Feasibility of implementing a communication board to improve communication interactions of mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units at one Sri Lankan hospital - A pilot randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a communication board in intensive care units in terms of participant recruitment and retention, intervention fidelity, and ability to collect patient outcome data.

Design: A prospective, two-arm, unblinded, pilot randomised controlled trial.

Research Methodology: Adult, conscious, mechanically ventilated intensive care patients were recruited between August and November 2023.

Medical device-related pressure injuries in the operating room: A scoping review.

Aims: To map the existing literature describing medical device-related pressure injuries in patients during surgery, including investigation of the incidence, types of medical devices, risk factors and strategies for preventing medical device-related pressure injuries.

Design: A scoping review.

Data Sources: In April 2023, three databases were searched.

Facilitators, barriers and acceptability of implementing a communication board in Sri Lankan intensive care units: A qualitative descriptive study.

Objectives: To explore patients' and nurses' views of potential facilitators, barriers, and prospective acceptability of implementing a communication board in Sri Lankan intensive care units.

Design: A qualitative, descriptive study.

Research Methodology: Eight patients who received mechanical ventilation and nine nurses who worked in adult medical and surgical intensive care units were purposively selected.

Augmentative and alternative communication tools for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units: A scoping review.

Objectives: The aim of this scoping review was to understand the extent and type of evidence on augmentative and alternative communication tools used with mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit.

Review Method Used: This scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, followed by PAGER (Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations) framework to provide a structured approach to analysis of reviews.

Data Sources: In December 2021, six electronic databases-CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, Medline (Ebscohost), PyscINFO, and Web of Science-were searched.

Gross domestic product and logistics performance index drive the world trade: A study based on all continents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Logistics Performance Index (LPI) on international trade of nations across each continent and worldwide. Secondary data collected on 142 countries-37 Asian, 41 European, 41 African, 3 Oceania, 14 Middle East, 11 North American and 9 South American-were analysed across the years 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Panel regression technique was applied and the random effect (RE) model was chosen based on the results of the Hausman tests and Breusch-Pagan Lagrange Multiplier test.

Adverse effects and duration of treatment of TB in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Treatment of TB is often extended beyond the recommended duration. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of extended treatment and to identify associated risk factors. We also aimed to determine the frequency and type of adverse drug reactions (ADR) experienced by this study population.

Lower Limb Lymphedema: An Exploration of Various Treatment Methods.

Unilateral or bilateral lower limb lymphedema is a chronic and progressive phenomenon that occurs for several reasons. From a podiatric perspective, this condition may result after a trauma, a surgical procedure, a neoplasm, or a primary condition that impairs lymph vessel function. Even though no gold standard exists, early intervention and management of lower limb lymphedema with active exercise and compression than with compression therapy alone.

Resistance to Second-Generation HIV-1 Maturation Inhibitors.

A betulinic acid-based compound, bevirimat (BVM), inhibits HIV-1 maturation by blocking a late step in protease-mediated Gag processing: the cleavage of the capsid-spacer peptide 1 (CA-SP1) intermediate to mature CA. Previous studies showed that mutations conferring resistance to BVM cluster around the CA-SP1 cleavage site. Single amino acid polymorphisms in the SP1 region of Gag and the C terminus of CA reduced HIV-1 susceptibility to BVM, leading to the discontinuation of BVM's clinical development.

Application of visible-light photosensitization to form alkyl-radical-derived thin films on gold.

Visible-light irradiation of phthalimide esters in the presence of the photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)] and the stoichiometric reducing agent benzyl nicotinamide results in the formation of alkyl radicals under mild conditions. This approach to radical generation has proven useful for the synthesis of small organic molecules. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the visible-light photosensitized deposition of robust alkyl thin films on Au surfaces using phthalimide esters as the alkyl radical precursors.

In COS cells Vpu can both stabilize tetherin expression and counteract its antiviral activity.

The interferon-inducible cellular protein tetherin (CD317/BST-2) inhibits the release of a broad range of enveloped viruses. The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu enhances virus particle release by counteracting this host restriction factor. While the antagonism of human tetherin by Vpu has been associated with both proteasomal and lysosomal degradation, the link between Vpu-mediated tetherin degradation and the ability of Vpu to counteract the antiviral activity of tetherin remains poorly understood.

A qualitative examination of the health workforce needs during climate change disaster response in Pacific Island Countries.

Background: There is a growing body of evidence that the impacts of climate change are affecting population health negatively. The Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to climate change; a strong health-care system is required to respond during times of disaster. This paper examines the capacity of the health sector in Pacific Island Countries to adapt to changing disaster response needs, in terms of: (i) health workforce governance, management, policy and involvement; (ii) health-care capacity and skills; and (iii) human resources for health training and workforce development.

Traditional coping strategies and disaster response: examples from the South Pacific region.

The Pacific Islands are vulnerable to climate change and increased risk of disasters not only because of their isolated and often low lying geographical setting but because of their economic status which renders them reliant on donor support. In a qualitative study exploring the adaptive capacity of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) across four countries, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu, it was clear that traditional coping strategies are consistently being applied as part of response to disasters and climate changes. This paper describes five common strategies employed in PICs as understood through this research: recognition of traditional methods; faith and religious beliefs; traditional governance and leadership; family and community involvement; and agriculture and food security.

Phenotype and metabolic profile of South Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): results of a large database from a specialist Endocrine Clinic.

Background: Compared with other populations, South Asians have a greater propensity to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This is the first study to determine the distribution of phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their relationship to the MetS among indigenous South Asians.

Method: An evaluation of the phenotype and metabolic characteristics of PCOS was conducted by recruiting consecutive women diagnosed by Rotterdam consensus criteria from an Endocrine clinic in Colombo, Sri Lanka.