OBJECTIVE: Hospitalization of patients with delirium after visiting the emergency department (ED) is often required. However, the readmission risk after discharge from the ED should also be considered. This study aimed to explore whether (i) immediate hospitalization influences the readmission risk of patients with delirium; (ii) the readmission risk is affected by various risk factors; and (iii) the healthcare cost differs between groups within 28 days of the first ED visit. METHODS: Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, the data of 2,780 subjects presenting with delirium at an ED visit from 2000 to 2008 were examined. The readmission risks of the groups of patients (i.e., patients who were and were not admitted within 24 hours of an ED visit) within 28 days were compared, and the effects of the severities of different comorbidities (using Charlson’s comorbidity index, CCI), age, gender, diagnosis and differences in medical healthcare cost were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients without immediate hospitalization had a higher risk of readmission within 3, 7, 14, or 28 days of discharge from the ED, especially subjects with more severe comorbidities (CCI≥3) or older patients (≥65 years). Subjects with more severe comorbidities or older subjects who were not admitted immediately also incurred a greater healthcare cost for re-hospitalization within the 28-day follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Patients with delirium with a higher CCI or of a greater age should be carefully considered for immediate hospitalization from ED for further examination in order to reduce the risk of re-hospitalization and cost of healthcare.
Comorbidity ; Delirium* ; Delivery of Health Care* ; Diagnosis ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Care Costs* ; Hospitalization* ; Humans ; National Health Programs ; Risk Factors

Objective To improve the fixation method of the transmission electron microscope for better morphological preservation of mitochondria and lipid droplets in mouse brown adipose tissue. Methods The fixation method for mouse brown adipose tissue was optimized, mainly including an increased concentration of paraformaldehyde from 2% to 4% in the pre-fixative, employment of transcardial perfusion followed by immersion fixation in pre-fixation, and using imidazole-buffered osmium tetroxide as the post-fixative. The ultrastructures of brown adipocytes prepared by the improved method were observed and compared with those of a known standard protocol (3 mice in each group). The improved method was further validated in the quantitative analysis of mitochondrial cristae density and lipid droplets. Results The mitochondrial cristae and membrane structure of other organelles of brown adipocytes were better preserved using the optimized method compared with those of the standard method. Lipid droplets were presented as round structures with high electron density instead of vacuolated appearances. Using this method, we observed that the density of mitochondrial cristae and the content of lipid droplets increased in brown adipocytes after cold adaptation. Conclusion The optimized method can better preserve the ultrastructure of organelles in brown adipocytes, especially mitochondria and lipid droplets, and ma)' be applicable for studying the ultrastructures remodeling of brown adipose tissue under different physiological or pathological conditions.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift to delivering health services through telemedicine. This study recognized the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of physicians who practice synchronous teleconsultation in the Philippines. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design using purposive sampling, eight physicians from NCR were interviewed. Data collected were subjected to thematic analysis for common themes and integrated into an analytic narrative. Results: Eight physicians were included as participants. Different measures taken to remedy the gap included upskilling of physicians, adjustment of clerical work, ensuring data privacy, and creating a conducive workplace. Remote consultations posed limitations on physical examination and emphasized the reliance on diagnostics. Digital platforms used depended on the physician’s preference, type of practice, and patient’s accessibility. This led to an increased dependency on good internet and network service connections to ensure smooth teleconsultations. A lack of respect for the physician’s personal boundaries and work-life balance was cited as a major challenge. Conclusion Telemedicine proved to be an option to provide healthcare despite its limitations, but the shift to its practice exposed many challenges as it is not a replacement for physical consultations.
COVID-19 ; Telemedicine