bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patellar tendon structure responds to load over a 7‐week preseason in elite male volleyball players
Authors: Maciel Rabello Lucas , Zwerver Johannes , Stewart Roy E. , van den Akker‐Scheek Inge , Brink Michel S. 
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between external and internal load and the response of the patellar tendon structure assessed with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) in elite male volleyball players during preseason. Eighteen players were followed over 7 weeks, measuring four load parameters during every training and match: volume (minutes played), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (ranging from 6 to 20), weekly load (RPE*volume), and jump frequency (number of jumps). Patellar tendon structure was measured biweekly using UTC, which quantifies tendon matrix stability resulting in four different echo types (I‐IV). On average, players spent 615 min/wk on training and matches with an RPE of 13.9 and a jump frequency of 269. Load evaluation shows significant changes over the 7 weeks: Volume and weekly load parameters were significantly higher in week 3 than week 7 and in week 4 than week 2. Weekly load performed in week 4 was significantly higher than week 7. No significant changes were observed in tendon structure. On the non‐dominant side, no significant correlations were found between changes in load parameters and echo types. At the dominant side, a higher weekly volume and weekly load resulted in a decrease of echo type I and a higher mean RPE in an increase of echo type II. The results of this study show that both external and internal load influence changes in patellar tendon structure of elite male volleyball players. Monitoring load and the effect on patellar tendon structure may play an important role in injury prevention.
‘Placing’ Sustainable Food Practices by Geographical Knowledge? Insights from the German Dairy Industry
Authors: Klein Oliver 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDrawing on the literature on Commodity Cultures, this paper analyses the deployment of geographical knowledge by German dairy firms in the promotion of (what they regard as) sustainable dairy production. The analysis is based on a content analysis including various materials (e.g. annual reports, sustainability reports, newsletters, advertisements) of 26 companies, covering around 75‐80 per cent of the German dairy market. The empirical findings show that specific forms of geographical knowledge, that is, knowledge about regions of origin, production methods and/or cultural settings, are used to primarily emphasise four sustainability issues: protection of natural/cultural landscapes; climate protection; family, community and local heritage; reciprocity of human‐animal‐nature relations. However, as the promotion of these issues is favoured, among others, by the ambiguity of the term ‘sustainability’, German dairy firms may capitalise on a variety of constructed narratives and pictures having the power to ‘embellish’ different dairy practices that are presumed to be sustainable.
The contribution of oxidative stress to platelet senescence during storage
Authors: Wang Li , Xie Rufeng , Fan Zhijia , Yang Jie , Liang Wei , Wu Qiang , Wu Mei X. , Wang Zhicheng , Lu Yuan 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDPlatelets for transfusion become senescent and dysfunctional during storage, resulting in a markedly short shelf life (5 days). We hypothesized that oxidative stress might account for this decline.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHuman platelets were treated with or without antioxidants before storage, and samples were collected and analyzed at different time points. Platelet senescence was determined by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase assay, and senescence‐related platelet qualities were also analyzed.RESULTSSign of senescence became evident after Day 3 and continued to increase over time. We also found that chemical induction of platelet activation did not affect senescence level, whereas apoptosis inducers showed a stimulative effect on platelet senescence. Moreover, this effect was not prevented by a pan‐caspase inhibitor. Meanwhile, cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were found elevated during storage, and treatments with antioxidants successfully prevented this increase and also mitigated senescence levels of stored platelets. Finally, resveratrol, a natural antioxidant, was utilized as a novel storage additive to safely extend platelet shelf time. We showed that the addition of resveratrol efficiently postponed platelet senescence and ameliorated platelet storage lesion.CONCLUSIONSPlatelets during storage became senescent and dysfunctional over time, and we found that oxidative stress might account for this decline. The addition of antioxidants effectively postponed senescence and ameliorated platelet storage lesion, which might provide a valuable reference to future platelet storage methodologies.
Factors associated with peripheral intravenous cannulation first-time insertion success in the emergency department. A multicentre prospective cohort analysis of patient, clinician and product characteristics
Authors: Carr Peter J , Rippey James C R , Cooke Marie L , Trevenen Michelle L , Higgins Niall S , Foale Aileen S , Rickard Claire M 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the incidence of and factors associated with peripheral intravenous catheter/cannula (PIVC) first time insertion success (FTIS) in the emergency department (ED).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTwo tertiary EDs in Western Australia.Participants879 ED patients.Primary outcomeTo identify factors affecting FTIS using univariate and multivariate logistic regression modelling. We created four models:patient factors only; clinician factors only; products and technology factors only and all factors model. We assessed each model’s performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsA total of 1201 PIVCs were inserted in 879 patients. The mean age was 60.3 (SD 22) years with slightly more females (52%). The FTIS rate was 73%, with 128 (15%) requiring a second attempt and 83 (9%) requiring three or more attempts. A small percentage (3%) had no recorded number of subsequent attempts. FTIS was related to the following patient factors: age (for a 1-year increase in age: OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.983 to 0.998; p=0.0097); and target vein palpability: (always palpable vs never palpable: OR 3.53 95% CI 1.64 to 7.60; only palpable with tourniquet vs never palpable: OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.57; p=0.0014). Clinician factors related to FTIS include: clinicians with greater confidence (p<0.0001) and insertion experience (301–1000 vs <301: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.34; >1000 vs <301: OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.04; p=0.0011). The finalall factors modelcombining patient factors; clinician factors and product and technology factors has greater discriminative ability than specific factors models. It has a sensitivity of 74.26%, specificity of 57.69%, positive predictive value of 82.87% and negative predictive value of 44.85%.ConclusionA clinical decision, matching patients who have no palpable veins and are older, with clinicians with greater confidence and experience, will likely improve FTIS.Trialregistration numberANZCTRN12615000588594; Results.
Liver damage in patients living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment with normal baseline liver function and without HBV/HCV infection: an 11-year retrospective cohort study in Guangxi, China
Authors: Qin Fengxiang , Jiang Junjun , Qin Chunwei , Huang Yunxuan , Liang Bingyu , Xu Yuexiang , Huang Jiegang , Xu Zhiliang , Ning Chuanyi , Liao Yanyan , Zang Ning , Lai Jingzhen , Wei Wudi , Yu Jun , Ye Li , Qin Xionglin , Liang Hao 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo characterise the association between duration of exposure to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and liver damage in HIV patients with an initially normal baseline liver function and without hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV-infected individuals with normal liver function parameters at ART initiation and without HBV/HCV infection, from 14 April 2004 to 13 April 2015 in Guigang city, Guangxi, China. The association between duration of ART and liver damage (grade II–IV liver enzyme elevation [LEE] and/or total bilirubin elevation [TBE]), was analysed. Cox regression was used to examine the factors related to liver damage.ResultsOf 2119 eligible patients, 12.41% (263/2119) developed liver damage (grade II–IV LEE/TBE) and contributed 4.11/100 person-years crude incidence rate. The highest liver damage incidence was observed in patients with 6–12 months’ ART (15.16/100 person-years). The incidence decreased to 5.56/100 person-years in patients with 12–18 months’ ART and 3.13/100 person years in patients with 18–24 months’ ART, and then maintained at a relatively low and stable level in patients with 2 years’ ART or longer (average of 3.65/100 person-years). Cox regression analysis revealed that current WHO disease stage II, III or IV (compared with stage I) were the risk factors for liver damage, while baseline disease stage II, III (compared with stage I) and current regimen 3TC+AZT+NVP were the protective factors for liver damage.ConclusionsLiver damage always exists among HIV-infected patients on ART with normal baseline liver function and without HBV/HCV infection. Nevertheless, cumulative ART duration does not increase the risk of liver damage. ART could tend to be long-term, however, monitoring and management of liver damage among patients on ART are also important in clinical therapy.
Changes in ocular signs and symptoms in patients switching from bimatoprost–timolol to tafluprost–timolol eye drops: an open-label phase IV study
Authors: Bourne Rupert Richard Alexander , Kaarniranta Kai , Lorenz Katrin , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Vuorinen Jouni , Ropo Auli 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesBimatoprost–timolol (bimatoprost 0.03%–timolol 0.5% fixed-dose combination [FDC]) and tafluprost–timolol (tafluprost 0.0015%–timolol 0.5% FDC) eye drops are currently the only topical intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing therapies available as preservative-free (PF) prostaglandin and timolol FDC. The aim of this study was to investigate changes to ocular signs and symptoms when patients with ocular hypertension (OH) or open-angle glaucoma (OAG) switched from PF or benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved bimatoprost–timolol to PF tafluprost–timolol eye drops.DesignThis was a 12-week, open-label, phase IV study.SettingSixteen centres in Finland, Germany, Italy and the UK.ParticipantsPatients with OH or OAG (IOP on medication ≤21 mm Hg), treated with PF or BAK-preserved bimatoprost–timolol for ≥4 weeks before screening, and presenting with conjunctival hyperaemia and ≥1 ocular symptom.InterventionsPatients were switched to PF tafluprost–timolol once daily in the treated eye(s).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary endpoints were change from screening to week 12 in conjunctival hyperaemia and worst ocular symptom. The secondary outcome measures were changes from screening in ocular signs (other than conjunctival hyperaemia) and symptoms at week 12.ResultsOf 123 enrolled patients, 121 were included in the intention-to-treat dataset, of which all were Caucasian and 54.5% were female; 76 patients used BAK-preserved bimatoprost–timolol and 45 used PF drops. Conjunctival hyperaemia and severity of worst ocular symptom following switch to PF tafluprost–timolol significantly reduced from screening to week 12 in all patients (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with ocular signs and symptoms was significantly reduced at week 12 compared with screening (p<0.001). IOP was not affected by the change of treatment.ConclusionsSwitching from BAK-preserved or PF bimatoprost–timolol to tafluprost–timolol reduced both signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease with no clinically relevant effect on IOP.Trial registration numberEudraCT2014-005273-37; Results.
Surveys of parents and clinicians concerning the minimally important difference of probiotic therapy for prevention of paediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
Authors: Khanpour Ardestani Samaneh , Robinson Joan L , Dieleman Levinus A , Huynh Hien Q , Jou Hsing , Vohra Sunita 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo establish the minimally important difference (MID) that would prompt parents and clinicians to use probiotics for prevention of paediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and to obtain parent and clinician opinion about the most important outcomes in clinical trials of AAD.MethodsIn this survey, parents of children presenting to the emergency department of a Canadian tertiary care children’s hospital and paediatricians working in that hospital were approached. A range of potential MIDs were presented and participants selected one that they would require to use probiotics for AAD prevention. In addition, participants were asked to rate a list of outcomes they would consider to be important in clinical trials of AAD.ResultsIn total, 127 parents and 45 paediatricians participated. About 51% (64/125) of parents and 51% (21/41) of clinicians responding to the MID question reported they would use probiotics if it reduced the risk of AAD by 39% (ie, reduce the risk of AAD from 19% to 12%). The most important outcomes to parents, in descending order, were need for hospitalisation, prevention of dehydration, disruption of normal daily activities, diarrhoea duration and physician revisit. Paediatricians considered need for hospitalisation along with physician revisit as the most important outcomes. They rated prevention of dehydration, diarrhoea duration and stool frequency as important outcomes as well.ConclusionThere is good agreement between parents and clinicians regarding how effective probiotics would need to be in preventing AAD in order to warrant use. This information, along with outcomes perceived to be most important, will help in the design of future clinical trials.
Efficacy and safety of Chou-Ling-Dan granules in the treatment of seasonal influenza via combining Western and traditional Chinese medicine: protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: He Jiayang , Li Zhengtu , Huang Wanyi , Guan Wenda , Ma Hongxia , Yang Zi feng , Wang Xinhua 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionChou-Ling-Dan (CLD) (Laggerapterodonta) granules are an ethnic herbal medicine from Yunnan province of China. CLD granules have been used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and feverish diseases in China, including seasonal influenza, but few evidence-based medicine (EBM) clinical studies have been conducted to assess its efficacy and safety in the treatment of influenza. Here, we performed an EBM clinical trial combining Western Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) evaluation systems to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CLD granules in the treatment of seasonal influenza.Methods and analysisThe study is designed as a multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, double-simulation, oseltamivir-controlled and placebo-controlled, parallel-design clinical trial. Eligible subjects (n=318) will be allocated after satisfying the criteria (Western medicine). Subjects will be randomised to receive CLD granules, oseltamivir, or a placebo for 5 days of treatment and with follow-up after treatment to record symptoms and signs and to collect pharyngeal/throat swabs and serum samples for detecting the virus and antibodies. At the same time, the syndrome differentiation criteria of TCM, such as tongue body, furred tongue and type of pulse, will be recorded as determined by doctors of both Western and Chinese medicine. Participants will be instructed to comply with the protocol and to keep a daily record of symptoms. The primary and secondary outcomes and safety indicators will be used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CLD granules in the treatment of seasonal influenza based on both Western Chinese medicine and TCM evaluation systems.Ethics and disseminationThe CLD granules clinical trial will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice and has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. All participants must provide written informed consent. The results obtained will be disseminated at international medical conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberNCT02662426; Pre-results.
Skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine–alcohol versus povidone iodine–alcohol, combined or not with use of a bundle of new devices, for prevention of short-term peripheral venous catheter-related infectious complications and catheter failure: an open-label, single-centre, randomised, four-parallel group, two-by-two factorial trial: CLEAN 3 protocol study
Authors: Guenezan Jérémy , Drugeon Bertrand , O’Neill Rodérick , Caillaud Diane , Sénamaud Clément , Pouzet Catherine , Seguin Sabrina , Frasca Denis , Mimoz Olivier 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionShort peripheral intravenous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used invasive medical devices in hospitals. Unfortunately, PVCs often fail before the end of treatment due to the occurrence of mechanical, vascular or infectious complications, which prolongs hospitalisation and increases healthcare costs and mortality.Prevention of these complications is mainly based on the respect of hygiene rules and the use of biocompatible catheters. In critically ill patients, 2% chlorhexidine-alcohol is superior to 5% povidone iodine-alcohol for skin preparation before central venous and arterial catheters; whether this finding can be extended to PVC inserted in the wards remains speculative. Similarly, the use of new technologies such as catheters designed to minimise blood exposure, zero-reflux needleless connectors, disinfecting caps and flushing PVCs before and after each medication administration to maintain catheter patency are of theoretical interest to prevent PVC failure, but little scientific data support their routine use.Methods and analysisThe CLEAN 3 study is an open-label, single-centre, randomised, two-by-two factorial trial. One thousand patients visiting our emergency department and requiring hospital admission in the wards will be randomised to one of four strategies according to skin preparation and devices used. The two primary endpoints will be (1) the incidence of infectious complications related to the catheters (colonisation, local infection or bloodstream infection) and (2) the time between catheter insertion and catheter failure defined as any premature removal of PVC before end of treatment, other than for routine replacement.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by an independent ethics committee and will be carried out according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberEudraCT 2018-A02535-50;NCT03757143.
Outcomes of non-invasive ventilation in ‘very old’ patients with acute respiratory failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Montoneri Gaetano , Noto Paola , Trovato Francesca Maria , Mangano Giuseppe , Malatino Lorenzo , Carpinteri Giuseppe 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly used to support very old (aged ≥85 years) patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). This retrospective observational study evaluated the impact of NIV on the prognosis of very old patients who have been admitted to the intermediate care unit (IMC) of the Emergency Department of the University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele of Catania for ARF.MethodsAll patients admitted to the IMC between January and December 2015 who received NIV as the treatment for respiratory failure were included in this study. Outcomes of patients aged ≥85 years were compared with lower ages. The expected intrahospital mortality was calculated through the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II and compared with the observed mortality.ResultsThe mean age was 87.9±2.9 years; the M:F ratio was approximately 1:3. The average SAPS II was 50.1±13.7. The NIV failure rate was 21.7%. The mortality in the very old group was not statistically different from the younger group (20% vs 25.6%; d=5.6%; 95% CI −8% to 19%; p=0.404). The observed mortality was significantly lower than the expected mortality in both the group ≥85 (20.0% vs 43.4%, difference=23.4%; 95% CI 5.6% to 41.1%, p=0.006) and the younger group (25.6% vs 38.5%, difference=12.9%; 95% CI −0.03% to 25.8%, p=0.046). In both age groups, patients treated with NIV for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had lower mortalities than those treated for other illnesses, although this was statistically significant only in the younger group.ConclusionIn very old patients, when used with correct indications, NIV was associated with mortality similar to younger patients. Patients receiving NIV had lower than expected mortality in all age groups.
Inkjet printing high luminance phosphorescent OLED based on m-MTDATA:TPBi host
Authors: Xing Xing , Lin Tong , Hu Yong-Xu , Sun Yu-Ling , Mu Wan-Ying , Du Zhen-Zhen , Liu Ya-Kun , Yang Dong-Fang , Shi Shou-Lei , Zhang Dong-Yu , Cui Zheng 
Published: April 2019

In organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), the high performance of devices depends on balanced charge transfer in emitting layer (EML). However, the balance charge transfer is hard to achieve in the single host material-based EML. In this work, a high luminance co-host based OLEDs is printed. In detail, green phosphorescent material tris[2-(p-tolyl)pyridine]iridium(III) [Formula: see text] is used as dopant, and a hole-transporting material [Formula: see text]-tris[3-methy-lphenyl(phenyl)amino]-triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) blended with an electron-transporting material 1,3,5-tris(phenyl-2-benzimidazolyl)-benzene (TPBi) as co-host. As a result, the optimized printing co-host OLEDs with 10 wt.% [Formula: see text] shows a maximum luminance of [Formula: see text], which is much higher than the CDBP counterpart.