Membrane-associated mucins of the ocular surface: New genes,new protein functions and new biological roles in human and mouse

The mucosal glycocalyx of the ocular surface constitutes the point of interaction between the tear film and the apical epithelial cells. Membrane-associated mucins (MAMs) are the defining molecules of the glycocalyx in all mucosal epithelia. Long recognized for their biophysical properties of hydration, lubrication, anti-adhesion and repulsion, MAMs maintain the wet ocular surface, lubricate the blink, stabilize the tear film and create a physical barrier to the outside world. However, it is increasingly appreciated that MAMs also function as cell surface receptors that transduce information from the outside to the inside of the cell. A number of excellent review articles have provided perspective on the field as it has progressed since 1987, when molecular cloning of the first MAM was reported. The current article provides an update for the ocular surface, placing it into the broad context of findings made in other organ systems, and including new genes, new protein functions and new biological roles. We discuss the epithelial tissue-equivalent with mucosal differentiation, the key model system making these advances possible. In addition, we make the first systematic comparison of MAMs in human and mouse, establishing the basis for using knockout mice for investigations with the complexity of an in vivo system. Lastly, we discuss findings from human genetics/genomics, which are providing clues to new MAM roles previously unimagined. Taken together, this information allows us to generate hypotheses for the next stage of investigation to expand our knowledge of MAM function in intracellular signaling and roles unique to the ocular surface.     

护士档案信息管理系统的设计与效用

2008年5月12日《护士条例》颁布实施后,我国临床护士人力紧缺的状况正在逐步改善,护士队伍数量迅速增加,这队护士档案信息的管理也提出了更高的要求.我院是一所三级甲等综合性教学医院,现阶段开床位1 283张,护士794名,2008年以来新聘用护士354名.我院护理部自2010年10月起,结合我院护理人员的实际情况,在临床调研的基础上,开发研制了电子“护士档案信息管理系统”,实现了信息化、无纸化档案管理,为我院科学、规范、快捷、准确地管理护士档案工作提供了便利,现介绍如下.     

On measurements and their quality: Paper 3: Post hoc pooling and errors of discreteness

This is the third in a short series of papers on measurement theory and practice with particular relevance to research in nursing, midwifery, and healthcare. In this paper I demonstrate how the decisions we make regarding the post hoc treatment of our measurements impact the quality of our data and influence the validity of the inferences we draw from them. I address two variations of this practice, pooling data over response options found on self-report measures, and transforming measurements of continuous variables, such as age, into ranges or ordered categories. The problems inherent in this practice are examined using concepts from information theory. Pooling more precise measurements into less precise ones creates errors of discreteness that introduce unpredictable (positive or negative) bias in our results.     

Why common carrier and network neutrality principles apply to the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN)

The Office of the National Coordinator will be defining the architecture of the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN) together with the proposed HealtheWay public/private partnership as a development and funding strategy. There are a number of open questions—for example, what is the best way to realize the benefits of health information exchange? How valuable are regional health information organizations in comparison with a more direct approach? What is the role of the carriers in delivering this service? The NWHIN is to exist for the public good, and thus shares many traits of the common law notion of ‘common carriage’ or ‘public calling,’ the modern term for which is network neutrality. Recent policy debates in Congress and resulting potential regulation have implications for key stakeholders within healthcare that use or provide services, and for those who exchange information. To date, there has been little policy debate or discussion about the implications of a neutral NWHIN. This paper frames the discussion for future policy debate in healthcare by providing a brief education and summary of the modern version of common carriage, of the key stakeholder positions in healthcare, and of the potential implications of the network neutrality debate within healthcare.     

The application of technology acceptance and diffusion of innovation models in healthcare informatics

There have been many attempts to apply previously developed models of technology acceptance and the diffusion of innovations; however the models have weaknesses in predicting the behaviour of individuals and organisations, particularly within the complex health domain. The insights recent work on these models offer is relevant to health informatics development and innovation and need to be considered in the development of organisational strategies. This paper analyses the merits of several relevant models and explores their potential significance for the success or otherwise of health related Information Technology projects, highlighting their weaknesses in relation to the lack of differentiation between technological and human factors which limit their applicability in practice.     

Food Addiction: An Evolving Nonlinear Science

The purpose of this review is to familiarize readers with the role that addiction plays in the formation and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and disorders of eating. We will outline several useful models that integrate metabolism, addiction, and human relationship adaptations to eating. A special effort will be made to demonstrate how the use of simple and straightforward nonlinear models can and are being used to improve our knowledge and treatment of patients suffering from nutritional pathology. Moving forward, the reader should be able to incorporate some of the findings in this review into their own practice, research, teaching efforts or other interests in the fields of nutrition, diabetes, and/or bariatric (weight) management.     

层级管理模式在医院信息技术人员管理中的应用

以解放军第187中心医院信息科网络信息中心的技术人员为研究对象,实施层级管理模式,从人员层级设置、分工模式、分层培训、评价指标等方面具体介绍层级化管理模式的实施方法。结果表明实施层级管理后,服务满意率及考试优秀率均明显高于层级管理前。     

二维码技术在我院PIVAS管理信息系统中的应用

目的:提高我院静脉药物配置中心(PIVAS)信息管理水平,并为PIVAS中的条形码设计与发展提供参考。方法:在我院原有的医院资源管理平台上,以二维码技术代替原来的一维码用于PIVAS的信息管理系统,并介绍其功能作用及应用效果。结果与结论:二维码技术可用于PIVAS信息管理系统中的输液标签生成、输液记费、输液出仓核对、输液数量统计等功能中,不但信息存储量大,而且运行稳定、操作简易,在提高PIVAS工作效率、减少人为因素导致的差错的同时,也为PIVAS今后的电子信息扩充提供了有力保障,值得推广。     

Exploring knowledge of pre-eclampsia and views on a potential screening test in women with type 1 diabetes

Objectiveto explore knowledge of pre-eclampsia and opinions on potential screening tests for pre-eclampsia in women with type 1 diabetes.Designa qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of women planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant or post-partum with experience of pre-eclampsia.Setting, Participants and Methodseleven women with type 1 diabetes were recruited from a pre-pregnancy planning clinic or antenatal clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the women, asking a series of open-ended questions about their current knowledge of pre-eclampsia and their views on screening for pre-eclampsia. Data analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis.Findingsfour main themes were identified: Information, sources of stress, awareness and acceptability of screening. Generally, women's knowledge of pre-eclampsia was limited. Most did not appear to be aware of their increased risk of developing the disease. Similarly, the majority of women were unaware as to why their blood pressure and urine were checked regularly. The introduction of a screening test for pre-eclampsia was favoured, with only a small number of women raising concerns related to the screening tests.Conclusionshealth care professionals need to raise awareness of pre-eclampsia in this high risk group. The introduction of a screening test for pre-eclampsia appears to be acceptable in this population, however, further research is required to validate these findings and also to explore the views of women in other high risk groups.