Brit J Hosp Med
-
Aims/Background Symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms carry significant mortality risk. This is supplemented by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine guidelines which suggest imaging for patients 50 years of age or older presenting with unexplained abdominal, flank, or back pain. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and mortality rates of patients with symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms in a high-risk population and to assess scanning rates in the accident and emergency department. ⋯ However, this study reveals that scanning rates in the emergency department are low. The encouragement of scanning and improved ultrasound skills among emergency medicine clinicians can reduce missed diagnoses. Additionally, we recommend further studies to assess the mortality rates of emergent abdominal aortic aneurysm presentations.
-
Aims/Background This study expanded the existing literature on obesity and distortion of body image by examining subjective and objective body type among young medical workers, specifically investigating whether fat percentage independently influences body type cognitive bias. Methods We recruited 264 participants (41.29% male, mean age 26.2 ± 3.1 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 21.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) at a comprehensive hospital in central China. The questionnaire responses of the enrolled participants concerning basic information and body type self-assessment were extracted. ⋯ No significant relationships were found for men. Conclusion Fat percentage is an independent, nonlinear factor influencing women's body type cognitive bias. Gender and fat percentage should be considered when establishing weight management intervention strategies to prevent obesity from becoming a public health problem.
-
Aims/Background Sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from dysregulated immune responses to infection, leading to organ dysfunction. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and red cell distribution width (RDW) have shown significant correlations with sepsis severity, yet the combined prognostic value of HDL and RDW in evaluating sepsis severity and outcomes remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between HDL and RDW levels and sepsis severity, as well as evaluates the combined utility of these markers in predicting disease severity and patient outcomes. ⋯ Additionally, SOFA score (OR = 2.354), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (OR = 1.446), HDL (OR = 0.870), and RDW (OR = 3.502) were independent prognostic indicators (p < 0.05 for all). ROC analysis for prognosis showed that HDL combined with RDW had the highest predictive efficacy for the prognosis of sepsis, with an AUC of 0.922, sensitivity of 79.31%, and specificity of 93.24%. Conclusion The combination of HDL and RDW is a robust indicator for the evaluation of sepsis severity and is a valuable prognostic tool for assessing 30-day mortality risk in sepsis patients.
-
Aims/Background Based on Bridge-in, Objective, Pre-assessment, Participatory learning, Post-assessment and Summary (BOPPPS), the teaching model has gained increasing attention in the field of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the BOPPPS teaching model in standardized training for nephrology residents, particularly in educating on hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods This retrospective cohort study included students undergoing standardized training in the nephrology department at the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2024. ⋯ Additionally, the observation group reported higher self-assessment scores (p < 0.05) and greater teaching satisfaction (p < 0.05) than the control group. Conclusion The BOPPPS teaching model is an effective approach to enhancing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and teaching satisfaction in standardized training for nephrology residents. Compared to traditional teaching methods, the BOPPPS model improves learning outcomes, thereby strengthening the quality of medical education.
-
Aims/Background The role of heparin in sepsis therapy has been widely debated. The controversy surrounding heparin's use as an anticoagulant in sepsis may stem from differences in sepsis definitions, study designs, timing and dosage of drug administration, treatment duration, complications, and patient severity. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal timing and dosage of heparin in patients with sepsis, identify specific subgroups that could benefit from heparin therapy, and explore laboratory markers to assess its efficacy. ⋯ The increase in platelet count had a significant mediating effect on the entire cohort (p < 0.001 for the causal mediation effect), with a mediation proportion of 14%. Conclusion Early and adequate heparin administration can significantly improve the prognosis of sepsis. An increase in platelet count may serve as a potential indicator of the effectiveness of heparin therapy in sepsis.