bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Customer’s patronage decision toward health insurance products
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Abdel Fattah Fadi Abdel Muniem , Zaman Mahmud , Hassan Hasliza 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of service quality, customer’s satisfaction and religiosity on customer’s patronage decision toward health insurance products. The paper also assesses the influence of religiosity on customer’s patronage decision. The influence of customers’ satisfaction as mediation between service quality and customer’s patronage decision was also measured.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 200 respondents. This research applied the exploratory factor analysis, the confirmatory factor analysis and the structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate that customers’ religiosity behavior has a significant influence on customer’s patronage decision for selecting health insurance products. The results also indicated that the role of customer’s satisfaction as a mediator in between the relationship of service quality and customer’s patronage decision is significant.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is a cross-sectional study consisting of 200 respondents. In addition, the elements of the sample were Malaysian customers using health insurance products and services.Practical implicationsThis study suggests that customers of health insurance products are more concerned with perceived service quality and perceived satisfaction. The role of religiosity also plays a dominant role. As a result, managers of the health insurance service providers need to focus more on benefits of service varieties centered toward their target customers in order to gain higher patronage decision of health insurance products.Originality/valueThe study sought to address the gap of religiosity aspects in health insurance products through intensive literature and offer a conceptual framework that tested service quality, customer’s satisfaction and religiosity in one integrated model under the perspective of health insurance industry. More importantly, it also examines the influence of religiosity on patronage behavior, thus shedding insights into the opportunities for understanding consumers in detail.
Do libraries save LGBT students?
Authors: Wexelbaum Rachel S. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeMultiple research studies show a positive correlation between library usage and student retention. At the same time, no formal research studies focusing on the effect of library usage on LGBT student persistence and retention exist. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about today’s LGBT undergraduates, their personal and academic needs, and how academic libraries may meet those needs.Design/methodology/approachThe author will challenge the grand narrative perpetuated by LGBT librarians that “libraries save [LGBT] lives” through a review of existing research literature on LGBT undergraduates and their personal and academic needs, where libraries play a role in LGBT undergraduate life, and whether or not academic libraries actually meet those needs.FindingsNo formal research studies on how libraries play a role in the retention of LGBT undergraduates exist. While LGBT undergraduates share many similarities with their peers, they seek out resources and spaces that the library may be able to provide independently or through collaborations with other units on campus. The existence of campus LGBT resource centers may impact LGBT undergraduate use of libraries.Practical implicationsThe author will provide suggestions for academic libraries to create appropriate resources, services, and spaces for LGBT undergraduates so that they persist at their institutions and graduate.Originality/valueThis is the first research paper to address the role that academic libraries play in LGBT student retention.
Angiogenic factors: potential to change clinical practice in pre‐eclampsia?
Authors: Cerdeira AS , Agrawal S , Staff AC , Redman CW , Vatish M 
Published: November 2017

Pre‐eclampsia is a complex disease with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Its syndromic nature makes diagnosis and management difficult. The field is rapidly evolving with the definition of pre‐eclampsia being challenged by some organisations, with proteinuria no longer being essential in the presence of other features. In the last decade, angiogenic factors, in particular soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1), have emerged as important molecules in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Here we review the most recent evidence regarding the potential of these factors as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pre‐eclampsia.Tweetable abstractA review of angiogenic factors, sFlt‐1 and PlGF, in the diagnosis, prediction and management of pre‐eclampsia.
Introducing 3D Printed Models as Demonstrative Evidence at Criminal Trials
Authors: Baier Waltraud , Warnett Jason M. , Payne Mark , Williams Mark A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis case report presents one of the first reported uses of a 3D printed exhibit in an English homicide trial, in which two defendants were accused of beating their victim to death. The investigation of this crime included a micro‐CT scan of the victim's skull, which assisted the pathologist to determine the circumstances of the assault, in particular regarding the number of assault weapons and perpetrators. The scan showed two distinct injury shapes, suggesting the use of either two weapons or a single weapon with geometrically distinct surfaces. It subsequently served as the basis for a 3D print, which was shown in court in one of the first examples that 3D printed physical models have been introduced as evidence in a criminal trial in the United Kingdom. This paper presents the decision‐making process of whether to use 3D printed evidence or not.
Suppression of circadian secretion of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 by the saturated fatty acid, palmitate
Authors: Martchenko A. , Oh R. H. , Wheeler S. E. , Gurges P. , Chalmers J. A. , Brubaker P. L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 is an incretin hormone secreted by the intestinal L‐cell with a circadian rhythm that parallels expression of the core clock gene, Bmal1. Although feeding rats a high‐fat/high‐sucrose Western diet impairs rhythmic glucagon‐like peptide‐1 release, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the pathway(s) by which the saturated fat, palmitate, a major component of the Western diet, impairs circadian glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion.MethodsMurine mGLUTag L‐cells were synchronized, and the effects of palmitate pre‐treatment on gene expression and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion were determined, in addition to metabolite quantification, mitochondrial function analysis and enzyme inhibition and activation assays. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion was also analysed in ileal crypt cultures from control and Bmal1 knockout mice.ResultsPre‐treatment with palmitate dampened Bmal1 mRNA and protein expression and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion at 8 but not 20 hours after cell synchronization (P < .05‐.001). Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 release was also impaired in Bmal1 knockout cultures as compared to wild‐type controls (P < .001). Palmitate pre‐treatment reduced expression of the Bmal1 downstream target, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, the rate‐limiting enzyme in the synthesis of NAD+. This was paralleled by dampening of total NAD+ levels, as well as impaired mitochondrial function and ATP production (P < .05‐.001). Whereas direct inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase also decreased glucagon‐like peptide‐1 release, activation of this enzyme restored glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion in the presence of palmitate.ConclusionPalmitate impairs L‐cell clock function at the peak of Bmal1 gene expression, thereby impairing mitochondrial function and ultimately rhythmic glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion.
Octyl ester of ginsenoside compound K as novel anti‐hepatoma compound: Synthesis and evaluation on murine H22 cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hou Jingang , Xue Jianjie , Zhao Xinghua , Wang Zi , Li Wei , Li Xindian , Zheng Yinan 
Published: November 2017

Ginsenoside compound K (M1) is the active form of major ginsenosides deglycosylated by intestinal bacteria after oral administration. However, M1 was reported to selectively accumulate in liver and transform to fatty acid esters. Ester of M1 was not excreted by bile as M1 was, which means it was accumulated in the liver longer than M1. This study reported a synthetic method of M1‐O, a mono‐octyl ester of M1, and evaluated the anticancer property against murine H22 cell both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, both M1 and M1‐O showed a dose‐dependent manner in cytotoxicity assay in vitro. At lower dose of 12.5 μm, M1‐O showed moderate detoxification. Instead, M1‐O exhibited significantly higher inhibition in H22‐bearing mice than M1. M1‐O induced murine H22 tumor cellular apoptosis in caspase‐dependent pathway given that pan‐caspase inhibitor, Z‐VAD‐FMK, could reverse the cytotoxicity induced by M1‐O. Additionally, pro‐ and anti‐apoptosis proteins, Bcl‐2 and Bax, altered and consequently induced increased expression of cleaved caspase‐3. Interestingly, cyclophosphamide regimen significantly induced atrophy of spleen and thymus, main immune organs, while M1‐O treatment greatly alleviated this atrophy. Collectively, we propose M1‐O as a candidate for live cancer treatment.
Contribution of hiatal hernia to asthma in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Li Zhi‐Tong , Ji Feng , Han Xin‐Wei , Gu Lin‐Xia , Wang Li , Yue Yong‐Qiang , Wang Zhong‐Gao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the correlation between asthma and hiatal hernia (HH) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)‐related asthma requiring laparoscopic anti‐reflux surgery.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐six GERD patients with medically refractory asthma with (80 patients) or without HH (56 patients) were enrolled. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was assessed by endoscopy, esophageal manometry, reflux monitoring and symptom questionnaires, and treated with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) or LNF with concomitant hiatal hernia repair (LNF‐HHR). The outcome measures included patients' satisfaction and drug independence.ResultsThe patients with HH had lower esophageal sphincters (P = .005) and higher DeMeester scores (P = .014) than those without HH. After an average follow‐up of 24 months, symptom scores were significantly decreased from the preoperative values (P < .05). Compared to LNF, LNF‐HHR showed a better improvement in both esophageal and asthmatic symptoms (P < .0001 and P = .016, respectively).ConclusionsThe patients with GERD with asthma have a high prevalence of HH. The presence of HH maybe correlated with asthma and severe GERD. Actively treating HH not only improved reflux, but also controlled asthma symptoms.
Product market competition and earnings management: A firm‐level analysis
Authors: Shi Guifeng , Sun Jianfei , Zhang Li 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we employ a firm‐level measure of product market competition constructed from the textual analysis of firms’ 10‐K filings to examine the relationship between managers’ perceived competition pressure and earnings management. We find that accounting irregularities and accrual‐based earnings management are positively related to product market competition. This finding is consistent with the notion that competition pressure increases managerial incentives to manage earnings, due to their career concerns. We also find that real earnings management is negatively related to product market competition. This finding suggests that real earnings management involves actions that decrease firms’ competitiveness and thus is costly for firms confronted with high competition pressure.
Development of interstitial cells of Cajal in the human digestive tract as the result of reciprocal induction of mesenchymal and neural crest cells
Authors: Radenkovic Goran , Radenkovic Dina , Velickov Aleksandra 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNeural crest cells (NCC) can migrate into different parts of the body and express their strong inductive potential. In addition, they are multipotent and are able to differentiate into various cell types with diverse functions. In the primitive gut, NCC induce differentiation of muscular structures and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and they themselves differentiate into the elements of the enteric nervous system (ENS), neurons and glial cells. ICC develop by way of mesenchymal cell differentiation in the outer parts of the primitive gut wall around the myenteric plexus (MP) ganglia, with the exception of colon, where they appear simultaneously also at the submucosal border of the circular muscular layer around the submucosal plexus (SMP) ganglia. However, in a complex process of reciprocal induction of NCC and local mesenchyma, c‐kit positive precursors are the first to differentiate, representing probably the common precursors of ICC and smooth muscle cells (SMC). C‐kit positive precursors could represent a key impact factor regarding the final differentiation of NCC into neurons and glial cells with neurons subsequently excreting stem cell factor (SCF) and other signalling molecules. Under the impact of SCF, a portion of c‐kit positive precursors lying immediately around the ganglia differentiate into ICC, while the rest differentiate into SMC.
FHL2 promotes tubular epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition through modulating β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Cai Ting , Sun Danqin , Duan Ying , Qiu Yumei , Dai Chunsun , Yang Junwei , He Weichun 
Published: November 2017

Abstractβ‐Catenin signalling plays an important role in regulating tubular epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), an indispensable programme for driving renal fibrosis. As an adapter protein, four and a half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) acts as a coregulator of β‐catenin in several other cell types. To determine whether FHL2 affects β‐catenin signalling and thus is involved in tubular EMT, we examined its expression and function in the process of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT. FHL2 mRNA and protein were induced by TGF‐β1 in rat tubular epithelial cells (NRK‐52E), an effect that intracellular Smad signalling was required. Ectopic expression of FHL2 inhibited E‐cadherin and enhanced α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and fibronectin expression, whereas knockdown of FHL2 partially restored E‐cadherin and reduced α‐SMA and fibronectin induction stimulated by TGF‐β1. Overexpression of FHL2 increased β‐catenin dephosphorylation (Ser37/Thr41), nuclear translocation and β‐catenin‐mediated transcription and up‐regulated expression of β‐catenin target, EMT‐related genes, such as Snail, Twist, vimentin, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐7. Conversely, knockdown of FHL2 increased β‐catenin phosphorylation (Ser33/37/Thr41), decreased its nuclear translocation and inhibited β‐catenin‐mediated transcription and target genes expression. TGF‐β1 induced a FHL2/β‐catenin interaction in NRK‐52E cells, especially in the nuclei. In a mouse model of obstructive nephropathy, FHL2 mRNA and protein were induced in a time‐dependent fashion, and the extent and pattern of renal β‐catenin activation were positively correlated with FHL2 induction. Collectively, this study suggests that FHL2, via modulating β‐catenin signalling, may implicate in regulation of TGF‐β1‐mediated tubular EMT and could be a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic kidney disease.
Targeting Behavioral Symptoms and Functional Decline in Dementia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gitlin Laura N. , Arthur Paul , Piersol Catherine , Hessels Virginia , Wu Samuel S. , Dai Yunfeng , Mann William C. 
Published: November 2017

Background/ObjectivesDementia‐related behavioral symptoms and functional dependence result in poor quality of life for persons with dementia and their caregivers. The goal was to determine whether a home‐based activity program (Tailored Activity Program; TAP‐VA) would reduce behavioral symptoms and functional dependence of veterans with dementia and caregiver burden.DesignSingle‐blind (interviewer), parallel, randomized, controlled trial (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01357564).SettingVeteran's homes.ParticipantsVeterans with dementia and their family caregivers (N = 160 dyads).InterventionDyads in TAP‐VA underwent 8 sessions with occupational therapists to customize activities to the interests and abilities of the veterans and educate their caregivers about dementia and use of customized activity. Caregivers assigned to attention control received up to 8 telephone‐based dementia education sessions with a research team member.MeasurementsPrimary outcomes included number of behaviors and frequency of their occurrence multiplied by severity of occurrence; secondary outcomes were functional dependence, pain, emotional well‐being, caregiver burden (time spent caregiving, upset with behaviors) and affect at 4 (primary endpoint) and 8 months.ResultsOf 160 dyads (n = 76 TAP‐VA; n = 84 control), 111 completed 4‐month interviews (n = 51 TAP‐VA; n = 60 control), and 103 completed 8‐month interviews (n = 50 TAP‐VA; n = 53 control). At 4 months, compared to controls, the TAP‐VA group showed reductions in number (difference in mean change from baseline = −0.68, 95% CI = −1.23 to −0.13) and frequency by severity (−24.3, 95% CI = −45.6 to −3.1) of behavioral symptoms, number of activities needing assistance with (−0.80, 95% CI = −1.41 to −0.20), functional dependence level (4.09, 95% CI = 1.06, 7.13), and pain (−1.18, 95% CI = −2.10 to −0.26). Caregivers of veterans in TAP‐VA reported less behavior‐related distress. Benefits did not extend to 8 months.ConclusionTAP‐VA had positive immediate effects and no adverse events. Because TAP‐VA reduces behavioral symptoms, slows functional dependence, and alleviates pain and caregiver distress, it is a viable treatment option for families.
The calcium‐dependent kinase OsCPK24 functions in cold stress responses in rice
Authors: Liu Yu , Xu Chunjue , Zhu Yanfen , Zhang Lina , Chen Taiyu , Zhou Fei , Chen Hao , Lin Yongjun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCalcium‐dependent protein kinases (CPKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that function in plant stress responses. Although CPKs are recognized as key messengers in signal transduction, the specific roles of CPKs and the molecular mechanisms underlying their activity remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized the function of OsCPK24, a cytosol‐localized calcium‐dependent protein kinase in rice. OsCPK24 was universally and highly expressed in rice plants and was induced by cold treatment. Whereas OsCPK24 knockdown plants exhibited increased sensitivity to cold compared to wild type (WT), OsCPK24‐overexpressing plants exhibited increased cold tolerance. Plants overexpressing OsCPK24 exhibited increased accumulation of proline (an osmoprotectant) and glutathione (an antioxidant) and maintained a higher GSH/GSSG (reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione) ratio during cold stress compared to WT. In addition to these effects in response to cold stress, we observed the kinase activity of OsCPK24 varied under different calcium concentrations. Further, OsCPK24 phosphorylated OsGrx10, a glutathione‐dependent thioltransferase, at rates modulated by changes in calcium concentration. Together, our results support the hypothesis that OsCPK24 functions as a positive regulator of cold stress tolerance in rice, a process mediated by calcium signaling and involving phosphorylation and the inhibition of OsGrx10 to sustain higher glutathione levels.
Perceived Infection Prevention Climate and Its Predictors Among Nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Colet Paolo C. , Cruz Jonas Preposi , Cacho Gabby , Al‐Qubeilat Hikmet , Soriano Shiela S. , Cruz Charlie P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeThis study investigated the staff nurses' perception of the infection prevention climate and its predictors in two hospitals.DesignThis is a cross‐sectional study employing a convenience sample of 224 staff nurses at two general hospitals in Riyadh province.MethodsThe study utilized a two‐part questionnaire that captures respondents' characteristics and the validated tool on Leading a Culture of Quality for Infection Prevention (LCQ‐IP). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized accordingly.ResultsThe prioritization of quality received the highest mean score among the four factors of the scale (mean = 3.89, SD = 0.65), followed by supportive work environment (mean = 3.88, SD = 0.68), psychological safety (mean = 3.85, SD = 0.65), and improvement orientation (mean = 3.84, SD = 0.64). Nationality, clinical experience, and attendance to seminars or training were identified as significant predictors.ConclusionsThe respondents perceived the infection prevention climate of the two general hospitals positively. This study strengthens the idea that organizational context influences negatively or positively the programs on infection prevention being implemented in the hospitals.Clinical RelevanceThe result may facilitate nursing and hospital management to reflect, examine, and review their organizational climate, the impact of infection prevention initiatives and patient safety strategies, and the reason to amend related policies or improve procedures, including the promotion of a healthy work environment.
Diminished long‐term recovery of peak flow rate (PFR) after robotic prostatectomy in men with baseline PFR <10 mL/s and incidental association with high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Gordon Adam , Skarecky Douglas , Babaian Kara N. , Dhaliwal Harleen , Ahlering Thomas E. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on uroflowmetry (UF) parameters among men with baseline peak flow rates (PFR) <10 mL/s.MethodsA single‐surgeon RARP database of 1082 men who underwent prospective UF testing was analyzed. Men filled out International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires and underwent uroflowmetry and post‐void bladder ultrasound before surgery and at each follow‐up visit. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on preoperative PFR: those with PFR <10 mL/s (n = 158) and those with PFR ≥10 mL/s (n = 924). Univariate and multivariate regression models tested the association of preoperative characteristics in predicting postoperative PFR improvement. Within the PFR <10 mL/s group, preoperative variables were analyzed to predict pathologic outcomes.ResultsThree months after RARP, men with baseline PFR <10 mL/s had a 3‐fold improvement in PFR (from mean of 7.0 to 24.2 mL/s), whereas in men with PFR ≥10 mL/s there was a 50% improvement (from mean of 19.7 to 28.9 mL/s; P < .001). Improvement in PFR remained stable for >5 years, but mean postoperative PFR was 20% lower in men with baseline PFR <10 mL/s. Preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (odds ratio [OR] 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.95) and PFR (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.34–0.80) were independent predictors of the percentage improvement in men with baseline PFR <10 mL/s. Preoperative PFR ≤7 mL/s was an independent predictor of Gleason score ≥8 (P = .016), seminal vesicle invasion (P = .010), and lymph node invasion (0.029).ConclusionsAfter RARP, PFR improved significantly, with the improvement persisting over long‐term follow‐up. However, men with baseline PFR <10 mL/s had a 20% lower postoperative PFR over 5 years, suggesting permanent damage to the bladder and the need for early treatment to maintain bladder health. There appears to be an association between baseline PFR ≤7 mL/s and adverse pathologic features.