Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nursing clinical handover in neonatal care

Abstract Background: Clinical handover ensures continuity of care, providing the opportunity to transfer responsibility and accountability for the care of a patient from nurse to nurse. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine afternoon nursing clinical handover from the perspective of nurses, exploring the quality of information, the interactions and support, the efficiency and the involvement of parents in a private neonatal unit. Methods/Design: An exploratory, descriptive, prospective quantitative survey with qualitative elements was undertaken using The Handover Evaluation Scale (O’Connell, MacDonald, & Kelly, 2008). All nurses working in the Neonatal unit who attend afternoon handover, were invited to participate in the study (N = 22), with N = 16 responses received. Results/Findings: The quantitative and qualitative results indicate that the quality of the information handed over in neonatal care units can be maintained despite intrinsic limitations. Additionally, high levels of support and interaction between nursing staff in this stressful practice environment occur during the handover period. Conclusion: Given the vulnerability of neonates it is important that accurate information is efficiently handed over. In order to do this distractions should be minimised. Finally, parental involvement in handover should be actively encouraged whenever feasible.
Considering the Impact of Acculturation on Lifestyle Interventions for Latinos

Individuals of Latino descent are one of the fastest growing groups in the United States. They also experience multiple health disparities. To effectively treat individuals from these cultures, several issues should be considered. Assessing the degree of an individual’s acculturation and tailoring interventions to be more compatible with a patient’s cultural values are important steps to be taken.
Availability of and use of Intralipid (lipid rescue therapy, lipid emulsion) in England and Wales

There is increasing evidence for the use of Intralipid in the management of acute local anaesthetic toxicity. This is supported by the recent Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) guidelines for the management of local anaesthetic toxicity. Acute hospitals in England and Wales were surveyed to determine the proportion that currently stocked Intralipid, the locations of stocks within the hospital, guidelines related to its use and previous use in the last 12 months. The majority of hospitals surveyed stocked Intralipid in multiple locations, although not in all areas using high volumes of local anaesthetics. Guidelines were typically in place, although these were often local rather than those from the AAGBI. Use in the last 12 months was uncommon, but typically information was not available on indications for its use. More systematic data collection is required on the safety and efficacy of Intralipid in the management of acute drug toxicity.
Full capacity protocol: an end to double standards in acute hospital care provision

Hospitals with overcrowded Emergency Departments (EDs) are overcrowded hospitals that have chosen to manifest the overcrowding in a single location. This choice is unfair on the acutely sick requiring hospital admission. The National Emergency Nurses Affiliation of Canada have referred to the practice of only allowing the ED to house additional patients as a ‘double standard’ and they have advocated that one possible solution to ED overcrowding is to distribute patients equally between all wards including the ED.1 Emergency Department overcrowding has been defined as an ED operating beyond its available capacity, which results in a situation where the demand for emergency services exceeds the ability of a department to provide quality care within acceptable time frames.2 There are a number of suggested means of measuring ED crowding including the Emergency Department Work Index, the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale, the Demand Value of the Real-time Emergency Analysis of Demand Indicators and the Work Score.2 3 The most simple to use crowding metric is the occupancy rate, which is defined as the total number of patients in the ED divided by the number of licensed beds/ED cubicles.4 There are multiple factors that contribute to ED crowding, and the relative contribution of each of these varies between EDs.5 Patient flow analysis can detect ED overcrowding and may help find appropriate solutions to reduce it.4 Access block, the inability to transfer emergency admitted patients to inpatient beds, is the single most important factor contributing to ED overcrowding.6 Hospital overcrowding is primarily due to a shortage of inpatient beds and many factors contribute to the shortage. These factors include:
Stable haptic display of 1-DOF grasping with coupling impedance for internal and external forces

We discuss a haptic display for 1-DOF grasping of a virtual object by two fingers. Much research has been done on fundamental analysis for stability of haptic displays. But it is difficult to apply the results immediately to grasping situations by two fingers, since the studies deal with a single device and a single object. This is because the fingertip force in grasping situations has two components, internal and external force. The conventional methods, which calculate the coupling impedance at each contact point separately, have no other alternative but to calculate the impedance for the sum of the internal and external force components. So even if only the impedance for external force should be changed, the impedance for internal force is also changed at the same time. We propose a method, in which the coupling impedance is calculated separately for internal and external forces. Second, we discuss the stability of the proposed method and compare it with the conventional method. Finally, we perform some experiments to confirm the effects of the proposed method.
A Complicated Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bone and Soft Tissue Infection Following Etanercept Therapy

Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) therapy has been associated with an increased risk of granulomatous infections. We present a case of osteomyelitis and soft tissue abscess caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa following the use of etanercept, a recombinant protein composed of the TNF-a receptor fused to human immunoglobulin (IgG). The patient recently developed P. aeruginosa osteomyelitis of the left femur 7 months after starting etanercept therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The infection developed in an area of retained shrapnel deposited traumatically during the Vietnam War. Etanercept was withheld and the patient improved after medical and surgical therapy. Although it is possible that retained shrapnel fostered a dormant infection that was reactivated by pharmacological immunosuppression, an occult transcutaneous or bacteremic inoculation could not be ruled out. Patients receiving anti-TNF-a therapy may be at increased risk of common bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas, leading to severe bone and soft
Health-related quality of life in patients after the acute myocardial infarction

IntroductionAcute myocardial infarction has a negative impact on patient’s quality of life. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the health-related quality of life in patients one month after the acute myocardial infarction.Material and methodThe study involved 160 patients of both sexes, 30 to 79 years of age. The health-related quality of life in patients was assessed at the admission at the coronary care unit, and one month after. The following questionnaires were used: EuroQuolVAS and EuroQuol 5 Dimension. Angina pectoris was ranked according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification. Results: Men and women evaluated their health condition in a similar way (60.48±11.98 vs 60.55±12.24). Patients who (have) undergone primary coronary intervention had significantly higher average scores on EuroQuolVAS than the patients who were treated with thrombolytic therapy (68.69±9.67 vs 52.31±7.87, p<0.001). Modest and severe problems were the most presented in answers to those questions: pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression and self-care. Both men (0.92±0.43 vs 3.27±0.59, p<0.001) and women (0.89±0.46 vs 3.19±0.55, p<0.001) had significiantly lower average marks of angina pectoris one month after the acute myocardial infarction than at the admission to the hospital.ConclusionOne month after the acute myocardial infarction the quality of life in patients was very impared. Patients who undergone to the primary coronary intervention evaluated their health condition as better than the patients who were treated with thrombolytic therapy. Those patients also had the lower average marks of angina pectoris and the higher health-related quality of life.
Overcoming obstacles to develop effective and safe siRNA therapeutics

Background: RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new therapeutic modality. By acting at the mRNA level, RNAi circumvents the druggability issue associated with many disease-driven genes. The lack of safe and effective methods to deliver RNAi therapeutics remains the primary technical hurdle that prevents full utilization of the potential of RNAi therapy. Objective: To examine progress in the therapeutic RNAi field and highlight remaining hurdles for the development of RNAi therapeutics. Methods: This review focuses on the design principles of delivery technologies that demonstrated target inhibition in vivo after systemic administration. Conclusion: Although many promising delivery technologies have been described, all current delivery platforms have limitations. However, using an optimal combination of disease indication, disease target and the most potent RNA trigger, it may be possible to advance RNAi therapeutics in the near term using an imperfect delivery vehicle. The availability of high-throughput assays to monitor/compare various delivery systems for their performance in vivo will be essential for programs that focus on siRNA delivery.
Current options for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes

Introduction: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), a rare hereditary auto-inflammatory disease, is associated with mutations in the NLRP3 gene, encoding cryopyrin, a key component of the inflammasome that activates caspase-1 and IL-1β production. Symptoms associated with CAPS are directly linked to excessive IL-1β secretion. Impressive clinical results were obtained with IL-1 blocking agents in patients with all CAPS phenotypes, which are now considered as IL-1-driven human diseases prototypes. Areas covered: Anakinra, the first biologic agent designed for the selective blockade of IL-1 in sepsis, was successfully used off-label in patients with all CAPS phenotypes. Two more recent IL-1 antagonists with longer half-life have been licensed for CAPS, rilonacept and canakinumab, both with highly favorable safety profile. Expert opinion: Clinical trials using anti-IL-1 drugs proved the dramatic effect of this strategy on both patients' symptoms and quality of life. Important variations of treatment doses and schedules appeared in reaching effectiveness. The full effect of anti-IL-1 drugs in damaged organs is still undefined. More studies evaluating their efficacy and safety in patients before 2 years are warranted, since it is believed that the earliest treatment could avoid secondary CAPS complications to develop.
Analysis and control of whole body dynamic humanoid motion - towards experiments on a roll-and-rise motion

We propose that highly dynamic whole-body motions should be analyzed, realized and exploited for extending the capability of humanoid robots in the real world. Such motions are very different from the today's standard humanoid behaviors such as stable ZMP-based biped walking, and upper-body motion assuming the stability of the lower-body. The kind of motions we are interested are not locally stable states. Sometimes they include diverging trajectories. In this paper, we focus on one example of such motions: a roll-and-rise motion, in which the robot stands up in one action from lying state. It first swings up both of its legs high, swings them down, rolling forward and up on both feet, then extends the legs to achieve the standing posture. Analysis of the dynamics governing the motions is carried out, and some boundary conditions for successful motions are presented. Our current goal is to identify essential minimum control laws that assure the success of the task. In search of them, a series of systematic simulation experiments are carried out to plot the parameter regions which define success or failure. Experiments with real adult-size humanoid robot are also presented.
Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2004 – integrating nutrition and physical activity

The 4th edition of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, NNR 2004, gives the proportions between energy yielding nutrients, recommended daily intakes (RI) of certain vitamins and minerals, and reference values for energy intakes in different age and sex groups. Recommendations are also given for dietary fibre, salt and alcohol. Recommendations on daily physical activity are now included and interaction with physical activity has been taken into account for the individual nutrient recommendations wherever appropriate. For adults 30minutes of daily physical activity of at least moderate intensity is recommended. More physical activity (about60 minutes daily) with a moderate and/or vigorous intensity may be needed for prevention of weight gain. For children a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. As in the 3rd edition, the recommendation is to limit of the intake of saturated plus trans fatty acids to about 10% of the total energy intake (E%) and of the total fat intake to 30 E%. The intake of carbohydrate and dietary fibres should increase, while the intake of refined sugars should not exceed 10 E%. The RI for vitamin A (women) has been lowered, while it has been increased for vitamin D (children and adults up to 60 y), vitamin C (adults) and folate (women of reproductive age; pregnant and lactating women). NNR is to be used for planning and evaluation of diets, and as a basis for food and nutrition policy, teaching and dietary information. Keywords: nutrition recommendations; physical activity; vitamins; minerals; Nordic countries
Coronary Risk Estimation According to the Framingham-Wilson Score: Epidemiologic Behavior of Innovative Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors in the Maracaibo City

Coronary Risk Estimation According to the Framingham- Wilson Score: Epidemiologic Behavior of Innovative Cardio Metabolic Risk Factors in the Maracaibo City The adaptation of the coronary risk equation from the Framingham Study is a method employed in diverse demographies worldwide, yet over estimation of coronary risk has been observed. Calibration of the original formula has been previously realized for our population, but the evaluation of the influence of novel risk factors over its epidemiological behavior is scarce globally.
Do gastroenterologists monitor their patients taking 5-amino-salicylates following initiation of treatment

Background 5-Amino salicylate (5-ASA) medications may rarely be associated with a significant decline in renal function and interstitial nephritis. British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines advise regular renal function monitoring for patients taking these drugs. Aim To assess whether gastroenterologists in Kent were following best practice guidelines regarding the monitoring of their patients on 5-ASA therapy. Methods Using longitudinal community and regional pathology databases for the Kent population, our renal unit regularly screens a total population of 300 000 for evidence of renal disease. The data extracted are analysed using an automated computerised system to identify patients requiring intervention for kidney disease. All patients taking 5-ASA medication were identified from a population of 300 000. The pathology database was studied to identify the patients on 5-ASA treatment and whether they had had renal function tests. Results 800 adult patients were identified taking 5-ASA therapy. 612 patients received 5-ASAs for 3 months or more, and these were included in the final analysis. 293 patients had no renal function checks while on treatment. 79 patients had renal function tests less than once every 4 years and 36 patients once every 2–4 years. 204 patients had renal function measurements in 50% or more of years of treatment, of whom 116 were checked every year. Some patients were started on treatment with abnormal results at baseline and some with identified kidney disease continued on their 5-ASAs. Conclusions The majority of patients receiving 5-ASA compounds do not have regular renal function monitoring. Clinicians are failing to follow best practice guidelines.
Early surgical intervention in ulcerative colitis

Medical treatment for both fulminant and chronic active colitis is now usually very effective. Given that surgical therapy is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, the preferred treatment should be conservative. Intravenous cyclosporin is of proven value in managing fulminant ulcerative colitis. In the definitive study of patients who failed intravenous steroid therapy, nine of 11 patients responded to cyclosporin compared with none of nine patients on placebo.1 Open clinical use has confirmed that colectomy can be avoided in the majority of patients.2–4 with short term response rates of up to 86%. 4 Cyclosporin can be continued even if there is mild colonic dilatation, provided the patient is clinically improving.4 Continued close observation by a gastroenterologist and a surgeon is essential. Criticism of cyclosporin has centred on drug toxicity, possible compromise of surgical outcome if drug therapy fails, and the possibility that successful drug therapy only delays inevitable surgery. The original trial dose of cyclosporin was 4 mg/kg/day intravenously,1 a dose associated with considerable morbidity. We5 and others6 have used a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, without …
Effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ ligands on growth and gene expression profiles of gastric cancer cells

Background and aims: Although peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists have been implicated in differentiation and growth inhibition of cancer cells, the potential therapeutic and chemopreventive effects on gastric cancer are poorly defined. We examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of PPARγ ligands on growth of gastric cancer, and the effect of PPARγ activation on expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and cancer related genes. Methods: Gastric cell lines (MKN28 and MKN45) were treated with two specific PPARγ ligands: ciglitazone and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2. Cell growth was determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and apoptosis was measured by DNA fragmentation. Expression of COX-2 was determined by western blot and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression profiles of cancer related genes were screened with cDNA array. In vivo growth of implanted MKN45 cells in nude mice was monitored after oral treatment with rosiglitazone. Results: PPARγ ligands suppressed the in vitro growth of MKN45 cells in a dose dependent manner whereas prostacyclin, a PPARδ agonist, had no growth inhibitory effect. Growth inhibition was more pronounced in MKN45 cells, which was accompanied by DNA fragmentation and downregulation of COX-2. Screening by cDNA microarray showed that PPARγ ligand treatment was associated with upregulation of bad and p53, and downregulation of bcl-2, bcl-xl, and cyclin E1 in MKN45 cells, which was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. In contrast, MKN28 cells with lower PPARγ and COX-2 expression levels had lower growth inhibitory responses to PPARγ ligands. Microarray experiments only showed induction of the bad gene in MKN28 cells. In vivo growth of MKN45 cells in nude mice was retarded by rosiglitazone. Mean tumour volume in rosiglitazone treated mice was significantly lower than controls at six weeks (p = 0.019) and seven weeks (p = 0.001) after treatment. Conclusions: PPARγ ligands suppress both in vitro and in vivo growth of gastric cancer and may play a major role in cancer therapy and prevention.
3D SLAM using planar segments

This paper presents an improved feature-based 3D SLAM approach for a mobile robot equipped with a rotating laser scanner. The features are represented using the SPmodel, with associated planar segment information based on decimated polygon sets. An extended Kalman filter is used to build a three-dimensional map of the environment and track the robot's pose. As shown, the resulting maps are highly detailed, useful for higher-level robotic tasks and small in size
Modest weight loss and physical activity in overweight patients with chronic liver disease results in sustained improvements in alanine aminotransferase, fasting insulin, and quality of life

Background and aim: Obesity is a risk factor for progression of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to investigate the longer term effect of weight loss on liver biochemistry, serum insulin levels, and quality of life in overweight patients with liver disease and the effect of subsequent weight maintenance or regain. Patients: Thirty one patients completed a 15 month diet and exercise intervention. Results: On completion of the intervention, 21 patients (68%) had achieved and maintained weight loss with a mean reduction of 9.4 (4.0)% body weight. Improvements in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were correlated with the amount of weight loss (r = 0.35, p = 0.04). In patients who maintained weight loss, mean ALT levels at 15 months remained significantly lower than values at enrolment (p = 0.004), while in regainers (n = 10), mean ALT levels at 15 months were no different to values at enrolment (p = 0.79). Improvements in fasting serum insulin levels were also correlated with weight loss (r = 0.46, p = 0.04), and subsequent weight maintenance sustained this improvement. Quality of life was significantly improved after weight loss. Weight maintainers sustained recommended levels of physical activity and had higher fasting insulin levels (p = 0.03) at enrolment than weight regainers. Conclusion: In summary, these findings demonstrate that maintenance of weight loss and exercise in overweight patients with liver disease results in a sustained improvement in liver enzymes, serum insulin levels, and quality of life. Treatment of overweight patients should form an important component of the management of those with chronic liver disease.