Gdańsk Medical University

About: Gdańsk Medical University is a education organization based out in Gdańsk, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 4893 authors who have published 11216 publications receiving 260523 citations.

COSMOS: the dialysis scenario of CKD–MBD in Europe

Abstract: Background. Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorders (CKD–MBD) are important complications of CKD5D patients that are associated with mortality. Methods. COSMOS is a multicentre, open cohort, prospective, observational 3-year study carried out in haemodialysis patients from 20 European countries during 2005–07. The present article describes the main characteristics of the European dialysis population, the current practice for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism and the differences across different European regions. Results. The haemodialysis population in Europe is an aged population (mean age 64.8 ± 14.2 years) with a high prevalence of diabetes (29.5%) and cardiovascular disease (76.0%), and 28.7% of patients have been on haemodialysis more than 5 years. Patients from the former Eastern countries are younger (59.3 ± 14.3 versus 66.0 ± 13.9), having a lower proportion of diabetics (24.1 versus 30.7%). There were relevant differences in the frequency of measurement of the main CKD–MBD biochemical parameters [Ca, P and parathyroid hormone (PTH)] and the Eastern countries showed a poorer control of these biochemical parameters (K/DOQI and K/DIGO targets). Overall, 48.0% of the haemodialysis patients received active vitamin D treatment. Calcitriol use doubled that of alfacalcidiol in the Mediterranean countries, whereas the opposite was found in the non-Mediterranean countries. The criteria followed to perform parathyroidectomy were different across Europe. In the Mediterranean countries, the level of serum PTH considered to perform parathyroidectomy was higher than in non-Mediterranean countries; as a result, in the latter, more parathyroidectomies were performed in the year previous to inclusion to COSMOS. Conclusions. The COSMOS baseline results show important differences across Europe in the management of CKD–MBD.

Pathophysiology of ageing, longevity and age related diseases

Abstract: On April 18, 2007 an international meeting on Pathophysiology of Ageing, Longevity and Age-Related Diseases was held in Palermo, Italy. Several interesting topics on Cancer, Immunosenescence, Age-related inflammatory diseases and longevity were discussed. In this report we summarize the most important issues. However, ageing must be considered an unavoidable end point of the life history of each individual, nevertheless the increasing knowledge on ageing mechanisms, allows envisaging many different strategies to cope with, and delay it. So, a better understanding of pathophysiology of ageing and age-related disease is essential for giving everybody a reasonable chance for living a long and enjoyable final part of the life.

Fatal accidents and injuries among merchant seafarers worldwide

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The British merchant fleet has expanded in recent years but it is not known whether this expansion has led to proportionate changes in mortality.AIMS: To investigate mortality from accidents and injuries in British merchant shipping, to determine whether this has increased in recent years, to compare fatal accident rates across British industries and to review fatal accident rates in merchant shipping worldwide over the last 70 years.METHODS: Examinations of marine accident investigation files, death registers and death inquiry files, national mortality statistics, worldwide surveys and review methodology. The main outcome measure was the fatal accident rate per 100 000 worker-years.RESULTS: Of 66 deaths in British shipping from 2003 to 2012, 49 were caused by accidents, which largely affected deck ratings. The fatal accident rate in British shipping increased by 4.7% per annum from 2003, although this was not significant (95% confidence interval: -5.1 to 15.6%). During 2003-12, the fatal accident rate in shipping (14.5 per 100 000) was 21 times that in the general British workforce, 4.7 times that in the construction industry and 13 times that in manufacturing. Of 20 merchant fleets worldwide with population-based fatal accident rates, most have shown large reductions over time.CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of the British merchant fleet in recent years does not appear to have had a major impact on fatal accidents. Further preventive measures should target fatalities during mooring and towing operations. Internationally, most shipping fleets have over time experienced large decreases in fatal accident rates. Language: en