Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and retinoids: searching for an etiology

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a major life-threatening cause of respiratory failure in the newborn. Recent data reveal the role of a retinoid-signaling pathway disruption in the pathogenesis of CDH. We describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of human CDH, the metabolism of retinoids and the implications of retinoids in the development of the diaphragm and lung. Finally, we describe the existing evidence of a disruption of the retinoid-signaling pathway in CDH

Digital engagement methods for earthquake and fire preparedness:a review

Natural or human-made hazards may occur at any time. Although one might assume that individuals plan in advance for such potentially damaging events, the existing literature indicates that most communities remain inadequately prepared. In the past, research in this area has focused on identifying the most effective ways to communicate risk and elicit preparedness by means of public hazard education campaigns and risk communication programmes. Today, web- and mobile-based technologies are offering new and far-reaching means to inform communities on how to prepare for or cope with extreme events, thus significantly contributing to community preparedness. Nonetheless, their practical efficacy in encouraging proactive hazard preparedness behaviours is not yet proven. Building on behaviour change interventions in the health field and looking in particular at earthquakes and fire hazards, the challenging RISK team has reviewed the currently active websites, Web, and mobile applications that provide information about earthquake and home fire preparedness. The review investigates the type of information provided, the modality of delivery, and the presence of behaviour change techniques in their design. The study proves that most of the digital resources focus on a single hazard and fail to provide context-sensitive information that targets specific groups of users. Furthermore, behaviour change techniques are rarely implemented in the design of these applications and their efficacy is rarely systematically evaluated. Recommendations for improving the design of Web- and mobile-based technologies are made so as to increase their effectiveness and uptake for a multi-hazard approach to earthquake and home fire preparedness

Measures of frailty in population-based studies: An overview

Although research productivity in the field of frailty has risen exponentially in recent years, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the measurement of this syndrome. This overview offers three services: first, we provide a comprehensive catalogue of current frailty measures; second, we evaluate their reliability and validity; third, we report on their popularity of use

Predictors of falls and fractures leading to hospitalization in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A large representative cohort study

Aim To investigate predictors of falls/fractures leading to hospitalisation in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Methods A historical cohort of peoplewith schizophrenia-spectrumdisorders (ICD F20-29) from01/2006–12/2012 was assembled using data from the South London and Maudsley NHS Biomedical Research Centre Case Register. Falls/fractureswere ascertained froma linkage to national hospitalisation data. Separatemultivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of falls and fractures. Results Of 11,567 peoplewith schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (mean age 42.6 years, 43% female), 579 (incidence rate 12.79 per 1000 person-years) and 528 (11.65 per 1000 person-years) had at least one reported hospital admission due to a fall or fracture respectively and 822 patients had at least either a recorded fall or a fracture during this period (i.e. 7.1% of sample). Overall, 6.69 and 10.74 years of inpatient hospital stay per 1000-person years of followup occurred due to a fall and fracture respectively. 14(0.12%) and 28(0.24%) died due to a fall and fracture respectively. In Multivariable analysis, increasing age,white ethnicity, analgesics, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diseases of the genitourinary system, visual disturbance and syncope were significant risk factor for both falls and fractures. A previous fracture (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.53–2.73) and osteoporosis (HR 6.79, 95% CI 4.71–9.78)were strong risk factors for consequent fractures Conclusion Comorbid physical health conditions and analgesic medication prescription were associated with higher risk of falls and fractures. Osteoporosis and previous fracturewere strong predictors for subsequent fractures. Interventions targeting bone health and falls/fractures need to be developed and evaluated in these populations.</p