Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 and impaired fibrinolysis in pregnancy and sickle cell anemia.

This is the first study that aimed to determine antigen levels in plasma and genotypes of PAI-2 in pregnant and non-pregnant homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients. The study subjects were all Bahraini females in the reproductive age group. The study population included 31 pregnant homozygous SS (SCA) patients. Three control groups were also studied to evaluate the effect of pregnancy and SCA on PAI-2 levels and fibrinolysis: (1) 31 healthy non-pregnant volunteers; (2) 31 cases of normal pregnancy; and (3) 20 non-pregnant SCA patients. Pregnancies were screened in the second (TM2) and third (TM3) trimesters. Global coagulation, fibrinolysis rate (euglobulin clot lysis time, ECLT), PAI-2 antigen (ELISA), and PAI-2 Ser(413)/Cys polymorphism (restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) were determined. Feto-maternal complications were documented in both pregnancy groups. PAI-2 antigen levels were undetectable in the non-pregnant groups, but was quantifiable in both pregnant groups. Impaired fibrinolysis rate and rising PAI-2 levels with progression of pregnancy were observed in both healthy and SCA subjects. These changes were more prominent in SCA, although the rise in ECLT was less steep and PAI-2 antigen levels were not significantly different compared to normal pregnancy in the third trimester. No correlation was observed between PAI-2 genotypes and plasma antigen levels. Also, no significant difference in feto-maternal complications was found in normal (n = 25) versus SCA pregnant patients (n = 30). These observations suggest that with progression of pregnancy, increasing PAI-2 levels contribute to the hypercoagulable state, particularly in SCA patients. [Abstract copyright: © 2023. The Author(s).

Quel niveau de qualité de traitement peut être obtenu par un système d'irradiation robotisé guidé par l'image en radiothérapie (CyberKnifeTM)

The CyberKnifeTM consists of 6MV LINAC mounted on a robotic arm, with six degree of freedom and is coupled to an image guiding system, allowing us to guide the irradiation beams toward the target. The aim is to improve the treatment accuracy and to reduce the irradiation of critical surrounding organs. The treatment is realized by the isotropic convergence of hundreds of orientations for creating up to 1200 mini-beams, which are orientated to the target with submillimetric accuracy. This group is completed by a treatment couch, which is also mounted on a robotized arm, that offers 6 additional degrees of freedom, allowing an additional improvement of accuracy, and eliminates the possible limitations. Using its subsystem SynchronyTM, the CyberKnifeTM is capable of treating the abdo -thoracic tumors, which move with respiration, by moving dynamically the LINAC to compensate the respiratory motion of the tumors. The high dose level, which is used in this kind of hypofractionated treatment, makes the smallest error unacceptable, and needs a very high geometric accuracy with keeping a maximal dosimetric accuracy. Our work is dedicated to evaluate the quality of treatment, in the terms of dosimetric and geometric accuracies. For the different modes of tracking, which are available in the system in static mode, and dynamic mode with respiratory motion tracking. By using different kinds of detectors (ionization chambers, radiochromic films) and three different platforms, which allow simulating simple respiratory motion, real respiratory motion coming from real treated patients, and finally complex motion with hysteresis. The results show clearly the high dosimetric accuracy of the system; this is accompanied by a submillimetric geometric accuracy. This geometric accuracy degrades slightly, when treating in dynamic mode with respiratory tracking by SynchronyTM, and especially when the respiratory cycles show a high variation in amplitudes, while the dosimetric accuracy is maintained. The presence of hysteresis causes a degradation of geometric accuracy, in comparison with the measured one for linear respiratory motion. The use of gamma index has proved à high matching level between the prescribed and delivered dose distributions. Briefly, the CyberKnifeTM meets the performances claimed by the manufacturer, and is reliable and capable of realizing a high quality radiosurgery.Le CyberKnifeTM est composé d'un accélérateur linéaire de 6 MV monté sur un bras robotisé, avec 6 axes de rotation et d'un système d'imagerie permettant de guider le faisceau d'irradiation sur la cible à traiter. Le but est d'améliorer la précision du traitement et la réduction de l'irradiation des organes critiques environnants. Le traitement est réalisé par la convergence " isotrope " d'une centaine d'orientation pour créer jusqu'à 1200 mini faisceaux dirigés sur la cible avec une précision sub-millimétrique. Cet ensemble est complété par une table de traitement montée sur un bras robotisé qui offre 6 degrés de liberté supplémentaires, permettant d'améliorer encore la précision du traitement et de lever d'éventuelles limitations. Grâce à son sous système SynchronyTM, le CyberKnifeTM est capable de traiter les tumeurs abdo-thoraciques, qui bougent avec la respiration en déplaçant dynamiquement le LINAC afin de compenser le mouvement respiro-induit. La forte dose utilisée dans ce genre de traitement hypofractionné, rend toute erreur même minimale inacceptable et impose une très grande précision géométrique, tout en assurant une précision dosimétrique maximale. Notre travail est consacrée à évaluer la qualité de traitement en termes des précisions géométrique et dosimétrique, pour les différents modes de suivi disponibles dans le système en statique, et en dynamique avec suivi respiratoire. Dans cette étude, nous avons utilisé différents types de détecteurs (chambres d'ionisation, films radiochromiques), et trois plateformes afin de simuler des simples mouvements respiratoires, des mouvements réels provenant des patients traités et enfin des mouvements complexes avec hystérésis. Les résultats obtenus montrent clairement la haute précision dosimétrique du système. Ceci est accompagné par une précision géométrique submillimétrique en mode statique. Cette précision géométrique se dégrade légèrement lors d'un traitement en mode dynamique avec suivi respiratoire par SynchronyTM, et surtout où les cycles respiratoires montrent une grande variation en amplitude, alors que la précision dosimétrique est conservée. La présence du mouvement d'hystérésis provoque plus de dégradation en précision géométrique par rapport à celle mesurée pour un mouvement respiratoire linéaire. L'utilisation du gamma index a montré une grande correspondance entre les distributions des doses prescrite et délivrée. En bref, le CyberKnifeTM remplit les performances annoncées par le constructeur, et il est fiable et capable de réaliser une radiochirurgie de haute qualité

Treatment’s Quality Level Can Be Obtained by an Image-Guided Robotized Irradiation System in Radiotherapy CyberknifeTM

Le CyberKnifeTM est composé d’un accélérateur linéaire de 6 MV monté sur un bras robotisé, avec 6 axes de rotation et d’un système d’imagerie permettant de guider le faisceau d’irradiation sur la cible à traiter. Le but est d'améliorer la précision du traitement et la réduction de l’irradiation des organes critiques environnants. Le traitement est réalisé par la convergence « isotrope » d’une centaine d’orientation pour créer jusqu’à 1200 mini faisceaux dirigés sur la cible avec une précision sub-millimétrique. Cet ensemble est complété par une table de traitement montée sur un bras robotisé qui offre 6 degrés de liberté supplémentaires, permettant d’améliorer encore la précision du traitement et de lever d’éventuelles limitations. Grâce à son sous système SynchronyTM, le CyberKnifeTM est capable de traiter les tumeurs abdo-thoraciques, qui bougent avec la respiration en déplaçant dynamiquement le LINAC afin de compenser le mouvement respiro-induit. La forte dose utilisée dans ce genre de traitement hypofractionné, rend toute erreur même minimale inacceptable et impose une très grande précision géométrique, tout en assurant une précision dosimétrique maximale.Notre travail est consacrée à évaluer la qualité de traitement en termes des précisions géométrique et dosimétrique, pour les différents modes de suivi disponibles dans le système en statique, et en dynamique avec suivi respiratoire. Dans cette étude, nous avons utilisé différents types de détecteurs, et trois plateformes afin de simuler des simples mouvements respiratoires, des mouvements réels provenant des patients traités et enfin des mouvements complexes avec hystérésisThe CyberKnifeTM consists of 6MV LINAC mounted on a robotic arm, with six degree of freedom and is coupled to an image guiding system, allowing us to guide the irradiation beams toward the target. The aim is to improve the treatment accuracy and to reduce the irradiation of critical surrounding organs. The treatment is realized by the isotropic convergence of hundreds of orientations for creating up to 1200 mini-beams, which are orientated to the target with submillimetric accuracy. This group is completed by a treatment couch, which is also mounted on a robotized arm, that offers 6 additional degrees of freedom, allowing an additional improvement of accuracy, and eliminates the possible limitations. Using its subsystem SynchronyTM, the CyberKnifeTM is capable of treating the abdo -thoracic tumors, which move with respiration, by moving dynamically the LINAC to compensate the respiratory motion of the tumors. The high dose level, which is used in this kind of hypofractionated treatment, makes the smallest error unacceptable, and needs a very high geometric accuracy with keeping a maximal dosimetric accuracy. Our work is dedicated to evaluate the quality of treatment, in the terms of dosimetric and geometric accuracies. For the different modes of tracking, which are available in the system in static mode, and dynamic mode with respiratory motion tracking. By using different kinds of detectors (ionization chambers, radiochromic films) and three different platforms, which allow simulating simple respiratory motion, real respiratory motion coming from real treated patients, and finally complex motion with hysteresi

Quel niveau de qualité de traitement peut être obtenu par un système d'irradiation robotisé guidé par l'image en radiothérapie (CyberKnife TM)

Le CyberKnifeTM est composé d un accélérateur linéaire de 6 MV monté sur un bras robotisé, avec 6 axes de rotation et d un système d imagerie permettant de guider le faisceau d irradiation sur la cible à traiter. Le but est d'améliorer la précision du traitement et la réduction de l irradiation des organes critiques environnants. Le traitement est réalisé par la convergence isotrope d une centaine d orientation pour créer jusqu à 1200 mini faisceaux dirigés sur la cible avec une précision sub-millimétrique. Cet ensemble est complété par une table de traitement montée sur un bras robotisé qui offre 6 degrés de liberté supplémentaires, permettant d améliorer encore la précision du traitement et de lever d éventuelles limitations. Grâce à son sous système SynchronyTM, le CyberKnifeTM est capable de traiter les tumeurs abdo-thoraciques, qui bougent avec la respiration en déplaçant dynamiquement le LINAC afin de compenser le mouvement respiro-induit. La forte dose utilisée dans ce genre de traitement hypofractionné, rend toute erreur même minimale inacceptable et impose une très grande précision géométrique, tout en assurant une précision dosimétrique maximale.Notre travail est consacrée à évaluer la qualité de traitement en termes des précisions géométrique et dosimétrique, pour les différents modes de suivi disponibles dans le système en statique, et en dynamique avec suivi respiratoire. Dans cette étude, nous avons utilisé différents types de détecteurs, et trois plateformes afin de simuler des simples mouvements respiratoires, des mouvements réels provenant des patients traités et enfin des mouvements complexes avec hystérésisThe CyberKnifeTM consists of 6MV LINAC mounted on a robotic arm, with six degree of freedom and is coupled to an image guiding system, allowing us to guide the irradiation beams toward the target. The aim is to improve the treatment accuracy and to reduce the irradiation of critical surrounding organs. The treatment is realized by the isotropic convergence of hundreds of orientations for creating up to 1200 mini-beams, which are orientated to the target with submillimetric accuracy. This group is completed by a treatment couch, which is also mounted on a robotized arm, that offers 6 additional degrees of freedom, allowing an additional improvement of accuracy, and eliminates the possible limitations. Using its subsystem SynchronyTM, the CyberKnifeTM is capable of treating the abdo -thoracic tumors, which move with respiration, by moving dynamically the LINAC to compensate the respiratory motion of the tumors. The high dose level, which is used in this kind of hypofractionated treatment, makes the smallest error unacceptable, and needs a very high geometric accuracy with keeping a maximal dosimetric accuracy. Our work is dedicated to evaluate the quality of treatment, in the terms of dosimetric and geometric accuracies. For the different modes of tracking, which are available in the system in static mode, and dynamic mode with respiratory motion tracking. By using different kinds of detectors (ionization chambers, radiochromic films) and three different platforms, which allow simulating simple respiratory motion, real respiratory motion coming from real treated patients, and finally complex motion with hysteresisNANCY-INPL-Bib. électronique (545479901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Mapping of infection prevention and control education and training in some countries of the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region: current situation and future needs

Abstract Background A strong understanding of infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures and comprehensive training among healthcare workers is essential for effective IPC programs. These elements play a crucial role in breaking the chain of nosocomial infections by preventing the transmission of resistant organisms to patients and staff members. This study mapped the components of IPC education and training across various member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) at national, academic, and healthcare institutional levels. Methods A self-administered structured online questionnaire based on the WHO “Core Component 3” of IPC programs at the national and acute healthcare facility levels (IPC education and training) was given to national IPC focal persons in each of the WHO’s EMR countries between February and March 2023. Results From 14 of the 22 countries,15 IPC persons participated in the survey. Most countries have scattered nonhomogeneous IPC education programs in human health undergraduate majors without considering it a standalone module. Academic institutions are rarely involved, and elaborate and predefined undergraduate IPC education programs provided by universities are present in 21.4% of the countries. In 71.4% of these countries, postgraduate training targeting IPC professionals is provided by national IPC teams, primarily based on national IPC guidelines developed with the aid of the WHO. Generally, healthcare worker training relies heavily on healthcare facilities in 92.9% of the countries, rather than on a national training program. In 42.9% of the countries, practicing IPC physicians are not necessarily specialists of infectious disease or medical microbiologists and IPC nurses are not required to specialize in IPC. However, nonspecialized IPC professionals are expected to undergo training upon employment and before beginning practice. Nongovernmental organizations such as the WHO play a significant role in IPC education and in supporting national IPC authorities in establishing national IPC guidelines, as it is the case in 78.6% of these countries. Conclusion Clear disparities exist in IPC education and training across different countries in the WHO’s EMR. Establishing a regional scientific network specializing in IPC would help bridge the existing gaps and standardize this education within individual countries and across countries in the region. This region needs to establish IPC certification standards and standardized education curricula

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2013-2018, Adult and Pediatric Units, Device-associated Module

•Data from 428,847 patients, 2,815,402 bed-days.•We collected 1,468,216 line days, 1,053,330 ventilator days, 1,740,776 urinary catheter days.•We found 7,785 CLAB, 12,085 VAE, and 5,509 CAUTI.•HAI rates were 5.91% and 9.01 HAIs/1,000 bed-days.•CLAB rate was 5.3/1000 CL-days; VAE rate was 11.4/1000 MV-days, CAUTI rate was 3.1/1000 UC-days. We report the results of INICC surveillance study from 2013 to 2018, in 664 intensive care units (ICUs) in 133 cities, of 45 countries, from Latin-America, Europe, Africa, Eastern-Mediterranean, Southeast-Asia, and Western-Pacific. Prospective data from patients hospitalized in ICUs were collected through INICC Surveillance Online System. CDC-NHSN definitions for device-associated healthcare-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied. We collected data from 428,847 patients, for an aggregate of 2,815,402 bed-days, 1,468,216 central line (CL)-days, 1,053,330 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days, 1,740,776 urinary catheter (UC)-days. We found 7,785 CL-associated bloodstream infections (CLAB), 12,085 ventilator-associated events (VAE), and 5,509 UC-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Pooled DA-HAI rates were 5.91% and 9.01 DA-HAIs/1,000 bed-days. Pooled CLAB rate was 5.30/1,000 CL-days; VAE rate was 11.47/1,000 MV-days, and CAUTI rate was 3.16/1,000 UC-days. P aeruginosa was non-susceptible (NS) to imipenem in 52.72% of cases; to colistin in 10.38%; to ceftazidime in 50%; to ciprofloxacin in 40.28%; and to amikacin in 34.05%. Klebsiella spp was NS to imipenem in 49.16%; to ceftazidime in 78.01%; to ciprofloxacin in 66.26%; and to amikacin in 42.45%. coagulase-negative Staphylococci and S aureus were NS to oxacillin in 91.44% and 56.03%, respectively. Enterococcus spp was NS to vancomycin in 42.31% of the cases. DA-HAI rates and bacterial resistance are high and continuous efforts are needed to reduce them