bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Network Approach to Addressing Strategic Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences Issues at a National Scale: An Introduction to a Series of Case Studies from Canada
Authors: Hasler Caleb T , Christie Gavin C , Imhof Jack , Power Michael , Cooke Steven J
Published: December 2011

Traditional funding programs for fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic research provide short-term support for an individual or small research team to test a specific hypothesis, often having only limited spatial applicability. To tackle more complex issues existing at larger spatial scales (national or continental), other approaches are necessary. In Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council has developed the Strategic Network Grants (SNGs) program that enables multi-institutional teams of academics (typically 10 to 20 co-principal investigators) to work with industry and government partners on large-scale, multidisciplinary research projects in targeted research areas. The network model is intended to create unique training opportunities and enable researchers to study problems at spatial and temporal scales that could not be addressed with traditional funding. Currently, six of the 30-plus SNGs in Canada are focused on fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences issues, namely, impacts of hydropower on fish and fish habitat, capture fisheries, integrated multitrophic aquaculture, healthy oceans, and the spatial ecology of aquatic vertebrates in coastal waters. Here we introduce five case studies that will examine the motivation, scientific research objectives, and operation of networks in detail. In addition, we explore the perceived benefits and challenges with the research network-funding model with specific reference to the advancement of large-scale studies in fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences.
NSERC's HydroNet: A National Research Network to Promote Sustainable Hydropower and Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Smokorowski Karen E , Bergeron Normand , Boisclair Daniel , Clarke Keith , Cooke Steven , Cunjak Rick , Dawson Jeff , Eaton Brett , Hicks Faye , Higgins Paul , Katopodis Chris , Lapointe Michel , Legendre Pierre , Power Michael , Randall Robert , Rasmussen Joseph , Rose George , Saint-Hilaire Andre , Sellars Brent , Swanson Gary , Winfield Nicholas , Wysocki Roger , Zhu David
Published: December 2011

NSERC's HydroNet is a collaborative national five-year research program initiated in 2010 involving academic, government, and industry partners. The overarching goal of HydroNet is to improve the understanding of the effects of hydropower operations on aquatic ecosystems, and to provide scientifically defensible and transparent tools to improve the decision-making process associated with hydropower operations. Multiple projects are imbedded under three themes: 1) Ecosystemic analysis of productive capacity offish habitats (PCFH) in rivers, 2) Mesoscale modelling of the productive capacity offish habitats in lakes and reservoirs, and 3) Predicting the entrainment risk of fish in hydropower reservoirs relative to power generation operations by combining behavioral ecology and hydraulic engineering. The knowledge generated by HydroNet is essential to balance the competing demands for limited water resources and to ensure that hydropower is sustainable, maintains healthy aquatic ecosystems and a vibrant Canadian economy.

Resumen

NSERC's HydroNet es un programa nacional colaborativo de investigación a cinco años que inició en el año 2010 e involucra a los sectores académico, gubernamental e industrial. El objetivo general de HydroNet es comprender los efectos que tienen las operaciones hidroeléctricas en los ecosistemas acuáticos y ofrecer herramientas científicas defendibles y transparentes tendientes a mejorar los procesos en la toma de decisiones que están asociados al uso de la energía hidroeléctrica. Diversos proyectos se encuentran insertos en tres grandes tópicos: 1) análisis ecosistémico de la capacidad productiva de los habitats para peces (CPHP) en ambientes fluviales, 2) Modelación de meso-escala de la capacidad productiva de los habitats para peces en lagos y embalses, y 3) predicción del riesgo de arrastre de peces hacia los embalses hidroeléctricos, en función del poder generador de las operaciones, combinando la ecología conductual y la ingeniería hidráulica. El conocimiento generado por HydroNet es fundamental para evaluar el balance entre la demanda por recursos hídricos limitados, para asegurar que la energía hidroeléctrica sea sustentable, que promueva la salud de los ecosistemas acuáticos así como también a la pujante economía canadiense.
A Simple Method to Predict Regional Fish Abundance: An Example in the McKenzie River Basin, Oregon
Authors: McGarvey Daniel J , Johnston John M
Published: December 2011

Regional assessments of fisheries resources are increasingly called for, but tools with which to perform them are limited. We present a simple method that can be used to estimate regional carrying capacity and apply it to the McKenzie River Basin, Oregon. First, we use a macroecological model to predict trout densities within small, medium, and large streams in the McKenzie Basin. Next, we evaluate the reliability of the predicted trout densities by comparing them with field-measured densities. We then calculate the total surface areas of small, medium, and large streams within the basin and multiply these surface areas by the predicted trout densities to estimate regional carrying capacity. Predicted carrying capacity within the basin is approximately 2.1 million trout (median predicted abundance). Our method requires minimal input data, and much of this data can be compiled from literature sources. The method may therefore have broad utility.

RESUMEN

si bien la demanda de evaluaciones regionales de recursos pesqueros ha incrementado, las herramientas para realizarlas aún son limitadas. En esta contribución se presenta un método simple que puede utilizarse para estimar la capacidad de carga en peces a nivel regional y se aplica a la cuenca del Río McKenzie, en el estado de Oregon. Primero, se utilizó un modelo macro-ecológico para predecir las densidades de trucha en cauces pequeños, medianos y grandes dentro de la cuenca McKenzie. Posteriormente se evaluó la confiabilidad de dichas predicciones mediante comparaciones con observaciones directas en campo de las densidades. Luego se calculó la superficie total de los cauces pequeños, medianos y grandes en la cuenca y se multiplicó por las densidades predichas de truchas para así estimar la capacidad de carga a nivel regional. Se proyecta una capacidad de carga de −2.1 millones de truchas (la mediana de la predicción de abundancia). Este método requiere de un mínimo de información de entrada y muchos de los datos pueden ser compilados de la literatura disponible. Por lo tanto, este método posee amplia utilidad.
Health and Survival of Red Abalone Haliotis rufescens from San Miguel Island, California, USA, in a Laboratory Simulation of La Niña and El Niño Conditions
Authors: Moore James D. , Marshman Blythe C. , Chun Calvin S. Y.
Published: December 2011

The variability in Southern California's marine climate is dominated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, with cycling between El Niño events (characterized by warm water, low productivity, and frequent storms) and La Niña events (which exhibit the opposite conditions). Relative to the mainland and other Channel Islands, San Miguel Island (SMI) consistently maintains cooler water temperatures and supports significant populations of red abalone Haliotis rufescens, presumably owing to increased food production and diminished expression of the bacterial disease known as withering syndrome. We conducted a laboratory experiment to examine the effects of La Niña and El Niño conditions on the health and survival of red abalone from SMI. Six replicate tanks per treatment, each containing six abalone, were subjected to one of the following three temperature regimes (treatments): Bodega Bay, California ambient (AMB; mean, 11.4°C), SMI La Niña regime (LAN; mean, 13.8°C), and SMI El Niño regime (ELN; mean, 16.5°C). After 328 d, survival in the ELN treatment was significantly lower than in the AMB and LAN groups. A body condition index was significantly lower in the ELN group than in the AMB group, and the LAN group was in between. A visual score of body shrinkage was significantly higher in both the LAN and ELN groups than in the AMB group. Other clinical signs of withering syndrome and the prevalence and infection intensity of the causative agent, Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis, increased as temperature increased in the three treatment groups from AMB to LAN to ELN, although the differences were not statistically significant. Generally, we found that increased temperature resulted in elevated disease expression, although less than observed in previous studies that used farmed abalone and higher, less variable temperature regimes. Water temperature modulates the effect of withering syndrome in wild red abalone, and very strong El Niño events are predicted to result in significant mortality at San Miguel Island.

Received September 10, 2010; accepted December 16, 2010
Longevity of Bolbophorus damnificus Infections in Channel Catfish
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Yost Marlena , Pote Linda , Farmer Bradley , Panuska Carla
Published: December 2011

The digenean Bolbophorus damnificus infects commercial channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, causing mortality, lower feed consumption, and reduced growth in surviving fish. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of time for which B. damnificus prodiplostomulum metacercariae (juvenile trematode stage that infects fish) would remain viable (parasite appearing to be intact or exhibiting movement) in channel catfish. Fish (n = 210) were infected with molecularly confirmed B. damnificus cercariae harvested from naturally infected marsh rams-horn snails Planorbella trivolvis. During the first sampling (at 20 d postinfection), 8.3 ± 3.6 metacercariae/fish (mean ± SD) were found in the host muscle and visceral organs. The channel catfish were then acclimated to a water temperature of either 18°C or 28°C. After 11 months, 6.8 ± 3.5 and 5.9 ± 3.0 metacercariae/fish were found in groups held at 18°C and 28°C, respectively. The mean number of parasites per fish did not significantly differ between fish held at the two temperatures and did not significantly decline over time at either temperature. Fish examined from 13 to 30 months postinfection all contained viable metacercariae that were morphologically and molecularly identified as B. damnificus. At 18 months, 12 metacercariae (of which 11 were intact and 10 displayed movement) were found in the one fish sampled; at 30 months, the last fish sampled contained three intact metacercariae (one displayed slight movement). Our results indicate that B. damnificus metacercariae can remain viable in channel catfish for at least an 18–30-month production cycle during which they have the potential to affect fish growth; in addition, infected fish may serve as intermediate hosts for these metacercariae for at least 2.5 years postinfection.

Received July 14, 2010; accepted March 6, 2011
Metacercarial Distribution of Centrocestus formosanus among Fish Hosts in the Guadalupe River Drainage of Texas
Authors: Fleming B. Paul , Huffman David G. , Bonner Timothy H. , Brandt Thomas M.
Published: December 2011

We examined the gills of wild fish collected from central Texas for Centrocestus formosanus metacercariae to determine whether this temperature-restricted parasite had invaded the thermally dynamic Guadalupe River via an introduced population in its thermally stable tributary, the Comal River. We collected fish from three sites in the Guadalupe River near its confluence with the Comal River (upstream, at, and downstream) and one site in the Comal River. Centrocestus formosanus infected 14 of the 25 species examined (56.0%) and 171 of the individual fish (27.1%). Several of the infected fish represent new host records for the parasite, and two are listed as species of special concern by the state of Texas. Mean metacercarial intensities varied from 8 to 616 among species, and the highest recorded intensity was greater than 800 in two Guadalupe roundnose minnow Dionda nigrotaeniata. Among the 24 species examined from the Guadalupe River, 11 (45.8%) were infected with C. formosanus. Thorough surveys at the study sites yielded no living specimens of the first obligate intermediate snail host (red-rim melania Melanoides tuberculatus), which must be present to perpetuate the parasite. Thus, the infections were probably due to drifting cercariae that had been shed into the water column upstream of the study area in the Comal River. We therefore investigated spatial patterns in cercarial acquisition using caged fish to determine whether drifting cercariae were present in the water column at the study sites. Of 57 uninfected blacktail shiners Cyprinella venusta exposed to Guadalupe River water downstream from and at the confluence, 52 (91.2%) became infected with C. formosanus metacercariae at a mean rate of 4 metacercariae/d. This finding extends the known geographic range of this invasive exotic parasite and is the first report of the life cycle being advanced in the fish assemblage of a thermally variable temperate stream in the USA.

Received October 18, 2010; accepted April 7, 2011
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Detection of Aquatic Animal Pathogens in a Diagnostic Laboratory Setting
Authors: Purcell Maureen K. , Getchell Rodman G. , McClure Carol A. , Garver Kyle A.
Published: December 2011

Real-time, or quantitative, polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is quickly supplanting other molecular methods for detecting the nucleic acids of human and other animal pathogens owing to the speed and robustness of the technology. As the aquatic animal health community moves toward implementing national diagnostic testing schemes, it will need to evaluate how qPCR technology should be employed. This review outlines the basic principles of qPCR technology, considerations for assay development, standards and controls, assay performance, diagnostic validation, implementation in the diagnostic laboratory, and quality assurance and control measures. These factors are fundamental for ensuring the validity of qPCR assay results obtained in the diagnostic laboratory setting.

Received March 30, 2011; accepted May 6, 2011
The Effects of Myxobolus cerebralis on the Physiological Performance of Whirling Disease Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Rainbow Trout
Authors: Fetherman Eric R. , Winkelman Dana L. , Schisler George J. , Myrick Christopher A.
Published: December 2011

The development of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss strains that are resistant to whirling disease has shown promise as a management tool for populations in areas where Myxobolus cerebralis is present. However, the physiological effects of the disease on characteristics necessary for fish survival in natural river conditions have not been tested in many of these strains. Five rainbow trout strains were evaluated for their swimming ability and growth characteristics in relation to M. cerebralis exposure: the resistant German rainbow trout (GR) strain (Hofer strain), the susceptible Colorado River rainbow trout (CRR) strain, and three intermediate (hybrid) strains (F1 = GR × CRR; F2 = F1 × F1; B2 = backcross of F1 × CRR). Three broad response patterns among strain and exposure were evident in our study. First, exposure metrics, growth performance, and swimming ability differed among strains. Second, exposure to the parasite did not necessarily produce differences in growth or swimming ability. Exposure to M. cerebralis did not affect batch weight for any strain, and critical swimming velocity did not differ between exposed and unexposed families. Third, although exposure did not necessarily affect growth or swimming ability, individuals that exhibited clinical deformities did show reduced growth and swimming performance; fish with clinical deformities were significantly smaller and had lower critical swimming velocities than exposed fish without clinical deformities. Research and management have focused on GR × CRR hybrid strains; however, given the performance of the GR strain in our study, it should not be discounted as a potential broodstock. Additional field trials comparing the GR and F1 strains should be conducted before wholesale adoption of the GR strain to reestablish rainbow trout populations in Colorado.

Received September 9, 2010; accepted May 27, 2011
Ketamine With and Without Midazolam for Gastrointestinal Endoscopies in Children
Authors: Brecelj Jernej , Kamhi Trop Tina , Orel Rok
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

Numerous publications on sedation of and anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures in children prove that no ideal scheme is available. Therefore, we decided to study the protocol with midazolam and ketamine used by nonanaesthetists at our institution. The study aimed to establish the lowest effective starting dose of ketamine and to estimate a difference in the frequency of adverse reactions with or without the use of midazolam as premedication, with special stress on emergence reactions.

Methods:

During 1 year we prospectively randomised children scheduled for gastrointestinal endoscopies to a first group with and to a second group without midazolam premedication. The starting ketamine dose was increased until the appropriate dissociative state was reached. Physiological functions were closely monitored and adverse reactions noted.

Results:

The median age of 201 analysed patients (111 girls, 90 boys) was 8.2 years. The median starting dose of ketamine was 0.97 mg/kg (the group with midazolam premedication) and 0.99 mg/kg TT (without midazolam premedication). Laryngospasm was observed in 6 patients without statistical difference between the 2 groups. All of the adverse reactions were short lasting; they resolved by symptomatic treatment without complications. Emergence reactions during the observation period at the hospital occurred more often in the group sedated with ketamine without midazolam premedication (P= 0.02).

Conclusions:

The sedation protocol with ketamine is safe and efficient. The starting dose of ketamine should be at least 1 mg/kg. There is an advantage to the use of midazolam as premedication before ketamine in paediatric patients because the frequency of emergence reactions in hospital was reduced compared with sole ketamine use.
Probing the relationships between molecular conformation and intermolecular contacts inN,N-dibenzyl-N′-(furan-2-carbonyl)thiourea
Authors: Pérez Hiram , Corrêa Rodrigo S. , Plutín Ana María , O'Reilly Beatriz , Andrade Marcelo B.
Published: December 2011

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C20H18N2O2S, molecules are linked by bifurcated C—H...O hydrogen-bond interactions, giving rise to chains whose links are composed of alternating centrosymmetrically disposed pairs of molecules and characterized byR22(10) andR22(20) hydrogen-bonding motifs. Also, N—H...S hydrogen bonds form infinite zigzag chains along the [010] direction, which exhibit theC(4) motif. Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots were used to explore the intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure. This analysis confirms the important role of C—H...O hydrogen bonds in the molecular conformation and in the crystal structure, providing a potentially useful tool for a full understanding of the intermolecular interactions in acylthiourea derivatives.
Evidence that the Agr‐like quorum sensing system regulates the toxin production, cytotoxicity and pathogenicity of Clostridium perfringens type C isolate CN3685
Authors: Vidal Jorge E. , Ma Menglin , Saputo Julian , Garcia Jorge , Uzal Francisco A. , McClane Bruce A.
Published: December 2011

Clostridium perfringens possesses at least two functional quorum sensing (QS) systems, i.e. an Agr‐like system and a LuxS‐dependent AI‐2 system. Both of those QS systems can reportedly control in vitro toxin production by C. perfringens but their importance for virulence has not been evaluated. Therefore, the current study assessed whether these QS systems might regulate the pathogenicity of CN3685, a C. perfringens type C strain. Since type C isolates cause both haemorrhagic necrotic enteritis and fatal enterotoxemias (where toxins produced in the intestines are absorbed into the circulation to target other internal organs), the ability of isogenic agrB or luxS mutants to cause necrotizing enteritis in rabbit small intestinal loops or enterotoxemic lethality in mice was evaluated. Results obtained strongly suggest that the Agr‐like QS system, but not the LuxS‐dependent AI‐2 QS system, is required for CN3685 to cause haemorrhagic necrotizing enteritis, apparently because the Agr‐like system regulates the production of beta toxin, which is essential for causing this pathology. The Agr‐like system, but not the LuxS‐mediated AI‐2 system, was also important for CN3685 to cause fatal enterotoxemia. These results provide the first direct evidence supporting a role for any QS system in clostridial infections.
Living‐donor liver transplantation for propionic acidemia
Authors: Kasahara Mureo , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Karaki Chiaki , Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Shigeta Takanobu , Fukuda Akinari , Kosaki Rika , Nakazawa Atsuko , Ishige Mika , Nagao Masayoshi , Shigematsu Yosuke , Yorifuji Tohru , Naiki Yasuhiro , Horikawa Reiko
Published: December 2011

Kasahara M, Sakamoto S, Kanazawa H, Karaki C, Kakiuchi T, Shigeta T, Fukuda A, Kosaki R, Nakazawa A, Ishige M, Nagao M, Shigematsu Y, Yorifuji T, Naiki Y, Horikawa R. Living‐donor liver transplantation for propionic acidemia.

Abstract:  Propionic acidemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the catabolism of branched‐chain amino acids because of a genetic defect in PCC. Despite the improvements in medical treatment with protein restriction, sufficient caloric intake, supplementation of l‐carnitine, and metronidazole, patients with the severe form of propionic acidemia have life‐threatening metabolic acidosis, hyperammonemia, and cardiomyopathy, which results in serious neurologic sequelae and sometimes death. This study retrospectively reviewed three children with neonatal‐onset propionic acidemia who received LDLT. Between November 2005 and December 2010, 148 children underwent LDLT, with an overall patient survival of 90.5%, in our center. Three patients were indicated for transplantation because of propionic acidemia. All recipients achieved a resolution of metabolic derangement and better quality of life with protein restriction and medication, although urine methylcitrate and serum propionylcarnitine levels did not decrease markedly. LT can reduce the magnitude of progressive cardiac/neurologic disability as a result of poor metabolic control. Further evaluation is therefore required to determine the long‐term suitability of this treatment modality.
Racial disparities in job strain among American and immigrant long‐term care workers
Authors: Hurtado D.A. , Sabbath E.L. , Ertel K.A. , Buxton O.M. , Berkman L.F.
Published: December 2011

HURTADO D.A., SABBATH E.L., ERTEL K.A., BUXTON O.M. & BERKMAN L.F. (2012) Racial disparities in job strain among American and immigrant long‐term care workers. International Nursing Review59, 237–244

Background:  Nursing homes are occupational settings, with an increasing minority and immigrant workforce where several psychosocial stressors intersect.

Aim:  This study aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in job strain between Black (n = 127) and White (n = 110) immigrant and American direct‐care workers at nursing homes (total n = 237).

Methods:  Cross‐sectional study with data collected at four nursing homes in Massachusetts during 2006‐2007. We contrasted Black and White workers within higher‐skilled occupations such as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses (n = 82) and lower‐skilled staff such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs, n = 155).

Results:  Almost all Black workers (96%) were immigrants. After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics, Black employees were more likely to report job strain, compared with Whites [relative risk (RR): 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 6.6]. Analyses stratified by occupation showed that Black CNAs were more likely to report job strain, compared with White CNAs (RR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0 to 9.4). Black workers were also more likely to report low control (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.0). Additionally, Black workers earned $2.58 less per hour and worked 7.1 more hours per week on average, controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusion:  Black immigrant workers were 2.9 times more likely to report job strain than White workers, with greater differences among CNAs. These findings may reflect differential organizational or individual characteristics but also interpersonal or institutional racial/ethnic discrimination. Further research should consider the role of race/ethnicity in shaping patterns of occupational stress.
Age‐related changes in mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon
Authors: Waugh C. M. , Blazevich A. J. , Fath F. , Korff T.
Published: December 2011

The stiffness of a tendon, which influences muscular force transfer to the skeleton and increases during childhood, is dependent on its material properties and dimensions, both of which are influenced by chronic loading. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the independent contributions of body mass, force production capabilities and tendon dimensions to tendon stiffness during childhood; and (ii) descriptively document age‐related changes in tendon mechanical properties and dimensions. Achilles tendon mechanical and material properties were determined in 52 children (5–12 years) and 19 adults. Tendon stiffness and Young’s modulus (YM) were calculated as the slopes of the force–elongation and stress‐strain curves, respectively. Relationships between stiffness vs. age, mass and force, and between YM vs. age, mass and stress were determined by means of polynomial fits and multiple regression analyses. Mass was found to be the best predictor of stiffness, whilst stress was best related to YM (< 75 and 51% explained variance, respectively). Combined, mass and force accounted for up to 78% of stiffness variation. Up to 61% of YM variability could be explained using a combination of mass, stress and age. These results demonstrate that age‐related increases in tendon stiffness are largely attributable to increased tendon loading from weight‐bearing tasks and increased plantarflexor force production, as well as tendon growth. Moreover, our results suggest that chronic increases in tendon loading during childhood result in microstructural changes which increase the tendon’s YM. Regarding the second aim, peak stress increased from childhood to adulthood due to greater increases in strength than tendon cross‐sectional area. Peak strain remained constant as a result of parallel increases in tendon length and peak elongation. The differences in Achilles tendon properties found between adults and children are likely to influence force production, and ultimately movement characteristics, which should be explicitly examined in future research.
Is Patient Safety Improving? National Trends in Patient Safety Indicators: 1998–2007
Authors: Downey John R. , Hernandez‐Boussard Tina , Banka Gaurav , Morton John M.
Published: December 2011

Context

Emphasis has been placed on quality and patient safety in medicine; however, little is known about whether quality over time has actually improved in areas such as patient safety indicators (PSIs).

Objective

To determine whether national trends for hospital PSIs have improved from 1998 to 2007.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Using PSI criteria from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, PSIs were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for all eligible inpatient admissions between 1998 and 2007. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate annual percentage changes (APCs) for PSIs.

Main Outcome Measure

Annual percent change for PSIs.

Results

From 1998 to 2007, 7.6 million PSI events occurred for over 69 million hospitalizations. A total of 14 PSIs showed statistically significant trends. Seven PSIs had increasing APC: postoperative pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis (8.94), postoperative physiological or metabolic derangement (7.67), postoperative sepsis (7.17), selected infections due to medical care (4.05), decubitus ulcer (3.05), accidental puncture or laceration (2.64), and postoperative respiratory failure (1.46). Seven PSIs showed decreasing APCs: birth trauma injury to neonate (−17.79), failure to rescue (−6.05), postoperative hip fracture (−5.86), obstetric trauma–vaginal without instrument (−5.69), obstetric trauma–vaginal with instrument (−4.11), iatrogenic pneumothorax (−2.5), and postoperative wound dehiscence (−1.8).

Conclusion

This is the first study to establish national trends of PSIs during the past decade indicating areas for potential quality improvement prioritization. While many factors influence these trends, the results indicate opportunities for either emulation or elimination of current patient safety trends.
Comparative Survival Literature in Intensive Hemodialysis: Limitations and Future Directions
Authors: Pauly Robert P. , Klarenbach Scott W. , Komenda Paul
Published: December 2011

Modality comparisons focusing on survival outcomes of nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) or short daily hemodialysis (SDHD) versus other treatment paradigms of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) are sparse. The existing literature consists of cohort studies that are small, retrospective, underpowered, and poorly controlled. The only randomized controlled trial that included mortality as part of a complex composite endpoint is unable to provide information on survival only. Even if concerns with internal validity of this literature are set aside, the generalizability of a few hundred NHD and SDHD patients is an important consideration as it remains uncertain whether or not the purported survival benefits of intensive hemodialysis readily translate into similar benefits for the global ESRD population. The most feasible and definitive study design to compare NHD or SDHD to other treatment modalities (and to each other) is a large, prospective, matched cohort study.
Risk of Hypoglycemia in Older Veterans with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: Implications for Practice and Policy
Authors: Feil Denise G. , Rajan Mangala , Soroka Orysya , Tseng Chin‐Lin , Miller Donald R. , Pogach Leonard M.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To examine the relationship between management of diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia in older adults with and without dementia and cognitive impairment.

Design

Cross‐sectional database analysis of veterans aged 65 years and older stratified according to dementia, cognitive impairment, age, antiglycemic medications, and glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c) level.

Setting

Research database with linked clinical, laboratory, pharmacy, and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes.

Participants

Four hundred ninety‐seven thousand nine hundred veterans aged 65 and older with diabetes mellitus who obtained services from the Department of Veterans Affairs in fiscal years (FYs) 2002 and 2003.

Measurements

Hypoglycemia, the outcome variable, was identified from outpatient visits, emergency department and inpatient admission codes in FY2003. Independent variables (FY2002–03) included dementia and cognitive impairment, comorbid conditions, extended care and nursing home stays, demographics, antiglycemic medication, and HbA1c levels.

Results

Prevalence of combined dementia and cognitive impairment was 13.1% for individuals aged 65 to 74 and 24.2% for those aged 75 and older. Mean HbA1c levels were 7.0 ± 1.3% for all participants and 6.9 ± 1.3% for those with dementia. The proportion of participants taking insulin was higher in those with dementia or cognitive impairment (30%) than in those with neither condition (24%). Of all participants taking insulin, more with dementia (26.5%) and cognitive impairment (19.5%) were hypoglycemic than of those with neither condition (14.4%). For all participants, unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for hypoglycemia were 2.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.36–2.48) for dementia and 1.72 (95% CI = 1.65–1.79) for cognitive impairment; adjusted ORs were 1.58 (95% CI = 1.53–1.62) for dementia and 1.13 (95% CI = 1.08–1.18) for cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus was managed more intensively in older veterans with dementia and cognitive impairment, and dementia and cognitive impairment were independently associated with greater risk of hypoglycemia.
Peripheral Stimulus Localization by Infants of Moving Stimuli on Complex Backgrounds
Authors: Mallin Brittany M. , Richards John E.
Published: December 2011

This study examined the effect of attention in young infants on the saccadic localization of dynamic peripheral stimuli presented on complex and interesting backgrounds. Infants at 14, 20, and 26 weeks of age were presented with scenes from a Sesame Street movie until fixation on a moving character occurred and then presented with a second segment in the scene in which the character movement occurred in a new location. Localization of the moving character in the new location was faster when the infant was engaged in attention than when inattentive, for scenes in which the character moved from one location to another, or scenes in which the character stopped moving and characters in new locations began moving. However, localization of the character was slower during attention when the first character disappeared and a different character appeared in a new location. We also found a decrease in the linear component of the main sequence in the saccade characteristics over the three testing ages, and attention affected the main sequence for infants at the two oldest ages. These results partially replicate prior findings showing that attention to a focal stimulus affects localization of peripheral stimuli, but suggest that the nature of the stimuli being localized modifies the role of attention in affecting eye movements to peripheral stimuli.
Modeling Intelligent Adversaries for Terrorism Risk Assessment: Some Necessary Conditions for Adversary Models
Authors: Guikema Seth
Published: December 2011

Intelligent adversary modeling has become increasingly important for risk analysis, and a number of different approaches have been proposed for incorporating intelligent adversaries in risk analysis models. However, these approaches are based on a range of often‐implicit assumptions about the desirable properties of intelligent adversary models. This “Perspective” paper aims to further risk analysis for situations involving intelligent adversaries by fostering a discussion of the desirable properties for these models. A set of four basic necessary conditions for intelligent adversary models is proposed and discussed. These are: (1) behavioral accuracy to the degree possible, (2) computational tractability to support decision making, (3) explicit consideration of uncertainty, and (4) ability to gain confidence in the model. It is hoped that these suggested necessary conditions foster discussion about the goals and assumptions underlying intelligent adversary modeling in risk analysis.
The Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation on Left Atrial Function: Association with Baseline Left Atrial Function
Authors: MASUDA MASAHARU , INOUE KOICHI , IWAKURA KATSUOMI , OKAMURA ATSUNORI , KOYAMA YASUSHI , KIMURA RYUSUKE , TOYOSHIMA YUKO , ITO NORIHISA , KOMURO ISSEI , FUJII KENSHI
Published: December 2011

Background:

The effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation on left atrial (LA) function has not been sufficiently determined.

Methods:

We enrolled 115 consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF that underwent AF ablation. Multidetector computed tomography was performed in sinus rhythm before and 3 months after ablation to evaluate LA volume (LAV) and function. Estimates of maximum and minimum LAV were used to calculate LA emptying fraction (LAEF) ([maximum–minimum LAV]/maximum LAV × 100).

Results:

AF ablation significantly decreased maximum LAV (59.0 ± 20.4 to 53.3 ± 16.7 cm3, P = 0.001), and maintained LAEF (44.5 ± 13.1% to 43.7 ± 10.9%, P = 0.49). The larger the baseline maximum LAV, the greater the decrease in LAV after ablation, and a smaller baseline LAEF was associated with a larger recovery of LAEF after ablation (regression coefficient =−0.45 and −0.56, respectively, P < 0.0001). Multivariable analyses revealed that an impaired baseline LAEF was an independent predictor of an improvement in LA function (an increase in LAEF of >10%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, P < 0.0001), while an older age and preserved baseline LAEF were independently associated with a deterioration of LA function (a decrease in LAEF of >10%; OR = 1.06, P = 0.03; and OR = 1.10, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

AF ablation appears to have a beneficial effect on LA function in patients with impaired LA function at baseline. However, it may reduce LA function in patients with an older age and preserved baseline LAEF. (PACE 2011;1–8)
Cardiac Device‐Related Endocarditis Complicated by Spinal Abscess
Authors: RODRIGUEZ YASSER , GREENSPON ARNOLD J. , SOHAIL MUHAMMAD R. , CARRILLO ROGER G.
Published: December 2011

Background:

Infective endocarditis is the most serious manifestation of cardiac device infection and metastatic seeding of distant sites has been reported. However, the association between device‐related endocarditis and spinal abscess has not been fully described.

Methods:

We reviewed hospital records at three high‐volume cardiovascular referral centers from January 2005 to October 2010. Device‐related endocarditis was confirmed in all cases with positive blood cultures and transesophageal echocardiogram revealing lead and/or valvular vegetations. Six patients with spinal abscesses in association with device‐related endocarditis were identified.

Results:

A total of 384 patients met the clinical criteria for device‐related endocarditis. Among these, infection was complicated by spinal abscess formation in six (1.5%) cases. The mean age of patients was 69.3 ± 11.8 years (47–82 years). The predominant clinical manifestations in these six patients included a recent history of fever (six), malaise (four), and neurological or meningeal signs (five). Spinal abscesses were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging in two and computed tomography scans in four of the cases. The causative pathogens were methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (three), methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (one), coagulase‐negative Staphylococci (two), and Enterococcus fecalis (one). All patients underwent complete device removal with no procedure‐related complications. Two patients died in the hospital, two were discharged with permanent neurological deficits, and the remaining two recovered with no permanent neurologic sequelae.

Conclusion:

Device‐related endocarditis must be considered in patients who present with a spinal abscess and bacteremia. Early recognition of this scenario is imperative in order to avoid permanent neurological sequelae and patient mortality. Early imaging, appropriate parenteral antimicrobial therapy, and expedited removal of all cardiac hardware are pivotal for optimal management. (PACE 2011;1–7)
Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation Improves Cardiac Contractile Function and Myocardial Oxygen Consumption in a Porcine Model of Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: LIU YUAN , YUE WEN‐SHENG , LIAO SONG‐YAN , ZHANG YUELIN , AU KA‐WING , SHUTO CHIKA , HATA CARY , PARK EULJOON , CHEN PETER , SIU CHUNG‐WAH , TSE HUNG‐FAT
Published: December 2011

Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation. Background: Prior experimental studies show that thoracic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) improves left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF). The mechanism of this improvement in the LV contractile function after SCS and its effects on the myocardial oxygen consumption remains unknown.

Methods and Results: We performed thoracic SCS (T1‐T2 level) followed by 4 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing in 9 adult pigs with ischemic heart failure (HF) induced by myocardial infarction (MI). At 24 hours off‐pacing, detailed echocardiogram and invasive hemodynamic assessment were performed to determine LV contractile function and myocardial oxygen consumption. Serum norepinephrine level was measured before and after SCS. SCS was performed on 2 occasions for 15 minutes, 30 minutes apart (recovery) with 50 Hz frequency (pulse width 0.2 millisecond, 90% of motor threshold at 2 Hz output). Echocardiogram revealed significant decrease in LVEF (33.8 ± 1.8% vs 66.5 ± 1.7%, P < 0.01) after induction of MI and HF. Compared with MI and HF, acute SCS significantly increased LVEF and +dP/dt (all P < 0.05). Withdrawal of SCS during recovery decreased +dP/dt, but not LVEF that increased again with repeated SCS. Myocardial oxygen consumption also significantly decreased during SCS compared with MI and HF (P = 0.006) without any change in serum norepinephrine level (P = 0.9). Speckle tracking imaging showed significant improvement in global and regional circumferential strains over the infarcted mid and apical regions, decreased in time to peak circumferential strain over the lateral and posterior wall after SCS, and the degree of intraventricular dyssynchrony during SCS compared with MI and HF (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: In a porcine model of ischemic HF, acute SCS improved global and regional LV contractile function and intraventricular dyssynchrony, and decreased myocardial oxygen consumption without elevation of norepinephrine level. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 534‐540, May 2012)
The Parasite that Causes Whirling Disease, Myxobolus cerebralis, is Genetically Variable Within and Across Spatial Scales
Authors: Lodh Nilanjan , Kerans Billie L. , Stevens Lori
Published: December 2011

Understanding the genetic structure of parasite populations on the natural landscape can reveal important aspects of disease ecology and epidemiology and can indicate parasite dispersal across the landscape. Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), the causative agent of whirling disease in the definitive host Tubifex tubifex, is native to Eurasia and has spread to more than 25 states in the USA. The small amounts of data available to date suggest that M. cerebralis has little genetic variability. We examined the genetic variability of parasites infecting the definitive host T. tubifex in the Madison River, MT, and also from other parts of North America and Europe. We cloned and sequenced 18S ribosomal DNA and the internal transcribed spacer‐1 (ITS‐1) gene. Five oligochaetes were examined for 18S and five for ITS‐1, only one individual was examined for both genes. We found two different 18S rRNA haplotypes of M. cerebralis from five worms and both intra‐ and interworm genetic variation for ITS‐1, which showed 16 different haplotypes from among 20 clones. Comparison of our sequences with those from other studies revealed M. cerebralis from MT was similar to the parasite collected from Alaska, Oregon, California, and Virginia in the USA and from Munich, Germany, based on 18S, whereas parasite sequences from West Virginia were very different. Combined with the high haplotype diversity of ITS‐1 and uniqueness of ITS‐1 haplotypes, our results show that M. cerebralis is more variable than previously thought and raises the possibility of multiple introductions of the parasite into North America.
Schmorl’s Nodes in an American Military Population: Frequency, Formation, and Etiology*,†
Authors: Burke Kelly L.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  This research investigates the frequency of Schmorl’s nodes in differing populations, with new data from a skeletal sample from the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL) at the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command, while also reviewing the etiology of Schmorl’s node formation. Processes implicated in Schmorl’s node formation include trauma, old age, disease, intrinsic abnormalities, and biomechanical factors, and they correlate with Schmorl’s node formation to varying degrees. A survey of research from the anthropology and medical literature revealed Schmorl’s node population frequencies ranging from 8 to 80%. The current study consists of two samples, one derived from CIL case reports and one analyzing skeletal remains. The case report sample yielded a Schmorl’s node frequency of 19.8%. The examined sample yielded a frequency of 73.7%. The disparate frequencies reported are likely due mainly to differences in completeness and observability. It is likely that trauma was a major factor in the formation of Schmorl’s nodes in the CIL study.
Chemistry in Crime Investigation: Sodium Percarbonate Effects on Bloodstains Detection
Authors: Castelló Ana , Francés Francesc , Verdú Fernando
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Chemistry plays a leading role in crime investigation. In the study of bloodstains, chemical reactions provide the means for the detection. All these procedures have been thoroughly studied. However, recently, a new source of error has been found: washing stains with “active oxygen” detergents abrogates presumptive and human hemoglobin tests for bloodstains (although visible). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the ability of pure sodium percarbonate—main component of detergents—to abrogate presumptive and human hemoglobin tests. Then, a solution to this problem could be found. The results demonstrate that pure sodium percarbonate—itself—is able to abrogate all tests, as well as the different degrees to which each of them is affected by the product. Consequently, faced with a stain of bloody appearance, even the preliminary tests are negative; it is advisable to analyze the DNA. Otherwise, the opportunity of obtaining valuable information is lost.
Reproducibility of Facial Soft Tissue Thicknesses for Craniofacial Reconstruction Using Cone‐Beam CT Images
Authors: Hwang Hyeon‐Shik , Kim Kyul , Moon Da‐Nal , Kim Jae‐Hyung , Wilkinson Caroline
Published: December 2011

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the soft tissue (ST) thicknesses at 31 landmarks using the cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained from 20 adult subjects. Four observers carried out ST thickness measurements using Skull Measure software, and the inter‐ and intra‐observer error rates were evaluated. Only five of 31 landmarks showed significant differences in recorded ST thickness between the observers. When excluding inexperienced observers, only one landmark showed a significant difference between the observers. Regarding the intra‐observer reproducibility, the ST thickness measurements at three landmarks showed low correlation coefficients. The results of this study indicate that CBCT images can be used to measure ST thickness with high reproducibility. However, some landmarks need to be redefined to reliably measure ST thickness on CBCT images.
TRIPS Compatibility of Sri Lankan Trademark Law
Authors: Marsoof Althaf
Published: December 2011

Having been a contracting party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) since 1948, Sri Lanka ratified the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO) in June 1994, and became one of its founding Members. Since then, Sri Lanka has striven to bring its local laws into conformity with the standards imposed by the WTO. In the context of intellectual property (IP), the former Code of Intellectual Property of 1979 was replaced by the Intellectual Property Act of 2003. This legislative change was particularly important in discharging Sri Lanka's obligations under the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which forms one of several WTO covered agreements, to which Sri Lanka is party. The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent that the Sri Lankan trademark law is in conformity with the standards imposed by TRIPS. The focus, in particular, is on the aspects of acquisition and cancellation of trademark rights and the nature and scope of these rights.