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Automated sensors have potential to standardize and expand the monitoring of insects across the globe. As one of the most scalable and fastest developing sensor technologies, we describe a framework for automated, image-based monitoring of nocturnal insects—from sensor development and field deployment to workflows for data processing and publishing. Sensors comprise a light to attract insects, a camera for collecting images and a computer for scheduling, data storage and processing. Metadata is important to describe sampling schedules that balance the capture of relevant ecological information against power and data storage limitations. Large data volumes of images from automated systems necessitate scalable and effective data processing. We describe computer vision approaches for the detection, tracking and classification of insects, including models built from existing aggregations of labelled insect images. Data from automated camera systems necessitate approaches that account for inherent biases. We advocate models that explicitly correct for bias in species occurrence or abundance estimates resulting from the imperfect detection of species or individuals present during sampling occasions. We propose ten priorities towards a step-change in automated monitoring of nocturnal insects, a vital task in the face of rapid biodiversity loss from global threats. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transfusiology & Haematology Today / Transfuze a Hematologie Dnes is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Czech Rheumatology / Česká Revmatologie is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Czech Rheumatology / Česká Revmatologie is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Myeloid sarcomas (MS) are a rare manifestation of myeloid malignancies and can often be misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment. The objective of this clinical case is to highlight the challenges of the clinical presentation and to emphasize the importance of this manifestation ensuring timely diagnosis and therapy. Here, we present a 43-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) after being evaluated for unintentional weight loss, subcutaneous nodules, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The patient underwent chemotherapy with complete remission and presented 4 months later with dysphagia and cranial nerve palsies. Appropriate imaging and biopsy led to a diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma, and a decision was made to begin reinduction chemotherapy for AML achieving a second complete remission although his neurological deficits did not improve. Our case illustrates the protean presentation of myeloid sarcomas; clinicians should have a high suspicion for MS and remain vigilant when unexplained signs and symptoms arise in the background of a myeloid malignancy although challenges still remain when presentation is de novo. Advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of MS have been performed but remain not completely understood. High clinical suspicion, appropriate imaging, biopsy techniques, and expertise are paramount for timely diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of hematological malignancies, especially when exposed to immunosuppressive therapy. The mechanisms of lymphomagenesis remain poorly understood but factors implicated include high disease activity, exposure to antitumoral necrosis factor medications, and Epstein–Barr virus infection. Lymphoid malignancies of T-cell origin are uncommon in patients with rheumatoid arthirits. Clinical presentation with associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocyotsis is rare and confers a poor prognosis. This case report illustrates a case of a patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis and an iatrogenic peripheral T-cell lymphoma with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who achieved a complete response after intensive chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Paediatric displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus are unstable injuries and if not reduced and stabilized in optimal position can lead to serious residual deformity. We report the results of reduction and stabilization of displaced supracondylar fractures using the Sauvé-Kapandji technique. Material and methods: Eight males and five females, age ranging from 2 to 8 years with acute extension-type displaced supracondylar fractures of distal humerus, treated between January 2009 and March 2011 in our department were included in the study. The fracture was reduced using the Sauvé-Kapandji technique. The first wire was passed posteriorly through the fracture site under fluoroscopic control and was used to reduce the fracture. The fracture was then stabilized with two or three cross Kirschner wires, passed percutaneously under X-ray control. Results: Each patient was followed up for 2 months to 1 year. There was clinical and radiological evidence of healing at 6 weeks postoperatively in all cases. One patient had neurapraxia of anterior interosseous nerve and made full recovery. All patients except for one had full range of movements at the elbow joint at 6 weeks. One patient had loss of 15° extension but gained full range of movements at 1-year review. All patients had normal carrying angle, and no gunstock deformity was noted. All patients had normal function at the elbow joint at the final follow-up visit. Conclusion: The management of acute, displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children using the Sauvé-Kapandji technique has shown excellent results in terms of healing of the fracture and functional outcome. We recommend this technique as an alternative in cases of encountering difficulties in fracture reduction prior to proceed with open reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886)+docetaxel increases median overall survival (OS) and significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) compared with docetaxel alone in patients with KRAS mutant, stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC; NCT00890825).Methods:Retrospective analysis of OS, PFS, ORR and change in tumour size at week 6 for different sub-populations of KRAS codon mutations.Results:In patients receiving selumetinib+docetaxel and harbouring KRAS G12C or G12V mutations there were trends towards greater improvement in OS, PFS and ORR compared with other KRAS mutations.Conclusion:Different KRAS mutations in NSCLC may influence selumetinib/docetaxel sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses of a study which aimed to determine the association of inhaled prostaglandins with improvement in pulmonary physiology or mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as its adverse effects. Topics covered include the data sources in the systematic review and meta-analysis, the measures used in the association analyses, and the effect of inhaled prostaglandins in oxygenation and pulmonary artery pressures.

Copyright of Czech Rheumatology / Česká Revmatologie is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Czech Rheumatology / Česká Revmatologie is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Czech Rheumatology / Česká Revmatologie is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

. Total knee arthroplasty, or replacement (TKR), is now the most commonly performed surgical procedure performed in adults with haemophilia. It is indicated when end-stage haemophilic arthropathy results in intractable pain and reduced function. In patients with haemophilia, however, there has always been a concern about the high risk of infection, which carries with it potentially catastrophic consequences. The aims of this study were to review the case series of TKR for haemophilic arthropathy published in the medical literature, comparing the published infection rates and the differing clotting factor replacement regimes employed. Nineteen retrospective case series were identified; representing 556 TKR's in 455 patients with an overall infection rate of 7.9%. Case series which maintained a high level of clotting factor replacement throughout the first two postoperative weeks, however, had an infection rate of 2.15%, significantly lower than that of case series using the clotting factor replacement regime currently recommended in the World Federation of Hemophilia guidelines (9.22% P = 0.00545). We believe this study supports the use of a high level clotting factor replacement regime, replacing clotting factors to maintain them at a higher level for a longer period of time than currently recommended in international guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Total knee replacement (TKR) is a well recognized treatment for haemophilic arthropathy. Successful haemostasis can be achieved by bolus doses or continuous infusion (CI) using either recombinant (r) or plasma-derived (pd) factor IX (FIX). We retrospectively analysed our experience of factor replacement to cover TKR in haemophilia B patients and explored factors related to FIX use during surgery. Between 2000 and 2010, 13 primary TKRs were performed in 11 haemophilia B patients. Operations were performed by the same surgeon using standard techniques. Median age was 58 years (42-79). An adjusted CI protocol was used for 5 days followed by bolus doses. FIX:C was maintained at 100 IU dL−1 in the immediate postoperative period. There was no excess haemorrhage. There was no evidence of thrombosis or infection. All patients received mechanical thromboprophylaxis and only one chemical. CI was used in seven cases. Ten patients received pdFIX. Median hospital stay was 14 days (8-17). Median factor usage was 999 IU kg−1 (768-1248). During CI, factor consumption was 695 IU kg−1, 691 IU kg−1 and 495 IU kg−1 for B eneF ix®, Replenine® and Haemonine, respectively. Clearance of both pdFIX and rFIX reduced during CI. All operations were uncomplicated. The decreased clearance in the CI setting reduced the amount of FIX required to maintain a therapeutic level. This reduction was greater with pdFIX and may be related to pharmacokinetic differences between pdFIX and rFIX. Given the excellent safety profile of the pdFIX products, CI of FIX and particularly pdFIX is safe, efficacious and convenient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the revisions made by the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) on its existing international recommendations on biomedical and health informatics (BMHI). It discusses IMIA's task force scheme way of refining updates by focusing on educational needs of health care professionals for communication technology. It notes that healthy care professionals' learning outcomes are determined in terms of their knowledge and skills as an IT user and as a BMHI specialist.

The article presents research of Bekele Afessa and colleagues to assess the efficacy of silver-coated endotracheal tube (ETT) to reduce mortality of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in North America. Researchers did a retrospective cohort analysis of VAP patients and found that those with silver ETT had lower incidence of death than without VAP. They noticed that the leading cause of death is respiratory failure, while VAP-related deaths are caused by Acinetobacter sepsis.

The article examines the rates and outcomes of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) among adult patients receiving prolonged acute mechanical ventilation (PAMV). These patients are subject to such nosocomial infection by virtue of their prolonged hospital length of stay. They have an order of magnitude higher risk of havinng CDAD than other patients in the hospitals. They serve as an attractive target for aggressive measures aimed at preventing CDAD.

The author reflects on the study of P. Levin and colleagues on their experience with the infection control program which directs at the technicians who use portable equipment on the Intensive Control Unit (ICU) environment. The author states that the study intensifies the significance of the changes in monitoring practice improvement. Moreover, the author mentions that the study failed to view the long-term results linked with practice improvement changes of the infection control practices.

The article focuses on the findings of a study concerning the significance of fluid management in acute lung injury secondary to septic shock. Researchers performed a retrospective analysis at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and in the medical intensive care units (ICU) of Mayo Medical Center. Moreover, the study shows that both early and late fluid management of septic shock complicated by acute lung injury (ALI) can influence patient outcomes.

Objective: To investigate serum levels of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in patients with myositis and correlate these to autoantibody profile, clinical phenotype and treatment. Methods: BAFF levels in sera from 49 patients with dermatomyositis, 44 with polymyositis, 6 with inclusion body myositis and 30 matched controls were measured by ELISA. Specific autoantibodies were detected by line blot and western blot assays. Results: Serum levels of BAFF were significantly higher in patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.003). Patients with anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies had higher BAFF levels than control individuals (p<0.003) or patients without any specific autoantibodies (p<0.05). Patients with dermatomyositis had higher BAFF levels compared to polymyositis (p<0.05). Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) had higher BAFF levels than patients without ILD (p<0.05) or controls (p<0.01) but this could be explained by presence of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies. BAFF levels correlated with serum creatine kinase (CK) (rs = 0.365, p = 0.0005) but not with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. A negative correlation of BAFF levels with glucocorticoid daily dose for all patients (rs = −0.292, p = 0.003) and with cumulative glucocorticoid doses in early myositis cases (rs = −0.659, p<0.001) was recorded. Conclusion: Our finding of elevated serum levels of BAFF in patients with myositis with described phenotypes together with the correlations between levels of BAFF and CK and a negative correlation with dose of glucocorticoids, indicate that BAFF could be a potential therapeutic target in such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The hip is considered to be one of the main load bearing joints of the body. In the haemophilic patient joint bleeds can be catastrophic, leading to long-term joint degeneration and accompanying arthritis. In this review we explore the mechanisms of joint destruction, with particular consideration of the anatomy of the hip and how it may influence disease progression. We also review current strategies for treatment including hip replacement in the haemophilic patient and describe our experiences as a unit. Finally we evaluate future prospects in the management of hip disease in haemophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]