bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An international comparison of student nurse practitioner diagnostic reasoning skills
Authors: Rogers Melanie , Lyden Catherine , Steinke Mary , Windle Angela , Lehwaldt Daniela
Published: July 2023

Background:

Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a pivotal role in health care provision. Diagnostic reasoning is an important core skill of advanced practice.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare diagnostic reasoning skills of NP students. It also identified the variability in clinical teaching components of a sample of international NP curricula.

Methods:

An international group of NP students completed an online survey using a validated diagnostic reasoning scale during the first year of their NP program. Program faculty surveyed provided data on core curricula.

Results:

The NP students’ (n = 152) mean diagnostic thinking inventory (DTI) score was 142, flexibility in thinking subscale score mean of 73 with a knowledge structure in memory of 69. The programs surveyed required bioscience courses. Most programs provided opportunities for students to practice diagnostic thinking using individual precepted clinical hours (range 500–950) and objective structured clinical examinations.

Conclusion:

The lower scores of this group of NP students were similar to other NP students and first-year medical residents. Higher mean scores in the DTI reflect expertise and are developed over time. Courses providing a foundation of biomedical knowledge were identified in each program, with opportunities for the NP students to practice diagnostic thinking using objective structured clinical examinations and clinical practice hours.

Implications:

The use of the diagnostic reasoning inventory is a useful tool for evaluating student NP's diagnostic reasoning during their NP program. Nurse practitioner programs should consider the provision of dedicated clinical hours, including supervised clinical practice experiences and objective structured clinical examinations to improve diagnostic reasoning.
Tumor-Derived Exosomes and the Role of Liquid Biopsy in Human Papillomavirus Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Allevato Michael M. , Smith Joshua D. , Brenner Michael J. , Chinn Steven B.
Published: July 2023

The global incidence of human papillomavirus–positive (HPV+) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has surged in recent decades, with HPV+ HNSCC accounting for >70% of oropharynx cancers in the United States. Its incidence in men has surpassed that of HPV+ cervical cancer in women, and reliable assays are needed for early detection and to monitor response to therapy. Human papillomavirus–positive OPSCC has a more favorable response to therapy and prognosis than HPV-negative (HPV−) HNSCC, motivating regimens to deintensify curative surgery or chemoradiotherapy protocols. A barrier to deintensifying and personalizing therapy is lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. Furthermore, HPV− HNSCC survival rates are static without reliable surveillance biomarkers available. The emergence of circulating plasma-based biomarkers reflecting the tumor-immune microenvironment heralds a new era in HNSCC diagnosis and therapy. We review evidence on tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (exosomes) as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment in HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC.
Developing a Quality Assurance Framework for Neuro-Ophthalmology Using a Multisite Data Registry
Authors: Lal Anoushka P. , Dimmick Sylvia , Roche Olga , Wang Wendy , Sheth Shivanand , Chakrabarti Rahul , del Porto Lana A. , Fok Anthony , Shuey Neil , Fraser Clare , White Owen , Van der Walt Anneke
Published: July 2023

Background:

Quality assurance (QA) in neuro-ophthalmology (NOPH) is often lacking. We aimed to assess the quality of referral assessment and time to consult for common neuro-ophthalmological conditions by implementing a quality-assurance registry, NODE (Neuro-ophthalmology Database), in a tertiary neuro-ophthalmology clinic. Australian standardized triage categories, namely, P1 (consult ≤30 days), P2 (consult ≤30–60 days), and P3 (consult ≤60–90 days), were developed and validated for neuro-ophthalmological conditions.

Methods:

We collected data from NODE on 676 patients at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne and developed a consensus on the assignation of NOPH conditions to triage categories using a modified Delphi approach. A panel of 7 experienced neuro-ophthalmologists scored conditions and assignation to triage categories. Consensus was considered when ≥75% of the panel strongly agreed or agreed. We analyzed the mean days from referral to triage and from triage to the initial consultation and compared that with the developed triage category standard.

Results:

Most patients presenting to the service were female (64%). Common diagnoses were idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (19%), optic neuropathy (ON) (14%), nonspecific headaches (11%), cranial nerve defects (CND) (8%), and papilledema (7%). Consensus on triage category assignment was reached after 2 rounds of scoring from expert panel members. The mean time from referral to triage was performed in <5 days for all the common diagnosis at the NOPH clinic. The mean days (±SD) from P1 category triage to initial consult for IIH was 15 (±12) days, acute ON 16 (±14) days, CND was 20 (±15) days, and papilledema was 20 (±19) days. The mean days from P2 triage to initial consultant for nonspecific headaches was 22 (±20) days and for EOMD was 48 (±22) days. The mean time (days) from P3 triage to initial consultant for nonocular myasthenia gravis was 38 days (±29) days and for visual snow was 54 (±31) days.

Conclusions:

We have established a consensus agreement on triage categories for neuro-ophthalmological conditions, which can be further validated using a larger panel of experts. We established a NOPH registry that will serve as a framework to benchmark quality of care between NOPH services. Data from our NOPH registry demonstrated that most conditions are appropriately triaged and seen.
Update on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders among older people
Authors: Mangweth-Matzek Barbara , Kummer Kai K. , Hoek Hans W.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

We reviewed the recent literature on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders among middle-aged and older women and men.

Recent findings

Recent studies show that among older female persons, the prevalence rates with full diagnoses of eating disorders based on DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria are between 2.1 and 7.7%, and among older men less than 1%. These studies show that the prevalence of eating disorders decreases by age in women, but it does not get towards zero even in very high age. Middle age, with a peak around 50, is also a critical time for the occurrence of eating disorders in men. Women who reported severe menopausal symptoms showed more eating disorder pathology compared with those with low symptoms during menopausal transition.

Eating disorders do occur in middle and older age of both sexes. Shame and stigmatization have decreased, and medical awareness and explicit assessment of eating behavior in all age groups have developed. What puberty is for eating disorders in adolescence and young age is menopausal transition for midlife women. Also in men, associations with hormonal disturbances are possible. Treatment approaches should consider treatment strategies tailored to older women and men, addressing the context of midlife and aging.
RNA polymerase III is involved in regulatingPlasmodium falciparumvirulence
Authors: Diffendall Gretchen , Claës Aurélie , Barcons-Simon Anna , Nyarko Prince , Dingli Florent , Santos Miguel , Loew Damarys , Claessens Antoine , Scherf Artur
Published: July 2023

While often undetected and untreated, persistent seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections remain a global public health problem. Despite the presence of parasites in the peripheral blood, no symptoms develop. Disease severity is correlated with the levels of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) adhering within blood vessels. Changes in iRBC adhesion capacity have been linked to seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections, however how this is occurring is still unknown. Here we present evidence that RNA polymerase III (RNA Pol III) transcription inPlasmodium falciparumis downregulated in field isolates obtained from asymptomatic individuals during the dry season. Through experiments with in vitro cultured parasites, we have uncovered an RNA Pol III-dependent mechanism that controls pathogen proliferation and expression of a major virulence factor in response to external stimuli. Our findings establish a connection betweenP. falciparumcytoadhesion and a non-coding RNA family transcribed by Pol III. Additionally, we have identifiedP. falciparumMaf1 as a pivotal regulator of Pol III transcription, both for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding adaptively to external signals. These results introduce a novel perspective that contributes to our understanding ofP. falciparumvirulence. Furthermore, they establish a connection between this regulatory process and the occurrence of seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections.
The International Weed Genomics Consortium: Community Resources for Weed Genomics Research
Authors: Montgomery Jacob S. , Morran Sarah , MacGregor Dana R. , McElroy J. Scott , Neve Paul , Neto Célia , Vila-Aiub Martin M. , Sandoval Maria Victoria , Menéndez Analia I. , Kreiner Julia M. , Fan Longjiang , Caicedo Ana L. , Maughan Peter J. , Martins Bianca Assis Barbosa , Mika Jagoda , Collavo Alberto , Merotto Aldo , Subramanian Nithya K. , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar V. , Cutti Luan , Islam Md. Mazharul , Gill Bikram S , Cicchillo Robert , Gast Roger , Soni Neeta , Wright Terry R. , Zastrow-Hayes Gina , May Gregory , Malone Jenna M. , Sehgal Deepmala , Kaundun Shiv Shankhar , Dale Richard P. , Vorster Barend Juan , Peters Bodo , Lerchl Jens , Tranel Patrick J. , Beffa Roland , Fournier-Level Alexandre , Jugulam Mithila , Fengler Kevin , Llaca Victor , Patterson Eric L. , Gaines Todd
Published: July 2023

The International Weed Genomics Consortium is a collaborative group of researchers focused on developing genomic resources for the study of weedy plants. Weeds are attractive systems for basic and applied research due to their impacts on agricultural systems and capacity to swiftly adapt in response to anthropogenic selection pressures. Our goal is to use genomic information to develop sustainable and effective weed control methods and to provide insights about biotic and abiotic stress tolerance to assist crop breeding. Here, we outline resources under development by the consortium and highlight areas of research that will be impacted by these enabling resources.
Factors and mediators impacting the number of undergraduate research mentees at a research-intensive Hispanic-serving institution
Authors: Monarrez Angelica , Echegoyen Lourdes , Morales Danielle , Seira Diego , Ramirez Maria Aleida , Wagler Amy
Published: July 2023

Engaging in undergraduate research experiences is known to have broad and positive impacts on college students. Despite the benefits, achieving faculty buy-in and support can be challenging even when faculty have strong research funding. In order to understand how to better support undergraduate research programs, we applied quantitative models to explore how the impact of research funding is mediated by faculty beliefs about undergraduate research mentoring in STEM disciplines. The results indicate that faculty characteristics and beliefs about the benefits and barriers of mentoring undergraduate students in research impact the number of students mentored even when accounting for research funding levels of the individual faculty. Practical recommendations are presented based on the models from this research project in order to provide insight into how centers or units on a campus may work with faculty to support and encourage mentoring of undergraduates in research in the biomedical sciences.
Coupling remote sensing and eDNA to monitor environmental impact: A pilot to quantify the environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Dyson Karen , Nicolau Andréa P. , Tenneson Karis , Francesconi Wendy , Daniels Amy , Andrich Giulia , Caldas Bernardo , Castaño Silvia , de Campos Nathanael , Dilger John , Guidotti Vinicius , Jaques Iara , McCullough Ian M. , McDevitt Allan D. , Molina Luis , Nekorchuk Dawn M. , Newberry Tom , Pereira Cristiano Lima , Perez Jorge , Richards-Dimitrie Teal , Rivera Ovidio , Rodriguez Beatriz , Sales Naiara , Tello Jhon , Wespestad Crystal , Zutta Brian , Saah David
Published: July 2023

Monitoring is essential to ensure that environmental goals are being achieved, including those of sustainable agriculture. Growing interest in environmental monitoring provides an opportunity to improve monitoring practices. Approaches that directly monitor land cover change and biodiversity annually by coupling the wall-to-wall coverage from remote sensing and the site-specific community composition from environmental DNA (eDNA) can provide timely, relevant results for parties interested in the success of sustainable agricultural practices. To ensure that the measured impacts are due to the environmental projects and not exogenous factors, sites where projects have been implemented should be benchmarked against counterfactuals (no project) and control (natural habitat) sites. Results can then be used to calculate diverse sets of indicators customized to monitor different projects. Here, we report on our experience developing and applying one such approach to assess the impact of shaded cocoa projects implemented by the Instituto de Manejo e Certificação Florestal e Agrícola (IMAFLORA) near São Félix do Xingu, in Pará, Brazil. We used the Continuous Degradation Detection (CODED) and LandTrendr algorithms to create a remote sensing-based assessment of forest disturbance and regeneration, estimate carbon sequestration, and changes in essential habitats. We coupled these remote sensing methods with eDNA analyses using arthropod-targeted primers by collecting soil samples from intervention and counterfactual pasture field sites and a control secondary forest. We used a custom set of indicators from the pilot application of a coupled monitoring framework called TerraBio. Our results suggest that, due to IMAFLORA’s shaded cocoa projects, over 400 acres were restored in the intervention area and the community composition of arthropods in shaded cocoa is closer to second-growth forests than that of pastures. In reviewing the coupled approach, we found multiple aspects worked well, and we conclude by presenting multiple lessons learned.
CryoEM insights into RNA primer synthesis by the human primosome
Authors: Yin Zhan , Kilkenny Mairi L. , Ker De-Sheng , Pellegrini Luca
Published: July 2023

Eukaryotic DNA replication depends on the primosome – a complex of DNA polymerase alpha (Pol α) and primase – to initiate DNA synthesis by polymerisation of an RNA - DNA primer. Primer synthesis requires the tight coordination of primase and polymerase activities. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) analyses have elucidated the extensive conformational transitions required for RNA primer handover between primase and Pol α and primer elongation by Pol α. Because of the intrinsic flexibility of the primosome however, structural information about the initiation of RNA primer synthesis is still lacking. Here, we capture cryoEM snapshots of the priming reaction to reveal the conformational trajectory of the human primosome that brings the PRIM1 and PRIM2 subunits of primase together, poised for RNA synthesis. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidence for the continuous association of primase subunit PRIM2 with the RNA primer during primer synthesis and for how both initiation and termination of RNA primer polymerisation are licensed by specific rearrangements of POLA1, the polymerase subunit of Pol α. Our findings fill a critical gap in our understanding of the conformational changes that underpin the synthesis of the RNA primer by the primosome. Together with existing evidence, they provide a complete description of the structural dynamics of the human primosome during DNA replication initiation.
The Build and Bond: a team exercise
Authors: Wyland Rebecca L. , Hanson-Rasmussen Nancy J. , Gullifor Daniel P.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present The Build and Bond, an experiential exercise which engages student teams while they apply team dynamics, enhance team skills and foster team member interpersonal bonds.

Design/methodology/approach

During The Build and Bond, teams design and execute their own team-building activity. Specifically, teams set goals, generate ideas, make decisions, create a team-building activity, develop implementation plans and ultimately execute the activity. Finally, during an all-class debrief discussion, teams describe their team-building activities, connect their experiences to the learning objectives and reflect on how these lessons can be applied in future team experiences. Pretest and posttest surveys were used to determine if participants perceived increases in team performance and cohesion following The Build and Bond.

Findings

All teams reported that their activity added value, was preferred over an instructor-assigned team-building activity and improved team states. Findings from t-tests supported an improvement in team performance and cohesion.

Social implications

The Build and Bond is designed to help students feel more equipped to communicate, have fun and work interdependently with current and future team members.

Originality/value

Teams design the team-building activity themselves, so members are often more interested in participating and engaging during the team-building activity.
Pregnancy outcomes in preterm multiple gestations: Results from a prospective study in India and Pakistan (PURPOSe)
Authors: Guruprasad Gowdar , Raghoji Chaitali R. , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Saleem Sarah , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Hwang Kay , Yogeshkumar S. , Somannavar Manjunath S. , Reza Sayyeda , Yasmin Haleema , Moore Janet L. , Bann Carla M. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L. ,   the PURPOSe Study Group
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate perinatal outcomes in preterm multiple compared with singleton pregnancies in India and Pakistan.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Settings

Study hospitals in India and Pakistan.

Population

We evaluated 3897 preterm pregnancies. These mothers gave birth to 3615 (92.8%) singleton infants, 267 (6.8%) sets of twins, 14 (0.4%) sets of triplets and one set of quadruplets.

Main outcome measures

Neonatal mortality, stillbirth, cause of death.

Results

Of the singleton infants, 691 (19.1%) were stillborn and 2924 (80.9%) live born. Of the 534 infants from twin pregnancies, 41 (7.7%) were stillborn and 493 (92.3%) were live born. Of the 267 sets of twins, in 14 cases (5.2%) both were stillborn, in 13 cases (4.8%) one was stillborn and one live born, and in 240 cases (90.0%) both were live born. In both preterm twins and preterm singletons, the three most common causes of death were intrauterine hypoxia, infections acquired prior to birth and infections acquired at or after birth. The preterm twins appeared less likely to have died from intrauterine hypoxia but more likely to have died from infections acquired at or after birth. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was less likely considered by the panel to be the primary cause of death in either the twins (9.6%) or singletons (9.7%). Congenital anomalies were also not often judged to be the cause of death in either the preterm twins 2 (2.4%) or singletons 27 (5.3%).

Conclusion

In the PURPOSe study, neonatal mortality rates in preterm twins compared with singletons when evaluated by sex, GA, birthweight and SGA, were generally similar to rates of preterm singleton neonatal mortality in those groups. Thus, the higher rate of mortality in live‐born twin infants is related to the fact that these infants were more likely to be born earlier rather than to any inherent characteristics of the babies themselves.
Both host and diet shape bacterial communities of predatory mites
Authors: Yan Hong , Wang Endong , Wei Guo‐Shu , Zhang Bo , Xu Xuenong
Published: July 2023

Microbial communities, derived from food, ambient, and inner, can affect host ecological adaption and evolution. Comparing with most phytophagous arthropods, predators may have more opportunities to develop specific microbiota depending on the level of prey specialization. To explore how diet sources affect host microbial communities and vary across predator species, we considered 3 types of predators from Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata): polyphagous (Amblyseius orientalis Ehara, Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes, and Amblyseius swirskii Athias‐Henrio), oligophagous (Neoseiulus californicus McGregor), and monophagous (Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot) predatory mites. The polyphagous species were fed on 2 types of diets, natural prey and alternative prey. By using 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that diet was the main source of microbiota in predatory mites, while there was no clear pattern affected by prey specialization. Among 3 polyphagous predators, host species had a larger impact than prey on microbial composition. Unlike A. orientalis or N. barkeri which showed consistency in their microbiota, prey switching significantly affected β‐diversity of bacterial composition in A. swirskii, with 56% of the microbial alteration. In short, our results confirmed the substantial influence of diet on host microbial construction in predatory species, and highlighted species differences in shaping the microbiota which are not necessarily related to prey specialization.
Physical health and neurodevelopmental outcome in 7‐year‐old children whose mothers were at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kolseth Åshild Jensen , Kulseth Signe , Stafne Signe Nilssen , Mørkved Siv , Salvesen Kjell Åsmund , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at risk of metabolic disturbances such as diabetes mellitus and overweight. However, few have examined the outcome of children whose mothers were at risk of GDM. The aim of the study was to investigate how mothers’ risk of developing GDM affects physical health and neurodevelopment of the children at 7 years of age.

Material and methods

This is a secondary analysis of a follow‐up study of a multicenter randomized controlled trial including 855 pregnant women, carried out at St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, and Stavanger University Hospital in Norway from 2007 to 2009. Risk factors for developing GDM included age >40 years, diabetes in near family, previous child with birthweight ≥4500 g and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2. Data on GDM risk factors were available for 750 women, who were divided into a risk group if they had one or more risk factors for developing GDM (n = 238) and a no risk (n = 512) group. At 7 years of age, 72 children born to mothers in the risk group and 194 children born to mothers in the no risk group participated. The children's height, weight and physical activity were reported by their parents. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed by using the Five‐to‐Fifteen questionnaire, which includes motor skills, executive functions, perception, memory, language, social skills, and emotional/behavioral problems.

Results

Most women had only one risk factor for GDM, and pre‐pregnancy overweight was the most prevalent risk factor. Children of mothers in the risk group had higher birthweight and length. At the 7‐year follow‐up, they had a higher weight and BMI, and the odds ratio of being overweight was 3.0 (95% confidence interval 1.1–8.3). There was no group difference in the children's physical activity and their neurodevelopmental outcomes were similar.

Conclusions

We found higher BMI and increased risk of overweight in children born to mothers with one or more risk factors for developing GDM. A focus on preventing pre‐pregnancy overweight should be encouraged.
Petrographic constraints on the formation of silica‐rich igneous rims around chondrules in CR chondrites
Authors: Smith Aimee , Jones Rhian H.
Published: July 2023

In the CR (Renazzo‐like) chondrite group, many chondrules have successive igneous rim (IR) layers, with an outer layer that contains a silica mineral and/or silica‐rich glass (silica‐rich igneous rims, SIRs). Models for SIR formation include (1) accretion of Si‐rich dust onto solid chondrule surfaces, followed by heating and cooling and (2) condensation of SiO(gas) onto the surface of partially molten chondrules. We evaluate these models, based on a petrographic study of five Antarctic CR chondrites that have undergone minimal secondary alteration. We obtained electron microprobe analyses of minerals and glass with quantitative wavelength‐dispersive spectroscopy mapping, and identified silica polymorphs with Raman spectroscopy. Common SIRs contain silica, low‐Ca pyroxene, Ca‐rich pyroxene, Fe,Ni metal, ± glass ± plagioclase ± rare olivine. We also describe near‐monomineralic SIRs where a narrow zone of cristobalite occurs at the outer edge of the chondrule. All crystalline silica is cristobalite, except for one SIR that consists of tridymite. Some rims contain silica‐rich glass (>80 wt% SiO2) but no silica mineral. Features such as sharp interfaces and compositional boundaries between chondrules and SIRs indicate that SIRs were formed from solid precursors. Consideration of the stability fields of silica polymorphs and computed liquidus temperatures indicates that SIRs were heated to >1500°C for limited time periods, followed by rapid cooling, similar to conditions for chondrule formation. We infer that in the CR chondrule formation region, the same heating mechanism was repeated multiple times while the chemical composition of the nebular gas evolved to highly fractionated silica‐rich compositions.
From believing in climate change to adapting to climate change: The role of risk perception and efficacy beliefs
Authors: van Valkengoed Anne M. , Perlaviciute Goda , Steg Linda
Published: July 2023

Are people more inclined to adapt to climate change if they believe that climate change is real, caused by human behavior, and/or brings negative consequences? Previous studies provided inconclusive results on the relationship between climate change perceptions and adaptation behavior. Using a longitudinal approach, we examined whether risk perception, self‐efficacy, and outcome efficacy play a role in how and when climate change perceptions are associated with adaptation to pluvial flooding and heat stress in the Netherlands. As expected, stronger climate change perceptions were associated with stronger perceptions of climate‐related risks, which in turn lead to stronger intentions to implement adaptation measures. Yet, neither climate change perceptions nor risk perception were associated with whether people had actually implemented adaptation measures during a 1‐year period. Contrary to common assumptions in the literature, higher levels of perceived self‐efficacy and outcome efficacy did not strengthen the relations between climate change perceptions and adaptation intentions and behavior. Rather, higher levels of self‐efficacy and outcome efficacy were directly related to stronger intentions to take adaptive measures and taking those measures within a period of 1 year. Exploratory analyses offered initial support for a sequential model where climate change perceptions lead to higher levels of perceptions of specific climate‐related risks, which in turn lead to stronger self‐efficacy and outcome efficacy, ultimately increasing adaptation intentions, but not actual behavior. Strategies to promote adaptation behavior could aim to remove behavioral barriers to increase self‐efficacy, and strengthen outcome efficacy, enabling people to act on their climate change perceptions.
Resistance training diminishes mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training in healthy untrained men
Authors: Mesquita Paulo H. C. , Godwin Joshua S. , Ruple Bradley A. , Sexton Casey L. , McIntosh Mason C. , Mueller Breanna J. , Osburn Shelby C. , Mobley C. Brooks , Libardi Cleiton A. , Young Kaelin C. , Gladden L. Bruce , Roberts Michael D. , Kavazis Andreas N.
Published: July 2023

We investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training (RT) on the performance and molecular adaptations to a subsequent period of endurance training (ET). Twenty‐five young adults were divided into an RT+ET group (n = 13), which underwent 7 weeks of RT followed by 7 weeks of ET, and an ET‐only group (n = 12), which performed 7 weeks of ET. Body composition, endurance performance and muscle biopsies were collected before RT (T1, baseline for RT+ET), before ET (T2, after RT for RT+ET and baseline for ET) and after ET (T3). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine fibre cross‐sectional area (fCSA), myonuclear content, myonuclear domain size, satellite cell number and mitochondrial content. Western blots were used to quantify markers of mitochondrial remodelling. Citrate synthase activity and markers of ribosome content were also investigated. RT improved body composition and strength, increased vastus lateralis thickness, mixed and type II fCSA, myonuclear number, markers of ribosome content, and satellite cell content (P < 0.050). In response to ET, both groups similarly decreased body fat percentage (P < 0.0001) and improved endurance performance (e.g. , and speed at which the onset of blood lactate accumulation occurred, P < 0.0001). Levels of mitochondrial complexes I–IV in the ET‐only group increased 32–66%, while those in the RT+ET group increased 1–11% (time, P < 0.050). Additionally, mixed fibre relative mitochondrial content increased 15% in the ET‐only group but decreased 13% in the RT+ET group (interaction, P = 0.043). In conclusion, RT performed prior to ET had no additional benefits to ET adaptations. Moreover, prior RT seemed to impair mitochondrial adaptations to ET.

image

Key points

Resistance training is largely underappreciated as a method to improve endurance performance, despite reports showing it may improve mitochondrial function.

Although several concurrent training studies are available, in this study we investigated the effects of performing a period of resistance training on the performance and molecular adaptations to subsequent endurance training.

Prior resistance training did not improve endurance performance and impaired most mitochondrial adaptations to subsequent endurance training, but this effect may have been a result of detraining from resistance training.
The Influence of Personal Branding and Institutional Factors on the Name, Image, and Likeness Value of Collegiate Athletes’ Social Media Posts
Authors: Cocco Adam R. , Kunkel Thilo , Baker Bradley J.
Published: July 2023

Most collegiate athletes in the United States monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through social media influencer marketing. This provides an opportunity to examine the factors that impact their social media NIL value. Therefore, we investigate the effects of personal branding factors (quality of Instagram biography, posting frequency, and account verification status) and institutional factors (competition level, university brand, and sport gender) on the social media NIL value of men’s and women’s college basketball athletes (N = 907) in California while controlling for local market characteristics. A linear regression analysis shows significant relationships between social media NIL value and competition level, university brand, sport gender, posting frequency, and account verification. Our results offer new theoretical and practical understandings of the relationships between brands in the sport brand ecosystem and the NIL value of sport influencer’s social media posts.
The precursory phase of large earthquakes
Authors: Bletery Quentin , Nocquet Jean-Mathieu
Published: July 2023

The existence of an observable precursory phase of slip on the fault before large earthquakes has been debated for decades. Although observations preceding several large earthquakes have been proposed as possible indicators of precursory slip, these observations do not directly precede earthquakes, are not seen before most events, and are also commonly observed without being followed by earthquakes. We conducted a global search for short-term precursory slip in GPS data. We summed the displacements measured by 3026 high-rate GPS time series—projected onto the directions expected from precursory slip at the hypocenter—during 48 hours before 90 (moment magnitude ≥7) earthquakes. Our approach reveals a ≈2-hour-long exponential acceleration of slip before the ruptures, suggesting that large earthquakes start with a precursory phase of slip, which improvements in measurement precision and density could more effectively detect and possibly monitor.
Impact of sequential capacity building on emergency department organisational flow during COVID-19 pandemic: a quasi-experimental study in a low-resource, tertiary care centre
Authors: Saleem Syed Ghazanfar , Ali Saima , Akhtar Ahwaz , Khatri Adeel , Ashraf Nabeel , Jamal Imran , Maroof Quratulain , Aziz Tariq , Mukhtar Sama
Published: July 2023

Introduction

A quasi-experimental study was conducted to estimate the impact of sequential emergency department (ED) capacity building interventions on key performance indicators such as patients’ length of stay (LOS) and wait time (WT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was achieved through augmenting personnel education and head count, space restructuring and workflow reorganisation.

Setting and participants

This study included 268 352 patients presenting from January 2019 to December 2020 at Indus Hospital and Health network Karachi, a philanthropic tertiary healthcare facility in a city of 20 million residents. A follow-up study was undertaken from January to December 2021 with 123 938 participants.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

These included mean and median ED-LOS and WT for participants presenting in different cohorts. The results of the pre-COVID-19 year 2019 (phase 0) were compared with that of the COVID-19 year, 2020 (phases 1–3 corresponding to peaks, and phase 4 corresponding to reduction in caseloads). The follow-up was conducted in 2021 to see the sustainability of the sequential capacity building.

Results

Phases 1, 2 and 3 had a lower mean adjusted LOS (4.42, 3.92 and 4.40 hours) compared with phase 0 (4.78 hours, p<0.05) with the lowest numbers seen in phase 2. The same held true for WT with 45.1, 23.8 and 30.4 min in phases 1–3 compared with 49.9 in phase 0. However, phase 4 had a higher LOS but a lower WT when compared with phase 0 with a p<0.05.

Conclusion

Sequential capacity building and improving the operational flow through stage appropriate interventions can be used to off-load ED patients and improve process flow metrics. This shows that models created during COVID-19 can be used to develop sustainable solutions and investment is needed in ideas such as ED-based telehealth to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Lessons learnt from the first wave of COVID-19 in Damascus, Syria: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hanafi Ibrahem , Alzamel Lyana , Alnabelsi Ola , Sallam Sondos , Almousa Samaher
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The decade-long Syrian war led to fragile health infrastructures lacking in personal and physical resources. The public health of the Syrian population was, therefore, vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated even well-resourced healthcare systems. Nevertheless, the officially reported incidence and fatality rates were significantly lower than the forecasted numbers.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The four main responding hospitals in Damascus, which received most of the cases during the first pandemic wave in Syria (i.e., June–August 2020).

Participants

One thousand one hundred eighty-four patients who were managed as inpatient COVID-19 cases.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The records of hospitalised patients were screened for clinical history, vital signs, diagnosis modality, major interventions and status at discharge.

Results

The diagnostic and therapeutic preparedness for COVID-19 was significantly heterogeneous among the different centres and depleted rapidly after the arrival of the first wave. Only 32% of the patients were diagnosed based on positive reverse transcription-PCR tests. Five hundred twenty-six patients had an indication for intensive care unit admission, but only 82% of them received it. Two hundred fifty-seven patients needed mechanical ventilation, but ventilators were not available to 14% of them, all of whom died. Overall mortality during hospitalisation reached 46% and no significant difference was found in fatality between those who received and did not receive these care options.

Conclusions

The Syrian healthcare system expressed minor resilience in facing the COVID-19 pandemic, as its assets vanished swiftly with a limited number of cases. This forced physicians to reserve resources (e.g., ventilators) for the most severe cases, which led to poor outcomes of in-hospital management and limited the admission capacity for milder cases. The overwhelmed system additionally suffered from constrained coordination, suboptimal allocation of the accessible resources and a severe inability to informatively report on the catastrophic pandemic course in Syria.
Evaluating the efficacy of a community participatory intervention to prevent suicide in Thailand: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Sornpaisarn Bundit , Rehm Jürgen , Tamdee Decha , Wisutthananon Anon , Thummathai Kwaunpanomporn , Tongtua Kanjana , Rutivarnich Valairux , Suriyalangka Amornrat , Hengboonphan Duangporn , Lange Shannon
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The age-standardised suicide mortality rate in Thailand has been stable at a high level in recent years, highlighting the need for suicide prevention interventions. In Thailand, community involvement plays a key role in health promotion. The aim of this ongoing trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a community participatory intervention in two subdistricts in Thailand for reducing suicidality symptoms among individuals considered at high risk for suicide and compare the outcomes to two control subdistricts.

Methods and analysis

In this cluster (subdistrict) randomised controlled trial, we randomised two districts to either the community participatory intervention arm or the control arm. From each district, we selected one large and one small subdistricts. We estimated that we need 235 participants per study arm, who were recruited from subdistrict health centres. The primary outcome is suicidality symptoms. Secondary outcomes are depression symptoms, quality of life, stress level and health and community service accessibility.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Nursing, Chiangmai University (number 050/2022). All participants were required to provide informed consent. The findings of the study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and via conferences.

Trial registration number

TCTR20220620003; the Thai Clinical Trials Registry.
Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Tesfaye Amensisa , Desye Belay , Engdaw Garedew Tadege
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Design

A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. The data were collected using a validated and standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at p<0.05 and the adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI.

Setting

The study was conducted in small-scale businesses in the North Gondar Zone.

Participants

A total of 618 cashiers participated in this study.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome of the study is the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which was measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

Results

The response rate was 97.5% (N=618). The majority (373; 60.4%) of the study participants were female. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30 (±8.3) years. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months was found to be 75.4% (n=466) (95% CI 71.8%, 78.8%). Marital status (married) (AOR=2.12; 95% CI 1.26, 3.56), lack of physical exercise (AOR=2.07; 95% CI 1.32, 3.23), alcohol consumption (AOR=3.55; 95% CI 2.18, 5.78) and awkward work posture (AOR=2.40; 95% CI 1.43, 4.0) were significant factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sampled cashiers.

Conclusion

This study concluded that the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among cashiers in small-scale businesses. Being married, a lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption and awkward work posture were significant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it is recommended taking part in physical activity, avoiding alcohol consumption and avoiding awkward work posture.
Universal screening programme for cytomegalovirus infection in the first trimester of pregnancy: study protocol for an observational multicentre study in the area of Barcelona (CITEMB study)
Authors: Sanchez-Durán Maria Angeles , Maiz Nerea , Liutsko Liudmila , Bielsa-Pascual Jofre , García-Sierra Rosa , Zientalska Aneta Monika , Velasco Inés , Vazquez Eva , Gracia Olga , Ribas Aleida , Sitja Nuria , Nadales Maria , Martinez Cristina , Gonce Anna , Frick Marie Antoinette , Guerrero-Martínez Mercedes , Violán Concepción , Torán Pere , Falguera-Puig Gemma , Gol Roser
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the leading cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss and one of the main causes of neurological disability. Despite this, no universal screening programme for cCMV has been implemented in Spain. A recent study has shown that early treatment with valaciclovir, initiated in the first trimester and before the onset of signs in the fetus, reduces the risk of fetal infection. This finding favours the implementation of a universal screening programme for cCMV.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of a universal screening programme for cCMV during the first trimester of pregnancy in a primary care setting.

Methods and analysis

This is an observational multicentre cohort study. The study will be conducted in four primary care settings from the Northern Metropolitan Barcelona area and three related hospitals and will last 3 years and will consist of a recruitment period of 18 months.

In their first pregnancy visit, pregnant women will be offered to add a CMV serology test to the first trimester screening tests. Pregnant women with primary infection will be referred to the reference hospital, where they will continue treatment and follow-up according to the clinical protocol of the referral hospital, which includes treatment with valacyclovir. A CMV-PCR will be performed at birth on newborns of mothers with primary infection, and those who are infected will undergo neonatal follow-up for at least 12 months of life.

For the analysis, the acceptance rate, the prevalence of primary CMV infections and the CMV seroprevalence in the first trimester of pregnancy will be studied.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the University Institute Foundation for Primary Health Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina Ethics Committee 22/097-P dated 27 April 2022.
Optimal dose of perineural dexamethasone for the prolongation of analgesia for peripheral nerve blocks: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chai Wenjie , Wang Shaopeng , Zhang Donghang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Perineural use of dexamethasone is demonstrated to extend the analgesia duration of peripheral nerve blocks (PNB), but its optimal dose remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the optimal dose of perineural dexamethasone in the prolongation of analgesia for PNB.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science will be searched from their inception to 1 March 2023. Language will be restricted to English. Randomised controlled trials that compared the efficacy and safety of different doses of perineural dexamethasone for PNB in adult patients will be included. Retrospective studies, reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, conference abstracts, comments and studies regarding paediatric surgeries will be excluded. The duration of analgesia will be defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include pain scores, the total analgesic requirement over 48 hours and the incidence of adverse effects. Two reviewers will independently perform the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for data analysis. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required. The results of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022385672.
‘They’ve all endorsed it…but I’m just not there:’ a qualitative exploration of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy reported by Black and Latinx individuals
Authors: Scales David , Gorman Sara , Windham Savannah , Sandy William , Gregorian Nellie , Hurth Lindsay , Radhakrishnan Malavika , Akunne Azubuike , Gorman Jack M
Published: July 2023

Objective

We sought to examine reasons for vaccine hesitancy among online communities of US-based Black and Latinx communities to understand the role of historical racism, present-day structural racism, medical mistrust and individual concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy.

Design

A qualitative study using narrative and interpretive phenomenological analysis of online bulletin board focus groups.

Setting

Bulletin boards with a focus-group-like setting in an online, private, chat-room-like environment.

Participants

Self-described vaccine hesitant participants from US-based Black (30) and Latinx (30) communities designed to reflect various axes of diversity within these respective communities in the US context.

Results

Bulletin board discussions covered a range of topics related to COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccine hesitant participants expressed fears about vaccine safety and doubts about vaccine efficacy. Elements of structural racism were cited in both groups as affecting populations but not playing a role in individual vaccine decisions. Historical racism was infrequently cited as a reason for vaccine hesitancy. Individualised fears and doubts about COVID-19 (short-term and long-term) safety and efficacy dominated these bulletin board discussions. Community benefits of vaccination were not commonly raised among participants.

Conclusions

While this suggests that addressing individually focused fear and doubts are central to overcoming COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Black and Latinx groups, addressing the effects of present-day structural racism through a focus on community protection may also be important.