bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ability of the Putative Decomposition Products of 2,3‐dioxetanes of Indoles to Photosensitize Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer (CPD) Formation and its Implications for the “Dark” (Chemisensitized) Pathway to CPDs in Melanocytes†
Authors: Wang Yanjing , Cacchillo Elena M. , Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Taylor John‐Stephen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) by a “dark” pathway in melanocytes has been attributed to chemisensitization by dioxetanes produced from peroxynitrite oxidation of melanin or melanin precursors. These dioxetanes are proposed to decompose to triplet state compounds which sensitize CPD formation by triplet–triplet energy transfer. To determine whether such compounds are capable of sensitizing CPD formation, the putative decomposition products of 2,3‐dioxetanes of variously substituted indoles were synthesized and their triplet state energies determined at 77 K. Their ability to photosensitize CPD formation was determined by an enzyme‐coupled gel electrophoresis assay in comparison with norfloxacin (NFX) which has the lowest triplet energy known to sensitize CPD formation. The decomposition products of 2,3‐dioxetanes of 5‐hydroxy and 5,6‐dimethoxy indoles used as models for melanin precursors had lower triplet energies and were incapable of photosensitizing CPD formation. Theoretical calculations suggest that the decomposition products of the 2,3‐dioxetanes of melanin precursors DHI and DHICA will have similarly low triplet energies. Decomposition products of the 2,3‐dioxetanes of indoles lacking oxygen substituents had higher triplet energies than NFX and were capable of photosensitizing CPD formation, suggesting that peroxynitrite oxidation of tryptophan could play a hitherto unrecognized role in the dark pathway to CPDs.
Caged Oxime Reactivators Designed for the Light Control of Acetylcholinesterase Reactivation†
Authors: Cannon Jayme , Tang Shengzhuang , Choi Seok Ki 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTDespite its promising role in the active control of biological functions by light, photocaging remains untested in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a key enzyme in the cholinergic family. Here, we describe synthesis, photochemical properties and biochemical activities of two caged oxime compounds applied in the photocontrolled reactivation of the AChE inactivated by reactive organophosphate. Each of these consists of a photocleavable coumarin cage tethered to a known oxime reactivator for AChE that belongs in an either 2‐(hydroxyimino)acetamide or pyridiniumaldoxime class. Of these, the first caged compound was able to successfully go through oxime uncaging upon irradiation at long‐wavelength ultraviolet light (365 nm) or visible light (420 nm). It was further evaluated in AChE assays in vitro under variable light conditions to define its activity in the photocontrolled reactivation of paraoxon‐inactivated AChE. This assay result showed its lack of activity in the dark but its induction of activity under light conditions only. In summary, this article reports a first class of light‐activatable modulators for AChE and it offers assay methods and novel insights that help to achieve an effective design of caged compounds in the enzyme control.
Softening Performance's Pitfalls by Integrating Context and Capacity: A Government Competitiveness Framework
Authors: Christensen Robert K. , Im Tobin , Porumbescu Gregory 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis article argues that government performance is better understood and managed within a broader competitiveness framework. Government competitiveness recursively integrates performance with organizational capacity and context. We illustrate this more holistic view with recent COVID‐19 examples as well as recent scholarship, including some recent PAR publications related to this topic.
Immune functions of phagocytic blood cells in teleost
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Su Jianguo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPhagocytosis is a fundamental immune function against foreign microorganisms and abnormal cells, and it is also a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Blood as the direct living environment of various immune cells is a crucial site for phagocytosis. In this review, we firstly summarized the morphological structure and cytochemical characteristics of teleost peripheral blood cells, divided them into erythrocytes, leucocytes and thrombocytes, and then systematically elaborated the immune functions of phagocytic blood cells including professional and non‐professional phagocytes. The professional phagocytes consist of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. Monocytes/macrophages activate phagocytosis to ingest pathogens, and destroy them through respiratory burst and nitric oxide response to generate antigens, and then antigens are presented to adaptive immune cells. Neutrophils are recruited to inflammatory sites and exert phagocytosis, which is accompanied by degranulation and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps to kill pathogens. Non‐professional phagocytes including thrombocytes, B cells and erythrocytes are indispensable to exercise the phagocytosis, in addition to their main functions in the immune system. Thrombocytes participate in innate immunity and adaptive immunity. B cells carry out antigen presentation and immunoglobulin secretion in adaptive immunity. Erythrocytes perform immune regulation and infection resistance. In general, professional phagocytes play a primary role in phagocytosis and pathogen treatment, whereas non‐professional phagocytes play auxiliary role in phagocytosis and perform their unique immune functions. The functions of these two types of phagocytes jointly constitute the basis of the immune system. This review provides insights into the overall roles of phagocytic blood cells in the teleost immune system.
Evaluation of the Sysmex XN‐31 automated analyser for blood donor malaria screening at Malawi Blood Transfusion Services
Authors: M'baya Bridon , Mfune Thom , Samon Aubrey , Hwandih Talent , Münster Marion 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBalancing blood supply safety and sufficiency is challenging in malaria‐endemic countries where the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) is ever‐present. In support of reducing this risk, our study aimed at evaluating the performance of the Sysmex XN‐31 analyser in blood donor malaria screening, as compared with current practice in Malawi.Materials and MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted on remnant venous donor blood samples collected at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service donation sites countrywide for routine blood‐borne pathogen screening. XN‐31 results were compared with routine thick smear malaria microscopy, using expert microscopy (phase 1 and 2) plus qualitative malaria polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (phase 2) to adjudicate discrepancies.ResultsXN‐31 detected malaria in 614 (11.6%) of 5281 study samples compared with 341 (6.5%) for routine microscopy. Of the 273 discrepant samples, 60 smears (phase 1) could not be retrieved for expert microscopic review. Expert microscopy confirmed the XN‐31 positivity in 78.8% (149/189) and 91.7% (22/24) of discrepant samples in phase 1 (n = 4416) and phase 2 (n = 975), respectively, with two cases requiring PCR testing, confirming one each as positive and negative, giving sensitivities of 100% and 75% and specificities of 99.9% and 100%, respectively, for XN‐31 and routine microscopy.ConclusionThe automated Sysmex XN‐31 analyser's high sensitivity and specificity, ability to detect all Plasmodium species and high throughput with rapid turnaround‐time, overcomes many of the limitations of currently available diagnostic tests, making it well‐suited for malaria screening of donated blood in malaria‐endemic countries in support of TTM risk reduction.
A Parametric Study on the Fluid Dynamics and Performance Characteristic of Micronozzle Flows
Authors: Singh Shailesh Kumar , R Arun Kumar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the fluid dynamics and performance characteristics in micronozzle flows with changes in various geometric parameters using Navier–Stokes simulation based on slip wall boundary conditions. The various geometric parameters considered for the study are (1) area ratio with fixed throat dimension and (2) the semidivergence angle variation with no change in area ratio. The simulation results show that the flow choking for micronozzle happens not at the geometric throat; rather pushed downstream to the divergent channel of the nozzle. This is due to the thick boundary layer growth, which reduces the effective flow area and shifts the minimum allowable flow area downstream to the throat. The distance to which the choking point shifts downstream to the throat reduces with Maxwell's slip wall conditions compared to the conventional no-slip wall condition. The downstream movement of the choking point from the throat reduces with an increase in area ratio and with increase in divergence angle with fixed area ratio. This is due to the fact that the increase in area ratio and divergence angle increases the nozzle height at any particular section in the divergent portion of the nozzle. As a result of this, the boundary layer profile also moves upward and the restriction of potential core by the thick boundary layer reduces, which in turn leads to an increase in the effective minimum flow area downstream to the throat.
Theatres without borders: a systematic review of the use of intraoperative telemedicine in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Authors: Subbiah Ponniah Hariharan , Shah Viraj , Arjomandi Rad Arian , Vardanyan Robert , Miller George , Malawana Johann 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to provide a summary of the use of real-time telementoring, telesurgical consultation and telesurgery in surgical procedures in patients in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).DesignA systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the Cochrane Collaboration published guidelines.Data sourcesEMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for original articles and case reports that discussed telementoring, telesurgery or telesurgical consultation in countries defined as low-income or middle-income (as per the World Banks’s 2021–2022 classifications) from inception to August 2021.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesAll original articles and case reports were included if they reported the use of telemedicine, telesurgery or telesurgical consultation in procedures conducted on patients in LMICs.ResultsThere were 12 studies which discussed the use of telementoring in 55 patients in LMICs and included a variety of surgical specialities. There was one study that discussed the use of telesurgical consultation in 15 patients in LMICs and one study that discussed the use of telesurgery in one patient.ConclusionThe presence of intraoperative telemedicine in LMICs represents a principal move towards improving access to specialist surgical care for patients in resource-poor settings. Not only do several studies demonstrate that it facilitates training and educational opportunities, but it remains a relatively frugal and efficient method of doing so, through empowering local surgeons in LMICs towards offering optimal care while remaining in their respective communities.
‘Is Insulin Right for Me?’ Development of a theory-informed, web-based resource for reducing psychological barriers to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Holloway Edith E , Speight Jane , Furler John , Hagger Virginia , O'Neal David N , Skinner Timothy C , Holmes-Truscott Elizabeth 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo develop a theory and evidence-based web intervention to reduce psychological barriers towards insulin therapy among adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsSalient psychological barriers towards insulin were identified from the literature and classified using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Relevant TDF domains were mapped to evidence-based behaviour change techniques (BCTs), which informed the content for each barrier. Acceptability was explored using cognitive debriefing interviews (n=6 adults with T2D).Results‘Is Insulin Right for Me’ addresses eight barriers, phrased as common questions: Does insulin mean my diabetes is more serious? Do insulin injections cause complications? Is it my fault I need to inject insulin? Will I gain weight? Will injecting hurt? What about hypos? Will injecting insulin be a burden? What will others think of me? BCTs, including persuasive communication and modelling/demonstration, were delivered using appropriate methods (eg, demonstration of the injection process). Participant suggestions for improvement included clear and direct messages, normalising insulin and avoiding confronting images.Conclusions‘Is Insulin Right for Me’ is the first theory and evidence-based, web intervention designed to reduce psychological barriers towards insulin therapy for adults with T2D. Evaluation is needed to determine its impact on negative appraisals and receptiveness towards insulin.
Clinical handover in a bilingual setting: interpretative phenomenological analysis to exploring translanguaging practices for effective communication among hospital staff
Authors: Pun Jack 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo explore the linguistic features of translanguaging in bilingual handover practices and elicit the views of hospital staff on factors that hinder or facilitate effective handover practice in a bilingual environment.Methods78 hospital staff were recruited from hospital wards and emergency departments of two Hong Kong hospitals. They were interviewed to determine their perceptions of their handover communication in a bilingual context, and their responses were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsBased on the staff interviews, three dimensions with potential applications to effective clinical handover are identified. A revised Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation protocol accounting for linguistic pluralism (i.e., the translanguaging process) is suggested to underpin the future research agenda around effective clinical communication in a bilingual context.ConclusionsResearch on handover communication in multilingual contexts is limited. This study outlines linguistic pluralism at the handover stage and details the complexity of handover communication for staff in a bilingual context. It urges for more research with a specific focus on identifying avoidable linguistic issues that emerge from the clinical context and developing a suitable protocol to standardise staff’s translanguaging processes to ensure a safe and efficient handover process in a bilingual environment.
Influence of pre-existing multimorbidity on receiving a hip arthroplasty: cohort study of 28 025 elderly subjects from UK primary care
Authors: Ferguson Rory , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Peat George , Delmestri Antonella , Jordan Kelvin P , Strauss Vicky Y , Valderas Jose Maria , Walker Christine , Yu Dahai , Glyn-Jones Sion , Silman Alan 
Published: September 2021

The median age for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is over 70 years with the corollary that many individuals have multiple multimorbidities. Despite the predicted improvement in quality of life, THA might be denied even to those with low levels of multimorbidity.ObjectiveTo evaluate how pre-existing levels of multimorbidity influence the likelihood and timing of THA.SettingLongitudinal record linkage study of a UK sample linking their primary care to their secondary care records.ParticipantsA total of 28 025 patients were included, based on the recording of the diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis in a national primary care register, Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Data were extracted from the database on background health and morbidity status using five different constructs: Charlson Comorbidity Index, Electronic Frailty Index and counts of chronic diseases (from list of 17), prescribed medications and number of primary care visits prior to recording of osteoarthritis.Outcome measuresThe record of having received a THA as recorded in the primary care record and the linked secondary care database: Hospital Episode Statistics.Results40% had THA: median follow 10 months (range 1–17 years). Increased multimorbidity was associated with a decreased likelihood of undergoing THA, irrespective of the method of assessing multimorbidity although the impact varied by approach.ConclusionMarkers of pre-existing ill health influence the decision for THA in the elderly with end-stage hip osteoarthritis, although these effects are modest for indices of multimorbidity other than eFI. There is evidence of this influence being present even in people with moderate decrements in their health, despite the balance of benefits to risk in these individuals being positive.
Health programmes and services addressing the prevention and management of infectious diseases in people who inject drugs in Canada: a systematic integrative review
Authors: Bouzanis Katrina , Joshi Siddharth , Lokker Cynthia , Pavalagantharajah Sureka , Qiu Yun , Sidhu Hargun , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Qutob Majdi , Henedi Alia , Levine Mitchell A H , Lennox Robin , Tarride Jean-Eric , Kalina Dale , Alvarez Elizabeth 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesPeople who inject drugs (PWID) experience a high burden of injection drug use-related infectious disease and challenges in accessing adequate care. This study sought to identify programmes and services in Canada addressing the prevention and management of infectious disease in PWID.DesignThis study employed a systematic integrative review methodology. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection) and relevant websites were searched for literature published between 2008 and 2019 (last search date was 6 June 2019). Eligible articles and documents were required to address injection or intravenous drug use and health programmes or services relating to the prevention or management of infectious diseases in Canada.ResultsThis study identified 1607 unique articles and 97 were included in this study. The health programmes and services identified included testing and management of HIV and hepatitis C virus (n=27), supervised injection facilities (n=19), medication treatment for opioid use disorder (n=12), integrated infectious disease and addiction programmes (n=10), needle exchange programmes (n=9), harm reduction strategies broadly (n=6), mobile care initiatives (n=5), peer-delivered services (n=3), management of IDU-related bacterial infections (n=2) and others (n=4). Key implications for policy, practice and future research were identified based on the results of the included studies, which include addressing individual and systemic factors that impede care, furthering evaluation of programmes and the need to provide comprehensive care to PWID, involving medical care, social support and harm reduction.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the need for expanded services across a variety of settings and populations. Our study emphasises the importance of addressing social and structural factors that impede infectious disease care for PWID. Further research is needed to improve evaluation of health programmes and services and contextual factors surrounding accessing services or returning to care.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020142947.
Prevalence and associated factors of self-reported ischaemic heart disease and/or stroke: a cross-sectional nationally representative community-based study of adults in Malawi in 2017
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and/or stroke among adults in Malawi.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study.SettingNationally representative sample of general adult population in Malawi.ParticipantsThe sample included 4187 persons aged 18–69 years (32 years of median age) that participated in the ‘2017 Malawi STEPwise Approach to Non-Communicable Disease Risk-Factor Surveillance survey.’Primary and secondary outcome measuresSelf-reported history of IHD and/or stroke, along with biological, behavioural, psychosocial stress and sociodemographic covariates. Multivariable logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for IHD and/or stroke.ResultsThe prevalence of IHD and/or stroke was 6.5%, 4.4% among men and 8.4% among women. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age (50–69 years) (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.49, 95% CI 1.75 to 6.94), female sex (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.01), Chewa speaking (AOR 4.62, 95% CI 1.32 to 16.22), English speaking (AOR 5.63, 95% CI 1.43 to 22.19), suicidal ideation, plan and/or attempt (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.13) and sedentary behaviour (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.59) were associated with IHD and/or stroke. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, non-paid or unemployed, urban residence, overweight, obesity and having hypertension were associated with IHD and/or stroke.ConclusionsAlmost 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men aged 18–69 years had IHD and/or stroke in Malawi. Several risk and protective factors were found that can be targeted in population health interventions.
mTOR inhibitors and risk of ovarian cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Parazzini Fabio , Gerli Sandro , Favilli Alessandro , Vignali Michele , Ricci Elena , Cipriani Sonia , Chiaffarino Francesca , Dell'acqua Andrea , Harari Sergio , Bianchi Stefano 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo summarise the available evidence on frequency of ovarian cyst development during mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) treatment.MethodsPubMed/Medline and EMBASE databases were searched, from 1990 up to March 2020, using the following keywords: ‘tacrolimus’, ‘sirolimus’, ‘temsirolimus’, ‘everolimus’, ‘deforolimus’, ‘mTOR’ and ‘ovarian cysts’ (Limit: Human, English, full article). Studies were selected for the review if they met the following criteria: clinical studies, studies reporting original data, studies reporting the number of patients using mTORi, studies reporting the number of patients with ovarian cysts.We selected 7 of 20 retrieved studies. Study design, population, sample size, criteria for diagnosis of ovarian cysts, drug doses and follow-up length were extracted. Pooled estimate of incidence was calculated for ovarian cysts as a percentage, with 95% CI.ResultsFour hundred-six women were included in the selected studies. The pooled incidence was 37.0% (95% CI 16.0% to 58.1%) for all ovarian cysts, and 17.3% (95% CI 5.6% to 29.1%) for clinically significant ovarian cysts. Based on two articles, comparing mTORi and non-mTORi for immunosuppression, pooled OR for ovarian cyst incidence was 4.62 (95% CI 2.58 to 8.28).ConclusionOvarian cyst development is a common adverse event during immunosuppression treatment with mTORi. These cysts are benign conditions, but they require pelvic ultrasound follow-up and in some cases hospital admission and surgery.