bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What prevents critically ill patients with respiratory failure from using non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Murata Hiroaki , Inoue Tomoko , Takahashi Osamu 
Published: January 2017

AimTo identify the factors that prevent patients in respiratory failure from using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). The following were evaluated: (i) the patients who converted from NPPV to endotracheal intubation; and (ii) the patients who abandoned NPPV.MethodsPatients were interviewed regarding their experience with NPPV. Next, the factors that prevented the continuation of NPPV were identified and those data were collected retrospectively from medical records. The participants included adult patients in intensive care who were undergoing NPPV. The data from the interviews of nine participants were analyzed by using content analysis. Data that were collected from the medical records of 126 participants contributed to the identification of the characteristics that affected the implementation of NPPV. The factors were entered into a model by using logistic regression and decision‐tree analysis.ResultsAn interview content analysis revealed eight aspects of the patients’ experiences. In the medical record analysis, the specific factors that were associated with the conversion to intubation were the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, breathing becoming easier, arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio, and realizing the necessity of NPPV. The factors that were associated with the abandonment of NPPV included sleep loss, delirium, discomfort, and the arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio. Realizing the necessity of NPPV was not statistically significant. With regard to the decision‐tree analysis, the factors that were selected were similar to those that were selected in the factor analysis.ConclusionIn the initial stage of NPPV, focusing on dyspnea, sleep loss, discomfort, delirium, and the realization of the necessity of NPPV were critical in deciding on continuing this intervention or the early conversion to intubation.
Family Presence During Resuscitation: A Double‐Edged Sword
Authors: Hassankhani Hadi , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Rahmani Azad , Haririan Hamidreza , Porter Joanne E. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeTo illuminate the meaning of the lived experiences of resuscitation team members with the presence of the patient's family during resuscitation in the cultural context of Iran.DesignAn interpretative phenomenology was used to discover the lived experiences of the nurses and physicians of Tabriz hospitals, Iran, with family presence during resuscitation (FPDR). A total of 12 nurses and 9 physicians were interviewed over a 6‐month period.MethodsThe interviews were audio recorded and semistructured, and were transcribed verbatim. Van Manen's technique was used for data analysis.FindingsTwo major themes and 10 subthemes emerged, including destructive presence (cessation of resuscitation, interference in resuscitation, disruption to the resuscitation team's focus, argument with the resuscitation team, and adverse mental image in the family) and supportive presence (trust in the resuscitation team, collaboration with the resuscitation team, alleviating the family's concern and settling their nerves, increasing the family's satisfaction, and reducing conflict with resuscitation team members).ConclusionsParticipants stated that FPDR may work as a double‐edged sword for the family and resuscitation team, hurting or preserving quality. It is thus recommended that guidelines be created to protect patients’ and families’ rights, while considering the positive aspects of the phenomenon for hospitals.Clinical RelevanceA liaison support person would act to decrease family anxiety levels and would be able to de‐escalate any potentially aggressive or confrontational events during resuscitation. Well‐trained and expert cardiopulmonary resuscitation team members do not have any stress in the presence of family during resuscitation. Resuscitation events tend to be prolonged when family members are allowed to be present.
Does the Scope of the Sell‐Side Analyst Industry Matter? An Examination of Bias, Accuracy, and Information Content of Analyst Reports
Authors: MERKLEY KENNETH , MICHAELY RONI , PACELLI JOSEPH 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTWe examine changes in the scope of the sell‐side analyst industry and whether these changes impact information dissemination and the quality of analysts’ reports. Our findings suggest that changes in the number of analysts covering an industry impact analyst competition and have significant spillover effects on other analysts’ forecast accuracy, bias, report informativeness, and effort. These spillover industry effects are incremental to the effects of firm level changes in analyst coverage. Overall, a more significant sell‐side analyst industry presence has positive externalities that can result in better functioning capital markets.
Relatives in Residence: Relatedness of Household Members Drives Schooling Differentials in Mozambique
Authors: Lopus Sara 
Published: January 2017

AbstractChildren typically receive investments from their fathers, but absent fathers often invest at low levels. In a father's absence, what types of nonfathers invest heavily in children? This article investigates educational participation as a reflection of childhood investments on Ibo Island, Mozambique, where only one third of school‐aged children live with their biological fathers. Father‐present children generally attended school at the highest rates. Stepchildren and father‐absent relatives (e.g., grandchildren, nieces) attended school at comparably high rates if any coresiding children were father‐present. This may signal high altruism among present fathers toward some nonoffspring. Consistent with this result, a fixed effects model indicates that, within the same household, adult males invested equally in their own children, relatives, and stepchildren. Prejudicially lower investments were made in children who were unrelated to the household's adult males, however; this result has strong negative implications for the well‐being of African children fostered by nonrelatives.
Effects of Luting Composites on the Resultant Colors of Ceramic Veneers to Intended Shade Tab
Authors: Li Qing 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the color differences of ceramic veneers and the intended shade tab, and evaluate the effects of luting composites on the resultant colors of ceramic veneers.Materials and MethodsPressable leucite‐reinforced feldspathic ceramic discs (IPS e.max), with nominal shade A3, were fabricated with thicknesses of 1.0 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.5 mm (n = 10/ thickness). The ceramic specimens were cemented onto a composite background (shade Dentin) using a veneer adhesive system with five colors of luting composites (RelyX). The colors of the veneer (veneer/luting/background complexes) and corresponding shade tab (A3, Vitapan) were measured using a spectrophotometer, and subsequently converted to CIE L*a*b* values. Color differences (△E) between each complex and the shade tab were calculated and analyzed with two‐way ANOVA. Tukey's multiple comparisons were used to evaluate the effects of luting composites on the △E values.ResultsThe means of color differences between ceramic veneers and intended shade tab were 2.50 ± 0.38, 3.17 ± 0.48, and 3.84 ± 0.63 for the 1.0 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.5 mm thicknesses, respectively. △E values were significantly affected by the veneer thickness and the luting composite color (p < 0.001). Tukey's multiple comparison results revealed no significant differences among the luting composites in the thickness of 1.0 mm and 0.7 mm.ConclusionsThe color matching of ceramic veneers to the intended shade tab was not achieved in the 0.7 mm and 0.5 mm veneer thicknesses, whichever colors of the luting composites were used.
Serum lincRNA‐p21 as a potential biomarker of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Yu Fujun , Zhou Guangyao , Huang Kate , Fan XuFei , Li Guojun , Chen Bicheng , Dong Peihong , Zheng Jianjian 
Published: January 2017

SummarySerum long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers for various human diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using serum long intergenic non‐coding RNA‐p21 (lincRNA‐p21) as a biomarker for chronic hepatitis B patients. Serum lincRNA‐p21 levels were quantified using real‐time PCR in 417 CHB patients and 363 healthy controls. The promoter methylation level of lincRNA‐p21 was detected using bisulphite‐sequencing analysis in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Sera from hepatitis B‐infected patients contained lower levels of lincRNA‐p21 than sera from healthy controls. Serum lincRNA‐p21 levels negatively correlated with stages of liver fibrosis in infected patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses suggested that serum lincRNA‐p21 had a significant diagnostic value for liver fibrosis in these patients. It yielded an area under the curve of ROC of 0.854 with 100% sensitivity and 70% specificity in discriminating liver fibrosis from healthy controls. There was additionally a negative correlation between serum lincRNA‐p21 level and the markers of liver fibrosis including α‐SMA and Col1A1. However, there was no correlation of serum lincRNA‐p21 level with the markers of viral replication, liver inflammatory activity, and liver function. Notably, during primary HSCs culture, loss of lincRNA‐p21 expression was associated with promoter methylation. Serum lincRNA‐p21 could serve as a potential biomarker of liver fibrosis in CHB patients. Down‐regulation of lincRNA‐p21 in liver fibrosis may be associated with promoter methylation.
Chronic hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease: Advances, limitations and unchartered territories
Authors: Mendizabal M. , Reddy K. R. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryOver the past few years, treatment options for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have evolved dramatically. The current approved interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens have been shown to be safe and effective with sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of >90% in most patients. Unique issues yet remain such as the challenges in patients with impaired renal function or decompensated cirrhosis. Patients with stages 4‐5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher prevalence of HCV infection compared with the general population. Chronic HCV in those on dialysis and in kidney transplant recipients is associated with higher morbidity and mortality than uninfected patients. The HCV‐infected population is also at risk of developing extrahepatic manifestations associated with altered immune system function and chronic inflammation with cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis being the most common of these manifestations. Therefore, patients with CKD stages 4‐5 have to be considered priority patients for HCV therapy. New antiviral therapies have the potential to improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population, including those on haemodialysis. Recently published studies conducted in kidney transplant recipients have demonstrated successful outcomes. It is thus essential that we carefully select the most appropriate DAA regimen and the best time for treatment in the context of kidney transplantation or cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis. While sofosbuvir, the only approved nucleotide NS5B inhibitor, has been the backbone of most pangenotypic therapeutic regimens, it has a limitation in those with advanced kidney disease. The currently approved regimens for those with stage 4/5 CKD, while effective, have challenges in that they apply to genotype 1/4 and may require RBV for genotype 1a. Globally, genotype 3 is a common infection, and thus, this group with CKD presents a huge unmet need for effective therapies. As therapy of HCV in renal transplant recipients has been highly successful, it provides an opportunity to expand the use of HCV‐infected organs in solid organ transplantation.
Changes in vascular reactivity and endothelial Ca2+ dynamics with chronic low flow
Authors: Taylor Mark S. , Choi Chung‐sik , Bayazid Leith , Glosemeyer Katherine E. , Baker Calvin C. P. , Weber David S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDisruption of blood flow promotes endothelial dysfunction and predisposes vessels to remodeling and atherosclerosis. Recent findings suggest that spatial and temporal tuning of local Ca2+ signals along the endothelium is vital to vascular function. In this study, we examined whether chronic flow disruption causes alteration of dynamic endothelial Ca2+ signal patterning associated with changes in vascular structure and function. For these studies, we performed surgical PL of the left carotid arteries of mice to establish chronic low flow for 2 weeks; right carotid arteries remained open and served as controls (C). Histological sections showed substantial remodeling of PL compared to C arteries, including formation of neointima. Isometric force measurements revealed increased PE‐induced contractions and decreased KCl‐induced contractions in PL vs C arteries. Endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation in response to ACh; 10−8 to 10−5 mol/L) was significantly impaired in PL vs C vessels. Evaluation of endothelial Ca2+ using confocal imaging and custom analysis exposed distinct impairment of Ca2+ dynamics in PL arteries, characterized by reduction in active sites and truncation of events, corresponding to attenuated vasorelaxation. Our findings suggest that endothelial dysfunction in developing vascular disease may be characterized by distinct shifts in the spatial and temporal patterns of localized Ca2+ signals.
4‐Hydroxybenzoic acid is a diffusible factor that connects metabolic shikimate pathway to the biosynthesis of a unique antifungal metabolite in Lysobacter enzymogenes
Authors: Su Zhenhe , Chen Hongfu , Wang Ping , Tombosa Simon , Du Liangcheng , Han Yong , Shen Yuemao , Qian Guoliang , Liu Fengquan 
Published: January 2017

SummaryHeat‐stable antifungal factor (HSAF) produced by Lysobacter enzymogenes is a potential lead compound for developing new antibiotics. Yet, how L. enzymogenes regulates the HSAF biosynthesis remains largely unknown. Here, we show that 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (4‐HBA) serves as a diffusible factor for regulating HSAF biosynthesis. The biosynthesis of 4‐HBA involved an oxygenase, LenB2, and mutation of lenB2 almost completely abolished 4‐HBA production, leading to significantly impaired HSAF production. Introduction of a heterologous gene coding for 4‐HBA biosynthetic enzyme into the lenB2 mutant restored the production of 4‐HBA and HSAF to their corresponding wild‐type levels. Exogenous addition of 0.5–1 μM 4‐HBA was sufficient to restore HSAF production in the lenB2 mutant. Furthermore, the shikimate pathway was found to regulate the biosynthesis of HSAF via 4‐HBA. Finally, we identified a LysR‐family transcription factor (LysRLe) with activity directed to HSAF production. LysRLe could bind to the HSAF promoter and, as a result, regulates expression of HSAF biosynthesis genes. The 4‐HBA could bind to LysRLe and appeared to partly enhance formation of the LysRLe–DNA complex. Collectively, our findings suggest that L. enzymogenes produces 4‐HBA to serve as an adaptor molecule to link the shikimate pathway to the biosynthesis of a unique antifungal metabolite (HSAF).
Characterization and in vivo regulon determination of an ECF sigma factor and its cognate anti‐sigma factor in Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Bell Nicole , Lee Jamie J. , Summers Michael L. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBased on primary sequence comparisons and genomic context, Npun_F4153 (SigG)/Npun_F4154 (SapG) of the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme were hypothesized to encode an ECF sigma factor/anti‐sigma factor pair. Transcription of sigG increased in heterocysts and akinetes, and after EDTA treatment. Interaction between SigG and the predicted cytoplasmic domain of SapG was observed in vitro. A SigG‐GFP translational fusion protein localized to the periphery of vegetative cells in vivo, but lost this association following heat stress. A sigG mutant was unable to survive envelope damage caused by heat or EDTA, but was able to form functional heterocysts. Akinetes in the mutant strain appeared normal, but these cultures were less resistant to lysozyme and cold treatments than those of the wild‐type strain. The SigG in vivo regulon was determined before and during akinete differentiation using DNA microarray analysis, and found to include multiple genes with putative association to the cell envelope. Mapped promoters common to both arrays enabled identification of a SigG promoter‐binding motif that was supported in vivo by reporter studies, and in vitro by run‐off transcription experiments. These findings support SigG/SapG as a sigma/anti‐sigma pair involved in repair of envelope damage resulting from exogenous sources or cellular differentiation.
The phycocyanobilin chromophore of streptophyte algal phytochromes is synthesized by HY2
Authors: Rockwell Nathan C. , Martin Shelley S. , Li Fay‐Wei , Mathews Sarah , Lagarias John Clark 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Land plant phytochromes perceive red and far‐red light to control growth and development, using the linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore phytochromobilin (PΦB). Phytochromes from streptophyte algae, sister species to land plants, instead use phycocyanobilin (PCB). PCB and PΦB are synthesized by different ferredoxin‐dependent bilin reductases (FDBRs): PΦB is synthesized by HY2, whereas PCB is synthesized by PcyA. The pathway for PCB biosynthesis in streptophyte algae is unknown. We used phylogenetic analysis and heterologous reconstitution of bilin biosynthesis to investigate bilin biosynthesis in streptophyte algae.

Phylogenetic results suggest that PcyA is present in chlorophytes and prasinophytes but absent in streptophytes. A system reconstituting bilin biosynthesis in Escherichia coli was modified to utilize HY2 from the streptophyte alga Klebsormidium flaccidum (KflaHY2). The resulting bilin was incorporated into model cyanobacterial photoreceptors and into phytochrome from the early‐diverging streptophyte alga Mesostigma viride (MvirPHY1).

All photoreceptors tested incorporate PCB rather than PΦB, indicating that KflaHY2 is sufficient for PCB synthesis without any other algal protein. MvirPHY1 exhibits a red–far‐red photocycle similar to those seen in other streptophyte algal phytochromes.

These results demonstrate that streptophyte algae use HY2 to synthesize PCB, consistent with the hypothesis that PΦB synthesis arose late in HY2 evolution.
Potential use of cubic phase masks for extending the range of clear vision in presbyopes: initial calculation and simulation studies
Authors: Arines Justo , Almaguer Citlalli , Acosta Eva 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeIn this paper we analyse the potential use of a non‐symmetrical optical element, a cubic phase mask, for extending the range of clear vision of presbyopic eyes. Additionally, we will discuss the appropriateness of the visual Strehl ratio to analyse this sort of presbyopic solution based on non‐symmetrical phase masks contrasted with through‐focus retinal images.MethodsIn order to evaluate the performance of the cubic phase mask we employed computational Fourier Optics to compute the different visual Strehl criteria as well as simulate the retinal images. The through focus real part of the modulation transfer functions and retinal images were computed for four object distances 6.0, 1.0, 0.6 and 0.4 m which correspond to far, intermediate and near vision conditions for optotypes of visual acuity of 0.1 and 0.0 logMAR (Snellen 6/7.5 and 6/6; 0.8 and 1 in decimal Snellen). For the experimental validation we built an artificial eye consisting of a plano‐convex lens with a focal length of 25.4 mm and 0.5 numerical aperture, a variable diaphragm, a 3× objective and an ORCA 285 Hamamatsu Photonics camera 8.1 μm pixel size (resulting in an effective pixel size of 2.7 μm). A set of four different VA charts adapted to monitor different visual acuities (ranging between 0.0 and 0.20 logMAR) were placed at different object distances 6, 1.0, 0.6 and 0.4 m from the artificial eye.ResultsBoth numerical and experimental validation showed the suitability of the cubic phase mask for extending the range of clear vision of presbyopic eyes, providing at least a visual acuity of 0.1 logMAR (6/7.5 Snellen, 0.8 decimal Snellen) at all distances. The results show that it is possible to choose between promoting far or near vision by changing the magnitude of the defocus component. It is also possible to extend the range of clear vision, by increasing the magnitude of the cubic component. But this increment will cause a reduction in the contrast of the images as it can be observed from the Visual Strehl values and the retinal images generated numerically.ConclusionsA cubic phase mask in the shape 7.07 μm × (Z9−Z6)−0.9 μm × Z4 is a good solution for obtaining a range of clear vision with at least 0.1 logMAR visual acuity (and close to 0.0 logMAR, 6/6, 20/20 and decimal Snellen 1.0) between 6.0 and 0.4 m for a pupil diameter of 5.0 mm. Our results seem to be a good starting point for future studies of this type of cubic phase mask solutions for presbyopia.
Introduction of a new paediatric asthma guideline: Effects on asthma control levels
Authors: Hammer S. C. , Sonneveld L. J. H. , van de Kant K. D. G. , Hendriks H. J. , Heynens J. W. , Droog R. , Dompeling E. , Jöbsis Q. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn 2008, a new national paediatric asthma management guideline based on the international Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guideline was launched in the Netherlands. We studied whether asthma control and treatment regimens improved after introduction of the guideline by comparing survey data before and after the guideline introduction.MethodsTwo comparable groups of children (6–16 years) with asthma were included before (2004) and after (2013) the introduction of the guideline. Children, parents and paediatricians completed questionnaires about asthma symptoms, medication and healthcare use. Spirometry was performed.ResultsData of 209 patients were analysed. Level of asthma control did not improve between 2004 and 2013 with a proportion of (partly) controlled asthmatics of 51% in 2004 and 59% in 2013 (p = 0.28). In 2013, paediatricians characterized 76% of children as (partly) controlled, while 59% of children was (partly) controlled according to GINA criteria (p < 0.05). Step‐down treatment in controlled patients was more applied by paediatricians in 2013 compared to 2004 (from 8 to 40%, p < 0.05). Step‐up treatment in uncontrolled patients did not improve.ConclusionsAsthma control did not improve after the introduction of the new guideline. Compared to 2004, an improvement was observed in step‐down treatment in patients with controlled disease.