Human metapneumovirus infection in wild mountain gorillas, Rwanda

The genetic relatedness of mountain gorillas and humans has led to concerns about interspecies transmission of infectious agents. Human-to-gorilla transmission may explain human metapneumovirus in 2 wild mountain gorillas that died during a respiratory disease outbreak in Rwanda in 2009. Surveillance is needed to ensure survival of these critically endangered animals.     

SCAI/CCAS/SPA expert consensus statement for anesthesia and sedation practice: Recommendations for patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory

Current practice of sedation and anesthesia for patients undergoing pediatric congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory (PCCCL) procedures is known to vary among institutions, a multi‐society expert panel with representatives from the Congenital Heart Disease Council of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) and the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society (CCAS) was convened to evaluate the types of sedation and personnel necessary for procedures performed in the PCCCL. The goal of this panel was to provide practitioners and institutions performing these procedures with guidance consistent with national standards and to provide clinicians and institutions with consensus‐based recommendations and the supporting references to encourage their application in quality improvement programs. Recommendations can neither encompass all clinical circumstances nor replace the judgment of individual clinicians in the management of each patient. The science of medicine is rooted in evidence, and the art of medicine is based on the application of this evidence to the individual patient. This expert consensus statement has adhered to these principles for optimal management of patients requiring sedation and anesthesia. What follows are recommendations for patient monitoring in the PCCCL regardless of whether minimal or no sedation is being used or general anesthesia is being provided by an anesthesiologist. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc.     

Current and emerging pharmacotherapy for emergency management of preeclampsia

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a disease specific to pregnancy characterised by new onset hypertension with maternal organ dysfunction and/or fetal growth restriction. It remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. For fifty years, antihypertensives have been the mainstay of treating preeclampsia, reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. With increased knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the disease has come opportunities for novel therapies that complement antihypertensives by protecting the maternal vasculature.

Areas covered: In this review, the authors consider, in detail, the antihypertensives commonly used today in the emergency care of women with severe preeclampsia. They also review less common anti-hypertensive agents and discuss the role of magnesium sulphate in the management of preeclampsia and the prevention of eclampsia. Finally, they explore novel therapeutics for the acute management of preeclampsia.

Expert opinion: The rapid control of maternal hypertension will, and must, remain the mainstay of emergency treatment for women with severe preeclampsia. The role of magnesium sulphate as a primary prevention for eclampsia is context dependant and should not displace a focus on correcting blood pressure safely. The exploration of novel adjuvant therapies will likely allow us to prolong pregnancy longer and improve perinatal outcomes safely for the mother.     

My Space,Your Space,Our Space: Exploring the Potential of Collaborative Group Facilitation Between Therapists and Peer Workers in Mental Health Settings

This paper explores the potential of collaborative group facilitation between therapists and peer workers in mental health. A case study of co-practice between a music therapist and a peer worker is used to illustrate how lived experience expertise can enrich and complement therapeutic groups. The paper aims to begin a discussion around collaborative group facilitation within mental health practice and to advocate for continued development of collaborative practice between peer workers and therapists. Experiences of collaboration are explored through the case study provided using a synthesis of the authors’ reflections and dialogue. The importance of role negotiation, role definition, and open communication around changing roles and boundaries are discussed as key considerations for beginning collaborations, as well as the establishment and maintenance of a foundation of trust and support within the working relationship.