This report seeks to identify and explore characteristics that define successful synagogues in Br... more This report seeks to identify and explore characteristics that define successful synagogues in Britain, with the aim of informing lay leaders,clergy, and other professionals engaged in leading today’s congregations in Great Britain. The specific questions are: ▪ What is “synagogue vitality?” ▪ Why is congregational vitality important? ▪ How does vitality happen? ▪ How can vitality be furthered? To address these questions, we began with a survey of 200+ synagogue leaders throughout Britain. Then, we observed six congregations in action, selected so as to provide diverse arenas for seeing vital features of synagogue life. Finally, we surveyed congregants in five of the six synagogues observed.
We investigated whether the surgical Apgar score (SAS) may enhance the Veterans Affairs Surgical ... more We investigated whether the surgical Apgar score (SAS) may enhance the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) risk assessment for prediction of early postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated demographics, medical history, procedure, SAS, VASQIP assessment, and postoperative data for patients undergoing major/extensive intra-abdominal surgery at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs between October 2006 and September 2011. End points were overall morbidity and 30-, 60- , and 90-day mortality. Pearson's chi-square, ANOVA, and multivariate regression modeling were employed. Six hundred twenty-nine patients were included. Apgar groups did not differ in age, sex, and race. Low SASs were associated with worse functional status, increased postoperative morbidity, and 30-, 60- , and 90-day mortality rates. SAS did not significantly enhance VASQIP prediction of postoperative outcomes, although a trend was detected. Multivariate analysis confirmed SAS as an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. SAS effectively identifies veterans at high risk for poor postoperative outcome. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the role of SAS in enhancing VASQIP risk prediction.
This report seeks to identify and explore characteristics that define successful synagogues in Br... more This report seeks to identify and explore characteristics that define successful synagogues in Britain, with the aim of informing lay leaders,clergy, and other professionals engaged in leading today’s congregations in Great Britain. The specific questions are: ▪ What is “synagogue vitality?” ▪ Why is congregational vitality important? ▪ How does vitality happen? ▪ How can vitality be furthered? To address these questions, we began with a survey of 200+ synagogue leaders throughout Britain. Then, we observed six congregations in action, selected so as to provide diverse arenas for seeing vital features of synagogue life. Finally, we surveyed congregants in five of the six synagogues observed.
We investigated whether the surgical Apgar score (SAS) may enhance the Veterans Affairs Surgical ... more We investigated whether the surgical Apgar score (SAS) may enhance the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) risk assessment for prediction of early postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated demographics, medical history, procedure, SAS, VASQIP assessment, and postoperative data for patients undergoing major/extensive intra-abdominal surgery at the Manhattan Veterans Affairs between October 2006 and September 2011. End points were overall morbidity and 30-, 60- , and 90-day mortality. Pearson's chi-square, ANOVA, and multivariate regression modeling were employed. Six hundred twenty-nine patients were included. Apgar groups did not differ in age, sex, and race. Low SASs were associated with worse functional status, increased postoperative morbidity, and 30-, 60- , and 90-day mortality rates. SAS did not significantly enhance VASQIP prediction of postoperative outcomes, although a trend was detected. Multivariate analysis confirmed SAS as an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. SAS effectively identifies veterans at high risk for poor postoperative outcome. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the role of SAS in enhancing VASQIP risk prediction.
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Papers by Steven M. Lev Cohen