An operator formulation of the multiscale finite-volume method with correction function

The multiscale finite-volume (MSFV) method has been derived to efficiently solve large problems with spatially varying coefficients. The fine-scale problem is subdivided into local problems that can be solved separately and are coupled by a global problem. This algorithm, in consequence, shares some characteristics with two-level domain decomposition (DD) methods. However, the MSFV algorithm is different in that it incorporates a flux reconstruction step, which delivers a fine-scale mass conservative flux field without the need for iterating. This is achieved by the use of two overlapping coarse grids. The recently introduced correction function allows for a consistent handling of source terms, which makes the MSFV method a flexible algorithm that is applicable to a wide spectrum of problems. It is demonstrated that the MSFV operator, used to compute an approximate pressure solution, can be equivalently constructed by writing the Schur complement with a tangential approximation of a single-cell overlapping grid and incorporation of appropriate coarse-scale mass-balance equations.

Is diagnosis enough to guide interventions in mental health? Using case formulation in clinical practice.

ABSTRACT: While diagnosis has traditionally been viewed as an essential concept in medicine, particularly when selecting treatments, we suggest that the use of diagnosis alone may be limited, particularly within mental health. The concept of clinical case formulation advocates for collaboratively working with patients to identify idiosyncratic aspects of their presentation and select interventions on this basis. Identifying individualized contributing factors, and how these could influence the person's presentation, in addition to attending to personal strengths, may allow the clinician a deeper understanding of a patient, result in a more personalized treatment approach, and potentially provide a better clinical outcome.

A novel cyclosporin a aqueous formulation for dry eye treatment: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel aqueous formulation based on polymeric micelles for the topical delivery of cyclosporine A for dry eye treatment. METHODS: In vitro experiments were carried out on primary rabbit corneal cells, which were characterized by immunocytochemistry using fluorescein-labeled lectin I/isolectin B4 for the endothelial cells and mouse monoclonal antibody to cytokeratin 3+12 for the epithelial ones. Living cells were incubated for 1 hour or 24 hours with a fluorescently labeled micelle formulation and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. In vivo evaluations were done by Schirmer test, osmolarity measurement, CyA kinetics in tears, and CyA ocular distribution after topical instillation. A 0.05% CyA micelle formulation was compared to a marketed emulsion (Restasis). RESULTS: The in vitro experiments showed the internalization of micelles in the living cells. The Schirmer test and osmolarity measurements demonstrated that micelles did not alter the ocular surface properties. The evaluation of the tear fluid gave similar CyA kinetics values: AUC = 2339 ± 1032 min*μg/mL and 2321 ± 881.63; Cmax = 478 ± 111 μg/mL and 451 ± 74; half-life = 36 ± 9 min and 28 ± 9 for the micelle formulation and Restasis, respectively. The ocular distribution investigation revealed that the novel formulation delivered 1540 ± 400 ng CyA/g tissue to the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: The micelle formulation delivered active CyA into the cornea without evident negative influence on the ocular surface properties. This formulation could be applied for immune-related ocular surface diseases.

The potential impact of new effervescent alendronate formulation on compliance and persistence in osteoporosis treatment.

Osteoporotic fractures are a public health problem and their incidence and subsequent economic and social costs are expected to rise in the next future. Different drugs have been developed to reduce osteoporosis and the risk of osteoporotic fractures, and among them, antiresorptive agents, and in particular oral alendronate, are the most widely utilized. However, one of the most common problems with antiresorptive drugs is poor adherence to treatment, which is associated with a high fracture incidence and with an increase in hospitalization costs. One of the main reasons of poor adherence to these treatments is the occurrence of adverse events, mainly at gastrointestinal (GI) level, including dyspepsia, dysphagia, and esophageal ulcers. In light of these considerations the aim of this paper is to perform a literature review to show the pathophysiologic bases of GI alendronate-induced adverse events and how new bisphosphonate formulations like effervescent alendronate can improve compliance and persistence to treatment and decrease the fracture rate incidence in osteoporotic patients.

A practical guide for the formulation of propositions in the bayesian approach to DNA evidence interpretation in an adversarial environment

The interpretation of complex DNA profiles is facilitated by a Bayesian approach. This approach requires the development of a pair of propositions: one aligned to the prosecution case and one to the defense case. This note explores the issue of proposition setting in an adversarial environment by a series of examples. A set of guidelines generalize how to formulate propositions when there is a single person of interest and when there are multiple individuals of interest. Additional explanations cover how to handle multiple defense propositions, relatives, and the transition from subsource level to activity level propositions. The propositions depend on case information and the allegations of each of the parties. The prosecution proposition is usually known. The authors suggest that a sensible proposition is selected for the defense that is consistent with their stance, if available, and consistent with a realistic defense if their position is not known.

La formulation de cas dans la formation à la psychothérapie. Enjeux pédagogiques du recours à un support filmique.

Un cas exemplaire, un cas d'école, un beau cas, un cas de figure, un cas extrême, un cas particulier, un cas épineux, un cas limite ... Les modalités de l'étude de cas sont multiples et expriment le fait que tout raisonnement suivi, toute explication, toute théorie bute une fois ou l'autre sur la nécessité d'explorer et d'approfondir les propriétés d'une singularité accessible à l'observation. Publier un ouvrage sur la question du cas unique, c'est participer à ce moment de réflexion sur les méthodes scientifiques en psychologie. C'est aussi oeuvrer à un repositionnement constructif de cette modalité de faire science, en donnant la parole aux auteurs spécialistes de ces questions ou directement concernés par celles-ci à travers leurs recherches ou leurs pratiques.