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Tissue Engineering and Regenerative... Jun 2024Uncontrollable and widespread bleeding caused by surgery or sudden accidents can lead to death if not treated with appropriate hemostasis. To prevent excessive...
BACKGROUND
Uncontrollable and widespread bleeding caused by surgery or sudden accidents can lead to death if not treated with appropriate hemostasis. To prevent excessive life-threatening bleeding, various hemostatic agents based on polymeric biomaterials with various additives for accelerated blood coagulation have been adopted in clinical fields. In particular, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains many blood coagulation factors that can accelerate blood clot formation, is considered as one of the most effective hemostatic additives.
METHODS
We investigated a PRP-embedded porous film using discarded (expired) PRP and a film with a leaf-stacked structure (FLSS), as a hemostatic agent to induce rapid hemostasis. The film, which contained an LSS on one side (PCL-FLSS), was fabricated by a simple heating-cooling technique using tetraglycol and polycaprolactone (PCL) film. Activated PRP was obtained by the thawing of frozen PRP at the end of its expiration date (the platelet cell membrane is disrupted during the freezing and thawing of PRP, thus releasing various coagulation factors) and embedded in the PCL-FLSS (PRP-FLSS).
RESULTS
From in vitro and in vivo experiments using a rat hepatic bleeding model, it was recognized that PRP-FLSS is not only biocompatible but also significantly accelerates blood clotting and thus prevents rapid bleeding, probably due to a synergistic effect of the sufficient supply of various blood coagulants from activated PRP embedded in the LSS layer and the large surface area of the LSS itself.
CONCLUSION
The study suggests that PRP-FLSS, a combination of a porous polymer matrix with a unique morphology and discarded biofunctional resources, can be an advanced hemostatic agent as well as an upcycling platform to avoid the waste of biofunctional resources.
PubMed: 38896385
DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00656-y -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Frequent and excessive consumption of alcohol, be it episodic or sustained misuse, ranks among the top causes of mortality globally. This comprehensive analysis seeks to... (Review)
Review
Frequent and excessive consumption of alcohol, be it episodic or sustained misuse, ranks among the top causes of mortality globally. This comprehensive analysis seeks to elucidate how alcohol misuse precipitates death, with a particular focus on associated cardiac anomalies. Notably, the phenomenon of "Holiday Heart Syndrome", linked to binge drinking, is recognized for inducing potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, persistent alcohol consumption is implicated in the development of alcoholic cardiomyopathy, a condition that underlies heart failure and arrhythmic disturbances of the heart. Additionally, individuals undergoing withdrawal from alcohol frequently exhibit disruptions in normal heart rhythm, posing a risk of death. This review further delves into additional alcohol-related mortality factors, including the heightened likelihood of hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), and the connection between excessive alcohol use and Takotsubo syndrome.
PubMed: 38893715
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111189 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Cardiac arrest results in a high death rate if cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation are not performed. Mortality is strongly linked to regulations, in...
Cardiac arrest results in a high death rate if cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation are not performed. Mortality is strongly linked to regulations, in terms of prevention and emergency-urgency system organization. In Italy, training of lay rescuers and the presence of defibrillators were recently made mandatory in schools. Our analysis aims to analyze Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) events in pediatric patients (under 18 years old), to understand the epidemiology of this phenomenon and provide helpful evidence for policy-making. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on the emergency databases of Lombardy Region, considering all pediatric OHCAs managed between 1 January 2016, and 31 December 2019. The demographics of the patients and the logistics of the events were statistically analyzed. The incidence in pediatric subjects is 4.5 (95% CI 3.6-5.6) per 100,000 of the population. School buildings and sports facilities have relatively few events (1.9% and 4.4%, respectively), while 39.4% of OHCAs are preventable, being due to violent accidents or trauma, mainly occurring on the streets (23.2%). Limiting violent events is necessary to reduce OHCA mortality in children. Raising awareness and giving practical training to citizens is a priority in general but specifically in schools.
PubMed: 38892845
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113133 -
Nutrients May 2024Sarcopenia screening tools have a low capacity to predict adverse outcomes that are consequences of sarcopenia in the elderly population. This study aimed to evaluate...
Sarcopenia screening tools have a low capacity to predict adverse outcomes that are consequences of sarcopenia in the elderly population. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a new sarcopenia screening tool SARC-GLOBAL to predict negative clinical outcomes in the elderly. A total of 395 individuals were evaluated in a 42-month period. The screening tools SARC-GLOBAL, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF and the diagnosis of sarcopenia according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP2) were performed at the beginning of the study. Logistic and Poisson regression models were applied to assess the predictive value of the tools for the odds and risks of negative clinical outcomes, respectively. The most common negative clinical outcome in the followed population was falls (12.9%), followed by infections (12.4%), hospitalizations (11.8%), fractures (4.3%), and deaths (2.7%). Both SARC-GLOBAL and SARC-F were similar in predicting the odds of falls and hospitalizations during the follow up period, however SARC-CalF only predicted the odds of hospitalizations at 42 months.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Aged; Male; Female; Prognosis; Hospitalization; Aged, 80 and over; Accidental Falls; Geriatric Assessment; Mass Screening; Predictive Value of Tests; Logistic Models
PubMed: 38892650
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111717 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Michael acceptors represent a class of compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. They act by binding to nucleophilic sites in biological molecules, thereby... (Review)
Review
Michael acceptors represent a class of compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. They act by binding to nucleophilic sites in biological molecules, thereby disrupting cancer cell function and inducing cell death. This mode of action, as well as their ability to be modified and targeted, makes them a promising avenue for advancing cancer therapy. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Michael acceptors and their interactions with cancer cells, in particular their ability to interfere with cellular processes and induce apoptosis. The anti-cancer properties of Michael acceptors are not accidental but are due to their chemical structure and reactivity. The electrophilic nature of these compounds allows them to selectively target nucleophilic residues on disease-associated proteins, resulting in significant therapeutic benefits and minimal toxicity in various diseases. This opens up new perspectives for the development of more effective and precise cancer drugs. Nevertheless, further studies are essential to fully understand the impact of our discoveries and translate them into clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Animals
PubMed: 38892287
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116099 -
Sudebno-meditsinskaia Ekspertiza 2024Death from general hypothermia is one of the leading causes in the structure of violent death in the Russian Federation.
UNLABELLED
Death from general hypothermia is one of the leading causes in the structure of violent death in the Russian Federation.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify and supplement the complex of differential diagnostic macro- and microscopic signs of a fatal acute general cold trauma received when person is in the air and water.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The conclusions of forensic medical experts on the bodies of people who died from hypothermia in the air and in water (by 150 observations) were analyzed. Methods of descriptive statistics, calculation of the frequency ratio of signs' occurrence were used.
RESULTS
The article provides quantitative assessment of occurrence (detection) rate of diagnostically significant signs established with the help of traditional methods of expert examination. A new classification of diagnostic death signs from hypothermia taking into account their differential diagnostic significance and reflecting the conditions of a person's stay in the air and water in the pre-mortem and post-mortem periods, as well as terminal period mechanisms is proposed.
CONCLUSION
The established complexes of signs provide an objective basis for determining death cause in non-obvious conditions when cold exposure is expected to be one of the most damaging factors.
Topics: Humans; Hypothermia; Cause of Death; Russia; Forensic Pathology; Expert Testimony; Autopsy; Cold Temperature; Diagnosis, Differential; Forensic Medicine; Air; Water
PubMed: 38887068
DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20246703129 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Although road traffic injuries and deaths have decreased globally, there is substantial national and sub-national heterogeneity, particularly in low- and middle-income...
BACKGROUND
Although road traffic injuries and deaths have decreased globally, there is substantial national and sub-national heterogeneity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Ghana is one of few countries in Africa collecting comprehensive, spatially detailed data on motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). This data is a critical step towards improving roadway safety, as accurate and reliable information is essential for devising targeted countermeasures.
METHODS
Here, we analyze 16 years of police-report data using emerging hot spot analysis in ArcGIS to identify hot spots with trends of increasing injury severity (a weighted composite measure of MVCs, minor injuries, severe injuries, and deaths), and counts of injuries, severe injuries, and deaths along major roads in urban and rural areas of Ghana.
RESULTS
We find injury severity index sums and minor injury counts are significantly decreasing over time in Ghana while severe injury and death counts are not, indicating the latter should be the focus for road safety efforts. We identify new, consecutive, intensifying, and persistent hot spots on 2.65% of urban roads and 4.37% of rural roads. Hot spots are intensifying in terms of severity and frequency on major roads in rural areas.
CONCLUSIONS
A few key road sections, particularly in rural areas, show elevated levels of road traffic injury severity, warranting targeted interventions. Our method for evaluating spatiotemporal trends in MVC, road traffic injuries, and deaths in a LMIC includes sufficient detail for replication and adaptation in other countries, which is useful for targeting countermeasures and tracking progress.
Topics: Ghana; Accidents, Traffic; Humans; Wounds and Injuries; Longitudinal Studies; Spatio-Temporal Analysis; Trauma Severity Indices
PubMed: 38886724
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18915-x -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Cornaux/Les Sauges (Switzerland, Late Iron Age) revealed remnants of a wooden bridge, artifacts, and human and animal skeletal remains. The relationship between the...
Cornaux/Les Sauges (Switzerland, Late Iron Age) revealed remnants of a wooden bridge, artifacts, and human and animal skeletal remains. The relationship between the collapsed structure and the skeletal material, whether it indicates a potential accident or cultural practices, remains elusive. We evaluate the most plausible scenario for Cornaux based on osteological, taphonomic, isotopic, and paleogenomic analysis of the recovered individuals. The latter amount to at least 20 individuals, mostly adult males. Perimortem lesions include only blunt force traumas. Radiocarbon data fall between the 3rd and 1st c. BCE, although in some cases predating available dendrochronological estimates from the bridge. Isotopic data highlight five to eight nonlocals. No close genetic relatedness links the analyzed skeletons. Paleogenomic results, the first for Iron Age Switzerland, point to a genetic affinity with other Central and Western European Iron Age groups. The type of skeletal lesions supports an accidental event as the more plausible explanation. Radiocarbon data and the demographic structure of the sample may suggest a sequence of different events possibly including executions and/or sacrifices. Isotopic and paleogenomic data, while not favoring one scenario over the other, do support earlier interpretations of the last centuries BCE in Europe as a dynamic period from a biocultural perspective.
Topics: Humans; Switzerland; Male; History, Ancient; Adult; Female; Archaeology; Fossils; Bone and Bones; Radiometric Dating
PubMed: 38886480
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62524-y -
PloS One 2024Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of road accidents and deaths caused by them. The present study aimed to identify the effect of this epidemic on...
INTRODUCTION
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of road accidents and deaths caused by them. The present study aimed to identify the effect of this epidemic on traffic accidents and their casualties in Iran.
METHODS
In this study, Interrupted Time Series Analysis (ITSA) was used in a semi-experimental design to measure the impact of the restrictive policies of COVID-19 on road accidents. Data were collected retrospectively from the Iran Red Crescent Society data set for 31 provinces from March 2017 to February 2022. The information related to the number of road accidents, injuries, deaths, and deaths in the hospital was collected. The Newey-West method is used for estimation. Statistical analyses were carried out using R software version 3.6.1.
RESULTS
Since February 2020 in Iran, the reduction in the number of road accidents and the number of injuries and deaths in these accidents was significant at 5% but the reduction of deaths in the scene and hospital was significant at 10%. In general, for all variables, the reduction trend was established only in the first months, and then it had an upward trend.
CONCLUSION
In the early months of the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, the number of road accidents and their casualties decreased. Policies restricting traffic, quarantine, and fines for violators can be reasons for changing people's behavior and travel patterns and also lead to a reduction in traffic accidents and fatalities. Such studies can explain the importance of the policies in changing behavioural patterns and can be used as a guide in future policies.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Iran; Accidents, Traffic; Interrupted Time Series Analysis; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Retrospective Studies; Wounds and Injuries; Quarantine
PubMed: 38885239
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305081 -
Cureus May 2024Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are considered a major public health threat. The causes of RTAs are multifactorial, comprising both human and non-human factors....
Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are considered a major public health threat. The causes of RTAs are multifactorial, comprising both human and non-human factors. RTAs may result not only in detrimental health consequences but also in serious economic burdens. This study aimed to provide a retrospective overview of the health and economic impacts of RTAs in Jordan during the period 2013-2021, including the implemented multisectoral mitigation strategies. Methodology This study presents a retrospective chart review of the traffic reports published by the Public Security Directorate (PSD) in Jordan during the period 2013-2021. The examined variables were the total number of road accidents involving human injuries per year, average road accidents per day, annual deaths, average deaths per day, deaths per 100,000 population, annual number of injuries, average number of injuries per day, severity of human injury, number of registered vehicles, and the annual financial costs. Data were extracted from PSD reports and presented descriptively. Results The number of registered vehicles has risen from 1,263,754 in 2013 to 1,795,215 in 2021 with a 42.1% increase. This was also associated with an increase in the average RTAs per day from 28.0 in 2013 to 30.8 in 2021. The total number of RTAs that involved human injuries during the period 2013-2021 fluctuated with 8,451 in 2020 (lowest) and 11,241 in 2021 (highest). In the same period, annual deaths caused by RTAs peaked in 2013 with 768 deaths (highest) compared to 461 in 2020 (lowest). In the five years from 2017 to 2021, the total financial cost of RTAs in Jordan was nearly 1.561 billion Jordanian Dinars (~2.2 billion U.S. dollars) compared to 1.363 billion Jordanian Dinars (~1.92 billion U.S. dollars) in the five years from 2012 to 2016. Conclusions Targeting human and road infrastructure factors through effective government-society partnerships is crucial in mitigating the health and economic burden of RTAs in Jordan. More strict enforcement of traffic laws, along with incremental increases in the penalties for dangerous traffic violations, and regular road safety campaigns are expected to provide more control over the human factors of RTAs. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of the recently amended traffic law on the trends of RTAs in the country.
PubMed: 38882988
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60497