bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The plant rhabdovirus viroporin P9 facilitates insect-mediated virus transmission in barley
Authors: Gao Qiang , Zang Ying , Qiao Ji-Hui , Zhang Zong-Ying , Wang Ying , Han Cheng-Gui , Wang Xian-Bing
Published: May 2024

Potassium (K+) plays crucial roles in both plant development and immunity. However, the function of K+ in plant–virus interactions remains largely unknown. Here, we utilized Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), an insect-transmitted plant cytorhabdovirus, to investigate the interplay between viral infection and plant K+ homeostasis. The BYSMV accessory P9 protein exhibits viroporin activity by enhancing membrane permeability in Escherichia coli. Additionally, P9 increases K+ uptake in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells, which is disrupted by a point mutation of glycine 14 to threonine (P9G14T). Furthermore, BYSMV P9 forms oligomers and targets to both the viral envelope and the plant membrane. Based on the recombinant BYSMV–GFP (BYGFP) virus, a P9-deleted mutant (BYGFPΔP9) was rescued and demonstrated infectivity within individual plant cells of Nicotiana benthamiana and insect vectors. However, BYGFPΔP9 failed to infect barley plants after transmission by insect vectors. Furthermore, infection of barley plants was severely impaired for BYGFP-P9G14T lacking P9 K+ channel activity. In vitro assays demonstrate that K+ facilitates virion disassembly and the release of genome RNA for viral mRNA transcription. Altogether, our results show that the K+ channel activity of viroporins is conserved in plant cytorhabdoviruses and plays crucial roles in insect-mediated virus transmission.
The brassinosteroid receptor StBRI1 promotes tuber development by enhancing plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity in potato
Authors: Deng Rui , Huang Shuhua , Du Jia , Luo Dan , Liu Jianwei , Zhao Yan , Zheng Chongyang , Lei Tiantian , Li Qi , Zhang Siwei , Jiang Meng , Jin Tong , Liu Dehai , Wang Shufen , Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2024

The brassinosteroid (BR) receptor BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) plays a critical role in plant growth and development. Although much is known about how BR signaling regulates growth and development in many crop species, the role of StBRI1 in regulating potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber development is not well understood. To address this question, a series of comprehensive genetic and biochemical methods were applied in this investigation. It was determined that StBRI1 and Solanum tuberosum PLASMA MEMBRANE (PM) PROTON ATPASE2 (PHA2), a PM-localized proton ATPase, play important roles in potato tuber development. The individual overexpression of StBRI1 and PHA2 led to a 22% and 25% increase in tuber yield per plant, respectively. Consistent with the genetic evidence, in vivo interaction analysis using double transgenic lines and PM H+-ATPase activity assays indicated that StBRI1 interacts with the C-terminus of PHA2, which restrains the intramolecular interaction of the PHA2 C-terminus with the PHA2 central loop to attenuate autoinhibition of PM H+-ATPase activity, resulting in increased PHA2 activity. Furthermore, the extent of PM H+-ATPase autoinhibition involving phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms corresponds to phosphorylation of the penultimate Thr residue (Thr-951) in PHA2. These results suggest that StBRI1 phosphorylates PHA2 and enhances its activity, which subsequently promotes tuber development. Altogether, our results uncover a BR–StBRI1–PHA2 module that regulates tuber development and suggest a prospective strategy for improving tuberous crop growth and increasing yield via the cell surface-based BR signaling pathway.
A network comprising ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5, microRNA397b, and auxin-associated factors regulates root hair growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gaddam Subhash Reddy , Sharma Ashish , Bhatia Chitra , Trivedi Prabodh Kumar
Published: May 2024

ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) is a major light-associated transcription factor involved in plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the role of HY5 is very well defined in regulating primary root growth and lateral root formation; however, information regarding its role in root hair development is still lacking, and little is known about the genetic pathways regulating this process. In this study, we investigated the role of HY5 and its associated components in root hair development. Detailed analysis of root hair phenotype in wild-type and light signaling mutants under light and dark conditions revealed the importance of light-dependent HY5-mediated root hair initiation. Altered auxin levels in the root apex of the hy5 mutant and interaction of HY5 with promoters of root hair developmental genes were responsible for differential expression of root hair developmental genes and phenotype in the hy5 mutant. The partial complementation of root hair in the hy5 mutant after external supplementation of auxin and regaining of root hair in PIN-FORMED 2 and PIN-FORMED 2 mutants after grafting suggested that the auxin-mediated root hair development pathway requires HY5. Furthermore, miR397b overexpression (miR397bOX) and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutants (miR397bCR) indicated miR397b targets genes encoding reduced residual arabinose (RRA1/RRA2), which in turn regulate root hair growth. The regulation of the miR397b-(RRA1/RRA2) module by HY5 demonstrated its indirect role by targeting root hair cell wall genes. Together, this study demonstrated that HY5 controls root hair development by integrating auxin signaling and other miRNA-mediated pathways.
Fake knowledge-How
Authors: Carter J Adam , Navarro Jesús
Published: May 2024

Knowledge, like other things of value, can be faked. According to Hawley (2011), know-how is harder to fake than knowledge-that, given that merely apparent propositional knowledge is in general more resilient to our attempts at successful detection than are corresponding attempts to fake know-how. While Hawley's reasoning for a kind of detection resilience asymmetry between know-how and know-that looks initially plausible, it should ultimately be resisted. In showing why, we outline different ways in which know-how can be faked even when a given performance is successful, and in doing so, we distinguish how know-how can be faked (no less than know-that) via upstream and downstream indicators of its presence, and within each of these categories, we'll distinguish (in connection with detection resilience) both faking symptoms and (various kinds of) criteria. The unappreciated resilience of faked knowledge-how to successful detection highlights a largely overlooked dimension of social-epistemic risk––risk we face not just in our capacity as recipients of testimony, but in our capacity as both (would-be) apprentices and clients of knowledge-how.
Motivated Skepticism
Authors: Hagenbach Jeanne , Saucet Charlotte
Published: May 2024

We experimentally study how individuals read strategically transmitted information when they have preferences over what they will learn. Subjects play disclosure games in which Receivers should interpret messages skeptically. We vary whether the state that Senders communicate about is ego-relevant or neutral for Receivers, and whether skeptical beliefs are aligned or not with what Receivers prefer believing. Compared to neutral settings, skepticism is significantly lower when it is self-threatening, and not enhanced when it is self-serving. These results shed light on a new channel that individuals can use to protect their beliefs in communication situations: they exercise skepticism in a motivated way, that is, in a way that depends on the desirability of the conclusions that skeptical inferences lead to. We propose two behavioural models that can generate motivated skepticism. In one model, the Receiver freely manipulates his beliefs after having made skeptical inferences. In the other, the Receiver reasons about evidence in steps and the depth of his reasoning is motivated.
Institutional conditions for governments working on sustainability transitions
Authors: Braams Rik B , Wesseling Joeri H , Meijer Albert J , Hekkert Marko P
Published: May 2024

The literature on societal transitions offers many policy recommendations. The implicit assumption is that the civil servants can follow these recommendations and design policies to accelerate transitions. This article shows that governmental transformation is needed to enable civil servants to act upon these, which is currently far from straightforward due to institutional constraints. We used a research-by-design approach with four design groups of civil servants working on transitions within a Dutch ministry. By studying how they interacted and designed alternative scenarios for resolving real-life, deeply rooted institutional constraints, we identified twelve preliminary institutional conditions for a government working on sustainability transitions. The institutional conditions relate to working with uncertainty, implementing operational management, implementing interdependent stewardship, and detaching from the current system.
The Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Nursing Student Anxiety
Authors: Schuelke Sue A. , Davis Krystal L. , Barnason Susan
Published: May 2024

High levels of stress are common for nursing students and can lead to poor health, poor school performance, and uncivil behavior. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) relaxation experience on perceived anxiety among prelicensure nursing students. A convenience sample of 20 baccalaureate students participated in an IVR meditation session. Participants recorded pre and post anxiety levels, blood pressure, and heart rates. Results indicated reduced anxiety levels in students who used IVR relaxation. Students’ heart rates and blood pressures decreased significantly.
Association between race, post operative outcomes and costs for inpatient and outpatient total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Tallapaneni Jetha Sreedhar , Harrington Michael , Cleary Sean , Salgado Andrew , Rosenbaum Andrew
Published: May 2024

Background:

While factors like readmissions and costs have been compared between care settings for total joint arthroplasty, little research has analyzed readmission and cost differentials stratified by patient characteristics within each care setting. This study will unveil such differences with regard to race and co-morbidity status.

Methods:

Retrospective binary-logistic-regression and OLS regression were employed on de-identified inpatient and outpatient orthopedic surgical data gathered from an academic medical center from 2016-2020. Data elements included surgical setting, covariates (age, gender, race, obesity, smoking status), Elixhauser comorbidity indices, surgical times, and cost.

Results:

African American (AA) inpatients had significantly greater odds of return to hospital (7 day, 30 day, 90 day) when compared to Caucasian inpatients (P<0.01-0.05). AA inpatients less than 65 yr old had significantly increased odds of returning to the hospital and getting readmitted (7 day, 30 day) when compared to AA inpatients older than 65 and all Caucasian inpatients (P<0.05). Asian inpatients had significantly greater odds of 90 day return (P<0.05). AA outpatients had significantly greater odds of 30 day return when compared to Caucasian outpatients. Age and time spent in the OR directly correlated with increased costs (P<0.05, P<0.01). Increased comorbidities correlated with increased costs only for inpatients (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

All AA patients, but specifically those less than 65 yr of age, experience increased readmissions and returns to hospital following the same procedure when compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Medicaid patients experience greater costs, Medicare-Managed patients experienced decreased costs. Co-morbidites were directly related to costs in the inpatient setting.
The Role of L1PA in Patient-reported Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Single-level Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Narayanan Rajkishen , Carter Michael , Toci Gregory , Lee Yunsoo , Spracklen Henley , Dougherty Conor , Fras Sebastian , Costantino Jake , Kurd Mark , Kaye Ian David , Canseco Jose , Hilibrand Alan , Vaccaro Alexander , Kepler Christopher , Schroeder Gregory , Lee Joseph
Published: May 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

To determine whether the L1 pelvic angle (L1PA) can be used to predict quality of life outcomes for adults one year after L4-L5 fusion to treat degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Summary of Background Data.

L1PA is beneficial in the evaluation of preoperative and postoperative quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for spinal deformity. No studies have examined its utility in surgical patients with degenerative spinal disease.

Methods.

Patients undergoing L4-L5 posterolateral decompression and fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis were grouped by preoperative and postoperative L1PA, and further stratified by cut offs of >7.2° and <7.2° based on previous literature. We also stratified patients by presence of an ideal calculated L1PA, defined as (0.5×Pelvic incidence) −21 +/−5°, as proposed by prior literature. Preoperative, one-year postoperative and Δ (postoperative minus preoperative) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiographic measurements were collected.

Results.

Twenty-four patients were identified with preoperative L1PAs <7.2° and 132 with L1PAs >7.2°. Eighteen patients were identified with postoperative L1PAs <7.2° and 138 with L1PAs>7.2°. Sixty-five and fifty-seven patients were identified as having ideal calculated preoperative and postoperative L1PAs, respectively. When using absolute cutoffs, L1PA correlated with pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL). When using calculated L1PAs, L1PA correlated with lumbar lordosis, PI-LL, pelvic tilt and sacral slope. With respect to PROMs, no statistically significant differences existed between cohorts both preoperatively and at one-year postoperatively on either univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion.

L1PA may be a helpful radiographic consideration that translates to clinically relevant outcomes in spinal deformity. However, it does not appear as predictive of patient outcomes after single-level fusion for patients with L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of L1PA in degenerative spine patients.
Effects of alteplase and aspirin on functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke and mild non-disabling neurological deficit
Authors: Sun Jian , Hao Guang , Song Aixia , Xue Qian
Published: May 2024

Investigate the effect of Alteplase and Aspirin on the functional outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke with mild non-disabling neurological deficit. In this single-center, randomized controlled study, we selected 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke with mild non-disabling neurological deficit admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022, and randomly divided them into the study group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30), the control group was given the Aspirin treatment, the study group was given the Alteplase treatment, and the changes in neurological recovery, daily living ability, exercise ability, balance ability, cognitive function, and short-term prognosis outcomes were observed in these 2 groups. The factors influencing the short-term outcome of Alteplase therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke were analyzed. The National Institutes of Health Neurological Deficit Score (NIHSS) scores at T1 and T2 of the study group were lower than those in the control group, but the scores of Barthel indicators (BI), Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) of the study group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The short-term prognostic outcomes of these 2 groups were not significantly different (P > .05). The effect of the use of Alteplase or Aspirin on short-term functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke and mild non-disabling neurological deficit is not much different.
Nurse-led follow-up care versus routine health education and follow-up in diabetes patients: An effectiveness analysis
Authors: Jiang Lan , Yan Jiao , Yao Jing , Jing Xi , Chen Yan , Deng Yimin , Zhang Wanyi , Yuan Yi , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: May 2024

Patients with diabetes have physical and psychological issues due to chronic illness. According to the guidelines of the Chinese Diabetes Society, after the diagnosis of patients with diabetes, they should receive routine health education, but this is the passive installation method of education. Nurses have made important contributions to the follow-up, education, and support of patients with diabetes and their families. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led follow-up care in routine health education and follow-up for patients with diabetes. Medical records of 721 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were reviewed. Patients received nurse-led follow-up care including educational programs + Tai Chi exercises (patients received nurse-led follow-up care including educational programs for 6 months, n = 108), routine health education and follow-up + Tai Chi exercises (patients received routine health education and follow-up for 6 months, n = 205), or Tai Chi exercises only, but did not receive nurse-led follow-up care or routine health education and follow-up (patients received Tai Chi exercises only for 6 months, n = 408) for 6-months. The Zung Self-Rating Depression and Anxiety Scale and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities were used to evaluate anxiety, depression, and self-care activities, respectively. Before the start of follow-up care (BFC), knowledge regarding diabetes and its threat was ≤1.75, anxiety and depression scores were ≥52 each, and self-care activities were ≤37. After 6 months of follow-up care, patients in the patients received nurse-led follow-up care including educational programs for 6 months improved their knowledge regarding diabetes and its threat, anxiety, depression, and self-care activities as compared to their before the start of follow-up care conditions and patients in the RF and patients received Tai Chi exercises only for 6 months at after 6 months of follow-up care conditions (P < .001 for all). Chinese type 1 or 2 diabetes patients had worse physical and psychological conditions and less knowledge regarding diabetes and its threat. Nurse-led aftercare, including educational programs with Tai Chi exercises for 6 months, decreased anxiety and depression and improved knowledge regarding diabetes and its threat and self-care activities in diabetic patients (Level of Evidence: IV; Technical Efficacy: Stage 5).
Ankaferd blood stopper: A novel additional strategy for less experienced gastroenterologists in gastrointestinal bleeding treatment
Authors: Baş Berk , Küçükdemirci Ömer , Ustaoglu Müge
Published: May 2024

The Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) proves effective in managing various bleedings, particularly in surgical and dental procedures. This study assesses ABS efficacy endoscopically by less-experienced endoscopists for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGB). Between 2016 and 2021, our hospital’s Gastroenterology Department Endoscopy Unit conducted a retrospective data analysis of 653 patients who underwent endoscopy for NVUGB. The study included 202 patients who underwent endoscopic interventions performed by endoscopists with less than 3 years of experience. Based on the method used for endoscopic hemostasis, we classified those treated with ABS (either alone or as a second method) as group 1. In contrast, we classified patients treated with non-ABS hemostatic methods into Group 2. The study included 202 patients, with 96 (47.52%) in Group 1 and 106 (52.48%) in Group 2. All patients in Group 1 achieved bleeding control, while 4 patients in Group 2 initially did not achieve bleeding control; however, bleeding control was subsequently established following ABS administration. After 1 month of follow-up, mortality occurred in 3 out of 202 patients (1.48%), and all these cases were in Group 2. There is a significant difference in the need for blood transfusion between the groups (P < .001). Regarding the bleeding source, bulbus ulcer and gastric cancer were more prevalent in Group 2. On the other hand, although statistical significance was not reached in the comparison of rebleeding rates between groups, numerically, a higher incidence of recurrent bleeding was observed in Group 2 (Group 1: 3 [3.1%], Group 2: 8 [7.5%]; P = .167). Additionally, a similar relationship was noted among intensive care admissions (Group 1: 5 [5.2%]; Group 2: 7 [6.6%]; P = .675). In the group that used ABS, there were significantly higher rates of hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, and the need for transfusion than in the other group. In medical practice, this distinction often stems from the shared preference of clinicians to use ABS as a salvage method in cases of more severe bleeding. Considering all the findings, it is evident that using ABS through endoscopy in cases of NVUGIB significantly improves procedural success, irrespective of the endoscopist’s experience level.
The causal relationship between the gut microbiota and acute pancreatitis: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Lin , Luo Haojun , Li Yu , Zhang Yan , Peng Li , Xu Yan , Lu Jing , Li Jinzhi , Liu Hang
Published: May 2024

Several observational studies have reported a correlation between the gut microbiota (GM) and the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the causal relationship between them remains uncertain. We conducted a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using pooled data from genome-wide association studies of 211 taxa (131 genera, 35 families, 20 orders, 16 classes, and 9 phyla) and AP patients. We evaluated the causal relationship between the GM and AP using methods such as inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted medians, simple mode, and weighted mode. Cochran Q test, MR-Egger regression intercept analysis, and MR-PRESSO were used to examine the heterogeneity, multipotency, and outlier values of the variables, respectively. The reverse causal relationship between AP and the GM was assessed with reverse MR. In total, 5 gut microbial taxa were significantly associated with AP. The inverse-variance weighting results indicated that Acidaminococcaceae (odds ratio [OR]: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–1.00, P = .045) and Ruminococcaceae UCG004 (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–0.99, P = .040) were protective factors against the occurrence of AP. Coprococcus 3 (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.03–1.70, P = .030), Eisenbergiella (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00–1.28, P = .043), and the Eubacterium fissicatena group (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05–1.33, P = .006) were risk factors for the development of AP. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis proved our results to be reliable. Reverse MR analysis did not indicate any causal relationship between AP and the GM. This study revealed a complex causal relationship between 5 GM taxa and AP, providing new insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the GM in AP patients.
Establishing a nausea-free ward model to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Yingying , Deng Mingyou , Huang Yong , Liu Li , Xiao Yin , Hu Lei , Cao Li , Wang Zhenglin , Yang Yiping
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to establish a nausea-free ward model and evaluate the effect of an intervention procedure guided by this model on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients. A total of 105 chemotherapy patients from March to September 2022 before the establishment of nausea-free ward in the Chongqing Jiulongpo District People’s Hospital were selected as the control group as well as 105 chemotherapy patients from March to September 2023 after the establishment of nausea-free ward as the intervention group. The intervention group was managed by comprehensive standardized CINV management on the basis of the control group. Finally, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology grading tool for nausea and vomiting and the Functional Living Index-Emesis were used to evaluate the effect. Under the intervention of the nausea-free ward model, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower ratings of nausea and vomiting compared to the control group (all P-value <.05). The nausea score, vomiting score, and total score of the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group (all P-value <.05). Our study found CINV symptoms and quality of life can be significantly improved by the application of the nausea-free ward model. The nausea-free ward model is instructive in clinical practice and can guide clinical work as well as bring management experience to clinical workers.
Applying behavioral change theories to optimize pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients: A review
Authors: Chen Yuyin , Tan Ruyi , Long Xiuhong , Tu Huiqiong
Published: May 2024

This review meticulously evaluates the integration of behavioral change theories into pulmonary rehabilitation programs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, addressing the critical need for enhanced patient compliance and improved therapeutic outcomes. With COPD posing significant global health challenges, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, the manuscript underscores the potential of Self-Determination Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, the Transtheoretical Model, the Health Belief Model, and the Theory of Planned Behavior to foster meaningful health behavior changes among patients. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, it reveals how each model contributes to understanding patient behaviors in pulmonary rehabilitation contexts, advocating for their systematic application to craft more effective, patient-centered interventions. Despite the proven efficacy of these theories in various health domains, their current underutilization in pulmonary rehabilitation underscores a gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. The review calls for an interdisciplinary approach that bridges this gap, highlighting the urgency of developing actionable, theory-based behavioral intervention plans. By doing so, it aims to advance COPD management strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals living with this debilitating disease.
Retrospective estimation of the time-varying effective reproduction number for a COVID-19 outbreak in Shenyang, China: An observational study
Authors: Li Peng , Wen Lihai , Sun Baijun , Sun Wei , Chen Huijie
Published: May 2024

The time-varying effective reproduction number R

e
(t) is essential for designing and adjusting public health responses. Retrospective analysis of R

e
(t) helps to evaluate health emergency capabilities. We conducted this study to estimate the R

e
(t) of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in Shenyang, China. Data on the daily incidence of this Corona Virus Disease 2019 outbreak between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022, in Shenyang, China, were downloaded from the Nationwide Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting Information System. Infector–infectee pairs were identified through epidemiological investigation. R

e
(t) was estimated by R-studio Package “EpiEstim” based on Bayesian framework through parameter and nonparametric method, respectively. About 1134 infections were found in this outbreak, with 20 confirmed cases and 1124 asymptomatic infections. Fifty-four infector–infectee pairs were identified and formed a serial interval list, and 15 infector–infectee pairs were included in the generation time table. R

e
(t) calculated by parameter and nonparametric method all peaked on March 17, 2022, with a value of 2.58 and 2.54 and decreased to <1 after March 28, 2022. There was no statistical difference in the R

e
(t) distribution calculated using the 2 methods (t = 0.001, P > .05). The present study indicated that the decisive response of Shenyang, China, played a significant role in preventing the spread of the epidemic, and the retrospective analysis provided novel insights into the outbreak response to future public health emergencies.
An autopsy case of an adult woman with Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypoventilation, Hypothalamic, Autonomic Dysregulation, and Neuroendocrine Tumors (ROHHAD(NET)) syndrome developing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Hasuike Satoru , Ozono Yoshinori , Uchida Keisuke , Ogawa Souichiro , Tamura Hotaka , Uchiyama Naomi , Hatada Hiroshi , Komaki Yuri , Nakamura Kenichi , Iwakiri Hisayoshi , Sueta Mitsue , Nagata Kenji , Toyoki Nishimura  , Matsuyama Misayo , Sawada Hirotake , Oguri Toshiyuki , Sato Yuichiro , Kawakami Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Background:

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an important etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and there is no established therapy for this syndrome. Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, autonomic dysregulation, and neural crest tumor (ROHHAD(NET)) is an extremely rare syndrome considered to be life-threatening, with death occurring around 10 years of age. We present the oldest known autopsy case of this syndrome that developed HCC. This case provided important information on not only improving the course of this syndrome, but also understanding the natural history and therapeutic modalities of NASH and HCC.

Methods:

The patient was diagnosed with ROHHAD(NET) syndrome in childhood, and liver cirrhosis due to NASH was diagnosed at age 17. HCC was detected at age 20, and embolization and irradiation were performed. At age 21, she died from accidental acute pancreatitis and subsequent liver failure and pulmonary hemorrhage.

Results:

Rapid onset of obesity, hypoventilation, and hypothalamic disturbance appeared in childhood and was diagnosed as this syndrome. At age 17, liver cirrhosis due to NASH was diagnosed by liver biopsy, and at age 20, HCC was diagnosed by imaging. Transarterial chemoembolization and irradiation were performed, and the HCC was well controlled for a year.

Conclusion:

At age 21, she died from accidental acute pancreatitis, subsequent liver failure and pulmonary hemorrhage. Autopsy revealed that the HCC was mostly necrotized. This case was valuable not only for other ROHHAD(NET) syndrome cases, but also in improving our understanding of the natural history of NASH and HCC.
Screening value of methylated Septin9 and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in colorectal cancer
Authors: Qu Qingyun , Sun Qian
Published: May 2024

The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is an indicator of inflammation in blood routine tests; however, little is known about its screening value in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to explore the screening value of LMR and methylated Septin9 (mSEPT9) in CRC patients. The clinical data of 420 patients with CRC, 61 with adenomatous polyps, and 175 healthy individuals from 2018 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and corresponding predictive nomograms were established. The results showed that the levels of LMR and mSEPT9 in the CRC group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). Meanwhile, the levels of LMR and mSEPT9 in right-sided CRC were significantly lower than those in left-sided CRC (P < .05). With the progression of CRC from stage I to IV, the levels of LMR and mSEPT9 also decreased gradually, and the levels of mSEPT9 in stages III and IV were significantly lower than those in stages I and II (P < .05). Receiver operating curve (ROC) results showed that mSEPT9 had the highest single diagnostic value for CRC, with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.810. The LMR with mSEPT9 combination showed the best combined diagnostic value for CRC, with AUC of 0.885. When the cutoff values of mSEPT9 and LMR were taken as 43.835 and 3.365, the sensitivity and specificity of this combination reached 82.3% and 84.6%, respectively. Our findings suggest that LMR and mSEPT9 differ in non-tumor group and CRC groups with different subtypes and stages, LMR with mSEPT9 combination can further improve sensitivity, and the novel predictive nomogram for CRC based on LMR and mSEPT9 can be further promoted.
Bundled care combined with animated educational videos can promote the recovery of severe pneumonia in children: A case-control study
Authors: Luo Wenxia , Liu Yan , Wen Caijin , Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2024

In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of animated educational videos and group nursing in the treatment of severe pneumonia in children. A total of 140 patients with severe pneumonia in our hospital from October 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group received routine care, while the observation group received animated educational videos and cluster nursing interventions. The treatment effects of the 2 groups of patients were compared. Clinical indicators such as body temperature recovery time, blood oxygen saturation recovery time, heart rate recovery time, consciousness recovery time, and respiratory rate recovery time were compared between the 2 groups of patients. The results showed that the temperature recovery time, oxygen saturation recovery time, heart rate recovery time and respiratory rate recovery time in observation group were significantly different from those in control group (P < .05). Univariate analysis showed that families with or without anxiety disorder had statistically significant differences in economic conditions, extrapulmonary complications, nursing methods and other aspects. Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that nursing methods, extrapulmonary complications, and poor economic conditions (income < 5000) were risk factors for anxiety among family members of severe pneumonia patients, while good economic conditions (income > 5000) were protective factors. So, animated educational videos and bundled care can effectively improve the nursing effectiveness of children with severe pneumonia and promote their recovery.
Alzheimer Disease—Link With Major Depressive Disorder and Efficacy of Antidepressants in Modifying its Trajectory
Authors: Fakih Nour , Fakhoury Marc
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with no effective cure. The main symptoms include learning and memory loss, and the inability to carry out the simplest tasks, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Over the past few years, tremendous progress has been made in research demonstrating a link between AD and major depressive disorder (MDD). Evidence suggests that MDD is commonly associated with AD and that it can serve as a precipitating factor for this disease. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are the first line of treatment for MDD, have shown great promise in the treatment of depression in AD, although their effectiveness remains controversial. The goal of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the association between AD, MDD, and antidepressant treatment. It first provides an overview of the interaction between AD and MDD at the level of genes, brain regions, neurotransmitter systems, and neuroinflammatory markers. The review then presents current evidence regarding the effectiveness of various antidepressants for AD-related pathophysiology and then finally discusses current limitations, challenges, and future directions.
Horizontal versus vertical strategies for infection prevention: current practices and controversies
Authors: Abbas Salma , Stevens Michael P.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a major burden on healthcare facilities. Effective infection prevention strategies are essential to prevent the spread of HAIs. These can be broadly classified as vertical and horizontal interventions. Through this review, we aim to assess the merits of these strategies.

Recent findings

Vertical strategies include active surveillance testing and isolation for patients infected or colonized with a particular organism. These strategies are beneficial to curb the spread of emerging pathogens and during outbreaks. However, the routine use of contact precautions for organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus remains controversial. Horizontal interventions are larger-scale and reduce HAIs by targeting a common mode of transmission shared by multiple organisms. Among these, hand hygiene, chlorhexidine gluconate bathing of select patients and environmental decontamination are the most high-yield and must be incorporated into infection prevention programs. As antimicrobial stewardship is also an effective horizontal strategy, antimicrobial stewardship programs must operate in synergy with infection prevention programs for maximal impact.

Overall, horizontal interventions are considered more cost-effective and have a broader impact. Infection control programs may opt for a combination of vertical and horizontal strategies based on local epidemiology and available resources.
Enhanced Skin Assessment Methodology to Detect Early Tissue Damage and Prevent Pressure Injuries
Authors: Pittman Joyce , Otts Jo Ann , Mulekar Madhuri
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a skin assessment technique, subepidermal moisture (SEM) assessment, to assess, identify, and prevent pressure injuries (PIs) in critically ill adults.

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective, descriptive, comparative research study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

The sample comprised 69 critically ill adults; their mean age was 58.8 years (SD 18.1 years). The majority were male (n = 40, 58%), 29 (42%) were African American (AA), and 36 (52%) were White. The study setting was a surgical trauma intensive care unit (STICU) in a southern US Gulf Coast academic level I trauma hospital. Data were collected from September to November 2021.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective medical record review of subjects who had undergone SEM assessment. We also collected demographic and pertinent clinical information, including Braden Scale cumulative scores and subscale scores, documented PI prevention interventions, and PI occurrence and characteristics if developed within 7 days of SEM measurement. We also evaluated whether PI prevention interventions were appropriate. To examine nurse perception of the SEM device, we conducted a web-based survey of nurses providing care in our facility’s STICU. Comparison of responses was done using Fisher’s test or Chi-square test, and the mean responses from groups were compared using t test.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five (57%) subjects had a sacral SEM delta ≥0.6; 14 (40%) were AA; 20 (57%) were White; and 11 (31%) had a hospital-acquired PI (HAPI) or present-on-admission (POA) PI. Among the 14 HAPI and POA PI subjects with sacral SEM delta, 11 (79%) had sacral SEM delta ≥0.6. Among 26 AA subjects with sacral SEM delta, 5 had a HAPI or POA PI, and of those, 4 (80%) had sacral SEM delta ≥0.6. A significant and negative correlation was observed between cumulative Braden Scale scores on day 2 and sacral SEM delta (r = −0.28, P = .03) and R heel delta (r = −0.29, P = .03) scores, indicating higher PI risk. Of the 35 patients with a sacral SEM delta ≥0.6, 24 (69%) subjects did not have appropriate PI prevention interventions. Nurses (n = 13) indicated that the SEM device was easy to use and helped them perform an accurate skin assessment on patients with darker skin tones.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates that SEM technology is beneficial to address racial disparities in skin assessment, enhance skin assessment accuracy beyond existing PI care, improve the accuracy of risk assessment, and promote appropriate location-specific PI prevention interventions.
Advancing Oceanic Studies with HyperOCR Sensors and Non-Negative Matrix Factorization: A Cost-Effective, Data-Driven Approach for Analyzing Light in Marine Water Column
Authors: Sokač Mateo , Puškarić Staša
Published: May 2024

Understanding the intricate dynamics of ocean biogeochemistry is crucial for deciphering its role in climate change. Our study addresses this challenge by integrating advanced computational techniques and innovative sensor technology to enhance remote sensing capabilities. Drawing on recent insights into the vast carbon reservoirs within the ocean, particularly within the dissolved organic matter (DOM) pool, we highlight the pressing need for comprehensive spatial and temporal understanding facilitated by a combination of satellite and in situ data. However, existing remote sensing methods face limitations in capturing subsurface processes, hindering our ability to grasp carbon fluxes within the oceanic water column fully. Recent advancements in remote sensing offer promising avenues for addressing these challenges. Studies investigating polarized radiance distribution and Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) provide valuable insights into improving remote sensing capabilities. Building upon these advancements, we propose a novel data-driven approach utilizing HyperOCR sensors and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a powerful tool for extracting meaningful biological signatures from hyperspectral data, offering a granular yet comprehensive view of spectral diversity. Our study showcases the potential of NMF in elucidating spatial and temporal variations in biogeochemical processes within the ocean. Leveraging HyperOCR sensors, our approach offers a cost-effective and efficient means of enhancing remote sensing capabilities, enabling the rapid deployment and identification of seasonal patterns in the water column. Through extensive validation against field data from the Adriatic Sea, we demonstrate the utility of our approach in refining satellite measurements and improving algorithms for analyzing ocean color data. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple observational platforms and advanced computational techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing in ocean biogeochemistry studies. In conclusion, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems’ responses to environmental changes and offers a new perspective on remote sensing capabilities, particularly in challenging coastal waters. By bridging the gap between satellite and in situ measurements, our approach exemplifies a promising pathway for advancing remote sensing of ocean biogeochemistry.
Multiparametric quantitative MRI uncovers putamen microstructural changes in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Drori Elior , Cohen Lee , Arkadir David , Mezer Aviv A. , Yahalom Gilad
Published: May 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder dominated by motor and non-motor dysfunction. Despite extensive research, the in vivo characterization of PD-related microstructural brain changes remains an ongoing challenge, limiting advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The putamen, a critical structure within the basal ganglia, plays a key role in regulating movement and is profoundly affected in early PD-related neurodegeneration. In this study, we collected multiparametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) brain data of PD patients and healthy controls, to investigate microstructural alterations in the putamen in PD. We utilized a gradient analysis technique to analyze the spatial variations of various qMRI parameters, including relaxation rates (R1, R2, R2*), water fraction (WF), susceptibility, magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat), and diffusion metrics (MD, FA). Our findings reveal significant spatial gradients and interhemispheric asymmetries in these biophysical properties along the anterior-posterior axis of the putamen. Notably, PD patients exhibited increased water fraction and altered transverse relaxation rate R2*, particularly in the posterior putamen, correlated with motor symptom laterality. These microstructural changes suggest underlying tissue atrophy or neuroinflammatory processes associated with PD. The study underscores the importance of the posterior putamen as a focal point for PD pathology and highlights the potential of localized gradient analysis in detecting subtle yet clinically significant brain changes. The new qMRI dataset provides valuable insights into PD pathology, potentially aiding in the development of more precise diagnostic tools and targeted therapies.
WITHDRAWN: Physiological modeling into the metaverse of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Beta CA inhibition mechanism
Authors: Giovannuzzi Simone , Shyamal Sagar Singh , Bhowmik Ratul , Ray Rajarshi , Manaithiya Ajay , Carta Fabrizio , Parrkila Seppo , Aspatwar Ashok , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: May 2024

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to the inability to complete the revisions or follow up on the manuscript at this time, due to personal circumstances. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Constrained enumeration ofk-mers from a collection of references with metadata
Authors: Ingels Florian , Martayan Igor , Salson Mikaël , Marchet Camille
Published: May 2024

While recent developments ink-mers indexing methods have opened up many new possibilities, they still have limitations in handling certain types of queries, such as identifyingk-mers present in one dataset but absent in another. In this article, we present a framework for efficiently enumerating allk-mers within a collection of references that satisfy constraints related to their metadata tags. Our method involves simplifying the query beforehand to reduce computation delays; the construction of the solution itself is carried out using CBL, a recent data structure specifically dedicated to the optimised computation of set operations onk-mer sets. We provide an implementation to our solution and we demonstrate its capabilities using real genomic data (microbial and RNA-seq), and show examples of use cases to identifyk-mers of biological interest.

Funding

This work is funded by a grant from the French ANR: Full-RNA ANR-22-CE45-0007. Igor Martayan is supported by a doctoral grant from ENS Rennes.