Introduction

This chapter provides a general introduction to this book. As such, it also describes the context of the CrossWork project that is the main source of information for this book. This project is introduced in the next chapter. We start below with discussing the business conditions for the raise of the virtual enterprise as an organization form in the modern economy. As we focus on process-oriented virtual enterprises in this book, we continue with an overview of developments in business process support technologies. Then, we introduce a framework with four aspects that can be used in a combined demand pull and technology push context – this framework is used later to structure topics discussed. In the last section of this chapter, we explain the structure of the book

Business aspect

This chapter discusses the business requirements of technology to be developed in support of VEs. It first describes new business directions that have come into existence in the manufacturing industry like the automotive domain. Next, it treats new criteria that have to be met by industries to become or remain successful in new market situations. Finally, new business structures are discussed that (have to) emerge as a consequence of the new directions and criteria

Introduction

This chapter provides a general introduction to this book. As such, it also describes the context of the CrossWork project that is the main source of information for this book. This project is introduced in the next chapter. We start below with discussing the business conditions for the raise of the virtual enterprise as an organization form in the modern economy. As we focus on process-oriented virtual enterprises in this book, we continue with an overview of developments in business process support technologies. Then, we introduce a framework with four aspects that can be used in a combined demand pull and technology push context – this framework is used later to structure topics discussed. In the last section of this chapter, we explain the structure of the book

Introduction

This chapter provides a general introduction to this book. As such, it also describes the context of the CrossWork project that is the main source of information for this book. This project is introduced in the next chapter. We start below with discussing the business conditions for the raise of the virtual enterprise as an organization form in the modern economy. As we focus on process-oriented virtual enterprises in this book, we continue with an overview of developments in business process support technologies. Then, we introduce a framework with four aspects that can be used in a combined demand pull and technology push context – this framework is used later to structure topics discussed. In the last section of this chapter, we explain the structure of the book

Towards new frontiers: cross work

This chapter gives a general introduction into the CrossWork project and the relation to the context in which it has been set up (as explained in Chapter 1). It explains the goals and structure of the project and positions CrossWork with respect to related research efforts

Business aspect

This chapter discusses the business requirements of technology to be developed in support of VEs. It first describes new business directions that have come into existence in the manufacturing industry like the automotive domain. Next, it treats new criteria that have to be met by industries to become or remain successful in new market situations. Finally, new business structures are discussed that (have to) emerge as a consequence of the new directions and criteria

Evidencias actuales sobre la estimulación magnética transcraneal y su utilidad potencial en la neurorrehabilitación postictus: Ampliando horizontes en el tratamiento de la enfermedad cerebrovascular

Resumen: Introducción: La estimulación magnética transcraneal repetitiva (EMTr) constituye una realidad terapéutica en la rehabilitación postictus, ya que confiere efectos neuroprotectores incidiendo favorablemente en la modulación de la neuroplasticidad (NP), ayudando así al cerebro en su capacidad para readaptar circuitos neuronales y, con ello, la restauración y adquisición de nuevas habilidades compensatorias. Desarrollo: Búsqueda de artículos en PubMed, últimos libros y recomendaciones de las guías de práctica clínica y sociedades científicas publicadas más relevantes, referentes al uso terapéutico de la EMTr en la rehabilitación de pacientes con ictus. Se incluyen las evidencias y recomendaciones según los criterios de la International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (2014) al respecto. Conclusiones: La identificación de pacientes con ictus subsidiarios de recibir EMTr es importante para acelerar la fase de recuperación. La EMTr ha demostrado ser segura y efectiva para tratar los déficits que aparecen tras un ictus. Los pulsos electromagnéticos excitatorios e inhibitorios aplicados en el hemisferio cerebral ipsolateral o contralateral a la lesión, respectivamente, así como a nivel transcalloso para regular la comunicación interhemisférica cerebral, nos brindan la posibilidad de optimizar la actividad cerebral funcional. Los diferentes estudios realizados sobre EMTr han demostrado la mejoría de los trastornos motores, la afasia, la disartria, la disfagia orofaríngea, la depresión y las dificultades perceptivo-cognitivas que aparecen en estos pacientes. Sin embargo, se necesitan ensayos clínicos controlados, aleatorizados, bien diseñados, que incluyan a un mayor número de pacientes, para poder recomendar con un mayor nivel de evidencia y de forma generalizada, la utilización adecuada de la EMTr en los enfermos afectados por un ictus. Abstract: Introduction: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a therapeutic reality in post-stroke rehabilitation. It has a neuroprotective effect on the modulation of neuroplasticity, improving the brain's capacity to retrain neural circuits and promoting restoration and acquisition of new compensatory skills. Development: We conducted a literature search on PubMed and also gathered the latest books, clinical practice guidelines, and recommendations published by the most prominent scientific societies concerning the therapeutic use of rTMS in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The criteria of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (2014) were followed regarding the inclusion of all evidence and recommendations. Conclusions: Identifying stroke patients who are eligible for rTMS is essential to accelerate their recovery. rTMS has proven to be safe and effective for treating stroke complications. Functional brain activity can be optimised by applying excitatory or inhibitory electromagnetic pulses to the hemisphere ipsilateral or contralateral to the lesion, respectively, as well as at the level of the transcallosal pathway to regulate interhemispheric communication. Different studies of rTMS in these patients have resulted in improvements in motor disorders, aphasia, dysarthria, oropharyngeal dysphagia, depression, and perceptual-cognitive deficits. However, further well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials with larger sample size are needed to recommend with a higher level of evidence, proper implementation of rTMS use in stroke subjects on a widespread basis. Palabras clave: Afasia, Disfagia, Estimulación magnética transcraneal, Ictus, Neuroplasticidad, Neurorrehabilitación, Keywords: Aphasia, Dysphagia, Transcranial magnetic stimulation, Stroke, Neuroplasticity, Neurorehabilitatio

Guía para el manejo de las crisis epilépticas en cuidados paliativos: propuesta de un modelo actualizado de práctica clínica basado en una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Resumen: Introducción: Dada la escasez de directrices abordando este tema y con motivo de la futura creación de la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos (CP) en nuestro centro de neurorrehabilitación, los miembros del equipo médico de la Clínica San Vicente hemos decidido proponer una serie de sugerencias sobre el empleo de fármacos antiepilépticos (FAEs) en el manejo de las crisis epilépticas (CEs) en CP. Métodos: Búsqueda de artículos en PubMed, últimos libros y recomendaciones de las guías de práctica clínica y sociedades científicas publicadas más relevantes, referentes al manejo de las CEs en CP. Resultados: La confección de este tipo de guías, además de identificar pacientes candidatos a recibir CP, es fundamental para garantizar un buen control sintomático de las CEs y evitar el sufrimiento innecesario de estos enfermos y sus familiares. Dadas las características de estos pacientes, se recomienda usar FAEs con presentación vía parenteral (preferiblemente intravenosa) y un perfil bajo de interacciones. Diazepam y/o midazolam serían los más idóneos para la fase aguda, y levetiracetam, ácido valproico y/o lacosamida para casos refractarios y/o como tratamiento crónico. Conclusiones: Estas recomendaciones deben considerarse una guía de abordaje integral, debiendo adaptarse a la idiosincrasia de cada caso clínico en particular. Sin embargo, se necesitan ensayos clínicos controlados, aleatorizados, bien diseñados, que incluyan muestras amplias de pacientes subsidiarios de CP, para redactar un documento de consenso que permita recomendar con un mayor nivel de evidencia y de forma generalizada, la utilización adecuada, racional y efectiva de FAEs en este ámbito médico-asistencial de elevada complejidad. Abstract: Introduction: Very little has been written on seizure management in palliative care (PC). Given this situation, and considering the forthcoming setting up of the Palliative Care Unit at our neurorehabilitation centre, the Clínica San Vicente, we decided to establish a series of guidelines on the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for handling seizures in PC. Methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed to identify articles, recent manuals, and clinical practice guidelines on seizure management in PC published by the most relevant scientific societies. Results: Clinical practice guidelines are essential to identify patients eligible for PC, manage seizures adequately, and avoid unnecessary distress to these patients and their families. Given the profile of these patients, we recommend choosing AEDs with a low interaction potential and which can be administered by the parenteral route, preferably intravenously. Diazepam and midazolam appear to be the most suitable AEDs during the acute phase whereas levetiracetam, valproic acid, and lacosamide are recommended for refractory cases and long-term treatment. Conclusions: These guidelines provide general recommendations that must be adapted to each particular clinical case. Nevertheless, we will require further well-designed randomised controlled clinical trials including large samples of patients eligible for PC to draft a consensus document recommending adequate, rational, and effective use of AEDs, based on a high level of evidence, in this highly complex area of medical care. Palabras clave: Cáncer, Crisis epiléptica, Cuidados paliativos, Epilepsia, Fármaco antiepiléptico, Situación de enfermedad terminal, Keywords: Cancer, Epileptic seizure, Palliative care, Epilepsy, Antiepileptic drug, Terminal illnes

Guidelines for seizure management in palliative care: proposal for an updated clinical practice model based on a systematic literature review

Introduction: Very little has been written on seizure management in palliative care (PC). Given this situation, and considering the forthcoming setting up of the Palliative Care Unit at our neurorehabilitation centre, the Clínica San Vicente, we decided to establish a series of guidelines on the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for handling seizures in PC. Methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed to identify articles, recent manuals, and clinical practice guidelines on seizure management in PC published by the most relevant scientific societies. Results: Clinical practice guidelines are essential to identify patients eligible for PC, manage seizures adequately, and avoid unnecessary distress to these patients and their families. Given the profile of these patients, we recommend choosing AEDs with a low interaction potential and which can be administered by the parenteral route, preferably intravenously. Diazepam and midazolam appear to be the most suitable AEDs during the acute phase whereas levetiracetam, valproic acid, and lacosamide are recommended for refractory cases and long-term treatment. Conclusions: These guidelines provide general recommendations that must be adapted to each particular clinical case. Nevertheless, we will require further well-designed randomised controlled clinical trials including large samples of patients eligible for PC to draft a consensus document recommending adequate, rational, and effective use of AEDs, based on a high level of evidence, in this highly complex area of medical care. Resumen: Introducción: Dada la escasez de directrices abordando este tema y con motivo de la futura creación de la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos (CP) en nuestro centro de neurorrehabilitación, los miembros del equipo médico de la Clínica San Vicente hemos decidido proponer una serie de sugerencias sobre el empleo de fármacos antiepilépticos (FAEs) en el manejo de las crisis epilépticas (CEs) en CP. Métodos: Búsqueda de artículos en PubMed, últimos libros y recomendaciones de las guías de práctica clínica y sociedades científicas publicadas más relevantes, referentes al manejo de las CEs en CP. Resultados: La confección de este tipo de guías, además de identificar pacientes candidatos a recibir CP, es fundamental para garantizar un buen control sintomático de las CEs y evitar el sufrimiento innecesario de estos enfermos y sus familiares. Dadas las características de estos pacientes, se recomienda usar FAEs con presentación vía parenteral (preferiblemente intravenosa) y un perfil bajo de interacciones. Diazepam y/o midazolam serían los más idóneos para la fase aguda, y levetiracetam, ácido valproico y/o lacosamida para casos refractarios y/o como tratamiento crónico. Conclusiones: Estas recomendaciones deben considerarse una guía de abordaje integral, debiendo adaptarse a la idiosincrasia de cada caso clínico en particular. Sin embargo, se necesitan ensayos clínicos controlados, aleatorizados, bien diseñados, que incluyan muestras amplias de pacientes subsidiarios de CP, para redactar un documento de consenso que permita recomendar con un mayor nivel de evidencia y de forma generalizada, la utilización adecuada, racional y efectiva de FAEs en este ámbito médico-asistencial de elevada complejidad. Keywords: Cancer, Epileptic seizure, Palliative care, Epilepsy, Antiepileptic drug, Terminal illness, Palabras clave: Cáncer, Crisis epiléptica, Cuidados paliativos, Epilepsia, Fármaco antiepiléptico, Situación de enfermedad termina