bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and crystal structure of (1,8-naphthyridine-κ2
N,N′)[2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl-κ2
N
2,C
1]iridium(III) hexafluoridophosphate dichloromethane monosolvate
Authors: Ye Yunfeng , Tang Guodong , Qian Jun
Published: December 2019

The solvated title salt, [Ir(C9H7N2)2(C8H6N2)]PF6·CH2Cl2, was obtained from the reaction between 1,8-naphthyridine (NAP) and an orthometalated iridium(III) precursor containing a 1-phenylpyrazole (ppz) ligand. The asymmetric unit comprises one [Ir(ppz)2(NAP)]+ cation, one PF6
− counter-ion and one CH2Cl2 solvent molecule. The central IrIII atom of the [Ir(ppz)2(NAP)]+ cation is distorted-octahedrally coordinated by four N atoms and two C atoms, whereby two N atoms stem from the NAP ligand while the ppz ligands ligate through one N and one C atom each. In the crystal, the [Ir(ppz)2(NAP)]+ cations and PF6
− counter-ions are connected with each other through weak intermolecular C—H...F hydrogen bonds. Together with an additional C—H...F interaction involving the solvent molecule, a three-dimensional network structure is formed.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT studies of 1-benzyl-3-[(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-one monohydrate
Authors: Saber Asmaa , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Hökelek Tuncer , Labd Taha Mohamed , Mague Joel T. , Hamou Ahabchane Noureddine , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: December 2019

In the title molecule, C24H21N5O·H2O, the dihydrobenzodiazole moiety is not quite planar, while the whole molecule adopts a U-shaped conformation in which there is a close approach of the two benzyl groups. In the crystal, chains of alternating molecules and lattice water extending along [201] are formed by O—HUncoordW...ODhyr and O—HUncoordW...NTrz (UncoordW = uncoordinated water, Dhyr = dihydro and Trz = triazole) hydrogen bonds. The chains are connected into layers parallel to (010) by C—HTrz...OUncoordW hydrogen bonds with the dihydrobenzodiazole units in adjacent layers intercalating to form head-to-tail π-stacking [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.5694 (11) Å] interactions between them, which generates the overall three-dimensional structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (52.1%), H...C/C...H (23.8%) and O...H/H...O (11.2%) interactions. Hydrogen-bonding and van der Waals interactions are the dominant interactions in the crystal packing. Density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures at the B3LYP/ 6–311 G(d,p) level are compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. The HOMO–LUMO behaviour was elucidated to determine the energy gap.
How far are we from automatic crystal structure solution via molecular-replacement techniques?
Authors: Burla Maria Cristina , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Polidori Giampiero
Published: December 2019

Although the success of molecular-replacement techniques requires the solution of a six-dimensional problem, this is often subdivided into two three-dimensional problems. REMO09 is one of the programs which have adopted this approach. It has been revisited in the light of a new probabilistic approach which is able to directly derive conditional distribution functions without passing through a previous calculation of the joint probability distributions. The conditional distributions take into account various types of prior information: in the rotation step the prior information may concern a non-oriented model molecule alone or together with one or more located model molecules. The formulae thus obtained are used to derive figures of merit for recognizing the correct orientation in the rotation step and the correct location in the translation step. The phases obtained by this new version of REMO09 are used as a starting point for a pipeline which in its first step extends and refines the molecular-replacement phases, and in its second step creates the final electron-density map which is automatically interpreted by CAB, an automatic model-building program for proteins and DNA/RNA structures.
Bis{2,6-bis[(E)-(4-fluorobenzylimino)methyl]pyridine}nickel(II) dinitrate dihydrate
Authors: Johnson Corey R. , Basaran Ismet , Rhaman Md Mhahabubur , Powell Douglas R. , Hossain Md. Alamgir
Published: December 2019

In the title hydrated salt, [Ni(C21H17F2N3)2](NO3)2·2H2O, the central NiII ion is coordinated by six N atoms from two tridentate chelating 2,6-bis[(E)-(4-fluorobenzylimino)methyl]pyridine ligands. While the central NiII ion is six-coordinate, its environment is distorted from an octahedral structure because of the unequal Ni—N distances. The Ni—N bond lengths vary from 1.8642 (14) to 2.2131 (15) Å, while the N—Ni—N angles range from 79.98 (6) to 104.44 (6)°. Three coordinating sites of each chelating agent are almost coplanar with respect to the pyridine ring, and two pyridine moieties are perpendicular to each other. Two non-coordinating nitrate anions within the asymmetric unit balance the charges of the central metal ion, and are linked with two crystal water molecules, forming a water–nitrate cyclic tetrameric unit [O...O = 2.813 (2) to 3.062 (2) Å]. In an isolated molecule, the fluorophenyl rings of one ligand are stacked with the central ring of the other ligand via π–π interactions, with the closest centroid-to-plane distances being 3.359 (6), 3.408 (5), 3.757 (6) and 3.659 (5) Å.
Non-similar solution of Casson nanofluid with variable viscosity and variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Bisht Ankita , Sharma Rajesh
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a numerical investigation of Casson nanofluid along a vertical nonlinear stretching sheet with variable thermal conductivity and viscosity.

Design/methodology/approach

The boundary-layer equations are presented in the dimensionless form using proper non-similar transformations. The subsequent non-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations are solved using the implicit finite difference technique. To linearize the nonlinear terms present in these equations, the quasilinearization technique is used.

Findings

The investigation showed graphically the temperature, velocity and nanoparticle volume fraction for particular included physical parameters. It is observed that the velocity profile decreases with an increase in the values of Casson fluid parameter while increases with an increase in the viscosity variation parameter. The temperature profile enhances for large values of velocity variation parameter and thermal conductivity parameter while it reduces for large values of thermal buoyancy parameter. Further, the Nusselt number and skin-friction coefficient are introduced which are helpful in determining the physical aspects of Casson nanofluid flow.

Practical implications

The immediate control of heat transfer in the industrial system is crucial because of increasing energy prices. Recently, nanotechnology is proposed to control the heat transfer phenomenon. Ongoing research in complex nanofluid has been fruitful in various applications such as solar thermal collectors, nuclear reactors, electronic equipment and diesel–electric conductor. A reasonable amount of nanoparticle when added to the base fluid in solar thermal collectors serves to deeper absorption of incident radiation, and hence it upgrades the efficiency of the solar thermal collectors.

Originality/value

The non-similar solution of Casson nanofluid due to a vertical nonlinear stretching sheet with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity is discussed in this work.
Institutional stress and job performance among hospital employees
Authors: Bjaalid Gunhild , Olsen Espen , Melberg Kjersti , Mikkelsen Aslaug
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate if institutional stress is related to job performance among hospital employees, and if institutional stress is fully or partly mediated by motivational resources with regards to the relation with job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-completion survey was distributed to four public hospitals in Norway, and had a response rate of 40% (N= 9,162). Structural equation modelling was conducted on two groups of hospital employees with (N= 795) and without (N= 8,367) managerial responsibilities.

Findings

Institutional stress was negatively related to job performance for hospital employees without managerial responsibilities. The motivational resources autonomy, competence development and social support partly mediated the relationship between institutional stress and job performance in the group of employees without managerial responsibilities. In the leader group, the motivational resources fully mediated the relationship between institutional stress and job performance. Social support from leaders had a non-significant influence on job performance in both groups.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation with this study is its cross-sectional design.

Originality/value

The study enables us to extend how work-related stress is related to job performance and the mediating role of the job resources autonomy, competence development and social support. The focus on productivity, and top management’s wish to improve hospital performance, may have unintended consequences, leading to a gap between managerial and clinical worldviews and understanding of goals, policies, values and prioritizing. This can lead to institutional stress. The findings of this study suggest that institutional stress has negative effects on hospital employees’ work motivation and job performance.
The corrosion behavior of ferrous materials immersed in acidic-media using D-optimal design
Authors: Obregón Valencia Daniel , García Sánchez Halter , Díaz Tang Isabel
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the corrosion rate behavior for two ferrous materials, carbon steel AISI 1020 and stainless steel AISI 304, immersed in ferric sulfate and ferric chloride solutions using D-optimal design with response surface methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental design addresses two factors (concentration and contact time) with multilevel categories, in order to predict and compare the corrosion rates of the studied materials immersed in flocculants solutions. A corrosion rate of specimens was calculated from mass loss determinations.

Findings

The authors used a polynomial model to fit the experimental values, thereby predicting significantly higher corrosion rates in ferric chloride solutions, as compared to ferric sulfate.

Originality/value

The authors propose a high fidelity model of the corrosion rate of each carbon steel and stainless steel material using D-optimal design with a response surface method (RSM).
Predation risk and mountain goat reproduction: Evidence for stress‐induced breeding suppression in a wild ungulate
Authors: Dulude‐de Broin Frédéric , Hamel Sandra , Mastromonaco Gabriela F. , Côté Steeve D.
Published: December 2019

Non‐consumptive effects of predation can strongly impact reproduction and demography of prey species. Still, the underlying mechanisms that drive non‐consumptive effects are not fully understood, and the circumstances under which chronic physiological stress may mediate these effects remain unclear.

Benefiting from over 23 years of environmental, physiological and demographic data, we tested the hypothesis that predation risk may impair reproduction of mountain goats through chronic elevation of physiological stress. We conducted path analyses to assess the relationships between predation risk, faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and hair cortisol concentration, and reproduction, while taking into account the potential effects of age class, sex, body mass, season and within individual variation in glucocorticoid concentration.

Predation risk had a direct positive effect on the average annual faecal glucocorticoid concentration in the population, which, in turn, negatively affected the proportion of reproductive females. The same pattern was observed with hair cortisol concentration, but these results were inconclusive potentially due to methodological challenges in estimating annual average of hair cortisol at the population level.

Our study presents one of the first robust evidence that stress‐mediated breeding suppression can occur in a wild ungulate following increased predation risk, thereby providing a major insight on the mechanisms underlying non‐consumptive effects of predation in wild mammals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
2‐Methylcitrate cycle: a well‐regulated controller of Bacillus sporulation
Authors: Zheng Cao , Yu Zhaoqing , Du Cuiying , Gong Yujing , Yin Wen , Li Xinfeng , Li Zhou , Römling Ute , Chou Shan‐Ho , He Jin
Published: December 2019

Bacillus thuringiensis is the most widely used eco‐friendly biopesticide, containing two primary determinants of biocontrol, endospore and insecticidal crystal proteins (ICPs). The 2‐methylcitrate cycle is a widespread carbon metabolic pathway playing a crucial role in channelling propionyl‐CoA, but with poorly understood metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Here, we dissect the transcriptional regulation of the 2‐methylcitrate cycle operon prpCDB and report its unprecedented role in controlling the sporulation process of B. thuringiensis. We found that the transcriptional activity of the prp operon encoding the three critical enzymes PrpC, PrpD, and PrpB in the 2‐methylcitrate cycle was negatively regulated by the two global transcription factors CcpA and AbrB, while positively regulated by the LysR family regulator CcpC, which jointly account for the fact that the 2‐methylcitrate cycle is specifically and highly active in the stationary phase of growth. We also found that the prpD mutant accumulated 2‐methylcitrate, the intermediate metabolite of the 2‐methylcitrate cycle, which delayed and inhibited sporulation at the early stage. Thus, our results not only revealed sophisticated transcriptional regulatory mechanisms for the metabolic 2‐methylcitrate cycle but also identified 2‐methylcitrate as a novel regulator of sporulation in B. thuringiensis.
Should refusal to sell be illegal?
Authors: Berg Nathan , Kim Jeong‐Yoo , Jang Ji‐Uk
Published: December 2019

We analyse a private firm's decision of whether to refuse to sell to a particular group of consumers whose interaction with other consumers generates negative externalities. The literature has rarely incorporated this motive directly into the firm's profit‐maximisation problem. Discriminatory refusal‐to‐sell policies can increase profits and consumer utility among those affected by the negative externality. Of course it also reduces utility among consumers who are refused, raising the possibility of an indeterminate effect on social welfare. We obtain a stark and rather surprising result: The refusal‐to‐sell policy is socially optimal whenever it is individually optimal for a profit‐maximising firm to adopt such a policy. No legislation or regulation is required from a social‐welfare perspective (under the assumptions used in the specification of the social welfare function). We prove this result analytically for the case of linear demand functions. Numerical simulations show that the result also holds for constant‐price‐elasticity demand functions.
Public social science in Norway: Migration research in the public debate
Authors: Andersson Mette
Published: December 2019

How do Norwegian migration and diversity researchers experience and maneuver participation in public debate? And do their experiences and strategies fit with Michael Burawoy's image of Norwegian social science and with his model of public sociology? In this article, the concept of public sociology is expanded to public social science, encompassing communication of research not just from sociology but social science in general. Semi‐structured interviews with 31 Norwegian migration and diversity scholars from 10 academic institutions about their experiences of, and views on, public research communication constitute the empirical material. The article concludes that Burawoy is right about the relatively high participation in public debate among social scientists in Norway. And his ideal‐typical distinction between four types of sociology is helpful in analyzing how researchers relate differently to the science‐public interface. Yet the results indicate that his perspective on public sociology is overly optimistic and not sufficiently attuned to the normativity already attached to highly politicized issues in public debate.
Singapore Chapter of Rheumatologists updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted‐synthetic therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Leong Joanna Wai Yee , Cheung Peter P. , Dissanayake Sajeewani , Fong Warren Weng Seng , Leong Keng Hong , Leung Ying Ying , Lim Anita Yee Nah , Lui Nai Lee , Manghani Mona , Santosa Amelia , Sriranganathan Melonie Kannamma , Suresh Ernest , Tan Teck Choon , Teng Gim Gee , Lahiri Manjari
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Approximately 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond inadequately to conventional‐synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). However, widespread use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted‐synthetic (tsDMARDs) is limited by cost. We formulated updated recommendations for eligibility criteria for government‐assisted funding of bDMARDs/tsDMARDs for RA patients in Singapore.

Materials and Methods

Published guidelines regarding use of bDMARD and tsDMARDs were reviewed. We excluded those without a systematic literature review, formal consensus process or evidence grading. Separately, unpublished national reimbursement guidelines were included.

Results

Eleven recommendations regarding choice of disease activity measure, initiation, order of selection and continuation of bDMARD/tsDMARDs were formulated. A bDMARD/tsDMARD is indicated if a patient has: (a) at least moderately active RA with a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) score of ≥3.2; (b) failed ≥2 csDMARD strategies, 1 of which must be a combination; (c) received an adequate dose regimen of ≥3 months for each strategy. For the first‐line bDMARD/tsDMARD, either tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), non‐TNFi (abatacept, tocilizumab, rituximab), or tsDMARDs, may be considered. If a first‐line TNFi fails, options include another TNFi, non‐TNFi biologic or tsDMARDs. If a first‐line non‐TNFi biologic or tsDMARD fails, options include TNFi or another non‐TNF biologic or tsDMARD. For continued bDMARD/tsDMARD subsidization, a patient must have a documented DAS28‐ESR every 3 months and at least a moderate European League Against Rheumatism response by 6 months.

Conclusion

These recommendations are useful for guiding funding decisions, making bDMARD/tsDMARDs usage accessible and equitable in RA patients who fail csDMARDs.
SpinalHeal Ltd.: Planning the Financial Statement Audit
Authors: Iacobelli Sandra , Scott Sandra , Jones Joanne C.
Published: December 2019

This instructional audit case places the student in the role of an audit manager and requires preparation of an audit planning memo that addresses significant risks at SpinalHeal Ltd.—a private Canadian company, with international operations, that develops and distributes medical implants for spinal surgery. This year's audit is particularly challenging. There appear to be significant control deficiencies and potential noncompliance with laws and regulations, as well as several complex accounting issues (revenue recognition, intangible assets, and contingent liabilities) which must be addressed. In addition to drafting the planning memo, the audit manager must resolve how to deal with a partner request and prepare a memo to the client that explains the financial reporting implications of crowdfunding.
Hdac3, Setdb1, and Kap1 mark H3K9me3/H3K14ac bivalent regions in young and aged liver
Authors: Price Andrew J. , Manjegowda Mohan C. , Kain Jessica , Anandh Swetha , Bochkis Irina M.
Published: December 2019

Post‐translational modifications of histone tails play a crucial role in gene regulation. Here, we performed chromatin profiling by quantitative targeted mass spectrometry to assess all possible modifications of the core histones. We identified a bivalent combination, a dually marked H3K9me3/H3K14ac modification in the liver, that is significantly decreased in old hepatocytes. Subsequent sequential ChIP‐Seq identified dually marked single nucleosome regions, with reduced number of sites and decreased signal in old livers, confirming mass spectrometry results. We detected H3K9me3 and H3K14ac bulk ChIP‐Seq signal in reChIP nucleosome regions, suggesting a correlation between H3K9me3/H3K14ac bulk bivalent genomic regions and dually marked single nucleosomes. Histone H3K9 deacetylase Hdac3, as well as H3K9 methyltransferase Setdb1, found in complex Kap1, occupied both bulk and single nucleosome bivalent regions in both young and old livers, correlating to presence of H3K9me3. Expression of genes associated with bivalent regions in young liver, including those regulating cholesterol secretion and triglyceride synthesis, is upregulated in old liver once the bivalency is lost. Hence, H3K9me3/H3K14ac dually marked regions define a poised inactive state that is resolved with loss of one or both of the chromatin marks, which subsequently leads to change in gene expression.
Impaired control of the contact system in hereditary angioedema with normal C1‐inhibitor
Authors: Bova Maria , Suffritti Chiara , Bafunno Valeria , Loffredo Stefania , Cordisco Giorgia , Del Giacco Stefano , De Pasquale Tiziana Maria Angela , Firinu Davide , Margaglione Maurizio , Montinaro Vincenzo , Petraroli Angelica , Radice Anna , Brussino Luisa , Zanichelli Andrea , Zoli Alessandra , Cicardi Marco
Published: December 2019

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) comprises HAE with C1‐inhibitor deficiency (C1‐INH‐HAE) and HAE with normal C1‐INH activity (nl‐C1‐INH‐HAE), due to mutations in factor XII (FXII‐HAE), plasminogen (PLG‐HAE), angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1‐HAE), kininogen 1 genes (KNG1‐HAE), or angioedema of unknown origin (U‐HAE). The Italian network for C1‐INH‐HAE (ITACA) created a registry including different forms of angioedema without wheals.

Objective

We analyzed clinical and laboratory features of a cohort of Italian subjects with nl‐C1‐INH‐HAE followed by ITACA to identify specific biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 105 nl‐C1‐INH‐HAE patients were studied. Plasma concentrations of cleaved high‐molecular‐weight kininogen (cHK), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), angiopoietins (Angs), and secreted phospholipase A2 enzymes (sPLA2) were evaluated.

Results

We identified 43 FXII‐HAE patients, 58 U‐HAE, and 4 ANGPT1‐HAE. We assessed a prevalence of 1:1.4 × 106 for FXII‐HAE and 1:1.0 × 106 for U‐HAE. cHK levels in U‐HAE patients were similar to controls in plasma collected using protease inhibitors cocktail (PIC), but they significantly increased in the absence of PIC. In FXII‐HAE patients, cHK levels, in the absence of PIC, were significantly higher than in controls. We found a significant increase of VEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, and Ang1 levels in U‐HAE patients compared to controls. In FXII‐HAE, only VEGF‐C levels were increased. Ang2 concentrations and sPLA2 activity were not modified. The levels of these mediators in ANGPT1‐HAE patients were not altered.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that pathogenesis of FXII‐, ANGPT1‐, and U‐HAE moves through an unbalanced control of kallikrein activity, with bradykinin as most likely mediator. VEGFs and Ang1 participate in the pathophysiology of U‐HAE increasing the basal vascular permeability.
Adolescents with unexplained chest pain reported depression and impaired emotional and social functioning
Authors: Eliacik Kayi , Bolat Nurullah , Kanik Ali , Malas Nasuh , Demircan Tülay , Hortu Hacer , Özyurt Gonca , Orbatu Dilek , Alaygut Demet , Guven Baris
Published: December 2019

Aim

Chest pain is common in adolescence, but there are no established criteria for managing this problem, which is rarely associated with cardiac disease. This study addressed the gaps in the literature by evaluating psychosocial factors that could be associated with medically unexplained chest pain.

Methods

We consecutively selected 100 patients (68% girls) aged 13‐18 who were diagnosed with unexplained chest pain when they presented to the cardiology outpatient clinics of Tepecik Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey, between 30 September 2015 and 30 June 2018. The controls were 76 age‐ and sex‐matched adolescents (69% girls) aged 13‐18 who were undergoing routine cardiology assessments before joining sports clubs. We assessed their health‐related quality of life and any depression and physical symptoms.

Results

Regression analysis showed some adolescents were a number of times more likely to report chest pain. These included those who reported boredom (4.1 times), felt stressed or anxious (2.2) and those who experienced sleep disturbance (2.6), co‐morbid headaches (2.0), back pain (3.1) and impaired social functioning (1.2).

Conclusion

The results indicated a significant association between unexplained chest pain and physical symptoms, depression and impaired emotional and social functioning. These factors warrant further evaluation.
Local delivery of corticosteroids in clinical ophthalmology: A review
Authors: Fung Adrian T. , Tran Tuan , Lim Lyndell L. , Samarawickrama Chameen , Arnold Jennifer , Gillies Mark , Catt Caroline , Mitchell Logan , Symons Andrew , Buttery Robert , Cottee Lisa , Tumuluri Krishna , Beaumont Paul
Published: December 2019

Locally administered steroids have a long history in ophthalmology for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Anterior segment conditions tend to be treated with topical steroids whilst posterior segment conditions generally require periocular, intravitreal or systemic administration for penetration. Over recent decades, the clinical applications of periocular steroid delivery have expanded to a wide range of conditions including macular oedema from retino‐vascular conditions. Formulations have been developed with the aim to provide practical, targeted, longer‐term and more efficacious therapy whilst minimizing side effects. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the types of periocular steroid delivery, their clinical applications in ophthalmology and their side effects.
Benefits of insulin degludec/liraglutide are maintained even in patients discontinuing sulphonylureas or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors upon initiation of degludec/liraglutide therapy: A post hoc analysis of the DUAL II and DUAL IX trials
Authors: Janez Andrej , Őrsy Petra , Stachlewska Karolina , Salvesen‐Sykes Karen , Billings Liana K. , Philis‐Tsimikas Athena
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of initiating insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who had discontinued pretrial sulphonylureas (SUs) or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is) versus patients not previously treated with these regimens.

Materials and Methods

In DUAL II, patients with T2D uncontrolled on basal insulin and metformin ± SU/glinides were randomized to insulin degludec or IDegLira (both capped at 50 U). In DUAL IX, patients were randomized to insulin glargine U100 (no maximum dose) or IDegLira, as add‐on to sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors ± oral antidiabetic drugs. In this post hoc analysis, patients were grouped according to pretrial use of SU (DUAL II) or DPP4i (DUAL IX).

Results

Regardless of pretrial SU/DPP4i use, IDegLira was favourable versus insulin comparators with respect to change in HbA1c and body weight. Lower hypoglycaemia rates and comparable end‐of‐trial daily insulin dose were achieved with IDegLira, regardless of pretrial regimen. There was no clinically relevant increase in mean self‐measured blood glucose in the early weeks after IDegLira initiation. There was no statistically significant interaction between the randomized treatments and previous SU/DPP4i use.

Conclusions

IDegLira was more favourable compared with degludec or glargine U100 in terms of change in HbA1c and body weight, regardless of antecedent treatment. Clinicians should be aware of a potential transient rise in self‐measured blood glucose when transitioning therapy in patients. This shows that SUs/DPP4is can be safely discontinued, without deterioration in glycaemic control when initiating IDegLira, allowing a simplified treatment regimen.
Laboratory coagulation tests and emicizumab treatment A United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation guideline
Authors: Jenkins P. Vincent , Bowyer Annette , Burgess Clive , Gray Elaine , Kitchen Steve , Murphy Paul , Platton Sean , Riddell Anne , Chowdary Pratima , Lester Will
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The factor VIII mimetic emicizumab (Hemlibra, Hoffman‐la Roche, Basel, Switzerland) has a novel mode of action that affects the laboratory monitoring of patients receiving this treatment.

Aim

This guideline from the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation (UKHCDO) aims to provide advice for clinical and laboratory staff on appropriate use of laboratory assays in patients with Haemophilia A treated with emicizumab.

Methodology

The guideline was prepared by a review of the available literature and discussion and revision by the authors.

Results

The guideline describes the effect of emicizumab on commonly used coagulations tests and provides recommendations on the use of assays for measurement of factor VIII and factor VIII inhibitor in the presence of emicizumab. The guideline also provides recommendations on measurement of emicizumab.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the effect of emicizumab on coagulation tests and factor assays is required to ensure appropriate testing and monitoring of therapy in patients receiving this drug.
A valid and reliable tool in assessing patient education: the Patient Education Implementation Scale
Authors: Şenyuva Emine , Kaya Hülya , Can Gülbeyaz
Published: December 2019

Aim

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool for assessing the frequency of nurses' implementation of patient education in line with the stages of determining needs, assessment and planning, implementation, and evaluation and documentation.

Background

Patient education is important in terms of the patient's completion of a reliable and effective treatment process. Patient education is one of the main responsibilities of a nurse. No valid and reliable study that assessed nurses' patient education process implementation was found in the literature.

Methods

This instrument development study was conducted with 583 nurses working at university, private, and research and training hospitals located in the province of Istanbul in Turkey. The items of the Patient Education Implementation Scale were developed in line with the literature and expert opinions. The analyses involved descriptive statistics and psychometric analyses. The level of statistical significance was accepted asP< .05.

Results

The content validity index was calculated as 0.96 for the 42‐item Patient Education Implementation Scale, which explained 63.37% of the total variance. The scale items whose factor loads were 0.45 or higher were divided into four factors as (a) determining education needs, (b) assessment and planning, (c) implementation, and (d) evaluation and documentation. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.78–0.95 for the subdimensions and 0.97 for the general scale.

Conclusion

It was determined that the Patient Education Implementation Scale is a valid and reliable tool.
Silver nanoparticles enhanced luminescence and stability of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots in borosilicate glass
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei , Long Zhangwen , Zhu Rui , Wang Qi , Lai Junan , Wu Hao , Zhu Congcong
Published: December 2019

Series of silver nanoparticles (NPs) embedded CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) glass was synthesized via the melt‐quench method. Ag NPs and CsPbBr3 QDs coexist in the TEM image of the Ag‐doped glass sample. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra show that the 0.1 molar ratio Ag2O‐doped sample had a PL intensity 2.37 times than the undoped sample. This increase is generated by localized surface plasmon resonance coupling between the Ag NPs and CsPbBr3 QDs. Excessive Ag doping weakens the PL intensity due to spectral self‐absorption of the Ag NP surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Self‐adsorption of SPR is detrimental to luminescence properties because it increases the amount of photogenerated charge carriers, which proceed through nonradiative relaxation pathways. In addition, stability results of Ag NP‐doped‐CsPbBr3 QD glass show that they have excellent stability. This study on Ag NP‐doped‐CsPbBr3 QD glass provides a new idea for the future development of perovskite QD optoelectronic devices.
Evaluation of technology use in education: Findings from a critical analysis of systematic literature reviews
Authors: Lai Jennifer W. M. , Bower Matt
Published: December 2019

Because the educational technology research literature is so broad, it is difficult for researchers to acquire an accurate sense of the issues and trends across the entire field. There has not been any recent effort to synthesize or critically analyse the systematic reviews in the area of educational technology. This study analysed 73 systematic literature reviews, including meta‐analyses, focused on the evaluation of technology in educational contexts, in order to holistically understand the impact of learning technology use across different aspects of evaluation. Among these reviews, the most common theme examined was learning outcomes (89%), followed by affective elements (45%), behaviours (25%), technological elements (21%) and teaching/pedagogical aspects (19%). Most of the reviews found that the use of technology improved learning outcomes and affective perceptions. Approaches involving interaction, gamification, constructivism, student‐centred learning and feedback were most effective. The analysis highlighted the need for more reviews focusing on multiple aspects of learning technology evaluation, on school level education and on the use of technology in naturalistic (non‐interventional) settings. Critical reflections are also cast on the methods used to conduct systematic reviews in the educational technology field.
Adjunctive laser or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy to non‐surgical mechanical instrumentation in patients with untreated periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Salvi Giovanni E. , Stähli Alexandra , Schmidt Julia C. , Ramseier Christoph A. , Sculean Anton , Walter Clemens
Published: December 2019

Aim

To compare the adjunctive effects of lasers or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to non‐surgical mechanical instrumentation alone in untreated periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods

Two focused questions were addressed using the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome criteria as follows: in patients with untreated periodontitis, (a) does laser application provide adjunctive effects on probing pocket depth (PPD) changes compared with non‐surgical instrumentation alone? and (b) does application of aPDT provide adjunctive effects on PPD changes compared with non‐surgical instrumentation alone? Both randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were included. Results of the meta‐analysis are expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Out of 1,202 records, 10 articles for adjunctive laser and 8 for adjunctive aPDT were included. With respect to PPD changes, 1 meta‐analysis including 2 articles (total n = 42; split‐mouth design) failed to identify a statistically significant difference (WMD = 0.35 mm; 95%CI: −0.04/0.73; p = .08) in favour of adjunctive aPDT (wavelength range 650–700 nm). In terms of adjunctive laser application, a high variability of clinical outcomes at 6 months was noted. Two articles included patient‐reported outcomes and 10 reported on the presence/absence of harms/adverse effects.

Conclusions

Available evidence on adjunctive therapy with lasers and aPDT is limited by (a) the low number of controlled studies and (b) the heterogeneity of study designs. Patient‐reported benefits remain to be demonstrated.
Regenerative surgical treatment of furcation defects: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Jepsen Søren , Gennai Stefano , Hirschfeld Josefine , Kalemaj Zamira , Buti Jacopo , Graziani Filippo
Published: December 2019

Aims

To investigate the clinical performance of regenerative periodontal surgery in the treatment of furcation defects versus open flap debridement (OFD) and to compare different regenerative modalities.

Material and Methods

A systematic search was conducted to identify RCTs evaluating regenerative surgical treatment of furcations with a minimum of 12‐month follow‐up. Three authors independently reviewed, selected and extracted data from the search conducted and assessed risk of bias. Primary outcomes were tooth loss, furcation improvement (closure/conversion) (FImp), gain of horizontal bone level (HBL) and attachment level (HCAL). Secondary outcomes were gain in vertical attachment level (VCAL), probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, PROMs and adverse events. Data were summarized into Bayesian standard and network meta‐analysis in order to estimate direct and indirect treatment effects and to establish a ranking of treatments.

Results

The search identified 19 articles, reporting on 20 RCTs (19 on class II, 1 on class III furcations) with a total of 575 patients/787 defects. Tooth loss was not reported. Furcation closure ranged between 0% and 60% (10 trials), and class I conversion from 29% to 100% (six trials). Regenerative techniques were superior to OFD for FImp (OR = 20.9; 90% CrI = 5.81, 69.41), HCAL gain (1.6 mm), VCAL gain (1.3 mm) and PPD reduction (1.3 mm). Bone replacement grafts (BRG) resulted in the highest probability (Pr = 61%) of being the best treatment for HBL gain. Non‐resorbable membranes + BRG ranked as the best treatment for VCAL gain (Pr = 75%) and PPD reduction (Pr = 56%).

Conclusions

Regenerative surgery of class II furcations is superior to OFD. FImp (furcation closure or class I conversion) can be expected for the majority of defects. Treatment modalities involving BRG are associated with higher performance.
Hand eczema: treatment
Authors: Elsner P. , Agner T.
Published: December 2019

Hand eczema is a highly prevalent, multietiological disease with a wide spectrum of severity and chronicity. The treatment of hand eczema, especially in severe and chronic cases, is a challenge to the dermatologist requiring not only diagnostic and therapeutic, but also excellent patient communication skills. This review discusses the spectrum of therapeutic options for hand eczema, the evidence for their efficacy and safety, and proposes a stepwise approach of intensity of treatment depending on disease severity and chronicity. In the near future, hand eczema patients may benefit from new therapeutic principles such as biologics for the treatment of atopic eczema and topical Janus Kinase inhibitors.
Effect of ultrasound‐ethanol pretreatment on drying kinetics, quality parameters, functional group, and amino acid profile of apple slices using pulsed vacuum drying
Authors: Amanor‐Atiemoh Robert , Zhou Cunshan , Abdullaleef Taiye Mustapha , Sarpong Frederick , Wahia Hafida , Amoa‐Owusu Abigail , Ma Haile , Chen Li
Published: December 2019

The influence of ultrasound‐ethanol (US‐E) pretreatment durations (10, 20, and 30 min) on apple slices dried with varied temperatures (60, 70, and 80°C) using pulsed vacuum dryer was investigated. The results showed that untreated sample (control) took 375, 325, and 225 min to achieve a constant weight of drying whereas drying time for 30 US‐E samples were 275, 225, and 175 min, indicating that 30 US‐E reduced the total drying time by 26.66, 30.77, and 22.22% at 60, 70, and 80°C, respectively. Moisture effective diffusivity and activation energy were in the range of 1.98–4.08 × 10−8 m2/s and 12.58–23.43 kJ/mol, respectively. Color (L*, a*, b*) and texture were affected significantly (p < .05) at high temperature and longer US‐E. Shorter US‐E duration and lower temperature could preserve most functional groups. Also, total free amino acid values were significantly higher at lower temperature and longer US‐E pretreatment.

Practical applications

Drying time, nutrient retention, and energy efficiency are at the heart of the food industry. The remarkable reduction obtained in the drying time as well as retaining of some functional groups (nutrients composition) with the use of ultrasound‐ethanol as a pretreatment for pulsed vacuum dryer indicates that this technique will serve a great purpose in food processing industries. This in effect will reduce production cost thereby making the business operations of food processors competitive as it provides value proposition to their customers.
Priority setting for adult malnutrition and nutritional screening in healthcare: a James Lind Alliance
Authors: Jones D. J. , Baldwin C. , Lal S. , Stanmore E. , Farrer K. , Connolly E. , Weekes C. E. , Anderson L. , Murphy J. , Gillespie L. , Welsh N. , Ogden M. , McDevitt M. , Day R. , Lynne S. , Paulden P. , Gronlund T. , Burden S. T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Malnutrition is one the greatest global health challenges of our generation, leading to the increased utilisation of healthcare resources, as well as morbidity and mortality. Research has primarily been driven by industry, academia and clinical working groups and has had little involvement from patients and carers. The project described in the present study aimed to establish a priority setting partnership allowing patients, carers and healthcare professionals an opportunity to influence the research agenda.

Methods

A national survey was conducted to gather malnutrition uncertainties and identify key issues (i.e. areas within scope where an evidence‐base is lacking) from those with experience of malnutrition. Uncertainties were analysed according to themes. Similar questions were grouped and summary questions were developed. A second survey was conducted and respondents were asked to choose their 10 most important summary questions. A workshop was conducted to finalise the top 10 research priorities from the most frequently indicated uncertainties on the interim survey.

Results

Overall, 1128 uncertainty questions were submitted from 268 people. The interim survey had 71 responses and a list of the top 26 questions was generated for the workshop. There were 26 questions discussed, ranked and agreed by healthcare professionals, carers and patients at the workshop. The top 10 research priorities were then chosen. These included questions on oral nutritional supplements, vulnerable groups, screening, community care, use of body mass index and technology.

Conclusions

The top 10 research priorities in malnutrition and nutritional screening have been identified from a robust process involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
Home‐grown food and the benefits of sharing: The “intergenerational pact” in postsocialist Moldova
Authors: Piras Simone
Published: December 2019

The policy literature on postsocialist Europe tends to frame smallholders' practices of food self‐provisioning and sharing as driven by necessity and proposes land consolidation to increase productivity and efficiency. However, these practices generate nonfinancial benefits, which need to be accounted for. In this paper, I test the socio‐economic relevance of these practices in the Republic of Moldova, the country with the highest density of farming households in Europe and whose government has embraced the rural modernization agenda to integrate into the EU economic space. I carry out quantitative estimates using the household budget survey and complement the results with qualitative insights from an original smallholder survey. I find that food self‐provisioning and sharing are positively related to subjective well‐being and that there is an “intergenerational pact,” with home‐grown food flowing from late‐adulthood smallholders to urban‐based young families and the vulnerable elderly. A counterfactual analysis shows that poverty and inequality would be higher in the absence of donated food, especially in urban areas. The preservation of smallholder farming through widespread access to land could thus help fight poverty and provide social benefits vis‐à‐vis land consolidation.
Spiny keratoderma: Report of three cases
Authors: de Azevedo Thales Pereira , Sodré Celso Tavares , Santangelo Christiana de Lima , Quintella Danielle Carvalho , Cuzzi Tullia , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia
Published: December 2019

Background

Spiny keratoderma shows “music box spine” keratotic papules limited to the palms and soles and these lesions do not cause any trouble besides the cosmetic impairment and the sensation of roughness of hands and soles.

Aim

To present cases and review the literature on spiny keratoderma.

Patients/Methods, Results

Three cases of spiny keratoderma are presented. The first case is a 52‐year‐old man with protein S deficiency presented with multiple spiny keratotic papules on palms and soles for more than 30 years, referring to remove them with a razor blade. The second case is an 84‐year‐old man who was hospitalized due to a rectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed 2 months before and presented multiples papules on palms and soles that were present for more than 50 years, with worsening after being bedridden. The third case is a 59‐year‐old woman who had since birth together with relatives the same type of spiny keratotic papules on palms and soles.

Conclusion

The authors discuss the epidemiologic data and differential diagnosis of spiny keratoderma, as well as the related literature. Associations with systemic disease or malignancy occur in some acquired cases. It is important to distinguish from other palmoplantar keratodermas as some of that can be linked to cutaneous and internal malignancies. To date, no cases of spiny keratoderma in patients with protein S deficiency and only one case of association with rectal carcinoma have been reported.
Familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a): double heritable risk and new therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Vuorio A. , Watts G. F. , Schneider W. J. , Tsimikas S. , Kovanen P. T.
Published: December 2019

There is compelling evidence that the elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population. Like low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, Lp(a) particles contain cholesterol and promote atherosclerosis. In addition, Lp(a) particles contain strongly proinflammatory oxidized phospholipids and a unique apoprotein, apo(a), which promotes the growth of an arterial thrombus. At least one in 250 individuals worldwide suffer from the heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a condition in which LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) is significantly elevated since birth. FH‐causing mutations in the LDL receptor gene demonstrate a clear gene‐dosage effect on Lp(a) plasma concentrations and elevated Lp(a) levels are present in 30‐50% of patients with HeFH. The cumulative burden of two genetically determined pro‐atherogenic lipoproteins, LDL and Lp(a), is a potent driver of ASCVD in HeFH patients. Statins are the cornerstone of treatment of HeFH, but they do not lower the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). Emerging therapies effectively lower Lp(a) by as much as 90% using RNA‐based approaches that target the transcriptional product of the LPA gene. We are now approaching the dawn of an era, in which permanent and significant lowering of the high cholesterol burden of HeFH patients can be achieved. If outcome trials of novel Lp(a)‐lowering therapies prove to be safe and cost‐effective, they will provide additional risk reduction needed to effectively treat HeFH and potentially lower the CVD risk in these high‐risk patients even more than currently achieved with LDL‐C lowering alone.