bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The assessment of the validity, safety, and utility of ChatGPT for patients with herniated lumbar disc: A preliminary study
Authors: Yang Seoyon , Chang Min Cheol
Published: June 2024

ChatGPT is perceived as a potential tool for patients diagnosed with herniated lumbar disc (HLD) to ask questions concerning desired information, with provision for necessary responses. In this preliminary study, we assessed the validity, safety, and utility of ChatGPT in patients with HLD. Two physicians specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders discussed and determined the 12 most frequently asked questions by patients with HLD in clinical practice. We used ChatGPT (version 4.0) to ask questions related to HLD. Each question was inputted into ChatGPT, and the responses were assessed by the 2 physicians. A Likert score was used to evaluate the validity, safety, and utility of the responses generated by ChatGPT. Each score for validity, safety, and utility was divided into 4 points, with a score of 4 indicating the most valid, safe, and useful answers and 1 point indicating the worst answers. Regarding validity, ChatGPT responses demonstrated 4 points for 9 questions (9/12, 75.0%) and 3 points for 3 questions (3/12, 25.0%). Regarding safety, ChatGPT scored 4 points for 11 questions (11/12, 91.7%) and 3 points for 1 question (1/12, 8.3%). Regarding utility, ChatGPT responses exhibited 4 points for 9 questions (9/12, 75.0%) and 3 points for 3 questions (3/12, 25.0%). ChatGPT demonstrates a tendency to offer relatively valid, safe, and useful information regarding HLD. However, users should exercise caution as ChatGPT may occasionally provide incomplete answers to some questions on HLD.
Identification of hub genes related to metastasis and prognosis of osteosarcoma and establishment of a prognostic model with bioinformatic methods
Authors: Fu Zheng , Sun Guofeng , Li Jingtian , Yu Hongjian
Published: June 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor occurring in children and adolescents. Improvements in our understanding of the OS pathogenesis and metastatic mechanism on the molecular level might lead to notable advances in the treatment and prognosis of OS. Biomarkers related to OS metastasis and prognosis were analyzed and identified, and a prognostic model was established through the integration of bioinformatics tools and datasets in multiple databases. 2 OS datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for data consolidation, standardization, batch effect correction, and identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs); following that, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs; the STRING database was subsequently used for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and identification of hub genes; hub gene expression was validated, and survival analysis was conducted through the employment of the TARGET database; finally, a prognostic model was established and evaluated subsequent to the screening of survival-related genes. A total of 701 DEGs were identified; by gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, the overlapping DEGs were enriched for 249 biological process terms, 13 cellular component terms, 35 molecular function terms, and 4 KEGG pathways; 13 hub genes were selected from the PPI network; 6 survival-related genes were identified by the survival analysis; the prognostic model suggested that 4 genes were strongly associated with the prognosis of OS. DEGs related to OS metastasis and survival were identified through bioinformatics analysis, and hub genes were further selected to establish an ideal prognostic model for OS patients. On this basis, 4 protective genes including TPM1, TPM2, TPM3, and TPM4 were yielded by the prognostic model.
The predictive value of delta-like3 and serum NSE in evaluating chemotherapy response and prognosis in patients with advanced small cell lung carcinoma: An observational study
Authors: Zhu Chenghua , Huang Jianling , Jin Xiao , Zhang Changwen , Zhu Changjun , Lv Minjie , Chen Sixi , Du Xingran , Feng Ganzhu
Published: June 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most malignant tumors with fastest morbidity and mortality. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant pathological type of lung cancer with early metastasis and poor prognosis. At present, there is a lack of effective indicators to predict prognosis of SCLC patients. Delta-like 3 protein (DLL3) is selectively expressed on the surface of SCLC and is involved in proliferation and invasion. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is an enolase isoenzyme that is generally regarded as a biomarker for SCLC and may correlate with stage of SCLC, prognosis and chemotherapy response. NSE can be influenced by different types of factors. To explore the associations between expression levels of DLL3 in tumor tissues with platinum/etoposide chemotherapy response, and assess the prognostic values of DLL3, NSE and other potential prognostic factors in advanced SCLC patients were herein studied. Ninety-seven patients diagnosed with SCLC in Zhongda Hospital from 2014 to 2020 were enrolled in the study. Serum NSE levels were tested using ELISA methods before any treatment. The expression of DLL3 in tumor tissue was detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). We investigated the relationship of DLL3 expression with chemotherapy and survival. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression was used to identify predictors of PFS and OS. DLL3 was detected in 84.5% (82/97) of all patients’ tumor samples by IHC, mainly located on the surface of SCLC cells. Lower DLL3 expression was associated with longer PFS and better chemotherapy response. OS had no significant differences. Multivariate analysis by Cox Hazard model showed that, high DLL3 expression and maximum tumor size >5 cm were independent risk factors for PFS, where NSE < 35 ng/mL and age < 70 were independent prognostic factors for OS. Early stage was independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS (P < .05 log-rank). DLL3 was expressed in the most of SCLCs. DLL3 expression level in the tumor and NSE level in the serum may be useful biomarkers to predict the prognosis of SCLC. DLL3 may be a potential therapeutic target for SCLC in the future.
Alternative Models of Nurse Staffing May Be Dangerous in High-Stakes Hospital Care
Authors: Lasater Karen B. , Muir K. Jane , Sloane Douglas M. , McHugh Matthew D. , Aiken Linda H.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Hospitals are resurrecting the outdated “team nursing” model of staffing that substitutes lower-wage staff for registered nurses (RNs).

Objectives:

To evaluate whether reducing the proportion of RNs to total nursing staff in hospitals is in the best interest of patients, hospitals, and payers.

Research Design:

Cross-sectional, retrospective.

Subjects:

In all, 6,559,704 Medicare patients in 2676 general acute-care US hospitals in 2019.

Measures:

Patient outcomes: in-hospital and 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, length of stay, and patient satisfaction. Avoidable Medicare costs associated with readmissions and cost savings to hospitals associated with shorter stays are projected.

Results:

A 10 percentage-point reduction in RNs was associated with 7% higher odds of in-hospital death, 1% higher odds of readmission, 2% increase in expected days, and lower patient satisfaction. We estimate a 10 percentage-point reduction in RNs would result in 10,947 avoidable deaths annually and 5207 avoidable readmissions, which translates into roughly $68.5 million in additional Medicare costs. Hospitals would forgo nearly $3 billion in cost savings annually because of patients requiring longer stays.

Conclusions:

Reducing the proportion of RNs in hospitals, even when total nursing personnel hours are kept the same, is likely to result in significant avoidable patient deaths, readmissions, longer lengths of stay, and decreased patient satisfaction, in addition to excess Medicare costs and forgone cost savings to hospitals. Estimates represent only a 10 percentage-point dilution in skill mix; however, the team nursing model includes much larger reductions of 40–50 percentage-points—the human and economic consequences of which could be substantial.
Quality of life and depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease: effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Delshadi Mohammad , Arjmand Hasan , Imannezhad Shima , Mostafavi Maryam , Mohammadi Yasaman , Naeim Mahdi
Published: June 2024

Background:

Group cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating various psychological disorders. Nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence supporting its application in enhancing both the quality of life and depression among Parkinson’s patients. Consequently, this study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of group cognitive-behavioral therapy in ameliorating depression symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in individuals afflicted with Parkinson’s disease.

Materials and methods:

A randomized clinical trial with pre-test and post-test measurements, including a control group, was conducted. The sample consisted of individuals referred to Roozbeh Hospital in Tehran with Parkinson’s disease in 2023. Ninety participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group, with 45 participants in each. The experimental group received a three-month cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention consisting of 12 sessions of 90 min. Pre-test and post-test measures included the Beck Depression Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS-25.

Results:

The results revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of depression and quality of life. The cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention significantly reduced depression and significantly improved the quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (P≤0.01).

Conclusion:

Group cognitive-behavioral therapy can be an effective approach for reducing depression and improving the quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, therapists and healthcare providers can utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy to enhance the well-being of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
The Role of the Nurse Scientist and Nursing Research Within a National Integrated Health Care System
Authors: Kim Hannah Jang , Kawar Lina Najib , Rondinelli June , Aquino-Maneja Emma M. , McGinnis Juli A. , Scruth Elizabeth , Torgrimson-Ojerio Britta , D’Alfonso Jim , Watkins Anne Marie , Doulaveris Phyllis
Published: June 2024

Nursing research provides knowledge that advances nursing science, practice, and health care with the vision to optimize the health and well-being of the population. In a medical center setting or health care organization, nurse scientists are needed to demonstrate new knowledge, innovation, and scholarship. Nursing research in health care organizations or medical centers are led mainly by nurse leaders with a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). The purpose of this report is to provide examples of the role nurse scientists and nursing research plays nationally in Kaiser Permanente, an integrated health care system. In addition, this report will: (1) define the term “research” in the clinical setting and the role of the nurse research scientist in an integrated health care system and impact on the Magnet® Designation journey, and (2) discuss strategies for a successful role as a nurse research scientist in an integrated healthcare system.
ROI for a Fall Prevention Intervention
Authors: Cooper Adam S.
Published: June 2024

Patient falls within the hospital setting continue to be a significant challenge globally with almost one million hospital falls occurring in the U.S. annually. Recent calculations showed that the average total cost of a hospitalized patient fall was $62,521. One evidenced-based tool that has been shown to be effective is a colorful laminated poster, Fall TIPS poster, that was designed to engage and involve the patient in their fall prevention. One academic medical center utilized this implementation showing a successful return on investment (ROI). This project used a pre-post implementation design. After a successful pilot using the poster on one unit, the implementation was spread to all Adult Acute Care units (n = 10) within the institution. The outcome measures were fall and fall with injury counts and rates. The process measure was the completion of the fall prevention poster measured via audits. The calculation of ROI was completed using a four-step framework. The outcome data of fall and fall with injury showed a decrease from the pre-intervention months with both the fall count and rate decreasing by 23% and the fall with injury count and rate decreasing by 40%. The overall ROI calculation estimated an ROI of $982,700. The successful results from this project support the evidence that shows this program and the use of the Fall TIPS poster helps reduce patient falls within the hospital and yields a favorable ROI.
PD-L1 and PD-L2 Expression in Different Tumor Stages and Types of Malignant Salivary Gland Neoplasms: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Yaprak Bayrak Busra , Cam Isa , Civriz Aziz H. , Tunce Esra B. , Ozcan Bekir C. , Akyol Yigit K. , Deger Hasan M. , Vural Cigdem , Ozturk Murat
Published: June 2024

There is a limited amount of data on the role of programmed cell death ligand (PD-L) -1 and PD-L2 in salivary gland carcinomas. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expressions, which are closely related to immune mechanisms, with respect to salivary gland tumor types and stages. Data from patients with salivary gland masses surgically removed between 2006 and 2021, diagnosed with a malignant salivary gland neoplasm, were retrospectively analyzed. Immunoreactivity for PD-L1 and PD-L2 was performed on resection materials. The mean age of 90 patients was 52.1±18.8 and 46.7% were male. Overall, 55.6% of patients were diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 23.3% with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 16.7% with acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC), 3.3% with ductal carcinoma (DC), and 1 patient with pleomorphic adenoma ex carcinoma (PA-ex-CA). In all, 52% of ACC, 12% of AciCC, 24% of MEC, and 12% of DC cases were at stage IV. The tumor diameter, frequencies of lymphovascular invasion, metastasis, positive surgical margin, recurrence, and mortality rates of patients at stages III and IV were significantly larger than those at stages I and II (P<0.05). The percentages of tumor cell score (TCS) and immune cell score (ICS) for PD-L1 were significantly higher among patients with MEC compared with those with other types of tumors (P=0.0011). However, the percentages of combined score (CS) for PD-L1 and tumor cell score for PD-L2 were comparable among tumor types (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in these scores for PD-L1 between tumor stages (P>0.05), but for PD-L2, all patients at stage I had TCS <1% for PD-L2, while all patients at stages II and III, and 92% of patients at stage IV had TCS ≥1% (P<0.0001). High expression of PD-L1 was mostly observed in MEC cases (P=0.0016), while all patients with AciCC had a low PD-L1 expression level (P=0.0206). The mean tumor diameter, rate of lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, metastasis, positive surgical margin, recurrence, type of treatment, mortality, and TILs ratio did not differ significantly according to PD-L1 expression level (P>0.05). The percentage of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was comparable among negative and positive PD-L1 scores according to both 1% and 5% threshold values (P>0.05). High PD-L1 expression is rare in AciCC, while PD-L1 expression is high in MEC. Our findings underline the importance of future screening for PD-L1 and PD-L2 before patients undergoing immunotherapies in all salivary gland tumors.
Developing a Mental Health Screening Questionnaire in an Asian Children's Hospital Emergency Setting
Authors: Ang Siok Hoon , Tan Juliet Sher Kit , Lee Jia Hui , Marimuttu Vicknesan Jeyan , Lim Xin Yi , Teo Lois Ling'en , Edward Shannon Natasha , Teo Mavis , Lim Joyce Soo Ting , Ganapathy Sashikumar , Ang Angelina Su Yin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Mental health concerns among adolescents are increasingly prevalent, yet underrecognized. Adolescents with psychological distress often present to the emergency department (ED) with somatic symptoms. Due to inadequate time for rapport building and lack of familiarity of ED clinicians with psychosocial evaluation, these concerns often get missed. We describe the development and implementation of the Youth Well Being (YWB) questionnaire, a self-administered psychosocial screening tool that aims to overcome the communication barriers to psychosocial evaluation.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team used a Delphi-like approach to develop the questionnaire, using the home, education, activities/peers, drugs/alcohol, suicidality, emotions/behavior, discharge resources (HEADS-ED) questionnaire as the main reference. Modifications were made based on panel members' clinical experience and adapted to suit local sociocultural context. The YWB questionnaire is administered to adolescents aged 10 to 19 years presenting to the KK Women's and Children's Hospital ED with possible psychosomatic symptoms and behavioral or mental health issues. Positive findings prompt further targeted face-to-face interviews by the clinicians to facilitate appropriate psychosocial referral.

Results

The 9 domains in the YWB questionnaire explore potential psychosocial difficulties that affect the adolescent's well-being and aim to uncover potential issues that could account for the adolescent's symptoms. We discuss the rationale behind the questions and response options in the YWB questionnaire.

Conclusions

The YWB questionnaire is the first initiative in Singapore to enable efficient psychosocial screening of at-risk adolescents in the ED. This communication tool can potentially be used in other health care settings to enable early recognition and intervention for adolescents distressed by psychosocial problems.
Stathmin is an Independent Prognostic Marker of Poor Outcome in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Skeie-Jensen Tone , Holth Arild , Hausladen Silke
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of cancer-associated proteins in uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). p53, DAXX, ATRX, HMGA2, IMP3, Stathmin, and phospho-Stathmin (p-Stathmin) protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in tissue microarrays from 244 uLMS. Expression was assessed for association with clinicopathologic parameters in 173 patients with available data. Tissue microarrays were informative in 230 cases. p53 was aberrant in 44% of tumors. DAXX, ATRX, HMGA2, IMP3, and Stathmin were expressed in 90%, 55%, 40%, 33%, and 97% uLMS, respectively. Cytoplasmic and nuclear p-Stathmin staining was seen in 77% and 68% of tumors, respectively. Stathmin expression was significantly related to higher mitotic count (P < 0.001), a higher degree of atypia (P = 0.006), and vascular invasion (P = 0.016), whereas p-Stathmin expression was significantly related to advanced stage (P < 0.001), higher mitotic count (P < 0.001), and vascular invasion (P = 0.001). In univariate survival analysis for 165 patients with informative tissue microarrays, aberrant p53 (P = 0.026) and higher IMP3 (P = 0.024), Stathmin (P < 0.001), cytoplasmic p-Stathmin (P < 0.001), and nuclear p-Stathmin (P < 0.001) expression was associated with poor disease-specific survival. Clinicopathologic parameters significantly related to poor disease-specific survival were older age (P = 0.006), extrauterine disease at diagnosis (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage ≥2; P < 0.001), high mitotic count (P = 0.02), and grade 2 to 3 atypia (P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, age (P = 0.002), FIGO stage (P < 0.001), and Stathmin expression (P < 0.001) were independent prognosticators. Stathmin was the only prognosticator in a multivariate analysis limited to patients with FIGO stage I disease (P = 0.013). In conclusion, Stathmin expression is strongly associated with poor survival in uLMS and may be a new prognostic marker in this malignancy.
Leveraging Science to Advance Health Equity: Preliminary Considerations for Implementing Health Equity Science at State and Local Health Departments
Authors: Ottewell Ashley , Ruebush Elizabeth , Hayes Locola , Harper-Hardy Paris , Lewis Melissa , Lane J.T. , Bunnell Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Context:

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched CORE, an agency-wide strategy to embed health equity as a foundational component across all areas of the agency’s work. The CDC established a definition of health equity science (HES) and principles to guide the development, implementation, dissemination, and use of the HES framework to move beyond documenting inequities to investigating root causes and promoting actionable approaches to eliminate health inequities. The HES framework may be used by state and local health departments to advance health equity efforts in their jurisdictions.

Objective:

Identify implementation considerations and opportunities for providing technical assistance and support to state and local public health departments in advancing HES.

Design:

A series of implementation consultations and multi-jurisdictional facilitated discussions were held with state and local health departments and community partners in 5 states to gather feedback on the current efforts, opportunities, and support needs to advance HES at the state and local levels. The information shared during these activities was analyzed using inductive and deductive methods, validated with partners, and summarized into themes and HES implementation considerations.

Results:

Five themes emerged regarding current efforts, opportunities, and support needed to implement HES at state and local health departments. These themes included the following criteria: (1) enhancing the existing health equity evidence base; (2) addressing interdisciplinary public health practice and data needs; (3) recognizing the value of qualitative data; (4) evaluating health equity programs and policies; and (5) including impacted communities in the full life cycle of health equity efforts. Within these themes, we identified HES implementation considerations, which may be leveraged to inform future efforts to advance HES at the state and local levels.

Conclusion:

Health equity efforts at state and local health departments may be strengthened by leveraging the HES framework and implementation considerations.
Modified Killian Method for Flexible Nasopharyngoscopic Observation of the Hypopharynx: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liao Yu-Ling , Chi Tai-Chieh , Kuo I-Chun , Yang Shih-Wei , Lin Wan-Ni , Hsin Li-Jen , Lee Yi-Chan
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Flexible nasopharyngoscopy is a common procedure for evaluating the hypopharynx. The modified Killian method has been reported to enhance visualization during this examination. The aim of this study was to compare the visibility of the hypopharynx using conventional and modified Killian methods.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies that compared the visibility of the hypopharynx using the 2 methods. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to analyze the data. Studies that evaluated the overall hypopharyngeal visibility score and the visibility of the pyriform sinus, postcricoid region, and upper esophageal sphincter were included.

Results:

Five studies were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed that the modified Killian method significantly improved overall visibility score (SMD=1.09; 95% CI, 0.39–1.80) and complete visibility of the pyriform sinus, postcricoid region, and upper esophageal sphincter (log OR=3.83; 95% CI, 2.30–5.35; log OR=4.20; 95% CI, 3.21–5.19; log OR=3.38; 95% CI, 1.68–5.08).

Conclusion:

The modified Killian method is a valuable technique for improving hypopharyngeal visibility during flexible nasopharyngoscopy. This technique can enhance the detection of potential abnormalities or lesions, leading to better diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes.
Gastrointestinal System Symptoms, Psychological Resilience, Emotional Self-Efficacy, and Healthy Living Behaviors in Patients Scheduled for Endoscopy/Colonoscopy
Authors: Bayrak Kahraman Burcu , Mersin Sevinç , Acun Aysun , Yanık Sinan , Kahraman Süleyman Deniz , Güneri Gürkan
Published: June 2024

Gastrointestinal symptoms are very common worldwide. This study aimed to examine the relationship between gastrointestinal system symptoms, psychological resilience, emotional self-efficacy, and healthy living behaviors in patients. The study was conducted in a training and research hospital in Türkiye with 258 patients who had experienced gastrointestinal symptoms and were scheduled for upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy. The data were obtained by using an information form, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale, and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. A statistically positive and significant relationship was found between the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (r = 0.376; p < .05). It was determined that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the mean Brief Resilience Scale and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores (r = −0.150; p < .05). In addition, a positive and significant relationship was found between the mean Brief Resilience Scale and the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale scores (r = 0.374; p < .05). Psychological factors and healthy living behaviors thus clearly affect gastrointestinal system symptoms. For this reason, it is thought that planning interventions to teach self-management through healthy living behaviors and promoting psychological resilience may reduce gastrointestinal system symptoms.
High Prevalence and Risk Factors of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Among University Students in South Korea
Authors: Lee Aram , Kim Hyo Kyung , Kim Hyunjung
Published: June 2024

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common and have high prevalence in young adults. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders in university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2021 at two universities in a South Korean city and included 493 participants. The Rome IV criteria (for functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome) and the Korean gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (for gastroesophageal reflux disease) were used to define each disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome prevalence was 18.5%, 7.5%, and 6.5%, respectively, in university students. In multivariate analysis, school year (fourth) (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.27 [0.25, 0.78]), underlying disease (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.92 [1.42, 6.04]), physical activity less than once weekly (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.84 [1.04, 22.45]), very irregular meals (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.02 [1.54, 10.49]), overeating more than 5 times weekly (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 3.37 [1.19, 9.56]), and academic stress (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.02 [1.01, 1.03]) were risk factors for functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our findings indicate that a comprehensive management program focusing on eating habits and psychological factors is needed to reduce the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in university students.
A Quality Improvement Project to Increase Infection Control Compliance Among Endoscopy Staff at a Large Urban Medical Center
Authors: Beecher Kelli A. , Prior Richard M.
Published: June 2024

Although nurses and other healthcare professionals play a key role in preventing hospital-associated infections, studies show that infection control compliance rates have remained low. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase infection control compliance of hand hygiene and procedure room disinfection among endoscopy staff at a large urban medical center in Cincinnati, Ohio. This quality improvement project provided an education session on current evidence-based infection control guidelines to 20 participants, including registered nurses and technicians within the endoscopy department. Direct observational audits were conducted 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the education session, measuring compliance with hand sanitizer, soap and water, and procedure room disinfection, over a period of 150 days. The project goals were met, as hand sanitizer compliance improved by 12%–83%; overall soap and water compliance improved by 20%–75%; and endoscopy procedure room disinfection compliance improved by 14%–92%.
Effects of mineralization on the hierarchical organization of collagen—a synchrotron X-ray scattering and polarized second harmonic generation study
Authors: Zheng Keke , Zhong Jingxiao , Hu Jingrui , Nebbiolo Eve , Sanchez-Weatherby Juan , Tang Tengteng , Landis William J. , Chen Junning , Winlove Peter , Sherlock Benjamin E. , Bell James
Published: June 2024

The process of mineralization fundamentally alters collagenous tissue biomechanics. While the structure and organization of mineral particles have been widely studied, the impact of mineralization on collagen matrix structure, particularly at the molecular scale, requires further investigation. In this study, synchrotron X-ray scattering (XRD) and polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy (pSHG) were used to study normally mineralizing turkey leg tendon in tissue zones representing different stages of mineralization. XRD data demonstrated statistically significant differences in collagen D-period, intermolecular spacing, fibril and molecular dispersion and relative supramolecular twists between non-mineralizing, early mineralizing and late mineralizing zones. pSHG analysis of the same tendon zones showed the degree of collagen fibril organization was significantly greater in early and late mineralizing zones compared to non-mineralizing zones. The combination of XRD and pSHG data provide new insights into hierarchical collagen–mineral interactions, notably concerning possible cleavage of intra- or interfibrillar bonds, occlusion and reorganization of collagen by mineral with time. The complementary application of XRD and fast, label-free and non-destructive pSHG optical measurements presents a pathway for future investigations into the dynamics of molecular scale changes in collagen in the presence of increasing mineral deposition.
Faecalibacterium taiwanense sp. nov., isolated from human faeces
Authors: Liou Jong-Shian , Zhang Wei-Ling , Hsu Li-Wen , Chen Chih-Chieh , Wang Yu-Ting , Mori Koji , Hidaka Kohei , Hamada Moriyuki , Huang Lina , Watanabe Koichi , Huang Chien-Hsun
Published: June 2024

Two Gram-stain-negative, straight rods, non-motile, asporogenous, catalase-negative and obligately anaerobic butyrate-producing strains, HLW78T and CYL33, were isolated from faecal samples of two healthy Taiwanese adults. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA and DNA mismatch repair protein MutL (mutL) gene sequences revealed that these two novel strains belonged to the genus Faecalibacterium. On the basis of 16S rRNA and mutL gene sequence similarities, the type strains Faecalibacterium butyricigenerans AF52-21T(98.3–98.1 % and 79.0–79.5 % similarity), Faecalibacterium duncaniae A2-165T(97.8–97.9 % and 70.9–80.1 %), Faecalibacterium hattorii APC922/41-1T(97.1–97.3 % and 80.3–80.5 %), Faecalibacterium longum CM04-06T(97.8–98.0% and 78.3 %) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii ATCC 27768T(97.3–97.4 % and 82.7–82.9 %) were the closest neighbours to the novel strains HLW78T and CYL33. Strains HLW78T and CYL33 had 99.4 % both the 16S rRNA and mutL gene sequence similarities, 97.9 % average nucleotide identity (ANI), 96.3 % average amino acid identity (AAI), and 80.5 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values, indicating that these two strains are members of the same species. Phylogenomic tree analysis indicated that strains HLW78T and CYL33 formed an independent robust cluster together with F. prausnitzii ATCC 27768T. The ANI, AAI and dDDH values between strain HLW78T and its closest neighbours were below the species delineation thresholds of 77.6–85.1 %, 71.4–85.2 % and 28.3–30.9 %, respectively. The two novel strains could be differentiated from the type strains of their closest Faecalibacterium species based on their cellular fatty acid compositions, which contained C18 : 1
 ω7c and lacked C15 : 0 and C17 : 1
 ω6c, respectively. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic test results demonstrated that the two novel strains HLW78T and CYL33 represented a single, novel species within the genus Faecalibacterium, for which the name Faecalibacterium taiwanense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HLW78T (=BCRC 81397T=NBRC 116372T).
B chromosome and its non-Mendelian inheritance inAtractylodes lancea
Authors: Hara Kazuya , Kikuchi Shinji , Inoue Misaki , Tsusaka Takahiro , Sakurai Miki , Tanabe Hideyuki , Shirasawa Kenta , Isobe Sachiko
Published: June 2024

Supernumerary B chromosomes contribute to intraspecific karyotypic variation. B chromosomes have been detected in more than 2000 organisms; they possess unique and diverse features, including non-Mendelian inheritance. Here we report one or more B chromosomes in the gynodioecious plant,Atractylodes lancea. Among 54A. lancealines, 0–2 B chromosomes were detected in both hermaphroditic and female plants, with the B chromosomes appearing as DAPI-bright regions within the nuclei. Genomicin situhybridization revealed that the B chromosomes had no conserved A chromosome DNA sequences, which was confirmed by fluorescencein situhybridization probed with independently dissected B chromosomes. In male meiosis, the B chromosome did not pair with an A chromosome and was therefore eliminated; accordingly, only 20.1% and 18.6% of these univalent B chromosomes remained at the end of meiosis for the 1B lines of KY17-148 and KY17-118, respectively. However, we also found that B chromosomes were transmitted from male parents in 40.8%–44.2% and 47.2% of the next generation; although these transmission rates from male parents were not essentially different from Mendelian inheritance (0.5), the transmission of gametes carrying B chromosomes increased through fertilization or seed development. B chromosomes were transmitted from three of four 1B female parents to 64.3%–92.6% of the next generation, suggesting B chromosome accumulation. We propose that the B chromosome ofA. lanceahas a specific sequence and persists via non-Mendelian inheritance from female parents. Overall,A. lanceais a useful material for understanding the structure, evolution, and mechanism of non-Mendelian inheritance of B chromosomes.
SwiftTCR: Efficient computational docking protocol of TCRpMHC-I complexes using restricted rotation matrices
Authors: Parizi Farzaneh M. , Aarts Yannick J. M. , Eerden Sanna , Ramakrishnan Gayatri , Xue Li C
Published: June 2024

The T cell’s ability to discern self and non-self depends on its T cell receptor (TCR), which recognizes peptides presented by MHC molecules. Understanding this TCR-peptide-MHC (TCRpMHC) interaction is important for cancer immunotherapy design, tissue transplantation, pathogen identification, and autoimmune disease treatments. Understanding the intricacies of TCR recognition, encapsulated in TCRpMHC structures, remains challenging due to the immense diversity of TCRs (>10^8/individual), rendering experimental determination and general-purpose computational docking impractical. Addressing this gap, we’ve developed a rapid integrative modeling protocol leveraging unique docking patterns in TCRpMHC complexes. Built upon PIPER, our pipeline significantly cuts down FFT rotation sets, exploiting the consistent polarized docking angle of TCRs at pMHC. Additionally, our ultra-fast structure superimposition tool, GradPose, accelerates clustering. It models a case in minutes, showcasing a 25 times speedup compared to ClusPro/PIPER. On a benchmark set of 38 TCRpMHC-I complexes, our protocol outperforms the state-of-the-art docking tools in model quality. This protocol can potentially provide structural information to TCR repertoires targeting specific peptides. Its computational efficiency can also enrich existing pMHC-specific single-cell sequencing TCR data, facilitating the development of structure-based deep learning (DL) algorithms. These insights are essential for understanding T cell recognition and specificity, advancing the development of therapeutic interventions.
Pseudo batch transformation: A novel method to correct for mass removal through sample withdrawal of fed-batch fermentations
Authors: Hesselberg-Thomsen Viktor , Groves Teddy , McCubbin Tim , Martínez-Monge Iván , de Mas Igor Marín , Nielsen Lars Keld
Published: June 2024

We present a novel “pseudo batch” transformation algorithm that maps analytical data obtained for fed-batch bioreactor cultivations onto a constant volume batch process, significantly decreasing the complexity of characterizing the fed-batch process.

Availability and implementation

Our method is implemented in both Excel and Python and is available with tutorials and example data fromhttps://github.com/biosustain/pseudobatch. The Python package is also available on PYPI under the name “pseudobatch”.

Contact

Lars Keld Nielsen, e-mail:lars.nielsen@uq.edu.au

Supplementary information

A comprehensive explanation of the simulated fed-batch, parameter estimation procedures, and the Bayesian model can be found in supplementary information (S1-S5).
Machine Learning Models for Cardiovascular Disease Prediction: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yan Chao , Xing Yiluan , Liu Sensen , Gao Erdi , Wang Jinyin
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant threat to global public health, affecting individuals across various age groups. Factors such as cholesterol levels, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity contribute to their onset and progression. Enhancing our understanding of CVD etiology and informing targeted interventions for disease prevention and management remains a critical challenge. In this study, we address the task of predicting the likelihood of individuals developing CVDs using machine learning techniques. Specifically, we explore three approaches: the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm, logistic regression, and the random forest algorithm. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset sourced from Kaggle, encompassing 11 relevant factors, we conduct a series of experiments to identify the most influential predictors of CVDs. Our analysis aims not only to forecast disease occurrence but also to elucidate the primary determinants contributing to its manifestation. Through comparative analysis of the three methodologies, we demonstrate that the random forest algorithm exhibits superior performance in terms of predictive accuracy. This research represents a significant step towards leveraging machine learning techniques to enhance our understanding of CVD dynamics and inform targeted interventions for disease prevention and management.
Flavonoids as anxiolytics in animal tests: Bibliometry and meta-analysis of the effects of flavonoids on anxiety-like behavior in animal tests
Authors: Machado Jhenify Albuquerque , Araújo Danilo Brandão , Lima-Maximino Monica , de Siqueira-Silva Diógenes Henrique , Tomchinsky Bernardo , Cueto-Escobedo Jonathan , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco , Maximino Caio
Published: June 2024

Abstract Figure

Flavonoids are natural secondary compounds of plants with a basic composition derived from polyphenols that can produce a plethora of different neurochemical effects, some of which are relevant to anxiety disorders. As such, many flavonoids have been evaluated in behavioral screens in preclinical research on anxiolytics. Given the many different molecular subclasses of flavonoids, the many different molecular targets that have been proposed for these compounds, and the different research priorities that arise in preclinical research, we sought to map the potential of flavonoids as anxiolytics by bibliometric analysis and a meta-analysis of animal tests using these compounds. Bibliometric analysis suggest that the field is highly concentrated on few research groups that are mostly located in the Global South, suggesting the need to improve international collaborations. The themes which emerged in the bibliometric analysis are driven by the exploratory steps of pharmacological research, including finding anxioselective effects and looking for dose-response patterns; this suggests that the field, as a whole, could benefit from more mechanistic and confirmatory research. The meta-analysis showed strong evidence for an anxiolytic-like effect of flavonoids on animal tests, including assays made in rats, mice, and zebrafish (SMD = -1.4398, 95%CI[-1.7319, - 1.1477]). Subgroup analysis suggested that this effect is present in acute treatment (SMD = -1.14, 95%CI[-1.36, -0.93]), but not after chronic treatment (SMD = -1.96, 95%CI[-4.93; 1.01]). For all molecule subclasses included in the study, only isoflavones, glycoside derivatives, and flavanolignans did not show evidence of an anxiolytic-like effect, although the low number of studies including these subclasses is low. We finish with a set of recommendations for preclinical research on the anxiolytic potential of flavonoids.
BayesianOccam’s Razorto Optimize Metamodeling for Complex Biological Systems
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Zhao Jihui , Zheng Jingjing , Raveh Barak , He Xuming , Sun Liping
Published: June 2024

Modeling complex biological systems necessitates the integration of vast and multifaceted information spanning various aspects of these systems, and is expected to yield more insights into the system than any of the inputs. Metamodeling, a specialized form of integrative modeling, addresses this by integrating existing models. Developing and optimizing metamodels pose challenges due to the complexities introduced by diverse input models and their inherent uncertainties. In this study, we employ Bayesian formalism to rigorously analyze the propagation of probability throughout the metamodeling process and propose quantitative assessments for it. Building on this, we introduce a method for optimizing metamodeling that adheres to the BayesianOccam’s razorrationale, by (i) minimizing model uncertainty; (ii) maximizing model consistency; and (iii) reducing model complexity. To illustrate the benefits of this method, we apply it to the dynamic system of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreaticβ-cells. The optimized metamodel delivers more accurate estimates of impairedβ-cell dynamics and function in T2D subjects compared to the non-optimized one, underscoring the critical role of optimization in enhancing both model reliability and applicability. This method is implemented through theIntegrative Modeling Platform(IMP), facilitating the development of accurate, precise, and sufficiently simple models for a variety of complex systems.
Design of a novel epitope-based tetravalent subunit vaccine against dengue virus: an immunoinformatics approach
Authors: Ferdousy Tanbin Jahan , Miraz Md Mehedy Hasan , Arian Tawsif Al , Afif Ullah Md , Risat Md Tahsinul Haque , Akter Most Afrin , Kundu Shouhardyo , Sarkar Bidduth Kumar , Sarkar Arghya Prosun , Khalipha Abul Bashar Ripon , Kundu Sukalyan Kumar
Published: June 2024

Dengue imposes profound global impact, with millions affected annually. Its transmission by Aedes mosquitoes poses significant challenges to combat, aggravated by urbanization and climate change. Despite efforts, no impeccable antiviral treatment exists to date, highlighting the urgency for a vaccine. Developing one encounters hurdles like the four distinctive serotypes of the virus and complex immune responses. In this study, we employed an immunoinformatics approach to design an epitope-based tetravalent subunit vaccine aimed at confronting all DENV serotypes. The study contemplates epitopes prediction, toxicity assessment, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, immune simulations. On sequence retrieval, the epitopes were predicted and prioritized. The sequence of the finally designed vaccine was reached after a broad analysis of the antigenicity scores, serotype coverage, and population coverage. Human beta-defensin 3 has been added as an adjuvant to the core vaccine sequence that comprises 23 epitopes and linkers. Notably, the vaccine has the highest antigenicity (0.9319) and 97.35% population coverage worldwide. The molecular docking operations of the vaccine with toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 showed promising interactions with lowest energies of -1240.5 kJ/mol (76 members) and -1393.3 kJ/mol (40 members), respectively. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were run up to 200 nanoseconds, and the complexes of the vaccine with TLR2 and TLR4 were found to be very stable and flexible. Moreover, in immune simulations, the vaccine evoked robust immune responses. These findings suggest that our vaccine outperforms any other Dengue vaccine developed to date. However, since this study was conducted through in silico methods, in vitro and in vivo validations are required to confirm the vaccine as a potential candidate for clinical trials.
Stochastic tug-of-war among sarcomeres mediates cardiomyocyte response to environmental stiffness
Authors: Haertter Daniel , Hauke Lara , Driehorst Til , Nishi Kengo , Zimmermann Wolfram-Hubertus , Schmidt Christoph F.
Published: June 2024

Cardiac muscle function emerges from the coordinated contraction of sarcomeres in cardiomyocytes. Sarcomere dynamics are usually inferred from whole-cell or myofibril observations, assuming synchronized, uniform behavior. Here, we investigated how different mechanical properties of the cell environment affect contraction at both the sarcomere and cell level. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes with fluorescently labeled Z-bands were cultured individually on patterned elastic substrates (5 - 85 kPa). Sarcomere dynamics were precisely tracked and analyzed using SarcAsM, a machine learning algorithm we developed. Increasingly stiff substrates inhibited overall cardiomyocyte contraction, but, surprisingly, did not diminish individual sarcomere dynamics. Instead, sarcomeres competed in a tug-of-war with increasing heterogeneity, exhibiting rich dynamic phenomena such as rapid length oscillations and overextensions (popping). Statistical analysis showed that the heterogeneous dynamics were not caused by static structural differences, but were largely stochastic. This stochastic heterogeneity is thus an intrinsic property of cardiac sarcomere dynamics and is likely to be crucial for the adaptation of emergent cardiomyocyte contractility to mechanical constraints from its environment.