Transformation of microbiology data into a standardised data representation using OpenEHR

The spread of multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) is a global healthcare challenge. Nosocomial outbreaks caused by MDRO are an important contributor to this threat. Computer-based applications facilitating outbreak detection can be essential to address this issue. To allow application reusability across institutions, the various heterogeneous microbiology data representations needs to be transformed into standardised, unambiguous data models. In this work, we present a multi-centric standardisation approach by using openEHR as modelling standard. Data models have been consented in a multicentre and international approach. Participating sites integrated microbiology reports from primary source systems into an openEHR-based data platform. For evaluation, we implemented a prototypical application, compared the transformed data with original reports and conducted automated data quality checks. We were able to develop standardised and interoperable microbiology data models. The publicly available data models can be used across institutions to transform real-life microbiology reports into standardised representations. The implementation of a proof-of-principle and quality control application demonstrated that the new formats as well as the integration processes are feasible. Holistic transformation of microbiological data into standardised openEHR based formats is feasible in a real-life multicentre setting and lays the foundation for developing cross-institutional, automated outbreak detection systems.Peer Reviewe

Study of lone working magnetic resonance technologists in Western Australia

Objectives: It is recommended that magnetic resonance (MR) technologists should not work alone due to potential occupational health risks although lone working is legally acceptable. The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of lone working of MR technologists in Western Australia (WA) and any issue against the regulations. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire regarding the issues of occupational health of lone MR technologists was developed based on relevant literature and distributed to WA MR technologists. Descriptive (percentage of frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Fisher’s exact, chi-square and t tests, and analysis of variance) were used to analyse the responses of the yes/no, multiple choice and 5 point scale questions from the returned questionnaires.Results: The questionnaire response rate was 65.6% (59/90). It was found that about half of the MR technologists (45.8%, 27/59) experienced lone working. The private magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centres were more likely to arrange technologists to work alone (p <0.05). The respondents expressed positive views on issues of adequacy of training and arrangement, confidence and comfort towards lone working except immediate assistance for emergency (mean: 3). Factors of existence of MRI safety officer (p < 0.05) and nature of lone working (p < 0.001-0.05) affected MR technologists’ concerns. Conclusions: Lone working of MR technologists is common in WA especially private centres. The training and arrangement provided seem to be adequate for meeting the legal requirements. However, several areas should be improved by the workplaces including enhancement on immediate assistance for emergency and concern relief

Molecular mechanisms of cell death: recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death 2018.

Over the past decade, the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) has formulated guidelines for the definition and interpretation of cell death from morphological, biochemical, and functional perspectives. Since the field continues to expand and novel mechanisms that orchestrate multiple cell death pathways are unveiled, we propose an updated classification of cell death subroutines focusing on mechanistic and essential (as opposed to correlative and dispensable) aspects of the process. As we provide molecularly oriented definitions of terms including intrinsic apoptosis, extrinsic apoptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, parthanatos, entotic cell death, NETotic cell death, lysosome-dependent cell death, autophagy-dependent cell death, immunogenic cell death, cellular senescence, and mitotic catastrophe, we discuss the utility of neologisms that refer to highly specialized instances of these processes. The mission of the NCCD is to provide a widely accepted nomenclature on cell death in support of the continued development of the field

Multi-omics and imaging mass cytometry characterization of human kidneys to identify pathways and phenotypes associated with impaired kidney function.

We are grateful to the donors, donor families, and NHS Blood and Transplant service and the Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM) for access to human samples; Karolina Nilsson (Medicinal Chemistry, AstraZeneca) for providing the cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitor; and Julia Lindgren (Discovery Sciences, AstraZenca) for coordinating the RNA-sequencing workflow.Peer reviewe

How to Measure Consumers Acceptance Towards Edible Insects? – A Scoping Review About Methodological Approaches

In recent years there has been a growing number of studies analysing consumer acceptance, preferences, choices and willingness to pay for insects and insect-based products as food. The aim of this chapter is to draw conclusions from existing literature published in scientific journals about the overall state of research activity on consumer attitude and behaviour towards entomophagy. A scoping review was conducted by searching electronic databases for relevant articles using a determined key-terms search strategy. The starting dataset (n = 1366) was screened and analysed by the authors and a total of 102 articles were included in the review. Findings highlight how a large number of researchers worldwide have investigated the potential drivers and benefits motivating consumers to accept insect and insect-based products as food as well as the main barriers that prevent individuals from consuming them. The main themes that emerged are linked to: (1) the type of insect species and studies performing sensory tasting sessions, specifically those comparing specific species types (e.g. crickets, fried grasshoppers) to general/vague names (i.e. willingness to consume insects or insect-based product); (2) psycho-social and attitudinal variables like intention to eat, willingness to try, familiarity, food neophobia, emotional experiences, willingness to eat and overall entomophagy acceptance; (3) information treatment about entomophagy (e.g. benefits/risks of eating insects); (4) socio-demographic variables like differences in culture/country of origin (i.e. cross-country studies), gender, age and others. A summary of the included records analysed as well as recommendations for future studies on how to develop research on consumer behaviour towards edible insect as food are explored