Evaluation of a new hyperbaric oxygen ventilator during volume-controlled ventilation.

INTRODUCTION: The performance of the Shangrila590 hyperbaric ventilator (Beijing Aeonmed Company, Beijing, China) was evaluated during volume-controlled ventilation. METHODS: Experiments were conducted in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber at 101, 152, 203, and 284 kPa (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.8 atmospheres absolute [atm abs]). With the ventilator in volume control ventilation (VCV) mode and connected to a test lung, comparison was made of the set tidal volume (VTset) versus delivered tidal volume (VT) and minute volume (MV) at VTset between 400 and 1,000 mL. Peak inspiratory pressure was also recorded. All measurements were made across 20 respiratory cycles. RESULTS: Across all ambient pressures and ventilator settings the difference between VTset and actual VT and between predicted MV and actual MV were small and clinicially insignificant despite reaching statistical significance. Predictably, Ppeak increased at higher ambient pressures. With VTset 1,000 mL at 2.8 atm abs the ventilator produced significantly greater VT, MV and Ppeak. CONCLUSIONS: This new ventilator designed for use in hyperbaric environments performs well. It provides relatively stable VT and MV during VCV with VTset from 400 mL to 800 mL at ambient pressures from 1.0 to 2.8 atm abs, as well as VTset 1,000 mL at ambient pressures from 1.0 to 2.0 atm abs.

Status and influencing factors of nursing and midwifery professionals' core competence- a cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to understand the current situation and multiple factors affecting the core competence specializing in the maternal, neonatal and under-five nursing in China. BACKGROUND: Highly skilled nurses and midwives are essential worldwide for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in low- and middle-income countries like China, due to the overwhelming COVID-19 crisis. METHOD: The 890 nurses and midwives from 12 hospitals were investigated in this cross-sectional study, with two questionnaires: the sociodemographic information and competency inventory for the registered nurses. RESULTS: The participants reported a mean total score of 193.78 (±42.19) out of 220 and lowest in critical thinking and research ability (3.01 ± 0.82). The professional title, level, marital status, relationship quality, highest qualification, experience in specialist nurse training, participation in scientific research projects and publishing papers were the influencing factors (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The respondents' core competence needs improvement, especially critical regarding thinking and research ability. In addition, marriage and good or excellent relationship quality are factors that can potentially improve competence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Targeted interventions for higher core nursing competence need to be implemented, especially focusing on nurses' marital status and emotional support from partners.

Effects of Microecological Preparations on Obese Patients after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vitamin deficiency, bacterial overgrowth, and gastrointestinal symptoms can be detected in obese patients after bariatric surgery that influences their quality of life (QoL) and weight. It is unclear if microecological preparations benefit obese patients following bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of microecological preparations on QoL, excess weight loss (EWL), and levels of vitamin B12 and inflammatory markers. We searched seven databases to identify reports published till December 1, 2019, and included randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of microecological preparations in obese adults undergoing bariatric surgery. The primary outcomes included QoL and EWL, while secondary outcomes comprised serum levels of vitamin B12, interleukin 6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Study bias was analyzed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager. The mean difference in outcomes was calculated using standardized mean difference (SMD) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. A majority of the studies showed a low or moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed significantly higher levels of vitamin B12 in postoperative patients administered with microecological preparations (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.08-0.95; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in QoL (SMD = -0.14; 95% CI = -0.45-0.17; P = 0.38), EWL (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI = -0.16-1.05; P = 0.15), and levels of TNF-α (SMD = -0.29; 95% CI = -0.64-0.05; P = 0.09), interleukin 6 (SMD = -0.1; 95% CI = -0.81-0.61; P = 0.78]), and CRP (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI = -0.32-0.36; P = 0.93). The trials examined indicated that microecological preparations had limited efficacy in improving QoL, EWL, and inflammatory response, but they stimulated the synthesis of vitamin B12. This may help in designing efficient microecological preparations to supplement bariatric surgery in obese individuals.