Managing contextual information in semantically-driven temporal information systems

Context-aware (CA) systems have demonstrated the provision of a robust solution for personalized information delivery in the current content-rich and dynamic information age we live in. They allow software agents to autonomously interact with users by modeling the user’s environment (e.g. profile, location, relevant public information etc.) as dynamically-evolving and interoperable contexts. There is a flurry of research activities in a wide spectrum at context-aware research areas such as managing the user’s profile, context acquisition from external environments, context storage, context representation and interpretation, context service delivery and matching of context attributes to users‘ queries etc. We propose SDCAS, a Semantic-Driven Context Aware System that facilitates public services recommendation to users at temporal location. This paper focuses on information management and service recommendation using semantic technologies, taking into account the challenges of relationship complexity in temporal and contextual information

Patient blood management in elective orthopaedic surgery

Chapter 2 describes the results of a RCT on the effect of a restrictive trigger on RBC sparing. In three hospitals, a restrictive transfusion policy was compared with standard care transfusion policy. A randomised comparison of transfusion triggers in elective orthopaedic surgery using leucocyte-depleted red blood cells was performed. The clinical consequences of this restrictive transfusion policy on post-operative complications and well-being are discussed in Chapter 3. Quality of Life and fatigue scores in relation to postoperative haemoglobin levels were analysed in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5 we investigated the efficacy and feasibility of two types of postoperative drainage and re-infusion systems and compared these to a control group. To evaluate the immuno-modulatory effects of salvaged blood in the post-operative patient, we analysed the effect of autologous salvaged blood re-infusion on the patients__ cytokine gene expression profiles compared to the effect of surgery itself (Chapter 6). Chapter 7 reports the combined strategies of Epo and autologous salvaged blood on RBC use compared to a control group under a restrictive transfusion policy (TOMaat study). In Chapter 8, future trends and ongoing studies are discussed in order to aim for an optimal and Tailor Made Patient Blood Management Program for elective orthopaedic surgery patients. In the final chapter, Chapter 9, an implementation protocol is described to investigate the barriers and facilitators for implementation of the TOMaat study results in daily practice.UBL - phd migration 201

Using a scenario approach to assess for the current and future demand of immunoglobulins:An interview and literature study from The Netherlands

OBJECTIVES: To explore the current and future demand of immunoglobulins globally and specifically for the Netherlands by assessing: (I) which specialties contribute to current demand, (II) new areas of medical need, (III) which transformational factors may impact demand and to what effect, by using a scenario approach. BACKGROUND: As immunoglobulin demand continues to increase globally, there is concern of increasing shortages and questions of whether and how future demand will continue based on medical need. METHODS/MATERIALS: In line with scenario principles, a scoping review of Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane and grey literature was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews with subject matter experts were held. The results of the review and interviews were analysed for major themes. RESULTS: The scoping review resulted in 97 articles, 74 regarding clinical uses, and 23 regarding organisational and other themes. Fifteen clinical and non‐clinical experts were interviewed. I) Neurology, immunology, and haematology were specialties that contribute most to current demand. II) Regarding potential new areas of medical need, the literature review resulted in more indications than the interviews, for example, post‐renal transplants. III) Four groups of key transformational factors were found: factors that could increase immunoglobulin demand (e.g., EMA revisions), decrease demand (e.g., replacement products, Dutch Transfer Act 2021), factors that remain to be seen how it impacts demand (e.g., further evidence), and miscellaneous factors (e.g., supply‐related). CONCLUSION: Having identified the specialties and relevant transformational factors that affect immunoglobulin demand, more research is needed on what clinical or organisational strategies would be effective in controlling demand in general for the Netherlands and abroad. Other blood establishments may also use a scenario approach to increase preparedness for future (un)expected developments

A global analysis of the use of immunoglobulin, shortages in supply, and mitigating measures:A survey of hospital providers (a BEST Collaborative study)

Background:Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy is widely used to treat primary and secondary immune deficiencies and as immunomodulatory agent for various disorders. There is great concern that shortages of IG may rise, potentially affecting medical treatment options. Study Design and Methods: An international survey was developed to study how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are used and managed within hospitals in case of shortages. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. The survey was directed to hospital pharmacists and blood bank transfusion professionals and disseminated through members of the BEST Collaborative network. Results: Survey respondents from institutions in the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia (n = 13) confirmed that the primary specialties utilizing IG are neurology, hematology, and immunology. More than 60% of respondents reported IG supply shortages, but mitigation strategies were not well developed. Discussion: As IG is the leading driver in plasma demand, more studies are needed to understand current and future demand for IG from the clinical perspective. Necessity lies in establishing clinical guidance to address shortages.</p

A global analysis of the use of immunoglobulin, shortages in supply, and mitigating measures:A survey of hospital providers (a BEST Collaborative study)

Background:Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy is widely used to treat primary and secondary immune deficiencies and as immunomodulatory agent for various disorders. There is great concern that shortages of IG may rise, potentially affecting medical treatment options. Study Design and Methods: An international survey was developed to study how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are used and managed within hospitals in case of shortages. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. The survey was directed to hospital pharmacists and blood bank transfusion professionals and disseminated through members of the BEST Collaborative network. Results: Survey respondents from institutions in the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia (n = 13) confirmed that the primary specialties utilizing IG are neurology, hematology, and immunology. More than 60% of respondents reported IG supply shortages, but mitigation strategies were not well developed. Discussion: As IG is the leading driver in plasma demand, more studies are needed to understand current and future demand for IG from the clinical perspective. Necessity lies in establishing clinical guidance to address shortages.</p

N 2-(4-Chloro­benzyl­idene)-4-nitro­benzene-1,2-diamine

In the title compound, C13H10ClN3O2, the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 3.61 (6)°. In the crystal structure, mol­ecules are linked by weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. Short inter­molecular Cl⋯Cl contacts [3.491 (1) Å] are also observed

Hip and knee replacement patients prefer pen-and-paper questionnaires : implications for future patient-reported outcome measure studies

Analysis and Stochastic

Patient acceptable symptom states after total hip or knee replacement at mid-term follow-up. Thresholds of the Oxford hip and knee scores

Analysis and Stochastic

Exploring the evidence base for national and regional policy interventions to combat resistance

The effectiveness of existing policies to control antimicrobial resistance is not yet fully understood. A strengthened evidence base is needed to inform effective policy interventions across countries with different income levels and the human health and animal sectors. We examine three policy domains—responsible use, surveillance, and infection prevention and control—and consider which will be the most effective at national and regional levels. Many complexities exist in the implementation of such policies across sectors and in varying political and regulatory environments. Therefore, we make recommendations for policy action, calling for comprehensive policy assessments, using standardised frameworks, of cost-effectiveness and generalisability. Such assessments are especially important in low-income and middle-income countries, and in the animal and environmental sectors. We also advocate a One Health approach that will enable the development of sensitive policies, accommodating the needs of each sector involved, and addressing concerns of specific countries and regions