bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ДО ПИТАННЯ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ПРОГРАМИ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ ХВОРИХ З ІШЕМІЧНОЮ ХВОРОБОЮ СЕРЦЯ ПІСЛЯ ХІРУРГІЧНОЇ РЕВАСКУЛЯРИЗАЦІЇ МІОКАРДУ В ОДЕСЬКІЙ ОБЛАСТІ
Authors: Kolodenko O. V.
Published: January 2018

Мета – проаналізувати розповсюдженість ішемічної хвороби серця Одеській області та обгрунтувати організаційну модель відновлювального лікування у хворих з ІХС після перенесеної хірургічної реваскуляризації.Матеріли та методи. Вивчалися офіційні статистичні дані (звітна документація про стан захворюваності за період з 2010 р. по 2016 р. в Одеській області та дані Центру медичної статистики МОЗ України).Результати. Смертність на 100 тис. населення від хвороб системи кровообігу в 2016 році збільшилась на 3,6 %, від ІХС –  на 2,6 %, від інфаркту міокарду – на 11,2 %. Кількості операційних втручань з приводу реваскуляризації міокарду в Одеській області зросла, а, також зросла і післяопераційна летальність після проведення ХРМ і була у 2015 р. була найвищою (5,6%) в порівняні із загальноукраїнськими показниками.Висновки. Активне впровадження нових методів лікування ІХС, зокрема ХРМ потребує розробки системи відновлювального лікування пацієнтів цієї категорії, а також системи вторинної профілактики прогресування ІХС.
Machine Learning Algorithm Predicts Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Outcomes
Authors: Kalscheur Matthew M. , Kipp Ryan T. , Tattersall Matthew C. , Mei Chaoqun , Buhr Kevin A. , DeMets David L. , Field Michael E. , Eckhardt Lee L. , Page C. David
Published: January 2018

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular function and intraventricular conduction delay. However, individual outcomes vary significantly. This study sought to use a machine learning algorithm to develop a model to predict outcomes after CRT.

Methods and Results

Models were developed with machine learning algorithms to predict all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization at 12 months post-CRT in the COMPANION trial (Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure). The best performing model was developed with the random forest algorithm. The ability of this model to predict all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality alone was compared with discrimination obtained using a combination of bundle branch block morphology and QRS duration. In the 595 patients with CRT-defibrillator in the COMPANION trial, 105 deaths occurred (median follow-up, 15.7 months). The survival difference across subgroups differentiated by bundle branch block morphology and QRS duration did not reach significance (
P
=0.08). The random forest model produced quartiles of patients with an 8-fold difference in survival between those with the highest and lowest predicted probability for events (hazard ratio, 7.96;
P
<0.0001). The model also discriminated the risk of the composite end point of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization better than subgroups based on bundle branch block morphology and QRS duration.

Conclusions

In the COMPANION trial, a machine learning algorithm produced a model that predicted clinical outcomes after CRT. Applied before device implant, this model may better differentiate outcomes over current clinical discriminators and improve shared decision-making with patients.
Exercise Hemodynamic and Functional Capacity After Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients With Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Fino Carlo , Iacovoni Attilio , Pibarot Philippe , Pepper John R. , Ferrero Paolo , Merlo Maurizio , Galletti Lorenzo , Caputo Massimo , Ferrazzi Paolo , Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Cugola Diego , Senni Michele , Bellavia Diego , Magne Julien
Published: January 2018

Background

In patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR), the choice of the prosthesis type is crucial. The exercise hemodynamic and functional capacity performance in patients with contemporary prostheses have never been investigated. To compare exercise hemodynamic and functional capacity between biological (MVRb) and mechanical (MVRm) prostheses.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 86 consecutive patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation who underwent MVRb (n=41) or MVRm (n=45) and coronary artery bypass grafting. All patients underwent preoperative resting echocardiography and 6-minute walking test. At follow-up, exercise stress echocardiography was performed, and the 6-minute walking test was repeated. Resting and exercise indexed effective orifice areas of MVRm were larger when compared with MVRb (resting: 1.30±0.2 versus 1.19±0.3 cm
2
/m
2
;
P
=0.03; exercise: 1.57±0.2 versus 1.18±0.3 cm
2
/m
2
;
P
=0.0001). The MVRm had lower exercise systolic pulmonary arterial pressure at follow-up compared with MVRb (41±5 versus 59±7 mm Hg;
P
=0.0001). Six-minute walking test distance was improved in the MVRm (pre-operative: 242±43, post-operative: 290±50 m;
P
=0.001), whereas it remained similar in the MVRb (pre-operative: 250±40, post-operative: 220±44 m;
P
=0.13). In multivariable analysis, type of prosthesis, exercise indexed effective orifice area, and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were joint predictors of change in 6-minute walking test (ie, difference between baseline and follow-up).

Conclusions

In patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation, bioprostheses are associated with worse hemodynamic performance and reduced functional capacity, when compared with MVRm. Randomized studies with longer follow-up including quality of life and survival data are required to confirm these results.
Efficacy of Ranolazine in Patients With Symptomatic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Olivotto Iacopo , Camici Paolo G. , Merlini Piera Angelica , Rapezzi Claudio , Patten Monica , Climent Vicent , Sinagra Gianfranco , Tomberli Benedetta , Marin Francisco , Ehlermann Philipp , Maier Lars S. , Fornaro Alessandra , Jacobshagen Claudius , Ganau Antonello , Moretti Luciano , Hernandez Madrid Antonio , Coppini Raffaele , Reggiardo Giorgio , Poggesi Corrado , Fattirolli Francesco , Belardinelli Luiz , Gensini Gianfranco , Mugelli Alessandro
Published: January 2018

Background

The late sodium current inhibitor ranolazine reverses the main electrophysiological and mechanical abnormalities of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cardiomyocytes in vitro, suggesting potential clinical benefit. We aimed to assess the effect of ranolazine on functional capacity, symptomatic status, diastolic function, and arrhythmias in HCM.

Methods and Results

In this multicenter, double-blind, phase 2 study, 80 adult patients with nonobstructive HCM (age 53±14 years, 34 women) were randomly assigned to placebo (n=40) or ranolazine 1000 mg bid (n=40) for 5 months. The primary end point was change in peak VO
2
compared with baseline using cardiopulmonary exercise test. Echocardiographic lateral and septal E/E′ ratio, prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels, 24-hour Holter arrhythmic profile, and quality of life were assessed. Ranolazine was safe and well tolerated. Overall, there was no significant difference in VO
2
peak change at 5 months in the ranolazine versus placebo group (delta 0.15±3.96 versus −0.02±4.25 mL/kg per minute;
P
=0.832). Ranolazine treatment was associated with a reduction in 24-hour burden of premature ventricular complexes compared with placebo (>50% reduction versus baseline in 61% versus 31%, respectively;
P
=0.042). However, changes in prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels did not differ in the ranolazine compared with the placebo group (geometric mean median [interquartile range], −3 pg/mL [−107, 142 pg/mL] versus 78 pg/mL [−71, 242 pg/mL];
P
=0.251). Furthermore, E/E′ ratio and quality of life scores showed no significant difference.

Conclusions

In patients with nonobstructive HCM, ranolazine showed no overall effect on exercise performance, plasma prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels, diastolic function, or quality of life. The drug showed an excellent safety profile and was associated with reduced premature ventricular complex burden. Late sodium current inhibition does not seem to improve functional capacity in HCM.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu
. Unique identifier: 2011-004507-20
Synchronization of Electrophysiological Responses with Speech Benefits Syntactic Information Processing
Authors: Meyer Lars , Gumbert Matthias
Published: January 2018

In auditory neuroscience, electrophysiological synchronization to low-level acoustic and high-level linguistic features is well established—but its functional purpose for verbal information transmission is unclear. Based on prior evidence for a dependence of auditory task performance on delta-band oscillatory phase, we hypothesized that the synchronization of electrophysiological responses at delta-band frequency to the speech stimulus serves to implicitly align neural excitability with syntactic information. The experimental paradigm of our auditory EEG study uniformly distributed morphosyntactic violations across syntactic phrases of natural sentences, such that violations would occur at points differing in linguistic information content. In support of our hypothesis, we found behavioral responses to morphosyntactic violations to increase with decreasing syntactic information content—in significant correlation with delta-band phase, which had synchronized to our speech stimuli. Our findings indicate that rhythmic electrophysiological synchronization to the speech stream is a functional mechanism that may align neural excitability with linguistic information content, optimizing language comprehension.
On two new species of potamid and sesarmid crabs (Decapoda, Brachyura) from caves in Myanmar
Authors: Ng Peter K. L.
Published: January 2018

Two new species of brachyuran crabs are represented in a recent collection from caves in southern Myanmar [= Burma]. Demanietta burmanica sp. nov. (Potamidae) is the third species of Demanietta Bott, 1966, recorded from the country, and is closest to D. renongensis (Rathbun, 1904) from Thailand, but differs in the form of the carapace and details of the male first gonopod structure. Pseudosesarma brehieri sp. nov. (Sesarmidae) is allied to P. edwardsii (De Man, 1887) and P. crassimanum (De Man, 1887), both from the Mergui Archipelago, but can be easily distinguished by the distinctive form of its male first gonopod.
Typification of Centaurea gentilii (Asteraceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , MERLE HUGO , LAGUNA EMILIO
Published: January 2018

The typification of the name Centaurea gentilii (Asteraceae) is discussed. A lectotype collected in Essaouira (Morocco) by Braun-Blanquet in 1921 and preserved in the “Herbier de l’Université Montpellier II” (MPU) is designated as the lectotype.
Phallus fuscoechinovolvatus (Phallaceae, Basidiomycota), a new species with a dark spinose volva from southern China
Authors: SONG BIN , LI TING , LI TAIHUI , HUANG QIUJU , DENG WANGQIU
Published: January 2018

Phallus fuscoechinovolvatus is described as a new species from southern China, mainly characterized by its dark brown volva with white spines. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) confirm its species status within Phallaceae. Detailed morphological description, colour photographs, line drawings of the new species and comparisons with similar taxa are presented.
Struktura predykatowo-argumentowa jako narzędzie analizy tekstu: pro et contra
Authors: Szumska Dorota
Published: January 2018

The predicate-argument structure as a tool for text analysis: pro et contraThe aim of the present paper is to take part in the discussion about semantic syntax, also known as predicate-argument syntax on account of its key concepts. The article deals with the problem of the limited effectiveness of the model caused by the lack of an objective method of distinguishing arguments from adjuncts, which is crucial to defining the scope of propositional structure under analysis. The final conclusion is that the theory of predicative-argument structure needs to be reexamined in the light of the results of text corpora analysis that is more reliable than artificially prepared linguistic data. Struktura predykatowo-argumentowa jako narzędzie analizy tekstu: pro et contraCelem prezentowanego artykułu jest wzięcie udziału w dyskusji na temat składni semantycznej, określanej też jako składnia predykatowo-argumentowa ze względu na kluczowe pojęcia, którymi operuje. Rozważania koncentrują się na problemie ograniczonej efektywności modelu, spowodowanej brakiem obiektywnej procedury rozróżniania argumentów od adiunktów, co stanowi podstawę określenia granic poddawanej analizie struktury propozycjonalnej. Wnioski końcowe sprowadzają się do postulatu przetestowania możliwości metodologicznych modelu na szeroko zakrojonej analizie korpusów tekstów.
Four Notes on the Early Eighteenth Dynasty
Authors: Eaton-Krauss M.
Published: January 2018

(1) The paintings in TT 15 include a previously unrecognized reference to the ‘Beautiful Feast of the Wadi’ and iconography that alludes to the military character of Ahmose's reign. (2) Consideration of Senenmut's block statue in the British Museum from an art historical perspective demonstrates its unique status among the steward's sculptures. (3) ‘Renewal’ inscriptions of Thutmosis III's twenty-second regnal year are suggestive of an early date for Hatshepsut's proscription. (4) The colossal quartzite triad in the Akhmenu depicts Thutmosis III between Amun and Amunet, not between Amun and Mut.
The Sarcophagus in the Tomb of Tutankhamun: A Clarification
Authors: Eaton-Krauss M.
Published: January 2018

A rejoinder to reviewers of the author's recent book.
How Old was Matanazi
Authors: Bryce Trevor
Published: January 2018

Discussion of Ramesses II's reply to the Hittite king Hattušili III's request for medical assistance to enable his elderly sister to bear children. Calculations based on Hittite documents show her to be at least 58 and Ramesses II's assessment of her age true.
New Evidence for the Use of Cedar Sawdust for Embalming by Ancient Egyptians
Authors: Amorós Victoria Asensi , Vozenin-Serra Colette
Published: January 2018

Microscopical examination of the embalming sawdust discovered in the abdominal cavity of a Late Period mummy was undertaken to identify the material used. Although the use of cedar has often been suggested, this study presents photomicrographic illustration of the anatomical criteria enabling the sawdust to be identified as Cedrus sp., cedar.
Abnormal Hieratic in Oxford: Two New Papyri
Authors: Baines John , Van Heel Koen Donker , Fischer-Elfert Hans-Werner
Published: January 2018

Initial announcement of two abnormal hieratic papyri found in Oxford in 1997. P. Queen's College (perhaps of the reign of Piye or Taharqa) is probably a literary text of complex character with a legal frame to the narrative, together with an unrelated administrative fragment. P. Ashmolean 1998.3 (ex Griffith papers: reign of Psammetichus I) consists of fragments of an administrative journal.
Emphasizing and Non-Emphasizing Second Tenses in the Myth of the Sun's Eye
Authors: Widmer Ghislaine
Published: January 2018

The main functions of the Second Tenses in the Leiden version of the Myth of the Sun's Eye are examined, with particular attention to those instances which are not best described as serving to stress an adverbial adjunct. In fact, Second Tenses, as a means of structuring a text, appear to have a broader range of usages; in particular, they are used to delimit a macrosyntactic unit, to convey a temporal/conditional or an injunctive force and to mark contrastive or restrictive emphasis. Their key role in this rather elaborate text is probably that of introducing glosses.
The Real Location of KV ‘C’
Authors: Pinch-Brock Lyla
Published: January 2018

Removal of the old Rest House in the Valley of the Kings in 1992 revealed the preliminary cutting for a tomb on the east side of the main wadi. This may be KV ‘C’, the location of which was lost after the excavation of KV 55 in 1907.
A Ghost Palaestra at Antinoopolis
Authors: Bailey Donald M.
Published: January 2018

A palaestra (an athletic training-ground) is shown on a recently published plan of the Roman city of Antinoopolis. It is suggested here that the structure is a nineteenth-century saltpetre factory.
Predictors of Capital Structure in Small Ventures
Authors: Chaganti Rajeswararao , DeCarolis Dona , Deeds David
Published: January 2018

What are the key determinants of capital structure of small ventures? We empirically examined the question by analyzing capital structure decisions of 903 small ventures. Six categories of predictors were included in the analysis: goal orientation of the entrepreneur, business outlook for the enterprise, stock of human capital input, strategic changes made, gender, and life-stage of the enterprise. Goal orientation, especially satisfaction with economic need, and odds of success of the firm are among the most important predictors of equity vs. debt and Internal equity vs. external equity financing. The results suggest that entrepreneurs’ personal characteristics play a key role in capital structure decisions.
Intrapreneurship in Small Businesses: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Carrier Camille
Published: January 2018

In today's context of increasing market globalization, firms wishing to maintain their competitiveness must innovate constantly. Many authors have suggested Intrapreneurship as a method of stimulating innovation and using the creative energy of employees by giving them the resources and independence they need to innovate within the firm. It is somewhat surprising, however, that research into Intrapreneurship has so far concentrated exclusively on large organizations, even though small businesses face the same need for innovation if they are to remain competitive. This exploratory research, which examines the phenomenon of intrapreneurship in the small business context, is aimed at filling the gap. This paper concentrates on some specific aspects of the research, including the different types of intrapreneurship observed, the factors governing their emergence, motivating factors for the intrapreneurs and the owner-managers of the firms, and the strategic processes involved.
Fragmentation in the Market for Venture Capital
Authors: Fiet James O.
Published: January 2018

This study examines two types of venture capital networks — those among angels and those among venture capital firms (VCFs) — to determine if they could contribute to the fragmentation of the market for venture capital. If it were not fragmented, entrepreneurs would have very limited opportunities to present their deals to more than one source for funding. This study found evidence to support some market fragmentation, which was based on the reliability of the informants utilized by each network. Market fragmentation creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap at least two separate sources of funding.
Cooperative Strategies in Non-High-Tech New Ventures: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Brush Candida G. , Chaganti Radha
Published: January 2018

Cooperative strategies are of growing interest in entrepreneurship. Current research focuses on high-tech companies, but less is known about cooperative activities in non-high-tech businesses. Differences in distinct competencies based on technology suggest that lessons from high-tech companies may not fully apply to non-high-tech companies. This research explores the nature, extent, and approaches to cooperative strategies in non-high-tech new ventures, utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. Survey data is analyzed to assess usage and characteristics of cooperative strategies. Results show that few companies used cooperative strategies and these were not central to core operations. Field interviews comparing three non-high-tech and three high-tech new ventures examine motives and approaches to cooperative strategies. For all six cases, resource constraints motivated usage of cooperative strategies and all had cooperative arrangements with competitors. However, goals and approaches to cooperative strategies differed between non-high-tech and high-tech businesses. Findings suggest future research directions.
The Framing of Perceptions of Fairness in the Relationship between Venture Capitalists and New Venture Teams
Authors: Busenitz Lowell W. , Moesel Douglas D. , Fiet James O. , Barney Jay B.
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates how a variety of conditions in place at the time of first-round funding can frame a new venture team's (NVT) perception of the fairness of its relations with its venture capitalists (VC). It assumes that a team's perception of whether its treatment by its VC is procedurally just will affect a team's receptivity to VC advice. An analysis of data from 116 firms funded by venture capitalists indicated that some governance mechanisms and the background of the venture team significantly framed perceptions of fairness in their relationship. A major finding of this research is that the indiscriminant use of contractual covenants can adversely frame a NVT's perception of how fairly it is treated by its VC, which ultimately could inhibit the former's receptivity to advice. Directions for future research are indicated.
The Family Firm's Exclusion from Business School Research: Explaining the Void; Addressing the Opportunity
Authors: Litz Reginald A.
Published: January 2018

Why does the vast majority of business school research either ignore, or at best, gloss over the role of family in owning or managing business enterprises? This paper addresses this question and contemplates how the gap might be remedied. It begins by reviewing recent definitional work on the family firm in order to chart the parameters of the family business construct. It then proceeds to describe the nature of, and interaction patterns that have evolved between family firms, privately held corporations, faculties of business, and business school researchers seeking job security offered by tenure. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for addressing the family business research lacuna. The first recommendation focuses on rethinking the grounding assumptions that have undergirded much traditional organizational research. The second suggestion deals with methodological issues and recommends the patient nurture of long-term, mutually beneficial linkages with family firms that might facilitate in-depth longitudinal inquiry.
Time and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bird Barbara J. , West G. Page
Published: January 2018

Temporal dynamics are at the heart of entrepreneurship. This Special Issue of Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice presents a collection of papers focused on the intersection of time and entrepreneurial organization. Traditional approaches to the interface between entrepreneurship and time are grounded in western logic, where time is linear and scarce, faster is better, and the future is held to be more important than the past. The papers in this issue are framed by the editors in this perspective, but also suggest alternative conceptualizations of time that offer compelling new ways of understanding entrepreneurship.
Firm-Specific Resources and Wealth Creation in High-Technology Ventures: Evidence from Newly Public Biotechnology Firms
Authors: Deeds David L. , Decarolis Dona , Coombs Joseph E.
Published: January 2018

We explore the relationship between wealth creation in high-technology ventures and firm-specific resources. We argue that Market Value Added is a particularly appropriate measure of entrepreneurial performance because of its focus on wealth creation, which is the essence of entrepreneurship. We present a model of wealth creation in new ventures based on the resource-based theory of firm behavior. The model suggests that firm-specific research and scientific capabilities are associated with wealth creation. The model is tested on a sample of 89 biotechnology firms. The results provide strong evidence for the hypothesized relationship between firm-specific capabilities and wealth creation in new ventures.
European Respiratory Society International Congress 2017: highlights from the Clinical Assembly
Authors: Kahn Nicolas , Mekov Evgeni , Fregonese Laura , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Franssen Frits M.E. , Grgic Aleksandar , Coolen Johan , Bonta Peter I. , Gompelmann Daniela , Annema Jouke T. , Faverio Paola , Bonella Francesco , Daines Luke , Pinnock Hillary , Kocks Janwillem , Herth Felix
Published: January 2018

This article contains highlights and a selection of the scientific advances from the European Respiratory Society's Clinical Assembly (Assembly 1 and its six respective groups) that were presented at the 2017 European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy. The most relevant topics from each of the groups will be discussed, covering a wide range of areas including clinical problems, rehabilitation and chronic care, thoracic imaging, interventional pulmonology, diffuse and parenchymal lung diseases, and general practice and primary care. In this comprehensive review, the newest research and actual data as well as award-winning abstracts and highlight sessions will be discussed.
Anti‐inflammatory and antiplatelet effects of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in acute phase of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Nakase Taizen , Moroi Junta , Ishikawa Tatsuya
Published: January 2018

Background

Recently, non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants such as direct thrombin and direct factor Xa inhibitors have been prescribed for prevention of embolic stroke. While in Japan, argatroban, also a direct thrombin inhibitor, is available for the treatment of atherothrombotic stroke patients. This study aimed to explore whether there is any differences between direct thrombin and direct factor Xa inhibitors regarding the inhibiting effect against thrombogenesis in the clinical setting of acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Acute ischemic stroke patients newly prescribed anti‐thrombotic agents were consecutively screened, and 44 patients with single medicine were enrolled (median 72.0 years‐old). Blood samples were obtained at 1 and 2 weeks after the medication started. The extent of anticoagulation activity, inflammatory markers and platelet aggregation were assessed. Patients with antiplatelets were used as control.

Results

Prescribed antithrombotics were dabigatran (group D: n = 12), apixaban (group A: n = 14) and antiplatelet agents (group P: n = 18). Prevalence of stroke risks and anticoagulation activity were not different between groups D and A. The alteration of inflammatory markers in a week in the group A showed similar trend to those in the group P. The group D presented relatively lower amount of high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein and higher amount of pentraxin‐3 compared with groups A and P. While 88.9% of group P patients showed decreased platelet aggregation activity with adenosine diphosphate, 55.6% of group D and 40.0% of group A presented the inhibition of platelet aggregation activity.

Conclusions

Even in acute ischemic stroke patients, both apixaban and dabigatran equally showed the anticoagulation activity. The reduction of inflammatory response might be prominent in apixaban, whereas the inhibition of platelet aggregation activity might be evident in dabigatran.
Application of 2D full-waveform tomography on land-streamer data for assessment of roadway subsidence
Authors: Tran Khiem T. , Sperry Justin
Published: January 2018

Roadways are key components of the modern transportation system. Therefore, assessment of roadway subsidence is critical to the health and safety of the traveling public. Existing seismic refraction and waveform tomography methods can be used for subsidence evaluation; however, the data acquisition time is significant because they require multiple source impacts (shots) along a test line. To mitigate the negative impact caused by closing the traffic flow under seismic testing, a land-streamer seismic testing system and waveform analysis are developed. An existing 2D Gauss-Newton full-waveform inversion (FWI) method is extended for analysis of the land-streamer waveform data. The main advantage of using land-streamer waveform data is that geophones are not coupled to test materials and source-receiver offsets are fixed; thus, the whole test system can be moved along the roadway quickly for data acquisition. To demonstrate the effectiveness of land-streamer waveform data, the FWI method was tested on synthetic and field data sets. The synthetic result reveals that buried voids can be well-characterized by the land-streamer waveform analysis. Field data were collected on asphalt pavement using a 24 channel land streamer and a propelled energy generator to induce seismic wave energy. The test system was towed by a pickup truck along a roadway with an on-going subsidence (repaired sinkhole). The data were collected over 277.5 m distance at a 3 m interval, and the total data acquisition time was approximately 1 h. The field data result indicates that the waveform analysis was able to delineate low-velocity soil zones and laterally variable bedrock. The FWI results are also compared with multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) results. The 2D [Formula: see text] profiles from the FWI and MASW methods are consistent; however, the FWI method provides more detailed information ([Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] cells) of low-velocity anomalies for assessment of roadway subsidence.
Congenital Hyperinsulinism and Hypopituitarism Attributable to a Mutation in FOXA2
Authors: Vajravelu Mary Ellen , Chai Jinghua , Krock Bryan , Baker Samuel , Langdon David , Alter Craig , De León Diva D
Published: January 2018

Context

Persistent hypoglycemia in the newborn period most commonly occurs as a result of hyperinsulinism. The phenotype of hypoketotic hypoglycemia can also result from pituitary hormone deficiencies, including growth hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency. Forkhead box A2 (Foxa2) is a transcription factor shown in mouse models to influence insulin secretion by pancreatic β cells. In addition, Foxa2 is involved in regulation of pituitary development, and deletions of FOXA2 have been linked to panhypopituitarism.

Objective

To describe an infant with congenital hyperinsulinism and hypopituitarism as a result of a mutation in FOXA2 and to determine the functional impact of the identified mutation.

Main Outcome Measure

Difference in wild-type (WT) vs mutant Foxa2 transactivation of target genes that are critical for β cell function (ABCC8, KNCJ11, HADH) and pituitary development (GLI2, NKX2-2, SHH).

Results

Transactivation by mutant Foxa2 of all genes studied was substantially decreased compared with WT.

Conclusions

We report a mutation in FOXA2 leading to congenital hyperinsulinism and hypopituitarism and provide functional evidence of the molecular mechanism responsible for this phenotype.
Intravenously Administered Lidocaine and Magnesium During Thyroid Surgery in Female Patients for Better Quality of Recovery After Anesthesia
Authors: Kim Myoung Hwa , Kim Min Soo , Lee Jae Hoon , Kim Sang Tae , Lee Jeong-Rim
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Although systemic lidocaine and magnesium have been widely studied as perioperative analgesic adjuvants, they have been rarely evaluated with respect to recovery quality under the same conditions. We compared the quality of recovery 40 (QoR-40) scores of female patients who received intravenous lidocaine, magnesium, and saline during thyroidectomy to investigate their effects on comprehensive recovery from anesthesia.

METHODS:

In this prospective, double-blind trial, 135 female patients scheduled for open thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to the lidocaine group (group L), magnesium group (group M), or control group (group C). Immediately after induction, lidocaine (2 mg/kg for 15 minutes followed by 2 mg/kg/h) was administered in group L and magnesium sulfate (20 mg/kg over 15 minutes followed by 20 mg/kg/h) was administered in group M. Group C received an equivalent volume of saline. The QoR-40 survey was conducted on postoperative days 1 and 2.

RESULTS:

The mean global QoR-40 scores on postoperative day 1 were 186.3 (standard deviation, 5.5) in group L, 184.3 (4.7) in group M, and 179.4 (17.8) in group C, and there was a significant difference only between group L and group C (mean difference, 6.9; adjusted P = .018). Among the 5 dimensions of QoR-40, emotional state, physical comfort, and pain were superior in group L compared to group C.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lidocaine administered intravenously during anesthesia led to better quality of postoperative recovery measured by QoR-40 compared with the group C. Magnesium was found to be insufficient to induce any significant improvement with the dose used in the present study.
Moderately hypofractionated prostate external-beam radiotherapy: an emerging standard
Authors: Martin Jarad M , Supiot Stephane , Keall Paul J , Catton Charles N
Published: January 2018

Research over recent years has demonstrated that curative external-beam radiotherapy can be safely and efficaciously delivered with roughly half the number of treatments which was previously considered standard. We review the data supporting this change in practice, methods for implementation, as well as emerging future directions.
Incorporating health workers’ perspectives into a WHO guideline on personal protective equipment developed during an Ebola virus disease outbreak
Authors: Den Boon Saskia , Vallenas Constanza , Ferri Mauricio , Norris Susan L.
Published: January 2018

Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) health facility transmission can result in infection and death of health workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports countries in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies, which often require developing new guidance in short timelines with scarce evidence. The objective of this study was to understand frontline physicians’ and nurses’ perspectives about personal protective equipment (PPE) use during the 2014-2016 EVD outbreak in West Africa and to incorporate these findings into the development process of a WHO rapid advice guideline.

Methods: We surveyed frontline physicians and nurses deployed to West Africa between March and September of 2014.

Results: We developed the protocol, obtained ethics approval, delivered the survey, analysed the data and presented the findings as part of the evidence-to-decision tables at the expert panel meeting where the recommendations were formulated within eight weeks. Forty-four physicians and nurses responded to the survey. They generally felt at low or extremely low risk of virus transmission with all types of PPE used. Eye protection reduced the ability to provide care, mainly due to impaired visibility because of fogging. Heat and dehydration were a major issue for 76% of the participants using goggles and for 64% using a hood. Both gowns and coveralls were associated with significant heat stress and dehydration. Most participants (59%) were very confident that they were using PPE correctly.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that it was possible to incorporate primary data on end-users’ preferences into a rapid advice guideline for a public health emergency in difficult field conditions. Health workers perceived a balance between transmission protection and ability to care for patients effectively while wearing PPE. These findings were used by the guideline development expert panel to formulate WHO recommendations on PPE for frontline providers caring for EVD patients in outbreak conditions.
Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL): A software tool to prospectively link demographic surveillance and health facility data
Authors: Rentsch Christopher T. , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa Whiteson , Catlett Jason , Beckles David , Machemba Richard , Mtenga Baltazar , Masilela Nkosinathi , Michael Denna , Natalis Redempta , Urassa Mark , Todd Jim , Zaba Basia , Reniers Georges
Published: January 2018

Linking a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) to data from a health facility that serves the HDSS population generates a research infrastructure for directly observed data on access to and utilization of health facility services. Many HDSS sites, however, are in areas that lack unique national identifiers or suffer from data quality issues, such as incomplete records, spelling errors, and name and residence changes, all of which complicate record linkage approaches when applied retrospectively. We developed Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL) software that is used to prospectively link health records from a local health facility to an HDSS in rural Tanzania. This prospective approach to record linkage is carried out in the presence of the individual whose records are being linked, which has the advantage that any uncertainty surrounding their identity can be resolved during a brief interaction, whereby extraneous information (e.g., household membership) can be referred to as an additional criterion to adjudicate between multiple potential matches. Our software uses a probabilistic record linkage algorithm based on the Fellegi-Sunter model to search and rank potential matches in the HDSS data source. Key advantages of this software are its ability to perform multiple searches for the same individual and save patient-specific notes that are retrieved during subsequent clinic visits. A search on the HDSS database (n=110,000) takes less than 15 seconds to complete. Excluding time spent obtaining written consent, the median duration of time we spend with each patient is six minutes. In this setting, a purely automated retrospective approach to record linkage would have only correctly identified about half of the true matches and resulted in high linkage errors; therefore highlighting immediate benefit of conducting interactive record linkage using the PIRL software.
Knowing your midwife: how easy is it?
Authors: Jackson Kate
Published: January 2018

It is strange how issues or ideas which seem simple to those who think of them, can seem complex, obscure or even incomprehensible to others. Sometimes this is due to the fact that those presenting the idea are so familiar with it that they forget that others, not having been privy to the discussion and debate from which it emerged, will need time and more explanation before they are able to consider or apply the concept that is being advocated.
New maternity rights and benefits
Authors: Shackle Mary
Published: January 2018

The UK Government recently implemented a European Directive on the protection of pregnant women at work who have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding. This involves the introduction of new rights to maternity leave, maternity pay, protection against unfair dismissal and better protection against risks to health and safety in the workplace. The changes apply to all women whose babies were due on or after 16 October this year. Although pregnant women will benefit from the new legislation, it does not go far enough.
The Criminal Justice Bill: implications for midwifery practice
Authors: Lloyd Liz
Published: January 2018

The Criminal Justice Bill, recently passed by The House of Lords, contains laws that will change the controls on the provision of sites for travellers and gypsies. This article examines the likely effects of this new legislation on traveller families and the way in which midwives' work with traveller women will be affected.
Assisted conception and the midwife
Authors: Joels Lisa A , Wardle Peter G
Published: January 2018

This article focuses on assisted conception, the effects of this on the resulting pregnancies and how these effects may influence midwifery and obstetric care.
Moral and ethical issues in fertility treatment
Authors: Smith Simon
Published: January 2018

Following a public consultation period in which 23 000 documents were sent out, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is due to report and make recommendations that will influence future policy in relation to fertility treatment. This article reflects some of the moral and ethical issues raised by such developments.
Searching the midwifery literature
Authors: Murphy-Black Tricia
Published: January 2018

The skill of searching the literature is both easy to learn and very useful. Tracking down that elusive article or finding all there is to know on a particular topic gives a great sense of achievement. This article examines both general aspects of searching the literature as well as a number of systems that refer specifically to the maternity services.
The use of complementary medicine in postnatal care
Authors: Harrison Jane
Published: January 2018

This article will explore some of the ways that complementary therapies can be used by midwives and parents in the postnatal period.
Rhetoric can't hide the reality
Authors: Henderson Christine
Published: January 2018

The thrust of government initiatives including The Patient's Charter (1991), the House of Commons Report on the Maternity Services (1992) and the Report of the Expert Maternity Group (Department of Health, 1993) is that users and carers must be at the centre of services. Women, midwives, obstetricians, GPs and others should be maintaining a dialogue and acting upon their plans for the improvement of the maternity services based on the principles out lined in the Department of Health (1993) report.
Update on the progress of the Changing Childbirth team
Authors: Everitt Nikki
Published: January 2018

This article describes how far the Changing Childbirth Implementation Team has come since it was set up in 1994, and outlines its aims and goals for the future. It also explains how midwives can help the team to establish a national database that is accessible to all those who are involved in maternity care.
One-to-one midwifery: a personal experience
Authors: Bissett Siobhan
Published: January 2018

Taking responsibility for a case load provides midwives with the opportunity to utilise and develop their skills in all spheres of midwifery practice. This article discusses some of the relevant issues, from the midwives' perspective, which are associated with managing a case load and providing one- to-one care.
Natural family planning: the issues
Authors: Cross-Sudworth Fiona R
Published: January 2018

Natural family planning (NFP) is a controversial subject which is often debated or even dismissed in ignorance. This article briefly examines some of the issues surrounding the topic. It is not intended to be a description of how to use or practice NFP.
Nurse-midwifery in Philadelphia
Authors: Walder Jane
Published: January 2018

There are many conflicting reports on the role of the midwife in the USA. Towards the end of my Diploma in Midwifery I made an investigatory trip to Philadelphia to meet some of the midwives there and to find out more about their role.
Expectations of pregnancy and birth in first-time mothers
Authors: Munns Jacqui , Galsworthy Emma
Published: January 2018

Many pregnant women wish to actively participate in their antenatal care and will seek information from a variety of sources. This article examines the extent to which taking the initiative can improve the mother's satisfaction with the birth and how it affects their feelings towards the birth experience.
Avoidable stillbirths and infant deaths — a consumer view
Authors: Robinson Jean
Published: January 2018

The child that is born on the Sabbath day is supposed to be ‘bonny and blithe and glad and gay.’ That may have been so when the old rhyme was written but now the Sunday baby is more likely to be born dead.
Caring for the ‘special care’ baby on the postnatal ward
Authors: Miller Pam
Published: January 2018

This article discusses the development of transitional care units and how preterm babies are cared for on the postnatal ward.
Introdution to information technology supplement
Authors: Betts Helen
Published: January 2018

This introduction gives a short overview of the following articles which explore the benefits to midwives of Information Technology, particularly focusing on the way it can be used in research and education.
The Sonicaid 121
Authors: Hobbs Julie
Published: January 2018

The latest design in fetal heart rate detection, the Sonicaid 121 seems to be surpassing earlier tracking devices in efficiency and accuracy and could become a valuable addition to future midwifery care.
Rapid response: a multiprofessional approach to hospital at home
Authors: Dowell Sara , Moss George , Odedra Katy
Published: January 2018

The provision of ‘hospital at home’ is not new to the 21st century but pressure from the reduction in the number of hospital beds, population growth, an ageing population and subsequent extended time living with long-term conditions means such services are increasingly necessary. However, research by the authors found services that already exist do not operate 24 hours a day or provide a single multiprofessional approach. Gloucestershire's rapid response (RR) service provides specialist, coordinated, comprehensive and supportive assessment and treatment 24 hours a day in the patient's own home. Data were collected over a 5-month period detailing the number of patients admitted to the service and its impact on hospital admission avoidance and patient outcome. The cost savings and reduction in length of hospital stay is considerable (to almost a quarter of the cost and number of bed days of an acute hospital admission). The position of the hospital as the main provider of urgent/acute care is shifting. The RR service demonstrates its position as a provider of an innovative service that breaks down the boundaries between acute, primary and social care.
Care bundles in the management of a COPD exacerbation
Authors: Lloyd Charlotte , Garside Joanne
Published: January 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the umbrella term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause limitations in lung airflow, is predicted to be the third leading cause of death by 2030. COPD is said to affect 3 million people in the UK, resulting in approximately 30 000 deaths each year. Related healthcare costs continue to escalate, not least because of increasing readmission rates associated with COPD emergencies. The use of care bundles to streamline care is becoming more popular in an attempt to tackle this issue. An integrative literature review was carried out to examine the effectiveness of the use of care bundles. The findings highlighted inconsistencies in the components of bundles, leading to inherent difficulties in assessing which specific component of the bundles led to positive outcomes. The results of this attempt to establish the effectiveness of care bundles in reducing readmission rates and quality of care were inconclusive. The authors recommend further research to investigate the individual components in the bundles and to introduce internationally agreed care bundles for the management of COPD.
The role of the Health Service Safety Investigations Body
Authors: Tingle John
Published: January 2018

John Tingle, Associate Professor (Teaching and Scholarship), Nottingham Trent University, discusses the draft Health Service Safety Investigations Bill, which will create a new body with far-reaching legal powers
A commitment to making things better
Authors: Price-Dowd Clare
Published: January 2018

We hope that all nurses are committed to what they do, but what does that really mean? Clare Price-Dowd, Senior Programme Lead, NHS Leadership Academy, explores why commitment is fundamental for a nurse
Bathing and toileting equipment
Authors: Stacey Nicola
Published: January 2018

Of all the unavoidable activities of daily living, personal care and personal toilet activities are those which all people, including patients in hospital and elderly and disabled people in their own homes, would like to carry out as independently, or at least be assisted with as much dignity, as possible.