bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in the ultrasound diagnosis in equine reproductive medicine: New approaches
Authors: Ortega‐Ferrusola Cristina , Gómez‐Arrones Vanesa , Martín‐Cano Francisco E. , Gil Mari Cruz , Peña Fernando J. , Gaitskell‐Phillips Gemma , Da Silva‐Álvarez Eva 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUltrasound technology has led to new lines of research in equine reproduction, and it has helped to greatly improve clinical diagnosis and reproductive outcomes in equine practice. This review aims to discuss the potential clinical uses and new approaches of ultrasonography in equine reproduction. Doppler modalities are usually used to evaluate the vascularization of the follicles, corpus luteum (CL), and the uterus in the mare for diagnostic purposes. Inclusion of Doppler ultrasound in artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs could improve the reproductive outcome of these techniques. Better selection of recipients based on CL functionality, early pregnancy diagnosis 7–8 days postovulation of the donor before flushing or diagnosis of mares with endometritis with pathological increases of blood flow are examples of clinical applications in the mare. In the stallion, colour Doppler ultrasound has improved the diagnostic potential of B‐mode ultrasound, improving the differential diagnosis of pathologies such as testicular torsion (decrease or absence of blood flow in the cord) and orchitis (increased blood flow in the cord). The incorporation of pulsed Doppler ultrasound into the reproductive evaluation of the stallion has enabled early identification of stallions with testicular dysfunction, thus allowing administration of timely treatment and subsequent improvements of the fertility prognosis for these animals. In addition, this technique has been used in the monitoring of patients undergoing medical and surgical treatments, thus verifying their efficacy. Recently, computer‐assisted pixel analysis using specific software has been performed in research work in order to semi‐quantitatively evaluate the vascularization (colour and power Doppler) and echotexture of different organs. These softwares are now being developed for clinical purposes, as is the case with Ecotext, a computer program developed for the evaluation of testicular echotexture, providing information on testicular functionality.
Demographic, clinical, and biochemical predictors of pica in high‐intensity blood donors
Authors: Liu Hefei , Burns Robert T. , Spencer Bryan R. , Page Grier P. , Mast Alan E. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundFrequent blood donors who contribute multiple times annually are important for maintaining an adequate blood supply. However, repeated donations exacerbate iron deficiency, which can lead to pica, a condition characterised as repeated eating or chewing of a non‐nutritious substance such as ice, clay and dirt. Understanding characteristics of frequent donors that are associated with increased risk for developing pica will help to identify them and prevent this adverse consequence of blood donation.MethodsDemographic, clinical, haematological, and biochemical factors associated with pica were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis in a cohort of 1693 high‐intensity donors who gave nine or more units of whole blood in the preceding 2 years. Pica was classified by questionnaire responses as consuming at least 8 oz of ice daily and/or consumption of non‐ice substances regardless of the amount and frequency.ResultsPica was present in 1.5% of the high‐intensity donors, and only occurred in those with ferritin <50 ng/ml. Of 16 candidate variables, only haematocrit (OR = 0.835, p = 0.020) was independently associated with pica. Although severe iron deficiency was more prevalent in high‐intensity donors, pica behaviours were less prevalent than in less frequent donors (2.2%).ConclusionWe have uncovered predictors of pica in high‐intensity donors, which further emphasises the need to continue to implement iron replacement programs to reduce the prevalence of pica and maintain a robust pool of frequent donors.
Resuscitation of an exsanguinated obstetrics patient with HBOC‐201: A case report
Authors: Barrett Christopher D. , Theodore Sheina , Dechert Tracey , Burke Peter , Khoury Rasha , Cap Andrew P. , Scantling Dane 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundHemorrhagic shock is a clinically challenging disease process with high mortality. When conventional blood products are unable to be administered, oxygen‐carrying blood alternatives are sometimes utilized. The international experience with this scenario is limited. We aim to add to this body of literature.Study Design and MethodsThis is a case report of the administration of bovine hemoglobin‐based oxygen‐carrying red blood cell (RBC) substitute HBOC‐201 (HemoPure®) to a patient with post‐partum bleeding and hemorrhagic shock because the patient declined RBC transfusion. HBOC‐201 was administered with consent under a one‐time Emergency Investigational New Drug (eIND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration with appropriate notification of the Institutional Review Board.ResultsThe patient was successfully resuscitated with HBOC‐201 from hemorrhagic shock. She was weaned off of vasopressor support and extubated with the recovery of her baseline mental status within 4 h. However, approximately 36 h after this, the patient developed multi‐organ system dysfunction, volume overload, right heart failure and ultimately expired early on post‐partum day 4.DiscussionResuscitation from hemorrhagic shock with HBOC‐201 as an RBC alternative is feasible, but significant challenges remain with the management of sequelae resulting from prolonged low‐flow, ischemic states as well as the significant colloid pressure and volume overload experienced after massive transfusion with an acellular colloid oxygen carrier.
Minimal impact of anticoagulant on in vitro whole blood quality throughout a 35‐day cold‐storage regardless of leukoreduction timing
Authors: Schubert Peter , Culibrk Brankica , Bhakta Varsha , Closas Tatiana , Sheffield William P. , Devine Dana V. , McTaggart Ken 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing interest in leukoreduced whole blood (WB) as a transfusion product for trauma patients. In some jurisdictions, few leukoreduced filters are approved or appropriate for WB leukoreduction and quality information is therefore limited. This study assessed the impact of filtration timing of WB collected in CPDA‐1 versus CPD on in vitro quality.Study Design and methodsWB was collected in CPDA‐1 or CPD and leukoreduction filtered either after 3–8 h (early) or 18–24 h (late) from stop bleed time. In vitro quality was assessed after filtration and throughout 5 weeks of storage at 4°C. Cell count and hemoglobin levels were determined by hematology analyzer, platelet activation and responsiveness to ADP by surface expression of P‐selectin by flow cytometry, hemolysis by HemoCue, and metabolic parameters by blood gas analyzer. Hemostatic properties were assessed by rotational thromboelastometry. Plasma protein activities and clotting times were determined by automated coagulation.ResultsAlthough there were some data points which showed statistically significant differences associated with anticoagulant choices or the filtration timing, no general trend in inferiority/performance could be discerned. After 35 days' storage, only clotting time, alpha angle and factor II in the early filtration arm comparing anticoagulants and prothrombin time and factor II in the CPDA‐1 study arm comparing filtration timing showed a significant difference.ConclusionIn vitro WB quality seems to be independent on the choice of anticoagulant and filtration timing supporting WB hold‐times to up to 24 h, increasing operational flexibility for transfusion services.
A Parabolic Notch Interacting With a Generalized Antiplane Singularity
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Chen Yifeng , Hills David A. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In this study, the interaction of a parabolic notch with a generalized antiplane singularity is studied, and its analytical solution is derived. The singularity may be either an antiplane concentrated force or a screw dislocation, and separate solutions for each of these are found. The driving force present on the screw dislocation due to the notch free boundary is obtained. It is found that a dislocation-free zone may exist beneath the notch root surface when the screw dislocation is placed on the notch geometric symmetry axis, as the driving force will pull dislocations to the free boundary where they will be annihilated. The solutions developed in this study may be used as building blocks to model the damage of material near a parabolic notch under antiplane load conditions and therefore serve as a step in quantifying crack nucleation conditions, which is the novelty of the current study.
Technical Evaluation Method of Mechanical Equipment Item Substitution in the Procurement and Construction Process of Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Zhang Jindong , Wu Chongzhi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The needs of item substitution are frequent during the procurement and construction of nuclear power project. But the documents prepared for item substitution requests vary considerably in quality that influence working efficiency and project progress. Analyses have been performed for various item substitutions in accordance with laws, regulations, standards, and engineering practices. Focusing on mechanical equipment item substitution, the relative evaluation methods during procurement and construction have been developed based on lessons learned from practices during the engineering practices of advanced passive pressurized water reactor (APPWR) built in China. The methodology of item substitution evaluation can be summarized into six steps, which are critical characteristics for design, nonspecific/specific item substitution, analysis of item function(s) and failure mode(s), impact on related structures, systems and components (SSCs), compensation and coordination measure, and engineering feasibility analysis, respectively. For nuclear power units having been completed, typical cases of item substitution are suggested to be accumulated, and lists of typical critical characteristics for design for the items that often need to be substituted are suggested to be summarized. And then an application library including cases and lists will be established, which will guide item substitution work high quality and efficiency.
Supercritical Heat Transfer Characteristics and System Performance Analysis of R744 and Its Two Azeotropic Blends
Authors: Sun Dahan , Fei Teng , Liu Zekuan , Xu Jing , Qin Jiang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of the double-tubes heat exchanger was established by using fluent16.0 in this study. The supercritical flow and heat transfer characteristics of R744 and its two azeotropic blends in the gas cooler and their performance in the single-stage compression heat pump were investigated. The results showed that the peak value of the heat transfer capabilities of R744 was the highest, and that of R744/R170 was the lowest. With the increase in the pressure, the peak value of the heat transfer capabilities decreased, and the bulk temperature corresponding to the peak value of the heat transfer capabilities also increased. Moreover, the temperature of R744/R170 at the same position near the outlet of the tube section was lower under the different working conditions, which would be conducive in increasing the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system. Lastly, when R744 and its two azeotropic blends were employed in the single-stage compression heat pump system, the difference of COP between R744/R170 and R744 decreased with the increase of the outlet temperature in the gas cooler, and the difference of COP between R744/R41 and R744 increased.
Production of High-Transverse-Momentum Deuterons and Tritons at an Angle of 40$${{}^{\circ}}$$ in Proton–Nucleus Interactions at a Beam Energy of 50 GeV
Authors: Antonov N. N. , Viktorov V. A. , Gapienko V. A. , Gapienko G. S. , Gres’ V. N. , Prudkoglyad A. F. , Romanovskii V. A. , Semak A. A. , Solodovnikov I. P. , Terekhov V. I. , Ukhanov M. N. , Shimanskii S. S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractData on the production of positively charged particles emitted at an angle of 40$${}^{\circ}$$ (in the laboratory frame) with transverse momenta of up to 2.7 GeV$$/c$$ in the interaction of 50-GeV$$/c$$ protons with carbon, aluminum, copper, and tungsten nuclear targets are presented. Particular attention is given to studying the production of light nuclear fragments, such as deuterons ($$d$$) and tritons ($$t$$). An analysis of data on $$d$$ and $$t$$ particles gives grounds to state that these fragments arise via a local mechanism of their direct knockout from nuclei. The results were obtained in the SPIN experiment at the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEP, Protvino).
Neurofilament light chain: a new marker for neuronal decay in the anterior chamber fluid of patients with glaucoma
Authors: Woltsche Nora , Valentin Katharina , Hoeflechner Lukas , Guttmann Andreas , Horwath-Winter Jutta , Schneider Mona Regina , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Lindner Marlene , Schmetterer Leopold , Singh Neena , Riedl Regina , Buchmann Arabella , Khalil Michael , Lindner Ewald 
Published: June 2022

Background/AimsNeurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum are reliable indicators for neuroaxonal damage in a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we investigate NfL levels in serum and anterior chamber fluid of patients with glaucoma.MethodsPatients scheduled for routine glaucoma or cataract surgery were recruited for this study. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT, Heidelberg Spectralis). NfL levels in serum and in anterior chamber fluid were analysed with Simoa SR-X Analyzer (Quanterix; NFLIGHT, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA). T-test was used for parametric data and Mann-Whitney-U test for nonparametric data. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to investigate correlations. P values<0.05 were considered as statistically significant.ResultsSixty patients with glaucoma and 58 controls were enrolled. Serum NfL concentration of patients with glaucoma was similar to serum NfL concentration in controls (median (IQR); 22.7 (18.9) pg/mL vs 22.5 (24.0) pg/mL; p=0.763). A positive correlation of serum NfL with age was observed in both patients with glaucoma (r=0.77; p<0.001) and in the control group (r=0.82, p<0.001). In the anterior chamber fluid, the NfL concentration was substantially increased in patients with glaucoma compared with controls (20.7 (101.3) pg/mL vs 3.1 (2.9) pg/mL; p<0.001). Furthermore, we found a positive correlation of anterior chamber fluid NfL with preoperative intraocular pressure (r=0.39, p=0.003) and with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (r=0.58, p<0.001).ConclusionNfL levels in anterior chamber fluid are elevated in patients with glaucoma and correlate with intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. The presented data strongly support anterior chamber fluid NfL as a new marker for glaucoma.
Physicians’ attitudes towards disclosure of payments from pharmaceutical companies in a nationwide voluntary transparency database: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Stoll Marlene , Hubenschmid Lara , Koch Cora , Lieb Klaus , Egloff Boris 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate German physicians’ attitudes towards and experiences with voluntary disclosure of payments by pharmaceutical companies in a public database and their impact on future decisions for or against disclosure.DesignA national cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018 among physicians who voluntarily disclosed at least one payment in the German transparency regulation.SettingRetrospective paper-pencil questionnaire about attitudes towards and experiences with voluntary payment disclosures in the first (2015) and second (2016) years of the German transparency regulation.ParticipantsGerman physicians who disclosed either in the first year only, the second year only, or in both years of the transparency regulation.Primary outcomes(1) The probability to disclose in 2016, predicted by physicians’ experience of reactions from others in 2015, descriptive norms and attitudes towards transparency; (2) Frequency and (3) Content of reactions from others in 2015 compared with 2016.ResultsData of 234 respondents were analysed (n=42, 45 and 147 physicians who disclosed in 2015, 2016 or both years, respectively). The probability to disclose in 2016 was not predicted by perceived reactions, norms or attitudes towards transparency (p>0.01). Most participants reported not to have received any reactions by patients (190/234, 81%), colleagues (128/234, 55%) or the private environment (153/234, 65%). Neither frequency nor content of reactions differed between the first and second years (scale 1–5; frequency: Mdn2015,2016 = 1.33 vs 1.00, rb=−0.17, p>0.01; content: Mdn2015,2016 = 3.00 vs 3.00, rb=0.19, p>0.01). However, media reporting, fear of reputational damage and a feeling of being defamed were mentioned as reasons for non-disclosure.ConclusionsWhile confirmatory analyses did not provide significant results, descriptive analyses showed that participants who voluntarily disclose payments mainly do not experience any reactions towards their disclosures but report fears about losing their reputation due to disclosures.
Point-of-care lung ultrasonography for early identification of mild COVID-19: a prospective cohort of outpatients in a Swiss screening center
Authors: Schaad Siméon , Brahier Thomas , Hartley Mary-Anne , Cordonnier Jean-Baptiste , Bosso Luca , Espejo Tanguy , Pantet Olivier , Hugli Olivier , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Meuwly Jean-Yves , Boillat-Blanco Noémie 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesEarly identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection is important to guide quarantine and reduce transmission. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound (LUS), an affordable, consumable-free point-of-care tool, for COVID-19 screening.Design, setting and participantsThis prospective observational cohort included adults presenting with cough and/or dyspnoea at a SARS-CoV-2 screening centre of Lausanne University Hospital between 31 March and 8 May 2020.InterventionsInvestigators recorded standardised LUS images and videos in 10 lung zones per patient. Two blinded independent experts reviewed LUS recording and classified abnormal findings according to prespecified criteria to investigate their predictive value to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection according to PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs (COVID-19 positive vs COVID-19 negative).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe finally combined LUS and clinical findings to derive a multivariate logistic regression diagnostic score.ResultsOf 134 included patients, 23% (n=30/134) were COVID-19 positive and 77% (n=103/134) were COVID-19 negative; 85%, (n=114/134) cases were previously healthy healthcare workers presenting within 2–5 days of symptom onset (IQR). Abnormal LUS findings were significantly more frequent in COVID-19 positive compared with COVID-19 negative (45% vs 26%, p=0.045) and mostly consisted of focal pathologic B lines. Combining clinical findings in a multivariate logistic regression score had an area under the receiver operating curve of 80.3% to detect COVID-19, and slightly improved to 84.5% with the addition of LUS features.ConclusionsCOVID-19-positive patients are significantly more likely to have lung pathology by LUS. However, LUS has an insufficient sensitivity and is not an appropriate screening tool in outpatients. LUS only adds little value to clinical features alone.
Retrospective evaluation of an intervention based on training sessions to increase the use of control charts in hospitals
Authors: Kudrna Laura , Bird Paul , Hemming Karla , Quinn Laura , Schmidtke Kelly , Lilford Richard 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundStatistical process control charts (SPCs) distinguish signal from noise in quality and safety metrics and thus enable resources to be targeted towards the most suitable actions for improving processes and outcomes. Nevertheless, according to a recent study, SPCs are not widely used by hospital boards in England. To address this, an educational training initiative with training sessions lasting less than one and a half days was established to increase uptake of SPCs in board papers. This research evaluated the impact of the training sessions on the inclusion of SPCs in hospital board papers in England.MethodsWe used a non-randomised controlled before and after design. Use of SPCs was examined in 40 publicly available board papers across 20 hospitals; 10 intervention hospitals and 10 control hospitals matched using hospital characteristics and time-period. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models and t-tests compared changes in usage by means of a difference in difference approach.ResultsAcross the 40 board papers in our sample, we found 6287 charts. Control hospitals had 9/1585 (0.6%) SPCs before the intervention period and 23/1900 (1.2%) after the intervention period, whereas intervention hospitals increased from 89/1235 (7%) before to 328/1567 (21%) after the intervention period; a relative risk ratio of 9 (95% CI 3 to 32). The absolute difference in use of SPCs was 17% (95% CI 6% to 27%) in favour of the intervention group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that a scalable educational training initiative to improve use of SPCs within organisations can be effective. Future research could aim to overcome the limitations of observational research with an experimental design or seek to better understand mechanisms, decision-making and patient outcomes.
Rationale and Design for the LOnger-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 INfection on blood Vessels And blood pRessure (LOCHINVAR): an observational phenotyping study
Authors: Lip Stefanie , Mccallum Linsay , Delles Christian , McClure John D , Guzik Tomasz , Berry Colin , Touyz Rhian , Padmanabhan Sandosh 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionCOVID-19 may lead to long-term endothelial consequences including hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction. A pilot study ‘COVID-19 blood pressure endothelium interaction study’, which found that patients with normal blood pressure (BP) at the time of hospital admission with COVID-19 showed an 8.6 mm Hg higher BP ≥12 weeks after recovery, compared with a group without COVID-19. The ‘LOnger-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 INfection on blood Vessels And blood pRessure’(LOCHINVAR) study is designed to provide definitive evidence of the long-term impact of COVID-19 on BP.Methods and analysisThe LOCHINVAR study is an observational clinical phenotyping study comparing longitudinal BP change between individuals with and without COVID-19 infection. 150 participants (30–60 years) with no history of hypertension and not on BP lowering medications will be recruited to the study to attend three visits (baseline, 12 months, 18 months). Cases will be patients who were admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Glasgow, UK, with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 until 31 December 2021 and who were alive at discharge. Controls will be those who have never had confirmed COVID-19 infection. All participants will undergo clinical and vascular phenotyping studies which will include 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring systolic BP (ABPM SBP), brachial flow-mediated dilatation urine and blood samples to assess the renin-angiotensin system, vascular inflammation and immune status. The primary outcome is the change in systolic 24-hour ABPM (ABPM SBP) between the cases and controls. Sample size was calculated to detect a mean difference of 5 mm Hg ABPM SBP at 80% power.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol of this study has been approved by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 5 (21/WS/0075), Scotland, UK. Written informed consent will be provided by all study participants. Study findings will be submitted to international peer-reviewed hypertension journals and will be presented at international scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNCT05087290.