Comments on the draft proposal to emend the Code with respect to trace fossils

In the recent proposal to clarify the meaning of the term ichnotaxon, Bertling et al. (2003) suggested that the Glossary definition of 'work of an animal' should be emended. To supplement the proposed definition of trace fossil, the draft included clearly worded lists of structures that qualify as trace fossils and otherwise. In the proposal, fossil cocoons, pupal cases, plant galls and spider webs are considered to be animal products instead of true trace fossils. However, a vigorous general discussion in the ichnologic community in July and August 2003 (Skolithos, 2003) resulted in a consensus that these terms include some structures that qualify as trace fossils, suggesting the need to refine the wording further. Such refinement is proposed herein to reduce ambiguity between trace and body fossils, delineating a sharper boundary around the ichnological realm.Fil: Genise, Jorge Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Bertling, Markus. University of Münster; AlemaniaFil: Braddy, Simon J.. Geological Institute; DinamarcaFil: Bromley, Richard G.. Geological Institute; DinamarcaFil: Mikulás, Radek. Institute of Geology; República ChecaFil: Nielsen,K.S.S.. Geological Institute; DinamarcaFil: Rindsberg, Andrew K.. Geological Survey of Alabama; Estados UnidosFil: Schlirf, Michael. Institute for Plaeontology; AlemaniaFil: Uchman, Alfred. Institute of Geological Sciences; Poloni

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

Background: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien\u2013Dindo classification system. Results: A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9\ub72 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4\u20137) and 7 (6\u20138) days respectively (P < 0\ub7001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6\ub76 versus 8\ub70 per cent; P = 0\ub7499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0\ub790, 95 per cent c.i. 0\ub755 to 1\ub746; P = 0\ub7659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34\ub77 versus 39\ub75 per cent; major 3\ub73 versus 3\ub74 per cent; P = 0\ub7110). Conclusion: Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients