Supplementing factual information with patient narratives in the cancer screening context: a qualitative study of acceptability and preferences

ObjectiveTo explore people''s responses to narrative information in the context of colorectal cancer screening.DesignNineteen in‐depth interviews were conducted with men and women (aged 45–59). Participants were given two types of colorectal screening information to read: factual and narrative. Participants gave their views on both types of information. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.ResultsThe most frequent responses to the narrative information were that they were reassuring, made colorectal screening more vivid, participants could relate to the people in the stories and they liked the range of narratives presented. Despite the narrative information being seen as more persuasive by some, this was not regarded as manipulative or negative. Both types of information were seen as equally credible. Participants felt a combination of facts and narratives would be useful when considering an offer of colorectal cancer screening.ConclusionOverall, participants were positive about the addition of narrative information to the currently provided factual information about colorectal cancer screening. Supplementing existing factual information with narrative information may provide participants with a more complete understanding of participation in colorectal cancer screening when considering an offer to be screened.     

‘Too much for one day’: a case study of disclosure in the paediatric HIV/AIDS clinic

Background

Despite acknowledgement of the complexity and challenges of the process of disclosure of HIV status to adolescents, little work has been carried out on the communication features which facilitate or hinder the process. This qualitative case study reflects the interactional dynamics of an interaction between caregiver, physician and counsellor around the topic of disclosure in a South African clinic.

Methods

A 40‐minute encounter between a doctor, the grandmother of an adolescent with HIV/AIDS and a counsellor around the process of disclosure was transcribed and examined in detail in relation to its structure, topics, timing and sequence as well as its movement towards a collaborative ending. Analysis was based on elements of conversational and thematic analysis.

Results

The session was characterized by distinct stages and the emergence of multiple voices and perspectives from the participants. The negotiated management of the session sheds light on multiple barriers to care as well as the influence of contextual factors on the process. The important mediating role of the counsellor in the triad emerges. The analysis highlights both unique features of the consultation and common challenges to clinicians when disclosing.

Discussion and Conclusions

The task of disclosure is complex and intricate. Results suggest team processes are critical, as are temporal and contextual factors and the need for an understanding of communication. Implications for the clinic team are discussed and suggestions made for the development of collaborative partnership based on an understanding of roles and responsibilities, time factors and enhancement of features such as trust and communication.     

Genome characterization of a GII.6 norovirus strain identified in China

Noroviruses (NoVs) are the primary cause of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Most NoV infections are caused by GII.4, but GII.6 is also an important genotype with a long-term persistence in human populations. In this study, the complete genome sequence of a NoV strain GZ2010-L96 isolated in China was identified and analyzed phylogenetically. The viral genome comprised 7550 nucleotides, and its phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain belonged to GII.6 genotype. All reported GII.6 NoV capsid protein sequences were also collected for comparative analysis, and GZ2010-L96 was clustered into GII.6-b with other 8 strains. Meanwhile, it was found that 53 spots on viral capsid showed subcluster specificity according to multiple alignments. Moreover, homologous modeling of GZ2010-L96 based on comparison with GII.4 VA387 strain showed a different antigen distribution pattern. In summary, the genome of the GII.6 strain GZ2010-L96 detected in China was extensively characterized, and phylogenetic analyses of GII.6 NoVs based on the capsid proteins may reveal a different evolution process from the predominant genotype GII.4.     

Energy Intake,Profile, and Dietary Sources in the Spanish Population: Findings of the ANIBES Study

Energy intake, and the foods and beverages contributing to that, are considered key to understanding the high obesity prevalence worldwide. The relative contributions of energy intake and expenditure to the obesity epidemic, however, remain poorly defined in Spain. The purpose of this study was to contribute to updating data of dietary energy intake and its main sources from food and beverages, according to gender and age. These data were derived from the ANIBES (“Anthropometry, Intake, and Energy Balance in Spain”) study, a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of the Spanish population (from 9–75 years old). A three-day dietary record, collected by means of a tablet device, was used to obtain information about food and beverage consumption and leftovers. The final sample comprised 2009 individuals (1,013 men, 996 women). The observed mean dietary energy intake was 7.6 ± 2.11 MJ/day (8.2 ± 2.22 MJ/day for men and 6.9 ± 1.79 MJ/day for women). The highest intakes were observed among adolescents aged 13–17 years (8.4 MJ/day), followed by children 9–12 years (8.2 ± 1.80 MJ/day), adults aged 18–64 (7.6 ± 2.14 MJ/day) and older adults aged 65–75 years (6.8 ± 1.88 MJ/day). Cereals or grains (27.4%), meats and derivatives (15.2%), oils and fats (12.3%), and milk and dairy products (11.8%) contributed most to daily energy intake. Energy contributions from non-alcoholic beverages (3.9%), fish and shellfish (3.6%), sugars and sweets (3.3%) and alcoholic beverages (2.6%) were moderate to minor. Contributions to caloric profile were 16.8%E from proteins; 41.1%E from carbohydrates, including 1.4%E from fiber; 38.5%E from fats; and 1.9%E from alcohol intake. We can conclude that energy intake is decreasing in the Spanish population. A variety of food and beverage groups contribute to energy intake; however, it is necessary to reinforce efforts for better adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet.     

Impact of serum uric acid on subclinical myocardial injury in general population

Background and aimsHyperuricemia is widely thought as a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality; however, the relation of serum uric acid (sUA) and subclinical myocardial injury (SCeMI) remains unclear. We hypothesize that sUA is associated with subclinical myocardial injury.Methods and resultsA total of 5880 adult individuals (57.9 ± 13.0 years, 54.23% women) without known cardiovascular disease from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III were included. Determined by Cardiac Infarction Injury Score (CIIS) from 12-lead electrocardiogram, SCeMI was defined by CIIS ≥10 units. The relationship between sUA and SCeMI was analyzed by using logistic regression models and the smooth curve fitting. Subgroup analyses were conducted. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the smooth curve fitting revealed a non-linear relationship between sUA level and SCeMI. When sUA was above the inflection point 266.5 μmol/L, each 100 unit increase in sUA increase the risk of SCeMI by 15%. In women group, when sUA>340.3 μmol/L, each 100 unit increase in sUA increase the risk of SCeMI by 71%, but no significant correlation was observed in men group.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that sUA is an independent risk factor for subclinical myocardial injury after adjusting for potential confounding variables, and existence of such an association in women only, which require more random control trials to confirm the strategy of cardiovascular disease prevention based on sUA reduction in female.     

Association of weight-adjusted-waist index with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in China: A prospective cohort study

Background and aimsAs a new simple anthropometric index, the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) appears to be superior to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in assessing both muscle and fat mass. We aimed to explore the association of WWI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in southern China.Methods and resultsA total of 12,447 participants (mean age, 59.0 ± 13.3 years; 40.6% men) in Jiangxi Province from the China Hypertension Survey study were included. WWI was defined as WC divided by the square root of weight. The outcome was all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. During a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 838 all-cause deaths occurred, with 390 cardiovascular deaths. Overall, there was a nonlinear positive relationship of WWI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Accordingly, compared with participants in quartiles 1–3 (<11.2 cm/√kg), a significant higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.58) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.77) were found in quartile 4 (≥11.2 cm/√kg). Further adjustment for BMI and WC did not substantially alter the results. No significant interactions were found in any of the subgroups (sex, age, area, physical activity, current smoking, current alcohol drinking, hypertension, and stroke).ConclusionHigher WWI levels (≥11.2 cm/√kg) were associated with increased the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in southern China. These findings, if confirmed by further studies, suggested that WWI may serve as a simple and effective anthropometric index in clinical practice.     

Home-measured pulse pressure is a predictor of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: The KAMOGAWA-HBP study

Background and aimsPulse pressure (PP) is a prognostic predictor of cardiovascular mortality. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between home PP measurements and cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods and resultsHome blood pressure was measured for 14 consecutive days in 1082 patients with type 2 diabetes, and pulse pressure was calculated.A 10 mmHg increase in morning PP was associated with a 1.30-fold increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk of cardiovascular disease was 1.88 times higher in the morning in the higher PP group than in the lower PP group. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the areas under the curve (95% confidence interval) corresponding to the PP (morning, evening, and clinic) for new-onset cardiovascular disease were 0.63 (0.58–0.69), 0.62 (0.57–0.67), and 0.59 (0.54–0.64), respectively. The area under the curve for PP measured in the morning was significantly greater than that for PP measured in the clinic (P = 0.032).ConclusionHome-measured PP is a better predictor of new-onset cardiovascular disease than clinic-measured PP, in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

A Cross-sectional Survey of Patients with Suspected Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Japan

Objective The burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is poorly understood. The present study reported on the current status of DPNP in Japan, to improve our understanding of this condition among healthcare providers and inform future clinical research on its prevalence, diagnosis, and management. Methods A cross-sectional, observational study (UMIN000037023) was conducted via a web-based survey. The primary endpoints were the frequency of patients with bilateral foot symptoms, consulting a doctor, understanding DPNP, and reporting problems in daily life, as well as the treatment awareness of patients. Patients Adults ≥20 years old who were registered in the Rakuten Insight Disease Panel and receiving anti-diabetic therapy in Japan were included. Results Bilateral foot pain symptoms were reported by 1,768/7,754 (22.8%) respondents, most commonly intense numbness (13.0%). Of those with symptoms, 55.3% consulted a doctor; the most common reason for not seeking consultation was feeling that symptoms were insufficiently severe to bother their doctor (89.4%). Nearly 60% reported understanding the causes of their symptoms, with diabetes-associated neurologic deficits (58.8%) most commonly identified. About one-quarter reported daily life problems, including an inability to walk for long periods (58.3%) and feeling anxious (58.1%). Treatment awareness was reported by 18.2%; oral medications were commonly recognized (64.6%). Conclusion In Japan, 22.8% of patients with diabetes have bilateral foot pain symptoms; some experience problems in their daily life without understanding the causes of their symptoms. This supports the importance of actions to increase awareness and minimize DPNP-associated impairment of daily life in patients with diabetes.     

肺结核合并糖尿病与单纯肺结核患者流行特征对比分析

目的: 分析北京市疾病预防控制中心结核门诊部登记治疗的肺结核合并糖尿病患者特征,为肺结核与糖尿病共病防治提供依据。方法: 采用描述性方法,将2014—2021年北京市疾病预防控制中心结核门诊部登记治疗的261例肺结核合并糖尿病患者与同期1839例单纯肺结核患者的流行病学特征进行对比分析,包括性别、年龄、治疗分类、发现方式、病原学阳性率、涂阳率、培阳率、利福平耐药率、2个月末痰涂片阴转率、治疗成功率、就诊及确诊延迟率、就诊及确诊时间间隔。结果: 肺结核合并糖尿病患者复治比例[16.48%(43/261)]明显高于单纯肺结核患者[8.70%(160/1839)],差异有统计学意义(χ²=15.822,P<0.001),主动发现比例[7.28%(19/261)]明显低于单纯肺结核患者[13.05%(240/1839)],差异有统计学意义(χ²=7.040,P<0.01)。肺结核合并糖尿病患者病原学阳性率[65.90%(172/261)]明显高于单纯肺结核患者[35.07%(645/1839)],差异有统计学意义(χ²=91.381,P<0.001),2个月末痰涂片阴转率和治疗成功率[84.62%(110/130)和80.46%(210/261)]均低于单纯肺结核患者[91.15%(412/452)和87.71%(1613/1839)],差异均有统计学意义(χ²=4.663,P=0.031;χ²=10.495,P=0.001)。肺结核合并糖尿病患者利福平耐药率[3.07%(8/261)]与单纯肺结核患者[1.41%(26/1839)] 比较,差异无统计学意义(χ²=2.945,P=0.086)。就诊延迟率、就诊时间[52.87%(138/261)和16(2,53)d]均明显高于单纯肺结核患者[42.09%(774/1839)和9(0,37)d],差异均有统计学意义(χ²=10.822,P=0.001;U=2.775,P=0.006)。确诊延迟率、确诊时间[32.57%(85/261)和7(0,24)d]与单纯肺结核患者[31.92%(587/1839)和7(1,20)d] 比较,差异均无统计学意义(χ²=0.044,P=0.834;U=0.167,P=0.867)。结论: 肺结核合并糖尿病患者具有病原学阳性率高、复治比例高、就诊延迟率高、就诊时间间隔长、主动发现率低、痰涂片阴转率低和治疗成功率低的特点。