bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHELIXIR: automation of experimental phasing procedures using SHELXC/D/E
Authors: Kolenko Petr , Stránský Jan , Koval' Tomáš , Malý Martin , Dohnálek Jan
Published: April 2021

The program SHELIXIR represents a simple and efficient tool for routine phase-problem solution using data for experimental phasing by the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion, multiwavelength anomalous dispersion, single isomorphous replacement with anomalous scattering and radiation-damage-induced phasing methods. As indicated in its name, all calculation procedures are performed with the SHELXC/D/E program package. SHELIXIR provides screening for alternative space groups, optimal solvent content, and high- and low-resolution limits. The procedures of SHELXE are parallelized to minimize the computational time. The automation and parallelization of such procedures are suitable for phasing at synchrotron beamlines directly or for finding the optimal parameters for further data processing. A simple graphical interface is designed to make use easier and to increase efficiency during beam time.
Effect of anti‐interleukin‐17 biologics on Krebs von den Lungen‐6 level in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Hara Hiromichi , Miyagawa Hanae , Araya Jun , Minagawa Shunsuke , Numata Takanori , Umezawa Yoshinori , Asahina Akihiko , Nakagawa Hidemi , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2021

Interleukin (IL)‐17 plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and interstitial pneumonia (IP). We hypothesized that anti‐IL‐17 biologics might suppress both clinically relevant and latent IP activity and decrease Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) level in psoriasis patients. We aimed to elucidate the effects of anti‐IL‐17 biologics on KL‐6 levels. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of psoriasis patients treated with anti‐IL‐17 biologics. KL‐6 levels were measured before treatment (baseline) and at 3 and 6 months after the initiation of the treatment, and ratios of KL‐6 levels at each time point to the baseline levels were calculated. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed on patients with coexisting IP. The clinical characteristics and radiographic findings were evaluated. A total of 294 psoriasis patients were treated with anti‐IL‐17 biologics. Baseline KL‐6 levels were higher than 401 U/mL in 34 patients (high baseline KL‐6 group). While anti‐IL‐17 biologics did not affect KL‐6 levels and ratios of KL‐6 to the baseline levels at any time point in the overall study population, they decreased both KL‐6 levels and ratios at 6 months after the initiation of the treatment in the high baseline KL‐6 group. A total of 10 patients with coexisting IP showed decreasing ratios of KL‐6 to the baseline levels at 6 months without affecting coexisting IP in CT performed at 3–12 months. Anti‐IL‐17 biologics decreased KL‐6 levels in the high baseline KL‐6 group regardless of recognizable IP. A decrease in KL‐6 levels was not associated with a radiographic improvement of IP, which should be examined in large numbers with long‐term observations in future studies.
Homeodomain proteins POU‐M2, antennapedia and abdominal‐B are involved in regulation of the segment‐specific expression of the clip‐domain serine protease gene CLIP13 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Liu Huawei , Heng Jingya , Wang Luoling , Li Youshan , Tang Xin , Huang Xuan , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping
Published: April 2021

Clip‐domain serine proteases (CLIPs) play important roles in insect innate immunity and development. Our previous studies indicated that CLIP13, an epidermis‐specific gene, was involved in cuticle remodeling during molting and metamorphosis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism and regulatory pathways of CLIP13 remained unclear. In the present study, we investigated CLIP13 expression and the regulation pathway controlled by 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) in the silkworm. At the transcriptional level, expression of CLIP13 exhibited pronounced spatial and temporal specificity in different regions of the epidermis; homeodomain transcription factors POU‐M2, antennapedia (Antp), and abdominal‐B (Abd‐B) showed similar expression change trends as CLIP13 in the head capsule, thorax, and abdomen, respectively. Furthermore, results of cell transfection assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that POU‐M2, Antp, and Abd‐B were involved in the transcriptional regulation of CLIP13 by directly binding to their cis‐response elements in CLIP13 promoter. RNA interference‐mediated silencing of POU‐M2, Antp, and Abd‐B led to a decrease of CLIP13 expression in the head capsule, the epidermis of the 1st to 3rd thoracic segments and the 7th to 10th abdominal segments, respectively. Consistent with CLIP13, 20E treatment significantly upregulated expression of POU‐M2, Antp, and Abd‐B in the silkworm epidermis. Taken together, these data suggest that 20E positively regulates transcription of CLIP13 via homeodomain proteins POU‐M2, Antp, and Abd‐B in different regions of the silkworm epidermis during metamorphosis, thus affecting the molting process. Our findings provide new insight into the functions of homeodomain transcription factors in insect molting.
RNAi of the N‐glycosylation‐related genes confirms their importance in insect development and α‐1,6‐fucosyltransferase plays a role in the ecdysis event for the hemimetabolous pest insect Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Yang Qun , De Schutter Kristof , Chen Pengyu , Van Damme Els J.M. , Smagghe Guy
Published: April 2021

Recently N‐glycosylation was found to be required for the postembryonic development and metamorphosis of the holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum. However, the role of N‐glycosylation in the development of hemimetabolous insects is unknown. To further elucidate the role of N‐glycosylation in the development of insects, a functional characterization of the N‐glycosylation‐related genes (NGRGs) was performed in a model insect for hemimetabolous development, namely the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. In this project, we report the effects of RNAi‐mediated silencing of 15 NGRGs on the postembryonic development of N. lugens. Two major observations were made. First, interruption of the early steps of N‐glycan processing led to a lethal phenotype during the transition from nymph to adult as was observed in T. castaneum. Second, we report here on an essential function for the α‐1,6‐fucosyl transferase in the ecdysis event of N. lugens between nymphal instars, since gene‐silencing by RNAi led to failure of ecdysis and subsequent mortality of the treated insect.
Seasonal phenology and damage by Singapora shinshana (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and other leafhoppers on ornamental trees in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyun‐guk , Kabir Md. Faisal , An Hyeon Jeong , Mwamula Abraham Okki , Oh Sumin , Jung Sunghoon , Lee Dong Woon
Published: April 2021

Singapora shinshana is a leafhopper native to mid‐Asia with a specific host range and is one of the least studied species within the genus. Recently, the species has been found to cause significant damage to host plants including ornamental trees, normally inflicted by its sucking behavior. This study uncovered more details on host and season preference of S. shinshana, damage potential and symptoms caused by its feeding behavior on ornamental trees in Korea, in addition to other records of other leafhoppers of economic importance. During the sticky trap survey period from 2017 to 2019, 12 leafhopper species were recovered from the eight selected ornamental tree species. Singapora shinshana was the most dominant species, constituting 94.8% of the total collected leafhopper population; with its highest incidence observed on Prunus serrulata, followed by Elaeagnus umbellata and Pseudocydonia sinensis. The high abundance on P. serrulata correlated with high damaged leaf percentages of 94.2%, 95.2%, and 98.1% in October 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. Interestingly, in terms of damaged leaf percentage, Rosa hybrida and Zelkova serrata were the second and third most damaged hosts despite the significantly lower population of the leafhopper on these trees. Furthermore, S. shinshana counts increased from late‐July to late‐September, with the peak evident during early August. Prunus serrulata can therefore be taken as one of the main host plants of S. shinshana. However, the potential of the host to suffer damage is not limited to population densities of the pest alone but also susceptibility and tolerance of the host plant.
Carotenoid composition and antioxidant activities of Chinese orange‐colored tomato cultivars and the effects of thermal processing on the bioactive components
Authors: Yang Cheng , Jiang Xin , Ma Lulu , Xiong Wenhui , Zhang Shuang , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lianfu
Published: April 2021

To facilitate the production of tomato products with high bioactivity and improve the utilization of orange‐colored tomatoes, the carotenoids of 11 tomato cultivars were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Moreover, antioxidant activities were evaluated by four chemical‐based assays, and the influences of thermal treatment on the carotenoids in orange‐colored tomatoes rich in tetra‐cis (7Z, 9Z, 7′Z, and 9′Z)‐lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene were studied. The nine orange‐colored tomatoes (OT) were divided into two categories: OT‐B, containing five cultivars rich in β‐carotene, and OT‐L, containing the other four cultivars that were abundant in tetra‐cis‐lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene. The antioxidant activities of OT‐L were higher than those of OT‐B and the SD‐2 cultivar in OT‐L showed similar antioxidant activity to the red tomatoes. During thermal processing, tetra‐cis‐lycopene in SD‐2 decreased about 38% after being exposed to heat for 2 hr at 80 °C, while its content was still higher than other lycopene isomers. Other‐Z‐lycopenes and all‐trans (E)‐lycopene increased from 2.36 ± 0.19 to 14.73 ± 1.16 µg/g fresh weight (FW) and 0.75 ± 0.10 to 5.91 ± 1.02 µg/g FW, respectively. Thus, thermal treatments at lower temperature, such as cold break and pasteurization, were more suitable for processing OT‐L. The results demonstrated that OT‐L could be an excellent raw material to produce tomato products with high bioavailability and bioactivity. The results of this research could provide helpful information for the research and development of tomato products using orange tomatoes and benefit planters and consumers.

Practical Application

Some orange tomato cultivars are promising raw materials for tomato products because of their high contents of bioactive tetra‐cis‐lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene. This study demonstrated the carotenoid components and antioxidant activities of the widely planted orange‐colored tomatoes in China. The obtained knowledge, including the thermal processing effects on the isomerization and degradation of carotenoids in the cultivars, will offer useful information to food processors and benefit the consumers.
Effect of sarcoplasmic proteins oxidation on the gel properties of myofibrillar proteins from pork muscles
Authors: Feng Xiaolong , Wu Di , Yang Kun , Wang Limei , Wang Xian , Ma Jing , Zhang Yunhua , Wang Caili , Zhou Yuanhua , Sun Weiqing
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the influence of sarcoplasmic proteins (SPs) treated by the oxidation system (0.1 mmol/L FeCl3, 0.1 mmol/L ascorbic acid, and 0, 1, 5, 10 mmol/L H2O2) on the properties of pork myofibrillar proteins (MPs) gel. After oxidation treatment, the SPs showed an increased in carbonyl content and a decreased in total sulfhydryl content, coupled with the cross‐linking of protein components by disulfide bonds and covalent bonds. The MPs gel with SPs oxidized at 1 mmol/L H2O2 exhibited the maximal strength while the minimal water holding capacity (WHC). The WHC of MPs gel was significantly decreased with increasing SPs oxidation, leading to the increase of free water and the decrease of immobilized water in the gel system. The microstructures of MPs gels with moderately (1 mmol/L H2O2) oxidized SPs showed a more compact and smaller pore gel network than MPs alone, suggesting adding oxidized SPs can expel water trapped in the gel. Furthermore, the environmental polarity of aliphatic C‐H groups increased with SPs oxidation.
Prevention of docetaxel‐associated febrile neutropenia with primary granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in Chinese metastatic hormone‐sensitive and castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients
Authors: Poon Darren M.C. , Chan Kuen , Chan Tim‐Wai , Ng Bryan , Siu Steven , Ng Joyce , Johnson David , Lee Ka Chai ,   Hong Kong Society of Uro‐Oncology (HKSUO)
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Asian prostate cancer (PC) patients are particularly susceptible to docetaxel‐related febrile neutropenia (FN). We evaluated primary granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF) for preventing FN in Chinese patients with metastatic hormone‐sensitive PC (mHSPC) and castration‐resistant PC (mCRPC).

Patients and Methods

Data from two cohorts of 377 Chinese patients with mHSPC (100; 26.5%) and mCRPC (277; 73.5%) treated with docetaxel at six public oncology centres were analysed with multivariate regression. Primary GCSF prophylaxis was defined as administration within 5 days of starting docetaxel. The primary outcome was FN within 21 days of the first docetaxel cycle (1st FN).

Results

Primary GCSF was given to 71 (18.8%) patients. FN occurred in 61 patients (16.2%) including 37 (9.8%) during the first cycle. Among patients who developed 1st cycle FN (n = 37) or not (n = 340), 2 and 69 received primary GCSF (5.4 vs. 20.3%, P = .03). Primary GCSF was associated with an overall reduced risk of 1st cycle FN (odds ratio [OR] = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05‐0.96, P = .04), and similar trends were observed in the mHSPC (OR = 0.36, P = .35) and mCRPC (OR = 0.16, P = .08) subgroups. Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (>1) was associated with an increased risk of 1st FN (OR = 3.90; 95% CI: 1.66‐9.13, P = .002).

Conclusions

To alleviate the risk of docetaxel‐related FN, primary GCSF prophylaxis is suggested for Asian mCRPC and mHSPC patients, particularly those with poor performance status.
Hong Kong Urological Association–Hong Kong Society of Uro‐Oncology consensus statements on the management of advanced prostate cancer—2019 Updates
Authors: Poon Darren Ming‐Chun , Chan Chi‐Kwok , Chan Tim‐Wai , Cheung Foon‐Yiu , Ho Lap‐Yin , Kwong Philip Wai‐Kay , Lee Eric Ka‐Chai , Leung Angus Kwong‐Chuen , Leung Simon Yiu‐Lam , So Hing‐Shing , Tam Po‐Chor , Ma Wai‐Kit
Published: April 2021

Background

To update the Hong Kong Urological Association–Hong Kong Society of Uro‐Oncology consensus statements on the management of advanced prostate cancer, the same panelists as in the previous consensus panel held a series of meetings to discuss updated clinical evidence and experiences.

Methods

The previous consensus statements were retained, deleted, or revised, and new statements were added. At the final meeting, all statements were reviewed and amended as appropriate, followed by panel voting.

Results

There were significant changes and additions to the previous consensus statements, primarily driven by the advances in androgen receptor signaling inhibitors, treatment sequencing in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, and increasing recognition of oligometastatic prostate cancer since the introduction of prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography. In this update, a total of 59 consensus statements were accepted and established.

Conclusions

The consensus panel updated consensus statements on the management of advanced prostate cancer, aiming to allow physicians in the region to keep abreast of the recent evidence on optimal clinical practices.
Association between retinal thickness variation and visual acuity change in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Cheong Kai Xiong , Teo Alvin Wei Jun , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Too Issac Horng Khit , Chakravarthy Usha , Teo Kelvin Yi Chong
Published: April 2021

Background

To assess the association between variation in retinal central subfield thickness (CSFT) with best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change in patients receiving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor therapy for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

CSFT measurements were obtained from 141 eyes (total 1300 scans). SD of CSFT was calculated. The eyes were categorised into CSFT variation tertiles. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between the CSFT tertiles and BCVA change at 12 mo, adjusting for differences in baseline demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

At 12 mo, the mean BCVA of the high CSFT variation group (50.6 letters) was significantly lower than the low and moderate CSFT variation groups (57.5 and 59.8 letters, respectively), P = .02. The adjusted mean BCVA gains were +1.7, +7.2, and +7.8 letters in the high, moderate and low CSFT variation groups, respectively (P = .03).

Conclusions

A greater variation in retinal thickness during VEGF inhibitor therapy for nAMD is associated with a less favourable visual outcome. CSFT stability is useful in prognosticating visual outcomes in VEGF inhibitor therapy for nAMD.
Narratives on leaving care in Switzerland: Biographies and discourses in the 20th century
Authors: Keller Samuel , Gabriel Thomas , Bombach Clara
Published: April 2021

Research on institutional care and its long‐term effect on life trajectories provides crucial and sometimes unexpected insights. In a qualitative study in Switzerland, we have conducted 37 narrative interviews with people who experienced residential care between 1950 and 1990. The analysis was based on a reconstructive life course perspective and grounded theory. The findings show a complex interplay of residential care context (here: narratives from expert discourses) and intersubjective experiences during and after care. Most interviewees learned from their experiences to be sceptical of social relationships and of all kinds of state interventions—even decades after having left. A few were able to take charge of their lives and steer them in an individually successful direction. In these cases too, results point to fragile concepts of success. Thus, critical questions about residential care in these decades remain. We suggest that rather than abolish residential care facilities, we need to gather more evidence about the factors that contribute to high‐quality out‐of‐home‐placements. As professional settings, they can enable young people individually. They need to avoid responding to children as ‘objects of care’, by neglecting all subjective dimensions and reproducing a pattern of powerlessness with a strong focus on formal, measurable goals.
The impact of COVID‐19 on food retail and food service in Canada: A second assessment
Authors: Goddard Ellen
Published: April 2021

COVID‐19 continues to impose a series of unique challenges on the food retail and food service sectors in Canada. In May 2020, the expectation was that the public health crisis shutdowns of the restaurant sector would be temporary. Although we may still be in a much longer temporary than was originally envisaged, it is becoming clearer that permanent restructuring may also have happened. Grocery stores have solidified their changed realities through an increased focus on multiple channel retailing rather than a complete choice between either bricks and mortar or online. Increased costs, resulting from the pandemic, are continuing to filter through the food system and we have a growing problem with food security for some Canadians given that employment in January 2021 was found to be at its lowest level since August 2020. Unemployment moves directly with lockdowns that are varied across the country.
Simultaneous diversification of Polypodiales and angiosperms in the Mesozoic
Authors: Du Xin‐Yu , Lu Jin‐Mei , Zhang Li‐Bing , Wen Jun , Kuo Li‐Yaung , Mynssen Claudine M. , Schneider Harald , Li De‐Zhu
Published: April 2021

Comprising about 82% of the extant fern species diversity, Polypodiales are generally believed to have diversified in the Late Cretaceous. We estimated the divergence times of Polypodiales using both penalized likelihood and Bayesian methods, based on a dataset consisting of 208 plastomes representing all 28 families and 14 fossil constraints reflecting current interpretations of fossil record. Our plastome phylogeny recovered the same six major lineages as a recent nuclear phylogeny, but the position of Dennstaedtiineae was different. The present phylogeny showed high resolution of relationships among the families of Polypodiales, especially among those forming the Aspleniineae. The divergence time estimates supported the most recent common ancestor of Polypodiales and its closest relative dating back to the Triassic, establishment of the major lineages in the Jurassic, and a likely accelerated radiation during the late Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous. The estimated divergence patterns of Polypodiales and angiosperms converge to a scenario in which their main lineages were established simultaneously shortly before the onset of the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, and further suggest a pre‐Cretaceous hidden history for both lineages. The pattern of simultaneous diversifications shown here elucidate an important gap in our understanding of the Terrestrial Revolution that shaped today’s ecosystems.
Board Age Diversity and the Future of Museum Leadership
Authors: Carr Christina
Published: April 2021

Age diversity is an often‐overlooked dimension of museum board diversity, yet the future of board leadership lies with younger generations, and museum sustainability in the present also depends on the contributions of younger patrons today. Critical issues of board representation cannot be fixed overnight, but a step in the right direction is board age diversity. As the entity that hires and evaluates the executive director and provides fiscal oversight for the institution, it is crucial that the board reflects the demographics and values of the people the museum is trying to serve. Younger generations are more socially connected and socially aware, and they want to change the world now; data, however, suggests that fewer young people see museums as aligning with these values, creating an urgency to engage and build loyalty with these next generation patrons. Recruiting board members without decades of professional experience makes it imperative that museums prioritize leadership development from the beginning. By cultivating younger donors for future giving and leadership positions and capitalizing on their unique insights now, museums will be able to remain relevant for years to come. This article presents a detailed action plan for museums on how to recruit, develop, and retain younger board members to ensure museum sustainability now and in the future.
Postoperativer Verlauf von 150 Patienten nach Wächterlymphknotenbiopsie in Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie
Authors: Eckardt Julia , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Kofler Katrin , Mroz Gabi , Scheu Alexander , Schulz Claudia , Kofler Lukas
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Für die Stadieneinteilung von Patienten mit malignem Melanom ist die Wächterlymphknotenbiopsie (WLKB) eine wichtige Methode. Meist erfolgt die WLKB in Vollnarkose (VN). Sie kann auch in Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie (TLA) durchgeführt werden, jedoch liegen wenige Daten zur WLKB in TLA vor. In dieser Studie wurden die Daten von 150 Patienten mit WLKB in TLA ausgewertet.

Patienten und Methodik

Die Daten von 150 Patienten mit malignem Melanom der Haut wurden prospektiv analysiert. Schmerzen, Komplikationen und die Patientenzufriedenheit nach WLKB in TLA wurden ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

32 % der Patienten berichteten über postoperative Schmerzen innerhalb der ersten 48 Stunden nach WLKB. Das Serom war die häufigste Komplikation. Es traten 29 Serome nach WLKB auf. Eine Wundinfektion wurde bei 3,3 % der Patienten beobachtet. 98,7 % der Patienten waren mit der WLKB in TLA zufrieden.

Schlussfolgerungen

WLKB in TLA ist eine sichere und praktikable Option und sollte bei Patienten mit Melanom in Betracht gezogen werden. Insbesondere bei multimorbiden oder älteren Patienten können die Risiken der VN vermieden werden.
On grief's sweet sorrow
Authors: Atkins Ashley
Published: April 2021

This paper draws attention to a neglected aspect of grief: its “sweet” sorrow. This sorrow presents us with a formidable challenge, namely, to explain how what is bitter—the misery of loss—can be found to be sweet. Those drawn into this sorrow suspect that it is somehow too sweet. Are their suspicions well founded? Why is it and it alone sweet to those who delight in it and why is it not just sweet but companion‐like and even dear? Guided by the observations of St. Augustine and C. S. Lewis, I propose that this sorrow is a form of self‐pity that displaces the significant other from the center of one's concern and affords an enhanced intimacy with oneself. The proposal vindicates the impression that one finds in this sorrow a companion that can take the place of the significant other and also positions us to address one of the most fundamental questions that might be raised in connection with grief, namely, whether the one who has died is a proper object of concern or whether our grief is ultimately for ourselves, for a loss that is ours and ours alone.
Scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR‐4‐SLR)
Authors: Paul Justin , Lim Weng Marc , O’Cass Aron , Hao Andy Wei , Bresciani Stefano
Published: April 2021

Many guiding articles on literature reviews exist, but few have delivered an authoritative protocol that researchers can rely upon with clarity and confidence. To commemorate the inaugural annual special issue on systematic literature reviews in the International Journal of Consumer Studies, the editors have pooled their expertize and experience of authoring, editing, and reviewing literature reviews to develop a rigorous review protocol—that is, the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR‐4‐SLR) protocol—that researchers can rely upon to guide and justify decisions in systematic literature reviews. Using an interrogative approach, the editors begin with a discussion of the “what,” “why,” “when,” “where,” “who,” and “how” of systematic literature reviews. The editors conclude with systematic literature review exemplars in the inaugural special issue.
Evaluation of a commercial set of frozen plasmas for instrument‐to‐instrument comparability
Authors: De Sloovere Maxime M.W. , Devreese Katrien M.J.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

To perform comparability of instruments, the laboratory can select patient samples spanning the reportable range or can use plasma sets from commercial suppliers. We evaluated ExpertCor Routine (ECR) plasma set (Stago), a set of frozen plasmas enabling to verify the agreement between different coagulation analysers. Additionally, we evaluated whether the concept of transference of the reference range is acceptable between instruments, once comparability between the instruments is approved.

Methods

Patient samples and the ECR plasma set were evaluated for method comparison for prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen on five instruments. Results of one instrument were compared to the mean of all analysers by Passing‐Bablok regression and Bland‐Altman analysis. Reference ranges were checked on all instruments.

Results

The %mean difference was ≤5% and ≤3.7% for all analyser/parameter combinations, for ECR and patient sample data sets, respectively. All predefined criteria to fulfil good comparability between instruments were met. The between‐instrument comparison with the ECR plasma set and the patient samples was equal for PT, INR and fibrinogen. After demonstrating comparability between instruments by either of the two plasma sample sets, reference ranges can be used interchangeably between identical instruments.

Conclusion

Instrument‐to‐instrument reproducibility showed comparable results using a data set obtained with patient samples or a commercial plasma set. Once comparability between instruments is confirmed, defined reference ranges can be transferred from one instrument to the other instrument without additional testing. The ECR plasma set is a good alternative to the use of local patient samples to evaluate instrument comparability.
Massive open online courses for nurses’ and healthcare professionals’ continuous education: a scoping review
Authors: Longhini Jessica , Rossettini Giacomo , Palese Alvisa
Published: April 2021

Aim

To map the main characteristics of massive open online courses, and their effectiveness, facilitators and barriers in continuing education among nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Background

Online continuous education attracted new attention among educators and managers with regard to how to best design, implement it and evaluate its effectiveness.

Introduction

No studies to date have mapped the state of research on massive open online courses and the facilitators promoting their effectiveness in continuing education.

Methods

A scoping review performed in 2020 by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐analysis extension‐Scoping Reviews. Electronic databases were searched for primary and secondary studies, written in English. Identified barriers/facilitators were categorized using a content analysis.

Results

Of the 1149 studies, 31 were included, and the majority had an explorative research design. Massive open online courses documented to date are characterized by their (a) developers’ countries and providers, mainly the United Stated and universities, respectively; (b) variety of teaching methods and contents, including infectious diseases; (c) using both qualitative and quantitative assessment methods; and (d) multidisciplinary target audience ranging from 40 to 83 000 participants, including nurses. Facilitators of and barriers to effectiveness depend on their pedagogical background, appropriate course design, delivery and implementation as well as on the learners’ profile.

Discussion

Studies available to date are mainly based on experiential projects. A variety of strategies promoting massive online courses’ effectiveness have emerged.

Conclusion

Some public health issues may benefit from massive education, as a unique system promoting a quick and effective continuous education.

Implications for Nursing/Health/Social Policy

Clinical nurses, nurse managers and educators should consider available evidence on massive online courses’ when making decisions on which strategy to use to maintain competencies. Moreover, as a public health tool, massive online courses should be derived from a strong cooperation between political, scientific and professional bodies.
Comment on: Nonesterified fatty acids and risks of frailty, disability, and mobility limitation in older adults: The cardiovascular health study
Authors: Naharci Mehmet Ilkin , Tasci Ilker
Published: April 2021

See the Reply by Ahiawodzi et al.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Nursing Diagnoses Determined by Users of a Clinical Decision Support System
Authors: Diogo Regina Célia dos Santos , Gengo Rita de Cassio , Butcher Silva , Peres Heloísa Helena Ciqueto
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To analyze the accuracy of nursing diagnoses determined by users of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) and to identify the predictive factors of high/moderate diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

This is an exploratory‐descriptive study carried out from September 2017 to January 2018. Participants were nurses, resident nurses, and senior year undergraduates. Two written case studies provided the participants with the clinical data to fill out the assessment forms in the CDSS. The accuracy of the selected diagnostic labels was determined by a panel of experts using the Diagnostic Accuracy Scale, Version 2. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the level of accuracy according to each group of participants. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean percentages of accuracy categories across groups. A linear regression model was used to identify the predictors of diagnostic accuracy. The significance level was 5%. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.

Results

Fifteen undergraduates, 10 residents, and 22 nurses were enrolled in the study. Although resident nurses and students had selected predominantly highly accurate diagnoses (51.8 ± 19.1 and 48.9 ± 27.4, respectively), and nurses had selected mostly diagnoses of moderate accuracy (54.7 ± 14.7), there were no differences in the accuracy level of selected diagnoses across groups. According to the linear regression model, each diagnosis added by the participants decreased the diagnostic accuracy by 2.09% (p = .030), and no experience or a low level of experience using the system decreased such diagnostic accuracy by 5.41% (p = .022).

Conclusions

The CDSS contributes to decision making about diagnoses of less experienced people. Adding diagnoses not indicated by the CDSS and experience with the system are predictors of diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical Relevance

In‐service education regarding the use of CDSSs seems to be crucial to improve users’ clinical judgment and decision making.
Diagnostic and therapeutic implications of vitamin D deficiency in patients with warts: A case‐controlled study
Authors: Shalaby Mamoun E. , Hasan Mohamed S. , Elshorbagy Mohammed S. , Abo Raya Ahmed R. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Cutaneous warts are frequent conditions that possess much challenge to treat.

Objective

To verify the potential role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of viral warts by measuring the serum levels of vitamin D in patients diagnosed with viral warts compared to healthy controls and to verify whether oral vitamin D supplementation of those vitamin D‐deficient patients would result in wart clearance.

Methods

To evaluate the serum vitamin D levels, the study recruited 80 subjects, including 40 patients diagnosed with viral warts and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking and examination to detect duration and type of warts. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using ELISA.

Results

Thirty‐five percent of patients had sufficient vitamin D levels (54–90 nmol/L), and 40% of patients had insufficient levels (50–80 nmol/L), while 25% of them had deficient levels (<50 nmol/L). In healthy group, 30% had sufficient levels, and 45% had insufficient levels, while 25% had deficient levels. There was an insignificantly lower serum level of vitamin D as well as an insignificantly deficient vitamin D status among patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

Vitamin D serum levels appear to be lower among viral wart patients, and oral supplementation studies need to be more intensely investigated before elucidating its role; if any, in wart clearance.
Treatment‐related leukemia after taxane and platinum therapy in gynecological cancer patients (Gynecologic Oncology Trial and Investigation Consortium 011)
Authors: Sakurai Manabu , Satoh Toyomi , Nakamura Yuko , Takei Yuji , Takahashi Suzuyo , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kazuto , Kanuma Tatsuya , Fujiwara Keiichi , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: April 2021

Aim

To clarify incidence and clinical features of treatment‐related leukemia (TRL) due to taxane/platinum therapy in gynecological cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of gynecological cancer patients who were diagnosed at facilities participating in the Gynecologic Oncology Trial and Investigation Consortium and started only taxane/platinum therapy as chemotherapy between 2002 and 2006.

Results

The site of the primary lesion was the ovary in 124, endometrium in 37, and uterine cervix in 4. The regimen of chemotherapy was paclitaxel (T) + carboplatin (C) therapy in 134 and others in 31 patients. The cumulative incidence was 2.4% (4/165), and the incidence was 2.9/1,000 person‐years. All four cases were acute myeloid leukemia. The average total doses of T and C in patients without TRL were 1,693 (SD 1,050) and 4,170 (SD 2,423) mg. For TRL patients, the total T and C doses were, respectively, 1,555 and 3,540 mg, 1,620 and 4,200 mg, 2,130 and 4,700 mg, 3,220 mg and 8,310 mg. The fourth patient received additional 2,415 mg of docetaxel and 2,155 mg of nedaplatin. The intervals from the primary chemotherapy to the onset of TRL were 27, 34, 67, and 114 months. Three patients had no evidence of ovarian cancer. Three patients died of TRL at 4 days, 5 months, and 11 months, one patient remained in remission at 25 months after diagnosis of TRL.

Conclusion

Patients receiving taxane/platinum therapy should undergo long‐term follow‐up with attention to the development of TRL, even if the gynecologic malignant cancer is in remission.
Microbiota restoration for recurrent Clostridioides difficile: Getting one step closer every day!
Authors: Khanna S.
Published: April 2021

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an urgent health threat being the most common healthcare‐associated infection, and its management is a clinical conundrum. Over 450 000 infections are seen in the United States with similar incidence seen in the rest of the developed world. The majority of infections seen are mild–moderate with fulminant disease and mortality being rare complications seen in the elderly and in those with comorbidities. The most common complication of CDI is recurrent infection with rates as high as 60% after three or more infections. A dilemma in the management of primary and recurrent CDI is testing due to the high sensitivity of the nucleic acid amplification tests such as the polymerase chain reaction, which leads to clinical false positives if patients are not chosen carefully (with symptoms) before testing. A newer testing regimen involving a 2‐step strategy is emerging using glutamate dehydrogenase as a screening strategy followed by enzyme immunoassay for the C. difficile toxin. Microbiota restoration therapies are the cornerstone of management of recurrent CDI to prevent future recurrences. The most common modality of microbiota restoration is faecal microbiota transplantation, which has been tainted with heterogeneity and adverse events such as serious infectious transmission. The success rates for recurrence prevention from microbiota restoration therapies are over 90% compared with less than 50% of recurrence prevention with courses of antibiotics. This has led to development and emergence of standardized microbiota restoration therapies in capsule and enema forms. Capsule‐based therapies include CP101 (positive phase II results), RBX7455 (positive phase I results), SER‐109 (positive phase III results) and VE303 (ongoing phase II trial). Enema‐based therapy includes RBX2660 (positive phase III data). This review summarizes the principles of management and diagnosis of CDI and focuses on emerging and existing data on faecal microbiota transplantation and standardized microbiota restoration therapies.
Body mass index and dental caries in New Zealand pre‐school children: A population‐based study
Authors: Aung Yan Myo , Jelleyman Tim , Ameratunga Shanthi , Tin Tin Sandar
Published: April 2021

Aim

Pre‐school dental caries is a significant public health problem and may be associated with the growth and nutritional status of children. This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and early childhood caries (ECC) among pre‐school children.

Methods

This population‐based retrospective study involves all 5‐year‐old children who resided in northern New Zealand and received school entry dental examinations between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015. ECC status was determined with the decayed missing filled teeth (dmft) score obtained from a routinely collected regional dental data set. Objectively measured BMI information was obtained from the ‘Before School Check’ (B4SC) Programme. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and the occurrence of ECC (dmft score ≥ 1). Ethnic subgroup analyses were also conducted.

Results

Of the 27 333 children involved in this analysis, 11 173 (40.9%) had ECC with a mean dmft score of 1.85, and 3948 (14.4%) were overweight and 2964 (10.8%) were obese at school entry. The prevalence of ECC was higher in overweight and obese children but in subgroup analyses by ethnicity, this positive association was observed in European children only (adjusted odds ratio for overweight children compared to normal weight children: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.32 and adjusted odds ratio for obese children: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.45).

Conclusion

ECC is highly prevalent in New Zealand children and associated with higher BMI in children of European ethnicity.
The zinc cluster transcription factor Czf1 regulates cell wall architecture and integrity in Candida albicans
Authors: Mottola Austin , Ramírez‐Zavala Bernardo , Hünniger Kerstin , Kurzai Oliver , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: April 2021

The fungal cell wall is essential for the maintenance of cellular integrity and mediates interactions of the cells with the environment. It is a highly flexible organelle whose composition and organization is modulated in response to changing growth conditions. In the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, a network of signaling pathways regulates the structure of the cell wall, and mutants with defects in these pathways are hypersensitive to cell wall stress. By harnessing a library of genetically activated forms of all C. albicans zinc cluster transcription factors, we found that a hyperactive Czf1 rescued the hypersensitivity to cell wall stress of different protein kinase deletion mutants. The hyperactive Czf1 induced the expression of many genes with cell wall‐related functions and caused visible changes in the cell wall structure. C. albicans czf1Δ mutants were hypersensitive to the antifungal drug caspofungin, which inhibits cell wall biosynthesis. The changes in cell wall architecture caused by hyperactivity or absence of Czf1 resulted in an increased recognition of C. albicans by human neutrophils. Our results show that Czf1, which is known as a regulator of filamentous growth and white‐opaque switching, controls the expression of cell wall genes and modulates the architecture of the cell wall.
Diffuse reticulate purpura in two adolescents with anorexia nervosa and severe malnutrition
Authors: Mateos‐Mayo Ana , Anderson‐Vildósola James , Morón‐Nozaleda María Goretti , Camarneiro Ricardo , Escribano Eva , Colmenero Isabel , Torrelo Antonio , Hernández‐Martín Ángela
Published: April 2021

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder frequently associated with cutaneous manifestations. A rare type of purpura, known as diffuse reticulate purpura, has been described in patients with anorexia nervosa and severe malnutrition. Typical characteristics of this condition include a purpuric reticulate rash predominantly affecting the trunk that rapidly resolves with adequate feeding. We report two male adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa and severe malnutrition who developed diffuse reticulate purpura.
When vegetation indicates reproduction: The affinity between leaf morphology and flowering commitment in the lily meristem
Authors: Lazare Silit , Bechar Daniel , Garbowicz Karolina , Fernie Alisdair R. , Brotman Yariv , Zaccai Michele
Published: April 2021

At the reproductive stage, lily plants bear two morphological types of mature leaves, one at the lower and one at the upper part of the stem. At the vegetative stage, all the leaves are similar to each other and to the reproductive plant's lower leaves. This heterophylly has not yet been explored. In this study, we show that it is not a result of the plant's age but rather an outcome of floral induction. The induction appears as an on‐going process, during which the meristem still produces leaves but progressively becomes committed to reproduction. This intermediate period lasts until the ultimate switch to flower primordia occurs. The leaves produced during floral induction, termed here as “inductive,” appear at the upper part of the stem. Besides their typical higher stomata density, these leaves have a poly‐layered palisade mesophyll, whose cells exhibit a unique morphology and contain more chlorophyll than leaves of vegetative plants. These leaves display higher carbon assimilation, soluble sugar production, and chloroplast‐lipid accumulation. Accordingly, genes associated with stomata, chloroplast, and photosynthesis are upregulated in these leaves. Our results were obtained when floral induction was achieved either by vernalization or photoperiod signals, ruling out a mere environmental effect. We suggest that lily plants prepare themselves for the high‐energy‐demanding bloom by producing leaves with enhanced photosynthetic capacity, leading to an increase in soluble sugars. These novel findings introduce an adjacent affinity between photosynthesis and flowering and provide a nondestructive tool for identifying the plant's developmental stage—vegetative or reproductive.
Attraction versus production in restoration: spatial and habitat effects of shellfish reefs for fish in coastal seascapes
Authors: Gilby Ben L. , Olds Andrew D. , Chapman Susie , Goodridge Gaines Lucy A. , Henderson Christopher J. , Ortodossi Nicholas L. , Didderen Karin , Lengkeek Wouter , van der Heide Tjisse , Schlacher Thomas A.
Published: April 2021

Restored shellfish reefs provide valuable habitat for fish, but it is not clear how different approaches affect performance, and either promote the development of new fish populations (i.e. “production”) or simply attract individuals from the broader seascape (i.e. “attraction”). We measured the effects of a 1.5 ha shellfish reef restoration site on fish assemblages in Pumicestone Passage in eastern Australia, which contains replicates of six different restoration units: shell patch reefs, crates of shells, and biodegradable matrix, and each had replicates with and without live oysters. Fish were surveyed before restoration and then every 6 months for 30 months with baited (at restoration and control sites) and unbaited (at 106 sites across the seascape to detect potential fish attraction, and at the different restoration units) underwater cameras. Shellfish reef restoration represents an addition to the carrying capacity of Pumicestone Passage for fish for two key reasons. First, restoration significantly enhanced the diversity and abundance of fish assemblages and the density of harvestable fish at the restoration site by 3.8, 10.7, and 16.4 times, respectively. Second, fish distributions across the broader seascape did not change in response to succession at the restoration site. Fish assemblages did not differ between restoration units or the presence or absence of oysters. These findings further support the notion that restored shellfish reefs significantly enhance fish abundance and diversity and that restored reefs can enhance the overall carrying capacity of seascapes for fish, rather than simply centralizing them at restoration sites.