Monthly Newsletter Research Articles

The enduring nature of cranberry production in a changing climate: The interplay of extreme weather, knowledge networks, and adaptation

Anthropogenic climate change is causing critical issues in agriculture, including cranberry production; however, in a previous study the majority of Massachusetts cranberry growers were less likely to see global warming as a threat than the general US population, and more still reported to be little worried about such warming. This research aims to determine the influence of weather and professional information disseminated to cranberry growers on their climate change adaptation. The authors used a mixed-methods, interdisciplinary approach, including content analysis of around 300 issues of UMass Extension’s Cranberry Station monthly newsletter—a widely trusted source of information in the cranberry grower “network of knowledge”—along with historical weather data from 1974 to 2020, and interview and survey data. Despite infrequent usage of direct communication on climate change and adaptation, UMass Extension’s communication on weather challenges in general showed a small but significant increase when monthly temperature anomalies increased. Meanwhile, anomalous monthly precipitation was negatively associated with total chemical mentions (linked to chemical use behavior). Climate impacts such as increased weeds, water issues (e.g., heavy rainfall, water scarcity), and heat waves ruining harvests were important to growers, leading to the adoption of both conventional (e.g., increased strategic flooding, barge sanding due to lack of ice) and emerging (e.g., smart irrigation, solar panel installations for added income) adaptive strategies. Growers demonstrate climate and technological optimism, believing that other growers are hit worse by climate change than themselves and that cranberry plant resilience, better weather forecasting, and improved irrigation technology will allow them to handle future weather challenges. The prioritization of immediate needs over the more abstract, long-term challenge of climate change by growers and the supporting system underscores the imperative to explore the socio-environmental dynamics that shape their climate responses in cranberry production.

SURVEY ON DETERMINATION OF ALBUMINURIA BY FAMILY PHYSICIANS

Objective: Albuminuria is an established marker of cardiovascular (CV) risk which has a role in pathogenesis of cardio-renal diseases, and it is questioned whether it should also be a therapy target. In all relevant guidelines it is listed as a routine laboratory method for all patients with hypertension and increased CV risk regardless they have diabetes or not. Croatian Hypertension League successfully negotiated with Croatian National Health Insurance company, and since last February determination of albumin-to-creatinine ratio - ACR is reimbursed for all patients with hypertension, and not only hospital specialist, but also family physicians (FP) are allowed to use this method. We announced this important novelty through our newsletters, website and media. The aim was to analyze how this method was implemented by family physicians in regular work. Design and method: A digital structured questionnaire was prepared and placed at the website of the Croatian Hypertension League. Using our regular monthly newsletter, we have invited FP, members of the League to participate in this survey. So far, 135 FP participated (83.7% women) from all parts of Croatia. Results: All physicians believe that determination of ACR is very important. Before this survey, 34% have not heard about this possibility, and from those who were informed 31% have not yet started. The most important reason was incapability of local laboratory (51%) followed by the answer that they have not had proper patient for these analyses (17.8%). When asked whether their laboratory provide them with values of estimated glomerular filtration rate, 51% answered negatively. Conclusions: Croatian Hypertension League made a big step forward enabling determination of ACR for all hypertensive patients by all physicians. However, there are still several gaps which should be eliminated. One is increasing awareness of FP and encouraging them to determine ACR more frequently, and the other one is to convince medical biochemistries to allow regular determination of ACR in all laboratories, but also of reporting eGFR. Survey, like this are very important and could be helpful in reaching final success, and we will use results for evidence-based negotiation with Croatian Biochemistry Chamber.

Abstract TP65: Mastering the Art of Herding Cats: Unraveling the Methods of Effective Communication in a Growing Stroke Program

Background: Since becoming a Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2008, our annual stroke patient volume doubled, and intervention volume grew nearly 6-fold. The program achieved multiple milestones over this time, transitioning from a combined ICU-progressive care unit to separate specialized units, and later relocating to a new facility with a dedicated Neuro ICU and two progressive care units. As the program expanded, innovative communication techniques and processes were adopted to accommodate the growing staff and infrastructure. Methods: The development and dissemination of intervention reports to stakeholders from each stroke case heightened awareness of time goals and fostered collaboration. Effective communication was further facilitated through the development of a SharePoint site, newsletter, and electronic handbook. Strategically designed dashboards provided crucial data on volumes, diversion, and treatment times. QR codes were introduced for convenient data and research request access. Moreover, detailed electronic follow-up reports facilitated external collaboration with referring facilities. Results: Embracing electronic communication enhanced information sharing, improving our team’s grasp of program data, outcomes, launches, and outreach initiatives. The monthly newsletter achieved a 60% open rate, contributing to nearly 5,000 SharePoint site visits. Monthly intervention reports to stroke team responders heightened time goal awareness, fostering collaboration, improving documentation, and reducing the need for case delay documentation clarification. Sending an average of 71 follow-up reports monthly to referring hospitals and EMS agencies strengthened external partnerships. Moreover, leveraging social media amplified community outreach for stroke education. Conclusion: We have found electronic communication to be successful for our growing program. To enhance engagement and accommodate diverse learners, we recommend utilizing a range of methods, including visuals, quizzes, and interactive content. Future plans involve expanding communication strategies with emerging techniques and conducting a formal analysis to assess stakeholders' comprehension of shared information in stroke care.

Possibilities of battery-free AACloth for augmentative and alternative communication: views of parents of children with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that primarily affects body movement, muscle coordination, and muscle tone. Non-progressive brain injury or abnormal brain development that occurs while the child’s brain is under development causes CP. It is estimated that 40–85% of children with CP have communication difficulties. Children with communication difficulties can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, studies have shown that several challenges in using AAC exist. Developing existing AAC methods and creating new AAC solutions are important to enable everyone to communicate and express themselves without barriers. This qualitative study aims to investigate how parents of children with CP would use a wireless and battery-free, passive radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based e-textile—AACloth—as an AAC solution. The research was conducted via an online survey. Parents with a child under 15 with CP and communication difficulties were included. Parents were recruited by distributing the survey invitation via the Finnish CP Association’s monthly newsletter, Facebook page, and social media groups. Nine parents participated. Based on parents’ views, the AACloth could solve some of the challenges associated with existing AAC methods. This research provides perspectives on what kinds of factors should be considered when developing existing and new AAC aids.

Variations in the definition and perceived importance of positive resection margins in patients with colorectal cancer – an EYSAC international survey

IntroductionMicroscopically positive resection margins (R1) are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. However, different definitions of R1 margins exist. It is unclear to what extent the definitions used in everyday clinical practice differ within and between nations. This study sought to investigate variations in the definition of R1 margins in colorectal cancer and the importance of margin status in clinical decision-making. Materials and methodsA 14-point survey was developed by members of The European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) Youngs Surgeons and Alumni Club (EYSAC) Research Academy targeting all members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) treating patients with colorectal cancer. The survey was distributed on social media, in ESSO's monthly newsletter and via national societies. ResultsIn total, 137 responses were received. Most respondents were from Europe (89.7%), with the majority from Denmark (56.9%). Less than 2/3 of respondents defined R1 margins as the presence of viable cancer cells ≤1 mm of the margin. Only 60% reported that subdivisions of R1 margins (primary tumour vs tumour deposit vs metastatic lymph node) are routinely available. More than 20% of respondents reported that pathology reports are not routinely reviewed at MDT meetings. Less than half of respondents considered margin status in decision-making for type and duration of adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage III colon cancer. ConclusionThe definitions and perceived clinical importance of microscopically positive margins in patients with colorectal cancer appear to vary. Adoption of an international dataset for pathology reporting may help to standardise current practices.

Blood and coagulation product disposition in the modern era: An international multicenter survey endorsed by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC)

Study objectivePerioperative transfusion is associated with reduced survival and increased morbidity and mortality. Several studies report wide variation in clinical transfusion practice. However, the influence of simple, practical factors–such as which blood products are available, and when - is often disregarded. We hypothesized that these practical issues are relevant confounders of transfusion decisions.DesignWeb-based survey.SettingMulti-institutional.ParticipantsMembers of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC) society reached by monthly newsletter in November 2020.InterventionsNo interventions.MeasurementsSurvey responses.Main resultsThe newsletter was opened by 429 members. We collected 51 complete surveys, resulting in a response rate of 11.9%. 72% of participants reported having a local algorithm for the use of blood products and coagulation factors. Latency in the time of blood product delivery / availability and the possibility to store or return unused products were most often reported as having an influence on transfusion practice. For point-of-care test availability, 86% of addressees reported rotational thromboelastometry / -elastography, 76% hemoglobin tests, 24% international normalized ratio (INR) measurement and 22% platelet function testing. Six percent of the respondents did not have access to point-of-care tests. The majority of addressees reported that they were able to obtain more than 10 allogeneic blood products simultaneously (63%). Packed red blood cells were available with a delay of 10–15 min and platelets with a delay of 15–20 min.ConclusionsOur survey indicates a wide variability in the logistics of perioperative transfusion practice. The information gained could provide a solid basis for future improvements of the guidelines, but also in local transfusion practices.

BLOOD AND COAGULATION PRODUCT DISPOSAL IN THE MODERN ERA - A SURVEY AND REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICE

Introduction Perioperative transfusion is associated with reduced with reduced survival1 and increased morbidity and mortality2 Several studies report poor adoption of guidelines and wide variation in clinical practice3. However, the influence of simple practical factors is disregarded, as for instance which blood products are available in which time for the transfusing physician? We hypothesize that local practical issues are a relevant cofounder of transfusion decisions. Methods With kind endorsement of EACTAIC, the link to a web-based survey was sent via newsletter to all EACTAIC-Members via the monthly newsletter in November 2020. Results The Newsletter was opened by 429 active members. We collected 66 survey responses, with 51 complete surveys, resulting in a response rate of 11.9% 72% of participants report having a local algorithm for the use of blood products and coagulation factors. Several factors were reported as having an influence on the local transfusion algorithm (Figure 1) and on transfusion practice (Figure 2). 86% of respondents report ROTEM®/TEG® available, 76% haemoglobin tests, 24% quick measurements and 22% Thrombocyte function tests. 6% of the respondents have no point of care test available. A majority of respondents report the possibility to receive more than 10 labile blood products delivered at once (64%). Packed red blood cells are available with a median time delay of 10-15 minutes (Figure 3). For platelets, a median time between ordering and delivery of 15-20 minutes was reported (Figure 4). Discussion The data of our survey reveals wide variability in the logistics of perioperative transfusion and significant subjective influence of these logistic factors. The time to delivery of labile blood products was the most mentioned factor. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate logistic factors with influence on transfusion practice. The principal limitation of our survey is the low response rate. In many situations, the transfusing physician has the consequences of a delayed or omitted transfusion directly in sight, while the consequences of unnecessary transfusions remain diffuse. Those subjective benefits of transfusion might lead to a risk-aversive behavior, as is known from economy and sociology 4. In combination with (perceived) long delivery times, this might be a contributing factor for transfusion incidence. The adaption of institutional processes therefore bear potential benefits for better adherence to transfusion guidelines. In conclusion, transfusion logistics show wide variation across different institutions and are a significant subjective contributor to the individual transfusion behaviour.

What do people with diabetes really think about remote consultations?

AbstractIn 2017 the diabetes service in Newham reported a positive response to a trial of virtual clinics but their own NHS trust (Barts Health) struggled to expand the number of virtual services offered. When COVID struck in March 2020, the NHS immediately obtained a licence to a secure platform for video consultations; many appointments took place by phone and the number of face‐to‐face clinics declined dramatically.Whether people with diabetes prefer face‐to‐face, telephone or video consultations depends on whom you ask. We summarise the findings of two published online surveys and report the results of our own paper survey, distributed through the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation monthly newsletter, Diabetes Wellness News. Respondents to the online surveys were positive about the benefits of virtual consultations, although there were concerns about confidentiality, safeguarding and identification of emotional issues. In contrast, the paper survey (n=301) found that 91% of respondents preferred a face‐to‐face consultation. Although 36% of respondents had access to video technology, only 7.2% had been offered a video consultation (24% with type 1 diabetes and 3.8% with type 2) and 87% of remote consultations had been by phone. While two‐thirds of respondents were at least fairly satisfied with their remote consultations, most people preferred to return to face to face when possible, the most common reason being that communication was easier.In conclusion, remote consultations will remain an important option in the future, but individual preferences must be taken into account; a combination of remote and face to face may be the most effective approach. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.

Design recommendations for exoskeletons: Perspectives of individuals with spinal cord injury

Objective: This study investigated the expectations of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regarding exoskeletons. Design: The survey consisted out of questions regarding multiple aspects of exoskeleton technology. Setting: An online survey was distributed via the monthly newsletter of the Dutch Patient Association for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Participants: Individuals with SCI who are members of the Dutch Patient Association for SCI. Outcome Measures: General impression of exoskeleton technology, expectations regarding capabilities and user-friendliness, training expectations and experiences, future perspectives and points of improvement. Results: The survey was filled out by 95 individuals with SCI, exoskeletons were considered positive and desirable by 74.7%. About 11 percent (10.5%) thought one could ambulate faster, or just as fast, while wearing an exoskeleton as able-bodied people. Furthermore, 18.9% expected not to use a wheelchair or walking aids while ambulating with the exoskeleton. Twenty-five percent believed that exoskeletons could replace wheelchairs. Some main points of improvement included being able to wear the exoskeleton in a wheelchair and while driving a car, not needing crutches while ambulating, and being able to put the exoskeleton on by oneself. Conclusion: Individuals with SCI considered exoskeletons as a positive and desirable innovation. But based on the findings from the surveys, major points of improvement are necessary for exoskeletons to replace wheelchairs in the future. For future exoskeleton development, we recommend involvement of individuals with SCI to meet user expectations and improve in functionality, usability and quality of exoskeletons.

国際的学術情報を日常の看護実践や教育活動に活かす ―JAPHNメールマガジン「研究なう」アーカイブ化の取組み―

国際的学術情報を日常の看護実践や教育活動に活かす ―JAPHNメールマガジン「研究なう」アーカイブ化の取組み―

The Rowan Hillson Inpatient Safety Award 2018 for the best inpatient diabetes educational programme for healthcare professionals

Introduction: The annual National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA) in the UK continues to show a high incidence of insulin errors in patients admitted to hospital with diabetes. It is clear that new initiatives are urgently required to mitigate this risk.Method: The Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS-IP) organised the fifth national Rowan Hillson Inpatient Safety Award on the theme of the best inpatient diabetes educational initiative to improve patient safety in hospitals.Result: The winner was Kath Higgins and the team from the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for their ITS Diabetes – Inpatient Diabetes Training & Support programme – an educational toolkit accessible to medical, nursing and pharmacy staff. Components included face-to-face training, e-learning module, monthly newsletter social media communications with competency document and flashcards. The initiative reduced insulin errors and in-hospital diabetic ketoacidosis. There were two teams in second position. Michael Lloyd and colleagues from St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust received the award for their individualised and shared insulin prescribing error feedback system, Safe Insulin TipS (SIPS), and multi-professional simulation-based training. Ruth Miller and colleagues in North West London were commended for the project to implement Diabetes 10 Point Training in Acute Hospitals across North West London. This clinically-based teaching programme provided quick training specifically designed for all hospital settings to address the commonest diabetes errors.Conclusion: These and similar schemes need to be developed, promoted and shared to reduce insulin errors in hospitalised patients with diabetes.

The Thoracic Surgery Residents Association: Past contributions, current efforts, and future directions

ObjectiveThe Thoracic Surgery Residents Association (TSRA) is a resident-led organization established in 1997 under the guidance of the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association to represent the interests and educational needs of cardiothoracic surgery residents. We aim to describe the past contributions, current efforts, and future directions of the TSRA within a conceptual framework of the TSRA mission. MethodsPrimary review of educational resources was performed to report goals and content of past contributions. TSRA Executive Committee input was used to describe current resources and activities, as well as the future goals of the TSRA. Podcast analytics were performed to report national and global usage. ResultsSince 2011, the TSRA has published 3 review textbooks, 5 reference guides, 3 test-preparation textbooks, 1 supplementary publication, and 1 multiple-choice question bank and mobile application, all written and developed by cardiothoracic surgery trainees. In total 108 podcasts have been recorded by mentored trainees, with more than 175,000 unique listens. Most recently, the TSRA has begun facilitating trainee submissions to Young Surgeon's Notes, fostered a trainee mentorship program, developed the monthly TSRA Newsletter, and established a wide-reaching presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help disseminate educational resources and opportunities for trainees. ConclusionsThe TSRA continues to be the leading cardiothoracic surgery resident organization in North America, providing educational resources and networking opportunities for all trainees. Future directions include development of an integrated disease-based resource and continued collaboration within and beyond our specialty to enhance the educational opportunities and career development of cardiothoracic trainees.

Comments on the Readership Survey Concerning Bi-Monthly Publication.

INTRODUCTION: A readership survey was posted in our monthly newsletter, "Ever Upward", and sent via email to members of the Aerospace Medical Association and to authors and reviewers of the journal, Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance. The reason for the survey concerned whether to publish 6 times (or perhaps 7) per year instead of 12. There were 403 respondents. Of those who responded, 30% said bimonthly publishing would affect whether they submitted to a journal; 70% said it would not impact their decision. Less than 4% strongly disapproved and 8% disapproved of moving to a bimonthly publication. While 67% were in favor and 20% didn't care one way or the other. There were many comments and some of those are addressed in the summary.Day PC. Comments on the readership survey concerning bi-monthly publication. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(7):608-610.

Genomics knowledge and attitudes among European public health professionals: Results of a cross-sectional survey

The international public health (PH) community is debating the opportunity to incorporate genomic technologies into PH practice. A survey was conducted to assess attitudes of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) members towards their role in the implementation of public health genomics (PHG), and their knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing and the delivery of genetic services. EUPHA members were invited via monthly newsletter and e-mail to take part in an online survey from February 2017 to January 2018. A descriptive analysis of knowledge and attitudes was conducted, along with a univariate and multivariate analysis of their determinants. Five hundred and two people completed the questionnaire, 17.9% were involved in PHG activities. Only 28.9% correctly identified all medical conditions for which there is (or not) evidence for implementing genetic testing; over 60% thought that investing in genomics may divert economic resources from social and environmental determinants of health. The majority agreed that PH professionals may play different roles in incorporating genomics into their activities. Better knowledge was associated with positive attitudes towards the use of genetic testing and the delivery of genetic services in PH (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.01-2.18). Our study revealed quite positive attitudes, but also a need to increase awareness on genomics among European PH professionals. Those directly involved in PHG activities tend to have a more positive attitude and better knowledge; however, gaps are also evident in this group, suggesting the need to harmonize practice and encourage greater exchange of knowledge among professionals.

Wrestling with Angels

Wrestling with Angels

Create monthly newsletter to engage graduate students

Lab, class, sleep, repeat. This phrase probably describes a daily routine for many of your graduate students. That's one of the reasons the University of Miami Graduate School created a newsletter to reach its target audience.

APA’s Psychiatric Services Has Filled Critical Niche for Seven Decades

APA’s <i>Psychiatric Services</i> Has Filled Critical Niche for Seven Decades

Create monthly newsletter to engage graduate students

Lab, class, sleep — repeat. This phrase probably describes a daily routine for many of your graduate students. That's one of the reasons the University of Miami Graduate School created a newsletter to reach its target audience.

Pursuing Ethics by Building Bridges beyond the Northern Paradigm

This essay narrates and explores the work of Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church (CTEWC) in developing a network that connects roughly 1500 Catholic ethicists around the world. It highlights the impact that CTEWC has had in encouraging Christian ethics to become more inclusive, active, and mindful in advancing a network that builds bridges beyond the northern paradigm. In this narrative, we see how CTEWC planned and realized three major international conferences in Padua, Trento, and Sarajevo and six regional conferences in Manila, Nairobi, Berlin, Krakow, Bangalore, and Bogota. Together with its monthly newsletter, CTEWC has also sponsored a visiting scholars program in Bangalore, Manila, and Nairobi, a PhD scholarship program for eight women in Africa, and an international book series with eight volumes and over 200 contributors. Throughout, we respond to the challenge of pluralism by answering the call to dialogue from and beyond local culture. As it enters its second generation with new leadership, CTEWC pursues critical and emerging issues in theological ethics by engaging in cross-cultural, interdisciplinary conversations shaped by shared visions of hope, but always mindful that we must engage the Global South and go beyond the northern paradigm where most contemporary theological ethics occur.

Comments: SPE’s New Publications

Editor's column Digitalization and unconventionals production are transforming the oil and gas industry. Shale oil output now accounts for the lion’s share of world production increases and has reshaped global energy markets and trading. Partly in response to the severe price downturn that began in 2014, companies are adopting the use of advanced data analytics, machine learning, visualization, and artificial intelligence to reduce costs and to make operations more productive and efficient. SPE’s mission is to give its members the most current information related to key industry topics and develop programs and publications that are of most relevance to petroleum professionals, offering valuable insight into current and future ways of doing business. A key part of the new SPE Strategic Plan, adopted earlier this year, is to promote expertise in new areas, as well as better understanding of new digital technologies, through increased content offerings. To support this effort, SPE is launching a new online publication and newsletter on data science and digital engineering and a new monthly newsletter on the unconventionals oil and gas sector. The new publication and newsletters are designed to give members in-depth information and insight into these increasingly important sectors, in addition to the coverage these topics receive in SPE’s current publications. The JPT Unconventional Insights newsletter debuted in November, containing staff-written and curated content (items of interest from non-SPE sources), as well as other information such as key insights from recent technical papers that caught the eye of subject matter experts. The Data Science and Digital Engineering publication and accompanying newsletter will debut in the first quarter of 2019. To receive the newsletters, members and nonmembers must sign up on the SPE preferences page located at www.spe.org/en/preferences/email_preferences. Both the unconventionals and digital science topics are likely to dominate industry discussion for the foreseeable future. October marked the 10th anniversary of the first completed horizontal well in the Eagle Ford Shale formation in south Texas. That discovery helped propel a boom over the next several years that turned the region into one of the world’s most active oil plays, and was further realization that shale development had even greater potential than originally thought. Now, with Permian Basin output growing so fast that it has outstripped transportation capacity, and huge new plays coming on line in Argentina and China, the shale sector will continue to play a major role in upstream oil and gas for years to come. The International Energy Agency reported last month that US crude oil production is expanding at an unprecedented rate thanks to shale. The US is expected to account for 75% of the world’s oil production gains to 2025, with an increase of 5 million B/D during the period to 18.5 million B/D, according to the organization’s World Energy Outlook 2018. Tight oil production alone will rise to 9.2 million B/D. Integrating digitalization and data science into upstream operations has emerged as a strategic priority and will have an inevitable impact on the industry. As consultancy Wood Mackenzie noted in a recent report: “Digitalization is happening. In our view, it is not a choice to do it or not; it is now about the speed and depth of adoption. …Cloud computing, automation and robotics, blockchain, 3D printing, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are all playing increasingly large roles, serving as a platform for data, analytics, and the connectivity of people, machines, and devices.”