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Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences Jun 2024As the main players in the central nervous system (CNS), neurons dominate most life activities. However, after accidental trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons... (Review)
Review
As the main players in the central nervous system (CNS), neurons dominate most life activities. However, after accidental trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons are unable to regenerate themselves. The loss of this important role can seriously affect the quality of life of patients, ranging from movement disorders to disability and even death. There is no suitable treatment to prevent or reverse this process. Therefore, the regeneration of neurons after loss has been a major clinical problem and the key to treatment. Replacing the lost neurons by transdifferentiation of other cells is the only viable approach. Although much progress has been made in stem cell therapy, ethical issues, immune rejection, and limited cell sources still hinder its clinical application. In recent years, somatic cell reprogramming technology has brought a new dawn. Among them, astrocytes, as endogenously abundant cells homologous to neurons, have good potential and application value for reprogramming into neurons, having been reprogrammed into neurons in vitro and in vivo in a variety of ways.
PubMed: 38862082
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103947 -
BMC Palliative Care Jun 2024Patient safety is crucial for quality of care. Preventable adverse events (AEs) occur in 1 of 20 patients in the hospital, but it is unknown whether this is different...
Adverse events at the end of life of hospital patients with or without a condition relevant for palliative care: a nationwide retrospective record review study in the Netherlands.
BACKGROUND
Patient safety is crucial for quality of care. Preventable adverse events (AEs) occur in 1 of 20 patients in the hospital, but it is unknown whether this is different for patients with a condition relevant for palliative care. The majority of the limited available research on this topic is only focused on patients already receiving palliative care, and do not make comparisons with other patients at the end-of-life. We identified and compared the prevalence, preventability, nature and causes of AEs in patients with and without a condition relevant for palliative care.
METHODS
A nationwide retrospective record review study was performed in 20 Dutch hospitals. A total of 2,998 records of patients who died in hospital in 2019 was included. Records were reviewed for AEs. We identified two subgroups: patients with (n = 2,370) or without (n = 248) a condition relevant for palliative care through the selection method of Etkind (2017). Descriptive analyses were performed to calculate prevalence, nature, causes and prevention strategies. T-tests were performed to calculate differences between subgroups.
RESULTS
We found no significant differences between subgroups regarding AE prevalence, this was 15.3% in patients with a condition relevant for palliative care, versus 12.0% in patients without a condition relevant for palliative care (p = 0.148). Potentially preventable AE prevalence was 4.3% versus 4.4% (p = 0.975). Potentially preventable death prevalence in both groups was 3.2% (p = 0.938). There were differences in the nature of AEs: in patients with a condition relevant for palliative care this was mostly related to medication (33.1%), and in patients without a condition relevant for palliative care to surgery (50.8%). In both subgroups in the majority of AEs a patient related cause was identified. For the potentially preventable AEs in both subgroups the two most important prevention strategies as suggested by the medical reviewers were reflection and evaluation and quality assurance.
DISCUSSION
Patient safety risks appeared to be equally prevalent in both subgroups. The nature of AEs does differ between subgroups: medication- versus surgery-related, indicating that tailored safety measures are needed. Recommendations for practice are to focus on reflecting on AEs, complemented with case evaluations.
Topics: Humans; Netherlands; Retrospective Studies; Palliative Care; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Terminal Care; Adult; Medical Errors; Patient Safety
PubMed: 38858703
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01461-z -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2024Age-related changes (e.g., cognitive, physiologic) can affect an individual's mobility and increase risks for falls and motor-vehicle crashes, which are leading causes...
INTRODUCTION
Age-related changes (e.g., cognitive, physiologic) can affect an individual's mobility and increase risks for falls and motor-vehicle crashes, which are leading causes of injuries and injury deaths among older Americans. To address this issue, CDC developed MyMobility Plan (MMP) products to help older adults make plans to reduce injury risks and promote safe mobility. In 2019, MMP products were disseminated to older adults and partner organizations. Dissemination strategies consisted of digital and print distribution and partner outreach.
METHODS
To assess dissemination efforts, a process (or implementation) evaluation was conducted from January to June 2019. Data were collected for 17 indicators (e.g., counts of webpage visits, product downloads, social media posts). Key informant interviews were conducted with partners, and qualitative analyses of interview data were undertaken to identify key themes related to their dissemination experiences.
RESULTS
Findings showed the dissemination resulted in 13,425 product downloads and print copy orders and reached almost 155,000 individuals through email subscriber lists, websites, webinars, and presentations. It is unknown what proportion of these individuals were older adults. Social media metrics were higher than expected, and 58 partners promoted products within their networks. Partner interviews emphasized the need for guidance on dissemination, collaboration with local partners, and integration of the products within a program model to ensure broader reach to and use by older adults.
CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of the dissemination campaign identified strategies that were successful in creating exposure to the MMP and others that could improve reach in the future. Those strategies include meaningful and early partner engagement for dissemination.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Building in evaluation from the start can facilitate development of appropriate data collection measures to assess project success. Engaging partners as active disseminators in the planning stages can help increase the reach of public health tools and resources.
Topics: Humans; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; United States; Information Dissemination; Aged; Accidents, Traffic
PubMed: 38858060
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.03.001 -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2024In this study, we use the media-based database of Beterem-Safe Kids Israel, to provide a 15-year review of unintentional fatal childhood drowning in Israel, between 2008...
INTRODUCTION
In this study, we use the media-based database of Beterem-Safe Kids Israel, to provide a 15-year review of unintentional fatal childhood drowning in Israel, between 2008 and 2022.
METHOD
It total, we identified 257 cases of child mortality due to drowning during this period.
RESULTS
Our results demonstrate a gradual rise in childhood mortality due to drowning, from 72 cases in 2008-2012, to 85 cases in 2013-2017, and to 100 cases in 2018-2022. Especially worth noting is the increase in childhood drowning in domestic swimming pools. We point to a link between low socioeconomic status and cases of drowning, showing that the risk of drowning extends beyond a mere matter of caregiver inattention. We recommend a series of regulatory and legislative steps to reduce fatal childhood drowning, including fencing built around domestic swimming pools, extending lifeguard activity hours, adding declared beaches, forming programs of safe behavior in water environments for adolescents, and establishing swimming lessons during the 2nd grade, for all populations. We further recommend that a special focus will be put in municipalities situated at the bottom of the socioeconomic index.
Topics: Humans; Drowning; Israel; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Male; Infant; Adolescent; Swimming Pools; Child Mortality
PubMed: 38858046
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.02.002 -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2024Drowning is 1 of the 10 leading causes of death due to unintentional injuries in children and adolescents worldwide. Knowing how to swim has been traditionally...
PURPOSE
Drowning is 1 of the 10 leading causes of death due to unintentional injuries in children and adolescents worldwide. Knowing how to swim has been traditionally associated with water safety. However, its conceptualization may vary across studies, leading to different measurements and effects on the risk of drowning. This review sought to understand the current state of scientific evidence associating both issues.
OBJECTIVES
To identify conceptualizations of knowing how to swim and to analyze the evidence indicating whether "knowing how to swim" may be a protective or a risk factor for unintentional drowning in children aged 10 to 14 years.
METHOD
A systematic review of observational etiology studies was conducted, considering original peer-reviewed research published up to the year 2020. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central, Tripdatabase, Science Direct, Epistemonikos, Bvs and Bireme were searched for studies associating swimming skills as a risk or a protective factor for drowning (10-14 years). Study quality was assessed, and quantitative data were synthesized (without performing a meta-analysis).
RESULTS
A total of 6,508 results were identified, with only 6 studies meeting the criteria for inclusion in the final cohort. It was evidenced that the exclusive possession of swimming skills, without a concurrent understanding of water safety, is associated with increased exposure to aquatic environments. Consequently, this may increase the risk of drowning.
CONCLUSIONS
Among children aged 10 to 14 years, there is insufficient evidence regarding whether knowing how to swim serves as a protective factor against drowning compared to not knowing how to swim.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The insufficiency of evidence and a lack of consensus in the conceptualization of swimming as a form of knowledge underscores the need for further research. Such research is crucial for informing investments in drowning prevention interventions, particularly during early adolescence.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Swimming; Drowning; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38858041
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.02.011 -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2024Pedestrian injuries represent a leading cause of child death globally. One prevention strategy is teaching children street-crossing skills. Virtual reality (VR) has...
INTRODUCTION
Pedestrian injuries represent a leading cause of child death globally. One prevention strategy is teaching children street-crossing skills. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a strategy to offer repeated street-crossing practice and overcome ethical barriers of training children in live traffic. This study addressed two questions pertinent to implementation of child pedestrian safety training within VR: (a) how much training do children require to achieve adult street-crossing competency, and (b) what individual differences might facilitate children to acquire that competency more efficiently?
METHODS
Five hundred 7- and 8-year-olds were recruited. Children completed pedestrian safety training within VR for up to 25 thirty-minute training sessions until they achieved adult levels of mastery. At baseline, four cognitive-perceptual skills (visual memory, visual perception, processing speed, working memory) and parent-reported externalizing symptomatology were assessed.
RESULTS
On average, children achieved adult pedestrian safety competency after 10.0 training sessions (SD = 4.8). Just one child (<1%) failed to achieve adult pedestrian functioning after 25 training sessions. In univariate analyses, boys took slightly longer than girls to achieve adult functioning, and visual memory, visual perception, processing speed, working memory, and fewer externalizing symptoms were all positively associated with shorter time to mastery. In a multivariable model, only child age was a statistically significant predictor.
CONCLUSION
Almost all participants achieved adult street-crossing skills competency through VR training, although they required about 10 sessions on average. Analysis of predictor variables confirmed that nearly all 7- and 8-year-olds are trainable.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Implementation of VR pedestrian safety training is recommended, but must be conducted cautiously to ensure children are not permitted to engage independently in traffic until they are assessed and demonstrate sufficient skills.
Topics: Humans; Child; Male; Female; Virtual Reality; Pedestrians; Safety; Accidents, Traffic; Learning; Walking; Adult
PubMed: 38858036
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.01.012 -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2024Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. The increasing popularity of the competitive rideshare market and the...
INTRODUCTION
Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. The increasing popularity of the competitive rideshare market and the lack of oversight over workforce health and safety limits understanding of the current occupational hazards and associated risk factors faced by this precarious workforce. The objective of this analysis was to determine what the personal, social and occupational risk factors for work-related crashes in rideshare drivers are in the United States and suggest further research required to understand occupational health risks and opportunities for interventions.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a survey of a convenience sample of rideshare and taxi drivers using an online questionnaire. Rideshare respondents (n = 277) were recruited through an email that was distributed to people who subscribe to TheRideshareGuy.com. We examined the general characteristics of rideshare drivers by history of work-related MVCs and logistic regression models were used to determine major predictors of MVCs.
RESULTS
Of 276 rideshare drivers that reported their crash history, one-third (n = 91, 33%) reported being involved in a work-related crash. Results from a multivariable logistic regression model showed rideshare MVCs were more likely in older drivers (aOR for 10 year increases in age, 1.55, p = 0.001), if drivers undertook 10 or more rideshare trips per day (aOR 1.84, p = 0.041), frequently or very frequently were driving on unfamiliar roads (aOR 1.72, p = 0.048) and driving whilst tired (aOR 3.03, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
Precarious workers and health and safety is emerging as a major area of research focus. There is a unique opportunity to explore the occupational health risks in rideshare drivers to provide interventions that encourage growth of a healthy and fit rideshare workforce and promote work practices and future regulations aimed at improving safe work practices.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
This analysis paints a complex picture of personal and occupational factors that are associated with MVCs in rideshare drivers suggesting that additional policy development related to occupational health and safety of rideshare drivers could be constructive.
Topics: Humans; Male; United States; Female; Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Automobile Driving; Young Adult; Accidents, Occupational; Aged; Logistic Models
PubMed: 38858035
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.01.005 -
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics Jun 2024Ballistic injuries among pediatric populations have become a public health crisis in the United States. The surge in firearm injuries among children has outpaced other...
OBJECTIVES
Ballistic injuries among pediatric populations have become a public health crisis in the United States. The surge in firearm injuries among children has outpaced other causes of death. This study aims to assess the trend in pediatric gunshot injuries (GSIs) over the last decade and investigate the impact, if any, of the pandemic on GSIs statistics.
METHODS
A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted using a federated, real-time national database. A total of 15,267,921 children without GSIs and 6261 children with GSIs between 2017 and 2023 were identified. The study evaluated the incidence and annual proportions of GSIs among different demographics. In addition, the incidence proportions per 100,000 for accidental, nonaccidental, fracture-related, and fatal GSIs were analyzed.
RESULTS
The incidence proportions per 100,000 for GSIs, accidental GSIs, nonaccidental GSIs, fatal GSIs, wheelchair-bound cases, and fracture-related GSIs increased significantly from 2017 to 2023, going from 9.7 to 22.8 (Relative Risk: 2.342, 95% CI: 2.041, 2.687, P < 0.001). The overall increase was mostly a result of accidental GSI when compared with nonaccidental (incidence proportion 25.8 vs 2.1; P < 0.001) in 2021 at the height of the pandemic. In patients with an accidental GSI, the incidence proportion per 100k between 2017 and 2023 increased from 8.81 to 21.11 (Relative Risk: 2.397, 95% CI: 2.076, 2.768, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The study supports the shift in the leading cause of death among children from motor vehicle accidents to GSIs, with the continued rise in rates despite the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Accidental injuries constituted the majority of GSIs, indicating the need for enhanced gun safety measures, including requirements for gun storage, keeping firearms locked and unloaded, requiring child supervision in homes with guns, and enforcing stricter punishments as penalties. Comprehensive efforts are required to address this public health crisis. Pediatricians play a vital role in counseling and educating families on firearm safety.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.
PubMed: 38853750
DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002742 -
Forensic Science International May 2024Forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation are crucial in investigations of suspicious deaths related to falls from a height. In such cases, distinguishing between...
Forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation are crucial in investigations of suspicious deaths related to falls from a height. In such cases, distinguishing between accidental falls, being pushed or jumping is an important but difficult task, since objective methods to do so are currently lacking. This paper explores the possibility of repurposing a passive rigid body model of a human from commercially available crash simulation software for forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation of humans dropping from heights. To use this approach, a prerequisite is that the human body model can produce realistic movements compared to those of a real human, given similar environmental conditions. Therefore, this study assessed the validity of the commercially available Simcenter Madymo Pedestrian Model (MPM) for simulating human fall movements. Experimental kinematic and kinetic data was collected from nine participants, who dropped from a height in three different ways: passively tilting over, getting pushed, and jumping. Next, the performance of the MPM in reproducing the kinematics of the experimental falls was assessed by comparing the orientation of the body 0.3 s after platform release. The results show that the MPM currently does not consistently reproduce the experimentally recorded falling movements across multiple falling conditions and outcome measures. The MPM must therefore be adapted if to be used for forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation, for example by implementing active movement.
PubMed: 38850615
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112068 -
BMC Emergency Medicine Jun 2024An injury is described as any damage to the body that impairs health, and its severity can span from mild to life-threatening. On a global scale, injuries account for... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
An injury is described as any damage to the body that impairs health, and its severity can span from mild to life-threatening. On a global scale, injuries account for approximately 4.4 million deaths annually and are anticipated to become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. In Ethiopia, injuries account for 7% of all deaths, with one of the world's highest rates of road traffic injuries. This study, undertaken at a primary trauma centre in the capital of Ethiopia, aimed to explore the characteristics of injured patients and emergency department mortality as the patient outcome. Understanding the patterns and outcomes of injuries helps to anticipate needs, prioritize patients, and allocate resources effectively.
METHODS
A retrospective single-center observational study utilised patient records from September 2020 to August 2021 at Addis Ababa Burn Emergency and Trauma Hospital, located in Ethiopia. A structured checklist facilitated the data collection. All patients arriving in the ED from September 2020 to August 2021 were eligible for the study while incomplete records (missing > 20% of wanted data elements) were excluded.
RESULT
Of the 3502 injured patients recorded during the study period, 317 were selected. The mean patient age was 30 years, with 78.5% being male. About 8% arrived the emergency department within an hour after the injury. Ambulances transported 38.8% of patients; 58.5% of these were referred from other facilities. The predominant mechanism of injury both in and outside Addis Ababa was pedestrian road traffic injuries (31.4% and 38%). The predominant injury type was fractures (33.8%). The mortality rate was 5%, of which half were pedestrian road traffic incidents.
CONCLUSION
Pedestrian road traffic injuries were the main cause of injury in and outside of Addis Ababa. A small proportion of patients arrived at the emergency department within the first hour after an injury event. A significant proportion of ambulance-transported patients were referred from other facilities rather than directly from the scene. The overall mortality rate was high, with pedestrian road traffic injury accounting for half of the proportion.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Emergency Service, Hospital; Middle Aged; Wounds and Injuries; Adolescent; Child; Accidents, Traffic; Young Adult; Hospital Mortality; Child, Preschool; Aged
PubMed: 38849745
DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-01017-7