Association Between Age and Endovascular Treatment Outcomes: Binational Registry of 9934 EVT Cases From Korea and Taiwan

Stroke, Ahead of Print. BACKGROUND:As populations age, there is an increasing need to optimize endovascular treatment (EVT) and to understand country-specific differences in East Asia. We harmonized stroke registries from Korea and Taiwan to enable comparisons of patient characteristics and outcomes, with a particular focus on the impact of age.METHODS:Multicenter prospective stroke registries in Korea (CRCS-K [Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea]) and Taiwan (TREAT-AIS [Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke]) were harmonized to form a unified data set of patients undergoing EVT. Outcomes included 3-month modified Rankin Scale, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and successful recanalization. We assessed the association between age and outcomes in the overall population and those who were aged ≥80 years using logistic regression models, adjusting for relevant covariates.RESULTS:A total of 9934 EVT cases (7835 from Korea and 2099 from Taiwan) were included from 2011 to 2023. Patients had a mean age of 70.1±12.9 years (57.6% male; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 14 [interquartile range, 9–19]). Compared with Korean patients, Taiwanese patients had a higher prevalence of risk factors and more severe strokes, contributing to lower rates of favorable 3-month outcomes. Increasing age was associated with poorer EVT results; among patients ≥80 years, 18% achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, compared with 46% of younger patients. However, the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage did not significantly increase with age (adjusted odds ratio per year, 1.01 [0.99–1.02]; adjusted odds ratio of ≥80 years, 0.98 [0.75–1.29]). Prestroke functional independence, baseline hemoglobin, and bridging thrombolysis were identified as significant modifiers of outcomes in the oldest patients.CONCLUSIONS:Taiwanese EVT patients had more risk factors and worse outcomes than Korean patients. Advanced age is associated with poorer functional recovery, yet selected older patients, particularly those who were functionally independent before the stroke or received bridging thrombolysis, demonstrated meaningful benefit. These results underscore the importance of individualized treatment strategies and careful patient selection, especially as populations continue to age.

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Investigating the long-term public health and co-benefit impacts of an urban greenway intervention in the UK: a natural experiment evaluation – study protocol

Introduction
Urban green and blue space (UGBS) interventions, such as the development of an urban greenway, have the potential to provide public health benefits and multiple co-benefits in the realms of the environment, economy and society. This paper presents the protocol for a 5-year follow-up evaluation of the public health benefits and co-benefits of an urban greenway in Belfast, UK.

Methods and analysis
The natural experiment evaluation uses a range of systems-oriented and mixed-method approaches. First, using group model building methods, we codeveloped a causal loop diagram with stakeholders to inform the evaluation framework. We will use other systems methods including viable systems modelling and soft systems methodology to understand the context of the system (ie, the intervention) and the stakeholders involved in the development, implementation and maintenance phases. The effectiveness evaluation includes a repeat cross-sectional household survey with a random sample of 1200 local residents (adults aged ≥16 years old) who live within 1 mile of the greenway. The survey is complemented with administrative data from the National Health Service. For the household survey, outcomes include physical activity, mental well-being, quality of life, social capital, perceptions of environment and biodiversity. From the administrative data, outcomes include prescription medications for a range of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory and mental health conditions. We also investigate changes in infectious disease rates, including COVID-19, and maternal and child health outcomes such as birth weight and gestational diabetes. A range of economic evaluation methods, including a cost-effectiveness analysis and social return on investment (SROI), will be employed. Findings from the household survey and administrative data analysis will be further explored in focus groups with a subsample of those who complete the household survey and the local community to explore possible mechanistic pathways and other impacts beyond those measured. Process evaluation methods include intercept surveys and direct observation of the number and type of greenway visitors using the Systems for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities tool. Finally, we will use methods such as weight of evidence, simulation and group model building, each embedding participatory engagement with stakeholders to help us interpret, triangulate and synthesise the findings.

Ethics and dissemination
To our knowledge, this is one of the first natural experiments with a 5-year follow-up evaluation of an UGBS intervention. The findings will help inform future policy and practice on UGBS interventions intended to bring a range of public health benefits and co-benefits. Ethics approval was obtained from the Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee prior to the commencement of the study. All participants in the household survey and focus group workshops will provide written informed consent before taking part in the study. Findings will be reported to (1) participants and stakeholders; (2) funding bodies supporting the research; (3) local, regional and national governments to inform policy; (4) presented at local, national and international conferences and (5) disseminated by peer-review publications.

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Duration of COVID-19 symptoms in children: a longitudinal study in a Rio de Janeiro favela, Brazil

Objectives
COVID-19 in children is generally of short duration, but some may take longer to recover. This study investigated the time to symptom resolution following SARS-CoV-2 infection among children in a community setting on the outskirts of an urban centre in Brazil.

Design
Prospective cohort study.

Setting
This is a community-based cohort of children living in Manguinhos, a favela in Rio de Janeiro. The cohort was followed through home visits and telephone monitoring of symptoms. The analysis focused on symptomatic children from this cohort with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recovery time was defined as the interval between the first date with symptoms and the first date without symptoms following a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.

Participants
A total of 1276 children (boys and girls aged 2–

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Assessment of COVID-19 hospitalisation cost and its associated factors in Nepal: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Objective
This study aimed to assess the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalisation costs and its associated factors on Nepalese households during the second wave of the pandemic, within the context of Nepal’s COVID-19 response.

Design
A cost-descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting
Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal.

Participants
We enrolled 306 hospitalised patients.

Outcome
Telephonic interviews were conducted with COVID-19 patients between May and July 2022. Cost was assessed from a patient’s perspective. We assessed factors associated with the medical cost of COVID-19 treatment services using a generalised linear model with gamma distribution and log link in both bivariable and multivariable models for estimating coefficients and confidence intervals. Data were analysed using STATA version 13, adjusting for the potential confounders: socio-demographic characteristics, type of hospital, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, lead time to hospital admission and number of days at hospital stay.

Results
The total median cost for hospitalisation was US$ 754.9. The median direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs were US$ 624.4, US$ 49.3 and US$ 493.02, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, the cost of COVID-19 treatment was 6.9 times higher among those admitted to private hospital (95% CI 5.72 to 8.32, p

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Influence of concurrent oral calcium carbonate supplementation on steady-state pharmacokinetics of once daily oral raltegravir in persons with HIV: a protocol for a prospective open-label non-randomised study in Canada

Introduction
Raltegravir is a potent HIV-integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). Despite its strong activity against HIV-1 strains resistant to other antiretroviral drug classes, it is usually used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs due to the empirical requirement for anti-HIV drug combinations to ensure effective anti-retroviral therapy (ART). As an early-arriving INSTI, raltegravir is clinically familiar for its safety, tolerability and treatment effectiveness. High-dose calcium carbonate formulated as an antacid (as opposed to a supplement formulation) taken orally together with raltegravir is known to reduce systemic raltegravir exposure due to chelation and reduced absorption. This study aims to assess the effect of daily calcium carbonate antacid as TUMS Ultra Strength (US) administration in lower doses, as currently used for oral calcium supplementation, on the steady-state pharmacokinetics (PKs) of once-daily oral raltegravir.

Methods and analysis
This is an open-label, three-treatment series in three periods in a single group, fixed-sequence PK study in 12 healthy adult volunteers with HIV on ART. Subjects will take 1200 mg of raltegravir single QD oral dose alone for 7 days (period one), then raltegravir 1200 mg with calcium carbonate 500 mg from day 8 to day 14 (period two) and raltegravir 1200 mg with calcium carbonate 1000 mg from day 15 to day 22 (period three). We will conduct serial PK sampling from observed dosing on days 7, 14 and 21, with 24-hour PK sampling scheduled for days 8, 15 and 22. Follow-up will continue until day 51.

Ethics and dissemination
This study will adhere to the ICH GCP Guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethics approval was obtained from the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board under study ID 20190750–01 hour. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrolment. This protocol will be published in a peer-reviewed journal prior to the study’s completion and closure. Results generated from this activity will also be reported in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number
NCT04258475.

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Strengthening universities response to sexual harassment with an equity approach: the UNI4EQUITY mixed-methods study protocol

Introduction
Preventing online and offline sexual harassment (SH) is a public health priority, due to its worldwide magnitude and short- and long-term consequences to the victims and survivors. Universities are environments that may facilitate different forms of conflicts, including SH, but they also play a key role in preventing and addressing them. This paper describes ‘Uni4Equity’, a European project funded by the CERV-2022-DAPHNE Programme of the European Union (Ref. 101094121-Uni4Equity) aimed to reinforce universities’ readiness to identify, map and respond to online and offline SH at workplace and other relevant settings (classrooms, digital space), with an explicit (but not exclusive) focus on minority social groups. More specifically, the project will address the research needs of conducting multidimensional diagnosis of SH at universities (scale and determinants) as a basis for preventive actions; assessing the effectiveness of preventive interventions such as social media campaigns and training workshops; creating a university culture that actively rejects SH; improving access to existing support services; and contributing to the acknowledgement of universities as an asset in preventing this issue.

Methods and analyses
The project follows an exploratory sequential design for the period 2023–2026. In phase 1, a mixed-method initial assessment based on online surveys, semistructured interviews and desk reviews is planned in six targeted universities: University of Alicante, Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU), University of Maia, University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (UASB), University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), University of Verona. Phase 2 integrates long-term and large-scale interventions at different levels of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) and implementation (interpersonal, institutional and social). These interventions combine online and offline training programmes addressed to students and staff, arrangements with internal and external support services and improvements in access to information and resources, including SH protocols and regulations. Phase 3 consists of qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the different Uni4Equity interventions and a final evaluation of the global impact of the project.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval was obtained by the different universities research ethics committees (Universidad de Alicante, vice-rectorate for research: Ref. no. UA-2023-03-27; Università di Verona, Comitato di Approvazione per la Ricerca sulla Persona: Ref. no. UNIVR-24/2023; UAntwerp, Ethics Committee for the Social Sciences and Humanities: Ref. no. EX_SHW_2023_38_1; AMU, Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Participants, Ref. no. UAM_19/2022/2023; UASB, Ethics Committee: Ref. no. UASB _28/08/2023; Universidade da Maia, Conselho de Ética e Deontologia: Ref. no. UMAIA_ 151/2023).
The research team will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed journal articles, presentations in scientific national and international events, policy briefs, infographics, videos and short reports.

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Physical exercise barriers and needs in adults with congenital heart disease: a qualitative study

Objective
Regular physical exercise has well-known health benefits and is generally considered safe for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). However, many individuals with ACHD remain insufficiently physically active. This study explored the barriers and needs related to physical exercise as experienced by people with ACHD to inform the development of tailored strategies that support and promote increased physical activity.

Methods
Qualitative study using semistructured interviews conducted between March and May 2023. The interview guide was based on the Fear Avoidance Model, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart and European Society of Cardiology guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise for cardiovascular diseases. Interviews were coded and thematically analysed to identify specific physical exercise barriers and needs.

Results
Data saturation was reached after interviewing 19 individuals living with ACHD (median age 46 years (range 24–75), 10 women). Thematic analysis identified four main barriers: (1) physical symptoms and negative past experiences, (2) alienation from peers, (3) perceived decline in physical fitness over time and (4) lack of knowledge about personal physical boundaries. Two needs were identified: (1) personalised, disease-specific exercise information and advice and (2) structured support and guidance from healthcare professionals.

Conclusions
People with ACHD face multiple barriers to engaging in physical exercise. There is a clear need for specific, personalised exercise advice from healthcare providers and the development of long-term programmes and interventions to overcome relevant barriers.

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Association between anti-Mullerian hormone levels and age in women with endometriosis: insights from a population-based study

Background
While previous studies have shown an association between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and endometriosis, there are limited data on the relationship between AMH levels and age among women with endometriosis.

Objectives
The present study aimed to investigate the associations between age and AMH levels in women with and without endometriosis.

Design and setting
A cross-sectional, population-based study using data from the ongoing Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

Participants
A total of 1005 eligible reproductive-age women were selected. These participants were categorised into two groups: women with confirmed endometriosis (n=305) and controls (n=700).

Interventions
None.

Outcome measures
Association between AMH levels and age among women with endometriosis and healthy controls, using linear, quadratic and segmented regression analyses.

Results
A total of 1005 women aged 18–48 years participated in the study, including 305 (30.3%) with endometriosis and 700 (69.7%) healthy controls. Women with endometriosis had significantly lower AMH levels compared with healthy controls (1.99±1.42 vs 2.30±1.61 ng/mL; p=0.029). In healthy controls, an increase of 1 year was associated with –0.15 ng/mL of AMH (95% CI: –0.17 to –0.14). Segmented regression identified a threshold at 27 years (1.92), with a sharper decline below this age (slope: –0.35, 95% CI: –0.47 to –0.23; p

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[Articles] Efficacy and safety of narlumosbart, an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, phased II study

In this phase II trial of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, narlumosbart demonstrated superiority over placebo in increasing BMD at 12 months following administration at 6-month intervals, with a tolerable safety profile in the short term, consistent with that of anti-RANKL monoclonal antibodies.

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Men matter: a cross-sectional exploration of the forgotten fathers of children born to adolescent mothers in South Africa

Background
Fathers are intricately bound to the experience of adolescent mothers and their children. Yet, fathers of children born to adolescent mothers, particularly within the context of HIV, remain neglected in the literature. These exploratory analyses provide insight into the characteristics of fathers of children born to adolescent mothers affected by HIV in South Africa.

Setting
Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Design
Cross-sectional data from a prospective cohort study.

Participants
Young mothers (10–24 years of age) and their children (0–68 months). All mothers completed detailed study questionnaires, including standardised and study-specific measures, relating to their self, their children and the fathers of their children. Summary statistics are presented based on maternal self-report of father characteristics. 2 tests and t-tests (Fisher’s exact/Kruskal-Wallis tests, where appropriate) were additionally used to explore sample characteristics (including father characteristics, maternal experience and child characteristics) according to paternal age and father involvement in childcare (defined by responses to four maternal self-report questions). Father characteristics were also explored according to maternal HIV status and maternal mental health status.

Results
40% of fathers were adolescents (10–19 years) at the birth of their children. Overall, father involvement was low (19.5%). Compared with noninvolved fathers, involved fathers were more likely to be older when their child was born (21 years vs 20 years, t=4.30, p=0.04), to be in a relationship with the mothers of their children (74.8% vs 47.2%, 2=40.8, p≤0.0001), to reside with their children and their mothers (14.7% vs 3.7%, 2=49.3, p≤0.0001) and to attend the first antenatal appointment (4.3% vs 1.5%, 2=5.21, p=0.02). A quarter (25.4%; 227/894) of the adolescent mothers in the sample were living with HIV. The prevalence of maternal HIV was found to be higher among adolescent mothers of children born to older fathers compared with adolescent fathers (31.7% vs 15.9%, 2=28.3, p≤0.001). Likewise, depressive symptoms were more prevalent among adolescent mothers of children born to older fathers compared with adolescent fathers (9.9% vs 5.3%, 2=6.08, p=0.01). Adolescent mothers reporting poor mental health were less likely to be in a relationship with the fathers of their children (41.8% vs 54.1%, 2=7.32, p=0.03) and more likely to experience domestic violence perpetrated by the fathers of their children (8.2% vs 3.3%, 2=6.07, p=0.01) and to engage in arguments about finances with the fathers of their children (30.0% vs 17.0%, 2=10.8, p=0.001). While some differences in individual subscales were identified, overall composite scores of child cognitive development did not differ according to father age or father involvement.

Conclusions
Analyses provide the first preliminary description of the fathers of children born to adolescent mothers affected by HIV in South Africa. Fathers are inherently tied to the experiences of adolescent mothers and their children. Father involvement with their children was low. Further research is required to explore the potential barriers to father involvement and pathways to overcome these. Efforts to bolster father engagement, such as the inclusion of fathers within maternal and child service provision, may have benefits for fathers, adolescent mothers and their children. There was a high prevalence of adolescent fatherhood in the study. Adolescent fathers may have specific needs requiring tailored intervention for adolescent parent families. The need for the inclusion of fathers within policy, programming and research remains.

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Evaluation of a virtual reality-directed brain-gut behavioural treatment inpatient program for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: protocol for a pilot feasibility trial

Introduction
Pain is one of the most bothersome symptoms that affects patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but is often inadequately treated. Inadequate pain control in the inpatient setting not only impacts patients’ experience but increases opioid use and hospital length of stay. Opioids are often considered first-line treatment for severe pain but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in IBD. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a non-opioid analgesic option, but concerns regarding their contribution to IBD flares have limited their use. Brain-gut behavioural therapies (BGBT), such as cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation and gut-directed hypnotherapy, are effective for pain management and have a role in the treatment of IBD symptoms. However, the use of BGBT in IBD is challenging, given limited access to behavioural health specialists, especially in the inpatient setting. Virtual reality (VR)-directed BGBT programmes can bridge this gap and enhance pain treatment for inpatients with IBD. Therefore, in this study, we aim to establish feasibility and acceptability for a VR-directed BGBT inpatient programme for patients with IBD.

Methods and analysis
We will recruit 40 patients with IBD who are hospitalised at Michigan Medicine and who endorse IBD-related pain. We will assess patient-reported outcomes (pain rating, IBD-specific symptoms, perceived stress, mood) before and after treatment, cumulative inpatient analgesic requirements and hospital length of stay. Our primary objective will be to establish intervention feasibility defined by the frequency and percentage of enrolled participants that use the VR-directed BGBT inpatient intervention in any capacity. Our secondary objective will be to evaluate intervention acceptability by conducting semistructured interviews with study participants. We will also explore the preliminary effectiveness of VR-directed BGBT on patient-reported outcomes and healthcare utilisation as compared with historic controls.

Ethics and dissemination
The study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Michigan Medical School on 10 October 2023 (HUM00240999). All human subjects will be required to sign an informed consent document prior to study participation. Study findings will be reported through peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number
NCT06188793.

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