest coherence and a wide range of mean-ingful parenting concern topics. The most frequently expressed parenting concerns related to their child’s sleep, self-care, eating (and food), behavior, child-care con-text, and the parental context including parental conflict. Topics directly associated with infants, such as potty training and bottle feeding, were more common on Mumsnet, while parental context and screen time were more common on r/Parenting. CONCLUSIONS LDA topic modelling can be applied to gain a rapid, yet meaningful overview of parent concerns expressed on a large and diverse set of social media posts and used to complement traditional insight gathering methods. Parents framed their concerns in terms of children’s everyday health concerns, generating topics that overlap significantly with established family health concern topics. We provide evi-dence of the range of family health concerns found at these sources and hope this can be used to generate material for use alongside traditional insight gathering methods.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are three times more likely to develop tuberculosis (TB) than the general population. Active TB screening in people with DM is part of a bidirectional approach. The aim of this study was to conduct pragmatic active TB screening among DM patients in four countries to inform policy. Methods DM patients were recruited in Indonesia (n=809), Peru (n=600), Romania (n=603) and South Africa (n=51). TB cases were diagnosed using an algorithm including clinical symptoms and chest X-ray. Presumptive TB patients were examined with sputum smear and culture. Results A total of 171 (8.3%) individuals reported ever having had TB (South Africa, 26%; Indonesia, 12%; Peru, 7%; Romania, 4%), 15 of whom were already on TB treatment. Overall, 14 (0.73% [95% confidence interval 0.40 to 1.23]) TB cases were identified from screening. Poor glucose control, smoking, lower body mass index, education and socio-economic status were associated with newly diagnosed/current TB. Thirteen of the 14 TB cases diagnosed from this screening would have been found using a symptom-based approach. Conclusions These data support the World Health Organization recommendation for routine symptom-based screening for TB in known DM patients in high TB-burden countries. DM patients with any symptoms consistent with TB should be investigated and diagnostic tools should be easily accessible.

Background Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia (AAGA) is a complex and rare outcome to investigate in surgical patient populations, particularly obstetric patients. We report the protocol of the Direct Reporting of Awareness in Maternity patients (DREAMY) study, illustrating how the research was designed to address practical and methodological challenges for investigating AAGA in an obstetric cohort. Methods This is the trial protocol of a prospective, multicentre cohort study of patients undergoing obstetric surgery under general anaesthesia. Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia will be detected using three repetitions of standardised direct questioning over 30 days, with responses indicating memories during general anaesthesia verified using structured interviews. Reports will be adjudicated, then classified, in accordance with pre-defined and pre-validated structures, including the Michigan Awareness Classification tool. Quantitative data will be collected on general anaesthesia conduct for all participants. This descriptive study is being conducted in England and aims to recruit a minimum of 2015 patients. Results The DREAMY study was prospectively registered (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03100396) and ethical approval granted. Participant recruitment began in May 2017 and one year follow up concluded in August 2019. Publication of the results is anticipated in 2020. Conclusions The DREAMY study will provide data on incidence, experience and implications of AAGA for obstetric patients, using a robust methodology that will reliably detect and translate subjective AAGA reports into objective outcomes. In addition, the study is expected to improve vigilance for AAGA in participating hospitals and encourage adoption of recommendations for support of patients experiencing AAGA.

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh commonest cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although prognosis is poor, both surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy improve survival. However, it has been suggested that not all pancreatic cancer patients who may benefit from treatment receive it. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the existence of age-related inequalities in receipt of first-line pancreatic cancer treatment. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and grey literature were searched for population-based studies investigating treatment receipt, reported by age, for patients with primary pancreatic cancer from inception until 4th June 2020, and updated 5th August 2021. Studies from countries with universal healthcare were included, to minimise influence of health system-related economic factors. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken comparing likelihood of treatment receipt in older versus younger patients. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. Eighteen papers were included; 12 independent populations were eligible for meta-analysis. In most studies, 10% of older patients were treated. Older age (generally ≥65) was significantly associated with reduced receipt of any treatment (OR=0.14, 95% CI 0.10-0.21, n = 12 studies), surgery (OR=0.15, 95% CI 0.09-0.24, n = 9 studies) and chemotherapy as a primary treatment (OR=0.13, 95% CI 0.07-0.24, n = 5 studies). The effect of age was independent of methodological quality, patient population or time-period of patient diagnosis and remained in studies with confounder adjustment. The mean quality score of included studies was 6/8. Inequalities in receipt of healthcare interventions across social groups is a recognised concern internationally. This review shows that older age is significantly, and consistently, associated with non-receipt of treatment in pancreatic cancer. However, there are risks and side-effects associated with pancreatic cancer treatment. Further research on what influences patient and professional treatment decision-making is required to better understand these apparent inequalities.

ObjectiveUK long-term care facility residents account for 185 000 emergency hospital admissions each year. Avoidance of unnecessary hospital transfers benefits residents, reduces demand on the healthcare systems but is difficult to implement. We synthesised evidence on interventions that influence unplanned hospital admissions or attendances by long-term care facility residents.MethodsThis is a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched from 2012 to 2022, building on a review published in 2013. We included randomised controlled trials that evaluated interventions that influence (decrease or increase) acute hospital admissions or attendances of long-term care facility residents. Risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed using Cochrane Risk Of Bias-2 and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.ResultsForty-three randomised studies were included in this review. A narrative synthesis was conducted and the weight of evidence described with vote counting. Advance care planning and goals of care setting appear to be effective at reducing hospitalisations from long-term care facilities. Other effective interventions, in order of increasing risk of bias, were: nurse practitioner/specialist input, palliative care intervention, influenza vaccination and enhancing access to intravenous therapies in long-term care facilities.ConclusionsFactors that affect hospitalisation and emergency department attendances of long-term care facility residents are complex. This review supports the already established use of advance care planning and influenza vaccination to reduce unscheduled hospital attendances. It is likely that more than one intervention will be needed to impact on healthcare usage across the long-term care facility population. The findings of this review are useful to identify effective interventions that can be combined, as well as highlighting interventions that either need evaluation or are not effective at decreasing healthcare usage.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020169604.

Obstetric fistula is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, with between 50,000 and 100,000 new cases each year. The World Health Organization aims to eradicate it by 2030 but a clear idea of the extant evidence is unavailable. This evidence map compiled evidence on treatments for obstetric fistula to identify potential knowledge gaps. The protocol for this work was published on the Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/H7J35). A survey was developed, piloted and distributed online through organisations with an interest in obstetric fistula and snowballing. Results informed the evidence map framework. Searches were run on MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Global Index Medicus and ScanMedicine on 16 February 2022 to identify potentially eligible systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies. Forward and backward citation chaining was undertaken on relevant systematic reviews and included studies. Studies were screened, coded and assessed for risk of bias by a single reviewer, with a second checking a proportion. The evidence map results were compared to survey results. Thirty-nine people responded to the survey, half of which were clinicians. Of 9796 records identified, 37 reports of 28 studies were included in the evidence map. Many included studies were at some risk of bias; for observational studies, this was predominantly due to lack of controlling for confounders. Most studies (71%) assessed surgical interventions alone. Reporting on other intervention types was limited. Regarding outcome measures most important to survey respondents, 24 studies reported on cure/improvement in obstetric fistula and 20 on cure/improvement in urinary incontinence. Reporting on quality of life, faecal incontinence and sexual function was limited. There is currently little robust evidence to guide patients and practitioners on the most effective treatment option for obstetric fistula. Further research is required to address evidence gaps identified.

IntroductionFecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary loss of feces and can affect up to 17 percent of community dwelling individuals, rising to 40 percent of older people in residential care homes. There is limited up-to-date evidence which formally set research priorities addressing FI. This project aimed to identify research topics of highest importance to key FI stakeholders.MethodsAn evidence gap map was produced incorporating three streams of evidence coded against predefined topic domains. The evidence streams included: emerging evidence identified through horizon scanning; existing evidence identified through systematic searches of bibliographic databases; and key FI stakeholder insights collected through an international survey. Findings were presented as a visual map to facilitate knowledge exchange during an online workshop with a purposeful sample of multidisciplinary stakeholders. The identified gaps in research were explored to see whether they were deemed representative of unmet needs, and as such, areas of priority to key FI stakeholders. Ideation techniques and group discussions were used to refine and rank priority areas.ResultsOverall, there was a mismatch between the existing and emerging evidence, and the priorities of key FI stakeholders. New pharmaceutical and medical technology innovations were limited. Eight percent of early-stage trials identified were concerned with the use of repurposed drugs. Within the existing evidence base, individual bowel management strategies and treatments were examined, however, key FI stakeholders desired interventions to improve patient education and the psychological aspects of living with FI. The five priority topics identified in order of importance are as follows: psychological support; lifestyle interventions; long-term effects; education; and constipation.ConclusionsThe robust methodology used to identify priority topics were successful in identifying broad and wide-ranging areas of importance to key stakeholders. The evidence gap map was a useful visual tool to facilitate knowledge exchange and highlight where research efforts have been focused historically, identifying a mismatch between the existing evidence base and what stakeholders consider important.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We examined the validity of the STOP-Bang questionnaire and a modified STOP-Bang questionnaire to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in women with obesity during the second trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Ninety-nine pregnant women age 18 years or older with body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m(2) completed the STOP-Bang questionnaire during their second trimester. The number of oxygen desaturation events (≥ 4% from baseline) was measured using overnight pulse oximetry, with OSA defined as ≥ 5 events/h. A Modified STOP-Bang score was derived by replacing the “Tired” item with Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10. Seven candidate models were compared using information theoretic criteria: STOP-Bang, Modified STOP-Bang, and individual STOP-Bang items (Snore, Tired, Observed to stop breathing, high blood Pressure and Neck circumference). We used penalized logistic regression and negative binomial regression to derive predicted probabilities of having OSA and the predicted total event counts. RESULTS: The predicted probability of meeting oximetry criteria for OSA increased with higher STOP-Bang scores, from < 10% for a score < 3 to 68% with a score of 6. The total number of disordered breathing events was 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.50) times greater for a 1-unit increase in STOP-Bang. Of the candidate models, the best relative fit was the Snore item followed by STOP-Bang score (essentially equivalent). The predicted probability of having OSA was 5.0% for no snoring and 26.4% for snoring. CONCLUSIONS: STOP-Bang has been shown to be a useful screening tool for OSA in pregnant women with obesity; however, the snoring question alone might be a simpler, effective predictor. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: STOPBANG As A Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Pregnancy; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02542488; Identifier: NCT02542488 CITATION: Pearson F, Batterham AM, Cope S. The STOP-Bang questionnaire as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy. J Clin Sleep Med. 2019;15(5):705–710.

Background There is need to consider the value of soft intelligence, leveraged using accessible natural language processing (NLP) tools, as a source of analyzed evidence to support public health research outputs and decision-making. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the value of soft intelligence analyzed using NLP. As a case study, we selected and used a commercially available NLP platform to identify, collect, and interrogate a large collection of UK tweets relating to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A search strategy comprised of a list of terms related to mental health, COVID-19, and lockdown restrictions was developed to prospectively collate relevant tweets via Twitter’s advanced search application programming interface over a 24-week period. We deployed a readily and commercially available NLP platform to explore tweet frequency and sentiment across the United Kingdom and identify key topics of discussion. A series of keyword filters were used to clean the initial data retrieved and also set up to track specific mental health problems. All collated tweets were anonymized. Results We identified and analyzed 286,902 tweets posted from UK user accounts from July 23, 2020 to January 6, 2021. The average sentiment score was 50%, suggesting overall neutral sentiment across all tweets over the study period. Major fluctuations in volume (between 12,622 and 51,340) and sentiment (between 25% and 49%) appeared to coincide with key changes to any local and/or national social distancing measures. Tweets around mental health were polarizing, discussed with both positive and negative sentiment. Key topics of consistent discussion over the study period included the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health (both positively and negatively), fear and anxiety over lockdowns, and anger and mistrust toward the government. Conclusions Using an NLP platform, we were able to rapidly mine and analyze emerging health-related insights from UK tweets into how the pandemic may be impacting people’s mental health and well-being. This type of real-time analyzed evidence could act as a useful intelligence source that agencies, local leaders, and health care decision makers can potentially draw from, particularly during a health crisis.

BACKGROUND There is need to consider the value of soft intelligence, leveraged using accessible natural language processing (NLP) tools, as a source of analyzed evidence to support public health research outputs and decision-making. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the value of soft intelligence analyzed using NLP. As a case study, we selected and used a commercially available NLP platform to identify, collect, and interrogate a large collection of UK tweets relating to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A search strategy comprised of a list of terms related to mental health, COVID-19, and lockdown restrictions was developed to prospectively collate relevant tweets via Twitter’s advanced search application programming interface over a 24-week period. We deployed a readily and commercially available NLP platform to explore tweet frequency and sentiment across the United Kingdom and identify key topics of discussion. A series of keyword filters were used to clean the initial data retrieved and also set up to track specific mental health problems. All collated tweets were anonymized. RESULTS We identified and analyzed 286,902 tweets posted from UK user accounts from July 23, 2020 to January 6, 2021. The average sentiment score was 50%, suggesting overall neutral sentiment across all tweets over the study period. Major fluctuations in volume (between 12,622 and 51,340) and sentiment (between 25% and 49%) appeared to coincide with key changes to any local and/or national social distancing measures. Tweets around mental health were polarizing, discussed with both positive and negative sentiment. Key topics of consistent discussion over the study period included the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health (both positively and negatively), fear and anxiety over lockdowns, and anger and mistrust toward the government. CONCLUSIONS Using an NLP platform, we were able to rapidly mine and analyze emerging health-related insights from UK tweets into how the pandemic may be impacting people’s mental health and well-being. This type of real-time analyzed evidence could act as a useful intelligence source that agencies, local leaders, and health care decision makers can potentially draw from, particularly during a health crisis.

Graphical abstract, Background The World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in relation to health outcomes, previously identified as priorities for evaluation by experts in the field, to inform exposure guidelines. A suite of systematic reviews are being undertaken by a network of topic experts and methodologists in order to collect, assess and synthesise data relevant to these guidelines. Here, we present the protocol for the systematic review on the effect of exposure to RF on adverse reproductive outcomes (human observational studies), also referred to as Systematic Review (SR) 3 within the series of systematic reviews currently being commissioned. Objectives Following the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines, we will systematically review the effect of RF-EMF exposure on both male fertility (SR3A) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (SR3B) in human observational studies. Herein we adhere to the PRISMA-P reporting guidelines. Data sources We will conduct a broad search for potentially relevant records relevant for both reviews within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; and EMF Portal. We will also conduct searches of grey literature through relevant databases and organisational websites. RF-EMF experts will also be consulted. We will hand search citation and reference lists of included study records. Study eligibility criteria We will include quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure: (in SR3A) in adult male participants on infertility, sperm morphology, concentration or total sperm count or motility; and (in SR3B) in preconception adults or pregnant women on preterm birth, small for gestational age (associated with intrauterine growth restriction), miscarriage, stillbirth and congenital anomalies. Study appraisal and synthesis methods Titles, abstracts and then full texts will be screened in blinded duplicate against eligibility criteria with input from a third reviewer as required. Data extraction from included studies will be completed by two reviewers as will risk of bias assessment using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. If appropriate we will undertake meta-analysis to pool effect measures and explore heterogeneity using sub-group analyses or meta-regression as feasible. We will conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of any assumptions made throughout the review process. The OHAT methodology, based on the GRADE guidelines for evidence assessment, will be used to evaluate the certainty of evidence per outcome and to conclude the level of evidence of a health effect. Conclusion This manuscript details the protocols for two systematic reviews. The aims of publishing details of both protocols are to: pre-specify their scope and methods; reduce the impact of reviewer bias; promote transparency and replicability; and improve the review process. Prospero registration CRD42021265401 (SR3A), CRD42021266268 (SR3B).

ObjectiveThis rapid priority setting exercise aimed to identify, expand, prioritise and explore stakeholder (patients, carers and healthcare practitioners) topic uncertainties on faecal incontinence (FI).DesignAn evidence gap map (EGM) was produced to give a visual overview of emerging trial evidence; existing systematic review-level evidence and FI stakeholder topic uncertainties derived from a survey. This EGM was used in a knowledge exchange workshop that promoted group discussions leading to the prioritisation and exploration of FI stakeholder identified topic uncertainties.ResultsOverall, a mismatch between the existing and emerging evidence and key FI stakeholder topic uncertainties was found. The prioritised topic uncertainties identified in the workshop were as follows: psychological support; lifestyle interventions; long-term effects of living with FI; education; constipation and the cultural impact of FI. When these six prioritised topic uncertainties were explored in more depth, the following themes were identified: education; impact and burden of living with FI; psychological support; healthcare service improvements and inconsistencies; the stigma of FI; treatments and management; culturally appropriate management and technology and its accessibility.ConclusionsTopic uncertainties identified were broad and wide ranging even after prioritisation. More research is required to unpick the themes emerging from the in-depth discussion and explore these further to achieve a consensus on deliverable research questions.

Physical activity (PA) levels are low in Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). We carried out a systematic review (PROSPERO registration number 131817) to assess the effect of interventions to increase PA levels in this region. We also assessed their effects on anthropometry and cardiovascular risk. A systematic search of six databases (Medline, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science) was performed to identify randomized and non-randomized intervention studies performed in adults and children published between January 1985 and November 2020. We included studies published in English or Arabic, and included PA interventions regardless of setting, delivery, and duration. The primary outcomes were changes in PA duration and intensity. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures (e.g., weight, body mass index) and cardiovascular risk profiles (e.g., lipid measures, blood glucose). Two independent reviewers screened studies in accordance with pre-determined criteria, extracted data, assessed risk of bias (Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and Newcastle Ottawa Scale) and undertook a narrative synthesis. From 13,026 records identified, 14 studies were included. Nine studies focussed exclusively on changing PA behaviour, resulting in statistically significant increases in step count ranging from an additional 757 steps/day (95% confidence interval [CI] 0–1,513) to 3,853 steps/day (95% CI 3,703–4,002). Five identified studies were multi-component lifestyle interventions, targeting people at higher risk (due to obesity or type 2 diabetes). Evidence for increases in PA from multi-component studies was limited, although improvements were seen in outcomes e.g. body weight and blood lipid levels. In conclusion, relatively few studies have focussed on changing PA behaviour, despite the urgent need in the GCC. Limited evidence suggested that pedometer-based programmes encouraging step counting and walking were effective in promoting PA, at least in the short term. Policies to roll out such interventions should be implemented and evaluated.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) increases active tuberculosis (TB) risk and worsens TB outcomes, jeopardizing TB control especially in TB-endemic countries with rising DM prevalence rates. We assessed DM status and clinical correlates in TB patients across settings in Indonesia, Peru, Romania, and South Africa.MethodsAge-adjusted DM prevalence was estimated using laboratory glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting plasma glucose in TB patients. Detailed and standardized sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical measurements were made. Characteristics of TB patients with or without DM were compared using multilevel mixed-effect regression models with robust standard errors.ResultsOf 2185 TB patients (median age 36.6 years, 61.2% male, 3.8% human immunodeficiency virus–infected), 12.5% (267/2128) had DM, one third of whom were newly diagnosed. Age-standardized DM prevalence ranged from 10.9% (South Africa) to 19.7% (Indonesia). Median HbA1c in TB–DM patients ranged from 7.4% (Romania) to 11.3% (Indonesia). Compared to those without DM, TB–DM patients were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI) (P value < .05). Compared to those with newly diagnosed DM, TB patients with diagnosed DM had higher BMI and HbA1c, less severe TB, and more frequent comorbidities, DM complications, and hypertension (P value < .05).ConclusionsWe show that DM prevalence and clinical characteristics of TB–DM vary across settings. Diabetes is primarily known but untreated, hyperglycemia is often severe, and many patients with TB–DM have significant cardiovascular disease risk and severe TB. This underlines the need to improve strategies for better clinical management of combined TB and DM.

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence synthesis has suggested diabetes mellitus (DM) worsens tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes. However, these reviews are limited by the number, robustness and conflicting results among the studies included. We conducted a systematic review to update earlier analyses and explore heterogeneity among studies.\ud \ud METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, AIM, LILACS, IMEMR, IMSEAR and WPRIM were searched between 1 January 1980 and 23 July 2018 unrestricted by language or region. All cohort and case-control studies investigating the difference in TB treatment outcomes amongst TB-DM patients compared to those with TB alone were included. Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts, and extracted data. Culture conversion at two/three months, all-cause mortality, treatment failure, relapse and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) were evaluated using random effects meta-analysis with generic inverse variance. Heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analyses and meta-regression.\ud \ud RESULTS: One hundred and four publications were identified. Sixty-four studies including 56 122 individuals with TB-DM and 243 035 with TB, reported on death. Some outcomes showed substantial heterogeneity between studies, which we could not fully explain, though confounding adjustment and country income level accounted for some of the differences. TB-DM patients had higher odds of death (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.59–2.21) and relapse (OR 1.64, 95%CI 1.29–2.08) compared to TB patients. More limited evidence suggested TB-DM patients had double the risk of developing MDR-TB (OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.51–2.60).\ud \ud CONCLUSION: DM is associated with increased risks of poor TB treatment outcomes, particularly mortality, and may increase risk of developing primary MDR-TB. Cost-effectiveness of interventions to enhance TB-DM treatment should be assessed.

We thank Drs Yates and Barr for their valuable comments. In our article [1], we were not attempting to assess the extent to which dysglycemia is causally associated with tuberculosis (TB). A number of prospective studies exist, among a body of evidence, supporting probabilistic causation between diabetes mellitus (DM) and TB [2, 3]. Rather, the aim of our study was to identify age-adjusted prevalence and clinical characteristics of DM and intermediate hyperglycemia among those with newly diagnosed TB across 4 TB-endemic settings. In our South African population, the prevalence of DM (10.9% [95% confidence interval, 7%–14.9%]) was the...

IntroductionThe prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly increasing in most parts of the world. In order to ameliorate the related public health burden, evidence-informed policies to improve diet need to be implemented. Financial subsidies that promote healthful consumption patterns have the potential to reduce NCD risk and may also reduce inequality if targeted at those of low socio-economic position. This protocol is for an updated systematic review of such evidence.Methods and analysisA systematic search strategy will be used to identify publications on fiscal intervention studies indexed in Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, EconLit and PubMed in between January 2013 to February 2019. Two reviewers will independently sift identified citations using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria to inform full-text review. The outcomes of interest are: consumption patterns (% change in targeted items and in overall dietary patterns), purchasing patterns (% change) or body mass index. Pretested data capture forms will be used for double data extraction. Any inconsistencies in citation sifting or data extraction will be resolved by a third investigator and study authors will be contacted if needed. Systematic searches will be supplemented by reference checking of key articles. Study quality will be assessed and a narrative summary of findings will be produced. Meta-analyses and exploration of heterogeneity will be completed if appropriate.Ethics and disseminationThe review aims to strengthen findings of the primary studies it incorporates. It will synthesise existing published aggregated patient data and only present further aggregate data. Given this, no concerns are held relating to confidentiality and informed consent due to re-use of patient data.If publications or data with ethical concerns are identified, they will be excluded from the review.Results of the systematic review will be published in full and authors will engage directly with research audiences and key stakeholders to share findings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019125013

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis including 88 studies examining the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and TB treatment outcomes. However, we found several common methodological problems among them, including inappropriate adjustments for confounding factors, not using optimal statistical methods for ‘time to event' data, misclassification in exposure (DM) and outcomes (TB treatment outcomes) due to study design and non-standardisation of definitions, misunderstanding of basic study design concept, standardisation of TB treatment outcomes and quality control of publications. Many of these problems would apply more broadly to other ‘risk factors' for poor TB treatment outcomes. These issues need to be addressed and resolved to improve the quality of the studies and provide more accurate results for policy makers in the future to tackle the burden of TB.

Contains fulltext : 196372.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and management of Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). METHODS: We systematically characterised consecutive DM patients attending public health services in urban settings in Indonesia, Peru, Romania and South Africa, collecting data on DM treatment history, complications, drug treatment, obesity, HbA1c and cardiovascular risk profile; and assessing treatment gaps against relevant national guidelines. RESULTS: Patients (median 59 years, 62.9% female) mostly had type 2 diabetes (96%), half for >5 years (48.6%). Obesity (45.5%) and central obesity (females 84.8%; males 62.7%) were common. The median HbA1c was 8.7% (72 mmol/mol), ranging from 7.7% (61 mmol/mol; Peru) to 10.4% (90 mmol/mol; South Africa). Antidiabetes treatment included metformin (62.6%), insulin (37.8%), and other oral glucose-lowering drugs (34.8%). Disease complications included eyesight problems (50.4%), EGFR

To evaluate the performance of diagnostic tools for diabetes mellitus, including laboratory methods and clinical risk scores, in newly-diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from four middle-income countries.In a multicentre, prospective study, we recruited 2185 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis from sites in Indonesia, Peru, Romania and South Africa from January 2014 to September 2016. Using laboratory-measured glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as the gold standard, we measured the diagnostic accuracy of random plasma glucose, point-of-care HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, urine dipstick, published and newly derived diabetes mellitus risk scores and anthropometric measurements. We also analysed combinations of tests, including a two-step test using point-of-care HbA1cwhen initial random plasma glucose was ≥ 6.1 mmol/L.The overall crude prevalence of diabetes mellitus among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients was 283/2185 (13.0%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 11.6-14.4). The marker with the best diagnostic accuracy was point-of-care HbA1c (area under receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.75-0.86). A risk score derived using age, point-of-care HbA1c and random plasma glucose had the best overall diagnostic accuracy (area under curve: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.81-0.90). There was substantial heterogeneity between sites for all markers, but the two-step combination test performed well in Indonesia and Peru.Random plasma glucose followed by point-of-care HbA1c testing can accurately diagnose diabetes in tuberculosis patients, particularly those with substantial hyperglycaemia, while reducing the need for more expensive point-of-care HbA1c testing. Risk scores with or without biochemical data may be useful but require validation.Évaluer la performance des outils de diagnostic du diabète sucré, et notamment les méthodes de laboratoire et les cotes de risque clinique, chez les patients souffrant d'une tuberculose pulmonaire récemment diagnostiquée dans quatre pays à revenu intermédiaire.Dans le cadre d'une étude multicentrique et prospective, nous avons recruté 2185 patients atteints de tuberculose pulmonaire dans différents endroits en Afrique du Sud, en Indonésie, au Pérou et en Roumanie entre janvier 2014 et septembre 2016. En utilisant comme référence l'hémoglobine glyquée (HbA1c) mesurée en laboratoire, nous avons évalué la précision diagnostique de la glycémie aléatoire, de l'HbA1c sur le lieu d'intervention, de la glycémie à jeun, de la bandelette urinaire, des cotes de risque déjà publiées et récemment obtenues pour le diabète sucré et des mesures anthropométriques. Nous avons également analysé des combinaisons de tests, et notamment un test en deux étapes qui utilise l'HbA1c sur le lieu d'intervention lorsque la glycémie aléatoire initiale est ≥ 6,1 mmol/L.La prévalence brute générale du diabète sucré chez les patients souffrant d'une tuberculose récemment diagnostiquée était de 283/2185 (13,0%; intervalle de confiance, IC, à 95%: 11,6–14,4). Le marqueur fournissant la meilleure précision diagnostique était l'HbA1c sur le lieu d'intervention (aire sous la courbe ROC: 0,81; IC à 95%: 0,75–0,86). La meilleure précision diagnostique générale a été obtenue à l'aide d'une cote de risque calculée au moyen de l'âge, de l'HbA1c sur le lieu d'intervention et de la glycémie aléatoire (aire sous la courbe ROC: 0,85; IC à 95%: 0,81–0,90). Une forte hétérogénéité entre les différents endroits a été constatée pour tous les marqueurs, mais le test en deux étapes a donné de bons résultats en Indonésie et au Pérou.L'utilisation de la glycémie aléatoire suivie de l'HbA1c sur le lieu d'intervention permet de diagnostiquer avec précision le diabète chez les patients atteints de tuberculose, en particulier lorsqu'ils souffrent d'une importante hyperglycémie, tout en diminuant le besoin de tests HbA1c sur le lieu d'intervention, plus coûteux. Les cotes de risque associées ou non à des données biochimiques peuvent être utiles, mais doivent être validées.Evaluar el rendimiento de las herramientas de diagnóstico para la diabetes mellitus, incluidos los métodos de laboratorio y los índices de riesgo clínico, en pacientes recién diagnosticados con tuberculosis pulmonar de cuatro países de ingresos medios.En un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico, se seleccionaron 2185 pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar de algunas regiones de Indonesia, Perú, Rumanía y Sudáfrica entre enero de 2014 y septiembre de 2016. Usando hemoglobina glicosilada medida en laboratorio (HbA1c) como el patrón de excelencia, se midió la precisión diagnóstica de glucosa plasmática al azar, estando HbA1c en el punto de atención, glucemia en sangre en ayunas, tira reactiva de orina, índices de riesgo de diabetes mellitus publicados recientemente y medidas antropométricas. También se analizaron combinaciones de pruebas, incluida una prueba de dos pasos con HbA1c en el punto de atención cuando la glucosa plasmática aleatoria inicial fue ≥ 6,1mmol/L.La prevalencia general cruda de diabetes mellitus entre los pacientes con tuberculosis recién diagnosticados fue de 283/2185 (13,0 %, intervalo de confianza del 95 %, IC: 11,6–14,4). El marcador con la mejor precisión diagnóstica fue la HbA1c en el punto de atención (área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor: 0,81; IC del 95 %: 0,75–0,86). Un índice de riesgo derivado de la edad, la HbA1c en el punto de atención y la glucosa plasmática al azar obtuvieron la mejor precisión diagnóstica general (área bajo la curva: 0,85; IC del 95 %: 0,81–0,90). Hubo una heterogeneidad sustancial entre las regiones para todos los marcadores, pero la prueba combinada de dos pasos funcionó de manera correcta en Indonesia y Perú.La glucosa plasmática al azar seguida de la prueba de HbA1c en el punto de atención puede diagnosticar con precisión la diabetes en pacientes con tuberculosis, particularmente en aquellos con hiperglucemia sustancial, mientras se reduce la necesidad de pruebas más costosas de HbA1c en el punto de atención. Los índices de riesgo con o sin datos bioquímicos pueden ser útiles, pero requieren validación.تقييم أداء أدوات تشخيص مرض السكري، بما في ذلك الطرق المختبرية ودرجات المخاطر السريرية، لدى المرضى الذين تم تشخيص إصابتهم حديثاً بالسل الرئوي من أربعة بلدان متوسطة الدخل.في دراسة استباقية متعددة المراكز، قمنا بالاستعانة بـ 2185 مريضًا بمرض السل الرئوي من مواقع في إندونيسيا وبيرو وجنوب إفريقيا ورومانيا من يناير/كانون ثاني 2014 إلى سبتمبر/أيلول 2016. وعن طريق قياس الهيموغلوبين الغليكوزيلاتي في المختبر (HbA1c) كمعيار أساسي، قمنا بقياس مدى دقة تشخيص كل من جلوكوز البلازما العشوائي، واختبار HbA1c في أماكن الرعاية، وجلوكوز الدم أثناء الصيام، ومقياس البول، ودرجات المخاطر المنشورة والمستنبطة حديثا من داء السكري، والقياسات الأنثروبومترية. قمنا أيضا بتحليل مجموعات من الاختبارات، بما في ذلك اختبار من خطوتين باستخدام اختبار HbA1c في أماكن الرعاية عندما كان مستوى جلوكوز البلازما العشوائي أكبر من أو يساوي 6.1 مليمول/ لتر.كان معدل الانتشار الكلي لمرض السكري بين المرضى الذين تم تشخيص إصابتهم حديثًا بالسل هو 283/2185 (13.0%؛ بفاصل ثقة 95%، فاصل ثقة: 11.6 إلى 14.4).كانت العلامة ذات أفضل دقة تشخيصية هي اختبار HbA1c في أماكن الرعاية (المساحة تحت منحنى خاصية التشغيل للمستقبِل: 0.81؛ بفاصل ثقة 95%: 0.75 إلى 0.86). كانت درجة الخطر المشتقة باستخدام العمر، واختبار HbA1c في أماكن الرعاية، وجلوكوز البلازما العشوائي، هي أفضل دقة تشخيصية عامة (المساحة تحت المنحنى: 0.85؛ بفاصل ثقة 95%: 0.81 إلى 0.90). كانت هناك عدم تجانس واضح بين المواقع لكل العلامات، إلا أن الاختبار المكون من خطوتين قدم أداءً جيدًا في إندونيسيا وبيرو.يمكن لاختبار جلوكوز البلازما العشوائي، ويليه اختبار HbA1c في أماكن الرعاية، تشخيص مرض السكري بدقة في مرضى السل، وخاصة أولئك الذين يعانون من ارتفاع شديد في سكر الدم، مع تقليل الحاجة إلى اختبار HbA1c الأكثر تكلفة في أماكن الرعاية. قد تكون درجات الخطر مفيدة، سواء مع بيانات كيميائية حيوية أو بدونها، ولكنها تتطلب التحقق من الصحة.评估用于四个中等收入国家新诊断结核病患者的糖尿病诊断工具的表现，其中包括实验室方法和临床风险评分。.在这项多中心、前瞻性的研究中，自 2014 年 1 月起至 2016 年 9 月，我们从秘鲁、罗马尼亚、南非和印度尼西亚各地招募了 2185 名肺结核患者。使用实验室测量的糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 为黄金标准，我们测量了随机血糖、糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 床旁检测、空腹血糖、尿液常规检查、已发表的和新导出的糖尿病风险评分以及人体测量法的诊断准确度。我们还对组合检测法进行了分析，其中包括两步检测法：即在初始随机血糖为临界值 ≥6.1 mmol/L 时，进行糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 床旁检测。.新诊断结核病患者中，糖尿病的整体患病率为 283/2185（13.0％；95％ 置信区间，CI：11.6–14.4）。最准确的诊断指标是糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 床旁检测（受试者工作特征曲线下的区域：0.81；95％ 置信区间，CI：0.75-0.86）。使用年龄、糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 床旁检测和随机血糖得出的风险评分整体诊断准确度最佳（受试者工作特征曲线下的区域：0.85；95％ 置信区间，CI：0.81-0.90）。不同地点的指标之间存在显著的异质性，但两步组合检测法在秘鲁和印度尼西亚表现良好。.在随机血糖检测后再进行糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 床旁检测可以准确诊断结核病患者是否患有糖尿病（尤其针对患有严重高血糖的患者），同时减少对更为昂贵的糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 床旁检测的需求。内附或未附生化指标的风险评分可能有用，但仍需验证。.Оценить эффективность инструментов диагностики сахарного диабета (включая лабораторные методы и показатели клинического риска) у пациентов с недавно диагностированным туберкулезом легких из четырех стран со средним уровнем доходов.С января 2014 года по сентябрь 2016 года авторы провели многоцентровое проспективное исследование, в котором приняли участие 2185 пациентов с туберкулезом легких, проживающих в Индонезии, Перу, Румынии и Южной Африке. Используя измеренный в лаборатории гликозилированный гемоглобин (HbA1c) в качестве общепринятого стандарта, авторы измерили диагностическую точность выборочного определения уровня глюкозы в плазме; уровня HbA1c, определяемого в месте предоставления медицинской помощи; уровня глюкозы в крови натощак и определения сахара в моче с помощью индикаторной полоски с учетом опубликованных и недавно полученных оценок риска заболевания сахарным диабетом и антропометрических измерений. Мы также проанализировали комбинации тестов, в том числе двухэтапный тест с использованием HbA1c, измеренного в месте предоставления медицинской помощи, при начальном случайном уровне глюкозы в плазме ≥ 6,1 ммоль/л.Общая распространенность сахарного диабета среди пациентов с недавно выявленным туберкулезом составила 283 случая на 2185 человек (13,0%, 95%-й доверительный интервал, ДИ: 11,6–14,4). Маркер с наибольшей диагностической точностью — HbA1c, измеренный в месте предоставления медицинской помощи (область под кривой ROC: 0,81; 95%-й ДИ: 0,75–0,86). Оценка риска в зависимости от возраста, HbA1c, измеренного в месте предоставления медицинской помощи, и выборочного определения глюкозы в плазме имела наилучшую общую диагностическую точность (область под кривой: 0,85; 95%-й ДИ: 0,81–0,90). В различных местах наблюдалась существенная гетерогенность всех маркеров, при этом двухступенчатый комбинированный тест дал хорошие показатели для Индонезии и Перу.Выборочно определяемый уровень глюкозы в плазме с последующим тестированием HbA1c в месте предоставления медицинской помощи может точно диагностировать диабет у пациентов с туберкулезом, особенно у пациентов с существенной гипергликемией, уменьшая необходимость в более дорогостоящем тестировании HbA1c в месте предоставления медицинской помощи. Оценки риска по данным биохимического анализа крови или без них могут быть полезными, но нуждаются в проверке.

Recent hacking scandals such as those suffered by Sony Pictures and Apple's iCloud have highlighted the ever-present threat to security in cyberspace. This has caused concern for governments and businesses alike as to the effectiveness of their cyber-security procedures, and the joint US-UK task force set up earlier this year emphasises that this is at the forefront of government agendas.

In this article, the author explains how she used online blogs with more than 263 students over a period of four semesters in an introductory social problems course. She describes how she uses blogs to enhance student participation, engagement, and skill building. Finally, she provides an overview of students’ qualitative assessments of the blog assignments, highlighting the drawbacks and limitations of integrating technology and, in particular, blogs as a course writing requirement.

After U.S. welfare was reformed in 1996, many states reduced their support of postsecondary education and instead emphasized work-first programs. This study uses in-depth interviews and participant observation to examine how case managers implement work-first policies when dealing with students desiring a college education. Case managers are expected to reconcile the goals of their clients with those of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, while negotiating cultural definitions of “work” that frequently serve to reproduce gender, race, and class inequalities. In this context, overburdened case managers, many of whom support proffering educational solutions, nonetheless find themselves promoting work over education. As a result, many economically poor women are dissuaded from pursuing postsecondary degrees that have the potential of increasing their chances of achieving financial self-sufficiency.

Background Tuberculosis causes approximately 8.6 million disease episodes and 1.3 million deaths worldwide per year. Although curable with standardized treatment, outcomes for some forms of tuberculosis are improved with adjunctive corticosteroid therapy. Whether corticosteroid therapy would be beneficial in treating people with pulmonary tuberculosis is unclear. Objectives To evaluate whether adjunctive corticosteroid therapy reduces mortality, accelerates clinical recovery or accelerates microbiological recovery in people with pulmonary tuberculosis. Search methods We identified studies indexed from 1966 up to May 2014 by searching: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group's trials register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS using comparative search terms. We handsearched reference lists of all identified studies and previous reviews and contacted relevant researchers, organizations and companies to identify grey literature. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized control trials of recognized antimicrobial combination regimens and corticosteroid therapy of any dose or duration compared with either no corticosteroid therapy or placebo in people with pulmonary tuberculosis were included. Data collection and analysis At least two investigators independently assessed trial quality and collected data using pre-specified data extraction forms. Findings were reported as narrative or within tables. If appropriate, Mantel-Haenszel meta-analyses models were used to calculate risk ratios. Main results We identified 18 trials, including 3816 participants, that met inclusion criteria. When compared to taking placebo or no steroid, corticosteroid use was not shown to to reduce all-cause mortality, or result in higher sputum conversion at 2 months or at 6 months (mortality: RR 0.77, 95%CI 0.51 to 1.15, 3815 participants, 18 studies, low quality evidence; sputum conversion at 2 months RR 1.03, 95%CI 0.97 to 1.09, 2750 participants, 12 studies; at 6 months; RR1.01, 95%CI 1.01, 95%CI 0.98 to 1.04, 2150 participants, 9 studies, both low quality evidence). However, corticosteroid use was found to increase weight gain (data not pooled, eight trials, 1203 participants, low quality evidence), decrease length of hospital stay (data not pooled, three trials, participants 379, very low quality of evidence) and increase clinical improvement within one month (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.24; five trials, 497 participants, low quality evidence). Authors' conclusions It is unlikely that adjunctive corticosteroid treatment provides major benefits for people with pulmonary tuberculosis. Short term clinical benefits found did not appear to be maintained in the long term. However, evidence available to date is of low quality. In order to evaluate whether adjunctive corticosteroids reduce mortality, or accelerate clinical or microbiological recovery in people with pulmonary tuberculosis further large randomized control trials sufficiently powered to detect changes in such outcomes are needed.

Background Many studies have found an increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) amongst those with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), however, evidence on whether the association is specific to disease sub-types or is bi-directional remains sparse. This study assesses rates of TB, PTB and EPTB amongst those with DM, Type 1 DM (T1DM) and Type 2 DM (T2DM) comparative to those without. It also assesses the converse to investigate association bi-directionality. Methods Retrospective cohort analyses were completed using primary care data from The Health Improvement Network database (2003–2009). Individuals were classified as either exposed to or unexposed to TB, PTB, EPTB, DM, T1DM or T2DM. The incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated amongst each exposure group for outcomes of interest (TB, PTB, EPTB or DM, T1DM, T2DM) using negative binomial regression. Results TB risk was increased amongst individuals with any DM type (IRR 1.50 (95% CI 1.27–1.76) p Discussion Within a UK setting, TB risk was increased in those with DM as is DM risk amongst those who have had TB. We are not aware of other studies with sufficient power to assess the risk of DM among those with prior TB. Consideration of the specificity and directionality of these associations will be important in improving TB control and treatment as DM prevalence rises globally. Given the associations identified, it is likely the numbers of individuals suffering from co-morbid disease will burgeon with a need for heightened clinical attention to improve both diabetes control and TB outcomes.