bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Total Arterial Revascularization and Blood Transfusion Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Djordjevic Jasmina , Ngaage Dumbor L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundBlood transfusion adversely affects the outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), yet blood transfusion after CABG is still common. Total arterial revascularisation (TAR) is increasingly used in current practice but its impact on postoperative blood transfusion is not known.MethodsWe reviewed the cardiothoracic and blood bank databases and collected data for isolated primary CABG patients from July 2007 to June 2012, excluding patients who had a single graft (n = 148). Perioperative variables of TAR patients (n = 745) were compared with patients who had one or more venous grafts (SVG, n = 1,761) for first‐time isolated CABG. The conduits used in TAR patients were predominantly left internal thoracic and radial arteries. Matched group comparison of TAR and SVG patients was performed. The association of TAR with blood transfusion was investigated using multivariate and matched analysis.ResultsOf 2,506 patients, the 745 (29.7 %) that had TAR were generally younger, with less complex coronary artery disease and less often diabetic. After correcting for these by 1:1 matching, the mean chest tube drainage and rates of blood transfusion remained significantly lower (p <. 0001) in TAR patients. Indeed, red cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma were significantly less frequently transfused in TAR patients. By multivariate analysis, TAR had an independent effect on reducing blood transfusion after CABG [odds ratio (OR) 0.67, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.47–0.97, p =. 03].ConclusionsTAR achieved predominantly with left internal thoracic and radial arteries substantially reduced blood transfusion rates after primary CABG. Further studies are warranted.
Chemotherapy in vivo against M109 murine lung carcinoma with cytochalasin B by localized, systemic, and liposomal administration
Authors: Trendowski Matthew , Mitchell Joan M. , Corsette Christine M. , Acquafondata Christopher , Fondy Thomas P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCytochalasin B is a potentially novel microfilament-directed chemotherapeutic agent that prevents actin polymerization, thereby inhibiting cytokinesis. Although cytochalasin B has been extensively studied in vitro, only limited data are available to assess its in vivo potential. Cytochalasin B was administered to Balb/c mice challenged i.d. with M109 murine lung carcinoma to determine whether the agent could affect an established i.d. tumor when the compound is administered s.c. in the region of the i.d. tumor, but not in direct contact with it. Cytochalasin B was also administered either i.p. or s.c. at a distant site or i.v. to determine whether it could affect the long-term development of an established i.d. tumor. Cytochalasin B was then liposome encapsulated to determine whether the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the compound could be increased, while reducing immunosuppression that we have previously characterized. Liposomal cytochalasin B was also administered to mice challenged i.d. with M109 lung carcinoma to assess its chemotherapeutic efficacy. The results can be summarized as follows: 1) cytochalasin B substantially delayed the growth of i.d. M109 tumor nodules, inhibited metastatic progression in surrounding tissues, and produced long-term cures in treated mice; 2) liposomal cytochalasin B increased the i.p. MTD by more than 3-fold, produced a different distribution in tissue concentrations, and displayed antitumor effects against M109 lung carcinoma similar to non-encapsulated cytochalasin B. These data show that cytochalasin B exploits unique chemotherapeutic mechanisms and is an effective antineoplastic agent in vivo in pre-clinical models, either in bolus form or after liposome encapsulation.
An improved method for evaluating the rotational speed stability of a hydro-viscous clutch in mixed lubrication
Authors: Yao Shou-Wen , Liu Qian , Cui Hong-Wei , Feng Shan-Shan 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Rotational speed stability is an important evaluation indicator of the performance of a hydro-viscous clutch (HVC). To improve the rotational speed stability of HVCs in mixed lubrication and the running condition of the friction pairs, the speed stability of an HVC in mixed lubrication was studied. To this end, the friction coefficients of both copper-based and paper-based friction pairs were experimentally tested using an MM1000-III wet friction machine. Theoretically, a torsional vibration model of the system is presented. The phase plane analysis method is applied to evaluate the stability of the torsional vibration model, where a critical negative gradient (CNG) is defined. The results show that the friction coefficient in mixed lubrication is an important parameter for the stability of the rotational speed. The system will be unstable when the negative gradient of the friction coefficient-slip speed is larger than the CNG. According to the definition of the CNG, suggestions regarding choice of friction pairs are made to improve the rotational speed stability of an HVC in mixed lubrication.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Nasal Real-Time PCR: A Predictive Tool for Contamination of the Hospital Environment
Authors: Livorsi Daniel J. , Arif Sana , Garry Patricia , Kundu Madan G. , Satola Sarah W. , Davis Thomas H. , Batteiger Byron , Kressel Amy B. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVEWe sought to determine whether the bacterial burden in the nares, as determined by the cycle threshold (CT) value from real-time MRSA PCR, is predictive of environmental contamination with MRSA.METHODSPatients identified as MRSA nasal carriers per hospital protocol were enrolled within 72 hours of room admission. Patients were excluded if (1) nasal mupirocin or chlorhexidine body wash was used within the past month or (2) an active MRSA infection was suspected. Four environmental sites, 6 body sites and a wound, if present, were cultured with premoistened swabs. All nasal swabs were submitted for both a quantitative culture and real-time PCR (Roche Lightcycler, Indianapolis, IN).RESULTSAt study enrollment, 82 patients had a positive MRSA-PCR. A negative correlation of moderate strength was observed between the CT value and the number of MRSA colonies in the nares (r=−0.61; P<0.01). Current antibiotic use was associated with lower levels of MRSA nasal colonization (CT value, 30.2 vs 27.7; P<0.01). Patients with concomitant environmental contamination had a higher median log MRSA nares count (3.9 vs 2.5, P=0.01) and lower CT values (28.0 vs 30.2; P<0.01). However, a ROC curve was unable to identify a threshold MRSA nares count that reliably excluded environmental contamination.CONCLUSIONSPatients with a higher burden of MRSA in their nares, based on the CT value, were more likely to contaminate their environment with MRSA. However, contamination of the environment cannot be predicted solely by the degree of MRSA nasal colonization.
Infection Control Preparedness for Human Infection With Influenza A H7N9 in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Vincent C. C. , Tai Josepha W. M. , Lee W. M. , Chan W. M. , Wong Sally C. Y. , Chen Jonathan H. K. , Poon Rosana W. S. , To Kelvin K. W. , Chan Jasper F. W. , Ho P. L. , Chan K. H. , Yuen K. Y. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVETo assess the effectiveness of infection control preparedness for human infection with influenza A H7N9 in Hong Kong.DESIGNA descriptive study of responses to the emergence of influenza A H7N9.SETTINGA university-affiliated teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTSHealthcare workers (HCWs) with unprotected exposure (not wearing N95 respirator during aerosol-generating procedure) to a patient with influenza A H7N9.METHODSA bundle approach including active and enhanced surveillance, early airborne infection isolation, rapid molecular diagnostic testing, and extensive contact tracing for HCWs with unprotected exposure was implemented. Seventy HCWs with unprotected exposure to an index case were interviewed especially regarding their patient care activities.RESULTSFrom April 1, 2013, through May 31, 2014, a total of 126 (0.08%) of 163,456 admitted patients were tested for the H7 gene by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction per protocol. Two confirmed cases were identified. Seventy (53.8%) of 130 HCWs had unprotected exposure to an index case, whereas 41 (58.6%) and 58 (82.9%) of 70 HCWs wore surgical masks and practiced hand hygiene after patient care, respectively. Sixteen (22.9%) of 70 HCWs were involved in high-risk patient contacts. More HCWs with high-risk patient contacts received oseltamivir prophylaxis (P=0.088) and significantly more had paired sera collected for H7 antibody testing (P<0.001). Ten (14.3%) of 70 HCWs developed influenza-like illness during medical surveillance, but none had positive results by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Paired sera was available from 33 of 70 HCWs with unprotected exposure, and none showed seroconversion against H7N9.CONCLUSIONSDespite the delay in airborne precautions implementation, no patient-to-HCW transmission of influenza A H7N9 was demonstrated.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 87–92
Frequency, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Colonization and Infection in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Acute Leukemia: Different Patterns in Patients with Acute Myelogenous and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ford Clyde D. , Lopansri Bert K. , Haydoura Souha , Snow Greg , Dascomb Kristin K. , Asch Julie , Bo Petersen Finn , Burke John P. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVETo determine the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization and infection in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia.DESIGNRetrospective clinical study with VRE molecular strain typing.SETTINGA regional referral center for acute leukemia.PATIENTSTwo hundred fourteen consecutive patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia between 2006 and 2012.METHODSAll patients had a culture of first stool and weekly surveillance for VRE. Clinical data were abstracted from the Intermountain Healthcare electronic data warehouse. VRE molecular typing was performed utilizing the semi-automated DiversiLab System.RESULTSThe rate of VRE colonization was directly proportional to length of stay and was higher in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Risk factors associated with colonization include administration of corticosteroids (P=0.004) and carbapenems (P=0.009). Neither a colonized prior room occupant nor an increased unit colonization pressure affected colonization risk. Colonized patients with acute myelogenous leukemia had an increased risk of VRE bloodstream infection (BSI, P=0.002). Other risk factors for VRE BSI include severe neutropenia (P=0.04) and diarrhea (P=0.008). Fifty-eight percent of BSI isolates were identical or related by molecular typing. Eighty-nine percent of bloodstream isolates were identical or related to stool isolates identified by surveillance cultures. VRE BSI was associated with increased costs (P=0.0003) and possibly mortality.CONCLUSIONSVRE colonization has important consequences for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia undergoing induction therapy. For febrile neutropenic patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, use of empirical antibiotic regimens that avoid carbapenems and include VRE coverage may be helpful in decreasing the risks associated with VRE BSI.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 47–53
Screening for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Using Sponges
Authors: Lee Chang-Seop , Montalmont Bianca , O’Hara Jessica A. , Syed Alveena , Chaussard Charma , McGaha Traci L. , Pakstis Diana L. , Lee Ju-Hyung , Shutt Kathleen A. , Doi Yohei 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVENasal swab culture is the standard method for identifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers. However, this method is known to miss a substantial portion of those carrying MRSA elsewhere. We hypothesized that the additional use of a sponge to collect skin culture samples would significantly improve the sensitivity of MRSA detection.DESIGNHospitalized patients with recent MRSA infection were enrolled and underwent MRSA screening of the forehead, nostrils, pharynx, axilla, and groin with separate swabs and the forehead, axilla, and groin with separate sponges. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).PATIENTSA total of 105 MRSA patients were included in the study.RESULTSAt least 1 specimen from 56.2% of the patients grew MRSA. Among patients with at least 1 positive specimen, the detection sensitivities were 79.7% for the swabs and 64.4% for the sponges. Notably, 86.4% were detected by a combination of sponges and nasal swab, and 72.9% were detected by a combination of pharyngeal and nasal swabs, whereas only 50.9% were detected by nasal swab alone (P<0.0001 and P=0.0003, respectively). Most isolates had SCCmec type II (59.9%) and IV (35.7%). No correlation was observed between the SCCmec types and collection sites.CONCLUSIONScreening using a sponge significantly improves MRSA detection when used in addition to screening with the standard nasal swab.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;36(1): 28–33
Extensive Dissemination of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Dutch Nursing Home
Authors: Willemsen Ina , Nelson Jolande , Hendriks Yvonne , Mulders Ans , Verhoeff Sandrien , Mulder Paul , Roosendaal Robert , van der Zwaluw Kim , Verhulst Carlo , Kluytmans-van den Bergh Marjolein , Kluytmans Jan 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVERisk factors for rectal carriage of ESBL-E and transmission were investigated in an outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E).DESIGNRectal carriage of ESBL-E was determined in a cross-sectional survey by culture of perianal swabs or fecal samples. Both phenotypical and genotypical methods were used to detect the production of ESBL. Nosocomial transmission was defined as the presence of genotypically related strains in ≥2 residents within the NH. Patient characteristics and variables in infection control practices were registered to investigate risk factors for transmission.SETTINGA nursing home (NH) in the southern Netherlands.PARTICIPANTSOf 189 residents, 160 residents (84.7%) were screened for ESBL-E carriage. Of these 160 residents, 33 (20.6%) were ESBL-E positive. ESBL carriage rates varied substantially between wards (range, 0–47%). Four different ESBL-E clusters were observed. AblaCTX-M1-15positiveE. coliST131 constituted the largest cluster (n=21) and was found in multiple wards (n=7).RESULTSOur investigation revealed extensive clonal dissemination ofblaCTX-M1-15-positiveE. coliST131 in a nursing home. Unexplained differences in ESBL prevalence were detected among the wards.CONCLUSIONSAs NHs constitute potential sources of multidrug-resistant bacteria, it is important to gain a better understanding of the risks factors and routes of transmission of ESBL-E.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–7
Influence of Staff Behavior on Infectious Risk in Operating Rooms: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Birgand Gabriel , Saliou Philippe , Lucet Jean-Christophe 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYA systematic literature review was performed to assess the impact of surgical-staff behaviors on the risk of surgical site infections. Published data are limited, heterogeneous, and weakened by several methodological flaws, underlying the need for more studies with accurate tools.OBJECTIVETo assess the current literature regarding the impact of surgical-staff behaviors on the risk of surgical-site infection (SSI).DESIGNSystematic literature review.METHODSWe searched the Medline, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for original articles about the impact of intraoperative behaviors on the risk of SSI published in English before September 2013.RESULTSWe retrieved 27 original articles reporting data on number of people in the operating room (n=14), door openings (n=14; number [n=6], frequency [n=7], reasons [n=4], or duration [n=3]), surgical-team discipline (evidence of distraction; n=4), compliance with traffic measures (n=6), or simulated behaviors (n=3). Most (59%) articles were published in 2009–2013. End points were the 30-day SSI rate (n=8), air-particle count (n=2), or microbiological air counts (n=6); 11 studies were only descriptive. Number of people in the operating room and SSI rate or airborne contaminants (particle/bacteria) were correlated in 2 studies. Door openings and airborne bacteria counts were correlated in 2 observational studies and 1 experimental study. Two cohort studies showed a significant association between surgeon interruptions/distraction or noise and SSI rate. The level of evidence was low in all studies.CONCLUSIONSPublished data about the impact of operating-room behaviors on the risk of infection are limited and heterogeneous. All studies exhibit major methodological flaws. More studies with accurate tools should be performed to address the influence of operating room behaviors on the infectious risk.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 93–106
A pilot music group for young people attending a community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
Authors: McDonald J. , Codrea A. , Gavin B. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThere is a strong and growing body of evidence supporting the mental health benefits of music. With regard to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) there is a need for creative, child friendly approaches to improve rapport and promote engagement. This study was established as an exploratory pilot project to assess the feasibility of a running a music group within a CAMHS setting as well as any potential benefit to the mental health of a group of diagnostically heterogeneous young people attending the service.MethodsFive young people attending the out-patient clinic participated in a weekly music group over the course of 2 months. Feedback was obtained using a study specific questionnaire as well as baseline and follow-up Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires.ResultsThe music group was described as an enjoyable experience in the clinic setting and young people identified benefits with regard to mood, self-confidence and social skills. Attendance at appointments within the clinic was good for the duration of the group, suggesting a benefit in encouraging engagement.ConclusionsA music group is a welcome intervention in a CAMHS setting with potential positive benefits for both the service and service users. Further work is needed to establish specific mental health benefits of music-based interventions in young people with mental health difficulties.
Direct numerical simulation of a turbulent jet impinging on a heated wall
Authors: Dairay T. , Fortuné V. , Lamballais E. , Brizzi L.-E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDirect numerical simulation (DNS) of an impinging jet flow with a nozzle-to-plate distance of two jet diameters and a Reynolds number of 10 000 is carried out at high spatial resolution using high-order numerical methods. The flow configuration is designed to enable the development of a fully turbulent regime with the appearance of a well-marked secondary maximum in the radial distribution of the mean heat transfer. The velocity and temperature statistics are validated with documented experiments. The DNS database is then analysed focusing on the role of unsteady processes to explain the spatial distribution of the heat transfer coefficient at the wall. A phenomenological scenario is proposed on the basis of instantaneous flow visualisations in order to explain the non-monotonic radial evolution of the Nusselt number in the stagnation region. This scenario is then assessed by analysing the wall temperature and the wall shear stress distributions and also through the use of conditional averaging of velocity and temperature fields. On one hand, the heat transfer is primarily driven by the large-scale toroidal primary and secondary vortices emitted periodically. On the other hand, these vortices are subjected to azimuthal distortions associated with the production of radially elongated structures at small scale. These distortions are responsible for the appearance of very high heat transfer zones organised as cold fluid spots on the heated wall. These cold spots are shaped by the radial structures through a filament propagation of the heat transfer. The analysis of probability density functions shows that these strong events are highly intermittent in time and space while contributing essentially to the secondary peak observed in the radial evolution of the Nusselt number.
Endocentric and exocentric verb typology: Talmy revisited – on good grounds
Authors: KORZEN IØRN 
Published: January 2015

abstractThis paper presents the so-calledEndo-andExocentric Verb Typologyadvanced by the Danish research group TYPOlex. The typology is partly based on Talmy’s lexicalization patterns for motion verbs with some elaboration and refinement of themanner–pathdistinction, and it is generalized to comprise Germanic and Romance verbs (and nouns) as a whole. The Danish findings point to a relatively high lexical precision and concreteness in Germanic verbs (and Romance nouns) and a relatively high lexical abstractness and genericity in Romance verbs (and Germanic nouns). Furthermore, the paper investigates Talmy’s two semantic componentsgroundandfigureand argues that they are far more generalized in Romance (secondary) lexicalization patterns–parasynthetic derivation–than normally assumed.
A Sign-Changing Solution for an Asymptotically Linear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Maia Liliane A. , Miyagaki Olimpio H. , Soares Sergio H. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to present a sign-changing solution for a class of radially symmetric asymptotically linear Schrödinger equations. The proof is variational and the Ekeland variational principle is employed as well as a deformation lemma combined with Miranda’s theorem.
Live capture and ownership of lemurs in Madagascar: extent and conservation implications
Authors: Reuter Kim E. , Gilles Haley , Wills Abigail R. , Sewall Brent J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOverexploitation is a significant threat to biodiversity, with live capture of millions of animals annually. An improved understanding of live capture of primates is needed, especially for Madagascar's threatened lemurs. Our objectives were to provide the first quantitative estimates of the prevalence, spatial extent, correlates and timing of lemur ownership, procurement methods, within-country movements, and numbers and duration of ownership. Using semi-structured interviews of 1,093 households and 61 transporters, across 17 study sites, we found that lemur ownership was widespread and affected a variety of taxa. We estimate that 28,253 lemurs have been affected since 2010. Most lemurs were caught by owners and kept for either short (≤ 1 week) or long (≥ 3 years) periods. The live capture of lemurs in Madagascar is not highly organized but may threaten several Endangered and Critically Endangered species.