bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective evaluation of cats with elapid snake envenomation associated neurotoxicity requiring mechanical ventilation: 12 cases (2005–2014)
Authors: Ong Hui Mei , Kelers Kylie , Hughes Dez , Boller Manuel
Published: August 2017

Objective

To retrospectively determine the population and outcome characteristics of a cohort of Australian elapid snake envenomed cats requiring mechanical ventilation (MV).

Design

Retrospective observational study (2005–2014).

Setting

Academic veterinary emergency and critical care service.

Animals

Twelve cats undergoing MV for elapid snake envenomation.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The medical records were searched to identify cats requiring MV as part of treatment for elapid snake envenomation. Signalment, the indication for, duration of and complications associated with MV, duration of hospitalization, and survival to hospital discharge were recorded for each of the enrolled cases. Seven cats (58.3%) underwent MV because of presumed unsustainable respiratory effort and 5 cats (41.7%) for respiratory arrest. Eleven cats (91.7%) were successfully weaned from MV and survived to hospital discharge. No cats developed ventilator associated pneumonia or pneumothorax. The median duration of MV was 19.5 hours for the survivors (range 7.0–37.0 hours) and median duration of hospitalization was 3.5 days (range 2.4–14.9 days).

Conclusions

Cats requiring MV for elapid snake envenomation have a favorable outcome and require a relatively short period of MV. Complications encountered are unlikely to influence outcome.
Surgical excision of a feline orbital lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma with adjunctive cryotherapy and carboplatin‐impregnated bead implantation
Authors: Dorbandt Daniel M. , Lundberg Alycen P. , Roady Patrick J. , Huey Jane A. , Phillips Heidi , Hamor Ralph E.
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this report was to discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a cat with an orbital lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma. A 14.5‐year‐old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a firm swelling at the left dorsotemporal orbital rim. The orbital mass was excised with preservation of the globe, and adjunctive cryotherapy was performed. A definitive diagnosis of lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma was obtained after histopathologic evaluation and histochemical staining with periodic acid–Schiff and mucicarmine. Thirteen months postoperatively, tumor regrowth occurred with a much larger osteolytic lesion, and a second surgery was performed consisting of tumor excision with implantation of carboplatin‐impregnated calcium sulfate hemihydrate beads. The cat has remained free of recurrence 11 months after the second surgery (26 months after initial diagnosis and surgery). A feline orbital lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma was successfully managed utilizing globe‐preserving surgical excision with adjunctive cryotherapy and subsequent carboplatin‐impregnated bead implantation. Orbital lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma in cats may not be as aggressive as other forms of periocular, head, and neck adenocarcinomas.
Reviwer Acknowledgements
Authors: Walter Andrew
Published: August 2017

Studies in Engineering and Technology (SET) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2014. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether SET publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.Ahmet Can ALTUNIŞIKAlexander RussellGiovanni AngrisaniGirish UpretiHala Abd El MegeedHalil KARAHANHassan ShaabanLei KangMarco A RuanoPaul SteskensShahab BahramiWael SalahXiuyu GaoYi Zheng
Risk factors and nursing strategies to manage choking in adults with mental illness: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lu Qiu F. , Ma Qiang , Syed Rithwan Syed M.A.B. , Ng Hui C. , Lee So L. , Lee Kit M. , Umarani Krishnan , Xie Huiting
Published: August 2017

Review question/objective:

: The review objectives are:

To synthesize the best available evidence on risk factors for choking in adult inpatients (18 years and over) with mental illness.

To synthesize the best available evidence on non-pharmacological strategies to manage choking risk in adult inpatients (18 years and over) with mental illness.

Specifically, this review seeks to answer the following questions:

What are the factors that pre-dispose adults with mental illness to choking in inpatient healthcare settings?

What is the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies to manage choking risk in adults with mental illness in inpatient healthcare settings?
Alternative tests versus measurement of fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance test for diagnosis of pediatric type 2 pre-diabetes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Tučková Dagmar , Klugar Miloslav , Lasota Tomasz , Lasák Jakub , Campbell Jared M. , Munn Zachary
Published: August 2017

Review question/objective:

: The gold standard for the diagnosis of pre-diabetes is the measurement of fasting plasma glucose and the oral glucose tolerance test. The objective of this systematic review is to identify all alternative tests currently in use for the diagnosis of type 2 pre-diabetes mellitus in children and establish their accuracy relative to this gold standard.
Formation of Soot in Ethylene–Air Partially Premixed Flames Over a Wide Range of Premixedness
Authors: Chakraborty Aritra , Chakravarthy Satya R.
Published: August 2017

This paper reports an investigation of soot formation in ethylene–air partially premixed flames (PPFs) over a wide range of premixedness. An axisymmetric co-flow configuration is chosen to establish PPFs from the fully nonpremixed to fully premixed conditions. Reducing the fuel flow rate as a percentage of the maximum from the core stream and supplying the same to the annular stream leads to stratification of the reactant concentrations. The thermal power, overall equivalence ratio, and the average velocity in both the streams are maintained constant under all conditions. The soot volume fraction is estimated by light attenuation method, and laser-induced incandescence (LII) is performed to map the soot distribution in the flow field. The soot volume fraction is observed to exhibit an “S”-type trend as the conditions are traversed from near the premixed to the nonpremixed regimes. That is, when traversing from the nonpremixed to near-premixed regime, below 60% fuel flow rate in core, the soot volume fraction drops drastically. The onset of sooting in the PPFs is clearly seen to be at the tip of the rich-premixed flame (RPF) branch of their triple flame structure, which advances upstream toward the base of the flame as the premixing is reduced. The S-type variation is clearly the effect of partial premixing, more specifically due to the presence of the lean premixed flame (LPF) branch of the triple flame. LII intensities are insufficient to capture the upstream advance of the soot onset with decreased premixedness. So, a quick and inexpensive technique to isolate soot luminescence through flame imaging is presented in the paper involving quasi-simultaneous imaging with a 650 nm and a BG-3 filter using a normal color camera.
Draft Genome Sequences of Multiple
Frackibacter
Strains Isolated from Hydraulically Fractured Shale Environments
Authors: Booker Anne E. , Johnston Michael D. , Daly Rebecca A. , Wrighton Kelly C. , Wilkins Michael J.
Published: August 2017

The genomes of three novel
Frackibacter
strains (WG11, WG12, and WG13) were sequenced. These strains were isolated from hypersaline fluid collected from a hydraulically fractured natural gas well. These genomes provide information on the mechanisms necessary for growth in these environments and offer insight into interactions with other community members.
Does rectal diclofenac reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis? A district general hospital experience
Authors: Sheiybani Giovanna , Brydon Peter , Toolan Miriam , Linehan John , Farrant Mark , Colleypriest Benjamin
Published: August 2017

Introduction

There is controversy in the literature recently regarding the efficacy of rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of PEP in three distinct groups of patients at the Royal United Hospital, Bath: no use of rectal diclofenac, selective use and blanket use without contraindication.

Method

Readmission data, blood results, radiology reports and discharge summaries were used to identify patients with PEP from August 2010 to December 2015. The administration of rectal diclofenac postprocedure was recorded from the endoscopy reporting system.

Results

1318 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCP) were performed by four endoscopists during the study period with 66 (5.0%) cases of pancreatitis. 445 ERCPs were performed prior to the introduction of NSAID use during which time, with an incidence of 35 (7.9%) episodes of PEP. During the selective period of NSAID use (high-risk patients) 539 ERCPs were performed and 72 (13.4%) patients received NSAIDs. 17 (3.2%) developed PEP. 334 ERCPs were performed when NSAIDs were given to all patients without contraindication. 289 (86.5%) of patients received rectal diclofenac and 13 (3.9%) developed pancreatitis. There is a statistically significant decrease in PEP comparing the groups of patients receiving NSAIDs selectively (p=0.0009) or routinely (p=0.0172) when compared with none. There is no difference between the selective and routine group (p=0.571).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that the introduction of a selective or routine use of NSAIDs for PEP in a District General Hospital (DGH) significantly decreases the risk of pancreatitis (risk reduction 43.7%).
My week
Authors: Brand Kara
Published: August 2017

Kara Brand joined PawSquad in January this year. Here she talks about her week, delivering convenient and stress‐free home visits to pet owners in Devon
System Identification Using Gray-Based Adaptive Heterogeneous Multi-Swarm PSO Algorithm: Application to an Irrigation Station
Authors: Chrouta Jaouher , Zaafouri Abdelrrahmen , Jemli Mohamed
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a modified methodology to find an optimal T-S fuzzy model based on an extended heterogeneous Multi-swarm PSO (MsPSO) algorithm is developed in order to enhance search ability of the classical MsPSO algorithm. However, this simple MsPSO algorithm search behavior is not always optimal to find the potential solution to a special problem, and it may trap the individuals into local regions leading to premature convergence. To overcome this drawback, two parameter automation strategies (inertia weight and acceleration coefficients) are introduced based on gray relational analysis in MsPSO to guarantee a highly accurate model. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by adopting standard tests and indicators which are reported in the specialized literature. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is significantly better than the original MsPSO algorithm and the rest of compared algorithms according to mean and standard deviation (std) tests. Next, to further validate the generalization ability of the Improved OptiFel approach, the proposed algorithm is secondly applied on the BoxJenkins Gas Furnace system. Then, the improved OptiFel method is applied to an irrigation station process in order to provide an optimal T-S fuzzy model. Compared to the other existing methods, we achieve the result that the improved OptiFel can generate good fuzzy model with high accuracy and strong generalization ability.
THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF ADAPTIVE AND INTELLECTUAL RESOURCE CAPABILITIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: ADOMAKO SAMUEL
Published: August 2017

Extant entrepreneurial orientation (EO) literature suggests that EO positively affects firm performance, but several factors influence the potency of this relationship. However, the influence of adaptive and intellectual resource capabilities on the EO–performance linkage lacks theoretical clarity. Accordingly, deriving insights from the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities framework, this paper argues that variations in financial performance are a function of degree of EO and levels of adaptive and intellectual resource capabilities. Using primary data gathered from 245 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Ghana, the study finds that when a firm’s adaptive and intellectual resource capabilities are well developed and deployed, the potency of EO as a driver of financial performance is enhanced.
Biogeography and Biotic Assembly of Indo-Pacific Corvoid Passerine Birds
Authors: Jønsson Knud Andreas , Borregaard Michael Krabbe , Carstensen Daniel Wisbech , Hansen Louis A. , Kennedy Jonathan D. , Machac Antonin , Marki Petter Zahl , Fjeldså Jon , Rahbek Carsten
Published: August 2017

The archipelagos that form the transition between Asia and Australia were immortalized by Alfred Russel Wallace's observations on the connections between geography and animal distributions, which he summarized in what became the first major modern biogeographic synthesis. Wallace traveled the island region for eight years, during which he noted the marked faunal discontinuity across what has later become known as Wallace's Line. Wallace was intrigued by the bewildering diversity and distribution of life he discovered. But even today we ask ourselves how species formed within the region and why they are not evenly distributed. Biogeography, phylogeny, dispersal, biotic interactions, and abiotic factors affect the assembly of diversity. On the basis of a decade of research on the ecology, evolution, and systematics of corvoid passerine birds, we summarize what we have learned about the biogeography and assembly of island bird diversity. Corvoid passerine birds include nearly 800 species and 2,300 named taxa and thus represent a large, well-described, and globally distributed clade. Understanding the processes influencing biodiversity in this group is certain to deepen our general understanding of ecology and evolution in the context of biogeography and faunal assembly.
The Fundamentals Underlying Oil and Natural Gas Derivative Markets
Authors: Parsons John E.
Published: August 2017

What determines the range and boundaries of energy derivative markets? Why is the oil futures trade dominated by contracts on two grades and locations when the global trade encompasses many grades and locations? Should we expect change in the near future? We review research on the establishment and performance of energy derivative markets, focusing on the two major energy commodities: oil and natural gas. For both commodities, trade in derivatives arose at the conclusion of a historical process in which production along the value chain that had been coordinated by vertically integrated companies or similar institutional structures switched to being coordinated through markets. Consequently, much of the research reviewed here is about the structural changes that made it possible for markets to assume this role. This review encompasses research into the price discovery function, which determines how many successful futures contracts are needed for each commodity.
Wearable physiological monitoring for human thermal-work strain optimization
Authors: Buller Mark J. , Welles Alexander P. , Friedl Karl E.
Published: August 2017

Safe performance limits of soldiers and athletes have typically relied on predictive work-rest models of ambient conditions, average work intensity, and characteristics of the population. Bioengineering advances in noninvasive sensor technologies, including miniaturization, reduced cost, power requirements, and comfort, now make it possible to produce individual predictions of safe thermal-work limits. These precision medicine assessments depend on the development of thoughtful algorithms based on physics and physiology. Both physiological telemetry and thermal-strain indexes have been available for >50 years, but greater computing power and better wearable sensors now make it possible to provide actionable information at the individual level. Core temperature can be practically estimated from time series heart rate data and, using an adaptive physiological strain index, provides meaningful predictions of safe work limits that cannot be predicted from only core temperature or heart rate measurements. Early adopters of this technology include specialized occupations where individuals operate in complete encapsulation such as chemical protective suits. Emerging technologies that focus on heat flux measurements at the skin show even greater potential for estimating thermal-work strain using a parsimonious sensor set. Applications of these wearable technologies include many sports and military training venues where inexperienced individuals can learn effective work pacing strategies and train to safe personal limits. The same strategies can also provide a technologically based performance edge for experienced workers and athletes faced with novel and nonintuitive physiological challenges, such as health care providers in full protective clothing treating Ebola patients in West Africa in 2014.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This mini-review details how the application of computational techniques borrowed from signal processing and control theory can provide meaningful advances for the applied physiological problem of real-time thermal-work strain monitoring. The work examines the development of practical core body temperature estimation techniques and how these can be used in combination with current and updated thermal-work strain indexes to provide objective state assessments and to optimize work rest schedules for a given task.
Urinary Enzyme Release following Aminoglycoside
Administration in Single Low Dose
Authors: Emanuelli Giorgio , Anfossi Giovanni , Calcamuggi Giuseppe , Marcarino Cecilia , Lanzio Mario
Published: August 2017

Urinary enzyme excretion was investigated in healthy volunteers before and
after infusion of single low doses of aminoglycoside (gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin)
in the same subjects. Significant increases were detected in urinary leucine aminopeptidase,
lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase following gentamicin infusion; after amikacin
administration only urinary release of leucine aminopeptidase was found to be increased.
No difference was detected compared to basal values in enzyme excretion after tobramycin
infusion. Urinary enzyme release in our conditions suggests low tubular damage after single
doses of gentamicin and amikacin.
Adenocarcinoma, Not Otherwise Specified, Arising in Accessory Lacrimal Gland: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Milman Tatyana , Iacob Codrin , Lauer Simeon , Feldman Michael D. , Zhang Paul J.L.
Published: August 2017

Neoplasms arising in accessory lacrimal glands are rare. We describe a 33-year-old man with adenocarcinoma arising in the left lower eyelid accessory lacrimal gland. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated an infiltrative neoplasm composed of mildly to moderately pleomorphic cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and focal intracytoplasmic vacuoles, arranged predominantly in ductules. Foci of luminal and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic secretory material and occasional mucin were noted. An in situ component was identified in the gland of Wolfring. Though perineural invasion was present, high-grade nuclear features, brisk mitotic activity, and comedonecrosis were not identified. Immunohistochemical studies were notable for immunoreactivity of the tumor cells for CK7, carcinoembryonic antigen, BRST-2, androgen receptors, and HER2/neu (2+). The neoplastic cells were negative for CK20, estrogen and progesterone receptors, S-100, p63, calponin, thyroid transcription factor-1, and prostate-specific antigen. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies for ETV6 and MAML2 rearrangements and for HER2/neu amplification were negative. Because of the absence of unifying morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic findings, the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, was rendered. The patient underwent comprehensive oncologic workup, which was negative for another primary tumor and metastases. He remains disease free with a follow-up of 4 years. This case illustrates the challenges encountered in applying salivary gland tumor classification to the accessory lacrimal gland neoplasm.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Children with Leber-Coats Disease
Authors: Fortunato Michele , Turtoro Angela , Cennamo Gilda
Published: August 2017

Introduction: The aim of this work was to describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) features in paediatric Leber-Coats disease. Methods: Three children presenting with unilateral, clinically active Leber-Coats disease were evaluated using spectral domain OCT and OCTA. OCT angiograms were analysed and compared with the current literature. Results: All 3 OCT angiograms showed that the vessels had lost most of their collateral branches and presented many loops. The capillaries were rarefied and anomalies in vessel size, vasodilatation, and macroaneurysms were evident. Conclusion: This is the first case series of OCTA performed in children with Leber-Coats disease. OCTA is a non-invasive and non-contact technique, which can be considered of fundamental importance for the diagnosis, clinical management, and follow-up of the disease.
In Potential Stroke Patients on Warfarin, the International Normalized Ratio Predicts Ischemia
Authors: Cao Cathy , Martinelli Ashley , Spoelhof Brian , Llinas Rafael H. , Marsh Elisabeth B.
Published: August 2017

Background: Stroke can occur in patients on warfarin despite anticoagulation. Patients with a low international normalized ratio (INR) should theoretically be at greater risk for ischemia than those who are therapeutic. Therefore, INR may be able to indicate whether new neurological deficits are more likely strokes or stroke mimics in patients on warfarin. This study evaluates the association and predictive value of INR in determining the likelihood of ischemia. Methods: Patients were identified using the acute stroke registry at a Primary Stroke Center from January 2013 through December 2014. All adult patients undergoing evaluation for acute stroke with prior documented use of warfarin and an INR level at presentation were included. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, medical comorbidities, stroke severity, reason for anticoagulation, and laboratory studies including INR. Student t tests and χ2 analysis were used to evaluate factors associated with increased likelihood of ischemia (stroke or transient ischemic attack) versus mimic. Significant results were entered into a multivariable regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted to determine the predictive value of INR for ischemic risk. Results: 116 patients were included; 46 were diagnosed with ischemia, 70 were diagnosed as mimics. 75% of patients were on warfarin for atrial fibrillation versus 25% for venous thrombosis. A statistically significant difference in mean INR for patients with ischemia (n = 46) versus mimics (n = 70) was observed (1.7 vs. 2.8; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, both sub-therapeutic INR (p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.014) were predictors of ischemia. In patients with an INR ≥2, the predictive value of having a non-ischemic etiology was 79%. No patient with an INR of ≥3.6 was found to have ischemia. Conclusions: Sub-therapeutic INR and atrial fibrillation are strongly associated with ischemia in patients on warfarin presenting with acute neurologic symptoms. Ischemia is far less likely in patients with an INR of ≥2 and rare in those with an INR ≥3.6. This study shows that the INR value of a patient on warfarin can help stratify patients’ risk for acute ischemic stroke and guide further neurologic imaging and workup.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Chemical Composition and In Vitro Cytotoxic Mechanisms of Pallines Spinosa Flower and Leaf Essential Oils Against Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Saleh  Ayman M , Al-Qudah Mahmoud A. , Nasr Amre , Rizvi Sayed A. , Borai Anwar , Daghistani Mustafa
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: In our quest for new natural anticancer agents, we studied the cytotoxicity of the essential oils extracted from flowers and leaves of Pallines spinosa. Methods: The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and solid phase microextraction (SPME) from flowers and leaves of the plant and their composition was determined by GC/GC-MS. The cytotoxicity of the oils was evaluated against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinomas, and the non-cancerous MCF-10-2A cells, using a flow cytometry-based assay Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, nuclear staining, caspases activation, and Western blotting techniques, and cell cycle by measuring DNA contents. Results: The hydrodistilled flower oil contained mainly sesquiterpenes (96.39%), while the leaf sample was dominated by oxygenated-sesquiterpenes (51.60%) and sesquiterpene-hydrocarbons (34.06%). In contrast, the SPME oil contained mainly monoterpene-hydrocarbons (44.09%) and sesquiterpene-hydrocarbons (34.15%) in the flower and leaf samples, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the flower oil against MCF-7 (IC50 0.25 ± 0.03 µg/mL) and MDA-MB-231 (IC50 0.21 ± 0.03 µg/mL) was much stronger than the leaf oil (IC50 2.4 ± 0.5 µg/mL and 1.5 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively). The toxicity of the flower oil was ∼5 to 8-times less in normal MCF-10-2A (IC50 1.3 ± 0.2 µg/mL) and blood mononuclear cells (2.80 ± 0.45 µg/mL) as compared to breast and hematological cancer cells, respectively. Both oils induced a caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and altered the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. In addition, the oils arrested cell cycle in both cancer cell lines at G0/G1 phase by modulating the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21 proteins. Conclusion: The cytotoxicity of P. spinosa oils were mediated by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, suggesting the potential use of their bioactive compounds as natural anticancer compounds.
Impact of Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants From a Basic Science Perspective
Authors: Hoffman Maureane , Monroe Dougald M.
Published: August 2017

The biochemical properties of the non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and their differences from the mechanism of action of vitamin K antagonists contribute to their properties as anticoagulants. These properties include as follows: (1) Inhibiting a single protease is much less effective at inhibiting coagulation than is inhibiting at multiple steps. Thus, the dose–response relationship between NOAC level and intensity of anticoagulation is shallower and more linear than that of vitamin K antagonists. This partially accounts for the greater safety of NOACs than vitamin K antagonists reported in some studies. (2) Because they are small molecules, NOACs can reach their target proteases in locations that plasma protease inhibitors, such as antithrombin, cannot. (3) NOACs compete with substrates for binding at the active site of the target protease and that binding is reversible. When the drug level falls, the drug dissociates from its target, and protease activity is restored. Thus, there is the possibility of a rebound in procoagulant activity if the drug is abruptly terminated. (4) The effects of a NOAC can be overcome by increasing the amount of substrate available for the target protease or the amount of protease produced. This property may contribute to the safety of NOACs and their potential reversibility by coagulation factor concentrates. The biochemical properties of NOACs contribute to their suitability for use in conditions that require a predictable moderate degree of anticoagulation when administered orally at a consistent dose. Their effects can be overcome by a sufficiently strong procoagulant stimulus. This characteristic likely contributes to their generally reduced risk of serious bleeding. However, they are not well suited for use in settings that require a profound degree of anticoagulation.
Morbidity and Mortality Conference for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Doll Jacob A. , Overton Robert , Patel Manesh R. , Rao Sunil V. , Sketch Michael H. , Harrison J. Kevin , Tcheng James E.
Published: August 2017

Background—

Morbidity and mortality conference is a common educational and quality improvement activity performed in cardiac catheterization laboratories, but best practices for case selection and for maximizing the effectiveness of peer review have not been determined.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed the 10-year percutaneous coronary intervention morbidity and mortality conference experience of an academic medical center. Cases were triggered for review by the occurrence of prespecified procedural events. Summary reports from morbidity and mortality conference discussions were linked to clinical data from the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease to compare baseline and procedural characteristics and to assess postdischarge outcomes. Of 11 786 procedures, from 2004 to 2013, 157 (1.3%) were triggered for review. The most frequent triggering events were cardioversion/defibrillation (72, 0.6%), unplanned use of mechanical circulatory support (64, 0.5%), and major dissection (41, 0.3%). Selected procedures were more likely to include high-risk features, such as ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and multivessel disease, and were associated with higher mortality at 30 days. Only a minority of triggering events were caused by controversial or unacceptable physician behavior.

Conclusions—

This 10-year experience outlines the processes for conduct of an effective percutaneous coronary intervention morbidity and mortality conference, including a novel approach to case selection and structured peer review leading to actionable quality interventions. The prespecified clinical triggers, captured in the natural workflow by laboratory staff, identified complex cases that were associated with poor patient outcomes.
Regional Variation in 30-Day Ischemic Stroke Outcomes for Medicare Beneficiaries Treated in Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Hospitals
Authors: Thompson Michael P. , Zhao Xin , Bekelis Kimon , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Schulte Phillip J. , Xian Ying , Lytle Barbara L. , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E. , Reeves Mathew J.
Published: August 2017

Background—

We explored regional variation in 30-day ischemic stroke mortality and readmission rates and the extent to which regional differences in patients, hospitals, healthcare resources, and a quality of care composite care measure explain the observed variation.

Methods and Results—

This ecological analysis aggregated patient and hospital characteristics from the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke registry (2007–2011), healthcare resource data from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care (2006), and Medicare fee-for-service data on 30-day mortality and readmissions (2007–2011) to the hospital referral region (HRR) level. We used linear regression to estimate adjusted HRR-level 30-day outcomes, to identify HRR-level characteristics associated with 30-day outcomes, and to describe which characteristics explained variation in 30-day outcomes. The mean adjusted HRR-level 30-day mortality and readmission rates were 10.3% (SD=1.1%) and 13.1% (SD=1.1%), respectively; a modest, negative correlation (
r
=−0.17;
P
=0.003) was found between one another. Demographics explained more variation in readmissions than mortality (25% versus 6%), but after accounting for demographics, comorbidities accounted for more variation in mortality compared with readmission rates (17% versus 7%). The combination of hospital characteristics and healthcare resources explained 11% and 16% of the variance in mortality and readmission rates, beyond patient characteristics. Most of the regional variation in mortality (65%) and readmission (50%) rates remained unexplained.

Conclusions—

Thirty-day mortality and readmission rates vary substantially across HRRs and exhibit an inverse relationship. While regional variation in 30-day outcomes were explained by patient and hospital factors differently, much of the regional variation in both outcomes remains unexplained.
The Role of Canada’s Child and Youth Advocates: A Social Constructionist Approach
Authors: Bendo Daniella , Mitchell Richard C.
Published: August 2017

The role of Canadian Child Advocates has been under-researched by academics and civil society alike, and the following paper addresses this knowledge deficit with findings from a graduate study (Bendo, 2016) reviewing their legislative and professional roles through a sociology of childhood lens. The aim was to investigate the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates (cccya), and data was derived through a discourse analysis of legal, policy and media documents, and in-depth interviews with five current and former Advocates. This exploratory, qualitative study employed a critical ethnographic methodology, and findings indicate that child advocacy is a complex phenomenon with ample opportunities, although numerous barriers exist hindering the work and affecting the quality of outcomes. The study’s main argument suggests the role of the Advocates is not well understood by Canada’s children, youth or the public at large, and may be hampered by a continued lack of cross-national, multi-systemic implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at federal, provincial and territorial levels.
Words Matter: Textual Abuse of Childhood in the English-Speaking World, and the Role of Language in the Continuing Denial of Children’s Rights
Authors: Saunders Bernadette J.
Published: August 2017

This article focuses upon ‘the textual abuse of childhood in the English-speaking world’ (Saunders and Goddard, 2001). It highlights the significant role that the choice of words used to refer to children, and their experiences, plays in both the continued denial of children’s rights, and the perpetuation of children’s lesser status in relation to adults. The evolution in language apparent in international children’s rights documents is compared and contrasted with language adopted in some media articles, and in both fictional and academic literature, provoking thought about children and their experiences. Attention is particularly drawn to evidence of textual abuse in literature that ostensibly advocates for greater acknowledgement of each child as a person with human rights and an entitlement to dignity and respect. The author calls for a more critical awareness of language as a powerful influence on people’s attitudes and behaviours. It is argued that children occupy an ambivalent place in Western society – at once cherished, nurtured, precious and endearing, and yet ‘always othered’ (Lahman, 2008), and often belittled, subjugated, and subjected to ‘normalised’ violence as punishment for being a child. Children’s advocates ought to not only consciously adopt respectful and empowering written and spoken language in reference to children, they ought also to draw others’ attention to the potentially negative impact of ill-chosen or thoughtlessly adopted language. Fictional and academic literature, that thoughtfully and powerfully adopts language and expresses ideas that promote children’s rights, is recognised for its explicit and/or subliminal positive influence on children, adults and our future society.
Does Exactly What it Says on the Tin?
Authors: Hanson Karl , Lundy Laura
Published: August 2017

The four general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child are one of its most cited features. This article tracks the evolution of the “general principles” in the drafting process of the Convention and the Committee’s determination of the content of its 1991 reporting guidelines. This is followed by an analysis of the approach to the “general principles” that the Committee has adopted in its monitoring and reporting processes and General Comments. It concludes that these four articles are not necessarily “general” nor “principles” and suggests how the concept of a set of cross-cutting standards might evolve and perhaps be reformulated in ways that are faithful to both the text of the Convention and subsequent understanding and practice.
Taxonomic study of the genus Promalactis Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Oecophoridae) from Hainan Island, China (III)
Authors: HU SHA , WANG SHUXIA
Published: August 2017

Seven new species of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 are described from Hainan Island, China: P. anterodilata sp. nov., P. bitriangula sp. nov., P. longiprocessa sp. nov., P. tenuivalvata sp. nov., P. unifurcata sp. nov., P. apicifurcata sp. nov., and P. longimaculata sp. nov. The female of P. serrata Du, Li & Wang, 2011 is described for the first time. Images of adults and genitalia are provided.
Unpacking Direct and Indirect Relationships of Short-Term Memory to Word Reading: Evidence From Korean-Speaking Children
Authors: Kim Young-Suk Grace , Cho Jeung-Ryeul , Park Soon-Gil
Published: August 2017

We examined the relations of short-term memory (STM), metalinguistic awareness (phonological, morphological, and orthographic awareness), and rapid automatized naming (RAN) to word reading in Korean, a language with a relatively transparent orthography. STM, metalinguistic awareness, and RAN have been shown to be important to word reading, but the nature of the relations of STM, metalinguistic awareness, and RAN to word reading has rarely been investigated. Two alternative models were fitted. In the indirect relation model, STM was hypothesized to be indirectly related to word reading via metalinguistic awareness and RAN. In the direct and indirect relations model, STM was hypothesized to be directly and indirectly related to word reading. Results from 207 beginning readers in South Korea showed that STM was directly related to word reading as well as indirectly via metalinguistic awareness and RAN. Although the direct effect of STM was relatively small (.16), the total effect incorporating the indirect effect was substantial (.42). These results suggest that STM is an important, foundational cognitive capacity that underpins metalinguistic awareness and RAN as well as word reading, and further indicate the importance of considering both direct and indirect effects of language and cognitive skills on word reading.
International Analysis of Age-Specific Mortality Rates From Mesothelioma on the Basis of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision
Authors: Boffetta Paolo , Malvezzi Matteo , Pira Enrico , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: August 2017

Past analyses of mortality data from mesothelioma relied on unspecific codes, such as pleural neoplasms. We calculated temporal trends in age-specific mortality rates in Canada, the United States, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Australia on the basis of the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases, which includes a specific code for mesothelioma. Older age groups showed an increase (in the United States, a weaker decrease) during the study period, whereas in young age groups, there was a decrease (in Poland, a weaker increase, starting, however, from low rates). Results were consistent between men and women and between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, although a smaller number of events in women and for peritoneal mesothelioma resulted in less precise results. The results show the heterogeneous effect of the reduction of asbestos exposure on different age groups; decreasing mortality in young people reflects reduced exposure opportunity, and increasing mortality in the elderly shows the long-term effect of early exposures.
Reflections on Indian Internationalism and a Postnational Global Order
Authors: Bhagavan Manu
Published: August 2017

Bhagavan's article examines Mahatma Gandhi's ideas on nationalism, internationalism, and cosmopolitanism in the interwar period of the twentieth century. It argues that Gandhi was ultimately a progressive internationalist who sought to rally the world around the concept of a postnational global order.
More on Nationalism, Internationalism, and Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Chatterjee Partha
Published: August 2017

In response to the discussion in this journal following the publication of “Nationalism, Internationalism and Cosmopolitanism: Some Observations from South Asian History”, this article looks closely at some methodological questions of comparative history. If the dissolution of the British Indian Empire is compared with that of the Ottoman, differences will emerge with respect to the historical formation of the national-popular in the European and non-European Ottoman provinces, the creation of modern state structures in British India, the linguistic foundations of the national imagination in India and international interventions in the Ottoman Empire. The degree to which mass political movements such as nationalism are amenable to the disciplinary methods of intellectual history or biographical studies is also doubtful. Finally, it is arguable that non-European pasts may contain resources for plausible cosmopolitical imaginings, but these must be subjected to critical debates within currently available discursive formations.
Routes Out of Empire
Authors: Cooper Frederick
Published: August 2017

Frederick Cooper's reply to the thoughtful comments of Gregory Mann, Sam Okoth Opondo, and Richard Drayton emphasizes the value of looking beyond a narrative that presumes its end point—the dissolution of colonial empires into nation-states—and focuses instead on the uncertain context of political action in the 1940s and 1950s and the need for a step-by-step analysis of the openings and closures of politics over these years. Reconstructing the multiple ways in which activists sought routes out of empire—including the possibility of postimperial federalism—is essential to understanding the history of decolonization and is a useful reminder today of the importance of thinking creatively about political action in a world that both rigidifies and destabilizes borders and both fosters interaction across space and reifies distinctions among peoples.
Long-term programming effect of early hypoxia and high carbohydrate diet at first-feeding on glucose metabolism in rainbow trout juveniles
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Dias Karine , Plagnes-Juan Elisabeth , Véron Vincent , Panserat Stéphane , Marandel Lucie
Published: August 2017

Environmental conditions experienced during early life play an important role in the long-term metabolic status of individuals. The present study investigated whether early hypoxia exposure (24 h, 2.5 mg·l−1, 20% dissolved O2) during embryo stage alone (hypoxic history) or combined with a 5-day high carbohydrate diet (60%) stimulus at first-feeding (high carbohydrate diet history) can affect the glucose metabolism later in life, i.e. in fish juveniles. After 19 weeks of growth, we observed a decrease in final body weight in fish with a high carbohydrate diet history. Feed efficiency was significantly affected by both hypoxic and dietary histories. After a short challenge test (5 days) performed with a 30% carbohydrate diet in trout juveniles, our results also showed that in trout which experienced hypoxic history, mRNA levels of gluconeogenic genes in liver and glucose transport genes in both liver and muscle of fish juveniles were significantly increased. Besides, mRNA levels of glycolytic genes were decreased in fish with a high carbohydrate dietary history. Both hypoxic and dietary histories barely affected plasma metabolites and global epigenetic modifications in fish juveniles after the challenge test. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that an acute hypoxic stimulus during early development alone or combined with a hyperglucidic stimulus at first feeding can modify growth performance and glucose metabolism at the molecular level in trout juveniles.
Geoecological Aspects of Maintenance of Electromagnetic Safety of the Population in Case of Urban Environment (on the Example of St. Petersburg)
Authors: Стурман  , Sturman V. , Панихидников  , Panihidnikov Sergey
Published: August 2017

The research of actual problems of safety in local emergency situations electric and magnetic fields of industrial frequency in St. Petersburg and vicinities is executed. It is established that sanitary-protective and security zones of high-voltage lines of the standard size not always provide decrease in intensity of electric fields to maximum permissible values. Dependence of intensity of electric fields of transmission lines on meteorological factors is revealed. It is established that electric fields with significant indicators of intensity are shown only near to air high-voltage lines. Working out of a technique and the organisation regular the researches, directed on monitoring and mapping of electromagnetic fields is necessary. The sizes of sanitary-protective and security zones should consider the climatic factors influencing dielectric properties of atmospheric air. Magnetic induction is not more than maximum permissible level in all cases. Magnetic fields not form sharp maxima but have practically everywhere presented city background from set of sources. Thus average indexes of a magnetic induction that above, then more intensively technogenic loading. Abnormal high values of a magnetic induction in separate points of residential areas are noted, as display of emergency situations of the technogenic character, explained by influence of electric cables of an underground lining.
Residual Voltage as a Possible Cause of Equipment Damage and Personnel Occupational Risk under Overhead Transmission Lines Outage. Part 1
Authors: Рубцова  , Rubcova N. , Токарский  , Tokarskiy A. , Рябченко  , Ryabchenko V. , Коновалов  , Konovalov A.
Published: August 2017

To prevent substation equipment damage and to ensure safety of substation personnel under high voltage and extremely high voltage (EHV) overhead transmission line (TL) outage on the example of 500 kV TL outage voltages between switchable phase switch contacts are calculated. It is shown that under operating in the idle mode EHV TL outage, after arc clearing between switch contact connected to the phase at TL beginning and earth aperiodic voltage with the highest value exceeding the peak value of nominal phase voltage is created.The switch contact connected to the mains voltage, relative to the ground remains periodic nominal phase voltage. The resulting voltage between open contacts of the switch becomes aperiodic shifted periodic voltage with highest value exceeding the double peak value of nominal phase voltage that can cause breakdown of the switch. If there is a break switch phase, it will light the arc and switch under arc will go idle mode operating current, the voltage will recover to idle mode value, the current will stop, the arc goes out, aperiodic voltage will appear, etc. Such a process in a closed cycle can last a long time. Thus, output voltages high values can cause breakdown along the switches surface, damage to switches and health risk factor for the staff performing the bypass substation.
Physical basis of measurements and standards
Authors: Афанасьев  , Afanas'ev Aleksandr , Погонин  , Pogonin Anatoliy
Published: August 2017

The manual presents elements of the theory of similarity and dimensions, presents concepts of classical measurement systems, elements of the modern physical picture of the world, stability of fundamental physical constants. The Heisenberg uncertainty relation, the principle of complementarity, the principles of creating a modern reference base based on the stability of micro-world objects, the essence of physical phenomena and effects, and the physical foundations of measuring con-verters in engineering are con-sidered.