bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diplomatics of born digital documents – considering documentary form in a digital environment
Authors: Rogers Corinne
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore a new model of “record” that maps traditional attributes of a record onto a technical decomposition of digital records. It compares the core characteristics necessary to call a digital object a “record” in terms of diplomatics or “evidence” in terms of digital forensics. It then isolates three layers of abstraction: the conceptual, the logical and the physical. By identifying the essential elements of a record at each layer of abstraction, a diplomatics of digital records can be proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Digital diplomatics, a research outcome of the International Research on Permanent Authentic Records in Electronic Systems (InterPARES) project, gives archivists a methodology for analyzing the identity and integrity of digital records in electronic systems and thereby assessing their authenticity (Duranti and Preston, 2008; Duranti, 2005) and tracing their provenance.

Findings

– Digital records consist of user-generated data (content), system-generated metadata identifying source and location, application-generated metadata managing the look and performance of the record (e.g., native file format), application-generated metadata describing the data (e.g., file system metadata OS), and user-generated metadata describing the data. Digital diplomatics, based on a foundation of traditional diplomatic principles, can help identify digital records through their metadata and determine what metadata needs to be captured, managed and preserved.

Originality/value

– The value and originality of this paper is in the application of diplomatic principles to a deconstructed, technical view of digital records through functional metadata for assessing the identity and authenticity of digital records.
Powder-bed-based 3D-printing of function integrated parts
Authors: Glasschroeder Johannes , Prager Emanuel , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show a possibility of how new functions can be integrated in parts, created by the powder-bed-based 3D-printing technology. One big advantage of additive manufacturing technologies is the possibility to create function-integrated parts during the manufacturing process. This applies to mechanical functions like movable elements, thermodynamic functions like contour near cooling channels in a part as well as electrical functions like conductive lines and electrical components.

Design/methodology/approach

– A powder-bed-based 3D-printer is utilized to process polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as base material. To enable new functionalities, an automated exhausting mechanism was implemented into the test system. The created cavities can be filled with new components or rather new materials.

Findings

– Three different approaches are shown in this paper. The first one was the integration of screw nuts to enhance bolted joints compared to threads, directly created in the part. The average tensile strength could be raised from 200 to 430 N/mm. The second approach was the integration of different reinforcement elements like carbon or metallic fibers. Here again a reinforcement of the tensile strength of approximately 27 per cent could be reached. The last approach shows a method to integrate conductive material as well as electrical components in a part to create simple electrical circuits.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates how to extend an additive powder-bed-based technology with a powder-exhausting mechanism. The possibilities of this technology are illustrated by three examples, integrating mechanical as well as electrical functions in a part.
Enhancing the resolution of selective inhibition sintering (sis) for metallic part fabrication
Authors: Torabi Payman , Petros Matthew , Khoshnevis Behrokh
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of a commercial piezoelectric printhead in the fabrication of high-resolution metal parts selective inhibition sintering (SIS-metal). SIS is a disruptive platform additive manufacturing (AM) process capable of printing parts from polymer, metal and ceramic base materials.

Design/methodology/approach

– The developed system in this paper replaces the single-nozzle solenoid valve previously used in the SIS-metal process and allows for the fabrication of high-resolution parts. A design of experiments approach is utilized to study the effects of important factors in inhibitor deposition. These factors include: composition of the inhibitor, quality of the print and the amount of fluid deposited for each layer. Based on the results of these experiments, parameters have been identified for the creation of 3D parts.

Findings

– The results of this study were based on the fine tuning of parameters in the updated SIS-metal machine which culminated in the fabrication of complex metallic parts. This study serves as an entry point to important areas of research in need of careful future consideration. These areas include but are not limited to machine robustness, mechanical properties, shrinkage and surface quality.

Originality/value

– SIS-metal is a novel AM process developed by the CRAFT Laboratories team at the University of Southern California with potential to compete existing metal AM processes in terms of quality, price, materials and speed. The machine developed in this study signifies an order of magnitude improvement in the resolution and quality of SIS-metal parts which are comparable to those fabricated by other AM processes.
Recent trend in wireless sensor network and its applications: a survey
Authors: Prasad Poonam
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to review existing wireless sensor network (WSN) setups in various domains, focusing on affordable WSN so that it can be effectively utilised in solving the environmental problems. WSN is being explored in many applications such as home security, smart spaces, environmental monitoring, battlefield surveillance and target tracking. WSN consists of a number of tiny, low-powered, energy-constrained sensor nodes with sensing, data processing and wireless communication components. Creating a WSN setup will make the monitoring system effective and in future, it will give a roadmap for solving some common societal problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Various research papers in the area of WSN have been reviewed on the basis of technologies and application on different fields.

Findings

– WSN was found to be the most effective solution in areas which are less explored due their hazardous nature and are difficult to reach.

Originality/value

– This review is based on research papers available and a recent trend in the area of WSN has been explored.
Real-time wound management through integrated pH sensors: a review
Authors: Khan Munezza Ata , Ansari Umar , Ali Murtaza Najabat
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Real-time monitoring of wound or injured tissues is critical for speedy recovery, and the onset of a cascade of biochemical reactions provides potential biomarkers that facilitate the process of wound monitoring, e.g. pH, temperature, moisture level, bacterial load, cytokines, interleukins, etc. Among all the biomarkers, pH has been known to have a profound impact on the wound healing process, and is used to determine the incidence of bacterial infection of the wound (persistently elevated alkaline pH), proteolytic activity at the site of injury, take rate in skin grafting, wound healing stage and preparation for wound debridement.

Design/methodology/approach

– This review highlights the significance of pH in determination of clinical parameters and for selection of an appropriate treatment regime, and it presents an in-depth analysis of the designs and fabrication methods that use integrated pH sensors, which have been reported to date for the real-time monitoring of wound healing.

Findings

– For an expedited wound healing process, the significance of pH mandated the need of an integrated sensor system that would facilitate real-time monitoring of healing wounds and obviate the requirement of redressing or complicated testing procedures, which are both labor-intensive and painful for the patient. The review also discussed different types of sensor systems which were developed using hydrogel as a pH-responsive system coupled with voltammetry, potentiometry, impedimetric and flex-circuit inductive transducer systems. All of the mentioned devices have considerable potential for clinical applications, and there is need of in vivo testing to validate their efficiency and sensitivity under practical scenarios.

Originality/value

– This manuscript is an original review of literature, and permission has been granted to use the figures from previously published papers.
Integration of biosensors based on microfluidic: a review
Authors: TermehYousefi Amin , Bagheri Samira , Adib Nahrizul
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Biotechnology is closely associated to microfluidics. During the last decade, designs of microfluidic devices such as geometries and scales have been modified and improved according to the applications for better performance. Numerous sensor technologies existing in the industry has potential use for clinical applications. Fabrication techniques of microfluidics initially rooted from the electromechanical systems (EMS) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this review, we emphasized on the most available manufacture approaches to fabricate microchannels, their applications and the properties which make them unique components in biological studies.

Findings

– Major fundamental and technological advances demonstrate the enhancing of capabilities and improving the reliability of biosensors based on microfluidic. Several researchers have been reported verity of methods to fabricate different devices based on EMS technology due to the electroconductivity properties and their small size of them. Therefore, controlled fabrication method of MEMS plays an important role to design and fabricate a highly selective detection of medical devices in a variety of biological fluids. Stable, tight and reliable monitoring devices for biological components still remains a massive challenge and several studies focused on MEMS to fabricate simple and easy monitoring devices.

Originality/value

– This paper is not submitted or under review in any other journal.
Public Employees’ Perceived Promotion Channels in Local China: Merit‐based or Guanxi‐orientated?
Authors: Ma Liang , Tang Huangfeng , Yan Bo
Published: March 2015

Do performance or personal ties (guanxi) matter more in the promotion of local public employees in China? In this paper, we examine public employees’ perceptions of the roles played by merit and guanxi in promotion. We adopt a configurational approach to classify public employees’ perceptions of the reasons for their promotion into four groups: merit‐based, guanxi‐orientated, ambidextrous (both), and fatalistic (neither). A recent survey of 886 public employees shows that around 40% see promotion as merit‐based and 20% as guanxi‐orientated, with 10% perceiving promotion to be ambidextrous and 30% fatalistic. Younger employees with higher rank are more likely to perceive promotion to be merit‐based, whilst highly educated and highly ranked employees with strong public service motivation are more prone to see promotion as ambidextrous. Those who perceive promotion to be ambidextrous are more satisfied with promotion fairness, suggesting that a subtle balance needs to be maintained between merit‐based and guanxi‐orientated promotion channels, rather than rejection of any guanxi element.
Assay Development and Validation of an 8‐SNP Multiplex Test to Predict Eye and Skin Coloration
Authors: Mushailov Vladimir , Rodriguez Stephanie A. , Budimlija Zoran M. , Prinz Mechthild , Wurmbach Elisa
Published: March 2015

Identifying human remains is one of the many responsibilities of forensic scientists. An eye‐ and skin‐color predictor translates genotypic information into phenotypic description. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are utilized for this predictor, five for eye, and six for skin coloration. Here, we describe the development and validation of an 8‐SNP multiplex assay that consists of a multiplex PCR, followed by a multiplexed single‐base primer extension reaction generating fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides of distinct length that are detected by multicolor capillary electrophoresis. Validation of this assay included tests for reproducibility, reliability, sensitivity, species specificity, its performance on degraded DNA, and on forensic samples. It can be concluded that the 8‐SNP multiplex assay is robust and can be used on challenging samples, including bones, to reliably determine the genotypes to predict eye and skin color of individuals. This information can assist in the identification of human remains and missing persons.
Analysis of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes for the Presence of Blood and Polydimethylsiloxane (Silicone) Utilizing Microchemical Tests and Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Crowe John B. , Lanzarotta Adam , Witkowski Mark R. , Andria Sara E.
Published: March 2015

Suspect hypodermic needles and syringes were seized from an unlicensed individual who was allegedly injecting patients with silicone (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]) for cosmetic enhancement. Since control syringe barrels and needles often contain an interfering PDMS lubricant, a risk for false positives of foreign PDMS exists. The focus of this report was to minimize this risk and determine a quick and reliable test for the presence of blood in PDMS matrices. Using ATR‐FT‐IR spectroscopy, the risk for false‐positive identification of foreign PDMS was reduced by (i) overfilling the sampling aperture to prevent spectral distortions and (ii) sampling a region of the suspect syringe/needle assembly where manufacturer‐applied PDMS is not typically located. Analysis for blood indicated that the Teichman microchemical test was effective for detecting blood in the presence of PDMS. Overall, detecting PDMS established intent and detecting blood established that the needle containing the PDMS had been used for injection.
The Potential of Cosmetic Applicators as a Source ofDNAfor Forensic Analysis
Authors: Adamowicz Michael S. , Labonte Renáe D. , Schienman John E.
Published: March 2015

Personal products, such as toothbrushes, have been used as both known reference and evidentiary samples for forensicDNAanalysis. This study examined the viability of a broad selection of cosmetic applicators for use as targets for humanDNAextraction and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. Applicator types included eyeliner smudgers, pencils and crayons, eye shadow sponges, mascara wands, concealer wands, face makeup sponges, pads and brushes, lipsticks and balms, and lip gloss wands. The quantity and quality ofDNAextracted from each type of applicator were examined by assessing the number of loci successfully amplified and the peak balance of the heterozygous alleles in each fullSTRprofile. While degradedDNA, stochastic amplification, andPCRinhibition were observed for some items, fullSTRprofiles were developed for 14 of 76 applicators. The face makeup sponge applicators yielded the highest proportional number of fullSTRprofiles (4/7).
Effect of Initial PH on Growth Characteristics and Fermentation Properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Xingyan , Jia Bo , Sun Xiangyu , Ai Jingya , Wang Lihua , Wang Cheng , Zhao Fang , Zhan Jicheng , Huang Weidong
Published: March 2015

As the core microorganism of wine making, Saccharomyces cerevisiae encounter low pH stress at the beginning of fermentation. Effect of initial pH (4.50, 3.00, 2.75, 2.50) on growth and fermentation performance of 3 S. cerevisiae strains Freddo, BH8, Nº.7303, different tolerance at low pH, chosen from 12 strains, was studied. The values of yeast growth (OD600, colony forming units, cell dry weight), fermentation efficiency (accumulated mass loss, change of total sugar concentration), and fermentation products (ethanol, glycerol, acetic acid, and l‐succinic acid) at different pH stress were measured. The results showed that the initial pH of must was a vital factor influencing yeast growth and alcoholic fermentation. Among the 3 strains, strain Freddo and BH8 were more tolerant than Nº.7303, so they were affected slighter than the latter. Among the 4 pH values, all the 3 strains showed adaptation even at pH 2.50; pH 2.75 and 2.50 had more vital effect on yeast growth and fermentation products in contrast with pH 4.50 and 3.00. In general, low initial pH showed the properties of prolonging yeast lag phase, affecting accumulated mass loss, changing the consumption rate of total sugar, increasing final content of acetic acid and glycerol, and decreasing final content of ethanol and l‐ succinic acid, except some special cases. Based on this study, the effect of low pH on wine products would be better understood and the tolerance mechanism of low pH of S. cerevisiae could be better explored in future.
Calcareous Nannofossils and Molecular Fossils in Cobalt‐rich Crusts and their Response to the P/E Global Event
Authors: Haisheng ZHANG , Jun ZHAO , Zhengbing HAN , Bing LU , Guanghai WU , PULYAEVA I. A.
Published: March 2015

A biostratigraphic study on calcareous nannofossils from the CM3D06 Co‐rich ferromanganese crust from the Magellan seamounts in the northwestern Pacific enabled estimation of depositional age. The bio‐imprinting of calcareous nannofossils and other fossil species suggests six age ranges for the nannofossils: late Cretaceous, late Paleocene, (early, middle, late) Eocene, middle Miocene, late Pliocene, and Pleistocene. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) were used to test the Co‐rich crusts, and a variety of molecular fossils were detected, such as chloroform bituminous “A”, n‐alkane, isoprenoid and sterol. Peak carbon and molecular indices (such as ΣC23−/ΣC24+, CPI, Pr/Ph, Pr/nC17, Ph/nC18 and δ13C) indicate that the parent organic matter is dominated by marine phytoplankton and thallogen whereas there is little input of terrestrial organic matter. Researches on calcareous nannofossils, molecular fossils and molecular organic geochemistry data reveal that the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) global event is recorded in the cobalt‐rich crusts from the northwestern Pacific Ocean. A succession of biomes can be observed near the 85 mm boundary (about 55 Ma), i.e., the disappearance of the late Cretaceous Watznaueria barnesae and Zigodicus spiralis, and Broisonia parka microbiotas above the P/E boundary, and the bloom of Coccolithus formosus, Discoaster multiradiatus, Discoaster mohleri and Discoaster sp. below the boundary. Typical parameters of molecular fossils, such as saturated hydrocarbon components and carbon‐number maxima, Pr/Ph, Pr/C17, Ph/C18, distribution types of sterols, Ts/Tm ratios and bacterial hopane, also exhibit dramatic changes near the P/E boundary. These integrated results illustrate that the biome succession of calcareous nannofossils, relative content of molecular fossils and molecular indices in the cobalt‐rich crusts near the 85 mm boundary faithfully record the P/E global event
Opaque Mineralogy as a Tracer of Magmatic History of Volcanic Rocks: an Example from the Neogene‐Quaternary Harrat Rahat Intercontinental Volcanic Field, North Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: SUROUR A.A. , MOUFTI A.M.B.
Published: March 2015

The Neogene‐Quaternary Harrat Rahat volcanic field is part of the major intercontinental Harrat fields in western Saudi Arabia. It comprises lava flows of olivine basalt and hawaiite, in addition to mugearite, benmorite, and trachyte that occur mainly as domes, tuff cones and lava flows. Based on opaque mineralogy and mineral chemistry, the Harrat Rahat volcanic varieties are distinguished into Group I (olivine basalt and hawaiite) and Group II (mugearite, benmorite and trachyte). The maximum forsterite content (∼85) is encountered in zoned forsteritic olivine of Group I, whereas olivine of Group II is characterized by intermediate (Fo=50), fayalitic (Fo=25) and pure fayalite in the mugearite, benmorite and trachyte, respectively. The more evolved varieties of Group II contain minerals that show enrichment of Fe2+, Mn2+ and Na+ that indicates normal fractional crystallization. The common occurrence of coarse apatite with titanomagnetite in the benmorite indicates that P5+ becomes saturated in this rock variety and drops again in trachyte. Cr‐spinel is recorded in Group I varieties only and the Cr# (0.5) suggests lherzolite as a possible restite of the Harrat Rahat volcanics. The plots of Cr# vs. the forsterite content (Fo) suggest two distinct trends, which are typical of mixing of two basaltic magmas of different sources and different degrees of partial melting. The bimodality of Harrat Rahat Cr‐spinel suggests possible derivation from recycled MORB slab in the mantle as indicated by the presence of high‐Al spinel. It is believed that the subcontinental lithospheric mantle was modified by pervious subduction process and played the leading role in the genesis of the Harrat Rahat intraplate volcanics. The trachytes of the Harrat Rahat volcanic field were formed most probably by melting of a lower crust at the mantle‐crust boundary. The increase in fO2 causes a decrease in Cr2O3, and Al2O3, and a strong increase in the proportion of Fe3+ and Mg# of spinel crystallizing from the basaltic melt at T ∼1200°C. The olivine‐pyroxene and olivine‐spinel geothermometers yielded equilibrium temperature in the range of 935–1025°C, whereas the range of <500–850°C from single‐pyroxene thermometry indicates either post crystallization re‐equilibrium of the clinopyroxene, or the mineral is xenocrystic and re‐equilibrated in a cooling basaltic magma.
Geochemical Features, Age, and Tectonic Significance of the Kekekete Mafic‐ultramafic Rocks, East Kunlun Orogen, China
Authors: Ruibao LI , Xianzhi PEI , Zuochen LI , Yu SUN , Jianyong FENG , Lei PEI , Guochao CHEN , Chengjun LIU , Youxin CHEN
Published: March 2015

The Kekekete mafic‐ultramafic rocks are exposed in the Kekesha‐Kekekete‐Dawate area, which are in the eastern part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt It outcrops as tectonic slices intruding tectonically in the Paleoproterozoic Baishahe Group and the Paleozoic Nachitai Group. The Kekekete mafic and ultramafic rocks is located near the central fault in East Kunlun and lithologically mainly consists of serpentinite, augite peridotite, and gabbro. The LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb age of the gabbro is 501 ± 7 Ma, indicating that Kekekete mafic‐ultramafic rocks formed in the Middle Cambrian. This rock assemblage is relatively poor in SiO2 and (Na2O+K2O) but rich in MgO and SFeO. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the gabbro dip slightly to the right; the primitive mantle and MORB‐normalized spidergrams of trace elements show enrichment of large‐ion lithophile elements (Cs, Rb, Ba, etc.) and no differentiation of high field strength elements. The general dominance of E‐MORB features and the geochemical characteristics of OIB suggest that the Kekekete mafic‐ultramafic rocks formed in an initial oceanic basin with slightly enriched mantle being featured by varying degrees of mixing of N‐MORB depleted mantle and a similar‐OIB‐type source. From a comprehensive study of the previous data, the author believes that the tectonic history of the East Kunlun region was controlled by a geodynamic system of rifting and extension in the late stages of the Neoproterozoic to early stages of the Early Paleozoic and this formed the paleo‐oceanic basin or rift system now represented by the ophiolites along the central fault in East Kunlun, the Kekekete mafic‐ultramafic rocks and Delisitan ophiolite.
H‐O‐S‐Cu‐Pb Isotopic Constraints on the Origin of the Nage Cu‐Pb Deposit, Southeast Guizhou Province, SW China
Authors: Jiaxi ZHOU , Jingsong WANG , Dezhi YANG , Jinhai LIU
Published: March 2015

The Nage Cu‐Pb deposit, a new found ore deposit in the southeast Guizhou province, southwest China, is located on the southwestern margin of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. Ore bodies are hosted in slate and phyllite of Neoproterozoic Jialu and Wuye Formations, and are structurally controlled by EW‐trending fault. It contains Cu and Pb metals about 0.12 million tonnes with grades of 0.2 wt% to 3.4 wt% Cu and 1.1 wt% to 9.27 wt% Pb. Massive and disseminated Cu‐Pb ores from the Nage deposit occur as either veinlets or disseminations in silicified rocks. The ore minerals include chalcopyrite, galena and pyrite, and gangue minerals are quartz, sericite and chlorite. The H‐O isotopic compositions of quartz, S‐Cu‐Pb isotopic compositions of sulfide minerals, Pb isotopic compositions of whole rocks and ores have been analyzed to trace the sources of ore‐forming fluids and metals for the Nage Cu‐Pb deposit. The δCuNBS values of chalcopyrite range from −0.09% to +0.33‰, similar to basic igneous rocks and chalcopyrite from magmatic deposits. δ65CuNBS values of chalcopyrite from the early, middle and final mineralization stages show an increasing trend due to 63Cu prior migrated in gas phase when fluids exsolution from magma. δ34SCDT values of sulfide minerals range from −2.7‰ to +2.8‰, similar to mantle‐derived sulfur (0±3‰). The positive correlation between δCuNBS and δ34SCDT values of chalcopyrite indicates that a common source of copper metal and sulfur from magma. δDH2O‐SMOW and δ18OH2O‐SMOV values of water in fluid inclusions of quartz range from −60.7‰ to −44.4‰ and +7.9‰ to +9.0‰ (T=260°C), respectively and fall in the field for magmatic and metamorphic waters, implicating that mixed sources for H2O in hydrothermal fluids. Ores and sulfide minerals have a small range of Pb isotopic compositions (208Pb/204Pb=38.152 to 38.384, 207Pb/204Pb=15.656 to 17.708 and 206Pb/204Pb=17.991 to 18.049) that are close to orogenic belt and upper crust Pb evolution curve, and similar to Neoproterozoic host rocks (208Pb/204Pb=38.201 to 38.6373, 207Pb/204Pb=15.648 to 15.673 and 206Pb/204Pb=17.820 to 18.258), but higher than diabase (208Pb/204Pb=37.830 to 38.012, 207Pb/204Pb=15.620 to 15.635 and 206Pb/204Pb=17.808 to 17.902). These results imply that the Pb metal originated mainly from host rocks. The H‐O‐S‐Cu‐Pb isotopes tegather with geology, indicating that the ore genesis of the Nage Cu‐Pb deposit is post‐magmatic hydrothermal type.
A 10‐year retrospective study of interhospital patient transport using inhaled nitric oxide in Norway
Authors: BUSKOP C. , BREDMOSE P. P. , SANDBERG M.
Published: March 2015

Background

Anaesthesiologists from Oslo University Hospital have transported patients with severe oxygenation failure with inhaled nitric oxide (usually 20 ppm) from other hospitals to a tertiary care centre since 2002 in an effort to reduce the number of patients that otherwise would require transport with ongoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient safety during transport with inhaled nitric oxide.

Methods

All patient transports with ongoing nitric oxide treatment undertaken from 2003 to 2012 were identified in the transport database. The frequency of adverse events and their impact on patient safety were studied in addition to response to inhaled nitric oxide and adjusted intensive care treatment and time aspects of the transports. Information about in‐hospital treatment and survival were extracted from the hospital patient records.

Results

Adverse events were recorded in 12 of the 104 transports. Seven of the adverse events were due to malfunctioning technical equipment, three were related to medication other than the inhaled nitric oxide and two were related to ventilation. No adverse events resulted in permanent negative patient consequences or in discontinuation of the transport. Out of 104 patients, 79 responded to treatment with inhaled nitric oxide and other treatment changes by an increase in oxygen saturation of more than 5%. The 30‐day mortality was 27% in the group transported with inhaled nitric oxide.

Conclusion

Transporting patients on inhaled nitric oxide is an alternative in selected patients who would otherwise require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during transport.
Renal haemodynamic response to amino acids infusion in an experimental porcine model of septic shock
Authors: VASSAL O. , BONNET J.‐M. , BARTHELEMY A. , ALLAOUCHICHE B. , GOY‐THOLLOT I. , LOUZIER V. , PAQUET C. , AYOUB J.‐Y. , DAUWALDER O. , JACQUET‐LAGRÈZE M. , JUNOT S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in sepsis. Treatments allowing maintenance of renal blood flow (RBF) could help to prevent AKI associated with renal hypoperfusion. Amino acids (AA) have been associated with an increase of RBF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in several species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an AA infusion on RBF and GFR in a porcine model of septic shock.

Methods

A total of 17 piglets were randomly assigned into three groups: Sham (Sham, n = 5), sepsis without AA (S‐NAA, n = 6), sepsis treated with AA (S‐AA, n = 6). Piglets preparation included the placement of ultrasonic transit time flow probes around left renal artery for continuous RBF measurement; ureteral catheters for GFR and urine output evaluation; pulmonary artery catheter for cardiac output (CO) and pulmonary arterial pressure measurements. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were also determined. Septic shock was induced with a live Pseudomonas aeruginosa infusion. Crystalloids, colloids and epinephrine infusion were used to maintain and restore MAP > 60 mmHg and CO > 80% from baseline.

Results

Renal haemodynamic did not change significantly in the Sham group, whereas RBF increased slightly in the S‐NAA group. Conversely, a significant increase in RVR and a decrease in RBF and GFR were observed in the S‐AA group. AA infusion was associated with a higher requirement of epinephrine [340.0 (141.2; 542.5) mg vs. 32.5 (3.8; 65.0) mg in the S‐NAA group P = 0.044].

Conclusion

An infusion of amino acids impaired renal haemodynamics in this experimental model of septic shock.
Variation in Pediatric Emergency Department Care of Sickle Cell Disease and Fever
Authors: Ellison Angela M. , Thurm Cary , Alessandrini Evaline , Jain Shabnam , Cheng John , Black Kelly , Schroeder Lisa , Stone Kimberly , Alpern Elizabeth R.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The objective was to study the variation in pediatric emergency department (PED) practice patterns for evaluation and management of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and fever in U.S. children's hospitals.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of visits by children 3 months to 18 years of age with SCD and fever evaluated in 36 U.S. children's hospital PEDs within the 2010 Pediatric Health Information System database. The main outcome measures were the proportions of SCD visits that received evaluation (laboratory testing and chest radiographs [CXRs]) and treatment (parenteral administration of antibiotics) and were admitted for fever.

Results

Of the 4,853 PED visits for SCD and fever, 91.7% had complete blood counts (CBCs), 93.8% had reticulocyte counts, 93% had blood cultures obtained, 68.5% had CXRs, and 91.7% received antibiotics. Most (81.4%) patients received the recommended National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute evaluation (CBC, reticulocyte count, and blood culture) and treatment (parenteral antibiotics). In multivariate regression modeling controlling for hospital‐ and patient‐level effects, age groups ≥1 to <5 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25 to 0.40) and ≥5 to <13 years (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.50), and those visits that did not have CXRs had lower odds of hospital admission. After adjusting for age, payor status, receipt of laboratory testing, antibiotics, and CXRs, admission rates varied by sevenfold across U.S. children's hospitals (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Standardization of practice exists across children's hospitals regarding obtaining laboratory studies and administering antibiotics for patients with SCD and fever. However, admission rates vary significantly. Evaluating the causes and consequences of such significant variation needs further exploration to improve the quality of care for patients with SCD.
The Use of the Needle‐free Jet Injection System With Buffered Lidocaine Device Does Not Change Intravenous Placement Success in Children in the Emergency Department
Authors: Lunoe Maren M. , Drendel Amy L. , Brousseau David C.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The needle‐free jet injection system with buffered lidocaine (J tip) has been shown to reduce pain for intravenous (IV) line insertion, but its relationship with successful IV placement has not been well studied. This study aimed to determine if J tip use is associated with improved first‐attempt IV placement success in children.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of children ages 1 to 18 years with need for emergent IV placement. Approximately 300 children were selected from each of three separate age groups: 1 to 2, 3 to 6, and 7 to 18 years. The standard treatment group (no device) included children with IV insertions from January 2009 through January 2010 with no J tip. The J tip treatment group (device) included children with IV insertions from December 2010 through December 2011 who received J tips. Successful IV placement on first attempt was the primary outcome. A chi‐square test was used to compare the proportion of first‐attempt success and logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of device use and patient age, sex, and race on first‐attempt success.

Results

A total of 958 children were identified, 501 in the no‐device group and 457 in the device group. The most common diagnoses were vomiting or dehydration (30.3%), trauma or burn (20.0%), and infection (15.5%). Overall, first‐attempt success was 69.0% and was similar between the no‐device (68.7%) and device (69.4%) groups (p = 0.81). No difference in first‐attempt success with the use of the device was found in any of the age groups. Multivariate analysis found that only age of 1 to 2 years was associated with lower odds of first‐attempt success when controlling for patient characteristics and device use.

Conclusions

The use of the J tip did not affect first‐attempt success for IV placement in children.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols for radical cystectomy surgery: review of current evidence and local protocols
Authors: Mir Maria C. , Zargar Homayoun , Bolton Damien M. , Murphy Declan G. , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: March 2015

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) remains a morbid procedure. The use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways has proven to reduce care time and post‐operative complications after colorectal surgery. There is a high potential for reducing morbidity associated with RC by utilizing ERAS in this setting. The purpose of this review is to examine the current evidence for ERAS in preoperative, intra‐operative and post‐operative setting of care for RC patients and to propose ERAS evidence‐based protocol for patients undergoing RC in the Australian and New Zealand environment.

Preoperative

Patient's medical optimization, avoidance of oral mechanical bowel preparation and emphasis on preoperative administration of high‐energy carbohydrate drinks from colorectal literature has led to inclusion of these strategies in the preoperative considerations of ERAS in RC.

Intra‐operative

Epidural analgesia has an integral role in reducing surgical stress response, improving analgesia and expediting functional recovery and should be included in ERAS RC protocols. Of relevance is 72 h maximum length of its duration. With regard to minimally invasive approach to RC, despite encouraging results from high‐volume centres, high‐level evidence in this field are lacking (ongoing clinical trials). Standardized anaesthetic protocols with particular emphasis on perioperative fluid management are essential components of ERAS protocols.

Post‐operative

Avoidance of routine nasogastric tube placement, early mobilization and multifaceted approach to optimization of gut function and elimination of post‐operative ileus are the cornerstones of post‐operative care in the setting of ERAS in RC patients.
Blood management in total hip replacement: an analysis of factors associated with allogenic blood transfusion
Authors: Wong Samuel , Tang Howard , de Steiger Richard
Published: March 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to audit the blood transfusion practice throughout the Epworth Healthcare Hospitals for patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR). We determined if blood‐saving techniques were having an impact on the risk of allogenic blood transfusion and which patients were at risk of receiving allogenic blood transfusion.

Methods

This study uses a retrospective audit of 787 patients who had undergone primary THR surgery at three Melbourne hospitals: Epworth Richmond, Epworth Eastern and Epworth Freemasons in 2010. Patient demographics, transfusion requirements and blood‐conserving techniques were recorded.

Results

One hundred and eighty (23%) patients received allogenic blood transfusion and 18 (2.3%) patients received autologous blood transfusion. On multivariate analysis, preoperative anaemia (odds ratio (OR) 4.7, P < 0.0001), female gender (OR 3.1, P < 0.0001) and patient age (OR 1.07 per year of age increase, P < 0.0001) were shown to be significantly associated with higher risk of allogenic blood transfusion. Use of spinal anaesthetic was found to be associated with lower risk of transfusion (OR 0.6, P = 0.0180) compared with general anaesthetic alone. Cell saver, acute normovolaemic haemodilution and re‐infusion drain tube usage did not have a significant impact on reducing the risk of allogenic blood transfusion.

Conclusion

Identification of patients at risk of blood transfusion, correction of preoperative anaemia and a restrictive transfusion policy are important factors to consider in effective perioperative blood management.
Lessons from 150 years of UK maternal hemorrhage deaths
Authors: Kerr Robert Stuart , Weeks Andrew David
Published: March 2015

We have reviewed maternal hemorrhage death rates in the UK over the past 150 years in order to draw lessons from this material for current attempts to reduce global maternal mortality. Mortality rates from data in the UK Annual Reports from the Registrar General were entered into a database. Charts were created to display trends in hemorrhage mortality, allowing comparison with historical medical advances. Hemorrhage death rates fell steadily before the 1930s; between 1874 and 1926 they fell by 56%. In contrast, there was no consistent reduction in overall maternal mortality rates until the 1930s; from 1932 to 1952 they fell by 85%, primarily due to a reduction in sepsis deaths. In conclusion the majority of maternal hemorrhage mortality reductions in the UK occurred prior to the availability of effective oxytocics, antibiotics, and blood transfusion. Improving access to and standards of maternal care is key to addressing global maternal mortality today.
HBV infection is associated with greater mortality in hospitalised patients compared to HCV infection or alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Rajbhandari R. , Danford C. J. , Chung R. T. , Ananthakrishnan A. N.
Published: March 2015

Background

Little is known about outcomes of Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hospitalisations.

Aim

To compare the characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised HBV patients to those with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and to examine variables associated with poor outcomes.

Methods

Using the 2011 US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified hospitalised patients with HBV, HCV or ALD‐related admissions using ICD‐9‐CM codes. We compared liver‐related complications between the three groups. Multivariable regression was performed to identify factors associated with in‐hospital mortality and length of stay.

Results

A total of 22 843 HBV, 203 300 HCV and 244 383 ALD‐related discharges were included. Cirrhosis was noted less commonly in those with HBV (69.1%) compared to HCV (83.9%) or ALD (80.9%) (P < 0.001). In contrast, hepatocellular cancer and acute liver failure were more common with HBV (16.5% and 5.2%) compared to HCV (10.4% and 2.8%) or ALD (2.5% and 4.9%) respectively (P < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, adjusting for demographics, liver and nonliver comorbidity, HBV infection was associated with higher mortality compared to HCV infection [Odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04–1.39) or ALD (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.40). Length of hospital stay was greater with HBV compared to HCV (+0.54 days) or ALD (+0.36 days). Among those with HBV, significant factors associated with mortality included renal failure, hepatocellular cancer, respiratory failure, ascites, coagulopathy and acute liver failure.

Conclusion

Patients hospitalised with HBV infection represent a particularly high‐risk group with poor in‐hospital outcomes and increased mortality compared to HCV infection or alcoholic liver disease.
PNPLA3 rs738409 I748M is associated with steatohepatitis in 434 non‐obese subjects with hepatitis C
Authors: Petta S. , Vanni E. , Bugianesi E. , Rosso C. , Cabibi D. , Cammà C. , Di Marco V. , Eslam M. , Grimaudo S. , Macaluso F. S. , McLeod D. , Pipitone R. M. , Abate M. L. , Smedile A. , George J. , Craxì A.
Published: March 2015

Background

The PNPLA3/Adiponutrin rs738409 C/G single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with the severity of steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as the severity of steatosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Aim

To test in genotype 1(G1)‐CHC patients, the putative association between the PNPLA3 variant and histological features of steatohepatitis, as well as their impact on the severity of fibrosis.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty‐four consecutively biopsied Caucasian G1‐CHC patients were genotyped for PNPLA3 rs738409, its effect evaluated by using an additive model. Histological features of steatohepatitis in CHC were assessed using the Bedossa classification. Hepatic expression of PNPLA3 mRNA was evaluated in 63 patients.

Results

The prevalence of steatohepatitis increased from 16.5% in patients with PNPLA3 CC, to 23.2% in CG and 29.2% in the GG genotype (P = 0.02). By multiple logistic regression, PNPLA3 genotype (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.03–2.30, P = 0.03), together with age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, P = 0.02), BMI ≥ 30 (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.04–4.10, P = 0.03) and homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA, OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.32, P = 0.006) were independently linked to steatohepatitis. When stratifying for obesity, PNPLA3 was associated with NASH in non‐obese patients only (12.0% in CC vs. 18.3% in CG vs. 27.3% in GG, P = 0.01), including after correction for metabolic confounders (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.26–3.36, P = 0.004). We showed an independent association between steatohepatitis (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.05–4.02, P = 0.003) and severe fibrosis. Higher liver PNPLA3 mRNA was associated both with the severity of steatosis (adjusted P = 0.03) and steatohepatitis after adjusting for gender, age, BMI and HOMA (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

In patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, the PNPLA3 G variant is associated with a higher risk of steatosis severity and steatohepatitis, particularly among non‐obese subjects.
Effects of dietary betaine on growth performance, fat deposition and serum lipids in broilers subjected to chronic heat stress
Authors: He Shaojun , Zhao Shujing , Dai Sifa , Liu Deyi , Bokhari Shehla Gul
Published: March 2015

We evaluated the effects of supplementing betaine on growth performance, fat deposition and lipid metabolism status in broilers kept under chronic heat stress. Five hundred and forty chicks were randomly divided into six groups and the two normal temperature groups were held at normal ambient temperature and fed the basal diet (CONT) and basal diet plus 0.1% betaine, respectively. Heat stressed (HS) broilers were held at 32 ± 1°C from days 22 to 42 and fed the basal diet containing variable levels of betaine. Broilers were examined at days 28, 35 and 42 for body weight, feed consumption, fat deposition and serum lipids. The CONT and betaine‐supplemented groups showed higher (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) feed consumption, body weight gain, and lower feed : gain ratio compared with the HS‐CONT group. Meanwhile, heat stress increased abdominal, intermuscular and subcutaneous fat deposition, whereas the supplemental betaine significantly decreased those compared with the HS‐CONT group. Additionally, betaine supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride, free fatty acids, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with HS‐CONT. Chronic HS reduces broiler production performance. However, betaine can reverse these negative effects partially and thus improve carcass composition by changing lipid metabolism.
Anatomy and histochemistry of spread‐wing posture in birds. 4. Eagles soar with fast, not slow muscle fibres
Authors: Meyers Ron A. , McFarland Joshua C.
Published: March 2015

Slow fibres are typically characterized as functioning in avian postural behaviours such as soaring flight and are described for a number of elite soarers such as vultures, pelicans and albatrosses. Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles also display soaring behaviour, and we examined their flight muscles for the presence of slow fibres. Surprisingly, eagles lack a deep layer to the pectoralis found in other soaring species. Additionally, the pectoralis as well as other shoulder muscles had few to no slow muscle fibres. The lack of functionally meaningful numbers of slow muscle fibres in eagle flight muscles indicates that they must rely on fast fibres for posture; these can function in that role due to their high aerobic capacity and also perhaps a ‘tuning’ of muscle contraction frequency to function more efficiently at isometric contractions.
Effect of nebivolol on renal nitric oxide availability and tubular function in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Mose Frank H. , Jensen Janni M. , Therwani Safa , Mortensen Jesper , Hansen Annebirthe B. , Bech Jesper N. , Pedersen Erling B.
Published: March 2015

Aims

Nebivolol is a selective β1‐receptor antagonist with vasodilating properties. In patients with essential hypertension, we tested the hypothesis that nebivolol increases systemic and renal nitric oxide (NO) availability using L‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA) as an inhibitor of NO production.

Methods

In a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study, patients with essential hypertension were treated with nebivolol for five days, along with a standardized diet and fluid intake. We examined the acute effects of systemic NO synthase inhibition with L‐NMMA on brachial blood pressure (bBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure (cBP) estimated by applanation tonometry, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), urinary excretion of both aquaporin‐2 (u‐AQP2) and epithelial sodium channels (u‐ENaCγ), and plasma concentrations of nitrate/nitrite (p‐NOx) and vasoactive hormones after five days' treatment with placebo and nebivolol.

Results

Nebivolol significantly reduced PWV, bBP, cBP and plasma renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone concentrations. The renal parameters, p‐NOx and plasma arginine vasopressin concentration were not changed by nebivolol. There was no difference between nebivolol and placebo in the response to L‐NMMA, with LMMA inducing a similar increase in PWV, bBP and cBP and a similar decrease in GFR, uAQP2 and u‐ENaCγ and FENa [mean change −0.62% (95% confidence interval {CI} −0.40 to −0.84) during placebo vs. −0.57% (95% CI −0.46 to −0.68; P = 0.564) during nebivolol treatment]. Vasoactive hormones were changed to a similar extend by L‐NMMA during administration of nebivolol and placebo.

Conclusions

Nebivolol did not change p‐NOx, and inhibition of NO synthesis induced the same response in blood pressure, GFR, renal tubular function and vasoactive hormones during nebivolol and placebo. Thus, the data did not support the hypothesis that nebivolol changes vascular and renal NO availability in patients with essential hypertension.