Aeromonas hydrophila can enter fish cells and exist as intracellular parasites. Phase-contrast and confocal microscopy were used to examine morphological changes and various cytoskeletal components of infected fish cells. Four fish cell lines were included in this study: (1) AS, (2) BF2, (3) CHSE-214, and (4) EPC cells. Virulent but not avirulent strains of A. hydrophila PPD 134/91 invaded fish cells, causing morphological changes, and inducing microfilament (F-actin) rearrangement. Morphological changes were observed in all infected fish cell lines and could be classified into three different stages. In stage I, the cells became detached from each other and pointed ends were observed. In stage II, tubular cytoplasmic extensions formed at contact points connecting neighbouring cells. The monolayers formed a satellite-like organization and became less confluent. Finally (stage III), cells were heavily infected with bacteria, and bacteria containing vacuoles occupied most of the cells. They eventually detached and lysed. Rearrangement of F-actin was observed as local polymerization (actin clouds) in stage I and massive reorganization in stage III of infection. Actin clouds could have been induced by A. hydrophila for 'assisted' uptake into the cells. The massive reorganization of actin in stage III may be due to products released by the bacteria and the growth of vacuoles. Pretreatment of fish cells with the microfilament inhibitors such as cytochalasins induced a similar effect. There were little if any rearrangements in intermediate and microtubule filaments during bacterial entry (stages I and II). These results suggest that A. hydrophila may bind to the surface and trigger a signal to the microfilament which then generates the force necessary for bacterial uptake.
Introduction: Whilst the importance of effective communications in facilitating good clinical decision-making and ensuring effective patient and family-centred outcomes in Intensive Care Units (ICU)s has been underscored amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, training and assessment of communication skills for healthcare professionals (HCPs) in ICUs remain unstructured. Methods: To enhance the transparency and reproducibility, Krishna’s Systematic Evidenced Based Approach (SEBA) guided Systematic Scoping Review (SSR), is employed to scrutinise what is known about teaching and evaluating communication training programmes for HCPs in the ICU setting. SEBA sees use of a structured search strategy involving eight bibliographic databases, the employ of a team of researchers to tabulate and summarise the included articles and two other teams to carry out content and thematic analysis the included articles and comparison of these independent findings and construction of a framework for the discussion that is overseen by the independent expert team. Results: 9532 abstracts were identified, 239 articles were reviewed, and 63 articles were included and analysed. Four similar themes and categories were identified. These were strategies employed to teach communication, factors affecting communication training, strategies employed to evaluate communication and outcomes of communication training. Conclusion: This SEBA guided SSR suggests that ICU communications training must involve a structured, multimodal approach to training. This must be accompanied by robust methods of assessment and personalised timely feedback and support for the trainees. Such an approach will equip HCPs with greater confidence and prepare them for a variety of settings, including that of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction: Singapore was one of the earliest countries affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, requiring our emergency department to respond urgently to this surge. A designated Fever Area (FA) with a resuscitation room was rapidly set up to manage patients at risk of COVID-19. Our paper describes measures put into this new area to optimise safety outcomes of these patients. Methods: Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles incorporating in-situ simulation in the FA resuscitation room were conducted. Using varied resuscitation scenarios and facilitated debriefing, we identified safety gaps and took immediate steps to rectify them in a collaborative manner involving various respective stakeholders. Results: Following reflective debriefing and studying of work processes, latent safety threats were identified resulting in successful improvements and modifications to protocols, equipment, staffing and processes in the FA resuscitation area. Conclusion: PDSA cycles involving in-situ simulation helped to identify safety threats and refine work processes in a newly set up FA facility. As a result, our healthcare team was more prepared to manage the complexities of COVID-19 patients in a high-risk environment.
Aim The COVID-19 pandemic has seen hospitals isolating suspect cases. Geriatric populations are at a risk of severe COVID-19 disease and often present with concomitant geriatric syndromes requiring holistic interdisciplinary care. However, isolation of older people poses challenges to care delivery. This study shares the experience of Singapore’s first acute geriatric isolation facility geriatric PARI (Pneumonia-Acute Respiratory Infection) ward and describes the geriatric-related outcomes and pitfalls in care delivery. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in 7 negative pressure isolation rooms in an acute care public hospital in Singapore. 100 patients admitted consecutively to the geriatric PARI ward were included. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms and geriatric-related adverse outcomes associated with hospitalisation were collected and analysed. Results Patients’ mean age was 86.4 years (standard deviation [SD]: 6.8) with significant comorbidities being hypertension (81%), hyperlipidaemia (74%) and renal disease (70%). 51% of patients had dementia and 24% had behaviour and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). 27% of patients presented atypically with delirium and 15% presented with a fall. Delirium was associated with restraint use (OR: 3.88; p-value 0.01). Falls rate was 1.64 per 1000 occupied bed. 1 patient screened positive for COVID-19. Conclusions The geriatric PARI ward is essential for curbing nosocomial transmission of COVID-19. This is important in the older people with comorbidities who are more likely to develop morbidity and mortality. Our study reveals challenges in delivering person-centred care to the older patients in isolation rooms, especially in the management of delirium and falls prevention. Innovative strategies should be developed to minimise isolation-related adverse outcome.
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