bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maize lateral root developmental plasticity induced by mild water stress. I: Genotypic variation across a high‐resolution series of water potentials
Authors: Dowd Tyler G. , Braun David M. , Sharp Robert E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLateral root developmental plasticity induced by mild water stress was examined across a high‐resolution series of growth media water potentials (Ψw) in two genotypes of maize. The suitability of several media for imposing near‐stable Ψw treatments on transpiring plants over prolonged growth periods was assessed. Genotypic differences specific to responses of lateral root growth from the primary root system occurred between cultivars FR697 and B73 over a narrow series of water stress treatments ranging in Ψw from −0.25 to −0.40 MPa. In FR697, both the average length and number of first‐order lateral roots were substantially enhanced at a Ψw of −0.25 MPa compared with well‐watered controls. These effects were separated spatially, occurring primarily in the upper and lower regions of the axial root, respectively. Furthermore, first‐order lateral roots progressively increased in diameter with increasing water stress, resulting in a maximum 2.3‐fold increase in root volume at a Ψw of −0.40 MPa. In B73, in contrast, the length, diameter, nor number of lateral roots was increased in any of the water stress treatments. The genotype‐specific responses observed over this narrow range of Ψw demonstrate the necessity of high‐resolution studies at mild stress levels for characterization of lateral root developmental plasticity.
Double Effect Electron Transfer System in the AgBr/ZnO Composite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation Performance against 3‐Chlorophenol under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Vaizoğullar Ali İmran 
Published: July 2018

AbstractVisible light‐driven novel and highly efficient AgBr/ZnO photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile precipitation and dehydration methods. The synthesized samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV‐Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Within various combinations of AgBr and ZnO components in the composites, 1AgBr/ZnO showed higher photocatalytic activity against 3‐chlorophenol (3‐CP). UV‐Vis DRS spectra showed that the absorbance of AgBr/ZnO was higher than pure ZnO in the visible light region. The PL results showed that efficient inhibition of the generated electron/hole pairs has occurred during the degradation process due to the formation of heterojunctions. The forming of metallic Ag0 by photogenerated electrons, which captures Ag+ ions, could act as an interfacial charge transmission bridge in the AgBr/ZnO composite. These results provided an important insight into the plasmonic Ag particles to obtain an efficient visible light‐driven photocatalyst. In addition, the possible mechanism of charge transfers and separation of electron/hole pairs were also evaluated in detail.
Effects of football simulated fatigue on neuromuscular function and whole‐body response to disturbances in balance
Authors: Behan Fearghal P. , Willis Scott , Pain Matt T.G. , Folland Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2018

The effect of football‐specific fatigue on explosive neuromuscular performance and dynamic balance has received little attention in the literature despite the potential consequences for injury risk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fatigue induced by simulated football match play on maximal and explosive knee flexor (KF) and knee extensor (KE) torque, and thus the maximal and explosive KF/KE ratio, as well as the effect of fatigue induced by simulated football match play on whole‐body response to disturbances in balance. Fifteen male team sports players (mean ± SD: age 24.2 ± 4.2 years; stature 1.79 ± 0.09 m; body mass, 77.3 ± 10.7 kg) underwent ~90 minutes of the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST; fatiguing exercise condition) or seated rest (control condition) on separate days. Maximal and explosive isometric KF and KE voluntary torque (MVT/EVT) were assessed pre‐ and post‐condition. Maximal and explosive KF/KE ratios were calculated. Center of mass (COM) response (displacement) to unexpected anterior and posterior platform perturbations were also assessed pre‐ and post‐condition. Football simulated fatigue resulted in reduced KF (15%) and KE (12%) MVT (P ≤ 0.002) but was not found to reduce EVT of either muscle group, or explosive KF/KE ratio. Football simulated fatigue resulted in impaired balance response (11% increase in COM displacement) to unexpected perturbation in the posterior (P = 0.002) but not the anterior direction. Impaired response to dynamic disturbances in balance, rather than explosive torque or changes in muscle balance (H/Q ratios), may be a contributory factor toward increased injury risk in the latter portion of football games, and likely highlights the influence of fatigue on sensory/proprioceptive processes.
Golimumab induction and maintenance for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis: results from GO-COLITIS (Golimumab: a Phase 4, UK, open label, single arm study on its utilization and impact in ulcerative Colitis)
Authors: Probert Christopher SJ , Sebastian Shaji , Gaya Daniel R , Hamlin P John , Gillespie Gillian , Rose Anita , Tate Helen , Wheeler Colin , Irving Peter M 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveGO-COLITIS aimed to measure the effectiveness of subcutaneous golimumab in tumour necrosis factor-α antagonist–naive patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) despite conventional treatment.DesignGO-COLITIS was an open label, single arm, phase 4 study with a pragmatic design which reflected UK clinical practice. Adult patients were eligible if diagnosed with UC ≥3 months, partial Mayo score (PMS) 4–9. Patients received subcutaneous golimumab induction (200 mg initially and 100 mg at week 2) followed at week 6 by 50 mg or 100 mg (depending on weight) every 4 weeks until week 54 with a 12-week follow-up. Efficacy was measured by PMS at baseline, week 6, 30, 54 and 66. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and EuroQol Group 5 Dimensions Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D)) was assessed at baseline, week 6 and week 54. All safety adverse events (AEs) were recorded.Results207 patients were enrolled and 205 received golimumab (full analysis set (FAS)205). At week 6, 68.8% (95% CI 62.0% to 75.1%) and 38.5% (95% CI 31.8% to 45.6%) of patients were in response and remission, respectively, using PMS. At the end of the induction phase, 140/141 patients in clinical response continued into the maintenance phase (Maintenance FAS). Sustained clinical response through week 54 was achieved in 51/205 (24.9%) of the FAS205 population and 51/140 (36.4%) of the Maintenance FAS population. Statistically significant improvements from baseline to week 6 were observed for the IBDQ total score and for each IBDQ domain score (bowel symptoms, emotional function, systemic symptoms and social function), as well as the EQ-5D index score and associated visual analogue scale score (p<0.0001). Improvement of HRQoL was sustained through week 54. Serious AEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 8.8% of patients.ConclusionIn this study measuring patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate to severe UC, golimumab induced and maintained response as measured by PMS and significantly improved quality of life measures.Trial registration numberNCT02092285; 2013-004583-56.
Risk factors and risk factor cascades for communicable disease outbreaks in complex humanitarian emergencies: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Hammer Charlotte Christiane , Brainard Julii , Hunter Paul R 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundCommunicable diseases are a major concern during complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs). Descriptions of risk factors for outbreaks are often non-specific and not easily generalisable to similar situations. This review attempts to capture relevant evidence and explore whether it is possible to better generalise the role of risk factors and risk factor cascades these factors may form.MethodsA systematic search of the key databases and websites was conducted. Search terms included terms for CHEs (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs definition) and terms for communicable diseases. Due to the types of evidence found, a thematic synthesis was conducted.Results26 articles met inclusion criteria. Key risk factors include crowded conditions, forced displacement, poor quality shelter, poor water, sanitation and hygiene, lack of healthcare facilities and lack of adequate surveillance. Most identified risk factors do not relate to specific diseases, or are specific to a group of diseases such as diarrhoeal diseases and not to a particular disease within that group. Risk factors are often listed in general terms but are poorly evidenced, not contextualised and not considered with respect to interaction effects in individual publications. The high level of the inter-relatedness of risk factors became evident, demonstrating risk factor cascades that are triggered by individual risk factors or clusters of risk factors.ConclusionsCHEs pose a significant threat to public health. More rigorous research on the risk of disease outbreaks in CHEs is needed, from a practitioner and from an academic point of view.
Patient safety initiatives in obstetrics: a rapid review
Authors: Antony Jesmin , Zarin Wasifa , Pham Ba’ , Nincic Vera , Cardoso Roberta , Ivory John D , Ghassemi Marco , Barber Sarah Louise , Straus Sharon E , Tricco Andrea C 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThis review was commissioned by WHO, South Africa-Country office because of an exponential increase in medical litigation claims related to patient safety in obstetrical care in the country. A rapid review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of quality improvement (QI) strategies on maternal and newborn patient safety outcomes, risk of litigation and burden of associated costs.DesignA rapid review of the literature was conducted to provide decision-makers with timely evidence. Medical and legal databases (eg, MEDLINE, Embase, LexisNexis Academic, etc) and reference lists of relevant studies were searched. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, abstracted data and appraised risk of bias. Results were summarised narratively.InterventionsWe included randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of QI strategies targeting health systems (eg, team changes) and healthcare providers (eg, clinician education) to improve the safety of women and their newborns. Eligible studies were limited to trials published in English between 2004 and 2015.Primary and secondary outcome measuresRCTs reporting on patient safety outcomes (eg, stillbirths, mortality and caesarean sections), litigation claims and associated costs were included.ResultsThe search yielded 4793 citations, of which 10 RCTs met our eligibility criteria and provided information on over 500 000 participants. The results are presented by QI strategy, which varied from one study to another. Studies including provider education alone (one RCT), provider education in combination with audit and feedback (two RCTs) or clinician reminders (one RCT), as well as provider education with patient education and audit and feedback (one RCT), reported some improvements to patient safety outcomes. None of the studies reported on litigation claims or the associated costs.ConclusionsOur results suggest that provider education and other QI strategy combinations targeting healthcare providers may improve the safety of women and their newborns during childbirth.
Care pathway and organisational features driving patient experience: statistical analysis of large NHS datasets
Authors: Flott Kelsey , Darzi Ara , Mayer Erik 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the care pathway and organisational factors that predict patient experience.DesignStatistical analysis of large National Health Service (NHS) datasets.Setting andparticipantsEngland; acute NHS organisational-level data.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe relationship of care pathway and organisational variables to organisation-level patient experience.ResultsA framework of 18 care pathway and organisational variables were created based on the existing literature. 11 of these correlated to patient experience in univariate analyses. Multicollinearity tests resulted in 1 of the 11 variables holding a correlation to another variable larger than r=0.70. A significant multilinear regression equation, including the final 10 variables, was found (F(10,108)=6.214, p<0.00), with anR2of 0.365. Two variables were significant in predicting better in patient experience: Amount of support to clinical staff (beta=0.2, p=0.02) and the proportion of staff who would recommend the trust as a place to work or receive treatment (beta=0.26, p=0.01). Two variables were significant in predicting a negative impact on the patient’s rating of their experience: Number of patients spending over 4 hours from decision to admit to admission (beta=−1.99, p=0.03) and the percentage of estates and hotel services contracted out (beta=−0.23, p=0.01).ConclusionsThese results indicate that augmenting clinical support and investing in the mechanisms that facilitate positive staff experience is essential to delivering appropriate, informative and patient-centric care. Reducing wait times and the extent of external contracting within hospitals is also likely to improve patient ratings of experience. Understanding the relationship between patient experience and objective, measurable organisational features promote a more patient-centric interpretation of quality and compel a better use of patient experience feedback to drive improvement.
Barriers to uptake of referral services from secondary care to tertiary care and its associated factors in L V Prasad Eye Institute network in Southern India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khanna Rohit C , Kim Sujeong , Giridhar Pyda , Mettla Asha Latha , Marmamula Srinivas , Rao Gullapalli Nageswara 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo examine barriers to the uptake of referral services from secondary care centres to higher level tertiary care centres.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSecondary care hospital in Khammam District in the Telangana state of India.ParticipantsNine hundred and three patients who were referred from a secondary care centre to tertiary care centres between June 2011 and December 2012, were over the age of 18 and lived within 50 km of the secondary care centre were identified. Six hundred and sixteen (68.2%) of these patients were successfully contacted, and 611 (99%) of those contacted consented to participation in the study.InterventionsThose who attended at higher centres after referral (compliant) and those who failed to attend (non-compliant) were interviewed with a standard questionnaire designed for the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOutcome measures were barriers to the uptake of eye care services for the non-compliant participants and the associated risk factors for non-compliance.ResultsOf the contacted patients, 418 (68.4%) were compliant and 193 (31.6%) were non-compliant. The mean age of interviewed patients was 48.4 years (SD: 17.9 years) and 365 (59.7%) were male. Of those who did not comply with their referral, the major identified barriers were ‘cannot afford treatment cost’ (30%) and ‘able to see adequately’ (20.7%). Multivariable analysis showed that participants in the non-compliant group were more likely to have had only one prior visit to the centre (OR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.9), be referred for oculoplastic services (OR: 3.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 8.8) and to be the main earning member of the family (OR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8).ConclusionsNon-compliance with referrals in this population is largely attributable to economic and attitudinal reasons. Focusing on these specific barriers and targeting groups at higher risk of non-compliance could potentially improve uptake of referral services.
Emotional reserve and prolonged post-concussive symptoms and disability: a Swedish prospective 1-year mild traumatic brain injury cohort study
Authors: Oldenburg Christian , Lundin Anders , Edman Gunnar , Deboussard Catharina Nygren , Bartfai Aniko 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveProlonged post-concussive symptoms (PCS) affect a significant minority of patients withmild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The aetiology is multifactorial depending on preinjury as well as peri-injury and postinjury factors. In this study, we examine outcome from an emotional reserve perspective.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingPatients were recruited from three emergency departments in major university hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden. Follow-up data were collected in an outpatient setting at one of the recruiting hospitals.Participants122 patients with a history of blunt head trauma (aged 15–65 years; admitted for mTBI within 24 hours after trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14–15, loss of consciousness <30 min and/or post-traumatic amnesia <24 hours). Exclusion criteria were other significant physical injury and other major neurological disorder, including previous significant head injury.ProcedureRecruitment in three emergency departments. Initial assessments were made within 1 week after the injury. Patients were mailed the follow-up questionnaires 1 year postinjury.Outcome measuresA psychiatric assessment was performed at 1 week post injury. The participants also completed a personality inventory, measures of psychological resilience, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms. One-year outcome was measured by the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms and the Rivermead Head Injury Follow-Up questionnaires.ResultsThe psychiatric assessment revealed more symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic symptoms in the acute stage for patients who later developed PCS.After 1 year, 94 participants were still in the programme (male/female 57/37) and 12% matched the extended criteria for PCS (≥3 symptoms and ≥2 disabilities). PCS patients reported more preinjury and concurrent psychiatric problems, lower level of functioning before the injury and experienced more stress. They showed higher somatic trait anxiety, embitterment, mistrust and lower level of psychological resilience than recovered participants.ConclusionIntrapersonal emotional reserve shape the emergence and persistence of PCS after mTBI.
Sipjeondaebo-tang in patients with breast cancer with fatigue: a protocol for a pilot, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial
Authors: Cheon Chunhoo , Kang Sohyeon , Ko Youme , Kim Mia , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Shin Yong-Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionCancer-related fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with cancer and one of the most distressing symptoms in patients with breast cancer. Sipjeondaebo-tang (Juzen-taiho-to in Japanese or Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang in Chinese) is a widely used herbal medicine for the treatment of fatigue in Korea, China and Japan. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of Sipjeondaebo-tang for cancer-related fatigue.Methods and analysisThe present study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Forty-eight patients with breast cancer who are indicated for doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide will be recruited. The participants will receive 3 g of Sipjeondaebo-tang or a placebo three times a day for 56 days. The primary outcome measurement is the change in the Brief Fatigue Inventory scores. The secondary outcome measurements include the changes in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of fatigue, and quality of life measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer—QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. VAS of fatigue will be measured on every visit, and other outcomes will be measured on visits 2, 4, 6 and 7. The total study period is 14 weeks.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Catholic Kwandong University International St Mary’s Hospital (reference IS16MNSI0011). The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a scientific conference.Trial registration numberNCT02858856; Pre-results.
Enhancing acute stroke services: a quality improvement project
Authors: McGrath Keith , Cunningham Nora , Moloney Elizabeth , O’Connor Margaret , McManus John , Peters Catherine , Lyons Declan 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundIn a busy stroke centre in Ireland, care for acute stroke was provided by a mixture of general physicians. In acute ischaemic stroke, speed is essential for good outcomes.AimTo improve acute stroke services and decrease door-to-needle (DTN) time to less than 60 min by December 2016 in patients with acute ischaemic stroke who are eligible for intravenous thrombolysis.Design: A quality improvement (QI) project was undertaken in a 438 bed, acute, university hospital.MethodsMixture of qualitative and quantitative data collected. A process map and driver diagram were created. Interventions tested with Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Times compared between July and December 2015, January and July 2016, July and December 2016, when a new stroke team and pathway were introduced.ResultsBetween July and December 2015, the total number of ischaemic strokes was 216. 17 were thrombolysed (7.8%). Median door-to-CT (DTCT) time was 36 min (range 21–88). Median DTN time was 99 min (range 52–239). Between July and December 2016, there were 214 ischaemic strokes. 29 were thrombolysed (13.5%). 9 were seen directly by the stroke team during normal hours. With stroke team involvement, median DTCT time was 34 min (range 14–60) and DTN time was 43.5 min (range 24–65).ConclusionsThis project led to a significant and sustained improvement in acute stroke care in our hospital with the use of quality improvement techniques. A comprehensive protocol, recurrent and ongoing staff education, and good communication helped to mitigate delays and further enhance care provided to patients presenting with stroke. The approach described may be valuable to the improvement of other services.’
Idiopathic splenomegaly: a previously unrecognised cause of anaemia and thrombocytopenia in a dog
Authors: Kelly Darren , Craig Andrew , Juvet Florence 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA nine-year-old female neutered Old English sheepdog was referred for investigation and treatment of moderate, non-regenerative anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Aside from the aforementioned changes on complete blood count (CBC), the only abnormality found during diagnostic investigation was marked, generalised splenomegaly. A cause for the anaemia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly was not found following initial investigation. Splenectomy was performed and histopathological analysis showed marked, diffuse, subacute-chronic congestion and intraparenchymal haemorrhage. There was no evidence of neoplastic change. The splenic vasculature appeared normal during coeliotomy and torsion was not present. The findings of anaemia and thrombocytopenia, along with the histopathological changes found in the spleen, are similar to those found in people diagnosed with idiopathic splenomegaly. The dog recovered well from anaesthesia and was discharged the following day. Repeat CBCs over 12 months postsurgery showed results within normal limits, and no clinical signs had been reported by the owners.