bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparedness for adulthood among young adults with histories of out-of-home care
Authors: Munson Michelle R. , Murayama Jennifer , Taussig Heather
Published: March 2024

Young adults with histories of out-of-home care (OOHC) have poor early adult outcomes. Transitioning to adulthood takes preparation, coupled with support and resources. Few studies have examined these young adults’ perceptions of what helped them prepare for adulthood and how prepared they perceived they were to make the developmental transition to adulthood. This convergent mixed methods study builds knowledge surrounding preparedness among a sample of young adults with histories in OOHC ( N = 204). The study progressed in three phases. First, quantitative measures of preparedness were examined related to five critical areas of young adulthood: (1) employment, (2) education/training, (3) health care, (4) housing and (5) managing money. Results indicated that youth felt more prepared to manage their money and pursue employment than they felt prepared in the other areas. The second phase focused on qualitative interview data. Participants were asked, “What has been the most helpful thing in preparing you to live as an adult?” Open-ended responses were audiotaped, listened to by analysts, transcribed, and de-identified. Qualitative analysis followed a series of steps, centering constant comparison. Six themes (with sub-themes) emerged from the analysis of the data, namely (1) Forced independence; (2) The instructive role of mistakes; (3) Programs and services; (4) Family support; (5) Structure; and (6) Role models. Finally, analysts compared results of the quantitative and qualitative data and noted the data were convergent in suggesting that young adults feel somewhat more prepared around employment, managing money, and finances, in comparison to other areas. Implications are discussed.
Police, Victim and Co-victim Interaction: Insights from Australia
Authors: McKinley Amber , Rogers Colin
Published: March 2024

Interacting with victims and co-victims of crime and other calls for help are a daily routine for police forces, and there have been many attempts to improve this vital function of policing in modern democratic societies. However, some groups in Australia remain unconvinced by police actions when they report incidents and are suspicious of the response they receive. This article provides insights concerning the way in which the police deal with victims and co-victims in Australia, utilizing a particular focus on high-profile sections of the community. These examples highlight some of the issues; the article concludes by suggesting that policing in Australia needs to be refocused to ensure officers understand the important role victims and co-victims play in reducing and detecting criminality, whilst also supporting the legitimization of the police role.
Mental Health and Developmental Needs of Youth Athletes: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ayala Erin E. , Bromback McKenzie E. A. , Kaufman Jake , Nelson Laina J.
Published: March 2024

Despite the prevalence and benefits of extracurricular involvement in sports for youth, few scholars have conceptualized youth mental health and development within the context of sport environments. The aim of this investigation was to create a visual framework of actions, thoughts, and feelings that promote mental health and development for youth athletes. Using a participatory mixed methods approach known as group concept mapping, 37 subject matter experts in youth athlete wellness contributed to a remote brainstorming activity by identifying the actions, thoughts, and feelings needed for youth athletes to maximize their mental health and development. Twenty-five subject matter experts then sorted the brainstormed items and rated their importance to youth mental health and development. Following data collection, the research team performed a hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis to create a point-map of items that were organized into five clusters: growth mindset, self-assurance, team culture, socioenvironmental factors, and health behaviors. Once these findings are replicated and validated in further research, parents, coaches, and sport professionals can use them to build a strong foundation for athletes in years to come. In doing so, youth athletes can remain engaged in sport and continue to experience the many benefits of sport across the lifespan.
Reflections on Cope and Kalantzis: How intelligent is generative AI? Towards trans-semiotizing the Turing test
Authors: Lin Angel MY , Chen Qinghua
Published: March 2024

The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 has sparked great interest in Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). Discussions have arisen regarding whether Gen AI has passed the Turing Test, a measure of a machine’s ability to mimic human intelligence. There are also concerns about the potential threats posed by advanced AI to humanity. Using the lens of multimodal grammar, Cope and Kalantzis’s work offers a balanced analysis of Gen AI’s capabilities and limitations. This paper builds on their work, examining Gen AI’s strengths and weaknesses, and proposes trans-semiotizing the Turing Test to benchmark Gen AI.
Reading China's Global Security Initiative Through an International Legal Lens
Authors: Yip Ka Lok
Published: March 2024

Closely related to China's response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Global Security Initiative (‘GSI’) has attracted attention to its vision on the current international legal order. This essay examines three major themes of the GSI through an international legal lens: common security, sovereign equality and the amorphous idea of ‘legitimate security interest’. Firstly, it highlights the risk that the notion of common security and the related emphasis on ‘major countries’ relationship in the GSI could be abused to justify state oppression of domestic population or major countries’ domination over ‘minor countries’ and proposes a reading to limit these concepts to promoting peace-making efforts led by states, particularly ‘major countries’, with cascading effects on other countries in conflicts. Secondly, it argues that the GSI's re-emphasis on sovereign equality usefully counters unilateralism and should be interpreted not retrospectively to avoid accountability but prospectively to combat impunity for serious violations of international law. Thirdly, it argues that while the notion of legitimate security interest may be irrelevant to the prohibition of the use of force in international relations, it could be a useful consideration in discharging states’ obligation to settle international disputes peacefully.
HIPPO: HIstogram-based Pseudo-POtential for scoring protein-ssRNA fragment-based docking poses
Authors: Kravchenko Anna , de Vries Sjoerd Jacob , Smaïl-Tabbone Malika , Chauvot de Beauchene Isaure
Published: March 2024

Background

The RNA-Recognition motif (RRM) is a protein domain that binds single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and is present in as much as 2% of the human genome. Despite this important role in biology, RRM-ssRNA interactions are very challenging to study on the structural level because of the remarkable flexibility of ssRNA. In the absence of atomic-level experimental data, the only method able to predict the 3D structure of protein-ssRNA complexes with any degree of accuracy is ssRNA’TTRACT, an ssRNA fragment-based docking approach using ATTRACT. However, since ATTRACT parameters are not ssRNA-specific and were determined in 2010, there is substantial opportunity for enhancement.

Results

Here we present HIPPO, a composite RRM-ssRNA scoring potential derived analytically from contact frequencies in near-native versus non-native docking models. HIPPO consists of a consensus of four distinct potentials, each extracted from a distinct reference pool of protein-trinucleotide docking decoys. To score a docking pose with one potential, for each pair of RNA–protein coarse-grained bead types, each contact is awarded or penalised according to the relative frequencies of this contact distance range among the correct and incorrect poses of the reference pool. Validated on a fragment-based docking benchmark of 57 experimentally solved RRM-ssRNA complexes, HIPPO achieved a threefold or higher enrichment for half of the fragments, versus only a quarter with the ATTRACT scoring function. In particular, HIPPO drastically improved the chance of very high enrichment (12-fold or higher), a scenario where the incremental modelling of entire ssRNA chains from fragments becomes viable. However, for the latter result, more research is needed to make it directly practically applicable. Regardless, our approach already improves upon the state of the art in RRM-ssRNA modelling and is in principle extendable to other types of protein-nucleic acid interactions.
eDNA metabarcoding reveals biodiversity and depth stratification patterns of dinoflagellate assemblages within the epipelagic zone of the western Coral Sea
Authors: Carve Megan , Manning Tahnee , Mouradov Aidyn , Shimeta Jeff
Published: March 2024

Background

Dinoflagellates play critical roles in the functioning of marine ecosystems but also may pose a hazard to human and ecosystem health by causing harmful algal blooms (HABs). The Coral Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, but its dinoflagellate assemblages in pelagic waters have not been studied by modern sequencing methods. We used metabarcoding of the 18 S rRNA V4 amplicon to assess the diversity and structure of dinoflagellate assemblages throughout the water column to a depth of 150 m at three stations in the Western Coral Sea. Additionally, at one station we compared metabarcoding with morphological methods to optimise identification and detection of dinoflagellates.

Results

Stratification of dinoflagellate assemblages was evident in depth-specific relative abundances of taxonomic groups; the greatest difference was between the 5–30 m assemblages and the 130–150 m assemblages. The relative abundance of Dinophyceae (photosynthetic and heterotrophic) decreased with increasing depth, whereas that of Syndiniales (parasitic) increased with increasing depth. The composition of major taxonomic groups was similar among stations. Taxonomic richness and diversity of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were similar among depths and stations; however, the abundance of dominant taxa was highest within 0–30 m, and the abundance of rare taxa was highest within 130–150 m, indicating adaptations to specific depth strata. The number of unclassified ASVs at the family and species levels was very high, particularly for Syndinian representatives.

Conclusions

Dinoflagellate assemblages in open water of the Coral Sea are highly diverse and taxonomically stratified by depth; patterns of relative abundance along the depth gradient reflect environmental factors and ecological processes. Metabarcoding detects more species richness than does traditional microscopical methods of sample analysis, yet the methods are complementary, with morphological analysis revealing additional richness. The large number of unclassified dinoflagellate-ASVs indicates a need for improved taxonomic reference databases and suggests presence of dinoflagellate-crypto and–morphospecies.
Pungency related gene network in Allium sativum L., response to sulfur treatments
Authors: Ammarellou Ali
Published: March 2024

Pungency of garlic (Allium sativum L.) is generated from breakdown of the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxide (CSO), alliin and its subsequent breakdown to allicin under the activity of alliinase (All). Based on recent evidence, two other important genes including Sulfite reductase (SiR) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) are thought to be related to sulfur metabolism. These three gene functions are in sulfate assimilation pathway. However, whether it is involved in stress response in crops is largely unknown. In this research, the order and priority of simultaneous expression of three genes including All, SiR and SOD were measured on some garlic ecotypes of Iran, collected from Zanjan, Hamedan and Gilan, provinces under sulfur concentrations (0, 6, 12, 24 and 60 g/ per experimental unit: pot) using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. For understanding the network interactions between studied genes and other related genes, in silico gene network analysis was constructed to investigate various mechanisms underlying stimulation of A. sativum L. to cope with imposed sulfur. Complicated network including TF-TF, miRNA-TF, and miRNA-TF-gene, was split into sub-networks to have a deeper insight. Analysis of q-RT-PCR data revealed the highest expression in All and SiR genes respectively. To distinguish and select significant pathways in sulfur metabolism, RESNET Plant database of Pathway Studio software v.10 (Elsevier), and other relative data such as chemical reactions, TFs, miRNAs, enzymes, and small molecules were extracted. Complex sub-network exhibited plenty of routes between stress response and sulfate assimilation pathway. Even though Alliinase did not display any connectivity with other stress response genes, it showed binding relation with lectin functional class, as a result of which connected to leucine zipper, exocellulase, peroxidase and ARF functional class indirectly. Integration network of these genes revealed their involvement in various biological processes such as, RNA splicing, stress response, gene silencing by miRNAs, and epigenetic. The findings of this research can be used to extend further research on the garlic metabolic engineering, garlic stress related genes, and also reducing or enhancing the activity of the responsible genes for garlic pungency for health benefits and industry demands.
The effects of an IV fluid bolus on mitral annular velocity and the assessment of diastolic function: a prospective non-randomized study
Authors: Ayala Sebastian , Badakhsh Orode , Li David , Fleming Neal W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Abnormal diastolic function is an independent predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes. Mitral annular tissue Doppler velocity (e’) is a key parameter for assessing diastolic function. The purpose of this study was to confirm that an acute increase in preload did not significantly impact the intraoperative measurement of e’ and secondarily evaluate the impact of this acute intravascular volume increase on the clinical assessment of diastolic function using a previously described simplified algorithm.

Methods

This was a prospective, non-randomized study in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgeries requiring transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring, arterial pressure and Swan-Ganz catheter placements as part of the surgical procedure. Following baseline echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements, 500 ml of crystalloid solution was infused over 10 min. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements were repeated 5 min after fluid administration.

Results

Complete data sets were available from 84 of the 100 patients who were enrolled in this study. There was no significant change in the values of e’. The average baseline was 7.8 ± 2.0 cm/s (95%CI: 7.4, 8.2) and 8.1 ± 2.4 (95%CI: 7.6, 8.6) following the fluid bolus (p = 0.10). All hemodynamic variables associated with increased intravascular volume (central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressures and stroke volume variation) changed significantly. The overall distribution of diastolic function grades did not change following fluid administration (p = 0.69). However, there were many individual patient differences. When using this simplified algorithm, functional grading changed in 35 patients. Thirty of these 35 changes were only a single grade shift. 22 patients had worse functional grading after fluid administration while 13 had improved grading. Nine patients with normal diastolic function at baseline demonstrated diastolic dysfunction after fluid administration while 6 patients with baseline dysfunction normalized following the fluid bolus.

Conclusion

We confirmed that e’ is a robust measurement that is reproducible in the intraoperative setting despite variable vascular volume loading conditions, however, the clinical assessment of diastolic function was still altered in 42% of the patients following an intravenous fluid bolus.
Spousal collaboration mediates the relation between self-rated health and depressive symptoms of Chinese older couples: an actor-partner interdependence approach
Authors: Liu Huiying , Zhou Xinyi , Zhang Mi , Chen Bixia , Du Jiayuan , Lou Vivian Weiqun
Published: March 2024

Background

Dyadic coping resources have been considered a potential explanatory mechanism of spousal interdependence in health, but the mediation of spousal collaboration for the relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms has yet to be examined. This study aimed to investigate the within- (actor effect) and between-partner effects of self-rated health on depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older couples facing physical functioning limitations and to examine the role of spousal collaboration in mediating the actor and cross-partner effects of self-rated health on depressive symptoms.

Method

Data from 185 community-dwelling older Chinese married couples were analyzed using the actor–partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM). Couples were interviewed through trained research assistants using the 5-item common dyadic coping subscale of the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of the QoL questionnaire EQ-5D and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ‐9).

Results

Husbands’ self-rated health had an actor effect on their own depressive symptoms and a partner effect on their wives’ depressive symptoms. Wives’ self-rated health had an actor effect on their own depressive symptoms. The actor effects between self-rated health and depressive symptoms were partially mediated by their own perception of spousal collaboration. Furthermore, husbands’ self-rated health not only affects wives’ depressive symptoms directly but also indirectly by influencing wives’ perceptions of spousal collaboration.

Discussion

The findings from this study underscored the importance of viewing couples’ coping processes from a dyadic and gender-specific perspective, since more (perceived) collaborative efforts have beneficial effects on both partners’ mental health outcomes.
Implementing advance care planning in palliative and end of life care: a scoping review of community nursing perspectives
Authors: Wilkin Katie , Fang Mei Lan , Sixsmith Judith
Published: March 2024

Background

Advance care planninganning (ACP) is a priority within palliative care service provision. Nurses working in the community occupy an opportune role to engage with families and patients in ACP. Carers and family members of palliative patients often find ACP discussions difficult to initiate. However, community nurses caring for palliative patients can encourage these discussions, utilising the rapport and relationships they have already built with patients and families. Despite this potential, implementation barriers and facilitators continue to exist. To date, no research synthesis has captured the challenges community nurses face when implementing ACP, nor the facilitators of community nurse-led ACP. Considering this, the review question of: 'What factors contribute to or hinder ACP discussion for nurses when providing care to palliative patients?’ was explored.

Method

To capture challenges and facilitators, a global qualitative scoping review was undertaken in June 2023. The Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews guided the review methodology. Six databases were searched identifying 333 records: CINAHL (16), MEDLINE (45), PUBMED (195), EMBASE (30), BJOCN (15), IJOPN (32). After de-duplication and title and abstract screening, 108 records remained. These were downloaded, hand searched (adding 5 articles) and subject to a full read. 98 were rejected, leaving a selected dataset of 15 articles. Data extracted into a data extraction chart were thematically analysed.

Results

Three key themes were generated: ‘Barriers to ACP’, ‘Facilitators of ACP’ and ‘Understanding of professional role and duty’. Key barriers were – lack of confidence, competence, role ambiguity and prognostic uncertainty. Key facilitators concerned the pertinence of the patient-practitioner relationship enabling ACP amongst nurses who had both competence and experience in ACP and/or palliative care (e.g., palliative care training). Lastly, nurses understood ACP to be part of their role, however, met challenges understanding the law surrounding this and its application processes.

Conclusions

This review suggests that community nurses' experience and competence are associated with the effective implementation of ACP with palliative patients. Future research is needed to develop interventions to promote ACP uptake in community settings, enable confidence building for community nurses and support higher standards of palliative care via the implementation of ACP.
Characterization of tumoricidal activities mediated by a novel immune cell regimen composing interferon-producing killer dendritic cells and tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Fang Chih-Hao , Cheng Wen-Fang , Cheng Ya-Fang , Lan Keng-Li , Lee Jan-Mou
Published: March 2024

Background

Although immune cell therapy has long been used for treating solid cancer, its efficacy remains limited. Interferon (IFN)-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) exhibit cytotoxicity and present antigens to relevant cells; thus, they can selectively induce tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific CD8 T cells and may be useful in cancer treatment. Various protocols have been used to amplify human IKDCs from peripheral sources, but the complexity of the process has prevented their widespread clinical application. Additionally, the induction of TAA-specific CD8 T cells through the adoptive transfer of IKDCs to immunocompromised patients with cancer may be insufficient. Therefore, we developed a method for generating an immune cell-based regimen, Phyduxon-T, comprising a human IKDC counterpart (Phyduxon) and expanded TAA-specific CD8 T cells.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ovarian cancer patients were cultured with human interleukin (hIL)-15, hIL-12, and hIL-18 to generate Phyduxon-T. Then, its phenotype, cytotoxicity, and antigen-presenting function were evaluated through flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies.

Results

Phyduxon exhibited the characteristics of both natural killer and dendritic cells. This regimen also exhibited cytotoxicity against primary ovarian cancer cells and presented TAAs, thereby inducing TAA-specific CD8 T cells, as evidenced by the expression of 4-1BB and IFN-γ. Notably, the Phyduxon-T manufacturing protocol effectively expanded IFN-γ-producing 4-1BB+ TAA-specific CD8 T cells from peripheral sources; these cells exhibited cytotoxic activities against ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusions

Phyduxon-T, which is a combination of natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and TAA-specific CD8 T cells, may enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Advancing laparoscopy in resource-limited settings
Authors: Djote Surafel Mulatu , Muhie Daniel Ahmed , Alemayehu Getachew Desta
Published: March 2024

Background

Although laparoscopic surgery has made remarkable progress and become the standard approach for various surgical procedures worldwide over the past 30 years, its establishment in low-resource settings, particularly in public hospitals, has been challenging. The lack of equipment and trained expertise has hindered its widespread adoption in these settings. Cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures using laparoscopy world wide

Aim

The aim of the study is to determine whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in a resource challenged setting

Methods

The research focused on individuals who underwent laparoscopic or open cholecystectomies at Yekatit 12 Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, over a one-year period. Comprehensive data collection was conducted prospectively, encompassing both intraoperative and postoperative parameters. Follow-up was carried out via phone calls. The surgical procedures employed innovative techniques, including the reuse of sterilized single-use equipment and the utilization of local resources. The evaluation involved a comparison of demographic information, intraoperative details (such as critical view determination and operative duration), and postoperative complications, including assessments of pain and wound infections

Results

From August 2021 to September 2022, 119 patients were assessed. Among these patients, 65 (54.6%) underwent open cholecystectomies, while the remaining 54 (45.4%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The average duration of the laparoscopic cholecystectomies was 90.7 min, which is 17.7 min behind the open. Patients in the laparoscopy group had significantly shorter hospital stays than the open group, and 94% were discharged by post operative day 2. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery was determined to be 3.3%

Conclusion

To sum up, the safe execution of laparoscopic cholecystectomies is feasible in public hospitals and settings with limited resources, given adequate training and resource distribution. The study findings showcased superior outcomes, including reduced hospitalization duration and fewer complications, while maintaining comparable levels of operative duration and patient satisfaction in both groups
The effect of various inhaled asthma medications on the color stability of paediatric dental restorative materials
Authors: Candan Merve , Ünal Murat
Published: March 2024

Background

The purpose of the study is to analyse the effects of different inhaled asthma medications (IAMs) on the color change of dental restorative materials (DRMs).

Methods

In total, 192 samples were taken from six different DRMs: [Filtek Z550 (nanohybrid composite), Fusio Liquid Dentin (Self-adhering flowable composite), Filtek Ultimate (nanofilled flowable composite), Dyract XP (compomer), Fuji II LC (resin-modified glass ionomer), Fuji IX Fast (self-cured-packable glass ionomer), (n = 32)]. After the initial color values (CIELab) of DRMs were measured by using a spectrophotometer, each sample was exposed to the same IAMs via nebulizer according to the four different inhaled therapies and measurements were repeated on the 7th & 21st days.

Results

In all IAM groups, DRM with the least amount of ΔE was nanohybrid composite, while the highest ΔE was found in Fuji II LC. Among all experimental groups, only Fuji II LC which was administered the combined medication, exceeded the clinically unacceptable threshold (ΔE = 3.3) on 7th & 21st days.

Conclusions

Consequently, important factors affecting the susceptibility to color stability are the type of IAMs, the administration time-dosage, and the type of DRMs.
The need for and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with female genital mutilation/cutting in Tanzania
Authors: Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Massae Agnes F. , Kohli Nidhi , Lukumay Gift Gadiel , Rohloff Corissa T. , Mushy Stella Emmanuel , Mgopa Lucy R. , Mkoka Dickson Ally , Mkonyi Ever , Trent Maria , Ross Michael W. , Rosser B. R. Simon , Connor Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Background

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is tied to one of the most conservative cultures in the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 200 million girls and women in 30 African, Asian and the middle Eastern countries have undergone FGM/C. However, healthcare professionals are not adequately trained to prevent and manage FGM/C-related complications including sexual health problems. This study aimed to assess the need and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with FGM/C in Tanzania.

Methods

We used a descriptive and cross sectional study design to collect and analyse information from 271 medical and 137 nursing students in Tanzania. A Qualtrics online survey was used to obtain quantitative data on training interest, previous training received, and the curriculum delivery method. Open-ended questions were used to explore their insights on significance to obtain the necessary competencies to treat and prevent FGM/C. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

Almost half of the participants reported they had little to no training in sexual healthcare for women with FGM/C (47%). In all, 82.4% reported the training to be acceptable. Following thematic analysis of open-ended questions, participants expressed a desire to improve their competencies to meet the current and future sexual and psychological health needs of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C.

Conclusion

It is a necessary and acceptable to develop a curriculum to train healthcare students to diagnose, treat and prevent sexual health complications related to FGM/C. In our study, designing a culturally sensitive curriculum and its delivery method, that includes practical sessions with simulated patients, was considered the most beneficial and favorable.
Determination of nurses’ happiness, hope, future expectations, and the factors influencing them: a descriptive study that can guide policy development to prevent nurse migration*
Authors: Yanık Derya , Ediz Çiçek
Published: March 2024

Background

The happiness and hopefulness of nurses are not only known that contribute to their emotional well-being but also professional creativity, improve the quality of nursing services and organizational performance. Therefore, knowing which factors affect nurses’ mental well-being and future expectations can provide information for nursing workforce planning policies. This study was conducted to determination of Nurses’ happiness, hope, and future expectations and the factors influencing them.

Method

326 nurses from 52 provinces of Turkey participated in this descriptive study. The data collection instruments included a Demographic Characteristics Form and questions from the Turkish Statistical Institute’s Life Satisfaction Survey to assess overall happiness, hope, and expectation levels. The study data was collected using an e-survey prepared through Google Forms in line with the principle of voluntarism. In the study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist for descriptive studies.

Results

The average scores for overall happiness, hope, and future expectations among the participating nurses were found to be 2.34 ± 0.98, 2.22 ± 0.95, and 1.26 ± 0.54, respectively. It was determined that the levels of happiness, hope, and future expectations of nurses are influenced by satisfaction with income, income’s ability to meet needs, and personal development over the last five years.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the overall happiness and hope levels of nurses are low, while their future expectations are at a moderate level. Satisfaction with income affects the happiness and hope levels of nurses. Three quarters of the nurses participating in the study want to work abroad. This situation may lead to a need for qualified nurses in the future.
SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B and respiratory syncytial virus positivity and association with influenza-like illness and self-reported symptoms, over the 2022/23 winter season in the UK: a longitudinal surveillance cohort
Authors: Dietz Elisabeth , Pritchard Emma , Pouwels Koen , Ehsaan Muhammad , Blake Joshua , Gaughan Charlotte , Haduli Eric , Boothe Hugh , Vihta Karina-Doris , Peto Tim , Stoesser Nicole , Matthews Philippa , Taylor Nick , Diamond Ian , Studley Ruth , Rourke Emma , Birrell Paul , De Angelis Daniela , Fowler Tom , Watson Conall , Eyre David , House Thomas , Walker Ann Sarah
Published: March 2024

Background

Syndromic surveillance often relies on patients presenting to healthcare. Community cohorts, although more challenging to recruit, could provide additional population-wide insights, particularly with SARS-CoV-2 co-circulating with other respiratory viruses.

Methods

We estimated the positivity and incidence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and RSV, and trends in self-reported symptoms including influenza-like illness (ILI), over the 2022/23 winter season in a broadly representative UK community cohort (COVID-19 Infection Survey), using negative-binomial generalised additive models. We estimated associations between test positivity and each of the symptoms and influenza vaccination, using adjusted logistic and multinomial models.

Results

Swabs taken at 32,937/1,352,979 (2.4%) assessments tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 181/14,939 (1.2%) for RSV and 130/14,939 (0.9%) for influenza A/B, varying by age over time. Positivity and incidence peaks were earliest for RSV, then influenza A/B, then SARS-CoV-2, and were highest for RSV in the youngest and for SARS-CoV-2 in the oldest age groups. Many test positives did not report key symptoms: middle-aged participants were generally more symptomatic than older or younger participants, but still, only ~ 25% reported ILI-WHO and ~ 60% ILI-ECDC. Most symptomatic participants did not test positive for any of the three viruses. Influenza A/B-positivity was lower in participants reporting influenza vaccination in the current and previous seasons (odds ratio = 0.55 (95% CI 0.32, 0.95)) versus neither season.

Conclusions

Symptom profiles varied little by aetiology, making distinguishing SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV using symptoms challenging. Most symptoms were not explained by these viruses, indicating the importance of other pathogens in syndromic surveillance. Influenza vaccination was associated with lower rates of community influenza test positivity.
Improving CRISPR–Cas9 directed faithful transgene integration outcomes by reducing unwanted random DNA integration
Authors: Hermantara Rio , Richmond Laura , Taqi Aqeel Faisal , Chilaka Sabari , Jeantet Valentine , Guerrini Ileana , West Katherine , West Adam
Published: March 2024

Background

The field of genome editing has been revolutionized by the development of an easily programmable editing tool, the CRISPR–Cas9. Despite its promise, off-target activity of Cas9 posed a great disadvantage for genome editing purposes by causing DNA double strand breaks at off-target locations and causing unwanted editing outcomes. Furthermore, for gene integration applications, which introduce transgene sequences, integration of transgenes to off-target sites could be harmful, hard to detect, and reduce faithful genome editing efficiency.

Method

Here we report the development of a multicolour fluorescence assay for studying CRISPR–Cas9-directed gene integration at an endogenous locus in human cell lines. We examine genetic integration of reporter genes in transiently transfected cells as well as puromycin-selected stable cell lines to determine the fidelity of multiple CRISPR–Cas9 strategies.

Result

We found that there is a high occurrence of unwanted DNA integration which tarnished faithful knock-in efficiency. Integration outcomes are influenced by the type of DNA DSBs, donor design, the use of enhanced specificity Cas9 variants, with S-phase regulated Cas9 activity. Moreover, restricting Cas9 expression with a self-cleaving system greatly improves knock-in outcomes by substantially reducing the percentage of cells with unwanted DNA integration.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the need for a more stringent assessment of CRISPR–Cas9-mediated knock-in outcomes, and the importance of careful strategy design to maximise efficient and faithful transgene integration.
Providing medication for opioid use disorder and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at syringe services programs via telemedicine: a pilot study
Authors: McKellar Mehri S. , Des Marais Andrea C. , Chen Hillary , Choi Yujung , Lilly Rebecca , Ayers Denae , Bennett Jesse , Kestner Lauren , Perry Brian , Poley Stephanie , Corneli Amy , Meade Christina S. , Sachdeva Nidhi
Published: March 2024

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for opioid overdose and infectious diseases including HIV. We piloted PARTNER UP, a telemedicine-based program to provide PWID with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine/naloxone (bup/nx) and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine through two syringe services programs (SSP) in North Carolina. We present overall results from this project, including participant retention rates and self-reported medication adherence.

Methods

Study participants met with a provider for an initial in-person visit at the SSP, followed by weekly telemedicine visits in month 1 and then monthly until program end at month 6. Participants were asked to start both MOUD and PrEP at initiation but could choose to discontinue either at any point during the study. Demographics and health history including substance use, sexual behaviors, and prior use of MOUD/PrEP were collected at baseline. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 3- and 6-months to assess attitudes towards MOUD and PrEP, change in opioid use and sexual behaviors, and for self-reported medication adherence. Participant retention was measured by completion of visits; provider notes were used to assess whether the participant reported continuation of medication.

Results

Overall, 17 persons were enrolled and started on both bup/nx and PrEP; the majority self-identified as white and male. At 3 months, 13 (76%) remained on study; 10 (77%) reported continuing with both MOUD and PrEP, 2 (15%) with bup/nx only, and 1 (8%) with PrEP only. At 6 months, 12 (71%) remained on study; 8 (67%) reported taking both bup/nx and PrEP, and 4 (33%) bup/nx only. Among survey participants, opioid use and HIV risk behaviors decreased. Nearly all reported taking bup/nx daily; however, self-reported daily adherence to PrEP was lower and declined over time. The most common reason for not continuing PrEP was feeling not at risk for acquiring HIV.

Conclusions

Our study results show that MOUD and PrEP can be successfully administered via telemedicine in SSPs. PrEP appears to be a lower priority for participants with decreased continuation and adherence. Low perception of HIV risk was a reason for not continuing PrEP, possibly mitigated by MOUD use. Future studies including helping identify PWID at highest need for PrEP are needed.

Trial registration

Providing Suboxone and PrEP Using Telemedicine, NCT04521920. Registered 18 August 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04521920?term=mehri%20mckellar&rank=2.
Acceptability and usefulness of the EORTC ‘Write In three Symptoms/Problems’ (WISP): a brief open-ended instrument for symptom assessment in cancer patients
Authors: Rojas-Concha Leslye , Arrarrás Juan Ignacio , Conroy Thierry , Chalk Tara , Guberti Monica , Holzner Bernhard , Husson Olga , Kuliś Dagmara , Shamieh Omar , Piccinin Claire , Puga María José , Rohde Gudrun , Groenvold Mogens ,   on behalf the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of open-ended questions supplementing static questionnaires with closed questions may facilitate the recognition of symptoms and toxicities. The open-ended ‘Write In three Symptoms/Problems (WISP)’ instrument permits patients to report additional symptoms/problems not covered by selected EORTC questionnaires. We evaluated the acceptability and usefulness of WISP with cancer patients receiving active and palliative care/treatment in Austria, Chile, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Methods

We conducted a literature search on validated instruments for cancer patients including open-ended questions and analyzing their responses. WISP was translated into eight languages and pilot tested. WISP translations were pre-tested together with EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-C15-PAL and relevant modules, followed by patient interviews to evaluate their understanding about WISP. Proportions were used to summarize patient responses obtained from interviews and WISP.

Results

From the seven instruments identified in the literature, only the free text collected from the PRO-CTAE has been analyzed previously. In our study, 161 cancer patients participated in the pre-testing and interviews (50% in active treatment). Qualitative interviews showed high acceptability of WISP. Among the 295 symptoms/problems reported using WISP, skin problems, sore mouth and bleeding were more prevalent in patients in active treatment, whereas numbness/tingling, dry mouth and existential problems were more prevalent in patients in palliative care/treatment.

Conclusions

The EORTC WISP instrument was found to be acceptable and useful for symptom assessment in cancer patients. WISP improves the identification of symptoms/problems not assessed by cancer-generic questionnaires and therefore, we recommend its use alongside the EORTC questionnaires.
Exosomes from senescent epithelial cells activate pulmonary fibroblasts via the miR-217-5p/Sirt1 axis in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Min , Xue Xiang , Lou Zhenshuai , Lin Yanhong , Li Qian , Huang Changbao
Published: March 2024

Background

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used and highly toxic herbicide that poses a significant risk to human health. The main consequence of PQ poisoning is pulmonary fibrosis, which can result in respiratory failure and potentially death. Our research aims to uncover a crucial mechanism in which PQ poisoning induces senescence in epithelial cells, ultimately regulating the activation of pulmonary fibroblasts through the exosomal pathway.

Methods

Cellular senescence was determined by immunohistochemistry and SA-β-Gal staining. The expression of miRNAs was measured by qPCR. Pulmonary fibroblasts treated with specific siRNA of SIRT1 or LV-SIRT1 were used to analysis senescent exosomes-mediated fibroblasts activation. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of miR-217-5p antagomir on pulmonary fibrosis were assessed in PQ-poisoned mice models.

Results

Impairing the secretion of exosomes effectively mitigates the harmful effects of senescent epithelial cells on pulmonary fibroblasts, offering protection against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Additionally, we have identified a remarkable elevation of miR-217-5p expression in the exosomes of PQ-treated epithelial cells, which specifically contributes to fibroblasts activation via targeted inhibition of SIRT1, a protein involved in cellular stress response. Remarkably, suppression of miR-217-5p effectively impaired senescent epithelial cells-induced fibroblasts activation. Further investigation has revealed that miR-217-5p attenuated SIRT1 expression and subsequently resulted in enhanced acetylation of β-catenin and Wnt signaling activation.

Conclusion

These findings highlight a potential strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ poisoning. Disrupting the communication between senescent epithelial cells and pulmonary fibroblasts, particularly by targeting the miR-217-5p/SIRT1/β-catenin axis, may be able to alleviate the effects of PQ poisoning on the lungs.
Recent advances in endothelial colony-forming cells: from the transcriptomic perspective
Authors: Liu Yaqiong , Lyons Caomhán J. , Ayu Christine , O’Brien Timothy
Published: March 2024

Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are progenitors of endothelial cells with significant proliferative and angiogenic ability. ECFCs are a promising treatment option for various diseases, such as ischemic heart disease and peripheral artery disease. However, some barriers hinder the clinical application of ECFC therapeutics. One of the current obstacles is that ECFCs are dysfunctional due to the underlying disease states. ECFCs exhibit dysfunctional phenotypes in pathologic states, which include but are not limited to the following: premature neonates and pregnancy-related diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancers, haematological system diseases, hypoxia, pulmonary arterial hypertension, coronary artery diseases, and other vascular diseases. Besides, ECFCs are heterogeneous among donors, tissue sources, and within cell subpopulations. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ECFC dysfunction and characterize their heterogeneity to enable clinical application. In this review, we summarize the current and potential application of transcriptomic analysis in the field of ECFC biology. Transcriptomic analysis is a powerful tool for exploring the key molecules and pathways involved in health and disease and can be used to characterize ECFC heterogeneity.
Wnt5a/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a key driver of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Liu Dandan , Du Jingxiao , Xie Hai , Tian Haibin , Lu Lixia , Zhang Chaoyang , Xu Guo-Tong , Zhang Jingfa
Published: March 2024

Background

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), accounts for up to 90% of AMD-associated vision loss, ultimately resulting in the formation of fibrotic scar in the macular region. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD involves the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the Wnt signaling during the EMT of RPE cells and in the pathological process of subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD.

Methods

In vivo, the induction of subretinal fibrosis was performed in male C57BL/6J mice through laser photocoagulation. Either FH535 (a β-catenin inhibitor) or Box5 (a Wnt5a inhibitor) was intravitreally administered on the same day or 14 days following laser induction. The RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RBCC) tissues were collected and subjected to Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence to examine fibrovascular and Wnt-related markers. In vitro, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-treated ARPE-19 cells were co-incubated with or without FH535, Foxy-5 (a Wnt5a-mimicking peptide), Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA, respectively. The changes in EMT- and Wnt-related signaling molecules, as well as cell functions were assessed using qRT-PCR, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, scratch assay or transwell migration assay. The cell viability of ARPE-19 cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8.

Results

The in vivo analysis demonstrated Wnt5a/ROR1, but not Wnt3a, was upregulated in the RBCCs of the laser-induced CNV mice compared to the normal control group. Intravitreal injection of FH535 effectively reduced Wnt5a protein expression. Both FH535 and Box5 effectively attenuated subretinal fibrosis and EMT, as well as the activation of β-catenin in laser-induced CNV mice, as evidenced by the significant reduction in areas positive for fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and active β-catenin labeling. In vitro, Wnt5a/ROR1, active β-catenin, and some other Wnt signaling molecules were upregulated in the TGFβ1-induced EMT cell model using ARPE-19 cells. Co-treatment with FH535, Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA markedly suppressed the activation of Wnt5a, nuclear translocation of active β-catenin, as well as the EMT in TGFβ1-treated ARPE-19 cells. Conversely, treatment with Foxy-5 independently resulted in the activation of abovementioned molecules and subsequent induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a reciprocal activation between Wnt5a and β-catenin to mediate EMT as a pivotal driver of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. This positive feedback loop provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to treat subretinal fibrosis in nAMD patients.