Long-Term Outcomes following Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Choroidal Neovascularization Related to Nd:YAG Laser Macular Injury: A Case Report.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to Nd:YAG laser macular injury consists of a rare condition without standardized treatment. Herein, we present the long-term outcomes of a case with a spontaneous closure of a laser-associated macular hole that was followed by late-onset CNV and was successfully treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. A 32-year-old man suffered a macula injury in his right eye after accidental exposure to an 800-nm wave length Nd:YAG laser pulse. Ophthalmological examination demonstrated deterioration in visual acuity along with parafoveal and post-hyaloid hemorrhage. After 1 month, fundoscopy indicated the formation of a full-thickness macular hole. A close observation revealed spontaneous closure of the hole and visual improvement within the next month. One and a half year later, the patient presented with sudden visual distortion, while optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography disclosed the development of CNV. The patient was successfully treated with a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. The patient's condition has remained stable during an 8-year follow-up period. In conclusion, laser-induced macular injury consists of an increasingly remarkable condition that may have a profound impact on visual outcomes. Our case provides insight into the potential mechanisms of Nd:YAG laser injury and its complications, indicating that CNV may occur even in the long term, while anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may help maintain stable anatomic and functional outcomes.

Vitreous inflammatory and angiogenic factors on patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema: the role of Lipocalin2.

PURPOSE: Quantitative analysis of vitreous inflammatory and angiogenic factors from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular edema (DME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collection of undiluted vitreous samples from 20 diabetic patients: 13 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 7 with diabetic macular edema (DME). DME patients had suboptimal response to anti-VEGF treatment. Samples from 11 control patients, with vitreomacular interface pathology such as idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) (n = 4), vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT) (n = 3) and full thickness macular hole (FTMH) (n = 3), were also collected. The levels of IL1b, IL6, IL8, IL27, TNFα, ICAM-1, VCAM, MCP-1, VEGFA and LCN2 were measured using cytometry flow analysis. Median values were compared with Mann-Whitney test since the distributions were skewed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). RESULTS: The median concentration of LCN2, IL6, IL8, IL1b, IL27, ICAM, VCAM-1, MCP-1, TNFa and VEGFA was higher in PDR patients than in controls. Similarly, the median concentration of LCN2, IL6, IL8, IL27, ICAM, VCAM-1, TNFa and VEGFA was higher in DME patients than in controls. In particular, median LCN2 concentration in diabetic patients was 5,711 pg/ml (interquartile range [IR] = 2,534), while in controls was 2,586 pg/ml (IR = 2,345). Moreover, median LCN2 was 6,534 pg/ml in the DME group (IR = 6,850) and 4,785 pg/ml in the PDR group (IR = 2,608), (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Various inflammatory and angiogenic factors are involved in the pathophysiology of PDR and DME. Elevated vitreous levels of LCN2 in PDR and especially in DME patients reveal a potential pathogenic association. More extended studies could verify LCN2 as an alternative therapeutic target.

A novel network pharmacology approach for leukaemia differentiation therapy using Mogrify®.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rapidly fatal blood cancer that is characterised by the accumulation of immature myeloid cells in the blood and bone marrow as a result of blocked differentiation. Methods which identify master transcriptional regulators of AML subtype-specific leukaemia cell states and their combinations could be critical for discovering novel differentiation-inducing therapies. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate a novel utility of the Mogrify® algorithm in identifying combinations of transcription factors (TFs) and drugs, which recapitulate granulocytic differentiation of the NB4 acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) cell line, using two different approaches. In the first approach, Connectivity Map (CMAP) analysis of these TFs and their target networks outperformed standard approaches, retrieving ATRA as the top hit. We identify dimaprit and mebendazole as a drug combination which induces myeloid differentiation. In the second approach, we show that genetic manipulation of specific Mogrify®-identified TFs (MYC and IRF1) leads to co-operative induction of APL differentiation, as does pharmacological targeting of these TFs using currently available compounds. We also show that loss of IRF1 blunts ATRA-mediated differentiation, and that MYC represses IRF1 expression through recruitment of PML-RARα, the driver fusion oncoprotein in APL, to the IRF1 promoter. Finally, we demonstrate that these drug combinations can also induce differentiation of primary patient-derived APL cells, and highlight the potential of targeting MYC and IRF1 in high-risk APL. Thus, these results suggest that Mogrify® could be used for drug discovery or repositioning in leukaemia differentiation therapy for other subtypes of leukaemia or cancers.

Macular microcirculation changes after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with silicone oil tamponade evaluated by OCT-A: preliminary results.

Background: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with macular involvement is a sight-threatening condition. Silicone oil (SO) is efficacious for retinal tamponade, especially in complex cases. Whether macular detachment per se or the potential tamponading agent may affect macular microcirculation after RRD repair is a matter of research. Objectives: To investigate macular microcirculation changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal SO for RRD repair in the early posttreatment period. Design: Prospective comparative cross-sectional study. Data sources and Methods: Fourteen eyes of 14 patients were included in the study. All eyes underwent a single successful PPV with SO tamponade for macula-off RRD. OCT-A was performed to analyze macular microcirculation and visual outcomes at 1 month postoperatively. The fellow unaffected eye was used as control. Results: Vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was significantly lower at each macular region (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) of SO-treated eyes compared with the fellow eyes (all p = 0.001). Similarly, perfusion density (PD) in the SCP was significantly lower at each macular region than the fellow eyes (all p = 0.001). There was enlargement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and decrease of circularity at RRD eyes compared with the fellow ones (all p = 0.001). Postoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) was significantly lower in treated eyes than fellow eyes and correlated inversely with foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal VD and PD SCP (all p < 0.001). Postoperative VA had no correlation with FAZ parameters. Conclusion: Enlargement of FAZ SCP and decrease in VD and PD SCP during the short-term follow-up were possibly attributable to ischemic changes in the macular area after RRD repair with SO tamponade. In this preliminary study, the flow density in macular capillary plexus may represent an indicator of visual outcomes.

Combined Post-Traumatic Total Aniridia and Glaucoma Management.

We report a novel approach for managing traumatic total aniridia associated with secondary glaucoma. A 65-year-old male with symptoms of blurred vision, glare, and photophobia was managed in a district general hospital for post-traumatic aniridia associated with secondary glaucoma affecting the right eye. The patient previously suffered blunt ocular injury associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which was treated with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil (SO) tamponade and subsequent removal of SO (ROSO). Combined trabeculectomy and implantation of a foldable prosthetic iris (Reper NN Ltd) successfully addressed the dual pathology of aniridia and secondary glaucoma. In summary, the utilization of the trabeculectomy fistula can serve as the implant insertion site, which minimizes the requirement for additional incisions.

Association of OCT-A characteristics with postoperative visual acuity after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: a review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Emerging evidence has suggested that macular microcirculation and microstructural changes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) successful reattachment surgery are currently evaluated in detail by OCT-Angiography (OCT-A). New imaging technology has revealed the existence of microscopic macular changes, even in cases that retinal morphology appears to be normal in fundus biomicroscopy. The use of OCT-A for the examination of foveal characteristics has attracted significant attention in recent years as the technique offers a potential explanation of the suboptimal recovery of visual acuity and incomplete restoration of the macula despite anatomical repair. However, the available evidence that is needed to establish the OCT-A parameters as predicting factors in clinical practice is both limited and contradictory. METHODS: A detailed review of the literature was conducted. The association of OCT-A characteristics with postoperative visual acuity after RRD surgery, including vitrectomy with gas tamponade and in some cases scleral buckle, was extensively analyzed. RESULTS: A comprehensive update on microcirculation and microstructural changes of the macula using OCT-A after RRD repair may indicate potential factors of functional outcomes in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: A review of the existing literature sheds light on the microvascular changes of the macular capillary plexus that may significantly affect functional outcomes after RRD surgery. The current article discusses important aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance of long-term effectiveness of these possible prognostic factors and proposes the need for further future research.

Assessment of Anatomical and Functional Macular Changes with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography After Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair.

Purpose: To evaluate macular capillary plexus changes with OCT-angiography with regard to macular detachment duration in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).Methods: 23 eyes of 23 patients were included in this retrospective case-control study and were divided into 2 groups. Group-A had a macular detachment duration of 0 to 10 days and group-B of 11 to 30 days. All eyes underwent a single successful pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and gas tamponade. We analysed the OCT-A characteristics and visual outcomes at 12 weeks postoperatively in the 2 groups. The fellow eye was used as control.Results: Vessel density (VD) and flow density (FD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) were significantly lower in group-B (p < .01) than in group-A and control. FAZ SCP in both groups was significantly larger than the control (p < .01), although it did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 1.000). BCVA was significantly lower in group-B compared to group-A (p < .01). BCVA was positively correlated with VD SCP in group B (p = .015), but not in group-A. Postoperative BCVA had no correlation with FAZ SCP in both groups.Conclusions: The macular detachment duration could be a predicting factor of flow density in macular capillary plexus which in turn might be an indicator of visual outcomes in chronic cases.

Traumatic Aniridia and Aphakia Management with Iris Reconstruction Lens Using Gore-Tex Sutures, an Ab-Externo Approach.

BACKGROUND A safer and more delicate approach is required for the management of a post-traumatic aphakia and subtotal aniridia. CASE REPORT A 55-year-old man was referred to our clinic with symptoms of decreased vision (hand motion) and photophobia in his right eye. This patient had previously undergone pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the management of blunt ocular trauma in the same eye. He was being treated with topical antihypertensives, due to silicone oil-induced glaucoma. On presentation, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in his right eye was 20/40 and the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the same eye was 20 mmHg. Slit lamp examination of his right eye showed aphakia, aniridia, and some silicone oil droplets (fish eggs) following silicone oil extraction. His corneal endothelium and thickness were within normal limits. Dilated fundoscopic examination of the right eye revealed that the retina was attached with no signs of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). An artificial iris intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted, along with 4-point scleral fixation in conjunction with Gore-Tex sutures. After 6 months, the BCVA in his right eye was 20/40 and he had no symptoms of photophobia. The IOP in that eye was 15 mmHg while on treatment with dorzolamide-timolol eye drops. No suture-related or other serious complications were observed. The patient expressed satisfaction with the functional and cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS Modern vitrectomy combined with an artificial iris IOL and scleral fixation with Gore-Tex sutures in eyes lacking an iris and lens can provide long-term anatomic and functional restoration. Intraoperative IOP fluctuations and extra corneal damage can be avoided by lens preparation with the sutures using a small incision ab-externo approach.

Vitrectomy for the removal of idiopathic epiretinal membrane with or without internal limiting membrane peeling: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of internal limiting membrane peeling in removal of idiopathic epiretinal membranes through meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched PubMed for studies published until 30 April 2018. Inclusion criteria included cases of idiopathic epiretinal membranes, treated with vitrectomy with or without internal limiting membrane peeling. Exclusion criteria consisted of coexisting retinal pathologies and use of indocyanine green to stain the internal limiting membrane. Sixteen studies were included in our meta-analysis. We compared the results of surgical removal of epiretinal membrane, with or without internal limiting membrane peeling, in terms of best-corrected visual acuity and anatomical restoration of the macula (central foveal thickness). Studies or subgroups of patients who had indocyanine green used as an internal limiting membrane stain were excluded from the study, due to evidence of its toxicity to the retina. RESULTS: Regarding best-corrected visual acuity levels, the overall mean difference was -0.29 (95% confidence interval: -0.319 to -0.261), while for patients with internal limiting membrane peeling was -0.289 (95% confidence interval: -0.334 to -0.244) and for patients without internal limiting membrane peeling was -0.282 (95% confidence interval: -0.34 to -0.225). Regarding central foveal thickness levels, the overall mean difference was -117.22 (95% confidence interval: -136.70 to -97.74), while for patients with internal limiting membrane peeling was -121.08 (95% confidence interval: -151.12 to -91.03) and for patients without internal limiting membrane peeling was -105.34 (95% confidence interval: -119.47 to -96.21). CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy for the removal of epiretinal membrane combined with internal limiting membrane peeling is an effective method for the treatment of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

Beneficial Effects of Dark Chocolate for Episodic Memory in Healthy Young Adults: A Parallel-Groups Acute Intervention with a White Chocolate Control.

There is good evidence that cocoa flavonoids can acutely improve cognitive function in humans, possibly via mechanisms such as increased cerebral blood flow. To date, much of the evidence is based on measures of executive function with extracts and cocoa-based interventions with a high flavonoid content. The aim of the present study was to explore whether benefits to episodic verbal memory and mood are observed two hours post consumption of a commercially available dark chocolate (DC) bar relative to a 35 g white chocolate bar (WC). Ninety-eight healthy young adults (n = 57 females) aged 18-24 years consumed either a 35 g DC bar or a calorie-matched low flavonoid WC bar. Verbal episodic memory and mood were assessed pre consumption and 2 h post consumption. An ANOVA analysis showed that the DC was associated with better verbal memory performance for several outcome measures of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test relative to the WC, however, there were no effects on mood. These findings lend support to the notion that everyday available portions of dark chocolate can confer benefits to the brain in healthy consumers.

Widespread Translational Control of Fibrosis in the Human Heart by RNA-Binding Proteins.

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis is a common pathology in many cardiac disorders and is driven by the activation of resident fibroblasts. The global posttranscriptional mechanisms underlying fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion in the heart have not been explored. METHODS: Genome-wide changes of RNA transcription and translation during human cardiac fibroblast activation were monitored with RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling. We then used RNA-binding protein-based analyses to identify translational regulators of fibrogenic genes. The integration with cardiac ribosome occupancy levels of 30 dilated cardiomyopathy patients demonstrates that these posttranscriptional mechanisms are also active in the diseased fibrotic human heart. RESULTS: We generated nucleotide-resolution translatome data during the transforming growth factor ß1-driven cellular transition of human cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. This identified dynamic changes of RNA transcription and translation at several time points during the fibrotic response, revealing transient and early-responder genes. Remarkably, about one-third of all changes in gene expression in activated fibroblasts are subject to translational regulation, and dynamic variation in ribosome occupancy affects protein abundance independent of RNA levels. Targets of RNA-binding proteins were strongly enriched in posttranscriptionally regulated genes, suggesting genes such as MBNL2 can act as translational activators or repressors. Ribosome occupancy in the hearts of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy suggested the same posttranscriptional regulatory network was underlying cardiac fibrosis. Key network hubs include RNA-binding proteins such as Pumilio RNA binding family member 2 (PUM2) and Quaking (QKI) that work in concert to regulate the translation of target transcripts in human diseased hearts. Furthermore, silencing of both PUM2 and QKI inhibits the transition of fibroblasts toward profibrotic myofibroblasts in response to transforming growth factor ß1. CONCLUSIONS: We reveal widespread translational effects of transforming growth factor ß1 and define novel posttranscriptional regulatory networks that control the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. These networks are active in human heart disease, and silencing of hub genes limits fibroblast activation. Our findings show the central importance of translational control in fibrosis and highlight novel pathogenic mechanisms in heart failure.

The effects of different soil nutrient management schemes in nitrogen cycling.

It is imperative for sustainable agriculture to explore practices and inputs creating low N2O emission capacity without reducing the productivity of the agricultural system. To evaluate different nutrient management schemes, a microcosm study was conducted to assess the direct N2O emission from soil. Four different treatments were used to provide a preliminary assessment of N2O emissions, as well as the concentrations of nitrates (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) produced in soil: compost (derived from green plant residues), chickpea residues (green manure) in two different N concentrations (2.6% and 5.5%, respectively) and ammonium nitrate (fertilizer). The soil was thoroughly mixed with the organic amendments and ammonium nitrate and incubated for 31 days. The emissions of N2O were higher in green manure with high-N content, as a source of nitrogen in the soil, and were similar to the emissions measured from the chemically fertilized soil. In particular, chickpea residues, with high-N content, exhibited cumulative N2O emissions, equal to 266.17 µg N/m2, whereas in fertilized soil the emissions were 267.10 µg N/m2. On the contrary, the incorporation of chickpea plant residues with low-N content can be an efficient way to minimize the N2O emissions at 21.63 µg N/m2. The emissions of N2O when compost was applied, remained relatively low, equal to 5.47 µg N/m2, and in comparison to soil without any treatment. Overall, a positive association between NH4+, NO3- in soil and N2O emissions were observed. However, this response was treatment depended, and the significant positive correlation between NH4+ and N2O emissions were noticed in soils treated with ammonium nitrate, chickpea residues with low N content, as well as untreated controls. On the contrary, the positive correlation observed between NO3- and N2O emissions in soils receiving compost and high N chickpea residues, suggest that the different treatments are differentially affecting the processes that are contributing to N2O emissions in agricultural soils. These findings, emphasize that the different nutrient management schemes are differentially affecting the main process contributing to N2O emissions in agricultural soils.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis, in a diabetic immunocompetent patient, after intravitreal ranibizumab injection.

We here report a case of cytomegalovirus retinitis in a diabetic patient that occurred after intravitreal ranibizumab injection. A 75-year-old woman was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema. During this period, a retinitis occurred in her left eye along with increased IgG and later IgM cytomegalovirus antibody titers. Ocular and intravenous ganciclovir was administered. Cytomegalovirus retinitis subsided post treatment with residual areas of retinal atrophy. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the incidence of cytomegalovirus retinitis, in diabetic patients, after ranibizumab injection.

Vitreous levels of Lipocalin-2 on patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To measure vitreous levels of Lipocalin2 (LCN2) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and investigate potential association with presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collection of undiluted vitreous samples from 24 patients suffering from RRD and 10 control patients undergoing vitrectomy for: vitreomacular traction (VMT) (n = 2), idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) (n = 6) and full thickness macular hole (FTMH) (n = 2). Quantitative analysis of LCN2 has been made with flow cytometry. Lens status, duration of symptoms, quadrants of detachment, as well as level of PVR, were assessed. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, t-test, Spearman's correlation coefficient and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Median LCN2 was significantly higher in the RRD group as compared to control (p<0.001). Within the RRD group there was a positive correlation between LCN2 and PVR grade (rs = 0.94, p<0.001). Median LCN2 was 35,759 pg/ml (IR = 55,347) in grade C PVR, 9,387 pg/ml (IR = 3721) in grade B, 4,917 pg/ml (IR = non computable) in grade A and 3,921 pg/ml (2132) in the no PVR group. Median LCN2 was also significantly higher in pseudophakic patients as compared to phakic patients (p = 0.007). LCN2 also correlates with the extend of detachment (≤2 vs >2 quadrants, p<0.001) as well as with duration of symptoms (rs = 0.87, p<0.001). After multivariate linear regression analysis, only PVR was independently related with LCN2 concentration. In particular, increased PVR grading was associated with increased LCN2 concentration (coefficient b = 2.97, 95% confidence interval = 1.89 to 4.67, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A positive correlation between vitreous levels of LCN2 and PVR grading reveals a potential role in the pathogenesis and progression of PVR. Further studies could elucidate if LCN2 could be a therapeutic target.

Psychological Distress and Resilience in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Greece

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer among women worldwide, especially in developed countries. To be diagnosed with breast cancer and undergo cancer treatment can be a very stressful event. It is estimated that one-third of cancer patients are dealing with psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression and resilience is a way of coping and overcome life stressors such cancer diagnosis. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine resilience in women diagnosed with breast cancer and its association with depression and anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, 144 women diagnosed with breast cancer answered a questionnaire consisted of four parts: Sociodemographic data, the Patient Health Questionnaire Two-Item Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25. Results: The majority of the sample belongs to age group 51- 60 years, with the mean age of 53.5 SD±11.7 years. The 59.5% of patients were residents of an urban area, 56.8% were married and 36.5% has 2 children. The mean value of CD-RISC25 was 65.3 SD±17.9, meaning a moderate resilience of cancer patients. The 54.5% of respondents indicated a depressed mood. The anxiety severity measured with the GAD-2, where the mean was 2.1 and 46.8% of patients suffered from high anxiety. Conclusions: According to our results, resilience can negative influence depressive symptomatology. Moreover, lower levels of depression can lead to fewer anxiety symptoms.

Detection of COPB2 as a KRAS synthetic lethal partner through integration of functional genomics screens.

Mutated KRAS plays an important role in many cancers. Although targeting KRAS directly is difficult, indirect inactivation via synthetic lethal partners (SLPs) is promising. Yet to date, there are no SLPs from high-throughput RNAi screening, which are supported by multiple screens. Here, we address this problem by aggregating and ranking data over three independent high-throughput screens. We integrate rankings by minimizing the displacement and by considering established methods such as RIGER and RSA.Our meta analysis reveals COPB2 as a potential SLP of KRAS with good support from all three screens. COPB2 is a coatomer subunit and its knock down has already been linked to disabled autophagy and reduced tumor growth. We confirm COPB2 as SLP in knock down experiments on pancreas and colorectal cancer cell lines.Overall, consistent integration of high throughput data can generate candidate synthetic lethal partners, which individual screens do not uncover. Concretely, we reveal and confirm that COPB2 is a synthetic lethal partner of KRAS and hence a promising cancer target. Ligands inhibiting COPB2 may, therefore, be promising new cancer drugs.

Clinical Use of Smartphones Among Medical and Nursing Staff in Greece: A Survey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical use of smartphones among medical and nursing staff in Greece. This study used a 17-item questionnaire that was administered to the participants by the authors. The sample consists of 974 participants of 1200 who were asked to participate (ie, a response rate of 81.3%). The survey was open to all categories of medical and nursing staff (junior doctors, specialized doctors, assistant nurses, and RNs). In total, 167 participants (18.5%) were nurse assistants; 385 participants (42.6%), nurses; 154 participants (17%), specialized doctors; and 198 participants (21.9%), junior doctors. The data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (version 21), and the significance level was set to .05. Medical doctors own smartphones on a higher percentage in comparison with nurses. Among smartphone owners, medical doctors use their devices for clinical issues more frequently compared with nurses. Although medical doctors believe that smartphones can be a great tool for their work, they state that they do not use it for clinical reasons. Nurses state that they do not use their smartphones for clinical reasons because they are not aware of the existence of applications that can be used to assist them in their daily clinical tasks.

ICT services for active ageing and independent living: identification and assessment.

Based on the demographic changes and the rapid increase of older population in Europe, major challenges are expected to rise, both in the economy as well as the society, whether the dominant care model for supporting elderly in living independently at home continues to rely on informal and formal caregivers' assistance. To respond to the above challenges, assistive technologies are called to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services for supporting seniors to remain active and independent, for as long as possible, in their chosen home environment. The work described in this Letter is based on the Miraculous-Life project and it emphasises the identification and assessment of a set of services that an ICT system for Ageing Well should support, in an actual end-users setting. The outcome of this work may inform fellow researchers and other projects in the area of Ageing Well in: (i) understanding which ICT services can be the most valuable for end-users' Quality of Life, (ii) prioritising the development of related ICT services and (iii) facilitating better recourse allocation in order to reduce any risks associated to implementation failures of these services within their respective projects. A final trial phase is planned, aiming to validate the Miraculous Life prototype longitudinally in a naturalistic environment with a larger sample size. During this trial, it will be investigated if perceived usefulness, satisfaction and motivation could be predicted by sociodemographic variables and personality.

Net Generation's Learning Styles in Nursing Education.

Numerous surveys have confirmed that emerging technologies and Web 2.0 tools have been a defining feature in the lives of current students, estimating that there is a fundamental shift in the way young people communicate, socialize and learn. Nursing students in higher education are characterized as digital literate with distinct traits which influence their learning styles. Millennials exhibit distinct learning preferences such as teamwork, experiential activities, structure, instant feedback and technology integration. Higher education institutions should be aware of the implications of the Net Generation coming to university and be prepared to meet their expectations and learning needs.

Assessing computational methods for transcription factor target gene identification based on ChIP-seq data.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) has great potential for elucidating transcriptional networks, by measuring genome-wide binding of transcription factors (TFs) at high resolution. Despite the precision of these experiments, identification of genes directly regulated by a TF (target genes) is not trivial. Numerous target gene scoring methods have been used in the past. However, their suitability for the task and their performance remain unclear, because a thorough comparative assessment of these methods is still lacking. Here we present a systematic evaluation of computational methods for defining TF targets based on ChIP-seq data. We validated predictions based on 68 ChIP-seq studies using a wide range of genomic expression data and functional information. We demonstrate that peak-to-gene assignment is the most crucial step for correct target gene prediction and propose a parameter-free method performing most consistently across the evaluation tests.