A perspective on the role of uncertainty in sustainability science and engineering.

The Trans-Atlantic Research and Development Interchange on Sustainability Workshop (TARDIS) is a meeting on scientific topics related to sustainability. The 2019 workshop theme was "On the Role of Uncertainty in Managing the Earth for Global Sustainability." This paper presents the perspectives on this topic derived from talks and discussions at the 2019 TARDIS workshop. There are four kinds of uncertainties encountered in sustainability ranging from clear enough futures to true surprises. The current state-of-the-art in assessing and mitigating these uncertainties is discussed.

How reliably can paediatric professionals identify pale stool from cholestatic newborns?

BACKGROUND: The success of surgery in infants with hepatobiliary disease is inversely proportional to the age when surgery was performed. Pale stool colour is a major indicator of biliary obstruction. However, simple recognition has been inadequate, resulting in late diagnosis and referral. Objective To assess the skills of healthcare professionals in recognising pale stools. METHOD: Photographs of normal, acholic and indeterminate infant stools were shown to paediatric professionals who have regular contact with jaundiced babies at three London teaching hospitals. Each stool was classified as 'healthy' or 'suspect'. RESULTS: One-third of the stools were not correctly identified by physicians and nurses. CONCLUSION: Experienced professionals often do not recognise stool colour associated with biliary obstruction. The authors propose that stool colour cards similar to those used in Japan and Taiwan may improve early detection of hepatobiliary disease at a minimal cost.

Carotico-cavernous sinus fistula.

We present a rare case of carotico-cavernous sinus fistula who presented with proptosis with gradual diminision of vision following a roadside accident. Contrast enhanced CT scan and angiography confiruned the diagnosis and it was managed by transfemoral embolisation of right ICCF.

Summating potential & summating potential/action potential ratio in the diagnosis of Meniere's disease.

This study assesses electrocochleographic (ECOG) potentials in a clinically defined Meniere's group and compares the results with those from a normal control group. Electrocochleography was done in 42 cases of Meniere's disease and was compared with 20 normal cases. All parameters of electrocochleography were studied with special emphasis on the summating potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio. A SP/AP amplitude ratio of 0.49 was found in the Meniere' group as compared to the SP/AP ratio of 0.03 in the control group. Latencies of SP and AP were also studied and compared between two groups.