Examining Interdisciplinary Sustainability Institutes at Major Research Universities: Innovations in Cross-Campus + Cross-Disciplinary Models

This is a study of the distinctive characteristics, activities, challenges and opportunities of a specific type of sustainability institute, one that spans the many disciplines of the university and, to do so, reports to upper administration (provost or vice president of research). Among research universities within the Association of American Universities (AAU), 19 were identified, and 18 agreed to participate in this study. Directors are sent a 71-question survey in January 2017 that covered issues of Governance, Research, Education, Engagement, Campus Operations and Best Practices

Heart failure as a risk factor for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the association between comorbid heart failure (HF) and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in primary care COPD patients to highlight areas in which care can be improved. The aims of this research were: i. To describe the burden of HF comorbidity in the COPD population; ii. To determine the effect of HF comorbidity on exacerbation risk in COPD patients; and iii. To determine the effect of HF medications on exacerbation risk in COPD patients with HF. Firstly, a systematic review revealed that HF comorbidity increases COPD-related secondary care utilisation and all-cause mortality of COPD patients; however, the heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis to estimate pooled effects using all available data. Secondly, analysis found that HF incidence was steady from 2006 to 2016 in the COPD population. COPD patients with HF experienced higher short- and long-term mortality rates than those without HF. Thirdly, HF diagnosis was associated with a significantly greater risk for AECOPD compared to patients without evidence of HF. In a population identified as having possible HF, AECOPD risk was also elevated. Only 50% of possible HF patients had documented HF investigation. Finally, incident use of HF medications was associated with increased AECOPD risk compared to non-use of HF medications in COPD patients with diagnosed HF; however, AECOPD risk decreased relative to incident medication use beyond six months of treatment. These results demonstrate that HF comorbidity has a considerable effect on AECOPD in the primary care COPD population and that management of HF pharmacologically may reduce excess AECOPD risk. Additionally, there appear to be substantial opportunities for earlier recognition of HF in the COPD population in the primary care setting. Proactive targeting of HF in the COPD population by primary care providers may help to improve patient outcomes.Open Acces

Rice and its graduates

An address delivered at the tenth commencement convocation of the Rice Institute, by Stockton Axson, Professor of English Literature at the Rice Institute