Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Phosphatidylethanolamine Induces an Antifibrotic Phenotype in Normal Human Lung Fibroblasts and Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice

Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and specific proteins but its role in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases is not established. Herein, we analyzed the effects of three representative phospholipid components, that is, dipalmitoilphosphatidylcoline (DPPC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), on collagen expression, apoptosis and Ca2+ signaling in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) and probed their effect in an experimental model of lung fibrosis. Collagen expression was measured with RT-PCR, apoptosis was measured by using either the APOPercentage assay kit (Biocolor Ltd., Northern Ireland, UK) or the Caspase-Glo 3/7 assay (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and Ca2+ signaling by conventional epifluorescence imaging. The effect in vivo was tested in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. DPPC and PG did not affect collagen expression, which was downregulated by PE. Furthermore, PE promoted apoptosis and induced a dose-dependent Ca2+ signal. PE-induced Ca2+ signal and apoptosis were both blocked by phospholipase C, endoplasmic reticulum pump and store-operated Ca2+ entry inhibition. PE-induced decrease in collagen expression was attenuated by blocking phospholipase C. Finally, surfactant enriched with PE and PE itself attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and decreased the soluble collagen concentration in mice lungs. This study demonstrates that PE strongly contributes to the surfactant-induced inhibition of collagen expression in NHLF through a Ca2+ signal and that early administration of Beractant enriched with PE diminishes lung fibrosis in vivo

Defining the scope of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet): A bottom-up and One Health approach

Background: Building the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) was proposed to strengthen the European One Health antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance approach. Objectives: To define the combinations of animal species/production types/age categories/bacterial species/specimens/antimicrobials to be monitored in EARS-Vet. Methods: The EARS-Vet scope was defined by consensus between 26 European experts. Decisions were guided by a survey of the combinations that are relevant and feasible to monitor in diseased animals in 13 European countries (bottom-up approach). Experts also considered the One Health approach and the need for EARS-Vet to complement existing European AMR monitoring systems coordinated by the ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Results: EARS-Vet plans to monitor AMR in six animal species [cattle, swine, chickens (broilers and laying hens), turkeys, cats and dogs], for 11 bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus hyicus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus suis). Relevant antimicrobials for their treatment were selected (e.g. tetracyclines) and complemented with antimicrobials of more specific public health interest (e.g. carbapenems). Molecular data detecting the presence of ESBLs, AmpC cephalosporinases and methicillin resistance shall be collected too. Conclusions: A preliminary EARS-Vet scope was defined, with the potential to fill important AMR monitoring gaps in the animal sector in Europe. It should be reviewed and expanded as the epidemiology of AMR changes, more countries participate and national monitoring capacities improve

Recomendaciones para prevenir la mala práctica médica en pediatría

The pediatric outweigh within countries with high infant population, problems of sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and education are due to the predominance of poverty�s pathology as well as a rate increases in the industrialize illnesses and high infant mortality rates. The study�s objective was the emission of Recommendations on the analysis base of the pediatric complains interposed in the Commission from 1997 to 2001. The Database was done from the SAQMED and VMI. The data was computationally processed and analyzed by a statistic package. During the period a total of 200 complains. A high percentage was in children minor of one year of age, mainly male, 61.5%. The predominantly causes were due to infection diarrhea and gastroenteritis. The Social security with 57%. Mainly in the Metropolitan area, 71%. The 50% was due to disagreement with the medical treatment. In 50% was medical malpractice. 23% ended in death. Finally in 51% conciliation agreement was determined. The results in general are related with the Pediatric regular practice and the national morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, from the medical malpractice case�s analysis, discussion and agreement with the External Validation Group were emitted nine Pediatric Recommendations mainly to the problems which more commonly the specialty faces.La Pediatría es preponderante en países que tienen una considerable población infantil, problemas sanitarios, higiénicos, nutricionales y educativos. Predominio de las patologías de la pobreza y elevada prevalencia de las denominadas patologías de la industrialización y de mortalidad infantil. El objetivo del estudio fue emitir Recomendaciones con base al análisis de las quejas pediátricas interpuestas en la CONAMED de 1997-2001. La información se obtuvo del Sistema de Atención de Quejas Médicas y de la Valoración Médica Integral. Los datos fueron procesados a través de una base de datos electrónica y analizados con un paquete estadístico. Se recibieron 200 quejas, presentaron una mayor frecuencia en menores de un año del sexo masculino. Predominaron las diarreas y gastroenteritis de presunto origen infeccioso. La seguridad social presentó el 57% de quejas. El Distrito Federal y Estado de México, sumaron el 71%. Los motivos fueron por inconformidades con el tratamiento médico, 50%. En 50.5% se dictaminó mala práctica médica. El 23.5% resultaron en fallecimientos. En 51% se llegó a un convenio de conciliación. Los resultados observados, se relacionaron con la práctica regular de la pediatría y la morbilidad-mortalidad nacional. Para la Emisión de las Recomendaciones se consideró a los casos que presentaron mala práctica médica. De la discusión y acuerdo con el Grupo de Validación Externa se emitieron nueve Recomendaciones generales en Pediatría, enfocadas principalmente en prevenir los problemas con los que se enfrenta más comúnmente la especialidad

Recomendaciones generales apra mejorar la calidad de la atención obstétrica

INTRODUCTION. Maternal care means roughly a half of medical interventions, hospital discharges and surgery realized in Mexico. Obstetrics reached the second place (14.5%) in malpractice complaints in National Commission of Medical Arbitration (CONAMED). OBJECTIVE: To analize the CONAMED�s experience about obstetric care claims, and profit recommendations for medical practice. METHOD: The authors revised 1431 complaints ob/gin-related, placed in CONAMED between june 1996 to june 2001, and selected a sampling of 121 cases of ruling reports. We describe sociodemographic, institutional, clinical, communication and lawattach indicators. RESULTS. Complaints were originated in third quarter of pregnancy (82.8%), in social-security services (72.1%), in second level hospitals (62.3%). Fifty seven percent were high risk pregnancies, with previous cesarean section as frequent medical historial (21.5%). The complications were predictable in almost half of cases. First medical error was a deficient labor surveillance (22.3%). Malpractice was identified in 54.5%, ethical mistakes in 30%, institutional insufficiencies in 40.5%, inaccurate medical records in 45% and inadequate communication in 76%. CONCLUSIONS. An accurate obstetric care is composed by proffesional sense of duty and ethics, conscientious patient care, identify high risk pregnancies, recognize personal and institutional skill restrictions, to know health laws, and effective physician - patient communication. We declare 9 recommendations for medical and paramedical who care obstetric patients.ANTECEDENTES. La atención materna representa aproximadamente la mitad de las intervenciones médicas, egresos hospitalarios y las cirugías que se realizan en México. Las demandas por mala práctica relacionadas con atención obstétrica alcanzaron el segundo lugar (14.5%) de los asuntos atendidos por CONAMED. OBJETIVO. Analizar la experiencia de CONAMED sobre conflictos por atención obstétrica y expresar recomendaciones para la atención de estas pacientes. METODOLOGÍA. Se revisaron 1431 inconformidades relacionadas con atención ginecoobstétrica, radicadas en CONAMED entre junio de 1996 hasta junio de 2001. Se seleccionó una muestra dirigida de 121 casos concluidos por dictamen pericial. Se describen indicadores sociodemográficos, institucionales, clínicos, de comunicación y apego a reglamentación vigente. RESULTADOS. Las inconformidades se originaron en el tercer trimestre de gestación (82.8%), en la seguridad social en 72.1%, en hospitales de 2º nivel (62.3%). La calificación de riesgo fue elevado en 57%, con cesárea previa como antecedente más frecuente (21.5%). Las complicaciones eran previsibles en casi la mitad de los casos. La principal desviación fue vigilancia deficiente del trabajo de parto (22.3%). Se identificó mala práctica en 54.5%, desviaciones éticas en 30%, deficiencias institucionales en 40.5%, expedientes mal integrados en 45% y mala comunicación en 76%. CONCLUSIONES. Una atención obstétrica adecuada requiere: compromiso y ética profesional, atención minuciosa, identificar los casos de riesgo, reconocer limitaciones personales e institucionales, conocer la normatividad y una comunicación médico-paciente efectiva. Se presentan 9 recomendaciones, dirigidas al personal médico y paramédico que atiende pacientes obstétricas

Modernización, medicina, enfermedades y salud pública en la ciudad de Caracas (1870-77) Modernization, medicine, disease, and public health in Caracas (1870-1877)

Entre los años de 1870 y 1877, bajo el primer período del gobierno presidido por el general y licenciado, Antonio Guzmán Blanco, se adelantan un conjunto de iniciativas orientadas a modernizar la sociedad, el gobierno y el Estado venezolano. La ciudad de Caracas es el escenario privilegiado para ejecutar una variedad de obras y medidas reformistas que buscan convertir a la ciudad capital en un espacio urbano que se corresponda con las características de las principales ciudades europeas. El ejercicio y enseñanza de la medicina, las medidas orientadas hacia un mejoramiento de las condiciones sanitarias y la manifestación expresa de una disposición para atacar por medio de normas y resoluciones legales las enfermedades que más daño ocasionaban entre los caraqueños, se ubican entre las principales medidas que se desarrollan en estos años. El gobernante y la elite profesional que lo rodea intentan crear las condiciones adecuadas para atraer el capital y los esperados inmigrantes europeos.<br>Between 1870 and 1877, under General Antonio Guzmán Blanco's first period of government, a set of measures was inaugurated with the intent of modernizing Venezuelan society, government, and the State. The city of Caracas was a prime setting in which to undertake a series of reformist works and measures meant to transform the capital into an urban space boasting features similar to Europe's major cities. Standing among the years' main developments are the practice and teaching of medicine, measures seeking to improve public health conditions, and the express desire to use legal norms and resolutions to attack the principle diseases afflicting Caracas residents. The government and its circle of professional elites sought to set the stage to attract capital and European immigrants

Efficacy of β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors to treat extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales bacteremia secondary to urinary tract infection in kidney transplant recipients (INCREMENT-SOT Project).

BACKGROUND Whether active therapy with β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLI) is as affective as carbapenems for extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) bloodstream infection (BSI) secondary to urinary tract infection (UTI) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) remains unclear. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 306 KTR admitted to 30 centers from January 2014 to October 2016. Therapeutic failure (lack of cure or clinical improvement and/or death from any cause) at days 7 and 30 from ESBL-E BSI onset were primary and secondary study outcomes, respectively. RESULTS Therapeutic failure at days 7 and 30 occurred in 8.2% (25/306) and 13.4% (41/306) of patients. Hospital-acquired BSI (adjusted OR [aOR]: 4.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-11.20) and Pitt score (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.21-1.77) were independently associated with therapeutic failure at day 7. Age-adjusted Charlson Index (aOR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.05-1.48), Pitt score (aOR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.35-2.17) and lymphocyte count ≤500 cells/μL at presentation (aOR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.42-7.06) predicted therapeutic failure at day 30. Carbapenem monotherapy (68.6%, primarily meropenem) was the most frequent active therapy, followed by BLBLI monotherapy (10.8%, mostly piperacillin-tazobactam). Propensity score-adjusted models revealed no significant impact of the choice of active therapy (carbapenem-containing versus any other regimen, BLBLI- versus carbapenem-based monotherapy) within the first 72 hours on any of the study outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that active therapy based on BLBLI may be as effective as carbapenem-containing regimens for ESBL-E BSI secondary to UTI in the specific population of KTR. Potential residual confounding and unpowered sample size cannot be excluded (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02852902)

Predictors of mortality in solid-organ transplant recipients with bloodstream infections due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales: the impact of cytomegalovirus disease and lymphopenia

Treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections (CPE-BSI) in solid-organ transplant recipients (SOT) is challenging. The objective of this study was to develop a specific score to predict mortality in SOT recipients with CPE-BSI. A multinational, retrospective (2004-2016) cohort study (INCREMENT-SOT, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02852902) was performed. The main outcome variable was 30-day all-cause mortality. The INCREMENT-SOT-CPE score was developed using logistic regression. The global cohort included 216 patients. The final logistic regression model included the following variables: INCREMENT-CPE mortality score ≥8 (8 points), no source control (3 points), inappropriate empirical therapy (2 points), cytomegalovirus disease (7 points), lymphopenia (4 points), and the interaction between INCREMENT-CPE score ≥8 and CMV disease (minus 7 points). This score showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% CI 0.76-0.88) and classified patients into three strata: 0-7 (low mortality), 8-11 (high mortality) and 12-17 (very-high mortality). We performed a stratified analysis of the effect of monotherapy versus combination therapy among 165 patients who received appropriate therapy. Monotherapy was associated with higher mortality only in the very-high (adjusted HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.13-7.06, P=0.03) and high (HR 9.93, 95% CI 2.08-47.40, P=0.004) mortality risk strata. A score-based algorithm is provided for therapy guidance