Accounting for Research Quality: Research Audits and the Journal Rankings Debate

The question of whether and how research quality should be measured, and the consequences of research audits such as the UK's Research Excellence Framework (REF) – formerly the RAE – are considered in relation to the role of journal ratings such as the Association of Business Schools Academic Journal Quality Guide (the ABS Guide). Criticism of the ABS Guide has distracted attention from the results of successive RAEs, where the panel for Business and Management has been one of the most selective in its allocation of the highest grades, especially when compared with the neighbouring field of Economics. If the ABS Guide had been used to grade outputs submitted for Business and Management in the RAE 2008 then many more outputs would have received the highest grades, especially in accounting where outputs from journals such as Critical Perspectives on Accounting, which are highly rated in the ABS Guide, appear to have been downgraded by the RAE panel. The alleged bias against accounting in the ABS Guide rests on a particular interpretation of citation impact factors for journals, and a narrow definition of subject fields. Critics of the ABS Guide would be better advised to direct their attention to scrutinizing the results of the REF and considering whether it provides an adequate research ranking for UK business schools. 15% of all full time students in the UK study business and management, including accounting and finance, but only 6.7% of the full time equivalent research active staff submitted in the RAE 2008 were in business and management, or accounting and finance. Research audits are therefore forcing the separation of teaching from research in UK business schools. With an estimated ratio of 71 full time students per research active faculty member in UK business schools, it may be time to consider a more appropriate, inclusive, and economical form of ranking for research in business and management

Clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 registered in the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium WHO clinical characterisation protocol: a prospective, multinational, multicentre, observational study

Due to the large number of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many were treated outside the traditional walls of the intensive care unit (ICU), and in many cases, by personnel who were not trained in critical care. The clinical characteristics and the relative impact of caring for severe COVID-19 patients outside the ICU is unknown. This was a multinational, multicentre, prospective cohort study embedded in the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium World Health Organization COVID-19 platform. Severe COVID-19 patients were identified as those admitted to an ICU and/or those treated with one of the following treatments: invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, inotropes or vasopressors. A logistic generalised additive model was used to compare clinical outcomes among patients admitted or not to the ICU. A total of 40 440 patients from 43 countries and six continents were included in this analysis. Severe COVID-19 patients were frequently male (62.9%), older adults (median (interquartile range (IQR), 67 (55-78) years), and with at least one comorbidity (63.2%). The overall median (IQR) length of hospital stay was 10 (5-19) days and was longer in patients admitted to an ICU than in those who were cared for outside the ICU (12 (6-23) days versus 8 (4-15) days, p<0.0001). The 28-day fatality ratio was lower in ICU-admitted patients (30.7% (5797 out of 18 831) versus 39.0% (7532 out of 19 295), p<0.0001). Patients admitted to an ICU had a significantly lower probability of death than those who were not (adjusted OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.65-0.75; p<0.0001). Patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to an ICU had significantly lower 28-day fatality ratio than those cared for outside an ICU

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570

Hyperoxia and mortality in conventional versus extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Purpose: Hyperoxia has been associated with adverse outcomes in post cardiac arrest (CA) patients. Study-objective was to examine the association between hyperoxia and 30-day mortality in a mixed cohort of two different modes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Extracorporeal (ECPR) vs. Conventional (CCPR). Material and methods: In this retrospective cohort study of CA patients admitted to a tertiary level CA centre in Australia (over a 6.5-year time period) mean arterial oxygen levels (PaO2) and episodes of extreme hyperoxia (maximum of mean PaO2 >= 300 mmHg) were analysed over the first 8 days post CA. Results: One hundred and sixty-nine post CA patients were assessed (ECPR n = 79 / CCPR n = 90). Mean PaO2- levels were higher in the ECPR vs CCPR group (211 mmHg +/- 58.4 vs 119 mmHg +/- 18.1; p < 0.0001) as was the proportion with at least one episode of extreme hyperoxia (74.7% vs 16.7%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders and the mode of CPR any episode of extreme hyperoxia was independently associated with a 2.52-fold increased risk of 30-day mortality (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.06-5.98; p = 0.036). Conclusions: We found extreme hyperoxia was more common in ECPR patients in the first 8 days post CA and independently associated with higher 30-day mortality, irrespective of the CPR-mode. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc

The Association of Oxygenation, Carbon Dioxide Removal, and Mechanical Ventilation Practices on Survival During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Introduction: Oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) depend on a complex interplay of ECMO blood and gas flows, native lung and cardiac function as well as the mechanical ventilation strategy applied. Objective: To determine the association of oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, and mechanical ventilation practices with in-hospital mortality in patients who received VA ECMO. Methods: Single center, retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients who received VA ECMO in a tertiary ECMO referral center over a 5-year period were included. Data on demographics, ECMO and ventilator support details, and blood gas parameters for the duration of ECMO were collected. A multivariable logistic time-series regression model with in-hospital mortality as the primary outcome variable was used to analyse the data with significant factors at the univariate level entered into the multivariable regression model. Results: Overall, 52 patients underwent VA ECMO: 26/52 (50%) survived to hospital discharge. The median PaO2 for the duration of ECMO support was 146 mmHg [IQR 131–188] and PaCO2 was 37.2 mmHg [IQR 35.3, 39.9]. Patients who survived to hospital discharge had a significantly lower median PaO2 (117 [98, 140] vs. 154 [105, 212] mmHg, P = 0.04) and higher median PaCO2 (38.3 [36.1, 41.1] vs. 36.3 [34.5, 37.8] mmHg, p = 0.03). Survivors also had significantly lower median VA ECMO blood flow rate (EBFR, 3.6 [3.3, 4.2] vs. 4.3 [3.8, 5.2] L/min, p = 2, PaCO2, and minute ventilation, however, were not independently associated with death in a multivariable analysis. Conclusion: This exploratory analysis in a small group of VA ECMO supported patients demonstrated that hyperoxemia was common during VA ECMO but was not independently associated with increased mortality. Survivors also received lower EBFR and had greater minute ventilation, but this was also not independently associated with survival. These findings highlight that interactions between EBFR, PaO2, and native lung ventilation may be more relevant than their individual association with survival. Further research is indicated to determine the optimal ECMO and ventilator settings on outcomes in VA ECMO.</p

The impact of small movements with dual lumen cannulae during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A computational fluid dynamics analysis

Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) provides respiratory support to patients with severe lung disease failing conventional medical therapy. An essential component of the ECMO circuit are the cannulas, which drain and return blood into the body. Despite being anchored to the patient to prevent accidental removal, minor cannula movements are common during ECMO. The clinical and haemodynamic consequences of these small movements are currently unclear. This study investigated the risk of thrombosis and recirculation caused by small movements of a dual lumen cannula (DLC) in an adult using computational fluid dynamics. Methods: The 3D model of an AVALON Elite DLC (27 Fr) and a patient-specific vena cava and right atrium were generated for an adult patient on ECMO. The baseline cannula position was generated where the return jet enters the tricuspid valve. Alternative cannula positions were obtained by shifting the cannula 5 and 15 mm towards inferior (IVC) and superior (SVC) vena cava, respectively. ECMO settings of 4 L/min blood flow and pulsatile flow at SVC and IVC were applied. Recirculation was defined as a scalar value indicating the infused oxygenated blood inside the drainage lumen, while thrombosis risk was evaluated by shear stress, stagnation volume, washout, and turbulent kinetic energy. Results: Recirculation for all models was less than 3.1 %. DLC movements between -5 to 15 mm increased shear stress and turbulence kinetic energy up to 24.7 % and 11.8 %, respectively, compared to the baseline cannula position leading to a higher predicted thrombosis risk. All models obtained a complete washout after nine seconds except for when the cannula migrated 15 mm into the SVC, indicating persisting stasis and circulating zones. Conclusion: In conclusion, small DLC movements were not associated with an increased risk of recirculation. However, they may increase the risk of thrombosis due to increased shear rate, turbulence, and slower washout of blood. Developing effective cannula securement devices may reduce this risk.</p

Prehospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the available published evidence of the effects of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in the prehospital setting on clinical outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews an Meta-Analyses guidelines. Setting: In the prehospital setting. Participants: All randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational trials using pre-hospital ECPR in adult patients (&gt;17 years). Interventions: Prehospital ECPR. Measurements and Main Results: The study authors searched Medline, Embase, and PUBMED for all RCTs and observational trials. The studies were assessed for clinical, methodologic, and statistical heterogeneity. The primary outcome was survival at hospital discharge. The study outcomes were aggregated using random-effects meta-analysis of means or proportions as appropriate. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to assess the quality of evidence. Four studies were included, with a total of 222 patients receiving prehospital ECPR (mean age = 51 years [95% CI 44-57], 81% of patients were male (CI 74-87), and 60% patients had a cardiac cause for their arrest (95% CI 43-76). Overall survival at discharge was 23.4% (95% CI 15.5-33.7; I2 = 62%). The pooled low-flow time was 61.1 minutes (95% CI 45.2-77.0; I2 = 97%). The quality of evidence was assessed to be low, and the overall risk of bias was assessed to be serious, with confounding being the primary source of bias. Conclusion: No definitive conclusions can be made as to the efficacy of prehospital ECPR in refractory cardiac arrest. Higher quality evidence is required

Association of Respiratory Parameters at Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Liberation With Duration of Mechanical Ventilation and ICU Length of Stay: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES: Although the criteria for initiation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) are well defined, the criteria and timing for VV ECMO decannulation are less certain. The aim of this study was to describe the ventilation and physiologic factors at the time of VV ECMO decannulation and to determine if these factors have association with mechanical ventilation or ICU length of stay after ECMO decannulation. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective cohort study. SETTING: Eleven ICUs in Australia. PATIENTS: Adult patients treated with VV ECMO from March 19, 2019, to September 20, 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Liberation from VV ECMO. RESULTS: Of 87 patients receiving VV ECMO, the median age was 49 years (interquartile range, 37-59 yr), 61 of 87 (70%) were male, and 52/87 (60%) had a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome. There were 24 of 87 patients (28%) who died prior to day 90. No patient required a second run of VV ECMO. In a multivariate models, a higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (p < 0.01) and respiratory rate at the time of decannulation (p = 0.01) were predictive of a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay postdecannulation in survivors. Higher positive end-expiratory pressure at ECMO decannulation was associated with shorter duration of ICU length of stay post-ECMO decannulation in survivors (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide and higher respiratory rate at ECMO decannulation were associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation and increased duration of ICU stay postdecannulation, and increased positive end-expiratory pressure at decannulation was associated with decreased duration of ICU stay postdecannulation. Future research should further investigate these associations to establish the optimal ventilator settings and timing of liberation from VV ECMO

Flow capabilities of arterial and drainage cannulae during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A simulation model

Background: Large cannulae can increase cannula-related complications during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Conversely, the ability for small cannulae to provide adequate support is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate a range of cannula sizes and VA ECMO flow rates in a simulated patient under various disease states. Methods: Arterial cannulae sizes between 13 and 21 Fr and drainage cannula sizes between 21 and 25 Fr were tested in a VA ECMO circuit connected to a mock circulation loop simulating a patient with severe left ventricular failure. Systemic and pulmonary hypertension, physiologically normal, and hypotension were simulated by varying systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances (SVR and PVR, respectively). All cannula combinations were evaluated against all combinations of SVR, PVR, and VA ECMO flow rates. Results: A 15 Fr arterial cannula combined with a 21 Fr drainage cannula could provide >4 L/min of total flow and a mean arterial pressure of 81.1 mmHg. Changes in SVR produced marked changes to all measured parameters, while changes to PVR had minimal effect. Larger drainage cannulae only increased maximum circuit flow rates when combined with larger arterial cannulae. Conclusion: Smaller cannulae and lower flow rates could sufficiently support the simulated patient under various disease states. We found arterial cannula size and SVR to be key factors in determining the flow-delivering capabilities for any given VA ECMO circuit. Overall, our results challenge the notion that larger cannulae and high flows must be used to achieve adequate ECMO support.</p