bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustness in population-structure and demographic-inference results derived from the Aedes aegypti genotyping chip and whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Gómez-Palacio Andrés , Morinaga Gen , Turner Paul E , Micieli Maria Victoria , Elnour Mohammed-Ahmed B , Salim Bashir , Surendran Sinnathamby Noble , Ramasamy Ranjan , Powell Jeffrey R , Soghigian John , Gloria-Soria Andrea
Published: April 2024

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of many human arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, which affect millions of people worldwide. Population genetic studies on this mosquito have been important in understanding its invasion pathways and success as a vector of human disease. The Axiom aegypti1 SNP chip was developed from a sample of geographically diverse A. aegypti populations to facilitate genomic studies on this species. We evaluate the utility of the Axiom aegypti1 SNP chip for population genetics and compare it with a low-depth shotgun sequencing approach using mosquitoes from the native (Africa) and invasive ranges (outside Africa). These analyses indicate that results from the SNP chip are highly reproducible and have a higher sensitivity to capture alternative alleles than a low-coverage whole-genome sequencing approach. Although the SNP chip suffers from ascertainment bias, results from population structure, ancestry, demographic, and phylogenetic analyses using the SNP chip were congruent with those derived from low-coverage whole-genome sequencing, and consistent with previous reports on Africa and outside Africa populations using microsatellites. More importantly, we identified a subset of SNPs that can be reliably used to generate merged databases, opening the door to combined analyses. We conclude that the Axiom aegypti1 SNP chip is a convenient, more accurate, low-cost alternative to low-depth whole-genome sequencing for population genetic studies of A. aegypti that do not rely on full allelic frequency spectra. Whole-genome sequencing and SNP chip data can be easily merged, extending the usefulness of both approaches.
New energy power demand prediction and optimal scheduling based on artificial intelligence in smart grid
Authors: Duan Jie
Published: April 2024

With the development of smart grid, the demand for new energy power increases. Improving the accuracy of new energy power demand forecast is an important basis for the orderly operation of power system. This article presents a new energy power demand forecasting method based on DESSA-NESN algorithm. First, differential evolution algorithm (DE) and sparrow search algorithm (SSA) are combined, and operations such as mutation, crossing and screening are introduced into the population updating process of SSA. The internal state function of the savings pool of the standard echo state network (ESN) is replaced by the hyperbolic tangent function to obtain the nonlinear echo state network (NESN). Then, the parameters of deep echo state network (DESN) are optimized using DESSA algorithm. The DESSA-DESN prediction model is established. Finally, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of DESSA-NESN were 15.84 and 0.12%, respectively, and the prediction effect was better than other comparison models.
Incidence, Clearance, and Persistence of Penile High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Among Rwandan Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Murenzi Gad , Kim Hae-Young , Mivumbi Jean Paul , Gasana Josephine , Munyaneza Athanase , Tuyisenge Patrick , Kanyabwisha Faustin , Zawadi Thierry , Muhoza Benjamin , Kubwimana Gallican , Adedimeji Adebola , Yotebieng Marcel , Mutesa Leon , Shi Qiuhu , Anastos Kathryn , Palefsky Joel M
Published: April 2024

Background

Little is known about penile high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to determine the incidence, clearance, and persistence of penile hrHPV among Rwandan MSM.

Methods

We enrolled 350 MSM (345 with valid human papillomavirus [HPV] results) aged ≥18 years. At each visit (6–12 months apart), we collected penile PreservCyt specimens and blood for HPV and HIV testing, as well as sociodemographic and behavioral variables. HPV testing was performed with the Ampfire assay. Penile hrHPV incidence and clearance per 1000 person-months of follow-up, as well as prevalent and incident persistence, were computed and compared by HIV status.

Results

The mean (SD) age was 27.7 (6.7) years and 19.4% were living with HIV. Penile hrHPV incidence was 34.8 (95% CI, 29.1–41.8) per 1000 person-months of follow-up. HPV-16 (11.7; 95% CI, 9.26–14.9) and HPV-59 (6.1; 95% CI, 4.52–8.39) had the highest incidence rates. Prevalent and incident persistence was 47.5% and 46.6%, respectively. HPV-66 (33.3%), HPV-52 (30.8%), and HPV-16 (29.2%) had the highest prevalent persistence and HPV-33 (53.8%), HPV-31 (46.7%), and HPV-16 (42.6%) the highest incident persistence. No differences were found by HIV status except for HPV-45 (higher in MSM with HIV).

Conclusions

We found high incidence and prevalent/incident persistence of penile hrHPV among Rwandan MSM. This highlights the importance of preventive strategies for HPV-associated anogenital cancers.
Linking methanotroph phenotypes to genotypes using a simple spatially resolved model ecosystem
Authors: Beals Delaney G , Puri Aaron W
Published: April 2024

Connecting genes to phenotypic traits in bacteria is often challenging because of a lack of environmental context in laboratory settings. Laboratory-based model ecosystems offer a means to better account for environmental conditions compared with standard planktonic cultures and can help link genotypes and phenotypes. Here, we present a simple, cost-effective, laboratory-based model ecosystem to study aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) within the methane-oxygen counter gradient typically found in the natural environment of these organisms. Culturing the methanotroph Methylomonas sp. strain LW13 in this system resulted in the formation of a distinct horizontal band at the intersection of the counter gradient, which we discovered was not due to increased numbers of bacteria at this location but instead to an increased amount of polysaccharides. We also discovered that different methanotrophic taxa form polysaccharide bands with distinct locations and morphologies when grown in the methane-oxygen counter gradient. By comparing transcriptomic data from LW13 growing within and surrounding this band, we identified genes upregulated within the band and validated their involvement in growth and band formation within the model ecosystem using knockout strains. Notably, deletion of these genes did not negatively affect growth using standard planktonic culturing methods. This work highlights the use of a laboratory-based model ecosystem that more closely mimics the natural environment to uncover bacterial phenotypes missing from standard laboratory conditions, and to link these phenotypes with their genetic determinants.
Prevalence of trace gas-oxidizing soil bacteria increases with radial distance from Polloquere hot spring within a high-elevation Andean cold desert
Authors: Garvin Zachary K , Abades Sebastián R , Trefault Nicole , Alfaro Fernando D , Sipes Katie , Lloyd Karen G , Onstott Tullis C
Published: April 2024

High-elevation arid regions harbor microbial communities reliant on metabolic niches and flexibility to survive under biologically stressful conditions, including nutrient limitation that necessitates the utilization of atmospheric trace gases as electron donors. Geothermal springs present “oases” of microbial activity, diversity, and abundance by delivering water and substrates, including reduced gases. However, it is unknown whether these springs exhibit a gradient of effects, increasing their impact on trace gas-oxidizers in the surrounding soils. We assessed whether proximity to Polloquere, a high-altitude geothermal spring in an Andean salt flat, alters the diversity and metabolic structure of nearby soil bacterial populations compared to the surrounding cold desert. Recovered DNA and metagenomic analyses indicate that the spring represents an oasis for microbes in this challenging environment, supporting greater biomass with more diverse metabolic functions in proximal soils that declines sharply with radial distance from the spring. Despite the sharp decrease in biomass, potential rates of atmospheric hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) uptake increase away from the spring. Kinetic estimates suggest this activity is due to high-affinity trace gas consumption, likely as a survival strategy for energy/carbon acquisition. These results demonstrate that Polloquere regulates a gradient of diverse microbial communities and metabolisms, culminating in increased activity of trace gas-oxidizers as the influence of the spring yields to that of the regional salt flat environment. This suggests the spring holds local importance within the context of the broader salt flat and potentially represents a model ecosystem for other geothermal systems in high-altitude desert environments.
The Politics of International Peace and Security: Introducing a New Dataset on the Creation of United Nations Security Council Subsidiary Bodies
Authors: Lugg Andrew , Lansdale Sloan , Carcelli Shannon
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces new data on the creation of subsidiary bodies (SBs) by members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) between 1972 and 2020. Delegation to SBs is one of the principal means through which the UNSC acts, and these bodies are designed to carry out crucial functions such as peacekeeping, implementing sanctions, and investigating crises. Yet, no research has systematically evaluated their creation, design, and use. Our dataset includes a typology of all proposed and created SBs as well as information about their purpose and design. After introducing the data, we empirically analyze the determinants of SB creation. Multivariate regression demonstrates that SBs are more likely to be created when the preferences of the permanent members are aligned. Moreover, stronger bodies are more likely to be created during periods of high preference alignment, while middle- and lower-strength bodies are less influenced by member alignment. These results provide unique evidence demonstrating how politics affects the choice of when and how the UNSC responds to global problems. Our data and analysis paint a picture of a more proactive UNSC than is commonly portrayed in the literature, and these data will enable scholars to further analyze UNSC action.
24 Bleeding Money: Improving Triage and Documentation for Burn Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Richerbach Stacey , Hockenberry Tiffany , Foster Kevin N
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Triage acuity is a critical factor in determining resource allocation and prioritizing patient care. Additionally, documented triage acuities are correlated with professional charges and billing codes. Within the emergency department (ED), burn patients comprise a unique population. For a patient with a burn the insult is apparent, however, the resultant physiologic response may be overlooked by ED clinicians. For example, patients with burns may present with severe pain or elevated heart rate, yielding a high acuity level. In 2020, our Burn Center observed an increase in undocumented triage acuity for burn patients to 11.6%. As a result, we instituted a multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) approach to improve triage related documentation and charge capture, and prioritization of care for patients with burns. The purposes of this project were to pinpoint education needs of nursing staff and improve documentation of triage acuity per the Emergency Severity Index (ESI).

Methods

A survey was disseminated to Burn ED nursing staff to identify barriers to triage documentation. QI interventions included a collaboration between Nursing, Informatics, and Quality Assurance to overcome barriers related to staff knowledge, workflow of the electronic health record (EHR), and dissemination of performance feedback. Education was provided via targeted training, pre-shift nursing huddle, weekly newsletters, and educational posters. Modifications were made to the EHR software modify the order of items in Triage list to avoid bypass of acuity documentation and to embed both a visual algorithm and text descriptors for ESI acuity determination. Quality Assurance furnished reports monthly, enabling nursing leadership to expedite feedback and identify needs for staff-specific education. Triage acuity metrics were added to the quality board. Performance was analyzed from January 2019 through June 2023, and was grouped annually.

Results

Following the QI project, undocumented triage acuity was reduced by 9.6%. Further, we noted an increase in both emergent (level 2) and urgent (level 3) acuity assignments by 11.3% for each.

Conclusions

The accurate assignment of triage acuity using scoring delineated by the ESI impacts both care and compensation. Our multidisciplinary quality improvement project was successful, reducing undocumented triage acuity by 9.7%. Further, we discovered a need to reinforce education related to high ESI triage acuity qualifiers, such as extreme pain and elevated heart rate. In doing so, we observed an increase in documentation of higher acuity levels for patients with burns (emergent and urgent) by 11.2% and 11.3%.

Applicability of Research to Practice

Further research is needed to quantify the impact of triage acuity assignment on charge capture.
83 Outcomes Using Autologous Epidermal Autograft for Wound Closure of Majority Deep Partial Thickness Burns
Authors: Abeln Andrea , Klugh James , Donthula Deepanjli , Almand Catherine , Campbell Taylor , Jiang Chuantao , Freet Daniel J , Huzar Todd F , Wainwright David J , Wade Charles E , Kao Lillian S , Harvin John A
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Autologous epidermal autografting (AEAG) closes wounds with a significantly smaller donor site compared with traditional split thickness autograft (STAG). Theoretically, treatment of large burns with a smaller required donor site may reduce length of stay (LOS) and overall costs. We hypothesized that AEAG would be associated with reduced overall hospital costs in patients with ≥10% total body surface area (TBSA), majority deep partial thickness burns compared to STAG alone.

Methods

Burn center patients from 2018-2023 with ≥10% TBSA, operative, majority deep partial thickness burns were split into two groups based on treatment strategy: Group 1 – patients who underwent STAG only versus Group 2 - patients who underwent AEAG with STAG reserved only for full thickness areas. Primary outcomes included length of stay and overall costs. Groups were stratified by percent TBSA (10-19% and ≥20%). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

The entire cohort included 97 patients, 50 (52%) in Group 1 and 47 (48%) in Group 2. The majority of the cohort (n=63, 65%) had 10-19% TBSA burns and 34 (35%) had ≥20% TBSA burns. In the 10-19% stratum, there were no differences in demographics or injury characteristics. Groups 1 and 2 had similar lengths of stay but Group 2 had higher overall costs. In the ≥20% TBSA stratum, there were no differences in demographics or injury characteristics except that Group 2 had a higher proportion of male patients. In the 10-19% TBSA stratum, after adjusting for age and TBSA, Group 2 was associated with increased costs (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18–1.80, p=0.001) and LOS (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00–1.34, p=0.045). In the ≥20% TBSA stratum and after adjusting for age and TBSA, Group 2 was associated with no difference in cost (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.45 – 1.69, p=0.717) and a reduction in LOS (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.88, p< 0.001).

Conclusions

For ≥10% TBSA, majority deep partial thickness burns, the use of AEAG with STAG reserved only for full thickness areas was associated with a reduction in the need for STAG. There is a potential for reduced length of stay without increased costs in burns ≥20% TBSA with AEAG use. However, a larger, adequately powered trial is necessary to validate this finding.

Applicability of Research to Practice

AEAG was associated with a reduction in overall STAG requirement in all patients and was not associated with an increased cost for large % TBSA majority deep partial thickness burns.
771 Clinical Practice Guideline: Standard of Care for Cognitive Screening/Evaluation of Patients Following Electrical Injuries
Authors: Regal Hadley A , Frazier Kristina , Orr Mindy , Webb Crystal D , Thompson Callie M
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Electrical injuries account for nearly 3% of burn center admissions and most electrical injuries occur in the workplace; 55% according to the latest ABA Burn Injury Summary Report. No guideline(s) currently exist for a standard of care for comprehensive cognitive screening/evaluation and management of patients after electrical injuries. Research indicates that almost 50% of all patients who experience an electrical injury (without need to delineate low vs. high voltage injuries) report physical, cognitive, and/or emotional/psychosocial challenges after their injuries. These reported cognitive impairments most commonly include difficulty within attention (sustained/alternating/divided), memory (immediate, working, and delayed recall), new learning, and word finding abilities. We sought to utilize existing literature to develop a care pathway for our burn center.

Methods

We performed a literature review and found consistent reports of varying cognitive impairments/decline following electrical injury. Given the lack of a standard of care, we utilized this existing literature to formulate the care pathway in Figure 1 for patients (pediatric through geriatric) that were admitted to our burn center.

Results

We presented the proposed workflow in our monthly Burn Administration meeting and all leaders from the interdisciplinary team agreed on the pathway and for its immediate rollout. This pathway includes screening tool options, comprehensive standardized testing for both pediatric populations as well as adult/geriatric individuals. We aimed to have repeatable testing options that were age appropriate and could also be completed in additional languages to support various patient demographics.

Conclusions

All patients who sustain an electrical injury receive an immediate consultation to Speech Language Pathology upon admission to our burn center for comprehensive screening and evaluation of their cognitive/linguistic profile. Careful selection of testing protocols is completed based on age. Upon completion of testing, cognitive retraining is initiated as appropriate while in the ICU setting; as indicated, cognitive retraining continues in the outpatient setting. Patients may also be referred to Neurorehabilitation and Neuropsychology/Neuropsychiatry.

Applicability of Research to Practice

This workflow has both immediate clinical applicability and will allow us to both set expectations with patients about the typical post injury progression of cognitive function and to intervene to achieve optimal neuropsychological outcomes.
The immunoregulatory effects of total glucosides of peony in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Zhao Mengna , Peng Na , Zhou Yingbo , Qu Yuan , Cao Meng , Zou Qinghua , Yu Qinghong , Lu Liwei , Xiao Fan
Published: April 2024

Total glucoside of peony and its main active ingredient paeoniflorin, extracted from the Chinese herb Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, exhibit potent immunomodulatory effects. Total glucoside of peony has been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses and disease progression in experimental models of multiple autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, psoriasis, and so on. Total glucoside of peony shows broad immunomodulatory effects on many immune cells, such as T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, by regulating their activation, proliferation, differentiation, and production of effector molecules. Mechanistically, total glucoside of peony modulates intracellular signaling transductions, including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Moreover, total glucoside of peony has been applied in the clinical treatment of various autoimmune diseases with satisfactory therapeutic outcomes and minor side effects. Thus, available studies have demonstrated that total glucoside of peony and its bioactive constituents exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions and may have extensive applications in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Syringaresinol attenuates Tau phosphorylation and ameliorates cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane in aged rats
Authors: Zheng Simin , Teng Yunpeng , Liu Hongtao , He Jiaxuan , Zhang Shaobo , Xiong Hongfei
Published: April 2024

Cognitive dysfunction following anesthesia with agents such as sevoflurane is a significant clinical problem, particularly in elderly patients. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of the phytochemical syringaresinol (SYR) against sevoflurane-induced cognitive deficits in aged Sprague-Dawley rats and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved. We assessed the impact of SYR on sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment, glial activation, and neuronal apoptosis through behavioral tests (Morris water maze), immunofluorescence, Western blotting for key proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. SYR treatment mitigated sevoflurane-induced cognitive decline, reduced microglial and astrocyte activation (decreased Iba-1 and GFAP expression), and countered neuronal apoptosis (reduced Bax, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-PARP expression). SYR also enhanced Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression and reduced p-Tau phosphorylation; these effects were reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. SYR exerts neuroprotective effects on sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by modulating glial activity, apoptotic signaling, and Tau phosphorylation through the SIRT1 pathway. These findings could inform clinical strategies to safeguard cognitive function in patients undergoing anesthesia.
Inventing Polio Care at the Colonie de Saint-Fargeau: Disability, Rehabilitation, and the Welfare State in Interwar France
Authors: Scales Rebecca P
Published: April 2024

In 1919, the polio survivor and Red Cross nurse Ellen Poidatz created the Colonie de Saint-Fargeau, France’s first residential rehabilitation facility for children and adolescents paralyzed by polio. This article examines the Colonie’s external politics and internal dynamics, showing how Poidatz framed her work within conventions of maternalist politics to secure private donations and public subventions to anchor the facility within France’s mixed economy of social welfare. Analyzing Poidatz’s contributions to rehabilitation medicine as it developed in the interwar decades and the varied experiences of children at the Colonie, this article illustrates how the provision of polio care remained fraught with tensions. Although Poidatz’s vision of providing physiotherapy, education, and vocational retraining in a single center was not fully realized, she played a critical, if unacknowledged role in the creation of the welfare state by turning the Colonie into a national model for polio care that endured into the post–World War II era.
Interactions between nitrate reductase 2 and catalase 1 fine-tune disease resistance in cassava
Authors: Zhang Xueyi , Liu Guoyin , Zheng Rongjiao , Yan Yu , Shi Haitao
Published: April 2024

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is one of the most important tuber crops, used for food, starch, and bio-energy. However, it is susceptible to a number of diseases, especially cassava bacterial blight. Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) regulate plant growth and development, as well as stress responses. However, no direct relationship between the enzymes involved in producing and processing these key signaling molecules has been demonstrated. Here, we provide evidence for an interaction between nitrate reductase 2 (MeNR2) and catalase 1 (MeCAT1) proteins in vitro and in vivo, using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, respectively. MeNR2 is a positive regulator and MeCAT1 is a negative regulator of cassava bacterial blight resistance. MeNR2 was localized in the nucleus, cell membrane, and peroxisome, while MeCAT1 was localized in the peroxisomes. The interaction between MeNR2 and MeCAT1 also had effects on their respective enzyme activities. Taken together, our data indicate that there is coordination between H2O2 and NO signaling in cassava disease resistance, through the interactions between MeCAT1 and MeNR2.
Neonatal lupus with complete heart block and long term follow up
Authors: Alhatemi Ahmed Qasim Mohammed , Al-Yacopy Ali Akeel , Hashim Hashim Talib , Abdulhussain Rand K
Published: April 2024

We present the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman, newly diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy. The patient delivered a newborn at 38 weeks gestation, who, on the first day of life, manifested complete heart block. This case underscores the clinical challenges associated with neonatal lupus, emphasizing the need for collaborative, multidisciplinary management.
Advancing police professionalism on the front lines with experiments and experience
Authors: Willis James J , Toronjo Heather
Published: April 2024

We juxtapose two different visions for police reform, one based on programs and scientific experiments, the other on street-level practices and experience. Our purpose is to consider a closer marriage between them. To this end, we have outlined a training model based on the police craft, and designed to help patrol officers reflect mindfully on the numerous and varied situational factors that characterize mundane but perplexing encounters with the public. This model is inspired by the Aristotelian concept of perception or discernment. Its focus is not on outcomes but on decision-making processes that lead to choosing well in the kind of complex and uncertain environment of everyday police work.
LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competence in Physical Therapist Education and Practice: A Qualitative Study From the Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Hofmann Melissa C , Mulligan Nancy F , Stevens Kelly , Bell Karla A , Condran Chris , Miller Tonya , Klutz Tiana , Liddell Marissa , Saul Carlo , Jensen Gail
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of cultural competence and humility among patients of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community in physical therapy. Researchers sought to understand the perspectives of adults over 18 years old who have received physical therapy and identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Methods

A phenomenological qualitative approach was utilized for this study. Patients were recruited through social media and LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations across the United States. Twenty-five patients agreed to participate in the study. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide informed by Campinha-Bacote domains of cultural competence (cultural awareness, skill, knowledge, encounter, and desire) to collect individual experiences, discussions, thoughts, perceptions, and opinions.

Results

Three central themes and subthemes emerged from the data and were categorized according to cultural acceptance (societal impact, implicit and explicit bias), power dynamics between the in-group and out-group (out-group hyperawareness of their otherness), and participant solutions (policy, training, education).

Conclusion

An LGBTQIA+ patient’s experience is influenced by the provider cultural acceptance, and the resulting power dynamics that impact LGBTQIA+ patients’ comfort, trust, and perceptions of care. Enhanced patient experiences were found more prevalent with providers that possessed elevated levels of education or experience with this community, supporting Campinha-Bacote assumption that there is a direct relationship between level of competence in care and effective and culturally responsive service.

Impact

Awareness of the underlying issues presented in these themes will assist in the development of effective solutions to improve LGBTQIA+ cultural competence among physical therapists and physical therapist assistants on a systemic level.
How Nurse Faculty in Saudi Arabia View Their Competencies in All Aspects of the Faculty Role
Authors: Alanazi Fadiyah Jadid , Rossi Rose A.
Published: April 2024

This study used a quantitative descriptive survey with a sample of 92 participants to assess perceived nurse faculty competency in their role at Saudi Arabian universities. Participants’ perceptions overall were highly positive in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service competencies. Participants reported less competence in the areas of scholarship and service when they started in their role. Orientation and a mentor relationship with senior faculty were reported to aid in their transition to the faculty role. The findings of the study identify strategies to support the new nurse educator.
Activity of the Sodium Leak Channel Maintains the Excitability of Paraventricular Thalamus Glutamatergic Neurons to Resist Anesthetic Effects of Sevoflurane in Mice
Authors: Wu Yujie , Zhang Donghang , Liu Jin , Jiang Jingyao , Xie Keyu , Wu Lin , Leng Yu , Liang Peng , Zhu Tao , Zhou Cheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Stimulation of the paraventricular thalamus has been found to enhance anesthesia recovery; however, the underlying molecular mechanism by which general anesthetics modulate paraventricular thalamus is unclear. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the sodium leak channel (NALCN) maintains neuronal activity in the paraventricular thalamus to resist anesthetic effects of sevoflurane in mice.

Methods

Chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations, in vivo multiple-channel recordings, and electroencephalogram recordings were used to investigate the role of paraventricular thalamus neuronal activity in sevoflurane anesthesia. Virus-mediated knockdown and/or overexpression was applied to determine how NALCN influenced excitability of paraventricular thalamus glutamatergic neurons under sevoflurane. Viral tracers and local field potentials were used to explore the downstream pathway.

Results

Single neuronal spikes in the paraventricular thalamus were suppressed by sevoflurane anesthesia and recovered during emergence. Optogenetic activation of paraventricular thalamus glutamatergic neurons shortened the emergence period from sevoflurane anesthesia, while chemogenetic inhibition had the opposite effect. Knockdown of the NALCN in the paraventricular thalamus delayed the emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia (recovery time: from 24 ± 14 to 64 ± 19 s, P < 0.001; concentration for recovery of the righting reflex: from 1.13% ± 0.10% to 0.97% ± 0.13%, P < 0.01). As expected, the overexpression of the NALCN in the paraventricular thalamus produced the opposite effects. At the circuit level, knockdown of the NALCN in the paraventricular thalamus decreased the neuronal activity of the nucleus accumbens, as indicated by the local field potential and decreased single neuronal spikes in the nucleus accumbens. Additionally, the effects of NALCN knockdown in the paraventricular thalamus on sevoflurane actions were reversed by optical stimulation of the nucleus accumbens.

Conclusions

Activity of the NALCN maintains the excitability of paraventricular thalamus glutamatergic neurons to resist the anesthetic effects of sevoflurane in mice.

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Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography Performed by Nurse Practitioners in the NICU
Authors: Larocque Jill , Pepper Dawn , Vetland Carla , Mallinson Sara , Hyderi Abbas , Hornberger Lisa K. , Kumaran Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background:

Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and hemodynamic consultation have typically been performed by physicians. The Stollery Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) expanded their TNE training program to include neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), the first in North America.

Purpose:

This study examines the thoughts and perceptions of clinicians about the incorporation of NNPs providing TNE and hemodynamic consultation and investigates key facilitators and challenges for consideration when planning future training, expansion of service in Edmonton, or beyond.

Methods:

In this descriptive study using qualitative methodology, purposive sampling was used to invite NICU clinicians to participate. Using a semistructured topic guide, a focus group and 2 individual interviews were conducted.

Results:

Participants were supportive of NNPs. Advantages included increased access to service, acquisition and retention of skills, provision of patient-centered care, and leveraged interpersonal relationships in the decision-making process. Key aspects of program expansion included climate and culture of the NICU, presence of adequate patient volume, and resources to support training.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Support across disciplines and the collaborative working nature of the NICU are key factors in the success of the program’s development and implementation. Benefits of having NNPs on the TNE team were clearly expressed. Benefits to the health system included rapid access to hemodynamic information allowing for care based on specific pathophysiology and additional local capacity to perform TNE and reducing demand on other trained providers. Additional research could consider parental views of NNPs performing TNE and hemodynamic consultation as well as the accuracy of diagnosis between the NNPs and physician group.
Obstetric Complications and Birth Outcomes After Antenatal Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination
Authors: Vesco Kimberly K. , Denoble Anna E. , Lipkind Heather S. , Kharbanda Elyse O. , DeSilva Malini B. , Daley Matthew F. , Getahun Darios , Zerbo Ousseny , Naleway Allison L. , Jackson Lisa , Williams Joshua T.B. , Boyce Thomas G. , Fuller Candace C. , Weintraub Eric S. , Vazquez-Benitez Gabriela
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between antenatal messenger RNA (mRNA) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals with singleton pregnancies with live deliveries between June 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022, with data available from eight integrated health care systems in the Vaccine Safety Datalink. Vaccine exposure was defined as receipt of one or two mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses (primary series) during pregnancy. Outcomes were preterm birth (PTB) before 37 weeks of gestation, small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia–eclampsia–HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome. Outcomes in individuals vaccinated were compared with those in propensity-matched individuals with unexposed pregnancies. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs were estimated for PTB and SGA using a time-dependent covariate Cox model, and adjusted relative risks (aRRs) were estimated for GDM, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia–eclampsia–HELLP syndrome using Poisson regression with robust variance.

RESULTS:

Among 55,591 individuals eligible for inclusion, 23,517 (42.3%) received one or two mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses during pregnancy. Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination varied by maternal age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, and history of COVID-19. Compared with no vaccination, mRNA COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a decreased risk of PTB (rate: 6.4 [vaccinated] vs 7.7 [unvaccinated] per 100, aHR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.94). Messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with SGA (8.3 vs 7.4 per 100; aHR 1.06, 95% CI, 0.99–1.13), GDM (11.9 vs 10.6 per 100; aRR 1.00, 95% CI, 0.90–1.10), gestational hypertension (10.8 vs 9.9 per 100; aRR 1.08, 95% CI, 0.96–1.22), or preeclampsia–eclampsia–HELLP syndrome (8.9 vs 8.4 per 100; aRR 1.10, 95% CI, 0.97–1.24).

CONCLUSION:

Receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes; this information will be helpful for patients and clinicians when considering COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.
Role of mechanical stimulus in mast cell activation
Authors: Li Hantao , Guo Ziwei , Xiangdong Qi
Published: April 2024

Mast cells play a critical role in allergic reactions and other types of inflammatory diseases. There is circumstantial evidence from preclinical approaches that suggest the involvement of mast cells in the development of various diseases. However, the mediator of mast cell accumulation and proliferation in these diseases remains unknown. Studies of mast cell activation have primarily focused on IgE-mediated mast cell-dependent anaphylaxis. Recently, several studies implied the link between mast cell activation and mechanical stimulus. On the surface, mast cells express several mechanoreceptors, such as TRPV2 and ADGRE2, to access external mechanical force. Mechanosensitive cells, including neurons and epithelial cells, secrete inflammatory cytokines to activate mast cells when countering scratching or trauma. Integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties will migrate mast cells to areas with stiffness variations. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking mechanical stimulus to mast cell activation.
Large PET/CT dataset statistics for the correlation between torso organ standardized uptake value and personal physiological features
Authors: Zhang Nan , Huo Li , Zhang Yanjun , Yu Lijuan , Wang Hongkai
Published: April 2024

Background:

The knowledge of [18F] fluoro-deoxy-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake range in normal torso organ is useful for metabolic disease diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aims to reveal the relationship between torso organ uptakes and personal physiological features, so as to quickly calculate the normal uptake value for patients according to his/her own physiological parameter.

Materials and Methods:

This study collected 767 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images of normal people. The regions of torso organs were segmented and the mean values of classical body weight-normalized standard uptake value (W-SUV) and lean-body-mass-normalized standard uptake value (L-SUV) were calculated for each organ. The Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression formulas were calculated to reveal the influence of physiological features on W-SUV and L-SUV. Comparison between W-SUV and L-SUV were also conducted in terms of the correlation strength, regression confidence and inter-hospital consistency.

Results:

This study obtains the regression formulas for normal organ uptake calculation according to personal physiological parameters. The analysis reveals that lean body mass is the major factor affecting the uptakes of most organs (R > 0.5). It is also worthy to find that the L-SUV formulas have better prediction confidence and inter-hospital consistency than the W-SUV, indicating the advantage of L-SUV for organ uptake evaluation.

Conclusion:

Compared to the previously similar studies, this study clarifies the influential factors of torso organ 18F-FDG uptake. We derived detailed formulas for computing individually adapted normal organ SUVs. The comparison between L-SUV and W-SUV also highlights the stability and reliability of L-SUV for cross-center organ uptake analysis.
ER stress signaling at the interphase between MASH and HCC
Authors: Hazari Younis , Chevet Eric , Bailly-Maitre Béatrice , Hetz Claudio
Published: April 2024

HCC is the most frequent primary liver cancer with an extremely poor prognosis and often develops on preset of chronic liver diseases. Major risk factors for HCC include metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis, a complex multifactorial condition associated with abnormal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis. To cope with ER stress, the unfolded protein response engages adaptive reactions to restore the secretory capacity of the cell. Recent advances revealed that ER stress signaling plays a critical role in HCC progression. Here, we propose that chronic ER stress is a common transversal factor contributing to the transition from liver disease (risk factor) to HCC. Interventional strategies to target the unfolded protein response in HCC, such as cancer therapy, are also discussed.
ADVANCES IN PHOTORECEPTOR AND RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM QUANTIFICATIONS IN INTERMEDIATE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: Frank Sophie , Reiter Gregor Sebastian , Leingang Oliver , Fuchs Philipp , Coulibaly Leonard Mana , Mares Virginia , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

In this study, differences in retinal feature visualization of high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices were investigated with different axial resolutions in quantifications of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors (PRs) in intermediate age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

Patients were imaged with standard SPECTRALIS HRA + OCT and the investigational High-Res OCT device (both by Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Drusen, retinal pigment epithelium, and PR layers were segmented using validated artificial intelligence–based algorithms followed by manual corrections. Thickness and drusen maps were computed for all patients. Loss and thickness measurements were compared between devices, drusen versus nondrusen areas, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study subfields using mixed-effects models.

Results:

Thirty-three eyes from 28 patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration were included. Normalized PR integrity loss was significantly higher with 4.6% for standard OCT compared with 2.5% for High-Res OCT. The central and parafoveal PR integrity loss was larger than the perifoveal loss (P < 0.05). Photoreceptor thickness was increased on High-Res OCT and in nondrusen regions (P < 0.001). Retinal pigment epithelium appeared thicker on standard OCT and above drusen (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Our study shows that High-Res OCT is able to identify the condition of investigated layers in intermediate age-related macular degeneration with higher precision. This improved in vivo imaging technology might promote our understanding of the pathophysiology and progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Urinastatin combined with octreotide versus sole octreotide in severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Siyao , Li Yue , Wen Lianghe , Li Yunlong , Yao Zhipeng , Cao Yang , Li Ming , Wang Hongliang , Zheng Junbo
Published: April 2024

Background:

For severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), the combination of urinastatin and octreotide (OCT) is increasingly used. This meta-analysis assesses whether the combination therapy of urinastatin and OCT is more effective than using sole OCT in treating SAP.

Methods:

After searching 12 databases in English and Chinese as well as two clinical trial centers up to October 7, 2023, we compared the combination of urinastatin and OCT with sole OCT in treating SAP. Statistical measures utilized include risk ratios (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results:

We summarized 145 studies from 145 hospitals in 26 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China, including 13,605 patients. It was found that for SAP, using urinastatin combined with OCT compared to using sole OCT can improve the total effective rate (I

2
= 0%; RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.19-1.24; P < 0.01), reduce mortality rate (I

2
= 0%; RR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.09-0.46; P < 0.01), and reduce the overall incidence rate of complications (I

2
= 0%; RR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.23-0.34; P < 0.01). In addition, combination therapy reduced in-hospital length of stay, abdominal pain relief time, time for blood and urine amylase to return to normal, inflammatory markers, and improved oxidative stress indicators, immune function indicators, and hemorheology indicators.

Conclusions:

Low-quality evidence suggests that for SAP, the combined use of urinastatin and OCT may be associated with better improvement in patients' symptoms, signs, CT imaging manifestations, and laboratory indicators such as inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, immune function indicators, and hemorheological indicators compared to using OCT alone. Additionally, the combination therapy compared to monotherapy may also be associated with lower mortality, a reduced incidence rate of complications, and a shorter in-hospital length of stay. Future research calls for multicenter, high-quality, well-designed studies to validate our findings.
The association between cataract surgery and mental health in older adults: a review
Authors: Wang Shan , Du Zijing , Lai Chunran , Seth Ishith , Wang Yaxin , Huang Yu , Fang Ying , Liao Huiyi , Hu Yijun , Yu Honghua , Zhang Xiayin
Published: April 2024

Background:

Although cataract surgery has been proposed as a potentially modifiable protective factor for enhancing emotional well-being in cataract patients, studies examining the relationship between anxiety or depression and cataract surgery have yielded inconsistent findings. This review summarizes existing evidence to establish whether cataract surgery is associated with depression and anxiety in older adults.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases. An initial screening by abstracts and titles was performed, followed by a review and assessment of the methodological quality of the relevant full papers, and final inclusion of 44 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review.

Results:

Among 44 included studies, 36 studies (81.8%) were observational studies concerning the association of cataract surgery or cataracts with anxiety or depression, four studies (9.1%) were interventional studies, and four studies (9.1%) were reviews. Cataract surgery notably enhances the mental health of individuals with impaired vision. However, the multifaceted nature of psychological well-being, influenced by various factors, suggests that cataract surgery may not address all aspects comprehensively. Additionally, preoperative anxiety and depression significantly impact cataract surgery outcomes.

Conclusion:

Vision impairment in older adults is closely associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. While surgical intervention for cataracts improves these symptoms, it might be less effective for mental disorders with multifactorial causes. Notably, anxiety or depression poses challenges to successful preoperative and intraoperative cataract surgeries.