Tinzaparin reduces health care resource use for anticoagulation in hemodialysis

Anticoagulation is required during hemodialysis to prevent thrombus formation within the extracorporeal circuit. The low-molecular-weight heparin tinzaparin is more expensive than unfractionated heparin (UFH) in Canada but more convenient to administer. We conducted a time-and-motion study to test the hypothesis that tinzaparin may reduce nursing time and total health care costs compared with UFH. Data on health care resource use associated with anticoagulation during hemodialysis for chronic renal failure were collected at an academic hospital in Quebec. Nursing time was recorded for 8 nurses performing 16 dialysis sessions for 4 patients receiving tinzaparin and 4 receiving UFH (2 dialysis sessions per patient). Nurses had ≥ 1 year of experience supervising hemodialysis. We estimated total annual costs of nursing time and health care resources (anticoagulants, medical supplies, and laboratory testing) associated with anticoagulation. In sensitivity analyses, drug costs were varied ± 30% of their base-case values. Estimated annual nursing times per patient were 0.8 vs. 11.5 hours in the first year and 0.6 vs. 10.2 hours in subsequent years for tinzaparin vs. UFH, respectively. Annual drug costs per patient were CAD 898.56 for tinzaparin and 546.75 for UFH. Estimated total annual costs were CAD 1061.03 vs. 1012.71 in the first year and CAD 917.75 vs. 895.23 in subsequent years for tinzaparin vs. UFH, respectively. Use of tinzaparin was cost saving relative to UFH if tinzaparin price was reduced 30%. Most of the price differential between tinzaparin and UFH is offset by substantial time savings to nephrology nurses.     

Enhancing atrazine biodegradation by Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP adsorption to Layered Double Hydroxide bionanocomposites

To mimic the role of hydroxide minerals and their humic complex derivatives on the biodegradability of pesticides in soils, synthetic Mg(R)Al Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) and Mg(R)Al modified by Humic substances (LDH-HA) were prepared for various R values (2, 3 and 4) and fully characterized. Adsorption properties of LDH and LDH-HA toward Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP were evaluated. The adsorption kinetics were very fast (<5 min to reach equilibrium). The adsorption capacities were greater than previously reported (13.5×10(11), 41×10(11) and 45.5×10(11) cells/gLDH for Mg(2)Al, Mg(3)Al and Mg(4)Al, respectively) and varied with both surface charge and textural properties. Surface modification by HA reduced the adsorption capacities of cells by 2-6-fold. Biodegradation kinetics of atrazine by Pseudomonas sp. adsorbed on both LDHs and LDH-HA complexes were measured for various solid/liquid ratios and adsorbed cell amounts. Biodegradation activity of bacterial cells was strongly boosted after adsorption on LDHs, the effect depending on the quantity and properties of the LDH matrix. The maximum biodegradation rate was obtained in the case of a 100 mg/mL Mg(2)Al LDH suspension (26 times higher than that obtained with cells alone).     

Matrix-implanted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

The implantation of low-velocity massive gold clusters is shown to be a method of choice for homogeneous incorporation of a metallic matrix into the near-surface region of a solid biopolymer for subsequent laser desorption/ionization (LDI) MS analysis. Matrix implanted (MI)LDI spectra from cluster-implanted pure test peptide or tissue exhibit molecular ion peaks similar to those observed by matrix-assisted LDI. Moreover, the ion emission is very reproducible from any spot on the surface of these test samples. MILDI promises to be a powerful technique for mass spectrometric analysis of native biological samples as demonstrated by the first results on rat brain tissues.     

Hemolysis-induced acute pancreatitis secondary to kinked hemodialysis blood lines

Hemolytic reactions have become extremely rare in chronic maintenance hemodialysis. We present the case of a young dialysis patient with hemolysis-induced acute pancreatitis secondary to kinked hemodialysis blood lines. With new blood lines on the market, attention to this aspect of dialysis is mandatory.     

Printing Polymer Nanocomposites and Composites in Three Dimensions

Recent advances in materials science and three‐dimensional (3D) printing hold great promises to conceive new classes of multifunctional materials and components for functional devices and products. Various functionalities (e.g., mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, magnetism) can be offered by the nano‐ and micro‐reinforcements to the non‐functional pure printing materials for the realization of advanced materials and innovative systems. In addition, the ability to print 3D structures in a layer‐by‐layer manner enables manufacturing of highly‐customized complex features and allows an efficient control over the properties of fabricated structures. Here, the authors present a brief overview mainly over the latest progresses in 3D printing of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites and microfiber‐reinforced composites including the benefits, limitations, and potential applications. Only those 3D printing techniques that are compatible with polymer nanocomposites and composites, that is, materials that have already been used as printing materials, are introduced. The very hot topic of 3D printing of thermoplastic composites featuring continuous microfibers is also briefly introduced.     

Impacts d'un programme d'interventions multidimensionnel con?u pour les parents et leur enfant ayant un TDAH sur le stress parental et la relation parent–enfant.

The behaviours that characterize ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) often lead to impairments in the parent–child relationship and contribute to increased stress amongst parents of children with the disorder. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of a multimodal intervention program (Multi-Propulsions) on parental stress and on parent–child relationship as perceived by parents. The program combines: (1) a cognitive-behavioural program for ADHD children including physical activities in an adapted gymnasium; (2) a cognitive-behavioural parent training program; (3) joint activities with children and parents under the supervision of professionals. Sample contents 23 families with ADHD children aged between 6 and 12 years old from the ADHD clinic of the Rivière-des-Prairies Hospital in Montreal. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment or waiting group. Results highlight the efficiency of Multi-Propulsions program for diminishing parental stress, particularly stress associated with child's characteristics, and these therapeutic gains were maintained four months after the treatment. Furthermore, the results show an improvement in the quality of parent–child relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)