BMJ open
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Observational Study
Descriptive, observational study of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical arrests, use, and overdoses in Maine.
The Maine Diversion Alert Program grants healthcare providers access to law enforcement data on drug charges. The objectives of this report were to analyse variations in drug charges by demographics and examine recent trends in arrests, prescriptions of controlled substances and overdoses. ⋯ Although the overall profile of those arrested for drug crimes in 2017 involve males, age <40 and heroin, exceptions (oxycodone for older adults) were observed. Most prescription opioids are decreasing while deaths involving opioids continue to increase in Maine.
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Although preoxygenation and airway management respond to precise algorithms, difficult intubation (DI) remains a daily challenge in intensive care units and in the operating rooms because of its frequent complications, including hypoxaemia. To prevent desaturation during DI, high-flow oxygenation by nasal cannula (HFNC) could prove beneficial. Indeed, contrary to standard preoxygenation device, it can be held in place throughout the intubation trying to perform apnoeic oxygenation during DI. Hence, recent guidelines recommend HFNC during DI, but its relevance has never been evaluated in this setting in a large randomised study until now. ⋯ The study project has been approved by an independent ethics committee. Written informed consent will be obtained before study inclusion. Participant recruitment begins in September 2018. Results will be submitted to international peer-reviewed medical journals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Predictive models for short-term and long-term improvement in women under physiotherapy for chronic disabling neck pain: a longitudinal cohort study.
To develop predictive models for short-term and long-term clinically important improvement in women with non-specific chronic disabling neck pain during the clinical course of physiotherapy. ⋯ Age, neck disability and psychological factors seem to be important predictors of improvement, and may inform clinical decisions about physiotherapy in women with chronic neck pain. Before using the developed predictive models in clinical practice, however, they should be validated in other populations and tested in clinical settings.
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Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent and clinically meaningful side effect of cancer treatment. CIPN is induced by neurotoxic agents, causing severe sensory and/or motor deficits, resulting in disability and poor recovery, reducing patients' quality of life and limiting medical therapy. To date, effective treatment options are lacking. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training can attenuate motor and sensory deficits. We are conducting a two-armed, multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial, to investigate the effects of WBV on relevant symptoms of CIPN and determine the training characteristics. ⋯ The study was approved by both responsible ethics committees. (1) Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the effects of WBV on motor and sensory functions and (2) may provide information whether WBV at the most effective setting, is feasible for neuropathic patients. (3) Our results may also contribute to improve supportive care in oncology, thereby enhancing quality of life and enabling the optimal medical therapy. All results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals as well as a manual for clinical practice.
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Although anxiety disorders are the most common emotional disorders in childhood and are associated with a broad range of negative outcomes, only a minority of affected children receive professional support. In the UK, general practitioners (GPs) are seen as 'gate-keepers' to mental health services. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which GPs experience barriers to and facilitators of identifying, managing and accessing specialist services for these disorders, as well as factors associated with GPs' confidence. ⋯ GPs believe they have a role in identifying and managing childhood anxiety disorders; however, their confidence appears to be related to their personal experience and the context in which they work, rather than their training, highlighting the need to strengthen GP training and facilitate access to resources and services to enable them to support children with these common but debilitating conditions.