bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining Neuropsychiatric Inventory scale differences across frontotemporal dementia syndromes
Authors: Yiannopoulou Konstantina G. , Papatriantafyllou John D. , Ghika Apostolia , Tsinia Niki , Lykou Eudoxia , Hatziantoniou Evaggelia , Agiomyrgiannakis Dimitrios , Kyrozis Andreas , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. 
Published: August 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to assess the ability of Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scale profiles to differentiate between distinct frontotemporal dementia (FTD) subtypes.MethodsThe NPI was used to assess 311 older patients who had been clinically diagnosed with FTD. FTD subtypes included behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD, n = 121), primary progressive aphasia (semantic variant (n = 69), non‐fluent agrammatic variant (n = 31), and logopenic variant (n = 0)), FTD‐motor neuron disease (n = 4), progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 43), and corticobasal syndrome (n = 43). Total NPI score and scores for each NPI item were correlated across the distinct FTD subtypes.ResultsPatients with bvFTD showed significantly greater impairment on their total NPI score than patients with corticobasal syndrome (P < 0.001), non‐fluent agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (P < 0.001), progressive supranuclear palsy (P = 0.002), and semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (P = 0.010). Aggressiveness, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor behaviours, and appetite disturbance were significantly higher in bvFTD than in the other subgroups. The lowest NPI scores were generally shown among those with CBS. However, NPI total and specific item values overlapped among the subtypes.ConclusionsPatients with bvFTD showed significantly greater neuropsychiatric dysfunction than those with the other FTD subtypes, as measured by the NPI scale. In contrast, patients with corticobasal syndrome had a comparatively healthier profile. Therefore, differential diagnosis among the FTD subtypes may be guided by the NPI, although the subtype is unlikely to be confirmed on the basis of NPI alone.
Defining E‐leadership as Competence in ICT‐Mediated Communications: An Exploratory Assessment
Authors: Roman Alexandru V. , Van Wart Montgomery , Wang XiaoHu , Liu Cheol , Kim Soonhee , McCarthy Alma 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhile many aspects of the dramatic shifts caused by digital government have made enormous progress, the leadership of those who serve the public via electronic means has yet to take a significant step forward. This article addresses three questions: How significant has e‐leadership become? What are the challenges in trying to create a more comprehensive model of defining and measuring e‐leadership? And, based on current knowledge, what skill and behavioral elements are candidates for a concrete e‐leadership model? The authors develop and test an original model that focuses on e‐leadership as a competence in virtual communications (i.e., the use of ICT‐mediated communications) and the digital opportunities and challenges that are created. The results provide strong support for the proposed model. The article concludes with a discussion of a future agenda for e‐leadership research that can be developed in a manner that is fruitful for theory and practitioners.
Efficacy and safety of the direct switch to indacaterol/glycopyrronium from salmeterol/fluticasone in non‐frequently exacerbating COPD patients: The FLASH randomized controlled trial
Authors: Frith Peter A. , Ashmawi Samiha , Krishnamurthy Srikanth , Gurgun Alev , Hristoskova Sashka , Pilipovic Virginia , Hamann Anna Marie , Backer Arthur , Olsson Petter , Kostikas Konstantinos , Diaz Dina V. ,   on behalf of the FLASH Investigators
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveCombination long‐acting β2‐agonist/long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LABA/LAMA) has demonstrated superior clinical outcomes over LABA/inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients; however, data from blinded randomized controlled trials on direct switching from LABA/ICS to LABA/LAMA are lacking. FLASH (Assessment of switching salmeterol/Fluticasone to indacateroL/glycopyrronium in A Symptomatic COPD patient coHort) investigated if direct switch, without a washout period, from salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC) to indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) in COPD patients improves lung function and is well tolerated.MethodsIn this 12‐week, multicentre, double‐blind study, patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD and up to one exacerbation in previous year, receiving SFC for ≥3 months, were randomized to continue SFC 50/500 μg twice daily (bd) or switch to IND/GLY 110/50 μg once daily (od). Primary endpoint was pre‐dose trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at Week 12.ResultsIn total, 502 patients were randomized (1:1) to IND/GLY or SFC. Patients switched to IND/GLY demonstrated superior lung function (pre‐dose trough FEV1) versus SFC at Week 12 (treatment difference (Δ) = 45 mL; P = 0.028). IND/GLY provided significant improvements in pre‐dose trough forced vital capacity (FVC; Δ = 102 mL; P = 0.002) and numerical improvements in transition dyspnoea index (TDI; Δ = 0.46; P = 0.063). Rescue medication use and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were comparable between groups. Both treatments had similar safety profiles.ConclusionFLASH demonstrated that a direct switch to IND/GLY from SFC improved pre‐dose FEV1 and FVC in COPD patients with up to one exacerbation in the previous year. No new safety signals were identified.
Assessing the Economic Benefits of Flood Defenses: A Repeat‐Sales Approach
Authors: Beltrán Allan , Maddison David , Elliott Robert J. R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this article we identify the impact of the construction of flood defenses on property prices using a difference‐in‐differences repeat‐sales methodology. Our data set contains information on over 12 million individual property transactions, which is merged with GIS data identifying the spatial location and main characteristics of 1,666 flood defenses built in England between 1995 and 2014. Results suggest that at the finer 6‐digit postcode level the construction of flood defenses raises urban house prices by 12.6% to 16.7%. However, for rural properties at the slightly coarser 5‐digit postcode level the construction of defenses reduces house prices by 0.8% to 5.0%. This suggests that in certain locations the disamenity impact of flood defenses and the perceived threat of redirected flooding outweigh the benefits of reduced flood risk.
Safety and effectiveness of direct acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C virus in patients with solid organ transplantation
Authors: Mansour Marlina , Hill Lucas , Kerr Janice 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of greater than 90% in most patients. However, data evaluating DAA use in transplant patients are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HCV treatment in this high‐risk population.MethodologyThis single‐center retrospective study included liver, kidney, lung, and/or heart transplant patients who were treated for HCV infection with DAAs. The primary objective was to identify drug‐drug interactions between DAAs and immunosuppressants by comparing immunosuppression dosages and levels at baseline and week 4 of HCV treatment. As secondary objectives, we described the percentage of patients with new or worsening rejection and/or graft dysfunction during HCV treatment, and the percentage of study patients who achieved SVR.ResultsOf the 108 patients included, the majority had liver (76%) or kidney (13%) transplants. Simeprevir plus sofosbuvir was the most commonly prescribed HCV treatment (33.9%) and tacrolimus was the most common immunosuppressant (91%). We did not detect a statistically significant difference in immunosuppression dosages or levels during HCV treatment. Furthermore, only one patient (<1%) experienced rejection and five patients (4.6%) had six episodes of graft dysfunction while on DAAs. Efficacy was high with 98% of patients achieving SVR.ConclusionDAAs appear to be safe and effective for HCV treatment in patients with a history of liver and/or kidney transplantation. More data are needed to evaluate DAAs in lung and/or heart transplant patients.
‘I think we are going to leave these cases’. Obstacles to surgery in rural Malawi: a qualitative study of provider perspectives
Authors: Gajewski J. , Bijlmakers L. , Mwapasa G. , Borgstein E. , Pittalis C. , Brugha R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesSurgical services at district level in Malawi are poor, yet the majority of the population resides in rural areas. This study aimed to explore the perceived obstacles to surgery from the perspective of the cadre directly responsible for surgical service delivery at district hospitals.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 16 clinical officers (COs) receiving surgical training in eight public district hospitals and their 12 trainers. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using a top‐down coding method.ResultsDespite readiness of the COs to conduct operations, other staff essential for surgery were sometimes unavailable to support them. Respondents attributed this to lack of skills, weak motivation or poor work ethic of their colleagues. Lack of commitment to do surgery, passiveness, lack of initiative in problem‐solving and ‘laziness’ of surgical team members were among the reasons provided by study participants, accounting for unnecessary cancellations of elective surgery and inappropriate referrals of emergency cases. Other factors included infrastructure breakdowns and stock‐outs of surgical supplies. There were instances where COs, and their supervisors, showed initiative in finding solutions to problems resulting from poor district hospital management practices.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates how the motivation of surgical team members is a key factor in deciding whether or not to perform operations; and that shortages of supplies or infrastructure need not be an absolute obstacle to service delivery. Scale‐up of surgical services at district level requires investments to improve surgical and anaesthetic skills, to strengthen human resources and facility management, and to ensure the availability of reliable infrastructure and essential supplies.
Effects of esmolol on systemic hemodynamics and heart rate variability measured using the Analgesia/Nociception Index in resuscitated piglets with Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock
Authors: Boselli Emmanuel , Jacquet‐Lagrèze Matthias , Ayoub Jean‐Yves , Bouvet Lionel , Dauwalder Olivier , Mansour Christelle , Margez Thomas , Paquet Christian , Restagno Damien , Allaouchiche Bernard , Bonnet‐Garin Jeanne‐Marie , Junot Stéphane 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effects of esmolol on hemodynamics and heart rate variability (HRV) in the early stage of sepsis.DesignProspective, randomized, controlled, parallel trial.SettingsVeterinary research laboratory.AnimalsTen anesthetized piglets.InterventionsSeptic shock was induced by infusing a suspension of live Pseudomonas aeruginosa IV in 10 anesthetized piglets. The piglets were resuscitated according to a standardized protocol using Ringer's lactate solution, norepinephrine, and milrinone. Once stabilized, the piglets were randomized to receive IV esmolol, titrated to a heart rate <90/min, or control, receiving saline. A pulmonary artery catheter and an arterial catheter were inserted for hemodynamic measurements. The Analgesia/Nociception Index (ANI) and the normalized HRV frequency domain parameters ‐ high‐frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), LF/HF ratio ‐ were recorded using a proprietary monitor.Measurements and Main ResultsA significant decrease in cardiac output and heart rate, and a significant increase in systemic vascular resistance were observed over time in the esmolol group in comparison to the control group. No other differences were observed in hemodynamic parameters. No significant differences were observed in ANI variations or HRV parameters over time between groups.ConclusionsThe administration of esmolol produced significant changes in hemodynamics with no change in ANI values or HRV parameters. Further study is needed to understand the effect of esmolol during sepsis.
Of teeth and trees: A fossil tip‐dating approach to infer divergence times of extinct and extant squaliform sharks
Authors: Flammensbeck Christina K. , Pollerspöck Jürgen , Schedel Frederic D. B. , Matzke Nicholas J. , Straube Nicolas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFossil tip‐dating allows for the inclusion of morphological data in divergence time estimates based on both extant and extinct taxa. Neoselachii have a cartilaginous skeleton, which is less prone to fossilization compared to skeletons of Osteichthyans. Therefore, the majority of the neoselachian fossil record is comprised of single teeth, which fossilize more easily. Neoselachian teeth can be found in large numbers as they are continuously replaced. Tooth morphologies are of major importance on multiple taxonomic levels for identification of shark and ray taxa. Here, we review dental morphological characters of squalomorph sharks and test these for their phylogenetic signal. Subsequently, we combine DNA sequence data (concatenated exon sequences) with dental morphological characters from 85 fossil and extant taxa to simultaneously infer the phylogeny and re‐estimate divergence times using information of 61 fossil tip‐dates as well as eight node age calibrations of squalomorph sharks. Our findings show that the phylogenetic placement of fossil taxa is mostly in accordance with their previous taxonomic allocation. An exception is the phylogenetic placement of the extinct genus †Protospinax, which remains unclear. We conclude that the high number of fossil taxa as well as the comprehensive DNA sequence data for extant taxa may compensate for the limited number of morphological characters identifiable on teeth, serving as a backbone for reliably estimating the phylogeny of both extinct and extant taxa. In general, tip‐dating mostly estimates older node ages compared to previous studies based on calibrated molecular clocks.
Phylogeny and taxonomic reassessment of jerboa,Dipus(Rodentia, Dipodinae), in inland Asia
Authors: Cheng Jilong , Ge Deyan , Xia Lin , Wen Zhixin , Zhang Qian , Lu Liang , Yang Qisen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDeserts and arid regions are perceived to have low biological and genetic diversity, which has partially influenced the identification of psammophilic species, especially taxonomic inferences based on morphology alone. Recent studies ofDipus sagittahave revealed clear, deep genetic divergence beyond the species level within this monotypic genus. To clarify the taxonomy ofDipus, we examined a morphometric dataset consisting of 191 voucher specimens covering nearly the entire distribution of the genus to explore skull variation using traditional morphological measurements and geometric morphometric analysis. Phylogenetic relationships withinDipususing two mitochondrial genes (n = 383) and six nuclear genes (n = 106) were assessed by Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood procedures. We used a “candidate species approach” with the divergent mtDNAphylogenetic groups and subspecies identified in previous studies as the starting point and analysed the candidates using five species delimitation methods and two validation methods. Our findings indicate thatDipuscan be divided into four phylogenetic groups that include two species: the Deasyi group (D. deasyi), Sagitta group, Sowerbyi group and Turanicus group (D. sagitta). According to the morphological analyses and the examined specimens, pelage colour varies significantly with season and age, making it unsuitable as a diagnostic characteristic of the subspecies. Furthermore, measurements of body size and skull size require a large number of specimens to reach statistical significance and obtain reliable results. Geographical distributions should be considered first when identifying species or subspecies due to the disjunct habitats ofDipus. Our molecular analyses revealed the long‐neglected potential diversity in arid regions and improved the efficiency of species/subspecies identification. We also found that individuals from more humid areas or higher altitudes were larger, whereas individuals from drier areas possessed longer appendages and larger tympanic bulla.
Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus Modulates Host Central Carbon Metabolism To Activate Autophagy
Authors: Bravo-Santano Natalia , Ellis James K. , Mateos Luis M. , Calle Yolanda , Keun Hector C. , Behrends Volker , Letek Michal 
Published: August 2018

Staphylococcus aureus
escapes from immune recognition by invading a wide range of human cells. Once the pathogen becomes intracellular, the most important last resort antibiotics are not effective. Therefore, novel anti-infective therapies against intracellular
S. aureus
are urgently needed. Here, we have studied the physiological changes induced in the host cells by
S. aureus
during its intracellular proliferation. This is important, because the pathogen exploits the host cell’s metabolism for its own proliferation. We find that
S. aureus
severely depletes glucose and amino acid pools, which leads to increased breakdown of glutamine by the host cell in an attempt to meet its own metabolic needs. All of these metabolic changes activate autophagy in the host cell for nutrient scavenging and energy generation. The metabolic activation of autophagy could be used by the pathogen to sustain its own intracellular survival, making it an attractive target for novel anti-infectives.
Physician leadership development: towards multidisciplinary programs?
Authors: Frich Jan C , Spehar Ivan 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe format and content of leadership development programmes for physicians is a theme for discussion in the literature.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to explore healthcare executives’ perspectives on physician leadership development, focusing on perceived benefits and negative effects associated with multidisciplinary programmes.MethodsWe did a qualitative study based on data from semistructured interviews with 16 healthcare executives in US healthcare systems.ResultsWe found that one group perceived programmes targeting one profession as advantageous, promoting openness and professional relationships among peers. Other executives argued that multidisciplinary programmes could add value because they could bridge professional boundaries, strengthen networks and build leadership capacity throughout an organisation. Costs, timing, organisational culture and a lack of knowledge about how to run multidisciplinary programmes were challenges our informants associated with multidisciplinary leadership development programmes.ConclusionThis study identifies topics and challenges that can inform organisational policies and decisions about leadership development activities.
CD30-Redirected Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Target CD30+ and CD30− Embryonal Carcinoma via Antigen-Dependent and Fas/FasL Interactions
Authors: Hong Lee K. , Chen Yuhui , Smith Christof C. , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Vincent Benjamin G. , Dotti Gianpietro , Savoldo Barbara 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Tumor antigen heterogeneity limits success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. Embryonal carcinomas (EC) and mixed testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) containing EC, which are the most aggressive TGCT subtypes, are useful for dissecting this issue as ECs express the CD30 antigen but also contain CD30−/dim cells. We found that CD30-redirected CAR T cells (CD30.CAR T cells) exhibit antitumor activity in vitro against the human EC cell lines Tera-1, Tera-2, and NCCIT and putative EC stem cells identified by Hoechst dye staining. Cytolytic activity of CD30.CAR T cells was complemented by their sustained proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine production. CD30.CAR T cells also demonstrated antitumor activity in an in vivo xenograft NOD/SCID/γcnull (NSG) mouse model of metastatic EC. We observed that CD30.CAR T cells, while targeting CD30+ EC tumor cells through the CAR (i.e., antigen-dependent targeting), also eliminated surrounding CD30− EC cells in an antigen-independent manner, via a cell–cell contact-dependent Fas/FasL interaction. In addition, ectopic Fas (CD95) expression in CD30+ Fas− EC was sufficient to improve CD30.CAR T-cell antitumor activity. Overall, these data suggest that CD30.CAR T cells might be useful as an immunotherapy for ECs. Additionally, Fas/FasL interaction between tumor cells and CAR T cells can be exploited to reduce tumor escape due to heterogeneous antigen expression or to improve CAR T-cell antitumor activity. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(10); 1274–87. ©2018 AACR.
Re-Examining Phonetic Variability in Native and Non-Native Speech
Authors: Vaughn Charlotte , Baese-Berk Melissa , Idemaru Kaori 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground/Aims: Non-native speech is frequently characterized as being more variable than native speech. However, the few studies that have directly investigated phonetic variability in the speech of second language learners have considered a limited subset of native/non-native language pairings and few linguistic features. Methods: The present study examines group-level withinspeaker variability and central tendencies in acoustic properties of vowels andstops produced by learners of Japanese from two native language backgrounds, English and Mandarin, as well as native Japanese speakers. Results: Results show that non-native speakers do not always exhibit more phonetic variability than native speakers, but rather that patterns of variability are specific to individual linguistic features and their instantiations in L1 and L2. Conclusion: Adopting this more nuanced approach to variability offers important enhancements to several areas of linguistic theory.
The Importance of the World Health Organization Sugar Guidelines for Dental Health and Obesity Prevention
Authors: Breda Joao , Jewell Jo , Keller Amélie 
Published: August 2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reduced intake of free sugars throughout the life course (strong recommendation) with a reduction of free sugars intake to less than 10% of the total energy intake (strong recommendation) and preferably below 5% of the total energy intake (conditional recommendation) in both adults and children. Available data clearly show that people already consume significantly more sugar than they should, increasing the risk for dental caries, overweight and obesity. The WHO recommendations are intended for use by the policy makers as a benchmark for assessing intake of sugars by populations and as a driving force for policy change. To create a favorable environment, enabling the overall amount of free sugar intake to be as low as possible and to reduce the frequency of consumption of sugar-rich foods, a range of public health interventions is advised.