bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operation Clean Air: Implementing a Surgical Smoke Evacuation Program
Authors: Dobbie Mary K. , Fezza Maria , Kent Martha , Lu Jane , Saraceni Mark L. , Titone Susan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSurgical smoke is a hazardous byproduct of any surgery involving a laser or an electrosurgical unit. Although research and professional organizations identified surgical smoke as harmful many years ago, this byproduct continues to be a safety hazard in the OR. An interdisciplinary team at a large academic medical center sought to address the exposure of patients and perioperative team members to surgical smoke. The team used the nursing process to resolve the lack of smoke‐evacuator equipment and surgical smoke staff member knowledge. To increase awareness of the hazards of surgical smoke, we gave presentations to nursing staff members and surgeons, who then completed educational modules. We conducted audits in all ORs to monitor compliance. The use of smoke evacuation supplies has more than quadrupled since education began. Additional unit‐based education continues every day and is a constant reminder that safety is the responsibility of all perioperative team members.
Lumbar Medial Branch Block Volume‐Dependent Dispersion Patterns as a Predictor for Ablation Success: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Wahezi Sayed E. , Alexeev Edward , Georgy John S. , Haramati Nogah , Erosa Stephen A. , Shah Jay M. , Downie Sherry 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundLumbar facet arthropathy is a common cause of low back pain. Literature supports treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of associated nerves that innervate lumbar facets when alternative conservative therapies have failed. Diagnostic local anesthetic blocks precede therapeutic ablation, but have a false‐positive rate of 27%‐63%, and some authors have questioned their utility in predicting therapeutic response to RFA. The authors of the current study believe that injectate volume may be a contributing factor to false positivity.ObjectiveTo evaluate the difference in volume dispersion between 0.25 mL and 0.5 mL of injectate when performing lumbar medial branch blocks. We hypothesized that injection volumes greater than 0.25 mL during lumbar medial branch blocks would affect the distal branches of the adjacent medial branches, thus decreasing the specificity of the procedure. Thus, we attempted to demonstrate that injection volumes greater than 0.25 mL during lumbar medial branch blocks would affect the distal branches of the adjacent medial branches, which might increase false positivity of the blocks.Study DesignCadaveric investigation.SettingTertiary care center.ParticipantsNot applicable.Outcome MeasurementsTo demonstrate that the spread of lumbar medial branch blocks using commonly injected volume coats adjacent structures that are not affected by radiofrequency ablation.MethodsSix cadavers were chosen with nondissected lumbar spines. Fluoroscopically guided medial branch injections were performed bilaterally using the posterior oblique approach. A volume of 0.25 mL or 0.50 mL of a 9:1 solution of Omnipaque 240 and 1% medical grade methylene blue were delivered to the left and right sides, respectively. Postinjection computed tomographic imaging was performed, followed by dissection.ResultsBoth volumes adequately coated the medial branches, but in the 0.5‐mL injectate cohort there was consistent spread dorsally to the superficial muscles and distal segments of the dorsal branches distant to the target nerves, whereas in the 0.25‐mL injectate cohort the spread was contained in the deep and intermediate muscular lumbar layers, close to the intended target.ConclusionWe suggest that a 0.5‐mL injectate volume in clinical practice may produce an adjacent‐level nerve block in addition to the intended injection level, thus decreasing the specificity of a targeted lumbar medial branch block. A 0.25‐mL quantity of injectate reliably contacted the lumbar medial branches without extensive extravasation. Presumably, this means that 0.25 mL total volume for a lumbar medial branch block may provide greater specificity for RFA planning.Level of EvidenceNA
Biology of two larval morphological phenotypes ofAedes aegyptiin Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Guindo-Coulibaly N. , Diakite N.R. , Adja A.M. , Coulibaly J.T. , Bassa K.F. , Konan Y.L. , N'Goran K.E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSince 2008, several outbreaks of yellow fever and dengue occurred in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire. A better knowledge of the biology ofAedes aegyptipopulations, the main vector of yellow fever and dengue viruses, is necessary to tailor vector control strategies implemented in the city. This study was designed to determine some biological parameters, occurring during the life cycle of two morphological phenotypes ofAe. aegyptilarvae. Mosquitoes were sampled in a suburb of Abidjan (Treichville) using the WHO layer-traps technique. Biological parameters were studied in laboratory under standard conditions of temperature (27°C ± 2°C) and relative humidity (80% ± 10%). Our results indicated that the mean eggs laid by females from ‘brown larvae’ (BL) (85.95, 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) 78.87–93.02) was higher than those from ‘white larvae’ (WL) (64.40%, CI 95% 55.27–73.54). The gonotrophic cycle was 3 and 4 days in females from BL and WL, respectively. The overall yield of breeding mosquitoes from BL (63.88%, CI 95% 62.61–65.14) was higher compared with those of mosquitoes from WL (59.73%, CI 95% 58.35–61.12). The sex ratio (male/female) was 0.95 and 1.68 inAe. aegyptipopulations from BL and WL, respectively. Females from BL lived slightly longer than those from WL (t= −2.332;P= 0.021). This study shows thatAe. Aegyptipopulations from BL and WL present different biological parameters during their life cycle. This could have an implication on their ability to transmit human disease viruses such as dengue and yellow fever. Further molecular studies are needed to determine genetic divergence between theseAe. aegyptipopulations.
Prevalence and molecular identification of Trichinella species isolated from wildlife originating from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa
Authors: Mukaratirwa S. , La Grange L.J. , Malatji M.P. , Reininghaus B. , Lamb J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTrichinella species are widely distributed on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, although the full spectrum of Trichinella species found in sub-Saharan African countries, and their hosts, has not been fully documented. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Trichinella in wildlife from the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) and adjacent areas located in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, and to identify the species and/or genotypes of Trichinella larvae isolated from muscle tissues, using molecular techniques. A review of Trichinella spp. and their wildlife hosts reported during 1964–2011 was also conducted and the results were compared with our current study. Ninety samples representing 15 mammalian, two bird and three reptile species were screened for Trichinella infection during 2012–2016, using artificial digestion. Isolates detected were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcriber spacers ITS1 and ITS2, and expansion segment V (ESV) regions of ribosomal DNA, followed by molecular analysis of the sequences. Twenty samples from seven wildlife species were positive for Trichinella spp. larvae, with an overall prevalence of 21.1% (20/90). The prevalence was higher in carnivores (18.9%, 18/90) than in omnivores (2.2%, 2/90). Analysis of sequences showed that eight of the isolates – two from spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) (2/8), three from lion (Panthera leo) (3/13), one from leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/6), one from small spotted genet (Genetta genetta) (1/2) and one Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) (1/2) – conformed to Trichinella zimbabwensis. One isolate from a hyaena was grouped under the encapsulated species clade comprising T. nelsoni and genotype Trichinella T8 reported to be present in South Africa. This is the first report confirming natural infection by T. zimbabwensis in hyaena, leopard, genet and Nile monitor lizard, adding to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa. Ten Trichinella-like larval isolates recovered after digestion from four wildlife species in this study (2012–2016) revealed inconclusive results due to DNA degradation resulting from poor storage or too few larvae for analysis, in comparison to 20 unidentified isolates from five wildlife species during the 1964–2011 period.
A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rapid detection of antibodies againstTrichinella spiralisandT. britovi– one test for humans and swine
Authors: Gnjatovic M. , Gruden-Movsesijan A. , Miladinovic-Tasic N. , Ilic N. , Vasilev S. , Cvetkovic J. , Sofronic-Milosavljevic Lj. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInfection with parasites from theTrichinellagenus occurs in many vertebrates but disease only occurs in humans (trichinellosis). Humans are infected after the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected wild or domestic animals (usually swine or horses). Using the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7C2C5, specific for an epitope unique to the muscle larvae of the genusTrichinella, we have developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) that enables the rapid detection ofTrichinella-specific antibodies in sera originating from two different host species (human, swine) infected with eitherTrichinella spiralisorTrichinella britovi. This novel c-ELISA exhibited 100% specificity and sensitivity, as confirmed by a Western blot test. The assay is easy to use (one incubation step), and the time required for the procedure (45 min) is shorter than in any other ELISA format. This test could be useful for both the detection and surveillance ofTrichinellainfections.
‘The people's choice’: popular (il)legitimacy in autocratic Cameroon
Authors: Letsa Natalie Wenzell 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWhile many analysts assume that the autocratic regime of Paul Biya is deeply unpopular amongst ordinary Cameroonians, there is almost no existing analysis of public opinion in Cameroon. In fact, Cameroonians are deeply divided in their beliefs about politics; while many view the government as democratic and legitimate, others see the regime as entirely autocratic. What explains these fundamental divides in beliefs? While existing theories point to demographic factors as the most important predictors of political opinions, this article argues that in autocratic regimes, political geography is even more important to understanding these divides. Political parties in autocratic regimes develop opposite narratives about the legitimacy of the state, and regardless of education, partisanship, age, or ethnicity, citizens living in party strongholds are far more likely to adopt these narratives than citizens outside of strongholds. Understanding these divides is critical to explaining regime legitimisation in Cameroon, and African autocracies more broadly.
Defending the city, defending votes: campaign strategies in urban Ghana
Authors: Klaus Kathleen , Paller Jeffrey W. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRapid urbanisation in African democracies is changing the way that political parties engage with their constituents, shifting relations between hosts and migrants. This article examines the strategies that parties use to maintain and build electoral support in increasingly diverse contexts. Drawing on in-depth interviews and ethnographic research in Accra, Ghana, we find that some urban political parties rely on inclusive forms of mobilisation, promoting images of cosmopolitanism and unity to incorporate a broad grassroots coalition. Yet in nearby constituencies, parties respond to changing demographics through exclusive forms of mobilisation, using narratives of indigeneity and coercion to intimidate voters who ‘do not belong’. Two factors help explain this variation in mobilisation: incumbency advantage and indigene dominance. In contrast to most scholarship on ethnicity and electoral politics in Africa, we find that these varying mobilisation strategies emerge from very local neighbourhood-level logics and motivations.
Robust adaptive control for robot manipulators: Support vector regression-based command filtered adaptive backstepping approach
Authors: Mvogo Ahanda Joseph Jean-Baptiste , Mbede Jean Bosco , Melingui Achille , Essimbi Bernard 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYThis study derives a robust adaptive control of electrically driven robot manipulators using a support vector regression (SVR)-based command filtered adaptive backstepping approach. The robot system is supposed to be subject to model uncertainties, neglected dynamics, and external disturbances. The command filtered backstepping algorithm is extended to the case of the robot manipulators. A robust term is added to the common adaptive SVR algorithm, to mitigate the effects of the SVR approximation error in the path tracking performance. The stability analysis of the closed loop system using the Lyapunov theory permits to highlight adaptation laws and to prove that all the signals in the closed loop system are bounded. Simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Francisella tularensisin muscle from diseased hares – a risk factor for humans?
Authors: HESTVIK G. , UHLHORN H. , JINNEROT T. , ÅKERSTRÖM S. , SÖDERSTEN F. , GAVIER-WIDÉN D. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYTularemia caused by the bacteriumFrancisella tularensisis a zoonotic disease. Tularemia is a common disease in the hare, and as a game species can be an important source of infection for humans. In this study, hares diagnosed with tularemia were examined with the aim to investigate whether the muscle (meat) had any pathological changes and/or containedF. tularensis. Real-time PCR and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected the bacteria in muscle samples from 40 out of 43 investigated hares. IHC showed that bacteria were few and most commonly located in the peri- and endomysium. Histopathology showed occasional perimysial necroses and mild inflammation in association to the bacteria. Attempts to culture from 14 muscle samples were successful in two cases, both stored in the freezer <1 year. The result of this study shows that sinceF. tularensisis present in the muscle of infected hares, there is a risk for human infection when consuming undercooked hare meat. The risk is enhanced by the fact that some hares do not have easily detected gross lesions. The study contributes to a better understanding of sources of infection and risk factors for humans to contract tularemia.
Brain Arterial Diameters and Cognitive Performance: The Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Gutierrez Jose , Kulick Erin , Park Moon Yeseon , Dong Chuanhui , Cheung Ken , Ahmet Bagci , Stern Yaakov , Alperin Noam , Rundek Tatjana , Sacco Ralph L. , Wright Clinton B. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectives:To test the hypothesis that brain arterial diameters are associated with cognitive performance, particularly in arteries supplying domain-specific territories.Methods:Stroke-free participants in the Northern Manhattan Study were invited to have a brain MRI from 2003–2008. The luminal diameters of 13 intracranial arterial segments were obtained using time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), and then averaged and normalized into a global score and region-specific arterial diameters.Z-Scores for executive function, semantic memory, episodic memory and processing speed were obtained at MRI and during follow-up. Adjusted generalized additive models were used to assess for associations.Results:Among the 1034 participants with neurocognitive testing and brain MRI, there were non-linear relationships between left anterior (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameter and semantic memoryZ-scores (χ2=10.00; DF=3;p=.019), and left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and posterior communicating artery (Pcomm) mean diameter and episodic memoryZ-scores (χ2=9.88; DF=3;p=.020). Among the 745 participants who returned for 2nd neuropsychological testing, on average 5.0±0.4 years after their MRI, semantic memory change was associated non-linearly with the left PCA/Pcomm mean diameter (χ2=13.09; DF=3;p=.004) and with the right MCA/ACA mean diameter (χ2=8.43; DF=3;p=.03). In both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, participants with the larger brain arterial diameters had more consistently lowerZ-scores and greater decline than the rest of the participants.Conclusions:Brain arterial diameters may have downstream effects in brain function presenting as poorer cognition. Identifying the mechanisms and the directionality of such interactions may increase the understanding of the vascular contribution to cognitive impairment and dementia. (JINS, 2018,24, 335–346)
Insights into the factors associated with achieving the preference of home death in terminal cancer: A national population-based study
Authors: Bannon Finian , Cairnduff Victoria , Fitzpatrick Deirdre , Blaney Janine , Gomes Barbara , Gavin Anna , Donnelly Conan 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectives:Most terminally ill cancer patients prefer to die at home, yet only a minority are able to achieve this. Our aim was to investigate the factors associated with cancer patients achieving their preference to die at home.Methods:This study took the form of a mortality followback, population-based, observational survey of the relatives of deceased cancer patients in Northern Ireland. Individuals who registered the death of a friend or relative (aged ≥ 18 years) between 1 December 2011 and 31 May 2012, where the primary cause of death was cancer (ICD10: C00–D48), who were invited to take part. Preferred and actual place of death, and patient, service, and clinical data were collected using the QUALYCARE postal questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to investigate the factors associated with achieving a home death when preferred.Results:Some 467 of 1,493 invited informants completed the survey. The 362 (77.5%) who expressed a preference for dying at home and spent time at home in their final 3 months were included in our analysis. Of these, 53.4% achieved their preference of a home death. Factors positively associated with achieving a home death were: living in an affluent area, receipt of good and satisfactory district nurse care, discussing place of death with health professionals, and the caregiver's preference for a home death. Being older than 80 years of age, being a Presbyterian, and being unconscious most of the time during their final week were negatively associated with achieving a home death.Significance of Results:Communication, care satisfaction, and caregiver preferences were all associated with home death. Our findings will help inform the design of future interventions aimed at increasing the proportion of patients achieving their preferred place of death at home, for example, by targeting interventions toward older patients and those from the most deprived communities.
Assessing the feasibility of creating tsetse and trypanosomosis-free zones
Authors: Feldmann Udo , Leak Stephen G. A. , Hendrichs Jorge 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe establishment of the Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) falling under the African Union Commission, and the initiation of national PATTEC projects in affected African countries stimulated a revival of national and sub-regional efforts and helped to generate donor support for creating sustainable agricultural and livestock development zones that are free of tsetse and trypanosomosis (T&amp;T). Such projects are long-term, complex undertakings, requiring careful planning and consideration of relevant technical and non-technical interdependencies. There is international consensus that T&amp;T interventions should: (a) adopt a phased and conditional approach in their planning, implementation, and monitoring; (b) adhere to the integrated pest management area-wide (AW-IPM) concept, ensuring that the most appropriate combination or sequence of intervention measures is selected; and (c) follow the AW-IPM concept of targeting entire isolated or well-confined insect pest populations. The phases of this process include: (a) policy and strategy development, assurance of long-term commitment, and establishment of effective management structures; (b) baseline data collection; (c) general technical feasibility assessment; (d) consideration of various relevant factors and trends; (e) detailed assessment of the technical feasibility of combinations of intervention tactics that may or may not include a sterile insect technique component; (f) capacity development and pre-operational work; (g) operational implementation of an AW-IPM campaign to create T&amp;T-free zones; and (h) adherence to agreed procedures for the ‘Declaration of Assumption of Freedom from T&amp;T’, and, eventually, the ‘Declaration of Elimination’. This paper provides guidance on the steps to be followed to assess the feasibility of creating T&amp;T-free zones.
Lateglacial environmental change in Scotland
Authors: WALKER Mike , LOWE John 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the evidence for environmental change during the Lateglacial period (c.14.7–11.7 ka), perhaps the most intensively studied episode in the Quaternary history of Scotland. It considers first the stratigraphic subdivision and nomenclature of the Lateglacial, before proceeding to a discussion of the various lines of proxy evidence that have been used to reconstruct the spatial and temporal patterns of environmental change during this time period. These include pollen and plant macrofossil data; coleopteran and chironomid records; diatom data; stable isotope and geochemical records; and evidence for human activity. The paper then considers the principal methods that have been employed to date and correlate Lateglacial events: radiocarbon dating; surface exposure dating; varve chronology; and tephrochronology. This is followed by an examination of the constraints imposed on environmental reconstructions, an account of the ways in which the evidence can be employed in the development of an event stratigraphy for the Lateglacial in Scotland, and a proposal for a provisional Lateglacial type sequence (stratotype) at Whitrig Bog in SE Scotland. Emphasis is placed throughout on the potential linkages between the Scottish records and the isotopic signal in the Greenland ice cores, which forms the stratigraphic template for the N Atlantic region. The paper concludes with a discussion of the strategies and approaches that should underpin future research programmes on Lateglacial environmental change in Scotland.