Persistent left superior vena cava: Review of the literature, clinical implications, and relevance of alterations in thoracic central venous anatomy as pertaining to the general principles of central venous access device placement and venography in cancer patients

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) represents the most common congenital venous anomaly of the thoracic systemic venous return, occurring in 0.3% to 0.5% of individuals in the general population, and in up to 12% of individuals with other documented congential heart abnormalities. In this regard, there is very little in the literature that specifically addresses the potential importance of the incidental finding of PLSVC to surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other physicians actively involved in central venous access device placement in cancer patients. In the current review, we have attempted to comprehensively evaluate the available literature regarding PLSVC. Additionally, we have discussed the clinical implications and relevance of such congenital aberrancies, as well as of treatment-induced or disease-induced alterations in the anatomy of the thoracic central venous system, as they pertain to the general principles of successful placement of central venous access devices in cancer patients. Specifically regarding PLSVC, it is critical to recognize its presence during attempted central venous access device placement and to fully characterize the pattern of cardiac venous return (i.e., to the right atrium or to the left atrium) in any patient suspected of PLSVC prior to initiation of use of their central venous access device

Studying neuroanatomy using MRI

The study of neuroanatomy using imaging enables key insights into how our brains function, are shaped by genes and environment, and change with development, aging, and disease. Developments in MRI acquisition, image processing, and data modelling have been key to these advances. However, MRI provides an indirect measurement of the biological signals we aim to investigate. Thus, artifacts and key questions of correct interpretation can confound the readouts provided by anatomical MRI. In this review we provide an overview of the methods for measuring macro- and mesoscopic structure and inferring microstructural properties; we also describe key artefacts and confounds that can lead to incorrect conclusions. Ultimately, we believe that, though methods need to improve and caution is required in its interpretation, structural MRI continues to have great promise in furthering our understanding of how the brain works

Australian criminal justice

Australian Criminal Justice provides a clear overview and critical examination of the Australian criminal justice process. Fully updated and revised, the third edition of this leading text analyzes the influences that mould criminal justice and examines the institutional and administrative features of its operation in Australian jurisdictions. It begins with the theory and basic elements of the criminal law and then guides readers chronologically through the stages of a case: investigation, pretrial decision-making, trial, evidence, sentencing, punishment and penalty, and appeal. - publisher description Contents: 1. Criminal responsibility -- Aims and functions of the criminal law -- Sources, prescriptions and influences on the criminal law -- Elements of a crime -- Extensions of criminal responsibilitiy -- 2. investigation -- Search and seizure -- Arrest and detention -- Interrogation -- Eyewitness identification -- Informers -- 3. The new investigators -- New methods, new agenda -- Divestment of criminal justice -- Australian Crime Commission (ACC) (formerly National Crime Authority (NCA)) -- Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) -- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) -- Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) -- Ramifications for individual rights -- 4. Pre-trial --Discretion -- Pre-trial police decision-making -- Pre-trial obligations of the prosecution and defence - pre-trial hearings -- Prosecutor\u27s pre-trial decision-making -- Defence pre-trial decision making -- Committal hearing -- Pre-trial discovery and disclosure -- Abuse of process in pre-trial -- 5. Trial -- The higher courts -- The lower courts -- 6. Evidence -- Proof -- Presenting the evidence -- Admission and use of evidence -- 7. Punishment and penalty -- Crime and punishment -- Principles of punishment -- Penalty -- Correctional models of punishment -- Punishment and welfare -- Penal reform --8. Sentencing -- Sentencing aims -- The sentencing hearing -- Facts relevant to sentencing -- Sentencing disparity and problems with quantum of punishment -- Remedies for achieving just sentencing -- Sentencing policy and publicopinion -- Mandatory sentences -- Sentencing drug-dependent offenders --9. Appeals -- Appeal against conviction -- Appeal against sentence -- 10. And justice for all? -- Juveniles -- Aboriginal people -- Women -- Intellectually disabled people -- Corporations -- Victims of crimes -- Combatting terrorism

Young children, adolescents and alcohol - Part I: Exploring knowledge and awareness of alcohol and related issues

This article explores young children's and adolescents' views pertaining to: knowledge and awareness of alcohol and alcohol related issues; social situations in which. alcohol use is present; orientation to alcohol risk; perceived and actual alcohol use; social image and reputation; and short and long term health beliefs in relation to alcohol. Forty focus groups were conducted with 240 primary school students (118 males and 122 females) and 24 focus groups were conducted with 192 high school students (90 males and 102 females); the total being 64 focus groups comprising 432 school students. Participants ages ranged from five years three months to 16 years 10 months. The videotaped discussions revealed that approximately 75% of the primary school-aged children and almost all of the high school students reported that they had tasted alcohol. Parents were primarily responsible for providing the alcohol. Virtually all participants recognised and were able to correctly name a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and levels of knowledge and awareness of the health and safety aspects of alcohol were relatively mixed. Presentation of bottles and cans was reported as being important in attracting young persons. These data suggest there is an urgent need for research addressed to the development of prevention/intervention education curriculum materials for use with primary school-aged children

The Australian Criminal Justice System

substantially rewritten - {33% contribution