bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taurolidine–citrate lock solution for the prevention of central line‐associated bloodstream infection in paediatric haematology–oncology and gastrointestinal failure patients with high baseline central‐line associated bloodstream infection rates
Authors: Chong Chia‐Yin , Ong Rina Y‐L , Seah Valerie X‐F , Tan Natalie W‐H , Chan Mei‐Yoke , Soh Shui‐Yen , Ong Christina , Lim Ashley S , Thoon Koh‐Cheng 
Published: May 2019

AimCentral line‐associated bloodstream infection associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious complication of patients on central venous catheters (CVC). Taurolidine–citrate solution (TCS) is a catheter‐lock solution with broad‐spectrum antimicrobial action. This study's aim was to evaluate the efficacy of TCS in reducing CLABSI rates in paediatric haematology–oncology (H/O) and gastrointestinal (GI) patients with long‐term CVC.MethodsThis was an open‐label trial of H/O and GI inpatients with the following inclusion criteria: <17 years old, more than or equal to one previous CLABSI and a minimum TCS dwell time of ≥8 h. CLABSI per 1000 catheter‐days was calculated from each patient's first CVC insertion till 14 December 2017 or until TCS discontinuation.ResultsThirty‐three patients were recruited with a median age of 3.5 years; H/O and GI constituted 60.6 and 39.4% respectively. CVC types were Hickman line (45.5%), implantable port (24.2%) and peripherally inserted central catheter (30.3%). Mean pre‐ and post‐TCS CLABSI rates per 1000 catheter‐days were 14.44 and 2.45 (P < 0.001) for all patients; 16.55 and 2.81 for H/O patients; and 11.21 and 1.90 for GI patients, respectively. Pre‐ and post‐TCS rate ratio was 0.20, 0.10 and 0.30 for all, H/O and GI patients, respectively (P < 0.001). TCS also led to a reduction in CVC removal from 66.7 to 9.09% (P < 0.001).ConclusionsTCS usage was highly successful in CLABSI reduction by 80% in all patients, 90% in H/O and 70% in GI patients. In patients with high baseline CLABSI rates, TCS is an effective catheter‐lock therapy to reduce CLABSI rates in paediatric patients.
Use of the consolidated framework for implementation research to assess determinants of silver diamine fluoride implementation in safety net dental clinics
Authors: Weintraub Jane A. , Birken Sarah A. , Burgette Jacqueline M. , Lewis Teresa A. , White B. Alexander 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesIn the United States, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a relatively new, quick, and low‐cost method for arresting dental caries. This study's purpose was to identify determinants of the implementation of an SDF protocol for pediatric patients in three safety net clinics to inform future efforts to implement the protocol.MethodsWe familiarized dental personnel with the SDF protocol through on‐site education and feedback sessions. Two months after the educational sessions, we conducted focus groups with a total of eight dentists and 21 staff across three North Carolina safety net dental clinics: a private nonprofit healthcare network, a community health center, and a county health department. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to understand determinants of implementation of the protocol.ResultsDeterminants of SDF protocol implementation included SDF protocol characteristics (e.g., source of protocol and its ease of use and adaptability, relative advantage compared to alternatives, low cost), characteristics of the outer setting or the dental clinic's environment (e.g., patient needs), inner setting or dental clinics’ characteristics (e.g., culture of safety net clinic, leadership engagement), characteristics of dental personnel (e.g., concerns were alleviated by the training and having the protocol), and process characteristics (e.g., training and technical assistance from a reliable source). Overall, implementation was less successful in clinics with less leadership engagement and turnover of dental personnel who did not receive the training.ConclusionsThe determinants of SDF protocol implementation identified in this study will be useful to guide future efforts to implement the SDF protocol.
Effect of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins on serum biochemical profiles and intestinal bacterial populations in early‐weaned piglets
Authors: Tan Xian , Li Jia , Li Yali , Li Jianzhong , Wang Qingping , Fang Lin , Ding Xueqin , Huang Pengfei , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study was conducted to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with anti‐E. coli, chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY), may affect early weaned piglet (EWP) intestinal functions and enteric micro‐organisms. One hundred and forty‐eight ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) piglets, weaned at age day 21, were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets for 14 days. Treatment group one (control group) was fed the base diet. Treatment group two (antibiotics group) was fed the base diet which was supplemented with 100 ppm colistin sulphate and 15 ppm enramycin; treatment group three (IgY group) was fed the base diet which was supplemented with 500 mg/kg anti‐E. coli IgY. The study evaluated the effects on EWPs of IgY on growth, serum biochemical, inflammatory profiles and also digestion content intestinal bacterial populations. Results showed no significant difference in diarrhoea rates between IgY‐fed EWPs and antibiotic‐treated EWPs. Serum biochemical analysis showed that EWPs fed an IgY‐containing diet had both lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein compared to antibiotic‐treated EWPs. Escherichia coli populations measured in IgY‐fed EWP ileal contents, compared to the control group, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bifidobacterium populations were unaffected by the IgY treatment. Larger (p < 0.05) Enterococcus populations and lower (p < 0.05) expression levels of heat‐stable enterotoxin b (STb) were observed in IgY‐fed EWP caecal digesta compared to the control group. Enteric Lactobacillus significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in EWPs fed antibiotics while it was unaffected by IgY treatment. Dietary supplementation with anti‐E. coli IgY has the potential to suppress enteric E. coli growth, but not Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bifidobacterium. This promotes and maintains a healthy EWP intestinal environment. These findings suggest that IgY may be used as an alternative to antibiotics in EWP diets.
Meteorites from the Lut Desert (Iran)
Authors: Pourkhorsandi Hamed , Gattacceca Jérôme , Rochette Pierre , D'Orazio Massimo , Kamali Hojat , de Avillez Roberto , Letichevsky Sonia , Djamali Morteza , Mirnejad Hassan , Debaille Vinciane , Jull A. J. Timothy 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe present for the first time a detailed report on the discovery of a new meteorite collection region in the Lut Desert, eastern–southeastern Iran, describing its geological, morphological, and climatic setting. Our search campaigns, alongside with the activity of meteorite hunters, yielded >200 meteorite finds. Here, we report on their classification, spatial distribution, and terrestrial weathering. All the collected meteorites are ordinary chondrites (OCs). The most abundant by far are the highly weathered paired H5 distributed in the northwest of Kalut area (central Lut, Kerman dense collection area). The second are well‐preserved paired L5 also found in Kalut region. A detailed study of the geochemistry and mineralogy of selected meteorites reveals significant effects of terrestrial weathering. Fe,Ni metal (hereafter simply metal) and troilite are transformed into Fe oxyhydroxides. A rather unusual type of troilite weathering to pyrite/marcasite is observed in most of the Lut Desert meteorites. Magnetic measurements and X‐ray diffractometry confirm the occurrence of terrestrial weathering products, with the dominance of maghemite, goethite, and hematite. Mobile elements, such as Li, Sr, Mo, Ba, Tl, Th, and U, are enriched with respect to fresh falls. Meanwhile, a decrease in the V, Cr, Co, Rb (and possibly Fe) due to terrestrial weathering is detectable. The total carbon and CaCO3 is higher than in samples from other hot deserts. The weathering effects observed in the Lut Desert OCs can be used as distinctive indicators to distinguish them from meteorites from other regions of the Earth. Measurements of terrestrial age (14C) show a range of 10–30 ka, which is in the range of ages reported for meteorites from other hot deserts except the Atacama Desert (Chile). Considering the high potential of the Lut Desert in meteorite preservation, systematic works should lead to the discovery of more samples giving access to interesting material for future studies.
Sexual assault and harassment of doctors, by doctors: a qualitative study
Authors: Stone Louise , Phillips Christine , Douglas Kirsty A 
Published: May 2019

ContextAlthough sexual harassment frequently occurs in medical education and medical workplaces, doctors who have been sexually harassed or assaulted by other doctors remain a largely invisible population. This study aimed to identify, using personal accounts, the impact on doctors of sexual harassment and assault by doctors in the workplace.MethodsThis narrative study used in‐depth interviews, legal reports and victim impact statements, tracing trajectories from the event's pre‐history to its aftermath and impact on professional practice. Participants were six Australian women doctors who had been subjected to one or more non‐consensual sexual acts through coercion or intimidation by another doctor in their working environments, within hospital training programmes.ResultsAll women identified long‐term personal and professional impacts of their experience. Three women had never reported the abuse. The meaning and impact of sexual abuse for the doctors followed a trajectory with discrete phases: prelude, assault, limbo, exposure and aftermath. Discounting the event and its impacts, and returning to the workplace were characterised as ‘being professional’. Those who sought legal restitution said it damaged their personal well‐being and their standing among fellow doctors.DiscussionUnderstanding the phases of experience of abuse enables the development of effective interventions for different phases. Interventions to minimise the risk of occurrence of sexual abuse must be distinguished from interventions to increase reporting rates, and interventions to mitigate harm and impact on victims’ futures. Idealised notions of professionalism can act as obstacles to doctors responding to sexual abuse.
The role of nitrite and nitric oxide under low oxygen conditions in plants
Authors: Gupta Kapuganti Jagadis , Mur Luis A. J. , Wany Aakanksha , Kumari Aprajita , Fernie Alisdair R. , Ratcliffe R. George 
Published: May 2019

SummaryPlant tissues, particularly roots, can be subjected to periods of hypoxia due to environmental circumstances. Plants have developed various adaptations in response to hypoxic stress and these have been described extensively. Less well‐appreciated is the body of evidence demonstrating that scavenging of nitric oxide (NO) and the reduction of nitrate/nitrite regulate important mechanisms that contribute to tolerance to hypoxia. Although ethylene controls hyponasty and aerenchyma formation, NO production apparently regulates hypoxic ethylene biosynthesis. In the hypoxic mitochondrion, cytochrome c oxidase, which is a major source of NO, also is inhibited by NO, thereby reducing the respiratory rate and enhancing local oxygen concentrations. Nitrite can maintain ATP generation under hypoxia by coupling its reduction to the translocation of protons from the inner side of mitochondria and generating an electrochemical gradient. This reaction can be further coupled to a reaction whereby nonsymbiotic haemoglobin oxidizes NO to nitrate. In addition to these functions, nitrite has been reported to influence mitochondrial structure and supercomplex formation, as well as playing a role in oxygen sensing via the N‐end rule pathway. These studies establish that nitrite and NO perform multiple functions during plant hypoxia and suggest that further research into the underlying mechanisms is warranted.
The long and short of the S‐locus in Turnera (Passifloraceae)
Authors: Shore Joel S. , Hamam Hasan J. , Chafe Paul D. J. , Labonne Jonathan D. J. , Henning Paige M. , McCubbin Andrew G. 
Published: May 2019

Summary

Distyly is an intriguing floral adaptation that increases pollen transfer precision and restricts inbreeding. It has been a model system in evolutionary biology since Darwin. Although the S‐locus determines the long‐ and short‐styled morphs, the genes were unknown in Turnera. We have now identified these genes.

We used deletion mapping to identify, and then sequence, BAC clones and genome scaffolds to construct S/s haplotypes. We investigated candidate gene expression, hemizygosity, and used mutants, to explore gene function.

The s‐haplotype possessed 21 genes collinear with a region of chromosome 7 of grape. The S‐haplotype possessed three additional genes and two inversions. TsSPH1 was expressed in filaments and anthers, TsYUC6 in anthers and TsBAHD in pistils. Long‐homostyle mutants did not possess TsBAHD and a short‐homostyle mutant did not express TsSPH1.

Three hemizygous genes appear to determine S‐morph characteristics in T. subulata. Hemizygosity is common to all distylous species investigated, yet the genes differ. The pistil candidate gene, TsBAHD, differs from that of Primula, but both may inactivate brassinosteroids causing short styles. TsYUC6 is involved in auxin synthesis and likely determines pollen characteristics. TsSPH1 is likely involved in filament elongation. We propose an incompatibility mechanism involving TsYUC6 and TsBAHD.
Internet use and export upgrading: Firm‐level evidence from China
Authors: Huang Xianhai , Song Xueyin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of widespread Internet use on the product choices of exporters. Based on a highly disaggregated firm–product‐level data matched from the Annual Survey of Industrial Firms and China Customs Transaction Database, our baseline empirical analysis suggests that (1) Internet use (i.e., having an official website or corporate email) affects both extensive margin and quality margin of exported products; (2) exporters using Internet propone to expand their product line of export by introducing new products (cost‐reduction effect on extensive margin); (3) the average quality of exported products becomes lower after the Internet is adopted by exporters (competition effect on quality margin). Our heterogeneous analysis further shows that (1) exporters with high productivity are immune to the negative impact of Internet use on quality margin and maintain quality growth; (2) having an official website exerts larger impacts on both extensive margin and quality margin compared with only having a corporate email system. Our research sheds light on the existing literature on Internet use and firm export behaviors.
Globalization and firm‐level cost structure
Authors: Ding Hui , Lu Xiaoyan , Zheng Ying 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, we draw on economic theories of cost structure and the effects of international trade on firms' productivity to assess firm‐level cost behavior in the context of globalization. We investigate why and how trade openness affects firms' cost structure by examining the changes of fixed inputs along with those in capacity levels. Using a sample consisting of 25 countries from 2000 to 2014, we find that trade openness does significantly affect firms fixed and variable cost inputs, which indicate that production uncertainty along with international trade is essential to the cost structure decision in terms of cost rigidity. Furthermore, larger firms are more likely to adopt a rigid cost structure with higher fixed costs and lower variable costs because they are more involved in the international economy and more exposed to associated uncertainties.
Adjunctive treatment of clinically severe babesiosis with red blood cell exchange: a case series of nineteen patients
Authors: Nixon Christian P. , Park Sangshin , Nixon Christina E. , Reece Rebecca M. , Sweeney Joseph D. 
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUNDInfection with the protozoan parasite Babesia, the causative agent of babesiosis, can result in asymptomatic to life‐threatening illness. Severe cases of babesiosis are characterized by high levels of parasitemia (>4%‐10%) and commonly treated with adjunctive red blood cell exchange (RCE) in addition to antimicrobial therapy. The efficacy of RCE in this context is unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSBlood bank records were examined for requests for RCE during a 10‐year period from 2007 to 2017. Relevant clinical and laboratory variables were extracted from medical records from presentation to 35 days after RCE and analyzed in univariate and multivariate models.RESULTSNineteen cases of babesiosis were identified in which RCE was performed. The median age of patients was 77 years, 74% of whom were male. A total of 37% of patients were asplenic. RCE was performed on average 1.3 days after presentation, with procedural urgency driven mainly by the level of parasitemia. Mean pre‐ and post‐RCE levels of parasitemia were 12.9 and 3.4%, respectively, resulting in a mean percent reduction in parasitemia of 75%. Preprocedural parasitemia (p = 0.047) and age (p = 0.028) were both significant predictors of postprocedural hospital length of stay (post‐RCE LOS). Neither postprocedural parasitemia (p = 0.12) nor percent reduction in parasitemia (p = 0.72) correlated with post‐RCE LOS. Four patients died, none of whom were asplenic. Mortality was not correlated with hematologic, parasitologic, or clinical variables analyzed.CONCLUSIONSReduction in the level of parasitemia is the only known benefit of RCE in severe babesiosis.
Ten years of TRALI mitigation: measuring our progress
Authors: Vossoughi Sarah , Gorlin Jed , Kessler Debra A. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Van Buren Nancy L. , Jimenez Alexandra , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUNDTransfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a leading cause of transfusion‐associated mortality for which multiple mitigation strategies have been implemented over the past decade. However, product‐specific TRALI rates have not been reported longitudinally and may help refine additional mitigation strategies.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis retrospective multicenter study included analysis of TRALI rates from 2007 through 2017. Numerators included definite or probable TRALI reports from five blood centers serving nine states in the United States. Denominators were components distributed from participating centers. Rates were calculated as per 100,000 components distributed (p < 0.05 significant).RESULTSOne hundred four TRALI cases were reported from 10,012,707 components distributed (TRALI rate of 1.04 per 100,000 components). The TRALI rate was 2.25 for female versus 1.08 for male donated components (p < .001). The TRALI rate declined from 2.88 in 2007 to 0.60 in 2017. From 2007 to 2013, there was a significantly higher TRALI rate associated with female versus male plasma (33.85 vs. 1.59; p < 0.001) and RBCs (1.97 vs. 1.15; p = 0.03). From 2014 through 2017, after implementation of mitigation strategies, a significantly higher TRALI rate only from female‐donated plateletpheresis continued to be observed (2.98 vs. 0.75; p = 0.04).CONCLUSIONAlthough the TRALI rates have substantially decreased secondary to multiple strategies over the past decade, a residual risk remains, particularly with female‐donated plateletpheresis products. Additional tools that may further mitigate TRALI incidence include the use of buffy coat pooled platelets suspended in male donor plasma or platelet additive solution due to the lower amounts of residual plasma.
A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing
Authors: Givol Or , Kornhaber Rachel , Visentin Denis , Cleary Michelle , Haik Josef , Harats Moti 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTUse of complementary and alternative medicine for wound healing is influencing mainstream medical practice. This systematic review evaluates the role of Calendula officinalis flower extract as monotherapy compared to control for wound healing in vivo. Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Scopus (up to April 2018) with 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, comprising 7 animal experiments and 7 clinical trials. Findings from the review on acute wound healing showed faster resolution of the inflammation phase with increased production of granulation tissue in the test groups treated with extract. These findings were consistent in five animal studies and one randomized clinical trial. Chronic wound healing studies were varied. Two clinical control studies on venous ulcers demonstrated decreased ulcer surface area compared to controls. Another randomized clinical trial demonstrated no improvement for the calendula group in diabetic leg ulcer healing. Burn healing similarly showed mixed results. Two animal studies demonstrated a prophylactic effect for the administration of calendula extract prior to burn injury. A randomized clinical trial of patients suffering from partial to full thickness burns demonstrated no benefit for topical application of calendula extract compared to controls. Two randomized clinical trials assessed the potential for extract to prevent acute post radiation dermatitis, with one study showing improvements compared to trolamine, while the other found no improvement compared to aqua gel cream. Animal studies provide moderate evidence for improved recovery from the inflammation phase and increased production of granulation tissue in calendula extract treatment groups. This review identified some evidence for the beneficial effects of C. officinalis extract for wound healing, consistent with its role in traditional medicine. There is a need for larger, well‐designed randomized control trials to assess the effect of calendula on wound healing including complications.