Boosting the accuracy of existing models by updating and extending: using a multicenter COVID-19 ICU cohort as a proxy.

Most published prediction models for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were poorly reported, at high risk of bias, and heterogeneous in model performance. To tackle methodological challenges faced in previous prediction studies, we investigated whether model updating and extending improves mortality prediction, using the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as a proxy. All COVID-19 patients admitted to seven ICUs in the Euregio-Meuse Rhine during the first pandemic wave were included.

Comparative Study Between Single-limb Versus One-and-a-Half Hip Spica Cast in Fracture Femur in Young Children.

Introduction: Femoral fractures account for ∼1% to 2% of all pediatric bone injuries and are a common occurrence in children. The conservative approach, employing either a single or one-and-a-half spica casts, has been traditionally favored, yielding satisfactory outcomes in select cases. This study aims to compare both procedures regarding functional and radiologic outcomes, complications, and parents' satisfaction.

Predicting COVID-19 prognosis in the ICU remained challenging: external validation in a multinational regional cohort.

Objectives: Many prediction models for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been developed. External validation is mandatory before implementation in the intensive care unit (ICU). We selected and validated prognostic models in the Euregio Intensive Care COVID (EICC) cohort.

Sol-Gel Synthesized High Entropy Metal Oxides as High-Performance Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Oxidation.

Hexanary high-entropy oxides (HEOs) were synthesized through the mechanochemical sol-gel method for electrocatalytic water oxidation reaction (WOR). As-synthesized catalysts were subjected to characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the oxide systems exhibited sharp diffraction peaks in XRD patterns indicating the defined crystal structure.

Assessment of Human Factors After Advanced Life Support Courses Comparing Simulated Team and Real Team Assessment: A Randomized Controlled Cohort Trial.

Aim: Human factors are essential for high-quality resuscitation team collaboration and are, therefore, taught in international advanced life support courses, but their assessment differs widely. In Europe, the summative life support course assessment tests mainly adhere to guidelines but few human factors. This randomized controlled simulation trial investigated instructors' and course participants' perceptions of human factors assessment after two different summative assessments.

Experimental validation of a mean systemic pressure analog against zero-flow measurements in porcine VA-ECMO.

The mean systemic pressure analog (Pmsa), calculated from running hemodynamic data, estimates mean systemic filling pressure (MSFP). This post hoc study used data from a porcine veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) model [ = 9; ; ES breed (Schweizer Edelschwein)] with eight experimental conditions; Euvolemia [a volume state where ECMO flow produced normal mixed venous saturation (SO) without vascular collapse]; three levels of increasing norepinephrine infusion (Vasoconstriction 1-3); status after stopping norepinephrine (Post Vasoconstriction); and three steps of volume expansion (10 mL/kg crystalloid bolus) (Volume Expansion 1-3). In each condition, Pmsa and a "reduced-pump-speed-Pmsa" (Pmsa) were calculated from baseline and briefly reduced pump speeds, respectively.

Better COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit survival in females, independent of age, disease severity, comorbidities, and treatment.

Although male Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patients have higher Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission rates and a worse disease course, a comprehensive analysis of female and male ICU survival and underlying factors such as comorbidities, risk factors, and/or anti-infection/inflammatory therapy administration is currently lacking. Therefore, we investigated the association between sex and ICU survival, adjusting for these and other variables. In this multicenter observational cohort study, all patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to seven ICUs in one region across Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany, and requiring vital organ support during the first pandemic wave were included.

Haematological profiles of Indonesian fat-tailed sheep under different physiological conditions.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of sex, age, feed and physiological conditions on the haematological profiles of Indonesian fat-tailed sheep. A total of 32 healthy Indonesian fat-tailed sheep in different physiological states (i.e.

Differences and Similarities Among COVID-19 Patients Treated in Seven ICUs in Three Countries Within One Region: An Observational Cohort Study.

Objectives: To investigate healthcare system-driven variation in general characteristics, interventions, and outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to the ICU within one Western European region across three countries.

Design: Multicenter observational cohort study.

Setting: Seven ICUs in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, one region across Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.

The role of cardiac testing with the 0/1-hour high-sensitivity cardiac troponin algorithm evaluating for acute myocardial infarction.

Background: The role of cardiac testing in the 3 zones (rule-out, observation, and rule-in) of the 0/1-hour algorithm to evaluate for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been well studied. This study evaluated the 0/1-hour algorithm with a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnI) assay and investigated cardiac testing in the 3 zones.

Methods: Patients (n = 552) at a single urban center were enrolled if they were evaluated for AMI.

The "sex gap" in COVID-19 trials: a scoping review.

Background: Many studies investigate the role of pharmacological treatments on disease course in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Sex disparities in genetics, immunological responses, and hormonal mechanisms may underlie the substantially higher fatality rates reported in male COVID-19 patients. To optimise care for COVID-19 patients, prophylactic and therapeutic studies should include sex-specific design and analyses.

Unprotected discharge: absence of stroke prevention strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation admitted for bleeding.

Purpose: Patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) on anticoagulation (AC) for stroke prevention are at an increased risk of bleeding. A common clinical dilemma is deciding when to safely restart AC following a bleed. Although studies have shown better outcomes with re-initiation of AC after hemostasis, there are clinical barriers to restarting AC.

Diffuse B Cell Lymphoma Leading to Complete Heart Block: Is This Transient or Permanent?

BACKGROUND Cardiac lymphomas can lead to heart block through tumor disruption of the cardiac conduction system. It is reported that with cardiac tumor treatment, conduction abnormalities can resolve. We present a case of cardiac lymphoma resulting in complete heart block requiring a pacemaker, followed by reduction of the pacing burden after chemotherapy.

Defense mechanisms to increasing back pressure for hepatic oxygen transport and venous return in porcine fecal peritonitis.

High central venous pressure (CVP) acutely decreases venous return. How this affects hepatic oxygen transport in sepsis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated increases in CVP via standard nursing procedures (NPs) on hepato-splanchnic and renal oxygen transport in a prolonged porcine sepsis model.

Effects of Trendelenburg position and increased airway pressure on hepatic regional blood flow of normal and resected liver.

High portal venous blood flow (Qpv) may contribute to posthepatectomy liver failure. Both Trendelenburg position (TP) and elevated airway pressure (Paw) increase backpressure to venous return and may thereby reduce Qpv. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of TP and increased Paw on hepatosplanchnic hemodynamics before and after major liver resection.

Dual blockade of PI3K and MEK in combination with radiation in head and neck cancer.

Background And Purpose: In this study we have combined fractionated radiation treatment (RT) with two molecular targeted agents active against key deregulated signaling pathways in head and neck cancer.

Materials And Methods: We used two molecularly characterized, low passage HNSCC cell lines of differing biological characteristics to study the effects of binimetinib and buparlisib in combination with radiation and .

Results: Buparlisib was active against both cell lines whereas binimetinib was more toxic to UT-SCC-14.

The Effects of Vasoconstriction And Volume Expansion on Veno-Arterial ECMO Flow.

Background: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is gaining widespread use in the treatment of severe cardiorespiratory failure. Blood volume expansion is commonly used to increase ECMO flow (QECMO), with risk of positive fluid balance and worsening prognosis. We studied the effects of vasoconstriction on recruitment of blood volume as an alternative for increasing QECMO, based on the concepts of venous return.

The significance of Trk receptors in pancreatic cancer.

This study investigated the Trk receptor family as a therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and assessed their prognostic significance. Global gene expression analysis was investigated in prospectively collected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas that had either undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiation or were treated by surgery. PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa-2 cell lines were investigated to establish whether fractionated radiation altered expression of four neuroendocrine genes and whether this resulted in subsequent changes in radiosensitivity.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Depiction of dentatorubrothalamic tract fibers in patients with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis in deep brain stimulation.

Background: We wanted to depict fibers of the dentatorubrothalamic tract in patients with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis in order to use this knowledge for clinical routine and to show its relation to the corticospinal tract for deep brain stimulation. Fibers of these white matter tracts were depicted between February 2014 and February 2015 in nine patients of all ages. There were seven men and two women.

Visualization of the medial forebrain bundle using diffusion tensor imaging.

Diffusion tensor imaging is a technique that enables physicians the portrayal of white matter tracts in vivo. We used this technique in order to depict the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in 15 consecutive patients between 2012 and 2015. Men and women of all ages were included.

Diffusion tensor imaging--arcuate fasciculus and the importance for the neurosurgeon.

Objective: Tumors in eloquent areas of the brain like Broca or Wernicke might have disastrous consequences for patients. We intended to visualize the arcuate fasciculus (AF) and to demonstrate his relation with the corticospinal tract and the visual pathway using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods: We depicted between 2012 and 2014 the AF in 71 patients.