bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Example of Education in Disaster Medicine in Sweden
Authors: Nordstrom Hans , Bergkvist Ulf
Published: July 2016

Sweden has not been at war since 1809–1810, when we fought against Russia in Finland. Lyrics by Runeberg are among the few documentations about the wounded in that war. Life-saving first aid was not very good at that time, and most of the wounded died. Modern Sweden is a technically advanced community. We have had some mass casualty situations, such as fires in restaurants and airplane accidents. Six months ago a train crashed just outside the fire brigade station, only five minutes running distance from the hospital. The result was one person dead, two severely injured and about 40 slightly injured. The same crash could have occurred elsewhere in Sweden where the situation might have been much worse, for much of Sweden is very deserted with large woods, and roads are scarce.
Disaster Preparedness
Authors: Quarantelli E. L.
Published: July 2016

The 1973 Emergency Medical Services System Act in the United States mandates that one of the 15 functions to be performed by every EMS system is coordinated disaster planning. Implicit in the legislation is the assumption that everyday emergency medical service (EMS) systems will be the basis for the provisions of EMS in extraordinary mass emergencies, or in the language of the act, during “mass casualties, natural disasters or national emergencies.” Policy interpretations of the Act specified that the EMS system must have links to local, regional and state disaster plans and must participate in biannual disaster plan exercises. Thus, the newly established EMS systems have been faced with both planning for, as well as providing services in large-scale disasters.
Sorting Patients, Sometimes Called Triage
Authors: Rutherford William H.
Published: July 2016

The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, over a four-year period, used its disaster plan more than 100 times due to the civil disturbances in Northern Ireland. The concept of classifying these patients into three or four triage categories made me critical of assumed methods and articles dealing with triage. None of it measured up to my own experience. What is triage? Triage is the French word for “sorting.” I, therefore, addressed myself to the kind of sorting I had seen, where it was done and what categories were used.
The Alarm Center in Stockholm County Council
Authors: Brismar Bo
Published: July 2016

During the last ten years, both in Western Europe and in the USA, the attitude towards medical transport activities has radically changed. From being a purely transportation vehicle the ambulance is now increasingly regarded as an extended arm of medical care. At the same time as ambulance crews have received more qualified medical training, the equipment of the ambulances themselves has been improved. In several countries such as the USA, France and West Germany, a differentiated ambulance organization has been built up, with specially equipped emergency ambulances manned by paramedics, and standard ambulances with emergency technicians for planned transports. During this time helicopters have been put into increasing use as a supplement to ambulances for emergency long distance transport to units such as trauma and burn centers.
Comparison of Fluosol DA with Dextran 70 for Treatment of Acute Massive Hemorrhage
Authors: Sakai Takayuki , Takaori Masuhiko
Published: July 2016

Clinical experiences on perfluorochemical emulsion as an artificial blood has confirmed that perfluorochemical could transport oxygen indefinitely in circulating blood. We felt that an adequate cardiac output could be maintained no longer due to concomitant hypovolemia after the replacement with perfluorochemical emulsion for massive hemorrhage. Few studies have been reported on changes in the blood volume after replacement of circulating blood volume with fluorochemical.
Investigations of Vital Functions of Severely Injured Patients in the Early Period after Trauma
Authors: Schmitz J. E. , Ahnefeld F. W. , Grunert A. , Kilian J. , Dick W.
Published: July 2016

The main aim of the primary treatment of polytraumatized patients at the accident site is the stabilization and maintenance of vital functions, especially the cardiocirculatory and the respiratory systems. The next step in the rescue chain is rapid transport to the nearest hospital with the ability to manage critically injured patients. Because of the difficulty in carrying out measurements in such critical situations, very little reliable data concerning trauma induced changes in respiratory function and metabolism is available. Clinical experience has shown that even after successfully recovering from the acute stress phase, a trauma related progressive respiratory distress syndrome can nevertheless develop during the first few days following injury.

Recent studies led to the conclusion that the late development of respiratory distress syndrome is already induced during the early shock phase. Early discovery and adequate treatment of trauma related metabolic and respiratory dysfunctions have a decisive influence on current status and outcome.
Emergency Cervical Splints — Their Value and Limitation
Authors: Marsden Andrew K.
Published: July 2016

A good deal of controversy currently surrounds the role of collars and extrication devices in the on-site immobilization of suspected injuries to the cervical spine. The plethora of manufactured items readily available for this purpose reinforces the general impression that no one device is universally acceptable.

In his book,Spinal Cord Injuries–Comprehensive Management and Research, Sir Ludwig Guttman stressed the importance of keeping all cervical movements to a minimum. Flexion, hyperextension and rotatory movements are particularly dangerous. The most difficult circumstances are those in which an unconscious front-seat occupant requires extrication from a damaged motor vehicle. Here the strict first-aid drill of gentle lifting by a six man team maintaining rigid traction in the line of the spine becomes impracticable and the rescuers have to resort to the use of aids.
Selection of Trauma Victims for Cervical Spine Radiological Examination
Authors: Bryson Betty L. , Ornato Joseph P. , Farquharson Robert R. , Donovan Patrick J. , Palaio Francis G.
Published: July 2016

Evaluation of the traumatized patient frequently involves consideration of possible cervical spine injury. When neurological deficits, unconsciousness, alcoholic intoxication, severe maxillofacial or head trauma, or local neck pain are present, it is an easy decision to obtain cervical spine x-rays. The dilemma arises in the patient without neck pain who has mild to moderate scalp or facial injuries. Such a patient usually arrives in the emergency department with a cervical collar placed by pre-hospital personnel because of the mechanism of injury and the associated head or facial soft tissue trauma. Due to the association of cervical spine fractures with “significant” facial trauma, neck x-rays have been recommended. What, however, constitutes “significant” facial trauma To delineate such facial injuries, a retrospective analysis of 30 patients with cervicalspine fractures hospitalizedin a five year period at the University of Nebraska Medical Center was performed. Seventeen patients had head, scalp or facial injuries ranging from skull fractures and scalp hematomas to minor abrasions and lacerations. To determine if cervical spine films are being over utilized, a current prospective study of patients undergoing this evaluation will be presented, detailing the facial and head injuries, location, degree of severity, and detection of cervical spine injuries.
The Coughing Pistol — An Improved Model to Remove Obstructive Material out of the Tracheobronchial Tree
Authors: Stoffregen J.
Published: July 2016

Coughing is a vital reflex consisting of two steps: firstly, the simultaneous closure of the glottis and the rise of the intrathoracic pressure to 150–180 torr by maximum contraction of the abdominal muscles; and secondly, the quick opening of the glottis valve within 0.03 seconds. Consequently a small amount of air is pushed out of the lungs with a velocity as high as 5–8 liters/sec, carrying with it secretions or foreign materials. Under pathological conditions or in special medical situations such as general anesthesia with muscle relaxation—this physiological reflex mechanism is blocked or interrupted, possibly resulting in more or less severe pulmonary complications or even deadly asphyxia.
Ketamine Induced Anesthesia in Hemorrhagic Shock and Increased Intracranial Pressure
Authors: Hartung Hans-Joachim , Klose Roderich , Kotsch R. , Walz Th.
Published: July 2016

In a considerable number of cases, many polytraumatized patients in a state of hemorrhagic shock, who require immediate surgical treatment, there is craniocerebral trauma. Ketamine is viewed, on one hand, as an appropriate induction anesthetic, due to its circulatory stimulating effect in treating shock victims, and, on the other hand, it is rejected for treating patients with craniocerebral injuries, because of the danger of possible increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). Therefore, we examined the effects of ketamine on ICP and calculated the cerebral perfusion pressure, using test animals in a state of hemorrhagic shock and a space occupying intracranial process.
Area Disaster Planning in the UK: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Savage P. E. A.
Published: July 2016

The title of my paper,Area Disaster Planning in the UK, is perhaps grandiose. However, while the need for disaster planning at hospital level is well-recognized, few studies have been published on the results of getting a number of hospitals in a metropolitan area to co-operate in planning on a larger scale.

Following a series of railway accidents, the Ministry of Health in the UK issued a memorandum in 1954 to hospitals in the National Health Service on the arrangements hospitals should make for dealing with major accidents. The main points of this memorandum were that ambulance authorities should be told which hospitals in an area were able to receive casualties; that suitable hospitals should send a senior doctor to the site together with mobile medical teams; and that one doctor at a hospital should be in charge of all the medical arrangements.
The Role of Amateur Radio in National and International Disasters
Authors: Higgins Lawrence S. , Smith Jan D.
Published: July 2016

Appreciation of reliable commuications might seem universal; yet when natural disasters strike, few communities are equipped to handle these essential needs. In many instances their ability to notify the rest of the world about their disaster is seriously impaired. Why this is so and why Amateur Radio Operators, or “hams”, always seem to play such a vital part in community survival is the topic of this article.

The best communication systems can fail from traffic overload. As an example, there may be little if any loss of telephone lines or commerical radio links; yet the local population can totally paralyze a system simply by picking up the phone and calling someone. An analogy to this stoppage of communications traffic is seen daily on our expressways as too many cars enter and exceed some critical density at which all traffic must stop.
Terrorist Bomb Explosion at 1980 Oktoberfest in Munich
Authors: Konzert-Wenzel J. , Bartels H.
Published: July 2016

On September 26, 1980, at 22:19, a bomb exploded at the main entrance to the Oktoberfest in Munich. The bomb, which had been put together by an apparently politically motivated individual, had planted at waist level in a litter bin. Reconstruction from the fragments found at the site and in the bodies of the victims indicated that the bomb was made from a British mortar projectile, manufactured in 1954, which had been modified to ensure particularly intensive fragmentation. The area affected by the explosion was the size of a soccer field. The effects of the explosion were extremely severe (Figures 1-3): 13 fatalities and approximately 225 nonfatal casualties, of which approximately 50 were severely injured.

Thanks to quick, accurate reporting of this major disaster to the Munich Emergency Control Center, which acts as the central coordinating point in case of emergencies, a contingency plan was put into action, which had proved to be effective for disasters involving more than 35 injured. This plan calls for the dispatching of 5 ambulances staffed with physicians, all other available ambulances and the alerting of all hospitals which may have to receive casualties.
Experiences of Critical Medical Care After the Earthquake in China in 1976
Authors: Yung Shieh
Published: July 2016

A strong earthquake occurred in the Tangshan-Fengnan area in Hopei Province of North China at 03:42 hours on July 28, 1976. A general headquarter was set up immediately to perform the functions of organization and administration. This was the most essential authority in keeping everything in order in such a disaster area. Mine Rescue Corps and mobile medical teams from many parts of the country were called and rushed to the scene. Critical care was organized into 3 stages: (1) digging and rescue; (2) preliminary treatment and transfer; and (3) treatment after transfer.

The Mine Rescue Corps, existing normally in every coal mine, was the most efficient and valuable element in digging out victims and carrying out the most urgent resuscitative management. They dug and rescued, and also patrolled in the pits. They cleared the way for the coal miners. More than 10,000 miners, who were working in the pits during their night shift, were less able to return to the ground safely. As it was very difficult to locate every working group in such a labyrinth pits system, some coal miners had been left in the pits for long periods of time. There were, for instance, five coal miners who were working 850 meters underground and could not find their way out because the pits were badly damaged.
55. Analysis of Calls Under-triaged by Priority Medical Dispatch in San Diego
Authors: Strukel W. Eric , Dunford James V.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To identify calls “under-triaged” by priority medical dispatch and determine causes and pre-hospital outcomes.

Methods: 6 month retrospective analysis identified calls dispatched “low priority” to which medics assigned “high acuity” transports (acute status or requiring ALS meds; not just IV/O2/monitor). CAD data, paramedic run-sheets, and audiotapes were reviewed to determine optimal dispatch levels and transport codes. “Under-triage” was defined as calls warranting “high priority” dispatch based on evidence from the run-sheet. Dispatcher, calling party, and patient data influencing “undertriage” were assessed.

Results: In 1995, 11,178/70,887 (16%) medical aid requests were dispatched “low priority”. 201(1.8%) were subsequently assigned “high acuity” transport codes by paramedics. 105/5,737 such consecutive patients were analyzed from July-December 1995. 6 were excluded due to incomplete data. After review, 42/99 actually warranted “high priority” dispatch. 7 had potential life/limb threatening injuries; 35 required ALS intervention. None had adverse prehospital outcome. Undertriage was associated with dispatcher error, information relayed from law enforcement officers (OR =3.4, CI: 1.2-10) calls involving alcohol (OR = 2.8, CI: 0.9-9.2) or patients with ALOC(OR= 3.4, CI: 1.2-10).
20. Circadian Variation in Paramedic-Initiated Turndowns to Basic Life Support
Authors: Rubin Jonathan M. , Pirrallo Ronald G.
Published: July 2016

Objectives: Paramedic-initiated turndowns-to-BLS are a high-risk area for EMS. One non-clinical factor that might affect paramedics’ decision-making is a 24-hour work schedule. We attempted to determine the presence of circadian variation in the turndown rate from ALS to BLS when paramedics work 24-hour shifts.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of all 1994 ALS patient evaluations. Encounters were classified as: ALS transport; turndown-to-BLS; patient-initiated refusal of transport; other transport; field death. Analysis of variation in turndown rate by hour of ALS dispatch was performed using logistic regression to make paired comparisons for each hour.

Results: 17,877 patients were evaluated by ALS. Of these, 10,956 (61%) were ALS transports, 6,200 (35%) were not transported by ALS, and 721 (4%) were dead. Of the 6,200 alive non-ALS transports, 4,291 (69%) were turned down to BLS, 1,748 (28%) refused transport, and 161 (3%) were transported by others. One turndown-to-BLS was excluded due to missing dispatch time; for the remaining 4,290 the overall turndown rate was 25%. The turndown rates for 15 of 24 hours did not differ significantly (p >0.01) from any other hour. The rates at the following hours differed significantly: hour 3 < 13; hour 5 < 8,9,10,13,16,22; hour 9 > 20,22; hour 10 > 22; hour 13 > 20,22; hour 16 > 20,22.
66. Field Research in EMS: Who is Doing the Work?
Authors: Johnson David R. , Napier Mark B.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To determine what types of EMS systems (public vs. private) are contributing to the peer reviewed field research in EMS and what type of research is being done by these agencies.

Methods: A Medline literature search was conducted of all peer reviewed journals using the search terms: EMS, emergency medical services, EMT, paramedic, and ambulance. Studies published between 1976 and 1995 meeting these criteria were reviewed and classified as field or non-field studies. Studies were classified as field studies if they evaluated clinical outcomes or overall EMS system structure and performance. The type of EMS system in which the study was conducted was classified as: public (PB), private (PR), or a mixture of public and private agencies (PP). If the type of system was not evident in the paper, the primary author or EMS agency was contacted by phone. The primary affiliation of the first author was classified as being with: an educational institution, hospital, government agency, or EMS agency. Each study was also classified as being primarily clinical or evaluating EMS system structure. Review articles, editorials, and meta-analyses were excluded as were studies in which critical data elements could not be verified. Fischer's exact test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 365 studies were evaluated with 66 non-field studies being excluded from analysis. 75 studies did not meet inclusionary criteria. This left 224 studies for analysis. PB systems accounted for 167 (74.5%) of field studies, with PP 44 (19.6%) and PR 13 (5.8%). Clinical studies were more commonly done by PB systems (72.5%) when compared to PR systems (38.5%), p = 0.02. System structure studies accounted for the majority of studies done by PR systems (61.5%). An affiliation with an educational institution such as a university occurred in 61.2% of the studies. The number of field studies done by PB systems has increased steadily over the last 10 years while field studies published by PR and PP systems has remained at a low level, with none published from 1992–1994.
05. EMS and the Pediatric Arrest: Are EMTs Getting the Whole Story?
Authors: Graham Susan , Olson Lenora , Sapien Robert , Tandberg Dan , Sklar David
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Among pediatric patients, cardiopulmonary arrests account for a small, but important, percentage of responses by emergency medical services (EMS). EMS prehospital assessment of medical and traumatic arrests in the pediatric patient were compared with that of the Office of Medical Investigator (OMI) autopsy reports to assess differences and implications for EMS training and prevention in pediatric arrests.

Methods: Retrospective review of ambulance run forms from an urban EMS system with OMI autopsy correlation. Patients less than fifteen years of age and younger who were treated by prehospital personnel from November 1, 1990, to October 31, 1991, for a medical or traumatic arrest. Proportions were analyzed using chi-square analysis or Fisher's exact test and agreement was assessed using the Kappa statistic.

Results: Ambulance runs were reported for 2,586 pediatric patients. Of these, forty-two (1.6%) suffered arrests, with thirty-two (76%) medical arrests and ten (24%) traumatic arrests. Children one year of age or less accounted for 75% of the medical arrests while children greater that one year of age accounted for 80% of the traumatic arrests (p = 0.003). Overall mortality was 81%. When EMS prehospital assessment of medical and traumatic arrests were compared with OMI reports, there was good agreement (kappa = 0.70) for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but poor agreement (kappa = 0.37) for child abuse.
37. Mechanism of Injury is Not a Factor in Prehospital Clinical Evaluation of Potential Spine Injury
Authors: Domeier Robert M. , Evans Rawden W. , Swor Robert A. , Hancock J. Brian , Fales William , Krohmer Jon , Frederiksen Shirley M
Published: July 2016

Objective: Traditional EMS teaching identifies mechanism of injury as an important predictor of spine injury. Clinical criteria to select patients for immobilization are being studied in Michigan and have been implemented in Maine. Maine requires automatic immobilization of patients with “a positive mechanism” clearly capable of producing spine injury. The purpose of this study is to determine if mechanism of injury effects the ability of clinical criteria to select patients with spine injury.

Design: Multicenter Prospective Cohort.

Methods: EMS personnel completed a check-off data sheet on out-of-hospital spine immobilized patients. Data included mechanism of injury and yes/no determinations of the clinical criteria: altered mental status, neurologic deficit, evidence of intoxication, spinal pain or tenderness, and suspected extremity fracture. Hospital outcome data included confirmation of spine injury and treatment required. Mechanisms of injury were tabulated and rates of spine injury for each mechanism was calculated. The patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups.

Results: Data was collected on 6,500 patients. There were 213 (3.3%) patients with spine injuries identified. There were 1,065 patients with 100 (9.4%) injuries in the high-risk mechanism group, and 5435 patients with 113 (2%) injuries in the low-risk group. Clinical criteria identified 96 of 100 (96%) injuries in the high risk mechanism group and 106 of 113 (94%) in the low-risk group.
47. Comparison of Devices Used While Ventilating a Non-Intubated Mannikin Model
Authors: Updike Glenn , Mosesso Vince , Auble Tom
Published: July 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in tidal volume (Vt), minute volume (MV), average mask leak per breath (ML), gastric insufflation (GI), and peak airway pressure (PAP) when ventilating a non-intubated mannikin with a bag-valve (BV), manually triggered ventilator (MTV) and automated ventilator (AV). Our hypothesis was that there would be no differences among devices for any of these variables.

Methods: This was a prospective in vitro experimental model. A convenience sample of 19 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) ventilated a non-intubated mannikin-mechanical test lung model with BV, MTV (flow rate 40 L/min; pressure relief 55 cm H2O), and AV (800 ml/breath; rate 12). Each subject, blinded to volume and pressure gauges, used each device for two minutes at both normal (0.1 cm H2O) and poor (0.04 cm H2O) compliances. Vt, MV, GI, and PAP were measured directly and ML was calculated. Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferoni-Dunn multiple comparison test with alpha set at 0.05.
59. The Epidemiology of Bridge Jumpers
Authors: Purpura Patti , Brice Jane H. , Delbridge Theodore , Shakir Abdulrezzak , Byrne Laurie , McCaughan Robert , Wecht Cyril , Kuntz Joanne
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Treatment and prevention strategies regarding people who jump from medium height bridges over water could be optimized by an improved understanding of patient demographics and injury spectra. Currently, little is known about this EMS patient population. We sought to describe the demographics and injuries sustained by those who jumped or fell from medium height bridges.

Methods: We searched the River Rescue and EMS reports of a medium size city for the ten year period 1986–1995 to identify cases involving a person who jumped/fell from a bridge into water. Additional cases were identified by searching coroner and trauma center registries. For each case, we reviewed applicable EMS, hospital, and coroner records to determine patient demographics, treatment provided, and injuries sustained.

Results: We identified 76 cases of individuals who jumped/fell from bridges into water. Eighteen of the region's 24 bridges (40 to 100 feet high) were involved. Average patient age was 34.8 years, 87% were male, and 29% jumped during July. These jumps/falls resulted in 25 (33%) deaths and 22 (29%) uninjured persons. Of those who died, 18 (72%) drowned, sustaining no other detectable injuries. Hospitalized survivors and injured coroner cases suffered predominantly extremity and rib fractures, pneumo/hemothoraces, and closed head injuries. No neck injuries were identified. No patient whose advanced level EMS treatment exceeded basic monitoring and IV access survived.
60. The Impact of AEDs on Cardiac Survival in an Urban Out-of-Hospital Setting
Authors: Dhindsa Harinder S. , Fitzgerald Dennis , Milzman David , Bass Robert R.
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Prior studies have documented less than 3% survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) in D.C. EMS intubation has failed to improve extremely poor survival rates for out of hospital CA. This study will investigate whether the addition of automatic external defibrillator (AED) use will improve the negligible survival rate experienced in a system that transports 80,000 pts/yr; Thus replicating success with AED for CA in other centers.

Methods: Retrospective review of all CA data from D.C. EMS system from 1-12/91 (no AED) vs. 1-12/93 (AED in use). Supporting data from run sheets and hospital records was compared for years with and without the AED using student's t test, chi-square with p <0.05.

Results: In 1991 there were 414 out of hospital CAs arrests with an overall survival rate of 2.3% with a mean EMS arrival time of 10 minutes. There were no significant differences with respect to CA patients’ age, bystander CPR or BLS/ALS response times between two years (1991 and 1993) p = NS. In VF patients who comprised 26% and 24% of presenting rhythms for ’91 and ’93 respectively, the use of AEDs improved survival 3.8% vs. 29% with AEDs in ’93 (p <0.05). There was no difference in percentage of non-VF presenting rhythms or patient outcomes between the two groups.
73. Lack of Prehospital Death Pronouncement by Air Medical Programs May Waste Health Care Resources
Authors: Tortella Bartholomew J. , Simon Robert , Lavery Robert F.
Published: July 2016

Statement of Purpose: Prehospital death pronouncement policies are common among ground ambulances. No previous report has addressed such policies among Air Medical (AM) programs.

Statement of Methods: Statement of Methods: Structured telephone interviews of 125 of 143 (87%) AM programs (14 fixed wing, 68 rotor wing, 43 both) were conducted by research staff from 6 to 8/95.

Summary of Results: Summary of Results: Only fifty percent of AM crews are permitted to pronounce death in the field. Of those AM programs which permit pronouncement, direct medical command physician contact is required in 35% of pronouncements while 25% of programs utilize protocols. Of those AM programs which permit pronouncement, 77% of flight nurses can pronounce while only 33% of paramedics. Most programs (95%) conduct QA reviews of all deaths.

Statement of Conclusions: Prehospital death pronouncement is permitted in only 50% of AM programs. Since prehospital death pronouncement may obviate the need for AM transport, AM programs may be transporting clinically dead but unpronounced patients wasting scarce medical resources. This differs greatly from ground EMS programs where death protocols are common. Particularly puzzling is the small percentage of flight paramedics who are allowed to pronounce when compared to flight nurses since ground EMS pronouncements are performed by paramedics. AM programs should review their prehospital pronouncement protocols since managed care initiatives will drive health care organizations to abandon the wasteful practice of transporting clinically dead, but unpronounced, patients.
ICD and DSM: neuroplasticity and staging are still missing
Authors: Pallanti Stefano
Published: July 2016

The two main diagnostic systems, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), have undergone a number of revisions since their first editions: whereas the fifth edition of the DSM has been published in 2013, the eleventh revision of the ICD is expected by 2018. Although the process of harmonization between the 2 systems is still a debated topic, the forthcoming revision of the ICD is seemingly converging toward the DSM approach in regard to the reclassification of a number of disorders. Nevertheless, the 2 systems still exhibit considerable differences, partly due to their different purposes, development and revision processes, and target audiences. Furthermore, while alternative and innovative classification approaches are emerging with the aim of integrating the latest findings from neuroscience and genomics, both the DSM and ICD still fail to incorporate core concepts such as the clinical staging of psychiatric disorders and “neuroprogression,” as well as an adequate consideration of endophenotypes.
Prevalence of tuberculosis, brucellosis and trypanosomiasis in cattle in Tanzania: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alonso Silvia , Dohoo Ian , Lindahl Johanna , Verdugo Cristobal , Akuku Isaiah , Grace Delia
Published: July 2016

A meta-analysis was performed to derive prevalence estimates for Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in cattle in Tanzania using data derived from a systematic review of zoonotic hazards in cattle production systems. Articles published before 2012 reporting prevalence and considered at least moderate in quality were included in the analysis. Results showed high heterogeneity between studies, with wide ranges in the reported prevalence: Brucella (0.3–60.8%), Mycobacterium (0.1–13.2%) and Trypanosoma (0.82–33.3%). Overall meta-analytic mean prevalence estimates were 8.2% (95% CI 6.5–10.2), 1.28% (95% CI 0.35–4.58) and 10.3% (95% CI 6.20–16.70) respectively, for Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and Trypanosoma spp. Time and region were predictors of variability of Brucella spp. prevalence, while diagnostic test was a strong predictor of Mycobacterium spp. prevalence, with higher prevalence estimates given by skin tests compared with post-mortem inspection. None of the studied factors were associated with prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. The small sample sizes, range of study locations, study designs and diagnostics used, contributed to high variability among prevalence estimates. Larger and more robust prevalence studies are needed to adequately support risk assessment and management of animal and public health threats.
Consumption growth, the interest rate, and financial sophistication
Authors: JAPPELLI TULLIO , PADULA MARIO
Published: July 2016

We propose a model in which financial sophistication improves portfolio returns and therefore the incentive to substitute consumption intertemporally. The model delivers an Euler equation in which consumption growth is positively correlated with financial sophistication. We test the model's prediction using panel data on consumption and financial sophistication drawn from the Italian Survey of Household Income and Wealth. We find that consumption growth is positively correlated with financial sophistication, as predicted by the model. We also provide estimates of the intertemporal elasticity of substitution in the range between 0.4 and 0.6.
Age and Gender Differences in Emotion Regulation Strategies: Autobiographical Memory, Rumination, Problem Solving and Distraction
Authors: Ricarte Trives Jorge Javier , Navarro Bravo Beatriz , Latorre Postigo José Miguel , Ros Segura Laura , Watkins Ed
Published: July 2016

Our study tested the hypothesis that older adults and men use more adaptive emotion regulatory strategies but fewer negative emotion regulatory strategies than younger adults and women. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that rumination acts as a mediator variable for the effect of age and gender on depression scores. Differences in rumination, problem solving, distraction, autobiographical recall and depression were assessed in a group of young adults (18–29 years) compared to a group of older adults (50–76 years). The older group used more problem solving and distraction strategies when in a depressed state than their younger counterparts (ps< .05). The younger participants reported more rumination (p< .01). Women scored higher in depression scores and lower in distraction than men (ps< .05). There were no significant effects of age, gender, or interaction of age by gender on the recall of specific autobiographical memories (ps> .06). Ordinary least squares regression analyses with bootstrapping showed that rumination mediated the association between age, gender and depression scores. These results suggest that older adults and men select more adaptive strategies to regulate emotions than young adults and women with rumination acting as a significant mediator variable in the association between age, gender, and depression.
Direct oral factor Xa inhibitors for the prevention of non-central nervous systemic embolism patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gandara Victoria , Vazquez Fernando , Gandara Esteban
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Background: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of direct oral factor Xa inhibitors for preventing non-central nervous systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the following databases: Ovid Medline, Europubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from July 1st 1990 to April 1st, 2015. Randomised controlled trials were included if they reported the outcomes of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with a direct oral factor Xa inhibitors compared to a vitamin K antagonist. The primary outcome was objectively confirmed as non-central nervous systemic embolism and ischaemic stroke was the secondary outcome. The random-effects model odds ratio was used as the outcome measure. Results: Our initial search identified 987 relevant articles, of which three satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included. Compared to vitamin K antagonists targeting an INR between 2 and 3, direct oral factor Xa inhibitors alone did not reduce the incidence of non-central nervous systemic embolism [OR 0.63 (95 % CI 0.30 - 1.35)] or ischaemic stroke [OR 1.06 (95 % CI 0.86 - 1.32)]. Conclusions: As a drug class, direct oral factor Xa inhibitors do not reduce the incidence of non-central nervous systemic embolism (or ischaemic stroke) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Selecting drugs for the prevention of non-central nervous systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation should be based on individual drug efficacy data, rather than class data.
Magnetic vortex chirality determination via local hysteresis loops measurements with magnetic force microscopy
Authors: Coïsson Marco , Barrera Gabriele , Celegato Federica , Manzin Alessandra , Vinai Franco , Tiberto Paola
Published: July 2016

Magnetic vortex chirality in patterned square dots has been investigated by means of a field-dependent magnetic force microscopy technique that allows to measure local hysteresis loops. The chirality affects the two loop branches independently, giving rise to curves that have different shapes and symmetries as a function of the details of the magnetisation reversal process in the square dot, that is studied both experimentally and through micromagnetic simulations. The tip-sample interaction is taken into account numerically and exploited experimentally, to influence the side of the square where nucleation of the vortex preferably occurs, therefore providing a way to both measure and drive chirality with the present technique.
Parkinson-like phenotype in insulin-resistant PED/PEA-15 transgenic mice
Authors: Perruolo Giuseppe , Viggiano Davide , Fiory Francesca , Cassese Angela , Nigro Cecilia , Liotti Antonietta , Miele Claudia , Beguinot Francesco , Formisano Pietro
Published: July 2016

Neurological abnormalities, such as Parkinson-like disorders (PlD), are often co-morbidities of Type 2 Diabetic (T2D) patients, although the epidemiological link between these two disorders remains controversial. The PED/PEA-15 protein represents a possible candidate linking T2D and PD, because it is increased in subjects with T2D and is highly expressed in the brain. To test this hypothesis, we have analyzed the neurological and neurochemical phenotype of transgenic mice overexpressing PED/PEA-15 (tgPED). These mice develop impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, accompanied by neurological features resembling PlD: feet clasping, slow and delayed locomotor movements in different behavioral tests in absence of clear cognitive deficits, ataxia or anxiety. Morphological analysis of the brains showed selective modifications of metabolic activity in the striatal region. In the same region, we have observed 26% decrease of dopamine fibers, confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot for tyrosine hydroxylase. Moreover, they also showed 48% reduction of dopamine levels in the striatum. Thus the tgPED mice may represent a genetic animal model of neurological disease linked to T2D.
Value of Ki-67 expression in triple-negative breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin
Authors: Wang Ruo-Xi , Chen Sheng , Jin Xi , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: July 2016

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is one of the main treatment strategies for patients with locally advanced breast cancer. In this study, we focused on the predictive and prognostic value of Ki-67 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who received NCT. Data from 280 patients with stage II–III TNBC were collected. All patients were treated according to the same protocol with weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin. The overall pCR rate was 33.9%. Both the categorical and linear Ki-67 were independently correlated with pCR (P < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences among Ki-67 categories with respect to clinical response (P < 0.001), Miller-Payne (MP) grades (P < 0.001), and node status (P < 0.001). A significant reduction of Ki-67 after NCT was most likely observed in patients with a relatively better response. In the multivariate model for non-pCR patients, Ki-67 reduction presented an independent prognostic value for relapse of disease (HR = 0.986, 95% CI: 0.978–0.994; P = 0.001). This study had indicated that the primary Ki-67 might help in further classifying TNBCs into subtypes with different responses to chemotherapy and a significant reduction of Ki-67 after treatment could indicate a favorable prognosis in non-pCR patients.
Tissue engineering with gellan gum
Authors: Stevens L. R. , Gilmore K. J. , Wallace G. G. , in het Panhuis M.
Published: July 2016

A review of current research into the emerging polysaccharide gellan gum, highlighting its potential in tissue engineering.
Investigation on a dopant-free hole transport material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wu Fei , Wang Baohua , Wang Rui , Shan Yahan , Liu Dingyu , Wong King Young , Chen Tao , Zhu Linna
Published: July 2016

In this work, we demonstrate a dopant free hole transport material for planar perovskite solar cells using a tetraphenylethene derivative, delivering an overall power conversion efficiency of 9.12% in the absence of additives.
Interactions of Pt nanoparticles with molecular components in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: multi-scale modeling approach
Authors: Brunello Giuseppe F. , Lee Ji Hye , Lee Seung Geol , Choi Ji Il , Harvey David , Jang Seung Soon
Published: July 2016

Three phase model consists of Pt nanoparticles, Nafion, and graphite with oxygen, water, and hydronium.
Semi fluorinated polymers as surface energy controlled layers for liquid crystal alignment
Authors: Cheng Gang , Spraul Bryan , Smith Dennis , Perahia Dvora
Published: July 2016

The effects of compounded hydrogenated–fluorinated surfaces formed by perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB)-containing polymers on the alignment of a liquid crystal, 4,4′-octylcycanobiphenyl (8CB), were investigated.
Preparation of multicompartment silica-gelatin nanoparticles with self-decomposability as drug containers for cancer therapy in vitro
Authors: Wang Anhe , Yang Yang , Yan Xuehai , Ma Guanghui , Bai Shuo , Li Junbai
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate multicompartment silica-gelatin nanoparticles (MSGNs), using gelatin doped CaCO3 particles as templates, with self-decomposability in response to body temperature as drug carriers for cancer therapy in vitro.
Oil removal from water–oil emulsions using magnetic nanocomposite fibrous mats
Authors: Barroso-Solares S. , Zahedi M. G. , Pinto J. , Nanni G. , Fragouli D. , Athanassiou A.
Published: July 2016

PMMA-based magnetic nanocomposite fibrous mats reach oil absorption efficiencies up to 90% in water–oil stable emulsions.
CTAB-assisted multiwalled carbon nanotube-loaded NaFe2Mn(PO4)3 materials as high performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Hao , Xu Yanan , Chen Chengcheng , Yuan Huatang , Wang Yijing
Published: July 2016

The electrochemical performance of NaFe2Mn(PO4)3 materials has been improved by adding MWCNTs and CTAB.
Composition fluctuation intensity effect on the stability of polymer films
Authors: Zhu Yu , Yang Qiucheng , You Jichun , Li Yongjin
Published: July 2016

The composition fluctuation intensity dependence of the stability of a polymer film with a tiny amount of miscible component.
Phase morphology control and the selective localization of MWCNT for suppressing dielectric loss and enhancing the dielectric constant of HDPE/PA11/MWCNT composites
Authors: Zheng Xiaofang , Zheng Shaodi , Zhang Xi , Yang Wei , Liu Zhengying , Yang Mingbo
Published: July 2016

A nanocomposite with a giant dielectric constant and suppressed dielectric loss was obtained by tailoring the selective localization of MWCNT in the PA11 phase and improving the interfacial interaction between HDPE and PA11.
Phenanthroimidazole derivatives as emitters for non-doped deep-blue organic light emitting devices
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Jun-Hao , Han Gaoyi , Lu Feng , Tong Qing-Xiao
Published: July 2016

We synthesized eight phenanthroimidazole derivatives as blue emitters for OLED application and investigated the relationship between the molecule structure and optoelectronic properties.
New ether-functionalized pyrazolium ionic liquid electrolytes based on the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Guojun , Shen Shumin , Fang Shaohua , Luo Dong , Yang Li , Hirano Shin-ichi
Published: July 2016

Li/LiFePO4 coin cell using a pyrazolium ionic liquid electrolyte based on the FSI anion could exhibit excellent rate properties.
Reinforced silica monoliths functionalised with metal hexacyanoferrates for cesium decontamination: a combination of a one-pot procedure and skeleton calcination
Authors: Sommer-Marquez A. , Mansas C. , Talha N. , Rey C. , Causse J.
Published: July 2016

Procedure describes the synthesis of silica monoliths functionalised with metal hexacyanoferrate (MHCF) using a high internal phase emulsion template. The materials exhibit excellent Cs ion sorption properties.
Graphene/nitrogen-doped porous carbon sandwiches for the metal-free oxygen reduction reaction: conductivity versus active sites
Authors: Qiao M. , Tang C. , He G. , Qiu K. , Binions R. , Parkin I. P. , Zhang Q. , Guo Z. , Titirici M. M.
Published: July 2016

Graphene/nitrogen-doped porous carbon sandwiches were prepared by hydrothermal carbonization. Once the electronic conductivity in the carbon–carbon hybrids reaches a certain value, the performance is controlled by the active nitrogen sites.
In situ preparation of hollow Mo2C–C hybrid microspheres as bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Luo Yong , Wang Zhangjun , Fu Yue , Jin Chao , Wei Qi , Yang Ruizhi
Published: July 2016

Yolk–shell structured Mo2C–C hybrid microspheres with enhanced catalytic activity for both the ORR and the OER have been prepared through an in situ synthetic route.
Thermal pressing of a metal-grid transparent electrode into a plastic substrate for flexible electronic devices
Authors: Lee Youngwoo , Jin Won-Yong , Cho Kuk Young , Kang Jae-Wook , Kim Jihoon
Published: July 2016

A flexible transparent electrode is prepared by thermal pressing of a metal-grid into a plastic substrate. The electro-mechanical reliability of the MGETEs is confirmed by the electrical performance of flexible organic solar cells on the MGETEs.
Kapitza thermal resistance studied by high-frequency photothermal radiometry
Authors: Horny Nicolas , Chirtoc Mihai , Fleming Austin , Hamaoui Georges , Ban Heng
Published: July 2016

Kapitza thermal resistance is determined using high-frequency photothermal radiometry (PTR) extended for modulation up to 10 MHz. Interfaces between 50 nm thick titanium coatings and silicon or stainless steel substrates are studied. In the used configuration, the PTR signal is not sensitive to the thermal conductivity of the film nor to its optical absorption coefficient, thus the Kapitza resistance is directly determined from single thermal parameter fits. Results of thermal resistances show the significant influence of the nature of the substrate, as well as of the presence of free electrons at the interface.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performances of LiFePO4/C via V and F Co-doping for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhan Tao-tao , Li Chao , Jin Yun-xia , Xiao Shun-hua
Published: July 2016

Based on the method of in situ polymerization synthesis combined with two-step sintering process, LiFe1−xVx(PO4)(3−y)/3Fy/C was prepared. The effects of V and F co-doping on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performances of LiFePO4/C were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscope, charge/discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicated that the V and F co-doping did not destroy the olivine structure of LiFePO4/C, but it can stabilize the crystal structure, decrease charge transfer resistance, enhance Li ion diffusion velocity, further improve its cycling and high-rate capabilities of LiFePO4/C.