bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Meihua , Chen Yuqing , Ye Qiao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fibrotic disease limited to the lungs. The course of disease varies widely, with some patients experiencing acute respiratory deterioration, a condition called acute exacerbations of IPF (AE‐IPF). The risk factors contributing to AE‐IPF are unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the risk factors for AE‐IPF.MethodsStudies of risk factors for AE‐IPF were identified in Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Fixed effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks and weighted mean differences (WMD).The meta‐analysis included seven articles involving 14 risk factors for AE‐IPF.ResultsRisk factors for AE included reductions in vital capacity (VC; WMD – 10.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) −17.17 to – 3.99), forced vital capacity (FVC; WMD −6.02, 95%CI – 8.58 to – 3.47), total lung capacity (TLC; WMD −4.88, 95%CI −7.59 to – 2.17), and PaO2 (WMD −4.19, 95%CI −7.66 to −0.71) and a higher alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2; WMD 4.4, 95%CI 0.24 to 8.57). Mechanical procedures, higher serum KL‐6 concentration and secondary pulmonary hypertension, might be risk factors for AE‐IPF. In contrast, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), differences in diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), exposure to seasonal variations and air pollution, and virus infection might be unrelated to AE‐IPF.ConclusionsPoor pulmonary function, mechanical procedures, higher serum KL‐6 and secondary pulmonary hypertension were associated with increased risks of AE‐IPF.
Cross‐cultural comparisons of drinking motives in 10 countries: Data from the DRINC project
Authors: Mackinnon Sean P. , Couture Marie‐Eve , Cooper M. L. , Kuntsche Emmanuel , O'Connor Roisin M. , Stewart Sherry H. ,   the DRINC Team
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis study tested the measurement invariance of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire‐Revised Short Form (DMQ‐R‐SF) in undergraduates across 10 countries. We expected the four‐factor structure to hold across countries, and for social motives to emerge as the most commonly endorsed motive, followed by enhancement, coping and conformity motives. We also compared individualistic and collectivistic countries to examine potential differences in the endorsement of drinking motives when countries were divided according to this broad cultural value.Design and MethodsA sample of 8478 undergraduate drinkers from collectivistic (Portugal, Mexico, Brazil, Spain; n = 1567) and individualistic (Switzerland, Hungary, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK and Ireland, and the USA; n = 6911) countries completed the DMQ‐R‐SF. Countries were classified as individualistic or collectivistic based on world‐wide norms.ResultsUsing multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, the 4‐factor model of the DMQ‐R‐SF showed configural and metric invariance across all 10 countries. As predicted, the rank order of undergraduates' drinking motive endorsement was identical across countries (social > enhancement > coping > conformity), although a mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction where undergraduates from individualistic countries more strongly endorsed social and enhancement motives relative to undergraduates from collectivistic countries.Discussion and ConclusionsThere was broad cross‐cultural consistency in the factor structure and mean patterns of drinking motives. Undergraduate students appear to drink mainly for positive reinforcement (i.e. for social and enhancement reasons), although this tendency is particularly pronounced among those from more individualistic countries. [Mackinnon SP, Couture M‐E, Cooper ML, Kuntsche E, O'Connor RM, Stewart SH, and the DRINC Team. Cross‐cultural comparisons of drinking motives in 10 countries: Data from the DRINC project.
Social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the European Union: A systematic review
Authors: Barrio Pablo , Reynolds Jillian , García‐Altés Anna , Gual Antoni , Anderson Peter 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIssuesDrug use accounts for one of the main disease groups in Europe, with relevant consequences to society. There is an increasing need to evaluate the economic consequences of drug use in order to develop appropriate policies. Here, we review the social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the European Union.ApproachA systematic search of relevant databases was conducted. Grey literature and previous systematic reviews were also searched. Studies reporting on social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco were included. Methodology, cost components as well as costs were assessed from individual studies. To compare across studies, final costs were transformed to 2014 Euros.Key FindingsForty‐five studies reported in 43 papers met the inclusion criteria (11 for illegal drugs, 26 for alcohol and 8 for tobacco). While there was a constant inclusion of direct costs related to treatment of substance use and comorbidities, there was a high variability for the rest of cost components. Total costs showed also a great variability. Price per capita for the year 2014 ranged from €0.38 to €78 for illegal drugs, from €26 to €1500 for alcohol and from €10.55 to €391 for tobacco.Implications and ConclusionsDrug use imposes a heavy economic burden to Europe. However, given the high existing heterogeneity in methodologies, and in order to better assess the burden and thus to develop adequate policies, standardised methodological guidance is needed.[Barrio P, Reynolds J, García‐Altés A, Gual A, Anderson P. Social costs of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the European Union: A systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev2017;00:000‐000]
History of being in government care associated with younger age at injection initiation among a cohort of street‐involved youth
Authors: Barker Brittany , Kerr Thomas , Dong Huiru , Wood Evan , DeBeck Kora 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsCompared to the general population of youth, health‐related disparities experienced by youth exposed to the child welfare system are well documented. Amongst these vulnerabilities are elevated rates of substance use, including injection drug use; however, less is known about when these youth transition to this high‐risk behaviour. We sought to assess whether having a history of government care is associated with initiating injection drug use before age 18.Design and MethodsBetween September 2005 and May 2014, data were derived from the At‐Risk Youth Study, a cohort of street‐involved youth who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between early initiation of injection drug use and having a history of being in government care.ResultsAmong the 581 injecting street‐involved youth included, 229 (39%) reported initiating injection drug use before 18 years of age. In multivariable analysis, despite controlling for a range of potential confounders, having a history of government care remained significantly associated with initiating injection drug use before age 18 (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.48).Discussion and ConclusionsYouth with a history of being in government care were significantly more likely to initiate injection drug use before age 18 than street‐involved youth without a history of being in care. These findings imply that youth in the child welfare system are at higher risk and suggest that interventions are needed to prevent transitions into high‐risk substance use among this population.
Ocular involvement in pemphigus vulgaris – a retrospective study of a large Spanish cohort
Authors: España Agustin , Iranzo Pilar , Herrero‐González Josep , Mascaro José M. , Suárez Ricardo 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackground and objectivesOcular/periocular involvement in pemphigus vulgaris (OPV) has rarely been reported. The objective of the present study was to investigate the pattern of OPV and define the prognostic value of its manifestation.Patients and methodsFrom 1985 to 2014, a total of 167 patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were treated at four tertiary Spanish hospitals. In this retrospective study, we included all patients with OPV. Clinical data and information on associated symptoms were obtained from patients’ medical records.ResultsOnly 24 (14.3 %) of all PV patients had ocular lesions. In most cases, ­ocular involvement was preceded by PV lesions at various other sites (mean duration: 33.7 months). Ocular PV lesions occurred during flares of mucocutaneous pemphigus, and was never the only mucosal manifestation. The most common clinical signs were conjunctival hyperemia (87.5 %), erosions on the eyelids (41.6 %) as well as of the palpebral/bulbar conjunctiva (33.3 %) and at the medial epicanthus (20.8 %). The most relevant associated symptoms included local pain/stinging (71.4 %), irritation (47.6 %), photophobia (38.1 %), and epiphora (23.9 %). Ocular PV improved with systemic and adjuvant topical therapies. Only two patients experienced sequelae.ConclusionsIn patients with PV, ocular involvement is an exception. Ocular PV is associated with greater disease activity, and usually follows a benign course. Sites affected are the conjunctiva, the eyelids, or both.
Right ventricular free‐wall longitudinal speckle tracking strain in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension under specific treatment
Authors: Kemal Hatice S. , Kayikcioglu Meral , Kultursay Hakan , Vuran Ozcan , Nalbantgil Sanem , Mogulkoc Nesrin , Can Levent 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a major determinant of outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), although the optimal measure of RV function is poorly defined. We evaluated the utility of RV free‐wall speckle tracking strain as an assessment tool for RV function in patients with PAH who are already under specific treatment compared with conventional echocardiographic parameters and investigated the relationship of RV free‐wall strain with clinical hemodynamic parameters of RV performance.MethodsRight ventricular free‐wall strain was evaluated in 92 patients (Group‐1 and Group‐4 pulmonary hypertension) who were on PAH‐specific treatment for at least 3 months. Right atrial (RA) area, RV FAC, TAPSE, tricuspid S, functional class, 6‐minute walking distance, and NT‐proBNP were studied. The mean duration of follow‐up was 222±133 days.ResultsAll patients were under PAH‐specific treatment, and mean RV free‐wall strain was −13.16±6.3%. RV free‐wall strain correlated well with functional class (r=.312, P=.01), NT‐proBNP (r=.423, P=.0001), RA area (r=.427, P=.0001), FAC (r=−.637, P=.0001), TAPSE (r=−.524, P=.0001), tricuspid S (r=−.450, P=.0001), 6‐minute walking distance (r=−.333, P=.002). RV free‐wall strain significantly correlated with all follow‐up adverse events, death, and clinical right heart failure (RHF) (P=.04, P=.03, P=.02, respectively). According to the receiver operator characteristic analysis, the cutoff value for RV free‐wall strain for the development of clinical RHF was −12.5% (sensitivity: 71%, specificity: 67%) and for all cardiovascular adverse events (death included) was −12.5% (sensitivity: 54%, specificity: 64%).ConclusionAssessment of RV free‐wall strain is a feasible, easy‐to‐perform method and may be used as a predictor of RHF, clinical deterioration, and mortality in patients already under PAH‐specific treatment.
Significant increase of flow kinetic energy in “nonresponders” patients to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Cimino Sara , Palombizio Dino , Cicogna Francesco , Cantisani Donatella , Reali Manuela , Filomena Domenico , Petronilli Valentina , Iacoboni Carlo , Agati Luciano 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundsIt's still unclear if different patterns of intraventricular flow dynamics may be detected in patients nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as compared to responders ones. Aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of left ventricular (LV) flow dynamics 6‐months after CRT to identify Echo‐particle imaging velocity (PIV) patterns were more frequently detected in nonresponders patients.MethodsThirty‐two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, undergoing CRT, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent 2D and 3D echo and fluid dynamics assessment 6 months after CRT, during active CRT (CRT‐ON) and during a temporarily discontinued state (CRT‐OFF). LV volumes systolic and diastolic volumes (LVESV and LVEDV), ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI), and several geometrical and functional Echo‐PIV‐derived parameters were calculated. Patients were divided in two groups: “responders” to CRT (decrease in LVESV>15% 6 months after CRT) and “nonresponders.”ResultsDuring CRT‐OFF, LVEF, GLS were lower, while SDI and LVESV were higher in nonresponders group (P=.030, P=.051, P=.035, and P=.025, respectively). Energy dissipation, vortex area, and vorticity fluctuation were higher in “nonresponders” patients during CRT‐OFF (P=.038, P=.054, and P=.035, respectively). During CRT‐ON, energy dissipation, vortex area, and vorticity fluctuation further increase in nonresponders patients (P=.020, P=.038, and P=.030, respectively) with a concomitant worsening of SDI (P=.045).ConclusionOur data show a significant worsening in flow‐derived parameters in CRT “nonresponders” patients as compared with responders. Further larger longitudinal studies are necessary to assess whether these more chaotic intraventricular flow‐patterns may contribute to a persistent adverse remodeling observed in this subset of patients.
Risky business: Institutions vs. social networks in FDI
Authors: Pandya Sonal , Leblang David 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPolitical economy scholarship on foreign direct investment (FDI) emphasizes variation in host country political risk but overlooks variation in investors' sensitivity to political risk. We show that relational contracting, relationship‐based contract enforcement, is more efficient for high‐risk, human capital‐intensive activities for which the costs of writing legally enforceable contracts are prohibitive. We disaggregate FDI into two distinct varieties: mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and venture capital (VC). We propose that VC flows are less sensitive to host institutions but correlate strongly with skilled migrant networks that monitor compliance and impose reputational costs. Our empirical analysis of dyadic VC and M&A flows covers over 100 countries during 1980–2009. We address other mechanisms through which migrant networks facilitate FDI and verify our results hold at the country‐industry level. These findings suggest that relational contracting facilitates global integration of dynamic, knowledge‐intensive industries even when formal institutions are weak.
Conservative Accounting, IFRS Convergence and Cash Dividend Payments: Evidence from China
Authors: Bradford William , Chen Chao , Zhu Song 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTWe investigate the governance role of conservative accounting in mitigating the creditor–stockholder conflict by affecting firms’ dividend policies, and how the convergence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) affects the governance role of conservative accounting as it relates to dividend policy. We analyze data on Chinese listed firms from 2000 through 2011. The use of conservative accounting reduced cash dividend payouts, thereby playing a governance role by mitigating the firm's creditor–stockholder agency conflict. However, China's convergence to IFRS reduced the governance role of conservative accounting on dividend policy by reducing the accounting conservatism of listed firms in China.
Effect of slide burnishing basic parameters on fatigue performance of 2024‐Т3 high‐strength aluminium alloy
Authors: Maximov J. T. , Anchev A. P. , Dunchev V. P. , Ganev N. , Duncheva G. V. , Selimov K. F. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe effect of slide burnishing (SB) on the high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) performance of 2024‐T3 high‐strength aluminium alloy has been studied. After SB with optimum basic process parameters under ‘minimum roughness’ criterion, the 107 cycle fatigue strength increases with 25% – from 180 to 225 MPa, fatigue life is increased more than 50 times, and the roughness obtained reaches up to Ra = 0.05 μm. Further, various combinations of burnishing force and deforming element radius have been applied to reach maximum HCF performance despite roughness obtained. It has been established that with the optimum combination under ‘maximum HCF performance’ criterion, 107 cycle fatigue strength increases with 44% – from 180 to  260 MPa as the roughness obtained is Ra = 0.25 μm. This significant enhancement in the HCF performance is due to introduced beneficial residual compressive stresses. They shift the fatigue crack initiation site from surface to subsurface layers and, as a result, the nucleation and propagation of the first‐mode fatigue cracks are retarded. In order to establish the fatigue limit (based on 2  ×  108 cycles), a combined approach, based on limited Wöhler's curve and Locati's method, has been applied. The fatigue limit of 2024‐T3 high‐strength aluminium alloy can be increased up to 250 MPa using SB with optimal basic parameters under ‘maximum HCF performance’ criterion.
Analyst Forecast Accuracy and Media Independence
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Li Liuchuang , Zhang Hao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUsing a large international sample of 47,307 firm‐years from 52 countries, we investigate the impact of media independence on the forecast quality of financial analysts. We find that analyst forecast errors are positively associated with the extent of a country's state media ownership and its lack of freedom of the press. We also find that financial analysts with more inaccurate forecasts disappear from the institutional broker's estimate system more quickly in countries with more independent media.
Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Aquitards Using Earthquake‐Triggered Groundwater Variation
Authors: Wang Shih‐Jung , Hsu Kuo‐Chin , Wang Chein‐Lee , Lai Wen‐Chi , Hsu Liang‐Tzu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe hydraulic properties of aquitards are not easily obtained because monitoring wells are usually installed in aquifers for groundwater resources management. Earthquake‐induced crust stress (strain) triggers groundwater level variations over a short period of time in a large area. These groundwater anomalies can be used to investigate aquifer systems. This study uses a poroelastic model to fit the postseismic variations of groundwater level triggered by the Chi‐Chi earthquake to evaluate the hydraulic properties of aquitards in the Jhoushuei River alluvial fan (JRAF), Taiwan. Six of the adopted eight wells with depths of 70 to 130 m showed good agreement with the recovery theory. The mean hydraulic conductivities (K) of the aquifers for the eight wells are 1.62 × 10−4 to 9.06 × 10−4 m/s, and the thicknesses are 18.8 to 46.1 m. The thicknesses of the aquitards are 11.3 to 42.0 m. Under the isotropic assumption for K, the estimated values of K for the aquitards are 3.0 × 10−8 to 2.1 × 10−6 m/s, corresponding to a silty medium. The results match the values obtained for the geological material of the drilling core and those reported in previous studies. The estimated values were combined with those given in previous studies to determine the distribution of K in the first two aquitards in the JRAF. The distribution patterns of the aquitards reflect the sedimentary environments and fit the geological material. The proposed technique can be used to evaluate the K value of aquitards using inverse methods. The inversion results can be used in hydrogeological analyses, contaminant modeling, and subsidence evaluation.
Association between afebrile status and in‐hospital mortality among adult chronic hemodialysis patients with bacteremia
Authors: Kim Wonhak , Kim So Mi , Yu Hoon , Jang Mun , Baek Seung Don , Kim Soon Bae 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAim: We aimed to compare the in‐hospital mortality between febrile and afebrile chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients with bacteremia and analyze the blood culture positive rate according to the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level.Methods: We collected data from 2006 to 2014. One hundred ninety bacteremic events were assigned to the “febrile group” (n = 162) and “afebrile group” (n = 28) based on the presence of fever. Fever was defined as a tympanic temperature >37.5°C or axillary temperature >37.0°C.Results: In‐hospital mortality (41.4% vs. 6.1%) was higher; and the interval between admission and blood culture was longer (3 vs. 1 h) in the afebrile group than in the febrile group. The mean reason for blood culture in the afebrile group was a high CRP level.Conclusions: An afebrile status in HD patients with bacteremia is associated with higher in‐hospital mortality. Blood culture and empirical antibiotic administration, irrespective of the fever status, should be considered in HD patients with a CRP ≥ 5 mg/dL.
Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview‐based study
Authors: Scheel‐Sailer Anke , Post Marcel W. , Michel Franz , Weidmann‐Hügle Tatjana , Baumann Hölzle Ruth 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionInvolving patients in decision making is a legal requirement in many countries, associated with better rehabilitation outcomes, but not easily accomplished during initial inpatient rehabilitation after severe trauma. Providing medical treatment according to the principles of shared decision making is challenging as a point in case for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to retrospectively explore the patients’ views on their participation in decision making during their first inpatient rehabilitation after onset of SCI, in order to optimize treatment concepts.MethodsA total of 22 participants with SCI were interviewed in‐depth using a semi‐structured interview scheme between 6 months and 35 years post‐onset. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with the Mayring method for qualitative content analysis.ResultsParticipants experienced a substantially reduced ability to participate in decision making during the early phase after SCI. They perceived physical, psychological and environmental factors to have impacted upon this ability. Patients mentioned regaining their ability to make decisions was an important goal during their first rehabilitation. Receiving adequate information in an understandable and personalized way was a prerequisite to achieve this goal. Other important factors included medical and psychological condition, personal engagement, time and dialogue with peers.ConclusionDuring the initial rehabilitation of patients with SCI, professionals need to deal with the discrepancy between the obligation to respect a patient's autonomy and their diminished ability for decision making.