Control of amplitude chimeras by time delay in oscillator networks.

We investigate the influence of time-delayed coupling in a ring network of nonlocally coupled Stuart-Landau oscillators upon chimera states, i.e., space-time patterns with coexisting partially coherent and partially incoherent domains.

Dispersion analysis of arbitrarily cut orthorhombic crystals.

We developed a measurement and evaluation scheme to perform dispersion analysis on arbitrarily cut orthorhombic crystals based on the schemes developed for triclinic and uniaxial crystals. As byproduct of dispersion analysis the orientations of the crystal axes are found. In contrast to the spectra of arbitrarily cut uniaxial crystals, where the fit routine has to separate two independent principal spectra, the spectra of arbitrarily cut orthorhombic crystals are a combination of three independent spectra and the evaluation scheme gets more complex.

Dynamic time warping assessment of high-resolution melt curves provides a robust metric for fungal identification.

Fungal infections are a global problem imposing considerable disease burden. One of the unmet needs in addressing these infections is rapid, sensitive diagnostics. A promising molecular diagnostic approach is high-resolution melt analysis (HRM).

Can we predict obstetric anal sphincter injury?

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify primiparous pregnant women with a higher risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) based on obstetric characteristics (risk factors).

Study Design: In the retrospective case control study primiparous women were examined using endoanal ultrasonography (EUS) for OASIS identification 6-12 weeks after delivery. Obstetric characteristics for OASIS were collected from the mothers' medical records.

Emergence of Exploratory, Technical and Tactical Behavior in Small-Sided Soccer Games when Manipulating the Number of Teammates and Opponents.

The effects that different constraints have on the exploratory behavior, measured by the variety and quantity of different responses within a game situation, is of the utmost importance for successful performance in team sports. The aim of this study was to determine how the number of teammates and opponents affects the exploratory behavior of both professional and amateur players in small-sided soccer games. Twenty-two professional (age 25.

Thrombus Aspiration in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Individual Patient Meta-Analysis: Thrombectomy Trialists Collaboration.

Background: Thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been widely used; however, recent trials have questioned its value and safety. In this meta-analysis, we, the trial investigators, aimed to pool the individual patient data from these trials to determine the benefits and risks of thrombus aspiration during PCI in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods: Included were large (n≥1000), randomized, controlled trials comparing manual thrombectomy and PCI alone in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Quantitative assessment of metal elements using moss species as biomonitors in downwind area of lead-zinc mine.

Distributions of a total of 21 elements were monitored in significantly lead-zinc polluted area using moss species (Hypnum cupressiforme and Camptothecium lutescens) used interchangeably, covering a denser sampling network. Interspecies comparison was conducted using Box-Cox transformed values, due to their skewed distribution. The median concentrations of trace elements in the both mosses examined decreased in the following order: Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni∼Cr∼As>Co>Cd>Hg.

External validation of multidimensional prognostic indices (ADO, BODEx and DOSE) in a primary care international cohort (PROEPOC/COPD cohort).

Background: Due to the heterogeneous and systemic nature of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the new guidelines are oriented toward individualized attention. Multidimensional scales could facilitate its proper clinical and prognostic assessment, but not all of them were validated in an international primary care cohort, different from the original ones used for model development. Therefore, our main aim is to assess the prognostic capacity of the ADO, BODEx and DOSE indices in primary care for predicting mortality in COPD patients and to validate the models obtained in subgroups of patients, classified by revised Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (2011) and updated Spanish Guideline (2014).

Dispersion analysis with inverse dielectric function modelling.

We investigate how dispersion analysis can profit from the use of a Lorentz-type description of the inverse dielectric function. In particular at higher angles of incidence, reflectance spectra using p-polarized light are dominated by bands from modes that have their transition moments perpendicular to the surface. Accordingly, the spectra increasingly resemble inverse dielectric functions.

Respiratory hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs in Europe: the global allergy and asthma network (GA LEN) survey.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most prevalent drugs inducing hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence of NSAID-induced respiratory symptoms in population across Europe and to assess its association with upper and lower respiratory tract disorders.

Methods: The GA LEN survey was conducted in 22 centers in 15 European countries.

Myocardial blush and microvascular reperfusion following manual thrombectomy during percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction: insights from the TOTAL trial.

Aims: Thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been thought to be an effective therapy to prevent distal embolization and improve microvascular perfusion. The TOTAL trial (N = 10 732), a randomized trial of routine manual thrombectomy vs. PCI alone in STEMI, showed no difference in the primary efficacy outcome.

Separation of heavy metal from water samples--The study of the synthesis of complex compounds of heavy metal with dithiocarbamates.

The toxicity and persistence of heavy metal (HM) ions may cause several problems to marine organisms and human beings. For this reason, it is growing the interest in the chemistry of sulphur donor ligands such as dithiocarbamates (DDTC), due to their applications particularly in analytical chemistry sciences. The aim of this work has been the study of heavy metal complexes with DDTC and their application in separation techniques for the preconcentration and/or removing of heavy metals from the water solutions or the water ecosystems prior to their analysis.

Outcomes after thrombus aspiration for ST elevation myocardial infarction: 1-year follow-up of the prospective randomised TOTAL trial.

Background: Two large trials have reported contradictory results at 1 year after thrombus aspiration in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In a 1-year follow-up of the largest randomised trial of thrombus aspiration, we aimed to clarify the longer-term benefits, to help guide clinical practice.

Methods: The trial of routine aspiration ThrOmbecTomy with PCI versus PCI ALone in Patients with STEMI (TOTAL) was a prospective, randomised, investigator-initiated trial of routine manual thrombectomy versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone in 10,732 patients with STEMI.

Stroke in the TOTAL trial: a randomized trial of routine thrombectomy vs. percutaneous coronary intervention alone in ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Aims: TOTAL (N = 10 732), a randomized trial of routine manual thrombectomy vs. percutaneous coronary intervention alone in ST elevation myocardial infarction, showed no difference in the primary efficacy outcome but a significant increase in stroke. We sought to understand these findings.

Cystathionine gamma-lyase of perivascular adipose tissue with reversed regulatory effect in diabetic rat artery.

The aim of this study is to reveal the regulatory role of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), the main source of hydrogen sulphide (HS) in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Animals with glucose levels above 20 mmol/L were determined as diabetic.

Randomized trial of primary PCI with or without routine manual thrombectomy.

Background: During primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), manual thrombectomy may reduce distal embolization and thus improve microvascular perfusion. Small trials have suggested that thrombectomy improves surrogate and clinical outcomes, but a larger trial has reported conflicting results.

Methods: We randomly assigned 10,732 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary PCI to a strategy of routine upfront manual thrombectomy versus PCI alone.

Renal replacement therapy in Europe: a summary of the 2011 ERA-EDTA Registry Annual Report.

Background: This article provides a summary of the 2011 ERA-EDTA Registry Annual Report (available at www.era-edta-reg.org).

Editorial policies and background in editing Macedonian Medical Review and BANTAO journal.

Even in as small a country as R. Macedonia with limited resources allocated for science, there are many journals trying to establish good editorial practices and policies in publishing the scientific work achieved. Among the currently existing medical journals Macedonian Medical Review (MMR), ISSN 0025-1097, deserves to be elaborated as the oldest journal with continuous publication since its first appearance as the journal of the Macedonian Medical Association (MMA).

Vascular access in hemodialyis patients - registry data.

Background: The use of arteriovenous fistula over a central venous catheter in hemodialysis patients is recommended whenever possible. It has become the gold standard among all the available permanent vascular accesses for hemodialysis as it is associated with less complications. The aim of our study was to analyze the type of vascular access in hemodialysis patients in our country, FYR of Macedonia and to see its association with other variables recorded by the National Renal Registry in 2009.

Timing of nephrology referral and initiation of dialysis as predictors for survival in hemodialysis patients: 5-year follow-up analysis.

Background: A consensus about the optimal timing of dialysis initiation is still controversial. Thus, the goal of this analysis was to compare outcomes in patients with early and late referral with early and late initiation of hemodialysis (HD).

Methods: We studied 190 patients (mean age 52.

Use of vascular access for haemodialysis in Europe: a report from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

Background: Although arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are actively promoted, their use at the start of haemodialysis (HD) seems to be decreasing worldwide. In this paper, we describe recent trends in incidence and prevalence of vascular access types in Europe from 2005 to 2009 and their relationship with patient characteristics and survival.

Methods: Ten European renal registries participating in the ERA-EDTA Registry provided data on incidence (n = 13,044) and/or prevalence (n = 75,715) of vascular access types.

Dementia and depression in older adults: a southeast European perspective: summary of a dementia psychogeriatric symposium held in Ohrid, Macedonia, 23 May 2013.

We present a report on the recent symposium on dementia and depression in older adults, held in Ohrid, Macedonia and discuss the urgent need for development of psychogeriatric and affiliated services in the Southeast European region. The limited epidemiological data from nine countries in this region suggest high variability of prevalence rates for mental health problems in older adults (>65 years of age). At the moment, there are over 520,000 older adults in the region living with dementia alone.

Amplitude death in oscillator networks with variable-delay coupling.

We study the conditions of amplitude death in a network of delay-coupled limit cycle oscillators by including time-varying delay in the coupling and self-feedback. By generalizing the master stability function formalism to include variable-delay connections with high-frequency delay modulations (i.e.

Successful management of ustekinumab-induced pustular psoriasis without therapy discontinuation.

We present a 34-year-old female patient with methotrexate unresponsive longstanding plaque psoriasis who developed pustular psoriasis ten weeks after initiation of ustekinumab therapy. Given the lack of other side effects and the rapid initial response of the underlying plaque psoriasis, we opted against discontinuing ustekinumab therapy. Topical corticosteroids were added for the management of pustular lesions on initial presentation.