High-risk factors for delirium in severely ill patients and the application of emotional nursing combined with pain nursing

BACKGROUND Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by acute disturbances of consciousness with rapid onset,rapid progression,obvious fluctuations,and preventable,reversible,and other characteristics.Patients with delirium in the intensive care unit(ICU)are often missed or misdiagnosed and do not receive adequate attention.AIM To analyze the risk factors for delirium in ICU patients and explore the applica-tion of emotional nursing with pain nursing in the management of delirium.METHODS General data of 301 critically ill patients were retrospectively collected,including histories(cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,hypertension,smoking,alcoholism,and diabetes),age,sex,diagnosis,whether surgery was performed,and patient origin(emergency/clinic).Additionally,the duration of sedation,Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score,combined emotional and pain care,ven-tilator use duration,vasoactive drug use,drainage tube retention,ICU stay du-ration,C-reactive protein,procalcitonin,white blood cell count,body tempe-rature,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)score,and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were recorded within 24 h after ICU admission.Patients were assessed for delirium according to confusion assessment method for the ICU,and univariate and multivariate logistic regre-ssion analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for delirium in the patients.RESULTS Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the 24 potential risk factors associated with delirium in ICU patients.The results showed that 16 risk factors were closely related to delirium,including combined emotional and pain care,history of diabetes,and patient origin.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that no combined emotional and pain care,history of diabetes,emergency source,surgery,long stay in the ICU,smoking history,and high APACHE II score were independent risk factors for de-lirium in ICU patients.CONCLUSION Patients with diabetes and/or smoking history,postoperative patients,patients with a high APACHE II score,and those with emergency ICU admission need emotional and pain care,flexible visiting modes,and early intervention to reduce delirium incidence.

Deciphering the iron enigma: Navigating the complexities of iron metabolism in critical illness

Iron is a double-edged sword!Despite being essential for numerous physiological processes of the body,a dysregulated iron metabolism can result in tissue da-mage,exaggerated inflammatory response,and increased susceptibility to infection with certain pathogens that thrive in iron-rich environment.During sepsis,there is an alteration of iron metabolism,leading to increased transport and uptake into cells.This increase in labile iron may cause oxidative damage and cellular injury(ferroptosis)which progresses as the disease worsens.Critically ill patients are often complicated with systemic inflammation which may contribute to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or sepsis,a common cause of mortality in intensive care unit.Originally,ferritin was known to play an important role in the hematopoietic system for its iron storage capacity.Recently,its role has emerged as a predictor of poor prognosis in chronic inflammation and critical illnesses.Apart from predicting the disease outcome,serum ferritin can poten-tially reflect disease activity as well.

Advancing critical care recovery:The pivotal role of machine learning in early detection of intensive care unit-acquired weakness

This editorial explores the significant challenge of intensive care unit-acquiredweakness(ICU-AW),a prevalent condition affecting critically ill patients,characterizedby profound muscle weakness and complicating patient recovery.Highlightingthe paradox of modern medical advances,it emphasizes the urgent needfor early identification and intervention to mitigate ICU-AW's impact.Innovatively,the study by Wang et al is showcased for employing a multilayer perceptronneural network model,achieving high accuracy in predicting ICU-AWrisk.This advancement underscores the potential of neural network models inenhancing patient care but also calls for continued research to address limitationsand improve model applicability.The editorial advocates for the developmentand validation of sophisticated predictive tools,aiming for personalized carestrategies to reduce ICU-AW incidence and severity,ultimately improving patientoutcomes in critical care settings.

Research on the Application of Evidence-Based Quality Control Circle to Improve the Implementation Rate of Airway Management Measures in Adult Critically Ill Patients

Objective: To explore the effect of evidence-based quality control circle (QCC) in improving the implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients. Methods: Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence-based health care model, the best evidence of airway management in adult critically ill patients was obtained and applied to the clinic. Results: The total implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients increased from 23.62% before the implementation of quality control circle to 88.82%, and the pulmonary infection rate in critically ill patients decreased from 42.31% to 21.74%, with statistical significance between the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Evidence-based quality control circle activities can standardize the practice standards of airway management in critically ill patients, reduce the occurrence of patients’ airway related complications, and improve clinical outcomes.

Study on the Accuracy of Serum Prealbumin Level in Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Critical Respiratory Illness

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of serum prealbumin levels in predicting the prognosis of patients with critical respiratory illness. Methods: Fifty patients with critical respiratory illness admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to September 2023 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group after condition assessment, with 25 cases in each group. The results of cholinesterase (ChE), prealbumin (PALB), albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), and forced expiratory volume (FEV1)/Predicted (Pred) of the two groups were measured. Results: The ChE levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, while the PALB and ALB levels of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The AST, TP, and FEV1 /Pred levels of the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum PALB levels can be used as the main indicator for prognosis in critically ill respiratory patients.

The Role of Grid-Style Nursing Management Model in Critically Ill Patients

Objective:This study aims to gain insight into the effects and potential advantages of the grid-style nursing management model in the care of critically ill patients.Methods:Eighty critically ill patients admitted to our hospital between May 2020 and May 2021 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the grid group,each with 40 patients.The control group implemented traditional nursing management,while the grid group adopted a grid-style nursing management model.The quality of care,quality of life,nursing satisfaction,and treatment adherence of the two groups were compared.Results:Compared with the control group,the grid group had significantly higher quality of care and quality of life(P<0.001);in terms of nursing satisfaction,the score of the grid group was 8.26±0.85,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(6.65±0.77)(P<0.001);90.00%(36 patients)of the grid group showed good treatment adherence,significantly higher than 70.00%(28 patients)of the control group(P<0.001).Conclusion:The implementation of the grid-style nursing management model in critically ill patients can significantly improve the quality of care,quality of life,and satisfaction of patients,and effectively promote patients’treatment adherence.These positive results provide strong support for the promotion and application of this model in clinical care.

Pharmacological therapy of feed intolerance in the critically ills

Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness is associated with higher morbidity and mortality,and thusrequires promptly and effective treatment. Prokineticagents are currently considered as the first-line therapygiven issues relating to parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric placement. Currently,the agents of choice areerythromycin and metoclopramide,either alone or incombination,which are highly effective with relativelylow incidence of cardiac,hemodynamic or neurologicaladverse effects. Diarrhea,however,can occur in up to 49% of patients who are treated with the dual prokinetic therapy,which is not associated with Clostridiumdifficile infection and settled soon after the cessation ofthe drugs. Hence,the use of prokinetic therapy over along period or for prophylactic purpose must be avoided,and the indication for ongoing use of the drug(s)must be reviewed frequently. Second line therapy,suchas total parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric feeding,must be considered once adverse effects relating theprokinetic therapy develop.

The critical realism of the novels of Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami is a serious belles-lettres writer with a title of petty bourgeois. With calm perspective, his writing points to the profound problems of human society, and also criticizes and analyses the history of World War II which is a closely guarded secret to most Japanese. The important topics of his literature are generally about the exposure of human nature under special time background, various deep problems accompanying with modern civilization, and the wounds brought to human by wars.

Mental health status among COVID-19 patients survivors of critical illness in Saudi Arabia:A 6-month follow-up questionnaire study

BACKGROUND Psychological assessment after intensive care unit(ICU)discharge is increasingly used to assess patients'cognitive and psychological well-being.However,few studies have examined those who recovered from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).There is a paucity of data from the Middle East assessing the post-ICU discharge mental health status of patients who had COVID-19.AIM To evaluate anxiety and depression among patients who had severe COVID-19.METHODS This is a prospective single-center follow-up questionnaire-based study of adults who were admitted to the ICU or under ICU consultation for>24 h for COVID-19.Eligible patients were contacted via telephone.The patient’s anxiety and depression six months after ICU discharge were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).The primary outcome was the mean HADS score.The secondary outcomes were risk factors of anxiety and/or depression.RESULTS Patients who were admitted to the ICU because of COVID-19 were screened(n=518).Of these,48 completed the questionnaires.The mean age was 56.3±17.2 years.Thirty patients(62.5%)were male.The main comorbidities were endocrine(n=24,50%)and cardiovascular(n=21,43.8%)diseases.The mean overall HADS score for anxiety and depression at 6 months post-ICU discharge was 11.4(SD±8.5).A HADS score of>7 for anxiety and depression was detected in 15 patients(30%)and 18 patients(36%),respectively.Results from the multivariable ordered logistic regression demonstrated that vasopressor use was associated with the development of anxiety and depression[odds ratio(OR)39.06,95% confidence interval:1.309-1165.8;P<0.05].CONCLUSION Six months after ICU discharge,30% of patients who had COVID-19 demonstrated a HADS score that confirmed anxiety and depression.To compare the psychological status of patients following an ICU admission(with vs without COVID-19),further studies are warranted.

Influence of water logging time on the growth of Kandelia candel seedlings

Influence of waterlogging time on the growth of Kandelia candel(L.) Druce seedlings grown for 70 d in the artificial- tidal tanks' simulated semidiurnal tide under greenhouse is studied. Sand and soil act as the substrate and artificial seawater with salinity of 15 is used in cultivation. Shorter waterlogging time(inundated for about 2 ~ 4 h) promotes the growth of K. candel seedlings, while longer time(inundated more than 8 h) or no waterlogging(0 h) inhibits their growth. The number and length of aerating roots increase with the increase of waterlogging time. Under existing conditions, the optimal waterlogging time for the growth of K. candel seedlings is about 2 ~ 4 h in every tide cycle. Compared with other treatments, the 2 h sanded treatments obtain the highest biomass of seedlings, have the lowest mass loss of hypocotyl and broaden the photosynthetic area by increasing the area per leaf after 70-d cultivation. And the soil treatments have the similar tendency. However, waterlogging for 8 h in every tide cycle is critical for normal development of seedlings.K. candel seedlings are highly tolerant to waterlogging and a proper waterlogging is beneficial to the growth of K. candel seedlings.

Current concepts and future strategies in the antimicrobial therapy of emerging Gram-positive spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) is the most common infection in end-stage liver disease patients.SBP is defined as an ascitic fluid infection with a polymorphonuclear leucocyte count ≥ 250/mm^3 without an evident intra-abdominal surgically treatable source.Several mechanisms contribute to SBP occurrence,including translocation of gut bacteria and their products,reduced intestinal motility provoking bacterial overgrowth,alteration of the gut's barrier function and local immune responses.Historically,Gram-negative enteric bacteria have been the main causative agents of SBP,thereby guiding the empirical therapeutic choice.However,over the last decade,a worryingly increasing prevalence of Gram-positive and multi-drug resistant(MDR) SBP has been seen.Recently,the microbiological spectrum of SBP seems to have changed in Europe due to a high prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria(48%-62%).The overall proportion of MDR bacteria is up to 22%-73% of cases.Consequently,empirical therapy based on thirdgeneration cephalosporins or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid,can no longer be considered the standard of care,as these drugs are associated with poor outcomes.Theaim of this review is to describe,with an epidemiological focus,the evidence behind this rise in Gram-positive and MDR SBP from 2000 to present,and illustrate potential targeted therapeutic strategies.An appropriate treatment protocol should include daptomycin plus ceftaroline and meropenem,with prompt stepdown to a narrower spectrum when cultures and sensitivity data are available in order to reduce both cost and potential antibiotic resistance development.

Minimum critical thickness of dike for ore-bearing fluid injection:A new approach applied to the Shihu gold deposit,Hebei Province,North China

According to the metallogenic theory by transmagmatic fluid （TMF）, one magmatic intrusion is a channel of ore-bearing fluids, but not their source. Therefore, it is possible to use TMF＇s ability for injection into and for escaping t^om the magmatic intrusion to evaluate its ore-forming potential. As the ore-bearing fluids cannot effectively inject into the magmatic intrusion when the magma fully crystal- lized, the cooling time and rates viscosity varied can be used to estimate the minimum critical thickness of the intrusion. One dimensional heat transfer model is used to determine the cooling time for three representative dikes of different composition （granite porphyry, quartz diorite and diabase） in the Shihu gold deposit. It also estimated the rates viscosity varied in these time interval. We took the thickness of dike at the intersection of the cooling time -- thickness curve and the rates viscosity varied versus thick- ness curve as the minimum critical thickness. For the ore-bearing fluids effectively injecting into the magma, the minimum critical thicknesses for the three representative dikes are 33.45 m for granite porphyry, 8.22 m for quartz diorite and 1.02 m for diabase, indicating that ore-bearing dikes must be thicker than each value. These results are consistent with the occurrence of ore bodies, and thus they could be applied in practice. Based on the statistical relationship between the length and the width of dikes, these critical thicknesses are used to compute critical areas： 0.0003--0.0016 km2 for diabase, 0.014--0.068 km2 for quartz diorite and 0.011-0.034 km2 for granite porphyry. This implies that ore- bearing minor intrusions have varied areas corresponding to their composition. The numerical simulation has provided the theoretical threshold of exposed thickness and area of the ore-bearing intrusion. These values can be used to determine the ore-forming potentials of dikes.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary inflammation in critically ill patients: The role of inflammatory biomarkers

Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are common and important causes of respiratory failure in the intensive care unit with a significant impact on morbidity, mortality and health care utilization despite early antimicrobial therapy and lung protective mechanical ventilation. Both clinical entities are characterized by acute pulmonary inflammation in response to direct or indirect lung injury. Adjunct anti-inflammatory treatment with corticosteroids is increasingly used, although the evidence for benefit is limited. The treatment decisions are based on radiographic, clinical and physiological variables without regards to inflammatory state. Current evidence suggests a role of biomarkers for the assessment of severity, and distinguishing sub-phenotypes (hyperinflammatory versus hypo-inflammatory) with important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Although many inflammatory biomarkers have been studied the most common and of interest are C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6. While extensively studied as prognostic tools (prognostic enrichment), limited data are available for the role of biomarkers in determining appropriate initiation, timing and dosing of adjunct anti-inflammatory treatment (predictive enrichment)

Nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis antibiotic treatment in the era of multi-drug resistance pathogens: A systematic review

To systematically review literature upon aetiology of nosocomial spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (N-SBP) given the rising importance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. METHODSA literature search was performed on MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases from 2000 to 15th of November 2016, using the following search strategy: “spontaneous” AND “peritonitis”. RESULTSThe initial search through electronic databases retrieved 2556 records. After removing duplicates, 1958 records remained. One thousand seven hundred and thirty-five of them were excluded on the basis of the screening of titles and abstract, and the ensuing number of remaining articles was 223. Of these records, after careful evaluation, only 9 were included in the qualitative analysis. The overall proportion of MDR bacteria turned out to be from 22% to 73% of cases across the studies. CONCLUSIONN-SBP is caused, in a remarkable proportion, by MDR pathogens. This should prompt a careful re-assessment of guidelines addressing the treatment of this clinical entity.

Effect of fiber supplementation on the microbiota in critically ill patients

AIM:To determine tolerance to fiber supplementation of semi-elemental tube feeds in critically ill patients and measure its effect on colonic microbiota and fermentation.METHODS:Thirteen intensive care unit patients receiving jejunal feeding with a semi-elemental diet for predominantly necrotizing pancreatitis were studied.The study was divided into 2 parts:first,short-term (3-9 d)clinical tolerance and colonic fermentation as assessed by fecal short chain fatty acid(SCFA)concentrations and breath hydrogen and methane was measured in response to progressive fiber supplementation increasing from 4 g tid up to normal requirement levels of 8 g tid;second,4 patients with diarrhea were studied for 2-5 wk with maximal supplementation to additionally assess its influence on fecal microbiota quantitated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)of microbial 16S rRNA genes and Human Intestinal Tract Chip(HITChip)microarray analysis.Nearly all patients were receiving antibiotics(10/13)and acid suppressants(11/13)at some stage during the studies.RESULTS:In group 1,tolerance to progressive fiber supplementation was good with breath hydrogen and methane evidence(P=0.008 and P<0.0001,respectively)of increased fermentation with no exacerbation of abdominal symptoms and resolution of diarrhea in 2 of 4 patients.In group 2 before supplementation,fecal microbiota mass and their metabolites,SCFA,were dramatically lower in patients compared to healthy volunteers.From qPCR and HITChip analyses we calculated that there was a 97%reduction in the predominant potential butyrate producers and starch degraders.Following 2-5 wk of fiber supplementation there was a significant increase in fecal SCFA(acetate 28.4±4.1μmol/g to 42.5±3.1μmol/g dry weight,P=0.01;propionate 1.6±0.5 vs 6.22±1.1,P=0.006 and butyrate 2.5±0.6 vs 5.9±1.1,P=0.04)and microbial counts of specific butyrate producers,with resolution of diarrhea in 3 of 4 patients.CONCLUSION:Conventional management of critically ill patients,which includes the use of elemental diets and broad-spectrum antibiotics,was associated with gross suppression of the colonic microbiota and their production of essential colonic fuels,i.e.,SCFA.Our investigations show that fiber supplementation of the feeds has the potential to improve microbiota mass and function,thereby reducing the risks of diarrhea due to dysbiosis.

A new photon kinetic-measurement based on the kinetics of electron-hole pairs in photodegradation of textile wastewater using the UV-H_2O_(2FS)-TiO_2 process

Actual textile wastewater and synthesized wastewater containing various textile dyes were photocatalytic degraded by the UVH2O2Fs-TiO2 process in an aimular-flow photocatalytic reactor. In this process, a photon kinetic-measure was adopted to obtain constant rates of dyes decomposition. It was theorized that, by illumination at different UV frequencies, the electrons within the semiconductor were excited from the valence band to the conduction band, yielding the formation of electron-hole pairs which are the pre-requisites for photocatalysis. CPT （critical photonic time） exposure required to cause 90% of vibrations between the double and single bonds along the molecular chain of the dyes to be oxidized, was taken to measure the photocatalytic activities. The CPTs varied with the frequencies of the UV spectral areas. The derivatization of CPT from the first-order kinetic law was presented.

Modified physiological and operative score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity risk assessment model in general surgery

AIM: To establish a scoring system for predicting the incidence of postoperative complications and mortality in general surgery based on the physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM), and to evaluate its efficacy. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with postoperative complications or death and 172 patients without postoperative complications, who underwent surgery in our department during the previous 2 years, were retrospectively analyzed by logistic regression. Fifteen indexes were investigated including age, cardiovascular function, respiratory function, blood test results, endocrine function, central nervous system function, hepatic function, renal function, nutritional status, extent of operative trauma, and course of anesthesia. Modified POSSUM (M-POSSUM) was developed using significant risk factors with its efficacy evaluated. RESULTS: The significant risk factors were found to be age, cardiovascular function, respiratory function, hepatic function, renal function, blood test results, endocrine function, nutritional status, duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss, and course of anesthesia. These factors were all included in the scoring system. There were significant differences in the scores between the patients with and without postoperative complications, between the patients died and survived with complications, and between the patients died and survived without complications. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the M-POSSUM could accurately predict postoperative complications and mortality.CONCLUSION: M-POSSUM correlates well with postoperative complications and mortality, and is more accurate than POSSUM.

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia: Diagnostic challenges and perspectives in the era of artificial intelligence

Acute mesenteric ischemia(AMI)is a severe condition associated with poor prognosis,ultimately leading to death due to multiorgan failure.Several mechanisms may lead to AMI,and non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia(NOMI)represents a particular form of AMI.NOMI is prevalent in intensive care units in critically ill patients.In NOMI management,promptness and accuracy of diagnosis are paramount to achieve decisive treatment,but the last decades have been marked by failure to improve NOMI prognosis,due to lack of tools to detect this condition.While real-life diagnostic management relies on a combination of physical examination,several biomarkers,imaging,and endoscopy to detect the possibility of several grades of NOMI,research studies only focus on a few elements at a time.In the era of artificial intelligence(AI),which can aggregate thousands of variables in complex longitudinal models,the prospect of achieving accurate diagnosis through machine-learning-based algorithms may be sought.In the following work,we bring you a state-of-the-art literature review regarding NOMI,its presentation,its mechanics,and the pitfalls of routine work-up diagnostic exams including biomarkers,imaging,and endoscopy,we raise the perspectives of new biomarker exams,and finally we discuss what AI may add to the field,after summarizing what this technique encompasses.

Assessment of quadriceps muscle thickness using bedside ultrasonography by nurses and physicians in the intensive care unit:Intra- and inter-operator agreement

BACKGROUND Data regarding the agreement among multiple operators for measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness by bedside ultrasonography(USG)are sparse.AIM To statistically assess the agreement among 5 operators for measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness on bedside USG.METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study.The 5 operators of varied experience(comprised of 1 critical care consultant,2 fellows,and 2 nurses)independently measured quadriceps muscle thickness in triplicate for 45 critically ill patients each,using USG.Intra-and interrater agreement rates among the 5 operators were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)and expressed with 95%confidence interval(CI).RESULTS The 5 operators produced a total of 135 readings and 675 observations for ICC calculations to determine the intraoperator and interoperator variations respectively.For intraoperator agreement,the overall ICC(95%CI)was 0.998(0.997,0.999)for operator 1,0.998(0.997,0.999)for operator 2,0.997(0.995,0.999)for operator 3,0.999(0.998,0.999)for operator 4,and 0.998(0.997,0.999)for operator 5.For interoperator agreement,the overall ICC(95%CI)was 0.977(0.965,0.986;P<0.001)for reading 1,0.974(0.960,0.984;P<0.001)for reading 2,and 0.975(0.961,0.985;P<0.001)for reading 3.CONCLUSION USG measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness was not dependent on clinical experience,supporting training for nurses in it.

Effects of L-carnitine on treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units:A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Objective:To assess the effects of L-carnitine on the outcomes of patients with moderate to severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in intensive care unit(ICU).Methods:This double-blind clinical trial was carried out in 2022-2023.64 Patients with COVID-19 were selected from Amiralmomenin and Khansari hospitals in Arak,Iran.They were randomly assigned to the control and the L-carnitine treatment group via block randomization.Venous blood gases,disease severity,and levels of D-dimer,lactate dehydrogenase,ferritin,and C-reactive protein were daily assessed during the seven days of the intervention,and the length of ICU stay,the need for endotracheal intubation,and mortality rate were documented.Results:There were significant differences in length of ICU stay,the need for endotracheal intubation,and levels of D-dimer,lactate dehydrogenase,ferritin,APACHE栻score,and C-reactive protein between the two groups(P<0.05).However,the groups did not significantly differ in mortality rate and venous blood gas indexes(P>0.05).Conclusions:L-carnitine can improve outcomes of patients with COVID-19.Therefore,it can be used as an adjuvant therapy for these patients.