Plos One
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Comparative Study
High versus low attenuation thresholds to determine the solid component of ground-glass opacity nodules.
To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of high versus low attenuation thresholds for determining the solid component of ground-glass opacity nodules (GGNs) for the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) from minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). ⋯ The low attenuation threshold was better than the conventional high attenuation threshold for determining the solid components of GGNs, which indicate invasive foci.
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Postoperative agitation frequently occurs after general anesthesia and may be associated with serious consequences. However, studies in neurosurgical patients have been inadequate. We aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for early postoperative agitation in patients after craniotomy, specifically focusing on the association between postoperative pneumocephalus and agitation. ⋯ After adjustment for confounding, postoperative agitation was independently associated with worse neurologic outcome (odd ratio: 5.4, 95% confidential interval: 1.1-28.9, P = 0.048). Our results showed that early postoperative agitation was prevalent among post-craniotomy patients and was associated with adverse outcomes. Improvements in clinical strategies relevant to bi-frontal pneumocephalus should be considered.
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Observational Study
Association between emergency physician self-reported empathy and patient satisfaction.
Higher physician self-reported empathy has been associated with higher overall patient satisfaction. However, more evidence-based research is needed to determine such association in an emergent care setting. ⋯ This study provides evidence of a positive association between ED provider self-reported empathy and after-care instant patient-to-provider satisfaction. Overall higher empathy scores were associated with higher patient satisfaction, though minor heterogeneity occurred between different provider characteristics.
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The number of smartphone users globally is rapidly increasing. This study aimed to assess the level of ergonomic risk to smartphone users, and to evaluate the correlation between any self-reported musculoskeletal disorders and the level of ergonomic risk. Thirty participants completed a questionnaire, tailored specifically for smartphone users, to determine any musculoskeletal disorders. ⋯ The RULA results identified the high ergonomics risk of smartphone users, this resulted from two key risk factors: posture and muscle use. The neck, trunk and leg postures had a combined effect on neck musculoskeletal disorders. Future investigations should consider these factors when designing ergonomic interventions for smartphone users.
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The obesity epidemic is spreading rapidly in Guatemala, a low/middle income country still struggling with undernutrition. Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption is strongly associated with overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases. In Guatemala, SSBs are readily available and consumption is high, particularly among adolescents. SSB taxes have been proposed as a cost-effective way to reduce consumption and generate revenues for public health, as has been demonstrated in several countries around the world. ⋯ Soft drink demand is highly sensitive to changes in prices, suggesting that SSB taxes could significantly reduce consumption, which, in turn, could contribute to curbing the overweight/obesity epidemic.