bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the feasibility of lossy compression for PDE simulations
Authors: Calhoun Jon , Cappello Franck , Olson Luke N , Snir Marc , Gropp William D
Published: March 2018

Checkpoint restart plays an important role in high-performance computing (HPC) applications, allowing simulation runtime to extend beyond a single job allocation and facilitating recovery from hardware failure. Yet, as machines grow in size and in complexity, traditional approaches to checkpoint restart are becoming prohibitive. Current methods store a subset of the application’s state and exploit the memory hierarchy in the machine. However, as the energy cost of data movement continues to dominate, further reductions in checkpoint size are needed. Lossy compression, which can significantly reduce checkpoint sizes, offers a potential to reduce computational cost in checkpoint restart. This article investigates the use of numerical properties of partial differential equation (PDE) simulations, such as bounds on the truncation error, to evaluate the feasibility of using lossy compression in checkpointing PDE simulations. Restart from a checkpoint with lossy compression is considered for a fail-stop error in two time-dependent HPC application codes: PlasComCM and Nek5000. Results show that error in application variables due to a restart from a lossy compressed checkpoint can be masked by the numerical error in the discretization, leading to increased efficiency in checkpoint restart without influencing overall accuracy in the simulation.
Potential diagnostic value of fluorescein angiography and color Doppler imaging in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Mokbel Tharwat H. , Shahin Maha M. , El-Said Eglal M. , El-Ghaffar Wael M. Abd
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate absolute filling defects of the optic disc and color Doppler imaging (CDI) measurements in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) to assess their diagnostic potentialities.

Methods

Twenty patients with POAG and 20 age- and sex-matched controls were included in this study. Fluorescein angiograms were performed and percentage of absolute fluorescein filling defects was calculated. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive indices (RI) of the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and temporal and nasal short posterior ciliary arteries (TPCA, NPCA) were measured using CDI.

Results

Absolute filling defects of the optic nerve head and RI of CRA were significantly larger in patients with POAG (p<0.001). EDV of CRA, TPCA, and NPCA were significantly reduced in POAG (p<0.05). RI of OA, TPCA, and NPCA were significantly increased in patients with POAG (p<0.05). Absolute fluorescein filling defects percentages correlated with the RI of CRA and NPCA. They correlated negatively with EDV of CRA, NPCA, and TPCA. The diagnostic accuracy of the RI of CRA in glaucoma was 96% while that of absolute fluorescein filling defects percentages was 92%.

Conclusions

The combination of different techniques allows further interpretation of ocular circulatory changes in glaucoma and help in diagnosis of glaucoma. Further studies are needed for better understanding of the relationship between circulatory and neural loss.
Inflammatory mediators and posterior segment involvement in ocular Behçet disease
Authors: Ozdamar Yasemin , Berker Nilufer , Bahar Gul , Soykan Emel , Bicer Tolga , Ozkan Seyhan Sonar , Karakaya Jale
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To assess the serum level of mediators and their relation with posterior ocular involvement in patients with Behçet disease (BD).

Methods

This study was a prospective, institutional clinical trial including 43 patients with ocular BD. Patients were divided into two subgroups: those with active posterior segment involvement (Group A) and those with inactive ocular BD (Group B). Group A included patients with posterior uveitis (vitritis or chorioretinal involvement), while Group B included patients with no active intraocular inflammation within the last 3 months. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spectrophotometric assay and compared among the groups by independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results

Serum levels of the mediators in Group A (IL-6 [23.1 pg/mL], IL-8 [161.1 pg/mL], TNF-α [30.5 pg/mL], VEGF [455.9 pg/mL], MDA [10.7 μm]) were found to be significantly higher than those in Group B (IL-6 [12.2 pg/mL], IL-8 [48.4 pg/mL], TNF-α [18.6 pg/mL], VEGF [138.0 pg/mL], MDA [5.1 μm]).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that increased serum levels of inflammatory mediators including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, VEGF, and MDA were possibly involved in the development of posterior uveitis in BD.
Varicella endotheliitis: a case report
Authors: Khodabande Alireza
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To report a case of varicella endotheliitis.

Methods

An 18-year-old patient with varicella presented with photophobia and reduced vision in his left eye because of disciform corneal endotheliitis.

Results

Ocular symptoms and signs resolved completely except for small sectoral iris atrophy with combined antiviral and corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusions

We report a rare presentation of varicella.
Polyacrylic Acid Gel in Patients with Dry Eyes: A Randomised Comparison with Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Bron A.J. , Mangat H. , Quinlan M. , Foley-Nolan A. , Eustace P. , Fsadni M. , Sunder Raj P.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To compare the safety and efficacy of polyacrylic acid 0.2% (PAA) gel and polyvinylalcohol 1.4% (PVA) in the treatment of patients with dry eyes.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients with dry eyes were randomly allocated to treatment with either PAA (48) or PVA (41) in a prospective, investigator-masked study in two centres. The parameters assessed were daily frequency of instillation of the study medications, ocular signs and symptoms, tear film break up time, Schirmer's test values, local tolerance and global assessment of the improvement following treatment.

Results

The two groups were similar in patient demographics and study parameters at baseline. The total score of symptoms (gritty or foreign body sensation, burning sensation, dry eye sensation, photophobia, others) and signs (conjunctival hyperaemia, ciliary injection, corneal and conjunctival epithelial staining) was reduced significantly more by treatment with PAA than with PVA at both three and six weeks (p<0.0001). The daily frequency of instillation of PAA was significantly less than that PVA on 38 of the 41 (93%) study days. Both PAA and PVA were safe and equally well-tolerated except for blurred vision, usually mild and transient, on PAA. On global assessment of the improvement in their dry eye condition, significantly more PAA patients felt better on treatment at six (p=0.02) weeks compared with those on PVA.

Conclusions

Polyacrylic acid gel was as safe as and more effective than polyvinylalcohol in the treatment of patients with dry eyes.
Experimental Tractional Retinal Detachment: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Basmak H. , Isiksoy S. , Topbas S. , Artan S. , Yurdakul S.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study investigated the pathogenesis of tractional retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy in an experimental model, using immunohistochemical staining.

Methods

To produce tractional retinal detachment in rabbit eyes, homologous cultured fibroblasts obtained from the gluteal muscle fascia were injected intravitreously. Right eyes of 20 rabbits in the study group, and 7 rabbits in the control group were followed for 28 days at weekly intervals with indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus photographs.

Results

During the follow-up period grade III tractional retinal detachment developed in 11 eyes, grade II in six, and grade 1 in three eyes. The spindle-shaped cells contributed predominantly to the development of epiretinal membrane, and a smaller number of round small and large cells. In 10/17 grade II and III eyes, spindle-shaped cells had vimentin, 7/10 had actin, 5/17 had GFAP, 4/17 had S-100 protein immunoreactivity. Round small and large cells expressed S-100 protein, GFAP and actin in 5/17 eyes. Epiretinal membrane appeared to be formed by spindle-shaped fibroblast-like cells and small and large round glia-like cells. Actin positivity of spindle-shaped and round cells was taken as a marker of contractile elements of the cells and their locomotional features.

Conclusions

These features are believed to be involved in contraction of the membrane and retinal detachment.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Cunha-Vaz J.
Published: March 2018

Retinal edema is defined as any increase of water in retinal tissue resulting in an increase in its volume. This increase may be initially intracellular or extracellular. In the first case, there is cytotoxic edema. In the second, vasogenic edema, directly associated with an alteration of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB).

Retinal thickness can now be measured, using the retinal thickness analyser (RTA). Similarly, local breakdown of the BRB can now be mapped using the retinal leakage analyser (RLA). The application of these methods to diabetic macular edema has shown that both types of retinal retinopathy edema occur in the initial stages of diabetic retinal disease. These observations suggest a role for neuroprotective and vasoprotective agents in the management of diabetic retinal disease.
Ectopia Lentis et Pupillae with Patchy Depigmentation of the Skin, Hair and Lashes: A New Association
Authors: Manitto M.P. , Brancato R. , Lombardo N. , Zarrella M. , Nucci P.
Published: March 2018

We describe a case of a four year-old boy, with congenital ectopia lentis et pupillae, who developed patchy unilateral depigmentation of the skin, hair and lashes. The association between ectopia lentis et pupillae and transillumination of the iris is well documented in the literature, but it has never been reported with skin hypopigmentation.
Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 2, Interleukin 6 and Fibronectin on Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing
Authors: Er H. , Uzmez E.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of topically applied transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), alone and combined with fibronectin, on the rate of corneal wound healing in rabbits.

Methods

Twenty-eight rabbits were used for the experiment. After the right eye of each rabbit was debrided with n-heptyl alcohol, the animals were divided into four treatment groups (six rabbits per group) and one control group (four rabbits). The debrided eyes were treated, beginning immediately after wounding and continuing every 2 hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for 48 hours. Group 1 received TGF-beta 2; group 2 IL-6; group 3, TFR-beta 2 and purified fibronectin; group 4, IL-6 and fibronectin; control group, balanced salt solution. At set intervals each eye was stained with fluorescein and photographed; epithelial defects were measured with a computer-assisted digitizer. The healing rate was calculated by linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean healing rates in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and controls were respectively 1.65 ± 0.16, 1.68 ± 0.11, 1.99 ± 0.12, 2.23 ± 0.09, and 0.93 ± 0.18 mm2/h. Mean epithelial healing rates for all drug-treatment groups were significantly faster than controls. The healing rates of groups 3 and 4 were significantly faster than groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions

We conclude that cytokines, in combination with extracellular matrix proteins, facilitate corneal epithelial wound healing in vivo, possibly by making corneal epithelial cells more sensitive to fibronectin receptors.
Early Aseptic Loosening in One Design (3M-Capital) of Cemented Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Pandit H.G. , Hand C.J. , Ramos J.L. , Pradhan N.S. , Hobbs N.J.
Published: March 2018

This is a retrospective study of one particular design of cemented hip (the 3M - Capital) used in Great Britain in the early 90's. The study included 224 primary THRs performed over a period of 5 years (average follow-up: 38.4 months) using either monobloc (31) or modular (193) stems the former made of stainless steel and the latter of titanium alloy. A high incidence of early loosening of the femoral component was noticed with both types of stem (12.5% definite loosening, 11.16% possible loosening). Possible aetiologies are discussed. Thirty-five patients (15.6%) were listed for revision. Early failure with the use of the stainless steel implants version of this prosthesis is so far unreported. Patients with early loosening were heavier than those without loosening over the same period of follow up, which was statistically significant. Histological findings at the time of revision are also discussed. In early 1998 a national audit was initiated to locate all the patients with Capital hip implant and these are the results of the study at one of these centres. The need for a national arthroplasty register in a country where more than 40,000 hip replacements are performed annually has become more obvious with failure of the Capital hip.
Cross-Table Lateral Radiographs for Screening of Anterior Femoral Head-Neck Offset in Patients with Femoro-Acetabular Impingement
Authors: Eijer H. , Leunig M. , Mahomed M. N. , Ganz R.
Published: March 2018

One theory for the aetiology of osteoarthrosis of the hip is the impingement of the anterior femoral neck against the acetabulum in flexion. The reduced femoral head-neck offset not visible on AP-radiography is implicated in this impingement. The anterior part of the head-neck region is well visualised on cross table lateral radiographs. A retrospective analysis of the offset using cross table lateral radiographs was therefore performed on twelve symptomatic and ten asymptomatic hips. The anterior offset (AOS) was defined as the difference in radius between the anterior femoral head and the anterior femoral neck. The offset ratio (OSR) was defined as the AOS divided by the femoral head diameter. The AOS was 11.6 ± 0.7 mm in the asymptomatic group and 7.2 ± 0.7 mm in the symptomatic group, which was statistically significantly different (p=0.0006). The OSR was 0.21 ± 0.03 in the asymptomatic group and 0.13 ± 0.05 in the symptomatic group, which was also statistically significantly different (p=0.0004). Cross-table lateral radiographs of the hip are useful for screening patients complaining of anterior femoro-acetabular impingement symptoms, as their anterior femoral head-neck offset may be smaller.
The Value of Pre-Operative Screening for MRSA in the Reduction of Sepsis in Total Hip Replacement Associated with MRSA. A Prospective Audit
Authors: Sott A.H. , Jones R. , Davies S. , Cumberland N.
Published: March 2018

This audit was set up at Frimley Park Hospital in 1996 to assess how screening patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) before total hip replacement would affect the post-operative rate of wound infection with this multi-resistant organism.

Over 12 months, 123 patients were screened for MRSA during their pre-operative assessment for total hip replacement. Four ‘screen-positive’ patients were identified, treated and their surgery postponed until clearance; none developed MRSA - related problems.

The wound infection rate did not significantly drop when compared to a similar unscreened patient cohort who had undergone total hip replacement the previous year.
Risk Factors in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Abela M. , Benson M. K. D.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the study was to correlate risk factors, clinical and ultrasound findings in children screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A total of 1448 “at risk” infants were prospectively assessed over a 2-year period. The likelihood of hip dysplasia and instability on ultrasound was increased by an extended breech presentation and the presence of a structural foot deformity. Clinically abnormal hips almost invariably showed ultrasonographic dysplasia or displacement. In our series the ultrasound findings bore no statistically significant correlation with obstetric variables such as labour duration, Caesarean section and induced delivery, or with a positive family history of DDH. We have compared the aetiological significance of the various risk factors and associated clinical findings in the causation of DDH, in an “at risk” population.
Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head (Part 2)
Authors: Steinberg M.E.
Published: March 2018

Although there is no completely effective treatment for osteonecrosis (ON), core decompression is one of the more popular methods used to promote healing and retard progression. However, there has been considerable controversy about its safety and effectiveness. Published reports have indicated clinical success which has varied from 40 to 90 percent. We performed core decompression with supplementary cancellous bone grafting on 406 hips with ON. There were five complications in the entire series, including two hip fractures resulting from falls. Of 297 hips with a two to fourteen year follow-up, total hip replacement was required in only 36 percent of treated hips as compared to 77 percent of non-operated controls. The outcome was correlated with both the stage and the size of the necrotic lesion. Only 22 percent of the hips with small lesions required total hip replacement as compared to 39 percent with intermediate or large lesions. There was no correlation between outcome and the amount of pain present prior to surgery.

Various modifications of core decompression have also been used to treat ON. These have included the use of supplementary grafts of various types, electrical stimulation, decalcified bone matrix, and bone morphogenic protein. Early results in limited series have been encouraging, but some of those techniques remain experimental.

At the present time we feel that core decompression, with or without bone grafting, is a simple, safe, and established technique which is our first choice for the treatment of patients with earlier stages of ON. The role of vascularized fibular grafts is promising and the place of other new techniques is currently being evaluated.
Ilio-Psoas Bursitis Presenting as Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Kenaan M. K. , Wynn-Jones C. H. , Cassar-Pullicino V.N.
Published: March 2018

Para-articular communicating cysts of the hip joint can uncommonly cause secondary compression of neighbouring neurovascular structures. We report two patients with iliopsoas bursitis in whom deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity and an inguinal mass were the mode of presentation.
Cemented Hip Replacements in Patients Younger than 50 Years: 16–24 Year Results
Authors: Langdon I.J. , Bannister G.C.
Published: March 2018

Although specialist centres have recorded a 75% survivorship of hip arthroplasty after 20 years (1), results in general orthopaedic units are unreported. Thirty-four patients with 45 primary cemented total hip arthroplasties implanted by “first generation” cementing techniques were reviewed after a mean of 20 years, documenting revision, occupation, and function. Twenty of the 35 (57%) hips were revised after a mean of 12 (2 to 21) years and reviewed after a mean of 7.6 years. Three hips had been subsequently re-revised. Seven out of nine (78%) hip arthroplasties in males failed, compared with 13 of 26 (50%) in females. Eighty-five percent failed by aseptic loosening. Five of nine employed patients had retired or changed profession. The mean Harris Hip Score was 73% (unrevised), 75% (revised), and 64% (re-revised). These results justify continuing efforts to improve technique and prosthetic design. Over a quarter of our patients were lost to follow up despite repeated contact over the previous 18 years, which mirrors the world literature. To adequately assess modern designs and techniques, we must improve retrieval. A national database would assist this.
The Effect of Interleukin-1β, Tumour Necrosis Factor a and Particle Phagocytosis on Monocyte-Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Wang W. , Sabokbar A. , Simpson A.H.R.W. , Athanasou N.A.
Published: March 2018

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) are inflammatory cytokines which are known to influence osteoclastic bone resorption. To determine the effect of these cytokines on inflammatory macrophage-osteoclast differentiation, we added IL-1ß and TNFα to long term co-cultures of mouse monocytes and osteoblastic cells. IL-1ß (10 & 100 pg/ml) stimulated osteoclast formation as measured by expression of TRAP and the extent of lacunar bone resorption whereas TNFα (10 & 100 ng/ml) inhibited macrophage-osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Particle phagocytosis (which is known to stimulate the release of these cytokines) did not influence the extent of osteoclast formation. IL-1ß stimulation of osteoclast formation may in part account for the increase in bone resorption associated with this inflammatory cytokine; TNFα inhibition of osteoclast formation may be due to interruption of the interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors.
Association of Various Point Mutations as Risk Factors for Synthetic Graft Thrombosis in African American Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Latif S. , Zaman F. , Nordberg M. , Abreo K.
Published: March 2018

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes that code for coagulation factor V (factor V (Leiden)) and II (prothrombin G20210A), as well as the methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) have been implicated in the majority of cases of hereditary thrombophilia. In our hemodialysis patient population, comprised mainly of African Americans, we have seen a high incidence of early vascular access thrombosis without any identifiable predisposing factors. In some instances, there is recurrent access thrombosis that may be related to an inherited condition. In this study we evaluated the presence of these gene mutations and their association with increased risk of recurrent vascular access thrombosis in our hemodialysis patient population. Our results show that factor V Leiden and factor II prothrombin point mutations did not appear to increase the risk of vascular access thrombosis in African Americans with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Patients heterozygous for the MTHFR gene, also did not show a significant increased risk for synthetic graft thrombosis.
Successful Multidisciplinary Interventions for Arterio-Venous Fistula Creation by the Pacific Northwest Renal Network 16 Vascular access Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Nguyen V.D. , Lawson L. , Ledeen M. , Treat L. , Buss J. , Barclay C. , Alford S. , Reus J. , Griffith C.
Published: March 2018

Background

In December 2001, 44.2% of hemodialysis (HD) patients in the Northwest Renal Network (NWRN 16) received dialysis using an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Substantial differences were noted in percentages of patients with AVF, ranging from 5% to 90% of the facility population, suggesting wide variation in physician practice patterns within the Network. To address the needs of facilities having <40% AVF, NWRN 16 provided education and tools for their vascular access decision-makers to promote AVF creation.

Methods

In 2002, the Network sponsored 4 regional workshops targeted to nephrologists, vascular surgeons, dialysis nurses, and interventional radiologists.

Results

46 facilities (43% of all Network facilities) had <40% AVF in use in December, 2001, dialyzing 2940 patients (Invited Units). Percent AVF in use in all the Invited Facilities increased from 31.3% pre-intervention to 39.8% at 1 year (p<0.001 vs pre) to 56.2% at four years: 79.8% increase in the prevalent AVF rate over a four-year period (95% confidence interval: 77.8% to 81.7%).

Conclusion

Low prevalent AVF rates in many NWRN 16 facilities may have resulted from differences in physician practice patterns. The success of Network 16 AVF Intervention demonstrates the effectiveness of Network education promoting multidisciplinary teamwork, innovative strategies to increase AVF rates among dialysis patients.
Insertion of Long-Term Tunneled Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheters via the External Jugular Vein by using a Simple, Safe and Reliable Surgical Technique
Authors: Skandalos I. , Amvrosiadis D. , Filippidis A. , Sioulis A. , Tsitsios T. , Mavromatidis K. , Hatzibaloglou A.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Description of our technique for the insertion of long-term tunneled cuffed hemodialysis (HD) catheters via the external jugular vein.

Methods

From December 1999 to August 2006, 357 long-term tunneled cuffed HD catheters were inserted in 308 patients, who were referred to us from various hospitals and clinics in Greece. About half of them (168, or 47%) were inserted via the external jugular vein. We describe our surgical technique for the insertion of long-term tunneled cuffed HD catheters via the external jugular vein.

Results

During our study, there was a gradual increase in using the external jugular vein as a method for the insertion of permanent HD catheters. In all cases, the intraoperative catheter blood flow was measured >300 ml/min. No major complications occurred.

Conclusions

Long-term tunneled cuffed HD catheters can be inserted via the external jugular vein by using an easy, simple, safe surgical technique. This procedure provides the possibility of using the internal jugular vein in the future.
Fluoroscopically Guided vs Modified Traditional Placement of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters: Clinical Outcomes and Cost Analysis
Authors: Yevzlin A.S. , Song G.U. , Sanchez R.J. , Becker Y.T.
Published: March 2018

Tunneled cuffed internal jugular vein catheters are widely used to provide short to medium-term vascular access for hemodialysis. The NKF-K/DOQI guidelines state that fluoroscopy is mandatory for insertion of all cuffed dialysis catheters. The KDOQI recommendation makes it difficult for Nephrologists to perform this procedure without access to fluoroscopy. This results in unnecessary waiting times and the inappropriate use of acute, non-tunneled catheters. The purpose of this study is: 1) to compare the outcomes of fluoroscopically guided vs modified traditional catheter placement technique, and 2) to perform a cost analysis of the two techniques. We performed a retrospective investigation of 202 tunneled hemodialysis catheters performed at our tertiary care hospital. Procedural data were obtained from the University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine, Nephrology Section Interventional Nephrology procedural database. Patient demographics, laboratory tests were obtained from the University of Wisconsin Hospital electronic medical record (EMR). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of blind vs fluoro-guided placement on clinical outcomes, corrected for side of procedure, age, gender, previous history of catheter placement, diabetes mellitus (DM), and pre-procedural coagulation parameters. Baseline characteristics of “blind” vs fluoro-guided groups differed with respect to side of procedure and DM (91.0% vs 79.6%, p= 0.02 and 43.30% vs 58.40%, p= 0.02, respectively). Non-fluoroscopic placement of catheters was associated with a decreased odds ratio of immediate success (OR = 0.1298, CI = 0.02 - 0.71). No difference in major or minor bleeding complications was discovered between the blind vs fluoro-guided group. Cost analysis revealed that performing the non-fluoroscopic technique as the preferred initial procedure would represent a substantial reduction in total bills submitted to third-party payers, including Medicare.
Risk Factors for Yeast Superinfection in the Treatment of Suspected Exit Site Infections: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Oliveira L. , Graham J. , Lok C. , Macfarlane S. , Zimmerman D.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The risk of infection can be reduced in hemodialysis (HD) patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) by using prophylactic intranasal mupirocin or polysporin at the exit site. However, there are concerns about the potential emergence of resistant microorganisms. The purpose of our study was to determine if the use of polysporin double in the treatment of exit site infections was associated with the emergence of yeast positive exit site cultures.

Methods

In this case control study, we evaluated the risk of developing yeast positive exit site cultures after introducing a polysporin medical directive for the treatment of presumed exit site infections in our HD units. All HD patients using a CVC for blood access at the Ottawa Hospital were eligible for study. Demographic variables, use of polysporin, antibiotics and immunosuppressive medications were compared between those patients with yeast positive exit site cultures and controls.

Results

There was no differences in age, gender or diabetic status between the cases and controls. However, the use of polysporin, antibiotics and immunocompromised status were associated with an increased risk of yeast positive exit site cultures. The relative importance of each of these factors could not be determined using this study design and requires future prospective study.

Conclusions

The emergence of yeast positive exit site cultures after the introduction of a new medical directive at a tertiary care hospital highlights the difference between medications used for prophylaxis and those used for treatment of CVC infections in high risk dialysis patients.
Atrial Thrombosis: A near Fatal Complication of a Portacath
Authors: Tonkin J.L. , Campbell G. , Golding L. , Hamblin M. , Hunter S. , Jaggia A.
Published: March 2018

Portacaths™ (Bard Medical Division, Georgia, USA) are routinely used for central venous access in patients with poor peripheral veins who require regular long-term venous access. Complications associated with central venous access devices, including infection and thrombosis, are well described in the literature; however, to our knowledge there have been few case reports of right atrial thrombi and pulmonary emboli related to implanted ports. This paper discusses the case of a patient who developed an atrial thrombosis 4 months after port placement and subsequent pulmonary emboli.
Proximal Radial Artery Ligation after Distalization of a High flow Brachio-Cephalic Fistula. A Novel Approach to Inflow Reduction
Authors: Smith J.B. , Calder F.R.
Published: March 2018

High flow fistulae present a common challenge to vascular access (VA) surgeons and many strategies have been described, each with their benefits and limitations. There are no NK-DOQI guidelines for the management of high flow fistulae or indeed the management of those refractory to more conventional approaches. We discuss a novel technique to inflow reduction in a previously distalized brachiocephalic fistula and recommend the technique of proximal radial artery ligation.
Lipophosphoglycan 3 From Leishmania infantum chagasi Binds Heparin With Micromolar Affinity
Authors: Martins Thaís Viana Fialho , Zeraik Ana Eliza , Alves Natália Oliveira , de Oliveira Leandro Licursi , de Oliveira Mendes Tiago Antônio , DeMarco Ricardo , de Almeida Marques-da-Silva Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Leishmania infantum chagasi is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for visceral leishmaniasis, a fatal disease in humans. Heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) are proteins that bind to carbohydrates present in glycoproteins or glycolipids. Evidence suggests that HBPs present on Leishmania surface participate in the adhesion and invasion of parasites to tissues of both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. In this study, we identified the product with an HSP90 (heat shock protein 90) domain encoded by lipophosphoglycan ( LPG3) gene as a L infantum chagasi HBP (HBP Lc). Structural analysis using the LPG3 recombinant protein suggests that it is organized as a tetramer. Binding analysis confirms that it is capable of binding heparin with micromolar affinity. Inhibition of adenosine triphosphatase activity in the presence of heparin, molecular modeling, and in silico docking analysis suggests that heparin-binding site superimposes with the adenosine triphosphate–binding site. Together, these results show new properties of LPG3 and suggest an important role in leishmaniasis.
Revisiting McLuhan
Authors: Cohen Hart
Published: March 2018

Three critical frameworks can be developed retrospectively to contextualise the papers that follow. These frameworks are best defined as modes of knowledge production through which McLuhan's ideas were produced and which continue to have relevance. They are, first, the communication and media critique: second, the left cultural critique: and third, the modernist/postmodernist critique — a socio-techno-aesthetic. Understanding McLuhan the person was germane to the idea puzzles he produced because, as a media celebrity, he practised modes of behaviour inconsistent with the production of critical rationalist discourse expected from within the academy. Even with strong scepticism of McLuhan's determinist views, his work sustains interest in the social consequences of media technology and may therefore be read retrospectively as an important corrective to contemporary studies of new communications technologies.
OI, OI, OI, Oilympics! Reflections of a Sydneysider
Authors: Powell Di
Published: March 2018

In the midst of the Sydney 2000 Games, one Sydneysider stopped to reflect on what was happening around her…
Using ‘Economic’ Impact Studies in Arts and Cultural Advocacy: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Madden Christopher
Published: March 2018

‘Economic’ impact studies have been popular in arts and cultural advocacy. Yet the application is inappropriate. ‘Economic’ impact studies are not designed for the purposes of advocacy. In the case of art and culture, they are more likely to be self-defeating. They also distract attention and resources away from the articulation of better advocacy arguments. Economists have warned against the use of ‘economic’ impact studies for advocacy, but their efforts have been only partly successful. This paper summarises the case against using ‘economic’ impacts for advocacy, concentrating on commonsense issues for easy digestion by non-economists.
Outdoor Advertising and Social Change in Contemporary Russia
Authors: Ciochetto Lynne
Published: March 2018

This study investigates contemporary advertising and social change in the context of the breakdown of state socialism and the expansion of capitalism in contemporary Russia. The focus is on what outdoor advertising communicates about the expansion of capitalism in the emerging capitalist economy in Russia in the 1990s, including recent changes in the Russian economy as it has embraced international capitalism, and also the overall standard of living of the Russian consumer.
Mediation and Alternative Media, or Relocating the Centre of Media and Communication Studies
Authors: Couldry Nick
Published: March 2018

Alternative media should not be marginal, but central, to the developing agenda of media and communication studies, because they challenge the massive concentration of ‘symbolic power’ (Bourdieu) in mainstream media institutions and the resulting ‘exclusion’ of most people ‘from the power of naming’ (Melucci). Precisely because alternative media organisations, in relative terms, lack symbolic resources, their activities tend to be largely invisible, but that is no reason why, as ‘weapons of the weak’ (Scott), they should be ignored. With some exceptions, media studies has neglected alternative media for too long, and neglected also the inequalities of symbolic power in which media institutions themselves are involved. But now there is less excuse for that neglect. When the ‘digital divide’ and the atrophy of representative democracy are hotly debated not only by academics but also by policy-makers, media studies should listen to those who are not prepared to accept their exclusion from the power of naming; they are citizens with something important to contribute to debates about democracy, and in paying more attention to them, media studies can make an important link between its own agenda and urgent agendas in political theory and democratic debate.
Little Bogan Lost: Examining Media Treatment of the Jaidyn Leskie Murder Case
Authors: Campbell Melissa
Published: March 2018

In June 1997, 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie disappeared from Moe, a rural Victorian town. His body was found in January 1998. Through a discussion of three presentations of ‘loss’, this paper contends those involved in the case were constructed by the media as ‘bogans' — powerless outsiders — because they defied categorisation within narrow conceptions of ‘normal Australian society’. While Jaidyn himself was a ‘lost child’, his family and associates were likened to a ‘lost tribe’, whose alliances, feuds and kinship networks became exotic, exploitative entertainment. Lacking rhetorical tools to ‘explain’ such a distinctive culture, media coverage constructed bogans as victims of failed social policy: their culture ‘caused’ by economic downsizing, unemployment, drug use and single parenthood. Finally, when members of Jaidyn's family accepted money for media interviews, they were painted as ‘losing their innocence’. This reveals insecurities underpinning the concept ‘bogan’: evidently, bogans were not supposed to engage in media manipulation themselves.
Indigenising the Effects of Media Globalisation
Authors: Morris Christine
Published: March 2018

This article is meant to address an international Indigenous audience and has already been presented at several international forums. The intention of the article is to show the ways in which Indigenous communities in Australia are using technology to promote democratic communication and to challenge global media hegemony perpetuated not only by media moguls but also by those who claim to challenge media on behalf of the oppressed. This tyranny of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices not only emanates from the hegemonic racism of mainstream society, but Fanon's concept of the comprador bourgeoisie, whom I posit are the ‘desired reflective images and voices' — the image and voice most palatable to Australia's media and power structure.
Facing off on the Final Frontier: The WTO Accession and the Rebranding of China's National Champions
Authors: Keane Michael
Published: March 2018

This paper examines ramifications of China's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the context of the increasing internationalization of its audio-visual industry landscape. The paper begins with a discussion of the concept of sovereignty. This is juxtaposed against the proposition advanced by US content industry spokesperson Jack Valenti that liberalisation of markets and openness to ‘ideas' is in China's greater interest. The point is made that a leap of faith between open markets and the ‘marketplace of ideas' is viewed suspiciously by Chinese elites, despite their declaration that WTO accession represents a win-win outcome for the Chinese nation. The second section of the paper looks at how China might respond to reassert cultural sovereignty through industry development, in particular the use of branding and localisation. The conclusion reframes the utility of the idea of sovereignty in the light of China's celebration of national champions.
Developing Local Popular Songs in Hong Kong: A Study of the All Cantonese Pop Music Station Format
Authors: Yiu-Wai Chu
Published: March 2018

Taking the case of the All Cantonese Pop Music Station, launched by Commercial Radio of Hong Kong in the late 1980s, this paper investigates the intricate relations among cultural policy, broadcasting institutions and the music industry. Through analysis of this empirical case, the complex relationship between cultural policy and the development of local pop songs is also examined. The major theoretical thrust tackles the important question of whether protective cultural policies are culturally limiting or integral to creating discursive space for indigenous culture to develop.
Rethinking the Status of Female Olympians in the Australian Press
Authors: Payne Rachel
Published: March 2018

There is a common assumption among sport and media analysts that female athletes worldwide simply do not enjoy adequate media coverage. This article aims to challenge this notion by highlighting an important aspect of women's sport reporting often overlooked in other analyses of sportswomen in the media — Olympic press coverage. In contrast to everyday press representations of women's sport, the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 provided several positive examples of reports written by Australian journalists about female athletes. Incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches, this paper assesses both the allocation and content of articles printed about female Olympians during the Sydney Olympics by four major Australian newspapers.
Regulating Diversity: Cultural Diversity, National Film Policy and the International Coproduction of Films
Authors: Hammett-Jamart Julia
Published: March 2018

The audiovisual sector has figured significantly in recent multilateral negotiations. Within this broad domain of cultural policy, and because of the hindrance they represent to the implementation of the ‘most favoured nation’ clause, local content regulations and the practice of international coproduction have received particular attention. This paper considers the contrasting approaches of the French and Australian governments to cinematic coproduction. Whilst the objectives of the two countries are ostensibly aligned, the mechanism for assessing eligible films varies tremendously, reflecting a fundamental difference in policy preoccupations. Drawing upon a discursive analysis of interviews, public speeches and unpublished correspondence, and juxtaposing this with specific policy instances, the paper will identify some of the underlying motives for international coproduction and, by extension, assess the potential of ‘cultural diversity’ to find its expression in the Australian film policy milieu.
An Innovation Agenda for the Creative Industries: Where is the R&D?
Authors: Cunningham Stuart , Cutler Terry , Hearn Greg , Ryan Mark , Keane Michael
Published: March 2018

What would an innovation systems approach to the creative, and especially the digital, content industries look like? This is important for two reasons: such an approach may open up dynamic and central policy territory which has been the preserve of science, engineering and technology (SET) worldwide; and it asks new questions, outside the domain of cultural support, which may precipitate a more holistic approach to the creative industries. This article draws on aspects of a report produced as part of the Australian government's Creative Industries Cluster Study, which outlined key elements of such a system. It focuses on the issues raised in looking at the role of key public institutions such as research agencies, educational and training bodies, including universities, government support agencies and others. We argue that these elements need to be greatly strengthened as well as challenged in terms of their orientation and their capacity to contribute to the innovation system.
Creative Choices: Changes to Australian Copyright Law and the Future of the Public Domain
Authors: Moore Christopher
Published: March 2018

Changes to Australian copyright law introduced under the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement will diminish the public domain, criminalise common copyright infringing practices and locally introduce significant portions of the controversial 1998 American Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This paper examines these imminent changes to Australian copyright law, with specific attention to the potential effects of the extended duration of copyright protection and the introduction of technological anti-circumvention measures. It argues that public domain-enhancing activities are crucial for sustaining cultural creativity and technological innovation, and discusses the potential role of the Creative Commons movement in establishing economically viable and legal alternatives to the current model of trade-oriented copyright reform.
Desperately Seeking Democracy: Unreflexive Liberalism and the ‘Privacy Bias’ in Journalism Ethics
Authors: Wilkinson Jennifer
Published: March 2018

Because journalism ethics draw deeply, and perhaps unreflexively, on liberal political traditions, there is a lot of confusion about what public accountability entails. When interpreted from the standpoint of liberal theory, the perception of the need for public accountability is generally framed by a simplistic opposition between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy. Central to the liberal framing of the accountability is a weak notion of ‘publicity’ anchored in notions of representation and revelation. Furthermore, there is also a strong tradition within liberal theory to treat ethics as a matter of private concern, rather than something that can be publicly resolved. For these reasons, the balance of democratic consideration always seems to sit more comfortably with privacy rights than it does with considerations of accountability to the public. This paper explores some of these dilemmas surrounding journalism ethics and public accountability by examining their theoretical underpinnings in liberal political theory and comparing them with a model of public accountability grounded in publicity construed as public participation.
Indie Rocks! Mapping Independent Video Game Design
Authors: Wilson Jason
Published: March 2018

Though many video games scholars and journalists tend to train their sights on ‘big gaming’, there is a vibrant and varied sector of independent game design, production and distribution. Indie gaming is not a unitary field and, as well as producing a diverse range of games, indie designers occupy a range of positions vis-à-vis mainstream video gaming. Therefore, while this article gives examples of this diversity, it is by no means an exhaustive account. Industry watchers and events are together suggesting that low-cost, independent modes of production will become increasingly important and prevalent in the immediate future. Scholars and practitioners alike will do well to understand the historical trajectories of indie design, and to keep pace with its present and future diversity.
A Clever Little Country?
Authors: Griffiths Mary , Lealand Geoff
Published: March 2018

Our editorial for this special issue of MIA is a contribution to what we hope will, in future, be a more lively and informed dialogue across both the New Zealand and Australian sides of the ‘ditch’.
Desultory Dividends: The Politics of Funding the Tvnz Charter
Authors: Thompson Peter A.
Published: March 2018

The introduction of the TVNZ charter legislation in 2003 restructured the broadcaster from a state-owned enterprise (SEO) to a Crown-owned company (CROC). TVNZ was given a charter involving a dual remit obliging the delivery of extensive public service functions while maintaining commercial performance. The government also decided to directly fund charter initiatives through the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and TVNZ anticipated that the Treasury would forego any expectations of continued dividend payments. However, in 2004 TVNZ paid a $37.6 million dividend to the Treasury — double the amount it received from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. Despite charter requirements, TVNZ remains disproportionately dependent on commercial revenue to fund programming initiatives. Drawing on original interviews with TVNZ and ministerial officials, and using the TVNZ charter as a case study, this paper explores how different institutional agents can engage with political-economic structures in the negotiation of broadcasting policy and funding mechanisms.