Potentially Avoidable Emergency Department Utilization by Persons with Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Objective: Greater accessibility to ambulatory services may mitigate emergency department (ED) presentations for lower acuity issues. This study examined ED utilization patterns for individuals with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a universal access healthcare setting.

Methods: Linked population-based administrative datasets in Alberta, Canada (fiscal years 2008-2017) were assessed for yearly ED visit frequency, timing, triage acuity, most responsible diagnoses, and disposition for persons with PsA and AS.

Spatially programmed alignment and actuation in printed liquid crystal elastomers.

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit reversible shape morphing behavior when cycled above their nematic-to-isotropic transition temperature. During extrusion-based 3D printing, LCE inks are subjected to coupled shear and extensional flows that can be harnessed to spatially control the alignment of their nematic director along prescribed print paths. Here, we combine experiment and modeling to elucidate the effects of ink composition, nozzle geometry, and printing parameters on director alignment.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty amongst older hospital inpatients in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: As populations age, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are rapidly adapting hospital services to meet the needs of older populations. This systematic review aimed to establish the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty amongst older people admitted to hospital in LMICs, and to compare levels with existing estimates for high-income settings.

Methods: Databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsychInfo were searched, and results were manually screened by two researchers.

Missed Opportunities: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Disparities in Treatment for Fecal Incontinence.

Importance: Previous work identified racial disparities in access to fecal incontinence (FI) treatments. However, less is known about patient perspectives of these barriers.

Objectives: This study assessed differences in FI symptom severity and treatment utilization between Black and White patients.