bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing crisis in a university setting: The challenge of alignment
Authors: Moerschell Linda , Novak Susan S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the unique challenges of university leadership when planning and aligning communications and activities before, during, and after crises. We examined the three stages of a crisis and the unpredictable nature of large‐scale crises, including natural or man‐made disasters, that threaten people and structures. Compiled data exposed the frequency and complexity of critical events emphasizing the urgent need for attention and action. Case studies informed primarily by the literature, and a personal interview with a crisis strategist, detail specific alignment challenges and recommend a holistic crisis management system for university leadership to implement that addresses planning, response, and recovery. Consequences of misalignment include loss of message control, rumourmongering, prolonged disruption of operations, and the likelihood of reputational damage.
Competition, Concentration and Percentage Rent in Retail Leasing
Authors: Guven Gokhan , Inci Eren , Russo Antonio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCompeting retailers benefit from concentrating under a shopping mall because more consumers visit the mall to economize on search costs. Consumers would also benefit from concentration if retailers cut prices to attract more of the incoming consumers. We show that such competition may be only apparent because the mall alleviates competition among retailers. Although consumers have rational expectations about the price levels at the mall, they learn the exact prices and features of goods only after visiting the mall. In addition to the usual fixed rent, most rental lease contracts at malls require retailers to pay a percentage rent that increases with sales revenue. The mall uses the percentage rent to keep the prices charged by competing retailers high, which increases retailers' joint revenue. It then charges the fixed rent to extract surplus from them. Hence, as long as prices are not perfectly observable, concentration results in higher prices.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of clinical quality and performance assessment among emergency medical services personnel in South Africa: A mixed methods study
Authors: Howard Ian , Cameron Peter , Castrén Maaret , Wallis Lee , Lindström Veronica 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveDeficits in healthcare quality are becoming an increasing concern globally. Within the low‐ to middle‐income country (LMIC) setting insufficient quality has become a bigger barrier to reducing mortality than insufficient access, where 60% of deaths from conditions amenable to healthcare, are due to poor quality care. Measuring quality is key towards improving the effectiveness of healthcare in this setting.MethodsA mixed methods sequential‐explanatory study was conducted, to describe what Emergency Medical Service (EMS) practitioners understood about quality systems within the LMICs, using South Africa as an example. Part 1 consisted of a cross‐sectional survey (n = 169), the results of which were utilised to develop a semi‐structured interview guide for Part 2. Interviews of participants from Part 1 explored the results of the survey (n = 20) and were analysed through content analysis to develop core categories central to the understanding of quality assessment in the LMICs.ResultsDespite relatively poor knowledge of organisational‐specific quality systems, understanding of the core components and importance of quality systems was demonstrated. The role of these systems in the LMICs was supported by participants, where the importance of context, system transparency, reliability and validity were essential towards achieving ongoing success and utilisation. The role of leadership and communication towards the effective facilitation of such a system was equally identified.ConclusionWithin EMS, quality systems are in their infancy. It could be argued that this is somewhat more pronounced in the LMICs, where knowledge of organisational quality systems was found to be poor. Despite this, there was a strong general understanding of the importance of quality systems, and the role they have to play in this setting.
Comparison between serving sizes of cakes and muffins sold in Australian supermarkets and coffee shop chains
Authors: Liang Stephanie , Gemming Luke , Wellard‐Cole Lyndal , Rangan Anna 
Published: May 2019

AimCakes and muffins are commonly consumed discretionary foods that have increased significantly in portion size over the past decades. The present study aimed to (i) investigate serving sizes and energy per serving of cakes and muffins sold in supermarkets and coffee chains, (ii) compare to standard discretionary serves and (iii) propose feasible and appropriate serving size recommendations.MethodsServing sizes and energy content of cakes and muffins were collected from four major Australian supermarkets (n = 219) and eight coffee chains (n = 248) between March and April 2017 and classified into eight categories and compared using Mann–Whitney tests. Median energy per serving of cakes and muffins from supermarkets and coffee chains were compared to the Australian Dietary Guidelines standard serve of 600 kJ for discretionary food.ResultsThe median serving size of cakes and muffins from supermarkets, 58 g (interquartile range, IQR: 47–83) and their energy content, 915 kJ (IQR: 745–1243) were significantly smaller compared with coffee chain equivalents, 148 g (IQR: 115–171, P < 0.001) and 1805 kJ (IQR: 1436–2004, P < 0.001), respectively. The majority of cakes and muffins exceeded the Australian Dietary Guidelines standard serve (78% from supermarkets and 99% from coffee chains).ConclusionsThe larger servings of cakes and muffins sold in coffee chains contain nearly double the energy content of smaller servings sold in supermarkets. We recommend reference serving sizes for industry and food retail are set for this category, in combination with consumer education to guide consumers to select appropriate portion sizes.
Does prucalopride reduce the dose of sodium phosphate in bowel preparation? A single‐blind, randomized, and prospective study
Authors: Hung Jui‐Sheng , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Lei Wei‐Yi , Wong Ming‐Wun , Chen Chien‐Lin 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveSodium phosphate solution (NaP) in oral form is well known and frequently used for good quality bowel cleansing before a colonoscopy, but it carries the potential risk of electrolyte disturbance and dehydration. Prucalopride mitigates severe constipation by promoting colon motility. We evaluated the hypothesis that prucalopride plus one single dose of 45 mL NaP could be used as an alternative bowel preparation.MethodsConsenting adult patients undergoing a screening colonoscopy were randomized to receive 90 mL NaP (90‐NaP) in two split doses or prucalopride 2 mg plus 45 mL NaP (P‐NaP). Patients completed a questionnaire about adverse gastrointestinal symptoms and acceptability for bowel preparation. The effectiveness of colon preparation was evaluated according to the Ottawa bowel preparation scale.ResultsBowel cleansing was achieved in 92 patients with 90‐NaP and in 97 patients with P‐NaP. There was no significant difference in bowel cleansing level and adverse gastrointestinal symptoms between the two groups. However, more patients in the P‐NaP group were willing to undertake the same regimen for a subsequent colonoscopy bowel preparation than those in 90‐NaP group (82/97; 85% vs 51/92; 55%, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe combination of 2 mg prucalopride and 45 mL NaP appeared to provide the same level of bowel cleansing, but it was more acceptable than the 90 mL NaP in split doses.
Body mass index and glucocorticoid dose contribute to subclinical atherosclerosis in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A prospective 4 year follow‐up study
Authors: Jung Ju‐Yang , Kim Hyoun‐Ah , Lee Hyun‐Young , Suh Chang‐Hee 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimPatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease owing to an immunological abnormality, along with traditional risk factors. We found that carotid artery intima‐media thickness (cIMT) and plaque were associated with age, body mass index (BMI) and disease activity in a previous study 4 years ago. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE.MethodsWe assessed cIMT and plaque using Doppler ultrasonography in 61 Korean women with SLE who were enrolled in the previous study 4 years ago.ResultsThe mean cIMT of the patients was 0.39 ± 0.09 mm; 11 patients had carotid plaques, which was similar to the results of the previous study. Twenty‐one patients had increased cIMT, and new carotid plaque had developed in seven patients. Patients with increased cIMT had a lower BMI and took fewer non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and higher 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose than patients without increased cIMT. The 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose was higher in patients with carotid plaque than in those without. On multivariate regression analysis, BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, P = 0.034) was associated with increased cIMT, and the 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose was associated with increased cIMT (OR = 6.994, P = 0.025) and carotid plaque (OR = 5.651, P = 0.031).ConclusionThis prospective follow‐up study on cIMT and plaque in patients with SLE showed that low BMI and 4 year cumulative glucocorticoid dose were associated with the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Capillaroscopy changes are associated with disease progression in patients with early systemic sclerosis: A prospective study
Authors: Zumstein Camargo Cintia , Kayser Cristiane 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimAfter the development of the 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc), there are still a group of patients affected by early SSc who do not meet the new criteria. This study aimed to evaluate capillaroscopy changes and to identify predictors of progression to definite SSc in patients with early SSc over a 3‐year follow‐up.MethodsIn this prospective study, 44 patients with early SSc (LeRoy and Medsger 2001 criteria) were included. Clinical evaluation and widefield nailfold capillaroscopy were performed at baseline and after 3 years of follow‐up. At the end of follow‐up, the fulfilment of the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria was also assessed.ResultsAfter 3 years, 34 patients with early SSc were re‐evaluated. Of these, eight patients (23.5%) developed definite SSc. Worsening of capillaroscopy parameters was observed in 55.9% of patients. An increase in the number of giant capillaries and worsening of the avascular score were more frequent in patients who developed SSc than in those who did not (P = 0.02; P = 0.002, respectively). By multivariate analysis, an active or a late pattern at baseline on capillaroscopy was an independent predictor for the development of definite SSc (odds ratio = 30.0, 95% CI 2.1‐421.1).ConclusionsIn this prospective study, worsening in capillaroscopy parameters was observed in early SSc patients. An active or a late pattern on capillaroscopy was an independent predictive risk factor for the development of SSc, suggesting that capillaroscopy might be a useful tool to identify patients with early SSc at risk of disease progression.
Partitioning intraspecific variation in seed dispersal potential using a low‐cost method for rapid estimation of samara terminal velocity
Authors: Wyse Sarah V. , Hulme Philip E. , Holland E. Penelope 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Seed or samara terminal velocity is a key trait affecting the dispersal potential of wind‐dispersed plants. However, this trait is often represented in dispersal models by a single mean value per species. This is despite considerable variation in dispersal traits within species and individuals that may have implications for both phenotypic selection and rates of spread. Methodological constraints may have acted as a barrier for robust assessments of intraspecific variation in seed terminal velocity.

To quantify intraspecific variation in wind dispersal traits, we develop a low‐cost, time‐efficient method to measure the terminal velocity of a large number of samaras. We made three separate terminal velocity measurements for each of 750 Pinus radiata samaras, allowing partitioning of variation among individual cones, trees and source populations. We use the mechanistic WALD model to assess the potential influence of observed variation in samara terminal velocity on predicted dispersal kernels under a variety of realistic conditions.

We demonstrate a twofold range in samara terminal velocity within P. radiata, with the highest variation occurring within individual cones, and the lowest among cones within individual trees. We identify a potential influence of source population on terminal velocity. Our modelling results demonstrate that this within‐species variation is sufficient to affect the shape of the predicted dispersal kernels, particularly the kernel tails and therefore the likelihood of long‐distance dispersal events. The effect of samara terminal velocity on dispersal is especially pronounced under environmental conditions that enhance seed dispersal.

Our findings illustrate the scale of within‐species variation in a key dispersal trait, and the likely effect of this variation on dispersal distance. We suggest that the high level of variation observed within individual cones of P. radiata is likely to reduce the potential for phenotypic selection, and may either be indicative of a “bet‐hedging” strategy, or simply the result of the constraints of cone morphology on samara development. To obtain accurate dispersal models for wind‐dispersed species we highlight the necessity of capturing this variation for inclusion in future modelling approaches, and describe a device that can achieve such measurements easily and at low cost.
Anomalous Kv7 channel activity in human malignant hyperthermia syndrome unmasks a key role for H2S and persulfidation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Vellecco Valentina , Martelli Alma , Bibli Iris Sofia , Vallifuoco Marianna , Manzo Onorina L. , Panza Elisabetta , Citi Valentina , Calderone Vincenzo , de Dominicis Gianfranco , Cozzolino Caterina , Basso Elisabetta M. , Mariniello Martina , Fleming Ingrid , Mancini Antonio , Bucci Mariarosaria , Cirino Giuseppe 
Published: May 2019

Background and PurposeHuman malignant hyperthermia (MH) syndrome is induced by volatile anaesthetics and involves increased levels of cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS)‐derived H2S within skeletal muscle. This increase contributes to skeletal muscle hypercontractility. Kv7 channels, expressed in skeletal muscle, may be a molecular target for H2S. Here, we have investigated the role of Kv7 channels in MH.Experimental ApproachSkeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from MH‐susceptible (MHS) and MH‐negative (MHN) patients. Immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR, Western blot, and in vitro contracture test (IVCT) were carried out. Development and characterization of primary human skeletal muscle cells (PHSKMC) and evaluation of cell membrane potential were also performed. The persulfidation state of Kv7 channels and polysulfide levels were measured.Key ResultsKv7 channels were similarly expressed in MHN and MHS biopsies. The IVCT revealed an anomalous contractility of MHS biopsies following exposure to the Kv7 channel opener retigabine. Incubation of negative biopsies with NaHS, prior to retigabine addition, led to an MHS‐like positive response. MHS‐derived PHSKMC challenged with retigabine showed a paradoxical depolarizing effect, compared with the canonical hyperpolarizing effect. CBS expression and activity were increased in MHS biopsies, resulting in a major polysulfide bioavailability. Persulfidation of Kv7.4 channels was significantly higher in MHS than in MHN biopsies.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn skeletal muscle of MHS patients, CBS‐derived H2S induced persulfidation of Kv7 channels. This post‐translational modification switches the hyperpolarizing activity into depolarizing. This mechanism can contribute to the pathological skeletal muscle hypercontractility typical of MH syndrome.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
Mechanisms and roles of mitophagy in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Na , Lu Bingwei 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMitochondria are double‐membrane‐encircled organelles existing in most eukaryotic cells and playing important roles in energy production, metabolism, Ca2+buffering, and cell signaling. Mitophagy is the selective degradation of mitochondria by autophagy. Mitophagy can effectively remove damaged or stressed mitochondria, which is essential for cellular health. Thanks to the implementation of genetics, cell biology, and proteomics approaches, we are beginning to understand the mechanisms of mitophagy, including the roles of ubiquitin‐dependent and receptor‐dependent signals on damaged mitochondria in triggering mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and defective mitophagy have been broadly associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This review is aimed at summarizing the mechanisms of mitophagy in higher organisms and the roles of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Although many studies have been devoted to elucidating the mitophagy process, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms leading to mitophagy defects in neurodegenerative diseases is required for the development of new therapeutic interventions, taking into account the multifactorial nature of diseases and the phenotypic heterogeneity of patients.
Effect of a single dose of insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed ratio combination (iGlarLixi) on postprandial glucodynamic response in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A phase I randomized trial
Authors: Inoue Megumi , Lorenz Martin , Muto Hideya , Wesch Roland , Hashimoto Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis report describes novel clinical data assessing the pharmacodynamics of insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) compared with placebo and insulin glargine alone, to determine pharmacokinetics of lixisenatide, and to assess safety of iGlarLixi in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In a single‐centre, open‐label, randomized, placebo‐controlled cross‐over study, participants received subcutaneous iGlarLixi 5 U/5 μg and 10 U/10 μg, placebo, and 5 U insulin glargine. The primary endpoint was area under the postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) curve (AUC0–2h). A total of 20 participants completed all study periods. iGlarLixi 5 U/5 μg and 10 U/10 μg reduced mean PPG dose‐dependently compared with placebo and insulin glargine 5 U. Both combinations significantly reduced PPG‐AUC0–2h dose‐dependently compared with placebo (least squares mean difference −7.48 mmol h/L for 5 U/5 μg, −10.75 mmol h/L for 10 U/10 μg; P < 0.0001). iGlarLixi 5 U/5 μg reduced PPG‐AUC0–2h significantly compared with insulin glargine 5 U (−0.76 mmol h/L; P < 0.0001). No symptomatic hypoglycaemia occurred during the study. iGlarLixi single subcutaneous injections significantly and dose‐dependently reduced PPG compared to placebo or insulin glargine in Japanese participants with T2DM. iGlarLixi was safe and well tolerated, and would be expected to provide the 24‐hour plasma glucose‐lowering effects of insulin glargine and the postprandial antihyperglycaemic effects of lixisenatide.
Epicardial and pericardial adipose tissues are associated with reduced diastolic and systolic function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Christensen Regitse H. , Hansen Christian S. , von Scholten Bernt Johan , Jensen Magnus T. , Pedersen Bente K. , Schnohr Peter , Vilsbøll Tina , Rossing Peter , Jørgensen Peter G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the association of epicardial (EAT) and pericardial (PAT) adipose tissues with myocardial function in type 2 diabetes (T2D). EAT and PAT were measured by ultrasound in 770 patients with T2D and 234 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐diabetic controls. Echocardiography was performed, including tissue Doppler imaging and 2D speckle tracking. Patients with T2D versus controls had increased EAT (4.6 ± 1.8 mm vs. 3.4 ± 1.2 mm, P < 0.0001) and PAT (6.3 ± 2.8 mm vs. 5.3 ± 2.4 mm, P < 0.0001). EAT and PAT were associated with structural cardiac measures both in T2D patients and controls (all P < 0.043), but only in T2D patients with functional measures: PAT was associated with impaired global longitudinal strain [beta coefficient (SE)] [0.11% (0.04), P = 0.002], while EAT was associated with reduced diastolic function by lateral early diastolic myocardial velocity (e’lat) [−0.31 (0.05) cm/s, P = 0.001], mitral inflow velocities: peak early (E)/peak atrial (A) ratio [−0.02 (0.01), P = 0.001] and lateral E/e’lat [0.36 (0.10), P < 0.001]. However, no interaction was found between diabetes status and PAT (P = 0.75) or EAT (P = 0.45). Adipose tissue in intimate relation to the myocardium is higher in patients with T2D versus controls and is associated with functional myocardial measures in T2D.
Bariatric surgery is associated with a lower rate of death after myocardial infarction and stroke: A nationwide study
Authors: Aminian Ali , Aleassa Essa M. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Tu Chao , Khorgami Zhamak , Schauer Philip R. , Brethauer Stacy A. , Daigle Christopher R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the potential protective effect of bariatric surgery on mortality after myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebrovascular accident (CVA).Materials and MethodsUsing the National Inpatient Sample (2007‐2014), 2218 patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of acute MI and 2168 patients with ischaemic CVA who also had history of prior bariatric surgery were identified. Utilizing propensity scores, these patients were matched 1:5 with patients who had similar principal diagnoses but no history of bariatric surgery (controls). Control group‐1 included participants with obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) only and participants in control group‐2 were matched according to post‐surgery BMI with the bariatric surgery group. The primary and secondary endpoints were in‐hospital all‐cause mortality and length of hospital stay, respectively. Outcomes after MI and CVA were separately compared among groups in multivariate regression models.ResultsA total of 48 300 (weighted) participants were included in the analysis. The distribution of covariates was well balanced after propensity matching. Mortality rates after MI were significantly lower in patients with a history of bariatric surgery compared with control group‐1 (1.85% vs 3.03%; odds ratio (OR), 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44‐0.86; P = 0.004) and with control group‐2 (2.00% vs 3.26%; OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44‐0.88; P = 0.008). Similarly, in‐hospital mortality rates after CVA were significantly lower in patients with a history of bariatric surgery compared with control group‐1 (1.43% vs 2.74%; OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.79; P = 0.001) and with control group‐2 (1.54% vs 2.59%; OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41‐0.91; P = 0.015). Furthermore, length of stay was significantly shorter in the bariatric surgery group for all comparisons (P < 0.001).ConclusionPrior bariatric surgery is associated with significant protective effect on survival after MI and CVA.