Processing surgical instruments in preparation for surgery is a complex multistep practice. It is impractical to culture each and every item to determine sterility; therefore, the best assurance of a sterile product is careful execution of every step in the process coupled with an ongoing quality control program. Perioperative staff nurses and managers responsible for instrument processing, whether for a single instrument or multiple sets, must be knowledgeable with regard to cleaning; packaging; cycle selection; and the use of physical, chemical, and biological monitors. Nurses also should be able to resolve issues related to loaner sets, flash sterilization, and extended cycles.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2008.06.016 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
December 2024
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Despite decades of improvements in cytotoxic therapy, the current standard of care for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) provides, on average, only a few months of survival benefit. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), a technique that accurately delivers high doses of radiation to tumors in fewer fractions, has emerged as a promising therapy to improve local control of LAPC; however, its effects on the tumor microenvironment and hypoxia remain poorly understood. To explore how SBRT affects pancreatic tumors, we combined an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer with an intravital microscopy platform to visualize changes to the in vivo tumor microenvironment in real-time.
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December 2024
Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
This study evaluated the management of dyslipidemia in Turkey with the goal of understanding current diagnosis and treatment patterns, as well as identifying unmet needs in achieving effective low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. Using a Delphi panel consisting of nine expert cardiologists, the study reveals key gaps in dyslipidemia management, particularly in the underutilization of combination therapies, such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, which are crucial for achieving LDL-C targets in high-risk patients. The findings indicate that while many patients with very high cardiovascular risk are diagnosed, a significant proportion do not receive optimal treatment to reach LDL-C levels recommended by European guidelines.
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December 2024
MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET-Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory - CETEMARES, Av. do Porto de Pesca 30, Peniche, 2520-620, Portugal.
The management and creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is currently under great focus, with international organisations aiming to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. The success of MPAs depends on a nuanced understanding of local ecological dynamics and threats, which can significantly influence ecosystem balance. Herbivory can be a stressor for foundation species, namely kelp forests, contributing to their decline in several regions of the globe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRes Social Adm Pharm
December 2024
Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Background: There has been a growing interest in granting prescribing rights to pharmacists as a strategy to improve healthcare access. Researchers continue to explore the impact and implementation of pharmacist prescribing. Given the recent international changes in this field, an overview of current territories allowing pharmacist independent prescribing would provide a comprehensive understanding for researchers and policymakers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld Neurosurg
December 2024
College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pediatrics Neurosurgery, King Abdullah Specialist Children Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background: Sutural anatomy variation has long been a topic of debate among anatomists, paleontologists, and morphologists. While the exact reasons for the prevalence of this variance remains a topic of ongoing discussion, developmental and genetic factors are hypothesized to be the main reasons. Understanding the morphology and occurrence of normal sutural variations in pediatric patients is essential to making the right diagnosis, where a misinterpretation of a sutural bone may lead to an inaccurate assessment, completely misleading the diagnostic process.
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