Optimizing Research on End-of-Life Care for Seniors:The Collective New Emerging Team on End of Life Care for Seniors University of Ottawa, Institute of Palliative Care

Background: End-of-life care for seniors is an important and neglected area of research. The University of Ottawa Institute of Palliative Care has expanded its research capacity by developing a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded new emerging team on end-of-life care for seniors. This initiative brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from palliative care and geriatrics to develop a comprehensive program of research. Methods: 1) A variety of investigators from the fields of palliative care and geriatrics and disciplines of epidemiology, medicine, nursing, psychology and social work will collaborate on the development of a research agenda focussed on end-of-life care for seniors. 2) The conceptual model for the research program consists of 4 broad interrelated domains that are congruent with the CIHR themes of health services, clinical issues, population health and psychosocial, cultural, spiritual and ethical issues; this framework will guide the research program and all studies emanating from the program. 3) Research studies will focus on 5 areas of inquiry that are central to end-of-life care for seniors: palliative end-of-life care for rural seniors, care settings, burden, role of volunteers, and delirium. Results: This new team has the potential to obtain peer-reviewed funding, recruit and train a new generation of researchers, and build a network of concerned researchers. Conclusions: The new team should ultimately contribute to an improved quality of care for seniors who are approaching death.

Mendelssohn and The Schübler Chorales (BWV 645-650):A New Source found in the Riemenschneider Bach Institute Collection

This article discusses a hitherto-unknown printed edition of Bach's Schübler Chorales edited by Mendelssohn, and considers its meaning and significance for Bach-Mendelssohn scholarship. Facsimile of the edition is also included.

Management of Hyperphosphataemia in Chronic Kidney Disease:Summary of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guideline

Bone disease and ectopic calcification are the two main consequences of hyperphosphataemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Observational studies have demonstrated that hyperphosphataemia in CKD is associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, the use of phosphate binders in dialysis patients is associated with significantly lower mortality. The UK Renal Registry data show significant underachievement of phosphate targets in dialysis patients. It is believed to be due to wide variation in how management interventions are used. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has developed a guideline on the management of hyperphosphataemia in CKD. This is based on the evidence currently available using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. This review outlines the recommendations including research recommendations and discusses methodology, rationale and challenges faced in developing this guideline and the health economic model used to assess the cost-effectiveness of different phosphate binders. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

METAMORPHOSE VI – the Virtual Institute for artificial electromagnetic materials and metamaterials: Origin, mission, and activities

In this paper, we outline the background, mission, and activities of the Virtual Institute for Artificial Electromagnetic Materials and Metamaterials (METAMORPHOSE VI). This international association, founded in the framework of the FP-6 Network of Excellence METAMORPHOSE, aims at promoting and developing research, training, and dissemination activities in the emerging and highly dynamic field of advanced electromagnetic materials and metamaterials at both European and International levels. More than 300 researchers are currently associated with the METAMORPHOSE VI which networks them together in a learnt society. After a brief description of the association and its mission, we present an overview of the activities developed by the METAMORPHOSE VI, with a particular emphasis on the coordination of the European Doctoral Program on Metamaterials (EUPROMETA) and the organization of the International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics – metamaterials congress.