bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of freeze-dried Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei JCM 8130T with the addition of disaccharides, polymers, and their mixtures
Authors: Teng Da , Kawai Kiyoshi , Mikajiri Shuto , Hagura Yoshio 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Although freeze-drying is a widely used dehydration technique for the stabilizing of unstable lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei JCM 8130T (L. paracasei) is destabilized after freeze-drying and subsequent storage. In order to improve the stability of freeze-dried L. paracasei, effects of disaccharides (sucrose and trehalose), polymers (maltodextrin; MD and bovine serum albumin; BSA), and their mixtures on the survival rate of freeze-dried L. paracasei were investigated. The survival rate of non-additive sample decreased slightly after freeze-drying but decreased drastically after subsequent storage at 37 °C for 4 weeks. The reduction was diminished by the addition of disaccharides and polymers. The stabilizing effect of disaccharides was not affected by the co-addition of MD. In contrast, the disaccharide–BSA mixtures had a synergistic stabilizing effect, and the survival rates were largely maintained even after storage. It is suggested that the synergistic effect originates from the conformational stabilization of the dehydrated bacteria.
Cyclic AMP reverses the effects of aging on pacemaker activity and If in sinoatrial node myocytes
Authors: Sharpe Emily J. , Larson Eric D. , Proenza Catherine 
Published: January 2017

Aerobic capacity decreases with age, in part because of an age-dependent decline in maximum heart rate (mHR) and a reduction in the intrinsic pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial node of the heart. Isolated sinoatrial node myocytes (SAMs) from aged mice have slower spontaneous action potential (AP) firing rates and a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation of the “funny current,” If. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a critical modulator of both AP firing rate and If in SAMs. Here, we test the ability of endogenous and exogenous cAMP to overcome age-dependent changes in acutely isolated murine SAMs. We found that maximal stimulation of endogenous cAMP with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and forskolin significantly increased AP firing rate and depolarized the voltage dependence of activation of If in SAMs from both young and aged mice. However, these changes were insufficient to overcome the deficits in aged SAMs, and significant age-dependent differences in AP firing rate and If persisted in the presence of IBMX and forskolin. In contrast, the effects of aging on SAMs were completely abolished by a high concentration of exogenous cAMP, which restored AP firing rate and If activation to youthful levels in cells from aged animals. Interestingly, the age-dependent differences in AP firing rates and If were similar in whole-cell and perforated-patch recordings, and the hyperpolarizing shift in If persisted in excised inside-out patches, suggesting a limited role for cAMP in causing these changes. Collectively, the data indicate that aging does not impose an absolute limit on pacemaker activity and that it does not act by simply reducing the concentration of freely diffusible cAMP in SAMs.
“Opt Out” and Access to Anesthesia Care for Elective and Urgent Surgeries among U.S. Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Sun Eric C. , Dexter Franklin , Miller Thomas R. , Baker Laurence C. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background
In 2001, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a rule allowing U.S. states to “opt out” of the regulations requiring physician supervision of nurse anesthetists in an effort to increase access to anesthesia care. Whether “opt out” has successfully achieved this goal remains unknown.

Methods
Using Medicare administrative claims data, we examined whether “opt out” reduced the distance traveled by patients, a common measure of access, for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, cataract surgery, colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, appendectomy, or hip fracture repair. In addition, we examined whether “opt out” was associated with an increase in the use of anesthesia care for cataract surgery, colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Our analysis used a difference-in-differences approach with a robust set of controls to minimize confounding.

Results
“Opt out” did not reduce the percentage of patients who traveled outside of their home zip code except in the case of total hip arthroplasty (2.2% point reduction; P = 0.007). For patients travelling outside of their zip code, “opt out” had no significant effect on the distance traveled among any of the procedures we examined, with point estimates ranging from a 7.9-km decrease for appendectomy (95% CI, −19 to 3.4; P = 0.173) to a 1.6-km increase (95% CI, −5.1 to 8.2; P = 0.641) for total hip arthroplasty. There was also no significant effect on the use of anesthesia for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, appendectomy, or cataract surgery.

Conclusions
“Opt out” was associated with little or no increased access to anesthesia care for several common procedures.
Lymphocyte Phospho-Ser-9-GSK-3β/Total GSK-3β Protein Levels Ratio Is Not Affected by Chronic Lithium or Valproate Treatment in Euthymic Patients With Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Azab Abed N. , Vainer Ella , Agam Galila , Bersudsky Yuly 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibition by lithium has been well established in vitro, but proof that this biochemical effect mediates lithium's beneficial action in patients with bipolar disorder is lacking. We studied whether lymphocyte GSK-3β activity measured indirectly in lithium- or valproate (VPA)-treated euthymic patients with bipolar disorder is different from controls.

Methods
Lymphocyte total and Ser-9-phospho-GSK-3β (inactive) levels were measured by Western blotting. Forty-seven patients with bipolar disorder and 32 age- and sex-matched control subjects were studied.

Results
No significant differences were found between lithium- and VPA-treated patients and controls in phospho-GSK-3β, total GSK-3β, or their ratio.

Conclusions
The data do not support the concept that in vivo, during chronic treatment of bipolar illness, GSK-3β is inhibited either by lithium or by VPA.
Contribution of Oxidative Stress to Non-AIDS Events in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Masiá Mar , Padilla Sergio , Fernández Marta , Barber Xavier , Moreno Santiago , Iribarren José Antonio , Portilla Joaquín , Peña Alejandro , Vidal Francesc , Gutiérrez Félix ,   CoRIS
Published: January 2017

Objective:
Recognition of potentially modifiable mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of non-AIDS events (NAEs) might help improve outcomes of HIV-infected individuals. HIV infection has been associated with increased oxidative stress. We assessed the association between F2-isoprostanes and serious NAEs, and whether they improve the predictive performance of inflammation and coagulation biomarkers.

Methods:
Prospective multicenter cohort. Individuals who had an incident serious NAE and 2 sex- and age-matched participants with no events were selected. Measurement of F2-isoprostanes, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, D-dimer, sCD14, sCD40, sCD163, and neopterin levels was performed in successive plasma samples collected from cohort inclusion.

Results:
Biomarkers were measured in 78 participants developing serious NAEs or death, and 151 subjects with no events. Adjusted levels of F2-isoprostanes, and also of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, sCD14, and D-dimer were higher in individuals who developed serious NAEs, including or not non-AIDS deaths. The same results were observed when only samples collected since the time of achieving virological suppression were analyzed. The additive incorporation of each biomarker, ending with F2-isoprostanes, in an adjusted model was associated with a graded and significant increase in the quality of model fitting, and 94% sensitivity, 33% specificity, and 0.77 accuracy to predict serious NAEs including non-AIDS–related death.

Conclusion:
Oxidative stress is associated with a higher risk of serious NAEs, including non-AIDS deaths. This effect is independent and additive to biomarkers of inflammation, monocyte activation, and coagulation. Our results suggest that oxidative stress should be included among mechanisms to deal with to improve prognosis of HIV-infected individuals.
Structural Level Differences in the Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Rate in South Africa: A Multilevel Assessment of Individual-, Health Facility-, and Provincial-Level Predictors of Infant HIV Transmission
Authors: Woldesenbet Selamawit A. , Jackson Debra J. , Lombard CJ , Dinh Thu-Ha , Ramokolo Vundli , Doherty Tanya , Sherman Gayle G. , Pillay Yogan , Goga Ameena E. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives:
In 2010, South Africa reported an early mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate of 3.5% at 4–8 weeks postpartum. Provincial early MTCT rates ranged from 1.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1 to 3.4] to 5.9% (95% CI: 3.8 to 8.0). We sought to determine reasons for these geographic differences in MTCT rates.

Methods:
This study used multilevel modeling using 2010 South African prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) evaluation (SAPMTCTE) data from 530 facilities. Interview data and blood samples of infants were collected from 3085 mother–infant pairs at 4–8 weeks postpartum. Facility-level data on human resources, referral systems, linkages to care, and record keeping were collected through facility staff interviews. Provincial level data were gathered from publicly available data (eg, health professionals per 10,000 population) or aggregated at province-level from the SAPMTCTE (PMTCT maternal-infant antiretroviral (ARV) coverage). Variance partition coefficients and odds ratios (for provincial facility- and individual-level factors influencing MTCT) from multilevel modeling are reported.

Results:
The provincial- (5.0%) and facility-level (1.4%) variance partition coefficients showed no substantive geographic variation in early MTCT. In multivariable analysis accounting for the multilevel nature of the data, the following were associated with early MTCT: individual-level—low maternal–infant ARV uptake [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.5], mixed breastfeeding (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.9) and maternal age <20 years (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.0); facility-level–insufficient (≤2) health care-personnel for HIV-testing services (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.0); provincial-level PMTCT ARV (maternal–infant) coverage lower than 80% (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.9), and number of health professionals per 10,000 population (AOR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98 to 0.99).

Conclusions:
There was no substantial province-/facility-level MTCT difference. This could be due to good overall performance in reducing early MTCT. Disparities in human resource allocation (including allocation of insufficient health care personnel for testing and care at facility level) and PMTCT coverage influenced overall PMTCT programme performance. These are long-standing systemic problems that impact quality of care.
Computed Tomography in the Management of Adrenal Tumors: Does Size Still Matter?
Authors: Azoury Saïd C. , Nagarajan Neeraja , Young Allen , Mathur Aarti , Prescott Jason D. , Fishman Elliot K. , Zeiger Martha A. 
Published: January 2017

Objective
We sought to evaluate computed tomography (CT) imaging as a predictor of adrenal tumor pathology.

Methods
A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for an adrenal mass between January 2005 and July 2015. Tumors were classified as benign, indeterminate, or malignant based on preoperative CT findings.

Results
Of 697 patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, 216 met the inclusion criteria. Pathology was benign in 88.4%, indeterminate in 2.3%, and malignant in 9.3%, with a median tumor diameter of 2.7 cm (interquartile range, 1.7–4.1 cm) and 9.5 cm (interquartile range, 7.1–12 cm) in the benign and malignant groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Of the tumors with benign features on CT, 100% (143/143) had benign final pathology.

Conclusions
Imaging characteristics of adrenal tumors on CT scan predict benign pathology 100% of the time. Regardless of size, when interpreted as benign on CT scan, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, if technically feasible, should be the technique used when surgery is offered, or close surveillance may be a safe alternative.
Moving Beyond Clinical Risk Scores with a Mobile App for the Genomic Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Muse Evan D. , Wineinger Nathan E. , Schrader Brian , Molparia Bhuvan , Spencer Emily G. , Bodian Dale L. , Torkamani Ali , Topol Eric J. 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYPrimary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) is important for individuals at increased risk, and largely consists of healthy lifestyle modifications and initiation of medications when appropriate – including statins. Defining the inherent risk for any given individual typically relies on traditional risk factors established decades ago by the Framingham Heart Study. Unfortunately, recent studies have indicated that these traditional clinical risk factors systematically overestimate the risk of CAD across all major ancestries. This has increased the number of patients that would be eligible for statin therapy for the primary prevention of CAD but would likely receive little benefit and potentially incur negative consequences. On the other hand, researchers have demonstrated that genetic factors can effectively identify a subset of high risk individuals, and that the benefit from statin therapy is greatest among individuals with the highest genetic risk score (GRS). These individuals also receive the greatest absolute benefit from healthy lifestyle choices, being able to titrate their risk to normal levels despite high genetic predisposition. However, it is not yet possible for the average individual to discover their genetic risk because no tools are currently available to make such a determination. Here, we present a free mobile app – MyGeneRank – that can provide this information. Individuals may choose to use this knowledge to complement traditional risk assessments, and make critical decisions regarding lifelong statin therapy and lifestyle changes. As of 1/25/2017, MyGeneRank is currently in closed beta and will soon be available to the public.
Hollowing out national agreements in the NHS? The case of “Improving Working Lives” under a “Turnaround” plan
Authors: Roper Ian , Etherington David , Lewis Suzan 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the resilience of a national-level initiative (Improving Working Lives (IWL)) in the face of local-level initiative (Turnaround) in an NHS hospital and compare to Bach and Kessler’s (2012) model of public service employment relations.

Design/methodology/approach
Case study research consisting of 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews from a range of participants.

Findings
The principles behind IWL were almost entirely sacrificed in order to meet the financial objectives of Turnaround. This indicates the primacy of localised upstream performance management initiatives over the national-level downstream employee relations initiatives that form the basis of the NHS’ claim to model employer aspiration.

Research limitations/implications
The case study was conducted between 2007 and 2009. While the case study falls under previous government regime, the dualised system of national-level agreements combined with localised performance management – and the continued existence of both Turnaround and IWL – makes the results relevant at the time of writing.

Originality/value
Some studies (e.g. Skinner et al., 2004) indicated a perception that IWL was not trusted by NHS staff. The present study offers reasons as to why this may be the case.
The relationship between management’s commitment and effective safety and health committees in Malaysia
Authors: Farouk Ummu Kolsome 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between management’s commitment and effective occupational safety and health committees (OSHCs), which are a form of representative employee involvement in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a survey of 231 manufacturing companies in Malaysia, the study empirically examines both passive and active management commitment and its relationships with the perceived effectiveness of OSHCs.FindingsRespondents to the survey, who were members of OSHCs, felt that both passive and active management commitments had significant, positive relationships with OSHCs’ perceived effectiveness, with active management commitment having a stronger relationship with the dependent variable – the effectiveness of OSHCs. All three variables were perceived to be at the medium level, with active management commitment recording the lowest mean value.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the fact that it is cross-sectional. However, this allows its findings to be placed in the context of past research, underpinned by Malaysia’s manufacturing sector and legislative framework.Practical implicationsThis paper provides suggestions for how the perceived effectiveness of OSHCs can be improved in the Malaysian context.Originality/valueThis study conceptualises management’s commitment in terms of passive and active commitment, given the context of the current legislative framework, and it addresses the relationships between both types of management commitment and the effectiveness of OSHCs, in the heretofore-unexamined Malaysian manufacturing context.
Manager mindsets and employee organizational citizenship behaviours
Authors: Özduran Ali , Tanova Cem 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to investigate how hotel managers with incremental mindsets influence the organisational citizenship behaviours (OCBs) of their subordinates through the process of coaching.

Design/methodology/approach
Surveys were collected from managers and employees of 12 five star hotels operating in Northern Cyprus. A sample of 176 employees and 40 managers from 40 departments responded to the survey. As the employees are nested in the departments, a multilevel analysis using hierarchical linear modelling was utilised.

Findings
Effects of higher incremental mindsets of managers on the OCBs of their subordinates are mediated by the coaching behaviour of the managers. Effective coaching serves as a mechanism through which the incremental mindsets lead to higher levels of employee OCBs.

Practical implications
A growth mindset-oriented organisational culture should be formed in hospitality organisations with shared beliefs that employee abilities are malleable and can be developed. Hotels should not only seek managers who have experience and knowledge, but should also strive to attract managers with incremental mindsets.

Originality/value
The study contributes to social exchange theory, the mindset and OCB literature by demonstrating how OCBs can be improved by management with higher incremental mindset through effective coaching using a multi-level model. The findings reveal that incremental mindset managers are more likely to demonstrate effective coaching which, in turn, leads to higher levels of OCBs in their team members.
QSR brand value
Authors: Harrington Robert J. , Ottenbacher Michael C. , Fauser Simon 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to examine the quick service restaurant (QSR) differentiation in the minds of consumers, customers and non-customers and addresses the use of absolute measures. The study integrated competitive context and customer vs non-customer perceptions to better understand marketing strategies and the impact on customer value.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework is provided with marketing strategy, 7Ps, value positioning and outcomes. A survey instrument to assess perceptions of QSR marketing mix dimensions and leading QSR brands as referents was used. The study used exploratory factor analysis, ANOVA and logistic regression to address research questions.

Findings
The five QSR brands were differentiated by three marketing mix dimensions: quality, convenience and price. Subway and Starbucks customers perceived higher quality than McDonald’s and Burger King. Price separated Starbucks and McDonald’s customers. Overall, QSR customers perceived higher quality and convenience than non-customers. Age group was a predictor of customer membership of QSR overall and McDonald’s.

Research limitations/implications
The study used participants in Germany and had more respondents identified as McDonald’s customers or referent.

Practical implications
The quality bundle represents unique resources for each QSR brand. Management teams should use a holistic mindset in considering the quality bundle reputation and how the various attributes support each other.

Originality/value
Consumers look to three factors for QSR rather than 7Ps: quality, convenience and price. Relative comparisons of perceptions among brands and between customers vs non-customers provided important contributions for QSR marketing mix factors.
Competencies of hotel general managers: a conceptual framework
Authors: Bharwani Sonia , Talib Parvaiz 
Published: January 2017

PurposeIt is crucial for hospitality organisations to develop sustainable leadership by regularly re-evaluating the competencies and skills required by their senior managers and leaders. In the context of this strategic talent management imperative, this paper aims to identify and map competencies required for the pivotal position of a hotel general manager to develop a holistic and relevant leadership competency framework.Design/methodology/approachThrough secondary research, this study undertakes a detailed literature review of competency and leadership studies in the context of the hospitality industry to distil the essential competencies and skills required by a general manager.FindingsThis study proposes a leadership competency model for hospitality organisations in the form of a 43-item competency framework for hotel general managers categorised into four broad dimensions – cognitive competencies (knowledge), functional competencies (skills), social competencies (attitudes and behaviours) and meta competencies (motives and traits).Practical implicationsThe proposed competency model, once empirically tested for robustness, could serve as a blueprint for hospitality organisations to develop their own organisation-specific competency framework for senior leadership that could prove to be a keystone for integrated talent management practices. Further, educationists and trainers could use the findings of this study as inputs in designing curricula and pedagogical interventions to meet the industry’s future needs and expectations with regards to competencies of senior managers.Originality/valueBy aggregating competencies from earlier studies and synthesising and categorising them in accordance with a contemporary, hospitality industry-relevant typology, a comprehensive competency model specific for hotel general managers has been proposed.