Prevention of pressure ulcers with a static air support surface: A systematic review.

The aims of this study were to identify, assess, and summarise available evidence about the effectiveness of static air mattress overlays to prevent pressure ulcers. The primary outcome was the incidence of pressure ulcers. Secondary outcomes included costs and patient comfort.

Preventive Effect of a Microclimate-Regulating System on Pressure Ulcer Development: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial in Dutch Nursing Homes.

Objective: Prevention of pressure ulcers (PrUs) is based on relieving pressure, diminishing shear stress, and controlling the skin's microclimate. Based on the recommendations in the most recent guideline for prevention of PrUs, a pressure-relieving, shear stress-diminishing, and microclimate-controlling skin interface multilayer support system (Bedcare; Sense Textile, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands) has been developed for use on top of a viscoelastic foam mattress (Formafoam, Kabelfabriek Eupen, Belgium). The aim of this study was to test the PrU preventive effect of this system compared with a viscoelastic foam mattress alone.

A Secondary Analysis of Longitudinal Prevalence Data to Determine the Use of Pressure Ulcer Preventive Measures in Dutch Nursing Homes, 2005-2014.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are an important and distressing problem in Dutch nursing homes. A secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Dutch National Prevalence Measurement of Care Problems (LPZ) - an annual, multicenter, point-prevalence survey - was conducted for the years 2005-2014 to determine the use of specific recommended PU preventive measures from the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 1998, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel/European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2009, and the 2002 and 2011 Dutch PU guidelines. Preventive care was investigated among nursing home residents at risk for PUs and included skin care (moisturization); nutritional and hydration status assessment and optimization; and pressure redistribution involving mattresses, cushions, and heel pressure-relieving strategies and devices.

The effect of a simple 3-step pressure relieving strategy for preventing pressure ulcers: an explorative longitudinal study from 2002-2011.

Objective: Pressure ulcers (PUs) still form an important and distressing problem in Dutch nursing homes. Pressure ulcer prevention protocols are generally based on current guidelines. The authors developed an alternative 3-step protocol to help prevent pressure ulcers.

Pressure Relief, Visco-Elastic Foam with Inflated Air? A Pilot Study in a Dutch Nursing Home.

Objective: There is still little evidence regarding the type of mattress that is the best for preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). In a Dutch nursing home, a new type of overlay mattress (air inflated visco-elastic foam) was tested to analyze the opportunity for replacement of the normally used static air overlay mattress in its three-step PU prevention protocol In this small pilot the outcome measures were: healing of a category one pressure ulcer, new development or deterioration of a category one PU and need for repositioning.

Methods: We included 20 nursing home residents with a new category one pressure ulcer, existing for no longer than 48 h following a consecutive sampling technic.

Influence of superabsorbent dressings on non-healing ulcers: a multicentre case series from the Netherlands and the UK.

Objective: To record and assess the application and the progression of wound healing in patients who received Sorbion sachet S or Sorbion Sana wound dressings.

Method: A convenience sample of patients with chronic wounds was recruited from nursing homes or community wound clinics in the Netherlands and the UK. Wound surface area measurements, pain assessment using a visual analogue scale score, patient affect (mood) and social interaction were recorded using a specifically designed evaluation template.

Evaluation of the olivocochlear efferent reflex strength in the susceptibility to temporary hearing deterioration after music exposure in young adults.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the predictive role of the olivocochlear efferent reflex strength in temporary hearing deterioration in young adults exposed to music. This was based on the fact that a noise-protective role of the medial olivocochlear (MOC) system was observed in animals and that efferent suppression (ES) measured using contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS) of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) is capable of exploring the MOC system. Knowing an individual's susceptibility to cochlear damage after noise exposure would enhance preventive strategies for noise-induced hearing loss.

Pressure relief with visco-elastic foam or with combined static air overlay? A prospective, crossover randomized clinical trial in a dutch nursing home.

Objective: Evidence of the best mattress for preventing pressure ulcers is not conclusive. In a single center, prospective, crossover trial on pressure ulcer incidence in nursing home residents, a static air overlay mattress, without a pump, on top of a visco-elastic foam mattress was compared with a visco-elastic foam mattress alone.

Methods: The study was performed using a randomized crossover design.

Specific nutritional support accelerates pressure ulcer healing and reduces wound care intensity in non-malnourished patients.

Objective: We investigated the potential of a high-protein, arginine- and micronutrient-enriched oral nutritional supplement (ONS) to improve healing of pressure ulcers in non-malnourished patients who would usually not be considered for extra nutritional support.

Methods: Forty-three non-malnourished subjects with stage III or IV pressure ulcers were included in a multicountry, randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial. They were offered 200 mL of the specific ONS or a non-caloric control product three times per day, in addition to their regular diet and standard wound care, for a maximum of 8 wk.

Pressure relief, cold foam or static air? A single center, prospective, controlled randomized clinical trial in a Dutch nursing home.

Objective: At present, the evidence regarding the type of mattress that is the best for preventing pressure ulcers is not convincing. In a single center, prospective, controlled trial we compared a static air overlay mattress (no electric pump needed) on top of a cold foam mattress with a cold foam mattress alone on pressure ulcer incidence in nursing home residents.

Methods: 83 Patients were included in the study with a score lower than 12 points on the Norton scale and no pressure ulcer at the start of the study.

Prevention of NSAID gastropathy in elderly patients. An observational study in general practice and nursing homes.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (i) survey the risk factors for NSAID gastropathy in outpatients (elderly patients in the community), compared to those living in old people's homes or nursing homes, (ii) study the prescription of medication prophylaxis during use of NSAIDs conform the current national guidelines and (iii) survey the influence on gastrointestinal symptoms and safety of pantoprazole 20 mg as prophylaxis for NSAID gastropathy.

Methods: Patients over 65 years of age, using an NSAID without prophylaxis or newly starting NSAID treatment were included in the study. Pantoprazole 20 mg was prescribed as prophylaxis.

Economic evaluation of collagenase-containing ointment and hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of two treatments of pressure sores on the heel: a collagenase-containing ointment and a hydrocolloid dressing.

Design: Study and cost data were collected prospectively in a randomised clinical trial in The Netherlands by counting the resource use for each patient until wound healing occurred.

Study Participants: All 24 female study participants were inpatients from the same hospital with grade IV pressure sores on the heel following orthopaedic surgery.

Glaucoma screening using the scanning laser polarimeter.

Purpose: To determine the ability of scanning laser polarimetry (GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer; Laser Diagnostic Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA) to separate normal eyes and those considered likely to have glaucoma in a public glaucoma screening.

Methods: A 2-day public glaucoma screening program was held at two different institutions.

Prevention and management of hypotony after glaucoma surgery.

Postoperative hypotony is a common complication of glaucoma filtering surgery, particularly with adjunctive use of antifibrotic agents. Associated structural sequelae and reduced visual function may occur in some eyes, resulting in the low-pressure syndrome. Precautions may be taken intraoperatively and postoperatively to decrease the likelihood of hypotony.

Screening for glaucoma with frequency-doubling technology and Damato campimetry.

Objective: To assess frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimetry (Humphrey Systems, San Leandro, Calif) and Damato campimetry (Precision Vision, Villa Park, Ill) for detecting glaucoma in a public glaucoma screening.

Methods: A 2-day public glaucoma screening was held at 2 different institutions. Each subject underwent 2 visual field screening tests (Damato campimetry and FDT perimetry in screening mode), an ophthalmologic examination, and Humphrey perimetry (24-2 FASTPAC) for each eye.

The effects of compression sutures on filtering blebs in rabbit eyes.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of compression sutures on filtering bleb cellularity in rabbit eyes.

Methods: Six New Zealand rabbits had bilateral filtering surgery. In the study eye, on postoperative day 14 a 10-0 nylon suture was placed that compressed the bleb.

Mitotic effect of autologous blood injection and diode laser bleb revision on rabbit filtration blebs.

Objective: To investigate the effect of intrableb autologous blood injection and diode laser bleb revision on cellular proliferation in filtration blebs of rabbits.

Methods: Bilateral filtration surgery with mitomycin was performed on 19 white 2.5- to 3-kg New Zealand rabbits.

Detection of optic disc changes with Glaucoma-Scope probability maps.

Purpose: To test whether a statistical method using a probability map could detect true changes in optic disc topography.

Methods: The average of three Glaucoma-Scope images (Ophthalmic Imaging Systems were used for analysis at each of two sessions. A Glaucoma-Scope probability map was constructed for each eye using statistical methods.

Digital palpation of intraocular pressure.

Background And Objective: Previous studies investigating the accuracy of digital palpation through the eyelids to estimate intraocular pressure (IOP) have shown disappointing results. In this study, the accuracy of digital assessment of IOP by palpation of the bare cornea is investigated.

Materials And Methods: The IOP of a cadaveric eye model was varied from 5 to 40 mm Hg in increments of 5 mm Hg.

Probability maps of sequential glaucoma-scope images help identify significant change.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify areas of the optic disc showing high variability of repeated depth measurements, and to minimize the effect of baseline variability in interpretation of possible change over time using the Glaucoma-Scope.

Methods: Seventy-four eyes from 70 subjects were analyzed with the Glaucoma-Scope. Three images were obtained on each of two separate sessions during the same day.

The effect of a brief education program on glaucoma patients.

Purpose: To assess our patients' knowledge of glaucoma and to measure the effect of a brief education program on their understanding of glaucoma.

Methods: Patients attending glaucoma clinics at a university and a Veterans' Affairs hospital were randomized into two groups: "exposed" and "unexposed" to a simple education program of a video and brochures. Glaucoma knowledge was assessed twice by an oral questionnaire, at 2 weeks and 6 months after randomization plus or minus education.

DRB4 promoter polymorphism in DR7 individuals: correlation with DRB4 pre-mRNA and mRNA levels.

DRB genes encode proteins which play an important role in the immune response, and variation in their expression levels may be of functional immunological significance. To date, HLA class II gene promoter polymorphism has been analyzed almost exclusively in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B-cell lines. While previous studies have established important paradigms with regard to the mechanisms in DRB gene expression, the role of DRB4 promoter polymorphism in the variation of DRB4 expression levels, if any, is still unclear.

The advanced practice nurse as case manager.

The dynamic interactions of the client, service provided, and payer are complex relationships in today's health care environment. An advanced practice nurse's abilities to care physically and psychosocially for clients and their families are essential within the case management framework. With a holistic view of clients' health status, the nurse case manager develops and carries out advanced practice functions that help achieve the best outcome for the client through effective interactions with clients, payers, and providers.

Differential expression of isomorphic HLA-DR beta genes is not a sole function of transcription.

Cells expressing HLA DR7 contain two functional DR beta genes, DRB1 and DRB4, whose mRNA is present at different levels. We examined whether the mRNA levels are due to differential transcriptional regulation or post-transcriptional regulation. As part of this analysis, a novel series of upstream elements was identified.