bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGF‐β isoforms inhibit hepatitis C virus propagation in transforming growth factor beta/SMAD protein signalling pathway dependent and independent manners
Authors: Zou Li‐Li , Li Jian‐Rui , Li Hu , Tan Jia‐Li , Wang Mei‐Xi , Liu Nan‐Nan , Gao Rong‐Mei , Yan Hai‐Yan , Wang Xue‐Kai , Dong Biao , Li Yu‐Huan , Peng Zong‐Gen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) plays an important role in the viral liver disease progression via controlling viral propagation and mediating inflammation‐associated responses. However, the antiviral activities and mechanisms of TGF‐β isoforms, including TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3, remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that all of the three TGF‐β isoforms were increased in Huh7.5 cells infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), but in turn, the elevated TGF‐β isoforms could inhibit HCV propagation with different potency in infectious HCV cell culture system. TGF‐β isoforms suppressed HCV propagation through interrupting several different stages in the whole HCV life cycle, including virus entry and intracellular replication, in TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway–dependent and TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway–independent manners. TGF‐β isoforms showed additional anti‐HCV activities when combined with each other. However, the elevated TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2, not TGF‐β3, could also induce liver fibrosis with a high expression of type I collagen alpha‐1 and α‐smooth muscle actin in LX‐2 cells. Our results showed a new insight into TGF‐β isoforms in the HCV‐related liver disease progression.
A study on nursing effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine management mode on COVID‐19
Authors: Chu Lanfang , Zhang Yongwen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThis study aims to explore the effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine management mode on nursing care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).MethodsThe study included 142 COVID‐19 patients hospitalized in Huoshenshan Hospital from February to March 2020. Nursing measures in the treatment (n = 111) and control (n = 31) groups included integrated management care and usual care. The integrated management model had eight components: WeChat group management, early Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, emotional nursing, music therapy, observation of tongue coating and pulse, vital Qi strengthening, preventing recurrence after recovery, and an individualized follow‐up scheme. The endpoints included clinical outcome, recovery time of clinical symptoms and signs, days of hospital stay, and survival without intensive care unit (ICU) admission.ResultsRecovery time from clinical symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fatigue in the treatment group was shorter than that in the control group. Less time was required to show negative chest computed tomography findings in the treatment group than in the control group (13.0 ± 2.8 vs. 16.7 ± 3.9, p < .025). The lengths of hospital stay in the two groups were 16.4 ± 7.3 days (treatment group) and 24.4 ± 4.8 days (control group) (p < .001). Kaplan–Meier curves for survival without ICU transfer showed statistical difference between the two groups (χ2 = 5.427, p = .020).ConclusionsOur study shows that the integrated management mode can relieve the symptoms of patients faster, shorten hospital stay and disease course, and reduce the rate of ICU transfers.
The Relationship between Stakeholder Theory and Corporate Social Responsibility: Differences, Similarities, and Implications for Social Issues in Management
Authors: Dmytriyev Sergiy D. , Freeman R. Edward , Hörisch Jacob 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough stakeholder theory and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have evolved into major theoretical frameworks for exploring social issues in management, there is a limited and often misleading understanding of the relationship between them that inhibits the management field from adopting a social orientation to a full extent. Our aim is to remove unnecessary barriers that preclude collaboration between scholars in the stakeholder theory and CSR camps; empower organizational scholars and practitioners with a more nuanced language for dealing with social issues in management; and enable the creation of a coherent and integrative theoretical foundation in the area of social issues in management that has previously been at a disadvantage to other areas in management. In our conceptual analysis, we argue that stakeholder theory and CSR provide distinct but complementary theoretical frameworks with some overlap. The actual decision to choose a particular framework depends on the problem one wants to solve and the settings of that problem.
Same Old Song with a Different Melody: The Paradox of Market Reach and Financial Performance on Digital Platforms
Authors: Hänninen Mikko , Smedlund Anssi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the service sector, digital platforms now enable service providers to reach customers through an online marketplace and use the value‐adding complementary services offered. However, despite the widespread prevalence of digital platforms, there has been little research on the market reach and financial performance captured by service providers. We explored these service provider‐specific outcomes of digital platforms by studying a digital platform in the beauty industry. Our results show that digital platforms present a troubling paradox for service providers participating in a platform‐based online marketplace: despite increases in market reach, in terms of a higher rate of new customer acquisition, those service providers participating in the marketplace have lower sales than others. However, the ‘dark side’ of this paradox is compensated by higher sales for service providers using more of the complementary services offered by the platform. Hence, although digital platforms may open new markets and add value, service providers should be wary of their paradoxical consequences. With these findings, we contribute new theoretical and managerial insight about the service provider‐specific outcomes of digital platforms and add to the ongoing debate about firm strategies in the digital age concerning the platform economy.
Incidence of allergen‐specific and total immunoglobulin E positivity in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Lam Matthew E , Kitipornchai Leon , Ball Natelle , Sarkissian Lernik , Sands Terry , Grundy Liam , MacKay Stuart G 
Published: March 2021

AimTo conduct a prospective, consecutive cohort study to evaluate the incidence of allergen‐specific and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a paediatric population undergoing adenotonsillectomy for sleep‐disordered breathing.MethodsA total of 64 consecutive patients presenting for adenotonsillectomy at a single centre were recruited over a period of 3 months. All patients underwent adenotonsillectomy and had allergen‐specific and total IgE serum testing at the time of anaesthesia induction. Pre‐operative history and examination were conducted to determine clinical allergy. Caregivers completed the Sleep‐Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire and the Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire at baseline and at 6 weeks post‐operatively.ResultsA total of 37 (57.8%) patients had either allergen‐specific or total IgE positivity. House dust mite was the most prevalent allergen‐specific IgE finding, being present in moderate to high levels in 14 (21.9%) patients. A total of 17 (26.6%) patients had a history of atopy, while 34 (53.1%) had examination findings suggestive of allergy. Neither serum IgE testing nor clinical history and examination were independently associated with residual symptoms post adenotonsillectomy. Patients with concomitant serum IgE positivity and clinical allergy had higher residual symptom scores compared to those who did not using both Sleep‐Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (P = 0.035) and Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (P = 0.02) questionnaires.ConclusionsOur prospective, consecutive cohort of patients reflect a greater incidence of serum IgE positivity compared to historical figures. When utilised with clinical findings on history and examination, serum IgE is a useful adjunct that is associated with greater residual symptoms post‐adenotonsillectomy.
Significant compartment‐specific impact of different RNA extraction methods and PCR assays on the sensitivity of hepatitis E virus detection
Authors: Behrendt Patrick , Bremer Birgit , Todt Daniel , Steinmann Eike , Manns Michael Peter , Cornberg Markus , Wedemeyer Heiner , Maasoumy Benjamin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRNA detection in plasma/stool is the gold‐standard for diagnosis of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The impact of viral extraction methods on HEV RNA detection is poorly investigated.MethodsWe determined the limit of detection of the RealStar HEV RT‐PCR V2.0 Kit (altona Diagnostics, RS) utilizing 3 RNA extraction methods (COBAS® AmpliPrep Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, TNAi Roche; MagNA Pure 96 DNA, Viral NA SV Kit, MgP; QIAamp Viral RNA mini Kit Qiagen; VRK) in plasma and stool. The most sensitive method was evaluated in a total of 307 longitudinal samples of patients with HEV infection (acute = 18/chronic = 36) and compared to results with the former diagnostic standard of our centre (TNAi/FastTrack Diagnostic; FTD).ResultsThe plasma‐LOD was 49, 94 and 329 IU/mL for extraction with MgP, VRK and TNAi respectively. In stool, the LOD was 21 IU/mL, 528 IU/mL and indefinable for extraction with TNAi, VRK and MgP respectively. Utilizing longitudinal patient plasma samples, MgP/RS revealed 56 HEV RNA‐positive samples in 158 negative samples as determined by TNAi/FTD. In stool, from 37 HEV negative samples (TNAi/FTD), 15 were positive with TNAi/RS. At end of treatment, 8 out of 27 chronically infected patients were RNA positive with MgP/RS, while classified negative with TNAi/FTD. A relapse occurred in 3 of these patients.ConclusionDifferent methods for RNA extraction and quantification have a significant, compartment‐specific impact on the sensitivity of HEV detection. Knowledge about the favourable combinations of extraction and quantification has important implications for diagnosis and patients receiving antiviral therapy.
Quantification of the covariation of lake microbiomes and environmental variables using a machine learning‐based framework
Authors: Sperlea Theodor , Kreuder Nico , Beisser Daniela , Hattab Georges , Boenigk Jens , Heider Dominik 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIt is known that microorganisms are essential for the functioning of ecosystems, but the extent to which microorganisms respond to different environmental variables in their natural habitats is not clear. In the current study, we present a methodological framework to quantify the covariation of the microbial community of a habitat and environmental variables of this habitat. It is built on theoretical considerations of systems ecology, makes use of state‐of‐the‐art machine learning techniques and can be used to identify bioindicators. We apply the framework to a data set containing operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as well as more than twenty physicochemical and geographic variables measured in a large‐scale survey of European lakes. While a large part of variation (up to 61%) in many environmental variables can be explained by microbial community composition, some variables do not show significant covariation with the microbial lake community. Moreover, we have identified OTUs that act as “multitask” bioindicators, i.e., that are indicative for multiple environmental variables, and thus could be candidates for lake water monitoring schemes. Our results represent, for the first time, a quantification of the covariation of the lake microbiome and a wide array of environmental variables for lake ecosystems. Building on the results and methodology presented here, it will be possible to identify microbial taxa and processes that are essential for functioning and stability of lake ecosystems.
Plant sugar feeding patterns of wild‐caught Aedes aegypti from dengue endemic and non‐endemic areas of Kenya
Authors: Wanjiku C. , Tchouassi D. P , Sole C. L , Pirk C. , Torto B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA fundamental understanding of plant sugar feeding behaviour in vector populations can lead to the development of ecologically effective vector monitoring and control strategies. Despite previous studies on mosquito–plant interactions, relatively few have been conducted on the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). The authors studied Ae. aegypti–plant interactions at two sites of varying dengue endemicity in Kenya: Kilifi (endemic) and Isiolo (non‐endemic). Using chemical and molecular assays [DNA barcoding targeting the chloroplast ribulose‐1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large chain (rbcL) gene], the authors show that at the two sites plant feeding in this mosquito species: (a) varies by sex and season; (b) results in the acquisition of diverse sugars, and (c) is associated with diverse host plants in the families Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae. These results reveal insights into the plant sugar feeding patterns of wild‐caught Ae. aegypti and provide a baseline for future studies on the olfactory basis for host plant attraction for the development of vector monitoring and control tools.
Serum Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: A single‐centre study
Authors: Serin Istemi , Dogu Mehmet Hilmi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAspergillus species meet the most important group of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) in immunosuppressed patients. Galactomannan is a polysaccharide antigen located in the wall structure of Aspergillus. The most commonly used method for antigen detection is enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay (LFA) constitutes one of the new methods in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). The goal of this study was to demonstrate efficacy of LFA in our patients and to compare it to synchronous ELISA results.MethodsGalactomannan antigen was examined using both LFA and ELISA in serum samples taken from patients who were followed up in our haematology clinic. All patients are classified in subgroups as ‘proven’, ‘probable’ and ‘possible’ patients according to the last EORTC / MSG guideline. Patients who met the ‘proven’ IA criteria were included in the study as the gold standard.ResultsA total of 87 patients were included in the study. Majority of patients had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (56.3%). Eleven (12.6%) were in ‘proven’ IA group. LFA test showed a superior diagnostic performance compared with ELISA (LFAAUC = 0.934 vs ELISAAUC = 0.545; p < .001). The LFA had a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 90.8% for ‘0.5 ODI’ in predicting IA (PPV = 55.8%; NPV = 98.6%; p < .001).ConclusionThe most important finding of this study is that the specificity of LFA was found to be higher for cut‐off value of 0.5. It is recommended to combine the methods in many studies to provide a better early diagnosis for IA.
Oncology nurses' perceptions of advance directives for patients with cancer
Authors: Hobden Breanne , Bryant Jamie , Waller Amy , Shepherd Jan , Sanson‐Fisher Rob 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study examined oncology nurses' perceptions of the impact of advance directives on oncology patients' end‐of‐life care. Nurses (n = 104), who were members of an oncology nursing society or worked in a large metropolitan cancer center, completed a cross‐sectional survey assessing perceptions of advance directives. There was high agreement that advance directives (i) make decisions easier for family (87%) and providers (82%); (ii) are doctors' responsibility to implement (80%); (iii) reduce unwanted aggressive treatment in the last weeks of life (80%); (iv) protect patient autonomy (77%); and (v) increase the likelihood of dying in a preferred location (76%). There was moderate or low agreement that advance directives (i) are accessible when needed (60%); (ii) are oncology nurses' responsibility to implement (46%); (iii) are always followed (41%); (iv) reduce the likelihood of pain in the last weeks of life (31%); (v) contain difficult to follow statements (30%); and (vi) have no impact on comfort in the last weeks of life (15%). Most nurses perceive benefits for advance directives, however, there remains uncertainty around accessibility and implementation. Guidelines and education about advance directive processes in oncology could improve person‐centered end‐of‐life care.
The performance and confidence of clinicians in training in the analysis of ophthalmic images within a work‐integrated teaching model
Authors: Zhang Sophia , Phu Jack , Xu Pauline , Wang Henrietta , Kalloniatis Michael , Zangerl Barbara 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeA fundamental clinical skill is the recognition of artefacts within the outputs of advanced imaging modalities. However, current teaching programmes of healthcare practitioners are becoming increasingly challenged to provide practical exposure within an already crowded curriculum. This study evaluates the impact of a novel work‐integrated teaching model on the confidence and competence of clinicians in the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the recognition of its artefacts. The outcomes were then used to develop a model to predict performance and guide teaching strategies.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated a 6‐week clinical placement for final year optometry students within a diagnostic eye clinic in 2018‐2020. Participants completed a quiz on the identification of common OCT artefacts and rated their confidence levels on key areas of OCT application using a five‐point Likert scale. Both were completed before (pre‐rotation) and after (post‐rotation) the placement. The cohort was divided into two groups; the first group was used to assess the impact of the placement and derive the prediction model for post‐placement performance, which was then validated against the second group.ResultsA significant improvement in detecting OCT imaging artefacts was seen upon completion of the placement, which was greater in participants with lower entry level performance. Across all OCT artefact subtypes, there was an improvement in detecting segmentation error, delineation error and media opacities. A model predicting post‐placement student performance was developed using entry level knowledge base as the key dependent variable. Self‐rated confidence improved across all domains of OCT application but was not found to be a direct predictor of actual performance.ConclusionsThese results highlight the benefit of a work‐integrated learning programme on both academic performance and confidence whilst identifying entry level knowledge base as the key variable predicting improvement. Tailored teaching incorporating entering knowledge is the best predictor of improvement during clinical placements. Integrating clinicians into a work‐integrated setting with tailored teaching and comprehensive practical exposure can be an effective method for training future or current healthcare professionals.
An overview of optometrists' diabetic retinopathy practice patterns – a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Tang Vanessa , Symons Robert C Andrew , Guest Daryl , McKendrick Allison M 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeContemporary eye care increasingly recommends the use of advanced retinal imaging technology. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this equipment is widely available in primary eye care settings; however, knowledge regarding how optometrists use this equipment in the context of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is limited. This study aimed to obtain a current overview of optometrists' clinical practice behaviours in the detection, screening, diagnosis and management of patients with diabetes.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was designed to evaluate optometrists' self‐reported clinical practice patterns and perceptions, as well as the availability and impact of retinal imaging equipment specific to DR and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) on optometrists' clinical practice. The survey invited participation from all optometrists practising in Australia.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐seven optometrists participated. Optometrists' self‐reported confidence in assessing DR and DMO was high. Optometrists' referral patterns considered the severity of DR and DMO before initiating referral to secondary ophthalmology care. Nearly all optometrists (98.8%) indicated that they had some form of retinal imaging equipment available to them in clinical practice. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) device was available to 75.5% of optometrists. A significant association between having an OCT device in the practice and higher self‐reported confidence levels in the assessment of DMO was found.ConclusionsMany optometrists are well equipped with sophisticated retinal imaging technology for the provision of high‐quality eye care. Enhancing optometric training and education programmes can maximise the community benefit of access to this equipment and improve delivery of eye care in the community.
The Moral Luck of Rules
Authors: Beran Ondřej 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe text reflects on the view of morality, according to which its central elements are rules that make a society efficient, bringing the greatest benefit. I show that rules represent a part of our “circumstantial luck,” and that their particularity often makes life more difficult. As we tend to internalise rules and interpret spontaneously the situations of our lives in their terms, we may be, in the cases of unfeasible rules, prone to view ourselves as failure. Generally, rule‐like statements (including moral rules) more naturally serve as tools for reflection on our past (failures) than as guidelines for the future. The presence of rules in our lives thus calls for compassion towards those who have failed in terms of the rules that they acknowledge.
Albert Camus’ Philosophy of Love
Authors: Neiman Paul G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlbert Camus does not provide a direct or sustained exploration of romantic love. Instead, love is addressed only indirectly in The Myth of Sisyphus, and sporadically in other writings. This article analyses the experience of absurdity in love. Absurdity clears away the social, cultural, and philosophical ideals of love to focus on the actual experience of love. With this in mind, a positive account of Camus’ philosophy of love is developed from several different works. This shows that Camus’ philosophy of love centres on the biological feelings of love, which are temporary, non‐exclusive, and do not imply commitment.
Changes in attitudes toward diabetes in nursing students at diabetes camp
Authors: Moran Vicki , Blanchette Julia , Whitley Heather , Pillion Dennis , Albritton Anna , Israel Heidi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThe research purpose was to determine whether exposure to residential diabetes camps affects attitudes toward diabetes care and management in nursing students.BackgroundSummer camp for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) provides a unique and engaging clinical environment for nursing students to learn about evolving diabetes care and to help children develop diabetes management skills.MethodsThis prospective, pretest/posttest study assessed student nurses' attitudes about diabetes, who attended one of four residential summer camps in the United States, using the Diabetes Attitude Survey 3 (DAS3). The survey was administered before and after clinical experience designed to fulfill experiential curricula requirements from various nursing programs.ResultsAfter attending diabetes camp, nursing students (N = 73) had a positive change in their attitudes regarding the need for special training and the psychosocial impact of diabetes.DiscussionThe diabetes camp clinical experience impacted nursing students' attitudes. Diabetes camps are a unique clinical setting that uses learned clinical knowledge and judgment to promote health and prevent disease and disability, supporting the integration of primary care and public health nursing.