Comparative care and outcomes for acute coronary syndromes in Central and Eastern European Transitional countries: A review of the literature.

AIMS: The purpose of this review was to compare quality of care and outcomes following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Central and Eastern European Transitional (CEET) countries. METHODS: This was a review of original ACS articles in CEET countries from PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Medline and Embase databases published in English from November 2003 to February 2014. RESULTS: Seventeen manuscripts fulfilled the search criteria. Of 19 CEET countries studied, there were no published ACS management or outcome data for four countries. In-hospital mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) ranged from 6.3% in the Czech Republic to 15.3% in Latvia. In-hospital mortality for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) ranged from 3.0% in Poland to 20.7% in Romania. For STEMI, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ranged from 1.0% to over 92.0%, fibrinolytic therapy from 0.0% to 49.6%, and no reperfusion therapy from 7.0% to 63.0%. CONCLUSION: Many CEET countries do not have published ACS care and outcomes data. Of those that do, there is evidence for substantial geographical variation in early mortality. Wide variation in emergency reperfusion strategies for STEMI suggests that acute cardiac care is likely to be modifiable and if addressed could reduce mortality from ACS in CEET countries. The collection of ACS care and outcomes data across Europe must be prioritised.

CleanEMG--power line interference estimation in sEMG using an adaptive least squares algorithm.

This paper presents an adaptive least squares algorithm for estimating the power line interference in surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. The algorithm estimates the power line interference, without the need for a reference input. Power line interference can be removed by subtracting the estimate from the original sEMG signal. The algorithm is evaluated with simulated sEMG based on its ability to accurately estimate power line interference at different frequencies and at various signal-to-noise ratios. Power line estimates produced by the algorithm are accurate for signal-to-noise ratios below 15 dB (SNR estimation error at 15 dB is 14.7995 dB + 1.6547 dB).

Evaluation of Dunedin Plunket family units.

The 249 new cases who presented to Dunedin's two family units during an eight month period in 1983 are described. Data including demographic details, the nature of the presenting problems, the types and frequency of interventions used, and the outcome as perceived by unit staff, referring agency and the child's mother, were collected. Commonly the presenting problem was but one of several identified by unit staff. The number and duration of family unit contacts did not differ greatly for different types of presenting problems. Outcome ratings by the involved health care workers agreed closely with those who made the referral (usually Plunket nurses) and suggested a definite improvement in the majority of cases. There was a high level of consumer satisfaction. Family units are still evolving and adapting to suit local needs, and it seems that they are providing an efficient and effective service which is unique in New Zealand.