Association between Physical Activity and Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Young Athletes.

Our study aims to evaluate clinical predictors of menstrual cycle disorders in female athletes who compete in running disciplines. This is a prospective observational study. Women were recruited between January and May 2022. Fifty-three patients were enrolled and completed a questionnaire about menstrual cycle, physical activity, and food habit characteristics. Of the women in our population, 39.6% had menstrual irregularities and reported a significantly higher number of kilometers run per week (67 vs. 35, p:0.02). The number of kilometers run per week was associated with menstrual irregularities (for 10 km, OR 1.35; IC95% 1.05-1.73; p: 0.02) after adjusting for BMI, age, level of sport and caloric intake. The variable of "km run per week" appeared as a diagnostic indicator of irregular menstrual cycle with statistical significance (AUC ROC curve 0.71, IC95% 0.54-0.86, p-value=0.01) and the cut-off of 65 km run per week is a good indicator of the presence of irregular menstrual cycle (sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) of 55% and 81.48%). Menstrual cycle disorders are very frequent in female athletes, and the variable of km run per week may play a role in screening endurance athletes at high risk for these disorders.

How to avoid rapid carbon dioxide changes at the start of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Role of end-tidal CO2 monitoring.

Background: Venovenous ECMO is a lifesaving technique for patients with severe respiratory failure. Management of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels at ECMO start is crucial, as recent studies found an association between rapid CO2 shifts and increased incidence of neurological complications.Purpose: To describe the role of end tidal CO2 (etCO2) monitoring at the ECMO start to minimize carbon dioxide shifts.Research design: Retrospective cohort study.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who started venovenous ECMO support at our institution between 2011 and 2021. We analysed the minute-by-minute variations of etCO2, ventilatory parameters and arterial blood gas before and after the ECMO start.Results: 36 patients with a complete dataset of parameters were included. After the ECMO start, minute ventilation was progressively reduced from 10.8±;3.3 to 2.9±1.2 L/min (p<0.001). etCO2 did not vary significantly (baseline 37±10 vs 35±9 mmHg 20 minutes after ECMO start, p = 0.36). Despite a stable etCO2 level, a mild drop of arterial CO2 tension (9.5 mmHg, corresponding to a 18% change) was recorded at the first ABG sampled after the ECMO start. No patient developed neurological complications after the ECMO commencement.Conclusion: etCO2 monitoring during ECMO start is feasible and allows to adjust gas flow and ventilator settings to limit changes in arterial CO2 levels.

A qualitative exploration of undergraduate nursing students' experience of emotional safety for learning during their clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: During their clinical practice, nursing students learn to manage patient safety through their experiences, emotions, and interpersonal relationships. OBJECTIVES: To explore contextual and mechanistic factors that facilitate a sense of emotional safety for learning in nursing students, particularly regarding patient safety events experienced during their placements. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study using narratives and thematic analysis. SETTINGS: A university in Northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate nursing students recruited through purposive sampling. METHODS: Twenty cases relevant to the present study were selected from the "Sharing LearnIng from Practice for Patient Safety" (SLIPPS) project database containing 100 narratives collected using the patient safety learning Event Recording Tool. The data were analysed using thematic analysis according to Braun & Clarke's methodology. The themes that emerged from the thematic analysis were rearranged in Context-Mechanism-Outcomes. RESULTS: Students identified clinical practice experiences as important occasions for their personal and professional development. Emotional safety and tutoring were the elements that effectively "govern" the students' learning and development process. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional safety is key for nursing students because it enables them to constructively overcome any relational and emotional tensions that may develop during their clinical placements.

[Factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 in health-care workers]. / Factores asociados al riesgo de COVID-19 en el personal de salud.

BACKGROUND: Although healthcare personnel are considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their exposure, research on the factors associated with their infection is limited. The objective was to identify factors associated with the acquisition of COVID-19 in healthcare personnel. METHODS: a multicenter, cross-sectional study with nested cases and controls was carried out in 23 hospitals in Argentina. A structured survey was used to collect demographic, institutional and behavioral variables from healthcare personnel with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV2 (cases) and healthcare personnel with negative test results (controls). Those variables significantly associated with the condition of having had COVID-19 in the bivariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2088 workers participated in the study, with an incidence of 1.41 cases per 10 000 worker-hours (95%CI 1.35-1.48). Being male, (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.32-1.95), working in social security, (OR 1.53; 95%CI 1.13-2.07), being nursing staff, (OR 1.46; 95%CI 1.22-1.74), having personal protective equipment, (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.18-0.62), sharing unprotected common spaces with other workers, (OR 1.98; 95%CI 1. 60-2.44), living with people confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 (OR 1.69; 95%CI 1.37-2.09), sharing infusions or other drinks and/or food with people in the community (OR 1.31; 95%CI 1.02-1.70), feeling distressed (OR 1.85; 95%CI 1.55-2.21) and were independently associated with the risk of acquiring COVID-19. DISCUSSION: This study allowed us to identify different potentially modifiable factors on which action should be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19 by the healthcare personnel.

Introducción: Aunque, el personal sanitario es considerado por su exposición un grupo de alto riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2, la investigación sobre los factores asociados a infección resulta limitada. El objetivo fue identificar los factores asociados a la adquisición de COVID-19 en el personal sanitario. Materiales y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, de corte transversal con casos y controles anidados, en 23 hospitales de Argentina. A través de una encuesta estructurada se recolectaron variables demográficas, institucionales y conductuales del personal sanitario con RT-PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2 (casos) y del personal sanitario con resultados negativos en el test (controles). Aquellas variables asociadas significativamente con la condición de haber padecido COVID-19 en el análisis bivariado fueron incluidas en un análisis multivariado. Resultados: Participaron del estudio 2088 trabajadores, con una incidencia de 1.41 casos c/10 000 horas-trabajador (IC95% 1.35-1.48). Pertenecer al sexo masculino (OR 1.60; IC95% 1.32-1.95), trabajar en la seguridad social (OR 1.53; IC95% 1.13-2.07), ser personal de enfermería (OR 1.46; IC95% 1.22-1.74), contar con elementos de protección personal (OR 0.33; IC95% 0.18-0.62), compartir con otros trabajadores espacios comunes sin protección (OR 1.98; IC95% 1.60-2.44), convivir con personas confirmadas o sospechadas de COVID-19 (OR 1.69; IC95% 1.37-2.09), compartir infusiones u otras bebidas y/o alimentos con personas de la comunidad (OR 1.31; IC95% 1.02-1.70), sentirse angustiado (OR 1.85; IC95% 1.55-2.21) se asociaron independientemente con el riesgo de adquirir COVID-19. Discusión: Este estudio permitió identificar distintos factores potencialmente modificables, sobre los cuales se debería actuar para reducir el riesgo de COVID-19 en el personal sanitario.

Factores asociados al riesgo de COVID-19 en el personal de salud / Factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 in health-care workers

Resumen Introducción: Aunque, el personal sanitario es considerado por su exposición un grupo de alto riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2, la investigación sobre los factores asociados a infección resulta limitada. El objetivo fue identificar los factores asociados a la adquisición de COVID-19 en el personal sanitario. Materiales y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, de corte transversal con casos y controles anidados, en 23 hospitales de Argentina. A través de una encuesta estructurada se recolectaron variables demográficas, ins titucionales y conductuales del personal sanitario con RT-PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2 (casos) y del personal sanitario con resultados negativos en el test (controles). Aquellas variables asociadas significativamente con la condición de haber padecido COVID-19 en el análisis bivariado fueron incluidas en un análisis multivariado. Re sultados: Participaron del estudio 2088 trabajadores, con una incidencia de 1.41 casos c/10 000 horas-trabajador (IC95% 1.35-1.48). Pertenecer al sexo masculino (OR 1.60; IC95% 1.32-1.95), trabajar en la seguridad social (OR 1.53; IC95% 1.13-2.07), ser personal de enfermería (OR 1.46; IC95% 1.22-1.74), contar con elementos de protección personal (OR 0.33; IC95% 0.18-0.62), compartir con otros trabajadores espacios comunes sin protección (OR 1.98; IC95% 1.60-2.44), convivir con personas confirmadas o sospechadas de COVID-19 (OR 1.69; IC95% 1.37-2.09), compartir infusiones u otras bebidas y/o alimentos con personas de la comunidad (OR 1.31; IC95% 1.02-1.70), sentirse angustiado (OR 1.85; IC95% 1.55-2.21) se asociaron independientemente con el riesgo de adquirir COVID-19. Discusión: Este estudio permitió identificar distintos factores potencialmente modificables, sobre los cuales se debería actuar para reducir el riesgo de COVID-19 en el personal sanitario.

Abstract Background: Although healthcare personnel are considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their exposure, research on the factors associated with their infection is limited. The objec tive was to identify factors associated with the acquisition of COVID-19 in healthcare personnel. Methods: a multicenter, cross-sectional study with nested cases and controls was carried out in 23 hospitals in Argentina. A structured survey was used to collect demographic, institutional and behavioral variables from healthcare personnel with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV2 (cases) and healthcare personnel with negative test results (controls). Those variables significantly associated with the condition of having had COVID-19 in the bivariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 2088 workers participated in the study, with an incidence of 1.41 cases per 10 000 worker-hours (95%CI 1.35-1.48). Being male, (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.32-1.95), working in social security, (OR 1.53; 95%CI 1.13-2.07), being nursing staff, (OR 1.46; 95%CI 1.22- 1.74), having personal protective equipment, (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.18-0.62), sharing unprotected common spaces with other workers, (OR 1.98; 95%CI 1. 60-2.44), living with people confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 (OR 1.69; 95%CI 1.37-2.09), sharing infusions or other drinks and/or food with people in the community (OR 1.31; 95%CI 1.02-1.70), feeling distressed (OR 1.85; 95%CI 1.55-2.21) and were independently associated with the risk of acquiring COVID-19. Discussion: This study allowed us to identify different potentially modifiable fac tors on which action should be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19 by the healthcare personnel.

Perceptions of the Body and Body Dissatisfaction in Primary Education Children According to Gender and Age. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Body image (BI) is a trending topic of study since health problems derived from a negative perception of the body are increasing and affecting people of all ages, with an increasing incidence among children from the age of eight. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current perception of the body against the desired body and the degree of body satisfaction of Galician primary education students. A total of 355 students (167 boys (47%)) between 9 and 12 years old participated (mean = 10.53; SD = 0.84). Sociodemographic data (sex, age, height, and weight) were collected, and the Figure Rating Scale was used. There are statistically significant differences between boys and girls in the current perceived figure (p = 0.003) and in the desired figure (p < 0.001). Depending on age, the differences were in current (p = 0.010) and desired (p = 0.021) body perception. In conclusion, boys perceive themselves as having a larger figure than girls do, but this perception is far from reality according to the body mass index. For the desired figure, both boys and girls want to be slimmer, but girls want a slimmer figure. Regarding age, the current perceived figure size increases with age as it increases in those students dissatisfied with their body.

Implementation of a Follow-Up Program for Intensive Care Unit Survivors.

In Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors, critical illness has an impact on an individual's long-term health status and quality of life. Adults who have recovered from intensive care management could develop muscle weakness, neurocognitive impairment, difficulties in managing activities of daily living and to returning to work, and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. A prospective, observational study was designed. Data were collected from January to December 2018 from a structured follow-up program, at 3 time points after ICU discharge: at seven days, a visit in the general ward, a phone interview at three months and an ambulatory visit at six months. A total of 95 patients were enrolled, 36% female, with a median age of 65 (55-73) years and a median ICU length of stay of 13 (8-20) days. At the seven days follow-up, patients who had a positive Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale showed a significantly longer time of intubation (p = 0.048) and length of ICU stay (p = 0.023). At three months, we observed a significant relationship between a positive Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a median value of EuroQol-5D (p = 0.048). At six months, we observed that patients who had a positive Post-Traumatic Symptom Scale were significantly younger than the other group. Findings from the present study suggest that a longer time of intubation and length of ICU stay are associated with a higher level of anxiety and depression immediately after ICU discharge. Follow-up programs are recommended to assess and rehabilitate cognitive function at ICU discharge.

Is Quarter of Birth a Risk Factor for Developmental Coordinator Disorder in Preschool Children?

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability that preschool children have severe motor difficulties or are at risk of motor difficulties, according to quarter of birth and gender. Five hundred and eighty-eight preschool-age children were evaluated, of which 318 (54.08%) were boys and 270 (45.92%) were girls, with a mean age of 4.66 years (SD = 0.53). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. The results obtained were the following: Regarding students with severe motor difficulties: 6.7% born in quarter 1 (Q1); 13.3% born in the second quarter (Q2); 20.0% born in the third quarter (Q3); and 60.0% born in the fourth quarter (Q4). The probabilities found (OR) were: Q1 vs. Q2 (OR = 3.15; p < 0.05); Q1 vs. Q3 (OR = 4.68; p < 0.005); Q1 vs. Q4 (OR = 12.40; p < 0.001); Q2 vs. Q4 (OR = 4.04; p < 0.001); and Q3 vs. Q4 (OR = 2.65; p < 0.005). The adjusted ORs, with respect to the probabilities of having severe motor difficulties, were the following: Being born in Q4 is 13.03 times more likely than being born in Q1 (p < 0.001); those born in Q3 are 4.85 times more likely than those born in Q1 (p < 0.05); and those born in Q2 4.14 times more than those born in Q1 (p < 0.05). The conclusion is that children born in Q4 are more likely to be classified as children with severe difficulties compared to children born in the other quarters of the same year.

Changes in Motor Competence after a Brief Physical Education Intervention Program in 4 and 5-Year-Old Preschool Children.

Low motor competence (MC) can cause low participation in physical activities in preschool children, and together with a high caloric intake, it can lead to obesity. Interventions on motor skills are effective in the short term to improve MC, therefore the objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effect of a short six-week program on levels of motor competence in preschool children, and (2) to examine the effects of gender-based intervention. A total of 156 preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years old) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with a control group of 76 students. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Significant differences between the control and experimental groups were found after the intervention program in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), the total score of eight tests (p < 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001). The results regarding gender in the experimental group showed a reduction in differences with respect to the initial results except in aiming and catching, where scores were higher in boys. The data suggest that the application of specific intervention programs in MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children, thus reducing differences between genders.

Helmet and face mask for non-invasive respiratory support in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Non-invasive respiratory support could reduce the incidence of intubation in patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure (AHRF). The optimal interface or modality of non-invasive respiratory support is debated. We sought to evaluate the differences between patients who succeeded or failed non-invasive respiratory support, with a specific focus on the type of non-invasive respiratory support (i.e. helmet CPAP versus face mask NIV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-center observational retrospective study, we investigated baseline, clinical characteristics and AHRF management by non-invasive respiratory support between January 2015 to December 2016. Data on gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, non-invasive respiratory support duration, ICU length of stay and mortality were collected. RESULTS: 110 patients with AHRF were included of which 41 patients (37%) were intubated. The use of helmet CPAP (p = 0.016) and a lower fluid balance (p = 0.038) were independently associated with a decreased rate of intubation after adjustment for confounders. Face mask NIV patients trended to a higher respiratory frequency at 1 h after treatment [28 (22-36) versus 24 (18-29) hours, p = 0.067], and showed a longer ICU stay (p = 0.009) compared to patients treated with helmet CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: Helmet CPAP and a lower fluid balance were independent predictors of a lower intubation rate in AHRF patients in ICU. Prospective studies aimed at identifying the optimal interface and modality of non-invasive respiratory support in AHRF patients are needed.

Use of Intensive Care Unit Diary as an Integrated Tool in an Italian General Intensive Care Unit: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of an intensive care unit (ICU) diary in an Italian general ICU. METHODS: A mixed-methods pilot study was performed, enrolling all patients who received an ICU diary in an Italian ICU during the study period. RESULTS: Study results are presented in 2 sections: (1) diary evaluation and content themes and (2) follow-up program results. Sixty-six patients were assessed for eligibility. Diary administration was possible in 31 patients (47%). The overall diary entries, in 31 analyzed diaries, were 1331, with a median of 25 entries (interquartile range, 16-57 entries) for each diary. Participants' relatives and friends wrote a median of 1.2 (0.3-1.6), and nurses wrote 1.1 (0.8-1.2). Other ICU staff wrote a total of 24 entries (2%). Follow-up results revealed low incidence of delirium detected in only 1 patient at the 7-day visit (3%). The median value of PTSS-10 (Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms) score was 12 (3.5-12) at the 7-day visit, 6 (1.5-12) at 3 months' telephone interview, and 12 (1.5-17) at 6 months' visit. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first Italian report about the introduction of an ICU diary. The diaries were easily implemented in our clinical practice as a "low-cost" initiative. In our study, nurses and participants' relatives and friends wrote a similar number of entries in each analyzed diary. This project could be effective in reducing survivors' delirium and post-traumatic stress disorder and in implementing mutual understanding between clinical staff and relatives during ICU stay.

Does Arch Stiffness Influence Running Spatiotemporal Parameters? An Analysis of the Relationship between Influencing Factors on Running Performance.

This study aimed to determine the influence of arch stiffness on running spatiotemporal parameters at a common speed for a wide range of endurance runners (i.e., 12 km·h-1). In total, 97 runners, 52 men and 45 women, completed a treadmill running protocol at 12 km·h-1. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured using the OptoGait system, and foot structure was assessed by determining arch stiffness. Since between-sex differences were found in anthropometric and foot structure variables, data analysis was conducted separately for men and women, and body mass and height were considered as covariates. For both sexes, a k-means cluster analysis grouped participants according to arch stiffness, by obtaining a group of low-arch stiffness (LAS group) and a group of high-arch stiffness (HAS group), with significant differences in arch stiffness (p < 0.001, for both men and women). No significant differences between LAS and HAS groups were found in running spatiotemporal parameters, regardless of sex (p ≥ 0.05). For both sexes, the partial correlation analysis reported no significant correlations (p ≥ 0.05) between foot structure variables and running spatiotemporal parameters. The results obtained show no differences in spatiotemporal gait characteristics during running at submaximal velocity between runners with low-arch stiffness and those with high-arch stiffness, regardless of sex. These findings may have important implications for clinicians and coaches by adding more evidence to the debate about the use of static foot classification measures when characterizing the foot and its biomechanics during running.

Training Habits of Eumenorrheic Active Women during the Different Phases of Their Menstrual Cycle: A Descriptive Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the training habits of eumenorrheic active women during their menstrual cycle (MC), and its perceived influence on physical performance regarding their athletic level. A group of 1250 sportswomen filled in a questionnaire referring to demographic information, athletic performance and MC-related training habits. Of the participants, 81% reported having a stable duration of MC, with most of them (57%) lasting 26-30 days. Concerning MC-related training habits, 79% indicated that their MC affects athletic performance, although 71% did not consider their MC in their training program, with no differences or modifications in training volume or in training intensity for low-level athletes (LLA) and high-level athletes (HLA) with hormonal contraceptive (HC) use. However, LLA with a normal MC adapted their training habits more, compared with HLA, also stopping their training (47.1% vs. 16.1%, respectively). Thus, different training strategies should be designed for HLA and LLA with a normal MC, but this is not so necessary for HLA and LLA who use HC. To sum up, training adaptations should be individually designed according to the training level and use or non-use of HC, always taking into account the pain suffered during the menstrual phase in most of the athletes.

Thromboelastometry, Thromboelastography, and Conventional Tests to Assess Anticoagulation During Extracorporeal Support: A Prospective Observational Study.

Optimal anticoagulation monitoring in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is fundamental to avoid hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. Besides conventional coagulation tests, there is growing interest in the use of viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHA), in particular of tromboelastography (TEG). Evidence on the use of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is lacking in this setting. The aim of the study was to evaluate ROTEM as a tool for assessing hemostasis during ECMO, by comparing it to TEG and conventional coagulation assays. We conducted a prospective, observational, single-center study on adult patients on ECMO support anticoagulated with unfractioned heparin (UFH). Kaolin reaction time (R, min) for TEG and INTEM clotting time (CT, sec) for ROTEM were analyzed and compared with conventional coagulation tests. In the study period, we included 25 patients on ECMO support (14 V-A and 11 V-V); 84 data points were available for the analysis. Median UFH infusion rate was 15 [11-18] IU/min/kg. Median values for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio, Kaolin TEG R time, and INTEM CT were 1.44 [1.21-1.7], 22 [13-40] min, and 201 [183-225] sec, respectively. INTEM CT (ROTEM) showed a moderate correlation with standard coagulation tests (R2 = 0.34 and 0.3 for aPTT and activated clotting time (ACT), respectively, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between INTEM CT and Kaolin R time (R2 = 0.01). Further studies are needed to identify an appropriate anticoagulation target for ROTEM during ECMO.

Air pollution as a contributor to the inflammatory activity of multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Air pollution has been recently identified as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis. Aim of this study was to investigate the immunological mechanism underlying the clinical association between air pollution, namely exposure to particulate matter 10 (PM10), and inflammatory activity of multiple sclerosis (MS) METHODS: Daily recording of PM10 was obtained by monitors depending on the residence of subjects. Expression of molecules involved in activation, adhesion, and migration of T lymphocytes were tested by flow cytometry in 57 MS patients and 19 healthy controls. We next assessed in vitro the effect of PM10 on expression of C-C chemokine receptors 6 (CCR6) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), on cytokine production by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mdDC), and on T cell polarization in PBMC/mdDC mixed cultures. RESULTS: We identified a significant correlation between mean PM10 levels and expression of CCR6 CD4+ T circulating cells in MS patients. This was paralleled by the observation in vitro of a higher level of CCR6 expression on PBMC following treatment with increased doses of particulate matter. Moreover, in mdDC cultures, particulate matter induced the secretion by mdDC of Th17 polarizing IL1 beta, IL6, and IL23 and, in mdDC/PBMC mixed cultures, enhanced generation of IL17-producing T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo and in vitro studies support the pro-inflammatory role of PM in MS, by upregulating expression of CCR6 on circulating CD4+ T cells and inducing in innate immune cells the production of Th17 polarizing cytokines. Therefore, we speculate that in MS respiratory exposure to PM10 may induce the production in the lung of autoreactive Th17 lymphocytes and boost their migratory properties through the blood-brain barrier.

Water content of delivered gases during Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in healthy subjects.

INTRODUCTION: During Continuous Positive Pressure Ventilation delivered through helmet, the patient inhales high flows of gas without adequate conditioning. However, the need to humidify the inspired gas during Helmet-CPAP, has not been sufficiently explored. METHODS: Experimental design study. Six healthy individuals underwent High Flow Helmet CPAP with different gas flows (60 and 80 L/min) and FiO2 (0.35, 0.5, 0.7 and 1) generated by a Venturi system, with and without active humidification. The active humidifier setting was 26 ° at the humidification chamber and 28 ° at the helmet gas inlet. At each setting, measurements about temperature and relative humidity inside helmet were taken. Comfort level at each setting was evaluated using a visual analog scale rated from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Without heated humidification, the mean value of absolute humidity in the eight combinations investigated was 5.9±2.1 mg H2O/L, with a mean  temperature of 25.8±0.9°. With heated  humidification mean absolute humidity was 15.0±3.5 mg H2O/L with mean temperature of 29.0±0.1°. The median comfort scale value was 6 (IQR: 5.25-6.75) during the phase without humidification vs 8 (7.25-8.0 - P<0.01) when active humidification was applied. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy subjects undergoing High Flow Helmet CPAP, heated humidifiers with heated wires tubes are necessary to avoid the under-humidification inside the helmet. To obtain patient's comfort and airways mucosal humidification during continuous Helmet CPAP, the most desirable conditions are reached by heated humidifiers with a humidifying chamber temperature settled between 26-28°C.

A Calibration Technique for the Estimation of Lung Volumes in Nonintubated Subjects by Electrical Impedance Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a bedside monitoring technique of the respiratory system that measures impedance changes within the thorax. The close correlation between variations in impedance (ΔZ) and lung volumes (Vt) is known. Unless Vt is measured by an external reference (e.g., spirometry), its absolute value (in milliliters) cannot be determined; however, measurement of Vt would be useful in nonintubated subjects. OBJECTIVE: To validate a simplified and feasible calibration method of EIT, which allows estimation of Vt in nonintubated subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study on 13 healthy volunteers. Subjects breathed 10 times in a nonexpandable "calibration balloon" with a known volume while wearing the EIT belt. The relationship between ΔZ and the balloon volume was calculated (ΔZ/Vt). Subsequently, subjects were connected to a mechanical ventilator by a mouthpiece under different settings. Vt was calculated from EIT measurements (VtEIT) by means of the ΔZ/Vt coefficient and compared with the value obtained from the ventilator (Vtflow). RESULTS: There was a close correlation between Vtflow and VtEIT (r2 = 0.89). The fit equation was VtEIT = 0.9 × Vtflow +10.1. The highest correlation was found at positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) 0 (mean: VtEIT = 0.93 × Vtflow) versus PEEP 8 (mean: VtEIT = 0.8 × Vtflow), p = 0.01. No differences in the fit equation were found between pressure support ventilation (PSV) 0 and PSV 8, p = 0.50. Further analysis showed no statistically significant differences between sex, height, and BMI. CONCLUSION: A simple and fast EIT calibration technique enables reliable, noninvasive monitoring of Vt in nonintubated subjects.

Systematic Study on TiO2 Crystallization via Hydrothermal Synthesis in the Presence of Different Ferrite Nanoparticles as Nucleation Seeds.

In the present work, the crystallization of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), using different ferrite nanoparticles with different chemical composition, dimensions and shape as nucleation seeds, was investigated. In particular, CoFe2O4, NiFe2O4 and Fe3O4 NPs with a volume ratio equal to 1:1000 with respect of TiO2 amount, were used in order to investigate the synthesis of nanocrystalline tetragonal anatase TiO2 by a hydrothermal synthesis. In addition, Lu2O3 nanoparticles were also used to detect the effect of a non-magnetic nanoparticle on the synthesis and nanocrystallization of titania. For each sample, a deep physical characterization was performed by XRD (with a Rietveld refinement of the structural data), FE-SEM, STEM, HRTEM, DSC analysis and BET surface area measurement. Furthermore, for some samples, the photocatalytic activity was investigated by degradation of methylene blue in aqueous medium, in the framework of a standard ISO 10678:2010 protocol. The hydrothermal synthesis was performed with a 3 hours' thermal treatment, at a pressure of approximatively 9 bar and a temperature significantly lower (Tmax═150 °C) than the usual temperature necessary to obtain crystalline anatase TiO2 (Tcryst═350 °C). The results give evidence that the mere presence of a nucleation seeds in the hydrothermal reactor, without any particular need for the composition and morphology, leads to crystalline anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic performances.