美国的卫生系统科学教育及其思考

卫生系统科学(health system science,HSS)是研究卫生系统如何为患者提供卫生保健、患者如何接受和获得卫生保健以及卫生系统如何促进健康的科学。作为美国医学会的核心创新成果之一,HSS教育于2013年开始在美国医学院校试行。HSS与基础医学和临床医学相协同、互补,在患者保健和群体保健中发挥着重要的作用。本文介绍了美国的卫生系统科学的产生、其所包含的知识模块以及在美国医学院校中的实施情况;同时,结合我国医学教育的现状,对我国医学院校开展卫生系统科学教育进行了思考。     

Mitochondrial respiration as a target for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement

This paper focuses on brain mitochondrial respiration as a therapeutic target for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. We propose that improving brain mitochondrial respiration is an important future direction in research and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other conditions associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. The central thesis is that supporting and improving brain mitochondrial respiration constitutes a promising neurotherapeutic principle, with potential applications in AD as well as in a wide variety of neuropsychological conditions. We propose three different interventional approaches to improve brain mitochondrial respiration based on (a) pharmacology, (b) photobiomodulation and (c) nutrition interventions, and provide detailed examples for each type of intervention. First, low-dose USP methylene blue is described as a pharmacological intervention that can successfully increase mitochondrial respiration and result in memory enhancement and neuroprotection. Second, transcranial low-level light/laser therapy with near-infrared light is used to illustrate a photobiomodulation intervention with similar neurometabolic mechanisms of action as low-dose methylene blue. Finally, a nutrition intervention to improve mitochondrial respiration is proposed by increasing ketone bodies in the diet. The evidence discussed for each intervention supports a fundamental neurotherapeutic strategy based on improving oxidative energy metabolism while at the same time reducing the pro-oxidant tendencies of the nervous system. Targeting brain mitochondrial respiration with these three types of interventions is proposed as part of a holistic neurotherapeutic approach to improve brain energy metabolism and antioxidant defenses. This strategy represents a promising new bioenergetics direction for treatment of AD and other neuropsychological disorders featuring cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration.     

Color change of primary teeth following exposure to an experimentally synthesized liposomal nano-encapsulated ferrous sulfate drop versus the commercially available iron drops

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the color change of primary teeth following exposure to an experimentally synthesized liposomal nano-encapsulated ferrous sulfate drop compared with the commercially iron drops.Materials and methodsIn this in-vitro study, liposomal nano-encapsulated ferrous sulfate (lipo-nano-ferr) drop was first synthesized. Next, 110 extracted primary anterior teeth were randomized into two equal groups (sound and demineralized). Each group was randomly divided into 5 subgroups (n = 11) and exposed to Irofant, Feroglobin, Sideral, and lipo-nano-ferr drops for 540 cycles. One subgroup was remained in artificial saliva as the negative control. Tooth color was analyzed before and after the interventions visually, and the rate of iron adsorption was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy/scanning electron microcopy (EDS/SEM). Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and LSD test.ResultsIron adsorption was significantly higher by the demineralized specimens than the sound specimens in all subgroups (P < 0.001). A significant difference was noted in iron adsorption among the four subgroups in each of the sound and demineralized groups (P < 0.001). Iron adsorption in the lipo-nano-ferr subgroup was significantly lower than that in Irofant and Feroglobin groups (P < 0.001). The visual inspection results were similar to AAS results. EDS-SEM showed that the atomic percentage of iron in Sideral and lipo-nano-ferr groups was significantly lower than that in Irofant and Feroglobin groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionUse of nano-encapsulation technology in production of iron drops can significantly decrease the resultant tooth discoloration, causing a clinically negligible color change.     

Landing on Your Own Two Feet: A Case Report of Bilateral Calcaneus and Open Pilon Fractures

High energy fractures of the distal tibial plafond and calcaneus have been associated with high functional morbidity and wound complications. Although both of these fractures result from a similar mechanism, they have rarely been reported to occur on an ipsilateral extremity. The combination of these 2 injuries on the same extremity would increase the likelihood of an adverse surgical or functional outcome. We present the case and management strategy of a 43-year-old male with bilateral open pilon fractures and closed calcaneal fractures after falling from a height. A staged protocol was used for the bilateral pilon fractures, with external fixation until operative fixation on day 9. Nonoperative management of the calcaneal fractures resulted in a successful functional outcome at 10 months of follow-up. Treatment of this fracture pattern must incorporate the condition of the soft tissues, an understanding of the fractures, and minimize patient risk factors to optimize the functional and surgical outcomes.     

Immunohistochemical and morphometric evaluation of neuronal dysfunction in pelviureteral junction obstruction

PurposeThe pathophysiology of pelviureteral junction obstruction remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the neuronal dysfunction using immunohistochemical and morphometric parameters.Materials and methodsUsing specific antibodies, we studied the neuronal markers and morphometry of specimens from 10 cases of pelviureteral junction obstruction and 10 normal pelviureteral junctions by immunohistochemistry using synaptophysin (synaptic vesicle membrane protein), S-100 (nerve cell fiber marker), protein gene product 9.5 (neuron specific protein) and CD-117 (transmembrane receptor with tyrosine kinase activity).ResultsIn pelviureteral junction obstruction, smooth muscle thickness was significantly higher than in normal specimens. Cytoplasmic cells stained by synaptophysin were found in the pelviureteral junction obstruction specimens but were absent in normal pelviureteral junction specimens. In addition, significantly more intense staining for S-100 was found in the pelviureteral junction obstruction specimens compared with the normal specimens. Immunohistochemical staining for protein gene product 9.5 showed no differences between the normal and pelviureteral junction obstruction specimens. Neither the normal specimens nor pelviureteral junction obstruction groups were stained by CD-117.ConclusionWe propose that the cause of neuronal dysfunction in pelviureteral junction obstruction depends on the increase in number and structure of neuronal cells and smooth muscle thickness. These factors could play an important role in the pathophysiology of pelviureteral junction obstruction by affecting motility and peristalsis.     

Enhancing the clinical reflective capacities of nursing students

The purpose of clinical practicums is to help nursing students learn from real clinical experiences. In clinical settings, nursing instructors set-aside time at the end of each clinical day for reflective, debriefing discussions that are designed to draw the students' attention to relevant information and help them understand their beliefs and experiences. The students' competence and decision-making skills are enhanced when they are able to reflect on critical incidents or everyday practice events. It is sometimes difficult, however, for instructors to engage students meaningfully in discussions and promote reflection when students are fatigued. In this article, I argue that it is possible to refresh, support, and inspire undergraduate nursing students by engaging them in an activity designed to distract them and occupy their conscious attention, so that their more divergent and less accessible ideas are allowed to surface. Less accessible ideas are associated with the default network; regions in the brain that are most active when the brain is allowed to rest and wander. Congruent with the middle range theory of comfort, a distracting activity will provide comfort to students who are fatigued and/or distressed, and at the same time, will enhance their reflective capacities. A distracting activity that is enjoyable, not too demanding, and can be sustained for more than just a few minutes works best for idea generation and reflection.     

Differing trends in fall-related fracture and non-fracture injuries in older people with and without dementia

ObjectivesTo explore the impact of dementia on the trends in fall-related fracture and non-fracture injuries for older people.MethodsIndividuals aged ≥65 years who were admitted to a NSW hospital for at least an over-night stay for a fall-related injury from 2003 to 2012 were identified. Age-standardised hospitalisation rates, length of stay, access to in-hospital rehabilitation, 30-day and 1-year mortality were examined. Annual percentage change (PAC) over time was calculated using negative binomial regression.ResultsOf the 228,628 fall-related injury hospitalisations, 20.6% were for people with dementia. People with dementia were more likely to be admitted with a hip fracture, and less likely to be admitted with a fracture of the forearm/wrist, and received less in-hospital rehabilitation than people without dementia. Fall-related hip-fracture rates for people with dementia decreased by 4.2% (95%CI −5.6 to −2.7, p < 0.001) per annum; there was no change over time for people without dementia (PAC-0.2%; 95%CI −0.8 to 0.5, p = 0.643). Rates for other fractures decreased by 1.2% (95%CI −1.9 to −0.5, p < 0.001) per annum in people with dementia, while rates increased by 2.2% (95%CI 1.9–2.5, p < 0.001) for people without dementia. By contrast, non-fracture injuries including traumatic brain injury increased significantly for both people with and without dementia.ConclusionRates of fall-related fracture and non-fracture hospitalisations for people with dementia remain higher than for those without dementia. However, fall-related fracture hospitalisation rates have decreased for people with dementia, while there has not been a corresponding decrease in people without dementia.