April 2020 – The month of renewal
Client profile: Prof. Ana Boban
Last February, we renewed a thrilling collaboration with Prof. Ana Boban, specialist in hematology. Reviewing her work is always very instructive and insightful. We share the same interest in hemophilia…
Prof. Boban is an associate professor in the hematology department of the University Hospital Centre of Zagreb, Croatia. She conducts joint research with Prof. Herman, head of the hematology department of the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium, with whom we work closely.
Her fields of predilection include hemophilia and its treatment. As part of our fruitful collaboration, she gave us a very interesting overview of the safety and efficacy of turoctocog alfa, a B-domain truncated recombinant factor VIII, in the treatment of hemophilia A. A few years ago, we had the chance to review one of her articles1 on the benefit of using short-term central venous catheters to optimize the continuous infusion of coagulation factor concentrate in hemophilia patients undergoing major surgical procedures. The promising study results1 were published in Haemophilia.
We hope that these research studies will continue to help to improve patients’ quality of life, and we wish all the best to Prof. Boban!
1) Boban A, Lambert C, Hermans C. The use of short-term central venous catheters for optimizing continuous infusion of coagulation factor concentrate in haemophilia patients undergoing major surgical procedures. Haemophilia 2015;21:e364-8.
And yet another article accepted for publication!
Type 2 diabetes patients with end-stage renal disease are at high cardiovascular risk. In these patients, poor glycemic control is associated with an increase of cardiovascular and all-causes mortality.
It is therefore mandatory to improve patients’ glycemic balance, and multiple daily insulin injections are often administered to this end. However, insulin therapy intensification may lead to a higher occurrence of hypoglycemic episodes—events that are deleterious in terms of cardiovascular mortality.
Taking this into account, Prof. Laurence Kessler evaluated another therapeutic option: adding vildagliptin to insulin. Overall, 65 type 2 diabetes patients undergoing hemodialysis were randomized either to receive vildagliptin 50mg/day in addition to insulin or to pursue their usual insulin regimen.
Based on continuous glucose monitoring analyses, the percentage of time spent within the euglycemic target (3.9–9.9mmol/L) was higher in the vildagliptin–insulin group (11.4%) compared to the insulin-only group (5.7%). Moreover, a significant decrease from baseline in HbA1c, glycated albumin, and insulin daily doses was observed in the vildagliptin–insulin group compared to the insulin-only group. Glycemic control was thus improved.
Behind the scenes of translation
At Cremer Consulting SARL, quality always has priority and nothing is left to chance. All texts entrusted to us are taken good care of by our experts in translation and medicine. Did you ever wonder who these experts are and how they work? Today, Aurélie O., one of our accomplished translators, tells us about her passion.
How did you become a seasoned translator? What has been your career path?
AO: I would spontaneously say: practice, practice, and practice. To me, one is not born a translator, one becomes one. But it is not all about obtaining a master’s degree in translation. I have learned to avoid the pitfalls of translation and got acquainted with medical terminology day after day by translating texts from a large variety of medical specialties for more than twelve years.
In your opinion, what is the recipe for a successful translation?
AO: A successful translation must strictly reproduce the meaning of the original text in an appropriate style. In order to avoid misinterpreting the meaning of a text, it is essential to meticulously decipher its sentences. Do not skimp on terminological research because no doubt is allowed. To this end, the Internet is a great tool, which has tremendously facilitated the work of translators. Regarding style, it is fundamental to stick to the spirit of the original text, but nothing prevents us from making some improvements if needed.
To translate is to betray? What do think of that?
AO: Without entering into philosophical subtleties, I don’t think so at all. People who have a very good understanding of foreign languages often prefer to read a book or watch a movie in its original language. But that’s far from being true for everyone. And the very precise goal of a translation is to allow these persons to understand a text. The meaning is the same—only the language changes.
Our team specializes in medical translation into and from English, German, and French. We are always ready to answer your requests in record time. Do not hesitate to contact us at: info@cremerconsulting.com.
Basquiat and the body
Before being propelled to the status of internationally renowned artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat made a name for himself in downtown Manhattan by signing his graffiti with the pseudonym “Samo.”
Cutting, pasting, and scrapping. Erased, superimposed, and crossed-out texts. Dislocated bodies and outrageous colors. The masterpieces of Jean-Michel Basquiat reflect his life and career; they are mind-blowing. The artist exhibited at Kassel’s “documenta” at the age of 22. One year later, in 1983, he took part in the Whitney Museum of American Art biennial and subsequently forged a friendship with Andy Warhol.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in 1960 in Brooklyn, of a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother. His precocious talent for drawing was largely encouraged by his family. At the age of eight, Basquiat was hit by a car while he was playing baseball with friends; he was seriously injured and bedridden for weeks.
His mother then decided to give him Gray’s Anatomy, the bible for medical students. Basquiat was fascinated by this book and spent entire days redrawing anatomical charts. The body became a central theme of his work, as well as the car-accident motif. His compositions reveal skulls, guts, organs, and skeletons. The body is fragmented and dissected, and organ names can be deciphered.