bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the role and impact of electronic health records in labor and delivery nursing practice: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Bignell Crystal A , Petrovskaya Olga
Published: April 2024

Background

Electronic health records have a significant impact on nursing practice, particularly in specializations such as labor and delivery, or acute care maternity nursing practice. Although primary studies on the use of electronic health records in labor and delivery have been done, no reviews on this topic exist. Moreover, the topic of labor and delivery nurses’ organizing work in the electronic health record-enabled context has not been addressed.

Objective

To (a) synthesize research on electronic health record use in labor and delivery nursing and (b) map how labor and delivery nursing organizing work is transformed by the electronic health record (as described in the reviewed studies).

Methods

The scoping review will be guided by a modified methodology based on selected recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. A comprehensive search will be conducted in the following databases: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, Scopus and Dissertations and Theses Abstracts and Indexes. Included sources will be primary research, dissertations, or theses that address the use of electronic health records in labor and delivery nursing practice in countries with high levels of electronic health record adoption. Data extracted from included sources will be analyzed thematically. Further analysis will theorize labor and delivery nurses’ organizing work in the context of electronic health record use by utilizing concepts from Davina Allen's Translational Mobilization Theory. Findings will be presented in tabular and descriptive formats.

Conclusion

The findings of this review will help understand transformations of nursing practice in the electronic health record-enabled labor and delivery context and identify areas of future research. We will propose an extension of the Translational Mobilization Theory and theorize nurses’ organizing work involving the use of the electronic health record.
Revenue Management and The Runnin’ Rebels: A Case Study of Willingess-to-Pay for College Sports
Authors: Binesh Nasim , Belarmino Amanda , Shoemaker Stowe
Published: April 2024

This case study was done in 2018 per request of UNLV Athletics. Pricing recommendation for UNLV Football tickets for the home side of the new Allegiant stadium were generated using a survey of 598 adults, the majority of whom were UNLV alumni. Pricing recommendation was based on the responses with football as their first or second favorite sport ( n = 304). Sections C109-C115 showed the highest willingness-to-pay and highest recommended price. Sections 101-105 had the lowest willingness-to-pay and recommended price. The chance of purchasing a parking pass was higher for those interested in buying a ticket in sections C109-C115.
Conquering the Labor Shortage With Kiosks
Authors: Pittman Jeffrey , Choi Cindy
Published: April 2024

The labor shortage within the restaurant industry has caused service quality and revenue to decline. To help combat this decline, restaurant operators have begun adopting kiosks and limiting their menu options. This case study addresses labor and consumer issues that are being experienced within a quick service seafood restaurant called Golden Eagle Fish Shack. The owner is interested in implementing kiosks into his operation to help overcome the declining consumer satisfaction from the longer wait times, alleviate time consuming tasks from his current employees, while also to increase the revenue stream of the operation.
Comparison of Alabama Nurse Experiences Between Practice Areas During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Montgomery Aoyjai P. , Sullivan Courtney , Dick Tracey , Roberson Charlene , Harris Lindsey M. , Patrician Patricia A.
Published: April 2024

Background:

According to the Total Worker Health® framework, safety culture including a reasonable workload among healthcare workers is essential to the security and well-being of patients, staff, and healthcare organizations. Evaluating the impact of the pandemic on the nursing workforce in different practice areas is critical for addressing workforce health and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to compare work and selfcare experiences among Alabama nurses between practice areas and the early pandemic years (2020 vs. 2021).

Methods:

A secondary analysis of cross-sectional Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) survey data was conducted. Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance, Wilcoxon rank, and false discovery rates were examined.

Results:

There were 1,369 and 2,458 nurse survey responses in 2020 and 2021, respectively. By 2021, nurses reported worsening staff shortages, a greater need for retired and new graduate nurses to help with the workload burden, and perceptions of heavier emergency department workloads. Lower proportions of nurses reported the ability to engage in self-care activities and satisfaction with state and federal crisis management. Intensive care nurses were more likely to report staffing shortages while also reporting the lowest ability to engage in self-care.

Conclusions:

Overall, the Alabama nursing workforce perceived worsening work conditions in 2021 compared to when the pandemic began. Practice areas varied greatly in their responses, with acute and intensive care areas perceiving more difficult work conditions. Total Worker Health® programs should be designed to promote and support nurses’ well-being based on their experience and the needs of specific practice areas.
Meta-Analysis Shows Trauma Memories in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Lack Coherence: A Response to Taylor et al. (2022)
Authors: Brewin Chris R. , Field Andy P.
Published: April 2024

Taylor et al. reported that in healthy participants, memories of traumatic and comparison films did not differ in coherence. The lack of a group diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and limitations of the trauma-film paradigm mean that their design is unable to directly test predictions made by clinical theories of PTSD. Contrary to what Taylor et al. claimed, there is convincing evidence for trauma memories in PTSD being incoherent or disorganized. Meta-analysis demonstrated a strong positive association between PTSD and memory incoherence/disorganization, moderated by the effect of the methods chosen to assess disorganization.
An Exploration of Student Perception Toward Interprofessional High-Fidelity Clinical Simulation
Authors: Hannides Michael , Tariq Rameez , Holland Mark , Nomikos Polykarpos Angelos , McKelvin Rory , Powell Michelle
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES

Interprofessional education is recognized for its potential for collaboration and teamwork, reflecting clinical practice; however, existing literature for simulation-based interprofessional education does not include Physician Associate (PA) students. This initiative aimed to explore the students’ perception of interprofessional clinical simulation for PA students and allied health professional (AHP) students as part of our program development.

METHODS

A high-fidelity simulation session was designed and conducted for volunteering students from the PA, paramedic science, and physiotherapy courses. We used a mixed-method electronic questionnaire consisting of 15 statements rated on a numerical rating scale (0-5) and four open-ended questions with unlimited free-text responses to explore student perceptions. Inductive thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. The session design was underpinned by Allport's (intergroup) contact hypothesis with an emphasis on mutual intergroup differentiation.

RESULTS

Forty-six students participated in the simulation teaching, with 48% (n = 22) providing feedback. Overall student perception was mainly positive toward the interprofessional simulation; however, some barriers to learning were recognized. Based on the evaluation of our initiative and existing literature, we propose 5 top tips to promote an effective learning experience for students. (1) Understand the importance of interprofessional collaboration. (2) Establish clear roles. (3) Plan the scenarios in advance. (4) Maintain equal status between groups. (5) Provide clear instructions and expectations.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study of high-fidelity interprofessional simulation involving PA and AHP students. We successfully explored student perception which highlighted aspects that can impact learning. This pilot study demonstrated that interprofessional simulation is a feasible and acceptable form of learning for our students and highlighted how to improve future interprofessional simulation teaching sessions.
Developing a pathway to clinical trials for CACNA1A-related epilepsies: A patient organization perspective
Authors: Fox Pangkong M. , Malepati Sunitha , Manaster Lisa , Rossignol Elsa , Noebels Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2024

CACNA1A-related disorders are rare neurodevelopmental disorders linked to variants in the CACNA1A gene. This gene encodes the α1 subunit of the P/Q-type calcium channel Cav2.1, which is globally expressed in the brain and crucial for fast synaptic neurotransmission. The broad spectrum of CACNA1A-related neurological disorders includes developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, familial hemiplegic migraine type 1, episodic ataxia type 2, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, together with unclassified presentations with developmental delay, ataxia, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and language impairment. The severity of each disorder is also highly variable. The spectrum of CACNA1A-related seizures is broad across both loss-of-function and gain-of-function variants and includes absence seizures, focal seizures with altered consciousness, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, tonic seizures, status epilepticus, and infantile spasms. Furthermore, over half of CACNA1A-related epilepsies are refractory to current therapies. To date, almost 1700 CACNA1A variants have been reported in ClinVar, with over 400 listed as Pathogenic or Likely Pathogenic, but with limited-to-no clinical or functional data. Robust genotype–phenotype studies and impacts of variants on protein structure and function have also yet to be established. As a result, there are few definitive treatment options for CACNA1A-related epilepsies. The CACNA1A Foundation has set out to change the landscape of available and effective treatments and improve the quality of life for those living with CACNA1A-related disorders, including epilepsy. Established in March 2020, the Foundation has built a robust preclinical toolbox that includes patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and novel disease models, launched clinical trial readiness initiatives, and organized a global CACNA1A Research Network. This Research Network is currently composed of over 60 scientists and clinicians committed to collaborating to accelerate the path to CACNA1A-specific treatments and one day, a cure.
The PIVOT App: A User Guide
Authors: Dadoo Sahil , Miller Liane , Fatora Gabrielle , Tisherman Robert , Musahl Volker
Published: April 2024

Background:

While the pivot shift examination is often regarded as the gold standard test for diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, one of the pitfalls of the pivot shift test is that it lacks standardization among physicians. The PIVOT App is a validated application to quantify the amount of tibial translation during the pivot shift maneuver and improve standardization of clinical measurement.

Indications:

The PIVOT App can be used in both clinic and operating room settings for patients who sustained injury to the ACL. The PIVOT App may assist in identifying the amount of rotatory knee laxity in patients with ACL deficiency or following ACL reconstruction.

Technique Description:

The PIVOT App works by quantifying the amount of translation in the lateral tibia relative to a marker on the lateral femoral epicondyle. To use the PIVOT App, 3 yellow circle stickers are placed on the bony prominences of the lateral knee: the lateral epicondyle, Gerdy’s tubercle, and the “pivot point” 3 cm posterior to Gerdy’s tubercle parallel to the joint line. Once placed, the pivot shift flexion maneuver can be recorded in the PIVOT App and analyzed to identify both the distance of spontaneous tibial reduction during the pivot shift maneuver and the time of reduction in seconds. The most common problems encountered while using the application include (1) improper marker placement, (2) interference of marker tracking with yellow color in the background, (3) interference of marker tracking with overhead lighting, and (4) extraneous data collection before and after pivot shift flexion.

Results:

Previous studies have validated the PIVOT App to accurately distinguish normal, low-grade, and high-grade pivot shifts with resultant increasing tibial translation in the lateral compartment of the knee. The PIVOT App has been used at institutions worldwide to quantify and standardize measurement of the pivot shift.

Conclusion:

The PIVOT App is a validated application to quantify the amount of lateral tibial translation and reduction during the pivot shift maneuver. Proper use and avoidance of complications while using the application can aid clinicians in accurate diagnosis of rotatory knee laxity in patients following ACL injury.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
“Don't keep me waiting”: estimating the impact of reduced vein-to-vein time on lifetime US 3L+ LBCL patient outcomes
Authors: Vadgama Sachin , Pasquini Marcelo C. , Maziarz Richard T. , Hu Zhen-Huan , Ray Markqayne , Smith Harry , Bullement Ash , Edmondson-Jones Mark , Sullivan Will , Cartron Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) has revolutionized the treatment of hematological cancers. Its production requires a complex logistical process, and the time from leukapheresis to patient infusion (known as the vein-to-vein time [V2VT]) can be long during which a patients clinical condition may deteriorate. This study was designed to estimate the benefits of reduced V2VT for third-line or later (3L+) relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL) patients treated with CAR T. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the lifetime outcomes of a hypothetical cohort of patients who had either a long or short V2VT. Life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs), and costs were estimated. Scenario analyses were performed to assess the robustness of results to key assumptions. The results of the model show that reducing V2VT from 54 days (tisa-cel median V2VT; JULIET) to 24 days (axi-cel median V2VT; ZUMA-1) led to a 3.2-year gain in life expectancy (4.2 vs 7.7 LYs), and 2.4 additional QALYs (3.2 vs 5.6) per patient. Furthermore, a shorter V2VT was shown to be cost-effective under conventional willingness-to-pay thresholds in the United States. Results are driven by a higher infusion rate and a better efficacy of CAR T for those infused. Scenario analyses using a smaller difference in V2VT (24 vs 36 days) produced consistent results. Our study is the first to quantify lifetime V2VT-related outcomes for 3L+ R/R LBCL patients treated with CAR T utilizing currently available evidence. Shorter V2VTs led to improved outcomes, demonstrating the importance of timely infusion achievable by faster manufacturing times and optimization of hospital delivery.
Brensocatib in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: ASPEN protocol and baseline characteristics
Authors: Chalmers James D. , Burgel Pierre-Régis , Daley Charles L. , De Soyza Anthony , Haworth Charles S. , Mauger David , Mange Kevin , Teper Ariel , Fernandez Carlos , Conroy Dan , Metersky Mark
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Brensocatib is an investigational, oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-1 shown to prolong time to first exacerbation in adults with bronchiectasis. Outlined here are the clinical trial design, and baseline characteristics and treatment patterns of adult patients enrolled in the phase 3 ASPEN trial (NCT04594369).

Methods

The ASPEN trial is a global study enrolling patients with a clinical history consistent with bronchiectasis (cough, chronic sputum production and/or recurrent respiratory infections), diagnosis confirmed radiologically and ≥2 exacerbations in the prior 12 months. It was designed to evaluate the impact of two brensocatib doses (10 mg and 25 mg) on exacerbation rate over a 52-week treatment periodversusplacebo. Comprehensive clinical data, including demographics, disease severity, lung function,Pseudomonas aeruginosastatus and quality of life, were collected at baseline.

Results

1682 adults from 35 countries were randomised from December 2020 to March 2023. Mean age was 61.3 years and 64.7% were female. ∼70% had moderate-to-severe Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) scores, 29.3% had ≥3 exacerbations in the prior 12 months and 35.7% were positive forP. aeruginosa. Mean BSI scores were highest in Australia/New Zealand (8.3) and lowest in Latin America (5.9). Overall, the most common aetiology was idiopathic (58.4%). InP. aeruginosa-positiveversus P. aeruginosa-negative patients, lung function was lower, with greater long-term macrolide (21.5%versus14.0%) and inhaled corticosteroid use (63.5%versus53.9%). There was wide regional variation in long-term antibiotic use in patients with bronchiectasis andP. aeruginosa.

Discussion

ASPEN baseline characteristics and treatment profiles were representative of a global bronchiectasis population.
Randomised, phase 1/2a trial of ION-827359, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of ENaC
Authors: Sutharsan Sivagurunathan , Fischer Rainald , Gleiber Wolfgang , Horsley Alex , Crosby Jeff , Guo Shuling , Xia Shuting , Yu Rosie , Newman Kenneth B. , Elborn J. Stuart
Published: April 2024

Background

Hyperactivity of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) with increased sodium absorption is a feature of cystic fibrosis (CF). ION-827359 is a 2.5-generation antisense oligonucleotide targeted to reduce ENaC protein. This study evaluated ION-827359 safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Methods

In this three-part phase 1/2a, double-blind, randomised study, healthy volunteers received single doses of placebo or ION-827359 (3, 10, 37.5 or 100 mg; Part 1) or multiple doses of placebo or ION-827359 (5×10 mg, 5×37.5 mg, 5×75 mg or 10×37.5 mg; Part 2). People with CF (pwCF) received multiple doses of placebo or ION-827359 (5×10 mg, 5×37.5 mg, 5×75 mg and 5×100 mg; Part 3). Treatments were administeredviaPari eFlow©mesh nebuliser. The primary outcome was safety; pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were also assessed.

Results

64 healthy volunteers and 34 pwCF were enrolled. ION-827359 was well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. There were no clinically relevant changes in laboratory values, ECG or vital signs. Systemic drug exposure was low (plasma half-life ∼2 weeks). Multiple doses of ION-827359 were associated with dose-dependent reductions in ENaC mRNA in bronchial epithelium. After multiple dosing, forced expiratory volume in 1 s was slightly higher in pwCF receiving ION-827359 (+2.9% with ION-827359 100 mgversusplacebo; p=0.27).

Conclusions

The tolerability and safety of ION-827359 appear favourable at this stage of investigation. Reduction in ENaC mRNA supports mechanistic efficacy at the doses and regimens tested, and supports further investigation of ION-827359 in pwCF.
Improvements in viral gene annotation using large language models and soft alignments
Authors: Harrigan William L. , Ferrell Barbra D. , Wommack K. Eric , Polson Shawn W. , Schreiber Zachary D. , Belcaid Mahdi
Published: April 2024

Background

The annotation of protein sequences in public databases has long posed a challenge in molecular biology. This issue is particularly acute for viral proteins, which demonstrate limited homology to known proteins when using alignment, k-mer, or profile-based homology search approaches. A novel methodology employing Large Language Models (LLMs) addresses this methodological challenge by annotating protein sequences based on embeddings.

Results

Central to our contribution is the soft alignment algorithm, drawing from traditional protein alignment but leveraging embedding similarity at the amino acid level to bypass the need for conventional scoring matrices. This method not only surpasses pooled embedding-based models in efficiency but also in interpretability, enabling users to easily trace homologous amino acids and delve deeper into the alignments. Far from being a black box, our approach provides transparent, BLAST-like alignment visualizations, combining traditional biological research with AI advancements to elevate protein annotation through embedding-based analysis while ensuring interpretability. Tests using the Virus Orthologous Groups and ViralZone protein databases indicated that the novel soft alignment approach recognized and annotated sequences that both blastp and pooling-based methods, which are commonly used for sequence annotation, failed to detect.

Conclusion

The embeddings approach shows the great potential of LLMs for enhancing protein sequence annotation, especially in viral genomics. These findings present a promising avenue for more efficient and accurate protein function inference in molecular biology.
Germline genetic regulation of the colorectal tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Schmit Stephanie L. , Tsai Ya-Yu , Bonner Joseph D. , Sanz-Pamplona Rebeca , Joshi Amit D. , Ugai Tomotaka , Lindsey Sidney S. , Melas Marilena , McDonnell Kevin J. , Idos Gregory E. , Walker Christopher P. , Qu Chenxu , Kast W. Martin , Da Silva Diane M. , Glickman Jonathan N. , Chan Andrew T. , Giannakis Marios , Nowak Jonathan A. , Rennert Hedy S. , Robins Harlan S. , Ogino Shuji , Greenson Joel K. , Moreno Victor , Rennert Gad , Gruber Stephen B.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate the contribution of germline genetics to regulating the briskness and diversity of T cell responses in CRC, we conducted a genome-wide association study to examine the associations between germline genetic variation and quantitative measures of T cell landscapes in 2,876 colorectal tumors from participants in the Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Study (MECC).

Methods

Germline DNA samples were genotyped and imputed using genome-wide arrays. Tumor DNA samples were extracted from paraffin blocks, and T cell receptor clonality and abundance were quantified by immunoSEQ (Adaptive Biotechnologies, Seattle, WA). Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes per high powered field (TILs/hpf) were scored by a gastrointestinal pathologist. Regression models were used to evaluate the associations between each variant and the three T-cell features, adjusting for sex, age, genotyping platform, and global ancestry. Three independent datasets were used for replication.

Results

We identified a SNP (rs4918567) near RBM20 associated with clonality at a genome-wide significant threshold of 5 × 10− 8, with a consistent direction of association in both discovery and replication datasets. Expression quantitative trait (eQTL) analyses and in silico functional annotation for these loci provided insights into potential functional roles, including a statistically significant eQTL between the T allele at rs4918567 and higher expression of ADRA2A (P = 0.012) in healthy colon mucosa.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that germline genetic variation is associated with the quantity and diversity of adaptive immune responses in CRC. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings in additional samples and to investigate functional genomic mechanisms.
Genome composition and GC content influence loci distribution in reduced representation genomic studies
Authors: Galià-Camps Carles , Pegueroles Cinta , Turon Xavier , Carreras Carlos , Pascual Marta
Published: April 2024

Background

Genomic architecture is a key evolutionary trait for living organisms. Due to multiple complex adaptive and neutral forces which impose evolutionary pressures on genomes, there is a huge variability of genomic features. However, their variability and the extent to which genomic content determines the distribution of recovered loci in reduced representation sequencing studies is largely unexplored.

Results

Here, by using 80 genome assemblies, we observed that whereas plants primarily increase their genome size by expanding their intergenic regions, animals expand both intergenic and intronic regions, although the expansion patterns differ between deuterostomes and protostomes. Loci mapping in introns, exons, and intergenic categories obtained by in silico digestion using 2b-enzymes are positively correlated with the percentage of these regions in the corresponding genomes, suggesting that loci distribution mostly mirrors genomic architecture of the selected taxon. However, exonic regions showed a significant enrichment of loci in all groups regardless of the used enzyme. Moreover, when using selective adaptors to obtain a secondarily reduced loci dataset, the percentage and distribution of retained loci also varied. Adaptors with G/C terminals recovered a lower percentage of selected loci, with a further enrichment of exonic regions, while adaptors with A/T terminals retained a higher percentage of loci and slightly selected more intronic regions than expected.

Conclusions

Our results highlight how genome composition, genome GC content, RAD enzyme choice and use of base-selective adaptors influence reduced genome representation techniques. This is important to acknowledge in population and conservation genomic studies, as it determines the abundance and distribution of loci.
Circadian rhythm response and its effect on photosynthetic characteristics of the Lhcb family genes in tea plant
Authors: Hu Zhi-Hang , Zhang Nan , Qin Zhi-Yuan , Li Jing-Wen , Tao Jian-Ping , Yang Ni , Chen Yi , Kong Jie-Yu , Luo Wei , Chen Xuan , Li Xing-Hui , Xiong Ai-Sheng , Zhuang Jing
Published: April 2024

Background

The circadian clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is responsible for predicting daily and seasonal changes in the environment, and adjusting various physiological and developmental processes to the appropriate times during plant growth and development. The circadian clock controls the expression of the Lhcb gene, which encodes the chlorophyll a/b binding protein. However, the roles of the Lhcb gene in tea plant remain unclear.

Results

In this study, a total of 16 CsLhcb genes were identified based on the tea plant genome, which were distributed on 8 chromosomes of the tea plant. The promoter regions of CsLhcb genes have a variety of cis-acting elements including hormonal, abiotic stress responses and light response elements. The CsLhcb family genes are involved in the light response process in tea plant. The photosynthetic parameter of tea leaves showed rhythmic changes during the two photoperiod periods (48 h). Stomata are basically open during the day and closed at night. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that most of the CsLhcb family genes were highly expressed during the day, but were less expressed at night.

Conclusions

Results indicated that CsLhcb genes were involved in the circadian clock process of tea plant, it also provided potential references for further understanding of the function of CsLhcb gene family in tea plant.
In silico analysis of the wheat BBX gene family and identification of candidate genes for seed dormancy and germination
Authors: Cheng Xinran , Lei Shuying , Li Jin , Tian Bingbing , Li Chunxiu , Cao Jiajia , Lu Jie , Ma Chuanxi , Chang Cheng , Zhang Haiping
Published: April 2024

Background

B-box (BBX) proteins are a type of zinc finger proteins containing one or two B-box domains. They play important roles in development and diverse stress responses of plants, yet their roles in wheat remain unclear.

Results

In this study, 96 BBX genes were identified in the wheat genome and classified into five subfamilies. Subcellular localization prediction results showed that 68 TaBBXs were localized in the nucleus. Protein interaction prediction analysis indicated that interaction was one way that these proteins exerted their functions. Promoter analysis indicated that TaBBXs may play important roles in light signal, hormone, and stress responses. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 14 TaBBXs were highly expressed in seeds compared with other tissues. These were probably involved in seed dormancy and germination, and their expression patterns were investigated during dormancy acquisition and release in the seeds of wheat varieties Jing 411 and Hongmangchun 21, showing significant differences in seed dormancy and germination phenotypes. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that the three candidates TaBBX2-2 A, TaBBX4-2 A, and TaBBX11-2D were nuclear proteins. Transcriptional self-activation experiments further demonstrated that TaBBX4-2A was transcriptionally active, but TaBBX2-2A and TaBBX11-2D were not. Protein interaction analysis revealed that TaBBX2-2A, TaBBX4-2A, and TaBBX11-2D had no interaction with each other, while TaBBX2-2A and TaBBX11-2D interacted with each other, indicating that TaBBX4-2A may regulate seed dormancy and germination by transcriptional regulation, and TaBBX2-2A and TaBBX11-2D may regulate seed dormancy and germination by forming a homologous complex.

Conclusions

In this study, the wheat BBX gene family was identified and characterized at the genomic level by bioinformatics analysis. These observations provide a theoretical basis for future studies on the functions of BBXs in wheat and other species.
Influencing factors, gender differences and the decomposition of inequalities in cognitive function in Chinese older adults: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Ciran , Mao Zongfu , Wu Shaotang , Yin Shicheng , Sun Yu , Cui Dan
Published: April 2024

Background

Evidence remains limited and inconsistent for assessing cognitive function in Chinese older adults (CFCOA) and inequalities in cognitive function in Chinese older adults (ICFCOA) and exploring their influencing factors and gender differences. This study aimed to identify influencing factors and inequality in CFCOA to empirically explore the existence and sources of gender differences in such inequality and analyse their heterogeneous effects.

Methods

Based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for three periods from 2011 to 2015, recentered influence function unconditional quantile regression (RIF-UQR) and recentered influence function ordinary least squares (RIF-OLS) regression were applied to assess influencing factors of CFCOA, while grouped treatment effect estimation, Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, and propensity score matching (PSM) methods were conducted to identify gender differences in ICFCOA and influencing factors, respectively.

Results

The results showed heterogeneous effects of gender, age, low BMI, subjective health, smoking, education, social interactions, physical activity, and household registration on CFCOA. Additionally, on average, ICFCOA was about 19.2–36.0% higher among elderly females than among elderly males, mainly due to differences in characteristic effects and coefficient effects of factors such as marital status and education.

Conclusions

Different factors have heterogeneous and gender-differenced effects on CFCOA and ICFCOA, while the formation and exacerbation of ICFCOA were allied to marital status and education. Considering the severe ageing and the increasing incidence of cognitive decline, there is an urgent need for the government and society to adopt a comprehensive approach to practically work for promoting CFCOA and reducing ICFCOA.
Effects of Square Stepping Exercise on cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults: A center-based hybrid trial
Authors: Kawabata Masato , Gan Su Ren , Shen-Hsing Annabel Chen
Published: April 2024

Background

The Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) is an exercise training program that integrates physical exercise and cognitive elements and can be conducted in a group setting. The potential of SSE in delaying cognitive decline in older adults is promising. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult for older adults worldwide to exercise together in person. To address this issue, this study conducted a wholistic evaluation of the effects of a center-based hybrid SSE trial on cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults.

Methods

A total of 93 older adults (19 men, 74 women) participated in the study. Fifty-eight participants (9 men, 49 women) completed center-based hybrid SSE sessions over 12 weeks under coronavirus pandemic circumstances, whereas other 35 participants in the control group maintained their current level of daily activities. Cognitive functions focused on executive functions assessed by the Stroop Color-Word Test (inhibition) and the Trail Marking Test (TMT) (set-shifting). Psychological and group functioning were assessed by the Subjective Vitality Scale and the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire. Physical function was evaluated by measuring gait speeds. A repeated ANOVA was conducted on the measured variables separately for the intervention and control groups to focus on the change of participant’s performance over data collection points.

Results

Outcomes of the Stroop Color-Word Test and the TMT revealed that the hybrid SSE was highly effective in improving executive function. Stroop performance (correct trials) was significantly improved in the incongruent condition, as well as both TMT-A and -B over the intervention period in the intervention group. The hybrid SSE was also beneficial to improve physical (gait speed at usual pace and at the maximum pace) as well as psychological functioning (subjective vitality). Furthermore, SSE participants reported increased engagement with the SSE task, social communication, and increased bonding and closeness with their group members through the hybrid SSE.

Conclusions

In this study, hybrid SSE was found to be effective in enhancing cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults. The findings of this study are crucial to provide older adults with a safer and efficient option to exercise.
Guillain–Barre syndrome following scrub typhus: a case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Shijun , lin Zhichuan , Liu Tao , Huang Shixiong , Liang Hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Scrub typhus is an acute infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune-mediated peripheral neuropathy with a frequent history of prodromal infections, but GBS associated with scrub typhus is very rare.

Case presentation

We report a 51-year-old male patient who developed dysarthria and peripheral facial paralysis following the cure of scfrub typhus. CSF examination and electrophysiological findings suggested a diagnosis of GBS. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient’s neurological condition improved rapidly.

Conclusions

Scrub typhus infection is likely to be a potential predisposing factor in GBS, while scrub typhus-associated GBS has a favorable prognosis.
A population-based estimation of maternal mortality in Lagos State, Nigeria using the indirect sisterhood method
Authors: Wright Kikelomo Ololade , Fagbemi Temiloluwa , Omoera Victoria , Johnson Taiwo , Aderibigbe Adedayo Ayodele , Baruwa Basit , Oludara Folashade , Ogboye Olusegun , Imosemi Donald , Omololu Olufemi , Odugbemi Babatunde , Adeyemi Oluwatoni , Omosun Adenike , Akinola Ibironke , Akinyinka Modupe , Balogun Mobolanle , Abe John , Sadiku Bamidele , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Fabamwo Adetokunbo O.
Published: April 2024

Background

Pregnancy and delivery deaths represent a risk to women, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This population-based survey was conducted to provide estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Lagos Nigeria.

Methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in mapped Wards and Enumeration Areas (EA) of all Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, among 9,986 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from April to August 2022 using a 2-stage cluster sampling technique. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire adapted from nationally representative surveys was administered using REDCap by trained field assistants for data collection on socio-demographics, reproductive health, fertility, and maternal mortality. Data were analysed using SPSS and MMR was estimated using the indirect sisterhood method. Ethical approval was obtained from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee.

Results

Most of the respondents (28.7%) were aged 25–29 years. Out of 546 deceased sisters reported, 120 (22%) died from maternal causes. Sisters of the deceased aged 20–24 reported almost half of the deaths (46.7%) as due to maternal causes, while those aged 45–49 reported the highest number of deceased sisters who died from other causes (90.2%). The total fertility rate (TFR) was calculated as 3.807, the Lifetime Risk (LTR) of maternal death was 0.0196 or 1-in-51, and the MMR was 430 per 100,000 [95% CI: 360–510].

Conclusion

Our findings show that the maternal mortality rate for Lagos remains unacceptable and has not changed significantly over time in actual terms. There is need to develop and intensify community-based intervention strategies, programs for private hospitals, monitor MMR trends, identify and contextually address barriers at all levels of maternal care.
The impact of gestational weight gain on fetal and neonatal outcomes: the Araraquara Cohort Study
Authors: Victor Audêncio , de França da Silva Teles Laísla , Aires Isabel Oliveira , de Carvalho Leticia Falcão , Luzia Liania A. , Artes Rinaldo , Rondó Patrícia H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator for monitoring maternal and fetal health. Objective: To evaluate the effect of GWG outside the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Study design

A prospective cohort study with 1642 pregnant women selected from 2017 to 2023, with gestational age ≤ 18 weeks and followed until delivery in the city of Araraquara, Southeast Brazil. The relationship between IOM-recommended GWG and fetal outcomes (abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness, arm and thigh subcutaneous tissue area and intrauterine growth restriction) and neonatal outcomes (percentage of fat mass, fat-free mass, birth weight and length, ponderal index, weight adequateness for gestational age by the Intergrowth curve, prematurity, and Apgar score) were investigated. Generalized Estimating Equations were used.

Results

GWG below the IOM recommendations was associated with increased risks of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (aOR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.14–2.27), low birth weight (aOR 2.44; 95% CI: 1.85–3.21), and prematurity (aOR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.81–3.05), and lower chance of being Large for Gestational Age (LGA) (aOR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.28–0.54), with smaller arm subcutaneous tissue area (AST) (-7.99 g; 95% CI: -8.97 to -7.02), birth length (-0.76 cm; 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.49), and neonatal fat mass percentage (-0.85%; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.58). Conversely, exceeding GWG guidelines increased the likelihood of LGA (aOR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20–1.96), with lower 5th-minute Apgar score (aOR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20–0.87), and increased birth weight (90.14 g; 95% CI: 53.30 to 126.99).

Conclusion

Adherence to GWG recommendations is crucial, with deviations negatively impacting fetal health. Effective weight control strategies are imperative.
A retrospective study of cumulative absolute reduction in axial length after photobiomodulation therapy
Authors: Qiu Kaikai , David Coveney , Li Ying , Lei Zhou , Tong Liyang , Lin Wen
Published: April 2024

Background

To assess the age and timeline distribution of ocular axial length shortening among myopic children treated with photobiomodulation therapy in the real world situations.

Methods

Retrospective study of photobiomodulation therapy in Chinese children aged 4 to 13 years old where axial length measurements were recorded and assessed to determine effectiveness at two age groups (4 ∼ 8 years old group and 9 ∼ 13 years old group). Data was collected from myopic children who received photobiomodulation therapy for 6 ∼ 12 months. Effectiveness of myopia control was defined as any follow-up axial length ≤ baseline axial length, confirming a reduction in axial length. Independent t-test was used to compare the effectiveness of the younger group and the older group with SPSS 22.0.

Results

342 myopic children were included with mean age 8.64 ± 2.20 years and baseline mean axial length of 24.41 ± 1.17 mm. There were 85.40%, 46.30%, 71.20% and 58.30% children with axial length shortening recorded at follow-up for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, respectively. With respect to the axial length shortened eyes, the mean axial length difference (standard deviation) was − 0.039 (0.11) mm, -0.032 (0.11) mm, -0.037 (0.12) mm, -0.028 (0.57) mm at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Greater AL shortening was observed among the older group who had longer baseline axial lengths than the younger group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Overall myopia control effectiveness using photobiomodulation therapy was shown to be age and time related, with the maximum absolute reduction in axial elongation being cumulative.
Optical coherence tomography biomarkers as outcome predictors to guide dexamethasone implant use in patients with iERM: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luan Rong , Wang Manqiao , Gong Yi , Liu Boshi , Huang Xinyuan , Wang Jie , Sun Shuo , Zhao Jinzhi , Chen Xiteng , Yang Qianhui , Liu Juping , Shao Yan , Li Xiaorong
Published: April 2024

Background

We aimed to investigate the anatomical features of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and vitreous cytokine levels as predictors of outcomes of combined phacovitrectomy with intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implants for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) treatment.

Methods

A prospective, single-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 48 eyes. They were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo the DEX group (combined phacovitrectomy with ERM peeling and Ozurdex implantation) and control group (phacovitrectomy only). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed at 1 d, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The structural features of OCT before surgery were analysed for stratified analysis. Baseline soluble CD14 (sCD14) and sCD163 levels in the vitreous fluid were measured using ELISA.

Results

BCVA and CMT were not significantly different in the DEX and control groups. Eyes with hyperreflective foci (HRF) at baseline achieved better BCVA (Ptime*group=0.746; Pgroup=0.043, Wald χ²=7.869) and lower CMT (Ptime*group = 0.079; Pgroup = 0.001, Wald χ²=6.774) responses to DEX during follow-up. In all patients, the mean vitreous level of sCD163 in eyes with HRF was significantly higher than that in eyes without HRF (P = 0.036, Z=-2.093) at baseline. In the DEX group, higher sCD163 predicted greater reduction in CMT from baseline to 1 month (r = 0.470, P = 0.049).

Conclusions

We found that intraoperative DEX implantation did not have beneficial effects on BCVA and CMT over a 3-month period in all patients with iERM, implying that the use of DEX for all iERM is not recommended. In contrast, for those with HRF on OCT responded better to DEX implants at the 3-month follow-up and thier vitreous fluid expressed higher levels of sCD163 at baseline. These data support the hypothesis that DEX implants may be particularly effective in treating cases where ERM is secondary to inflammation.

Trial registration

The trail has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trail Registry(https://www.chictr.org.cn) on 2021/03/12 (ChiCTR2100044228). And all patients in the article were enrolled after registration.
Comparison of the efficacy of parent-mediated NDBIs on developmental skills in children with ASD and fidelity in parents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ouyang Yuling , Feng Junyan , Wang Tiantian , Xue Yang , Mohamed Zakaria Ahmed , Jia Feiyong
Published: April 2024

Background

Recently, studies on behavioral interventions for autism have gained popularity. Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions (NDBIs) are among the most effective, evidence-based, and widely used behavior interventions for autism. However, no research has been conducted on which of the several NDBI methods is most effective for parents and children with autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the specific effects of each type of parental-mediated NDBI on children’s developmental skills and parent fidelity.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), CINAHL, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to August 30, 2023. A total of 32 randomized controlled trial studies that examined the efficacy of different NDBIs were included.

Results

Parents of children with ASD who received Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) reported significant improvements in their children’s social skills (SUCRA, 74.1%), language skills (SUCRA, 88.3%), and parenting fidelity (SUCRA, 99.5%). Moreover, parents who received Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) reported significant improvements in their children’s language (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.79) and motor skills (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.79). In terms of the efficacy of improving parent fidelity, the results showed that the Improving Parents as Communication Teachers (ImPACT) intervention significantly improved parent fidelity when compared with the treatment-as-usual group (TAU) (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.42) and the parental education intervention (PEI) (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI:0.28, 1.91).There was a difference in parent fidelity among parents who received PRT(SMD = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.26, 4.79) or ESDM(SMD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.09) training compared with PEI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study revealed that parents can achieve high fidelity with the ImPACT intervention, and it can serve as an early first step for children newly diagnosed with ASD. It also showed that parent-mediated ESDM is effective in improving language and motor skills for children with ASD and can be used as part of the second stage of parent training. Parent-mediated PRT can also be used as a third stage of parent training with sufficient training intensity to further improve language, social, and motor skills.