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A fundamental question in the comparative sociology of religion is: What are the drivers of cross-national differences in religiosity? The existential insecurity argument raises the expectation of higher levels of religiosity in contexts of social crisis. We test this argument against countries' armed conflict experiences, employing global longitudinal data on religious adherence over almost half a century. We did not find evidence of religious revival when measuring the consequences of armed conflict with a 5-year lag, indicating that armed conflict-related social crises do not tend to lead to sudden changes in the religious adherence of a country. However, we did find more consistent indications of a higher proportion of religious people when using accumulated measurements of armed conflict, highlighting the importance of investigating the armed conflict history of a country when assessing its religious consequences. Our results show that countries with a more devastating experience of armed conflict tend to present higher proportions of religious adherence in comparison with countries with a less devastating armed conflict history. We concluded that armed conflict tends to partially drive religious persistence in societies that have experienced it, and that the pace at which this takes place is gradual rather than immediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the authors propose 10 recommendations to bolster the representation of African Americans within pharmacy organization leadership. Other topics include the importance of diversity in leadership, how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed healthcare disparities, particularly in the African American community, and the suggestions including defining diversity, along with its goals and specific metrics.

The article examines that art is shaped by the society in which it is performed. Topics include considered that certain adjectives often times seem to attach to women, and other adjectives to men; and reports that men have exceptional abilities and are associated with intellect, ingenuity, originality, brilliance and distinctiveness.

Criminal organizations constantly face challenges that threaten their existence. This paper discusses the effects that state repression and state transformation have on criminal organizations and how such organizations respond. We focus on the case of the Russian mafia, known as the vory-v-zakone. We identify the key challenges faced by the vory throughout Soviet and Russian history and examine how the Russian mafia adapted to such threats. We conclude that the biggest threat came not from state repression during Stalin's Great Terror but rather from state transformation in the 1990s. We also show that Putin's era repression of the vory has not been more intense than that of the late Yeltsin's years. The paper is based on a new and unique data set we constructed, which contains biographical information of more than 5,000 members of the vory fraternity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Web-based survey data collected in June–August 2018 from members of the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER), we characterized numerous dimensions of social identity and lived experience and assessed relationships between these characteristics and perceptions of inclusion and Society participation. We quantified associations between those characteristics and 3 outcomes: feeling very welcomed, high (top 25th percentile) self-initiated participation, and any (top 10th percentile) Society-initiated participation. Data for racial/ethnic and religious minority categories were blinded to preserve anonymity, and we accounted for missing data. In 2018, most SER members (n  = 1,631) were White (62%) or female (66%). Females with racial/ethnic nonresponse were least likely to report feeling very welcomed, while White males were most likely. Members who did not report their race, identified with a specific racial/ethnic minority, or were politically conservative/right-leaning were less likely than White or liberal/left-leaning members to have high self-initiated participation. Women and persons of specific racial/ethnic minority or minority religious affiliations were less likely to participate in events initiated by the Society. These data represent a baseline for assessing trends and the impact of future initiatives aimed at improving diversity, inclusion, representation, and participation within SER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven years (by publication) years after the development and application of the control banding (CB) Nanotool for the qualitative assessment and control of engineered nanoparticles (ENP), there remains no quantitative gold standard to serve as an alternative to the qualitative assessment. Many CB models have been developed during the years subsequent to the initial development of the CB Nanotool and the literature continues to blossom with comparisons and applications of these various tools; however, these developments have hitherto been made in the absence of validating and verifying their effectiveness using existing, albeit limited, quantitative methods. This paper reviews the existing literature on the CB Nanotool to evaluate its effectiveness in a variety of settings and presents a summary of qualitative and quantitative information from its application in a broad range of ENP handling activities performed in two different research institutions. A total of 28 ENP activities were assessed using the CB Nanotool (Version 2.0). Due to the lack of guidance on a single exposure assessment methodology, a combination of real-time monitoring, filter analysis, and microscopic analysis was used to assess various quantitative metrics, including mass concentration, particle number concentration, and particle speciation. All the results indicated that the control outcomes from the CB Nanotool qualitative assessment were sufficient to prevent workers from being exposed to ENP at levels beyond established exposure limits or background levels. These data represent an independent quantitative validation of CB Nanotool risk level outcomes and give further credence to the use of the CB Nanotool to effectively control worker exposures in the absence of quantitative air monitoring results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Frailty represents a particularly high risk group of geriatric patients whom require specialized care. Dedicated multidisciplinary frailty teams led by Geriatricians have been shown to provide better outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the inpatient interventions and length of stay (LOS) between patients under the care of a dedicated Rapid Access Frailty Team (RAFT) versus general medical teams. Methods Data was collected on a total of 163 patients who were screened as frail positive using a screening tool, over a period of 10 months in 2018. Basic Statistical Analysis was used to analyse data. Results Of the 163 patients, 113 were managed by the RAFT and 50 by a medical team. 61.9% were assessed as frail immediately in the Emergency Department, while the remainder where referred to the RAFT from other medical teams. The main reasons for referral were: cognitive impairment (51.3%), poor mobility and safety awareness (70.8%), polypharmacy (82.3%), poor functioning in ADLs (76.1%) and medical reasons (77.9%). Interventions made by the frailty team included: medication rationalization (82.3%), MDT assessment (91.2%) and discharge planning (87%). 49.5% of patients seen by the RAFT had a MOCA score < 22. Of patients managed by the RAFT 100% received Physiotherapy and 96.5% were seen by Occupational Therapy, while in the medical group this was 50% and 42% respectively. The mean length of stay was 9 days in the RAFT group, and 12.4 days in general medical group. Conclusion Patients managed by the RAFT had an average LOS of 3.4 fewer days. We hypothesize that this is linked to earlier identification by the RAFT, earlier referral and more intensive intervention by allied health services, and specialized Geriatric Medical input. We aim to increase the availability of our frailty service within our hospital to optimize the management of our frail patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The patient profile in a Dublin rehabilitation hospital has changed in recent years to include older adult rehabilitation alongside orthopaedic rehabilitation. A snapshot audit completed by the occupational therapy department on one day in 2018 demonstrated that 64% of patients had an assessment score indicative of a cognitive impairment. A subjective gap in knowledge regarding dementia care and a misunderstanding of the ability of people with dementia to engage in rehabilitation was identified. It was imperative that dementia awareness training was provided with a particular focus on modifying rehabilitation techniques to cater for these patients. Methods A dementia care committee was established with an Educational Development subgroup responsible for addressing dementia and delirium awareness training. Educational material was received from the field of occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, pharmacy and dietetics. The programme was accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. A focus group was completed pre/post formulation of the presentation with various departmental representatives. Feedback provided was used to inform and finalise the training content. Results Sessions are completed once monthly. One hundred and seven participants to date have attended. Ten-point Likert scales are completed pre and post training. Data from the Likert scales were analysed revealing on average a 24.4 % increase in knowledge of dementia, a 27.6% increase in awareness of the impact of dementia on function and a 23.3% increase in confidence in caring for a patient with dementia. Highest contingent of staff members trained were household and catering staff (19%) nursing staff (18%), and health care attendants (13%). Conclusion This essential training is ongoing with thirty per cent of staff trained to date. The objective is for all staff to complete this training for enhanced care and rehabilitation for all patients with dementia. It will also aim to review treatment for all patients with cognitive impairment so unique rehabilitation programmes can be tailored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that all societies have ways of grappling with death and all societies also have forensics that is forms of inquiry that determine the cause of death, with implications for the moral valence attributed to it. Topics include forensics, in its histories and present uses, its implications for theories of subjectivity and models of liberal governance, its valences of fortune and fate, is essential to understanding how capital works.

Aims To search for pharmaceutical additives in illicit alcoholic beverages referred to the laboratory of Legal Medicine Organization in Iran in 2017. Methods Hundred beverages were sampled. Ethanol content was determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID) and then a liquid-liquid extraction combined with reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode array detector (PAD) was employed for the qualitative analysis. The analysis was confirmed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Results In 15% either one or more of the following were detected: tramadol, methadone, diazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam and alprazolam. Tramadol was found with highest frequency. Conclusions The wide availability of addictive pharmaceutical is leading to fortification of alcoholic beverages on some countries. The addition of such depressant additives should be better known because of the potentially fatal consequences of the combination with ethanol, as well as the potential for adverse effects on behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examined delivery of paediatric rheumatology (PR) services and care in Europe. Topics explored include the establishment of the Single Hub and Access point for paediatric Rheumatology in Europe (SHARE) by the European Union (EU), the survey administered which addressed PR care organization and access in the region, and brief details about the PR care standard and training program availability.

The article discusses research which investigated safety and effectiveness of rituximab in anti-synthetase antibody positive and negative patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Topics explored include the clinical characteristics and prevalence of IIM, the selection and evaluation of patients from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register, and brief details about the rituximab dosage administered and patient outcomes observed.

Implementation of the Ebola response was credited with reducing incidence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa; however little is known about the amount and kind of Ebola response activities that were ultimately successful in addressing the 2014 outbreak. We collaboratively monitored Ebola response activities and associated effects in Margibi County, Liberia, a rural county in Liberia deeply affected by the outbreak. We used a participatory monitoring and evaluation system, including key informant interviews and document review, to systematically document activities, code them, characterize their contextual features, and discover and communicate patterns in Ebola response activities to essential stakeholders. We also measured incidence of EVD over time. Results showed a distinct pattern in Ebola response activities and key events, which corresponded with subsequent decreased EVD incidence. These data are suggestive of the role of Ebola response activities played in reducing the incidence of EVD within Margibi County, which included implementing safe burials, social mobilization and community engagement and case management. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of response activities to control disease outbreaks holds lessons for implementing and evaluating similar comprehensive and multi-sectoral community health efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse profession engenders new perspectives, enhances the relevance of science to society, and decreases obstacles for participation. As we approach the centennial celebration of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM), it is appropriate and important to assess our progress in achieving a diverse community.

On the eve of World War I, Havana boasted the second largest urban community of Iberian Galicians in the world, after Buenos Aires. The size of its immigrant population made it a core of Galician politics and culture, as one of the main centers of the Galician diaspora community in Latin America, which amounted then to more than half a million persons between Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, Brazil and the United States. Galicians left a deep imprint on modern Cuban society. This legacy could be seen in the persistence of ambiguous stereotypes about gallegos in Cuban popular theatre and cinematography until the 1950s. Numerous Galicians experienced fast-paced, upward social mobility during the first decades of the twentieth century. And the network of Galician local associations in Havana influenced the development of social mobilization in their country of origin during the first decades of the twentieth century. This was a multifaceted phenomenon, which found expression in dozens of initiatives that took place at the local level, linking Galician parishes in Europe with their "neighbors" now residing in Havana. The present essay looks at the diverse forms of interaction between the Galician community in Cuba and the sociopolitical movements that developed in Spain during the first half of the twentieth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy mandates consumer involvement in decisions at all levels of the mental health system. One barrier to this involvement is the expectation that consumers involved in systemic work represent broader consumer experiences. To examine how the rhetoric of 'representation' was used in relation to consumer involvement in mental health, a qualitative exploratory design was employed using interviews for data collection. Participants were consumers (n  = 6) working with public or private mental health organizations in Australia, and colleagues (n  = 3) or managers (n  = 5) of these consumers. Discursive psychological principles informed the analytic process, to explore contexts in which 'representativeness' was used to empower and disempower consumers. The findings suggest there is a lack of clarity about what is meant by representation in the mental health sector. Expecting individual consumer leaders to be representative of consumer views more broadly disempowered them in their roles. Some participants instead discussed ways that organizations should be responsible for seeking representation from more consumer leaders, thus empowering consumers working in the sector. Using the term 'representative' to refer to consumers working in mental health does not reflect the value of the consumer perspective and is not well understood within the sector. Comprehensive training should be provided so that mental health service providers are clear regarding the expectations of people in these roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the executive summary of the biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug safety guidelines in inflammatory arthritis by the British Society for Rheumatology. Biologics covered by the guideline are mentioned, including certolizumab pegol. The target audience is secondary care health professionals directly involved in the management of patients with inflammatory arthritis. The GRADE method was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation.

The article discusses the biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug safety guidelines in inflammatory arthritis by the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR). The purpose of the guideline is to offer evidence-based recommendations for the safe use of biologic therapies in adults. Biologic therapies covered by the guideline are shown in a chart. The guideline was commissioned by the BSR Standards, Guidelines and Audit Working Group.

The article offers information on several conferences to be held in 2019 including the Ninth International Conference on Religion and Spirituality in Society in Spain, 13th Annual International Conference on Sociology in Greece and the Asian Conference on Cultural Studies in Japan.

The article presents the bylaws and rules for the professional association American Society of Mammalogists. Rules regarding membership and fees, elections of administrative officers, and the society's aims and objectives are presented. Laws regarding the quorum for board of directors' meetings, reserve funds and pooled income funds, and the function of committee members and trustees' is discussed.

Multimorbidity is a common and burdensome condition that may affect quality of life, increase medical needs, and make people live more years of life with disability. Negative outcomes related to multimorbidity occur beyond what we would expect from the summed effect of single conditions, as chronic diseases interact with each other, mutually enhancing their negative effects, and eventually leading to new clinical phenotypes. Moreover, multimorbidity mirrors an accelerated global susceptibility and a loss of resilience, which are both hallmarks of aging. Due to the complexity of its assessment and definition, and the lack of clear evidence steering its management, multimorbidity represents one of the main current challenges for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. The authors of this article recently reflected on these issues during two twin international symposia at the 2016 European Union Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS) meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, and the 2016 Gerontological Society of America (GSA) meeting in New Orleans, USA. The present work summarizes the most relevant aspects related to multimorbidity, with the ultimate goal to identify knowledge gaps and suggest future directions to approach this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of understanding what drives individuals to join pharmacy student organizations to effectively lead such members and to understand what compels members to stay. Topics mentioned include the book "Motivating the Middle," by T.J. Sullivan, the application of the expectancy motivation theory to student organizations, and the role of altruistic motivation in different pharmacy student organization members.

Widespread varicella vaccination in Canada since 2007 has changed the epidemiology of chickenpox, with a significant decline in varicella-related hospitalizations. However, there will always be a varicella-susceptible population because of immune-compromising treatments or conditions and/or parental vaccine refusal. This document updates and replaces a 1999 statement by the Canadian Paediatric Society. The CPS position on school and child care exclusion policies has not changed since the original statement, but because there have been two published reports of varicella outbreaks associated with summer camp attendance since 1999, this revision provides additional recommendations to mitigate risk for varicella transmission at summer camps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In 2015, the American Council for Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) developed 3 strategic initiative panels to address integrated clinical education, student readiness, and common terminology for physical therapist clinical education. Objective The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of the work from the Common Terminology Panel. Design This was a descriptive, consensus-based study. Methods Using a consensus process and data that were collected from a review of literature, a document analysis of core and historical professional documents, focus group discussions, and an online open comment period, panel members developed a glossary for physical therapist clinical education. Results The final glossary included 34 terms in 4 categories. The categories included clinical education infrastructure, sites, stakeholders, and assessment. The ACAPT Board of Directors approved the glossary in June 2017, and the ACAPT membership approved the glossary in October 2017. Limitations The focus of the glossary was on physical therapist clinical education. A future, similar project should be undertaken for physical therapist assistant clinical education. Conclusion This process resulted in a comprehensive glossary for physical therapist clinical education; changes to several current terms, including “internship” and “full-time clinical education experience”; and the addition of new terms, including “preceptor” and “site coordinator for clinical education.” New terminology will provide standard language for consistent communication and a common framework for all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the political and economic bankruptcy of the erstwhile Leninist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe has triggered radical societal transformations, the effect on daily prison life remains largely uncharted. This semi-ethnographic study, one of the first of its genre in the region, documents a prisoner hierarchy in post-Soviet Ukraine. Originating in the slums and prisons of the Russian Empire and solidifying in communist gaols and labour camps, the Ukrainian prison underworld continues to evolve. In this article, I argue that the post-independence shifts in penal policies and prison practices, combined with changes in prisoner demographics, have been altering the Ukrainian prisoner power structure. I contend that while functional and deeply institutionalized, the prisoner hierarchy is facing serious challenges, not least a legitimacy deficit, and I discuss the potential repercussions for internal power dynamics and prison order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the conference of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Council of Member Societies and Organizations held on December 4, 2017 which featured leaders of the biological sciences community. Topics discussed include speech by AIBS President Dr. Joseph Travis, involvement of scientific technology in decision making, and publishing societies.

Background: Sleep hygiene education (SHE) is commonly used as a treatment of insomnia in general practice. Whether SHE or cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a treatment with stronger evidence base, should be provided first remains unclear.Objective: To review the efficacy of SHE for poor sleep or insomnia.Methods: We systematically searched six key electronic databases up until May 2017. Two researchers independently selected relevant publications, extracted data and evaluated methodological quality according to the Cochrane criteria.Results: Twelve of 15 studies compared SHE with CBT-I, three with mindfulness-based therapy, but none with sham or no treatment. General knowledge about sleep, substance use, regular exercise and bedroom arrangement were commonly covered; sleep-wake regularity and avoidance of daytime naps in seven programs, but stress management in only five programs. Major findings include (i) there were significant pre- to post-treatment improvements following SHE, with small to medium effect size; (ii) SHE was significantly less efficacious than CBT-I, with difference in effect size ranging from medium to large; (iii) pre- to post-treatment improvement and SHE-CBT-I difference averaged at 5% and 8% in sleep-diary-derived sleep efficiency, respectively, and two points in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; (iv) only subjective measures were significant and (v) no data on acceptability, adherence, understanding and cost-effectiveness.Conclusions: Although SHE is less effective than CBT-I, unanswered methodological and implementation issues prevent a firm conclusion to be made on whether SHE has a role in a stepped-care model for insomnia in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the significance of serving as an executive board member for a student organization to Pharm.D. candidates. Topics mentioned include the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the goal of student organizations for students to take ownership of the experience and rely on each other, and the development of a stewardship portfolio.

The article focuses on key aspects addressed in guidelines on the principles of fiscal management to propose a road map that may help student organizations in forming budgetary policy for determining a dues structure. Topics mentioned include the significance of budget development to an organization, factors that a budget must accomplish according to the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists, and categorization of pharmacy student organizations by orientation.

Ralph Spencer and Chris Rapley explore the role played by Jodrell Bank in early attempts to detect cosmic rays – and how the technique is now becoming more widely used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It's all change for the Australian Astronomical Observatory – Fred Watson and Jane Urquhart explain what is happening to this astronomical powerhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) issued a clinical practice guideline for physical therapists that addresses the assessment and treatment of patients with nonspecific neck pain, including cervical radiculopathy, in Dutch primary care. Recommendations were based on a review of published systematic reviews. During the intake, the patient is screened for serious pathologies and corresponding patterns. Patients with cervical radiculopathy can be included or excluded through corresponding signs and symptoms and possibly diagnostic tests (Spurling test, traction/ distraction test, and Upper Limb Tension Test). History taking is done to gather information about patients' limitations, course of pain, and prognostic factors (eg, coping style) and answers to health-related questions. In case of a normal recovery (treatment profile A), management should be hands-off, and patients should receive advice from the physical therapist and possibly some simple exercises to supplement "acting as usual." In case of a delayed/deviant recovery (treatment profile B), the physical therapist is advised to use, in addition to the recommendations for treatment profile A, forms of mobilization and/or manipulation in combination with exercise therapy. Other interventions may also be considered. The physical therapist is advised not to use dry needling, low-level laser, electrotherapy, ultrasound, traction, and/or a cervical collar. In case of a delayed/deviant recovery with clear and/or dominant psychosocial prognostic factors (treatment profile C), these factors should first be addressed by the physical therapist, when possible, or the patient should be referred to a specialist, when necessary. In case of neck pain grade 111 (treatment profile D), the therapy resembles that for profile B, but the use of a cervical collar for pain reduction may be considered. The advice is to use it sparingly: only for a short period per day and only for a few weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) registry was created 10 years ago and represents an international database collecting thoracic surgery procedures from European contributors. The purpose of the present report was to offer an overview of baseline and surgical characteristics and outcomes of patients submitted to lung resections for malignant lung disease as derived from the ESTS registry. METHODS: We retrieved data about all lung resections from 2007 to 2016 performed for primary and metastatic (secondary) lung cancer. We evaluated the baseline characteristics and the surgical management of this population. Within the subgroup of patients affected by primary lung cancer, we described the preoperative mediastinal staging management and the final pathological stage of disease. Finally, we analysed the morbidity and mortality rates for the cohort of patients submitted to anatomic lung resections for primary or secondary lung cancer. Outcomes were also evaluated in relation to several risk factors: type of resection, age, comorbidity, predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s and surgical approach. RESULTS: We selected 62 774 patients submitted to lung resections (male 66.5%, median age 64 years). For the entire population, median predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 73.3% (interquartile range: 59, 87.6), 33.8% of patients had cardiac comorbidities and 17.3% had other comorbidities. Among the patients with primary lung cancer (51 931 patients), 50.8% had Stage I disease and 23.2% Stage II disease; preoperative invasive mediastinal staging was performed in 70.3% of patients with computed tomography scan nodal enlargement and positron emission tomography scan nodal uptake. After anatomical lung resection (51 756 patients), overall morbidity was 18.5% and mortality (30 days or in-hospital) was 2.6%. Extent of resection, age >_75 years, presence of cardiac comorbidity, predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s <70% and open approach instead of video-assisted thoracic surgery were associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present report represent reliable European benchmarks for comparing the activities and outcomes of single institutions and surgeons at an international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the annual conference of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology to be held in Sheffield, England from October 4 to 6, 2017.

The article presents a study conducted to review the treatment of the glandular and systemic features of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Topics covered include the process of diagnosing pSS, the eligibility and exclusion criteria used in developing the guideline in treating and managing patients with pSS, and the guidelines for treatment of sicca manifestations, management of ocular manifestations of pSS, and miscellaneous treatments for dry eye and ocular complications.

The article presents a pragmatic and practical guideline for treating and managing adults with primary Sjörgen's syndrome (pSS). Topics covered include guidelines relating to the treatment of oral candida, management of salivary gland enlargement, and treatment of systemic disease. It also discusses guidelines relating to the management of pregnancy, and the assessment and management of lymphoma.

Counselling couples facing the birth of an extremely preterm infant is a complex and delicate task, entailing both challenges and opportunities. This revised position statement proposes using a prognosis-based approach that takes the best estimate of gestational age into account, along with additional factors, including estimated fetal weight, receipt of antenatal corticosteroids, singleton versus multiple pregnancy, fetal status and anomalies on ultrasound and place of birth. This statement updates data on survival in Canada, long-term neurodevelopmental disability at school age and quality of life, with focus on strategies to communicate effectively with parents. It also proposes a framework for determining the prognosis-based management option(s) to present to parents when initiating the decision-making process. This statement replaces the 2012 position statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opinions abound regarding how to best approach anticipated extremely preterm birth. No unified approach presently exists in Canada. In the process of updating the Canadian Paediatric Society statement on 'Counselling and management for anticipated extremely preterm birth', there was recognition of the need for a novel methodology in its development and a primary focus on enhancing the involvement of parents in the generation of a care plan for their infant. The development process involved a national consultation with health care providers and parents from across the country, with much of the feedback provided through the use of validated guideline appraisal tools. Future Canadian Paediatric Society statements may benefit from applying components of this new development process during their creation. Dedication to shared decision making and best practices in communication highlighted the importance of parental involvement in the decision-making process, particularly given the cultural and social diversity in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the 65th Annual and Scientific Meeting of the Irish Gerontological Society held on September 29 and 30, 2017 at Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford, Ireland. Topics covered include the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the nursing home population, prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in acute medical admissions, and adherence and persistence to teriparatide treatment for osteoporosis.

Background. In 2013, the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy launched the program "Quality in Motion." This program aims to collect data from electronic health record systems in a registry that is fed back to physical therapists, facilitating quality improvement. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the development of an implementation strategy for the program and to evaluate the feasibility of building a registry and implementing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in physical therapist practices. Methods. A stepwise approach using mixed methods was established in 3 consecutive pilots with 355 physical therapists from 66 practices. Interim results were evaluated using quantitative data from a self-assessment questionnaire and the registry and qualitative data from 21 semistructured interviews with physical therapists. Descriptive statistics and McNemar's symmetry chi-squared test were used to summarize the feasibility of implementing PROMs. Results. PROMs were selected for the 5 most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in Dutch physical therapist practices. A core component of the implementation strategy was the introduction of knowledge brokers to support physical therapists in establishing the routine use of PROMs in clinical practice and to assist in executing peer assessment workshops. In February 2013, 30.3% of the physical therapist practices delivered 4.4 completed treatment episodes per physical therapist to the registry; this increased to 92.4% in November 2014, delivering 54.1 completed patient episodes per physical therapist. Pre- and posttreatment PROM use increased from 12.2% to 39.5%. Limitations. It is unclear if the participating physical therapists reflect a representative sample of Dutch therapists. Conclusion. Building a registry and implementing PROMs in physical therapist practices are feasible. The routine use of PROMs needs to increase to ensure valid feedback of outcomes. Using knowledge brokers is promising for implementing the program via peer assessment workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setting. Epidural hematoma rarely complicates interventional spine procedures. While anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs increase bleeding risk, cessation may precipitate serious thromboembolic events. The Spine Intervention Society (SIS) and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) put forth guidelines that dissent with regard to management of hemostatically active agents during commonly performed spinal injections. Objective. To validate an antiplatelet/anticoagulant management table based on modifications of the SIS 2013 and ASRA 2015 guidelines. Design. Prospective descriptive study. Subjects. Patients undergoing interventional spine injections from a interventional physiatrist’s practice. Methods. A Modified SIS 2013—ASRA 2015 Antiplatelet & Anticoagulant (MSAAA) guideline table was devised and adopted. Patients undergoing interventional spine procedures were monitored for bleeding events. Results. Of 4,253 injection sites, 197 (4.6%) were performed in 74 patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulants. No clinically evident bleeding events were observed in patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications for lumbar transforaminal epidural (N = 90), posterior-approach facet joint (N = 62), lumbar intradiscal (N = 11), lumbar sympathetic (N = 3), and sacroiliac (N = 5) injections or in 26 radiofrequency neurotomy procedures. One in 2,026 (0.05%, 95% confidence interval = 0.00–0.31%) interlaminar epidural injections (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal) suffered epidural hematoma. This patient was not on an antiplatelet/anticoagulant drug. No patient in 191 cervicothoracic and 723 lumbar transforaminal injections experienced bleeding complications. Conclusions. Continuing antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications for intermediate- to low-risk interventional spine procedures may be advisable. The MSAAA table may be a reasonable guideline reference for managing antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the efforts of Christian civil society organizations to help Christians survive in Israel and Palestine. Topics include the sectarian divisions among Christians, the expansion of Christian civil initiatives, organizations' aim to ending the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the erosion of the Christian population in the area. Also discussed are the social condition of Christians in Israeli and Palestinian territories and the history of Palestinian civil initiatives.

The article presents the British Society for Rheumatology's guideline for the management of gout. A background to gout, which is described as the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis worldwide, is provided which includes information on the clinical manifestations of the disease, its risk factors and co-morbidities. The objectives, target audience and limitations of the guideline are given as well.

The article summarizes the British Society for Rheumatology's guideline for the management of gout. The need for the revised and updated guideline as well as the objectives and target audience of the guideline are explained. The key recommendations from the guideline are also enumerated which include educating the patients about the importance of continuing any established urate-lowering therapy (ULT). The modification of lifestyle needed and the risk factors for gout are discussed as well.

Objectives. Advances in diagnostic techniques have led to better distinction between types of vasculitis, potentially affecting the utility of the 1990 ACR classification criteria for vasculitis. This study tested the performance of these criteria in a contemporary vasculitis cohort. Methods. The Diagnosis and Classification in Vasculitis Study provided detailed clinical, serological, pathological and radiological data from patients with primary systemic vasculitis and clinical context- specific comparator conditions. Fulfilment of six ACR criteria sets and their diagnostic performance was evaluated in patients with a given type of vasculitis and its comparator conditions. Results. Data from 1095 patients with primary systemic vasculitis and 415 with comparator conditions were available. For classification, sensitivities and specificities for ACR classification criteria were, respectively, 81.1% and 94.9% for GCA; 73.6% and 98.3% for Takayasu's arteritis; 65.6% and 88.7% for granulomatosis with polyangiitis; 57.0% and 99.8% for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis; 40.6% and 87.8% for polyarteritis nodosa; 28.9% and 88.5% for microscopic polyangiitis; and 72.7% and 96.3% for IgA-vasculitis. Overall sensitivity was 67.1%. Of cases identified by their respective criteria, 16.9% also met criteria for other vasculitides. Diagnostic specificity ranged from 64.2 to 98.9%; overall, 113/415 comparators (27.2%) fulfilled at least one of the ACR classification criteria sets. Conclusion. Since publication of the ACR criteria for vasculitis, the sensitivity for each type of vasculitis, except GCA, has diminished, although the specificities have remained high, highlighting the need for updated classification criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]