Evaluating the performance of micro-training actions for environmental learning

The impact and significance of a training process may not be easily noticeable in the short term, and is difficult to track in the long term. This is more common when training targets are acquiring positive attitudes and competences (i.e. environmental awareness) rather than specific technical procedures. Thus, such training requires specific evaluation tools for quantifying the degree of achievement the objectives. Microteaching is a training methodology characterized by brevity and flexibility, which focuses in promoting active learning and evaluating its long-term impact (including performance indicators). The methodology was developed during two European projects (Leonardo da Vinci Programme(Overschie,2006; Pérez-Moya, 2008, www.microtrainingsupport. eu/).Postprint (published version

The Obestatin/GPR39 System Is Up-regulated by Muscle Injury and Functions as an Autocrine Regenerative System

Background: Satellite cell activation is orchestrated by several signals, which induce their differentiation into skeletal muscle fibers. Results: Obestatin and the GPR39 receptor exert an autocrine role on the control of myogenesis. Conclusion: Our data indicate that obestatin/GPR39 is an injury-regulated signal that functions as a myogenic regenerative system. Significance: Strategies to enhance obestatin-mediated signaling could be useful in treating trauma-induced muscle injuries and skeletal muscle myopathies

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Sistema neuroendocrino pulmonar Estudio morfologico e inmunohistoquimico

Centro de Informacion y Documentacion Cientifica (CINDOC). C/Joaquin Costa, 22. 28002 Madrid. SPAIN / CINDOC - Centro de Informaciòn y Documentaciòn CientìficaSIGLEESSpai

Sistema neuroendocrino pulmonar Estudio morfologico e inmunohistoquimico

Available from Centro de Informacion y Documentacion Cientifica CINDOC. Joaquin Costa, 22. 28002 Madrid. SPAIN / CINDOC - Centro de Informaciòn y Documentaciòn CientìficaSIGLEESSpai

Morphometric Characterization of the Human Neuroendocrine Merkel Cells

In this study, the neuroendocrine Merkel cells (NEMCs) from adult human epidermis arc defined morphometrically, using the MOP 20 image analyzer to measure 21 parameters of either the cell as a whole, or particular cellular structures. Maximum diameter (8.09 μm), perimeter (26.51 area (36.87 μm2) and form factor (0.626) for the cell as a whole, and maximum diameter (5.08 μm), perimeter (18.74 μm), area (12.54 μm2) and form factor (0.452) for the nucleus were determined. Also measured were nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (0.5595), filanient thickness (10nm), and granular numerical density (7.02 granules/μ2). Maximum diameter, area, and form factor of neurosecretory granules were 94.23 nm, 5020.05nm2, and 0.93, respectively. Length of desmosomes linking NEMCs to keratinocytes was determined (286.9 nm) and compared with that of interkeratinocytic desmosomes (385 nm). In addition, length and diameter of cellular processes (spine-like processes (1.58 μm × 0.26μm), interstitial processes (1.39 μm × 0.25 μm), and microvilli (0.35μm × 0.25 μm) were measured after separation and classification according to the particular morphologic characteristics of each