bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet and Red Blood Cell Counts, as well as the Concentrations of Uric Acid, but Not Homocysteinaemia or Oxidative Stress, Contribute Mostly to Platelet Reactivity in Older Adults
Authors: Karolczak Kamil , Soltysik Bartlomiej , Kostka Tomasz , Witas Piotr J. , Watala Cezary
Published: January 2019

Purpose. The goal of this study was to estimate the hierarchical contribution of the most commonly recognized cardiovascular risk factors associated with atherogenesis to activation and reactivity of blood platelets in a group of men and women at ages 60-65.Methods. Socioeconomic and anthropometric data were taken from questionnaires. Blood morphology and biochemistry were measured with standard diagnostic methods. Plasma serum homocysteine was measured by immunochemical method. Plasma concentrations of VCAM, ICAM, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status were estimated with commercial ELISA kits. Markers of oxidative stress of plasma and platelet proteins (concentrations of protein free thiol and amino groups) and lipids (concentrations of lipid peroxides) and generation of superoxide anion by platelets were measured with colorimetric methods. Platelet reactivity was estimated by impedance aggregometry with arachidonate, collagen, and ADP as agonists. Expression of selectin-P and GPIIb/IIIa on blood platelets was tested by flow cytometry.Results. Platelet aggregation associated significantly negatively with HGB and age and significantly positively with PLT, MPV, PCT, PDW, and P-LCR. When platelet reactivity (“cumulative platelet reactivity_aggregation”) was analyzed in a cumulated manner, the negative association with serum concentration of uric acid (Rs=−0.169,p=0.003) was confirmed. Multivariate analysis revealed that amongst blood morphological parameters, platelet count, plateletcrit, and number of large platelets and uric acid are the most predictive variables for platelet reactivity.Conclusions. The most significant contributors to platelet reactivity in older subjects are platelet morphology, plasma uricaemia, and erythrocyte morphology.
Participation in Cervical Screening by Self-collection, Pap, or a Choice of Either in Brazil
Authors: Castle Philip E. , Silva Vânia R.S. , Consolaro Marcia E.L. , Kienen Nádia , Bittencourt Lorna , Pelloso Sandra M. , Partridge Edward E. , Pierz Amanda , Dartibale Camila B. , Uchimura Nelson S. , Scarinci Isabel C.
Published: January 2019

Most cervical cancers occur in women who do not participate in cervical-cancer screening. We therefore evaluated adherence to screening for clinic-based Pap testing, self-collected sampling for HPV testing, and choice of the 2 among 483 unscreened/underscreened women in Brazil. Three public Basic Health Units (BHU) were each randomly assigned to three arms: (i) Pap testing at the BHU (N = 160), (ii) “Self&HPV” (self-collection for HPV testing) (N = 161), and (iii) “Choice” between self-collection and HPV testing and Pap test at the local BHU (N = 162). The theory-based (PEN-3 and Health Belief Model) intervention in all three arms was implemented by trained Community Health Workers (CHW) at participants’ home. With the first invitation, 60.0% in the Pap arm, 95.1% [154 of 161 (95.7%) who selected Self&HPV and 0 of 1 (0.0%) who selected Pap] in the Choice arm, and 100% in the Self&HPV arm completed screening. By the second invitation to choose a method of screening in the Choice arm, 100% completed screening. After three invitations, 75.0% of women in the Pap arm completed screening. Adherence to screening differed by study arm (P < 0.001). In conclusion, Self&HPV testing is a promising strategy for unscreened/underscreened women who are recalcitrant or unable to undergo clinic-based cervical screening to complement the screening modality used in the general population. In Brazil, where Pap testing is recommended for routine cervical screening, training CHWs in behavior change strategies and offering Self&HPV or Choice could greatly improve screening population coverage by reaching the unscreened/underscreened populations.
Aufmerksamkeitslenkung in der Verhaltenstherapie
Authors: Hennemann Severin , Klan Timo , Witthöft Michael
Published: January 2019

Die Steuerung der Aufmerksamkeit stellt eine Schlüsselkomponente der Informationsverarbeitung dar. Dysfunktionale Aufmerksamkeitsprozesse (im Sinne von Aufmerksamkeitsverzerrungen) sind gemäß kognitiv-behavioraler Modelle an der Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung nahezu aller psychischen Störungen beteiligt. Der Aufmerksamkeitsumlenkung kommt als verhaltenstherapeutische Methode deshalb eine zentrale Rolle zu. Die Evidenzlage zur Wirksamkeit verschiedener Techniken der Aufmerksamkeitslenkung ist jedoch bislang heterogen und vor allem im therapeutischen Kontext wenig erforscht. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die praktische Durchführung und Besonderheiten einer bewährten mehrteiligen Aufmerksamkeitslenkung anhand von konkreten Textbeispielen und möglichen Schwierigkeiten illustriert. Kernelemente sind die Psychoedukation zur Funktionalität der Aufmerksamkeit, die Durchführung von Verhaltensexperimenten sowie der Transfer und die Förderung der Selbststeuerung im Alltag von Betroffenen.
Cost-Effectiveness through the Dental-Health FRAMM Guideline for Caries Prevention among 12- to 15-Year-Olds in Sweden
Authors: Bergström Eva-Karin , Davidson Thomas , Moberg Sköld Ulla
Published: January 2019

Since 2008, FRAMM has been a guideline for caries prevention for all 3- to 15-year-olds in the Västra Götaland Region in Sweden and a predominant part is school-based fluoride varnish applications for all 12- to 15-year-olds. The aims were to evaluate dental health-economic data among 12- to 15-year-olds, based on the approximal caries prevalence at the age of 12, and to evaluate cost-effectiveness. Caries data for 13,490 adolescents born in 1993 who did not take part and 11,321 adolescents born in 1998 who followed this guideline were extracted from dental records. Those with no dentin and/or enamel caries lesions and/or fillings on the approximal surfaces were pooled into the “low” subgroup, those with 1–3 into the “moderate” subgroup and those with ≥4 into the “high” subgroup. The results revealed that the low subgroup had a low approximal caries increment compared with the moderate and high subgroups during the 4-year study period. In all groups, there were statistically significant differences between those who took part in the guideline and those who did not. The analysis of cost-effectiveness revealed the lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the high subgroup for decayed and/or filled approximal surfaces (DFSa) and approximal enamel lesions together and the highest ICER for the low subgroup for DFSa alone. To conclude, the FRAMM Guideline reduced the caries increment for adolescents with low, moderate and high approximal caries prevalence. The subgroup with the most favourable cost-effectiveness comprised those with a high caries prevalence at the age of 12.
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Friedman Danielle Novetsky , Tonorezos Emily S. , Cohen Paul
Published: January 2019

Endocrine complications, including diabetes and metabolic syndrome, are highly prevalent in childhood cancer survivors. These metabolic derangements may contribute to survivors’ risk of excess cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality. This review summarizes existing knowledge on risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome among childhood cancer survivors, focusing specifically on known risk factors, potential mechanisms, and screening recommendations. Early diagnosis via standardized risk-based screening can improve long-term outcomes in this population. Additional work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these metabolic complications and to inform the design of risk-reducing interventions and optimize long-term cardiometabolic health among survivors of childhood cancer.
Acute Esophageal Necrosis: A View in the Dark
Authors: Khan Hafiz , Ahmed Moiz , Daoud Magda , Philipose Jobin , Ahmed Saba , Deeb Liliane
Published: January 2019

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as Gurvits syndrome, black esophagus, or acute necrotizing esophagitis, is a rare clinical entity and an unusual reason for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is typically described in critically ill patients with multiple medical conditions, arising from a combination of ischemic insult to the esophageal mucosa due to low-flow vascular states, corrosive injury caused by reflux of acid and pepsin, and decreased function of the mucosal barrier systems and reparative mechanisms as occurs in malnourished and debilitated physical states. Patients with AEN tend to be older men, as medical comorbidities including vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, renal insufficiency, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and cirrhosis may be more common. Typically, patients present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and hematemesis or melena is seen in up to 90% of cases. Herein we present 3 cases of AEN in critically ill patients. We also provide a review of the literature to highlight what is currently known about this relatively uncommon esophageal disease.
Risk Factors Associated With Altered Circulating MicroRNA‐125b and Their Influences on Uremic Vascular Calcification Among Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Chao Chia‐Ter , Yuan Tzu‐Hang , Yeh Hsiang‐Yuan , Chen Hsuan‐Yu , Huang Jenq‐Wen , Chen Huei‐Wen
Published: January 2019

Background

Micro
RNA
‐125b (miR‐125b) has been shown to regulate vascular calcification (
VC
), and serum miR‐125b levels are a potential biomarker for estimating the risk of uremic
VC
status. However, it is unknown whether clinical features, including chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder molecules, affect serum miR‐125b levels.

Methods and Results

Patients receiving chronic dialysis for ≥3 months were recruited from different institutes. Serum miR‐125b and chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder effectors, including intact parathyroid hormone, 25‐
OH
‐D, fibroblast growth factor‐23, osteoprotegerin, and fetuin‐A, were quantified. We used multivariate regression analyses to identify factors associated with low serum miR‐125b levels and an area under receiver operating characteristic curve curve to derive optimal cutoffs for factors exhibiting close associations. Further regression analyses evaluated the influence of miR‐125b on
VC
risk. Among 223 patients receiving chronic dialysis (mean age, 67.3 years; mean years of dialysis, 5.2), 54 (24.2%) had high serum miR‐125b levels. Osteoprotegerin (
P
=0.013), fibroblast growth factor‐23 (
P
=0.006), and fetuin‐A (
P
=0.036) were linearly associated with serum miR‐125b levels. High osteoprotegerin levels independently correlated with high serum miR‐125 levels. Adding serum miR‐125b levels and serum osteoprotegerin levels (≥400 pg/mL) into models estimating the risk of uremic
VC
increased the area under receiver operating characteristic curve values (for models without miR‐125b/osteoprotegerin, with miR‐125b, and both: 0.74, 0.79, and 0.81, respectively).

Conclusions

Serum osteoprotegerin levels ≥400 pg/mL and serum miR‐125b levels synergistically increased the accuracy of estimating
VC
risk among patients receiving chronic dialysis. Taking miR‐125b and osteoprotegerin levels into consideration when estimating
VC
risk may be recommended.
A morphological study of the genus Penthalodes (Acari, Prostigmata, Eupodoidea, Penthalodidae) with description of a new species
Authors: JESIONOWSKA KATARZYNA
Published: January 2019

The morphology of representative species of the genus Penthalodes is reviewed. A new generic diagnosis and an identification key for adults of Penthalodes species is provided. Previous descriptions of Penthalodes ovalis from Alaska and Hawaii are considered as different species and named as P. alaskaensis (Strandtmann) sp. n. and P. hawaiiensis (Strandtman & Goff) sp. n., respectively. Penthalodes polonicus sp. n. is described and illustrated based on material collected in Poland.
Darwin’s forgotten weevil
Authors: OBERPRIELER ROLF G. , THOMPSON RICHARD T. , PETERSON MAGNUS
Published: January 2019

G. R. Waterhouse (1839) described the first species of weevil from the specimens collected by Charles Darwin in Australia in 1836. Named Belus testaceus, it was subsequently forgotten in all literature on Australian Belidae. Study of the type, as preserved in the Natural History Museum, London, revealed its name to be a senior synonym of Belus linearis Pascoe, 1870 (syn. n.). Known from only another six specimens taken about a century ago at the same locality, King George Sound (present-day Albany) in Western Australia, plus another four of uncertain origin, this species, now in the genus Stenobelus Zimmerman, appears to be restricted to the southern tip of Western Australia but of unknown current distribution, if it is indeed still extant. The only other species of the genus, S. tibialis (Blackburn), has a wider but highly fragmented distribution across Australia, apparently being common only in the acid swamplands (wallum) of south-eastern Queensland. The larval hostplants of both species are unknown. Diagnoses are provided for the genus Stenobelus as well as for its two species, and the holotypes of all applicable names are illustrated, together with the diagnostic features of the genus. Six species recently transferred to Stenobelus from Rhinotia by Legalov (2009) are again excluded from this genus, and the name of the subgenus Germaribelus Legalov, 2009 is placed in synonymy with Rhinotia Kirby, 1819 (syn. n.).
The cardinalfish Fowleria isostigma in the Red Sea and the validity of F. punctulata (Perciformes: Apogonidae)
Authors: GON OFER , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V.
Published: January 2019

The Red Sea has five species of the apogonid genus Fowleria, including F. isostigma, a Pacific Ocean species not yet known from the western Indian Ocean proper. Previously, F. isostigma was placed in the synonymy of F. punctulata (Rüppell 1838). However, the taxonomic status of the latter has not been established and in previous works it was placed in the synonymy of F. aurita or F. variegata. This paper compares Red Sea specimens identified as F. isostigma with F. variegata and with the type specimens of F. punctulata. The presence of F. isostigma in the Red Sea is established and F. punctulata is confirmed as a junior synonym of F. variegata. The holotype of F. punctulata is identified by the size given in the original description. A key to the Red Sea species of Fowleria is provided.
New species of the genera Acronicta Ochsenheimer, 1816 and Craniophora Snellen, 1867 from China with notes on synonymy and checklist (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae: Acronictinae)
Authors: HAN H. L. , KONONENKO V. S.
Published: January 2019

Two new species of the genera Acronicta Ochsenheimer, 1816 and Craniophora Snellen, 1867 (A. naxi, sp. n. and C. draudti, sp. n.) are described from China. The adults and male and female genitalia are illustrated and compared to allied taxa. In addition, the following new synonymies are introduced: Acronicta lilacina (Hampson, 1914) =succedens Draudt, 1937, syn. n.; A. pulverosa (Hampson, 1909) =expergita Draudt, 1937, syn. n.; A. albistigma (Hampson, 1909) =cavillatrix Draudt, 1950, syn. n.; A. digna (Butler, 1881) =agnata Draudt, 1937, syn. n. =metaxantha Hampson, 1909, syn. n.; A. lutea (Bremer & Grey, 1852) =metaxantha funesta Draudt, 1950, syn. n.; Acronicta cinerea (Hufnagel, 1766) =korlana Draudt, 1931 =cinerascens Kozhanchikov, 1950. Lectotypes for A. cavillatrix Draudt, 1937, A. metaxantha funesta Draudt, 1950, Craniophora tapaishana Draudt, 1950, C. simillima Draudt 1950 and C. ligustri gigantea Draudt, 1937 are designated, and preliminary synonymic checklists of Acronicta and Craniophora in China are presented.
Zullobalanus santamariaensis sp. nov., a new late Miocene barnacle species of the family Archaeobalanidae (Cirripedia: Thoracica), from the Azores
Authors: WINKELMANN KAI , BUCKERIDGE JOHN S. , COSTA ANA CRISTINA , DIONÍSIO MARIA ANA MANSO , MEDEIROS ANDRÉ , CACHÃO MÁRIO , ÁVILA SÉRGIO P.
Published: January 2019

A new species of Archaeobalanidae barnacle is described from the late Miocene and early Pliocene of Santa Maria Island (Azores). Samples were collected primarily from outcrops at Malbusca and “Pedra-que-Pica”. Zullobalanus santamariaensis sp. nov. is endemic to the Azores archipelago and until the discovery of this material, the genus was known only from the Southern Hemisphere. For such a long-range distribution we assume a combination of planktotrophic larval development, sea-surface oceanic currents and transport by cetaceans. This study endorses the elevation of the subgenus Zullobalanus to generic level.
Helminth parasites from Red Sea fishes: Neowardula brayi gen. nov., sp. nov. (Trematoda: Mesometridae Poche, 1926) and Sclerocollum saudii sp. nov. (Acanthocephala: Cavisomidae Meyer, 1932)
Authors: AL-JAHDALI MOHAMMED O.
Published: January 2019

Specimens of the fishes Acanthopagrus bifasciatus Forsskål (Sparidae) and Siganus rivulatus Forsskål (Siganidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. Four (25%) and 24 (80%) of these fishes, respectively, were found to harbour intestinal helminths. Acanthopagrus bifasciatus was parasitised by Neowardula brayi gen. nov., sp. nov. (Trematoda: Mesometridae) and S. rivulatus by Sclerocollum saudii sp. nov. (Acanthocephala: Cavisomidae). Neowardula brayi gen. nov. is similar to Wardula Poche, 1926, but clearly differs from it and from the other four genera of the family Mesometridae Poche, 1926 in having a ventral surface anterior to the intestinal bifurcation greatly modified into a well-developed, relatively deep pouch encircling the genital pore and constantly diagonal testes. Sclerocollum saudii sp. nov. is similar to S. rubrimaris Schmidt et Paprena, 1978 (type species), but clearly differs in having a proboscis only armed with 10 rows of hooks, smaller proboscis hooks, lemnisci much longer than proboscis receptacle and much smaller egg size. The developmental stages of this acanthocephalan (cystacanths, juveniles and immature worms) are also described and figured.
Diabrotica collicola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a new species of leaf beetle from Argentina and key to species of the Diabrotica virgifera group and relatives
Authors: CABRERA NORA , WALSH GUILLERMO CABRERA
Published: January 2019

The new species Diabrotica collicola Cabrera & Cabrera Walsh is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from Balcozna, Catamarca Province (Argentina). A full description is provided and includes adding morphological characters of the mouthparts, hind wing venation, binding patch, metendosternite, and details of male and female genitalia previously overlooked for the genus. Diabrotica collicola is recognized by the following characters: general color parrot green with yellowish vittae, genal space less than 1/4 maximum length of the eye, antennomeres 2 and 3 subequal in males, 3 longer in females, both antennomeres together more than length 1/2 of 4 in both sexes, prothoracic and mesothoracic tarsi of males with ventral adhesive patch, internal sac of the median lobe with four sclerites. Differences with similar species D. mutabilis Baly, D. fulvofasciata Jacoby, D. mapiriensis gussi Krysan & Smith and D. porracea Harold are discussed. A key to D. collicola and similar species is provided.
Aleurotrachelus Quaintance & Baker (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and allied genera from Taiwan
Authors: DUBEY ANIL KUMAR , KO CHIUN-CHENG
Published: January 2019

Whitefly species from Taiwan of the genera Aleurotrachelus Quaintance & Baker, Cohicaleyrodes Bink-Moenen and Crenidorsum Russell are revised, based mainly on type specimens, together with keys to species, host-plant data, and puparial diagnoses of the genera. Five species are transferred from Aleurotrachelus: Cohicaleyrodes caerulescens (Singh) comb. nov., Co. rubi (Takahashi) comb. nov., Co. taiwanus (Takahashi) comb. nov., Crenidorsum alpinus (Takahashi) comb. nov., and Cr. elatostemae (Takahashi) comb. nov. Puparia are selected as lectotypes for each of the following species: A. fissistigmae Takahashi, A. pyracanthae Takahashi, Co. rubi, Cr. elatostemae, Cr. micheliae (Takahashi) and Cr. turpiniae (Takahashi). A neotype is designated for Co. taiwanus (Takahashi). Aleurotrachelus anonae Corbett and the genus Cohicaleyrodes Bink-Moenen are newly recorded from Taiwan. Drawings of the puparia, microscopic images and diagnosis of each species are given.
Notes and new species of the halictine genus Megommation Moure (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Augochlorini)
Authors: GONÇALVES RODRIGO B. , SANTOS LEANDRO M.
Published: January 2019

A new species of Megommation, M. amazonicum n. sp., is described and illustrated. An identification key for the two species of this genus is provided. Additionally, the lectotype and paralectotype of Megalopta (Megaloptella) ipomoea Schrottky are designated.
Reports of Galathea Fabricius, 1793 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheidae) from Chinese waters, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: DONG CHAO , LI XINZHENG
Published: January 2019

Eighteen species of the galatheid genus Galathea Fabricius, 1793 from Chinese waters are reported in the present paper based on material in the collection of the Marine Biological Museum (MBM) in the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao (IOCAS), including two new species (G. babai n. sp., G. sinensis n. sp.) and eight species new to Chinese waters (G. anepipoda Baba, 1990, G. consobrina De Man, 1902, G. coralliophilus Baba & Oh, 1990, G. guttata Osawa, 2004, G. inconspicua Henderson, 1885, G. pilosa De Man, 1888, G. ternatensis De Man, 1902, and G. whiteleggii Grant & McCulloch, 1906). Galathea babai n. sp. can be distinguished from all the other congeneric species by the presence of a strong median protogastric spine. Galathea sinensis is distinguished from its nearest congener, G. multilineata, by having more numerous transverse striae on the carapace, the lateral margin of the carapace with only one instead of four spines behind the posterior cervical groove, the P1 fingers distally ending in incurved spines that cross when occluded (instead of being spooned), and a much shorter cheliped (especially the carpus length relative to breadth). To date, 26 species of Galathea Fabricius, 1793 have been recorded from Chinese waters, including the two new species.
A 13-Year Global Climatology of Tropical Cyclone Warm-Core Structures from AIRS Data
Authors: Wang Xiang , Jiang Haiyan
Published: January 2019

There is uncertainty as to whether the typical warm-core structure of tropical cyclones (TCs) is featured as an upper-level warm core or not. It has been hypothesized that data from the satellite-borne Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) are inadequate to resolve a realistic TC warm-core structure. This study first evaluates 13 years of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) temperature retrieval against recent dropsonde measurements in TCs. AIRS can resolve the TC warm-core structure well, comparable to the dropsonde observations, although the AMSU-A retrievals fail to do so. Using 13-yr AIRS data in global TCs, a global climatology of the TC warm-core structure is generated in this study. The typical warm-core height is at the upper level around 300–400 hPa for all TCs and increases with TC intensity: 400 hPa (~8 km) for tropical storms, 300 hPa (~10 km) for category 1–3 hurricanes, 250–300 hPa (~10–11 km) for category 4 hurricanes, and 150 hPa (~14 km) for category 5 hurricanes. The range of warm-core height varies with TC intensity as well. A strong correlation between TC intensity and warm-core strength is found. A weaker but still significant correlation between TC intensity and warm-core height is also found.
Local TV News Viewer Reactions to Weathercasters Reporting the Local Impacts of Climate Change
Authors: Engblom Allison , Timm Kristin , Mazzone Raphael , Perkins David , Myers Teresa , Maibach Edward
Published: January 2019

Most Americans misperceive climate change as distant risk; TV weathercasters can help correct this misperception by reporting on the current local impacts of climate change. Some weathercasters, however, are concerned that such reporting may alienate skeptical viewers. The goal of this study was to develop a better understanding of how viewers respond to climate change information delivered by weathercasters. Interviews were conducted with 30 local TV news viewers in Virginia with divergent views about climate change, categorized as engaged, disengaged, and unconvinced. During the interview, participants were shown two graphics and two videos about the local impacts of climate change. Most participants in all groups [21/30 (70%)] expressed interest in learning about climate change from weathercasters, particularly local and national impacts. Most participants in all three groups understood the key points and responded positively to both the graphics and the videos. Several unconvinced participants (6/10) were disinterested in seeing climate change information in the weather segment, but they were not opposed to it; they felt the weather segment was too short to adequately explain the information. These preliminary findings suggest that most of the local TV news viewers interviewed in this study—even those unconvinced that human-caused climate change is happening—respond positively to TV weathercasters as local climate educators. These findings are consistent with the reports of TV weathercasters who say that when they report on climate change, they receive far more positive than negative feedback from viewers.
Self-Control, Sanction Threats, Temptation, and Crime: Examining Contingencies of Self-Control in a Cross-National Context
Authors: Cihan Abdullah , Tittle Charles R.
Published: January 2019

Using a representative household survey data, we examine the generality of self-control, the predictive strengths of sanction threats, and the interaction between criminal propensity and sanction threats in explaining criminal probability. Although the data confirm the generality of self-control predictions of deviant/criminal behavior in the Turkish cultural context, the effects appear quite modest and contingent on fear of informal sanctions and temptation. Consistent with the findings of recent studies, a small interaction between self-control and sanction threats suggests that deterrence is greatest among individuals with weak self-control. However, there is no interaction between sanction threats and temptation, suggesting that sanction fear is equally likely among individuals regardless of their level of temptation.
Age of First Marijuana Use and Its Impact on Education Attainment and Employment Status
Authors: Beverly Hydeen K. , Castro Yessenia , Opara Ijeoma
Published: January 2019

With the increased prevalence of marijuana use among youth, the increase in state legalization, and changing social norms in the United States, it is important to understand the long-term impact of marijuana use initiation. This study examined whether age of first marijuana use is associated with educational attainment and employment status. Data from 5,988 adults aged 26 to 49 years who participated in the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used in the current study. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the odds of graduating from high school and being employed. Controlling for demographics, persons with late-early first use had significantly higher odds of graduating from high school and being employed compared with persons with early first use. Results underscore the importance of early prevention for youth aged 15 and younger and have implications for intervention and policy development.
Environmental bargaining in Australia
Authors: Markey Raymond , McIvor Joseph
Published: January 2019

An emerging body of research addresses the link between environmental issues, especially climate change, and employment relations. In this article, we examine the ways in which employment relations actors are addressing climate change, particularly focusing on collective bargaining. We begin by surveying the literature linking climate change and employment relations, especially analysing union strategies in this sphere, and develop a conceptual framework linking these threads. We then examine the incidence and content of collective enterprise bargaining over environmental issues in Australia for 2011–2016, applying and adapting Goods' concepts of embedded institutional and voluntary multilateral approaches. The former inserts environmental commitments into formal collective agreements; the latter involves unions and workers more directly in developing emissions-reduction activities in the workplace. We address the potential links between these and the different actors (unions or management) that drive them. We find that environmental clauses in Australian agreements are rare, and that they are as likely to be driven by management as by unions. The institutional, organisational, and particularly the regulatory environment seem responsible. However, exceptions – notably in universities – provide exemplars for substantial, class-based union agency. We also find that collective bargaining may facilitate more ongoing, strategic initiatives of the voluntary multilateral type.
Theoretical model of geothermal tail water reinjection based on an equivalent flow channel model: A case study in Xianxian, North China Plain
Authors: Yanguang Liu , Guihong Liu , Zhihong Zhao , Hongliang Zhang
Published: January 2019

Based on tracer tests and the equivalent flow channel model, this study proposes a theoretical modelling framework to back-calculate the unknown parameters of geothermal reservoirs and predict the thermal breakthrough in production wells. The inverse modelling module combines the analytical solution of the tracer transport equation with the method of moving asymptotes, and then an analytical model that considers heat advection and transfer was used to predict the thermal breakthrough in a production well. Based on the results of tracer tests in the double geothermal wells, Xianxian geothermal field, China, two equivalent flow channels were determined, and their average flow velocity, dispersion coefficient, section area, and channel length were estimated using this theoretical framework. The possible thermal breakthrough in the production well and its main influencing factors are also discussed. The theoretical model was applied to the engineering case, and the tracer test data were used to carry out the parameter back analysis and obtain the goodness of fit ( R2)=0.7907 > 0.6, indicating that the optimization result strongly correlated with the measured value and the fit was good. The values of the thermal reservoir parameters from the tracer test’s back analysis were used to predict the thermal breakthrough for the geothermal well system. The results indicated that due to the lower tracer recovery rate, the hydraulic connection between the production well and the recharge well was poor. During the 100-year service life of a geothermal well system, the production water temperature will not obviously change, and no thermal breakthrough will occur.
Containing the Third-Party Voter in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Neville-Shepard Ryan
Published: January 2019

Third-party candidates in the United States routinely see a decline in support in the final weeks of presidential campaigns. While political scientists attribute this partially to Duverger’s Law, many communication scholars have tied this collapse to media coverage that frames third-party candidates as fringe outsiders, longshots, and spoilers. This study extends these explanations of third-party failure by describing the rhetorical containment of third-party voters. Based on a case study of the 2016 presidential election and public debate about supporters of Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, the essay suggests such voters face a form of marginalization that portrays them as intruders in a two-party race, as immature and uninformed, and responsible for eventual victors, while presenting them a false choice of winning by sacrificing their cause.
Brief psychosocial interventions improve quality of life of patients receiving palliative care: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Warth Marco , Kessler Jens , Koehler Friederike , Aguilar-Raab Corina , Bardenheuer Hubert J. , Ditzen Beate
Published: January 2019

Background:

Patients with a terminal disease report a high need for psychosocial and spiritual support. Previous literature reviews on psychosocial interventions in palliative care were restricted to certain subtypes of techniques, included a wide range of patients, conditions, and settings, or required a number of sessions unrealistic to be achieved in patients nearing the end of their lives.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to review and synthesize the evidence on brief psychosocial interventions (i.e. four sessions or less and less than 21 days) for patients receiving palliative treatment.

Design:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with standard guidelines and a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42018082713).

Data sources:

Electronic databases, journals, and references were searched for controlled clinical trials. We used the Cochrane criteria to assess the risk of bias within studies.

Results:

In total, 15 studies met the eligibility criteria and reported the effects of 17 interventions and a total of 1248 patients. The most frequently used techniques were life review techniques and music therapy. After exclusion of outliers, psychosocial interventions showed to be superior with regard to the improvement of quality of life (effect size = 0.36, confidence interval = 0.08 to 0.64), and the reduction of emotional (effect size = −0.51, confidence interval = −0.77 to −0.26) and existential distress (effect size = −0.40, confidence interval = −0.71 to −0.07) compared to the control groups.

Conclusion:

Brief psychosocial interventions can improve clinically relevant health outcomes and should therefore be made available for patients receiving palliative care.
Sevoflurane Anaesthesia with the Komesaroff Vaporizer inside the Circle System
Authors: Dhara S. S. , Liu E. H. C.
Published: January 2019

This study assessed the safety of sevoflurane anaesthesia using two Komesaroff vaporizers inside the circle with both spontaneous and controlled ventilation. Sevoflurane concentrations were continuously monitored using a mass spectrometer and the anaesthetic depth was easily controlled. Involuntary movements occurred in eight patients and breathholding occurred in five patients after inhalational induction. With continuous monitoring of sevoflurane concentrations, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia using a vaporizer inside the circle is safe during both controlled and spontaneous ventilation. However the high incidence of involuntary movements may limit the feasibility of induction in spontaneously breathing patients.
Cricothyroidotomy and Transtracheal High Frequency Jet Ventilation for Elective Laryngeal Surgery. An Audit of 90 Cases
Authors: Russell W. C. , Maguire A. M. , Jones G. W.
Published: January 2019

We carried out an audit of needle cricothyroidotomy and transtracheal ventilation used during anaesthesia for elective endolaryngeal surgery. The data on 90 consecutive procedures was collected over two years. Patients were anaesthetized using a total intravenous technique. An intravenous cannula or Tuohy needle was placed through the cricothyroid membrane and the patient was ventilated via the cannula using high frequency jet ventilation.

Technical details of the procedure and any perioperative complications were recorded.

There were 12 complications in total. Only three of these were clearly related to the cricothyroid puncture, i.e., one minor bleed and two cases of limited local surgical emphysema. All complications were minor and resolved without sequelae.
Postoperative Fibrinolysis Diagnosed by Thrombelastography
Authors: Liu G. , Bowkett J. , Przybylowski G. , Bellomo R. , McNicol P. L.
Published: January 2019

Thrombelastography is a useful method for the monitoring of bedside coagulation, especially for fibrinolysis. We report a case where thrombelastography facilitated early detection of fibrinolysis with significant clinical bleeding in a patient immediately following hip replacement surgery. The early diagnosis enabled institution of antifibrinolytic therapy and monitoring of the patient's response. It is likely to have led to less blood product transfusion and may possibly have prevented unnecessary surgical re-exploration.
The Cerebral and Systemic Kinetics of Thiopentone and Propofol in Halothane Anaesthetized Sheep
Authors: Upton R. N. , Ludbrook G. L. , Grant C.
Published: January 2019

The cerebral and systemic kinetics of intravenous thiopentone (250 mg over 2 minutes, n=5) and propofol (100 mg over 2 minutes, n=6) were determined in sheep anaesthetized with halothane (2.0%) and mechanically ventilated to an end-expired carbon dioxide tension of 40 mmHg. The sheep were previously instrumented with arterial and sagittal sinus (effluent from the brain) blood sampling catheters. Systemic kinetics were inferred from the time-course of the arterial blood concentrations, and cerebral kinetics from the time-course of the arterio-sagittal sinus concentration difference across the brain. Under halothane anaesthesia, the peak arterial concentrations of each drug occurred at the end of the two-minute infusion, and was 42.3 mg/l and 12.3 mg/l for thiopentone and propofol, respectively. Propofol had a significantly larger systemic clearance (3.19 l/min) than thiopentone (0.99 l/min). The brain concentrations of propofol equilibrated more slowly with the arterial concentrations than those of thiopentone. The extraction ratio across the brain near the end of the infusions (1.5 min) were 0.85 and 0.46 respectively. These data were also compared to analogous previously published data for initially conscious sheep. The systemic kinetics of thiopentone were little affected by halothane anaesthesia. For propofol, halothane anaesthesia was associated with a statistically significant reduction in clearance (50% of awake), a slower initial half-life (247% of awake), and the emergence of a second slower half-life in some sheep. The cerebral kinetics of both drugs were subtly altered by halothane anaesthesia.
A Comparative Study of Three Different Methods of Administering Metaraminol during Spinal Anaesthesia in the Elderly
Authors: Critchley L. A. H. , Yu S. C.
Published: January 2019

We compared three methods of administering metaraminol during spinal (subarachnoid) anaesthesia.

Fifty-two elderly patients with fractured hips were studied. Blood pressure was maintained by either intramuscular (IM) metaraminol (0.1 mg.kg-1), intravenous (IV) boluses (0.01 mg.kg-1) or an infusion (0.05 mg.kg-1.h-1). Non-invasive blood pressure was recorded every one-minute.

Spinal anaesthesia initially decreased the systolic arterial pressure by 15 (14)% compared to 35 (15)% for diastolic pressure (P<0.001). IM metaraminol restored the systolic arterial pressure back to baseline values (-3%), but there was significant between-subject variability resulting in a very unpredictable effect. IV boluses and infusion had a more predictable effect and maintained systolic arterial pressure at about 20% below baseline. Range of effect, measured by inter-quartile range and variance, was greatest in the IM group and least in the infusion group (P<0.003).

IM metaraminol during spinal anaesthesia has a very unpredictable effect. Infusions of metaraminol provided the best blood pressure control. Diastolic blood pressure fell significantly after spinal anaesthesia and this merits further investigation.
Glyceryl Trinitrate and Acute Uterine Relaxation: A Literature Review
Authors: Caponas G.
Published: January 2019

The use of nitro-vasodilators for achieving rapid uterine relaxation in the resolution of obstetric emergencies has been documented for nearly 120 years. Glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) is the most commonly used nitro-vasodilator for this purpose, with the presumed mechanism of action being via nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) mediated processes. GTN is known to release nitric oxide to effect smooth muscle relaxation and some dose response data is available for its vasodilator activity. Human myometrium is known to synthesize and respond to nitric oxide, with changes in the production of and sensitivity to nitric oxide being subject to the cyclical and gestational state of the uterus. Experimental data on the efficacy of GTN in reliably producing uterine relaxation is conflicting and inconsistent. A total of 32 studies and case reports on the use of GTN in achieving rapid uterine relaxation have appeared in the English language literature. Case reports are subject to reporting bias and prospective randomized controlled trials are not without design flaws. Indications for the use of GTN in achieving rapid uterine relaxation cover the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods. The safety of GTN during obstetric emergencies appears high, with no adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. To establish the efficacy of GTN in reliably achieving uterine relaxation, well designed randomized controlled trials in labouring women are required.
Propofol Alone, Sevoflurane Alone, and Combined Propofol-sevoflurane Anaesthesia in Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Wajima Z. , Shiga T. , Yoshikawa T. , Ogura A. , Inoue T. , Ogawa R.
Published: January 2019

Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for severe and medication-resistant depression. There have been no reports describing how a volatile anaesthetic affects haemodynamic responses, seizure duration, and recovery characteristics during electroconvulsive therapy. We carried out a repeated-measure crossover study to compare the effects on haemodynamic responses, seizure duration, and recovery characteristics of the following types of anaesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy: propofol alone, sevoflurane alone, and propofol combined with sevoflurane.

We recruited 50 patients requiring electroconvulsive therapy for depression. For anaesthesia induction, 1.5 mg/kg propofol (condition P), 5% sevoflurane in oxygen following a vital capacity rapid inhalation induction (condition S), or 1.5 mg/kg propofol followed by 5% sevoflurane in oxygen (condition PS) was administered. Succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg was then given. Electrical stimulation was administered after fasciculation. Measurements were obtained before anaesthesia induction (baseline), prior to succinylcholine administration, prior to electroconvulsive therapy, and at the peak after electroconvulsive therapy.

After electroconvulsive therapy, peak heart rate and peak mean arterial pressure were highest in condition S. Whereas recovery time was longest in condition PS, motor seizure duration was significantly shorter than in either condition P or S. Electroencephalographic seizure duration was significantly shorter in condition PS than in condition P and significantly shorter in condition S than in condition P.

Sevoflurane anaesthesia alone is most disadvantageous in terms of haemodynamics. Propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia is advantageous in terms of haemodynamics, but disadvantageous in terms of seizure duration and recovery time. Propofol alone is most advantageous in terms of seizure duration.
Gastric Infarction Associated with Septic Shock and High-dose Vasopressor Use
Authors: Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

Gastric infarction is rare, owing to the extensive collateral circulation of the stomach. A case of gastric infarction occurring in a patient with septic shock secondary to pneumonia is presented. The aetiology, diagnosis and therapy of gastric infarction are discussed, with consideration of the role of sepsis and vasopressors in pathogenesis and the concept of splanchnic resuscitation in prevention of the condition.
An Unexpectedly Difficult Intubation following Repeated Endoscopy
Authors: Fitzwilliams B. , Volikas I.
Published: January 2019

A 67-year-old man required an urgent laparotomy for a bleeding gastric ulcer. He had undergone three upper gastrointestinal endoscopies over five days since admission to hospital. Tracheal intubation was unexpectedly difficult due to marked supraglottic oedema as well as unfavourable upper airway anatomy. A fibreoptic intubation through a laryngeal mask airway was performed with difficulty. The management of this case of difficult intubation following repeated endoscopy is presented.
Biologically Active Contaminants of Intravenous Saline in PVC Packaging: Australasian, European, and North American Samples
Authors: Story D. A. , Leeder J. , Cullis P. , Bellomo R.
Published: January 2019

We have previously found evidence of contaminants in 0.9% saline packaged in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for clinical use. For this current study we asked two questions: (1) what are the organic chemical contaminants in solutions packaged in PVC? and (2) do the contaminants vary in bags manufactured in different countries? We studied samples of 0.9% saline packaged in PVC from Australasia, Europe, and North America. We analysed the saline solutions with high-resolution capillary gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Components of the Australasian and European bags were also analysed using thermodesorption followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In three pairs of samples we found twenty-four different organic contaminants of the saline solutions. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was found in all solutions; the concentrations were greater than 10 μg/l in the Australasian and European samples. All samples contained 2-ethyl hexanol (>50 μg/l), a DEHP breakdown product. The Australasian and North American samples contained cyclohexanone at concentrations of about 1000 μg/l. The cyclohexanone probably originated in joints at the bases of the bags. Both the Australasian and European bags contained t-butyl cyclohexanol (>500 μg/l) and t-butyl cyclohexanone (>50 μg/l). Printing ink on the outside of the bags was the most likely source for both of these contaminants. Several of the contaminants are toxic to animals. Little is known about the toxicity of combinations of contaminants.
The Influence of the Univent® Endotracheal Tube on Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation
Authors: Schummer W. , Schummer C. , Frober R. , Fuchs J. , Simon M. , Huttemann E.
Published: January 2019

This prospective clinical investigation assessed the effect of placement of a Univent® tube on the anatomy of the internal jugular veins and the success of cannulation of the left internal jugular vein. After obtaining informed consent, 48 adult patients were enrolled. Of these, 42 patients were eligible and were divided into two groups: Univent® tube (group U, n=21) and wire enforced endotracheal tube (group C, n=21). The Univent® tube group were having a left thoracotomy. Using horizontal ultrasound scans just above the thyroid gland, the internal jugular vein was visualized and measured before and after Univent® placement. The number of needle passes necessary to cannulate the left internal jugular vein in the two groups was also compared.

Univent® tubes were associated with lateral displacement of the right carotid artery and internal jugular vein on the convex side of the Univent® tube, with compression of the right internal jugular vein by the artery, resulting in a kidney-shaped cross-section of the vein. On the left (concave side of the tube), the neck was indented, the sheath of the left carotid artery was displaced medially, and the left internal jugular vein distorted to an ellipse. There was a significant increase in the lateral diameter and a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the left internal jugular vein (t-test, P<0.05). The first attempt at cannulation of the left internal jugular vein failed significantly more often in the Univent® group (13/21 vs 5/21 in group C, Chi-square 6.22, P=0.025). Cannulation of the internal jugular vein before placement of the Univent® tube, or placement with ultrasound guidance is suggested.