Antiinflammatory Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease

Background: Experimental and clinical data suggest that reducing inflammation without affecting lipid levels may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the inflammatory hypothesis of atherothrombosis has remained unproved. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial of canakinumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, involving 10,061 patients with previous myocardial infarction and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level of 2 mg or more per liter. The trial compared three doses of canakinumab (50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, administered subcutaneously every 3 months) with placebo. The primary efficacy end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: At 48 months, the median reduction from baseline in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was 26 percentage points greater in the group that received the 50-mg dose of canakinumab, 37 percentage points greater in the 150-mg group, and 41 percentage points greater in the 300-mg group than in the placebo group. Canakinumab did not reduce lipid levels from baseline. At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence rate for the primary end point was 4.50 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group, 4.11 events per 100 person-years in the 50-mg group, 3.86 events per 100 person-years in the 150-mg group, and 3.90 events per 100 person-years in the 300-mg group. The hazard ratios as compared with placebo were as follows: in the 50-mg group, 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.07; P = 0.30); in the 150-mg group, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P = 0.021); and in the 300-mg group, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.031). The 150-mg dose, but not the other doses, met the prespecified multiplicity-adjusted threshold for statistical significance for the primary end point and the secondary end point that additionally included hospitalization for unstable angina that led to urgent revascularization (hazard ratio vs. placebo, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P = 0.005). Canakinumab was associated with a higher incidence of fatal infection than was placebo. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio for all canakinumab doses vs. placebo, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.06; P = 0.31). Conclusions: Antiinflammatory therapy targeting the interleukin-1β innate immunity pathway with canakinumab at a dose of 150 mg every 3 months led to a significantly lower rate of recurrent cardiovascular events than placebo, independent of lipid-level lowering. (Funded by Novartis; CANTOS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01327846.

Knowledge of medical abortion among Brazilian medical students

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of Brazilian medical students regarding medical abortion (MA) and the use of misoprostol for MA, and to investigate factors influencing their knowledge. METHODS: All students from 3 medical schools in São Paulo State were invited to complete a pretested structured questionnaire with precoded response categories. A set of 12 statements on the use and effects of misoprostol for MA assessed their level of knowledge. Of about 1260 students invited to participate in the study, 874 completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 69%. The Ï (2) test was used for the bivariate analysis, which was followed by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Although all students in their final year of medical school had heard of misoprostol for termination of pregnancy, and 88% reported having heard how to use it, only 8% showed satisfactory knowledge of its use and effects. Academic level was the only factor associated with the indicators of knowledge investigated. CONCLUSION: The very poor knowledge of misoprostol use for MA demonstrated by the medical students surveyed at 3 medical schools makes the review and updating of the curriculum urgently necessary.http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0020-7292/PIIS002072921200238X.pd

Prevalência e gravidade de asma brônquica em adultos obesos com indicação de cirurgia bariátrica Prevalence and severity of asthma in obese adult candidates for bariatric surgery

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de asma em um grupo de adultos obesos, candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica e avaliar a gravidade da asma neste grupo de pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, envolvendo 363 pacientes obesos adultos (índice de massa corpórea > 35 kg/m²) avaliados por um médico pneumologista, utilizando a avaliação clínica como instrumento diagnóstico de asma. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica e espirometria e foram divididos em dois grupos (asma e controle). Os pacientes com asma foram classificados conforme a gravidade da doença. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de asma na população de obesos estudada foi de 18,5% (IC95%: 14,5-22,4). Essa prevalência nas mulheres e nos homens foi de 20,4% (IC95%: 16,2-24,5) e 13,7% (IC95%: 10,1-17,2), respectivamente. Havia sintomas de asma nos últimos doze meses em 8,0% (IC95%: 5,2-10,7), e houve manifestação inicial dos sintomas de asma na infância/adolescência em 17,4% (IC95%: 13,5-21,3). No grupo asma, asma intermitente estava presente em 29 pacientes (43,3%); asma persistente leve, em 7 (10,4%); asma moderada, em 25 (37,3%); e asma persistente grave, em 6 (9,0%). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de asma neste grupo de adultos obesos, utilizando-se a avaliação clínica como critério diagnóstico, mostrou-se elevada, com predomínio no sexo feminino e com manifestação inicial dos sintomas de asma na infância/adolescência. A gravidade da asma neste grupo de obesos adultos esteve entre os valores médios estimados para a população geral, com uma maior proporção de asma intermitente, asma persistente leve e asma persistente moderada<br>OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma in a group of obese adult candidates for bariatric surgery and to evaluate the severity of asthma in this group of patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 363 obese adults (body mass index > 35 kg/m²) evaluated by a pulmonologist, using clinical evaluation as a diagnostic tool for asthma. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and spirometry and were divided into two groups (asthma and control). The patients with asthma were stratified by the severity of asthma. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma in the obese population studied was 18.5% (95% CI: 14.5-22.4). That prevalence was 20.4% (95% CI: 16.2-24.5) and 13.7% (95% CI: 10.1-17.2) in the women and the men, respectively. Asthma symptoms in the last twelve months were present in 8.0% (95% CI: 5.2-10.7), and the initial manifestation of asthma symptoms occurred during childhood/adolescence in 17.4% (95% CI: 13.5-21.3). In the asthma group, intermittent asthma was present in 29 patients (43.3%), mild persistent asthma in 7 (10.4%), moderate asthma in 25 patients (37.3%), and severe persistent asthma in 6 (9.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Using clinical evaluation as the diagnostic criterion, we found the prevalence of asthma to be high in this group of obese adults. Asthma was more common in females, and the initial manifestation of asthma symptoms more commonly occurred during childhood/adolescence. The severity of asthma in this group of obese adults was within the range of mean values predicted for the general population. Intermittent asthma, mild persistent asthma, and moderate persistent asthma predominate

Estudo comparativo das indicações de cesariana entre um hospital público-universitário e um hospital privado Comparative study of cesarean section indications between a public university hospital and a private hospital

OBJETIVOS: analisar a incidência e as indicações de cesariana realizadas no Hospital Escola da Falculdade de Medicina do Triângulo Mineiro e um hospital privado, ambos localizados em Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODOS: trata-se de estudo transversal desenvolvido a partir da coleta nos prontuários dos hospitais, consistindo da idade, procedência, situação conjugal, escolaridade, paridade e indicações de cesariana. RESULTADOS: a incidência de cesariana foi de 24,3% no Hospital Escola contra 89,2% no hospital privado. As indicações mais freqüentes de cesariana no Hospital Escola foram a cesárea iterativa (26,7%), distócia (22,4%) e o sofrimento fetal agudo (18,2%), e no hospital privado foram cesárea iterativa (36%) e distócia (36%). As pacientes do hospital privado tinham maior escolaridade. CONCLUSÕES: os dados sugerem que o aumento de cesarianas no hospital privado foi decorrente de iteratividade, distócia e a escolaridade mais elevada das pacientes.<br>OBJECTIVES: to analyse the incidence and the indications of cesarean section performed in the University Hospital of the "Triângulo Mineiro Faculty of Medicine " and a private hospital in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: a cross sectional study was carried out by using the data source of the medical files from both hospitals consisting of patient age, place of origin, marital status, education level, parity and cesarean sections indications. RESULTS: the cesarean sections rate was 24,3 % (325 of 1.441 births) at the university hospital against 89,2% (100 of 112 births) of the private hospital. The most frequent indications in the University Hospital were previous cesarean sections (26,7%), dystocia (22,4%) and acute fetal distress (18,2%). In the private hospital, indications were previous cesarean section (36%) and dystocia (36%). The private hospital's patients had higher education levels. CONCLUSIONS: the higher rate of cesarean sections observed in the private hospital resulted from previous cesarean section, dystocia and higher education levels

Gravidez na adolescência e baixo peso ao nascer: existe associação? Embarazo en la adolescencia y bajo peso al nacer: ¿existe asociación? Pregnancy in teenagers and low birthweight infant: is there an association?

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre gravidez na adolescência (dez a 19 anos) e baixo peso ao nascer. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em maternidade terciária entre junho de 2000 a junho de 2001. Por sorteio aleatório simples, foram selecionadas mães adolescentes e não adolescentes entrevistadas no primeiro dia após o parto. Aplicou-se a análise multivariada por meio de regressão logística das variáveis implicadas com o baixo peso ao nascer. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionadas 539 duplas (mães e seus respectivos recém-nascidos), sendo 331 (61,4%) mulheres com 20 anos ou mais e 208 (38,5%) abaixo de 20 anos. Entre as adolescentes, 50 bebês (24%) tiveram idade gestacional <37 semanas, enquanto entre as mães acima de 20 anos, 52 (15,7%) eram prematuros (OR 1,58; IC95% 1,00-2,51). Entre as adolescentes, ocorreram 52 (25%) recém-nascidos com peso <2500g e, entre as adultas, 56 (16,9%) tinham baixo peso (OR 1,64; IC95% 1,05-2,56). Entre as que realizaram pré-natal adequado, a ocorrência de baixo peso foi de 12,3% e de 22,1% no grupo cuja assistência foi inadequada. Nesta casuística, a associação encontrada na análise univariada entre baixo peso e mãe adolescente não se manteve na análise multivariada. CONCLUSÕES: Baixo peso ao nascer em gestações na adolescência não pode ser atribuído isoladamente à idade materna.<br>OBJETIVO: Verificar la asociación entre embarazo en la adolescencia (10 a 19 años) y bajo peso al nacer. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en maternidad terciaria entre junio de 2000 a junio de 2001. Por sorteo aleatorio simple, se seleccionaron madres adolescentes y no adolescentes entrevistadas en el primer día después del parto. Se aplicó el análisis multivariado mediante regresión logística de las variables implicadas con el bajo peso al nacer. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 539 parejas (madres y sus respectivos recién-nacidos), siendo 331 (61,4%) mujeres con 20 años o más y 208 (38,5%) abajo de los 20 años. Entre las adolescentes, 50 bebés (24%) tuvieron edad gestacional <37 semanas, mientras que entre las madres con más de 20 años, 52 (15,7%) eran prematuros (OR 1,58; IC95% 1,00-2,51). Entre las adolescentes, ocurrieron 52 (25%) recién nacidos con peso <2.500g entre las adultas, 56 (16,9%) tenían bajo peso (OR 1,64; IC95% 1,05-2,56). Entre las que realizaron prenatal adecuado, la ocurrencia de bajo peso fue de 12,3% y de 22,1% en el grupo cuya asistencia fue inadecuada. En esa casuística, la asociación encontrada en el análisis bivariado entre bajo peso y madre adolescente no se mantuvo en el análisis multivariado. CONCLUSIONES: Bajo peso al nacer en gestaciones en la adolescencia no puede ser atribuido aisladamente a la edad materna.<br>OBJECTIVE: To study the association between teenage pregnancy (ten to 19 years old) and low birthweight. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out at a tertiary center from June 2000 to June 2001. A simple random drawing selected teenagers and adult mothers who were interviewed during the first day after birth. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression of variables related to low birthweight was applied. RESULTS: 539 pairs (mothers and their newborns) were studied - 331 (61.4%) women with 20 years old or more and 208 (38.5%) <20 years old. Among the adolescents, 50 (24%) infants had gestational age <37 weeks, whereas among mothers over 20 years old, 52 (15.7%) were preterm (OR 1.58; 95%CI 1.00-2.51). Among the adolescent and adult women, there were respectively 52 (25%) and 56 (16.9%) newborns <2500g (OR 1.64; 95%CI 1.05-2.56). Among those who had adequate prenatal care, low birth weight was detected in 12.3 and 22.1% of mothers with adequate and inadequate prenatal care, respectively. The association found in the univariate analysis between low birth weight and maternal age was not sustained in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight in teenage pregnancies can not be attributed only to maternal age

Use of contraceptive methods by sexually active teenagers in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil Uso de métodos anticoncepcionais em adolescentes sexualmente ativos de 15 a 18 anos em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of contraceptive use by adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed from March to September 2002 in a representative sample of adolescents 15 to 18 years of age in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Multiple-stage sampling was used, and in the 448 census tracts located in the urban area, 90 were sampled and households were visited in each tract. Information was collected on sexual initiation and use of contraceptive methods. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions. The sample included 960 adolescents. 88% of subjects reported the use of any contraceptive method. Condoms were the most commonly used method (63.2%). Low adolescent schooling was the only variable associated with increased risk of non-use of contraceptives. Condom use was higher among males, adolescents whose mothers had 9 or more years of schooling, and those reporting several sexual partners in the previous year. Condoms were the most commonly used contraceptive method.<br>O estudo avaliou o uso de métodos contraceptivos em adolescentes. Entre março e setembro de 2002, realizou-se um estudo transversal na zona urbana da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A amostragem foi em múltiplos estágios, 90 dos 448 setores censitários da zona urbana de Pelotas foram sorteados e em cada setor 86 residências foram visitadas. Considerou-se a informação do adolescente sobre a prática de relações sexuais e do uso de métodos contraceptivos. Nas comparações entre as proporções utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado. Foram entrevistados 960 adolescentes, enquanto que para 79 não foi possível realizar a entrevista. Aproximadamente 88% dos adolescentes usavam algum método contraceptivo. O preservativo masculino foi encontrado como o método mais usado naqueles adolescentes que têm relação sexual (63,2%). A escolaridade do adolescente foi a única variável associada com o uso de contraceptivos. O uso de preservativo masculino foi mais freqüente entre os meninos, aqueles cuja mãe tinha nove ou mais anos de escolaridade e naqueles com vários parceiros. O preservativo masculino é o método mais usado

age: Observational data from the ICON audit

Purpose: To investigate age-related differences in outcomes of critically ill patients with sepsis around the world.Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the prospective ICON audit, in which all adult ( >16 years ) patients admitted to participating ICUs between May 8 and 18, 2012, were included, except admissions for routine postoperative observation. For this sub-analysis, the 10,012 patients with completed age data were included. They were divided into five age groups - 80 years. Sepsis was defined as infection plus at least one organ failure.Results: A total of 2963 patients had sepsis, with similar proportions across the age groups (80 = 30.9%). Hospital mortality increased with age and in patients >80 years was almost twice that of patients 70 years was independently associated with increased risk of dying.Conclusions: The odds for death in ICU patients with sepsis increased with age with the maximal rate of increase occurring between the ages of 71 and 77 years. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.C1 [Kotfis, Katarzyna] Pomeranian Med Univ, Dept Anaesthesiol Intens Therapy & Acute Intoxica, Szczecin, Poland.[Wittebole, Xavier] UCL, Clin Univ St Luc, Dept Crit Care, Brussels, Belgium.[Jaschinski, Ulrich] Klinikum Augsburg, Klin Anasthesiol & Operat Intens Med, Augsburg, Germany.[Sole-Violan, Jordi] Hosp Univ Gran Canaria Dr Negrin, Dept Intens Care, Las Palmas Gran Canaria, Spain.[Kashyap, Rahul] Mayo Clin, Dept Anesthesia Ei Perioperat Med, Rochester, MN USA.[Leone, Marc] Aix Marseille Univ, Hop Nord, AP HM, Serv Anesthesie & Reanimat, Marseille, France.[Nanchal, Rahul] Med Coll Wisconsin, Dept Med, Milwaukee, WI 53226 USA.[Fontes, Luis E.] Hosp Alcides Carneiro, Petropolis Med Sch, Dept Intens Care & Evidence Based Med, Petropolis, Brazil.[Sakr, Yasser] Uniklinikum Jena, Dept Anesthesiol & Intens Care, Jena, Germany.[Vincent, Jean-Louis] Univ Libre Bruxelles, Erasme Univ Hosp, Dept Intens Care, Route Lenn 808, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium.[Tomas, E.] Clin Sagrada Esperanca, Luanda, Angola.[Bibonge, E. Amisi] Clin Univ Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DEM REP CONGO.[Charra, B.] Chu Ibn Rochd Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco.[Faroudy, M.] Ibn Sina Hosp, Rabat, Morocco.[Doedens, L.] Chris Hani Baragwanath Acad Hosp, Soweto, South Africa.[Farina, Z.] Grays Hosp, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.[Adler, D.] Sandton Medi Clin, Sandton, South Africa.[Balkema, C.] Tygerberg Hosp, Cape Town, South Africa.[Kok, A.] Union Hosp Alberton, Alberton, South Africa.[Alaya, S.] Bizerte Hosp, Bizerte, Tunisia.[Gharsallah, H.] Mil Hosp Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.[Muzha, D.] Natl Trauma Ctr & Mil Hosp, Tirana, Albania.[Temelkov, A.] Alexandrovska Univ Hosp, Sofia, Bulgaria.[Georgiev, G.] Emergency Univ Hosp Pirogov, Sofia, Bulgaria.[Simeonov, G.] Tokuda Hosp Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria.[Tsaryanski, G.] Uh St Ekaterina Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria.[Georgiev, S.] Univ Hosp Obstet & Gynaecol, Sofia, Bulgaria.[Seliman, A.] Univ Hosp Sveta Marina Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.[Vrankovic, S.] Gen Hosp Siben, Shibenik, Croatia.[Vucicevic, Z.] Univ Hosp Ctr Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia.[Gornik, I] Univ Hosp Ctr Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.[Barsic, B.] Univ Hosp Infect Dis, Zagreb, Croatia.[Husedzinovic, I] Univ Hosp Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia.[Pavlik, P.] Ctr Cardiovasc & Transplant Surg, Prague, Czech Republic.[Manak, J.] Charles Univ Hosp, Prague, Czech Republic.[Kieslichova, E.] IKEM, Prague, Czech Republic.[Turek, R.] KNTB Zlin AS, Prague, Czech Republic.[Fischer, M.] Krajska Nemocnice Liberec, Prague, Czech Republic.[Valkova, R.] Masarykova Nemocnice V Usti Labem, Labem, Czech Republic.[Dadak, L.] St Annes Univ Hosp Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.[Dostal, P.] Univ Hosp Haradec Kralove, Haradec Kralove, Czech Republic.[Malaska, J.] Univ Hosp Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.[Hajek, R.] Univ Hosp Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.[Zidkova, A.] Univ Hosp Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic.[Lavicka, P.] Charles Univ Hosp Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic.[Starkopf, J.] Tartu Univ Hosp, Tartu, Estonia.[Kheladze, Z.] Crit Care Med Inst, Gainesville, Georgia.[Chkhaidze, M.] Jo Ann Med Ctr, Tbilisi, Georgia.[Kaloiani, V] Kipshidze Cent Univ Hosp, Tbilisi, Georgia.[Medve, L.] Dr Kenessey Albert Hosp, Balassagyarmat, Hungary.[Sarkany, A.] Fejer Cty St George Teaching Hosp, Szekesfehervar, Hungary.[Kremer, I] Flor Ferenc Cty Hosp, Budapest, Hungary.[Marjanek, Z.] Javorszky Odon Hosp, Vac, Hungary.[Tamasi, P.] Peterfy Hosp Budapest, Budapest, Hungary.[Krupnova, I] Infectol Ctr Latvia, Riga, Latvia.[Vanags, I] Paul Stradins Clin Univ Hosp, Riga, Latvia.[Liguts, V] Riga East Clin Univ Hosp, Riga, Latvia.[Pilvinis, V] Hosp Lithuanian Univ Hlth Sci Kauno Klinikos, Kaunas, Lithuania.[Vosylius, S.] Vilnius Univ Hosp, Vilnius, Lithuania.[Kekstas, G.] HSICU, Vilnius Univ Hosp Santariskiu Clin, Vilnius, Lithuania.[Balciunas, M.] CICU, Vilnius Univ Hosp Santariskiu Clin, Vilnius, Lithuania.[Kolbusz, A.] Csk Mswia, Warsaw, Poland.[Kubler, A.] Med Univ, Wroclaw, Poland.[Mielczarek, B.] Med Univ Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.[Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz, M.] Med Univ Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.[Kotfis, K.] Pomeranian Med Univ, Szczecin, Poland.[Tamowicz, B.] Reg Hosp Poznan, Poznan, Poland.[Sulkowski, W.] Szpital Powiatowy W Ostrowi Mazowieckiej, Ostrow Mazowiecka, Poland.[Smuszkiewicz, P.] Univ Hosp, Poznan, Poland.[Pihowicz, A.] Wojewodzki Szpital Zakazny, Torun, Poland.[Trejnowska, E.] Wojewodzkie Ctr Med, Warsaw, Poland.[Hagau, N.] Emergency Cty Hosp Cluj, Cluj Napoca, Romania.[Filipescu, D.] Emergency Inst Cardiovasc Dis, Bucharest, Romania.[Droc, G.] Fundeni Clin Inst, Bucharest, Romania.[Lupu, M.] Galati Hosp, Bucharest, Romania.[Nica, A.] Lnbi Prof Dr Matei Bals, Bucharest, Romania.[Stoica, R.] Inst Pulmonol Marius Nasta, Bucharest, Romania.[Tomescu, D.] Inst Clin Fundeni, Bucharest, Romania.[Constantinescu, D.] Sfantul Pantelimon Hosp, Bucharest, Romania.[Zbaganu, G. Valcoreanu] Spitalul Cf 2 Bucuresti, Bucharest, Romania.[Slavcovici, A.] Iuliu Hatieganu Univ Med & Pharm, Teaching Hosp Infect Dis, Cluj Napoca, Romania.[Bagin, V] City Clin Hosp 40, St Petersburg, Russia.[Belsky, D.] City Hosp 40, St Petersburg, Russia.[Palyutin, S.] Clin Hosp NVNV Solovyev, Yaroslavl, Russia.[Shlyapnikov, S.] Emergency Res Inst NA Djanelidze, St Petersburg, Russia.[Bikkulova, D.] Fed Res Ctr Paediat Haematol Oncol & Immunol, Moscow, Russia.[Gritsan, A.] Krasnoyarsk State Med Univ, Krasnoyarsk Reg Hosp, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.[Natalia, G.] Med Assoc Novaya Bolnitsa, Ekaterinburg, Russia.[Makarenko, E.] Mil Med Acad, Ekaterinburg, Russia.[Kokhno, V] Novosibirsk Med Univ, Novosibirsk, Russia.[Tolkach, A.] Omsk Reg Clin Hosp, Omsk, Russia.[Kokarev, E.] Railway Hosp Khabarovsk, Khabarovsk, Russia.[Belotserkovskiy, B.] St Alexy Hosp, St Louis, France.[Zolotukhin, K.] State Dist Hosp, Moscow, Russia.[Kulabukhov, V] Vishnevsky Inst Surg, Moscow, Russia.[Soskic, L.] Clin Ctr Serbia, Clin Cardiac Surg, Belgrade, Serbia.[Palibrk, I] Clin Ctr Serbia, Clin Digest Surg, Belgrade, Serbia.[Jankovic, R.; Jovanovic, B.] Clin Ctr Nis, Clin Vasc Surg, Nish, Serbia.[Pandurovic, M.] Clin Ctr Serbia, Emergency Ctr, Belgrade, Serbia.[Bumbasirevic, V] Clin Ctr Belgrade, Emergency Ctr, Belgrade, Serbia.[Uljarevic, B.] Gen Univ Hosp, Belgrade, Serbia.[Surbatovic, M.] Mil Med Acad, Belgrade, Serbia.[Ladjevic, N.] Urol Hosp, Belgrade, Serbia.[Slobodianiuk, G.] Dist Hosp, Bratislava, Slovakia.[Sobona, V] Fac Hosp, Bratislava, Slovakia.[Cikova, A.] Univ Hosp Bratislava, Hosp Ruzinov ICU, Bratislava, Slovakia.[Gebhardtova, A.] Univ Hosp Ruzinov Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.[Jun, C.] Qingdao Univ, Tertiary Hosp, Qingdao, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Yunbo, S.] Qingdao Univ, Affiliated Hosp, Med Coll, Qingdao, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Dong, U.] Beijing Canc Hosp, Beijing Inst Canc Res, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Feng, S.] Beijing Chaoyang Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Duan, M.] Beijing Friendship Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Xu, Y.] Capital Med Univ, Beijing Tongren Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Xue, X.] Beijing Univ Peoples Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Gao, T.] Beijing Luhe Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Xing, X.] Chinese Acad Med Sci, Canc Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Zhao, X.] China Acad Chinese Med Sci, Guang An Men Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Li, C.] Peoples Hosp, Chuxiong, Yunnan, Peoples R China.[Gengxihua, G.] Donge Cty Peoples Hosp Shandong Prov, Liaocheng, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Tan, H.] Chinese Acad Med Sci, Fu Wai Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Xu, J.] Fujian Prov Hosp, Fuzhou, Fujian, Peoples R China.[Jiang, L.] Capital Med Univ, Fuxing Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Tiehe, Q.] Guangdong Gen Hosp, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peoples R China.[Bingyu, Q.] Henan Prov Peoples Hosp, Zhengzhou, Henan, Peoples R China.[Shi, Q.] Xi An Jiao Tong Univ, Coll Med, Xian, Shaanxi, Peoples R China.[Lv, Z.] Kunming Third Peoples Hosp, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples R China.[Zhang, L.] Lanzhou Univ, Hosp 2, Lanzhou, Gansu, Peoples R China.[Jingtao, L.] 309th Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Zhen, Z.] China Med Univ, Hosp 1, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Wang, Z.] Peking Univ, Shougang Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Wang, T.] Peking Univ, Hosp 3, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Yuhong, L.] Pla Navy Gen Hosp, Beijing, Peoples R China.[Zhai, Q.] Shandong Univ, Qilu Hosp, Jinan, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Chen, Y.] Jiaotong Univ, Affiliated Med Sch, Ruijin Hosp, Shanghai, Peoples R China.[Wang, C.] Shandong Prov Hosp, Jinan, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Jiang, W.] Shanghai 10th Peoples Hosp, Shanghai, Peoples R China.[Ruilan, W.] Shanghai First Peoples Hosp, Shanghai, Peoples R China.[Chen, Y.; Xiaobo, H.] Sichuan Prov Peoples Hosp, Chengdu, Sichuan, Peoples R China.[Ge, H.] Sir Run Run Shaw Hosp, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Peoples R China.[Yan, T.] Affiliated Guiyang Med Coll, Guiyang, Guizhou, Peoples R China.[Yuhui, C.] Fudan Univ, Peoples Hosp Shanghai 5, Shanghai, Peoples R China.[Zhang, J.] Dalian Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Dalian, Peoples R China.[Jian-Hong, F.] Suzhou Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Suzhou, Peoples R China.[Zhu, H.] Xinjiang Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Urumqi, Peoples R China.[Huo, F.; Wang, Y.] Jilin Univ, Hosp 1, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.[Li, C.] First Peoples Hosp Kunming, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples R China.[Zhuang, M.] Gen Hosp Shenyang Mil Reg, Shenyang, Liaoning, Peoples R China.[Ma, Z.] Peoples Hosp Cangzhou, Cangzhou, Peoples R China.[Sun, J.] Jilin Univ, Hosp 2, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.[Liuqingyue, L.] Second Peoples Hosp Liaocheng City Shandong Prov, Liaocheng, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Yang, M.] Third Xiangya Hosp, Changsha, Hunan, Peoples R China.[Meng, J.] Tongde Hosp Zhejiang Prov, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Peoples R China.[Ma, S.] Tongji Univ, Shanghai East Hosp, Shanghai, Peoples R China.[Kang, Y.] West China Hosp, Scu, Peoples R China.[Yu, L.] Wuhan Ctr Hosp, Wuhan, Hubei, Peoples R China.[Peng, Q.] Xiangya Hosp, Changsha, Hunan, Peoples R China.[Wei, Y.] Yantai Yuhuangding Hosp, Yantai, Peoples R China.[Zhang, W.] Yantaishan Hosp, Yantai, Shandong, Peoples R China.[Sun, R.] Zhejiang Prov Peoples Hosp, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Peoples R China.[Yeung, A.] Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hosp, Hong Kong, Peoples R China.[Wan, W.] Princess Margaret Hosp, Hong Kong, Peoples R China.[Sin, K.] Queen Elizabeth Hosp, Hong Kong, Peoples R China.[Lee, K.] United Christian Hosp Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong, Peoples R China.[Wijanti, M.] Anestesi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.[Widodo, U.] Pku Muhammadiyah Bantu, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.[Samsirun, H.] Rd Mattaher Hosp Jambi, Jambi City, Indonesia.[Sugiman, T.] Rumah Sakit Pantai Lndah Kapuk, North Jakarta, Indonesia.[Wisudarti, C.] Sardjito Hosp, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.[Maskoen, T.] Sch Med Unpad, Hasan Sadikin Hosp, Bandung, Indonesia.[Hata, N.] Nippon Med Sch, Chiba Hokusoh Hosp, Inzai, Japan.[Kobe, Y.] Chiba Univ Hosp, Chiba, Japan.[Nishida, O.] Fujita Hlth Univ, Sch Med, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.[Miyazaki, D.] Japanese Red Cross Maebashi Hosp, Maebashi, Gumma, Japan.[Nunomiya, S.] Jichi Med Univ Hosp, Shimotsuke, Japan.[Uchino, S.] Jikei Univ, Sch Med, Tokyo, Japan.[Kitamura, N.] Kimitsu Chuo Hosp, Kisarazu, Japan.[Yamashita, K.] Kochi Med Sch, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan.[Hashimoto, S.] Kyoto Prefectural Univ Med, Kyoto, Japan.[Fukushima, H.] Nara Med Univ Hosp, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.[Adib, N. Nik] Hosp Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.[Tai, L.] Kuala Lumpur Hosp, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[Tony, B.] Queen Elizabeth Hosp 2, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.[Bigornia, R.] Cebu Velez Gen Hosp, Cebu, Philippines.[Bigornia, R.] Perpetual Succour Hosp, Cebu, Philippines.[Palo, J.] Med City, Pasig, Philippines.[Chatterjee, S.] Alexandra Hosp, Singapore, Singapore.[Tan, B.] Natl Univ Hlth Syst, Singapore, Singapore.[Kong, A.] Singapore Gen Hosp, Singapore, Singapore.[Goh, S.] Tan Tock Seng Hosp, Singapore, Singapore.[Lee, C.] Natl Taiwan Univ Hosp, Taipei, Taiwan.[Pothirat, C.] Chiaingmai Univ, Maharaj Nakorn Chiangmai Hosp, Chiang Mai, Thailand.[Khwannimit, B.] Prince Songkla Univ, Hat Yai, Thailand.[Theerawit, P.] Ramathibodi Hosp, Bangkok, Thailand.[Pornsuriyasak, P.] Ramathibodi Hosp, Somdech Phra Debaratana Med Ctr, Bangkok, Thailand.[Piriyapatsom, A.] Mahidol Univ, Siriraj Hosp, Bangkok, Thailand.[Mukhtar, A.] Cairo Univ, Giza, Egypt.[Dsicu] Demerdash Surg Intens Care Unit, Cairo, Egypt.[Hamdy, A. Nabil] Ain Shams Fac Med, Cairo, Egypt.[Hosny, H.] Zaitoun Specialized Hosp, Cairo, Egypt.[Ashraf, A.] Gums, Tehran, Iran.[Mokhtari, M.] Sbums, Imam Hossein Hosp, Tehran, Iran.[Nowruzinia, S.] Imamreza Hosp, Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan, Iran.[Lotfi, A.] Laleh Hosp, Tehran, Iran.[Zand, F.] Shiraz Anesthesiol & Crit Care Res Ctr, Shiraz, Iran.[Nikandish, R.] Shiraz Univ Med Sci, Shiraz, Iran.[Moghaddam, O. Moradi] Tehran Med Sci Univ, Tehran, Iran.[Cohen, J.] Rabin Med Ctr, Petah Tiqwa, Israel.[Sold, O.] Sourasky Tel Aviv Med Ctr, Tel Aviv, Israel.[Sfeir, T.] Ctr Hosp Nord, Ettelbruck, Luxembourg.[Hasan, A.] Sohar Hosp, Sohar, Oman.[Abugaber, D.] Specialized Arab Hosp, Nablus, Palestine.[Ahmad, H.] Almana Gen Hosp, Khobar, Saudi Arabia.[Tantawy, T.] KFSHRC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Baharoom, S.] King Abdulaziz Med City Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Algethamy, H.] King Abdulaziz Univ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.[Amr, A.] King Saud Med City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Almekhlafi, G.] Riyadh Mil Hosp, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[Coskun, R.] Erciyes Univ, Med Fac, Kayseri, Turkey.[Sungur, M.] Erciyes Univ, Med Sch, Kayseri, Turkey.[Cosar, A.] Gulhane Mil Med Acad, Ankara, Turkey.[Gucyetmez, B.] Int Hosp, Istanbul, Turkey.[Demirkiran, O.] Istanbul Univ, Cerrahpasa Med Sch Hosp, Istanbul, Turkey.[Senturk, E.] Istanbul Univ, Istanbul Med Fac, Istanbul, Turkey.[Ulusoy, H.] Karadeniz Tech Univ, Med Fac, Trabzon, Turkey.[Atalan, H.] Mem Atasehir Hosp, Istanbul, Turkey.[Serin, S.] Pamukkale Univ, Denizli, Turkey.[Kati, I] Yuzuncu Yil Univ, Med Fac, Van, Turkey.[Alnassrawi, Z.] Dubai Hosp, Dubai, U Arab Emirates.[Almemari, A.] Mafraq Hosp, Abu Dhabi, U Arab Emirates.[Krishnareddy, K.] Sheikh Khalifa Med City, Abu Dhabi, U Arab Emirates.[Kashef, S.] Tawam Hosp, Al Ain, U Arab Emirates.[Alsabbah, A.] City Hosp, Dubai, U Arab Emirates.[Poirier, G.] Hop Charles Lemoyne, Longueuil, PQ, Canada.[Marshall, J.] St Michaels Hosp, Toronto, ON, Canada.[Herridge, M.] Toronto Gen Hosp, Toronto, ON, Canada.[Herridge, M.] Toronto Western Hosp, Toronto, ON, Canada.[Fernandez-Medero, R.] San Juan Hosp, San Juan, PR USA.[Fulda, G.] Christiana Care Hlth Syst, Newark, DE USA.[Banschbach, S.] Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA.[Quintero, J.] El Camino Hosp, Mountain View, CA USA.[Schroeder, E.] George Washington Hosp, Washington, DC USA.[Sicoutris, C.] Hosp Univ Penn, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.[Gueret, R.] John H Stroger Hosp Cook Cty, Chicago, IL USA.[Kashyap, R.] Mayo Clin, CCM, Rochester, MN USA.[Bauer, P.] Mayo Clin, PCC, Rochester, MN USA.[Nanchal, R.] Med Coll Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226 USA.[Wunderink, R.] Northwestern Mem Hosp, Chicago, IL 60611 USA.[Jimenez, E.] Orlando Reg Med Ctr Inc, Orlando, FL USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, Washington, DC 20010 USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, 2H, Washington, DC USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, 2G, Washington, DC USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, 3H, Washington, DC USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, 3G, Washington, DC USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, 4H, Washington, DC USA.[Ryan, A.] Washington Hosp Ctr, CVRR, Washington, DC USA.[Prince, D.] Armadale Hlth Serv, Mount Nasura, WA, Australia.[Edington, J.] Bendigo Hosp, Bendigo, Vic, Australia.[Van Haren, F.] Canberra Hosp, Canberra, ACT, Australia.[Bersten, A.] Flinders Med Ctr, Bedford Pk, SA, Australia.[Hawkins, D. J.] Joondalup Hlth Campus, Joondalup, WA, Australia.[Kilminster, M.] Lismore Base Hosp, Lismore, NSW, Australia.[Sturgess, D.] Mater Adult Hosp, South Brisbane, Qld, Australia.[Ziegenfuss, M.] Prince Charles Hosp, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.[O'Connor, S.] Royal Adelaide Hosp, Adelaide, SA, Australia.[Lipman, J.] Royal Brisbane & Womens Hosp, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.[Campbell, L.] Royal Darwin Hosp, Tiwi, NT, Australia.[Mcallister, R.] Royal Hobart Hosp, Hobart, Tas, Australia.[Roberts, B.] Sir Charles Gairdner Hosp, Nedlands, WA, Australia.[Williams, P.] Queen Elizabeth Hosp, Woodville, SA, Australia.[Parke, R.] Auckland Dist Hlth Board, Auckland, New Zealand.[Seigne, P.] Christchurch Hosp, Christchurch, New Zealand.[Freebairn, R.] Hawkes Bay Hosp, Hastings, New Zealand.[Nistor, D.] Palmerston North Hosp, Midcent Hlth, Palmerston North, New Zealand.[Oxley, C.] Middlemore Hosp, Auckland, New Zealand.[Young, P.] Wellington Hosp, Wellington, New Zealand.[Valentini, R.] Cemic, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.[Wainsztein, N.] Fleni, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.[Comignani, P.] Hosp Aleman, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.[Casaretto, M.] Hosp Cent San Isidro, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.[Sutton, G.] Hosp Fernandez, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.[Villegas, P.] Hosp Francisco Lopez Lima Area Programa Gen Roca, Gen Roca, Argentina.[Galletti, C.] Sanatorio Allende, Cordoba, Argentina.[Neira, J.] Sanatorio Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.[Rovira, D.] Sanatorio Julio Corzo Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.[Hidalgo, J.] Karl Heusner Mem Hosp, Belize City, Belize.[Hidalgo, J.] Belize Healthcare Partner, Belize City, Belize.[Sandi, F.] Hosp Obrero 1, La Paz, Bolivia.[Caser, E.] Cias Unimed Vitoria, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.[Thompson, M.] Evangelical Hosp Cachoeiro De Itapemirim, Cachoeiro De Itapemirim, Brazil.[D'agostino Dias, M.] Hosp 9 Julho, Sao Paulo, Brazil.[Fontes, L.] Hosp Alcides Carneiro, Petropolis, Brazil.[Lunardi, M.] Hosp Clin Luzia De Pinho Melo, Mogi Das Cruzes, Brazil.[Youssef, N.] Hosp Nacoes Curitiba, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.[Lobo, S.] Hosp Base Famerp, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, Brazil.[Silva, R.] Hosp Clin Niteroi, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil.[Sales Jr, J.] Hosp Clin Padre Miguel, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.[Madeira Campos Melo, L.] Hosp Terapia Intens, Sao Paulo, Brazil.[Oliveira, M.] Hosp Trabalhador, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.[Fonte, M.] Hosp Esperanza, Olinda, PE, Brazil.[Grion, C.] Hosp Evangel Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.[Feijo, C.] Hosp Geral Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.[Rezende, V] Hosp Geral Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil.[Assuncao, M.] Hosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil.[Neves, A.] Hosp Mater Dei, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.[Gusman, P.; Dalcomune, D.] Hosp Meridional, Cariacica, ES, Brazil.[Teixeira, C.] Hosp Moinhos Vento, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.[Kaefer, K.] Hosp Municipal Ruth Cardoso, Balneario, Brazil.[Maia, I] Hosp Nereu Ramos, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.[Souza Dantas, V] Hosp Pasteur, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.[Costa Filho, R.] Hosp Pro Cardiaco, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.[Amorim, F.] Hosp Reg Samambaia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.[Assef, M.] Hosp Reg Hans Dieter Schmidt, Joinville, Brazil.[Schiavetto, P.] Hosp Santa Casa Campo Mourao, Campo Mourao, PR, Brazil.[Houly, J.] Hosp Santa Paula, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.[Houly, J.] Hosp Santapaula, Sao Paulo, Brazil.[Bianchi, F.] Hosp Sao Jose Avai, Itaperuna, RJ, Brazil.[Dias, F.] Hosp Sao Lucas Pucrs, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.[Avila, C.] Hosp Sao Vicente Paula, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.[Gomez, J.] Hosp Sao Vicente Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.[Rego, L.] Hosp Saude Mulher, Belem, Para, Brazil.[Castro, P.] Hosp Tacchini, Bento Goncalves, RS, Brazil.[Passos, J.] Hosp Unimed Costa Do Sol Macae Rj, Macae, RJ, Brazil.[Mendes, C.] Hosp Univ Ufpb Joao Pessoa, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil.[Grion, C.] Hosp Univ Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.[Colozza Mecatti, G.] Hosp Univ Sao Francisco, Braganca Paulista, SP, Brazil.[Ferrreira, M.] Santa Casa Caridade Diamantina, Diamantina, MG, Brazil.[Irineu, V] Santa Casa Misericordia Tatui, Tatui, Brazil.[Guerreiro, M.] Sao Francisco de Paula Hosp, Sao Francisco De Paula, RS, Brazil.[Ugarte, S.] Clin Indisa, Providencia, Chile.[Tomicic, V] Clin Las Lilas, Providencia, Chile.[Godoy, C.] Hosp Carlos Van Buren, Valparaiso, Chile.[Samaniego, W.] Hosp Trabajador Santiago, Santiago, Chile.[Escamilla, I] Hosp El Pino, San Bernardo, Chile.[Escamilla, I] Hosp Mutual De Seguridad, Santiago, Chile.[Castro Castro, L.] Ctr Med Imbanaco, Valle Del Cauca, Colombia.[Libreros Duque, G.] Clin Colombia Cali, Cali, Colombia.[Diaz-Guio, D.] Clin Del Cafe, Armenia, Colombia.[Benitez, F.] Clin La Estancia SA, Popayan, Colombia.[Guerra Urrego, A.] Clin Medellin, Medellin, Colombia.[Buitrago, R.] Fdn Clin Shaio, Bogota, Colombia.[Ortiz, G.] Hosp Santa Clara, Bogota, Colomb