bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term LPS induces aortic valve thickening in ApoE*3Leiden mice
Authors: van Broekhoven Amber , Krijnen Paul A. J. , Fuijkschot Wessel W. , Morrison Martine C. , Zethof Ilse P. A. , van Wieringen Wessel N. , Smulders Yvo M. , Niessen Hans W. M. , Vonk Alexander B. A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecently, it was shown that 12 weeks of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to nonatherosclerotic mice induced thickening of the aortic heart valve (AV). Whether such effects may also occur even earlier is unknown. As most patients with AV stenosis also have atherosclerosis, we studied the short‐term effect of LPS on the AVs in an atherosclerotic mouse model.MethodsApoE*3Leiden mice, on an atherogenic diet, were injected intraperitoneally with either LPS or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and sacrificed 2 or 15 days later. AVs were assessed for size, fibrosis, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), lipids, calcium deposits, iron deposits and inflammatory cells.ResultsLPS injection caused an increase in maximal leaflet thickness at 2 days (128.4 µm) compared to PBS‐injected mice (67.8 µm; P = 0.007), whereas at 15 days this was not significantly different. LPS injection did not significantly affect average AV thickness on day 2 (37.8 µm), but did significantly increase average AV thickness at day 15 (41.6 µm; P = 0.038) compared to PBS‐injected mice (31.7 and 32.3 µm respectively). LPS injection did not affect AV fibrosis, GAGs and lipid content. Furthermore, no calcium deposits were found. Iron deposits, indicative for valve haemorrhage, were observed in one AV of the PBS‐injected group (a day 2 mouse; 9.1%) and in five AVs of the LPS‐injected group (both day 2‐ and 15 mice; 29.4%). No significant differences in inflammatory cell infiltration were observed upon LPS injection.ConclusionShort‐term LPS apparently has the potential to increase AV thickening and haemorrhage. These results suggest that systemic inflammation can acutely compromise AV structure.
Ascending vestibular pathways to parietal areas MIP and LIPv and efference copy inputs from the medial reticular formation: Functional frameworks for body representations updating and online movement guidance
Authors: Ugolini Gabriella , Prevosto Vincent , Graf Werner 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe posterior parietal cortex (PPC) serves as a sensorimotor interface by integrating multisensory signals with motor related information for generating and updating body representations and movement plans. Using retrograde transneuronal transfer of rabies virus combined with a conventional tracer, we identified direct and polysynaptic pathways to two PPC areas, the rostral medial intraparietal area (MIP) and the ventral part of the lateral intraparietal area (LIPv) in macaque monkeys. We found that rostral MIP and LIPv receive ascending vestibular pathways, and putative efference copy inputs disynaptically from the medullary medial reticular formation (MRF) where reticulospinal pathways to neck and arm motoneurons originate. LIPv receives minor disynaptic vestibular inputs, and substantial projections from the head movement‐related rostral MRF, consistent with head gain modulation of LIPv activity and a role in planning gaze shifts. Rostral MIP is the target of prominent disynaptic pathways from reaching‐ and head movement‐related MRF domains, and major ascending vestibular pathways trisynaptically from both labyrinths, explaining prominent vestibular responses and discrimination between active and passive movements demonstrated in rostral MIP and in the neighboring ventral intraparietal area, which are heavily interconnected. The findings that rostral MIP (belonging to the ‘parietal reach region’), receives vestibular inputs as directly as classical vestibular areas, via a parallel channel, and efference copy signals pathways from MRF reticulospinal domains that belong to reach and head movement networks have important implications for the understanding of the role of the PPC in updating body representations and internal models for online guidance of movement.
No associations between medial temporal lobe volumes and verbal learning/memory in emerging psychosis
Authors: Egloff Laura , Lenz Claudia , Studerus Erich , Heitz Ulrike , Harrisberger Fabienne , Smieskova Renata , Schmidt André , Leanza Letizia , Andreou Christina , Borgwardt Stefan , Riecher‐Rössler Anita 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGrey matter (GM) volume alterations have been repeatedly demonstrated in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). Some of these neuroanatomical abnormalities are already evident in the at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis. Not only GM alterations but also neurocognitive impairments predate the onset of frank psychosis with verbal learning and memory (VLM) being among the most impaired domains. Yet, their interconnection with alterations in GM volumes remains ambiguous. Thus, we evaluated associations of different subcortical GM volumes in the medial temporal lobe with VLM performance in antipsychotic‐naïve ARMS and FEP patients. Data from 59 ARMS and 31 FEP patients, collected within the prospective Früherkennung von Psychosen study, were analysed. Structural T1‐weighted images were acquired using a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. VLM was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test and its factors Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory and Inaccurate Memory. FEP patients showed significantly enlarged volumes of hippocampus, pallidum, putamen and thalamus compared to ARMS patients. A significant negative association between amygdala and pallidum volume and Attention Span was found in ARMS and FEP patients combined, which however did not withstand correction for multiple testing. Although we found significant between‐group differences in subcortical volumes and VLM is among the most impaired cognitive domains in emerging psychosis, we could not demonstrate an association between low performance and subcortical GM volumes alterations in antipsychotic‐naïve patients. Hence, deficits in this domain do not appear to stem from alterations in subcortical structures.
Sustainable Masculinity in Ecumenical Perspective
Authors: Smit Peter‐Ben 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGender is an important topic of the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. It is the result of both theological anthropological concerns and the ongoing search for justice and peace. In other words, it is a typical area where traditional Faith and Order and Life and Work concerns coincide. Yet, gender is often taken to mean concerns of the role, rights, and treatment of women primarily, with some attention to the position and treatment of transgender persons and sexual minorities. This article argues that, precisely from the point of view of these ecumenical theological concerns, attention for masculinity as a gender is also required. The reason for this is that although many different forms of masculinity are supported with an appeal to the Christian tradition, not all forms of masculinity are compatible with a desire for safeguarding human dignity and a sustainable journey into the future.
The World Council of Churches and Pentecostals
Authors: Robra Martin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article recalls the history of the relationships between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Pentecostal churches from the early years of the WCC until today. One of the greatest challenges currently facing the WCC is the shift in focus of Christianity to the South and the East, a phenomenon to which emerging Pentecostal and charismatic churches and communities are contributing. Alongside global cultural trends in the context of globalization, Pentecostal and charismatic piety and spirituality are increasingly affecting the older churches as well. While some see this negatively, many see it as an expression of adaptation to new challenges necessary for the survival of these churches. The article shows how the changing ecclesial context led to the WCC to explore new avenues for building relationships such as a Joint Consultative Group and the Global Christian Forum.
Freedom, Love, and Justice
Authors: Tveit Olav Fykse 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article starts from love as being a fundamental value, guiding modes of behaviour that establish a reliable framework and basis for the recognition of the rights and dignity of everyone in the community. The affirmation of justice and freedom based on love leads to corrective and transformative action in cases where life is threatened and rights are being violated. Drawing on the experience and witness of Martin Luther King Jr, the article underlines that love empowers the oppressed to stand up and becomes a moral imperative for change, against the background of the many forces promoting conflict and violence, division, and polarization. The power of love is a message to the world, to the powerful, and to the powerless – to all who long for a different reality from what we see in today’s world. This needs to be expressed in the quest for the unity of the church and the unity of humankind, serving the sustainability and unity of God’s creation.
The role of transparency in auditing
Authors: de Fine Licht Jenny 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe concepts of auditing and transparency frequently appear in discussions about contemporary public‐sector challenges, but the relationship between them rarely has been examined. This paper argues that transparency might be viewed as both an effect of auditing and a prerequisite for auditing. Broadly speaking, the former tends to be articulated more in the auditing literature—where transparency often justifies auditing—while the latter often appears in the transparency literature. By proposing a distinction between “raw transparency” and “refined transparency,” this paper strives to increase conceptual clarity and establish a theoretical basis for various auditing activities.
It’s about time: A synthesis of changing phenology in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem
Authors: Staudinger Michelle D. , Mills Katherine E. , Stamieszkin Karen , Record Nicholas R. , Hudak Christine A. , Allyn Andrew , Diamond Antony , Friedland Kevin D. , Golet Walt , Henderson Meghan Elisabeth , Hernandez Christina M. , Huntington Thomas G. , Ji Rubao , Johnson Catherine L. , Johnson David Samuel , Jordaan Adrian , Kocik John , Li Yun , Liebman Matthew , Nichols Owen C. , Pendleton Daniel , Richards R. Anne , Robben Thomas , Thomas Andrew C. , Walsh Harvey J. , Yakola Keenan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe timing of recurring biological and seasonal environmental events is changing on a global scale relative to temperature and other climate drivers. This study considers the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, a region of high social and ecological importance in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and synthesizes current knowledge of (a) key seasonal processes, patterns, and events; (b) direct evidence for shifts in timing; (c) implications of phenological responses for linked ecological‐human systems; and (d) potential phenology‐focused adaptation strategies and actions. Twenty studies demonstrated shifts in timing of regional marine organisms and seasonal environmental events. The most common response was earlier timing, observed in spring onset, spring and winter hydrology, zooplankton abundance, occurrence of several larval fishes, and diadromous fish migrations. Later timing was documented for fall onset, reproduction and fledging in Atlantic puffins, spring and fall phytoplankton blooms, and occurrence of additional larval fishes. Changes in event duration generally increased and were detected in zooplankton peak abundance, early life history periods of macro‐invertebrates, and lobster fishery landings. Reduced duration was observed in winter–spring ice‐affected stream flows. Two studies projected phenological changes, both finding diapause duration would decrease in zooplankton under future climate scenarios. Phenological responses were species‐specific and varied depending on the environmental driver, spatial, and temporal scales evaluated. Overall, a wide range of baseline phenology and relevant modeling studies exist, yet surprisingly few document long‐term shifts. Results reveal a need for increased emphasis on phenological shifts in the Gulf of Maine and identify opportunities for future research and consideration of phenological changes in adaptation efforts.
Taxonomy, together with ontogeny and growing conditions, drives needleleaf species' sensitivity to climate in boreal North America
Authors: Marchand William , Girardin Martin P. , Hartmann Henrik , Gauthier Sylvie , Bergeron Yves 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCurrently, there is no consensus regarding the way that changes in climate will affect boreal forest growth, where warming is occurring faster than in other biomes. Some studies suggest negative effects due to drought‐induced stresses, while others provide evidence of increased growth rates due to a longer growing season. Studies focusing on the effects of environmental conditions on growth–climate relationships are usually limited to small sampling areas that do not encompass the full range of environmental conditions; therefore, they only provide a limited understanding of the processes at play. Here, we studied how environmental conditions and ontogeny modulated growth trends and growth–climate relationships of black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) using an extensive dataset from a forest inventory network. We quantified the long‐term growth trends at the stand scale, based on analysis of the absolutely dated ring‐width measurements of 2,266 trees. We assessed the relationship between annual growth rates and seasonal climate variables and evaluated the effects of various explanatory variables on long‐term growth trends and growth–climate relationships. Both growth trends and growth–climate relationships were species‐specific and spatially heterogeneous. While the growth of jack pine barely increased during the study period, we observed a growth decline for black spruce which was more pronounced for older stands. This decline was likely due to a negative balance between direct growth gains induced by improved photosynthesis during hotter‐than‐average growing conditions in early summers and the loss of growth occurring the following year due to the indirect effects of late‐summer heat waves on accumulation of carbon reserves. For stands at the high end of our elevational gradient, frost damage during milder‐than‐average springs could act as an additional growth stressor. Competition and soil conditions also modified climate sensitivity, which suggests that effects of climate change will be highly heterogeneous across the boreal biome.
Isolated counties, administrative monitoring, and the misuse of public funds in China
Authors: Li Li , Pang Baoqing , Wu Yiping 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article empirically investigates the effects of administrative monitoring on the misuse of funds by local governments and provides a representative model of fiscal decentralization with political centralization, where administrative monitoring relies on the top‐down hierarchy of the bureaucratic system in China based on a unique data set from audit programs. We show a double effect between distance and monitoring in local China. The incentive for misusing public funds can be strengthened if the county (a) is governed by a leader whose tenure is longer than 3 years, (b) is governed by a politician from outside the county, or (c) receives more transfer payments. These findings suggest that the administrative monitoring of local governments can be vital to remedying the misuse of public funds.
Failure to place evidence at the centre of quality improvement remains a major barrier for advances in quality improvement
Authors: Djulbegovic Benjamin , Bennett Charles L. , Guyatt Gordon 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMondoux and Shojania (M&S) issued a critique of our call to unify all disciplines of relevance for quality improvement (QI). They do not challenge the need for alignment of different fields that have played roles in the QI space. They selected to focus their critique on our views that ultimately the discipline of QI should be based on the principles of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and decision sciences.In our response, we reaffirm our calls to help achieve needed alignment and integration of all disciplines of importance to QI through “a unifying framework for improving health care” with EBM and decision sciences at helm. Challenging the importance of placing QI on solid empirical basis is misguided: As QI is all about measuring and consequently improving clinical care, acting on reliable evidence must remain its “cornerstone”. Apparent differences in our views appears to be due to our focus on what care should be delivered, while M&S concentrate on how that care should be delivered. The former is the domain of a narrowly defined EBM, while the latter is the realm of improvement/implementation science—which, we argue, should also be evidence‐based. QI initiatives are fundamentally local activities, and regulators would be most helpful if they require each institution to provide an annual plan of its top QI activities not included in the existing mandated list of performance measures. Finally, we addressed a number of specific QI initiatives highlighted by M&S—use of opioids, handwashing, venous‐thromboembolism prophylaxis, hip replacement, and perioperative beta‐blockers—to show that they would have been carried differently if they were based on the principles of EBM. Thus, the failure to place evidence at the centre remains a major barrier for advances in QI.
Sugammadex in Ontario hospitals: Access and institutional policies
Authors: Cohen Jared C. , Latchford Kevin J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRationale and aimsSugammadex is a novel neuromuscular blockade reversal agent which rapidly reverses the effects of rocuronium and vecuronium. Compared with the first‐generation neuromuscular blockade reversal agent, neostigmine, sugammadex has a number of superior properties; however, sugammadex is significantly more expensive per dose compared with neostigmine (~CAD$95 vs $4). Given the high cost of sugammadex, many Ontario hospitals either do not stock the drug or have specific policies on when the drug can be administered. This study was designed to determine access to sugammadex in Ontario hospitals, as well as the prevalence and content of institutional policies on its use.MethodsWe designed a survey assessing the availability of sugammadex and institutional policies on its use. We identified 60 Ontario hospitals with surgical services and obtained contact information for 45 of the anaesthesia departments. Surveys were sent to each department chief, and results were collected from July to October 2018.ResultsThirty‐four (75.6%) hospitals responded to the survey. Twenty‐seven (79.4%) of the 34 respondent hospitals had sugammadex. Of the seven hospitals that did not have sugammadex, six were group B hospitals, and one was a paediatric hospital. Of the 27 hospitals with sugammadex, 16 (59.3%) hospitals had specific policies on when sugammadex may be used. Based on policies, sugammadex was most frequently allowed to be used in emergency situations, especially failed intubations or “can't intubate, can't ventilate” situations where 100% of policies allowed its use. Policies on specific patient populations for sugammadex use were uncommon, with 43.8% of existing hospital policies not specifying any patient populations.ConclusionsThough most hospitals have sugammadex available, there is a marked heterogeneity in hospital policies on its use. Given the high cost of sugammadex use, it is worthwhile to have evidence‐based policies on its use. Judicious use of sugammadex may also have secondary cost‐saving benefits, through improved operating room efficiency and decreased complication rates.
Evaluation of the efficacy of subcritical water to enhance the lipid fraction from activated sludge for biodiesel and oleochemicals production
Authors: Edeh Ifeanyichukwu , Overton Tim , Bowra Steve 
Published: April 2019

AbstractActivated sludge is currently being investigated as a potential feedstock to produce biodiesel. Reports have shown that its lipid yield is usually low, compared to the commercially available feedstocks, such as soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oils. The current work is geared toward investigating the potential of enhancing the total lipid yield (neutral and phospholipid) by the application of subcritical water. The results show that subcritical water treatment increased the total lipid yield by 145% at the optimum conditions 280°C, 40 min, 15 mL of water and biomass loading of 5%. The lipid classes identified were waxes, acylglycerol, sterol, free fatty acid, and phospholipids. The results of the fatty acid methyl esters analysis revealed palmitic acid as the predominant fatty acid.Practical applicationsThe practical applications of the results are informed from the improved lipid yield obtained, suggesting that subcritical water treatment is essential if activated sludge were to be a viable feedstock for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and oleochemicals productions. This will serve as a sustainable activated sludge disposal strategy.
Systematic Advance Care Planning and Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations of Nursing Facility Residents
Authors: Hickman Susan E. , Unroe Kathleen T. , Ersek Mary , Stump Timothy E. , Tu Wanzhu , Ott Monica , Sachs Greg A. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) project is a successful, multicomponent demonstration project to reduce potentially avoidable hospitalizations of long‐stay nursing facility residents. Systematic advance care planning (ACP) is a core component of the intervention, based on research suggesting ACP is associated with decreased hospitalizations of nursing facility residents. The purpose of this study was to describe associations between ACP documentation resulting from the OPTIMISTIC intervention and hospitalizations.DESIGNSpecially trained project nurses were embedded in 19 nursing facilities and systematically engaged in ACP as part of a larger demonstration project.PARTICIPANTSResidents (n = 1482) enrolled in the demonstration project for a minimum of 30 days between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016.MEASUREMENTSACP status: (1) Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) comfort measures or do not hospitalize (DNH) orders; (2) ACP orders with no hospitalization limit (eg, code status only); and (3) no ACP (potentially avoidable and all‐cause hospitalizations per 1000 resident days).RESULTSResidents with POST comfort measures/DNH orders (33.2% or n = 493) were less likely than residents with no ACP (14.7% or n = 218) to experience a potentially avoidable hospitalization (P = .001) or all‐cause hospitalization (P = .001). These differences became statistically nonsignificant after adjusting for age, functional status, and cognitive functioning.CONCLUSIONIn this successful multicomponent demonstration project to reduce potentially avoidable hospitalizations, ACP outcomes were not associated with hospitalization rates of nursing facility residents after adjusting for resident characteristics. These findings highlight the challenge of measuring the contributions of individual components of complex, multicomponent interventions. Associations between lower hospitalization rates and ACP completion may be influenced by contextual factors, such as clinical expertise and resources to manage acute conditions leading to hospitalization, in addition to interventions to increase ACP. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1649–1655, 2019