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Erythromycin fermentation residue (EFR) represents a typical hazardous waste produced by the microbial pharmaceutical industry. Although electrolysis is promising for EFR disposal, its microbial threats remain unclear. Herein, metagenomics was coupled with the random forest technique to decipher the antibiotic resistance patterns of electrochemically treated EFR. Results showed that 95.75% of erythromycin could be removed in 2 hr. Electrolysis temporarily influenced EFR microbiota, where the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria increased, while those of Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes decreased. A total of 505 antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) subtypes encoding resistance to 21 antibiotic types and 150 mobile genetic elements (MGEs), mainly including plasmid (72) and transposase (52) were assembled in EFR. Significant linear regression models were identified among microbial richness, ARG subtypes, and MGE numbers (r2=0.50-0.81, p< 0.001). Physicochemical factors of EFR (Total nitrogen, total organic carbon, protein, and humus) regulated ARG and MGE assembly (%IncMSE value = 5.14-14.85). The core ARG, MGE, and microbe sets (93.08%-99.85%) successfully explained 89.71%-92.92% of total ARG and MGE abundances. Specifically, gene aph(3')-I, transposase tnpA, and Mycolicibacterium were the primary drivers of the resistance dissemination system. This study also proposes efficient resistance mitigation measures, and provides recommendations for future management of antibiotic fermentation residue.
Subject(s)
Erythromycin , Fermentation , Metagenomics , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics , Drug Resistance, Bacterial/geneticsABSTRACT
Objetivo: analisar o empoderamento estrutural de enfermeiros em um hospital de alta complexidade. Métodos: estudo quantitativo, analítico e transversal, realizado com 93 enfermeiros, utilizando um questionário sociodemográfico e ocupacional e o Questionário de Condições de Eficácia no Trabalho II. Os dados foram coletados entre fevereiro e março de 2023. A análise dos dados deu-se por meio de estatística descritiva, teste de Kolgomorov-Smirnov, teste do qui-quadrado e regressão de Poisson. Resultados: os enfermeiros apresentaram nível moderado de empoderamento estrutural, com média de 20,67 (p<0,000). O componente mais pontuado foi a oportunidade (4,22 dp±0,80). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos níveis de empoderamento estrutural relacionadas às unidades de trabalho (p-Valor 0,381), vínculo empregatício (p-Valor 0,352) e grau de instrução (p-Valor 0,839). O modelo de regressão de Poisson indica que tanto pode haver altos ou baixos níveis de empoderamento a depender do setor. Conclusão: os enfermeiros demonstraram possuir níveis moderados de empoderamento estrutural.
Objective: to analyze the structural empowerment of nurses in a high-complexity hospital. Methods: a quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out with 93 nurses, using a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire and the Questionnaire of Conditions of Effectiveness at Work II. The data was collected between February and March 2023. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kolgomorov-Smirnov test, the chi-square test, and Poisson regression. Results: the nurses had a moderate structural empowerment level, with a mean of 20.67 (p<0.000). The highest scoring component was opportunity (4.22 sd±0.80). No significant differences were found in the structural empowerment levels related to work units (p-Value 0.381), employment relationship (p-Value 0.352) and education level (p-Value 0.839). The Poisson regression model indicates that there can be either high or low empowerment levels depending on the sector. Conclusion: nurses showed moderate structural empowerment levels.
Objetivo: analizar el empoderamiento estructural del enfermero en un hospital de alta complejidad. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo, analítico y transversal, realizado con 93 enfermeros, utilizando un cuestionario sociodemográfico y ocupacional y el Cuestionario de Condiciones de Efectividad en el Trabajo II. Los datos se recolectaron entre febrero y marzo de 2023. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva, prueba de Kolgomorov-Smirnov, prueba de chi-cuadrado y regresión de Poisson. Resultados: los enfermeros presentaron un nivel moderado de empoderamiento estructural, la media fue de 20,67 (p<0,000). El componente con mayor puntaje fue oportunidad (4,22 DE±0,80). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de empoderamiento estructural relacionados con las unidades de trabajo (valor p 0,381), la relación laboral (valor p 0,352) y el nivel de formación (valor p 0,839). El modelo de regresión de Poisson indica que pueden existir niveles altos o bajos de empoderamiento dependiendo del sector. Conclusión: los enfermeros demostraron niveles moderados de empoderamiento estructural.
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Objetivo: compreender as facilidades e dificuldades enfrentadas por gestores municipais de saúde com o novo modelo de financiamento da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: estudo qualitativo, tipo Pesquisa Convergente Assistencial, fundamentado na Política Nacional de Atenção Básica. Participaram 77 gestores ou seus representantes, de 47 municípios de uma Macrorregião de saúde de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram realizadas três oficinas nas Gerências Regionais de Saúde, em agosto e setembro de 2022. Os dados foram analisados pela análise de conteúdo. Resultados: apresentam-se como facilidades do Previne Brasil informatização, comprometimento dos profissionais, e qualificação do cuidado. Foram descritas como dificuldades falta de informações, sistema informatizado e denominador estimado e, equipe de trabalho. Conclusão: o programa apresenta facilidades que qualificam o processo de trabalho e cuidado à saúde da população. Contudo, persistem dificuldades que devem ser consideradas pela gestão municipal para avanços na atenção integral e no financiamento da Atenção Primária à Saúde.
Objective: understand the facilities and difficulties faced by municipal health managers with the new Primary Health Care financing model. Method: this is a qualitative study, of the Convergent Care Research type, based on the National Primary Care Policy. The participants were 77 managers or their representatives from 47 municipalities in a health Macroregion in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Three workshops were held in the Regional Health Departments in August and September 2022. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Results: Previne Brasil's facilities include computerization, commitment of professionals, and qualification of care. Difficulties were described as lack of information, computerized system and estimated denominator, and work team. Conclusion: the program offers facilities that improve the work process and health care for the population. However, there are still difficulties that must be considered by municipal management in order to make progress in comprehensive care and Primary Health Care financing.
Objetivo: comprender las facilidades y dificultades que enfrentan los gestores municipales de salud con el nuevo modelo de financiamiento de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: estudio cualitativo, tipo Investigación Convergente Asistencial, basado en la Política Nacional de Atención Primaria. Participaron 77 gestores o sus representantes, de 47 municipios de una Macrorregión de salud de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Se realizaron tres talleres en las Gerencias Regionales de Salud, en agosto y septiembre de 2022. Los datos fueron analizados mediante análisis de contenido. Resultados: las instalaciones de Previne Brasil incluyen informatización, compromiso de los profesionales y calificación de la atención. Las dificultades fueron descritas como falta de información, sistema informatizado y denominador estimado y equipo de trabajo. Conclusión: el programa presenta facilidades que cualifican el proceso de trabajo y la atención de la salud de la población. Sin embargo, aún hay dificultades que la gestión municipal debe considerar para lograr avances en la atención integral y el financiamiento de la Atención Primaria de Salud.
Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning , Stroke , Telemedicine , Humans , Stroke/therapy , Time-to-TreatmentABSTRACT
Apalutamide is a selective androgen receptor signalling inhibitor that is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Skin rash is one of the most common adverse events with apalutamide. Although the majority of rash events are grade 1 and 2, the appearance of skin rash during treatment can lead to dose reduction, a pause in treatment or even treatment discontinuation, especially if patients present late when the rash has become severe. This in turn can result in a significant delay or even a permanent discontinuation in the patient's treatment of prostate cancer. As apalutamide is a generally well tolerated and an effective treatment for many men with advanced prostate cancer, it is extremely important to make attempts to prevent skin problems or to manage them at the earliest stage possible. We therefore have developed practical guidance for the management of apalutamide-related rash, including an infographic with recommendations for rash management by grade. Central to this approach is patient education and awareness. Encouraging patients to proactively care for their skin from the start of treatment and informing them of the risk of rash with apalutamide therapy are essential. If the patient observes any skin changes, they should be advised to report it straight away to their cancer care team. Adopting this simple, proactive approach of patient education and increased vigilance from the care team is expected to lead to early identification of rash and subsequent intervention to allow for quicker resolution and enable patients to continue their cancer treatment with a drug that can delay disease progression and increase survival in patients with prostate cancer.
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The Tetrahedron approach is a new environmental tool adapted to assess the sustainability of anthropogenic processes. This tool is based on a four-step methodology that includes (a) the identification of critical parameters, (b) evaluation through the Tetrahedron Parameter Global Evaluator, (c) construction of a tetrahedron diagram based on the final scores and (d) quantitative estimation of the global sustainability. The Tetrahedron incorporates various aspects of sustainability, including economic, social and environmental factors, and provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the impact of human activities. This article presents the methodology and application of the Tetrahedron in determining the sustainability of five case studies: CO2 capture, unconventional methanol production, the Solvay process, CO2-alcoholic fermentation process strategy and the CO2-Rumen fermentation process strategy. The results demonstrate the Tetrahedron as an effective and reliable tool to quantify the sustainability of anthropogenic processes and to promote sustainable practices across various industries and sectors. The Tetrahedron offers several advantages over other environmental assessment tools, including holistic approach, simplicity and flexibility.
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BACKGROUND: Digital technologies can assist and optimize health care processes. This is increasingly the case in the musculoskeletal health domain, where digital platforms can be used to support the self-management of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as access to services. However, given a large proportion of the population with musculoskeletal conditions are older adults (aged ≥60 years), it is important to consider the acceptability of such platforms within this demographic. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore participants' opinions and perceptions on the use of digital platforms for supporting the self-management of musculoskeletal conditions within older adult (aged ≥60 years) populations and to gather their opinions on real examples. METHODS: A total of 2 focus groups (focus group 1: 6/15, 40%; focus group 2: 9/15, 60%) were conducted, in which participants answered questions about their thoughts on using digital health platforms to prevent or manage musculoskeletal conditions. Participants were further presented with 2 example scenarios, which were then discussed. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Participants were aged ≥60 years and with or without current musculoskeletal conditions. Prior experience of using smartphone apps or other digital health platforms for musculoskeletal conditions was not required. Focus groups took place virtually using the Teams (Microsoft Corp) platform. RESULTS: A total of 6 themes were identified across both focus groups: "experiences of digital health platforms," "preference for human contact," "barriers to accessing clinical services," "individual differences and digital literacy," "trust in technology," and "features and benefits of digital health technologies." Each theme is discussed in detail based on the interview responses. The findings revealed that most participants had some existing experience with digital health platforms for preventing or managing musculoskeletal conditions. Overall, there was a lack of trust in and low expectations of quality for digital platforms for musculoskeletal health within this age group. While there was some concern about the use of digital platforms in place of in-person health consultations, several benefits were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlighted the need for better communication on the benefits of using digital platforms to support the self-management of musculoskeletal conditions, without the platforms replacing the role of the health care professionals. The concerns about which apps are of suitable quality and trustworthiness lead us to recommend raising public awareness around the role of organizations that verify and assess the quality of digital health platforms.
Subject(s)
Focus Groups , Musculoskeletal Diseases , Self-Management , Humans , Aged , Male , Female , Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy , Middle Aged , Self-Management/methods , Mobile Applications , Qualitative Research , Perception , Telemedicine , Aged, 80 and over , Digital HealthABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: In the global environment in which neurosurgical providers practice, there is a pressing need to identify and highlight online resources to support families shifting from pediatric to adult-centered spina bifida (SB) care in general and neurosurgical care in particular. The purpose of this paper was to identify high-quality resources for clinicians and families of individuals affected by SB to be utilized during the transition years. With knowledge of, and access to, these online resources, neurosurgical providers can aim to make the transition process effective, to improve the quality of care for young adults with SB. METHODS: All identified online resources were found on the GOT TRANSITION platform and by searching "spina bifida transition resources" between January and March 2024. Resources were coded for transition focus areas and stratified into predefined categories: 1) education for clinicians, 2) preparation for youth and families, 3) educational/school, and 4) employment and independent living. RESULTS: A total of 160 websites were cataloged; 11% of websites focused on medical provider education, 44% on preparation for youth, 29% on educational/school resources, and 16% on employment and independent living. CONCLUSIONS: In the global environment of today's medicine, online transition resources are available to assist clinicians and families in the transition process of individuals living with SB. With improved knowledge and utilization of online transition resources, neurosurgical providers can better serve individuals with SB and their families to improve quality of care with the aim of improving lifelong outcomes.
Subject(s)
Spinal Dysraphism , Humans , Spinal Dysraphism/surgery , Internet , Transition to Adult Care , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , NeurosurgeryABSTRACT
This study explores the influence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced learning models on student management in educational informatization management. A game-theoretic enhanced learning model is proposed to achieve this objective, incorporating resource scheduling strategies under fog computing and a student management system that integrates IoT and AI technologies. This model's performance and the student management system are then tested. The results indicate that the fog computing-based hierarchical Q-learning (Q) model proposed in this study achieves faster convergence than a single Q model, reaching convergence after 80 training rounds, ten rounds earlier than the comparative algorithm. The model exhibits a lower average workload delay of 0.5 ms and fog node delay below 1 ms, showcasing significant advantages in terms of overall cost-effectiveness, thus minimizing service costs. The student management system has 3000 concurrent user connections, static page request times ranging from 0 to 25 s, login response time predominantly at 60 s, and a capacity to process up to 20 parallel tasks per second with zero errors. The system functionalities are fully realized, meeting usage demands effectively and achieving the highest average functional score of 9.03 for online interaction functionality. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the game-theoretic enhanced learning model in a fog computing environment and the positive impact of IoT and AI technologies on student management. The proposed student management system better caters to individual student needs, enhancing learning outcomes and experiences. The study's innovation lies in the integration of IoT technology with AI-enhanced learning models, coupled with the introduction of game-theoretic resource scheduling strategies, enabling the student management system to intelligently identify student requirements, allocate learning resources, and dynamically optimize the educational process, ultimately improving learning outcomes. This holds significant implications for enhancing education quality and promoting personalized student development.
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BACKGROUND: Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is complex requiring contributions from multiple specialized disciplines. In practice, this creates considerable organizational and communicational challenges. To meet those challenges, we established an interdisciplinary integrated outpatient clinic for IIH with a central coordination and a one-stop concept. Here, we aimed to evaluate effects of this one-stop concept on subjective patient satisfaction and economic outcome in patients with IIH. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, we compared the one-stop era with integrated care (IC, 1-JUL-2021 to 31-DEC-2022) to a reference group receiving standard care (SC, 1-JUL-2018 to 31-DEC-2019) regarding subjective patient satisfaction (assessed by the Vienna Patient Inventory). Multivariable binary linear regression models were used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the IC group (n = 85) and SC group (n = 81) were comparable (female: 90.6% vs. 90.1%; mean age: 33.6 vs. 32.8 years, educational level: ≥9 years of education 60.0% vs. 59.3%; located in Vienna 75.3% vs. 76.5%). Compared to SC, management within IC concept was associated with statistically significantly higher subjective patient satisfaction (beta = 0.93; p < 0.001) with the strongest effects observed in satisfaction with treatment accessibility and availability (beta = 2.05; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses of patients with migration background and language barrier consistently indicated stronger effects of IC in these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Interdisciplinary integrated management of IIH statistically significantly and clinically meaningfully improves patient satisfaction - particularly in socioeconomically underprivileged patient groups. Providing structured central coordination to facilitate and improve access to interdisciplinary management provides means to further improve outcome.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care Facilities , Patient Satisfaction , Pseudotumor Cerebri , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Pseudotumor Cerebri/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Ambulatory Care Facilities/organization & administration , Delivery of Health Care, Integrated , Patient Care Team/organization & administration , Austria , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Background: Clinical airway screening tests used to predict difficulties during airway management have low sensitivity and specificity. Point-of-care airway ultrasound has described measurements related to problems with difficult direct laryngoscopy. Nevertheless, the correlation between ultrasound parameters and videolaryngoscopy has not been published yet. The aim of this multicenter, prospective observational pilot study was to evaluate the applicability of clinical parameters and ultrasound measurements to find potential tracheal intubation difficulties when videolaryngoscopy is used. Methods: Preoperatively, six clinical airway assessments were performed: (1) modified Mallampati score, (2) thyromental distance, (3) sternomental distance, (4) interincisal distance, (5) upper lip bite test, and (6) neck circumference. Six ultrasound parameters were measured in awake patients: (1) distance from skin to hyoid bone, (2) distance from skin to epiglottis, (3) hyomental distance in neutral head position, (4) hyomental distance in head-extended position, (5) distance from skin to the deepest part of the palate, and (6) sagittal tongue area. And finally, there was one ultrasound measure obtained in anesthetized patients, the compressed sagittal tongue area during videolaryngoscopy. The difficulty for tracheal intubation using a McGrath™ Mac videolaryngoscope, the percentage of glottic opening, and Cormack-Lehane grade were also assessed. Results: In this cohort of 119 subjects, tongue dimensions, particularly the sagittal tongue area, showed a robust association with increased intubation difficulty using videolaryngoscopy. A multiparametric model combining the following three ultrasound variables in awake patients: (a) the distance from skin to epiglottis, (b) the distance from skin to the deepest part of the palate, and (c) the sagittal tongue area, yielded a sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 94.5%, positive predictive value of 82.8%, and negative predictive value of 97.8% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Point-of-care airway ultrasound emerges as a more useful tool compared to traditional clinical scales to anticipate possible challenges during videolaryngoscopic intubation.
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Background: Electronic health (eHealth) has been widely adopted in chronic disease management. Prior studies focused on time-based reminders as a cue to facilitate behavior change intentions, ignoring the development of automatic cue-behavior associations via other cue types. Objective: Hence, this study utilized avatar appearance as a visual-based cue to help establish the automatic association between appearance transformation and health behavior to form habits without intention. Methods: To better understand users' attitudes and experiences toward applying changes in avatar appearance to develop cue-behavior associations for hypertensive patients. Fifteen participants were recruited in a 14-day experiment. After excluding one participant who dropped out of the experiment, others were randomly assigned to two groups. One group consisted of a visual-based cue (a virtual plant) and basic behavior change techniques (BCTs). The other group only included basic BCTs. Attitudes and experience outcomes were collected by interview, and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: 57% of participants had been diagnosed with hypertension for more than five years, and more than 50% of participants have experience using mobile apps or wearables. 66% of participants did physical activity more than three times every week. The result shows that tailored time-based reminders, blood pressure monitoring, and daily dietary intake were the most attractive features. Additionally, hypertensive participants have positive attitudes toward avatar appearance as a visual-based cue to develop cue-behavior association, which enhances self-management motivation. Conclusion: This study proposes a visual-based cue design for habit formation and conducts a qualitative method to explore hypertensive patients' perceptions. The findings offer insights from user's perspectives into hypertensive patients' attitudes toward visual-based cues and perception of the connection between avatar appearance and health behavior for self-management. Subsequent discussions present eHealth design guidelines of habit formation from intention, automatic cue-behavior association, and self-management perspectives.
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This study aimed to assess the effects of High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on individuals suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). A search was conducted across six electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on HILT for TMDs: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, the PEDro database and Google Scholar (last updated on July 18, 2024). Eligible studies were chosen by independent reviewers, and their quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB). The main outcome was pain intensity (VAS), with secondary outcomes including mouth opening (mm), disability (JFLS-20), and quality of life (OHIP-14). A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the pooled effect by calculating mean differences (MD) for these variables (95% confidence level). The heterogeneity of the meta-analyses was explored using the I2 statistic. Three studies met the selection criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The main RoB was the blinding of participant and treaters. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in favor of HILT were observed for VAS and maximum mouth opening. The pooled effect showed an MD of -14.8 mm (95% CI:-27.1,-2.5) for pain intensity and 3.7 mm (95% CI:0.9,6.5) for mouth opening, changes that were assessed as clinically important. According to GRADE, the evidence was rated as important, and the certainty was moderate due to the heterogeneity between studies. A sensitivity analysis was not performed to address heterogeneity, primarily due to the limited availability of RCTs. HILT has been found effective in short-term pain relief and improvement of jaw opening in TMDs, potentially enhancing quality of life by facilitating activities such as chewing, jaw mobility, and communication. However, further research is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness. Combining HILT with interventions such as occlusal splints or therapeutic exercises could potentially enhance its effects, leveraging the existing evidence supporting these treatments. It is important to note that the high RoB associated with the lack of blinding of participants and treaters may influence data collection, compromising the internal validity of findings in some studies.
Subject(s)
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Humans , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/radiotherapy , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Quality of Life , Laser Therapy/methods , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Pain MeasurementABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features, management, and long-term outcome of Infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK). METHODS: The medical records of clinically diagnosed and microbiologically proven cases of ICK were reviewed from January 2011 to December 2022. Clinical characteristics include the presence of whitish needle-like projections with branching, limited to anterior-mid stroma. Keratoplasty being the most common risk factor, graft-related microbial keratitis during the same period was also studied. The demography, clinical profile, microbiology, treatment, and outcome were analyzed, and compared with secondary graft infiltrate(GI). RESULTS: Medical records of 24 cases with ICK were reviewed. The mean age was 49.3 ± 20.1 years, with 15(62.5%) males. Prior keratoplasty was done in 18 (75%) cases, with a mean graft size of 10.1 ± 1.5 mm, and mean interval between the last graft and presentation was 9.7 ± 6.2 (3-90) months. In comparison to GI (n = 24), ICK patients (n = 18,75%) were less symptomatic, presented late (7.3 ± 6.5 days vs 16.3 ± 19.4, p = 0.003), using frequent topical steroids (> 3 times/day, p = 0.006), smaller infiltrate size < 4 mm (p = 0.008), central (p = 0.02), less associated with epithelial defect (p = 0.0001), hypopyon (p = of 0.0002), corneal perforation (p = 0.0006), and surgical management (p = 0.03). On microbiology, 22 (91.6%) ICK cases were culture positive, 14 (63.6%) gram-positive, 3 (13.6%) gram-negative, 2 (9%) mixed bacteria, and 3 (13.6%) fungus, comparable with GI. CONCLUSION: ICK affects poor ocular surfaces usually following keratoplasty with larger graft size, the use of steroids being the most common association, and it responds to medical management as compared to GI.
Subject(s)
Eye Infections, Bacterial , Visual Acuity , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Female , Eye Infections, Bacterial/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Bacterial/microbiology , Eye Infections, Bacterial/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Adult , Aged , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Cornea/microbiology , Cornea/pathology , Follow-Up Studies , Keratitis/microbiology , Keratitis/diagnosis , Corneal Diseases/diagnosis , Corneal Diseases/microbiology , Corneal Diseases/surgery , Corneal Diseases/therapy , Aged, 80 and over , Young Adult , Corneal Transplantation/methods , Fungi/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Due to their inherent properties, biocidal products might pose a risk to human and animal health and the environment. In risk management, there exists uncertainty about private users' comprehension of and willingness-to-adhere to use instructions that mitigate these risks (e.g., limit frequency of use or application area). This study aimed at providing insights into the users' perspective by focusing on their attention, comprehension, and the attitudinal predictors of protection motivation. In the online study (N = 957 participants from Germany) were introduced to a hypothetical purchase scenario featuring an insect spray and a realistic set of use instructions. Next, the participants' attention for the use instruction was measured in self-report and by tracking the time spent on the page with the use instruction, while Likert scale-type questions measured the comprehensibility, protection motivation, and predictors. Participants reported higher protection motivation if they spent more time with the use instruction, perceived it as comprehensible, rated the threat to humans, animals, and the environment as more severe, perceived themselves as responsible (i.e., internal locus of control) and capable (i.e., self-efficacy) of adhering to the use instructions, perceived adherence to the use instructions as effective (i.e., response efficacy) and did not perceive biocidal products as inherently safe (i.e., neutral locus of control). These results offer valuable information for an improved regulation of biocidal products and better management of potential risks associated with their use. They also provide concepts for interventions to ensure users of biocidal products follow the instructions for a safe use and better protection of the environment.
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Sludge treatment reed bed planted (STRB) with Phragmites australis (P.australis) and Arundo donax (A.donax) was assessed in the presence of Eisenia fetida under control condition during the dry season. Worm-planted units were fed with mixed sewage sludge (dry and volatile solids of 29.44 g DS.L-1 and 24.23 g VS.L-1). Sludge loading rates (SLR) of 50, 60, and 70 kg DS m-2 year-1 were examined to assess dewatering efficiency. Surface layers in units with P.australis and A.donax achieved DS of 80 and 81% at a loading rate of 50 kg DS m-2 year-1, while their subsurface DS were 41 and 25%, respectively. Units with A.donax experienced plant loss when subjected to SLR exceeding 60 kg DS m-2 year-1. More than 10 cm of residual sludge accumulated on the top of units after a 2-month final rest. Evapotranspiration was greater in the unit with P.australis (5.23 mm day-1) compared to the unit with A.donax (4.24 mm day-1) while both were fed with 70 kg DS m-2 year-1. Water loss contributions from residual sludge layer, drained water, and evapotranspiration were 3, 46, and 51%, respectively. Units with P.australis indicated 20% higher water loss compared to units with A.donax. Although the drained water quality improved over time, it did not meet standard limits. The residual sludge layer contained macro and micronutrients, and heavy metals with a significant elemental order of N > Ca > P > S > mg > K (N:P:K = 31:8:1), Fe > Na > B > Mn > Mo and Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Overall, STRB could be a sustainable alternative technology to conventional sewage sludge management techniques.
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Several trends toward patient-centered multi-care models employing translational research strategies are currently emerging in orthopaedics. These align seamlessly with epigenetics discussions in pain, a clinical approach to pain management that prioritizes tailoring healthcare to individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Recognizing the unique genetic and epigenetic factors influencing pain perception, healthcare providers can integrate personalized insights into their patient-centered approach, offering more targeted and effective pain management strategies tailored to each individual's experience. Custom 3D-printing technologies may also become increasingly relevant to more effectively and reliably treat painful degenerative structural abnormalities. They are expected to go hand-in-hand with the precision medicine redefinition of musculoskeletal care. More effective analysis of surgeons' clinical decision-making and patients' perception of high-value orthopaedic care is needed. Shared Decision Making (SDM) is critical to identifying the best solution for each patient and improving stakeholders' understanding of factors influencing the diverse prioritizing values of surgical or non-surgical treatments by payers, systems, and other providers. Identifying high-value orthopaedic surgeries via effective SDM in orthopedic surgery requires more than just presenting patients with information. The Rasch analysis of patient expectations can provide this nuanced approach that involves understanding patient values, addressing misconceptions, and aligning surgical recommendations with patient-specific goals. Optimizing orthopaedic treatment within the patient-centered framework can drive innovation in reimbursement policies that support the field more broadly. Research on separating high-value from low-value orthopaedic procedures may likely impact healthcare decision- makers' resource allocation.
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Unlabelled: The integration of health and activity data from various wearable devices into research studies presents technical and operational challenges. The Awesome Data Acquisition Method (ADAM) is a versatile, web-based system that was designed for integrating data from various sources and managing a large-scale multiphase research study. As a data collecting system, ADAM allows real-time data collection from wearable devices through the device's application programmable interface and the mobile app's adaptive real-time questionnaires. As a clinical trial management system, ADAM integrates clinical trial management processes and efficiently supports recruitment, screening, randomization, data tracking, data reporting, and data analysis during the entire research study process. We used a behavioral weight-loss intervention study (SMARTER trial) as a test case to evaluate the ADAM system. SMARTER was a randomized controlled trial that screened 1741 participants and enrolled 502 adults. As a result, the ADAM system was efficiently and successfully deployed to organize and manage the SMARTER trial. Moreover, with its versatile integration capability, the ADAM system made the necessary switch to fully remote assessments and tracking that are performed seamlessly and promptly when the COVID-19 pandemic ceased in-person contact. The remote-native features afforded by the ADAM system minimized the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the SMARTER trial. The success of SMARTER proved the comprehensiveness and efficiency of the ADAM system. Moreover, ADAM was designed to be generalizable and scalable to fit other studies with minimal editing, redevelopment, and customization. The ADAM system can benefit various behavioral interventions and different populations.
Subject(s)
Telemedicine , Wearable Electronic Devices , Humans , Wearable Electronic Devices/statistics & numerical data , Wearable Electronic Devices/standards , Internet of Things , Data Collection/methods , Data Collection/instrumentation , Adult , Mobile Applications/statistics & numerical data , Mobile Applications/standards , Mobile Applications/trends , COVID-19/epidemiology , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires , Female , Behavior Therapy/methods , Behavior Therapy/instrumentationABSTRACT
Background: Recently, the growing demand for pediatric sedation services outside the operating room has imposed a heavy burden on pediatric centers in China. There is an urgent need to develop a novel system for improved sedation services. Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a computerized system, the Pediatric Sedation Assessment and Management System (PSAMS), to streamline pediatric sedation services at a major children's hospital in Southwest China. Methods: PSAMS was designed to reflect the actual workflow of pediatric sedation. It consists of 3 main components: server-hosted software; client applications on tablets and computers; and specialized devices like gun-type scanners, desktop label printers, and pulse oximeters. With the participation of a multidisciplinary team, PSAMS was developed and refined during its application in the sedation process. This study analyzed data from the first 2 years after the system's deployment. Unlabelled: From January 2020 to December 2021, a total of 127,325 sedations were performed on 85,281 patients using the PSAMS database. Besides basic variables imported from Hospital Information Systems (HIS), the PSAMS database currently contains 33 additional variables that capture comprehensive information from presedation assessment to postprocedural recovery. The recorded data from PSAMS indicates a one-time sedation success rate of 97.1% (50,752/52,282) in 2020 and 97.5% (73,184/75,043) in 2021. The observed adverse events rate was 3.5% (95% CI 3.4%-3.7%) in 2020 and 2.8% (95% CI 2.7%-2.9%) in 2021. Conclusions: PSAMS streamlined the entire sedation workflow, reduced the burden of data collection, and laid a foundation for future cooperation of multiple pediatric health care centers.
ABSTRACT
Background. People with kidney failure who undergo hemodialysis treatment and experience chronic fatigue identify negative effects on occupational performance and participation as a key aspect of their illness experience. Purpose. To describe the occupational performance and participation problems of people treated with hemodialysis who live with debilitating fatigue. Method. Fifteen participants, who were randomized to participate in an energy management intervention as part of a randomized controlled trial, completed two occupation-based assessments at baseline and chose three priority occupational performance or participation problems to address as goals during the intervention. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics (counts and percentages). Findings. Fifteen participants (mean age 60, 53% male) completed the occupation-based assessments. Participants stated that they wanted or needed more energy for a median of 22 of 55 occupations. Going out for food/drinks (n = 11), going to a movie/concert/performance (n = 10), and food preparation/clean-up (n = 10) were the top occupations for which participants required more energy. Prioritized occupational performance and participation problems most often fell within the household management (14 goals), self-care (6 goals), and hobbies (5 goals) domains. Conclusion. Occupational performance and participation problems are extensive among people treated with hemodialysis who live with debilitating fatigue. There is a clear need for occupation-based interventions that optimize occupational performance and participation in this population.