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Parenteral and enteral nutrition support are key components of care for various medical and physiological conditions in infants, children, and adults. Nutrition support practices have advanced over time, driven by the goals of safe and sufficient delivery of needed nutrients and improved patient outcomes. These advances have been, and continue to be, dependent on research and development studies. Such studies address aspects of enteral and parenteral nutrition support: formulations, delivery devices, health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and related metabolism. The studies are supported by public funding from the government and by private funding from foundations and from the nutrition support industry. To build public trust in nutrition support research findings, it is important to underscore ethical research conduct and reporting of results for all studies, including those with industry sponsors. In 2019, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition's (ASPEN's) Board of Directors established a task force to ensure integrity in nutrition support research that is done as collaborative partnerships between the public (government and individuals) and private groups (foundations, academia, and industry). In this ASPEN Position Paper, the Task Force presents principles of ethical research to guide administrators, researchers, and funders. The Task Force identifies ways to curtail bias and to minimize actual or perceived conflict of interests, as related to funding sources and research conduct. Notably, this paper includes a Position Statement to describe the Task Force's guidance on Public-Private Partnerships for research and funding. This paper has been approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.

Although crucial in improving health outcomes in the preterm infants, parenteral nutrition (PN) is not without risk, especially if handled improperly. A growing body of evidence suggests that components of PN admixtures, including lipid injectable emulsions (ILEs), are susceptible to degradation, including oxidation when exposed to light (ie, photo-oxidation), resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species. Infants, especially those born preterm, are considered more susceptible to consequences of oxidative stress than children and adults. Oxidative stress is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intestinal failure-associated liver disease. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) assembled a working group to provide recommendations on clinical practice surrounding photoprotection of PN.This Position Paper reviews the scientific literature on the formation of quantifiable peroxides and other degradation products when PN admixtures and ILEs are exposed to light and reports adverse clinical outcomes in premature infants exposed to PN. Recommendations for photoprotection of PN admixtures and ILEs are provided, as well as the challenges in achieving complete photoprotection with the equipment, supplies, and materials currently available in the US. ASPEN and the authors understand that the full implementation of complete photoprotection may not currently be feasible given current product availability; recommendations provided in this paper serve to represent the goal to which to strive as well as to highlight the importance of product availability to achieve these practices. This paper has been approved by the ASPEN Board of Directors.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) can reduce nitrogen at ambient pressure and temperature. In this study, we treated effluent from a paper mill in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) and monitored the abundance and activity of NFB with a view to producing a sludge that could work as a biofertilizer. Four reactors were inoculated with activated sludge enriched with NFB and fed with a high C/N waste (100:0.5) from a paper mill. Though the reactors were able to reduce the organic load of the wastewater by up to 89%, they did not have any nitrogen-fixing activity and showed a decrease in the putative number of NFB (quantified with qPCR). The most abundant species in the reactors treating high C/N paper mill wastewater was identified by Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing as Methyloversatilis sp. (relative abundance of 4.4%). Nitrogen fixation was observed when the C/N ratio was increased by adding sucrose. We suspect that real-world biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) will only occur where there is a C/N ratio ≤100:0.07. Consequently, operators should actively avoid adding or allowing nitrogen in the waste streams if they wish to valorize their sludge and reduce running costs. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Efficient biological wastewater treatment of low nitrogen paper mill effluent was achieved without nutrient supplementation. The sludge was still capable of fixing nitrogen although this process was not observed in the wastewater treatment system. This high C/N wastewater treatment technology could be used with effluents from cassava flour, olive oil, wine and dairy industries.

Chemotherapeutic drugs have been widely used in the treatment of cancer disease for about 70 years. The development of new treatments has not hindered their use, and oncologists still prescribe them routinely, alone or in combination with other antineoplastic agents. However, all chemotherapeutic agents can induce hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), with different incidences depending on the culprit drug. These reactions are the third leading cause of fatal drug-induced anaphylaxis in the United States. In Europe, deaths related to chemotherapy have also been reported. In particular, most reactions are caused by platinum compounds, taxanes, epipodophyllotoxins and asparaginase. Despite their prevalence and relevance, the ideal pathways for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these reactions are still unclear, and practice remains considerably heterogeneous with vast differences from center to center. Thus, the European Network on Drug Allergy and Drug Allergy Interest Group of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology organized a task force to provide data and recommendations regarding the allergological work-up in this field of drug hypersensitivity reactions. This position paper aims to provide consensus on the investigation of HSRs to chemotherapeutic drugs and give practical recommendations for clinicians that treat these patients, such as oncologists, allergologists and internists. Key sections cover risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, the role of skin tests, in vitro tests, indications and contraindications of drug provocation tests and desensitization of neoplastic patients with allergic reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs. Statements, recommendations and unmet needs were discussed and proposed at the end of each section.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used for asthma treatment. This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate OCS use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm. There is now an urgent need to introduce OCS stewardship approaches, akin to successful initiatives that optimized appropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand) position paper is to review current knowledge pertaining to OCS use in asthma and then delineate principles of OCS stewardship. Recent evidence indicates overuse and over-reliance on OCS for asthma and that doses >1000 mg prednisolone-equivalent cumulatively are likely to have serious side effects and adverse outcomes. Patient perspectives emphasize the detrimental impacts of OCS-related side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood disturbances and skin changes. Improvements in asthma control and prevention of exacerbations can be achieved by improved inhaler technique, adherence to therapy, asthma education, smoking cessation, multidisciplinary review, optimized medications and other strategies. Recently, add-on therapies including novel biological agents and macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated reductions in OCS requirements. Harm reduction may also be achieved through identification and mitigation of predictable adverse effects. OCS stewardship should entail greater awareness of appropriate indications for OCS prescription, risk–benefits of OCS medications, side effects, effective add-on therapies and multidisciplinary review. If implemented, OCS stewardship can ensure that clinicians and patients with asthma are aware that OCS should not be used lightly, while providing reassurance that asthma can be controlled in most people without frequent use of OCS.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem among older adults that is often complicated by many nuanced ethical considerations. Unfortunately, there is a lack of guidance for healthcare professionals on how to navigate such concerns. This International Continence Society white paper aims to provide healthcare professionals with an ethical framework to promote best care practices in the care of older adults with urinary incontinence.

Hyperpolarized (HP) 129 Xe MRI uniquely images pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, and terminal airway morphology rapidly and safely, providing novel information not possible using conventional imaging modalities or pulmonary function tests. As such, there is mounting interest in expanding the use of biomarkers derived from HP 129 Xe MRI as outcome measures in multi-site clinical trials across a range of pulmonary disorders. Until recently, HP 129 Xe MRI techniques have been developed largely independently at a limited number of academic centers, without harmonizing acquisition strategies. To promote uniformity and adoption of HP 129 Xe MRI more widely in translational research, multi-site trials, and ultimately clinical practice, this position paper from the 129 Xe MRI Clinical Trials Consortium (https://cpir.cchmc.org/XeMRICTC) recommends standard protocols to harmonize methods for image acquisition in HP 129 Xe MRI. Recommendations are described for the most common HP gas MRI techniques-calibration, ventilation, alveolar-airspace size, and gas exchange-across MRI scanner manufacturers most used for this application. Moreover, recommendations are described for 129 Xe dose volumes and breath-hold standardization to further foster consistency of imaging studies. The intention is that sites with HP 129 Xe MRI capabilities can readily implement these methods to obtain consistent high-quality images that provide regional insight into lung structure and function. While this document represents consensus at a snapshot in time, a roadmap for technical developments is provided that will further increase image quality and efficiency. These standardized dosing and imaging protocols will facilitate the wider adoption of HP 129 Xe MRI for multi-site pulmonary research.

The goal of this position paper on ventilatory support at home for children is to provide expert consensus from Australia and New Zealand on optimal care for children requiring ventilatory support at home, both non-invasive and invasive. It was compiled by members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA). This document provides recommendations to support the development of improved services for Australian and New Zealand children who require long-term ventilatory support. Issues relevant to providers of equipment and areas of research need are highlighted.

COVID‐19 has infected millions of patients and impacted healthcare workers worldwide. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a key component of protecting frontline clinicians against infection. The benefits of PPE far outweigh the risks, nonetheless, many clinicians are exhibiting skin injury caused by PPE worn incorrectly. These skin injuries, ranging from lesions to open wounds are concerning because they increase the susceptibility of viral infection and transmission to other individuals. Early into the COVID‐19 pandemic (April 2020), the U.S. National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) developed a series of position statements to improve wear‐ability of PPE and protect healthcare professionals and their patients as safe from harm as possible under the circumstances. The NPIAP positions, which were formed by conducting a systematic review of what was known at the time, include: (1) Prepare skin before and after wearing PPE with skin sealants, barrier creams and moisturizers; (2) Frequent PPE offloading to relieve pressure and shear applied to skin; (3) treat visible skin injuries immediately caused by PPE to minimize future infection; (4) non‐porous dressings may provide additional skin protection, but lack evidence; (5) health systems should take care to educate clinicians about placement and personal hygiene related to handling PPE. Throughout all of these practices, handwashing remains a top priority to handle PPE. These NPIAP positions provided early guidance to reduce the risk of skin injury caused by PPE based on available research regarding PPE injuries, a cautious application of evidence‐based recommendations on prevention of device related pressure injuries in patients and the expert opinion of the NPIAP Board of Directors. Clinicians who adhere to these recommendations reduce the prospects of skin damage and long‐term effects (e.g. scarring). These simple steps to minimize the risk of skin injury and reduce the risk of coronavirus infection from PPE can help.

International audience; In 2014 leading publishers withdrew more than 120 nonsensical publications automatically generated with the SCIgen program. Casual observations suggested that similar problematic papers are still published and sold, without follow-up retractions. No systematic screening has been performed and the prevalence of such nonsensical publications in the scientific literature is unknown. Our contribution is 2-fold. First, we designed a detector that combs the scientific literature for grammar-based computer-generated papers. Applied to SCIgen, it has a 83.6% precision. Second, we performed a scientometric study of the 243 detected SCIgen-papers from 19 publishers. We estimate the prevalence of SCIgen-papers to be 75 per million papers in Information and Computing Sciences. Only 19% of the 243 problematic papers were dealt with: formal retraction (12) or silent removal (34). Publishers still serve and sometimes sell the remaining 197 papers without any caveat. We found evidence of citation manipulation via edited SCIgen bibliographies. This work reveals metric gaming up to the point of absurdity: fraudsters publish nonsensical algorithmically generated papers featuring genuine references. It stresses the need to screen papers for nonsense before peer-review and chase citation manipulation in published papers. Overall, this is yet another illustration of the harmful effects of the pressure to publish or perish.

Aims The epidemiologic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) includes urinary incontinence (UI) questionnaire items. We introduced an independently self-administered paper towel test (PTT-ISA; invention disclosure #2021-347) to objectively demonstrate UI. Aims were to determine: (1) PTT-ISA compliance and (2) relationship to questionnaire results. Methods 276 community women were invited to complete both SWAN questionnaire and PTT-ISA. For PTT-ISA, a woman holds a trifold brown paper towel against her perineum while coughing hard three times. She checks the towel for wetness and compares it with pictorial showing wetted area gradations (dry towel through >6 ml/saturated). She then selects the best photo match for her towel. A newly conceptualized variable constructed as PTT-ISA plus questionnaire results was formed. Results Of 276 women, noncompliance with PTT-ISA was 2.2% (6 women). Four others (1.5%) were missing questionnaires. For the remaining 266 women, conceptual cohesiveness between questionnaire-only and PTT-ISA + questionnaire was demonstrated in 165 (62.0%). Lack of cohesiveness occurred in 101 (38.9%), including 41 women who said "no" to the questionnaire item indicative of stress UI and had leakage on PTT-ISA; leakage degree varied across the full pictorial spectrum from drops to saturated. Conclusion PTT-ISA demonstrates high compliance, with rate comparable to survey compliance. It is a novel measure for objective sign of urine loss when independently self-administered by community women outside of a clinic environment. Further research comparing PTT-ISA with clinician-observed cough test is warranted. As independently self-administered, PTT-ISA is simple, noninvasive, inexpensive, and an acceptable test that adds value to otherwise survey-dependent research.

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Position Paper focus is on applying the 4 ethical principles for clinician's decision-making in the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration (AANH) for adult and pediatric patients. These basic principles are (1) autonomy, respect the patient's healthcare preferences; (2) beneficence, provide healthcare in the best interest of the patient; (3) nonmaleficence, do no harm; and (4) justice, provide all individuals a fair and appropriate distribution of healthcare resources. Preventing and resolving ethical dilemmas is addressed, with an emphasis on a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Optimizing early communication and promoting advance care planning, involving completion of an advance directive, including designation of a surrogate decision-maker, are encouraged. Clinicians achieve respect for autonomy when they incorporate the patient, family, community, country, geographical, and presumed cultural values and religious belief considerations into ethical decision-making for adults and children with a shared decision-making process. These discussions should be guided by the 4 ethical principles. Hospital committees and teams, limited-time trials, clinician obligation with conflicts, and forgoing of AANH are addressed. Specific patient conditions are addressed because of the concern for potential ethical issues: coma, decreased consciousness, and dementia; advanced dementia; cancer; eating disorders; and end-stage disease/terminal illness. Incorporated in the Position Paper are ethical decisions during a pandemic and a legal summary involving ethical issues. International authors presented the similarities and differences within their own country or region and compared them with the US perspective.

Declining carbon (C) content in agricultural soils threatens soil fertility and makes soil prone to erosion, which could be rectified with organic soil amendments. In a 4‐yr field trial, we made a single application of three different organic sludges from the pulp and paper industry and studied their effects on cereal yield, soil C content, and fungal and bacterial composition. In laboratory rainfall simulations, we also studied the effects of the soil amendments on susceptibility to erosion and nutrient mobilization of a clay‐textured soil by measuring the quality of percolation water passing through 40‐cm intact soil monoliths during 2‐d rainfall simulations over four consecutive years after application. A nutrient‐poor fiber sludge reduced wheat yield in the first growing season, but there were no other significant effects on cereal yield or grain quality. An input of ∼8 Mg ha−1 C with the soil amendments had only minor effects on soil C content after 4 yr, likely because of fast microbe‐mediated turnover. The amendments clearly changed the fungal and bacterial community composition. All amendments significantly reduced suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in percolation water. The effect declined with time, but the reduction in SS and TP was still >25% 4 yr after application. We attributed the lower tendency for particle detachment in rain simulations to direct interactions of soil minerals with the added particulate organic matter and microbe‐derived compounds that stabilize soil aggregates. In soils with low organic matter content, pulp and paper industry by‐products can be a viable measure for erosion mitigation.

Workers in a print shop are exposed to photocopier toner dust and paper dust over a prolonged period of time. However, there are only rare case reports of toner and paper dust induced lung damage in humans. We reviewed our consultation files for a period of 30 years from 1987 to 2018 to look for cases with a diagnosis of giant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIP), printer toner exposure and paper dust exposure resulting in lung disease. There were two cases which met our inclusion criteria. Slides, clinical histories and imaging were reviewed. Both the patients had worked in print shops, and had no history of exposure to hard metals. Patient 1 presented with shortness of breath and cough over several months, while patient 2 was asymptomatic at presentation. Both the patients underwent surgical lung biopsies. Histopathologic examination from both the cases showed a spectrum of pathology, including features of GIP, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, chronic bronchiolitis with lymphoid hyperplasia, and particulate matter consistent with toner. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was performed on one case, and it revealed no cobalt or tungsten particles. The unusual combination of findings is very suggestive that toner particles with or without paper dust exposure were responsible for the pathologic changes in the lungs of these patients. This possibility should be explored further with additional patients who work in print shops where they are exposed to paper dust and paper toner and have signs or symptoms of diffuse lung disease.

Biologicals have transformed the management of severe disease phenotypes in asthma, atopic dermatitis, and chronic spontaneous urticaria. As a result, the number of approved biologicals for the treatment of atopic diseases is continuously increasing. Although atopic diseases are among the most common diseases in the reproductive age, investigations, and information on half-life, pharmacokinetics defining the neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn) and most important safety of biologicals in pregnancy are lacking. Given the complex sequence of immunological events that regulate conception, fetal development, and the intrauterine and postnatal maturation of the immune system, this information is of utmost importance. We conducted a systematic review on biologicals in pregnancy for indications of atopic diseases. Evidence in this field is scare and mainly reserved to reports on the usage of omalizumab. This lack of evidence demands the establishment of a multidisciplinary approach for the management of pregnant women who receive biologicals and multicenter registries for long-term follow-up, drug trial designs suitable for women in the reproductive age, and better experimental models that represent the human situation. Due to the very long half-life of biologicals, pre-conception counseling, and health care provider education is crucial to offer the best care for mother and fetus. This position paper integrates available data on safety of biologicals during pregnancy in atopic diseases via a systematic review with a detailed review on immunological considerations how inhibition of different pathways may impact pregnancy.

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis is regarded as a chronic airway disease. According to WHO recommendations, it may be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients. In most CRSwNP cases, the inflammatory changes affecting the nasal and paranasal mucous membranes are type-2 (T2) inflammation endotypes. MethodsThe current knowledge on COVID-19 and on treatment options for CRS was analyzed by a literature search in Medline, Pubmed, international guidelines, the Cochrane Library and the Internet. ResultsBased on international literature, on current recommendations by WHO and other international organizations as well as on previous experience, a panel of experts from EAACI and ARIA provided recommendations for the treatment of CRS during the COVID-19 pandemic. ConclusionIntranasal corticosteroids remain the standard treatment for CRS in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Surgical treatments should be reduced to a minimum and surgery preserved for patients with local complications and for those with no other treatment options. Systemic corticosteroids should be avoided. Treatment with biologics can be continued with careful monitoring in noninfected patients and should be temporarily interrupted during the course of the COVID-19 infection.

Perinatal depression can have enduring adverse effects on women and their children and families, incurring substantial ongoing economic and personal costs. A significant proportion of the cost of perinatal depression relates to adverse impacts on the child, most likely mediated through impairment to the mother-infant relationship. In recognition of this problem, Australia has invested in routine perinatal depression screening. Our previous research produced convergent findings suggesting that expected benefits for children have not yet been realised through perinatal depression screening. We question the potential of including a measure of personality in current perinatal depression screening for identifying maternal mental health problems and suboptimal mother-infant relationships. This paper reviews our previous research findings within the broader context of perinatal depression screening. We propose a position, that perinatal depression screening in Australia should be redesigned to more precisely detect vulnerable mother-infant relationships, parenting, maternal mental health, and infant psychosocial and psychological development. Practice change to appropriately target antenatal interventions may more efficiently improve both maternal and child outcomes, thereby contributing to greater efficiency and cost savings for the health system.

The aims of this paper were to provide an overview of available activity monitors used in research in patients with heart failure and to identify the key criteria in the selection of the most appropriate activity monitor for collecting, reporting, and analysing physical activity in heart failure research. This study was conducted in three parts. First, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify physical activity concepts and activity monitors used in heart failure research. Second, an additional scoping literature search for validation of these activity monitors was conducted. Third, the most appropriate criteria in the selection of activity monitors were identified. Nine activity monitors were evaluated in terms of size, weight, placement, costs, data storage, water resistance, outcomes and validation, and cut-off points for physical activity intensity levels were discussed. The choice of a monitor should depend on the research aims, study population and design regarding physical activity. If the aim is to motivate patients to be active or set goals, a less rigorously tested tool can be considered. On the other hand, if the aim is to measure physical activity and its changes over time or following treatment adjustment, it is important to choose a valid activity monitor with a storage and battery longevity of at least one week. The device should provide raw data and valid cut-off points should be chosen for analysing physical activity intensity levels. Other considerations in choosing an activity monitor should include data storage location and ownership and the upfront costs of the device. Funding Agencies|European Society of Cardiology Funding Source: Medline

Lime mud, a kind of industrial waste that produced in paper mill, was proposed as CO2 sorbent in calcium looping process. The carbonation performance of the lime mud was investigated in a dual‐fixed bed reactor (DFR) and a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The carbonation kinetics of the lime mud in the chemical reaction controlled stage was analyzed by a surface reaction‐controlled kinetic model. The results show that the lime mud presents much poorer carbonation performance during the chemical reaction controlled stage compared with the limestone, mainly due to the high content of chlorine in the lime mud. A prewash treatment process was used to decrease the chlorine content to mitigate the sintering of the lime mud when calcined at high temperature. After prewash treatment, the prewashed lime mud shows much higher CO2 capture capacity during the chemical reaction controlled stage compared with the lime mud. A prolonged carbonation process successfully further enhances the microstructure and improves the carbonation performance of the prewashed lime mud in the chemical reaction controlled stage. The lime mud can be effectively used as CO2 sorbent in calcium looping process after prewash treatment and the following prolonged carbonation treatment.

Background Burning mouth syndrome is a syndrome with tongue as the main affected site and burning pain as the main complaint. Although a variety of therapies have been reported to treat BMS, there is a lack of widely recognized therapies and it is still a dilemma for clinicians to treat BMS. Objective To develop the position paper and provide the references for clinical practice of BMS in China. Methods Under the guidance of WHO (World Health Organization) Handbook for Guideline Development, we used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach as a tool to develop this position paper in the following steps: setting up the groups, formulating the clinical questions and choosing the outcomes, retrieving and synthesizing of evidence, assessing the evidence, investigating the patients' values and preferences, developing the recommendations, reviewing the recommendations, and writing the position paper. Results The 27 recommendations were formed from the following 7 aspects: pre-treatment examination, removal of stimuli, medication, physical therapy, psychological therapy, and antipsychotics. There are 3 strong recommendations and 12 weak recommendations in pre-treatment examination and removal of stimuli, as well as 12 weak recommendations in therapies. Conclusion The Chinese position paper for management of BMS has been developed, which could provide the references for clinical practice of BMS in China. Twenty-seven recommendations were formed based on consensus of experts on the balance of benefits vs side effects, evidence, cost, and patients' values and preferences, although the quality of evidence is relatively low.

Background Olanedine solution is a new antiseptic, and several cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by the agent were reported in 2018; however, these cases were diagnosed based on positive results in 2-day closed patch testing of Olanedine solution "as is." Objectives To present another case of Olanedine-induced allergic contact dermatitis and to analyze the optimal patch-testing method for this condition. Methods A 34-year-old Japanese female patient and 25 healthy control subjects were patch tested using wet filter paper, which had been treated with 15 μL Olanedine solution, and dried filter paper, which had been treated with 15 μL Olanedine solution and then dried. Results The patient and all of the control subjects exhibited false-positive reactions due to irritation in the 2-day closed patch tests with wet filter paper containing Olanedine solution "as is." The tests with dried filter paper produced a positive reaction on day 7 in the patient, and negative reactions in all control subjects. Conclusions It is preferable to perform 2-day closed patch tests using filter paper with the test solution "as is," which had been dried before application in order to correctly diagnose antiseptic-induced allergic contact dermatitis.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, and it is becoming a prevalent malignancy. Most of the regular clinical examinations are prompt evaluations with cystoscopy, renal function testing, which require high-precision instrument, well-trained operators, and high cost. In this study, a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was fabricated to detect nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) and bladder cancer antigen (BTA) from the urine samples. Urine samples were collected from 11 bladder cancer patients and 10 well-beings as experiment and control groups, respectively, to verify the working efficiency of μPAD. A remarkable checkout efficiency of up to 90.91% was found from the results. Meanwhile, this method is feasible for home-based self-detection from urine samples within 10 min for the total process, which provides a new way for quick, economical, and convenient tumor diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and drug response.

Background: Defining the optimal conduction of percutaneous-coronary-intervention (PCI) to treat bifurcation lesions has been the subject of many clinical studies showing that the applied stenting technique may influence clinical outcome. Accordingly, bifurcation stenting classifications and technical sequences should be standardized to allow proper reporting and comparison. Methods: The European Bifurcation Club (EBC) is a multidisciplinary group dedicated to optimize the treatment of bifurcations and previously created a classification of bifurcation stenting techniques that is based on the first stent implantation site. Since some techniques have been abandoned, others have been refined and dedicated devices became available, EBC promoted an international task force aimed at updating the classification of bifurcation stenting techniques as well as at highlighting the best practices for most popular techniques. Original descriptive images obtained by drawings, bench tests and micro-computed-tomographic reconstructions have been created in order to serve as tutorials in both procedure reporting and clinical practice. Results: An updated Main-Across-Distal-Side (MADS)-2, classification of bifurcation stenting techniques has been realized and is reported in the present article allowing standardized procedure reporting in both clinical practice and scientific studies. The EBC-promoted task force deeply discussed, agreed on and described (using original drawings and bench tests) the optimal steps for the following major bifurcation stenting techniques: (a) 1-stent techniques (“provisional” and “inverted provisional”) and (b) 2-stent techniques (“T/TAP,” “culotte,” and “DK-crush”). Conclusions: The present EBC-promoted paper is intended to facilitate technique selection, reporting and performance for PCI on bifurcated lesions during daily clinical practice.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) allow user-friendly and portable chemical determinations, although they provide limited applicability due to insufficient sensitivity. Several approaches have been proposed to address poor sensitivity in μPADs, but they frequently require bulky equipment for power and/or read-outs. Universal serial buses (USB) are an attractive alternative to less portable power sources and are currently available in many common electronic devices. Here, USB-powered μPADs (USB μPADs) are proposed as a fusion of both technologies to improve performance without adding instrumental complexity. Two ITP USB μPADs were developed, both powered by a 5 V potential provided through standard USB ports. The first device was fabricated using the origami approach. Its operation was analyzed experimentally and numerically, yielding a two-order-of-magnitude sample focusing in 15 min. The second ITP USB μPAD is a novel design, which was numerically prototyped with the aim of handling larger sample volumes. The reservoirs were moved away from the ITP channel and capillary action was used to drive the sample and electrolytes to the separation zone, predicting 25-fold sample focusing in 10 min. USB μPADs are expected to be adopted by minimally-trained personnel in sensitive areas like resource-limited settings, the point-of-care and in emergencies. Fil: Schaumburg, Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química; Argentina Fil: Kler, Pablo Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones en Métodos Computacionales. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Centro de Investigaciones en Métodos Computacionales; Argentina Fil: Carrell, Cody S.. State University of Colorado - Fort Collins; Estados Unidos Fil: Berli, Claudio Luis Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química; Argentina Fil: Henry, Charles S.. State University of Colorado - Fort Collins; Estados Unidos

"Background: This position paper highlights the opportunistic integral role of the pharmacist across the patient pathway utilizing cardiovascular care as an example. The paper aims to highlight the potential roles that pharmacists worldwide can have (or already have) to provide efficient patient care in the context of interprofessional collaboration. Methods: It results from a literature review and experts seeking advice to identify existing interventions and potential innovative interventions. We developed a conceptual framework highlighting seven critical phases in the patient pathway and for each of those listed some of the initiatives identified by our experts worldwide. Results: Existing pharmacists' interventions in each of these phases have been identified globally. Various examples in the area of prevention and self‐management were found to exist for long; the contribution for early detection and subsequently to timely diagnosis were also quite clear; integration of care was perhaps one of the areas needing greater development, although interventions in secondary care were also quite common. Tertiary care and end of life interventions were found to often be left for other healthcare professionals. Conclusion: On the basis of the findings, we can argue that much has been done but globally consider that pharmacists are still an untapped resource potentially useful for improved patient care." info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

See related Editorial See cover image, Spirometry has been established as an essential test for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory disease, particularly asthma and COPD, as well as in occupational health surveillance. In Australia and New Zealand, there is currently no pathway for spirometry operators in community‐based healthcare settings to demonstrate spirometry competence. The Australia and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) has identified a need for developing a pathway for operators working in community‐based practices in Australia and New Zealand to demonstrate spirometry competence and certification. Spirometry certification provides evidence to patients, clients, employers and organizations that an individual has participated in an assessment process that qualifies them to perform spirometry to current international spirometry standards set out by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS). This document describes a competence assessment pathway that incorporates a portfolio and practical assessment. The completion of this pathway and the award of certification confer an individual is competent to perform spirometry for 3 years, after which re‐certification is required. The adoption of this competency assessment and certification process by specialist organizations, and the commitment of operators performing spirometry to undergo this process, will enhance spirometry quality and practice in community‐based healthcare settings.

COVID-19 pandemic raised the issue to guarantee the proper level of care to patients with acute cardiovascular diseases and concomitant suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and, in the meantime safety and protection of healthcare providers. The aim of this position paper is to provide standards to healthcare facilities and healthcare providers on infection prevention and control measures during the management of suspected and confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV infection accessing in cath-lab. The document represents the view of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GISE), and it is based on recommendations from the main World and European Health Organizations (WHO, and ECDC) as well as from the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI).

Sweden is one of the largest exporters of pulp and paper products in the world. It follows that huge quantities of sludge rich in carbonaceous organic material and containing heavy metals are generated. This paper carried out a comparative environmental analysis of three different technologies, which can be adopted to produce biochar and recover energy from the biosludge, using landfilling as the reference case. These three thermochemical biosludge management systems—using incineration, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)—were modeled using life cycle assessment (LCA). Heat generated in the incineration process (System A) was considered to be for captive consumption within the kraft pulp mills. It was assumed that the biochars—pyrochar and hydrochar—produced from pyrolysis (System B) and HTC (System C), respectively, were added to the forest soils. The LCA results show that all the alternative systems considerably improve the environmental performance of biosludge management, relative to landfilling. For all systems, there are net reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (–0.89, –1.43, and –1.13 tonnes CO 2 -equivalent per tonne dry matter biosludge in Systems A, B, and C, respectively). System B resulted in the lowest potential eutrophication and terrestrial ecotoxicity impacts, whereas System C had the least acidification potential. The results of this analysis show that, from an environmental point of view, biochar soil amendment as an alternative method for handling pulp and paper mill biosludge is preferable to energy recovery. However, an optimal biochar system needs to factor in the social and economic contexts as well.

The wide spread availability and use of sophisticated high-speed telecommunication networks coupled with inexpensive and easily accessible computing capacity have catalyzed the creation of new tools and strategies for healthcare delivery. Such tools and strategies are of value to apheresis medicine (AM) practitioners if they improve delivery of patient care, enhance safety during a therapeutic apheresis (TA) intervention, facilitate care access, advance technical capabilities of apheresis devices, and/or elevate quality performance within TA programs. In the past several years, healthcare delivery systems' adoption of telecommunication technologies has been fostered by organizational financial and quality improvement objectives. More recently, adoption of telehealth technologies has been catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic as these technologies enhance both patient and provider safety in an era of social distancing. These changes will also influence the delivery of TA services which now can be generally viewed in a tripartite model format comprised of traditional hospital-based fixed site locales, mobile TA operations and lately an evolving telemedicine remote management model now reffered to as telapheresis (TLA). This communication developed by the Public Affairs and Advocacy Committee of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) and endorsed by its Board of Directors, reviews and describes various aspects of established and evolving electronic technologies related to TLA and the practice of AM. In subsequent companion publications, additional aspects to TLA will be explored and ASFA's vision of reasonable, regulatory compliant and high-quality TLA practices will be expounded.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a respiratory tract infection caused by a novel human coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, leads to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic cases to patients with mild and severe symptoms, with or without pneumonia. Given the huge influence caused by the overwhelming COVID‐19 pandemic affecting over three million people worldwide, a wide spectrum of drugs is considered for the treatment in the concept of repurposing and off‐label use. There is no knowledge about the diagnosis and clinical management of the drug hypersensitivity reactions that can potentially occur during the disease. This review brings togetherall the published information about the diagnosis and management of drug hypersensitivity reactions due to current and candidate off‐label drugs andhighlights relevant recommendations. Furthermore, it gathers all the dermatologic manifestations reported during the disease for guiding the clinicians to establish a better differential diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactionsin the course of the disease.

Accurate office blood pressure measurement remains crucial in the diagnosis and management of hypertension worldwide, including Latin America (LA). Office blood pressure (OBP) measurement is still the leading technique in LA for screening and diagnosis of hypertension, monitoring of treatment, and long‐term follow‐up. Despite this, due to the increasing awareness of the limitations affecting OBP and to the accumulating evidence on the importance of ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), as a complement of OBP in the clinical approach to the hypertensive patient, a progressively greater attention has been paid worldwide to the information on daytime and nighttime BP patterns offered by 24‐h ABPM in the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic management of hypertension. In LA countries, most of the Scientific Societies of Hypertension and/or Cardiology have issued guidelines for hypertension care, and most of them include a special section on ABPM. Also, full guidelines on ABPM are available. However, despite the available evidence on the advantages of ABPM for the diagnosis and management of hypertension in LA, availability of ABPM is often restricted to cities with large population, and access to this technology by lower‐income patients is sometimes limited by its excessive cost. The authors hope that this document might stimulate health authorities in each LA Country, as well as in other countries in the world, to regulate ABPM access and to widen the range of patients able to access the benefits of this technique.

The International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines (ICTMG) has published guidance on transfusion for haemoglobinopathies. To give a UK perspective on this guidance, each of the recommendations in the ICTMG guideline were reviewed and the applicability for transfusion practice in the UK considered with reference to relevant published British Society for Haematology (BSH) guidelines and national standards . There was much consensus; however, there was disparity surrounding the recommendations for routinely extended matching in those with alloimmunisation.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) first emerged in China in November 2019. Most governments have responded to the COVID‐19 pandemic by imposing a lockdown. Some evidence suggests that a period of isolation might have led to a spike in alcohol misuse, and in the case of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), social isolation can favour lapse and relapse. The aim of our position paper is to provide specialists in the alcohol addiction field, in psychopharmacology, gastroenterology and in internal medicine, with appropriate tools to better manage patients with AUD and COVID‐19,considering some important topics: (a) the susceptibility of AUD patients to infection; (b) the pharmacological interaction between medications used to treat AUD and to treat COVID‐19; (c) the reorganization of the Centre for Alcohol Addiction Treatment for the management of AUD patients in the COVID‐19 era (group activities, telemedicine, outpatients treatment, alcohol‐related liver disease and liver transplantation, collecting samples); (d) AUD and SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Telemedicine/telehealth will undoubtedly be useful/practical tools even though it remains at an elementary level; the contribution of the family and of caregivers in the management of AUD patients will play a significant role; the multidisciplinary intervention involving experts in the treatment of AUD with specialists in the treatment of COVID‐19 disease will need implementation. Thus, the COVID‐19 pandemic is rapidly leading addiction specialists towards a new governance scenario of AUD, which necessarily needs an in‐depth reconsideration, focusing attention on a safe approach in combination with the efficacy of treatment., All health care systems need to be reorganized during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic, and also the CAATs in order to combine operator safety with patient safety and care. The multi‐disciplinary intervention involving experts in the treatment of AUD and ALD with specialists in the treatment of COVID‐19 disease will need implementation and the contribution of the family and of care‐givers in the management of AUD and ALD patients will play a significant role.

The World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) decided to compose a position paper on infants' rights in wartime, as there is still a general lack of attention paid to the impact of war-related traumas on infants' development and psychological health. Though there are numerous areas of violent conflicts around the globe, there have been few published studies that relate specifically to infants. Consequently, humanitarian aid programs tend to overlook infants' psychological needs and to pay more attention to those of older children. This position paper first reviews the studies identified through a literature search, about the impact of war-related traumas during pregnancy and postnatal periods, then describes the existing recommendations that have been added to the Children Rights Convention and their implications for infant mental health clinicians.