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Buetti N, Tabah A, Setti N, Ruckly S, Barbier F, Akova M, Aslan AT, Leone M, Bassetti M, Morris AC, Arvaniti K, Paiva JA, Ferrer R, Qiu H, Montrucchio G, Cortegiani A, Kayaaslan B, De Bus L, De Waele JJ, Timsit JF. The role of centre and country factors on process and outcome indicators in critically ill patients with hospital-acquired bloodstream infections. Intensive Care Med 2024:10.1007/s00134-024-07348-0. [PMID: 38498170 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-024-07348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between centre/country-based factors and two important process and outcome indicators in patients with hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HABSI). METHODS We used data on HABSI from the prospective EUROBACT-2 study to evaluate the associations between centre/country factors on a process or an outcome indicator: adequacy of antimicrobial therapy within the first 24 h or 28-day mortality, respectively. Mixed logistical models with clustering by centre identified factors associated with both indicators. RESULTS Two thousand two hundred nine patients from two hundred one intensive care units (ICUs) were included in forty-seven countries. Overall, 51% (n = 1128) of patients received an adequate antimicrobial therapy and the 28-day mortality was 38% (n = 839). The availability of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for aminoglycosides everyday [odds ratio (OR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-2.14] or within a few hours (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.34-2.38), surveillance cultures for multidrug-resistant organism carriage performed weekly (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.09-1.93), and increasing Human Development Index (HDI) values were associated with adequate antimicrobial therapy. The presence of intermediate care beds (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47-0.84), TDM for aminoglycoside available everyday (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-1.00) or within a few hours (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.37-0.70), 24/7 consultation of clinical pharmacists (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.95), percentage of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) between 10% and 25% in the ICU (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.00-2.80), and decreasing HDI values were associated with 28-day mortality. CONCLUSION Centre/country factors should be targeted for future interventions to improve management strategies and outcome of HABSI in ICU patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Buetti
- Infection Control Program, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, Geneva, Switzerland.
- IAME UMR 1137, INSERM, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Alexis Tabah
- Intensive Care Unit, Redcliffe Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Critical Care Research Network (QCCRN), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nour Setti
- IAME UMR 1137, INSERM, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Ruckly
- IAME UMR 1137, INSERM, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- Biostatistic Department, Outcomerea, 93700, Drancy, France
| | - François Barbier
- Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, 14, Avenue de L'Hôpital, 45000, Orléans, France
- Institut Maurice Rapin, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Murat Akova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Tarik Aslan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Marc Leone
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Nord, Aix Marseille University, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrew Conway Morris
- Division of Anaesthesia, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, Cb2 1QP, UK
- JVF Intensive Care Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Kostoula Arvaniti
- Intensive Care Unit, Papageorgiou University Affiliated Hospital, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - José-Artur Paiva
- Intensive Care Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Sao Joao, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Infection and Sepsis ID Group, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricard Ferrer
- Intensive Care Department, SODIR-VHIR Research Group, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Haibo Qiu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Giorgia Montrucchio
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Cortegiani
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bircan Kayaaslan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Liesbet De Bus
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan J De Waele
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Timsit
- IAME UMR 1137, INSERM, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- Medical and Infectious Diseases Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP, Bichat-Claude Bernard University Hospital, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75877, Paris Cedex, France
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Jawad AM, Nyeko-Lacek M, Brown L, Javed MU, Hemington-Gorse S. "Burns Behind Bars": A 10-year review and cost analysis of burn injuries in prison inmates presenting to a regional burns centre, and the role of the burns outreach service. Burns 2021; 48:1719-1726. [PMID: 34974930 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION From 85348 inmates in England and Wales, over 26,000 incidents of assault and 40,000 of self-harm were reported from within prisons in 2016. This study focuses primarily on burn injuries in prison, determining the predominant aetiology as well as clinical outcomes of these injuries. METHODS Data was retrieved retrospectively and a case series performed, including all burns referred from regional prisons to our centre from 2007 to 2017 and comprising patient demographics, mechanism of injury, total body surface area affected, management, and outcome. Cost analysis of care was conducted using a previously published framework. RESULTS 18 cases from three regional prisons were recorded, with 67% from a single prison. Referrals rose exponentially over time, with 44% occurring in 2017. 94% were scald burns, and 56% secondary to assault, primarily through the use of kettles and mostly targeting the face and trunk. The mean TBSA of burn was 2.89% (<1-8%), and 80% received first aid. 72.2% were admitted to hospital for an average of 4 days. All burns were managed nonoperatively with dressings and underwent on average 2 outpatient reviews (1-8). DISCUSSION The disproportionate spread of referrals across the prisons correlates partly with the respective populations, but may also represent contrasting medical provisions. The recurring method of assault reflects the relative ease of access to hot water as a harmful agent, predominantly presenting with scalds affecting more critical areas, and with concurrent physical trauma in nearly half of cases which presents management challenges. CONCLUSION Targeted education is recommended to reduce the incidence and ensure adequate management of burns in prison, referrals for which are demonstrably rising. Accordingly, the Burns Outreach team can provide training to in-house prison health staff and review referrals to specialist Burns services, aiming to ensure equitable care while alleviating costs associated with transfer to and management in hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Majeed Jawad
- Specialty Registrar in Burns and Plastic Surgery, Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK.
| | - Miriam Nyeko-Lacek
- Foundation Year 2 Doctor, Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK
| | - Liz Brown
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Burns, Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK
| | - Muhammad Umair Javed
- Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon, Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK
| | - Sarah Hemington-Gorse
- Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon, Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK
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Sonntag A, Kelbsch C, Jung R, Wilhelm H, Strasser T, Peters T, Stingl K, Wilhelm B. Effect of central and peripheral cone- and rod-specific stimulation on the pupillary light reflex. Int Ophthalmol 2021. [PMID: 34826023 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To assess the effect of central and peripheral stimulation on the pupillary light reflex. The aim was to detect possible differences between cone- and rod-driven reactions. Methods Relative maximal pupil constriction amplitude (relMCA) and latency to constriction onset (latency) to cone- and rod-specific stimuli of 30 healthy participants (24 ± 5 years (standard deviation)) were measured using chromatic pupil campimetry. Cone- and rod-specific stimuli had different intensities and wavelengths according to the Standards in Pupillography. Five filled circles with radii of 3°, 5°, 10°, 20° and 40° and four rings with a constant outer radius of 40° and inner radii of 3°, 5°, 10° and 20° were used as stimuli. Results For cone-and rod-specific stimuli, relMCA increased with the stimulus area for both, circles and rings. However, increasing the area of a cone-specific ring by minimizing its inner radius with constant outer radius increased relMCA significantly stronger than the same did for a rod-specific ring. For cones and rods, a circle stimulus with a radius of 40° created a lower relMCA than the summation of the relMCAs to the corresponding ring and circle stimuli which combined create a 40° circle-stimulus. Latency was longer for rods than for cones. It decreased with increasing stimulus area for circle stimuli while it stayed nearly constant with increasing ring stimulus area for cone- and rod-specific stimuli. Conclusion The effect of central stimulation on relMCA is more dominant for cone-specific stimuli than for rod-specific stimuli while latency dynamics are similar for both conditions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10792-021-02132-1.
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Chanavaz-Lacheray I, Darai E, Descamps P, Agostini A, Poilblanc M, Rousset P, Bolze PA, Panel P, Collinet P, Hebert T, Graesslin O, Martigny H, Brun JL, Dechaud H, Mezan De Malartic C, Piechon L, Wattiez A, Chapron C, Golfier F. [Definition of endometriosis expert centres]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 46:376-382. [PMID: 29490889 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Collège national des gynécologues obstétriciens français (CNGOF), in agreement with the Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), has set up a commission in 2017 to define endometriosis expert centres, with the aim of optimizing endometriosis care in France. METHODS The committee included members from university and general hospitals as well as private facilities, representing medical, surgical and radiological aspects of endometriosis care. Opinion of endometriosis patients' associations was obtained prior to writing this work. The final text was presented and unanimously validated by the members of the CNGOF Board of Directors at its meeting of October 13, 2017. RESULTS Based on analysis of current management of endometriosis and the last ten years opportunities in France, the committee has been able to define the contours of endometriosis expert centres. The objectives, production specifications, mode of operation, missions and funding for these centres were described. The following missions have been specifically defined: territorial organization, global and referral care, communication and teaching as well as research and evaluation. CONCLUSION Because of its daily impact for women and its economic burden in France, endometriosis justifies launching of expert centres throughout the country with formal accreditation by health authorities, ideally as part of the National Health Plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Chanavaz-Lacheray
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - E Darai
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - P Descamps
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - A Agostini
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - M Poilblanc
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - P Rousset
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - P-A Bolze
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - P Panel
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - P Collinet
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - T Hebert
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - O Graesslin
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - H Martigny
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - J-L Brun
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - H Dechaud
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - C Mezan De Malartic
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - L Piechon
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - A Wattiez
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France
| | - C Chapron
- Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
| | - F Golfier
- Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français (CNGOF), 91, boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris, France; Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP), hôpital Cochin, bâtiment Port-Royal, 53, avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France.
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Kashyap SK, Sharma BK, Banerjee A. Cancer Control Algorithm. J Exp Ther Oncol 2017; 12:167-169. [PMID: 29161787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Curing cancer by controlling the growth of the cancer cell is the objective of this paper. The growth of the cancer cell is analysed by the optimization programming. The algorithm is proposed for minimizing the rate of growth of the cancer cell. Hence the chaotic cancer became structured for the further research. This is an extended work of Warburg [1], where he defined the centre of the cancer cell, known by Warburg effect, but here we control the increasing radius of the cancer circle by the proposed Cancer Control Algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Kashyap
- Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu-632014, India
| | | | - Amitabh Banerjee
- Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh-492010, India
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION English Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) were established in April 2012. Increased case volume and complexity has influenced trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) core surgical training in these centres. OBJECTIVES To determine if T&O core surgical training in MTCs meets Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) quality indicators including performance of T&O operative procedures and consultant supervised session attendance. METHODS An audit cycle assessing the impact of a weekly departmental core surgical trainee rota. The rota included allocated timetabled sessions that optimised clinical and surgical learning opportunities. Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) records for T&O core surgical trainees at a single MTC were analysed for 8 months pre and post rota introduction. Outcome measures were electronic surgical logbook evidence of leading T&O operative procedures and consultant validated work-based assessments (WBAs). RESULTS Nine core surgical trainees completed a 4 month MTC placement pre and post introduction of the core surgical trainee rota. Introduction of core surgical trainee rota significantly increased the mean number of T&O operative procedures led by a core surgical trainee during a 4 month MTC placement from 20.2 to 34.0 (p<0.05). The mean number of hip hemiarthroplasty procedures led by a core surgical trainee during a 4 month MTC placement was significantly increased (0.3 vs 2.4 [p=0.04]). Those of dynamic hip screw fixation (2.3 vs 3.6) and ankle fracture fixation (0.7 vs 1.6) were not. Introduction of a core surgical trainee rota significantly increased the mean number of consultant validated WBAs completed by a core surgical trainee during a 4 month MTC placement from 1.7 to 6.6 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Introduction of a departmental core surgical trainee rota utilising a 'problem-based' model can significantly improve T&O core surgical training in MTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L J Morris
- Specialty Registrar in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Queen's Medical Centre, United Kingdom.
| | - David J Bryson
- Specialty Registrar in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Queen's Medical Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Ben J Ollivere
- Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Queen's Medical Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Daren P Forward
- Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Queen's Medical Centre, United Kingdom
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Beinortas T, Bauza K, Howick J, Nunan D, Mahtani KR. The first center for evidence-based medicine in Lithuania: an opportunity to change culture and improve clinical practice. J Evid Based Med 2015; 8:108-10. [PMID: 25955430 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In post-Soviet countries, where medical practice largely relies on experience alone, the incorporation of the best research evidence in clinical practice is limited. In order to promote the awareness and utilization of evidence-based medicine (EBM) among Lithuanian doctors, we organized EBM conferences in each of the two Lithuanian medical schools. More than 500 medical professionals and students attended the conferences in Vilnius (2013) and Kaunas (2014) demonstrating that there is a high demand for formal EBM teaching. Building on the success of these seminal conferences, and to start addressing the lack of EBM practice in the country, the first Lithuanian Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine was established at Vilnius University Medical Faculty in 2014. The Centre will focus on the implementation of EBM teaching in medical school curriculum, formulating management guidelines, writing systematic reviews and supporting Lithuanian authors in doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tumas Beinortas
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karolis Bauza
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jeremy Howick
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care, Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - David Nunan
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care, Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Kamal Ram Mahtani
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care, Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford
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Tommasi L, Giuliano A. Evidence of a relational spatial strategy in learning the centre of enclosures in human children (Homo sapiens). Behav Processes 2014; 106:172-9. [PMID: 24954553 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Three- to five-year-old children were trained to localize a sensor hidden underneath the floor, in the centre of a square-shaped enclosure (1.5m×1.5m). Walking over the sensor caused a pleasant music to be played in the environment, thus engaging children in a playful spatial search. Children easily learned to find the centre of the training environment starting from random positions. After training, children were tested in enclosures of different size and/or shape: a larger square-shaped enclosure (3m×3m), a rectangle-shaped enclosure (1.5m×3m), an equilateral triangle-shaped enclosure (side 3m) and an isosceles triangle-shaped enclosure (base 1.5m; sides 3m). Children searched in the central region of the enclosures, their precision varying as a function of the similarity of the testing enclosure's shape to the shape of the training enclosure. This suggests that a relational spatial strategy was used, and that it depended on the encoding of geometrical shape. This result highlights a distinctive role of the geometric centre of enclosed spaces in place learning in children, as already observed in nonhuman species.
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