Anaerobic digestion (AD) has become a popular technique for organic waste management while offering economic and environmental advantages. As AD becomes increasingly prevalent worldwide, research efforts are primarily focused on optimizing its processes. During the operation of AD systems, the occurrence of unstable events is inevitable. So far, numerous conclusions have been drawn from full and lab-scale studies regarding the driving factors of start-up perturbations. However, the lack of standardized practices reported in start-up studies raises concerns about the comparability and reliability of obtained data. This study aims to develop a knowledge database and investigate the possibility of applying machine learning techniques on experimentation-extracted data to assist start-up planning and monitoring. Thus, a standardized database referencing 75 cases of start-up of one-stage wet continuously-stirred tank reactors (CSTR) processing agricultural, industrial, or municipal organic effluent in mono-digestion from 31 studies was constructed. 10 % of the total observations included in this database concern failed start-up experiments. Then, correlations between the parameters and their impacts on the start-up duration were studied using multivariate analysis and a model-based ranking methodology. Insights into trends of choices were highlighted through the correlation analysis of the database. As such, scenarios favoring short start-up duration were found to involve relatively low retention times (average initial and final hydraulic retention times, (HRTi) and (HRTf) of 26.25 and 20.6 days, respectively), high mean organic loading rates (average OLRmean of 5.24 g VS·d-1·L -1) and the processing of highly fermentable substrates (average feed volatile solids (VSfeed) of 81.35 g L-1). The model-based ranking of AD parameters demonstrated that the HRTf, the VSfeed, and the target temperature (Tf) have the strongest impact on the start-up duration, receiving the highest relative scores among the evaluated AD parameters. The database could serve as a reference for comparison purposes of future start-up studies allowing the identification of factors that should be closely controlled.

BACKGROUND: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, predicting the difficulty of this procedure remains challenging. The present study aimed to develop an improved prediction model for surgical difficulty during ELC, surpassing the current Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) grading system.
METHODS: We analyzed data from 201 consecutive patients who underwent ELC for AC between 2019 and 2021. Surgical difficulty was defined as the failure to achieve the critical view of safety (non-CVS). We developed a scoring system by conducting multivariate analysis on demographics, symptoms, laboratory data, and radiographic findings. The predictive accuracy of our scoring system was compared to that of the TG18 grading system (Grade I vs. Grade II/III).
RESULTS: Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, a novel scoring system was formulated. This system incorporated preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) values (≥5: 1 pt, ≥10: 2 pts, ≥15: 3 pts) and TG18 grading score (duration >72 h: 1 pt, image criteria for Grade II AC: 1 pt). Our model, a cutoff score of ≥3, exhibited a significantly elevated area under the curve (AUC) of 0.721 compared to the TG18 grading system alone (AUC 0.609) (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Combining preoperative CRP values with TG18 grading criteria can enhance the accuracy of predicting intraoperative difficulty in ELC for AC.

This study measured the prevalence and impact of nonadherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that recommend using nonpharmacological and nonopioid treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before considering opioids in patients with chronic low back pain.
Participants within the PRECISION Pain Research Registry provided data during the period from April 2016 through October 2021. The prevalence of nonadherence to CPGs was based on current or prior use of 6 common nonpharmacological treatments, NSAIDs, and opioids for low back pain. The primary outcome measures were low back pain intensity, back-related disability, and pain impact on health-related quality of life.
The prevalence of nonadherence to CPGs was 68 (18.0%) participants among the 378 participants currently using opioids. Participants having some post-high school education (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.74) or at least a college education (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12-0.56) were at decreased risk of treatment that was nonadherent to CPGs in a multivariate analysis. Participants whose treatment was nonadherent to CPGs reported significantly worse clinical outcomes across all 3 measures (P ≤ .001; Cohen\'s d range, 0.41 to 0.62).
Up to one-fifth of patients with chronic low back pain may be prescribed opioids in a manner that is not adherent to CPGs, thereby placing them at risk for poor outcomes.

Impairments to comprehension and production of speech (aphasia, dysarthria) and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) are common sequelae of stroke, reducing patients\' quality of life and social participation. Treatment oriented on evidence-based guidelines seems likely to improve outcomes. Currently, little is known about guideline adherence in stroke aftercare for the above-mentioned sequelae. This study aims to analyse guideline adherence in the treatment of aphasia, dysarthria and dysphagia after stroke, based on suitable test parameters, and to determine factors that influence the implementation of recommended therapies.
Six test parameters were defined, based on systematic study of guidelines for the treatment of speech impairments and swallowing disorders (e.g. comprehensive diagnostics, early initiation and continuity). Guideline adherence in treatment was tested using claims data from four statutory health insurance companies. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed in order to test the outcomes.
4,486 stroke patients who were diagnosed with specific disorders or received speech therapy were included in the study. The median age was 78 years; the proportion of women was 55.9%. Within the first year after the stroke, 90.3% of patients were diagnosed with speech impairments and swallowing disorders. Overall, 44.1% of patients received outpatient speech and language therapy aftercare. Women were less frequently diagnosed with specific disorders (OR 0.70 [95%CI:0.55/0.88], p = 0.003) and less frequently received longer therapy sessions (OR 0.64 [95%CI:0.43/0.94], p = 0.022). Older age and longer hospitalization duration increased the likelihood of guideline recommendations being implemented and of earlier initiation of stroke aftercare measures.
Our observations indicate deficits in the implementation of guideline recommendations in stroke aftercare. At the same time, they underscore the need for regular monitoring of implementation measures in stroke aftercare to address group-based disparities in care.

Clinical practice guidelines(CPGs) are important tools for medical decision-making. Given the high prevalence and financial burden associated with tobacco use disorder(TUD), it is critical that recommendations within CPGs are based on robust evidence. Systematic reviews(SRs) are considered the highest level of evidence, thus, we evaluated the quality of SRs underpinning CPG recommendations for TUD.
We used PubMed to search for CPGs relating to TUD published between January 1, 2010 and May 21, 2021. SRs were extracted from CPG references and evaluated using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) and A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews(AMSTAR-2) tools. We then compared SRs conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration with non-Cochrane SRs using a Mann-Whitney U test and determined associations between PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 extracted characteristics using multiple regression.
Our search generated 10 CPGs with 98 SRs extracted. Mean PRISMA completion was 74.7%(SD = 16.7) and mean AMSTAR-2 completion was 53.8%(SD = 22.0) across all guidelines. Cochrane SRs were more complete than non-Cochrane studies in the PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 assessments. The regression model showed a statistically significant association between PRISMA completion and AMSTAR-2 rating, with those classified as \"low\" or \"moderate\" quality having higher PRISMA completion than those with \"critically low\" ratings.
We found substandard adherence to PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 checklists across SRs cited in TUD CPGs. A lack of recent SRs in CPGs could lead to outdated recommendations. Therefore, frequent guideline updates with recently published evidence may ensure more accurate clinical recommendations and improve patient care.
Systematic reviews used to underpin clinical practice guideline recommendations influence treatment decisions and, ultimately, patient outcomes. We found that many systematic reviews underpinning tobacco use disorder guideline recommendations were out of date and unsatisfactory in reporting and quality. Thus, including newer systematic reviews containing more recently conducted trials and better reporting could alter recommendations and improve the rate of successful tobacco cessation attempts.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend against routine preoperative axial imaging studies (CT/MRI) for endometrial cancer, except for cases of locally advanced disease or aggressive histologies. This study utilized population-based data to evaluate the use of preoperative imaging and factors associated with its use.
A population-based cohort of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer from 2006 to 2016 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry in Ontario, Canada. Patients were excluded if they had: hysterectomy prior to the date of diagnosis, non-epithelial histology or a prior cancer diagnosis within 5 years. Preoperative imaging (CT or MRI) rates were calculated over time. Predictive factors for preoperative imaging use were determined using multi-variable regression analysis.
17,718 cases were eligible for analysis. From 2006 to 2016, the proportion of patients receiving preoperative imaging increased from 22.2% to 39.3%. In a subgroup of patients with low-risk disease (stage 1, endometrioid adenocarcinoma), imaging increased from 16.3% to 29.5%. Multivariate analysis showed an association between preoperative imaging and advanced stage, advanced grade, non-endometrioid morphology, surgery with a gynecologic oncologist, surgery at a teaching hospital and a later year of diagnosis. From 2006 to 2016, the yearly incidence of endometrial cancer increased from 22.3/100,000 to 36.1/100,000, representing a mean annual increase of 3.6% per year.
Endometrial cancer incidence and the use of preoperative imaging are increasing. Factors most associated with preoperative imaging are high-risk features. However, preoperative imaging is still being performed in low-risk patients, indicating non-adherence to guidelines, which has implications for constrained healthcare resources.

United States (U.S.) healthcare is a volume-based inefficient delivery system. Value requires the consideration of quality, which is lacking in most healthcare disciplines.
To assess whether patients who met specific evidence-based medicine (EBM)-based criteria preoperatively for lumbar fusion would achieve higher rates of achieving the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) than those who did not meet the EBM indications.
All elective lumbar fusion cases, March 2018 to August 2019, were prospectively evaluated and categorized based on EBM guidelines for surgical indications. The MCID was defined as a reduction of ≥5 points in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Multiple logistic regression identified multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of EBM concordance.
A total of 325 lumbar fusion patients were entered with 6-mo follow-up data available for 309 patients (95%). The median preoperative ODI score was 24.4 with median 6-mo improvement of 7.0 points (P < .0001). Based on ODI scores, 79.6% (246/309) improved, 3.8% (12/309) had no change, and 16% (51/309) worsened. A total of 191 patients had ODI improvement reaching the MCID. 93.2% (288/309) cases were EBM concordant, while 6.7% (21/309) were not.In multivariate analysis, EBM concordance (P = .0338), lower preoperative ODI (P < .001), lower ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) (P = .0056), and primary surgeries (P = .0004) were significantly associated with improved functional outcome. EBM concordance conferred a 3.04 (95% CI 1.10-8.40) times greater odds of achieving MCID in ODI at 6 mo (P = .0322), adjusting for other factors.
This analysis provides validation of EBM guideline criteria to establish optimal patient outcomes. The EBM concordant patients had a greater than 3 times improved outcome compared to those not meeting EBM fusion criteria.

UNASSIGNED: In 2014, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology published guidelines for diagnosing failed induction of labor (FIOL) and arrest of dilation (AOD) to prevent cesarean delivery (CD). The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of adherence to these guidelines and to compare the association of guideline adherence with physician CD rates and obstetric/neonatal outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: Retrospective cohort review of singleton primary cesarean deliveries for FIOL and AOD at a single academic institution from 2014 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare adherence to the guidelines with physician CD rates and obstetric/neonatal outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: Of the 591 cesarean deliveries in the study, 263 were for failed induction, 328 for AOD and 79% (468/591) were not adherent to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (ACOG/SMFM) guidelines. Of the failed inductions, 82% (215/263) and of the AODs 77% (253/328) were not adherent. There was no difference between adherent and non-adherent CDs with regard to maternal characteristics, or obstetric/neonatal outcomes. Duration of oxytocin use after rupture of membranes, dilation at time of CD, and birth weight were statistically higher in adherent CDs. On multivariate linear regression, physician CD rates were inversely correlated with adherence to ACOG/SMFM guidelines (p<0.0001), gestational age (p=0.007), and parity (p=0.003).
UNASSIGNED: Our study shows that physician non-compliance with ACOG guidelines was high. Adherence to these guidelines was associated with lower physician CD rates, without an increase in obstetric or neonatal complications.

Closer scrutiny of prescription patterns following surgery could contribute to the national effort to combat the opioid epidemic.
This study aimed to define opioid consumption patterns following anorectal operations for development of an institutional prescribing guideline.
This was a retrospective cohort study.
The study was conducted at a single tertiary care center.
Patients undergoing outpatient anorectal surgery between July 2018 and January 2019 were included.
The study measured prescription and consumption quantities measured as equianalgesic oxycodone 5-mg pills.
There were 174 operations categorized into 4 operation categories: 72 hemorrhoid excisions, 55 fistulas-in-ano operations, 8 anal condyloma fulgurations, and 39 miscellaneous operations (14 sphincterotomies, 16 anal biopsies/skin tag excisions, and 9 transanal rectal lesion excisions). Prescription quantity was varied (range, 3-80 equianalgesic oxycodone 5-mg pills). Overall, 39% of patients consumed no pills, 18% consumed all, and 5% required refills. Of total pills prescribed, 63% of were unconsumed. Consumption was significantly different by operation category (average 13.6 equianalgesic oxycodone 5-mg pills after hemorrhoidectomies, 6.3 after fistula-in-ano operations, 5.8 after condyloma fulguration, and 2.9 after miscellaneous operations; p < 0.001). Home opioid requirements would be met for 80% of patients using the following guideline: 27 equianalgesic oxycodone 5-mg pills after hemorrhoidectomies, 13 after fistula-in-ano operations, 20 after anal condyloma fulguration, and 4 after miscellaneous operations. Guideline adoption would result in a 41% reduction in excess pills per prescription.
The study was limited by its retrospective, single-center design and because opioid consumption was self-reported.
Opioid prescribing patterns and consumption are widely variable after anorectal operations and appear to be highly dependent on the operation category. It is noteworthy that 63% of opioids prescribed after anorectal operations were unused by the patient and may pose a significant public health risk. Based on the usage patterns observed in this study, prospective studies should be performed to optimize opioid prescribing. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B374. PATRONES DE CONSUMO DE OPIOIDES DESPUÉS DE OPERACIONES ANORRECTALES: DESARROLLO DE UNA GUÍA PARA PRESCRIPCIÓN INSTITUCIONAL: Una revisión enfocada de los patrones de prescripción después de la cirugía podría contribuir al esfuerzo nacional para combatir la epidemia de opioides.Este estudio tuvo como objetivo definir los patrones de consumo de opioides después de las operaciones anorrectales para el desarrollo de una guía para prescripción institucional.Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.El estudio se realizó en un solo centro de atención de tercer nivel.pacientes de cirugía anorrectal ambulatoria entre julio de 2018 y enero de 2019.El estudio valoro el numero de recetas medicas y consumo de píldoras equianalgésicas de oxicodona de 5 mg.174 operaciones se clasificaron en cuatro categorías: 72 extirpaciones de hemorroides, 55 operaciones de fistula anal, 8 fulguraciones de condilomas anales y 39 operaciones misceláneas (14 esfinterotomías, 16 biopsias anales / extirpaciones de lesiones de piel y 9 escisiones de lesiones rectales por vía transanal). La cantidad de medicamentos recetados fue variada (rango: 3-80 pastillas de oxicodona equianalgésica de 5 mg). En general, el 39% de los pacientes no consumió píldoras, el 18% consumió todo y el 5% requirió equianalgesica adicional. Del total de píldoras recetadas, el 63% no se consumió. El consumo fue significativamente diferente según la categoría de la operación (promedio de 13,6 píldoras de oxicodona equianalgésica de 5 mg después de las hemorroidectomías, 6,3 después de las operaciones de fístula en el ano, 5,8 después de la fulguración del condiloma y 2,9 después de las operaciones misceláneas, p <0,001). Los requisitos de opioides en el hogar se cumplirían para el 80% de los pacientes con las siguientes pautas: 27 píldoras de oxicodona equianalgésicas de 5 mg después de las hemorroidectomías, 13 después de las operaciones de fístula anal, 20 después de la fulguración del condiloma anal y 4 después de operaciones misceláneas. La adopción de la guía daría como resultado una reducción del 41% en el exceso de píldoras por receta.El estudio estuvo limitado por su diseño retrospectivo de un solo centro y el consumo de opioides fue autoinformado.Los patrones de prescripción de opioides y el consumo son variables después de las operaciones anorrectales y parecen ser altamente dependientes de la categoría de la operación. En particular, el 63% de los opioides recetados después de las operaciones anorrectales no fueron utilizados por el paciente y pueden representar un riesgo significativo para la salud pública. Según los patrones de uso observados en este estudio, se deben realizar estudios prospectivos para optimizar la prescripción de opioides. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B374.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for contracting foodborne illness. Simple food safety precautions can prevent illness. The aim of this study was to examine pregnant women\'s knowledge of, and adherence to, the New Zealand Food Safety in Pregnancy guidelines.
Participants were recruited when attending antenatal clinics, and via online pregnancy support groups. Knowledge and behaviours were assessed by way of a self-administered questionnaire.
In total, 205 women participated in this study; 100 from antenatal clinics, 105 via Facebook. The median knowledge score was 95% (interquartile range (IQR) 83-100%, minimum = 17.4%). Only 25% of participants answered all questions correctly. The median adherence score was 77% (IQR = 62-92%, minimum = 8%); 13% of participants reported complete adherence to the food safety guidelines. Mean knowledge scores in participants of Māori ethnicity (76.6%) were lower than in participants of European/other ethnicity (91.7%, p=0.004). Māori participants had the lowest mean adherence scores (63.2%) and this requires further investigation.
The majority of participants reported continuing to consume foods considered unsafe in pregnancy. This study highlights the need for improved food safety education during pregnancy. The results also suggest a need for food safety guidance to be made more accessible and relevant to the needs of Māori women.