bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised controlled trial comparing high‐flow nasal oxygen with standard management for conscious sedation during bronchoscopy
Authors: Douglas N. , Ng I. , Nazeem F. , Lee K. , Mezzavia P. , Krieser R. , Steinfort D. , Irving L. , Segal R. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryTraditional conscious sedation for endobronchial ultrasound procedures places patients at risk of desaturation, and high‐flow nasal oxygen may reduce the risk. We designed a parallel‐group randomised controlled trial of high‐flow nasal oxygen at a flow rate of 30–70 l.min−1 via nasal cannulae, compared with standard oxygen therapy at 10 l.min−1 via a bite block in adults planned for conscious sedation for endobronchial ultrasound. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing desaturation (defined as SpO2 < 90%). Secondary outcomes included oxygen saturation after pre‐oxygenation, lowest oxygen saturation during procedure, number of hypoxic episodes, duration of hypoxia, end‐procedure end‐tidal CO2, satisfaction scores and complications. Thirty participants were allocated to each group. Baseline patient characteristics, procedure time and anaesthetic agents used were similar between the groups. Desaturation occurred in 4 out of 30 patients allocated to the high‐flow nasal oxygen group, compared with 10 out of 30 allocated to the standard oxygenation group, a non‐significant difference (p = 0.07) with intention to treat analysis. The difference was significant (p = 0.047) when using a per‐protocol analysis. Oxygen saturation after pre‐oxygenation and the lowest oxygen saturation during procedure were significantly higher in the high‐flow nasal oxygen group compared with the standard oxygenation group; median (IQR [range] 100 (99–100 [93–100]) vs. 98 (97–99 [94–100]), p = 0.0001 and 97.5 (94–99 [77–100]) vs. 92 (88–95 [79–98]), p < 0.001, respectively. There were no differences in other secondary outcomes. Although high‐flow nasal oxygen may prevent desaturation due to some causes, it does not protect against hypoxaemia in all circumstances.
A new REML (parameter expanded) EM algorithm for linear mixed models
Authors: Diffey S. M. , Smith A. B. , Welsh A. H. , Cullis B. R. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryLinear mixed models are regularly applied to animal and plant breeding data to evaluate genetic potential. Residual maximum likelihood (REML) is the preferred method for estimating variance parameters associated with this type of model. Typically an iterative algorithm is required for the estimation of variance parameters. Two algorithms which can be used for this purpose are the expectation‐maximisation (EM) algorithm and the parameter expanded EM (PX‐EM) algorithm. Both, particularly the EM algorithm, can be slow to converge when compared to a Newton‐Raphson type scheme such as the average information (AI) algorithm. The EM and PX‐EM algorithms require specification of the complete data, including the incomplete and missing data. We consider a new incomplete data specification based on a conditional derivation of REML. We illustrate the use of the resulting new algorithm through two examples: a sire model for lamb weight data and a balanced incomplete block soybean variety trial. In the cases where the AI algorithm failed, a REML PX‐EM based on the new incomplete data specification converged in 28% to 30% fewer iterations than the alternative REML PX‐EM specification. For the soybean example a REML EM algorithm using the new specification converged in fewer iterations than the current standard specification of a REML PX‐EM algorithm. The new specification integrates linear mixed models, Henderson's mixed model equations, REML and the REML EM algorithm into a cohesive framework.
Asphyxiated neonates who received active therapeutic hypothermia during transport had higher rates of hypocapnia than controls
Authors: Szakmar Eniko , Kovacs Kata , Meder Unoke , Bokodi Geza , Szell Andras , Somogyvari Zsolt , Szabo Attila J. , Szabo Miklos , Jermendy Agnes 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimWe investigated the association between active hypothermia and hypocapnia in neonates with moderate‐to‐severe hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) transported after birth.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of neonates with HIE born between 2007 and 2011 and transported to Semmelweis University, Hungary, for hypothermia treatment before and after we introduced active cooling during transport in 2009. Of these, 71 received intensive care plus controlled active hypothermia during transport, while the 46 controls just received standard intensive care. Incident hypocapnia was defined as a partial pressure of carbon‐dioxide (pCO2) that decreased below 35 mm Hg during transport. Multivariable logistic regression investigated the relationship between hypothermia and incident hypocapnia.ResultsIncident hypocapnia was more frequent in the actively cooled transport group (36.6%) than control group (17.4%; p = 0.025). pCO2 decreased from a median of 45 to 35 mm Hg (p < 0.0001) in the intervention group, but remained unchanged in the controls. After adjusting for confounders, hypothermia remained an independent risk factor for hypocapnia with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.23 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.30–13.79. Sedation was associated with a reduction in OR of hypocapnia, at 0.35 (95% CI 0.12–0.98).ConclusionsHypothermia increased the risk of hypocapnia in neonates with HIE during transport.
Conservative Reporting and the Incremental Effect of Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation Policy: A Comparative Analysis of Audit Partner Rotation vs Audit Firm Rotation in South Korea
Authors: Mali Dafydd , Lim Hyoung‐joo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we take advantage of Korea's unique experiment with mandatory audit firm rotation (MAFR) and mandatory audit partner rotation (MAPR) to ascertain their influence on audit quality, proxied by conditional conservatism. Overall, we find that the implementation of MAFR did not have the desired effect. Firms that adopted MAFR demonstrate higher levels of conservatism in previous periods under MAPR (or compared to voluntary adopters). Furthermore, we find that audit tenure increases conservatism levels consistent with the auditor expertise hypothesis. However, whilst evidence suggests MAFR decreases audit quality on the whole, we find that firms that switch from non‐Big 4 to Big 4 auditors demonstrate higher conservatism because Big 4 auditors are more likely to demand conservative accounting practices, consistent with Big 4 audit firm knowledge superiority. Overall, the results suggest that MAFR's negative effect on audit quality can be mitigated by Big 4 auditor supervision.
Strategic Responses to Changing Climate Change Policies: The Role Played by Carbon Accounting
Authors: Bui Binh , Fowler Carolyn J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUsing a broad institutional theory lens, this paper examines the climate change strategies and carbon accounting practices adopted by two New Zealand electricity firms in response to changes in government climate change policies over time (2002–12). The two firms pursue different strategic responses to climate change‐related institutional and economic pressures in order to maintain both legitimacy and a competitive advantage. Five different strategic responses are identified: avoidance, operational conformance, strategic conformance, strategic differentiation, negotiation and manipulation. Firm‐level characteristics are also important drivers of inter‐firm variations in the strategic responses. Further, carbon accounting makes the greatest contribution to carbon reduction when integrated as part of strategic processes that support strategic conformance and strategic differentiation. Carbon monitoring systems, internal carbon information use and carbon disclosure were the main forms of carbon accounting used to realise the different strategies employed.
Assessment of prescribed fire and cutting as means of controlling the invasion of sub‐alpine grasslands by Echinospartum horridum
Authors: Nuche Paloma , Komac Benjamin , Gartzia Maite , Villellas Jesús , Reiné Ramón , Alados Concepción L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsSub‐alpine grassland ecosystems have some of the highest biodiversity in Europe and constitute high‐value natural resources. These grasslands are under threat because of the abandonment of traditional agro‐pastoral activities and subsequent invasion by woody species. In the Central Pyrenees (Spain) several management techniques have been used to stop expansion of the highly encroaching shrub Echinospartum horridum. However, the ways in which these techniques affect recovery of sub‐alpine grasslands are poorly understood. The final goal of this study is to gain information about the effects of E. horridum management practices and provide recommendations for the local stakeholders.MethodsThis study evaluated the efficacy of controlled fires and mechanical removal of above‐ground vegetation in controlling expansion of E. horridum into sub‐alpine grasslands in the Central Pyrenees. E. horridum demography (germination and survival), soil seed bank and soil properties were recorded in two E. horridum stands where vegetation was previously removed by (1) fire (burning treatment) or (2) mechanical removal (cutting treatment) and (3) an undisturbed E. horridum stand (control).ResultsThe burning treatment increased germination and survival of E. horridum seedlings more than the cutting treatment, relative to the control. Therefore, cutting appeared to be a better option for controlling E. horridum. Soil seed density was higher in the management treatments than in the control, but it did not harbour sub‐alpine grasslands species. E. horridum removal favoured recharge of the soil with seeds that arrived by dispersal. The soil seed bank in the burning treatment had higher seed abundance and seed diversity than in the cutting treatment; however, fire promoted a loss of soil nutrients.ConclusionsThe soil seed bank composition (low abundance and diversity of native species) coupled with rapid regeneration rate of E. horridum would prevent recovery of the sub‐alpine grassland based on the soil seed bank alone. Traditional shepherding has been reported to favour seed dispersal, and here we recommend E. horridum removal with cutting treatment as an additional practice for integrated management and recovery of the sub‐alpine grasslands.
First experience in the UK of treating women with recurrent urinary tract infections with the bacterial vaccine Uromune®
Authors: Yang Bob , Foley Stephen 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of Uromune® in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.Patients and MethodsA total of 77 women with microbiology‐proven recurrent UTIs were given Uromune sublingual vaccine for a period of 3 months. Time to first UTI recurrence since treatment and adverse events were prospectively recorded in a follow‐up period of up to 12 months.ResultsOf the 77 women, 75 completed the treatment. Of the 75 women who completed treatment, 59 (78%) had no subsequent UTIs in the follow‐up period. Prior to treatment, all women had experienced a minimum of three or more episodes of UTI during the preceding 12 months. Proportionally, the majority of recurrences occurred in postmenopausal women. One patient had to stop treatment because of an adverse event (rash over face and neck).ConclusionThis prospective study suggests that Uromune is safe and effective at preventing UTIs in women. Further research is required in larger groups of patients for longer treatment times. An international double‐blind randomized control trial comparing Uromune with placebo is currently underway.
Xenopus‐derived glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and polyethylene‐glycosylated glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: long‐acting hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic activities with potential therapeutic utilities
Authors: Han Jing , Fei Yingying , Zhou Feng , Chen Xinyu , Zhang Ying , Liu Lin , Fu Junjie 
Published: November 2017

Background and PurposeIncretin‐based therapies based on glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists are effective treatments of type 2 diabetes. Abundant research has focused on the development of long‐acting GLP‐1 receptor agonists. However, all GLP‐1 receptor agonists in clinical use or development are based on human or Gila GLP‐1. We have identified a potent GLP‐1 receptor agonist, xGLP‐1B, based on Xenopus GLP‐1.Experimental ApproachTo further modify the structure of xGLP‐1B, alanine scanning was performed to study the structure ‐activity relationship of xGLP‐1B. Two strategies were then employed to improve bioactivity. First, the C‐terminal tail of lixisenatide was appended to cysteine‐altered xGLP‐1B analogues. Second, polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains with different molecular weights were conjugated with the peptides, giving a series of PEGylated conjugates. Comprehensive bioactivity studies of these conjugates were performed in vitro and in vivo.ResultsFrom the in vitro receptor activation potency and in vivo acute hypoglycaemic activities of conjugates 25 ‐36, 33 was identified as the best candidate for further biological assessments. Conjugate 33 exhibited prominent hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic activities, as well as improved pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo. The prolonged antidiabetic duration of 33 was further confirmed by pre‐oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and multiple OGTT. Furthermore, chronic treatment of db/db mice with 33 ameliorated non‐fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, reduced HbA1c values and normalized their impaired glucose tolerance. Importantly, no in vivo toxicity was observed in mice treated with 33.Conclusions and ImplicationsPeptide 33 is a promising long‐acting type 2 diabetes therapeutic deserving further investigation.
Differential involvement of ipsilateral and contralateral spinal cord astrocyte D‐serine in carrageenan‐induced mirror‐image pain: role of σ1 receptors and astrocyte gap junctions
Authors: Choi Hoon‐Seong , Roh Dae‐Hyun , Yoon Seo‐Yeon , Choi Sheu‐Ran , Kwon Soon‐Gu , Kang Suk‐Yun , Moon Ji‐Young , Han Ho‐Jae , Beitz Alvin J , Lee Jang‐Hern 
Published: November 2017

Background and PurposeAlthough we have recently demonstrated that spinal astrocyte gap junctions mediate the development of mirror‐image pain (MIP), it is still unclear which astrocyte‐derived factor is responsible for the development of MIP and how its production is controlled. In the present study, we focused on the role of ipsilateral versus contralateral D‐serine in the development of MIP and investigated the possible involvement of σ1 receptors and gap junctions in astrocyte D‐serine production.Experimental ApproachFollowing carrageenan injection, mechanical allodynia was tested at various time points to examine the effect of individual drugs. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed to clarify the expression levels of spinal D‐serine, serine racemase, σ1 receptors and connexin 43.Key ResultsThe expression of ipsilateral D‐serine was up‐regulated during the early phase of inflammation, while contralateral D‐serine increased during the later phase of inflammation. The pharmacological inhibition of D‐serine during the early phase blocked the development of both ipsilateral and contralateral mechanical allodynia. However, the inhibition of D‐serine during the later phase of inflammation blocked contralateral, but not ipsilateral mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, the inhibition of σ1 receptors during the earlier phase of inflammation inhibited the increase in ipsilateral D‐serine. Conversely, the blockade of astrocyte gap junctions suppressed the up‐regulation of contralateral D‐serine during the later phase of inflammation.Conclusion and ImplicationsSpinal astrocyte D‐serine plays an important role in the development of mirror‐image pain. Furthermore, σ1 receptors and astrocyte gap junction signalling mediate ipsilateral and contralateral D‐serine production respectively.
Exposure to Parental Depression in Adolescence and Risk for Metabolic Syndrome in Adulthood
Authors: Ehrlich Katherine B. , Chen Edith , Yu Tianyi , Miller Gregory E. , Brody Gene H. 
Published: November 2017

The psychosocial consequences of living with a depressed parent have been well characterized. Less well known, however, is how this exposure is predictive of later physical health problems. The present study evaluated how parental depression across youths’ adolescence (ages 11–18) was associated with youth metabolic syndrome at age 25 (n = 391). Youth self‐regulation and health behaviors were considered as possible moderators of the link between parental depression and youth metabolic syndrome. Analyses revealed that parental depression in adolescence was associated with a composite score reflecting metabolic syndrome components in early adulthood. Furthermore, self‐regulation and health behaviors moderated this link, such that links between parental depression and the metabolic syndrome existed only for youth with low self‐regulation or unhealthy behaviors.
Concomitant sensitization to legumin, Fag e 2 and Fag e 5 predicts buckwheat allergy
Authors: Geiselhart S. , Nagl C. , Dubiela P. , Pedersen A. C. , Bublin M. , Radauer C. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. , Mortz C. G. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundBuckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) has become increasingly popular as a healthy food in Europe. However, for sensitized individuals, consumption can cause anaphylactic reactions. The aim of this study was to identify individual well‐characterized buckwheat allergens for component‐resolved diagnosis.MethodsPatients were selected by positive skin prick test to buckwheat and divided into two groups: (1) sensitized to buckwheat without clinical symptoms and (2) buckwheat allergy. Buckwheat proteins were extracted from raw buckwheat seeds, purified applying a combination of protein precipitation and chromatographic methods, and analyzed by IgE immunoblotting and ELISA.ResultsBuckwheat‐allergic patients had a significantly larger median skin prick test weal diameter for buckwheat than the sensitized group and the positive control. Also, IgE immunoblotting clearly showed a distinct pattern in sera from allergic patients when compared to sensitized individuals. Several IgE‐reactive proteins were purified from crude buckwheat extract, namely legumin (Fag e 1 plus its large subunit), Fag e 2 (2S albumin), and newly identified Fag e 5 (vicilin‐like) as well as hevein‐like antimicrobial peptides, designated Fag e 4. All four allergens showed superior diagnostic precision compared to extract‐based ImmunoCAP with high sensitivity as well as high specificity.ConclusionsPatients with clinical symptoms clearly show a distinct allergen recognition pattern. We characterized a buckwheat vicilin‐like protein as a new relevant marker allergen, designated Fag e 5. Additionally, another new allergen, Fag e 4, potentially important for cross‐reactivity to latex was added to the allergen panel of buckwheat. Further, our data show that the full‐length legumin comprising both, large and small subunit should be applied for component‐resolved diagnosis. Our data indicate that concomitant sensitization to legumin, Fag e 2 and Fag e 5, predicts buckwheat allergy.
No effect of transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on short‐term memory
Authors: Wang Jing , Wen Jian‐Bing , Li Xiao‐Li 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIntroductionShort‐term memory refers to the capacity for holding information in mind for a short period of time with conscious memorization. It is an important ability for daily life and is impaired in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was reported to enhance the capability of short‐term memory in healthy subjects. However, results were not consistent and what is the possible impact factor is not known. One important factor that may significantly influence the effect of tDCS is the timing of tDCS administration.AimsIn order to explore whether tDCS impact short‐term memory and the optimal timing of tDCS administration, we applied anodal tDCS to the left DLPFC to explore the modulatory effect of online and off‐line tDCS on digit span as well as visual short‐term memory performance in healthy subjects.ResultsResults showed tDCS of the left DLPFC did not influence intentional digit span memory performance, whether before the task or during the task. In addition, tDCS of the DLPFC administered before the task showed no effect on visual short‐term memory, while there was a trend of increase in false alarm when tDCS of the DLPFC administered during the task.ConclusionsThese results did not provide evidence for the enhancement of short‐term memory by tDCS of the left DLPFC in healthy subjects, but it suggested an importance of administration time for visual short‐term memory. Further studies are required to taking into account the baseline performance of subjects and time‐dependence feature of tDCS.
Prevalence and prognostic impact of electrocardiographic abnormalities in outpatients with extracardiac artery disease
Authors: Hysing Per , Jonason Tommy , Leppert Jerzy , Hedberg Pär 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIdentifying cardiac disease in patients with extracardiac artery disease (ECAD) is essential for clinical decision‐making. Electrocardiography (ECG) is an easily accessible tool to unmask subclinical cardiac disease and to risk stratify patient with or without manifest cardiovascular disease (CV). We aimed to examine the prevalence and prognostic impact of ECG changes in outpatients with ECAD. Outpatients with carotid or lower extremity artery disease (n = 435) and community‐based controls (n = 397) underwent resting ECG. The patients were followed during a median of 4·8 years for CV events (hospitalization or death caused by ischaemic heart disease, cardiac arrest, heart failure, or stroke). ECG abnormalities were classified according to the Minnesota Code. Major (33% versus 15%, P<0·001) but not minor ECG abnormalities (23% versus 26%, P = 0·42) were significantly more common in patients versus controls. During the follow‐up, 141 patients experienced CV events. Both major ECG abnormalities [hazard ratio (HR) 1·58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·11–2·25, P = 0·012] and any ECG abnormalities (HR 1·57, 95% CI 1·06–2·33, P = 0·024) were significantly associated with CV events after adjustment for potential risk factors. In conclusion, ECG abnormalities were common in these outpatients with ECAD. Major and any ECG abnormalities were independent predictors of CV events. Addition of easily accessible ECG information might be useful in risk stratification for such patients.