bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education
Authors: Robinson Sancha C. , Forrest Kirsty , Hennessy Maurice
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses the use of effective communication in medical education contexts including feedback conversations, teaching lists, and formal supervision situations. Successful communication in education is about how things are said, rather than what is said and depends on co-creating a learning partnership. Bias awareness and nurturing a growth mindset are also key. Educators can establish a safe learning environment by holding unconditional positive regard and building trust with authenticity, empathy, and logic. The coaching framework is one model of effective communication in medical education, where the focus is on active listening, and asking rather than telling, and the utilization of summaries, clarifications, and reframes.
Women Veterans’ Stroke Risk Factors: Identified Prevention Methods and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Colsch Renee , Onweni-Eze Maureen , Byrd Elizabeth M , Damush Teresa M , Olney Christine M , Reardon Erin E , Hadidi Niloufar N
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Stroke is a significant health burden for veterans and the fifth leading cause of death for women. Compared to civilian women, women veterans have significant multimorbid physical and mental health conditions contributing to their stroke risk. This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on the stroke risk factors specific to U.S. women veterans and identify any association between risk factors and a delay in prevention and treatment for women veterans.

Materials and Methods

This study was approved by the organizational Institutional Review Board. The search strategy was run across 6 databases: MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 1218 records were uploaded to Covidence for screening. Criteria for included studies were peer-reviewed primary research articles written in English about women veterans and cardiovascular disease and stroke risk factors. No restrictions were placed on publication date.

Results

Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Cohorts were 30 years and older. Data originated from national and individual Veterans Affairs studies. Women veterans starting at age 30 have a steadily increasing positive curvilinear association with stroke risk, indicating a need to screen earlier than the recommended age of 45 years. Stroke incidence was higher in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, traumatic brain injury, constipation with laxative use, egg consumption (2–4 eggs/wk), frailty, and systemic sclerosis. When comparing White veterans and civilian counterparts, Black veterans had a higher incidence of stroke. Ten studies addressed prevention methods. The clinicians should screen and treat women veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and constipation and consider alternative treatment methods for constipation.

Conclusions

Empirical literature on this matter is lacking. Examining and understanding the differences in sex, gender, and veteran status, and their association with stroke risk, is warranted. Screening women veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and for stroke early, at 30 years of age, is recommended.
Probing properties of nearly two-hundred new active galactic nuclei
Authors: Ghosh Samrat , Mandal Samir , Bhattacharyya Sudip , Kumaran Shivam
Published: September 2024

We present a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray spectral properties of 198 newly identified active galactic nuclei (AGNs), leveraging archival data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. All these AGNs exhibit a power-law spectral signature spanning a broad energy range of $0.5{\!-\!}7.0$ keV, characterized by the photon index ($\Gamma$) values ranging from $0.3^{+0.16}_{-0.14}$ to $2.54^{+0.14}_{-0.13}$. Particularly, 76 of these AGNs display discernible levels of intrinsic absorption, after considering the Galactic absorption. The column densities associated with this local absorption ($n_{\rm H}^{\rm local}$) are within a range of ${\sim} 10^{19}{\!-\!}10^{22}\ {\rm cm^{-2}}$. We study the cosmological evolution of AGNs using the variation of $n_{\rm H}^{\rm local}$ and $\Gamma$ with their estimated redshift. The intrinsic spectral signature did not reveal any significant cosmological evolution; however, a deficit of hard sources at high redshift is possibly intrinsic. Our sample covers several orders of broad-band intrinsic luminosity ($L_{\rm B}^{\rm intr}$) ranging from $4.59^{+0.41}_{-0.41} \times 10^{42}$ to $2.4^{+0.12}_{-0.12} \times 10^{46}\, {\rm erg~s}^{-1}$ with peak at 1.84 redshift. We also investigate the hardness–luminosity diagram to further probe the AGNs. We conduct a sanity check by applying our findings to known AGNs, and the results are consistent with our observations.
Changing CO bands in near-IR spectra of CP Cephei
Authors: Call Scott G , Hintz Eric G , Ardern Steve , Scowcroft Victoria , Morrell Timothy D
Published: September 2024

We present time-series near-infrared spectra for the classical Cepheid, CP Cephei, from the Astrophysical Research Consortium 3.5-m telescope and near-infrared spectrograph, TripleSpec, at Apache Point Observatory, NM, USA. Spectral observations were made at nine points through the minimum and partway up the ascending portion of the optical light curve for the star. Carbon monoxide (CO) was detected in absorption in the 2.3-$\mu$m region for each observation. We measured the strength of CO absorption using the 2-0 band head in the feature for each observation and confirm that the CO varies with pulsation. We show that these measurements follow the $(J-K)$ colour curve, confirming that temperature drives the destruction of CO. By obtaining convolved filter magnitudes from the spectral data we found that the effect of the CO feature on K magnitudes is small, unlike the CO feature in the mid-infrared at 4.5 $\mu$m. The dissociation of CO in the near-infrared spectra tracks with the effect seen in the mid-infrared photometric measurements of a similar Galactic Cepheid. Confirmation of the varying CO feature illustrates the need for further investigations into the related mid-infrared period–colour–metallicity relation in order to address the impact of Cepheid metallicities on the Hubble tension.
The δ Scuti stars of the Cep–Her Complex – I. Pulsator fraction, rotation, asteroseismic large spacings, and the νmax relation
Authors: Murphy Simon J , Bedding Timothy R , Gautam Anuj , Kerr Ronan P , Mani Prasad
Published: September 2024

We identify delta Scuti ($\delta$ Sct) pulsators amongst members of the recently discovered Cep–Her Complex using light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We use Gaia colours and magnitudes to isolate a subsample of provisional Cep–Her members that are located in a narrow band on the colour–magnitude diagram compatible with the zero-age main sequence. The $\delta$ Sct pulsator fraction amongst these stars peaks at 100 per cent and we describe a trend of higher pulsator fractions for younger stellar associations. We use four methods to measure the frequency of maximum amplitude or power, $\nu _{\rm max}$, to minimize methodological bias, and we demonstrate their sound performance. The $\nu _{\rm max}$ measurements display a correlation with effective temperature, but with a scatter that is too large for the relation to be useful. We find two ridges in the $\nu _{\rm max}$–$T_{\rm eff}$ diagram, one of which appears to be the result of rapid rotation causing stars to pulsate in low-order modes. We measure the $\nu _{\rm max}$ values of $\delta$ Sct stars in four other clusters or associations of similar age (Trumpler 10, the Pleiades, NGC 2516, and Praesepe) and find similar behaviour with $T_{\rm eff}$. Using échelle diagrams, we measure the asteroseismic large spacing, $\Delta \nu$, for 70 stars, and find a correlation between $\Delta \nu$, rotation, and luminosity that allows rapid rotators seen at low inclinations to be distinguished from slow rotators. We find that rapid rotators are more likely than slow rotators to pulsate, but they do so with less regular pulsation patterns. We also investigate the reliability of Gaia’s vbroad measurement for A-type stars, finding that it is mostly accurate but underestimates $v\sin i$ for slow rotators ($v\sin i \lt 50$ km s−1) by 10–15 per cent.
Using 26 Al to detect ongoing self-enrichment in young massive star clusters
Authors: Nowak Katarzyna , Krause Martin G H , Siegert Thomas , Forbrich Jan , Yates Robert M , Ramírez-Galeano Laura , Charbonnel Corinne , Gieles Mark
Published: September 2024

Self-enrichment is one of the leading explanations for chemical anomalies in globular clusters. In this scenario, various candidate polluter stars have been proposed to eject gas with altered chemical composition during the self-enrichment process. Most of the proposed polluters will also eject radioactive $^{26}$Al into the surroundings. Hence, any detection of $^{26}$Al in young massive star clusters (YMCs) would support the self-enrichment scenario if YMCs were indeed the progenitors of globular clusters. Observations of gamma-ray data from COMPTEL and INTEGRAL, as well as detections of $^{26}$AlF molecules by the Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array (ALMA), indicate the maturing of $^{26}$Al detection methods. Detection possibilities will be enhanced in the short- to mid-term by the upcoming launch of the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI). The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) could in principle also detect radio recombination lines of the positronium formed from the decay products of $^{26}$Al. Here, we show for a sample of YMCs in the nearby Universe, where self-enrichment could plausibly take place. For some nearby galaxies, this could enhance $^{26}$Al by an order of one magnitude. Detecting $^{26}$AlF with ALMA appears feasible for many candidate self-enrichment clusters, although significant challenges remain with other detection methods. The Large Magellanic Cloud, with its YMC R136, stands out as the most promising candidate. Detecting a 1.8 MeV radioactive decay line of $^{26}$Al here would require at least 15 months of targeted observation with COSI, assuming ongoing self-enrichment in R136.
Material transport in protoplanetary discs with massive embedded planets
Authors: Petrovic Hannah J , Booth Richard A , Clarke Cathie J
Published: September 2024

Vertical gas and dust flows in protoplanetary discs waft material above the mid-plane region in the presence of a protoplanet. This motion may alter the delivery of dust to the planet and its circumplanetary disc, as well as through a planetary-induced gap region and hence the inner disc chemistry. Here, we investigate the impact of a massive embedded planet on this material transport through the gap region. We use 3D global hydrodynamic simulations run using FARGO3D with gas and dust species to investigate the dust filtration and the origin of material that can make it through the gap. We find small dust particles can pass through the gap as expected from results in 2D and that this can be considered in two parts – filtering due to the planetary-induced pressure maximum and filtering due to accretion on to the planet. When gas accretion on to the planet is included, we find that the larger dust grains that cross the gap (i.e. those with $\mathrm{St} \sim 10^{-4}$) originate from regions near the mid-plane. We also find that dust and gas that enter the planet-carved gap region pass through the Hill sphere of the planet, where the temperature is likely to be strongly enhanced compared with the mid-plane regions from which this material originated. Considering the application of our simulations to a Jupiter-mass planet at $\sim 100\ \mathrm{au}$, this suggests that CO ice is very likely to desorb from grains in the close proximity of the planet, without requiring any fine-tuning of the planet’s location with respect to the CO snowline.
Decoding the molecular symphony: interactions between the m6A and p53 signaling pathways in cancer
Authors: Shoemaker Rachel , Huang Mo-Fan , Wu Ying-Si , Huang Cheng-Shuo , Lee Dung-Fang
Published: September 2024

The p53 tumor suppressor gene governs a multitude of complex cellular processes that are essential for anti-cancer function and whose dysregulation leads to aberrant gene transcription, activation of oncogenic signaling and cancer development. Although mutations can occur at any point in the genetic sequence, missense mutations comprise the majority of observed p53 mutations in cancers regardless of whether the mutation is germline or somatic. One biological process involved in both mutant and wild-type p53 signaling is the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptomic network, a type of post-transcriptional modification involved in over half of all eukaryotic mRNAs. Recently, a significant number of findings have demonstrated unique interactions between p53 and the m6A epitranscriptomic network in a variety of cancer types, shedding light on a previously uncharacterized connection that causes significant dysregulation. Cross-talk between wild-type or mutant p53 and the m6A readers, writers and erasers has been shown to impact cellular function and induce cancer formation by influencing various cancer hallmarks. Here, this review aims to summarize the complex interplay between the m6A epitranscriptome and p53 signaling pathway, highlighting its effects on tumorigenesis and other hallmarks of cancer, as well as identifying its therapeutic implications for the future.
RNAMotifProfile: a graph-based approach to build RNA structural motif profiles
Authors: Rahaman Md Mahfuzur , Zhang Shaojie
Published: September 2024

RNA structural motifs are the recurrent segments in RNA three-dimensional structures that play a crucial role in the functional diversity of RNAs. Understanding the similarities and variations within these recurrent motif groups is essential for gaining insights into RNA structure and function. While recurrent structural motifs are generally assumed to be composed of the same isosteric base interactions, this consistent pattern is not observed across all examples of these motifs. Existing methods for analyzing and comparing RNA structural motifs may overlook variations in base interactions and associated nucleotides. RNAMotifProfile is a novel profile-to-profile alignment algorithm that generates a comprehensive profile from a group of structural motifs, incorporating all base interactions and associated nucleotides at each position. By structurally aligning input motif instances using a guide-tree-based approach, RNAMotifProfile captures the similarities and variations within recurrent motif groups. Additionally, RNAMotifProfile can function as a motif search tool, enabling the identification of instances of a specific motif family by searching with the corresponding profile. The ability to generate accurate and comprehensive profiles for RNA structural motif families, and to search for these motifs, facilitates a deeper understanding of RNA structure–function relationships and potential applications in RNA engineering and therapeutic design.
“Aiming at a moving target”—The daily life experiences of adolescents and young adults with a low-grade glioma
Authors: Reuvers Milou J P , Burgers Vivian W G , Koekkoek Johan A F , Brandsma Dieta , Compter Annette , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C M , van den Bent Martin J , Frissen Simone A M M , Husson Olga , van der Graaf Winette T A
Published: September 2024

Background

Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are among the most frequently occurring tumors in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (aged 18–39 years old at primary diagnosis). These tumors have a variable prognosis, presenting challenges for patients in shaping their future. This study aimed to identify the age-specific experiences and needs of AYA patients with LGG in their daily lives.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with AYA patients diagnosed with LGG. Thematic analysis was performed to derive the age-specific codes, looking for overarching themes and sub-themes.

Results

Sixteen patients participated in this study. The cognitive symptoms of the disease (including difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and speech problems) are invisible to others but caused significant disruptions in many domains that were particularly important to AYA patients (eg, employment, family life, and autonomy). Additionally, the uncertainty regarding their life expectancy led to difficulties in making decisions about the future. They also perceived a lack of control over their future and the time they had left.

Conclusions

LGG have a significant impact on AYA patients. However, this impact is not fully understood by others close to them. The results highlight the importance of providing these patients with appropriate peer support, interventions tailored to both their disease and life phase, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, and maintaining a focus on long-term support for these patients. It is crucial to provide AYA care for these patients within the neurology department, as LGG involve both tumor- and age-specific problems.
Outcomes of Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplant Recipients With HHV-6B Reactivation
Authors: Handley Guy , Yepes Amanda , Eliassen Eva , Dominguez Gabriel , Pasikhova Yanina , Klinkova Olga , Baluch Aliyah , Febres-Aldana Anthony J , Alsina Melissa , Elmariah Hany , Khimani Farhad , Hansen Doris K , Freeman Ciara L , Jain Michael D , Locke Frederick , Lazaryan Aleksandr , Liu Hein D , Mishra Asmita , Mirza Abu-Sayeef , Nishihori Taiga , Ochoa Leonel , Perez Lia , Pidala Joseph , Puglianini Omar Castaneda , Nieder Michael , Perna Fabiana , Kim Jongphil , Bejanyan Nelli , Faramand Rawan
Published: September 2024

Background

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) frequently reactivates following allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloHCT). Consensus guidelines note that haploidentical alloHCT may represent a high-risk population for which there is little evidence; this warrants further investigation.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated 188 consecutive adult patients receiving haploidentical alloHCT between 11/2014 and 11/2020 and compared outcomes between patients with HHV-6B reactivation receiving targeted antiviral therapy and those who were clinically observed.

Results

Of the 58 included patients, 21 (36.2%) received antiviral therapy for HHV-6B reactivation with foscarnet (n = 19) or ganciclovir (n = 2). There were no differences in patient or disease characteristics between treated and observed patients. Treated patients were more likely to have high-level DNAemia (85.7% vs 40.5%; P < .001) and had higher peak viral quantitative measurements (median log10, 4.65 vs 3.84; P < .001). The median time to clearance from plasma (interquartile range) was 13 (7.25–20.00) days for all patients and was not significantly different between groups. There were no differences in episodes of encephalitis, grade III/IV acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), or time to neutrophil or platelet engraftment among treated vs observed patients. Day 100 nonrelapse mortality was not significantly different in the multivariate analysis; however, the presence of central nervous system symptoms was strongly associated with worse survival (hazard ratio, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.27–13.34; P = .018).

Conclusions

We did not observe a difference in clinical outcomes between the treated and observed groups of patients with HHV-6B reactivation following haploidentical alloHCT. With the rising use of haploidentical transplant and post-transplant cyclophosphamide GVHD prevention platforms, prospective studies are needed to further characterize the risk and outcomes associated with HHV-6B reactivation and therapy.
Computed Tomography of the Head Before Lumbar Puncture in Adults With Suspected Meningitis in High–HIV Prevalence Settings
Authors: Milburn James , Williams Christopher G , Lechiile Kwana , Siamisang Keatlaretse , Owen Leah , Gwakuba Ezekiel , Milton Thandi , Machiya Tichaona , Leeme Tshepo , Barton Hannah E , Ponatshego Ponego , Seatla Kaelo K , Boitshepo Gerald , Suresh Rachita , Rulaganyang Ikanyeng , Hurt William , Ensor Samuel , Ngoni Kebatshabile , Doyle Ronan , Grint Daniel , Miller Wallace T , Tenforde Mark W , Mine Madisa , Goldfarb David M , Mokomane Margaret , Jarvis Joseph N
Published: September 2024

Background

The role of computed tomography (CT) before lumbar puncture (LP) is unclear, with limited evidence for a causal link between LP and cerebral herniation or for the ability of CT to identify individuals at risk of herniation. The risks of LP delay or deferral are potentially greater in high–HIV prevalence, resource-limited settings; we analyzed data from such a setting to determine the impact of CT on time to LP and treatment, as well as mortality.

Methods

Adults with suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection were enrolled prospectively into the Botswana National Meningitis Survey between 2016 and 2019. Inpatient mortality and clinical data including time of treatment initiation and CT were captured from medical records. Associations between preceding CT and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

LPs were performed in 711 patients with suspected CNS infection; 27% had a CT before LP, and 73% were HIV positive. Time from admission to LP and time from admission to appropriate treatment were significantly longer in patients who had a CT before LP compared with those who did not (2.8 hours and 13.2 hours, respectively). There was some evidence for treatment delays being associated with increased mortality; however, there was no significant difference in mortality between those who had or did not have CT.

Conclusions

Patients who had a CT had delays to diagnostic LP and initiation of appropriate treatment; although treatment delays were associated with increased mortality, our observational study could not demonstrate a causal association between delays in diagnosis and treatment introduced by CT and mortality.
Genetic Isolation among Four Lineages of Silene nutans
Authors: Postel Zoé , Martin Hélène , Roux Camille , Godé Cécile , Genete Mathieu , Schmitt Éric , Monnet François , Vekemans Xavier , Touzet Pascal
Published: September 2024

Speciation is the process leading to the emergence of new species. While being usually progressive, it can sometimes be fast with rapid emergence of reproductive barriers leading to high level of reproductive isolation. Some reproductive barriers might leave signatures in the genome, through elevated level of genetic differentiation at specific loci. Similar signatures might also be the results of linked selection acting in low recombination regions. Nottingham catchfly (Silene nutans) is a Caryophyllaceae species composed of four genetically differentiated lineages for which strong and asymmetric levels of reproductive isolation have been identified. Using population transcriptomic data from several individuals of the four lineages, we inferred the best evo-demographic scenario leading to the current reproductive isolation of these four lineages. We also tested whether loci exhibiting high level of genetic differentiation represented barrier loci or were located in low recombination regions, evolving under strong influence of linked selection. Overall, the four lineages of S. nutans have diverged in strict isolation, likely during the different glacial period, through migration in distinct glacial refugia. Speciation between these four lineages appeared to be particularly fast, likely due to fast evolving plastid genome accelerating plastid-nuclear co-evolution and the probability of plastid-nuclear incompatibilities in inter-lineage hybrids.
Feruloyl-CoA 6′-hydroxylase-mediated scopoletin accumulation enhances cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Gao Linying , Wang Ping , Yan Xin , Li Jingmin , Ma Li , Hu Menghui , Ge Xiaoyang , Li Fuguang , Hou Yuxia
Published: September 2024

Verticillium dahliae is a widespread and destructive soilborne fungus that can cause vascular wilt disease and substantially reduce cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) yield and quality. Scopoletin, a natural coumarin, exhibits antifungal activity against V. dahliae; however, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we reveal the regulatory activities of feruloyl-CoA 6′-hydroxylase 1 (GhF6′H1) in enhancing V. dahliae resistance by modulating scopoletin accumulation. Silencing GhF6′H1, encoding the pivotal enzyme in scopoletin biosynthesis, through virus-induced silencing resulted in increased susceptibility to V. dahliae and decreased scopoletin accumulation. In transgenic cotton plants expressing GhF6′H1 under the CaMV 35S promoter, GhF6′H1 modulated scopoletin accumulation, affecting cotton resistance to V. dahliae, with increased resistance associated with increased scopoletin accumulation. GhF6′H1 has been identified as a direct target of the transcription factor GhWRKY33-like, indicating that GhWRKY33-like can bind to and activate the GhF6′H1 promoter. Moreover, GhWRKY33-like overexpression in cotton-enhanced resistance to V. dahliae through scopoletin accumulation, phenylpropanoid pathway activation, and upregulation of defense response genes. Ectopic expression of GhF6′H1 resulted in effective catalysis of scopoletin synthesis in enzyme assays using substrates like feruloyl coenzyme A, while molecular docking analysis revealed specific amino acid residues playing crucial roles in establishing salt-bridge interactions with the substrate. These findings suggest that GhF6′H1, regulated by GhWRKY33-like, plays a crucial role in enhancing cotton resistance to V. dahliae by modulating scopoletin accumulation.
Genomes of autotetraploid wild and cultivated Ziziphus mauritiana reveal polyploid evolution and crop domestication
Authors: Guo Mingxin , Bi Guiqi , Wang Huan , Ren Hui , Chen Jiaying , Lian Qun , Wang Xiaomei , Fang Weikuan , Zhang Jiangjiang , Dong Zhaonian , Pang Yi , Zhang Quanling , Huang Sanwen , Yan Jianbin , Zhao Xusheng
Published: September 2024

Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) holds a prominent position in the global fruit and pharmaceutical markets. Here, we report the assemblies of haplotype-resolved, telomere-to-telomere genomes of autotetraploid wild and cultivated Indian jujube plants using a 2-stage assembly strategy. The generation of these genomes permitted in-depth investigations into the divergence and evolutionary history of this important fruit crop. Using a graph-based pan-genome constructed from 8 monoploid genomes, we identified structural variation (SV)-FST hotspots and SV hotspots. Gap-free genomes provide a means to obtain a global view of centromere structures. We identified presence–absence variation-related genes in 4 monoploid genomes (cI, cIII, wI, and wIII) and resequencing populations. We also present the population structure and domestication trajectory of the Indian jujube based on the resequencing of 73 wild and cultivated accessions. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of mature fruits of wild and cultivated accessions unveiled the genetic basis underlying loss of fruit astringency during domestication of Indian jujube. This study reveals mechanisms underlying the divergence, evolution, and domestication of the autotetraploid Indian jujube and provides rich and reliable genetic resources for future research.
Everettian quantum mechanics and the ghost of fission
Authors: Quirke Josh
Published: September 2024

Arguments from fission cases, most notably made by Parfit, have historically been utilized in discussions of Everettian quantum mechanics (EQM) in an attempt to illuminate details of familiar accounts in which an agent ‘splits’. Whilst such imagery is often seen as an innocuous depiction of Everett's theory, it is in fact a poisoned chalice. I argue firstly that the fission case analogy is responsible for the conceptual foundations of probability arguments in EQM and secondly, following a number of disanalogies between fission cases and Everettian branching, I argue that the analogy is unfounded. I conclude that much of the discussion of the probability problem over the past 20 years has been predicated on a problematic analogy and its effects are still apparent today.
Biological properties and characterization of several variations of a clinical human plasma-based skin substitute model and its manufacturing process
Authors: Sierra-Sánchez Álvaro , Cabañas-Penagos Jorge , Igual-Roger Sandra , Martínez-Heredia Luis , Espinosa-Ibáñez Olga , Sanabria-de la Torre Raquel , Quiñones-Vico María I , Ubago-Rodríguez Ana , Lizana-Moreno Antonio , Fernández-González Ana , Guerrero-Calvo Jorge , Fernández-Porcel Natividad , Ramírez-Muñoz Arena , Arias-Santiago Salvador
Published: September 2024

Human plasma is a natural biomaterial that due to their protein composition is widely used for the development of clinical products, especially in the field of dermatology. In this context, this biomaterial has been used as a scaffold alone or combined with others for the development of cellular human plasma-based skin substitutes (HPSSs). Herein, the biological properties (cell viability, cell metabolic activity, protein secretion profile and histology) of several variations of a clinical HPSS model, regarding the biomaterial composition (alone or combined with six secondary biomaterials – serine, fibronectin, collagen, two types of laminins and hyaluronic acid), the cellular structure (trilayer, bilayer, monolayer and control without cells) and their skin tissue of origin (abdominal or foreskin cells) and the manufacturing process [effect of partial dehydration process in cell viability and comparison between submerged (SUB) and air/liquid interface (ALI) methodologies] have been evaluated and compared. Results reveal that the use of human plasma as a main biomaterial determines the in vitro properties, rather than the secondary biomaterials added. Moreover, the characteristics are similar regardless of the skin cells used (from abdomen or foreskin). However, the manufacture of more complex cellular substitutes (trilayer and bilayer) has been demonstrated to be better in terms of cell viability, metabolic activity and wound healing protein secretion (bFGF, EGF, VEGF-A, CCL5) than monolayer HPSSs, especially when ALI culture methodology is applied. Moreover, the application of the dehydration, although required to achieve an appropriate clinical structure, reduce cell viability in all cases. These data indicate that this HPSS model is robust and reliable and that the several subtypes here analysed could be promising clinical approaches depending on the target dermatological disease.
Product Market Competition and Convertible Debt Financing
Authors: Lei Cheng , Lyandres Evgeny , Veld Chris , Xia Ying
Published: September 2024

Competitive threats motivate firms to use convertible debt because the possibility of future conversion enhances financial flexibility. Consistent with this intuition, we find that the intensity of competitive threats is positively associated with convertible debt financing at both the extensive and intensive margins. By using large tariff reductions as exogenous shocks to competition we show that this relation is likely causal. Convertible debt usage in response to competitive threats strongly depends on a firm’s relative financial and competitive conditions. In addition, firms increase the probability of future conversion by tailoring convertible debt features. (JEL D34, G30, G32, G39)

Received: 11 September 2023; Editorial decision: 15 June 2024 Editor: Isil Erel
Structural models predict a significantly higher binding affinity between the NblA protein of cyanophage Ma-LMM01 and the phycocyanin of Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-298 compared to the host homolog
Authors: Meza-Padilla Isaac , McConkey Brendan J , Nissimov Jozef I
Published: September 2024

Horizontal gene transfer events between viruses and hosts are widespread across the virosphere. In cyanophage-host systems, such events often involve the transfer of genes involved in photosynthetic processes. The genome of the lytic cyanophage Ma-LMM01 infecting the toxic, bloom-forming, freshwater Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-298 contains a homolog of the non-bleaching A (nblA) gene, which was probably transferred from a cyanobacterial host. The function of the NblA protein is to disassemble phycobilisomes, cyanobacterial light harvesting complexes that can comprise up to half of the cellular soluble protein content. NblA thus plays an essential dual role in cyanobacteria: it protects the cell from high light intensities and increases the intracellular nitrogen pool under nutrient limitation. NblA has previously been shown to interact with phycocyanin, one of the main components of phycobilisomes. Using structural modeling and protein-protein docking, we show that the NblA dimer of Ma-LMM01 is predicted to have a significantly higher binding affinity for M. aeruginosa NIES-298 phycocyanin (αβ)6 hexamers, compared to the host homolog. Protein-protein docking suggests that the viral NblA structural model is able to bind deeper into the phycocyanin groove. The main structural difference between the virus and host NblA appears to be an additional α-helix near the N-terminus of the viral NblA, which interacts with the inside of the phycocyanin groove and could thus be considered partly responsible for this deeper binding. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses indicate that this longer nblA was probably acquired from a different Microcystis host. Based on infection experiments and previous findings, we propose that a higher binding affinity of the viral NblA to the host phycocyanin may represent a selective advantage for the virus, whose infection cycle requires an increased phycobilisome degradation rate that is not fulfilled by the NblA of the host.
Nurse Educators
Authors: Ochs Jessica
Published: September 2024

They teach knowledge and skills while fostering clinical reasoning.
Maternity Care Is Increasingly Hard to Find in Rural Areas
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: September 2024

Hospital closings and scarce obstetrical staff undermine access.
Making Nursing Excellence Inclusive
Authors: Davis Stephan
Published: September 2024

How nurses can support equitable professional advancement opportunities
Development of a Referral Pathway to Address Health-Harming Legal Needs at a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Bulatovic Marija J. , Sallen Sarah , Reising Virginia
Published: September 2024

Background:

Health-harming legal needs are legal burdens that negatively affect a person's overall health. Medical–legal partnerships (MLPs) are a cost-effective way for health care systems to improve overall health and access to health care and empower health care providers to become more active in addressing health-harming legal needs and social determinants of health. This article describes the implementation of a referral pathway to an MLP in a nurse-managed community health center. This pathway was used by the health center's clinical team to help connect patients who had burdensome legal needs with legal professionals who could further help evaluate those needs.

Methods:

An MLP team developed a referral pathway in which all adult patients were asked to complete a legal screening tool to assess whether they had legal needs that could be addressed by an MLP's intervention. If a legal need was identified, the patient would meet with the community health worker for further assessment. The community health worker would then present these cases for further review to the MLP team. The Plan–Do–Study–Act approach was used to make improvements to the pathway throughout the initiative.

Results:

The referral pathway was used in 70.8% of patient visits in the first seven weeks of implementation, with 209 legal screenings completed. Of those, 38 patients (18.2%) reported a legal need, 12 of whom (31.6%) were referred to the MLP.

Conclusions:

The referral pathway is a useful means of determining legal needs while also screening for social determinants of health. This process allows health care teams to address both health-harming legal needs and social determinants of health in a community health center.
Collaborative Dementia Care Has Long-Term Benefits for Patients and Caregivers
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: September 2024

According to this study:
Clinical Importance of Redundant Nerve Roots in Patients with Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Franssen Eric , Weber Clemens , Myklebust Tor Åge , Austevoll Ivar Magne , Brisby Helena , Hellum Christian , Storheim Kjersti , Aaen Jørn , Banitalebi Hasan , Brox Jens Ivar , Indrekvam Kari , Hermansen Erland
Published: September 2024

Study Design.

Post-hoc analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial.

Objective.

To compare preoperative symptoms of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with and without redundant nerve roots (RNR), and to compare the change in clinical outcomes between those two groups 2 years after decompression surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

RNR are often seen on MRI in patients with spinal stenosis. Previous studies have reported that patients with RNR are older and have worse symptoms at baseline. A meta-analysis from 2018 concluded that this radiological sign could be seen as a negative predictor of outcome. High quality prospective studies are lacking.

Methods.

Patient characteristics and reported pain and function scores were compared between LSS groups with (RNR+) and without RNR (RNR-) at baseline and after 2 years follow-up. Primary outcome was the mean change in the Oswestry Disability Score (ODI). Secondary outcomes included mean change in scores of the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) and the numeric rating scale (NRS) for leg and back pain.

Results.

Out of 416 patients included in the present analysis, 163 (39%) had RNR at baseline. Both groups were similar in regard to patient age, smoking habits, BMI and duration of symptoms. Both groups also showed similar pain and function scores at baseline. The RNR+ group contained a significantly higher proportion of men, patients with severe stenosis and multiple stenotic levels on MRI. At 2-year follow-up the mean change of ODI was −22.1 in the RNR+ group and −17.4 in RNR- group (mean difference 4.7 (95%CI 1.3-8.2) P=0.007). Statistically significant differences were also found for secondary outcomes ZCQ, and NRS leg and back pain favouring the RNR+ group.

Conclusion.

Patients with RNR had similar baseline characteristics and similar symptoms as patients without. RNR before surgery were associated with better clinical improvement 2 years after decompression.
The actin-binding protein drebrin disrupts NF2-LATS kinases complex assembly to facilitate liver tumorigenesis
Authors: Sun Yang , Wei Henan , Yu Wentao , Gao Haoran , Li Jinhui , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Haijiao , Zhang Haoen , Miao Sen , Zhao Lihua , Yang Ruizeng , Xu Jinjin , Lu Yi , Wei Fang , Zhou Hu , Gao Daming , Jin Yunyun , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

The Hippo signaling has emerged as a crucial regulator of tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and tumorigenesis, representing a promising therapeutic target. Neurofibromin 2 (NF2), a component of Hippo signaling, is directly linked to human cancers but has been overlooked as a target for cancer therapy.

Approach and Results:

Through a high-content RNA interference genome-wide screen, the actin-binding protein Drebrin (DBN1) has been identified as a novel modulator of YAP localization. Further investigations have revealed that DBN1 directly interacts with NF2, disrupting the activation of large tumor suppressor kinases (LATS1/2) by competing with LATS kinases for NF2 binding. Consequently, DBN1 knockout considerably promotes YAP nuclear exclusion and repression of target gene expression, thereby preventing cell proliferation and liver tumorigenesis. We identified three lysine residues (K238, K248, and K252) essential for DBN1-NF2 interaction and developed a mutant DBN1 (DBN1-3Kmut) that is defective in NF2 binding and incompetent to trigger NF2-dependent YAP activation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, BTP2, a DBN1 inhibitor, successfully restored NF2-LATS kinase binding and elicited potent antitumor activity. The combination of sorafenib and BTP2 exerted synergistic inhibitory effects against HCC.

Conclusions:

Our study identifies a novel DBN1-NF2-LATS axis, and pharmacological inhibition of DBN1 represents a promising alternative intervention targeting the Hippo pathway in cancer treatment.
Optimizing surgical performance and safety in endoresection of uveal melanoma.
Authors: Romano Mario R , Ferrara Mariantonia , Feo Alessandro , Merico Anna , Angi Martina
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To present a standardized surgical technique for endoresection of uveal melanoma (UM) minimizing the risk of serious adverse events, including fatal gas embolism.

Methods:

Ten UM patients underwent endoresection following proton beam radiotherapy for radiotherapy-related vascular complications. Vortex veins located in correspondence of the tumor base had been cauterized at the time of tantalum markers placement. Endoresection was performed following complete 25G vitrectomy, endolaser and endodiathermy. The tumor was removed using a subretinal or transretinal approach depending on retinal infiltration. If needed, perfluorodecalin (PFD) was injected to stabilise the retina. Fluid-silicone oil (SO) or PFD-SO exchange was performed, avoiding air.

Results:

Endoresection was successfully performed in all eyes with no intraoperative complications. Mean follow-up (FU) was 10.8 ± 3.2 months. One patient was enucleated due to neovascular glaucoma. At the last FU, the remaining patients had the eye preserved and no signs of local recurrence or neovascular glaucoma.

Conclusion:

Our standardized surgical technique for UM endoresection appeared to be safe, minimizing the risk of serious intraoperative and postoperative adverse events.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL HILL OF VISION OF RETINAL SENSITIVITY IN PARTICIPANTS WITH X-LINKED RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA UNDER SCOTOPIC AND MESOPIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Yaghy Antonio , Alibhai A. Yasin , De Pretto Lucas R. , Curtiss Darin , Birch David G. , Waheed Nadia K.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate the utility of three-dimensional hill of vision (HOV) analysis in assessing retinal sensitivity in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) under scotopic cyan, scotopic red, and mesopic microperimetry conditions.

Methods:

Baseline microperimetry data from 31 eyes of 16 patients with XLRP enrolled in the Horizon study were analyzed. HOVs were generated using thin plate spline interpolation. Grid volumes of the central 20° (V20) were compared between lighting conditions using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. Central and global deficits were evaluated across age groups and genotypes.

Results:

The mesopic group showed the highest mean V20 (1.3 dB-Sr), followed by scotopic red (0.6 dB-Sr) and scotopic cyan (0.5 dB-Sr). Significant differences were found between mesopic and scotopic conditions (P < 0.01), but not between scotopic conditions (P = 0.26). Central and global deficits were more prevalent under scotopic conditions and increased with age.

Conclusion:

HOV analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of retinal sensitivity in XLRP, enabling detection of localized changes and quantification of sensitivity gradients. This volumetric approach offers advantages over traditional methods for diagnosis, monitoring progression, and evaluating treatment response.
Laser Photocoagulation Treatment for Candida Chorioretinitis
Authors: Su Robin C. , Mehra Ankur , Chiang Tsun-Kang , Seraly Mark , Kurup Shree
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to describe the novel surgical technique utilizing laser photocoagulation for the management of Candida chorioretinal lesions that are refractory to medical therapy.

Methods:

This report presents the use of laser photocoagulation applied to a Candida chorioretinal lesion that was refractory to extensive systemic and intravitreal antifungal medications. The presenting lesion was in an immunosuppressed patient. Argon laser photocoagulation was applied onto and surrounding the Candida chorioretinal lesion.

Results:

Following laser photocoagulation, the Candida chorioretinal lesion has remained resolved for over one year with no further reactivation, extensions, or satellites.

Conclusion:

Candida chorioretinitis can be extremely therapeutically resistant. Current treatment involves systemic and intravitreal antifungals. There are currently limited options for chorioretinal lesions refractory to standard medical therapy. The authors report the novel application of laser photocoagulation as a potential treatment option in refractory cases of Candida chorioretinitis.
COVID-Related Visitor Restrictions and Childbirth Experiences in One US Hospital
Authors: Sciarratta Payton , Rondini Kelsey , Barry Ghislaine , Dube Nandi , Seddon Isabella , Katial John , Mirabal-Beltran Roxanne
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore childbirth experiences during COVID-19 visitor restrictions.

Methods:

We used a descriptive phenomenological approach in our study, which took place in a postpartum unit at a level IV birthing hospital in the Mideastern United States, where 3617 births occurred in 2019.

Results:

A total of 22 participants who were older than 18 years, who gave birth at 37 weeks gestation or more, and who had at least 1 birth experience in the United States prior to the COVID-19 pandemic participated in this study. We assessed participants’ birth experiences before and during COVID-19 visitor restrictions through in-depth interviews. Participant perspectives revealed the following 6 themes after an iterative analysis: A Shared Personal Connection is a Valued Trait, A Female Support Person is Important, Nurses Went the Extra Mile, Support People Help with Decision-Making, Two is an Ideal Number of Support People, and Increased Psychological Burden.

Discussion:

These findings are vital to inform hospital visitor policies moving forward in the endemic reality of COVID-19 pandemic.
A Staff Educational Intervention to Increase the Time of Skin-to-Skin Care in a Swedish NICU
Authors: Nyholm Annika , Thernström Blomqvist Ylva , Risberg Rebecca , Örnberg Hanna , van den Berg Johannes
Published: September 2024

Background:

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is crucial in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care; yet, challenges exist in its implementation. This study addresses a knowledge gap by examining the most effective ways to introduce SSC in the NICU, emphasizing the need to seamlessly integrate this practice for optimal infant and parent care. One way, among many, to implement SSC is to increase staff's knowledge and awareness about SSC.

Objective:

To describe the effect of an educational intervention on SSC time, the number of SSC sessions per day, and the number of infants cared for with SSC within their first day of life.

Methods:

A pre- and postinterventional study design was used to determine the effect of an educational intervention on SSC time, the number of SSC sessions per day, and the number of infants cared for with SSC within their first day of life.

Results:

The prevalence of infants receiving SSC during their first 24 hours of life, the number of SSC sessions per day, and the duration of each SSC session increased after the intervention, and these effects persisted over 2 years.

Implications for Practice:

Our study highlights the impact of staff education and reflective discussions on SSC in the NICU. Integrating these with practical training, parental education, and NICU environment modifications is pivotal for enhancing and sustaining optimal SSC practices, benefiting both infants and parents.