bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antimicrobial activity of cold atmospheric microwave plasma against bacteria causing canine skin and ear infections
Authors: Jin Hee‐Jung , Hwang Cheol‐Yong , Kang Jung‐Hun , Baek Seung‐Joon , Hyun Jae‐Eun 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a new generation medical therapeutic option for bacterial infections. CAP causes physical cell wall rupture and DNA damage, therefore making it highly useful in the treatment of various conditions such as skin infections.Hypothesis/objectivesThe antimicrobial activity of cold atmospheric microwave plasma (CAMP) against major strains in canine skin infections was tested and the difference in antimicrobial activity between the antibiotic‐resistant and antibiotic‐susceptible strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was evaluated.Methods and materialsAmerican Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and clinical isolates identified as methicillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (n = 27) and methicillin‐susceptible S. pseudintermedius (n = 13) were exposed to CAMP for 10 s, 30 s and 60 s. Afterwards, the bacterial survival rate was confirmed.ResultsGram‐negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) were more susceptible than Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius) for the same duration of CAMP exposure. Only the Gram‐negative bacteria were completely killed after 60 s exposure. In S. pseudintermedius isolates, CAMP exposure had similar antibacterial effects regardless of antibiotic resistance.Conclusions and clinical importanceCAMP has sufficient antimicrobial activity against major bacterial strains that cause pyoderma and otitis externa in dogs, and may be an alternative therapeutic option for S. pseudintermedius skin infections, for which antibiotics often are ineffective because of antimicrobial resistance in clinical veterinary medicine.
Improvement of transfusion practice and reduction in red blood cell utilization in Belgian hospitals: Results of a national survey and benchmarking
Authors: Vanden Broeck Jana , Beeckman Katrien , Van Gastel Evelyne , De Keersmaecker Luc , Devos Timothy , Gérard Christiane , Noens Lucien , Putzeys Dominique , Van Poucke Karin , Haelterman Margareta , Deneys Véronique , Schots Rik 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBelgian health authorities launched a national platform in 2011 to improve the quality of transfusion practices and blood use in Belgian hospitals. No data were available about the quality of hospital transfusion practice at the national level.Materials and MethodsThree consecutive national surveys (2012, 2014 and 2016) were performed in all 111 Belgian hospitals to assess the degree of implementation of standards in four process domains related to red blood cell (RBC) transfusion: general quality aspects, ordering of RBC, electronic traceability and reporting of adverse events. The surveys were part of a methodology based on informing, feedback and benchmarking. Responses to questions were analysed semi‐quantitatively, and hospitals could score 10 points on each of the domains.ResultsThe proportion of hospitals scoring below 5 per domain decreased from 16%, 70%, 14% and 11% (2012) to 2%, 17%, 1% and 1% (2016), respectively. Similarly, scores above 7.5 increased from 25%, 1%, 23% and 36% (2012) to 64%, 30%, 68% and 81% (2016), respectively. In 2016, overall quality of transfusion practices, including the four pre‐specified domains, improved continuously with an average total score (max = 40) increasing from 24.2 to 30.5 (p = 0.0005). In addition, there was a decrease in the number of distributed and transfused RBC per 1000 population between 2011 and 2019 from 47.0 to 36.5 and 43.5 to 36.1, respectively.ConclusionThese data show that the applied methodology was a powerful tool to improve quality of transfusion practices and to optimize utilization of RBC at the national level.
Intraoperative surgeon probe inspection compared to leak testing for detecting gaps in canine jejunal continuous anastomoses: A cadaveric study
Authors: Culbertson Tricia F. , Smeak Daniel D. , Pogue Joanna M. , Vitt Molly A. , Downey Amy C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the detection of gaps in jejunal continuous anastomoses by probing (PT) versus leak testing (LT).Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsNormal jejunal segments (n = 24) from two fresh canine cadavers.MethodsIntestinal segments were randomly selected by four volunteers who created six simple continuous anastomoses: two constructs using standard technique with 2–3 mm suture spacing (ST, 8 total), and four constructs with one 4‐mm gap (IG, 16 total). All 24 anastomoses were examined with PT (1 volunteer) prior to LT (3 volunteers). LT was performed within a maximal peristaltic pressure range (34–54 cmH2O). The presence and location of anastomotic leaks (LA) detected with LT were compared with gaps detected with PT.ResultsNineteen out of twenty‐four (79.2%) samples had at least one probe drop, and four out of twenty‐three (17.4%) samples leaked. LT results from one sample were excluded due to iatrogenic suture failure. PT was 100% sensitive (95% CI: 51.01, 100%) with a 100% negative predictive value (95% CI: 56.55, 100%) at detecting gaps compared with LT. The location of all LAwas accurately identified with PT and confirmed during LT.ConclusionPT was highly sensitive at detecting gaps compared with LT. All LAwere accurately detected by PT. None of the segments negative during PT leaked.Clinical SignificanceThe diagnostic value of PT appears adequate to recognize gaps in cadaveric small intestinal anastomoses. PT offers surgeons an alternative to detect suture gaps that may contribute to postoperative dehiscence of intestinal anastomoses.
Surge Prevention Techniques for a Turbocharged Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid System
Authors: Mantelli L. , Ferrari M. L. , Traverso A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Pressurized solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are one of the most promising technologies to achieve high energy conversion efficiencies and reduce pollutant emissions. The most common solution for pressurization is the integration with a microgas turbine, a device capable of exploiting the residual energy of the exhaust gas to compress the fuel cell air intake and, at the same time, generating additional electrical power. The focus of this study is on an alternative layout, based on an automotive turbocharger, which has been more recently considered by the research community to improve cost effectiveness at a small size (&lt;100 kW), despite reducing slightly the top achievable performance. Such a turbocharged SOFC system poses two main challenges. On one side, the absence of an electrical generator does not allow direct control of the rotational speed, which is determined by the power balance between turbine and compressor. On the other side, the presence of a large volume between compressor and turbine, due to the fuel cell stack, alters the dynamic behavior of the turbocharger during transients, increasing the risk of compressor surge. The pressure oscillations associated with such event are particularly detrimental for the system because they could easily damage the materials of the fuel cells. This paper aims is to investigate different techniques to drive the operative point of the compressor far from the surge condition when needed, reducing the risks related to transients and increasing its reliability. By means of a system dynamic model, developed using the transeo simulation tool by Thermochemical Power Group (TPG), the effect of different antisurge solutions is simulated: (i) intake air conditioning, (ii) water spray at compressor inlet, (iii) air bleed and recirculation, and (iv) installation of an ejector at the compressor intake. The pressurized fuel cell system is simulated with two different control strategies, i.e., constant fuel mass flow and constant turbine inlet temperature. Different solutions are evaluated based on surge margin behavior, both in the short and long terms, but also monitoring other relevant physical quantities of the system, such as compressor pressure ratio and turbocharger rotational speed.
Towards safer healthcare: qualitative insights from a process view of organisational learning from failure
Authors: Monazam Tabrizi Negar , Masri Firas 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesThis study adopted a process view of organisational learning to investigate the barriers to effective organisational learning from medical errors.MethodsQualitative data were collected from 40 clinicians in high and low performing hospitals. The fit between the organisational learning process and socio-technical factors was investigated systematically from a pre-reporting stage to reporting and post-reporting stages.ResultsThe analysis uncovered that the major stumbling blocks to active learning lie largely in the post-reporting stages and that they are rooted in social rather than technical issues. Although the experience of the higher-performing hospital provides valuable pointers in terms of creating more trusting environment and using the potential of small failures towards ways in which the organisational learning process in the lower hospital might be improved, due to lack of local mangers’ proactive engagement in integrating changes into practice the active learning takes place in neither of the hospitals.ConclusionsTo ensure that the change solutions are firmly incorporated into the culture and routine practice of the hospital, we need to focus on fostering an organisational culture that encourages positive cooperation and mutual interactions between local managers and frontline clinicians. This process will lead to double-loop learning and an increase in system safety.
Effectiveness of endolymphatic duct blockage versus endolymphatic sac decompression in patients with intractable Ménière’s disease: study protocol for a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schenck Annejet A , Kruyt Josephina M , van Benthem Peter Paul , Cannegieter Suzanne C , van den Hout Wilbert B , Böhringer Stefan , Hammer Sebastiaan , Hombergen Susan P M , Blom Henk M 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionOutcomes of surgery for Ménière’s disease (MD) remain discordant. Recently, a new surgical procedure in which the endolymphatic duct is clipped was proposed. To date, only one prospective trial assessing this technique was published, yielding promising results. This protocol describes a prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will be carried out to assess the effectiveness of this surgical intervention.MethodsEighty-four patients with intractable MD will be recruited from 13 hospitals in the Netherlands. Intraoperatively, randomisation will determine whether endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) or endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) will be performed. Randomisation will be 1:1 stratified for gender and duration of MD (recent-onset versus mature MD). All participants receive vestibular rehabilitation after surgery. Patients are followed up during 1 year after surgery. Follow-up visits will take place at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. The main study endpoint is proportion of patients who are free of vertigo spells at 12 months postoperatively. Secondary parameters include cumulative number of vertigo bouts, co-intervention, tinnitus, hearing, quality of life, cost effectiveness and a budget impact analysis. Total duration of the study is 4 years.AnalysisThe primary analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. For the primary outcome, a χ2test will be performed. Secondary outcomes will be analysed using a linear mixed model (EDB versus decompression group) at the different time measurement point.Ethics and disseminationThis study was reviewed and approved by a board of specialists before funding was obtained, as well as by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Leiden-The Hague-Delft and the boards of all participating centres. Results of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and will be presented on (inter)national scientific conferences and meetings.Trial registration numbersNL9095 andISRCTN12074571; Pre-Results.
‘Scrambling to figure out what to do’: a mixed method analysis of COVID-19’s impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States
Authors: Maier Malia , Samari Goleen , Ostrowski Jennifer , Bencomo Clarisa , McGovern Terry 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveA weak and politicised COVID-19 pandemic response in the United States (US) that failed to prioritise sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) overlaid longstanding SRHR inequities. In this study we investigated how COVID-19 affected SRHR service provision in the US during the first 6 months of the pandemic.MethodsWe used a multiphase, three-part, mixed method approach incorporating: (1) a comprehensive review of state-by-state emergency response policies that mapped state-level actions to protect or suspend SRHR services including abortion, (2) a survey of SRHR service providers (n=40) in a sample of 10 states that either protected or suspended services and (3) in-depth interviews (n=15) with SRHR service providers and advocacy organisations.ResultsTwenty-one states designated some or all SRHR services as essential and therefore exempt from emergency restrictions. Protections, however, varied by state and were not always comprehensive. Fourteen states acted to suspend abortion. Five cross-cutting themes surrounding COVID-19’s impact on SRHR services emerged across the survey and interviews: reductions in SRHR service provision; shifts in service utilisation; infrastructural impacts; the critical role of state and local governments; and exacerbation of SRHR inequities for certain groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates serious disruptions to the provision of SRHR care that exacerbated existing SRHR inequities. The presence or absence of policy protections for SRHR services had critical implications for providers and patients. Policymakers and service providers must prioritise and integrate SRHR into emergency preparedness planning and implementation, with earmarked funding and tailored service delivery for historically oppressed groups.
Cross-sectional study of aortic valve calcification and cardiovascular risk factors in older Danish men
Authors: Khurrami Lida , Møller Jacob Eifer , Lindholt Jes Sanddal , Urbonaviciene Grazina , Steffensen Flemming Hald , Lambrechtsen Jess , Karon Marek , Frost Lars , Busk Martin , Egstrup Kenneth , Fredgart Maise Høigaard , Diederichsen Axel Cosmus Pyndt 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveAortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), presumably sharing risk factors. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and extent of AVC in a large population of men aged 60–74 years and to assess the association between AVC and cardiovascular risk factors including CAC and biomarkers.MethodsParticipants from the DANish CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DANCAVAS) with AVC and CAC scores and without previous valve replacement were included in the study. Calcification scores were calculated on non-contrast CT scans. Cardiovascular risk factors were self-reported, measured or both, and further explored using descriptive and regression analysis for AVC association.Results14 073 men aged 60–74 years were included. The AVC scores ranged from 0 to 9067 AU, with a median AVC of 6 AU (IQR 0–82). In 8156 individuals (58.0%), the AVC score was >0 and 215 (1.5%) had an AVC score ≥1200. In the regression analysis, all cardiovascular risk factors were associated with AVC; however, after inclusion of CAC ≥400, only age (ratio of expected counts (REC) 1.07 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.09)), hypertension (REC 1.24 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.41)), obesity (REC 1.34 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.50)), known CVD (REC 1.16 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.31)) and serum phosphate (REC 2.25 (95% CI 1.66 to 3.10) remained significantly associated, while smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum calcium were not.ConclusionsAVC was prevalent in the general population of men aged 60–74 years and was significantly associated with all modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but only selectively after adjustment for CAC ≥400 AU.Trial registration numberNCT03946410 and ISRCTN12157806.
Tumor microenvironment evaluation promotes precise checkpoint immunotherapy of advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Zeng Dongqiang , Wu Jiani , Luo Huiyan , Li Yong , Xiao Jian , Peng Jianjun , Ye Zilan , Zhou Rui , Yu Yunfang , Wang Gaofeng , Huang Na , Wu Jianhua , Rong Xiaoxiang , Sun Li , Sun Huiying , Qiu Wenjun , Xue Yichen , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Li Nailin , Shi Min , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Liao Wangjun 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundDurable efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) occurred in a small number of patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) and the determinant biomarker of response to ICB remains unclear.MethodsWe developed an open-source TMEscore R package, to quantify the tumor microenvironment (TME) to aid in addressing this dilemma. Two advanced gastric cancer cohorts (RNAseq, N=45 and NanoString, N=48) and other advanced cancer (N=534) treated with ICB were leveraged to investigate the predictive value of TMEscore. Simultaneously, multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas of Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) and Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) were interrogated for underlying mechanisms.ResultsThe predictive capacity of TMEscore was corroborated in patient with mGC cohorts treated with pembrolizumab in a prospective phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02589496, N=45, area under the curve (AUC)=0.891). Notably, TMEscore, which has a larger AUC than programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive score, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and Epstein-Barr virus, was also validated in the multicenter advanced gastric cancer cohort using NanoString technology (N=48, AUC=0.877). Exploration of the intrinsic mechanisms of TMEscore with TCGA and ACRG multi-omics data identified TME pertinent mechanisms including mutations, metabolism pathways, and epigenetic features.ConclusionsCurrent study highlighted the promising predictive value of TMEscore for patients with mGC. Exploration of TME in multi-omics gastric cancer data may provide the impetus for precision immunotherapy.
Echocardiography in suspected coronavirus infection: indications, limitations and impact on clinical management
Authors: Sheehan Megan M , Saijo Yoshihito , Popovic Zoran B , Faulx Michael D 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the use of echocardiography in patients hospitalised with suspected coronavirus infection and to assess its impact on clinical management.MethodsWe studied 79 adults from a prospective registry of inpatients with suspected coronavirus infection at a single academic centre. Echocardiographic indications included abnormal biomarkers, shock, cardiac symptoms, arrhythmia, worsening hypoxaemia or clinical deterioration. Study type (limited or complete) was assessed for each patient. The primary outcome measure was echocardiography-related change in clinical management, defined as intensive care transfer, medication changes, altered ventilation parameters or subsequent cardiac procedures within 24 hours of echocardiography. Coronavirus-positive versus coronavirus-negative patient groups were compared. The relationship between echocardiographic findings and coronavirus mortality was assessed.Results56 patients were coronavirus-positive and 23 patients were coronavirus-negative with symptoms attributed to other diagnoses. Coronavirus-positive patients more often received limited echocardiograms (70% vs 26%, p=0.001). The echocardiographic indication for coronavirus-infected patients was frequently worsening hypoxaemia (43% vs 4%) versus chest pain, syncope or clinical heart failure (23% vs 44%). Echocardiography changed management less frequently in coronavirus-positive patients (18% vs 48%, p=0.01). Among coronavirus-positive patients, 14 of 56 (25.0%) died during hospitalisation. Those who died more often had echocardiography to evaluate clinical deterioration (71% vs 24%) and had elevated right ventricular systolic pressures (37 mm Hg vs 25 mm Hg), but other parameters were similar to survivors.ConclusionsEchocardiograms performed on hospitalised patients with coronavirus infection were often technically limited, and their findings altered patient management in a minority of patients.
Richardson’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) are associated primarily with intermediate levels of grassland, clay loam soils, and human development in Canadian mixed-grass prairies
Authors: Fisher Ryan J. , Vass Ashley N. , Somers Christopher M. , Poulin Ray G. 
Published: August 2021

Richardson’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii (Sabine, 1822)) is a widespread burrowing mammal on the northern Great Plains. This species is a prominent prey item for a variety of predators and its burrows provide important habitat for other wildlife; however, Richardson’s ground squirrel is also considered an economically damaging agricultural pest. Despite the ecological importance of Richardson’s ground squirrels and their status as pests, there are gaps in our knowledge about large-scale habitat associations for this species. In 2011 and 2012, we conducted 1840 roadside surveys in a 130 000 km2 area of southern Saskatchewan, Canada, to understand which habitat features are associated with Richardson’s ground squirrel occurrence. Ground squirrels were observed on 8% of the surveys. Probability of ground squirrel occurrence was highest in areas with moderate amounts of grassland (approximately 30%), areas that were developed by humans (>30%), and had a high proportion of clay loam soils, presumably for burrowing. Our study highlights the importance of heterogeneous landscapes and that areas disturbed by humans may provide suitable vegetation structure for ground squirrels. This information can help to identify important habitat for species that rely on Richardson’s ground squirrels and identify areas where Richardson’s ground squirrels could come into conflict with agriculture.
Study of growth matter index and cosmic implications in dynamical Chern–Simons modified gravity
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Rani Shamaila , Qummer Saba , Sharif Amir 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the framework of dynamical Chern–Simons theory of gravity, we study the recent cosmic expansion with acceleration of the universe. We take interacting scenario of dark energy and dark matter with three cutoffs like Granda–Oliveros, higher order derivative of Hubble parameter and generalized holographic dark energy model. In the flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe, well-known cosmological parameters have been calculated. We study the perturbation of matter density growth, growth factor and growth index behavior for the underlying framework. The cosmological parameters like equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter, and stability of each model are discussed. The outcomes of these models represent the cosmic expansion of the universe with acceleration.