bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of course format, sex, semester, and institution on student performance in an undergraduate animal science course
Authors: Vinyard James R , Peñagaricano Francisco , Faciola Antonio P
Published: January 2022

The transition of courses from in-person to an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic could have potentially affected overall student performance in lecture-based courses. The objective of this case study was to determine the impact of course format, as well as the effects of student sex, time of year at which the course was taken, and the institution it was taken at on student performance in an undergraduate animal science course. The course used for this study was taught at two institutions (University of Florida; UF and University of Nevada, Reno; UNR) over 7 yr (2014–2017 at UNR and 2018–2021 at UF). Student’s performance (n = 911) was evaluated using both quizzes and exams from 2014 through the spring semester 2020 and only exams were used for summer and fall semesters of 2020 and the spring and summer semesters of 2021. The final score (out of 100%) for each student was used to evaluate student’s performance. In addition, students were classified as high-performing students, if they scored ≥95% and low-performing students, if they scored ≤70%. The variables evaluated were the effects of semester (spring, summer, or fall), institution (UF or UNR), sex (male or female), number of teaching assistants (TAs; 0–13), and course format (online or in-person). The course was taught in-person at UNR and in-person and online at UF. The spring semester of 2020 was taught in-person until March but was switched to online approximately 9 wk after the semester started and was considered an online semester for this analysis. As the course was only taught online at UF, the variable course format was assessed using UF records only. Data were analyzed using both linear models and logistic regressions. The probability that students were high performing was not affected by sex or institution. Interestingly, both fall semester and the online format had a positive, desirable effect on the probability that students were high performing. The probability that students were low performing was not affected by sex. However, if a student performed poorly in the class, they were more likely to have taken the course at UNR, or at UF with many TAs. Thus, student’s performance was impacted by changing the course format, as well as institution, the number of TAs, and the semester in which the course was taken.
Osteology and phylogenetic relationships ofLigabuesaurus leanzai(Dinosauria: Sauropoda) from the Early Cretaceous of the Neuquén Basin, Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Bellardini Flavio , Coria Rodolfo A , Pino Diego A , Windholz Guillermo J , Baiano Mattia A , Martinelli Augustin G
Published: January 2022

Osteological knowledge of the sauropod dinosaur Ligabuesaurus leanzai is increased by the description of new postcranial elements assigned to the holotype MCF-PVPH-233. Furthermore, a newly referred specimen, MCF-PVPH-228, is recognized after a detailed revision of the abundant sauropod material collected from the Lohan Cura Formation outcrops in the Cerro de los Leones locality (southern Neuquén Basin, Patagonia, Argentina). Recent laboratory preparation and fieldwork allowed us to recognize several new morphological features of the pectoral and pelvic girdles and the cervical and caudal anatomy. Thus, a new diagnosis of Ligabuesaurus is proposed that includes new autapomorphies and a unique combination of features. A phylogenetic analysis based on this new material recovers Ligabuesaurus as a non-titanosaurian somphospondylan, more derived than Sauroposeidon. Therefore, we discuss the palaeobiogeographical implications for the diversification and distribution of South American somphospondylans, especially in the Neuquén Basin, which are closely related to the early stages of evolution of Titanosauria. In this context, Ligabuesaurus represents one of the more complete Early Cretaceous Titanosauriformes and the earliest non-titanosaurian somphospondylan of South America. Finally, the new information on Ligabuesaurus contributes not only to reconstruction of the sauropod faunal composition of south-western Gondwana, but also sheds light on the early stages and emergence of titanosaurians.
Susceptibility of Almond (Prunus dulcis) Cultivars to Twig Canker and Shoot Blight Caused byDiaporthe amygdali
Authors: Beluzán Francisco , Miarnau Xavier , Torguet Laura , Zazurca Lourdes , Abad-Campos Paloma , Luque Jordi , Armengol Josep
Published: January 2022

Twenty-five almond cultivars were assessed for susceptibility to Diaporthe amygdali, causal agent of twig canker and shoot blight disease. In laboratory experiments, growing twigs were inoculated with four D. amygdali isolates. Moreover, growing shoots of almond cultivars grafted onto INRA ‘GF-677’ rootstock were used in 4-year field inoculations with one D. amygdali isolate. In both types of experiments, inoculum consisted of agar plugs with mycelium, which were inserted underneath the bark, and the lesion lengths caused by the fungus were measured. Necrotic lesions were observed in the inoculated almond cultivars in both laboratory and field tests, confirming the susceptibility of all evaluated cultivars to all inoculated isolates of D. amygdali. Cultivars were grouped as susceptible or very susceptible according to a cluster analysis. The relationship between some agronomic traits and cultivar susceptibility was also investigated. Blooming and ripening times were found to be relevant variables explaining cultivar performance related to D. amygdali susceptibility. Late and very late blooming and early and medium ripening cultivars were highly susceptible to D. amygdali. Our results may provide valuable information that could assist in ongoing breeding programs of this crop and in the selection of cultivars for new almond plantations.
Differential Microbial Communities in Paddy Soils Between Guiyang Plateaus and Chengdu Basins Drive the Incidence of Rice Bacterial Diseases
Authors: Wang Yajiao , Tian Shuping , Wu Nan , Liu Wenwen , Li Li , Wang Xifeng
Published: January 2022

Southwest China has the most complex rice-growing regions in China. With great differences in topography, consisting mainly of basins and plateaus, ecological factors differ greatly between regions. In this study, bulk paddy soils collected from long-term rice fields in Chengdu (basins) and Guiyang (plateaus) were used to study the correlation between microbial diversity and the incidence of rice bacterial diseases. Results showed that the microbial community composition in paddy soils and the microbial functional categories differed significantly between basins and plateaus. They shared >70% of the dominant genera (abundance >1%), but the abundance of the dominant genera differed significantly. Functional analysis found that bulk paddy soils from Chengdu were significantly enriched in virulence factor–related genes; soils from Guiyang were enriched in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, especially antibiotics. Correspondingly, Chengdu was significantly enriched in leaf bacterial pathogens Acidovorax, Xanthomonas, and Pseudomonas. Greenhouse experiments and correlation analysis showed that soil chemical properties had a greater effect on microbial community composition and positively correlated with the higher incidence of rice bacterial foot rot in Guiyang, whereas temperature had a greater effect on soil microbial functions and positively correlated with the higher severity index of leaf bacterial diseases in Chengdu. Our results provide a new perspective on how differences in microbial communities in paddy soils can influence the incidence of rice bacterial diseases in areas with different topographies.
Evaluation of the Potential Risk of the Emerging Yr5-Virulent Races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici to 165 Chinese Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Zhang Gensheng , Liu Wei , Wang Lin , Cheng Xiangrui , Tian Xiaxia , Du Zhimin , Kang Zhensheng , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2022

In 2017, a new race (TSA-6) of the wheat stripe rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, virulent to resistance gene Yr5, was detected in China. However, whether Chinese wheat cultivars are resistant to the new race was unknown. In this study, two isolates (TSA-6 and TSA-9) with virulence to Yr5 were tested on other wheat Yr gene lines for their avirulence and virulence patterns and used, together with prevalent races CYR32 and CYR34 without the Yr5 virulence, to evaluate 165 major Chinese wheat cultivars for their reactions. Isolates TSA-6 and TSA-9 had similar but different virulence spectra and therefore should be considered two different races. Their avirulence and virulence patterns were remarkably different from that of CYR34 but quite similar to that of CYR32. Of the 165 wheat cultivars, 21 had all-stage resistance to TSA-6, 34 to TSA-9, and 20 to both races. Adult plant resistance (APR) was detected in 35 cultivars to TSA-6 and 27 to TSA-9, but only three cultivars showed APR to both new races. Slow rusting resistance was observed in 24 cultivars to TSA-6 and 33 to TSA-9. Analysis of variance of disease index indicated a significant difference between cultivars but not between the four races. Based on the molecular marker data, a low percentage of wheat cultivars carried Yr5, Yr7, Yr10, Yr15, Yr26, or YrSP. Because TSA-6 and TSA-9 can be a serious threat to wheat production in China, continual monitoring of TSA-6, TSA-9, and other races is needed.
Spatial and Temporal Population Dynamics of Aspergillus flavus in Commercial Pistachio Orchards in Arizona
Authors: Ching’anda Connel , Atehnkeng Joseph , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit , Callicott Kenneth , Orbach Marc J. , Cotty Peter J. , Mehl Hillary L.
Published: January 2022

Aspergillus flavus infects a wide range of crops, including pistachio, and subsequent aflatoxin contamination results in significant economic losses. Application of biocontrol products based on nonaflatoxigenic (atoxigenic) strains of A. flavus is one of the most effective tactics for controlling aflatoxins in crops. Both risk of aflatoxin contamination and effectiveness of biocontrol are influenced by the extent to which A. flavus spores move into pistachio tree canopies during periods of nut development. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate spatial and temporal population dynamics of A. flavus, including the applied biocontrol strain AF36, in canopies of pistachio orchards in Arizona. Propagule densities of A. flavus were quantified on leaf samples collected from lower, middle, and upper canopies from spring through harvest in 2018 and 2019. A. flavus propagule densities peaked during periods of high temperature and rainfall in 2018 (up to 600 CFU/g) and 2019 (up to 23 CFU/g), which coincided with nut development and maturation. The applied biocontrol strain AF36 was detected at all canopy heights but overall propagule densities were greater in the upper and middle canopy (mean = 70 CFU/g) compared with the lower canopy (mean = 47 CFU/g). Results suggest that June to August is the period during which A. flavus inoculum increases in Arizona pistachio orchards and, to most effectively displace aflatoxin-producing fungi in tree canopies, biocontrol applications should precede this period. In addition, this study demonstrates that soil-applied biocontrol strains can successfully disperse throughout the canopies of commercial tree nut orchards.
The Diversity of Passalora fulva Isolates Collected from Tomato Plants in U.S. High Tunnels
Authors: Sudermann Martha A. , McGilp Lillian , Vogel Gregory , Regnier Melissa , Jaramillo Alejandra Rodríguez , Smart Christine D.
Published: January 2022

High tunnels extend the growing season of high value crops, including tomatoes, but the environmental conditions within high tunnels favor the spread of the tomato leaf mold pathogen, Passalora fulva (syn. Cladosporium fulvum). Tomato leaf mold results in defoliation, and if severe, losses in yield. Despite substantial research, little is known regarding the genetic structure and diversity of populations of P. fulva associated with high tunnel tomato production in the United States. From 2016 to 2019, a total of 50 P. fulva isolates were collected from tomato leaf samples in high tunnels in the Northeast and Minnesota. Other Cladosporium species were also isolated from the leaf surfaces. Koch’s postulates were conducted to confirm that P. fulva was the cause of the disease symptoms observed. Race determination experiments revealed that the isolates belonged to either race 0 (six isolates) or race 2 (44 isolates). Polymorphisms were identified within four previously characterized effector genes: Avr2, Avr4, Avr4e, and Avr9. The largest number of polymorphisms were observed for Avr2. Both mating type genes, MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1, were present in the isolate collection. For further insights into the pathogen diversity, the 50 isolates were genotyped at 7,514 single-nucleotide polymorphism loci using genotyping-by-sequencing. Differentiation by region but not by year was observed. Within the collection of 50 isolates, there were 18 distinct genotypes. Information regarding P. fulva population diversity will enable better management recommendations for growers, as high tunnel production of tomatoes expands.
Transcriptome Profiling of ‘CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus’ in Citrus and Psyllids
Authors: De Francesco Agustina , Lovelace Amelia H. , Shaw Dipan , Qiu Min , Wang Yuanchao , Gurung Fatta , Ancona Veronica , Wang Chunxia , Levy Amit , Jiang Tao , Ma Wenbo
Published: January 2022

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las) is an emergent bacterial pathogen that is associated with the devastating citrus huanglongbing (HLB). Vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid, Las colonizes the phloem tissue of citrus, causing severe damage to infected trees. So far, cultivating pure Las culture in axenic media has not been successful, and dual-transcriptome analyses aiming to profile gene expression in both Las and its hosts have a low coverage of the Las genome because of the low abundance of bacterial RNA in total RNA extracts from infected tissues. Therefore, a lack of understanding of the Las transcriptome remains a significant knowledge gap. Here, we used a bacterial cell enrichment procedure and confidently determined the expression profiles of approximately 84% of the Las genes. Genes that exhibited high expression in citrus include transporters, ferritin, outer membrane porins, specific pilins, and genes involved in phage-related functions, cell wall modification, and stress responses. We also found 106 genes to be differentially expressed in citrus versus Asian citrus psyllids. Genes related to transcription or translation and resilience to host defense response were upregulated in citrus, whereas genes involved in energy generation and the flagella system were expressed to higher levels in psyllids. Finally, we determined the relative expression levels of potential Sec-dependent effectors, which are considered as key virulence factors of Las. This work advances our understanding of HLB biology and offers novel insight into the interactions of Las with its plant host and insect vector.
The C2H2 Transcription Factor SsZFH1 Regulates the Size, Number, and Development of Apothecia in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Liu Ling , Lyu Xingming , Pan Zequn , Wang Qiaochu , Mu Wenhui , Benny Ulla , Rollins Jeffrey A. , Pan Hongyu
Published: January 2022

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a notorious phytopathogenic Ascomycota fungus with a host range of >600 plant species worldwide. This homothallic Leotiomycetes species reproduces sexually through a multicellular apothecium that produces and releases ascospores. These ascospores serve as the primary inoculum source for disease initiation in the majority of S. sclerotiorum disease cycles. The regulation of apothecium development for this pathogen and other apothecium-producing fungi remains largely unknown. Here, we report that a C2H2 transcription factor, SsZFH1 (zinc finger homologous protein), is necessary for the proper development and maturation of sclerotia and apothecia in S. sclerotiorum and is required for the normal growth rate of hyphae. Furthermore, ΔSszfh1 strains exhibit decreased H2O2 accumulation in hyphae, increased melanin deposition, and enhanced tolerance to H2O2 in the process of vegetative growth and sclerotia formation. Infection assays on common bean leaves, with thin cuticles, and soybean and tomato leaves, with thick cuticles, suggest that the deletion of Sszfh1 slows the mycelial growth rate, which in turn affects the expansion of leaf lesions. Collectively, our results provide novel insights into a major fungal factor mediating maturation of apothecia with additional effects on hyphae and sclerotia development.
The multiple molecular dimensions of long noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and tumorigenesis
Authors: Marcia Marco
Published: January 2022

Purpose of review

LncRNAs are emerging as key regulators of gene expression and they ensure homeostasis during cell differentiation and development, replication, and adaptation to the environment. Because of their key central role in regulating the biology of living cells, it is crucial to characterize how lncRNAs function at the genetic, transcriptomic, and mechanistic level.

Recent findings

The low endogenous abundance and high molecular complexity of lncRNAs pose unique challenges for their characterization but new methodological advances in biochemistry, biophysics and cell biology have recently made it possible to characterize an increasing number of these transcripts, including oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs. These recent studies specifically address important issues that had remained controversial, such as the selectivity of lncRNA mechanisms of action, the functional importance of lncRNA sequences, secondary and tertiary structures, and the specificity of lncRNA interactions with proteins.

These recent achievements, coupled to population-wide medical and genomic approaches that connect lncRNAs with human diseases and to recent advances in RNA-targeted drug development, open unprecedented new perspectives for exploiting lncRNAs as pharmacological targets or biomarkers to monitor and cure cancer, in addition to metabolic, developmental and cardiovascular diseases.
Transcriptional and epigenetic control of early life cell fate decisions
Authors: Al-Mousawi Jasmina , Boskovic Ana
Published: January 2022

Purpose of review

Global epigenetic reprogramming of the parental genomes after fertilization ensures the establishment of genome organization permissive for cell specialization and differentiation during development. In this review, we highlight selected, well-characterized relationships between epigenetic factors and transcriptional cell fate regulators during the initial stages of mouse development.

Recent findings

Blastomeres of the mouse embryo are characterized by atypical and dynamic histone modification arrangements, noncoding RNAs and DNA methylation profiles. Moreover, asymmetries in epigenomic patterning between embryonic cells arise as early as the first cleavage, with potentially instructive roles during the first lineage allocations in the mouse embryo. Although it is widely appreciated that transcription factors and developmental signaling pathways play a crucial role in cell fate specification at the onset of development, it is increasingly clear that their function is tightly connected to the underlying epigenetic status of the embryonic cells in which they act.

Findings on the interplay between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors during reprogramming and differentiation in the embryo are crucial for understanding the molecular underpinnings of disease processes, particularly tumorigenesis, which is characterized by global epigenetic rewiring and progressive loss of cellular identity.
Autophagy, not apoptosis, plays a role in lumen formation of eccrine gland organoids
Authors: Du Lijie , Zhang Lei , Zhao Junhong , Chen Zixiu , Liu Xiang , Cao Manxiu , You Lei , Zhang Yonghong , Fu Xiaobing , Li Haihong
Published: January 2022

Background:

Sweat secreted by eccrine sweat glands is transported to the skin surface through the lumen. The eccrine sweat gland develops from the initial solid bud to the final gland structure with a lumen, but how the lumen is formed and the mechanism of lumen formation have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lumen formation of eccrine gland organoids (EGOs).

Methods:

Human eccrine sweat glands were isolated from the skin for tissue culture, and the primary cultured cells were collected and cultured in Matrigel for 14 days in vitro. EGOs at different development days were collected for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to observe morphological changes and for immunofluorescence staining of proliferation marker Ki67, cellular motility marker filamentous actin (F-actin), and autophagy marker LC3B. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Ki67, F-actin, and LC3B. Moreover, apoptosis was detected using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay kit, and the expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and Caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. In addition, 3-methyladenine (3MA) was used as an autophagy inhibitor to detect whether the formation of sweat glands can be effectively inhibited.

Results:

The results showed that a single gland cell proliferated rapidly and formed EGOs on day 4. The earliest lumen formation was observed on day 6. From day 8 to day 14, the rate of lumen formation in EGOs increased significantly. The immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses showed that the expression of Ki67 gradually decreased with the increase in days, while the F-actin expression level did not change. Notably, the expression of autophagy marker LC3B was detected in the interior cells of EGOs as the apoptosis signal of EGOs was negative. Compared with the control group, the autophagy inhibitor 3MA can effectively limit the formation rate of the lumen and reduce the inner diameter of EGOs.

Conclusion:

Using our model of eccrine gland 3D-reconstruction in Matrigel, we determined that autophagy rather than apoptosis plays a role in the lumen formation of EGOs.
General Anxiety Is Associated with Problematic Initial Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Ryan Claire , Miner Harrison , Ramachandran Shyam , Ring David , Fatehi Amirreza
Published: January 2022

Background

Carpal tunnel release can stop the progression of idiopathic median neuropathy at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome). Intermittent symptoms tend to resolve after surgery, but loss of sensibility can be permanent. Both pathophysiology (severe neuropathy) and mental health (symptoms of despair or worry) contribute to problematic recovery after carpal tunnel release, but their relative associations are unclear.

Question/purpose

Is problematic initial recovery after carpal tunnel release associated with psychologic distress rather than with disease severity?

Methods

We retrospectively studied 156 patients who underwent in-office carpal tunnel release between November 2017 and February 2020, and we recorded their symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD]) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), signs of severe median neuropathy (loss of sensibility, thenar muscle atrophy, and palmar abduction weakness), and problematic recovery. The initial recovery (first 2 weeks) was categorized as problematic if the patient was upset about persistent numbness, experienced unsettling postoperative pain, developed hand stiffness, or experienced wound issues—all of which are routinely recorded in the medical record by the treating surgeon along with signs of severe median neuropathy. Twenty-four percent (38 of 156) of patients had a problematic initial recovery characterized by distress regarding persistent numbness (16% [25 of 156]), unsettling pain (8% [12 of 156]), hand stiffness (5% [8 of 156]), or wound issues (1% [2 of 156]); 6% (9 of 156) of patients had more than one issue. Associations between problematic initial recovery and age, gender, symptoms of anxiety and depression, disease severity, specific exam findings, and insurance were evaluated using t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and chi-square tests, with the plan to perform logistic regression if at least two variables had an association with p < 0.10.

Results

The only factor associated with problematic initial recovery was greater symptoms of anxiety (median GAD score 1.5 [interquartile range 0 to 7.8] for problematic initial recovery compared with a median score of 0 [IQR 0 to 2] for nonproblematic recovery; p = 0.04), so we did not perform a logistic regression. Physical examination findings consistent with severe median neuropathy were not associated with problematic initial recovery.

Conclusion

The finding that problematic initial recovery after carpal tunnel release was related to symptoms of anxiety and not to the severity of median neuropathy highlights the need to study the ability of efforts to ameliorate anxiety symptoms before carpal tunnel release as an effective intervention to reduce unplanned visits and additional tests, therapy, and repeat surgery, while improving patient-reported outcomes and experience.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.
Long Term Follow-up of Composite Flaps for Single-stage Reconstruction of Concomitant Tendon and Soft Tissue Defects
Authors: Bekeny Jenna C. , Zolper Elizabeth G. , Dekker Paige K. , Kim Kevin G. , Wang Jessica , Nigam Manas , Attinger Christopher E. , Fan Kenneth L. , Evans Karen K.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Tendon rupture in the setting of significant soft tissue loss poses a challenging reconstructive situation, which requires (1) recreating a stable gait cycle, (2) reducing shear forces and re-rupture risk, and (3) providing adequate soft tissue coverage. In this study, we outline our experience with composite flaps in single-step reconstruction of various lower extremity tendinous injuries with soft tissue loss.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients requiring free tissue transfer at our tertiary wound care center between 2011 and 2020 was performed. Patients undergoing single-stage free tissue transfer for both soft tissue coverage and tendon reconstruction were selected. Variables of interest included demographics, comorbid conditions, baseline functionality, reconstructive details, and wound characteristics. Outcomes of interest were flap success, return to ambulation, time to ambulation, and postoperative complications.

Results:

Nineteen patients were included in this study. Patients were on average 48.0 years old (SD 16.5), with a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1.00 (IQR: 0.0–2.5). Defects were most often on the ankle (n = 1 3, 68.4%), with extension to the foot or leg in six of these cases. Median wound size was 68.0 cm2 (IQR: 48.0–120.0). The most common tendon requiring reconstruction was the Achilles (n = 13, 68.4%). An anterolateral thigh flap with attached fascia lata extension rolled into a neotendon was used in all 19 cases. At baseline, all patients were ambulatory. Only one patient (5.3%) required return to the operating room for suspected vascular compromise. At a median of 14.4 months (IQR: 8.5–40.5), all 19 patients were ambulatory.

Conclusions:

Simultaneous reconstruction of tendinous injuries and soft tissue defects can be readily achieved via composite free flaps. Although other methods of reconstruction can be considered for smaller soft tissue and tendon loss, this approach has significant utility for patients with large defects and yields robust return to preinjury functionality.
Unexplained Infant Deaths While on Propranolol for Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Pathman Lydia , Dompmartin Anne , Coquerel Antoine , Robertson Susan J. , Phillips Roderic
Published: January 2022

Propranolol is first-line systemic therapy for infantile hemangiomas. Its use in infants has significantly increased in the last decade. It has a good safety profile, but there are concerns about side effects. We present 5 unexplained deaths of infants who were on propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangiomas.
Characteristics associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons living with dementia and caregiver distress and diminished well-being
Authors: Kovaleva Mariya A. , Higgins Melinda , Dietrich Mary S. , Jennings Bonnie Mowinski , Song Mi-Kyung , Clevenger Carolyn K. , Griffiths Patricia C. , Hepburn Kenneth
Published: January 2022

Background:

The population of persons living with dementia (PLWDs) is increasing, although mainstream dementia care quality is suboptimal.

Purpose:

To identify characteristics associated with: (1) PLWDs' neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life; and (2) distress from neuropsychiatric symptoms and well-being among their family caregivers (N = 49).

Methodology:

Cross-sectional single-group examination of PLWD and caregivers when they enrolled into a nurse-led dementia-centered primary care clinic. Pearson correlations were run between characteristics of PLWD and caregiver and variables representing PLWD's neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life and their caregivers' well-being. Statistically significant correlations were reported via Cohen d statistics.

Results:

Caregivers' characteristics associated with higher distress from neuropsychiatric symptoms and diminished well-being included Black race, female gender, younger age, caring for a parent with dementia, and being employed. Characteristics of PLWD associated with caregivers' higher distress and diminished well-being included longer time since dementia onset, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and non-Alzheimer dementia. Caregivers' characteristics associated with higher neuropsychiatric symptom burden included Black race, female gender, younger age, caring for parent PLWD, and being employed. Characteristics of PLWDs associated with higher neuropsychiatric symptom burden included non-Alzheimer dementia, longer time since dementia onset, more comorbidities, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. Finally, a longer time since dementia onset was associated with PLWDs' lower quality of life.

Conclusions:

Black race, caring for caring for a parent with dementia, younger age, and being employed were characteristics linked to PLWDs' higher neuropsychiatric symptom burden and caregivers' diminished well-being.

Implications:

Clinicians must assess and intervene with unpaid caregivers who may not appear obviously distressed.
Preclinical Evaluation of a New ECCO2R Setup
Authors: Schwärzel Leonie S. , Jungmann Anna M. , Schmoll Nicole , Caspari Stefan , Seiler Frederik , Muellenbach Ralf M. , Bewarder Moritz , Thai Dinh Quoc , Bals Robert , Lepper Philipp M. , Omlor Albert J.
Published: January 2022

Low flow extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) is a promising approach to correct hypercapnic lung failure, facilitate lung protective ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome and to possibly prevent the application of invasive ventilation. However, the predominant availability of adult membrane lungs (MLs) at most intensive care units are burdens for low flow ECCO2R that intends to reduce cannula size and promote the mobility of the patients. Herein, in a mock setup, we combine the idea of a low flow ECCO2R and the use of adult MLs by installing a recirculation channel into the circuit and comparing the new setup to an already clinically established setup, “the Homburg lung.” Furthermore, to make stronger reference to hypercapnic respiratory failure, we investigate the influence of CO2 partial pressure in blood on CO2 removal of both setups. A linear association between CO2 partial pressure in blood and CO2 removal of the ML in the physiologically relevant range was observed. To understand this linear dependence, a simplified mathematical model was proposed. Our new ECCO2R mock setup combines the idea of a low flow ECCO2R and an adult size ML. It shows a reasonable alternative to the current available low flow setups based on pediatric MLs.
In silico Prediction of Thrombosis Risk in a Ventricular Assist Device Supported Right Heart: The Impact of Cannulation Site
Authors: Thum Kar Ying , Liao Sam , Carberry Josie , McGiffin David , Gregory Shaun D.
Published: January 2022

Right ventricular assist device (RVAD) associated thrombosis is a serious complication that may arise due to unfavorable blood flow dynamics (blood stasis) caused by RVAD cannula protrusion within the chambers. This study aims to investigate the thrombosis risk of cannulation via the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) (diaphragmatic) under full RVAD support using computational fluid dynamics. A HeartWare HVAD inflow cannula was virtually implanted in either the RA or RV of a rigid-walled right heart geometry (including RA, RV, superior, and inferior vena cava) extracted from computed tomography data of a biventricular support patient. Transient simulations, validated with particle image velocimetry, were performed with constant inflow. Thrombosis risk was predicted by analyzing the time-averaged blood velocity, blood stagnation volume, washout rate, and blood residence time (BRT). Results showed that RA cannulation disturbed the physiological swirling flow structure which can be found in an uncannulated RA. This led to a large low-velocity recirculation flow in the RV, increasing the thrombosis risk. Contrarily, RV diaphragmatic cannulation showed better preservation of swirling flow in the RA and flow ejection into the RV. Consequently, RV diaphragmatic cannulation exhibited a better washout rate (99% vs. 57% of old blood was replaced in 12 s), lower blood stagnation volume (0.13 ml vs. 32.85 ml), and BRT (4.2 s vs. 7.1 s) than the RA cannulation in this simulated non-pulsatile case. Our findings suggest that RV diaphragmatic cannulation had a lower thrombosis risk and might be more favorable in a full RVAD-supported setting.
Prolonged (24-hour) Normothermic ex vivo Heart Perfusion Facilitated by Perfusate Hemofiltration
Authors: Johnson Matthew D , Fallon Brian P , Langley Mark , Kayden Adrianna , Shenton Hannah , Schneider Bailey , Hoenerhoff Mark , Haft Jonathan , Drake Daniel H , Owens Gabe , Rojas-Pena Alvaro , Bartlett Robert H
Published: January 2022

Currently, normothermic ex vivo heart perfusion (NEVHP) is limited to 6-12 hours. NEVHP for 24 hours or more would allow organ treatment, assessment of organ function, and near-perfect recipient matching. We present a model of NEVHP using continuous hemofiltration (HFn) with sustained myocardial viability up to 24 hours. Twenty hearts from 6–10 kg piglets were procured and maintained on our NEVHP circuit. HFn hearts (n = 10) underwent NEVHP with HFn, whereas controls (n = 10) used NEVHP alone. All HFn vs. four controls were viable at 24 h (p = 0.004). At end perfusion, HFn hearts had higher left ventricular systolic pressure (51.5 ± 6.8 mm Hg, 38.3 ± 5.2 mm Hg, p = 0.05), lower coronary resistance (0.83 ± 0.11 mm Hg/mL/min, 1.18 ± 0.21mmHg/mL/min, p < 0.05), and lower serum lactate levels (2.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L, 4.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L, p < 0.0001) when compared to control hearts. HFn hearts also had less extensive myocardial damage and significantly less edema than control hearts with lower weight gain and wet-dry ratios. Using our circuit, NEVHP for 24 hours is possible with HFn and allows for preservation of myocardial function, improved tissue viability, decreased tissue edema, and less myocardial injury.
High-Versatility Left Ventricle Pump and Aortic Mock Circulatory Loop Development for Patient-Specific Hemodynamic In Vitro Analysis
Authors: Vignali Emanuele , Gasparotti Emanuele , Mariotti Alessandro , Haxhiademi Dorela , Ait-Ali Lamia , Celi Simona
Published: January 2022

The importance of experimental setups able to reproduce cardiac functions was well established in the field of clinical innovations. The mock circulatory loops acquired rising relevance, and the possibility to have a complete reproduction of different and specific fluid dynamic conditions within the setup is pivotal. A system with enough versatility to reproduce the physiologic range of both flows and pressures is required. This study describes the design of a versatile setup composed by a custom pulsatile left ventricular pump system and a 3D-printed mock circulatory loop for the in vitro analysis of a patient-specific case of an aortic complex. The performances of the pump were validated first with a set of test flow profiles. It was demonstrated that the system was able to cover a wide range of aortic and mitral flows. Second, the pump system was inserted within the full mock circulatory loop. A patient-specific case was reproduced, both in terms of flow and pressure profiles. A successful validation of the flow and pressure waveforms was obtained by using patient-specific in vivo data from magnetic resonance analysis.
“Struggling to Accept the New Breast as Part of My Body” – The Challenge of Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Han Jeehee , Jin Juhye , Kim Sanghee , Lee Dong Won , Kim Sue
Published: January 2022

Background

Women have difficulties in making decisions and experiences an unexpectedly long recovery period after immediate breast reconstruction. There are still many limitations in understanding the overall changes in life experienced by women with breast cancer before and after immediate breast reconstruction.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by women with breast cancer undergoing immediate breast reconstruction and how they coped with these problems.

Methods

Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory design was used. In-depth face-to-face individual interviews were undertaken with 11 women with breast cancer from 4 hospitals in Korea. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously, using the constant comparative method.

Results

The core category was “struggling to accept the new breast as part of my body.” “Decision making regarding immediate breast reconstruction” was the initial step, followed by “facing the changed breasts after surgery.” The challenge of “living with the new breasts” slowly merged into “making up my mind to accept my breasts with gratitude.”

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer undergoing immediate breast reconstruction struggled to accept the new breast as part of their body, and some reached a measure of closure and acceptance with gratitude.

Implication for Practice

Nurses can apply findings by recognizing the experiences, perceptions, and needs of women; providing patients with sufficient information on the whole process; and offering continuous supportive care to facilitate the coping process. In addition, nurses should consider a variety of approaches that help women to integrate their changed bodies into their self-concept and self-image and restore a sense of normality.
Lifestyle Behaviors and Parents’ Mental Well-Being Among Low-Income Families During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Robbins Lorraine B. , Ling Jiying
Published: January 2022

Background

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively altered many families’ lifestyles and the mental well-being of parents, especially those who have a low income and young children. To improve low-income parents’ mental well-being, especially during a pandemic, understanding parents’ and children’s lifestyle behaviors and the relationship between their lifestyle behaviors and parents’ mental well-being is essential.

Objective

This cross-sectional study examined relationships between lifestyle behaviors (sleep, physical activity, screen time, and eating behavior of parents and children) and low-income parents’ well-being (stress, anxiety, and depression) during COVID-19.

Methods

Parents were recruited from two Michigan Head Start organizations as well as across the United States; 408 parents completed an online survey. Demographic characteristics were assessed, along with parents’ sleep, physical activity, screen time, and dietary intake; stress, anxiety, and depression were also examined. Children’s sleep time, physical activity, screen time, and fruit/vegetable intake were assessed. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and the multivariate general linear model procedure were used.

Results

Approximately 69.4% of parents reported moderate stress levels, and 17.2% reported high levels. Most parents had sleep disturbances, attained minimal physical activity, and consumed <5 fruits/vegetables per day; average screen time was >2 hours per day. Only 41% of preschoolers were active 7 days a week and slept ≥10 hours per day. Two thirds had >2 hours per day of screen time, and less than one fifth consumed ≥5 fruits/vegetables per day. After adjusting for parents’ demographics and children’s lifestyle behaviors, parents’ sleep disturbance was positively correlated with their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. After controlling for parents’ demographics and lifestyle behaviors, child sleep time was negatively associated with parents’ stress levels. Family demographics and parents’ and children’s lifestyle behaviors explained 33.4%, 29.8%, and 28.1% of the variances in parents’ stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively.

Discussion

Most parents and preschoolers were not meeting many lifestyle behavior recommendations, indicating a need for interventions. Improving parents’ sleep quality and reducing bedtime challenges involving their preschoolers may be necessary for enhancing parental mental well-being.
The Pain Coping Questionnaire short-form: preliminary reliability and validity
Authors: Kohut Sara Ahola , Stinson Jennifer , Chambers Christine T. , Reid Graham J. , Pillai Riddell Rebecca R.
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

The Pain Coping Questionnaire (PCQ) has support for its validity and reliability as a tool to understand how a child copes with pain of an extended duration. However, measure length may limit feasibility in clinical settings.

Objectives:

The primary goal of this study was to develop a short-form (PCQ-SF) that could be used for screening how children cope with chronic or recurrent pain and examine its reliability and validity.

Methods:

The PCQ-SF was developed in a stepwise manner. First, a confirmatory factor analysis was computed using an amalgamated data set from the validation studies of the PCQ (N = 1225). Next, ratings from researchers and clinicians were obtained on PCQ item content and clarity (n = 12). Finally, the resulting 16-item short-form was tested in a pediatric sample living with chronic and recurrent pain (65 parent–child dyads; n = 128).

Results:

The PCQ-SF has acceptable preliminary reliability and validity. Both statistical and expert analyses support the collective use of the 16 items as an alternative to the full measure.

Conclusions:

The compact format of the PCQ-SF will allow practitioners in high-volume clinical environments to quickly determine a child's areas of strengths and weaknesses when coping with pain. Future research using larger more diverse samples to confirm clinical validity is warranted.
Angiofibroma of Soft Tissue on MRI and FDG PET/CT Image
Authors: Xiao Liu , Yang Liu , Wang Yueqi , Li Lin
Published: January 2022

Angiofibroma of soft tissue is a rare benign mesenchymal neoplasm. We reported a case of angiofibroma of soft tissue in a 61-year-old woman. MRI examination indicated a soft tissue mass in the right lower thigh, which showed isosignal intensity on T1-weighted imaging and heterogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging. This lesion had intense tracer uptake, with an SUVmax of 7.24 on FDG PET/CT. Our case revealed that when soft tissue masses with intense FDG uptake on PET/CT are encountered, angiofibroma of soft tissue should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Thyroid Scintigraphy of a Rare Case of Left Thyroid Lobe Hemiagenesis With Subacute Thyroiditis
Authors: Reya Nafisa , Posocco David , Dadparvar Simin
Published: January 2022

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare developmental anomaly. Patients with thyroid hemiagenesis have higher incidence of coexisting thyroid disorders in the remaining lobe. We present a rare case of a 21-year-old woman with subclinical hyperthyroidism incidentally found to have thyroid hemiagenesis on thyroid 123I-Na scan, which is confirmed on thyroid ultrasound. On scintigraphy, only the right lobe showed activity. Thyroid ultrasound demonstrated that the right lobe was normal without any nodule. The left lobe was not visualized. This patient's thyroid uptake and scan also revealed low uptake in the remaining right thyroid lobe in keeping with subacute thyroiditis.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism on 99mTc-Labeled Macroaggregated Albumin Lung Imaging After Hepatic Arterial Injection for Planning of Radioembolization
Authors: Frazzitta Aubrey E. , Kay Matthew D. , Warhadpande Devdutta , Kuo Phillip H.
Published: January 2022

A 54-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma from alcohol-induced cirrhosis presented with hepatic encephalopathy and refractory ascites related to decompensated liver disease. MRI confirmed disease progression adjacent the site of prior radiofrequency ablation, performed 2 years prior, with associated right hepatic vein tumor thrombus. 99mTc-labeled macroaggregated albumin lung shunt imaging performed before 90Y radioembolization identified a left lower lobe wedge-shaped defect, confirmed as pulmonary embolism on CT pulmonary angiography and MRI.
Use of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT for Detecting Myeloid Sarcoma of the Breast and Assessing Early Response to Chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Simin , Lin Zhijuan , Shang Qihang , Pang Yizhen , Chen Haojun
Published: January 2022

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare presentation of acute myeloid leukemia as a solid tumor at various extramedullary sites. In this case, we report 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT findings in an 18-year-old woman with biopsy-proven myeloid sarcoma involving the left breast. 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT showed a far better tumor-to-background contrast than 18F-FDG PET/CT in the left breast mass. Moreover, follow-up 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT after 2 cycles of chemotherapy revealed a reduction in tumor size with decreasing activity in the myeloid sarcoma lesions.
Rare Case of Small Cell Metastatic Prostatic Adenocarcinoma, Properly Staged by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Scan
Authors: Golestani Zahra Bakhshi , Soltani Salman , Kalantari Mahmoud Reza , Ghorbani Hamid Reza , Aghaee Atena
Published: January 2022

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is a very rare entity and one of most aggressive neuroendocrine malignancies of prostate. We present a 60-year-old man with pathology-proven prostatic SCC by transrectal biopsy with ultrasonography guidance and Gleason score of 5 + 5. He was referred to perform 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan for staging. The scan showed PSMA uptake in the prostate bed and multiple large pelvic lymph nodes. As we know, 68Ga-PSMA uptake in the de novo form of SCC of prostate is not commonly found in the literature.
Pleural Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Depicted by 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT
Authors: Chen Yun , Zheng Shan , Zhang Jiaying , Yao Shaobo , Miao Weibing
Published: January 2022

A 43-year-old woman with history of papillary thyroid cancer status post total thyroidectomy and neck dissection and multiple radioiodine therapy developed dyspnea and cough. CT scan of the chest showed left pleural thickening and pleural effusion. The pathology from pleural biopsy demonstrated the metastases from papillary thyroid cancer. 68Ga–fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET/CT showed inhomogeneously increased uptake of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor in the thickened pleura.