bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working with words: Italian feminism and organization studies
Authors: Equi Pierazzini Marta , Bertelli Linda , Raviola Elena
Published: February 2021

Searching for a writing about organizations that is more real, relevant, and respondent, we propose to engage with Italian feminism of difference and the wealth of practices elaborated by small feminist groups and collectives, associated with it in the seventies. Currently undergoing a phase of rising interest, in Europe and North America, this strand of feminism—philosophically varied and complex—is characterized by the act of grounding theory in practice and articulating practices of political and personal transformation deeply anchored in society, yet outside institutions. In this paper, we aim at presenting Italian feminism and more specifically introduce the main tenets of Italian feminism of difference (of the seventies) to organization studies. We focus on a specific practice of Italian feminism of difference, namely the partire da sé (departing from oneself), prepared by the earlier practice of autocoscienza (political consciousness‐raising). Resting particularly on the thinking of the philosopher Luisa Muraro, we frame the potential contribution of her theorizing the partire da sè practice in relation to existing organization research that is grounded in feminist stands.
Sex ratio of Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) is mediated by phenology and clutch size
Authors: Bartlow Andrew W. , Jankowski Mark D. , Hathcock Charles D. , Ryti Randall T. , Reneau Steven L. , Fair Jeanne M.
Published: February 2021

Mothers may produce more of one sex to maximize their fitness if there are differences in the cost of producing each sex or there are differences in their relative reproductive value. Breeding date and clutch size are known to influence offspring sex ratios in birds through sex differences in dispersal, social behaviours, differential mortality and available food resources. We tested whether breeding date, clutch size and drought conditions influenced offspring sex ratios in a sexually size‐monomorphic species, the Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana, by interrogating a 21‐year dataset. After controlling for differential mortality, we found that hatch dates late in the breeding season were associated with the production of more females, suggesting that the value of producing males declines as the breeding season progresses. When clutch size was taken into account, small clutches yielded significantly more females late in the breeding season than in the early and middle parts of the breeding season, which produced significantly more males. Large clutches early in the season tended to produce more females, although this was not significant. Drought severity was not correlated with sex ratio adjustment. We propose and discuss several explanations for these patterns, including male offspring, but not female offspring, acting as helpers, increased female nestling provisioning late in the breeding season, differences in food abundance and egg‐laying order. Future work will help to uncover the mechanisms leading to these patterns. Identifying patterns and mechanisms of sex ratio skew from long‐term datasets is important for informing predictions regarding life‐history trade‐offs in wildlife populations.
Critical analysis of the reporting quality of randomized trials within Endodontics using the Preferred Reporting Items for RAndomized Trials in Endodontics (PRIRATE) 2020 quality standard checklist
Authors: Nagendrababu V. , Jakovljevic A. , Jacimovic J. , Duncan H. F. , Jayaraman J. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To critically evaluate the reporting quality of a random sample of clinical trials published in Endodontics against the PRIRATE 2020 checklist and to analyse the association between the quality of reported trials and a variety of parameters.

Methodology

Fifty randomized clinical trials relating to Endodontics were randomly selected from the PubMed database from 2015 to 2019 and evaluated by two independent reviewers. For each trial, a score of ‘1’ was awarded when it fully reported each item in the PRIRATE guidelines whereas a score of ‘0’ was awarded when an item was not reported; when the item was reported inadequately a score of ‘0.5’ was awarded. For the items that were not relevant to the trial, ‘Not Applicable (NA)’ was given. Based on the interquartile range of the overall scores received, trials were categorized into ‘Low’ (0–58.4%), ‘Moderate’ (58.5–72.8%) and ‘High’ (72.9–100%) quality. The associations between characteristics and quality of clinical trials were investigated. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis and percentage analyses were used to describe the data. To determine the significance of categorical data, the chi‐square test was used. The probability value 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.

Results

Based on the overall scores, 13 (26%), 25(50%) and 12 (24%) of the reports of clinical trials were categorized as ‘High’, ‘Moderate’ and ‘Low’ quality, respectively. Three items (1b, 6d, 11e) were adequately reported in all manuscripts whilst two items (5k, 5m) were scored ‘NA’ in all the reports. The reports published from Europe had a significantly greater percentage of ‘High’‐quality scores, compared to Asia, Middle East, North America and South America (P = 0.0002). The ‘High’‐quality reports were published significantly more often in impact factor journals (P = 0.045). Reports of clinical trials published in journals that adhered to the CONSORT guidelines had significantly more ‘High’ scores compared to those that did not (P = 0.008). Clinical trials with protocols registered a priori had a significantly greater percentage of ‘High’ scores compared to the trials that were not registered in advance (P = 0.003). No significant difference occurred between the quality of clinical trials and the number of authors, journal (Endodontic specialty vs. Non‐Endodontic specialty) or year of publication.

Conclusions

Reports of randomized clinical trials published in the speciality of Endodontics had a substantial number of deficiencies. To create high‐quality reports of clinical trials, authors should comply with the PRIRATE 2020 guidelines.
Homogenized model of environmental barrier coatings for evaluation of energy release rate
Authors: Kawai Emi , Kubo Atsushi , Umeno Yoshitaka
Published: February 2021

For efficient calculation of energy release rate (ERR) for interface cracks in environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) with a columnar layer, we propose a simple and versatile homogenization method of the columnar layer. The columnar layer consisting of a number of fine columns is modeled as an anisotropic homogenized layer whose elastic properties are isotropic in the plane perpendicular to the layer thickness direction. The homogenization was achieved by a finite element method (FEM) analysis for a single columnar model to obtain elastic parameters that characterize the homogenized layer. For validation of the homogenization method, we conduct an FEM analysis for a typical EBC structure and obtain the ERRs of an interface crack with various crack length and columnar size. We demonstrate that the homogenization method provides estimation of ERR with a good accuracy on the safer side, which is advantageous for EBC structure design. In addition, the method can reduce the calculation time by more than 50%. From these results, we conclude that the proposed homogenization method can be applied generally for estimation of ERR in EBCs with a columnar layer.
Mechanical and leaching properties of neodymium‐contaminated soil glass‐ceramics
Authors: Wei Guilin , Shi Minghe , Xu Chen , Shu Xiaoyan , Luo Fen , Chen Shunzhang , Wang Lan , Xie Yi , Lu Xirui
Published: February 2021

The safe treatment of radioactive‐contaminated soil is of great significance. In this work, neodymium‐contaminated soil was successfully immobilized using microwave sintering to form glass‐ceramics. The microstructure, morphology, elemental distribution, Vickers hardness, and chemical durability of the sintered samples were analyzed. The results showed that the glass‐ceramic is more suitable to immobilize the waste compared with the glass matrix. XRD and SEM‐EDS results proved that the waste form has been totally immobilized in the sintered matrix whether in glass‐ceramics and glass. However, the leaching rate of element Nd in glass‐ceramic was lower than the glass matrix at 28 d. Moreover, the Vickers hardness results of glass‐ceramic were higher than that of glass. Thus, glass‐ceramics can not only reduce sintering temperature and save energy but also achieve a better immobilizing effect. Our investigation reflects that glass‐ceramics are more suitable for neodymium‐contaminated soil immobilization using the microwave sintering method.
High temperature compressive creep behavior of BaCe0.65Zr0.2Y0.15O3−δ in air and 4% H2/Ar
Authors: Zhou Wenyu , Malzbender Jürgen , Deibert Wendelin , Guillon Olivier , Schwaiger Ruth , Nijmeijer Arian , Albert Meulenberg Wilhelm
Published: February 2021

The proton conductive material BaCe0.65Zr0.2Y0.15O3−δ has great potential for the separation and purification of hydrogen. However, due to the demanding application conditions regarding both temperature and atmosphere, the elevated temperature structural stability needs to be characterized and warranted. Hence, in this research work, the elevated temperature compressive creep behavior of BaCe0.65Zr0.2Y0.15O3−δ in the temperature regime of 850°C to 1200°C was studied in both air and 4% H2/Ar as a function of the applied stress. The results indicate different creep mechanisms depending on atmosphere and temperature range. While dislocation creep was observed in 4% H2/Ar over the full range, a dislocation creep mechanism was observed in air at temperatures ≤1050°C and a diffusional creep mechanism at temperature ≥1100°C. A detailed microstructural analysis of the post‐creep test specimens revealed that the exposure to oxygen leads to localized stoichiometric changes and a decomposition at the surface.
Effects of transdermal mirtazapine on hyporexic rhesus and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Mendoza Kriscelle A. , Stockinger Diane E. , Cukrov Mira J. , Roberts Jeffrey A. , Hwa Granger G.C.
Published: February 2021

Background

Hyporexia and weight loss are important indicators of physical and psychological well‐being in macaque colonies. An FDA‐approved transdermal formulated Mirtazapine (MTZ) shows effectiveness in managing feline hyporexia. This study sought to determine its effectiveness as an appetite stimulant in macaques.

Methods

Fourteen macaques with idiopathic hyporexia, intractable to conventional management were treated with transdermal MTZ (0.5 mg/kg) topically administered to aural pinnae once daily for 14 days. Qualitative food consumption was monitored daily for 6 months. Body weights were collected prior to treatment, every 2 weeks for the first 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 6 months post‐treatment.

Results

Transdermal MTZ significantly reduced the frequency of hyporexia during treatment and monthly for 6 months. No significant increase in weight noted until approximately 6 months post‐treatment.

Conclusions

Results from this study indicate that a short course of transdermal MTZ is an effective way to increase food consumption in macaques chronically.
Current molecular approaches to investigate pre‐synaptic dysfunction
Authors: Harper Callista B. , Smillie Karen J.
Published: February 2021

Over the course of the last few decades it has become clear that many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders have a synaptic defect, which contributes to pathogenicity. A rise in new techniques, and in particular '‐omics'‐based methods providing large datasets, has led to an increase in potential proteins and pathways implicated in synaptic function and related disorders. Additionally, advancements in imaging techniques have led to the recent discovery of alternative modes of synaptic vesicle recycling. This has resulted in a lack of clarity over the precise role of different pathways in maintaining synaptic function and whether these new pathways are dysfunctional in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. A greater understanding of the molecular detail of pre‐synaptic function in health and disease is key to targeting new proteins and pathways for novel treatments and the variety of new techniques currently available provides an ideal opportunity to investigate these functions. This review focuses on techniques to interrogate pre‐synaptic function, concentrating mainly on synaptic vesicle recycling. It further examines techniques to determine the underlying molecular mechanism of pre‐synaptic dysfunction and discusses methods to identify molecular targets, along with protein–protein interactions and cellular localization. In combination, these techniques will provide an expanding and more complete picture of pre‐synaptic function. With the application of recent technological advances, we are able to resolve events with higher spatial and temporal resolution, leading research towards a greater understanding of dysfunction at the presynapse and the role it plays in pathogenicity.

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Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Hasan Mohamed S. , Elsabaa Khaled I. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is an annual climber plant, and its seeds have considerable amount of oil with nutritional and medicinal importance.

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) in the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and compare its effects with minoxidil 5% foam.

Methods

Patients with FPHL were randomly assigned to pumpkin seed oil (n = 30; group A) or minoxidil 5% foam (n = 30; group B) for a period of 3 months. Patients were evaluated clinically and dermoscopically at baseline, at one and half months, and at the end of the 3‐month study.

Results

Among group A (pumpkin seed oil) candidates, a significant decrease was observed in hair shaft diversity before and after treatment (30.5 ± 6.2%, 24.0 ± 4.02, P < .001, respectively) as well as in the vellus hairs (22.5 ± 4.9, 15.8 ± 2.2, P < .001, respectively). Upright regrowing hairs significantly increased from (0.13 ± 0.5) before treatment to (0.9 ± 1.0) after treatment (P < .001). In group B (minoxidil applying) candidates, a significant decrease was observed in hair shaft diversity before and after treatment (31.5 ± 6.3%, 21.3 ± 2.2, P < .001, respectively) as well as in the vellus hairs (24.7 ± 6.4, 19.5 ± 5.4, P = .02, respectively). Conclusion Findings of the present trial provide evidence of a promising potential role of PSO in treating FPHL.
Suicidality, self‐efficacy and mental health help‐seeking in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults in Taiwan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wu Chia‐Yi , Lee Ming‐Been
Published: February 2021

Aim and objectives

The study aimed to investigate the associations of suicide risk, self‐efficacy and mental health help‐seeking among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

Background

The LGBT individuals were found to have higher risk of suicide. However, mental health promotion and suicide prevention strategies were lacking in this population.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey with two‐group comparison.

Methods

The LGBT group was recruited through snowballing method, which was then age‐matched with the comparison group as the reference. The questionnaire contained demographics, self‐rated health, suicide risk assessment and help‐seeking indicators including formal (e.g. medical or psychiatric services) and informal (e.g. family or friends) help sought. Chi‐square tests, t‐tests, two‐way ANOVA and multivariable regression were performed to test the differences between two groups. The methods followed STROBE criteria.

Results

The LGBT group had a significantly higher prevalence of lifetime/recent suicide ideation, prior suicide attempts and mental distress or depressive symptoms. Their self‐rated health and health‐related self‐efficacy were poorer than those of the comparison group and were associated with increased suicide risk levels. Among the 27.1% of LGBT who intended to seek help for depression, one in five visited psychiatric services. The LGBT were 2–4 times more likely than the comparison group to disclose their distress or seek informal help. However, psychiatric and medical service contacts were relatively low for suicide high‐risk individuals in the LGBT group.

Conclusions

The LGBT individuals had a lower level of self‐efficacy and higher suicidal risks than the general public. Healthcare professionals and the public should be aware of their informal help‐seeking signals such as disclosure of suicide ideation to friends/relatives and connect them to proper mental health resources for further assessment.

Relevance to clinical practice

The LGBT with suicide risks require early detection and proper referrals by first‐line nurses to promote suicide prevention in this population.
Health care provider’s responses to children’s resistance to peripheral vein cannulation: A qualitative observational study
Authors: Svendsen Edel J. , Bjørk Ida T.
Published: February 2021

Aims and Objectives

Health care and treatment should be voluntary, but restraint is often used during treatment of children. Knowledge about how health care providers respond to preschool children's resistance is lacking and can help understand current paediatric care in hospitals. The aim of the present article was to provide knowledge about how healthcare providers respond to preschool children's resistance during the clinical procedure of peripheral vein cannulation.

Design

An explorative qualitative research design was developed for this study.

Methods

Observations with video recording were used to collect data. Eight nurses and seven physicians participated in the study (n = 15). Their responses to preschool children's (n = 6) resistance were studied during 14 attempts of peripheral vein cannulation. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used.

Results

The healthcare providers made 380 responses to children's resistive expressions, interpreted within four main types, responses to acknowledge the child, responses to distract the child, responses to persuade the child and responses to reject the child. All main types of responses were used by both nurses and physicians. Regardless of the amount of resistance the children expressed, all children received distracting and acknowledging responses. Rejecting responses were used approximately twice as much in the implementation phase as in the preparation phase. Distraction, persuasion and rejection began in the preparation phase and increased in the implementation phase.

Conclusions

The main types and sub‐types of responses showed how healthcare providers use a wide array of responses to meet children's resistance during peripheral vein cannulation.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results can enable health care providers to become aware of their own practices during peripheral vein cannulation and other clinical procedures and to elaborate on their use of responses that can be considered intrinsically less child‐friendly.
Assessment of a Novel Oleaginous Filamentous Microalga Klebsormidium sp. Lgx80 (Streptophyta, Klebsormidiales) for Biomass and Lipid Production1
Authors: Xu Zijun , He Qing , Gong Yingchun , Wang Yao , Chi Qinglei , Liu Guoxiang , Hu Zhengyu , Zhang Chengwu , Hu Qiang
Published: February 2021

Commercial cultivation of eukaryotic microalgae has so far employed a unicellular form of species only (e.g., Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Dunaliella salina, and Haematococcus pluvialis). In this study, we assessed the feasibility of using the filamentous eukaryotic microalga Klebsormidium sp. LGX80 as a new cultivar for biomass and lipid production. The effects of different forms and concentrations of nitrogen on growth and lipid production of Klebsormidium sp. LGX80 were studied by using a glass column (ø4.5 × 60 cm) photobioreactor under laboratory conditions. Growth and lipid production of the new strain were further evaluated in an outdoor pilot‐scale tubular photobioreactor. The results showed that when supplied with urea as a source of nitrogen Klebsormidium sp. LGX80 yielded a final biomass concentration of 8.49 ± 0.10 g · L−1 in which a cellular lipid content was 59.2 ± 0.4% DW. Under such conditions, the biomass and lipid productivities were 471.7 ± 5.9 and 248.1 ± 0.0 mg · L−1 · d−1, respectively. Fatty acid analysis revealed that the main fatty acids of Klebsormidium sp. LGX80 were palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2ω6), and linolenic acid (C18:3ω3), of which linoleic acid (C18:2ω6) accounted for up to 67.5 ± 0.1% of total fatty acids. When grown outdoors in a 13,000‐L tubular photobioreactor with an initial nitrogen concentration of 3 mM urea, Klebsormidium sp. LGX80 reached the highest biomass concentration of 2.63 ± 0.09 g · L−1 with the cells containing 38.0 ± 0.5% lipids (% DW), resulting in the volumetric biomass and lipid productivities of 147.2 ± 3.6 and 37.9 ± 0.9 mg · L−1 d−1, respectively. The results of light:dark cycle experiment showed that a durative and prolonged light irradiation hindered the biosynthesis of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in the cells, but promoted the carotenoid accumulation. These results suggested that Klebsormidium sp. LGX80 can be a potential oleaginous filamentous microalga for commercial production of microalgal oils.
Treating paediatric hepatitis C in the era of direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Alqahtani Saleh A. , Colombo Massimo G.
Published: February 2021

The prevalence and burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in children are poorly understood mainly as a result of the fact that studies in this population have largely been done in high‐risk groups and in highly endemic regions. Epidemiological studies estimate the viraemic prevalence in the paediatric population aged 0‐18 years at 0.13%, corresponding to 3.26 million children with HCV in 2018. While vertical transmission occurs in up to 5% of neonates born to infected mothers, with preference for those with high viral load and co‐infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, injection drug use is the prevalent modality of HCV infection among adolescents. Notwithstanding the fact that HCV usually has an indolent course in children and adolescents, hepatitis C may progress to significant liver disease in a fraction of patients. The finding of severe disease or cirrhosis in a minority of paediatric patients with HCV underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent long‐term morbidity. Universal screening of HCV in pregnant women is key to identify infants exposed to such a risk and link them to care. Recently, direct‐acting antiviral drugs proved to be as safe and effective in young HCV patients as in adults, and these agents are now approved for treatment of paediatric patients as young as 3 years. This review provides a contemporary overview of the HCV disease burden in children, with a particular focus on its treatment in the era of direct‐acting antiviral agents.
A systematic review of economic evaluations for donor human milk versus standard feeding in infants
Authors: Zanganeh Mandana , Jordan Mary , Mistry Hema
Published: February 2021

Reviews on the cost/outcome of donor human milk (DHM) for infants requiring care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting have been undertaken. However, the cost‐effectiveness evidence is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of published full economic evaluations of DHM versus standard feeding in infants in neonatal care with the aim of undertaking a narrative synthesis of the cost‐effectiveness evidence and critical appraisal of the methods used. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) and PROSPERO databases were searched. Studies were included if they were full economic evaluations (model‐based or trial‐based), the participants were infants in neonatal units requiring nutritional support, the intervention was DHM and the comparator was any standard feeding option. There were no restrictions on outcome measures. Two authors independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, assessed quality and cross‐checked results, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Information extracted focused on study context, and economic evaluation methods and results. Of 2861 studies, seven were included. Six (86%) studies originated from high‐income countries. Four (57%) of the studies were model‐based. Although we could not directly compare the different studies, due to the heterogenous nature of health and economic parameters used in the studies, all DHM interventions indicated cost‐effective or cost saving results. This review suggests that economic evaluation of DHM interventions is an expanding area of research. Although these interventions show promise, future economic evaluations of DHM interventions need to explicitly provide more details on long‐term costs and consequences.
Love and breakup letter methodology: A new research technique for medical education
Authors: Laughey William F. , Brown Megan E. L. , Liu Ariel , Dueñas Angelique N. , Finn Gabrielle M.
Published: February 2021

In everyday life, feelings are important to us, influencing our decision‐making and motivating our actions. This is equally true within medicine and medical education, where feelings influence key aspects such as clinical decision‐making, empathy, resilience, professional identity, reflection, team dynamics, career choices and questions of prejudice and bias. Feelings are therefore legitimate targets in medical education research, but asking research participants to talk openly about feelings can be challenging for participants and researchers alike. Within the disciple of User Experience (UX)—a relatively new research discipline used in the world of technology—researchers also seek to understand their customer's feelings, which are central to aspects of brand loyalty and choice of software platforms. UX researchers have developed innovative ways to explore feelings, in particular through the use of Love and Breakup Methodology (LBM)—participants are asked to write love and breakup letters to the product or app under study, and the letters are then used to guide the focus group discussion that follows. Methods: In this article, we describe the theoretical underpinnings of LBM, including ontological considerations. We also consider how LBM can be successfully used in medical education research and outline how we have adapted it in our own research studies and programme evaluations. Conclusions: Love and breakup letters are creative ways of understanding participants’ positive and negative emotions about the matter under study. LBM has been utilised extensively by UX researchers in technology, but has been little used in medical education. It has rich potential to enhance research approaches to aspects of medicine that are influenced by feelings, including empathy and resilience, team working and many other aspects of professional practice. Although principally a focus group research tool, it can be adapted to other approaches, including questionnaire surveys and individual interviews.
Invoking culture in medical education research: A critical review and metaphor analysis
Authors: Bearman Margaret , Mahoney Paige , Tai Joanna , Castanelli Damian , Watling Christopher
Published: February 2021

Introduction

‘Culture’ is a word frequently invoked within medical education literature to explain challenges faced by learners in practice. While social settings and practices are widely acknowledged as critical influences on medical education, there is vast variability in how the term ‘culture’ is employed. This may lead to confusion, resulting in assumptions and oversights.

Objective

This critical literature review aims to characterise how the term ‘culture’ is explicitly and implicitly conceptualised in medical education research.

Methods

Four leading English language journals in the medical education field were searched in a twelve‐month period for research papers or reviews that mentioned culture in title or abstract in a substantive way. A content analysis was undertaken of extracted definitions. In addition, metaphor analysis was used to identify conceptual metaphors, which were subsequently clustered thematically.

Results

Our search yielded 26 papers, 8 of which contained definitions, mostly from the organisational literature. We interpreted nine conceptual metaphors related to how the term culture was employed (terroir, divider, dominant force, toxic force, obstacle, microclimate, object, brand and holdall) in four categories (unchanging, powerful, can adapt around, can be used).

Discussion

This critical review reveals that medical education as a field: 1) draws most explicitly from the organisational literature; 2) invokes culture in multiple means but in ways that privilege either acontextual human agency or all‐powerful social forces; and 3) regards culture as a negative or neutral force but rarely a positive one. There is a notable absence around conceptualisations of 'culture' that allow educator, student and administrator agency but at the same time acknowledge the deep forces that various social settings and practices exert. Other literatures investigating learning cultures and cultural reflexivity focus on this nexus and may provide possible means to advance considerations of culture within medical education research.
Validation and implementation of a commercial real‐time PCR assay for direct detection of Candida auris from surveillance samples
Authors: Mulet Bayona Juan V. , Salvador García Carme , Tormo Palop Nuria , Gimeno Cardona Concepción
Published: February 2021

Background

Rapid and reliable laboratory methods are required for detecting the nosocomial yeast Candida auris. AurisID® (Olm Diagnostics) is a real‐time PCR assay approved for detecting C. auris in fungal cultures and directly from blood samples, involving a nucleic acid extraction as a prior step.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to validate the AurisID® kit for direct detection of C. auris from surveillance samples without prior DNA extraction and to analyse the results of implementing this methodology to our daily laboratory routine protocol for C. auris surveillance studies.

Methods

Our PCR method using the AurisID® kit was compared with our routine protocol, consisting of culture in CHROMagar® Candida and identification by mass spectrometry. A total of 113 swabs were used for validation and 136 pair of surveillance samples were tested. Limit of detection (LOD) was determined by using swabs in Amies transport medium, which were spiked in a series of dilutions of a C. auris standardised suspension (0.5 McFarland).

Results

The PCR method showed high sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value and predictive negative value (96.6%, 100%, 100% and 98.2%, respectively) when compared with the routine protocol. LOD was 500 CFU/ml, which corresponds to approximately 1 CFU/PCR.

Conclusions

Our PCR method using the AurisID® kit allows a reduction in the turnaround time for surveillance of C. auris compared with other methods. These results are expected to contribute to control C. auris outbreaks, allowing isolation of patients and cleaning of environmental surfaces in advance.
Non‐dermatophyte fungi in onychomycosis—Epidemiology and consequences for clinical practice
Authors: Reinel Dieter
Published: February 2021

Onychomycoses are difficult‐to‐treat fungal infections with a high recurrence rate that relates to the anatomic and pathophysiological conditions in the nail organ and the required extended duration of treatment. Clinical‐epidemiological studies demonstrated that non‐dermatophyte molds and yeasts are the primary causative agents in 20%–30% of onychomycoses. Mixed infections with dermatophytes are observed as well. Therefore, the causative agents should be determined by fungal culture and the antifungal treatment regimen should reliably cover non‐dermatophytes, if appropriate. Systemic‐topical combination therapy involving a broad‐spectrum, locally applied antifungal may increase the mycological and clinical cure rates compared to monotherapy with systemic drugs.
Food allergy history and reaction to propofol administration in a large pediatric population
Authors: Bagley Lisa , Kordun Anna , Sinnott Sean , Lobo Kimberly , Cravero Joseph
Published: February 2021

Background

Anaphylaxis to propofol is rare; however, providers face a clinical quandary as medication warnings still exist regarding propofol administration to egg‐, soy‐, and peanut‐allergic patients.

Aims

The primary aim evaluated the rate of allergic reactions during propofol‐containing anesthesia in patients listed allergic to egg, soy, or peanut compared with nonallergic patients who received propofol. The secondary aim evaluated the relationship between food allergy history and allergy testing data.

Methods

A retrospective chart review conducted between May 2012 and October 2018 identified pediatric patients listed allergic to egg, soy, and/or peanut, who received propofol. Allergy testing and results are presented. Evidence of allergic reaction to propofol during anesthesia was evaluated, and compared with a large nonallergic cohort who received propofol.

Results

Of the 232 392 anesthetics administered, 177 360 (76%) included propofol and 11308 (6%) involved a patient listed allergic to at least 1 index food. A large number of patients had no food allergy testing (n = 6153) or negative testing (n = 2198). Of the 3435 patients listed egg‐allergic, 976 tested positive; 750 tested negative; and 1709 had no testing. Of the 2011 patients listed soy‐allergic, 322 tested positive; 585 tested negative; and 1104 had no testing. Additionally, 5862 patients were listed peanut‐allergic; 1659 tested positive; 863 tested negative and 3340 had no testing. One record of proven propofol anaphylaxis occurred; it was in a patient without a history of food allergies. There were 6 other cases of suspected allergy to propofol. One had a peanut and tree nut allergy and was lost to follow‐up; one had no testing available, while 4 patients had positive propofol allergy testing and positive allergy tests to other medications. The rate of proven propofol anaphylaxis during anesthesia in the nonallergic cohort was 0.06/10 000, and the rate in egg‐ and soy‐allergic patients was 0/5446. One patient with a listed peanut allergy had a possible reaction to propofol.

Conclusions

In the listed food‐allergic cohort, the majority had no allergy testing or negative testing. We found no evidence of a relationship between food allergy history and perioperative propofol reaction. We suggest multiply allergic and atopic patients may have a similar likelihood of propofol reaction as with other medications.
A piggyBac‐mediated transgenesis system for the temporary expression of CRISPR/Cas9 in rice
Authors: Nishizawa‐Yokoi Ayako , Toki Seiichi
Published: February 2021

Targeted mutagenesis via CRISPR/Cas9 is now widely used, not only in model plants but also in agriculturally important crops. However, in vegetative crop propagation, CRISPR/Cas9 expression cassettes cannot be segregated out in the resulting progenies, but must nevertheless be eliminated without leaving unnecessary sequences in the genome. To this end, we designed a piggyBac‐mediated transgenesis system for the temporary expression of CRISPR/Cas9 in plants. This system allows integration into the host genome of piggyBac carrying both CRISPR/Cas9 and positive selection marker expression cassettes from an extrachromosomal double‐stranded transfer DNA (dsT‐DNA), with subsequent excision of the transgenes by the re‐transposition of piggyBac from the host genome after successful induction of targeted mutagenesis via CRISPR/Cas9. Here, we demonstrate that the transgenesis system via piggyBac transposition from T‐DNA works to deliver transgenes in rice. Following positive–negative selection to exclude transgenic cells randomly transformed with T‐DNA, piggyBac‐mediated transgenesis from the extrachromosomal dsT‐DNA was successful in ca. 1% of transgenic callus lines. After temporary expression of CRISPR/Cas9 within piggyBac, we confirmed, in a proof‐of‐concept experiment, that piggyBac could be excised precisely from the genome via the stably transformed transposase PBase. Even after excision of piggyBac, CRISPR/Cas9‐induced targeted mutations could be detected in the endogenous gene in regenerated rice plants. These results suggest that our piggyBac‐mediated transgenesis system will be a valuable tool in establishing efficient CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated targeted mutagenesis in vegetatively propagated crops.
Dissecting the transcriptional regulation of proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin biosynthesis in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Lu Nan , Rao Xiaolan , Li Ying , Jun Ji Hyung , Dixon Richard A.
Published: February 2021

Proanthocyanidins (PAs), also known as condensed tannins, are plant natural products that are beneficial for human and livestock health. As one of the largest grown crops in the world, soybean (Glycine max) is widely used as human food and animal feed. Many cultivated soybeans with yellow seed coats lack PAs or anthocyanins, although some soybean cultivars have coloured seed coats that contain these compounds. Here, we analyse the transcriptional control of PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis in soybean. Ectopic expression of the transcription factors (TFs) GmTT2A, GmTT2B, GmMYB5A or R in soybean hairy roots induced the accumulation of PAs (primarily in phloem tissues) or anthocyanins and led to up‐regulation of 1775, 856, 1411 and 1766 genes, respectively, several of which encode enzymes involved in PA biosynthesis. The genes regulated by GmTT2A and GmTT2B partially overlapped, suggesting conserved but potentially divergent roles for these two TFs in regulating PA accumulation in soybean. The two key enzymes anthocyanidin reductase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase were differentially upregulated, by GmTT2A/GmTT2B and GmMYB5A, respectively. Transgenic soybean plants overexpressing GmTT2B or MtLAP1 (a proven up‐regulator of the upstream reactions for production of precursors for PA biosynthesis in legumes) showed increased accumulation of PAs and anthocyanins, respectively, associated with transcriptional reprogramming paralleling the RNA‐seq data collected in soybean hairy roots. Collectively, our results show that engineered PA biosynthesis in soybean exhibits qualitative and spatial differences from the better‐studied model systems Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula, and suggest targets for engineering PAs in soybean plants.
Pediatric palliative care from nursing and PharmD perspectives
Authors: Abuhammad Sawsan , Alzoubi Karem H. , Muflih Suhaib , Almasri Roaa
Published: February 2021

Background

This research aimed to survey a sample of nursing students and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students in Jordan about their knowledge of pediatric palliative care (PPC) in the context of treating terminally ill children.

Method

A descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational design was used to fulfill the goal of this research. A convenience sample of nursing and PharmD students currently studying in Jordan University of Science and Technology in Jordan was recruited to complete a survey that contained 20 statements about issues on and around the subject of PPC.

Results

The results showed that there was a significant difference in PPC between nurses and PharmD students. The mother’s education (t = 2.158, P = 0.032) and being a nursing or PharmD student (t = 1.969, P = 0.050) were associated with knowledge about PPC. Other listed factors such as gender, working ward, and age were not associated with knowledge of PPC.

Conclusion

This was the first study in Jordan to survey a sample of nursing students and PharmD students in Jordan about their knowledge of PPC. The current study found that knowledge of nursing and PharmD students regarding PPC was satisfactory, depending on the scale used.
Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double‐blind, Randomized Placebo‐controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Fossa Shirata Marina Mendes , Maia Campos Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves
Published: February 2021

Photoprotective formulations containing substances with antioxidant properties in combination have been used as a strategy for the improvement of photoaged skin conditions. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of these substances in young women with signs of photoaging. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sunscreens and cosmetic formulations containing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and rice peptides for the improvement of skin photoaging in young women. A double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical efficacy study was conducted on 60 female subjects aged 20–30 years with skin changes related to photoaging and without photoprotective habits. The hydrolipidic layer conditions and structural and morphological characteristics of the skin were evaluated by biophysical and skin imaging techniques. The results showed that the daily use of the formulations under study improved the skin conditions by increasing skin hydration and dermis echogenicity. In addition, the application of the active substances reduced skin hyperpigmentation and increased epidermal cell renewal. In summary, the present study showed the importance of daily application of sunscreens and formulations with antioxidant properties for the prevention and attenuation of skin changes related to photoaging in young women.
A Third Luminous Shark Family: Confirmation of Luminescence Ability for Zameus squamulosus (Squaliformes; Somniosidae)
Authors: Duchatelet Laurent , Marion Raphaël , Mallefet Jérôme
Published: February 2021

Since recently, shark’s bioluminescence has been recorded from two Squaliformes families, the Etmopteridae and Dalatiidae. Pictures of luminescence, light organ morphologies and physiology of the luminous control have been described for species of the Etmopteridae and Dalatiidae families. In 2015, a third luminous family, Somniosidae, was assumed to present a bioluminescent species, Zameus squamulosus. Up to now, confirmation of the luminous abilities of Z. squamulosus is lacking. Here, the luminescence of Z. squamulosus was in vivo recorded for the first time confirming the bioluminescence status of the third luminescent shark family. Additionally, photophore histology revealed the conservation of the light organ morphology across the luminous Squaliformes. Light transmittance analysis through the placoid scale added information on the luminescence efficiency and highlighted a new type of bioluminescent‐like squamation. All these data reinforced the likelihood that the common ancestor of Dalatiidae, Etmopteridae and Somniosidae may already have been luminescent for counterillumination purpose.
Heterotrimeric G protein signalling in plant biotic and abiotic stress response
Authors: Zhang H. , Xie P. , Xu X. , Xie Q. , Yu F.
Published: February 2021

Heterotrimeric G proteins act as molecular switches to participate in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside of cells. G proteins have three subunits, Gα, Gβ and Gγ, which function mutually to modulate many biological processes in plants, including plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. In plants, the number of Gγ subunits is larger than that of the α and β subunits. Based on recent breakthroughs in studies of plant G protein signal perception, transduction and downstream effectors, this review summarizes and analyses the connections between different subunits and the interactions of G proteins with other signalling pathways, especially in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Based on current progress and unresolved questions in the field, we also suggest future research directions on G proteins in plants.
Earning and Learning with Varying Cost
Authors: Zhong Ying , Hong L. Jeff , Liu Guangwu
Published: February 2021

We study a dynamic pricing problem where the observed cost in each selling period varies from period to period, and the demand function is unknown and only depends on the price. The decision maker needs to select a price from a menu of K prices in each period to maximize the expected cumulative profit. Motivated by the classical upper confidence bound (UCB) algorithm for the multi‐armed bandit problem, we propose a UCB‐Like policy to select the price. When the cost is a continuous random variable, as the cost varies, the profit of the optimal price can be arbitrarily close to that of the second‐best price, making it very difficult to make the correct decision. In this situation, we show that the expected cumulative regret of our policy grows in the order of (log  T)2, where T is the number of selling periods. When the cost takes discrete values from a finite set and all prices are optimal for some costs, we show that the expected cumulative regret is upper bounded by a constant for any T. This result suggests that in this situation, the suboptimal price will only be selected in a finite number of periods, and the trade‐off between earning and learning vanishes and learning is no longer necessary beyond a certain period.
Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose of Capsicum in Asia
Authors: De Silva Dilani D. , Ades Peter K. , Taylor Paul W. J.
Published: February 2021

Anthracnose of chili is caused by a complex of Colletotrichum species, with recent surveys reporting at least 28 different species implicated. However, there have been very few studies to identify the relative pathogenicity of the various species or to optimize a bioassay to assess pathogenicity. A detached Capsicum fruit bioassay to determine the pathogenicity of a diverse geographical range of isolates of Colletotrichum scovillei showed fruit maturity, host genotype, and inoculation method all interact to affect infection and rate of lesion development. On Capsicum annuum ‘Bangchang’ fruit wounded prior to inoculation, pathogenicity was consistent regardless of fruit maturity. In contrast, without wounding there was variability in pathogenicity. On the relatively resistant host Capsicum chinense PBC932, pathogenicity was dependent on both the inoculation method and the maturity stage of the fruit. In addition, lack of correlation in pathogenicity of isolates between the two Capsicum lines indicated that there was host–isolate specialization that would make prediction of pathogenicity of isolates on host difficult. In a further study, 10 species of Colletotrichum isolated from diseased chili fruits in Asia caused anthracnose symptoms on C. annuum ‘Bangchang’ under all testing conditions, with large differences in aggressiveness. C. chinense PBC932 was generally more resistant to all the species, with smaller lesions produced in different host conditions. Colletotrichum javanense and C. scovillei were highly aggressive relative to other species, especially when inoculated on nonwounded fruit. Pathotype differences were identified within multiple isolates of C. scovillei and C. siamense, the two most frequently identified pathogenic species on chili.