[The effect of tailored training courses in preanalytical procedures on the quality of laboratory results].

Introduction: In 31 to 75 percent of cases, errors in laboratory medicine have preanalytical causes such as erroneous blood sampling. Erroneous blood sampling may lead to false test results and additional laboratory cost; it may increase analyzing time and endanger the health of patients and employees. In particular, under- and overfilling of blood sampling tubes can considerably distort laboratory values.

Planning and understanding the intensive care network in the State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil: a complex societal problem.

Objectives: To determine the optimal number of adult intensive care unit beds to reduce patient's queue waiting time and to propose policy strategies.

Methods: Multimethodological approach: (a) quantitative time series and queueing theory were used to predict the demand and estimate intensive care unit beds in different scenarios; (b) qualitative focus group and content analysis were used to explore physicians' attitudes and provide insights into their behaviors and belief-driven healthcare delivery changes.

Results: A total of 33,101 requests for 268 regulated intensive care unit beds in one year resulted in 25% admissions, 55% queue abandonment and 20% deaths.

Antithrombotic therapy in pediatric ventricular assist devices: Multicenter survey of the European EXCOR Pediatric Investigator Group.

Objectives: Mechanical circulatory support for pediatric heart failure patients with the Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist system is the only approved and established bridging strategy for recovery or heart transplantation. In recent years, the burden of thromboembolic events has led to modifications of the recommended antithrombotic therapy. Therefore, we aimed to assess modifications of antithrombotic practice among the European EXCOR Pediatric Investigator Group members.