bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heinrich Uzel, the father of Thysanoptera studies
Authors: FEDOR PETER J. , DORIČOVÁ MARTINA , PROKOP PAVOL , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: January 2019

Jindřich (Heinrich) Uzel, a Czech phytopathologist and entomologist, published in 1895 a monograph on the Order Thysanoptera that provided the basis for almost all subsequent work on this group of insects. Here we review all the papers and books on thrips that were published by Uzel, including relevant phytosanitary reports. A list is provided of 91 species-group taxa described in the 1895 monograph, together with their current status.
Osteology, natural history notes, and phylogenetic relationships of the poorly known Caribbean frog Leptodactylus nesiotus (Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: PONSSA MARÍA LAURA , JOWERS MICHAEL J. , DE SÁ RAFAEL O.
Published: January 2019

The Leptodactylus melanonotus group consists of 15 species, but references to skeletal characters are available for only three species: L. leptodactyloides, L. melanonotus, and L. diedrus. Leptodactylus nesiotus is a member of the melanonotus group known only from the type locality, Bonasse swamp, on the Southwestern peninsula of Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. This species has been categorized as vulnerable given its restricted distribution. Herein, we report the adult osteology of L. nesiotus, the skeletal characters are compared with the available data from other Leptodactylus species. A phylogenetic analysis recovers a paraphyletic L. melanonotus group relative to the L. latrans group. A monophyletic “latrans-melanonotus” clade is supported by five synapomorphies. L. nesiotus is recovered as the sister species of L. validus, a relationship supported by two synapomorphies: T-shaped terminal phalanges and a dark-colored stripe on the outer surface of arm. In addition, we report on the ecology of this poorly known species.
New species of oribatid mites of the superfamily Galumnoidea (Acari: Oribatida) from Ethiopia
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , SIDORCHUK EKATERINA A. , RYBALOV LEONID B.
Published: January 2019

Three new species of oribatid mites of the superfamily Galumnoidea, Pilizetes anufrievi sp. nov., Taeniogalumna behanae sp. nov., Galumnella baleensis sp. nov., are described from Bale Mountains National Park (African region, Ethiopia). Keys to closely related species of these genera are presented.
The millipede genus Anoplodesmus Pocock, 1895 in Vietnam (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: NGUYEN ANH D.
Published: January 2019

Two new species of the genus Anoplodesmus are described: A. borealis sp. nov. from northern Vietnam, and A. solenophorus sp. nov. from southern Vietnam. Both these species belong to the group showing an extremely long solenomere and strongly reduced paraterga. A key to all three Anoplodesmus species currently known from Vietnam is presented.
A new species in the Tylototriton asperrimus group (Caudata: Salamandridae) from central Laos
Authors: STUART BRYAN L. , PHIMMACHAK SOMPHOUTHONE , SIVONGXAY NIANE , ROBICHAUD WILLIAM G.
Published: January 2019

A new species in the morphologically conservative Tylototriton asperrimus group is described from Khammouan Province, Laos. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA confirms its placement in the T. asperrimus group. Tylototriton notialis sp. nov. is diagnosable in mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA, and morphology from its congeners. The new species represents the first record of the genus from Laos, and is the southernmost known member of the T. asperrimus group.
A new genus of huntsman spiders from the Neotropical region (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae)
Authors: RHEIMS CRISTINA ANNE
Published: January 2019

Guadana gen. nov. is proposed to include six new species: Guadana manauara sp. nov., G. urucu sp. nov. and G. neblina sp. nov. from Brazil; G. quillu sp. nov., from Ecuador; and G. panguana sp. nov. and G. tambopata sp. nov. from Peru. The genus is distinguished from the remaining Neotropical Sparassidae by the presence of a single row of intermarginal denticles, occupying most of the cheliceral grove, a sickle-shaped dorsal tegular projection in the male palps and epigynal ledges in the female epigynum. It is placed in the subfamily Heteropodinae Thorell due to the presence of intermarginal denticles in the chelicerae, a long toothed female pedipalp claw, a ventral tibial apophysis and a ventral branch in the RTA of the male palps.
A new Oncylocotis Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Enicocephalidae) from Sabah: a predacious species associated with the yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: ŠTYS PAVEL , BAŇAŘ PETR , DRESCHER JOCHEN
Published: January 2019

We describe Oncylocotis (Oncylocotis) inexpectatus n. sp. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Enicocephalomorpha: Enicocephalidae) from Malaysia (Sabah). It is the first species of this widely distributed Old World genus from Borneo. Some plesiomorphic anatomical features of the species are discussed and illustrated; e.g., the clypeus subdivided into well delimited anteclypeus and postclypeus; prescapite present; male abdominal segment 8 not modified for genital purposes, and abdominal segments 1–8 bearing spiracles in both males and females. New data on subdivision of the abdomen and venation of the clavus in enicocephalids are provided. The predacious O. inexpectatus n. sp. was found in association with the invasive 'yellow crazy ant', Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) which is ranked among the 100 most devastating invaders worldwide. We bring together the information on this association and review the known cases of myrmecophily in the infraorder Enicocephalomorpha. A list of insect species found as inquilines of A. gracilipes in Sabah is included.
A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northwestern Vietnam
Authors: PHAM ANH VAN , LE MINH DUC , ZIEGLER THOMAS , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG
Published: January 2019

We describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus on the basis of seven specimens collected from karst forests of Son La and Dien Bien provinces, Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus taybacensis sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent-toed geckos by a combination of the following characters: medium size (SVL up to 97.5 mm); dorsal tubercles in 13–16 irregular rows; ventral scale rows 30–38; ventrolateral folds present without interspersed tubercles; each thigh with 11–13 enlarged femoral scales; femoral pores absent in males and females; precloacal pores 11–13 in males, five or 15 pitted scales in females, in a continuous row; postcloacal tubercles two or three; lamellae under toe IV 16–20; subcaudal scales transversely enlarged; dorsal head with dark brown marking, oval, triangle and arched shape; five brown dorsal bands between limb insertions. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as a member of the Cyrtodactylus wayakonei species group, and strongly supported as the sister taxon of C. cf. bichnganae from Son La City in all analyses.
Notes on the genus Leptostrangalia Nakane & Ohbayashi, 1959 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lepturinae: Lepturini) with description of a new species from Damingshan, Guangxi, south China
Authors: HUANG JIANHUA , VIVES EDUARD
Published: January 2019

Taxonomic notes on the lepturine genus Leptostrangalia Nakane & Ohbayashi, 1959 are provided and a new species from China, Leptostrangalia rufithorax nov. sp., is described. A key to the world species of the genus is provided.
Examining Validity-Related Correlations and Their Differences Under Assumption Violations
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Al-Qataee Abdullah A. , Dimitrov Dimiter M.
Published: January 2019

A procedure for evaluation of validity related coefficients and their differences is discussed, which is applicable when one or more frequently used assumptions in empirical educational, behavioral and social research are violated. The method is developed within the framework of the latent variable modeling methodology and accomplishes point and interval estimation of convergent and discriminant correlations as well as differences between them in cases of incomplete data sets with data not missing at random, nonnormality, and clustering effects. The procedure uses the full information maximum likelihood approach to model fitting and parameter estimation, does not assume availability of multiple indicators for underlying latent constructs, includes auxiliary variables, and accounts for within-group correlations on main response variables resulting from nesting effects involving studied respondents. The outlined procedure is illustrated on empirical data from a study using tertiary education entrance examination measures.
Making friends with people of other religions: Pitfalls of giftive mission
Authors: Adeney Frances S.
Published: January 2019

Well-intentioned Christians desirous of establishing cross-religious friendships, often encounter obstacles to what I call here giftive mission, that is, graciously giving to and receiving from one another. Grace is key, because giftive mission carries a high risk of failure. Nevertheless, wisely navigating several trouble spots in developing relationships with persons of other religions and cultures can help avoid and overcome obstacles. This article addresses five common areas of tension and potential misunderstanding in cross-religious interpersonal relationships: ideas; dress; female/male interactions; communication; and time. This list is certainly not exhaustive. Learning to understand and respect “alien ways” is a lifelong journey, but the joy of building friendships with people of other faiths is a reward worthy of effort to overcome the challenges.
Sovereignty and Capitalist Accumulation in Brazil’s Primary Sector
Authors: Pahnke Anthony
Published: January 2019

Sovereignty conditions all aspects of the extractive process. That it underpins the dynamics of capitalist accumulation is apparent in the power that governments have to classify space, alienate certain areas for investment, and charge rents. A review of the large-scale land acquisitions and changes in the mining and oil and gas industries in Brazil from 2002 to 2016 shows that initiatives intended to curtail foreign investment actually stimulate foreign enterprises to engage in novel forms of capitalist accumulation.

A soberania condiciona todos os aspectos do processo extrativo. Que ela sustenta as dinâmicas da acumulação capitalista é aparente no poder que os governos têm de classificar o espaço, abrir certas áreas de investimento, e cobrar aluguéis. Uma análise das aquisições de terras em larga escala e das mudanças nos setores de mineração, petróleo e gás no Brasil de 2002 a 2016 mostra que as iniciativas destinadas a restringir o investimento estrangeiro acabaram estimulando as empresas estrangeiras a se engajarem em novas formas de acumulação capitalista.
Long-Term Services and Supports Use Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Coburn Andrew F. , Ziller Erika C. , Paluso Nathan , Thayer Deborah , Talbot Jean A.
Published: January 2019

State and federal policies have shifted long-term services and support (LTSS) priorities from nursing home care to home and community-based services (HCBS). It is not clear whether the rural LTSS system reflects this system transformation. Using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, we examined nursing home use among rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. Study findings indicate that even after controlling for known predictors of nursing home use, rural Medicare beneficiaries exhibited greater odds of nursing home residence and that the higher odds of rural nursing home residence are, in part, associated with higher rural nursing home bed supplies. A complex interplay of policy, LTSS infrastructure, and social, cultural, and other factors may be influencing the observed differences. Federal and state efforts to build rural HCBS capacity may be necessary to mitigate stubbornly persistent rural–urban differences in the patterns of institutional and community-based LTSS use.
Toxicologic Pathology Forum*: Opinion on Considerations for the Use of Whole Slide Images in GLP Pathology Peer Review
Authors: Bradley Alys , Jacobsen Matt
Published: January 2019

Whole slide imaging (WSI) technology has advanced to a point where it has replaced the glass slide as the primary means of pathology evaluation within many areas of medical pathology. The deployment of WSI in the field of toxicologic pathology has been delayed by a lack of clarity around the degree of validation required for its use on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) studies. The current opinion piece attempts to provide a high-level overview of WSI technology to include basic methodology, advantages and disadvantages over a conventional microscope, validation status of WSI scanners, and perceived concerns over regulatory acceptance for the use of WSI for (GLP) peer review in the field of toxicologic pathology. Observations are based on the extensive use by AstraZeneca of WSI for the peer review of non-GLP studies conducted at Charles River facilities and represent the experiences of the authors.

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Developing physical activity interventions for children with a visual impairment: Lessons from the First Steps initiative
Authors: Scally Jennifer B , Lord Rhiannon
Published: January 2019

Children with a visual impairment are less active than their sighted peers. Yet, they are born with the potential to match their sighted peers’ motor skill competency and levels of physical fitness. Environmental barriers are one of the main causes of inequities. This article provides insight on these issues, drawing upon a physical activity intervention called ‘First Steps’, a British Blind Sport initiative that aimed to get more children with a visual impairment more active. Physical activity packs were delivered to 53 children, aged 5–15 years, with a visual impairment. Of these participants, 62% had additional impairments or medical conditions. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather participants’ experiences of physical activity prior to receiving this pack and canvas opinion on how the pack changed their activity levels. The findings revealed inequitable experiences of physical activity. The First Steps pack made considerable progress in developing children’s physical activity levels. Participants’ motor skills, social interactions, and confidence improved. Organisations working with this population might look to adopt a similar concept. Recommendations for those wishing to do so are provided.
Value of Transoesophageal Echocardiography for Diagnosis of Intraoperative Tumour Embolization
Authors: Larney V. , Charles R. , Brown A. S. , Leonard I. E.
Published: January 2019

Malignant neoplasms such as renal cell carcinoma may invade the inferior vena cava leading to a risk of pulmonary tumour embolization during surgical excision. Although massive pulmonary tumour embolism occurs relatively rarely, it can have catastrophic consequences. We report the case of an acute intraoperative pulmonary tumour embolism during resection of a renal cell carcinoma. The use of transoesophageal echocardiography allowed the immediate diagnosis and appropriate management of the underlying cause of acute haemodynamic instability. The role of transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is discussed.
Heart Rate and Outcome in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Biccard B. M.
Published: January 2019

There is an increasing awareness that an elevated resting heart rate is associated with increased all-cause mortality in the general population and that this may be an independent coronary risk factor. This review was undertaken to determine whether heart rate is predictive of increased mortality and major morbidity in noncardiac surgical patients and whether heart rate manipulation improves perioperative outcome. A search of Medline from 1966 until October 2007 was conducted using the terms “heart rate “, “surgery”, “cardiac “, “morbidity”, “mortality” and “perioperative”. The main findings were that an elevated perioperative heart rate, an absolute increase in heart rate and heart rate lability are independent predictors of both short- and long-term adverse outcomes in patients at cardiovascular risk undergoing major noncardiac surgery. Although prospective nonrandomised and retrospective data suggest heart rate control improves perioperative outcome, there is conflicting evidence from randomised trials that perioperative heart rate control improves outcome. This may be because drug-associated bradycardia influences mortality in the perioperative period. Further studies reporting the absolute heart rate, the absolute change of heart rate and the time period of the observations are needed to identify ‘early warning systems’, which may allow earlier triage and improved outcome. Enthusiasm for this approach must be tempered by the appreciation that a J-shaped relationship probably exists between heart rate and morbidity, particularly following bradycardic therapy. Therefore, any bradycardic manipulation of heart rate in the perioperative period must be accompanied by simultaneous attention to other physiological variables associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
No Elevation of Glutathione S-transferase-A1-1 by Amiodarone Loading in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hilkens M. , Pickkers P. , Peters W. H. M. , Van Der Hoeven J. G.
Published: January 2019

Hepatocellular toxicity is a putative side-effect of amiodarone. The hepatic detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase-A1-1 (GSTA1-1) is a sensitive indicator of hepatocellular damage. We investigated the occurrence of subclinical liver injury, as measured by plasma GSTA1-1 in intensive care unit patients with atrial fibrillation receiving amiodarone.

Sixteen haemodynamically stable intensive care unit patients with atrial fibrillation were treated with amiodarone intravenously. Patients were given a loading dose of 150 mg followed by another 150 mg followed by a continuous infusion of 1200 mg/hour if atrial fibrillation persisted. Blood samples for GSTA1-1 (measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were taken at zero, one, three, six, 12 and 24 hours, transaminases and bilirubin at zero, six, 12 and 24 hours. Blood pressure and heart rate were continuously monitored. Effects were analysed for time-dependent changes (one-way analysis of variance for repeated measures).

Blood pressure increased from 125±8/60±3 mmHg at t=0 to 144±9/66±4 mmHg at t=24 hours (P <0.05), heart rate decreased from atrial fibrillation 124±5 to sinus rhythm 86±6 beats per minute (P <0.05). There was no significant elevation of GSTA1-1, transaminases or bilirubin during the observation period of 24 hours.

Amiodarone does not cause elevation of GSTA1-1 as a marker of subclinical liver injury in haemodynamically stable intensive care unit patients with atrial fibrillation.
Tight Glucose Control versus Intermediate Glucose Control: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Durao M. S. , Marra A. R. , Moura D. F. , Almeida S. M. , Fernandes C. J. , Akamine N. , Hidal J. T. , Santos O. F. P.
Published: January 2019

Intensive insulin treatment is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two different strategies: tight glucose control (TGC) versus intermediate glucose control (IGC). In this quasi-experimental study, 130 critically ill patients were assigned to receive either the TGC protocol (n=65), according to which blood glucose levels were maintained between 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/l, or the IGC protocol (n=65), according to which blood glucose levels were maintained between 4.4 and 8.0 mmol/l. A total of 52 subjects (40%) were diabetic and 63 (49%) were septic. In the IGC group, glucose levels were stabilised in the target range for a longer period of time when compared to the TGC group (63 vs 41%, P <0.001). The median capillary blood glucose level was 6.7 mmol/l in the TGC group (6.2 to 7.2) and 7.9 mmol/l (7.0 to 8.5) in the IGC group (P <0.001). The incidence of hypoglyacemia less than 2.2 mmol/l was 21.5% in the TGC group and 1.5% in the IGC group (P <0.001), and the incidence of hypoglycaemia less than 3.3 mmol/l was 67.7 and 26.2% (P <0.001) in the two groups, respectively. Diabetes (odds ratio 2.88, CI 1.22 to 6.84) and the TGC protocol (odds ratio 7.39, CI 3.15 to 17.35) were identified as independent risk factors for hypoglycaemia less than 3.3 mmol/l. Mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 4.33, CI 1.16 to 16.13), medical illness (odds ratio 2.88, CI 1.20 to 6.99) and hypoglycaemia (<3.3 mmol/l) (odds ratio 2.99, CI 1.21 to 7.41) were independent factors associated with mortality. TGC is difficult to accomplish in routine intensive care unit settings and is associated with a significant increase in the incidence of hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia <3.3 mmol/l is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality.
Decontamination of Ultrasound Equipment used for Peripheral Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anaesthesia
Authors: Chuan A. , Tiong C. , Maley M. , Descallar J. , Ziochos H.
Published: January 2019

Portable ultrasound machines are frequently used in operating theatres for peripheral single-shot nerve block procedures. This equipment must be decontaminated by reducing the microbial load to a sufficient level to reduce the risk of nosocomial infection. In our institution we use a simple three-step decontamination protocol utilising 70% isopropyl alcohol as chemical disinfectant. We performed a prospective, quality assurance study to assess the efficacy of this protocol, as it is unclear if this is suitable for disinfecting semi-critical equipment. The primary endpoint was presence of microbial contamination prior to re-use of equipment. Over a four-week period, 120 swabs were taken from multiple sites on our ultrasound machines and linear array transducers for microbial culture. Swabs were taken after decontamination and immediately prior to patient contact. Any pathogenic and environmental bacterial organisms were isolated and identified. No pathogenic organisms were grown from any of the collected swabs. In 85% (n=102) of cultures, no growth was detected. Of the remaining 15% (n=18), commensal organisms commonly found on skin, oral and environmental surfaces were isolated. Our results suggest that our decontamination protocol may be an effective, rapid and cost-effective method of cleaning ultrasound equipment used for peripheral invasive single-shot nerve blocks. Further guidance from national bodies is required to define appropriate cleaning protocols for these machines.
The Effect of Rapid Response System Revision on Standard and Specific Intensive Care Unit Outcomes in a Regional Hospital
Authors: Joshi K. , Campbell V. , Landy M. , Anstey C. M. , Gooch R.
Published: January 2019

Hospital systems for the recognition (afferent limb) and management (efferent limb) of deteriorating patients, or Rapid Response Systems (RRSs), are being mandated worldwide, in spite of conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy. We have evaluated the impact of an Adult Deterioration Detection System (Q–ADDS)–based RRS specifically on illness severity at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and ICU length of stay (LOS), as well as previously studied endpoints. We undertook a retrospective, single-centre observational study comparing equivalent 18-month periods before the Q–ADDS–based RRS, and after implementation. The primary endpoints of the study were illness severity of unplanned ICU admissions from the ward, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality. Secondary endpoints were RRS call numbers, rate of unplanned ICU admissions, and ward-based cardiorespiratory arrests. Following the introduction of the new RRS, Acute Pain and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II (17 versus 21, P <0.001), APACHE III (64 versus 68, P=0.011) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (35 versus 38, P=0.044) scores at ICU admission from the ward were reduced. Fewer patients were in the >50% predicted mortality range of APACHE II (16% versus 32%, P <0.001), APACHE III (18% versus 28%, P=0.012) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (14% versus 24%, P=0.006). ICU mortality was unchanged (13.7% versus 13.8%, P=0.93). ICU LOS was reduced (3 versus 4 days, P=0.02); prolonged stay (>7 days) was not significantly changed (19% versus 27%, P=0.055). Unplanned ICU admissions, cardiorespiratory arrests and hospital mortality were unchanged. The frequency of RRS activation (48 versus 11 per 1,000 admissions, P <0.001) was markedly increased. This Q–ADDS form–based RRS has resulted in lower illness severity at ICU admission from the ward, and fewer patients with scores associated with a >50% predicted mortality. Overall, ICU length of stay was reduced. These specific outcomes may reliably reflect RRS efficacy, even in smaller centres.
Airway Heat and Humidity during Endotracheal Intubation—4: Connotations of Delivered Water Vapour Content
Authors: Shanks C. A. , Sara C. A.
Published: January 2019

The measurement of airway humidity is reviewed, particularly the methods which have been used during anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation. Reported heat and moisture patterns are related to possible effects on the tracheal mucosa and whole body heat balance. Mucosal dysfunction and hypothermia are more likely when dry gases are inhaled from a non-rebreathing system. Even with high fresh-gas inflow, the circle absorber system appears to present an inspiratory moisture content which is comparable to that found during mouth breathing.
Paracetamol Overdose: A Plan of Management
Authors: Benson R. E. , Boleyn T.
Published: January 2019

Four cases of paracetamol overdose are described.

The rationale for the use of dimercaprol, a sulphydryl-containing compound, as a specific antidote is discussed with reference to the pharmacodynamics of paracetamol. A recommended plan of management is presented.
Maternal and Fetal Levels of Propofol at Caesarean Section
Authors: Gin T. , Gregory M. A. , Chan K. , Oh T. E.
Published: January 2019

Twenty women were given a bolus induction of propofol 2.0 mg.kg−1 for elective caesarean section. Induction to delivery times ranged from five to fourteen minutes. At delivery the maternal venous (MV) concentrations of propofol ranged from 0.53 to 1.48 μg.ml−1 umbilical vein (UV) 0.39 to 1.4 μg.ml−1 and umbilical artery (UA) 0.34 to 0.68 μg.ml−1 MV propofol concentrations were always higher than corresponding UV concentrations. The mean (95% confidence interval) UV/MV ratio was 0.65 (0.56–0.74) and the mean UA/UV ratio was 1.07 (0.99–1.15). Neither ratio was shown to be correlated with induction to delivery time. Distribution of propofol is rapid across the placenta and in the fetus. Apgar scores were higher with shorter incision to delivery times but were not correlated to umbilical levels of propofol.
Halothane Reductive Metabolism in an Adult Surgical Population
Authors: Jenner M. A. , Plummer J. L. , Cousins M. J.
Published: January 2019

The reductive metabolism of halothane was studied in 34 adult patients undergoing routine surgery. Reductive biotransformation of halothane was more extensive in females than males and was also enhanced in two patients treated preoperatively with phenytoin, an enzyme-inducing drug. Tobacco, ethanol and the patient's age, body weight and previous exposure to halothane did not influence reductive metabolism of halothane.
Oxygen Saturation during General Anaesthesia and Recovery for Outpatient Oral Surgical Procedures
Authors: Hempenstall P. D. , de Plater R. M. H.
Published: January 2019

Various factors have resulted in an increased demand for relatively minor surgical treatment requiring general anaesthesia to be carried out in the surgery on an outpatient basis. Previous studies have reported significant decreases in oxygen saturation in patients under intravenous sedation and in patients under general anaesthesia.

This study examined the levels of oxygen saturations in outpatients undergoing oral surgical procedures under general anaesthesia.

The results confirm the value of pulse oximetry and suggest that this mode of monitoring and the administration of supplemental oxygen be routinely utilised during the recovery period.
The Addition of Pethidine to Epidural Bupivacaine in Labour — Effect of Changing Bupivacaine Strength
Authors: Handley G. , Perkins G.
Published: January 2019

The effects of varying the strength of bupivacaine used in epidurals for the relief of labour pain was examined. The trial randomly allocated sixty women in the first stage of labour to one of three groups. All women were of ASA status 1 or 2 and had uncomplicated pregnancies. Subjects in each group received pethidine 25 mg in 10 ml of either 0.125%, 0.1875%, or 0.25% bupivacaine. Pain scores for each patient were then assessed over the following thirty minutes. Duration of analgesia and subsequent dose requirements were examined. No difference in pain scores between groups at thirty minutes after injection of the test solutions was found. The 0.25% solution group did however have a more rapid onset of analgesia with the majority of patients in this group achieving their maximum effect between ten and twenty minutes after injection. Duration of analgesia was not prolonged by using the stronger solutions. This study suggests that when epidural pethidine 25 mg is added to local anaesthetic solutions of bupivacaine, adequate analgesia for the first stage of labour is achieved with the 0.125% bupivacaine solution. The use of stronger solutions of bupivacaine achieves no greater degree of analgesia nor longer duration of action, although the onset of analgesia may be faster with the stronger solutions. Further investigations are needed to determine if 25 mg of pethidine is the best choice of dose to use under these circumstances.
A Comparison of Two Transcutaneous Monitors for the Measurement of Arterial Po2 and Pco2 in Neonates
Authors: Carter B. , Hochmann M. , Osborne A. , Nisbet A. , Campbell N.
Published: January 2019

We examined the ability of two transcutaneous devices (Fastrac, Sensormedics Corporation, Yorba Linda, California, U.S.A. and Hewlett Packard M1018A, Hewlett Packard Component Monitoring System, Hewlett Packard, North Hollywood, U.S.A.) to measure arterial Pco2 and Po2 in neonates. Thirty-seven neonates had transcutaneous oxygen measured with the Hewlett Packard (HPo2 group), 38 neonates had transcutaneous carbon dioxide measured with the Hewlett Packard (HPco2 group) and the Fastrac was used on 27 neonates (FTco2 group). Both devices were operated with electrode temperatures of 43.5 °C although an additional ten subjects were studied using the Fastrac with an electrode temperature of 43.0°C. The mean differences (transcutaneous—arterial) and upper and lower limits of agreement were calculated for each group. For the HPo2 group they were 3.78 mmHg (-12.23 to 19.80 mmHg), for the HPco2 group they were 0.40 mmHg (-4.50 to 5.30 mmHg) and for the FTco2 they were - 0.96 mmHg (- 7.85 to 5.92 mmHg). For the Fastrac group at an electrode temperature of 43.0°C the mean difference and limits of agreement were -1.00 mmHg and -4.58 mmHg to 2.58 mmHg. The average sensitivity and specificity for both machines for the detection of hypocarbia were 82% and 92% respectively while for hypercarbia they were 90% and 94% respectively. For hypoxaemia, the sensitivity and specificity were 40% and 94% while for hyperoxaemia the sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 97%. We conclude that both machines provide a useful supplement to arterial Pco2 measurements and the Fastrac performs better at 43.0°C. The measurement of Po2 is less accurate but is still of clinical use.
Acute Hyponatraemia Secondary to Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome in a Patient with Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Ti L. K. , Kang S. C. , Cheong K. F.
Published: January 2019

A 30-year-old HIV-positive man presented with acute hydrocephalus secondary to tuberculous meningitis, for which an external ventricular drain was inserted. He developed marked natriuresis in the postoperative period, which resulted in acute hyponatraemia (131 to 122 mmol/l) and a contraction of his intravascular volume. A diagnosis of cerebral salt wasting syndrome was made, and he responded to sodium and fluid loading. This case highlights the differentiation of cerebral salt wasting syndrome from the more commonly occurring syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion as the aetiology of the hyponatraemia.
A Comparison of the Reinforced and Standard Laryngeal Mask Airway: Ease of Insertion and the Influence of Head and Neck Position on Oropharyngeal Leak Pressure and Intracuff Pressure
Authors: Buckham M. , Brooker M. , Brimacombe J. , Keller C.
Published: January 2019

We conducted a randomized, crossover study of 60 paralysed anaesthetized adult patients to compare ease of insertion for the reinforced (RLMA) and standard laryngeal mask airway (LMA). We also test the hypothesis that oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and intracuff pressure (ICP) vary with head and neck position for the two devices. OLP and ICP were documented in four head and neck positions (neutral first, then flexion, extension and rotation in random order) for each device. The size 5 was used for all patients and the ICP was set at 60 cm H2O in the neutral position. The first time insertion success rates were similar (LMA: 60/60 v RLMA; 59/60), but insertion time was slightly less for the LMA (6 v 8 s, P=0.004). Compared with the neutral position, OLP for the LMA was higher in flexion (21 v 28 cm H2O, P<0.0001) and rotation (21 v 23 cm H2O, P<0.0001), but lower in extension (21 v 14 cm H2O, P<0.0001). Compared with the neutral position, OLP for the RLMA was higher in flexion (19 v 27 cm H2O, P<0.0001), similar in rotation (20 v 19 cm H2O), but lower in extension (27 v 14 cm H2O, P<0.0001). The difference in OLP between flexion and extension was 13 and 14 cm H2O for the RLMA and LMA respectively. OLP was slightly higher for the LMA compared with the RLMA when the head was in neutral (P<0.0001) and rotation (P<0.0001), but was similar during flexion and extension. There was a significant positive correlation between ICP and OLP for the LMA (P<0.0001) and RLMA (P<0.0001). We conclude that ease of insertion is similar for the RLMA and LMA. OLP is higher with head/neck flexion and lower with extension for both devices and is associated with a similar change in ICP. We recommend assessing the efficacy of seal for all head and neck positions likely to be encountered prior to the start of surgery.
Spatial Autocorrelation in Soil Compaction and Its Impact on Earthwork Acceptance Testing
Authors: Cai Jiannan , Gao Qingyi , Chun Hyonho , Cai Hubo , Nantung Tommy
Published: January 2019

The compaction quality of soil embankments is critical to the long-term performance of the pavements placed on them. In current quality assurance (QA) practice, state highway agencies (SHAs) rely on in-situ testing at a small number of point locations to decide whether to accept or reject the product, assuming that the samples taken at random locations are independent of each other. This assumption, however, is invalid because soil properties are spatially autocorrelated – the properties at nearby locations are correlated to each other. Consequently, if the sampling locations are close to each other, the effective number of samples is reduced, which in turn increases the risk of incorrect accept/reject decisions. This study addressed this spatial autocorrelation issue in soil acceptance testing. Soil data from the U.S Highway 31 project, collected by intelligent compaction (IC) in the format of compaction meter value (CMV), were used to prove the existence of spatial autocorrelation using the semivariogram and Moran’s I analysis. The impact of spatial autocorrelation on soil acceptance testing was assessed by comparing the testing power under two scenarios (with and without spatial autocorrelation). The results suggest that the existence of spatial autocorrelation decreases the testing power, resulting in a greater risk to the SHA. Based on these findings, this study proposed two spatial indices to mitigate the negative impact of spatial autocorrelation by controlling the spatial pattern of random samples. A web tool was also developed as an implementation to augment the random sampling process in field QA practice by incorporating the spatial pattern of samples.
Comparison of Undifferentiated Versus Chondrogenic Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Human Umbilical Cord Blood for Cartilage Repair in a Rat Model
Authors: Park Yong-Beom , Ha Chul-Won , Kim Jin-A , Kim Seongchan , Park Yong-Geun
Published: January 2019

Background:

Human umbilical cord blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) have gained much interest as a promising cell source for regenerative medicine owing to the noninvasive collection, availability, high expansion capacity, and low immunogenicity. However, few in vivo studies have reported the use of hUCB-MSCs on cartilage repair. Moreover, little study has been conducted on the effects of chondrogenic predifferentiation of hUCB-MSCs on cartilage repair.

Purpose:

To compare the effectiveness of transplanting undifferentiated versus chondrogenic predifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating osteochondral defects.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Critical-sized osteochondral defects were created in the trochlear grooves of rat femurs. In 20 rats, a composite of chondrogenic predifferentiated hUCB-MSCs (chondro-MSCs) and 4% hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel was transplanted into defects in the right knees, whereas undifferentiated hUCB-MSCs (undiff-MSCs) and 4% HA hydrogel were transplanted into the left knees. In the control groups, 4% HA hydrogel without MSCs was transplanted into defects in the right knees, and the defects in the left knees were left untreated in 20 rats. The cartilage repair was evaluated at 8 and 16 weeks after surgery.

Results:

Transplanting undiff-MSCs resulted in overall superior cartilage repair as compared with chondro-MSCs, HA alone, or no treatment. The articular surfaces of the defect sites in the undiff-MSC group were relatively smoother than those of the other treatments. The undiff-MSC group showed cellular morphology and arrangement similar to surrounding normal articular cartilage tissue at 16 weeks, both of which were also better than those of the other groups. In addition, the undiff-MSC group showed coloration similar to surrounding normal articular cartilage tissue at 16 weeks in safranin O and type II collagen immunohistochemical staining. The histological scores also revealed that cartilage repair with undiff-MSCs was better than that with chondro-MSCs, HA alone, or no treatment ( P < .05 in all).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that treatment with undiff-MSCs resulted in more favorable cartilage repair than that with chondro-MSCs in a rat model. These findings indicate that chondrogenic predifferentiation of MSCs before transplantation does not enhance cartilage repair.

Clinical Relevance:

The results of this study support the use of undifferentiated MSCs, rather than chondrogenic predifferentiated MSCs, as a stem cell therapy strategy for cartilage repair.
A new hydrophilic polysulfone hemodialysis membrane can prevent platelet–neutrophil interactions and successive neutrophil activation
Authors: Koga Yoko , Meguro Hiroyuki , Fujieda Hiroaki , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Miwa Keishi , Kainoh Mie
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Microaggregates have often been observed during hemodialysis and are clearly associated with complications of hemodialysis therapy. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effects of two polysulfone membranes, with different abilities to activate blood cells, on the formation of these microaggregates; we also investigated their molecular mechanisms.

Methods:

Human whole blood was circulated through a mini-module dialyzer using the membranes in vitro; platelet–neutrophil complexes in blood were determined by flow cytometry. Isolated human neutrophils were incubated with the membranes in plasma, in the presence or absence of platelets, followed by flow cytometric analysis of intracellular reactive oxygen species and cell-surface activated CD11b on neutrophils.

Results:

CX-U, a conventional polysulfone membrane with remarkable cell activation, induced the formation of platelet–neutrophil complexes; however, NV-U, a new hydrophilic polysulfone membrane with slight or no cell activation, did not cause complex formation. Moreover, CX-U-induced reactive oxygen species production and the increase in activated CD11b expression on neutrophils were enhanced by platelets. On the other hand, NV-U hardly affected neutrophil activation, regardless of whether platelets were present or not. The enhancement of CX-U-induced neutrophil activations by platelets was greatly inhibited by anti-CD62P antibody.

Conclusion:

The ability of polysulfone membranes to activate blood cells is closely related to platelet–neutrophil interaction. Therefore, a biocompatible membrane, like NV-U, can be expected to prevent microaggregate formation during hemodialysis and avoid subsequent cell activation.
A Nationwide Comparison Between Sepsis-2 and Sepsis-3 Definition in Japan
Authors: Takauji Shuhei , Hayakawa Mineji , Fujita Satoshi
Published: January 2019

Background:

Currently, it remains controversial whether the Sepsis-3 definition provides the most appropriate criteria for clinical use. The purpose of this study was to compare between the Sepsis-2 and Sepsis-3 definitions using Japan’s nationwide registry.

Methods:

Data were obtained from a multicenter registry conducted at 42 intensive care units (ICUs) throughout Japan, in which patients received treatment for severe sepsis or septic shock between January 2011 and December 2013.

Results:

A total of 2797 patients diagnosed using the Sepsis-2 criteria were included in the present study. These patients were categorized into “Severe sepsis” (n = 1154) and “Sepsis-2 shock” (n = 1643) groups. Among the “Sepsis-2 shock” group, patients who did not meet the Sepsis-3 criteria for septic shock were categorized into the “Sepsis-2 shock-only” (n = 448, 27.3%) group, while patients who met the Sepsis-3 criteria for septic shock were categorized into “Sepsis-3 shock (n = 1195, 72.7%)” group. The ICU mortality in the “Sepsis-3 shock” group, “Sepsis-2 shock-only” group, and “Severe sepsis” group was 28.5%, 10.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. We observed no significant difference between the “Severe sepsis” and “Sepsis-2 shock-only” groups in terms of in-hospital survival ( P = .098), while the “Sepsis-3 shock” group had the highest in-hospital mortality rate ( P < .001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, liver insufficiency and immunocompromised status were independent prognostic factors in the “Sepsis-2 shock-only” group. In contrast, chronic heart disease and chronic hemodialysis were independent prognostic factors in the “Sepsis-3 shock” group.

Conclusions:

The ICU mortality of the “Sepsis-2 shock-only” group was significantly low. Besides septic shock diagnosed by the Sepsis-3 definition selects patients with more severe cases of sepsis among the “Sepsis-2 shock” group.
Investigation of coupled dynamics of a railway tank car and liquid cargo subject to a switch-passing maneuver
Authors: Ashtiani Iman H , Rakheja Subhash , Ahmed Waiz
Published: January 2019

The movement of the liquid cargo within a partly filled tank car is known to impose additional slosh forces and moments that may adversely affect the dynamic responses of the vehicle. This study is aimed at analyzing the liquid cargo slosh in a partly filled tank car and its effects on vehicle responses during a switch-passing maneuver. A two-dimensional analytical liquid slosh model is formulated for the analyses of the liquid load shift in the roll plane, lateral slosh force, and roll moment through summation of first four antisymmetric modes of the liquid. The analytical slosh model is integrated to a 114 degrees-of-freedom multibody dynamic model of the railway tank car comprising nonlinear wheel–rail contact and contact pairs of the suspension system. The validity of the slosh model is illustrated by comparing the responses with those reported in other studies and those obtained from a nonlinear computational fluid dynamic model. The coupled fluid–vehicle model is subsequently used to study the effects of fluid slosh during switch-passing maneuvers on different response measures, namely roll motion of the tank car, lateral and vertical wheel–rail contact forces, and derailment ratio. The significance of the liquid cargo slosh in the partially filled state is demonstrated by comparing the responses with those of the car with equivalent rigid cargo. The results show that liquid sloshing within the partly filled car can lead to higher magnitudes of car body roll angle and thereby the unloading ratio compared to the conventional rigid cargo car. Switch-passing critical speeds are further identified for different fill ratios and switch geometries. For fill ratios below 80%, the switch-passing critical speeds of the partly filled car are substantially lower compared to those of the equivalent rigid cargo car. Neglecting the contributions due to dynamic slosh force and roll moment arising from a partially filled railway tank car may thus lead to underestimation of the critical speed in switch-passing maneuvers.
Torque vectoring–based drive: Assistance system for turning an electric narrow tilting vehicle
Authors: Ren Yaxing , Dinh Truong Quang , Marco James , Greenwood David
Published: January 2019

The increasing number of cars leads to traffic congestion and limits parking issue in urban area. The narrow tilting vehicles therefore can potentially become the next generation of city cars due to its narrow width. However, due to the difficulty in leaning a narrow tilting vehicle, a drive assistance strategy is required to maintain its roll stability during a turn. This article presents an effective approach using torque vectoring method to assist the rider in balancing the narrow tilting vehicles, thus reducing the counter-steering requirements. The proposed approach is designed as the combination of two torque controllers: steer angle–based torque vectoring controller and tilting compensator–based torque vectoring controller. The steer angle–based torque vectoring controller reduces the counter-steering process via adjusting the vectoring torque based on the steering angle from the rider. Meanwhile, the tilting compensator–based torque vectoring controller develops the steer angle–based torque vectoring with an additional tilting compensator to help balancing the leaning behaviour of narrow tilting vehicles. Numerical simulations with a number of case studies have been carried out to verify the performance of designed controllers. The results imply that the counter-steering process can be eliminated and the roll stability performance can be improved with the usage of the presented approach.
Sino–Africa Bilateral Economic Relation: Nature and Perspectives
Authors: Ergano Degele , Rao Seshagiri
Published: January 2019

Review of more than 100 articles accessed in literature survey for the last decade of dynamic China–Africa economic relation has been done with an objective of examining the nature and perspectives of Sino–Africa relation along Trade, FDI and Aid channels. China–Africa relation is a win–win in the short and medium run but the long-run impact is far from clear. Governance issues, environmental concern, asymmetric trade relation, prospects for African industrialisation, technology transfer and employment generation, and so on are debatable issues in most of the literatures assessed. Beneficial roles include that coordinated involvement of Chinese private sector alongside with State-owned enterprises and integrated application of trade, aid and FDI tools from Chinese side would remain to be a beneficial scheme in the African context. Researches can take up the impact of the relation on multilateral and bilateral development actors role in Africa; collaboration mechanisms among the actors; impact on sustainability of natural resource extraction; Africa’s industrialisation and technology transfer; Africa’s Global Integration and Institutional Development; Role of Private Actors; Sector specific impacts of the relationship.