Significant risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness:A processing strategy based on repeated machine learning

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a common complication that significantly impacts the patient's recovery process,even leading to adverse outcomes.Currently,there is a lack of effective preventive measures.AIM To identify significant risk factors for ICU-AW through iterative machine learning techniques and offer recommendations for its prevention and treatment.METHODS Patients were categorized into ICU-AW and non-ICU-AW groups on the 14th day post-ICU admission.Relevant data from the initial 14 d of ICU stay,such as age,comorbidities,sedative dosage,vasopressor dosage,duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,and rehabilitation therapy,were gathered.The relationships between these variables and ICU-AW were examined.Utilizing iterative machine learning techniques,a multilayer perceptron neural network model was developed,and its predictive performance for ICU-AW was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Within the ICU-AW group,age,duration of mechanical ventilation,lorazepam dosage,adrenaline dosage,and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than in the non-ICU-AW group.Additionally,sepsis,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,hypoalbuminemia,acute heart failure,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,anemia,stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding,shock,hypertension,coronary artery disease,malignant tumors,and rehabilitation therapy ratios were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group,demonstrating statistical significance.The most influential factors contributing to ICU-AW were identified as the length of ICU stay(100.0%)and the duration of mechanical ventilation(54.9%).The neural network model predicted ICU-AW with an area under the curve of 0.941,sensitivity of 92.2%,and specificity of 82.7%.CONCLUSION The main factors influencing ICU-AW are the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation.A primary preventive strategy,when feasible,involves minimizing both ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Prospects and limitations of soil amendment and irrigation techniques for the water-saving public urban greenery and ephemeral weed management in the sandy soils of the United Arab Emirates

Public urban greenery greatly contributes to the residential and tourist value of cities in the Gulf Region,but due to the hyper-arid climatic conditions,the cost of irrigation and plant maintenance is very high.Existing strategies to reduce the monetary and ecological costs involve the cultivation of native xerophytic plantations,and/or the use of soil improvers to increase water-and nutrient-holding capacity of the sandy soils.Various soil improvers based on mineral,organic,or synthetic materials have entered the United Arab Emirates(UAE)market in recent years,but there is considerable uncertainty about how they should best be used in combination with ornamental plant stands involving xerophytic native plants.The present study investigated the effect of soil amendment and deep pipe irrigation on perennial ornamental plant stands involving native plants(Tephrosia appolinea(Gel.)Link in combination with Aerva javanica(Burm.f.)Juss.ex Schult.)and native-exotic plants(T.appolinea in combination with Ruelia simplex C.Wright)either or not topsoil and subsoil amendment with bentonite and hydrophobic sand under the irrigation water supply of less than 50%of reference evapotranspiration(ET0).After one year of cultivation,T.appolinea and A.javanica(native vs.native)produced high biomass and exhibited high water use efficiency(WUE)as compared with T.appolinea and R.simplex(native vs.exotic)combination given that no significant differences were found under the soil amendment treatments.All stands thrived under irrigation water supply far below what is usually supplied to exotic ornamental stands in public parks of the Al Ain City,the UAE.However,subsoil amendment in combination with deep pipe irrigation reduced the occurrence of weeds and increased the overall plant rooting depth.Our results suggest that subsoil amendment and irrigation up to 60-80 cm depth can potentially control ephemeral weed infestation,which is a great challenge in various plant production systems of the Gulf Region.The results of the present study suggest that the impact of soil amendment on the WUE of exotic plants is marginal and might not be economically justified.Replacing exotic with native ornamental plant species seems to have a far greater water-saving potential than the amendment of the soil,while weeds can be suppressed in the absence of topsoil moisture.

Evaluating neuromuscular electrical stimulation for preventing and managing intensive care unit-acquired weakness:Current evidence and future directions

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a prevalent issue in critical care,leading to significant muscle atrophy and functional impairment.Aiming to address this,Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation(NMES)has been explored as a therapy.This systematic review assesses NMES's safety and effectiveness in enhancing functional capacity and mobility in pre-and post-cardiac surgery patients.NMES was generally safe and feasible,with intervention sessions varying in frequency and duration.Improvements in muscle strength and 6-minute walking test distances were observed,particularly in preoperative settings,but postoperative benefits were inconsistent.NMES showed promise in preventing muscle loss and improving strength,although its impact on overall functional capacity remained uncertain.Challenges such as short ICU stays and body composition affecting NMES efficacy were noted.NMES also holds potential for other conditions like cerebral palsy and stroke.Further research is needed to optimize NMES protocols and better understand its full benefits in preventing ICU-AW and improving patient outcomes.

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.

Discharging patients home from the intensive care unit:A new trend

Discharging patients directly to home from the intensive care unit(ICU)is becoming a new trend.This review examines the feasibility,benefits,challenges,and considerations of directly discharging ICU patients.By analyzing available evidence and healthcare professionals'experiences,the review explores the potential impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.The practice of direct discharge from the ICU presents both opportunities and complexities.While it can potentially reduce costs,enhance patient comfort,and mitigate complications linked to extended hospitalization,it necessitates meticulous patient selection and robust post-discharge support mechanisms.Implementing this strategy successfully mandates the availability of home-based care services and a careful assessment of the patient's readiness for the transition.Through critical evaluation of existing literature,this review underscores the significance of tailored patient selection criteria and comprehensive post-discharge support systems to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.The insights provided contribute evidence-based recommendations for refining the direct discharge approach,fostering improved patient outcomes,heightened satisfaction,and streamlined healthcare processes.Ultimately,the review seeks to balance patientcentered care and effective resource utilization within ICU discharge strategies.

Travel-Limiting Disabilities in the United States: Why Accessibility Matters?

This study evaluates the distribution of travel-limiting disabilities across genders and geographic locations in the United States. This study aims to describe and compare the socioeconomic and demographic variables of the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across geographic locations and gender. The study further evaluates the trip purpose and impact of Covid-19 fourth wave pandemic on the use of public transit and travel to physical workplace for the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across gender and geographic locations. The study uses the 2022 weighted National Household Travel Survey dataset and employs descriptive statistics. Results reaffirm the findings from previous literature that there are more people with travel-limiting disabilities in urban areas and among women. Over 50 percent of people aged 65 and above have a form of travel-limiting disabilities. The most trip for people with travel-limiting disabilities is made for shopping and medical purposes. Across all categories, rural areas, urban areas, male and female for the people without travel-limiting disabilities, COVID-19 fourth wave did not change the pattern of trips made to physical workplace as pre-COVID-19 era. This pattern is also observable for the people with travel-limiting disabilities in rural and urban areas. Females with travel-limiting disabilities reported making less trips to physical workplaces while male reported doing the same as before COVID-19 era. The study concludes that the quantification of travel-limiting disabilities across geographic location and gender is vital in disability study and could drive policy implementation for improved accessibility for the vulnerable population.

Maternal Mortality Rates among Im/Migrant Populations in the United States

Introduction: Maternal mortality rates have more than doubled in the U.S over the last two decades, making it one of the few places in the world where maternal mortality is increasing. Differences in maternal mortality among certain races and ethnicities are known but few studies examine maternal mortality among immigrants. Since immigrants represent 13.7% of the U.S. population, it is essential to examine immigrant subsets to understand maternal mortality among this vulnerable population. Methods: A literature search identified 318 articles on maternal mortality and immigrants, with 12 articles from the U.S. The keywords included maternal mortality, United States, migrants, asylum seekers, immigrants, and disparities. Maternal mortality statistics were obtained from the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control. Results: Studies analyzed in this review found an overall lower maternal mortality rate among immigrant women compared to U.S.-born women, except for Hispanic immigrant women. Black women had the highest maternal mortality rate, regardless of immigration status. Conclusion: Although the literature points to lower maternal mortality among immigrants, the data is still somewhat mixed, making it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions. Additional research examining maternal mortality among Im/migrants in the U.S. is needed to guide future training among healthcare professionals and policymakers.

Effects of strengthening prospective nursing practice on sleep quality,anxiety,and depression of awake patients in intensive care unit

BACKGROUND The intensive care unit(ICU)is a specialized hospital department.Awake patients in the ICU frequently encounter adverse psychological states,such as anxiety and fear,often accompanied by poor sleep quality.This situation has garnered significant attention within the medical community.AIM To investigate the impact of prospective nursing intervention strategies on the sleep quality and negative emotional state of conscious ICU patients.METHODS One hundred and twenty ICU awake patients admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into control(n=60)and observation(n=60)groups.Patients in the control group were cared for using the conventional nursing model,while patients in the observation group were cared for using the prospective nursing model.Sleep improvement was assessed using the International Standardized Sleep Efficiency Formula and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).The PSQI,Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item(GAD-7)scale,Self-Depression Scale(SDS),and satisfaction before and after treatment were used to assess the negative emotional states of patients under the two care models.RESULTS Patient satisfaction in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group.The GAD-7 and SDS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the total effective rate of sleep improvement in the observation group was significantly higher than in the control group.After treatment,the PSQI scores of the two groups significantly decreased(P<0.05).The decrease in the observation group was more significan than that in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant.CONCLUSION Prospective nursing interventions can improve sleep quality and psychological levels and significantly affect conscious patients in the ICU,which is worthy of clinical application.

Study of the intensive care unit activity scale in the early rehabilitation of patients after direct cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care,and the intensive care unit(ICU)activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to enhance patient recovery.AIM To clarify the clinical application value of the ICU activity scale in the early recovery of patients after cardiac surgery.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method.The observation group was rated using the ICU activity scale and the corresponding graded rehabilitation interventions were conducted based on the ICU activity scale.The control group was assessed in accordance with the routine rehabilitation activities,and the postoperative rehabilitation indexes of the patients in both groups were compared(time of tracheal intubation,time of ICU admission,occurrence of complications,and activity scores before ICU transfer).The two groups were compared according to postoperative rehabilitation indicators(time of tracheal intubation,length of ICU stay,and occurrence of complications)and activity scores before ICU transfer.RESULTS In the observation group,tracheal intubation time lasted for 18.30±3.28 h and ICU admission time was 4.04±0.83 d,which were significantly shorter than the control group(t-values:2.97 and 2.038,respectively,P<0.05).The observation group also had a significantly lower number of complications and adverse events compared to the control group(P<0.05).Before ICU transfer,the observation group(6.7%)had few complications and adverse events than the control group(30.0%),and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Additionally,the activity score was significantly higher in the observation(26.89±0.97)compared to the control groups(22.63±1.12 points)(t-value;-17.83,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementation of early goal-directed activities in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using the ICU activity scale can promote the recovery of cardiac function.

一种基于Unity3D的可视化雷达仿真软件设计

为有效解决基层军士学习相控阵雷达存在的现实困难,使用虚拟现实技术,以Unity3D为平台,采用Blender建立模型,设计了面向用户互动的3D可视化雷达仿真软件,给出了该仿真软件的关键技术实现.该软件可以将复杂的雷达结构重现于虚拟3D软件空间之中,通过用户操作,可轻松观看到雷达每一个部位,能用于结构学习、线路分析,也可演示电子信号的交互效果.用户使用体验说明,此雷达仿真软件能带给用户超越现实的交互体验,拥有实物系统不具备的视角效果.

Increasing role of post-intensive care syndrome in quality of life of intensive care unit survivors

In this editorial we comment on the detrimental consequences that post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)has in the quality of life of intensive care unit(ICU)survivors,highlighting the importance of early onset of multidisciplinary rehabilitation from within the ICU.Although,the syndrome was identified and well described early in 2012,more awareness has been raised on the long-term PICS related health problems by the increased number of coronavirus disease 2019 ICU survivors.It is well outlined that the syndrome affects both the patient and the family and is described as the appearance or worsening of impairment in physical,cognitive,or mental health as consequence of critical illness.PICS was described in order:(1)To raise awareness among clinicians,researchers,even the society;(2)to highlight the need for a multilevel screening of these patients that starts from within the ICU and continues after discharge;(3)to present preventive strategies;and(4)to offer guidelines in terms of rehabilitation.An early multidisci-plinary approach is the key element form minimizing the incidence of PICS and its consequences in health related quality of life of both survivors and their families.

Application of psychological intervention in intensive care unit nursing for patients with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)is a familiar critical disease in the intensive care unit(ICU)patients.Nursing staff are important spiritual pillars during the treatment of patients,and in addition to routine nursing,more attention needs be paid to the patient’s psychological changes.AIM To investigate the effects of psychological intervention in ICU patients with SAP.METHODS One hundred ICU patients with SAP were hospitalized in the authors’hospital between 2020 and 2023 were selected,and divided into observation and control groups per the hospitalization order.The control and observation groups received routine nursing and psychological interventions,respectively.Two groups are being compared,using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),Self-Determination Scale(SDS),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)Ⅱ,and 36-item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)scores;nursing satisfaction of patients;ICU care duration;length of stay;hospitalization expenses;and the incidence of complications.RESULTS After nursing,the SDS,SAS,and APACHEⅡ scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The SF-36 scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The nursing satisfaction of patients in the experimental group was 94.5%,considerably higher than that of 75.6% in the control group(P<0.05).The ICU care duration,length of stay,and hospitalization expenses in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the incidence of complications was lower(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For patients with SAP,the implementation of standardized psychological intervention measures can effectively alleviate adverse psychological conditions.

Does community-based health insurance affect lifestyle and timing of treatment seeking behavior?Evidence from Ethiopia

Objectives This paper aims to investigate the effects of enrollment in the Ethiopian community-based health insurance(CBHI)scheme on household preventive care activities and the timing of treatment-seeking behavior for illness symptoms.There is growing concern about the financial sustainability of CBHI schemes in developing countries.However,few empirical studies have identified potential contributors,including ex-ante and ex-post moral hazards.Methods We implement a household fixed-effect panel data regression model,drawing on three rounds of household survey data collected face to face in districts where CBHI scheme is operational and in districts where it is not operational in Ethiopia.Results The findings show that enrolment in CBHI does not significantly influence household behaviour regarding preventive care activities such as water treatment before drinking and handwashing before meals.However,CBHI significantly increases delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for diseases symptoms.Particularly,on average,we estimate about 4-6 h delay for malaria symptoms,a little above 4 h for tetanus,and 10-11 h for tuberculosis among the insured households.Conclusions While there is evidence that CBHI improve the utilization of outpatient or primary care services,our study suggests that insured members may wait longer before visiting health facilities.This delay could be partly due to moral hazard problems,as insured households,particularly those from rural areas,may consider the opportunity costs associated with visiting health facilities for minor symptoms.Overall,it is essential to identify the primary causes of delays in seeking medical services and implement appropriate interventions to encourage insured individuals to seek early medical attention.

Epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii colonization in neonatal intensive care units:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)in neonatal intensive care units(NICUs)represents an escalating challenge in healthcare settings,particularly in managing hospital-acquired infections(HAIs).Studies across various World Health Organization regions have documented a significant incidence of CRAB-related HAIs,with rates as high as 41.7 cases per 1000 patients in ICUs,accounting for 13.6%of all HAIs.These infections pose a doubled mortality risk compared to infections with carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii.A particularly concerning aspect of CRAB colonization is its asymptomatic nature,enabling its transmission through healthcare workers(HCWs)or the NICU environment to vulnerable neonates with developing immune systems.AIM To explore the prevalence of CRAB colonization in NICUs,focusing on neonates,healthcare workers,and the environmental samples,to enhance epidemiological understanding and inform targeted interventions.METHODS We conducted according to PRISMA 2020 checklist guidelines,a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases including MEDLINE(Ovid),EMBASE(Ovid),Global Health(Ovid),Web of Science,and Global Index Me-dicus.Studies were selected based on predetermined criteria,primarily involving neonates,HCWs,and environmental swabs,using culture or molecular methods to detect CRAB colonization.We excluded studies that did not specifically focus on NICUs,were duplicates,or lacked necessary data.The study selection and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers.Data extraction involved collecting comprehensive details about each study.Our statistical analysis used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and confidence intervals,stratifying results by regional location.We assessed study heterogeneity using Cochran's Q statistic and I²statistic,with regression tests employed to evaluate potential publication bias.RESULTS We analyzed 737 records from five databases,ultimately including 13 studies from ten countries.For neonates,the pooled prevalence was 4.8%(95%CI:1.1%to 10.5%)with the highest rates observed in South-East Asia(10.5%;95%CI:2.4%to 23.3%).Among HCWs,a single Indian study reported a 3.3%prevalence.Environmental samples showed a prevalence of 2.3%(95%CI:0%to 9.3%),with the highest rates in South-East Asia(10%;95%CI:4.2%to 17.7%).Significant heterogeneity was found across studies,and no publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights a significant prevalence of CRAB colonization in neonates across various regions,particularly in South-East Asia,contrasting with lower rates in high-income countries.The study reveals a gap in research on HCWs colonization,with only a single study from India reporting moderate prevalence.Environmental samples indicate moderate levels of CRAB contamination,again higher in South-East Asia.These findings underscore the need for more extensive and focused research on CRAB colonization in NICUs,including exploring the roles of HCWs and the environment in transmission,understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns,and developing effective prevention measures.

Burden of gallstone disease in the United States population:Prepandemic rates and trends

BACKGROUND Gallstone disease is one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States and leads to significant morbidity,mortality,and health care utilization.AIM To expand on earlier findings and investigate prepandemic rates and trends in the gallstone disease burden in the United States using national survey and claims databases.METHODS The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey,National Inpatient Sample,Nationwide Emergency Department Sample,Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample,Vital Statistics of the United States,Optum Clinformatics®Data Mart,and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare 5%Sample and Medicaid files were used to estimate claims-based prevalence,medical care including cholecystectomy,and mortality with a primary or other gallstone diagnosis.Rates were age-adjusted(for national databases)and shown per 100000 population.RESULTS Gallstone disease prevalence(claims-based,2019)was 0.70%among commercial insurance enrollees,1.03%among Medicaid beneficiaries,and 2.09%among Medicare beneficiaries and rose over the previous decade.Recently,in the United States population,gallstone disease contributed to approximately 2.2 million ambulatory care visits,1.2 million emergency department visits,625000 hospital discharges,and 2000 deaths annually.Women had higher medical care rates with a gallstone disease diagnosis,but mortality rates were higher among men.Hispanics had higher ambulatory care visit and hospital discharge rates compared with Whites,but not mortality rates.Blacks had lower ambulatory care visit and mortality rates,but similar hospital discharge rates compared with whites.During the study period,ambulatory care and emergency department visit rates with a gallstone disease diagnosis rose,while hospital discharge and mortality rates declined.Among commercial insurance enrollees,rates were higher compared with national data for ambulatory care visits and hospitalizations,but lower for emergency department visits.Cholecystectomies performed in the United States included 605000 ambulatory laparoscopic,280000 inpatient laparoscopic,and 49000 inpatient open procedures annually.Among commercial insurance enrollees,rates were higher compared with national data for laparoscopic procedures.CONCLUSION The gallstone disease burden in the United States is substantial and increasing,particularly among women,Hispanics,and older adults with laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the mainstay treatment.Current practice patterns should be monitored for better health care access.

Impact of depression on in-hospital outcomes for adults with type 2 myocardial infarction:A United States population-based analysis

BACKGROUND Type 2 myocardial infarction(T2MI)is an ischemic myocardial injury in the context of oxygen supply/demand mismatch in the absence of a primary coronary event.However,though there is a rising prevalence of depression and its potential association with type 1 myocardial infarction(T1MI),data remains nonexistent to evaluate the asso-ciation with T2MI.AIM To identify the prevalence and risk of T2MI in adults with depression and its impact on the in-hospital outcomes.METHODS We queried the National Inpatient Sample(2019)to identify T2MI hospitalizations using Internal Classification of Diseases-10 codes in hospitalized adults(≥18 years).In addition,we compared sociodemographic and comorbidities in the T2MI cohort with vs without comorbid depression.Finally,we used multivariate regression analysis to study the odds of T2MI hospitalizations with vs without depression and in-hospital outcomes(all-cause mortality,cardiogenic shock,cardiac arrest,and stroke),adjusting for confounders.Statistical significance was RESULTS There were 331145 adult T2MI hospitalizations after excluding T1MI(median age:73 years,52.8%male,69.9%white);41405(12.5%)had depression,the remainder;289740 did not have depression.Multivariate analysis revealed lower odds of T2MI in patients with depression vs without[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=0.88,95%confidence interval(CI):0.86-0.90,P=0.001].There was the equal prevalence of prior MI with any revascularization and a similar prevalence of peripheral vascular disease in the cohorts with depression vs without depression.There is a greater prevalence of stroke in patients with depression(10.1%)vs those without(8.6%).There was a slightly higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with depression vs without depression(56.5%vs 48.9%),as well as obesity(21.3%vs 17.9%).There was generally equal prevalence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in both cohorts.There was no significant difference in elective and non-elective admissions frequency between cohorts.Patients with depression vs without depression also showed a lower risk of all-cause mortality(aOR=0.75,95%CI:0.67-0.83,P=0.001),cardiogenic shock(aOR=0.65,95%CI:0.56-0.76,P=0.001),cardiac arrest(aOR=0.77,95%CI:0.67-0.89,P=0.001)as well as stroke(aOR=0.79,95%CI:0.70-0.89,P=0.001).CONCLUSION This study revealed a significantly lower risk of T2MI in patients with depression compared to patients without depression by decreasing adverse in-hospital outcomes such as all-cause mortality,cardiogenic shock,cardiac arrest,and stroke in patients with depression.

Comparison of fungal vs bacterial infections in the medical intensive liver unit:Cause or corollary for high mortality?

BACKGROUND Due to development of an immune-dysregulated phenotype,advanced liver disease in all forms predisposes patients to sepsis acquisition,including by opportunistic pathogens such as fungi.Little data exists on fungal infection within a medical intensive liver unit(MILU),particularly in relation to acute on chronic liver failure.AIM To investigate the impact of fungal infections among critically ill patients with advanced liver disease,and compare outcomes to those of patients with bacterial infections.METHODS From our prospective registry of MILU patients from 2018-2022,we included 27 patients with culture-positive fungal infections and 183 with bacterial infections.We compared outcomes between patients admitted to the MILU with fungal infections to bacterial counterparts.Data was extracted through chart review.RESULTS All fungal infections were due to Candida species,and were most frequently blood isolates.Mortality among patients with fungal infections was significantly worse relative to the bacterial cohort(93%vs 52%,P<0.001).The majority of the fungal cohort developed grade 2 or 3 acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF)(90%vs 64%,P=0.02).Patients in the fungal cohort had increased use of vasopressors(96%vs 70%,P=0.04),mechanical ventilation(96%vs 65%,P<0.001),and dialysis due to acute kidney injury(78%vs 52%,P=0.014).On MILU admission,the fungal cohort had significantly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(108 vs 91,P=0.003),Acute Physiology Score(86 vs 65,P=0.003),and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium scores(86 vs 65,P=0.041).There was no significant difference in the rate of central line use preceding culture(52%vs 40%,P=0.2).Patients with fungal infection had higher rate of transplant hold placement,and lower rates of transplant;however,differences did not achieve statistical significance.CONCLUSION Mortality was worse among patients with fungal infections,likely attributable to severe ACLF development.Prospective studies examining empiric antifungals in severe ACLF and associations between fungal infections and transplant outcomes are critical.

Academic productivity correlates with industry earnings in foot and ankle fellowship programs in the United States:A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND The study investigates the connection between academic productivity and industry earnings in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships.Utilizing metrics like the H-index and Open Payments Database(OPD)data,it addresses a gap in understanding the relationship between scholarly achievements and financial outcomes,providing a basis for further exploration in this specialized medical field.AIM To elucidate the trends between academic productivity and industry earnings across foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowship programs in the United States.METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis of the relationship between academic productivity and industry earnings of foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships at an individual faculty and fellowship level.Academic productivity was defined via H-index and recorded from the Scopus website.Industry earnings were recorded from the OPD.RESULTS Forty-eight foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships(100%of fellowships)in the United States with a combined total of 165 physicians(95.9%of physicians)were included.Mean individual physician(n=165)total life-time earnings reported on the OPD website was United States Dollar(USD)451430.30±1851084.89(range:USD 25.16-21269249.85;median:USD 27839.80).Mean physician(n=165)H-index as reported on Scopus is 14.24±12.39(range:0-63;median:11).There was a significant but weak correlation between individual physician H-index and individual physician total life-time earnings(P<0.001;Spearman’s rho=0.334)and a significant and moderate positive correlation between combined fellowship H-index and total life-time earnings per fellowship(P=0.004,Spearman’s rho=0.409).CONCLUSION There is a significant and positive correlation between academic productivity and industry earnings at foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowships in the United States.This observation is true on an individual physician level as well as on a fellowship level.

Role of incretins and glucagon receptor agonists in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease:Opportunities and challenges

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide,paralleling the rising pandemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes.Due to the growing global health burden and com-plex pathogenesis of MASLD,a multifaceted and innovative therapeutic approach is needed.Incretin receptor agonists,which were initially developed for diabetes management,have emerged as promising candidates for MASLD treatment.This review describes the pathophysiological mechanisms and action sites of three major classes of incretin/glucagon receptor agonists:glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists,glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists,and glucagon receptor agonists.Incretins and glucagon directly or indirectly impact various organs,including the liver,brain,pancreas,gastro-intestinal tract,and adipose tissue.Thus,these agents significantly improve glycemic control and weight management and mitigate MASLD pathogenesis.Importantly,this study provides a summary of clinical trials analyzing the effect-iveness and safety of incretin receptor agonists in MASLD management and provides an in-depth analysis highlighting their beneficial effects on improving liver function,hepatic steatosis,and intrahepatic inflammation.There are emerging challenges associated with the use of these medications in the real world,particularly adverse events,drug-drug interactions,and barriers to access,which are discussed in detail.Additionally,this review highlights the evolving role of incretin receptor agonists in MASLD management and suggests future research directions.

Trends of autoimmune liver disease inpatient hospitalization and mortality from 2011 to 2017:A United States nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND Autoimmune liver diseases(AiLD)encompass a variety of disorders that target either the liver cells(autoimmune hepatitis,AIH)or the bile ducts[primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),and primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)].These conditions can progress to chronic liver disease(CLD),which is characterized by fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.Recent studies have indicated a rise in hospitalizations and associated costs for CLD in the US,but information regarding inpatient admissions specifically for AiLD remains limited.AIM To examine the trends and mortality of inpatient hospitalization of AiLD from 2011 to 2017.METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis utilizing the National Inpatient Sample(NIS)databases.All subjects admitted between 2011 and 2017 with a diagnosis of AiLD(AIH,PBC,PSC)were identified using the International Classification of Diseases(ICD-9)and ICD-10 codes.primary AiLD admission was defined if the first admission code was one of the AiLD codes.secondary AiLD admission was defined as having the AiLD diagnosis anywhere in the admission diagnosis(25 diagnoses).Subjects aged 21 years and older were included.The national estimates of hospitalization were derived using sample weights provided by NIS.χ^(2)tests for categorical data were used.The primary trend characteristics were in-hospital mortality,hospital charges,and length of stay.RESULTS From 2011 to 2017,hospitalization rates witnessed a significant decline,dropping from 83263 admissions to 74850 admissions(P<0.05).The patients hospitalized were predominantly elderly(median 53%for age>65),mostly female(median 59%)(P<0.05),and primarily Caucasians(median 68%)(P<0.05).Medicare was the major insurance(median 56%),followed by private payer(median 27%)(P<0.05).The South was the top geographical distribution for these admissions(median 33%)(P<0.05),with most admissions taking place in big teaching institutions(median 63%)(P<0.05).Total charges for admissions rose from 66031 in 2011 to 78987 in 2017(P<0.05),while the inpatient mortality rate had a median of 4.9%(P<0.05),rising from 4.67%in 2011 to 5.43%in 2017.The median length of stay remained relatively stable,changing from 6.94 days(SD=0.07)in 2011 to 6.51 days(SD=0.06)in 2017(P<0.05).Acute renal failure emerged as the most common risk factor associated with an increased death rate,affecting nearly 68%of patients(P<0.05).CONCLUSION AiLD-inpatient hospitalization showed a decrease in overall trends over the studied years,however there is a significant increase in financial burden on healthcare with increasing in-hospital costs along with increase in mortality of hospitalized patient with AiLD.