Multimodal learning for emergency department triage implementation: experiences from Papua New Guinea during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Triage implementation in resource-limited emergency departments (EDs) has traditionally relied on intensive in-person training. This study sought to evaluate the impact of a novel digital-based learning strategy focused on the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool, a three-tier triage instrument recommended by the World Health Organization. Methods: A mixed methods study utilising pre-post intervention methods was conducted in two EDs in Papua New Guinea. The primary outcome was the mean change in knowledge before and after completion of a voluntary, multimodal training program, primarily delivered through a digital learning platform accessible via smartphone. Secondary outcomes included the change in confidence to perform selected clinical tasks, and acceptability of the learning methods. Findings: Among 136 eligible ED staff, 91 (66.9%) completed the digital learning program. The mean knowledge score on the post-training exam was 87.5% (SD 10.4), a mean increase of 12.9% (95% CI 10.7–15.1%, p < 0.0001) from the pre-training exam. There were statistically significant improvements in confidence for 13 of 15 clinical tasks, including undertaking a triage assessment and identifying an unwell patient. In an evaluation survey, 100% of 30 respondents agreed or strongly agreed the online learning platform was easy to access, use and navigate, and that the digital teaching methods were appropriate for their learning needs. In qualitative feedback, respondents reported that limited internet access and a lack of dedicated training time were barriers to participation. Interpretation: The use of digital learning to support triage implementation in resource-limited EDs is feasible and effective when accompanied by in-person mentoring. Adequate internet access is an essential pre-requisite

Eccentric Cycling: A Promising Modality for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Purpose: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by dyspnea and poor exercise tolerance, which decreases aerobic capacity (V˙ O2peak), a measure strongly correlated with quality of life and mortality. In healthy populations, eccentric (ECC) cycling can be performed at a lower oxygen demand for matched workload, compared with concentric (CON) cycling, but few studies have previously investigated ECC cycling in CHF. We hypothesized that, when matched for external workload (W), an ECC cycling bout would be performed at a lower cardiorespiratory load (V˙ O2) than CON in patients with CHF. Methods: Eleven CHF patients (10 males) with impaired left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction 31% T 12%) completed a CON V˙ O2peak test, with the subsequent ECC and CON protocols set at 70% of individual maximal CON power (W). Oxygen consumption (V˙ O2), RER, minute ventilation (V˙ E), HR, and rate pressure product were compared between conditions. Results: ECC was performed at a lower V˙ O2 (12.3 T 1.3 vs 14.1 T 0.8 mLIkgj1Iminj1, P = 0.01), RER (0.92 T 0.02 vs 0.96 T 0.01, P = 0.01), and V˙ E (36.5 T 4.4 vs 40.2 T 2.0 LIminj1, P = 0.04) in comparison with CON, despite both conditions being performed at matched workloads. HR (101 T 5 vs 96 T 1 bpm, P = 0.06) and rate pressure product (13,539 T 788 vs 11,911 T 227 bpmImm Hgj1, P = 0.15) were not significantly different between conditions. Conclusion: When matched for external workload, ECC cycling can be performed with a lower oxygen demand than CON in patients with CHF. Eccentric cycling is a promising modality for cardiac rehabilitation in severely deconditioned patients with CHF

Increasing CO2 threatens human nutrition

Dietary deficiencies of zinc and iron are a substantial global public health problem. An estimated two billion people suffer these deficiencies, causing a loss of 63 million life-years annually. Most of these people depend on C3 grains and legumes as their primary dietary source of zinc and iron. Here we report that C3 grains and legumes have lower concentrations of zinc and iron when grown under field conditions at the elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration predicted for the middle of this century. C3 crops other than legumes also have lower concentrations of protein, whereas C4 crops seem to be less affected. Differences between cultivars of a single crop suggest that breeding for decreased sensitivity to atmospheric CO2 concentration could partly address these new challenges to global health

Clinical utility of exercise training in chronic systolic heart failure

The volume of literature attesting to the clinical benefits of exercise training in patients with stable chronic heart failure (CHF) is substantial. Training can improve symptoms and exercise capacity, as well as reducing morbidity, mortality, and rates of emergency hospitalization. These benefits are apparent in all patients with stable CHF, irrespective of age or sex, or the etiology or severity of heart failure. Training regimens for patients with stable, systolic CHF should form part of a comprehensive heart-failure support effort and are best delivered using supervised in-hospital exercise combined with some training at home or in a group setting in community centers. In this Review, the modes and intensity of exercise training, selection of patients, duration of training effects, and other clinical guidance for using this treatment option are discussed

Intramyocardial navigation and mapping for stem cell delivery

Method for delivery remains a central component of stem cell-based cardiovascular research. Comparative studies have demonstrated the advantages of administering cell therapy directly into the myocardium, as distinct from infusing cells into the systemic or coronary vasculature. Intramyocardial delivery can be achieved either transepicardially or transendocardially. The latter involves percutaneous, femoral arterial access and the retrograde passage of specially designed injection catheters into the left ventricle, making it less invasive and more relevant to wider clinical practice. Imaging-based navigation plays an important role in guiding catheter manipulation and directing endomyocardial injections. The most established strategy for three-dimensional, intracardiac navigation is currently endoventricular, electromechanical mapping, which offers superior spatial orientation compared to simple x-ray fluoroscopy. Its provision of point-by-point, electrophysiologic and motion data also allows characterization of regional myocardial viability, perfusion, and function, especially in the setting of ischemic heart disease. Integrating the mapping catheter with an injection port enables this diagnostic information to facilitate the targeting of intramyocardial stem cell delivery. This review discusses the diagnostic accuracy and expanding therapeutic application of electromechanical navigation in cell-based research and describes exciting developments which will improve the technology’s sensing capabilities, image registration, and delivery precision in the near future.Peter J. Psaltis, Andrew C. W. Zannettino, Stan Gronthos and Stephen G. Worthle