Should we use closed or open infusion containers for prevention of bloodstream infections?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hospitalized patients in critical care settings are at risk for bloodstream infections (BSI). Most BSIs originate from a central line (CL), and they increase length of stay, cost, and mortality. Open infusion containers may increase the risk of contamination and administration-related (CLAB) because they allow the entry of air into the system, thereby also providing an opportunity for microbial entry. Closed infusion containers were designed to overcome this flaw. However, open infusion containers are still widely used throughout the world.</p> <p>The objective of the study was to determine the effect of switching from open (glass, burettes, and semi-rigid) infusion containers to closed, fully collapsible, plastic infusion containers (Viaflex^®) on the rate and time to onset of central line-associated bloodstream infections CLABs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An open label, prospective cohort, active healthcare-associated infection surveillance, sequential study was conducted in four ICUs in Mexico. Centers for Disease Control National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance Systems definitions were used to define device-associated infections.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 1,096 adult patients who had a central line in place for >24 hours were enrolled. The CLAB rate was significantly higher during the open versus the closed container period (16.1 versus 3.2 CLAB/1000 central line days; RR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.11-0.36, P < 0.0001). The probability of developing CLAB remained relatively constant in the closed container period (1.4% Days 2-4 to 0.5% Days 8-10), but increased in the open container period (4.9% Days 2-4 to 5.4% Days 8-10). The chance of acquiring a CLAB was significantly decreased (81%) in the closed container period (Cox proportional hazard ratio 0.19, P < 0.0001). Mortality was statistically significantly lower during the closed versus the open container period (23.4% versus 16.1%; RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.54-0.88, P < 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Closed infusion containers significantly reduced CLAB rate, the probability of acquiring CLAB, and mortality.</p

Proper motions of the HH1 jet

We describe a new method for determining proper motions of extended objects, and a pipeline developed for the application of this method. We then apply this method to an analysis of four epochs of [S~II] HST images of the HH~1 jet (covering a period of $\sim 20$~yr). We determine the proper motions of the knots along the jet, and make a reconstruction of the past ejection velocity time-variability (assuming ballistic knot motions). This reconstruction shows an "acceleration" of the ejection velocities of the jet knots, with higher velocities at more recent times. This acceleration will result in an eventual merging of the knots in $\sim 450$~yr and at a distance of $\sim 80"$ from the outflow source, close to the present-day position of HH~1.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figure

On the Effect of Correlation on the Capacity of Backscatter Communication Systems

We analyse the effect of correlation between the forward and backward links on the capacity of backscatter communication systems. To that aim, we obtain an analytical expression for the average capacity under a correlated Rayleigh product fading channel, as well as closed-form asymptotic expressions for the high and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes. Our results show that correlation is indeed detrimental for a fixed target SNR; contrarily to the common belief, we also see that correlation can be actually beneficial in some instances when a fixed power budget is considered.Comment: This work has been submitted for publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessibl

Anisotropic lattice changes in femtosecond laser inscribed Nd3+:MgO:LiNbO3 optical waveguides

We report on the fabrication and microspectroscopy imaging of femtosecond laser written double-filament based Nd3+ :MgO:LiNbO3 optical waveguides. The waveguiding high refractive-index regions are identified by blueshifts of the Nd3+ ion fluorescence lines with no deterioration in the fluorescence efficiency, whereas filamentary low-index regions are identified by both a Nd3+ line redshift and a fluorescence efficiency reduction. The lattice structural micromodifications at the origin of both waveguide formation and Nd3+ fluorescence changes have been investigated by means of confocal micro-Raman experiments. We have found that the direct laser written filaments are mainly constituted by a large density of defects, together with a marked axial compression perpendicular to the filaments �along the optical c-axis�. Conversely, the high-index waveguiding regions are characterized by a pronounced anisotropic dilatation of the LiNbO3 lattice xy-planes

Voltage dip generator for testing wind turbines connected to electrical networks

This paper describes a new voltage dip generator that allows the shape of the time profile of the voltage generated to be configured. The use of this device as a tool to test the fault ride-through capability of wind turbines connected to the electricity grid can provide some remarkable benefits: First, this system offers the possibility of adapting the main features of the time–voltage profile generated (dip depth, dip duration, the ramp slope during the recovery process after clearing fault, etc.) to the specific requirements set forth by the grid operation codes, in accordance with different network electrical systems standards. Second, another remarkable ability of this system is to provide sinusoidal voltage and current wave forms during the overall testing process without the presence of harmonic components. This is made possible by the absence of electronic converters. Finally, the paper includes results and a discussion on the experimental data obtained with the use of a reduced size laboratory prototype that was constructed to validate the operating features of this new device

Exploring host genetic polymorphisms involved in SARS-CoV infection autcomes: implications for personalized medicine in COVID-19

Objective. To systematically explore genetic polymorphisms associated with the clinical outcomes in SARS-CoV infection in humans. Methods. This comprehensive literature search comprised available English papers published in PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS databases following the PRISMA-P guidelines and PICO/AXIS criteria. Results. Twenty-nine polymorphisms located in 21 genes were identified as associated with SARS-CoV susceptibility/resistance, disease severity, and clinical outcomes predominantly in Asian populations. Thus, genes implicated in key pathophysiological processes such as the mechanisms related to the entry of the virus into the cell and the antiviral immune/inflammatory responses were identified. Conclusions. Although caution must be taken, the results of this systematic review suggest that multiple genetic polymorphisms are associated with SARS-CoV infection features by affecting virus pathogenesis and host immune response, which could have important applications for the study and understanding of genetics in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and for personalized translational clinical practice depending on the population studied and associated environments