Contemporary Profile Research Articles

Abstract 4113961: Contemporary Guideline Directed Medical Therapy in Heart Failure in Clinical Practice - Results from the EMPACE Study

Background: Guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure (HF) evolves, incorporating newer therapies such as SGLT2i within recommendations for HFmrEF and HFpEF. Understanding the contemporary profile of real-world HF patients, in combination with real-world utilization of GDMT, is important for informing GDMT implementation and quality improvement strategies. The EMPACE study aims to improve our comprehension of HF GDMT utilization in real-world settings during post-2020 . Objectives: To describe baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, including baseline treatments, of patients with HF hospitalization (HHF). Methods: This non-interventional, retrospective cohort study used patient data standardized to the OMOP Common Data Model from the Optum Market Clarity, an integrated EHR and Claims database in the U.S. The study period spanned from Jun-2020 to Oct-2023. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of HF during hospitalization were stratified by HF phenotypes (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF) based on left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Results: A total of 30,762 patients with HHF were included (74% HFrEF, 4% HFmrEF, and 22% HFpEF). The mean age was 70.1 years, 60% were male, mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m 2 , and mean eGFR was 58.7 mL/min/1.73m 2 . Of them, 72% had a history of HF and 43% has been previously hospitalized for HF in the past 1 year. The prevalence of baseline comorbidities was as follows: hypertension (90%), coronary artery disease (54%), chronic kidney disease (38%), atrial fibrillation (40%), peripheral artery disease (9%), stroke history (9%), and end-stage renal disease (1%). Medication prior to HF hospitalization are described in the figure 1. Overall, prior comorbidities and HF medication use in the last 365 days prior to HHF were similar between all HHF patients and the HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF phenotypes, except for the lower use of MRA and ARNI in HFmrEF, and HFpEF patients. Conclusion: This study showed a high comorbidity burden and a low utilization of many GDMT prior to hospitalization, especially for novel GDMT (ARNI and SGLT2i) and in HFmrEF and HFpEF. Despite many medications having a varying strength of guideline recommendation depending on EF, absolute differences in rates of GDMT utilization were relatively small across the EF phenotypes. Across the spectrum of EF, further efforts are needed to improve use of GDMT and reduce the missed opportunities for GDMT implementation that are occurring prior to HHF.

An invisible heritage. Company books and "bookhood" in the Italian case

This contribution sets out to frame the phenomenon of company books and its con- temporary evolution in Italy in the context of corporate publishing and communication. Corporate history books, biographies and other kinds of editions are promoted by organizations to preserve and communicate their own corporate history, identity and heritage to stakeholders. Despite representing a distinctive and long-standing pub- lishing genre, corporate monographs remain a singular case of "books-no books" affected by a fundamental inattention and prejudice about their literary and docu- mentary quality. The historic and contemporary profiles of this sector are retraced and compared through a focused review of several field studies and literary "classics" concerning the Italian case. Indeed, books stand among the most refined, highly performing but also most complex media to be used, in absolute terms, by companies and profes- sionals, who are being called upon to rediscover and learn how to drive such a pow- erful technology of communication, one that has a long life ahead of it yet.

Contemporary profile of infective endocarditis in young patients in the era of ageing population: a comparative study

Abstract Aim The aim of the study is to describe the main differences in epidemiological characteristics, clinical features and prognosis between IE patients aged <50 and ≥50 years. Methods A total of 1935 episodes of IE were prospectively recruited at three tertiary centres from 1996 to 2022. Patients were classified into two groups: <50 years (n=333, median age 40 [IQR 33-45] and ≥50 years (n=1602, median age 71 [IQR 64-78]). Variables related to epidemiology, microbiology, echocardiography and outcomes among both groups were analysed. Results The proportion of male patients was higher in those <50 years (73.9% vs 64%; p<0.001). Patients aged ≥50 years had more comorbidities. Time to diagnosis was longer in this group of patients (6.2 ± 1.5 vs 21.7 ± 14.12 days; p<0.001). Proportion of community-acquired IE was higher in <50-year episodes (64.4% vs 81%; p<0.001). Intravenous drug use (IVU) was significantly more frequent in younger patients (22.6% vs 0.5%; p<0.001). Likewise, tricuspid native valve IE was more common in patients <50 years old (16.6% vs 4%; p<0.001). Congenital heart disease (17.2% vs 2.7%; p<0.001) and mitral valve prolapse (6.3% vs 3.8%; p=0.041) were more frequent in patients aged<50 years. Conversely, prosthetic valve IE (38.4% vs 20.7%; p<0.001) was more common in patients >50 years. Streptococcus bovis (0.9% vs 5.6%; p<0.001), enterococci (3% vs 12.6%; p=0.000), coagulase-negative staphylococci (9.9% vs 18.4%; p<0.001) and gram-negative bacilli (1.2% vs 3.5%; p=0.028) infections were more frequent in ≥50-year adults, while the incidence of Streptococcus viridans (21.9% vs 10.7%; p<0.001) and HACEK (1.2% vs 0.3%; p=0.03) infections was higher in the <50-year group. Staphylococcus aureus IE was similar between the two groups (23.7% vs 19.4%; p=0.074). The presence of vegetations (87.4% vs 80.9%; p=0.005), as well as severe new valve regurgitation (42% vs 30.8%; p<0.001) were more often found in <50-year patients. Acute heart failure (44.1% vs 59.5%; p<0.001), acute kidney failure (27.3% vs 47.5%; p<0.001) and septic shock (15.3% vs 20.9%; p=0.02) were more frequent in >50-year group. No differences in frequency of cardiac surgery among both groups were found (61.9% vs 57.6%; p=0.147). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in ≥50-year patients (15.6% vs 29.2%; p<0.001). Mortality remained higher in ≥50-year adults who underwent cardiac surgery (12.4% vs 23.3%; p=0.001) as well as those who did not undergo surgery (20.5% vs 37.2%; p<0.001). Conclusions Patients aged <50 years diagnosed with IE were more frequently male, and had a higher proportion of community-acquired infections. Congenital heart disease, mitral valve prolapse and IVU were more frequent in <50-year adults. Streptococcus viridans infections were more frequent in this group of patients. In-hospital complications and mortality were lower compared to older patients, regardless of whether they underwent cardiac surgery.

Brain abscesses in infective endocarditis: contemporary profile and neuroradiological findings.

Brain abscesses (BA) are severe lesions in the course of infective endocarditis (IE). We compare the bacteriological, clinical data, background, associated lesions, and outcome of IE patients with and without BAs, and assess the MRI characteristics of BAs. Retrospective study of 351 consecutive patients with definite IE (2005-2020) and at least one brain MRI. Patients with and without BAs were compared. Twenty patients (5.7%) had BA (80% men; median age: 44.9 ± 11.5). They were younger (p = 0.035) and had a higher rate of predisposing factors (previous IE 20% vs 2.2%, p = 0.03), intravenous drug use [25% vs 2.2%; p < 0.0001]), underlying conditions (HIV infection, 20% vs 2.2%, p < 0.0001; alcohol abuse, 20% vs 2.2% p < 0.0001]; liver disease p = 0.04; hemodialysis, p = 0.001; type 2 diabetes, p = 0.001), bacterial meningitis (p = 0.0029), rare species involvement (35% vs 7%, p < 0.0006) and extra-cerebral abscesses (p = 0.0001) compared to patients without BA. Valve vegetations were larger in Group 1 (p = 0.046). Clinical presentation could suggest the diagnosis of BA in only 7/20 (35%) patients. MR identified 58 BAs (mean/patient 2.9; range 2-12): often multiple (80%), bilateral (55%) and ≤ 10mm (72%). The presence of BA did not modify cardiac surgery indication and timing. Favorable outcome was observed in 85% of patients. Rates of predisposing, underlying conditions, rare IE agents, meningitis and metastatic abscesses are significantly higher in BA-IE patients. As BAs can develop in asymptomatic IE patients, the impact of brain MRI on their management needs thoroughly to be further investigated.

Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A Contemporary Profile.

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare clinical entity that is distinct from the classic and more common non-septic thrombotic pulmonary embolism. SPE should be suspected in patients with a systemic acute inflammatory reaction or sepsis who develop signs and symptoms of pulmonary involvement. The diagnosis of SPE depends on the specific radiologic finding of multiple, peripheral, nodular, possibly cavitated lesions. SPE should prompt an immediate search for the primary source of infection; typically, right-sided infective endocarditis, cardiac implantable electronic devices, and septic thrombophlebitis as a complication of bone, skin, and soft tissue infection including Lemierre's syndrome, indwelling catheters, or direct inoculation via injection drug use. Invasive treatment of the infection source may be necessary; in thrombophlebitis, the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation remain undefined. Blood cultures may be negative, particularly among patients with recent antibiotic exposure, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy should be considered. The in-hospital mortality of SPE ranges up to 20% in published case series. While trends in the incidence of SPE are unknown, the opioid epidemic, the growing use of cardiac implantable electronic devices worldwide, and the reported increase in cases of septic thrombophlebitis may be leading to an escalation in SPE cases. We provide a contemporary profile of SPE and propose a clinical management algorithm in patients with suspected or confirmed SPE.

In Search of a Professional Identity: An Analysis of Photographic and Illustrative Images of Nurses in Japan.

Purpose: Inaccurate portrayals of nurses and their roles in the media contribute to misleading public stereotypes that negatively affect the status and value of nurses. This study aims to clarify how nurses are portrayed visually on the Internet in Japan and what these images suggest about the role, value, and professional status of nurses in Japan. Methods: A descriptive mixed methods study: Forty photographs of nurses and 40 illustrations of nurses were analysed to make judgments about consistency with a contemporary profile that informs guidelines for professional education and practice.Results: Over three quarters (77.5%) of the images showed only female nurses and 55% were depicted smiling politely. None of the images depicted nurses engaged in high level care consistent with that of a professional dealing with typical contemporary client/patient needs. Conclusion: Our study suggests that in common with overseas research, nurses were predominantly being portrayed as feminine and caring but not as professionals capable of independent practice. Although representations were usually positive, the depictions were not entirely accurate, and this was more evident in the illustrations. Imagery can have a profound effect on ideas, attitudes and behavior; it is imperative that nurses are depicted as appropriately educated professionals and that stereotypes such as nurses being young, subservient, and female should be challenged.

Psychological profiles of resilience in extreme environments: Correlating measures of personality and coping and resilience

The presence of psychological resilience appears to confer positive personal benefits, and may be particularly advantageous for individuals working in isolated, confined, and extreme environments. This study aimed to identify contextually adaptive ‘resilient’ personality and coping profiles in such contexts. This was done by correlating scores on measures of resilience with scores on measures of personality and coping, using specialists identified as good adaptors. As resilient profiles may differ across contexts, two highly specific samples were used, namely navy divers and submariners. This paper presents psychometric profiles of contemporary personality and coping styles. Then, using bivariate correlations, resilience-associated, context specific, diver and submariner personality and coping profiles were identified. Their resilient profiles appeared well suited to their respective environments. Some differences were noted between the typical personality descriptions and the resilient profiles identified, with three possible reasons forwarded to understand this. Firstly, there were some concerns regarding the validity of the measures in the local cultural context; secondly, context specific resilience may be expressed differently from resilience in general society; and thirdly, contemporary profiles of specialists may reflect current organisational processes in addition to psychological factors. In terms of practical application, while the identification of resilient profiles may also have value for selection purposes, it could be particularly useful for mission preparation, through the training of context-relevant coping skills.

Unequal Citizens of a Liberal Democracy

Abstract In almost every culture and society globally, women are victims of discrimination and suppression manifested in different spheres of socio-economic, political, cultural, and religious life and activity to varying degrees. Their socially and culturally assigned roles, status, and rights, have always been a subject of serious concern for academics, scholars, intelligentsia, activists, development authorities, and policymakers. The international community, more than ever, is now very sensitive to all issues concerning women’s human rights. Muslims are the largest and principal minority in India. But the mainstream society knows meager about their lives, diversity, religious and constitutional rights, and socio-legal movements for liberation, equity, and justice. One of the reasons for the inadequacy of data on Muslim women’s social history in this century is their absence from public life. Moreover, the general lack of research on minority women worldwide reveals the marginalisation of their experiences. This piece reflects on a contemporary profile of Indian Muslim women, emphasizing some of the critical sociological and anthropological aspects that have drawn widespread media attention recently. It also explores the underlying causes of their subordination, inequality, and exclusion, which act as a barrier to play a constructive role in society, in the context of Indian constitutionalism.

Neonatal congenital heart surgery: contemporary outcomes and risk profile

ObjectiveMany studies still dispute the identification of independent risk factors that influence outcome after neonatal cardiac surgery. We present our study to announce the contemporary outcomes and risk profile of neonatal cardiac surgery at our institute.MethodsWe designed a retrospective study of neonatal patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart diseases between June 2011 and April 2020. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected from medical records and surgical databases. The primary outcome was the operative mortality (in-hospital death) and secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation.ResultsIn total, 1155 cardiac surgeries in children were identified; of these, 136 (11.8%) were performed in neonates. Arterial switch operations (48 cases) were the most frequent procedures. Postoperatively, 11 (8.1%) patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 4 (2.9%) patients had complete heart block. Postoperative in-hospital mortality was 11%. The median postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital length of stay were 6, 18, and 24 days, respectively.ConclusionThe early outcomes of neonatal cardiac surgery are encouraging. The requirement of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, postoperative intracranial hemorrhage, and acute kidney were identified as independent risk factors of mortality following surgery for congenital heart defects in neonates.

Crowd behaviour in Canadian football stadia — Part 1: Data collection

Large crowd sizes at stadia events require an in-depth consideration of human behaviour, since the reliability of egress models in design depends on the confidence of the input data. However, there is little contemporary public data surrounding crowd behaviour, and its implementation into pedestrian movement models, particularly focused on Canadian demographics in stadia. A novel data collection (Part 1) and subsequent egress validation modelling of a Canadian stadium were completed to examine the variability of simulations with behavioural inputs (Part 2). The demographic distribution, pedestrian speed, exit and route choice, and areas of congestion were quantified using high resolution cameras. Behaviourally, pedestrians exited the stadium where they entered which created high levels of cross flow. It was observed that contemporary walking speed profiles for stadia will differentiate from classical profiles especially with reflection of demographic distribution by as much as 31%. Individual walking speeds, while highly variable, impacted overall egress time. Crowd density also being a factor that further reduced their speed.

Out of the Lab and Into the World: Analyses of Social Roles and Gender in Profiles of Scientists in The New York Times and The Scientist.

Although representations of female scientists in the media have increased over time, stereotypical portrayals of science persist. In-depth, contemporary profiles of scientists’ roles have an opportunity to reflect or to challenge stereotypes of science and of gender. We employed content and linguistic analyses to examine whether publicly available profiles of scientists from New York Times and The Scientist Magazine support or challenge pervasive beliefs about science. Consistent with broader stereotypes of STEM fields, these portrayals focused more on agency than communality. However, profiles also challenged stereotypes through integrating communality, purpose, and growth. This analysis also found similar presence of communal and agentic constructs for both female and male scientists. The current findings highlight the importance of considering counterstereotypic representations of science in the media: Communicating messages to the public that challenge existing beliefs about the culture of science may be one path toward disrupting stereotypes that dissuade talented individuals from choosing science pathways.

Cancer and Infective Endocarditis: Characteristics and Prognostic Impact.

Background: The interplay between cancer and IE has become of increasing interest. This study sought to assess the prevalence, baseline characteristics, management, and outcomes of IE cancer patients in the ESC EORP EURO-ENDO registry.Methods: Three thousand and eighty-five patients with IE were identified based on the ESC 2015 criteria. Three hundred and fifty-nine (11.6%) IE cancer patients were compared to 2,726 (88.4%) cancer-free IE patients.Results: In cancer patients, IE was mostly community-acquired (74.8%). The most frequently identified microorganisms were S. aureus (25.4%) and Enterococci (23.8%). The most frequent complications were acute renal failure (25.9%), embolic events (21.7%) and congestive heart failure (18.1%). Theoretical indication for cardiac surgery was not significantly different between groups (65.5 vs. 69.8%, P = 0.091), but was effectively less performed when indicated in IE patients with cancer (65.5 vs. 75.0%, P = 0.002). Compared to cancer-free IE patients, in-hospital and 1-year mortality occurred in 23.4 vs. 16.1%, P = 0.006, and 18.0 vs. 10.2%; P < 0.001, respectively. In IE cancer patients, predictors of mortality by multivariate analysis were creatinine > 2 mg/dL, congestive heart failure and unperformed cardiac surgery (when indicated).Conclusions: Cancer in IE patients is common and associated with a worse outcome. This large, observational cohort provides new insights concerning the contemporary profile, management, and clinical outcomes of IE cancer patients across a wide range of countries.

CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES IN INDIGENOUS COMPARED WITH NON-INDIGENOUS PATIENTS IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients have historically been known to have higher cardiovascular risk. With improved care delivery of acute myocardial infarction, we sought to compare contemporary profiles between indigenous versus non-Indigenous patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) to a single PCI cardiac center in Saskatchewan. <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> We prospectively evaluated consecutive ACS admissions (no exclusion criteria applied) from March 15, 2019 to March 30, 2021 at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon. Categorized by self-reported Indigenous and non-Indigenous status, we describe presenting demographics, treatment patterns, unadjusted all-cause mortality and all-cause rehospitalization. Continuous variables are presented as medians (25th, 75th percentiles), categorical values as frequencies (%). Of the 1950 ACS admissions, 260 (13.3%) were Indigenous. Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients were younger, more likely female, have a history of heart failure and a significant burden of both traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Both groups were revascularized comparably with PCI. Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients were however more likely to present with higher levels of NTproBNP and higher incident rates of cardiogenic shock and/or cardiac arrest, with a greater severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (Table 1). While in-hospital mortality is comparable between the two groups, Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous have significantly higher unadjusted 1-year mortality (11.9% vs. 8.0%, p=0.039). <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome have a significantly greater burden of premorbid cardiovascular risk and present with greater clinical acuity. While the in-hospital outcomes are comparable, likely due to established pre-hospital/in-hospital ACS processes of care, the higher one-year mortality suggest that the higher residual risk in Indigenous patients is likely driven by the greater burden of modifiable traditional and non-traditional risk factors in this patient population.

Women leaders in Cardiology. Contemporary profile of the WHO European region.

AimsWomen’s participation is steadily growing in medical schools, but they are still not sufficiently represented in cardiology, particularly in cardiology leadership positions. We present the contemporary distribution of women leaders in cardiology departments in the World Health Organization European region.Methods and resultsBetween August and December 2020, we applied purposive sampling to collect data and analyse gender distribution of heads of cardiology department in university/third level hospitals in 23 countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UK. Age, cardiology subspecialty, and number of scientific publications were recorded for a subgroup of cardiology leaders for whom data were available. A total of 849 cardiology departments were analysed. Women leaders were only 30% (254/849) and were younger than their men counterpart (♀ 52.2 ± 7.7 years old vs. ♂ 58.1 ± 7.6 years old, P = 0.00001). Most women leaders were non-interventional experts (♀ 82% vs. ♂ 46%, P < 0.00001) and had significantly fewer scientific publications than men {♀ 16 [interquartile range (IQR) 2–41] publications vs. ♂ 44 (IQR 9–175) publications, P < 0.00001}.ConclusionAcross the World Health Organization European region, there is a significant gender disparity in cardiology leadership positions. Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is a priority to achieve the full potential and leverage the full talents of both women and men.

Can a reference ‘match’ an evidence profile if these have no loci in common?

Cold case reinvestigations are a common occurrence. Occasionally some of the original work was conducted up to 30 years ago using profiling systems of the early 1990s, which targeted HLA-DQA1, ApoB, D1S80 and D17S5. When contemporary work is carried out, if a suspect is identified they will be profiled in contemporary profiling kits such as GlobalFiler. It would be common to then also attempt to profile the evidence profiles in the same contemporary profiling kit. Imagine a scenario where two evidence samples, E1 and E2, had previously produced single-source profiles, but only E2 had any DNA extract left to re-profile with GlobalFiler. At the old loci E1 matched E2, and at the new loci E2 matched the suspect reference. Of interest to the investigation was whether anything could be said about the suspect being a donor of DNA to E1 even though the reference of the suspect and the profile from E1 had no loci in common, by using the information from the profile of E2. This paper explores that possibility.

Developmental Functional Modules in Infant Vocalizations.

Purpose Developmental functional modules (DFMs) are biological modules that are defined by their structural (morphological), functional, or developmental elements, and, in some cases, all three of these. This review article considers the hypothesis that vocal development in the first year of life can be understood in large part with respect to DFMs that characterize the speech production system. Method Literature is reviewed on relevant embryology, orofacial reflexes, craniofacial muscle properties, stages of vocal development, and related topics to identity candidates for DFMs. Results The following DFMs are identified and described: laryngeal, pharyngo-laryngeal, mandibular, velopharyngeal, labial complex, and lingual complex. These DFMs and their submodules, considered along with phenomena such as rhythmic movements, account for several well-documented features of vocal development in the first year of life. The proposed DFMs, rooted in embryologic, histologic, and kinematic properties, serve as low-dimensional control variables for the developing vocal tract. Each DFM is semi-autonomous but interacts with other DFMs to produce patterns of vocal behavior. Discussion Considered in relation to contemporary profiles and models of vocal development in the first year of life, DFMs have interpretive and explanatory value. DFMs complement other approaches in the study of infant vocalizations and are grounded in biology.

A Contemporary Population-Based Profile of Infective Endocarditis Using the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project

ObjectiveTo develop a contemporary profile of infective endocarditis (IE) among a population in 6 counties of Olmsted, Dodge, Mower, Steele, Waseca, and Freeborn in southern Minnesota between 2014 and 2018. Patients and MethodsAll possible and definite cases of IE (≥18 years) among residents of 6 counties in southern Minnesota, including Olmsted County, diagnosed between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, were included in this retrospective, population-based investigation, using the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (E-REP). ResultsOverall, 137 patients with IE developed incident IE in the 6-county region, corresponding to an age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 11.9 per 100,000 person-years. Men had a significantly higher incidence of IE (17.9 vs 6.8 per 100,000 person-years), and rates increased exponentially with age in both sexes. The median age of incident cases was 68.2 years, and 67.9% were male patients. The percentage of patients with histories of injection-drug use was low, at 6.7%. Bicuspid aortic valve was the most common (9.6%) native valve predisposing condition. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the predominant pathogen in the overall group (34.8%), with viridans-group streptococci accounting for only 19.3% cases. Central nervous system and musculoskeletal complications were common. The 30-day readmission rate was 27.9%, and the 6-month mortality rate was 31.8%. ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first time that the population-based E-REP has been used to determine an age- and sex-adjusted IE incidence. Older male patients predominated, and S aureus was the most common pathogen. Based on these findings, it is not surprising that IE complications were frequently seen.

Variants of the ‘underdog culture’ in Greek public opinion: soft and hard-core Russophilia

ABSTRACT Contemporary Russophilia is examined in this article as an outstanding feature of Greek political culture. Recent opinion polls (2016–2017) are used to validate a distinction between two different types of Russophilia: the soft, described as a positive predisposition towards Russia, and the hard-core, which suggests an embrace of Russia by breaking with Greece’s ties to the West. Hard-core Russophilia surfaces as a fitting element in Diamantouros’ underdog culture, as it uncovers sentiments of isolation, support for traditional values and fear towards Western values of modernity. The paper confirms the analytical capacity of the ‘cultural dualism’ framework, not as a dichotomy between modernizers and underdogs, but through the identification and measurement of different layers that outline the contemporary profile of hard-core Russophilia.

Rola humanistyki w edukacji dla bezpieczeństwa

The subject matter of a discussion undertaken by the author focuses on the importance of the humanities in shaping the research problems instituted in security studies. The identity of the interests of the humanities with social sciences, which concern the general reflection on contemporary civilizational changes and transformations in the standard of human life, progress in sciences, and the development of technologies improving existence, is confirmed. Given the phenomena relating to the development of the humanities and social knowledge, there is dissonance at the junction of changes in technological awareness and moral reflection on scientific and technological progress in general. Although the configurations of combining specialist (applied) knowledge with general knowledge (basic sciences) have an impact on the contemporary profiling of academic education, the same is not confirmed by the potential of humanistic (and social) education. In shaping specific specialists who are to be both, decent people as human beings, and professionals transforming their sensitivity into a successful career, the participation of the humanities is limited. Although at the level of the declaration, convergence of the humanities, security, and technology is accepted, the extent of their respect for those, differs in terms of financial support. The advantage of technocracy over humanization of the human environment - at least at the level of the importance of research – remains steady, and security, remains, in theory, a nice hypothesis, and in practice still a necessity.

Characteristics, management, and outcome of infective endocarditis in the Czech Republic: prospective data from the ESC EORP EURO-ENDO registry.

Data describing contemporary profile of infective endocarditis (IE) in the Czech Republic are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the current profile and outcomes of IE patients. Prospectively collected data on consecutive patients admitted for IE diagnosis between April 2016 and March 2018 to 11 main tertiary care cardiac centers in the Czech Republic were used for this analysis. Among 208 patients, 88 patients (42.3 %) had native valve IE (NVIE), 56 patients (26.9 %) had prosthetic valve IE (PVIE), and 57 patients (27.4 %) had intracardiac device-related IE (CDRIE). The mean age was 61.66±15.54 years. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common etiological agent of IE (27.4 %), whereas Culture negative IE was present in 26.4 % patients. Surgery was performed during hospitalization in 112 (53.8 %) patients. In-hospital death occurred in 21.2 % patients, while 1-year mortality was 40.3 %. In patients, who had an indication for surgery, but the procedure was not performed, mortality was significantly higher (p=0.002). High proportion of culture negative IE and IE related to artificial intra-cardiac materials calls for action. Furthermore, we show that cardiac surgery should be more often contemplated, especially in the presence of risk factors as septic shock and congestive heart failure (Tab. 6, Fig. 1, Ref. 32).