bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationally Educated Nursing Staff Caring for Older Adults: A Scoping Study
Authors: Olanrewaju Sherif A. , Loeb Susan J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Internationally Educated Nursing staff (IENs) are born and obtained their initial educational preparation in their home country before relocating to work in high-income countries (e.g., United States). Older adults are recipients of IENs’ care. The study purpose was to synthesize relevant findings on IENs’ experiences caring for older adults in various settings.

Method:

Arksey and O’Malley’s framework approach to Scoping studies was employed. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. A labor and employment relations researcher and a health science librarian were consulted.

Results:

Three main themes (transitional challenges; IENs’ experiences working with older adults; factors affecting IEN service delivery) and seven subthemes emerged.

Discussion:

Cultural beliefs and communication barriers posed particular challenges to IENs as they worked with Western peers, older adults, and families. Facilitating factors revealed can inform administrative leaders of practice initiatives. Research gaps and limitations identified can guide future study approaches.
Measuring the Level of Fidelity Required for Transfer of Learning in Simulation-Based Learning Exercises for Novice and Experienced Practitioners
Authors: Davies Amanda Jane , Krame Ghaleb
Published: March 2024

Background

An acknowledged conundrum which exists for designers of simulation-based learning exercises centres on how much fidelity is required to aid transfer of learning from the classroom to the field of application and what is the influence of the learner’s practitioner experience. This article presents the findings from a study which explored the way in which fidelity influences the sense of immersion and learning transfer experienced by novice and experienced practitioners in technology-assisted simulation-based learning exercises.

Methods

Two different technology-assisted simulation-based learning exercises were explored employing participant surveys and interviews. The central aim of the exercises, conducted by an Australian police agency was the development of decision-making skills for high-risk and high-stakes situations. Case one centred on public order management for highly experienced senior police and Case Two was a judgmental use-of-force simulation for novice police recruits with limited or nil operational experience.

Results

The findings indicate experienced practitioners did not suggest a need to actually see a replicated site of the incident with the human and environmental elements and sounds. They relied on their policing experience to build their own visualization of the situation. It is the combination of this personal visualization with the psychological factors of the simulated incident which created a realistic environment for these experienced practitioners. For the novice practitioners – they relied on the simulation exercise and environmental features to be as realistic and extensive as possible in order to experience immersion and presence.

Conclusion

This study supports the suggestion that measuring how much fidelity is enough or too much is complex, and a unit of measurement could reasonably be identified as determining the balance of physical and psychological fidelity, informed by the field-based experience of the participants, which will support learning transfer from the classroom (or simulated environment) to the field of operation.
Reframing Informal Institutional Voids as the Attempted Remaking of Contested Social Spaces: Evidence from England
Authors: Hasan Md Nazmul , Bondy Krista
Published: March 2024

The conventional perspective on institutional voids as mere absences has recently faced criticism. Recent research suggests that voids are instead sites of contestation between institutions. However, understanding the specifics of this and how informal voids function in such contestations requires deeper investigation. We combine insights from the institutional voids and political theory literatures to reconceptualise informal voids as spaces of attempted institutional remaking which occurs through three key activities - developing new norms, devising legitimate political interventions and negotiating new rules. We present data from 123 interviews to demonstrate these three activities. This evidence enables us to challenge two assumptions in the voids literature and to demonstrate how an informal void (as reconceptualised) functions at the nexus of health and urban development in England. This study has implications for investigating informal voids as active social spaces, where actors attempt to remake contested social spaces through three core types of activity.
A successful desensitization in an adult patient with ARA-C infusion reaction
Authors: Akgul Balaban Yasemin , Inan Mustafa Ilker , Selcuk Ali , Kartal Ozgur , Zengin Haydar , Bulduk Tuba
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Cytarabine (ARA-C) is an antimetabolite agent used especially in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Infusion reactions have an important place among the side effects that may occur due to treatment. Clinical findings of infusion reactions resemble allergic reactions.

Case Report

47-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia developed infusion reaction during ARA-C treatment.

Management & Outcome

There was no alternative treatment option for his existing malignant disease, we decided ARA-C desensitization.

Discussion

We would like to describe a successful desensitization protocol in an adult patient who experienced a reaction during ARA-C infusion.
Anxiety, depression, working from home and health-related behaviours during COVID-19: Structural equation modelling and serial mediation of associations with angina, heart attacks and stroke
Authors: Lopes Bárbara , Kamau-Mitchell Caroline
Published: March 2024

Based on the vulnerability-stress model and coping theory, this study of 1920 people in Scotland investigated how sex, age, occupational factors, anxiety, depression and maladaptive coping behaviours are associated with cardiovascular health. Structural equation modelling and serial Sobel mediation tests were conducted. Anxiety was associated with past arrhythmia, whereas depression was associated with past heart attacks, stroke and angina. Females reported more anxiety, past arrhythmia, confectionary and alcohol consumption, whereas males had more heart attacks. Confectionary consumption was associated with past arrhythmia, and alcohol consumption was associated with past heart attacks. Being older was associated with depression, past stroke, arrhythmia and alcohol consumption. Being younger was associated with anxiety and smoking. Depression and smoking mediated the relationship between type of working and cardiovascular health history, potentially because of socioeconomic factors. Clinicians can use these results to advise clients about cardiovascular risks associated with anxiety, depression, demographics and health-related coping behaviours.
‘Diversity’ as multidisciplinary keyword for the politics of cultural recommender systems in global digital media platforms
Authors: Burgess Jean , Bartolo Louisa , Gray Joanne , Hutchinson Jonathon , Kaye D. Bondy Valdovinos , Matamoros-Fernandez Ariadna , Pappalardo Kylie , Wikstrom Patrik
Published: March 2024

‘Diversity’ is a heavily freighted and multivalent keyword in the global digital media environment. The recommender systems used by platforms are particularly acute sites of development and debate around the political, cultural and technical issues ‘diversity’ signifies. Drawing on a review of computer science publications on recommender systems in media and entertainment as well as a survey of recent advances in media and cultural policy scholarship, this short article performs a pragmatic close reading of diversity in these intersecting fields. We note that attention must be paid to the specific challenges and politics of diversity not only in particular cultural fields but also in local cultural contexts, drawing on examples from music and SVOD platforms to flesh out these questions and the practical possibilities that arise from them.
Life History Strategies of Male Criminal Offenders: Verifying Traditional Life History Patterns
Authors: Kwiek Monika , Piotrowski Przemyslaw
Published: March 2024

Life history (LH) strategies are results of trade-offs that species must make due to inhabiting certain ecological niches. Although it is assumed that, through the process of developmental plasticity, similar trade-offs are made by individuals in response to a certain level of harshness and unpredictability of their local environments, the study results on this matter are not consistent. In LH-oriented psychological research, such inconsistencies are often explained as a consequence of significant individual differences in phenotypical quality and owned resources, which make studying trade-offs difficult due to different costs and benefits of the same behaviors taken by different individuals. To verify if traditional LH patterns can be found among individuals with more comparable qualities, than in the general population, the current study was conducted on a group of male criminal offenders, who are typically associated with a fast LH strategy. Our results did not show any support for either LH trade-offs or unidimensional character of LH strategies in the criminal group studied. The traditional biodemographic LH traits, that we used to assess a LH strategy, merged into three well-known LH dimensions (mating, parenting, and somatic effort) that yet turned out to be entirely independent from each other. Moreover, each LH dimension turned out to be uniquely related to a different aspect of the developmental environment. The implications of the obtained results are discussed.
Therapeutic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles in the Management of Diabetic Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on RCTs
Authors: Hosseini Reza Shah , Hasanpour Kiana , Khoshnevis Mehrnoosh , fakhr Masoud Saadat , Derin Esra , Ghaffarian Alireza , Kement Cagdas
Published: March 2024

Aims

The skin, as the body's largest organ, plays vital roles in sensory functions, temperature regulation, and protection against pathogens and injuries. Skin wounds, which disrupt its integrity, can result from various factors, including diseases such as diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers are a severe complication of diabetes, often leading to amputations. This systematic review explores the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles in the management of diabetic ulcers.

Methods

Seven studies published between 2016 and 2023 were included in this review. Also, 4 studies were included in the meta-analysis. These studies investigated the application of silver nanoparticles, primarily in dressing forms, for diabetic ulcer treatment. A systematic search strategy was employed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Results

The results show that silver nanoparticles do not have a significant difference in improving DFU healing rates. SilvrSTAT Gel, a dressing containing silver nanoparticles, outperformed traditional dressings, leading to a substantial percentage of ulcers healing within weeks. Comparative studies also indicated that silver nanoparticles were at least as effective as alternative treatments, such as nano-chitosan dressings, and showed potential for combination therapy with growth factors.

Discussion

This review underscores the promise of silver nanoparticles, a nanotechnology-based approach, in accelerating the healing of diabetic ulcers while providing antimicrobial benefits. Despite some limitations, including variations in treatment regimens and a lack of long-term outcome data, these findings show there is no clinical evidence for using Nanosilver for the healing process of DFU.

Conclusion

Silver nanoparticles currently do not have sufficient clinical evidence for healing the DFU; however, in some studies, they had noticeable effects on the rate of wound healing.
Exploring Information Seeking Anxiety Among Localized Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Ross Levi , Preston Michael A. , Lee Torhonda C. , Lockhart Jala , Young Jordan , Wood Angela , Wood Ralph
Published: March 2024

Information seeking anxiety is a multidimensional construct that is operationalized as having elements of worry, confusion, and disorganization. Much remains unknown about the ways information seeking anxiety operates among cancer patients in the United States. This study investigated the application of the information seeking anxiety concept among prostate cancer patients by documenting their assessment experiences and examining relationships between information seeking anxiety and treatment information search behaviors. A purposive sample of African American and Caucasian men ( N = 63) within 5 years of being diagnosed with localized disease (stage T1 or T2) were recruited to participate through cancer registries, advertisements, and word-of-mouth. Participants completed a self-administered survey with items that collected demographic information, treatment information-seeking behaviors, and information seeking anxiety evaluations. All surveys were completed in one sitting and a majority of men (82.5%, N = 52) completed the information seeking anxiety assessment with no assistance. During their first interactions with available sources of information (e.g., doctors, internet, peers), most survivors (95.2%, N = 60) reported some level of information seeking anxiety. Specifically, 55.5% ( N = 35) were confused about what to look for, 60.3% ( N = 38) were worried they would not find the right information, 55.5% ( N = 35) were uncomfortable with the search process, and 49.2% ( N = 31) reported being disorganized. The composite information seeking anxiety measure was moderately correlated with men’s self-reported time to start searching for treatment information ( p = .02; r = .306). Information seeking anxiety appears to delay the treatment information gathering activities of prostate cancer survivors with localized disease. This previously undocumented barrier to the delivery of prostate cancer care services should be investigated in other studies with larger and more diverse samples.
Deductive Qualitative Analysis: Evaluating, Expanding, and Refining Theory
Authors: Fife Stephen T. , Gossner Jacob D.
Published: March 2024

Although qualitative research is often equated with inductive analysis, researchers may also use deductive qualitative approaches for certain types of research questions and purposes. Deductive qualitative research allows researchers to use existing theory to examine meanings, processes, and narratives of interpersonal and intrapersonal phenomena. Deductive qualitative analysis (DQA; Gilgun, 2005, 2019) is one form of deductive qualitative research that is suited to theory application, testing, and refinement. Within DQA, researchers combine deductive and inductive analysis to examine supporting, contradicting, refining, and expanding evidence for the theory or conceptual model being examined, resulting in a theory that better fits the present sample and accounts for increased diversity in the phenomenon being studied. This paper acts as a primer on DQA and presents two worked examples of DQA studies. Our discussion focuses on the five primary components of DQA: selecting a research question and guiding theory, operationalizing theory, collecting a purposive sample, coding and analyzing data, and theorizing. We highlight different ways of operationalizing theory as sensitizing constructs or as working hypotheses and discuss common pitfalls in theory operationalization. We divide the coding and analyzing process into two sections for parsimony: early analysis, focused on familiarity with the data, code generation, and identification of negative cases, and middle analysis, focused on developing a thorough understanding of evidence related to the guiding theory and negative cases that depart from the guiding theory. Theorizing occurs throughout as researchers consider ways in which the theory being examined is supported, refuted, refined, or expanded. We also discuss strengths and limitations of DQA and potential difficulties researchers may experience when utilizing this methodology.
Becomings-With Critical Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Cannella Gaile S. , Collins Donald R. , Strange Amalie , Koro Mirka
Published: March 2024

This special issue was initiated using ideas and content from the 2023 all-day discussion at the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI) relating critical qualitative inquiry (CQI) and contemporary issues of social, environmental, and other forms of justice. Definitions and multiple possibilities for CQI were explored. What is CQI? What does it mean for qualitative research? Critique? (Re)Conceptualization? To provide the reader with a feel for the complexity of issues and content discussed along with research initiated through these discussions, the remainder of this introductory article provides (1) a brief history of critical qualitative work, (2) an overview of the critical content introduced in the 2023 all-day session, and (3) a description of the new critical work recently conducted by participants who joined the discussions.
Effects of Blood flow Restriction and Load on Mean Propulsive Velocity and Subjective Perceived Exertion During Squat and Bench Press Exercises
Authors: Serrano-Ramón Josep M. , García-Luna Marco A. , Hernández-Sánchez Sergio , Cortell-Tormo Juan M. , García-Jaén Miguel
Published: March 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different percentages of blood flow restriction (BFR) and loads on mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and subjective perceived exertion during squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises.

Hypothesis:

Higher percentages of BFR will positively affect dependent variables, increasing MPV and reducing perceived exertion.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Eight healthy young male athletes took part. Two sets of 6 repetitions at 70% 1-repetition maximum (1RM), 2 sets of 4 repetitions at 80% 1RM, and 2 sets of 2 repetitions at 90% 1RM were performed randomly; 5-minute recoveries were applied in all sets. The varying arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) applied randomly was 0% (Control [CON]), 80%, and 100%.

Results:

No statistically significant differences in MPV were found during the BP exercise at any percentage of BFR at any percentage 1RM. During the SQ exercise, MPV results showed statistically significant increases of 5.46% ( P = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.31) between CON and 100% AOP at 90% 1RM. The perceived exertion results for the BP exercise showed statistically significant reductions of -8.66% ( P < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.06) between CON and 100% AOP at 90% 1RM. During the SQ exercise, the perceived exertion results showed significant reductions of -10.04% ( P = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.40) between CON and 100% AOP at 80% 1RM; -5.47% ( P = 0.02; ηp2 = 0.48) between CON and 80% AOP at 90% 1RM; and -11.83% ( P < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.66) between CON and 100% AOP at 90% 1RM.

Conclusion:

BFR percentages ~100% AOP at 90% 1RM improved acutely MPV (only in SQ exercises) and reduced acutely perceived exertion (in both exercises). These findings are important to consider when prescribing resistance training for healthy male athletes.
Interval Throwing Programs for Baseball Players: Methodological Assessment of the Quality and Construct of Publicly Available Programs
Authors: Boos Alexander M. , Sambare Namit , Smith Matthew V. , Freehill Michael T. , Bowman Eric N. , Erickson Brandon J. , Chalmers Peter N. , Sciascia Aaron , Camp Christopher L.
Published: March 2024

Context:

The quality and interprogram variability of publicly available throwing programs have not been assessed.

Objective:

To (1) identify publicly available interval throwing programs, (2) describe their components and structure, and (3) evaluate their quality, variability, and completeness.

Data Sources:

Google, Bing, Yahoo; keyword: “interval throwing program.”

Study Selection:

Baseball-specific publicly available programs.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Independent evaluation by 2 authors using a novel 21-item Quality Assessment Rubric (QAR).

Results:

Of the 99 included programs, 54% were designed for return from injury/surgery; 42% explicitly stated no expected timeline for completion, and approximately 40% did not provide criteria to initiate the program. Program construction was highly variable. There were broad-ranging shortest (mean: 40±8 ft, range: 20-45 ft) and longest (mean: 150±33 ft, range: 90-250 ft) long toss distances, and variable maximum numbers of mound pitches thrown before returning to game play (range: 40-120, mean: 85). Only 63% of programs provided guidelines for handling setbacks, and standardized warm-ups, arm care, and concomitant training were absent in 32%, 63%, and 47% of programs, respectively. Mean QAR completion rate and QAR item response rate were low (62 ± 4% [range, 24-91%], 62 ± 24% [range, 7-99%], respectively). Finally, only 20 (20%) programs provided at least 1 peer-reviewed reference, most of which were published >10 years ago.

Conclusion:

Publicly available interval throwing programs are readily available but demonstrate significant interprogram heterogeneity across multiple areas including target audience, program construction, progression, and execution. The quality and consistency of publicly available interval throwing programs is poor at this time, which may limit their utility and effectiveness for baseball players attempting to return to competition. This work identifies a multitude of deficiencies in currently available throwing programs that should be targets of future improvement efforts.
An Action Plan to Improve Postnatal Care in Ethiopia: A Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Bala Elias Teferi , Roets Lizeth
Published: March 2024

Despite the efforts made in Ethiopia to decrease maternal mortality by increasing postnatal care and other maternal health care services, neither significant reduction in maternal mortality nor an increase in postnatal care utilization. The objective of this study was to develop an action plan to improve postnatal care services in the Ethiopian context. Sequential mixed-methods research, was conducted over three phases. In the first phase of the study, background information on postnatal care services in Ethiopia was assessed and described. During the second phase of the study, an action plan for postnatal care improvement was developed, and the third phase concentrated on the validation of the developed action plan. For phase 1 one of the study 422 respondents were randomly selected and participated in the study from November 1 to 30, 2020. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection. The collected data were checked for completeness, cleaned, coded, and then entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program version 21. For the thrird phase of the study a delphi technique was used to validate the developed action plan . For all phases of the study, the open-ended questions were open-coded and thematically analyzed. A validated action plan for the improvements of postnatal care was developed using the inputs from respondents during Phase 1, available literature as well as the three-round Delphi technique. The findings revealed that the developed action plan is applicable in the Ethiopian context and is crucial for improvement of postnatal care. The study revealed that the developed and validated action plan will improve postnatal care in Ethiopia. Follow-up studies to assess the limitations of the action plan can be conducted to adapt and improve the action plan. Further studies on possible challenges associated with the implementation can enhance the success of the implementation of the action plan.
Improving Food and Beverage Satisfaction in the Private Club Industry
Authors: Lee SoJung , Jeong EunHa (Lena) , Butler Jim , Morin Mike , Clark John
Published: March 2024

Clubs are created and exist to meet the needs of the members. In particular, food and beverage (F&B) is critical to all clubs because all members use the amenity. Private club members utilize the F&B amenities several times a week, which presents multiple challenges for the clubs. Additionally, clubs have a limited number of F&B staff to serve members, resulting in operational issues that are not apparent to the members. This case study aims at understanding the challenges and issues with F&B operations and developing strategies to increase member satisfaction in food and beverage. The study takes the students through the F&B dilemma facing a private country club to develop marketing strategies for improving member satisfaction.
Tenancy and Interlinkages in Rural India: A Study of Two Villages in West Godavari District
Authors: D. A. Murali , Vijay R.
Published: March 2024

Tenancy has been increasing in the post-reform period, in which pure tenancy has significant share. The pure tenants lack ownership rights over the land, which restricts access to agricultural inputs from the formal sources. This leads to the emergence of personalised informal arrangements with moneylenders and other input dealers. Using village-level data, we attempt to understand how input and output markets interact in informal arrangements. If so, what is their impact on the output and rental rates in a village economy? This study shows that the cultivators go for interlinked exchanges ranging from zero to three, and a significant share of them have more than two interlinkages in the input market. It is also evident that the more the number of linkages, the more the output produced and rent paid. This self-exploitative arrangement has the potential to become a vicious cycle in the future.
Objective Evaluation of Pulse Width Using an Array Pulse Diagram
Authors: Bi Zi-Juan , Cui Ji , Yao Xing-Hua , Hu Xiao-Juan , Wang Si-Han , Liang Meng-Chen , Zhou Zhi-Hui , Xu Jia-Tuo
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulse width, which can reflect qi, blood excess, and deficiency, has been used for diagnosing diseases and determining the prognosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This study aimed to devise an objective method to measure the pulse width based on an array pulse diagram for objective diagnosis.

Methods

The channel 6, the region wherein the pulse wave signal is the strongest, is located in the middle of the pulse sensor array and at the guan position of cunkou during data collection. Therefore, the main wave (h1) time of the pulse wave was collected from the channel 6 through calculation. The left h1 time was collected from the remaining 11 channels. The amplitudes at these time points were extracted as the h1 amplitudes for each channel. However, the pulse width could not be calculated accurately at 12 points. Consequently, a bioharmonic spline interpolation algorithm was used to interpolate the h1 amplitude data obtained from the horizontal and vertical points, yielding 651 (31 × 21) h1 amplitude data. The 651 data points were converted into a heat map to intuitively calculate the pulse width. The pulse width was calculated by multiplying the number of grids on the vertical axis with the unit length of the grid. The pulse width was determined by TCM doctors to verify the pulse width measurement accuracy. Meanwhile, a color Doppler ultrasound examination of the volunteers’ radial arteries was performed and the intravascular meridian widths of the radial artery compared with the calculated pulse widths to determine the reliability.

Results

The pulse width determined using the maximal h1 amplitude method was comparable with the radial artery intravascular meridian widths measured using color Doppler ultrasound. The h1 amplitude was higher in the high blood pressure group and the pulse width was greater.

Conclusions

The pulse width determined using the maximal h1 amplitude was objective and accurate. Comparison between the pulse widths of the normal and high blood pressure groups verified the reliability of the method.
Acute Ischaemic Stroke in a Young Adult in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Report of Post-strangulation Carotid Artery Dissection
Authors: Mengnjo Michel K. , Ngarka Leonard , Yepnjio Faustin N. , Njamnshi Leonard Nfor , Oba Stephanie Laure Mintya , Njamnshi Alfred K.
Published: March 2024

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) remain one of the major causes of disabilities and mortality worldwide. In the young, carotid artery dissection (CAD) accounts for close to one-quarter of ischaemic strokes, occurring either spontaneously or due to a traumatic mechanism such as strangulation. We hereby, report a case of a young adult with large-vessel occlusion due to post-strangulation internal CAD. This case highlights the importance of raising awareness of the possibility of CAD in the presence of any focal neurologic deficit due to strangulation.
A Systematic Review of Interventions That Address Food Insecurity for Persons With Prediabetes or Diabetes Using the RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Whitehouse Christina R. , Akyirem Samuel , Petoskey Christopher , Huang Shuyuan , Lendvai Dora , Batten Janene , Whittemore Robin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically review interventions that address food insecurity for persons with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework.

Methods

Six databases (OVIDMEDLINE, OVIDEMBASE, OVID APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and EBSCO CINAHL Complete) were searched through January 2023. Research team members independently performed screening of abstracts and full texts, data abstraction, and risk assessment.

Results

In all, 3,139 unique citations were identified, and 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions included medically tailored meals/groceries (n = 10) or produce prescriptions/vouchers (n = 10). Reach and effectiveness were the highest reported RE-AIM elements. Interventions reached a high-risk population via food banks, community-based outreach, and federally qualified health centers. A majority of participants identified as female, Black, or Hispanic/Latinx and were living below the federal poverty level. Most studies reported at least 1 diabetes outcome (ie, A1C, hypoglycemia, diabetes distress, diabetes self-management). Seventeen studies reported impact on A1C, with the majority reporting a decrease in A1C and 53% (9/17) of studies demonstrating a decrease over time. Self-management improved in 50% (3/6) of studies that evaluated this outcome. Self-efficacy improved in 40% (2/5) of studies, and improvements were seen in depressive symptoms/diabetes distress (4/7 studies) and quality of life (5/5 studies). Seven studies reported statistically significant improvements in food insecurity.

Conclusion

Food insecurity has been associated with higher risks and adverse clinical outcomes in adults with diabetes. Implementing interventions that address food insecurity among adults with or at risk for diabetes can enhance food security and clinically important diabetes-related outcomes. Additional research dedicated to the sustainability of interventions is needed.
The CHIP Score: A Valuable Method for Determining Risk of Surgical Intervention for Hemangioma Patients
Authors: Shah Pearl , Royek Amanda , Kumar Anand R.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumor of infancy. These tumors may have wide-ranging effects on functional and cosmetic outcomes for patients. With variations in recommendations for surgery among providers, it can be difficult to counsel patients and their families on potential surgical treatment. Through the development of the Case Western Hemangioma Intervention Predictor (CHIP) score, this study aims to improve the consistency of counseling regarding surgery and timing of surgical referral.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of all patients (179) treated for IHs at a single tertiary care center over 17 years. Patients were divided equally into 2 cohorts. Descriptive statistics and correlation plots were performed on the first cohort to evaluate which disease factors (including size, location, and complications) and patient factors significantly correlated with the decision to pursue surgical treatment (surgical risk). These factors were used to form a CHIP score, which was then validated through logistic regression with length of medical management as a covariate against the second cohort of patients.

Results:

After controlling for length of medical management to treat IH, lack of medical management, functional impairment, and ulceration were found to be significantly correlated with the risk of surgical intervention ( P < .05). When validated against the second half of our cohort, a CHIP score of 3 (of a maximum score of 3) was found to have a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 81% in predicting risk of surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

IHs can have clinical characteristics that may be predictors of complexity and surgical intervention. The CHIP score can assist in educating patients and families on surgery as a treatment option and guiding appropriate referrals.
Transformation, leaching and plant uptake simulations of 6:2 and 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diesters (diPAPs) and related transformation products under near-natural conditions
Authors: Weidemann Eva , Lämmer René , Göckener Bernd , Bücking Mark , Gassmann Matthias
Published: March 2024

In response to the growing concern over PFAS contamination, employing models to simulate PFAS behavior in the environment becomes necessary. This facilitates evaluating risks tied to leaching into groundwater, adsorption in soil, plant uptake, entry into the food chain, and the conversion of precursors into persistent PFAS. We utilized the MACRO model to simulate the behavior of the precursors 6:2 diPAP and 8:2 diPAP using data from a 2-year lysimeter experiment, key compound parameters were optimized via the caRamel evolutionary algorithm. We assumed that the transformation of both diPAP precursors into stable PFAAs is influenced by temperature and soil moisture, similar to pesticide degradation by microorganisms. Results reveal that the model accurately represents transformation, leaching, soil retention, and plant uptake of diPAP and transformation products. A comparison with a lab-based soil column study supports the slower natural degradation of precursors, affirming our modeling approach. Temperature and soil moisture could indicate that a worst-case scenario for transformation product leaching into groundwater could occur during a mild summer with moderate evapotranspiration and heavy rainfall. Plant uptake involves multiple elements: PFAS availability in the root zone depends on prior degradation or presence. Increased moisture in the root zone favors PFAS uptake combined with temperatures high enough for prior biotransformation. The calculation of temperature and moisture-based conversion rates was adopted directly from MACRO. It is recommended to further investigate these effects to validate and possibly modify them.
A common regulatory haplotype doubles lactoferrin concentration in milk
Authors: Lopdell Thomas J. , Trevarton Alexander J. , Moody Janelle , Prowse-Wilkins Claire , Knowles Sarah , Tiplady Kathryn , Chamberlain Amanda J. , Goddard Michael E. , Spelman Richard J. , Lehnert Klaus , Snell Russell G. , Davis Stephen R. , Littlejohn Mathew D.
Published: March 2024

Background

Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron absorbing whey protein with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Lactoferrin is economically valuable and has an extremely variable concentration in milk, partly driven by environmental influences such as milking frequency, involution, or mastitis. A significant genetic influence has also been previously observed to regulate lactoferrin content in milk. Here, we conducted genetic mapping of lactoferrin protein concentration in conjunction with RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq data to pinpoint candidate causative variants that regulate lactoferrin concentrations in milk.

Results

We identified a highly-significant lactoferrin protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL), as well as a cislactotransferrin (LTF) expression QTL (cis-eQTL) mapping to the LTF locus. Using ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq datasets representing lactating mammary tissue samples, we also report a number of regions where the openness of chromatin is under genetic influence. Several of these also show highly significant QTL with genetic signatures similar to those highlighted through pQTL and eQTL analysis. By performing correlation analysis between these QTL, we revealed an ATAC-seq peak in the putative promotor region of LTF, that highlights a set of 115 high-frequency variants that are potentially responsible for these effects. One of the 115 variants (rs110000337), which maps within the ATAC-seq peak, was predicted to alter binding sites of transcription factors known to be involved in lactation-related pathways.

Conclusions

Here, we report a regulatory haplotype of 115 variants with conspicuously large impacts on milk lactoferrin concentration. These findings could enable the selection of animals for high-producing specialist herds.
Mechanism of action of microRNA166 on nitric oxide in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under drought stress
Authors: Wei Bochuang , Wang Yizhen , Ruan Qian , Zhu Xiaolin , Wang Xian , Wang Tianjie , Zhao Ying , Wei Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

Background

Alfalfa is a perennial forage crop of high importance, but its cultivation is often affected by drought stress. Currently, the investigation of drought-related small RNAs is a popular research topic to uncover plant drought resistance mechanisms. Among these small RNAs, microRNA166 (miR166) is associated with drought in numerous plant species. Initial small RNA sequencing studies have shown that miR166 is highly responsive to exogenous nitric oxide (NO) and drought. Therefore, analyzing the expression of Msa-miR166 under nitric oxide and drought treatment is significant.

Result

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the miR166 family is widely distributed among plants, ranging from mosses to eudicots, with significant distribution differences between species. The evolutionary degree of Msa-miR166s is highly similar to that of Barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) and Soybean (Glycine max), but significantly different from the model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). It is suggested that there are no significant differences in miR166s within the species, and members of Msa-miR166s can form a typical stem-loop. The lowest level of exogenous nitric oxide was observed in Msa-miR166s under drought stress, followed by individual drought, and the highest level was observed after removing endogenous nitric oxide.

Conclusion

In response to short-term drought, Msa-miR166s down-regulate expression in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Exogenous nitric oxide can reduce the expression of Msa-miR166s in response to short-term drought. These findings suggest that Msa-miR166e-5p is responsive to environmental changes. The expression levels of target genes showed an opposite trend to Msa-miR166s, verifying the accuracy of Degradome sequencing in the early stage. This suggests that alfalfa experiences drought stress when regulated by exogenous nitric oxide, targeting HD ZIP-III, FRI, and CoA ligase genes. Additionally, the expression of Msa-miR166s in response to drought stress varies between leaves and roots, indicating spatiotemporal specificity.
Transcriptome disclosure of hormones inducing stigma exsertion in Nicotiana tabacum by corolla shortening
Authors: Zhang Xiaoquan , Li Juxu , Xing Xuexia , Li Hongchen , Zhang Songtao , Chang Jianbo , Wei Fengjie , Zhang Yongfeng , Huang Jinhui , Zhang Xuelin , Wang Zhaojun
Published: March 2024

Background

Stigma exsertion is an essential agricultural trait that can promote cross-pollination to improve hybrid seed production efficiency. However, the molecular mechanism controlling stigma exsertion remains unknown.

Results

In this study, the Nicotiana tabacum cv. K326 and its two homonuclear-heteroplasmic lines, MSK326 (male-sterile) and MSK326SE (male-sterile and stigma exserted), were used to investigate the mechanism of tobacco stigma exsertion. A comparison of the flowers between the three lines showed that the stigma exsertion of MSK326SE was mainly due to corolla shortening. Therefore, the corollas of the three lines were sampled and presented for RNA-seq analysis, which found 338 candidate genes that may cause corolla shortening. These genes were equally expressed in K326 and MSK326, but differentially expressed in MSK326SE. Among these 338 genes, 15 were involved in hormone synthesis or signal transduction pathways. Consistently, the content of auxin, dihydrozeatin, gibberellin, and jasmonic acid was significantly decreased in the MSK326SE corolla, whereas abscisic acid levels were significantly increased. Additionally, seven genes involved in cell division, cell cycle, or cell expansion were identified. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 45 nodes and 79 protein interactions, and the largest module contained 20 nodes and 52 protein interactions, mainly involved in the hormone signal transduction and pathogen defensive pathways. Furthermore, a putative hub gene coding a serine/threonine-protein kinase was identified for the network.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that hormones may play a key role in regulating tobacco stigma exsertion induced by corolla shortening.
Comparative genomic analysis of the Growth-Regulating Factors-Interacting Factors (GIFs) in six Salicaceae species and functional analysis of PeGIF3 reveals their regulatory role in Populus heteromorphic leaves
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Sun Jianhao , Qiu Chen , Jiao Peipei , Wang Houling , Wu Zhihua , Li Zhijun
Published: March 2024

Background

The growth-regulating factor-interacting factor (GIF) gene family plays a vital role in regulating plant growth and development, particularly in controlling leaf, seed, and root meristem homeostasis. However, the regulatory mechanism of heteromorphic leaves by GIF genes in Populus euphratica as an important adaptative trait of heteromorphic leaves in response to desert environment remains unknown.

Results

This study aimed to identify and characterize the GIF genes in P. euphratica and other five Salicaceae species to investigate their role in regulating heteromorphic leaf development. A total of 27 GIF genes were identified and characterized across six Salicaceae species (P. euphratica, Populus pruinose, Populus deltoides, Populus trichocarpa, Salix sinopurpurea, and Salix suchowensis) at the genome-wide level. Comparative genomic analysis among these species suggested that the expansion of GIFs may be derived from the specific Salicaceae whole-genome duplication event after their divergence from Arabidopsis thaliana. Furthermore, the expression data of PeGIFs in heteromorphic leaves, combined with functional information on GIF genes in Arabidopsis, indicated the role of PeGIFs in regulating the leaf development of P. euphratica, especially PeGIFs containing several cis-acting elements associated with plant growth and development. By heterologous expression of the PeGIF3 gene in wild-type plants (Col-0) and atgif1 mutant of A. thaliana, a significant difference in leaf expansion along the medial-lateral axis, and an increased number of leaf cells, were observed between the overexpressed plants and the wild type.

Conclusion

PeGIF3 enhances leaf cell proliferation, thereby resulting in the expansion of the central-lateral region of the leaf. The findings not only provide global insights into the evolutionary features of Salicaceae GIFs but also reveal the regulatory mechanism of PeGIF3 in heteromorphic leaves of P. euphratica.
Promiscuous, persistent and problematic: insights into current enterococcal genomics to guide therapeutic strategy
Authors: Hourigan David , Stefanovic Ewelina , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: March 2024

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are major opportunistic pathogens and the causative agents of serious diseases, such as urinary tract infections and endocarditis. VRE strains mainly include species of Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis which can colonise the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of patients and, following growth and persistence in the gut, can transfer to blood resulting in systemic dissemination in the body. Advancements in genomics have revealed that hospital-associated VRE strains are characterised by increased numbers of mobile genetic elements, higher numbers of antibiotic resistance genes and often lack active CRISPR-Cas systems. Additionally, comparative genomics have increased our understanding of dissemination routes among patients and healthcare workers. Since the efficiency of currently available antibiotics is rapidly declining, new measures to control infection and dissemination of these persistent pathogens are urgently needed. These approaches include combinatory administration of antibiotics, strengthening colonisation resistance of the gut microbiota to reduce VRE proliferation through commensals or probiotic bacteria, or switching to non-antibiotic bacterial killers, such as bacteriophages or bacteriocins. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the genomics of VRE isolates and state-of-the-art therapeutic advances against VRE infections.
Bacillus subtilis SOM8 isolated from sesame oil meal for potential probiotic application in inhibiting human enteropathogens
Authors: Zhao Zhongtian , Li Wenrui , Tran The Thien , Loo Say Chye Joachim
Published: March 2024

Background

While particular strains within the Bacillus species, such as Bacillus subtilis, have been commercially utilised as probiotics, it is critical to implement screening assays and evaluate the safety to identify potential Bacillus probiotic strains before clinical trials. This is because some Bacillus species, including B. cereus and B. anthracis, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans.

Results

In this study, we implemented a funnel-shaped approach to isolate and evaluate prospective probiotics from homogenised food waste – sesame oil meal (SOM). Of nine isolated strains with antipathogenic properties, B. subtilis SOM8 displayed the most promising activities against five listed human enteropathogens and was selected for further comprehensive assessment. B. subtilis SOM8 exhibited good tolerance when exposed to adverse stressors including acidity, bile salts, simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and heat treatment. Additionally, B. subtilis SOM8 possesses host-associated benefits such as antioxidant and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Furthermore, B. subtilis SOM8 contains only haemolysin toxin genes but has been proved to display partial haemolysis in the test and low cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cell models for in vitro evaluation. Moreover, B. subtilis SOM8 intrinsically resists only streptomycin and lacks plasmids or other mobile genetic elements. Bioinformatic analyses also predicted B. subtilis SOM8 encodes various bioactives compound like fengycin and lichendicin that could enable further biomedical applications.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive evaluation revealed the substantial potential of B. subtilis SOM8 as a probiotic for targeting human enteropathogens, attributable to its exceptional performance across selection assays. Furthermore, our safety assessment, encompassing both phenotypic and genotypic analyses, showed B. subtilis SOM8 has a favourable preclinical safety profile, without significant threats to human health. Collectively, these findings highlight the promising prospects of B. subtilis SOM8 as a potent probiotic candidate for additional clinical development.