On-Farm Experimentation to transform global agriculture.

Restructuring farmer-researcher relationships and addressing complexity and uncertainty through joint exploration are at the heart of On-Farm Experimentation (OFE). OFE describes new approaches to agricultural research and innovation that are embedded in real-world farm management, and reflects new demands for decentralized and inclusive research that bridges sources of knowledge and fosters open innovation. Here we propose that OFE research could help to transform agriculture globally. We highlight the role of digitalization, which motivates and enables OFE by dramatically increasing scales and complexity when investigating agricultural challenges.

What kind of rash is it?: deciphering the dermatologic toxicities of biologic and targeted therapies.

An overwhelming number of new agents, including targeted agents with unique mechanisms of action, are available in oncology practice today. Along with the benefit of new treatments for patients comes the unfamiliarity of associated toxicities and learning the best methods to minimize side effects. One such toxicity has been the spectrum of dermatologic reactions from some of the newer small-molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Scientific evidence describing the unique rashes and methodologies to treat various cutaneous toxicities with specific agents is extremely limited. This article reviews the currently available literature related to dermatologic toxicities observed with many newer targeted therapies. Current recommendations for management are based on practices implemented during clinical trials and postmarketing practices. Additional research is needed to further elucidate the most efficacious methods for treating side effects observed with newer targeted therapies.

Molecular targets in cancer therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To review selected pharmacologic agents that target key cellular processes along with their mechanisms of action and adverse events. Nursing implications including what patients and families need to know, administration issues, and management of common toxicities will be reviewed. DATA SOURCES: Research articles, clinical trials, abstracts, and book chapters. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of complex biology and biochemistry regulating normal and abnormal cellular function obtained over the past 30 years is starting to be used clinically for new therapies to treat cancer. By targeting what makes cancer unique, these therapies are able to spare more healthy or normal cells than the standard treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Several molecular targeting agents are now in use and even more are under study as cancer treatments. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses must understand the principles underlying targeted treatments and their potential benefits to provide adequate patient education and care.

The impact of the chronic disease assistance plan (CDAP) on the control of type 2 diabetes in Trinidad.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To measure the proportion of participants who used hypoglycaemic agents provided by CDAP only, for at least 6 months, and attained an HbA1c of