EPIdemiology of Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (EPIS-AKI) : Study protocol for a multicentre, observational trial

More than 300 million surgical procedures are performed each year. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after major surgery and is associated with adverse short-term and long-term outcomes. However, there is a large variation in the incidence of reported AKI rates. The establishment of an accurate epidemiology of surgery-associated AKI is important for healthcare policy, quality initiatives, clinical trials, as well as for improving guidelines. The objective of the Epidemiology of Surgery-associated Acute Kidney Injury (EPIS-AKI) trial is to prospectively evaluate the epidemiology of AKI after major surgery using the latest Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consensus definition of AKI. EPIS-AKI is an international prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study including 10 000 patients undergoing major surgery who are subsequently admitted to the ICU or a similar high dependency unit. The primary endpoint is the incidence of AKI within 72 hours after surgery according to the KDIGO criteria. Secondary endpoints include use of renal replacement therapy (RRT), mortality during ICU and hospital stay, length of ICU and hospital stay and major adverse kidney events (combined endpoint consisting of persistent renal dysfunction, RRT and mortality) at day 90. Further, we will evaluate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors affecting the incidence of postoperative AKI. In an add-on analysis, we will assess urinary biomarkers for early detection of AKI. EPIS-AKI has been approved by the leading Ethics Committee of the Medical Council North Rhine-Westphalia, of the Westphalian Wilhelms-University Münster and the corresponding Ethics Committee at each participating site. Results will be disseminated widely and published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and used to design further AKI-related trials. Trial registration number NCT04165369

Energy Innovations-GHG Emissions Nexus: Fresh Empirical Evidence from OECD Countries

This study explores the impact of improvements in energy research development (ERD) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for 28 OECD countries over the period of 1990\textendash2014. In doing so, we have employed a panel data where public budget in energy research development and demonstration (ERD&D) has transformed into a finite inverted V-lag distribution model developed by De Leeuw (1962). This model considers that energy innovation accumulates in time and presents empirical evidence, how energy innovation contributes in reducing energy intensity and environmental pollution as well. Our results indicate that energy innovation measures require lapses of time to reach their full effect i.e. innovation applied to measures for environmental correction does not reach its whole effect immediately, requiring instead a certain amount of time to pass. Innovation policies have recommended for improving environmental quality

Growth Impact of Transition from Non-renewable to Renewable Energy in the EU: The role of Research and Development Expenditure

In recent times, physical-capital investment has been outweighed by research and development expenditure in terms of their growth impact. However, how such expenditure affect economic expansion in the presence of energy consumption is yet to be given thorough attention in the literature. Consequently, this study used data from 1997 to 2015 for 16 EU countries to demonstrate how expenditure on research and development drives growth in the presence of renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption. Results from the Pool Mean Group Autoregressive distributive lag model (PMG-ARDL) revealed that in the short run, investment in research and development adversely affect growth prospect in the EU. However, in the long run, research-led growth is evident alongside energy consumption, although the latter outweighs the former. Additionally, result from Dumitrescu and Hurlin Panel Causality tests showed a feedback causality between energy consumption, research and expenditure and economic growth. The findings of this study make it essential for EU countries to boost spending on renewable energy sources. Additionally, EU countries should pay closer attention to investment in research and development in order to sustain the plan for long term advancement in sustainable power sources for feasible energy and economic development

La lectura como medio de socialización

Se realiza un proyecto de innovación educativa sobre la lectura como medio de socialización en el C.R.A. Valdelavía de Navalperal de Pinares, en Ávila. Se pretende mejorar la biblioteca del centro y las bibliotecas de aula, creando un marco óptimo para el fomento de la lectura. Para ello se programan actividades para el fomento de la lectura y el desarrollo de la comprensión lectora con el fin de mejorar los procesos de socialización entre el alumnado de diferentes orígenes socio-culturales. Dentro de las actividades propuestas en el proyecto de innovación están: la creación de bibliotecas en los diferentes centros que componen el C.R.A.; la creación de 'maletas viajeras' con libros para las diferentes localidades se localice el centro; la actividad llamada 'mis historias' en la el alumnado elabora un libro en el que cuenta una historia que acompaña de dibujos en la se quiere mejorar la expresión oral, escrita y enriquecer el vocabulario; se realiza un concurso de relatos del día de la paz; cuando llega el carnaval o la navidad se lee un cuento y sobre él gira la temática en torno a la cual se tienen que disfrazar; en la semana cultural se relaciona una actividad con alguna temática de la lectura; se realizan actividades basadas en el juego como un álbum de personajes, un Twister de cuentos o revuelto de historias. La experiencia ha sido muy positiva en el alumnado, puesto que se ha mejorado la imagen de la biblioteca, se ha iniciado la lectura de libros infantiles y se ha comenzado a animar y a desarrollar el gusto por la lectura desde pequeños.Castilla y LeónConsejería de Educación. Dirección General de Universidades e Investigación; Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Prado, Autovía Puente Colgante s. n.; 47071 Valladolid; +34983411881; +34983411939ES