B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), the key members of natriuretic peptide family have been rec- ommended as the gold standard biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of heart fa...B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), the key members of natriuretic peptide family have been rec- ommended as the gold standard biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF) according to the current clinical guidelines. However, recent studies have revealed many previously unrecognized features about the natriuretic peptide family, including more accurate utilization of BNP and NT-proBNP in diagnosing HF. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind natriuretic peptide release, breakdown, and clearance are very complex and the diverse nature of circulating natriuretic peptides and fragments makes analytical detection particu- larly challenging. In addition, a new class of drug therapy, which works via natriuretic peptide family, has also been considered promising for cardiology application. Under this context, our present mini-review aims at providing a critical analysis on these new progresses on BNP and NT-proBNP with a special emphasis on their use in geriatric cardiology settings. We have focused on several remaining issues and chal- lenges regarding the clinical utilization of BNP and NT-proBNP, which include: (1) Different prevalence and diagnostic/prognostic values of BNP isoforms; (2) methodological issues on detection of BNP; (3) glycosylation of proBNP and its effect on biomarker testing; (4) specificity and comparability of BNP/NT-proBNP resulted from different testing platforms; (5) new development of natriuretic peptides as HF treatment modality; (6) BNP paradox in HF; and (7) special considerations of using BNP/NT-proBNP in elderly HF patients. These practical discussions on BNP/NT-proBNP may be instrumental for the healthcare providers in critically interpreting laboratory results and effective management of the HF patients.展开更多
The left-behind adolescents in Three Gorges Reservoir area are at an economic disadvantage situation, and the separation of their parents, inter-generational education and lack of education led to many problems. Lack ...The left-behind adolescents in Three Gorges Reservoir area are at an economic disadvantage situation, and the separation of their parents, inter-generational education and lack of education led to many problems. Lack of family education in critical period of their growth resulted that young people stay without the right guidance, and the development of self-consciousness does not enter the right track, causing a variety of psychological problems, which if not properly grooming, will become a crime risk, thus affecting the community stable. By focusing on children in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, we understand the causes of crime of rural adolescents, and then take proper countermeasures for prevention.展开更多
In Italy, the unaccompanied foreign minors are a growing and heterogeneous group with ever changing origins, trajectories, and features. In November 2015, they were 10,952. This research focuses on their foster care a...In Italy, the unaccompanied foreign minors are a growing and heterogeneous group with ever changing origins, trajectories, and features. In November 2015, they were 10,952. This research focuses on their foster care and examines the point of view of social workers that have theoretical competences and fieldwork. The main objective of this paper is to present operational recommendations concerning the definition and organization of this instrument, starting from social workers' direct experiences. Main results: A friendly familiar setting is useful to overcome loneliness and social isolation coming from a new and unknown realiW during adolescence and permit a better social, school, and professional integration for the minor compared with residential care. For a successful outcome, the strengths consist in: The young migrant must not have behavioral nor psychiatric disorders and must be willing to integrate himself into a new family, recognize adult authoriW and share his life plan with family's adults; training all foster families included omo-cultural ones; the birth family involvement in the foster care's project. The ascertained criticalities concern on the low number of available families, the lack of standard operating procedures, guidelines, research, and literature on the topic.展开更多
Loss of efficacy due to resistance development against anthelmintics in livestock parasites is a growing concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of moxidectin, a frequently-used m...Loss of efficacy due to resistance development against anthelmintics in livestock parasites is a growing concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of moxidectin, a frequently-used macrocyclic lactone, against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in Austria. Individual faecal samples were collected from 243 adult sheep from 16 flocks in Styria and Salzburg before deworming and egg excretion (EPG (eggs per gram) of faeces) was determined using a modified McMaster technique. The animals were randomly assigned to a treatment group which received 0.2 mg/kg of body weight of moxidectin (Cydectin , Zoetis Schweiz GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland), and an untreated control group. Fourteen days after deworming a FECRT (faecal egg count reduction test) for detection of anthelmintic resistance was performed. Before deworming, the infection rate for gastrointestinal strongylids was 94.7%, with EPG values of 0-5,800. The FECRT showed reduction rates between 93.08% and 99.78% and was sufficient in 15/16 flocks. The lower confidence interval was 70.0-100%. In 3/16 flocks this value was below the minimum for sufficient efficacy (70.0%, 79.0%, 85.0%), and in two flocks the value (90,0%) was near the limit. These results indicated a (suspected) reduced efficacy of moxidectin in 5/16 examined flocks.展开更多
文摘B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), the key members of natriuretic peptide family have been rec- ommended as the gold standard biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF) according to the current clinical guidelines. However, recent studies have revealed many previously unrecognized features about the natriuretic peptide family, including more accurate utilization of BNP and NT-proBNP in diagnosing HF. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind natriuretic peptide release, breakdown, and clearance are very complex and the diverse nature of circulating natriuretic peptides and fragments makes analytical detection particu- larly challenging. In addition, a new class of drug therapy, which works via natriuretic peptide family, has also been considered promising for cardiology application. Under this context, our present mini-review aims at providing a critical analysis on these new progresses on BNP and NT-proBNP with a special emphasis on their use in geriatric cardiology settings. We have focused on several remaining issues and chal- lenges regarding the clinical utilization of BNP and NT-proBNP, which include: (1) Different prevalence and diagnostic/prognostic values of BNP isoforms; (2) methodological issues on detection of BNP; (3) glycosylation of proBNP and its effect on biomarker testing; (4) specificity and comparability of BNP/NT-proBNP resulted from different testing platforms; (5) new development of natriuretic peptides as HF treatment modality; (6) BNP paradox in HF; and (7) special considerations of using BNP/NT-proBNP in elderly HF patients. These practical discussions on BNP/NT-proBNP may be instrumental for the healthcare providers in critically interpreting laboratory results and effective management of the HF patients.
文摘The left-behind adolescents in Three Gorges Reservoir area are at an economic disadvantage situation, and the separation of their parents, inter-generational education and lack of education led to many problems. Lack of family education in critical period of their growth resulted that young people stay without the right guidance, and the development of self-consciousness does not enter the right track, causing a variety of psychological problems, which if not properly grooming, will become a crime risk, thus affecting the community stable. By focusing on children in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, we understand the causes of crime of rural adolescents, and then take proper countermeasures for prevention.
文摘In Italy, the unaccompanied foreign minors are a growing and heterogeneous group with ever changing origins, trajectories, and features. In November 2015, they were 10,952. This research focuses on their foster care and examines the point of view of social workers that have theoretical competences and fieldwork. The main objective of this paper is to present operational recommendations concerning the definition and organization of this instrument, starting from social workers' direct experiences. Main results: A friendly familiar setting is useful to overcome loneliness and social isolation coming from a new and unknown realiW during adolescence and permit a better social, school, and professional integration for the minor compared with residential care. For a successful outcome, the strengths consist in: The young migrant must not have behavioral nor psychiatric disorders and must be willing to integrate himself into a new family, recognize adult authoriW and share his life plan with family's adults; training all foster families included omo-cultural ones; the birth family involvement in the foster care's project. The ascertained criticalities concern on the low number of available families, the lack of standard operating procedures, guidelines, research, and literature on the topic.
文摘Loss of efficacy due to resistance development against anthelmintics in livestock parasites is a growing concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of moxidectin, a frequently-used macrocyclic lactone, against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in Austria. Individual faecal samples were collected from 243 adult sheep from 16 flocks in Styria and Salzburg before deworming and egg excretion (EPG (eggs per gram) of faeces) was determined using a modified McMaster technique. The animals were randomly assigned to a treatment group which received 0.2 mg/kg of body weight of moxidectin (Cydectin , Zoetis Schweiz GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland), and an untreated control group. Fourteen days after deworming a FECRT (faecal egg count reduction test) for detection of anthelmintic resistance was performed. Before deworming, the infection rate for gastrointestinal strongylids was 94.7%, with EPG values of 0-5,800. The FECRT showed reduction rates between 93.08% and 99.78% and was sufficient in 15/16 flocks. The lower confidence interval was 70.0-100%. In 3/16 flocks this value was below the minimum for sufficient efficacy (70.0%, 79.0%, 85.0%), and in two flocks the value (90,0%) was near the limit. These results indicated a (suspected) reduced efficacy of moxidectin in 5/16 examined flocks.