Level of Stress at Nurses Working in Emergency Clinic and Central Intensive Care: University Clinical Centre of Kosovo

Background: Emergency Clinic (EC) and Central Intensive Care (CIC) are high-stress environments that directly affect the health status of nurses. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the level of stress at nurses working in the Emergency Clinic and nurses working in the Central Intensive Care. The study included 90 nurses, 45 nurses working in Emergency Clinic and 45 nurses working in Central Intensive Care. The study applied the Emergency Nurse Stress Questionnaire as an instrument to gather the data. This questionnaire was adopted from the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire in order to serve for the function and aim of the present study. Results: Nurses’ cohort-age ranged from 20 to 62 years. The largest proportion of respondents 40 (44.4%) was in the 20 - 30 age group, 58 (64.4%) were married, 60 (66.6%) hold bachelor degree and (33.3%) were with secondary school educational level. In terms of work-related fatigue, significant difference was found in working hours, participants reported that there was a significant difference in fatigue between 12 hours shift nurses (61 ± 10.5) compared to 8 hours nurses (41 ± 23.6) with P < 0.001. Results indicated that a vast majority of participants reported moderate to high levels of stress (81% of participants). There was no significant difference in the level of stress between the two groups of participants. There were also no significant differences compared to their demographic characteristics. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the role of using and assuring adequate strategies for ensuring quality management and finding ways of facilitating the increase in the number of nursing staff in these two departments because workplace overload and fatigue are potential factors that increase nurses’ stress levels.

Outcome prediction value of National Early Warning Score in septic patients with community-acquired pneumonia in emergency department: A single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND:To evaluate the accuracy of National Early Warning Score(NEWS)in predicting clinical outcomes(28-day mortality,intensive care unit[ICU]admission,and mechanical ventilation use)for septic patients with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP)compared with other commonly used severity scores(CURB65,Pneumonia Severity Index[PSI],Sequential Organ Failure Assessment[SOFA],quick SOFA[qSOFA],and Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis[MEDS])and admission lactate level.METHODS:Adult patients diagnosed with CAP admitted between January 2017 and May 2019 with admission SOFA≥2 from baseline were enrolled.Demographic characteristics were collected.The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality after admission,and the secondary outcome included ICU admission and mechanical ventilation use.Outcome prediction value of parameters above was compared using receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curves.Cox regression analyses were carried out to determine the risk factors for the 28-day mortality.Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted and compared using optimal cut-off values of qSOFA and NEWS.RESULTS:Among the 340 enrolled patients,90 patients were dead after a 28-day follow-up,62 patients were admitted to ICU,and 84 patients underwent mechanical ventilation.Among single predictors,NEWS achieved the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic(AUROC)curve in predicting the 28-day mortality(0.861),ICU admission(0.895),and use of mechanical ventilation(0.873).NEWS+lactate,similar to MEDS+lactate,outperformed other combinations of severity score and admission lactate in predicting the 28-day mortality(AUROC 0.866)and ICU admission(AUROC 0.905),while NEWS+lactate did not outperform other combinations in predicting mechanical ventilation(AUROC 0.886).Admission lactate only improved the predicting performance of CURB65 and qSOFA in predicting the 28-day mortality and ICU admission.CONCLUSIONS:NEWS could be a valuable predictor in septic patients with CAP in emergency departments.Admission lactate did not predict well the outcomes or improve the severity scores.A qSOFA≥2 and a NEWS≥9 were strongly associated with the 28-day mortality,ICU admission,and mechanical ventilation of septic patients with CAP in the emergency departments.

Nutritional status and prognostic factors for mortality in patients admitted to emergency department observation units:a national multi-center study in China

BACKGROUND:Nutritional risk is common among patients admitted to the emergency department and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes.Despite its large population,few comprehensive studies have been conducted in China concerning the nutritional status of patients admitted to emergency department observation units(EDOUs).METHODS:Patients admitted to EDOUs of 90 tertiary hospitals in China between June 2020 and December 2020 were enrolled.Demographic information,laboratory parameters,nutritional support therapies,and 28-day mortality were recorded.Risk factors for mortality were examined using multi-variateadjusted logistic regression analysis.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves for each predictor of mortality were plotted,and the area under the ROC(AUROC)curves was compared.RESULTS:A total of 2,005 eligible patients were finally enrolled.At the 28-day follow-up,1,911 patients survived,and 94 died.The group with a Nutritional Risk Screening 2002(NRS 2002)score of 3-4 points was the largest(52.01%).The number of patients receiving oral nutritional supplements,enteral nutrition(EN),parenteral nutrition(PN),and the combination of EN and PN was 425,314,853,and 413,respectively.Among the total,77.55%of patients had nutritional risk(NRS 2002≥3).The proportion of patients with high nutritional risk(NRS2002≥5)in the age group>80 years was significantly higher than that in the age group 66-80 years(29.00%vs.23.93%,P=0.032),but not significantly higher than that in the age group 18-65 years(29.00%vs.26.54%,P=0.449).Logistic regression analysis revealed that heart failure(odds ratio[OR]1.856,95%confidence interval[CI]1.087-3.167,P=0.023),consciousness(OR 2.967,95%CI 1.894-4.648,P<0.001),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)score(OR 1.037,95%CI 1.017-1.058,P<0.001),NRS 2002 score(OR 1.286,95%CI 1.115-1.483,P=0.001),and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score(OR 0.946,95%CI 0.898-0.997,P=0.039)were all independent risk factors for 28-day mortality.APACHE II and NRS 2002 scores were superior to other predictors according to the comparison of AUROC.CONCLUSIONS:Nutritional risk is prevalent among older patients in EDOUs in China.APACHE II and NRS 2002 scores are important risk factors for mortality in patients admitted to the EDOU.Timely and appropriate nutritional screening and support measures are critical to reduce patients’length of hospital stay and mortality.

Emergency service results of central venous catheters:Single center,1042 patients,10-year experience

BACKGROUND Central venous catheterization is currently an important procedure in critical care.Central catheterization has important advantages in many clinical situations.It can also lead to different complications such as infection,hemorrhage,and thrombosis.It is important to investigate critically ill patients undergoing catheterization.AIM To evaluate the characteristics,such as hospitalization,demographic characteristics,post-catheterization complications,and mortality relationships,of patients in whom a central venous catheter was placed in the emergency room.METHODS A total of 1042 patients over the age of 18 who presented to the emergency department between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into three groups,jugular,subclavian,and femoral,according to the area where the catheter was inserted.Complications related to catheterization were determined as pneumothorax,guidewire problems,bleeding,catheter site infection,arterial intervention,and sepsis.Considering the treatment follow-up of the patients,three groups were formed as outpatient treatment,hospitalization,and death.RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 60.99±19.85 years;423(40.6%)of them were women.Hospitalization time was 11.89±16.38 d.There was a significant correlation between the inserted catheters with gender(P=0.009)and hospitalization time(P=0.040).Also,blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,and serum potassium values among the biochemical values of the patients who were catheterized were significant.A significant association was observed in the analysis of patients with complications that develop according to the catheter region(P=0.001)and the outcome stage(P=0.001).In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of hospitalization time and mortality area under curve was 0.575,the 95%confidence interval was 0.496-0.653,the sensitivity was 71%,and the specificity was 89%(P=0.040).CONCLUSION Catheter location and length of stay are important risk factors for catheter-borne infections.Because the risk of infection was lower than other catheters,jugular catheters should be preferred at entry points,and preventive measures should be taken by monitoring patients closely to reduce hospitalization infections.

Association of carbon monoxide poisonings and carboxyhemoglobin levels with COVID-19 and clinical severity

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),which recently spread throughout the entire world,is still a significant health issue.Additionally,the most common cause of risky poisoning in emergency services is carbon monoxide(CO)poisoning.Both disorders seem to merit more research as they have an impact on all bodily systems via the lungs.AIM To determine how arterial blood gas and carboxyhemoglobin(COHb)levels affect the clinical and prognostic results of individuals requiring emergency treatment who have both COVID-19 and CO poisoning.METHODS Between January 2018 and December 2021,479 CO-poisoning patients participated in this single-center,retrospective study.Patients were primarily divided into two groups for analysis:Pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.Additionally,the pandemic era was divided into categories based on the presence of COVID-19 and,if present,the clinical severity of the infection.The hospital information system was used to extract patient demographic,clinical,arterial blood gas,COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction,and other laboratory data.RESULTS The mean age of the 479 patients was 54.93±11.51 years,and 187(39%)were female.226(47%)patients were in the pandemic group and 143(30%)of them had a history of COVID-19.While the mean potential of hydrogen(pH)in arterial blood gas of all patients was 7.28±0.15,it was 7.35±0.10 in the pre-pandemic group and 7.05±0.16 in the severe group during the pandemic period(P<0.001).COHb was 23.98±4.19%in the outpatients and 45.26%±3.19%in the mortality group(P<0.001).Partial arterial oxygen pressure(PaO2)was 89.63±7.62 mmHg in the pre-pandemic group,and 79.50±7.18 mmHg in the severe group during the pandemic period(P<0.001).Despite the fact that mortality occurred in 35(7%)of all cases,pandemic cases accounted for 30 of these deaths(85.7%)(P<0.001).The association between COHb,troponin,lactate,partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide,HCO3,calcium,glucose,age,pH,PaO2,potassium,sodium,and base excess levels in the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups was statistically significant in univariate linear analysis.CONCLUSION Air exchange barrier disruption caused by COVID-19 may have pulmonary consequences.In patients with a history of pandemic COVID-19,clinical results and survival are considerably unfavorable in cases of CO poisoning.

Clinical characteristics of patients with black widow spider bites: A report of 59 patients and single-center experience

Dear editor,The black widow spider species, also known as the Latrodectus species by its biological nomenclature, is one of more than 40,000 different spider species and one of the most common poisonous species to humans.[1] It is reported to be responsible for most of the clinically significant envenomation among all species of spiders in the USA.

Esophageal inserted subclavian catheter:a rare complication

Central venous catheterization(CVC) is an invasive procedure for administering fluids,nutrients,and drugs;monitoring central venous pressure;performing pulmonary artery catheterization;and placing transvenous pacemakers in intensive care units and all specialties,from anesthesia to emergency medicine,for the treatment of trauma and hemodynamically unstable pediatric and adult patients.[1,2]Complications have been observed in more than 15% of patients who underwent CVC.Mechanical,infectious,and thrombotic complications have been reported in 5%–19%,5%–26%,and 2%–26% of patients,respectively.[3] Malposition,on the other hand,is common in subclavian catheter insertion and is usually associated with an initially misplaced guidewire.[4]

Prospective study of hepatitis B and D epidemiology and risk factors in Romania:A 10-year update

BACKGROUND The global burden of hepatitis D virus(HDV)infection represents a major medical challenge and a public health crisis worldwide.However,there is a lack of accurate data on the epidemiology and risk factors for HDV.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)and HDV coinfection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis,leading to a higher cumulative incidence of liver-related events compared with HBV monoinfection,including the need for liver transplantation and death.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,natural history,risk factors and clinical management of HBV and HDV coinfection in Romanian patients.METHODS This prospective study was conducted between January and July 2022 in six tertiary gastroenterology and hepatology referral centres in Romania.All consecutive adults admitted for any gastroenterology diagnosis who were HBV-positive were enrolled.Patients with acute hepatitis or incomplete data were excluded.Of the 25390 individuals who presented with any type of gastroenterology diagnosis during the study period,963 met the inclusion criteria.Testing for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA was performed for all participants.Demographic and risk factor data were collected by investigators using medical charts and patient questionnaires.All data were stored in an anonymized online database during the study.RESULTS The prevalence of HBV was 3.8%;among these patients,the prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was 33.1%.The median age of the study population was 54.0 years,and it consisted of 55.1%men.A higher prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was observed in patients 50–69 years old.Patients with HBV/HDV coinfection were significantly older than those with HBV monoinfection(P=0.03).Multivariate multiple regression analysis identified female gender(P=0.0006),imprisonment(P<0.0001),older age at diagnosis(P=0.01)and sexual contact with persons with known viral hepatitis(P=0.0003)as significant risk factors for HDV.CONCLUSION This study shows that HDV infection among those with HBV remains endemic in Romania and updates our understanding of HDV epidemiology and associated risk factors.It emphasizes the need for systematic screening for HDV infection and collaborative initiatives for controlling and preventing HBV and HDV infection.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-associated fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),particularly in the presence of liver fibrosis,increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality,but the nature of the cardio-hepatic interaction in the context type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is not fully understood.AIM To evaluate the changes in cardiac morphology and function in patients with T2DM and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis.METHODS T2DM patients with MASLD underwent a medical evaluation that included an assessment of lifestyle,anthropometric measurements,vital signs,an extensive laboratory panel,and a standard echocardiography.Liver fibrosis was evaluated using two scores[Fibrosis-4(FIB4)and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-Fibrosis Score(NFS)],and subjects were classified as having advanced fibrosis,no fibrosis,or an indeterminate risk.The correlations between structural and functional cardiac parameters and markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated through bivariate and multiple regression analyses.Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS Data from 267 T2DM-MASLD subjects with complete assessment was analyzed.Patients with scores indicating advanced fibrosis exhibited higher interventricular septum and left ventricular(LV)posterior wall thickness,atrial diameters,LV end-systolic volume,LV mass index(LVMi),and epicardial adipose tissue thickness(EATT).Their mean ejection fraction(EF)was significantly lower(49.19%±5.62%vs 50.87%±5.14%vs 52.00%±3.25%;P=0.003),and a smaller proportion had an EF≥50%(49.40%vs 68.90%vs 84.21%;P=0.0017).Their total and mid LV wall motion score indexes were higher(P<0.05).Additionally,they had markers of diastolic dysfunction,with a higher E/e’ratio[9.64±4.10 vs 8.44(2.43-26.33)vs 7.35±2.62;P=0.026],and over 70%had lateral e’values<10 cm/second,though without significant differences between groups.In multiple regression analyses,FIB4 correlated with left atrium diameter(LAD;β=0.044;P<0.05),and NFS with both LAD(β=0.039;P<0.05)and right atrium diameter(β=0.041;P<0.01),Moreover,LVMi correlated positively with age and EATT(β=1.997;P=0.0008),and negatively with serum sex-hormone binding protein(SHBP)concentrations(β=-0.280;P=0.004).SHBP also correlated negatively with LAD(β=-0.036;P<0.05).CONCLUSION T2DM patients with markers of MASLD-related liver fibrosis exhibit lower EF and present indicators of diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy.Additionally,LVMi and LAD correlated negatively with serum SHBP concentrations.

Large mucinous biliary cystadenoma with "ovarian-like"stroma:A case report

Hepatobiliary cystadenomas are rare tumors that are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. They can reach large sizes that make them real intraoperative ＂surprises＂. A 63-year-old woman, presented with a symptomatic huge abdominal cystic mass, underwent complete resection of the mass with safety margins. Histopathological report revealed mucinous hepatic cystadenoma with ＂ovarian- like＂ stroma and areas of sclerohyalinization. The differential diagnosis of the large cystic tumors which occupy the right hemiabdomen must include the biliary cystadenoma; the complete resection of the tumor with safety margins avoids local recurrence, and therefore represents the optimal therapy because of the malignant potential of the disease. The postoperative follow-up includes abdominal ultrasound or CT scan and CA 19-9 measurement.

Hepatitis C virus-associated B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients are prone to develop bone marrow or various tissue infiltrates with monoclonal B cells, monoclonal B lymphocytosis or different types of B cell non-Hodgkin&#x02019;s lymphoma (BCNHL), of which the most common are splenic marginal zone BCNHL, diffuse large BCNHL and follicular lymphoma. The association between chronic HCV infection and non Hodgkin&#x02019;s lymphoma has been observed especially in areas with high prevalence of this viral infection. Outside the limitations of some studies that have been conducted, there are also geographic, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to the epidemiological differences. Various microenvironmental signals, such as cytokines, viral antigenic external stimulation of lymphocyte receptors by HCV antigens, and intercellular interactions contribute to B cell proliferation. HCV lymphotropism and chronic antigenic stimulation are involved in B-lymphocyte expansion, as mixted cryoglobulinemia or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, which can progress to BCNHL. HCV replication in B lymphocytes has oncogenic effect mediated by intracellular HCV proteins. It is also involved in an important induction of reactive oxygen species that can lead to permanent B lymphocyte damage, as DNA mutations, after binding to surface B-cell receptors. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder could appear and it has a multiclonal potentiality that may develop into different types of lymphomas. The hematopoietic stem cell transplant made for lymphoma in HCV-infected patients can increase the risk of earlier progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. HCV infected patients with indolent BCNHL who receive antiviral therapy can be potentially cured. Viral clearance was related to lymphoma response, fact that highlights the probable involvement of HCV in lymphomagenesis. Direct acting antiviral drugs could be a solution for the patients who did not tolerate or respond to interferon, as they seem to be safe and highly effective. The use of chemotherapy in combination with rituximab for the treatment of BCNHL in patients infected with HCV can produce liver dysfunction. The addition of immunotherapy with rituximab can increase the viral replication, and severe complications can occure especially in patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus or immune immunodeficiency virus, in those with hepatocarcinoma, cirrhosis, or liver cytolysis. But the final result of standard immunochemotherapy applied to diffuse large BCNHL patients with HCV infection is not notably worse than in those without this viral infection. The treatment of patients chronically infected with HCV and having BCNHL is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach and the risk / benefit ratio of rituximab treatment must be evaluated especially in those with liver cytolysis.

Acute liver failure with hemolytic anemia in children with Wilson’s disease:Genotype-phenotype correlations?

BACKGROUND Wilson’s disease(WD)is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder of copper metabolism.Acute liver failure(ALF)and hemolytic anemia represent the most severe presentation of WD in children.No clear genotype-phenotype correlations exist in WD.Protein-truncating nonsense,frame-shift,or splice-site variants may be associated with more severe disease.In contrast,missense variants may be associated with late-onset,less severe disease,and more neurological manifestations.Recently,a gene variant(HSD17B13:TA,rs72613567)with a possible hepatic protective role against toxins was associated with a less severe hepatic phenotype in WD.AIM To analyze the possible genotype-phenotype correlations in children with WD presented with ALF and non-immune hemolytic anemia.METHODS The medical records of children with WD diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January 2006 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical manifestations(ALF with non-immune hemolytic anemia or other less severe forms),laboratory parameters,copper metabolism,ATP7B variants,and the HSD17B13:TA(rs72613567)variant were reviewed to analyze the possible genotype-phenotype correlations.RESULTS We analyzed the data of 51 patients with WD,26 females(50.98%),with the mean age at the diagnosis of 12.36±3.74 years.ALF and Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia was present in 8 children(15.67%),all adolescent girls.The Kayser-Fleisher ring was present in 9 children(17.65%).The most frequent variants of the ATP7B gene were p.His1069Gln(c.3207A>G)in 38.24% of all alleles,p.Gly1341Asp(c.4021G>A)in 26.47%,p.Trp939Cys(c.2817G>T)in 9.80%,and p.Lys844Ter(c.2530A>T)in 4.90%.In ALF with hemolytic anemia,p.Trp939Cys(c.2817G>T)and p.Lys844Ter(c.2530A>T)variants were more frequent than in other less severe forms,in which p.His1069Gln(c.3207A>G)was more frequent.p.Gly1341Asp(c.4021G>A)has a similar frequency in all hepatic forms.For 33 of the patients,the HSD17B13 genotype was evaluated.The overall HSD17B13:TA allele frequency was 24.24%.Its frequency was higher in patients with less severe liver disease(26.92%)than those with ALF and hemolytic anemia(14.28%).CONCLUSION It remains challenging to prove a genotype-phenotype correlation in WD patients.In children with ALF and hemolytic anemia,the missense variants other than p.His1069Gln(c.3207A>G)and frame-shift variants were the most frequently present in homozygous status or compound heterozygous status with site splice variants.As genetic analysis is usually time-consuming and the results are late,the importance at the onset of the ALF is questionable.If variants proved to be associated with severe forms are found in the pre-symptomatic phase of the disease,this could be essential to predict a possible severe evolution.

Influence of Microcirculatory Dysfunction on Myocardial Injury after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Objective This study aimed to examine the effects of microcirculatory dysfunction and 654-1intervention after cardiopulmonary resuscitation on myocardial injury.Methods Landrace pigs were divided into a sham operation group(S group,n=6),ventricular fibrillation control group(VF-C group,n=8)and 654-1 intervention group(VF-I group,n=8).Hemodynamics was recorded at baseline,at recovery of spontaneous circulation(ROSC),and 1 h,2 h,4h and 6 h thereafter.Sidestream dark field(SDF)technology was used to evaluate and monitor the microcirculation flow index,total vessel density,perfusion vessel ratio,De-Backer score,and perfusion vessel density in animal viscera at various time points.Results After administration of 654-1 at 1.5 h post-ROSC,the hemodynamics in the VF-I group,as compared with the VF-C group,was significantly improved.The visceral microcirculation detected by SDF was also significantly improved in the VF-I group.As observed through electron microscopy,significantly less myocardial tissue injury was present in the VF-I group than the VF-C group.Conclusion Administration of 654-1 inhibited excessive inflammatory by improving the state of visceral microcirculation.

Acute pancreatitis with hypercalcemia caused by primary hyperparathyroidism associated with paraneoplastic syndrome:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Although acute pancreatitis associated with hyperparathyroidism has occasionally been reported,acute pancreatitis with metabolic encephalopathy caused by hyperparathyroidism combined with paraneoplastic syndrome is an extremely rare entity and poorly described in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 56-year-old female with upper abdominal discomfort and intermittent nausea and vomiting for 1 wk,without apparent abdominal pain or bloating,no jaundice and decreased blood pressure at the outset.The patient was ultimately diagnosed with moderately severe acute pancreatitis(according to the revised Atlanta classification of acute pancreatitis)combined with metabolic encephalopathy secondary to hypercalcemia caused by primary hyperparathyroidism associated with paraneoplastic syndrome.After active treatment of acute pancreatitis,massive fluid resuscitation,resection of parathyroid and uterine malignant tumors,neoadjuvant chemotherapy and other treatments,her serum calcium eventually returned to the normal level.The patient was successfully discharged from hospital.CONCLUSION This is the first case of acute pancreatitis caused by primary hyperparathyroidism associated with paraneoplastic syndrome.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder after earthquakes among the elderly in China: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) after earthquakes among the elderly. METHODS: Data from cross-sectional studies focusing on the prevalence of PTSD after earthquakes among the elderly were collected from Pub Med, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure in December 2019. The search terms included post-traumatic stress disorder, earthquake, and elderly. This study used Review Manager 5.0 to evaluate the impact of the results. In addition, forest plots, sensitivity analysis, and bias analysis were carried out on the included articles. The combined estimate of the risk ratio and the standard deviation of the 95% confidence interval(95% CI) were measurements of the size of the effect.RESULTS: There were 4,834 patients included from 10 eligible studies. The sample sizes of PTSD group and non-PTSD group were 1,277 and 3,557, respectively. The meta-analysis showed that the overall occurrence of PTSD after earthquakes among the elderly was 0.25;the occurrence in females was higher than that in males, and the occurrence in the same province indicated little difference(Wenchuan city 0.25 and Ya'an city 0.24).CONCLUSIONS: After earthquakes, the occurrence of PTSD is higher among the elderly than among other age groups, and higher among the females than among the males, while there is little difference among different areas within the same province. This indicated that prioritized specific psychological interventions should be provided to the aged and the females.

Ulinastatin Exerts the Protective Effects of Lung by UpRegulating Aquaporins Expression in a Two-Hit Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a syndrome characterized by significant lung edema,impaired permeability of lung microvascular endothelial cells with the mal-expression of aquaporins(AQPs).In this study,a two-hit porcine model of ARDS induced by smoking and methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)was developed,we investigate the AQPs expression and the influence of Ulinastatin(UTI)to them.Forty-nine healthy male domestic pigs aged 8–10 weeks and weighing 30±2 kg were used for the study.Anesthesia was maintained through continuous intravenous infusion of pentobarbital[8 mg/(kg∙h)].A 5-Fr PiCCO catheter(Pulsiocath PV2015L20;Pulsion Medical Systems,Munich,Germany)and a central venous catheter was inserted for hemodynamic monitoring,including mean arterial pressure(MAP),cardiac index(CI),systemic vascular resistance index(SVRI)and extravascular lung water index(ELWI).

Pheochromocytoma with abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as recurrent dyspnea,hemoptysis,and hypotension:A case report

BACKGROUND Pheochromocytomas are rare endocrine tumors with various clinical manifestations,and few of them might present with profound,life-threatening conditions.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 65-year-old man who complained of sudden dyspnea and hemoptysis for half a day.There was no obvious cause for the patient to have dyspnea,coughing,or coughing up to approximately 100 mL of fresh blood.Finally,he was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma crisis(PCC),coexisting with an abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA).CONCLUSION We report a case of pheochromocytoma presenting with recurrent hemoptysis,dyspnea and hypotension coexisting with an AAA.It not only proved the uncommon manifestations of pheochromocytoma but also directed clinicians to consider PCC among the possible diagnoses when meeting similar cases.Moreover,surgical excision is the most beneficial method for the treatment of pheochromocytoma coexisting with AAA when the situation is stable.

Preliminary construction of evaluation indicator system for inpatients'nursing service needs in tertiary general hospital

Objectives:To construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for inpatients'nursing service needs in tertiary general hospital and to provide evidence for identifying and meeting the needs of inpatients'nursing services.Method:We used the Delphi method to conduct two rounds of expert consultations with 41 experts.Result:The indicator system consisting of 5 first-level indicators and 48 second-level indicators was preliminarily constructed.Conclusions:We formed an evaluation indicator system for inpatients'nursing service needs in tertiary general hospital and classified it into five categories:hospital environment,nursing attitude,nursing skills,information exchange,and emotional support.The indicator system is scientific and reliable.It can provide a basis for nursing staffs to identify and meet the needs of inpatients'care services.

Particular evolution in a 72-year-old diabetic patient with acute coronary syndrome

Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and many patients present extensive coronary stenosis at coronarography. However, in patients with diabetes, endothelial and microvascular dysfunction also participate in chronic and acute myocardial ischemia. Although the majority of diabetic patients with myocardial infarction have angiographic evidence of significant coronary artery disease.

Screening and interventions to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide,with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)comprising most cases.Besides hepatitis B and C viral infections,heavy alcohol use,and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-associated advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis,several other risk factors for HCC have been identified(i.e.old age,obesity,insulin resistance,type 2 diabetes).These might in fact partially explain the occurrence of HCC in non-cirrhotic patients without viral infection.HCC surveillance through effective screening programs is still an unmet need for many nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)patients,and identification of pre-cirrhotic individuals who progress to HCC represents a substantial challenge in clinical practice at the moment.Patients with NASHcirrhosis should undergo systematic HCC surveillance,while this might be considered in patients with advanced fibrosis based on individual risk assessment.In this context,interventions that potentially prevent NAFLD/NASH-associated HCC are needed.This paper provided an overview of evidence related to lifestyle changes(i.e.weight loss,physical exercise,adherence to healthy dietary patterns,intake of certain dietary components,etc.)and pharmacological interventions that might play a protective role by targeting the underlying causative factors and pathogenetic mechanisms.However,well-designed prospective studies specifically dedicated to NAFLD/NASH patients are still needed to clarify the relationship with HCC risk.