bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of the EUROIMMUN anti‐acetylcholine receptor enzyme‐linked immunoassay
Authors: Kawaguchi Naoki , Imafuku Asami , Fujii Satoshi , Sohn Ji‐Hoon 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesAnti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR Ab) are one of the pathogenic autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis (MG), and they are specifically mentioned in the Japanese clinical guidelines for MG. In the serological diagnosis and measurement of autoantibodies as an adjunct marker for MG, the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method has been conventionally used as the gold standard. However, there have been several worldwide concerns regarding the use of radioisotopes. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the EUROIMMUN AChR Ab enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in comparison with RIA.MethodsELISA reproducibility and dilution linearity were analyzed using AChR Ab‐positive samples. Sera from 50 patients with suspected MG and 50 healthy donors were used to assess the correlation and qualitative agreement between the two methods.ResultsThe ELISA showed good interassay precision and dilution linearity. The correlation coefficient, sensitivity, specificity and overall agreement of the ELISA in comparison with the conventional RIA amounted to 0.87, 98%, 92% and 95% (kappa = 0.895), respectively. Analysis of the discordant results suggested that the ELISA might be more capable of detecting low AChR Ab reactivity in patients with suspected MG.ConclusionsThe AchR Ab ELISA provides a reliable tool for the quantification of AchR Ab, supporting the diagnosis of MG. As a non‐isotopic assay with good precision, shorter handling time and high correlation with the conventional RIA, the AChR ELISA could be a useful alternative in the laboratory routine.
Gene mutations as predictors of central lymph mode metastasis in cN0 PTC: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ji Jiaqi , Shi Xinlong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGene mutations could predict the tumor progression and prognosis, which are us to predict CLNM in patients with cN0 PTC, however, these results are not consistent. This meta‐analysis tried to identify gene mutations which could predict CLNM in patients with cN0 PTC. A systematic search was performed for identifying relevant literature published prior to July 2023 in three search engines: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies that investigated the gene mutations for CLNM in patients with cN0 PTC were included in our meta‐analysis. Sixteen studies, including 6095 cN0 PTC with BRAF mutations were include in our meta‐analysis. The prevalence of CLNM in cN0 PTC ranged from 13.7% to 50.6%. The pooled analysis demonstrated that BRAFV600E mutation is significantly associated with CLNM (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.55–2.60, p < 0.001) in PTC and PTMC (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.51–1.81, p < 0.001). Whereas, cN0 PTC with TERT (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 0.51–7.36, p = 0.33) and KRAS (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.51–1.81, p = 0.34) mutations might not contribute to predict CLNM. Our analysis identified that BRAF mutation was a predictive factor for cN0 PTC, as well as for cN0 PTMC, which could be useful for clinician to accurately choose prophylactic CLND and better manage cN0 PTC.
Species delimitation in Amana (Liliaceae): transcriptomes battle with evolutionary complexity
Authors: Wang Mei‐Zhen , Wu Jing , Zhang Sheng‐Lu , Mao Li‐Mi , Ohi‐Toma Tetsuo , Takano Atsuko , Zhang Yong‐Hua , Cameron Kenneth M. , Li Pan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpecies delimitation has long been a subject of controversy, and there are many alternative concepts and approaches used to define species in plants. The genus Amana (Liliaceae), known as ”East Asian tulips” has a number of cryptic species and a huge genome size (1C = 21.48–57.35 pg). It also is intriguing how such a spring ephemeral genus thrives in subtropical areas. However, phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation within Amana are challenging. Here we included all species and 84 populations of Amana, which are collected throughout its distribution range. A variety of methods were used to clarify its species relationships based on a combination of morphological, ecological, genetic, evolutionary and phylogenetic species concepts. This evidence supports the recognition of at least 12 species in Amana. Moreover, we explored the complex evolutionary history within the genus and detected several historical hybridization and introgression events based on phylogenetic trees (transcriptomic and plastid), phylonetworks, admixture and ABBA‐BABA analyses. Morphological traits have undergone parallel evolution in the genus. This spring ephemeral genus might have originated from a temperate region, yet finally thrives in subtropical areas, and three hypotheses about its adaptive evolution are proposed for future testing. In addition, we propose a new species, Amana polymorpha, from eastern Zhejiang Province, China. This research also demonstrates that molecular evidence at the genome level (such as transcriptomes) has greatly improved the accuracy and reasonability of species delimitation and taxon classification.
Association of TOP2A and ADH1B with lipid levels and prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yin Dongdong , Zhang Yinci , Li Hui , Cheng Longqiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) have different pathological and clinical features, they may share common driver genes. It was found that lipid levels can be used for early diagnosis of NSCLC; however, the relationship between driver genes and genes regulating lipid metabolism and their relationship with patient prognosis needs further investigation.MethodsGenes whose expression was up‐ or down‐regulated in both LUAD and LUSC were identified using the GEO database. Online tools like GEPIA 2, PrognoScan, UALCAN, and TIMER2.0 were used to investigate the association of these gene expressions with the patient's prognosis and lipid regulatory genes. The association between clinical lipid levels and the risk of LUAD and LUSC was analyzed by using a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsTopoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) were identified as the only genes up‐ and down‐regulated in both LUAD and LUSC. TOP2A and ADH1B expression levels significantly correlated with the patient's gender, age, individual cancer stage, histological subtype, nodal metastasis status, and TP53 mutation status. Additionally, only LUAD patients with higher TOP2A or lower ADH1B expressions displayed poor overall and relapse‐free survival rates. Moreover, TOP2A levels exhibited a negative correlation with adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in both LUAD and LUSC. However, ADH1B showed inverse associations with the above‐mentioned genes when compared to TOP2A expressions in both LUAD and LUSC. Furthermore, elevated triglyceride (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.49; P < 0.05) and total cholesterol (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.08 to 5.57; P < 0.05) levels might increase the risk of LUAD.ConclusionsTOP2A and ADH1B can be used as diagnostic markers for LUAD and LUSC, but only as independent prognostic factors for LUAD, and may be involved in lipid metabolism in LUAD patients but not in LUSC. Thus, combining genetic diagnostics with lipid panel tests might be an effective method for an early diagnosis and improved prognosis of LUAD.
Can European foreign aid motivate people to stay in Africa? The root causes policy debate and irregular migration
Authors: Engberg‐Pedersen Lars , Vammen Ida Marie Savio , Lucht Hans 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMotivationIn European policy debate, conflict, economic crisis, lack of development, population growth, and climate change are often seen as the root causes of migration from Africa. To deter irregular migration to Europe, aid has thus been directed towards these perceived causes. This seems, however, not to deter irregular migration.PurposeWe explore the discrepancy between the official discourse of root causes and insights from research on migration decisions; and how discourse and evidence relate to aid. We ask what kind of policy change is needed if aid is possibly used to influence irregular migration. We focus on the motivations and drivers of migration and how development co‐operation may influence these.Methods and approachConsidering African migration to Europe, we examine the official European discourse on root causes of irregular migration, highlight recent developments in the academic understanding of migration aspirations and drivers, and investigate various attempts to analyse the impact of foreign aid on assumed “root causes” and migration.FindingsMigration is influenced by drivers that differ according to the specific context in which potential migrants decide to migrate or not. Aid to influence migration must be thoroughly adapted to the circumstances of potential migrants. Addressing so‐called root causes may be irrelevant to many potential migrants and will require long‐term change to have any impact. It may even increase migration in the short term. Foreign aid that adopts a blueprint regardless of context is unlikely to deter irregular migration in the short or medium term.Policy implicationsIf irregular African migration to Europe is to be deterred through development co‐operation, European policy‐makers and development practitioners need to elaborate and differentiate between aid‐supported activities through careful understanding of the migration dynamics specific to individual localities and societies.
Ecological responses of epigaeic beetle composition to a volcanic eruption across temperate mountains featuring a forest‐steppe transition
Authors: Baudino Florencia , Werenkraut Victoria , Elgueta Mario , Flores Gustavo Ernesto , Marvaldi Adriana , Posadas Paula , Roig‐Juñent Sergio , Ruggiero Adriana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Monitoring changes in species composition near active volcanoes is important to identify environmental factors that maintain biological diversity after major disturbances. We investigated the taxonomic composition of epigaeic beetles' assemblages in five mountains in north‐western Patagonia (Argentina) in the aftermath of the 2011 Puyehue Cordón‐Caulle Volcanic Complex eruption.
The associations of beetle composition with the thermal environment, vegetation structure and soil characteristics were analysed using 10 m × 10 m plots with nine pitfall traps each, established 100 m apart in altitude on each mountain in 2005, 2006 (pre‐eruption) and 2012, 2015 and 2016 (post‐eruption).
We found significant differences in beetle composition between forests and high‐Andean steppes before and after the eruption. The beetle composition of forests and high‐Andean steppes differed due to higher plant cover and lower pH and herb richness in forests. Six months after the eruption, the herbs almost disappeared and forests showed high ash accumulation and lower temperature than the high‐Andean steppes. In the medium term, plant cover, temperature and soil conditions—but not ash accumulation—remained as important correlates of beetle composition. Before the eruption, forest assemblages showed higher beetle diversity and Leiodidae indicator species, but Curculionidae predominated post‐eruption. Tenebrionidae and Carabidae were high Andean steppes indicators. Post‐eruption, the beetle composition in high‐Andean steppes did not change significantly except for an increase in Tenebrionidae indicator species.
We concluded that the conservation of landscape diversity and environmental gradients maintaining the differentiation between ecoregions is essential to protect epigaeic beetle composition and for species survival after volcanic disturbances.
Larval instar estimation and ultra‐structural analysis of Aphaenogaster cristata (Forel, 1902) and Aphaenogaster pachei (Forel, 1906) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Himalayas
Authors: Bharti Himender , Kaur Jaspreet , Fox Eduardo G. P. , Bharti Meenakshi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe ontogeny of an organism provides fundamental insights into its life history and evolutionary background. Among insects, especially ants, relatively few observations have been formalized about the morphology of immature stages. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, this study presents the first description of the different larval instars of Aphaenogaster cristata (Forel, 1902) and Aphaenogaster pachei (Forel, 1906), species endemic to the Himalayas that predominate in areas where cold temperature stress and disturbances limit the presence of other ants. The existence of four larval instars was estimated based on the frequency distribution of their measured maximum head widths. We observed discrete alterations in the body constitution and parts among the different instars, suggesting they must follow similar habits until pupation. The two species, however, present noticeable particularities in their mandibles and hair types, suggesting intrinsic life adaptations. Observed traits complementary with previous descriptions with larvae of the genus and related taxa are suggestive of considerable evolutionary distance from Messor, considered the sister clade, which merits further taxonomic investigation in future studies.
Structural basis of Irgb6 inactivation by Toxoplasma gondii through the phosphorylation of switch I
Authors: Okuma Hiromichi , Saijo‐Hamano Yumiko , Yamada Hiroshi , Sherif Aalaa Alrahman , Hashizaki Emi , Sakai Naoki , Kato Takaaki , Imasaki Tsuyoshi , Kikkawa Satoshi , Nitta Eriko , Sasai Miwa , Abe Tadashi , Sugihara Fuminori , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Kosako Hidetaka , Takei Kohji , Standley Daron M. , Yamamoto Masahiro , Nitta Ryo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIrgb6 is a priming immune‐related GTPase (IRG) that counteracts Toxoplasma gondii. It is known to be recruited to the low virulent type II T. gondii parasitophorous vacuole (PV), initiating cell‐autonomous immunity. However, the molecular mechanism by which immunity‐related GTPases become inactivated after the parasite infection remains obscure. Here, we found that Thr95 of Irgb6 is prominently phosphorylated in response to low virulent type II T. gondii infection. We observed that a phosphomimetic T95D mutation in Irgb6 impaired its localization to the PV and exhibited reduced GTPase activity in vitro. Structural analysis unveiled an atypical conformation of nucleotide‐free Irgb6‐T95D, resulting from a conformational change in the G‐domain that allosterically modified the PV membrane‐binding interface. In silico docking corroborated the disruption of the physiological membrane binding site. These findings provide novel insights into a T. gondii‐induced allosteric inactivation mechanism of Irgb6.
Neutrophil Reactivity Intensity and misclassification of immature granulocytes
Authors: Wiwe Elias Frost , Kofoed Isabella Katarina , Dufréchou Muriel Julie Falk , Philipsen Jens Peter , Lemvig Birthe , Rasmussen Katrine Laura , Smith Julie , Hillig Thore 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionImmature granulocyte percentage (IG%) is an important biomarker for infection control. We observed spurious cases where the IG% was dramatically underestimated on the automated Sysmex XN‐series hehmatology analyzer compared with manual differential. These cases were associated with high values of “Neutrophil Reactivity Intensity” (NEUT‐RI), which should reflect the metabolic activity of the neutrophils.MethodsWe conducted a three‐stage study to evaluate whether NEUT‐RI could be utilized to screen for misclassified IG% results defined as the manual differential estimating a 10 percentage points higher IG% compared with the automated Sysmex differential.First, 124 patient samples were selected for 800‐cell manual smear analysis based on their NEUT‐RI values and compared with the automatic Sysmex IG% results. Next, 11 098 routine 110‐cell manual smear analyses were compared with the corresponding Sysmex IG% results. Finally, during a 19‐day period 160 additional patient samples underwent smear based on NEUT‐RI values ≥56 fluorescence intensity (FI) to screen for misclassified results beyond our current smear practice.ResultsNEUT‐RI ≥56 predicted IG% misclassification with 91% sensitivity and 88% specificity, but primarily when the internal Sysmex flag “Abnormal WBC Scattergram” was present. 90.1% of misclassified results were identified by this flag. Beyond our existing smear rules including this flag, NEUT‐RI ≥56 FI had a positive predictive value below 1%.ConclusionBoth NEUT‐RI and the internal Sysmex flag “Abnormal WBC Scattergram” work well to identify cases of IG% misclassification. However, in our setting NEUT‐RI ≥56 FI had no meaningful additional predictive capacity to identify misclassifications beyond our current smear rules.
A retrospective analysis of the patient journey for children with an unerupted maxillary central incisor
Authors: Hurry K. Julia , Bolooki Honieh , Davies Janet , Chang Cherry , Jauhar Preeti 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundMaxillary central incisors (MCI) are the third most impacted teeth. Timely multidisciplinary management is indicated as unerupted incisors can cause functional‐ and appearance‐related distress.AimTo assess the patient journey for children with unerupted MCI, including referral, clinical assessment, surgical management and follow‐up treatment, and highlight areas for improvement, as well as identify factors impacting orthodontic treatment burden (OTB).DesignA retrospective service evaluation of children aged 6–16 years who had surgical management of unerupted MCI under general anaesthetic (GA) between 2018 and 2021.ResultsFifty‐two children with 62 unerupted MCI were identified. Mean age at referral was 8.8 years. Most children (82.7%) had supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla. Mean time between listing for GA and surgery increased from 4.3 to 15.2 months following the COVID‐19 lockdown. Mean age at surgery was 10.4 years. Supernumerary removal and incisor exposure and bond was the most common treatment (56.6%). Most patients required hospital orthodontic treatment post‐surgery (65.4%).ConclusionMost children referred were below 9 years (60.1%); these children had reduced OTB compared to those who had been referred at an older age. Stage of root development was also a significant predictor in OTB. An unexpected finding was that conical supernumeraries were found to prevent MCI eruption.
Informal caregivers' experiences of transitioning during end‐of‐life care—A scoping review
Authors: McCarthy Brid , Timmins Fiona , Eustace‐Cook Jessica , Connolly Michael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundDying well at home usually requires the help and assistance of an informal caregiver. This role is usually unpaid, wide‐ranging and oftentimes demanding. From diagnosis to death of a loved one, informal caregivers can experience one and frequently numerous transitions, however, little is known about this process. The purpose of this scoping review is to chart, explore and understand caregivers' experiences of transitioning when providing end‐of‐life care. A preliminary search of the literature indicated a paucity of research highlighting a notable absence of caregiver's perspectives and acknowledgements of the support they need to ensure successful transitions during this time. Consequently, this review has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the literature.MethodsArksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework, further enhanced by Levac et al. (2010) and Peters et al. (2020) was used to conduct this scoping review. The Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guided reporting. A systematic search of the databases PUBMED, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science and a selection of grey literature was undertaken from the year 1990 to date by two researchers. Titles and abstracts of the literature identified were screened and finally, a narrative synthesis of 11 articles was undertaken to answer the following research question: What is known from the literature about informal caregivers' transitions when caring for a dying person in the home?ConclusionsCurrent knowledge on this topic is limited; however, from this review, two main themes were identified: ‘Challenges arising during transitioning’ with subthemes of burden of care and fading away. The second theme ‘Coping strategies’ comprised subthemes of meaning‐making, seeking normality and hope. This evidence may support the development of transitional care interventions in the future and improve patient and caregiver outcome measures and experiences to inform a larger research study exploring this phenomenon.Patient or Public ContributionN/A as this is a Scoping Review.What this paper contributes to the wider global community

An understanding of the experiences of transitioning when caring for a loved one dying at home could help mitigate challenges informal caregivers face when providing end‐of‐life care in the home.

While informal caregivers are crucial to support people who want to die at home, the role is often invisible and family carers need support and recognition to reduce the burden of care and challenges they experience as they transition in their role.
Low‐value home‐based nursing care: A national survey study
Authors: Wendt Benjamin , Cremers Milou , Ista Erwin , van Dijk Monique , Schoonhoven Lisette , Nieuwboer Minke S. , Vermeulen Hester , Van Dulmen Simone A. , Huisman‐de Waal Getty 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimsTo explore potential areas of low‐value home‐based nursing care practices, their prevalence and related influencing factors of nurses and nursing assistants working in home‐based nursing care.DesignA quantitative, cross‐sectional design.MethodsAn online survey with questions containing scaled frequencies on five‐point Likert scales and open questions on possible related influencing factors of low‐value nursing care. The data collection took place from February to April 2022. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to summarize and analyse the results.ResultsA nationwide sample of 776 certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and nurse practitioners responded to the survey. The top five most delivered low‐value care practices reported were: (1) ‘washing the client with water and soap by default’, (2) ‘application of zinc cream, powders or pastes when treating intertrigo’, (3) ‘washing the client from head to toe daily’, (4) ‘re‐use of a urinary catheter bag after removal/disconnection’ and (5) ‘bladder irrigation to prevent clogging of urinary tract catheter’. The top five related influencing factors reported were: (1) ‘a (general) practitioner advices/prescribes it’, (2) ‘written in the client's care plan’, (3) ‘client asks for it’, (4) ‘wanting to offer the client something’ and (5) ‘it is always done like this in the team’. Higher educational levels and an age above 40 years were associated with a lower provision of low‐value care.ConclusionAccording to registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, a number of low‐value nursing practices occurred frequently in home‐based nursing care and they experienced multiple factors that influence the provision of low‐value care such as (lack of) clinical autonomy and handling clients' requests, preferences and demands. The results can be used to serve as a starting point for a multifaceted de‐implementation strategy.Reporting MethodSTROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies.Patient or Public ContributionNo Patient or Public Contribution.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nursing care is increasingly shifting towards the home environment.

Not all nursing care that is provided is effective or efficient and this type of care can therefore be considered of low‐value.

Reducing low‐value care and increasing appropriate care will free up time, improve quality of care, work satisfaction, patient safety and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.