bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exendin‐4 from Heloderma suspectum venom: From discovery to its latest application as type II diabetes combatant
Authors: Yap Michelle Khai Khun , Misuan Nurhamimah 
Published: November 2018

AbstractType II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic non‐communicable disease due to abnormal insulin actions causing uncontrolled hyperglycaemia. The treatment for T2DM, for instance, metformin and incretin mimetic, mainly focuses on the restoration of insulin sensitivity and secretion. Exendin‐4 is a short incretin‐mimetic peptide consisting of 39 amino acids. It is discovered in the venom of Heloderma suspectum as a full agonist for the glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor and produces insulinotropic effects. It is more resistant to enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 and has a longer half‐life than the endogenous GLP‐1; thus, it is further developed as an incretin hormone analogue used to treat T2DM. The helical region of the peptide first interacts with the extracellular N‐terminal domain (NTD) of GLP‐1 receptor while the C‐terminal extension containing the tryptophan cage further enhances its binding affinity. After binding to the NTD of the receptor, it may cause the receptor to switch from its auto‐inhibited state of the receptor to its auto‐activated state. Exendin‐4 enhances the physiological functions of β‐cells and the up‐regulation of GLP‐1 receptors, thus reducing the plasma glucose levels. Moreover, exendin‐4 has also been found to ameliorate neuropathy, nephropathy and ventricular remodelling. The therapeutic effects of exendin‐4 have also been extrapolated into several clinical trials. Although exendin‐4 has a reasonable subcutaneous bioavailability, its half‐life is rather short. Therefore, several modifications have been undertaken to improve its pharmacokinetics and insulinotropic potency. This review focuses on the pharmacology of exendin‐4 and the structure‐function relationships of exendin‐4 with GLP‐1 receptor. The review also highlights some challenges and future directions in the improvement of exendin‐4 as an anti‐diabetic drug.
Second‐generation antipsychotic long‐acting injections in bipolar disorder: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Prajapati Asta R. , Wilson Jon , Song Fujian , Maidment Ian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundNon‐adherence is a significant problem in bipolar disorder. Second‐generation antipsychotics (SGA) long‐acting injections (LAIs) may improve adherence in bipolar disorder and may prevent relapses. However, the evidence is limited and conflicting.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of SGA LAIs in bipolar disorder.MethodSystematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (≥6 months duration) investigating safety and efficacy of SGA LAIs for bipolar disorder. We searched Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, LiLACS, www.clinicaltrials.gov up to October 2016. We also contacted the manufacturers of SGA LAIs. Primary efficacy and safety outcomes were relapse rate and all‐cause discontinuation respectively.ResultsTotal of seven RCTs (n = 1192) were included. SGA LAIs show superiority over placebo for study‐defined relapse rate (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.49‐0.68, P < 0.00001) and all‐cause discontinuation (RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.64‐0.82, P < 0.00001). However, no significant difference was found between SGA LAIs and oral active control for relapse rate (RR = 0.92, P = 0.79) and all‐cause discontinuation (RR = 1.2, P = 0.31). In terms of secondary outcomes, SGA LAIs performed better than placebo in relapse to mania/hypomania, young mania rating scales (YMRS), clinical global impression‐severity (CGI‐S), montgomery‐asberg depression rating scale (MADRS). There was no significant difference between SGA LAIs and oral active control regarding relapse to mania/hypomania, YMRS, CGI‐S, extra‐pyramidal side effects (EPSEs), weight gain. However, the active control performed better than SGA LAIs in relapse to depression, MADRS, and prolactin‐related AEs.ConclusionsCurrent evidence is very limited to support the use of SGA LAIs (compared to oral medication) in bipolar disorder. Further high‐quality studies, particularly comparing SGA LAIs with active control, are warranted.
Impacts of peers’ unethical behavior on employees’ ethical intention: Moderated mediation by Machiavellian orientation
Authors: Ruiz‐Palomino Pablo , Bañón‐Gomis Alexis , Linuesa‐Langreo Jorge 
Published: November 2018

AbstractResearch suggests a direct negative relationship between peers’ unethical behavior and employees’ ethical intention. But several possible mechanisms might explain this relationship in more detail. For example, Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by interpersonal manipulation and the use of unethical means to achieve certain self‐interested ends, whether useful or pleasant. This article adopts an Aristotelian understanding of philia, related to three goods on which human relationships rest: useful, pleasant, and honest. We propose that Machiavellianism, a self‐interested, pragmatic personality orientation, might explicate the relationship between peers’ unethical behavior and ethical intention. The results of a structural equation model applied to a sample of 436 banking employees in Spain reveals that Machiavellianism partially mediates the relationship between peers’ unethical behavior and employees’ ethical intention. We also find that with a greater level of peers’ unethical behavior, the negative effect of Machiavellianism on ethical intention increases, and that when peers’ unethical behavior is nonexistent, the negative effect of Machiavellianism on ethical intention disappears. These findings advance current literature by revealing that unethical peers can indirectly influence ethical intention, through shaping Machiavellianism. Our study is also the first to show that pairing high Machiavellians with ethical peers can help to cancel out the negative influence of Machiavellianism on ethical intention.
Midwifery presence in United States medical centers and labor care and birth outcomes among low‐risk nulliparous women: A Consortium on Safe Labor study
Authors: Neal Jeremy L. , Carlson Nicole S. , Phillippi Julia C. , Tilden Ellen L. , Smith Denise C. , Breman Rachel B. , Dietrich Mary S. , Lowe Nancy K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of midwives in a health system may affect perinatal outcomes but has been inadequately described in United States settings. Our objective was to compare labor processes and outcomes for low‐risk nulliparous women birthing in United States medical centers with interprofessional care (midwives and physicians) versus noninterprofessional care (physicians only).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using Consortium on Safe Labor data from low‐risk nulliparous women who birthed in interprofessional (n = 7393) or noninterprofessional centers (n = 6982). Unadjusted, adjusted (age, race, health insurance type), propensity‐adjusted, and propensity‐matched logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes.ResultsThere was concordance across logistic regression models, the most restrictive and conservative of which were propensity‐matched models. With this approach, women at interprofessional medical centers, compared with women at noninterprofessional centers, were 74% less likely to undergo labor induction (risk ratio [RR] 0.26; 95% CI 0.24‐0.29) and 75% less likely to have oxytocin augmentation (RR 0.25; 95% CI 0.22‐0.29). The cesarean birth rate was 12% lower at interprofessional centers (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79‐0.98). Adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in only 0.3% of births and were thus too rare to be modeled.ConclusionsThe care processes and birth outcomes at interprofessional and noninterprofessional medical centers differed significantly. Nulliparous women receiving care at interprofessional centers were less likely to experience induction, oxytocin augmentation, and cesarean than women at noninterprofessional centers. Labor care and birth outcome differences between interprofessional and noninterprofessional centers may be the result of the presence of midwives and interprofessional collaboration, organizational culture, or both.
The translational science of hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Cirillo Melita , Reinke Sarah , Klapper Wolfram , Borchmann Sven 
Published: November 2018

SummaryHodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is an unusual B‐cell lymphoma because the malignant cells exist as a minority population in a densely cellular microenvironment. The microenvironment is comprised predominately of inflammatory and immune cells with fibrosis in some cases. There are multiple dysregulated signalling pathways that sustain HL within this microenvironment, such as the Nuclear factor‐κB and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathways. Advances in genomic medicine have enabled a better characterisation of the rare tumour cells and improved our understanding of the signalling mechanisms that exist between the malignant cell and its microenvironment. Current therapy for HL produces excellent clinical outcomes in most younger patients. However, problems with current treatment approaches include poorer outcomes in the elderly, toxicity of highly‐effective combination chemotherapy regimens and relapse in high‐risk patients. Better understanding of disease biology aids in upfront prognostication of patients, defines new methods for treatment monitoring and assists in the recognition of novel targets for therapy. Biology‐driven therapies, including anti‐CD30 antibody conjugates, cellular immunotherapies and immune modulation, particularly with checkpoint inhibitors, have changed treatment algorithms for relapsed/refractory patients. Future challenges exist in incorporating immune‐based therapies earlier in treatment algorithms to reduce toxicity and prevent relapse for patients with HL.
Can sediment supply variations create sequences? Insights from stratigraphic forward modelling
Authors: Zhang Jinyu , Burgess Peter M. , Granjeon Didier , Steel Ronald 
Published: November 2018

AbstractClassic sequence stratigraphy suggests depositional sequences can form due to changes in accommodation and due to changes in sediment supply. Accommodation‐dominated sequences are problematic to define rigorously, but are commonly interpreted from outcrop and subsurface data. In contrast, supply‐dominated sequences are much less commonly identified. We employ numerical stratigraphic forward modelling to compare stratal geometries forced by cyclic changes in relative sea level with stratal geometries forced by sediment discharge and water discharge changes. Our quantitative results suggest that both relative sea‐level oscillations and variations in sediment/water discharge ratio are able to form sequence‐bounding unconformities independently, confirming previous qualitative sequences definitions. In some of the experiments, the two types of sequence share several characteristics, such as an absence of coastal‐plain topset deposits and stratal offlap, something typically interpreted as the result of falling relative sea level. However, the stratal geometries differ when variations in amplitude and frequency of relative sea‐level change, sediment/water discharge ratio, transport diffusion coefficient and initial bathymetry are applied. We propose that the supply‐dominated sequences could be recognised in outcrop or in the subsurface if the observations of stratal offlap and the absence of coastal‐plain topset can be made without any strong evidence of relative sea‐level fall (e.g. descending shoreline trajectory). These quantitative results suggest that both supply‐dominated and accommodation‐dominated sequences are likely to occur in the ancient record, as a consequence of multiple, possibly complex, controls.
Institutional complementarities and corporate governance: The case of hostile takeover attempts
Authors: Zhou Nan , Guillén Mauro F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractResearch Question/IssueDo institutions reinforce each other when it comes to shaping the economic and organizational environment? We investigate national institutional complementarities by examining how different types of institutions jointly influence the occurrence of hostile takeover attempts, a practice in corporate governance whose frequency differs across countries. We distinguish among regulative, normative, and cultural‐cognitive institutions and examine how they interact to influence the occurrence of hostile takeover attempts worldwide.Research Findings/InsightsUsing panel data on hostile takeover activity of 45 countries between 1988 and 2016, we find evidence supporting the impact of institutions individually and of institutional complementarities.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study shows that important corporate governance practices such as hostile takeover attempts are indeed influenced by different aspects of institutional environment. It thus helps us better understand the effectiveness of corporate governance practice across different countries.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study sheds new light on policies facilitating certain corporate governance practice such as hostile takeovers. It also provides managers with a tool to analyze the prevalence of hostile takeovers in a country.
Arterial adaptations in athletes of dynamic and static sports disciplines – a pilot study
Authors: Sotiriou Panagiota , Kouidi Evangelia , Karagiannis Asterios , Koutlianos Nikolaos , Geleris Parashos , Vassilikos Vasileios , Deligiannis Asterios 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundStructural and functional arterial adaptations with regard to the type and level of training in young athletes are understudied. Our research aimed at evaluating them in two types of exercise (dynamic and static) and two levels of engagement (high and recreational).MethodsA total of 76 volunteers formed five groups. Group A included 17 high‐level dynamic sports athletes 30·9 ± 6·4 years old, group B 14 recreational ones aged 28·7 ± 6·2 years, group C 15 high‐level static sports athletes 26·4 ± 3·9 years old and group D 16 recreational ones, aged 25·8 ± 4·8 years. Fourteen sedentary men 30 ± 3·8 years old formed control group E. Structural indices of left cardiac chambers and thoracic aorta were echographically obtained, as well as common carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT). Furthermore, applanation tonometry was conducted, at rest and during a handgrip strength test, for the acquisition of central arterial pressure parameters, carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and total arterial compliance (Cτ).ResultsNo significant differences in structural arterial markers were observed. However, group A obtained the highest handgrip central systolic pressure values (13·1% compared to group D, P<0·05). Resting cfPWV was lower in group B by 13·8% (P<0·05) than C and by 16·7% (P<0·01) than E, whereas Cτ was higher in group Β by 33·3% than C (P<0·05) and by 40·9% than E (P<0·01).ConclusionFunctional arterial exercise‐induced adaptations become apparent at an early age, without being in conjunction with structural ones. Recreational dynamic exercise results in the most favourable arterial characteristics.
Outbreak of mycoplasmal round pneumonia in an adult population: A case series
Authors: Wen Wen , Gu Lei , Yu Guo Qing , Wang Ai Ming , Zeng Hua , Yu Ping , Liu Wei , Jia De Sheng , Xia Wen Jie , Lai Guo Xiang , Liu Wei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundMycoplasmal pneumonia is a common type of adult community‐acquired pneumonia in China, but round/spherical pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae has rarely been reported. Here, we report an outbreak of mycoplasmal round pneumonia in a military dormitory in China.MethodsWe analysed epidemiological, clinical, imaging and laboratory data from a series of adults affected by an outbreak of mycoplasmal round pneumonia in the dormitory of a military hospital (Fuzhou General Hospital) in Fuzhou, China. The dormitory included 2 separate buildings. Mycoplasma antibody was detected using a passive agglutination assay.ResultsThe first case in our series, a 23‐year‐old male intern, presented on July 16, 2015 with a 3‐day history of low‐grade fever, dizziness, fatigue and chest tightness. Chest computed tomography revealed spherical masses. Over the following 4 days, 11 individuals who had been in close contact with the first patient were found to have similar masses. All 12 cases were mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, and fever was the only sign visible upon physical examination. Chest radiology revealed single, round consolidations in 3 cases and multiple round consolidations in 9 cases; consolidations ranged in size from 0.2 to 2.9 cm. Most cases had normal blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein level. Nasopharyngeal swabs from all cases tested negative for 25 pathogens, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, in a PCR‐based assay performed on August 1, 2015. All 12 patients showed a 4‐fold increase in the titre of anti‐mycoplasmal pneumonia antibody in paired sera on August 13, 2015. Patients were given the antibiotic moxifloxacin or symptomatic treatment, and 11 of the 12 cases showed complete resolution of round pneumonia lesions within 4 weeks.ConclusionThis case series illustrates the diversity of clinical manifestations as well as imaging findings for mycoplasmal pneumonia, to which clinicians should pay more attention. Mycoplasmal round pneumonia should be included in differential diagnosis of multiple pulmonary nodules in adults in order to enable accurate clinical identification of disease and successful treatment and resolution.
2018 update on dermatologic laser therapy: Part 1 – epilation, vascular lesions and pigments
Authors: Paasch Uwe , Grunewald Sonja 
Published: November 2018

SummaryTechnical advances in recent years have led to new dermatologic laser systems, light sources, and treatment concepts. Commonly used wavelengths – generated today with LED‐based devices – allow for the combination of various tissue effects and are associated with improved outcomes. Laser hair removal has become more efficient with the use of diode lasers that emit multiple wavelengths simultaneously. In the near future, novel LED‐based lasers will also be introduced for the treatment of vascular lesions. Here, too, the combination of different wavelengths promises to be beneficial. Picosecond lasers have led to advances in the field of pigment removal (tattoos).
Autophagy in childhood neurological disorders
Authors: Zhu Ye , Runwal Gautam , Obrocki Pawel , Rubinsztein David C 
Published: November 2018

Autophagy is a tightly modulated lysosomal degradation pathway. Genetic disorders of autophagy during nervous system development may lead to developmental delay, neurodegeneration, and other neurological signs in children. Here we aimed to summarize single gene disorders that perturb various steps of autophagy pathway and their roles in the causation of childhood neurological diseases. Numerous childhood‐onset disorders are caused by mutations that impact the autophagy pathway. These can manifest with a range of features including ataxia, spastic paraplegia, and intellectual disability. Defective proteins causing such diseases can interfere with autophagy flux at different stages of the itinerary. Defective autophagy may be an important contributor to the pathological features of various childhood neurodegenerative diseases and lead to the accumulation of aberrant protein and dysfunctional organelles. Insights into the relevant cell biological processes may help understand pathophysiological mechanisms and inspire autophagy‐restoring therapeutic approaches.What this paper adds

Numerous childhood‐onset disorders are caused by mutations that impact the autophagy pathway.

Defective autophagy is a feature of some mutations that cause ataxia, spastic paraplegia, and intellectual disability.
Outcome of paediatric acute flaccid myelitis associated with enterovirus D68: a case series
Authors: Kirolos Amir , Mark Kate , Shetty Jay , Chinchankar Nandita , Mcdougall Catherine , Eunson Paul , Stevenson Janet , Templeton Kate ,   NHS Lothian EV‐D68 Associated AFM Study Group
Published: November 2018

Enterovirus D68 (EV‐D68) is an emerging infection associated with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Cases of AFM associated with EV‐D68 infection have increased in recent years and the evidence for a causal link is growing. However, our understanding of the epidemiology, clinical features, prognosis, and neurological sequelae of EV‐D68 requires ongoing surveillance and investigation. We report five cases of AFM in previously typically developing children (2–6y) from South East Scotland during September and October 2016 after infection with EV‐D68 (all detected in the nasopharyngeal aspirates). All cases presented with significant neurological symptoms, which were severe in two cases requiring intensive care support because of respiratory paralysis. At 18‐month follow‐up, two cases remain ventilator‐dependent with other cases requiring ongoing community rehabilitation. These cases represent one of the largest reported paediatric cluster of AFM associated with EV‐D68 in Europe. The epidemiology and clinical information add to the knowledge base and the 18‐month outcome will help clinicians to counsel families.What this paper adds

Nasopharyngeal aspirate is more sensitive for viral isolation and isolated in all cases.

Clinical outcome at 18 months after enterovirus D68 with acute flaccid myelitis provides information on extent of recovery and level of disability.
Utilizing Matrimonial Web sites Among Saudi Users: An Empirical Study
Authors: Bajnaid Ayman , Alessandro Veltri Giuseppe , Elyas Tariq , Masa’deh Ra’ed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGiven that little research has been done on unconventional means of finding and courting a potential spouse via matrimonial Web sites, this emerging form of courtship, differs substantially from Western‐style online dating. This research examines the impressions Saudi users intended to form when constructing their profiles on matrimonial Web sites, the characteristics these users seek in their potential spouses, and the acceptable Saudi script for courtships initiated on matrimonial Web sites. It unites the hyperpersonal theory, sexual strategies theory, and script theory into a theoretical framework. Using a quantitative questionnaire (N = 302), the results of the research contribute to the debate in the literature on Computer‐Mediated Communication regarding whether online settings provide rich information about other users, as they show that online interactions can provide more information about the opposite sex for users who belong to gender‐segregated societies than they can get through their offline lives. The results also reveal that there are similarities and differences between mate preferences proposed by Sexual Strategies Theory and Saudis’ mate preferences. Such findings contribute to the theories on mate preferences in general and the sexual strategies theory in particular by advancing the understanding of mate preferences in an Islamic context.