693 research outputs found
Irma-Sponge proposal
No full textAfter the flooding events in the recent years in the Rhine and Meuse basin and the subsequently developed action plans, awareness has grown that the issue of flood risk management has to be considered in an integrated, transnational context where hydraulic, ecological and socio-economic functions of the river system are taken into account from the perspective of long term sustainable, resilient river basin development: living with the floods. The Umbrella project IRMA-SPONGE is a cluster of innovative, transnational, mutually consistent and complementary projects on flood risk and vulnerability assessment. The deliverables of these projects will be made operational in water management and in the spatial planning process.Irma-Spong
Proceedings of the IRMA SPONGE Final Working Conference
No full textMany important developments are currently taking place in the area of flood risk management in Europe. The IRMA-SPONGE Umbrella Program aims to contribute to these developments by co-ordinating and integrating 13 research projects, dealing with many aspects of flood risk management along the rivers Rhine and Meuse, in such a way that the output is maximised and shared. Over 30 organisations (both scientific and flood-management oriented) in all 6 Rhine / Meuse countries work together in IRMA-SPONGE, which thus also contributes to an improved cohesion in European flood risk management efforts in the future.Irma-Spong
Authors’ response: Inhibiting IL-6 in COVID-19: we are not sure that sgp130(fc) can affect only the trans-signaling receptor pathway of IL-6
No full textWe appreciate the letter by Honore et al. and agree that a selective pharmacological approach is more rational than unspecific/non-selective medications. With regard to interleukin-6 (IL-6) targeting, we believe that current research, including the sgp130(fc) development, is rightly going towards this direction. Nevertheless, we wish to point out some considerations.
Firstly, owing to the need of identifying promptly approaches for managing the COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), our article focused on drugs currently approved for other therapeutic indications, where they target cytokines involved in the COVID-19 inflammatory storm [1].
Secondly, we are well aware that IL-6 acts through both transmembrane IL-6 receptors (tmIL-6R; mainly regenerative or anti-inflammatory functions) and soluble IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R; trans-signaling pathway with pro-inflammatory actions). However, this anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory balance of the IL-6 receptor axis can be affected by several variables, such as proteases, other cytokines, concomitant drugs, genetic factors (up/down-regulation of tmIL-6R, sIL-6R, and gp130 expression), with relevant consequences on IL-6 signaling [5]. In this context, a specific/personalized therapeutic approach could be a good option, but it might be more suitable for chronic than acute conditions, such as the COVID-19-related ARDS. Moreover, even though IL-6 trans-signaling can be inhibited selectively, some detrimental conditions resulting from IL-6 blockade, such as serum increments of liver transaminases, lipids, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, may still occur [6].
Thirdly, current evidence on the benefit of blocking the IL-6 pathway in COVID-19-related ARDS is encouraging. For instance, in a case series, 100 COVID-19 patients with ARDS displayed a prompt improvement after tocilizumab administration, in the setting of both intensive care (74%) and non-intensive care (65%) [7]. We agree with Honore et al. that sgp130(fc) could be a promising therapeutic approach. However, this novel biological drug exerts its inhibiting action on the IL-6 trans-signaling in a dose-dependent manner, and in an in vivo model, when administered at high dosage, it was shown to interfere also with the classical signaling pathway of tmIL-6R [8]. Thus, additional studies are required to identify the most appropriate anti-inflammatory dose of sgp130(fc) that could allow to achieve optimal benefits in the management of hyperinflammation associated with COVID-19-related ARDS.
In conclusion, adequate clinical trials are required to assess whether a more favorable risk/benefit profile is associated with the inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling, as compared with the overall blockade of IL-6 receptor pathways. While waiting for such evidence, we must continue to rely on currently available pharmacological approaches
The usefulness of listening social media for pharmacovigilance purposes: a systematic review
No full textIntroduction: Social media mining could be a possible strategy to retrieve drug safety information. The mining of social media is a complex process under progressive evolution, falling into three broad categories: listening (safety data reporting), engaging (follow-up), and broadcasting (risk communication). This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the usefulness and quality of proto-signals by social media listening. Areas covered: In this systematic search, performed according to MOOSE and PRISMA statements, we selected studies, published in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar until 31 December 2017, that listened at least one social media to identify proto-adverse drug events and proto-signals. Expert opinion: The selected 38 studies identified serious and unexpected proto-adverse drug events characterized by poorer information quality as compared with spontaneous reporting databases. This feature allows rarely the evaluation of causal relationships. Proto-signals identified by social media listening had the potential of anticipating pre-specified known signals in only six studies. Moreover, the personal perception of patients reported in social media could be used to implement effective risk communication strategies. However, signal detection in social media cannot be currently recommended for routine pharmacovigilance, due to logistic and technical issues.</p
Is There a Risk of Lymphoma Associated With Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Drugs in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
No full textBackground: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are generally not considered a risk factor for the development of lymphoma. When considering IBD treatments, there is good evidence supporting thiopurines (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine) as a risk factor for lymphoma. Conversely, the association between the use of anti-TNF agents and the development of lymphoma remains undetermined. In this systematic review, we analyzed the evidence coming from observational studies supporting an association between the use of anti-TNF drugs and lymphoma in patients with IBDs. Methods: This systematic review was performed according with MOOSE and PRISMA statements. We searched observational studies conducted on IBD patients, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, published in English language, within the period ranging from January 1st, 1999 to June 30th, 2018. An assessment of the methodologic shortcomings of selected studies was performed as well. Results: Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Only four studies found a significant association of anti-TNF drug with lymphoma or groups of cancers including lymphoma. However, the methodologic shortcomings of all the included studies made their results unreliable, irrespectively of whether their findings supported an association or not. Conclusions: Current evidence from observational studies does not allow excluding or confirming an association of the exposure to anti-TNF treatments with lymphoma in IBD patients
On the Name of Book Wrighting: Irma Boom’s “Transformative Crossover” Production
No full textThis statement of practice takes the form of a conversation between Danné Ojeda and Irma Boom with a preliminary introduction contextualising Boom’s work. The talk took place in Irma Boom Office, on March 13, 2014 in Amsterdam, and it has been edited for length and readability. Through the introduction and the following conversation, Boom’s practice is positioned within the author-producer-entrepreneur triad and the overlapping margins between these designations. First, design authorship is understood as self-expression that reflects the different ways—whether through technique, material or forms of practice—a designer generates content for communicating her aims. Second, the role of producer is intrinsically related to “the preparation of the work for mechanical reproduction”—in Walter Benjamin’s terms—and the consequent mastering of this technological process in order to generate and communicate meaning through objects and materials. Third, entrepreneurship relates to a business model whereby the designer operates with a high degree of independence, planning as well as resolving managerial responsibilities that make all of the above conditions possible. Examples of Irma Boom’s book design practice will illustrate how she negotiates this author-producer-entrepreneur triad, highlighting how her creative process originates, is prototyped, developed and finally mastered. Closeness to the processes of manufacture proves a vital component of her graphic design practice.Accepted versio
Diabetes drugs and the incidence of solid cancers: a survey of the current evidence
No full textIntroduction: The evaluation of the relationship between the use of antidiabetic drug and the occurrence of cancer is extremely challenging, both from the clinical and pharmacoepidemiological standpoint. This narrative review described the current evidence supporting a relationship between the use of antidiabetic drugs and the incidence of solid cancers. Areas covered: Data from pharmacoepidemiological studies on cancer incidence were presented for the main antidiabetic drugs and drug classes, including human insulin and insulin analogues, metformin, sulfonylureas, glinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, incretin mimetics, and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. The relationship between the use of antidiabetics and the incidence of solid cancer was described in strata by any cancer and by organ-specific cancer and by drug and by drug classes. Information supporting biological evidence and putative mechanisms were also provided. Expert opinion: The history of exploration of the relationship between antidiabetic drugs and the risk of solid cancers has showed several issues. Unrecognized biases and misinterpretations of study results have had important consequences that delayed the identification of actual risk and benefits of the use of antidiabetic drugs associated with cancer occurrence or progression. The lesson learned from the past should address the future research in this area, since in the majority of cases findings are controversial and confirmatory studies are warranted
My life. Memoirs of Irma Reiss, 1910-2000 /
No full textThe memoir was written in 1986 in the USA and was edited by the author's son Nathan M. Reiss. Irma Reiss was the second child of three of Bertha and Leopold Goldblum. The family lived Heppenheim an der Bergstrasse, which had a small Jewish community. Her father was a shoemaker. Description of domestic life in rural Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. Recollection of Sabbath preparations in her family. Memories of school life. Hebrew lessons with her uncle Friedmann, who was the cantor and shochet of the town. Visits to relatives in Rossdorf by Darmstadt. Recollections of World War One. Her father Leopold, an Austrian citizen from Galicia, served in the Austrian Army. Celebration of the high holidays. Recollection of Irma Reiss' schooldays in Heppenheim, where she was a well-liked student. Irma and her sister were members of the local Jewish youth movement "Blau Weiss". Their group leaders were Rafael and Eva Buber, children of Martin Buber, who lived in Heppenheim and was very supportive of the youth movement. At age 14 Irma was sent to her uncle's family to help taking care of the children. She took continued education classes. Afterwards she worked as a "house daughter" with a religious family in Frankfurt. Irma became a member of the Agudas Yisroel. After the Nazi take-over in Germany their American relatives provided them with affidavits to join them in the States. Growing anti-Semitism. Irma Goldblum left Germany on September 15th, 1938. Her parents stayed behind because her father, who was born in Galicia, still had to wait for his affidavit due to the Polish quota regulations. Difficulties in starting a new life in New York. Worries about her parents in Germany. During the night of the November Pogrom in 1938 her father was arrested and sent to Dachau concentration camp. After three weeks he was released and was able to leave together with his wife for the States. Support of their relatives to start a new life.Irma Goldblum got married to Leonhard Reiss in December 1939. Thei had two sons, Nathan and Barry Reiss.The author was born 1910 as Irma Goldblum into an orthodox Jewish family in Heppenheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany. Irma was a member of the Jewish youth movement "Blau Weiss" and worked as a "house daughter" in Frankfurt. In September 1938 she immigrated to the United States.Synopsis in fileMay familyBuber, Martin, 1878-1965Buber, familyRossdorfGaliciaEducation, primary and secondary, 1918-1933Jewish communitiesProfessions and occupations, cattle dealersProfessions and occupations, ritual slaughterersProfessions and occupations, shoemakersYouth groupZionis
Rezension zu: Ilaria Bignamini/Clare Hornsby, Digging and Dealing in Eighteenth-Century Rome. With additional research by Irma Della Giovampaola and Jonathan Yarker (New Haven and London 2010)
No full textTixagevimab + cilgavimab against SARS-CoV-2: the preclinical and clinical development and real-world evidence
No full textIntroductionDirect-acting SARS-CoV-2 antiviral monoclonal antibodies have been an integral part of therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 pandemic. The monoclonal strategy was jeopardized by the emergence of new variants and resistant strains, making many monoclonal antibodies quickly obsolete. Nevertheless, a possible strategy consists in the use of antibody cocktails and the development of the cilgavimab + tixagevimab in combination is placed in this context.Areas coveredIn this review, we describe the development of the cilgavimab + tixagevimab cocktail, from pre-clinical to real-world evidence.Expert opinionThe pre-clinical and clinical development of cilgavimab + tixagevimab followed a similar path to that of the antibodies developed in the earlier stages of the pandemic. Both antibodies have been developed from convalescent plasma and have been shown to be effective in clinical trials in prophylaxis and in early therapy. This cocktail has found its position in therapy especially in immunocompromised subjects for whom vaccine prevention is not feasible. The cocktail strategy, together with a more stable pandemic situation, could ensure a certain longevity to the drug against resistance, especially when compared with that of other antibodies. Recently emerged Omicron sub-lineages have demonstrated the ability to escape this cocktail's activity and so the future of this treatment could be compromised
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