bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary antifungal prophylaxis: decrease of invasive fungal disease incidence and reduction of risk factors in haematological patients in a 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Mingjuan , Zhai Bing , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Lijun , Li Honghua , Wang Shuhong , Zhu Haiyan , Wang Quanshun , Gao Chunji , Huang Wenrong , Yu Li 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundInvasive fungal disease (IFD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with haematological malignancies.AimTo evaluate the efficacy and rationality of primary antifungal prophylaxis (PAP) in a 5‐year real‐life setting and choose an appropriate PAP strategy.MethodsClinical data of patients were retrospectively reviewed and IFD was diagnosed using the revised diagnostic criteria. The efficacy of PAP and the risk factors for IFD, especially the rationality of PAP, were evaluated.ResultsOf the 1340 patients enrolled, 749 patients received PAP (55.9%), and IFD occurred in 157 patients: 51 (6.8%) in the PAP group and 106 (17.9%) in the non‐PAP group (P = 0.000). The IFD‐related mortality was 10.1 and 29.7% in the PAP group and non‐PAP group (P = 0.000) respectively. PAP was an independent protective factor for IFD (odds ratio = 0.183, 95% confidence interval: 0.122–0.274, P = 0.000) and could reduce the effect of risk factors, such as allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, prolonged neutropenia and corticosteroid. The IFD incidence was not significantly different among different PAP regimens and PAP start time subgroups, and it was lowest (4.2%) when PAP started after a short period of neutropenia (1–10 days).ConclusionPAP is necessary and efficient to prevent IFD in haematological patients, and the real‐life PAP strategy is reasonable. Different drugs can be chosen, and it is better to start PAP as soon as neutropenia begins.
Relationships between leaf morpho‐anatomy, water status and cell membrane stability in leaves of wheat seedlings subjected to severe soil drought
Authors: Petrov P. , Petrova A. , Dimitrov I. , Tashev T. , Olsovska K. , Brestic M. , Misheva S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe impact of the genotype‐specific leaf morphological and anatomical characteristics on the ability of wheat plants to preserve leaf water balance and cell membranes stability under drought stress was investigated. Seedlings of six modern semi‐dwarf (carriers of Rht, Reduced height genes) and six old tall bread wheat varieties were subjected to soil drought by withholding watering for 6 days. Morpho‐anatomical traits (leaf area, perimeter, thickness, stomata and trichome density) of daily watered (control) plants were characterized by light microscopy, scanning and image analyses. The leaf water status in both control and stressed plants was determined by measuring the relative water content (RWC). The leaf cell membranes stability in stressed plants was estimated by conductometric determination of the membranes injury index. On average, the modern semi‐dwarf varieties had less leaf area and leaf perimeter, and less dissection index, a parameter characterizing the leaf shape. Under drought stress, the modern genotypes maintained better water balance evidenced by significantly higher leaf RWC and better‐preserved the cell membranes stability supported by significantly lower Injury index. The correlations between morpho‐anatomical traits in control plants and drought tolerance‐related traits showed that the higher the leaf dissection index (i.e. more oblong leaves), the greater the water loss and the leaf membrane damages after desiccation were. The effect of shape of the evaporating surface on the water loss was modelled using wet filter paper. Similar to plant leaves, the evaporation and, respectively, water loss from paper pieces of more oblong shape (i.e. higher dissection index) was more intensive. The elucidation of the impact of the leaf shape on transpiration might contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms used by plants to maintain water reserves during drought stress and could be a basis for developing of simple and fast screening methods aiding the selection of drought tolerant genotypes.
The added value of inclusive research
Authors: Walmsley Jan , Strnadová Iva , Johnson Kelley 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe study asks when does inclusive research add value? The authors argue that this is important, given the additional time and cost of co‐researching with people with intellectual disabilities. The study is situated in debates about a “second generation” of inclusive research which advocates focussing more on outcomes than process. The authors argue that this is premature, rather the authors propose that inclusive research is valuable when it helps to recognize, foster, and above all communicate the contributions people with intellectual disabilities can make.MethodThe authors conducted a literature review of 52 peer‐reviewed journal articles about inclusive research and analysed them..ResultsThe authors conclude that inclusive research adds value when there is a distinctive contribution which only co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities can make, when it highlights the contributions people with intellectual disabilities make, and when it contributes to better lives for the wider population of people with intellectual disabilities.ConclusionsThe authors propose a revised definition of inclusive research to replace that published by Walmsley and Johnson in 2003.
Accounting conservatism and short selling: Evidence from China
Authors: Jin Zhi , Lin Bingxuan , Yang Xue , Zhang Ting 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUsing China's short‐selling pilot program as a quasi‐experiment, we find that the prospect of short selling has significantly increased conditional accounting conservatism among firms that are eligible for short selling, consistent with a short sellers’ disciplining effect hypothesis. When short selling takes position ex post, accounting conservatism starts to decrease with an increased downward pressure on stock prices. Moreover, the short‐selling effect of increased conditional accounting conservatism becomes stronger for state‐owned enterprises, and this effect is accompanied by an increase of unconditional conservatism. As corroborating evidence to support the disciplining hypothesis, we show that accounting conservatism is significantly decreased for firms that are removed from the short‐selling eligibility list. Our results are robust after considering the endogeneity issue in measuring downward stock price pressure, and after constructing the control firms by using both a propensity score matching method and an alternative measure for accounting conservatism. Overall, we provide important evidence on the feedback effects that the capital market has on firm financial reporting.
Estimating causal effects for survival (time‐to‐event) outcomes by combining classification tree analysis and propensity score weighting
Authors: Linden Ariel , Yarnold Paul R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesA common approach to assessing treatment effects in nonrandomized studies with time‐to‐event outcomes is to estimate propensity scores and compute weights using logistic regression, test for covariate balance, and then estimate treatment effects using Cox regression. A machine‐learning alternative—classification tree analysis (CTA)—used to generate propensity scores and to estimate treatment effects in time‐to‐event data may identify complex relationships between covariates not found using conventional regression‐based approaches.MethodUsing empirical data, we identify all statistically valid CTA propensity score models and then use them to compute strata‐specific, observation‐level propensity score weights that are subsequently applied in outcomes analyses. We compare findings obtained using this framework to the conventional method, by evaluating covariate balance and treatment effect estimates obtained using Cox regression and a weighted CTA outcomes model.ResultsAll models had some imbalanced covariates. Nevertheless, treatment effect estimates were generally consistent across all weighted models.ConclusionsIn the study sample, given that all approaches elicited similar results, using CTA increased confidence that bias could not be reduced any further. Because the CTA algorithm identifies all statistically valid propensity score models for a sample, it is most likely to identify a correctly specified propensity score model—and therefore should be used either to confirm results using traditional methods, or to reveal biases that may be missed by traditional methods. Moreover, given that the true treatment effect is never known in observational data, CTA should be considered for estimating outcomes because no statistical assumptions are required.
Etiology and long‐term rebleeding of endoscopic ulcerative lesions in the small bowel in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Aoki Tomonori , Yamada Atsuo , Hirata Yoshihiro , Suzuki Hirobumi , Nakada Ayako , Niikura Ryota , Seto Motoko , Okamoto Makoto , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAmong patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), endoscopic ulcerative lesions in the small bowel have diverse etiologies and often cause rebleeding. Certain characteristics of patients or ulcerations may be reasonable indications for diagnostic balloon‐assisted endoscopy (BAE) to assess etiology and may be risks of rebleeding; however, these characteristics are unclear. We aimed to elucidate appropriate indications for diagnostic BAE and predictors of long‐term rebleeding in patients with small bowel ulcerative lesions.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 68 patients with OGIB, in whom small bowel ulcerative lesions were detected by capsule endoscopy (n = 60) and/or BAE (n = 43). Patients' characteristics, including medications and endoscopic findings, were evaluated. Predictors of the need for diagnostic BAE to determine ulceration etiology were identified by logistic regression analysis. Rebleeding risks were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards analysis.ResultsSingle ulcerations were diagnosed in 26 patients, and multiple ulcerations were diagnosed in 42 patients. Among 43 patients who underwent BAE, ulceration etiology was identified in 12 (28%) patients. In the etiology identification, BAE was more useful for a single ulceration than for multiple ulcerations (P < 0.001). Among the 68 patients, rebleeding occurred in 14 (21%) patients during a mean follow‐up period of 17 months. Aspirin use and multiple ulcerations were significant predictors of rebleeding (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWhen we manage small bowel ulcerative lesions in OGIB patients, a single ulceration is a reasonable indication for the diagnostic BAE. The rebleeding rate was lower for single ulcerations than for multiple ulcerations.
Three types of preS1 start codon deletion variants in the natural course of chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Choe Won Hyeok , Kim Hong , Lee So‐Young , Choi Yu‐Min , Kwon So Young , Moon Hee Won , Hur Mina , Kim Bum‐Joon 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimNaturally occurring hepatitis B virus variants carrying a deletion in the preS1 start codon region may evolve during long‐lasting virus–host interactions in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to determine the immune phase‐specific prevalent patterns of preS1 start codon deletion variants and related factors during the natural course of CHB.MethodsA total of 399 CHB patients were enrolled. Genotypic analysis of three different preS1 start codon deletion variants (classified by deletion size: 15‐base pair [bp], 18‐bp, and 21‐bp deletion variants) was performed.ResultsPreS1 start codon deletion variants were detected in 155 of 399 patients (38.8%). The predominant variant was a 15‐bp deletion in the immune‐tolerance phase (18/50, 36%) and an 18‐bp deletion in the immune‐clearance phase (69/183, 37.7%). A 21‐bp deletion was the predominant variant in the low replicative phase (3/25, 12.0%) and reactivated hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)‐negative phase (22/141, 15.6%). The 15‐bp and 18‐bp deletion variants were more frequently found in HBeAg‐positive patients (P < 0.010 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas the 21‐bp deletion variant was more frequently found in HBeAg‐negative patients (P < 0.001). On multiple logistic regression analyses, the 21‐bp deletion variant was independently associated with liver cirrhosis (P = 0.006), and the 15‐bp deletion variant was significantly related to an incomplete response to antiviral agents (P = 0.012).ConclusionsThe predominant type of preS1 start codon deletion variants changes according to the immune phases of CHB infection, and each variant type is associated with different clinical parameters. PreS1 start codon deletion variants might interact with the host immune response differently according to their variant types.
Mapping historical and contemporary agrarian transformations and capitalist infiltration in a complex upland environment: A case from eastern Nepal
Authors: Sugden Fraser , Seddon David , Raut Manita 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe relationship that mountain communities have with global capitalism are complex, being mediated by a diverse topography and ecology, both of which provide opportunities for capital accumulation, while also isolating older, “pre‐capitalist” modes of production. This paper takes a case study valley from Nepal's eastern hills, tracing over two centuries of agrarian change and evolving interactions between “adivasi” and “semi‐feudal” economic formations with capitalism. In recent years, the expansion of markets, rising demand for cash, and climate stress have solidified migrant labour as a core component of livelihoods, and the primary mechanism of surplus appropriation from the hill peasantry. Through a focus on three altitudinal zones, however, it is demonstrated how the trajectory of this transformation, including the interactions with persisting pre‐capitalist formations, is mediated by both political–economic processes and the local agro‐ecological context.
Quantitative examination of isometric tongue protrusion forces in children with oro‐facial dysfunctions or myofunctional disorders
Authors: Rohrbach S. , Buettner F. , Pollex D. , Mathmann P. , Weinhold L. , Schubert R. , Reilmann R. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryOro‐facial dysfunctions (OFD) or oro‐facial myofunctional disorders in children lead to severe problems in teeth and jaw position, articulation, chewing and swallowing. The forces of the tongue, the central muscle for articulation, chewing and swallowing are focused on in several studies. In this examination, isometric tongue protrusion forces (TPF) of children with OFD and controls were compared. Thirty participants with OFD and 30 controls were presented a target force level as a straight line on a monitor that they were supposed to match by generating an isometric tongue force for different target levels (0.25 N and 0.5 N). Correlations of the severity of OFD (symptom score) with the capacities of the TPF 0.25 N and 0.5 N were calculated. Statistical differences were obvious in TPF variability and the accuracy, depending on the weight. Tongue contact time, expressed as per cent (TCT, total contact: 100%), was significantly lower in children with OFD (P = .005). Mean and median TPF was not different between groups. The predictive value of TPF for OFD revealed a level of 58.6% for TPF 0.25 N and 74.5% for TPF 0.5 N. Correlations of the severity of OFD were seen for some parameters. Subjects with OFD show significantly lower competencies in accuracy and endurance of tongue protrusion forces. This may have a high impact on phenotyping children with OFD and influence therapeutical approaches.
Children tolerate intradialytic oral nutrition
Authors: South Andrew M. , Fainman Bonnie , Sutherland Scott M. , Wong Cynthia J. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYBackgroundPeople undergoing haemodialysis (HD) often have poor nutrition, which in turn can contribute to worse outcomes. Inadequate nutrition has a particularly deleterious effect on growth and neurocognitive development, as well as mortality, in children and adolescents. Nutritional supplementation can improve outcomes but can be difficult to administer.ObjectiveDetermine the tolerability of intradialytic oral nutrition in children and adolescents.DesignA cross‐sectional quality improvement study in an outpatient paediatric HD unit. Intervention was intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation provided as protein bars and/or meals.SubjectsChildren and adolescents undergoing outpatient HD who were able to participate in surveys and eat by mouth.MeasurementsAdverse effects and symptoms on nurse‐ and patient‐reported surveys, respectively. Relationships between the predictor variables and the outcomes were assessed using generalised estimating equations.ResultsThe majority of children felt better after eating on dialysis (72%) with no adverse effects (80%). On unadjusted analyses and confirmed with generalised estimating equation modelling, children who reported being hungry felt better after eating on dialysis, despite being more likely to have adverse effects.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that our children and adolescents feel better after eating on HD with minimal adverse effects. The finding that hungry patients are more likely to feel better despite having a higher likelihood of an adverse effect demonstrates the tolerability of eating on HD. Intradialytic oral nutrition could be a safe and well‐tolerated opportunity to provide supplemental nutrition to paediatric HD patients and improve outcomes.
Comparative evaluation of GPR versus APRI and FIB‐4 in predicting different levels of liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Liu D.‐P. , Lu W. , Zhang Z.‐Q. , Wang Y.‐B. , Ding R.‐R. , Zhou X.‐L. , Huang D. , Li X.‐F. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIt is of great significance to develop and evaluate noninvasive indexes predicting the level of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio (GPR) versus aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB‐4) in predicting different levels of liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) within the framework of HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients. A total of 1157 HBeAg‐positive and 859 HBeAg‐negative CHB patients were enrolled, among whom the pathological stage ≥S2, ≥S3, ≥S4 were defined as significant fibrosis, extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the performance of GPR, APRI and FIB‐4 in predicting different levels of liver fibrosis. In HBeAg‐positive patients, the area under ROC curves (AUROCs) of GPR in predicting extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis were both significantly larger than those of APRI (P = .0001 and P < .0001). In HBeAg‐negative patients, the AUROCs of GPR in predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly larger than those of FIB‐4 (P = .0006 and P = .0041). The AUROC of GPR in predicting extensive fibrosis was significantly larger than that of APRI and FIB‐4 (P = .0320 and P = .0018). Using a cut‐off of GPR > 0.500 as standard, the sensitivities and specificities of GPR in predicting significant fibrosis in HBeAg‐positive patients were 59.6% and 81.2%, and for cirrhosis 80.9% and 63.8%, respectively; and those of HBeAg‐negative patients were 60.3% and 78.3%, 84.5% and 66.1%, respectively. Regardless of HBeAg‐positive or HBeAg‐negative status, GPR had the best performance in predicting different levels of liver fibrosis.
Kinetics of Plasma Cell‐Free DNA and Creatine Kinase in a Canine Model of Tissue Injury
Authors: Wilson I.J. , Burchell R.K. , Worth A.J. , Burton S.E. , Gedye K.R. , Clark K.J. , Crosse K.R. , Jack M. , Odom T.F. , De Grey S.J. , McGlade K.M.S. , Tomlin S.C. , Lopez‐Villalobos N. , Gal A. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundCell‐free DNA (cfDNA) comprises short, double‐stranded circulating DNA sequences released from damaged cells. In people, cfDNA concentrations correlate well with disease severity and tissue damage. No reports are available regarding cfDNA kinetics in dogs.Objectives/HypothesisCell‐free DNA will have a short biological half‐life and would be able to stratify mild, moderate, and severe tissue injury. Our study aims were to determine the kinetics and biological half‐life of cfDNA and to contrast them with those of creatine kinase (CK).AnimalsThree groups of 10 dogs undergoing open ovariohysterectomy, surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), or hemilaminectomy.MethodsPlasma for cfDNA and CK analysis was collected at admission, at induction of anesthesia, postsurgery (time 0) and at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours after surgery.ResultsThe biological half‐life of plasma cfDNA and CK were 5.64 hours (95% confidence interval [CI 95], 4.36–7.98 hours) and 28.7 hours (CI95, 25.3–33.3 hours), respectively. In the hemilaminectomy group, cfDNA concentrations differed significantly from admission at 6–12 hours after surgery. Creatine kinase activity differed among the surgical groups and reached a peak 6 hours after surgery. In the ovariohysterectomy and CCLR groups, plasma CK activity 72 hours after surgery did not differ from admission activity of the ovariohysterectomy group. In contrast, in the hemilaminectomy group, plasma CK activity after 72 hours did not return to the ovariohysterectomy group admission activity.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePlasma CK activity has a longer biological half‐life than previously thought. In contrast to plasma CK activity, cfDNA has a short half‐life and could be a useful marker for peracute severe tissue injury.