Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Validation of a novel non-hyperaemic index of coronary artery stenosis severity: the Resting Full-cycle Ratio (VALIDATE RFR) study.

Abstract: AIMS: Randomised controlled trials have reported instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) to be non-inferior to fractional flow reserve (FFR) for major adverse cardiovascular events at one year; however, iFR is limited by sensitive landmarking of the pressure waveform, and the assumption that maximal flow and minimal resistance occur during a fixed period of diastole We sought to validate the resting full-cycle ratio (RFR), a novel non-hyperaemic index of coronary stenosis severity based on unbiased identification of the lowest distal coronary pressure to aortic pressure ratio (Pd/Pa), independent of the ECG, landmark identification, and timing within the cardiac cycle METHODS AND RESULTS: VALIDATE-RFR was a retrospective study designed to derive and validate the RFR The primary endpoint was the agreement between RFR and iFR RFR was retrospectively determined in 651 waveforms in which iFR was measured using a proprietary Philips/Volcano wire RFR was highly correlated to iFR (R2=099, p<0001), with a mean bias of -0002 (95% limits of agreement -0023 to 0020) The diagnostic performance of RFR versus iFR was diagnostic accuracy 974%, sensitivity 982%, specificity 969%, positive predictive value 945%, negative predictive value 990%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0996, and diagnostically equivalent within 1% (mean difference -0002; 95% CI: -0009 to 0006, p=003) The RFR was detected outside diastole in 122% (341/2,790) of all cardiac cycles and 324% (167/516) of cardiac cycles in the right coronary artery where the sensitivity of iFR compared to FFR was lowest (406%) CONCLUSIONS: RFR is diagnostically equivalent to iFR but unbiased in its ability to detect the lowest Pd/Pa during the full cardiac cycle, potentially unmasking physiologically significant coronary stenoses that would be missed by assessment dedicated to specific segments of the cardiac cycle

Notch and the Skeleton

Abstract: Notch receptors are transmembrane receptors that regulate cell fate decisions. There are four Notch receptors in mammals. Upon binding to members of the Delta and Jagged family of transmembrane proteins, Notch is cleaved and the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) is released. NICD then translocates to the nucleus, where it associates with the CBF-1, Suppressor of Hairless, and Lag-2 (CSL) and Mastermind-Like (MAML) proteins. This complex activates the transcription of Notch target genes, such as Hairy Enhancer of Split (Hes) and Hes-related with YRPF motif (Hey). Notch signaling is critical for the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Misexpression of Notch in skeletal tissue indicates a role as an inhibitor of skeletal development and postnatal bone formation. Overexpression of Notch inhibits endochondral bone formation and osteoblastic differentiation, causing severe osteopenia. Conditional inactivation of Notch in the skeleton causes an increase in cancellous bone volume and enhanced osteoblastic differentiation. Notch ligands are expressed in the hematopoietic stem cell niche and are critical for the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. Dysregulation of Notch signaling is the underlying cause of diseases affecting the skeletal tissue, including Alagille syndrome, spondylocostal dysostosis, and possibly, osteosarcoma.

Religiosity and spirituality in entrepreneurship: a review and research agenda

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to review the influences of spirituality and religiosity within the field of entrepreneurship. We review nearly 30 articles, exploring the dominant empirical contributions that exist within this emergent research area. Several main focus areas from the prevailing research are organized into a comprehensive framework that provides the foundation for further discussion and synthesis. Shortcomings and limitations to the field and an agenda for future research that contributes to our understanding of religion and spirituality within the realm of entrepreneurship are presented.

Effects of fibroblast growth factors on deoxyribonucleic acid and collagen synthesis in rat parietal bone cells.

Abstract: Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and basic FGF (bFGF) are related molecules that are extractable from bone matrix and may be important in the maintenance of normal bone physiology. The influence of each agent on DNA and protein synthesis was studied using bone-derived primary cell cultures. Both forms of FGF were relatively more mitogenic for bone cell populations with fewer osteoblastic (Ob) characteristics than for Ob-enriched cultures. However, in the Ob cultures, bFGF was intrinsically 10-fold more stimulatory than aFGF, whereas heparin enhanced the mitotic response only to aFGF. An optimal dose of either aFGF or bFGF (100 ng/ml) decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and increased the rate of noncollagen and collagen protein synthesis in Ob cultures. The stimulatory effect was relatively greater on noncollagen than on collagen synthesis, which resulted in a decrease in percent collagen synthesis. Neither factor altered the rate of collagen degradation. Furthermore, hydroxyurea diminished, but did not prevent, the stimulatory effect of each factor on rates of protein synthesis. In contrast, polyacrylamide gel analysis of newly synthesized protein and Northern blot analysis of steady state alpha 1 type I procollagen mRNA indicated differential effects by each agent on procollagen synthesis and processing. These studies suggest that the FGFs may produce their effects on Ob cells through both shared and disparate mechanisms, with the net result being a decrease in the expression of the osteoblastic phenotype.

Thirty-Day Outcomes Support Implementation of a Surgical Safety Checklist

Abstract: Background Thirty-day postoperative complications from unintended harm adversely affect patients and their families and increase institutional health care costs. A surgical checklist is an inexpensive tool that will facilitate effective communication and teamwork. Surgical team training has demonstrated the opportunity for stakeholders to professionally engage one another through leveling of the authority gradient to prevent patient harm. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database is an outcomes reporting tool capable of validating the use of surgical checklists. Study Design Three 60-minute team training sessions were conducted and participants were oriented to the use of a comprehensive surgical checklist. The surgical team used the checklist for high-risk procedures selected from those analyzed for the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Trained observers assessed the checklist completion and collected data about perioperative communication and safety-compromising events. Results Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were compared for 2,079 historical control cases, 246 cases without checklist use, and 73 cases with checklist use. Overall completion of the checklist sections was 97.26%. Comparison of 30-day morbidity demonstrated a statistically significant (p = 0.000) reduction in overall adverse event rates from 23.60% for historical control cases and 15.90% in cases with only team training, to 8.20% in cases with checklist use. Conclusions Use of a comprehensive surgical safety checklist and implementation of a structured team training curriculum produced a statistically significant decrease in 30-day morbidity. Adoption of a comprehensive checklist is feasible with team training intervention and can produce measurable improvements in patient outcomes.