bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of systemic vasculitis
Authors: Hocaoglu Mehmet , Jaros Brian , Dua Anisha B. , Sattui Sebastian E.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

Ongoing research contributes to our understanding of the epidemiology of vasculitis and its outcomes across the globe. This review aims to summarize important research studies published on this topic in the last 18 months.

Recent findings

The implementation of rapid referral systems and use of large vessel imaging have improved the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. A population-based study in immunoglobulin G4-related disease provides incidence and prevalence estimates for the United States for the first time. Recently published data supported viral infectious triggers for Kawasaki disease and immunoglobulin A vasculitis. Population studies in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis report an increase in the incidence of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and have provided further insights into the burden of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Data on Behçet's disease continues to show increased all-cause mortality and need for better treatment strategies.

Recent literature highlights the heterogeneity of the epidemiology of vasculitis in different parts of the world as well as associated outcomes, comorbidities, and potential triggers. Thought new classification criteria are being employed in some forms of vasculitis, standardization of case identification remains an unmet need in multiple other forms of vasculitis.
The Effect of Earplugs and Eye Masks on the Melatonin and Cortisol Levels of Patients Hospitalized in Cardiac Critical Care Units
Authors: Noroziani Saeideh I. , Esmaeili Maryam , Cheraghi Mohammad A.
Published: December 2024

To determine the effectiveness of using earplugs and eye masks on the melatonin and cortisol levels of patients hospitalized in cardiac critical care units (CCUs). The research population of this study included all patients with acute coronary syndrome hospitalized in the CCU of Shahid Rajaei Hospital affiliated with to Alborz University of Medical Sciences. A total of 60 patients were selected by the available sampling method based on the inclusion criteria and then were divided into 2 control and intervention groups by block randomization method with blocks of 4 (n = 30 in the intervention group, and n = 30 in the control group). Patients in the intervention groups used blindfolds and earmuffs during the night sleep for 3 nights, but patients in the control group received the routine care. Cortisol and melatonin levels of both groups were measured at 8 am, using the urine samples. The findings of the 2 groups were compared and statistically analyzed by SPSS software version 16. The findings showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of demographic characteristics and clinical variables. The intervention had no effect on the cortisol level of patients in the intervention group (P = .24). After the intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed between the control and intervention groups in terms of the melatonin level in the nocturnal urine (P ≤ .001). A statistically significant difference was also observed between the 2 groups in terms of the time taken for patients to fall asleep (P ≤ .001) and the number of times waking up at night (P ≤ .001). The use of earplugs and eye masks had no impact on the level of cortisol hormone, but it affected the level of melatonin hormone and the sleep quality of patients hospitalized in the CCU.
Effect of Implementing Respiratory Care Unit Ventilator Weaning Assessment Checklist on Weaning and Extubation Outcomes
Authors: Ahmed Salwa Hassan , Mehany Mogedda Mohamed , Kamel Emad Zarief , Mahgoub Asmaa Aly
Published: December 2024

Background: Approximately 48% of patients with chronic respiratory disorders experience post-extubation respiratory failure necessitating noninvasive respiratory support or reintubation, which is linked to higher morbidity and mortality. So, it is necessary to determine patients’ preparedness for weaning and extubation. Objectives: To examine the effect of implementing respiratory care unit (RCC) ventilator weaning assessment checklist on weaning and extubation outcomes. Methods: Randomized controlled trial, carried out in 70 patients receiving mechanical ventilation from January 2023 to September 2023 at the respiratory intensive care units at Assiut University Hospital, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to a study and a usual care group, with 35 patients for each group. The usual care group weaned using the routine method, while the study group weaned using (RCC) ventilator weaning assessment checklist; the 2 groups were compared concerning weaning and extubation outcomes. Results: Compared to the usual care group, the study group’s weaning success rate was significantly higher than that of the usual care group (88.6% vs 51.4%; P = .008), and extubation failure rate was significantly lower (17.1% vs 45.7%; P = .010). Conclusions: Using RCC ventilator weaning assessment checklist improving weaning and extubation outcomes.
Assessment of the Roles of Critical Care Nurses
Authors: Younis Mohammad Bani
Published: December 2024

Critical care nursing is considered one of the most challenging and demanding fields in nursing. Critical care nurses work in high-stress environments, tending to patients who are experiencing acute illness and necessitate intensive care. Nurses play a crucial role in providing nursing care for critically ill patients, encompassing duties such as assessment, administration of medications, ventilator management, diligent monitoring, and responding to life-saving situations. Despite the significance of their contributions, there are limited assessment tools used to assess critical care nurses’ perceptions about their roles and responsibilities in intensive care units (ICU). The main aim of this study was to develop a tool to assess the critical care nurses’ knowledge, awareness, and perception of their roles and responsibilities in the critical care units. The researcher developed the Critical Care Nurses’ Roles and Responsibilities Assessment Tool. Subsequently, the tool underwent content validity assessment by five nursing experts, resulting in a final tool with 17 Likert-scale items. The scores ranged from 17 to 85, with intervals indicating varying levels of awareness. To assess the nurses’ perception of the roles and responsibilities identified in the tool, a study was conducted on 120 registered nurses working in the ICU units across 9 governmental hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected through an online questionnaire covering demographical data and the roles and responsibilities of critical care nurses in the ICU. The collected data were subjected to quantitative analysis using appropriate statistical methods. Regarding the results among the experts, the content validity index (CVI) of the tool was 0.93. Among the participants, Cronbach alpha was measured to assess the reliability and internal consistency of the tool and the result was 0.912. Regarding the nurses’ perception, a small percentage of participants, specifically (9%), demonstrated a moderate level of agreement with the roles and responsibilities mentioned in the tool (mean of scores = 40 – 63). Conversely, a substantial majority of participants (91%), exhibited a high level of agreement (mean of scores = 64 – 85). In conclusion, the results of this study revealed a powerful and reliable tool that has earned widespread acclaim among experts and participants alike.
Locomotor and discriminative stimulus effects of NBOH hallucinogens in rodents
Authors: Munir Daaniyal D. , Shetty Ritu A. , Gatch Michael B. , Sumien Nathalie , Hill Rebecca D. , Priddy Jeanne A. , Forster Michael J.
Published: December 2024

Despite the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration to safeguard the public from hazardous analogs of synthetic hallucinogens, these compounds have increasingly been observed in the illicit drug market. Four novel compounds were found to be similar in structure to the previously described 25X-NBOMe synthetic hallucinogens. These four compounds, 25B-NBOH, 25C-NBOH, 25E-NBOH, and 25I-NBOH were evaluated for their ability to modify spontaneous locomotor activity in mice to obtain dose range and time-course information and were then tested for discriminative stimulus effects similar to the prototypical hallucinogen (−)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM). All four test compounds decreased locomotor activity. The locomotor depressant effects were similar in magnitude and potency to DOM, but less potent than the 25X-NBOMe compounds in previous reports. 25B-NBOH, 25C-NBOH, and 25E-NBOH fully substituted (≥80%) in DOM-trained rats, whereas 25I-NBOH failed to fully substitute for DOM even at doses that suppressed responding. The discriminative stimulus effects were more potent than those of DOM and the 25X-NBOMe compounds. These findings suggest that three of the four test compounds are most likely to be used as recreational hallucinogens in a similar manner to DOM and the 25X-NBOMe compounds, whereas 25I-NBOH may be less liable to illicit use.
Unraveling bidirectional evolution of unstable mitochondrial DNA mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma at single-cell resolution
Authors: Zhou Kaixiang , Wang Zhenni , Guo Wenjie , Xie Fanfan , Yuan Qing , Guo Shanshan , Zhang Huanqin , Liu Yang , Gu Xiwen , Song Wenjie , Guo Xu , Xing Jinliang
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims:

Somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are abundant in HCC and directly affect metabolic homeostasis and tumor progression. The mixed population of mutant and wild-type mtDNA alleles within a cell, termed heteroplasmy, can vary from cell-to-cell and orchestrate tumorigenesis. However, the systematic evolutionary dynamics of somatic mtDNA mutations in HCC tissues remain to be delineated at single-cell resolution.

Approach and Results:

We established the single-cell capture-based mtDNA sequencing approach for accurately detecting somatic mtDNA mutations at single-cell resolution. Based on single-cell capture-based mtDNA sequencing, the single-cell somatic mtDNA mutational landscape, intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), and spatiotemporal clonal evolution were systematically investigated in 1641 single cells from 11 patients with HCC and 528 single cells from 2 patient-derived xenografts mouse models. Our data revealed the presence of 2 distinct categories of mtDNA mutation at single-cell resolution, including stable mutations exhibiting similar heteroplasmy levels and unstable mutations exhibiting remarkable cell-to-cell variability of heteroplasmy levels. Furthermore, the proportion of unstable mtDNA mutations was positively associated with the ITH of patients with HCC, with high ITH reflecting the proliferative and aggressive clinicopathological features of HCC cells. In addition, reconstruction of the evolutionary history classified HCC evolution patterns as linear or branched. Notably, spatiotemporal lineage tracing in patient-derived xenograft mouse models and multifocal lesions revealed bidirectional evolution of unstable mtDNA mutations during HCC progression.

Conclusions:

Our study unravels the landscape of single-cell somatic mtDNA mutations in HCC tissues and reveals the bidirectional evolution of unstable mtDNA mutations, with potential implications for HCC stratification and therapeutic intervention.
Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of the Full-thickness Macular Hole Without Focal Vitreomacular Traction: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Akai Ryota , Inoue Rikuto , Kogo Jiro , Fukushima Masaki , Kato Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Atsushi , Iwase Takeshi
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

This study investigated the clinical features and surgical outcomes of full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) without focal vitreomacular traction (VMT) and discusses possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study included patients aged 18 years or older with stage 2 FTMHs who underwent pars plana vitrectomy at three hospitals between December 2016 and March 2024. Patients diagnosed without focal VMT in the macula were classified as VMT– and those with focal VMT were classified as VMT+. Medical records and comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography assessments, were reviewed.

Results:

This study analyzed 94 eyes that underwent surgery for stage 2 MHs. Patients in the VMT– were younger (VMT– vs VMT+: 63.6 vs 69.1 years, P = 0.008), had a longer axial length (AL) (25.2 vs 24.0 mm, P = 0.004), and had better preoperative BCVA [0.41 (20/43) vs 0.66 (20/74) logMAR, P = 0.002 ] compared with the VMT+. The VMT– had a higher prevalence of epiretinal proliferation (EP) compared with the VMT+ (76 vs 5 %, P<0.001). Postoperatively, no significant difference in visual outcomes was found between the two groups . VMT– showed significantly thicker central retinal thickness at 1 month (244 vs 201 μm, P = 0.021) and poorer external limiting membrane status at 1 month compared with the VMT+.

Conclusions:

FTMHs without focal VMT were associated with younger age, longer AL, better baseline visual acuity, and a higher incidence of EP compared with FTMHs with VMT.
Mental Health Care Needs and Access to Care for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Frazier Jean A. , Hanratty Laura , Weinstock Amy K.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders than the general population. Yet, they have limited access to mental health services.

Objectives:

To examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with ID. To describe evidence-based interventions for this population, their access to mental health care, and outline opportunities for improved access.

Design:

This manuscript summarizes literature regarding psychiatric disorders in adults with ID and their access to behavioral health care. We considered articles referencing mental health care for adults with ID. PubMed and a variety of search terms were used. Studies published in English from 2010 to the date of the searches were included. Quantitative and qualitative study designs, review articles, program descriptions, and opinion papers were considered for inclusion. Additional references from the selected articles were also considered.

Results:

We identified 2864 records. One hundred two records were included, consisting of work commenting on mental health and ID and access to care in the United States. The articles describe increased psychiatric comorbidities in adults with ID. They highlight the few evidence-based interventions for psychiatric comorbidities and the limited access to care.

Conclusions:

Our mental health care providers generally have minimal training and experience with people with ID, limiting access to appropriate care for these individuals. Improved access could be created by increasing education and experiences with these populations for mental health providers. Aligning policies, financing, and adequate insurance reimbursement to develop a continuum of care will be critical for these individuals.
Dual organ transplantation: Pancreas and Liver in the kidney axis
Authors: Alotaibi Manal E. , Kant Sam
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

This article explores the benefits and challenges of dual organ transplants.

Recent findings

Simultaneous liver-kidney transplant has become a valuable option for patients with both liver and kidney failure, especially since the introduction of clearer eligibility guidelines in 2017. When done for the appropriate candidate, it can significantly improve survival and quality of life. Similarly, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation provides significant advantages for patients with diabetes-related kidney failure by addressing both glycemic control and kidney function, with significant improvement in diabetes associated complications and survival.

While these procedures are complex, they offer promising solutions for managing difficult multiorgan conditions. Ongoing research and personalized patient care will be key to maximizing their benefits.
Level Unlocked
Authors: Serapio Sharlynne Grace , Bowling Shannon Luttrell , Tennis Ashley , Fuerte Danica Ann
Published: December 2024

An advanced preceptor training course was developed to address gaps in precepting skills identified through a thorough gap analysis. The course reinforces foundational concepts while integrating new strategies like role-playing, peer discussions, and hands-on activities. It aims to enhance critical thinking, conflict management, and feedback skills. After a successful pilot, feedback-driven adjustments improved its structure, leading to increased preceptor confidence and effectiveness in their mentoring roles.
Suicide Prevention and Telehealth in Children's Hospital Emergency Departments
Authors: Doupnik Stephanie K. , Bowden Cadence F. , Worsley Diana , Keating Cameron , Cassidy Kyla , Foster Ashley A. , Quarshie William , Min Jungwon , Meisel Zachary , Marcus Steven C.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents. Emergency department (ED) visits for mental health concerns are rising, and telehealth is increasingly used to provide emergency mental health care. We conducted a national survey to describe suicide prevention practices and tele-mental health care in children's hospital EDs.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of leaders at all 52 US EDs affiliated with dedicated children's hospitals (ie, hospitals that provide care only to children) to describe use of tele-mental health care and suicide prevention practices.

Results

Leaders from 41 EDs completed the survey (79% response rate). Tele-mental health care was used in 23 EDs (56%); there were no differences in ED structural characteristics between institutions with telehealth versus without telehealth. Among responding EDs, 40 (98%) reported they screen for suicide risk, and 29 (71%) reported they use a standardized approach to suicide prevention discharge planning. Risk reduction practices conducted at many but not all EDs included assessment of access to lethal means (n = 31, 86%), counseling on reduction of access to lethal means (n = 30, 73%) and providing patients with a list of professionals or agencies that they can contact in a crisis (n = 35, 85%). There were no differences in use of suicide prevention practices at EDs with versus without telehealth (P > 0.1 for all).

Conclusions

Approximately half of children's hospital EDs use tele-mental health care, and hospitals with versus without tele-mental health care report similar rates of suicide prevention practice use. Opportunities exist to increase use of discharge safety practices.
Multisite pain is longitudinally associated with an increased risk of fall among older adults with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Alenazi Aqeel M
Published: December 2024

Objective

To examine the association between baseline multisite pain (two and three or more sites) and longitudinal risk of fall and recurrent falls among older adults with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

This prospective longitudinal cohort study included older adults with or at risk of knee OA. Fall, including the history of falls, number of falls, and recurrent falls, were assessed at baseline and during six follow-up visits at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 months. Multisite pain was categorized into the following four categories: no pain, 1-site, 2-sites, ≥3-sites.

Results

This study included 2585 older adults. Baseline 2-sites (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.50, p = 0.018) and ≥ 3-sites (OR 1.89, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of fall over time compared to no pain sites. Baseline 2-sites (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] 1.44, p = 0.024) and ≥ 3-sites (IRR 1.73, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased number of falls over time. Only ≥3-sites were associated with the recurrent falls (OR 2.16, p = 0.003).

Conclusions: Baseline multisite pain (≥3-sites) was longitudinally associated with increased fall incidence, number of falls, and recurrent falls over seven years of follow-up.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Radiofrequency Ablation for Morton's Neuroma: Outcomes and Predictors of Success
Authors: Llombart Rafael , Mariscal Gonzalo , Benlloch María , Barrios Carlos , Llombart-Ais Rafael
Published: December 2024

Objective

Morton's neuroma presents a challenge in terms of pain management. This study aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for Morton's neuroma.

Design

PRISMA guidelines were followed. Prospective clinical trials, cohort studies, and case series were also included. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Meta-analysis applied fixed- or random-effects models depending on the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effects of temperature, radiofrequency cycles, and imaging guidance.

Results

Eight studies (n = 237) were included. Significant pain reduction was observed at the final follow-up (MD5.74, 95%CI 5.58, 5.90). At the final follow-up, 47.57% (95%CI 25.13%-70.00%) experienced complete pain relief, while 16.40% (95%CI 11.86%-20.94%) reported no benefit at final follow-up. Sensitivity analyses found higher temperature settings (≥85 °C) conferred greater relief on VAS (MD-6.97, 95%CI -6.75 to -7.18) compared to temperatures <85 °C (MD-3.94, 95%CI -3.68 to -4.19). Fewer radiofrequency cycles (≤3) also demonstrated significantly greater VAS improvement (MD-6.97, 95%CI -6.75 to -7.18) versus >3 cycles (MD-4.79, 95%CI -3.02 to -6.57). Complications were minimal (2.1%), and most resolved without significant interventions.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency ablation, particularly at specific temperatures and cycle thresholds, is effective and safe for the management of Morton’s neuroma.
Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over Primary Motor Cortex Potentiates Improvement of Neurological but not Upper Limb Motor Functions in Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Routine Physical Therapy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Balikshahi Niloufar , Ramezani Sara , Eghbali Babak Bakhshayesh , Hosseininezhad Mozaffar , Ezzati Kamran , Atefi Amirhomayoun , Yazdanipour Mohammad Ali , Herfeh Sina Sedaghat , Chobe Mohammad Shabani , Chobe Masoud Shabani
Published: December 2024

Objectives

We investigated the therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with routine physiotherapy on the neurological and upper limb motor function in ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Methods

In a Randomized double-blind controlled trial study, 52 eligible stroke patients were assigned to real tDCS receiving bihemispheric electrical current with 1.5 mA for 30 minutes over the primary motor cortex, and sham tDCS with a current intensity of 0.5 mA for 30 seconds. Both groups received routine physiotherapy, 5 sessions per week for two weeks. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength were used to assess the neurological and upper limb motor functions, respectively.

Results

Both therapeutic approaches begot a significant improvement in upper limb motor function and neurological impairment at the last session of therapy and follow-up study. However, the treatment-induced neurological amelioration at the last session of therapy in real tDCS was significantly more than sham, especially in those identified as female and under 60 years old.

Conclusions

A gender and age-specific protocol of real tDCS combined with routine physiotherapy might be beneficial to improve neurological impairment but not upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke.
Predicting Performance in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Part II Certification Oral Examination Based On Milestone Ratings
Authors: Francisco Gerard E. , Raddatz Mikaela , Yamazaki Kenji , Sabharwal Sunil , Kirksey Keneshia , Kinney Carolyn , Holmboe Eric
Published: December 2024

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) introduced the Milestones to document learner development within a competency-based framework. On the other hand, board certifying examinations serve as a summative evaluation of a learner’s readiness for independent medical practice. Scores in Part I of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) examination, which measures medical knowledge, has been shown to correlate only with Milestones ratings in medical knowledge. We hypothesized that combined ratings of various Milestone competencies can predict subsequent performance in related ABPMR Part II certifying examination domains. Milestones data and ABPMR Part II examination scores of trainees in 3-yr PM&R residency programs in the United States from academic years (AY) 2014-2016 who sat for the ABPMR Parts I and II Examinations, immediately after completion of training, were reviewed. Regression analysis showed that Milestone sub-competencies, alone or in combination, did not correlate with Part II domain scaled scores. Medical Knowledge was the only Milestone sub-competency that was correlated with performance in the ABPMR Part I certifying examination. This current study found that no similar association exists between any of the Milestones Competencies and the ABPMR Part II certifying examination, suggesting that the two assessment tools measure different attributes.
High-intensity interval training effects on people with multiple sclerosis; a systematic review and meta-analyses for exercise capacity and fatigue
Authors: Martín-Núñez Javier , Gómez de Castro Sheila , Heredia-Ciuró Alejandro , Navas-Otero Alba , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Ortiz-Rubio Araceli , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study was to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions on exercise capacity and fatigue in people with MS.

Design

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from inception to January 2024. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focused their intervention on HIIT for people with MS to improve exercise capacity or fatigue. Two researchers performed the search process independently in the different databases and assessed methodological quality and risk of bias.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the systematic review and seven of them were meta-analyzed. The overall pooled effect favored HIIT interventions in improving exercise capacity (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI = 0-05,0.53; p = 0.02) and reducing fatigue (SMD = -0.26; 95% CI = -0.50, -0.02; p = 0.03) in people with MS. We generally found a low risk of bias and a good methodological quality.

Conclusion

The results of this review and meta-analysis provide evidence that HIIT interventions improved and reduced fatigue in people with MS. HIIT intervention may be a good option to improve exercise capacity and reduce fatigue of these people.
Endoscopic-assisted Maxillectomy and Fibular Flap Reconstruction: A Scarless Facial Approach With Novel Reconstruction and Operative Techniques Avoiding Facial Skin Incision
Authors: Ishida Katsuhiro , Nagaoka Masato , Miyawaki Takeshi
Published: December 2024

The facial approach remains a challenge in maxillectomy and reconstruction. Various surgical approaches have been developed to improve cosmetic outcomes. The authors herein present a novel approach for endoscopic-assisted maxillectomy with minimal facial incision and endoscopic-assisted vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap (VFOF) reconstruction. Between February 2023 and June 2024, 6 patients who underwent endoscopic-assisted subtotal or total maxillectomy and reconstruction with VFOF using a minimal facial incision approach at a single hospital were reviewed. Transconjunctival incisions were performed in some patients. Fibular bone placement for midface defects was performed using the stacked fibula method. The exposed bone and titanium plates in the nasal cavity were covered with a nasal septal mucosal flap and a fibular skin paddle. The oronasal fistula was closed using another fibular skin paddle in the oral cavity. All patients with VFOF after maxillectomy were successfully treated, maintained their overall facial contours postoperatively, and were satisfied with their facial appearance.
Robust data-driven segmentation of pulsatile cerebral vessels using functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wright Adam M. , Xu Tianyin , Ingram Jacob , Koo John , Zhao Yi , Tong Yunjie , Wen Qiuting
Published: December 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) captures rich physiological and neuronal information, offering insight into neurofluid dynamics, vascular health and waste clearance. Accurate cerebral vessel segmentation could greatly facilitate fluid dynamics research in fMRI. However, existing vessel identification methods, such as magnetic resonance angiography or deep-learning-based segmentation on structural MRI, cannot reliably locate cerebral vessels in fMRI space due to misregistration from inherent fMRI distortions. To address this challenge, we developed a data-driven, automatic segmentation of cerebral vessels directly within fMRI space. This approach identified large cerebral arteries and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) by leveraging these vessels’ distinct pulsatile signal patterns during the cardiac cycle. The method was validated in a local dataset by comparing it to ground truth cerebral artery and SSS segmentations. Using the Human Connectome Project (HCP) ageing dataset, the method’s reproducibility was tested on 422 participants aged 36–90, each with four repeated fMRI scans. The method demonstrated high reproducibility, with an intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.7 in both cerebral artery and SSS segmentation volumes. This study demonstrates that large cerebral arteries and SSS can be reproducibly and automatically segmented in fMRI datasets, facilitating reliable fluid dynamics investigation in these regions.
All-Atom Protein Generation with Latent Diffusion
Authors: Lu Amy X. , Yan Wilson , Robinson Sarah A. , Kelow Simon , Yang Kevin K. , Gligorijevic Vladimir , Cho Kyunghyun , Bonneau Richard , Abbeel Pieter , Frey Nathan C.
Published: December 2024

While generative models hold immense promise for protein design, existing models are typically backbone-only, despite the indispensable role that sidechain atoms play in mediating function. As prerequisite knowledge, all-atom 3D structure generation require the discrete sequence to specify sidechain identities, which poses a multimodal generation problem. We proposePLAID(ProteinLatent InducedDiffusion), which samples from thelatent spaceof a pre-trained sequence-to-structure predictor, ESMFold. The sampled latent embedding is then decoded with frozen decoders into the sequence and all-atom structure. Importantly,PLAID only requires sequence input during training, thus augmenting the dataset size by 2-4 orders of magnitude compared to the Protein Data Bank. It also makes more annotations available for functional control. As a demonstration of annotation-based prompting, we perform compositional conditioning on function and taxonomy using classifier-free guidance. Intriguingly, function-conditioned generations learn active site residue identities, despite them being non-adjacent on the sequence,andcan correctly place the sidechains atoms. We further show that PLAID can generate transmembrane proteins with expected hydrophobicity patterns, perform motif scaffolding, and improve unconditional sample quality for long sequences. Links to model weights and training code are publicly available at github.com/amyxlu/plaid.
PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION AND BACTERIAL INTERACTIONS OF THE COMPLEX MICROBIAL POPULATION IN URINARY DOUBLE-J CATHETERS
Authors: Farizano Juan Vicente , Castagnaro Emilia , Arroyo-Egea Julián , Aparicio Juan Daniel , Vallejo Cecilia , Hebert Elvira María , Saavedra Lucila , Rapisarda Viviana Andrea , Villegas Josefina María , Grillo-Puertas Mariana
Published: December 2024

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major cause of morbidity in healthcare settings, often linked to the colonization of catheters by diverse bacterial species. This study aimed to characterize 27 clinical uropathogenic isolates obtained from double-J catheters through phenotypic and genotypic assays. The isolated species included,Staphylococcusspp.,Enterococcus faecalis,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coliandBacillusspp. These isolates were evaluated for biofilm formation, production of extracellular components such as cellulose and amyloid-like fibers, motility, hemolytic capacity, siderophore production, stress tolerance, and antibiotic resistance profiles. The findings revealed thatE. coli,S. aureus,B. subtilisisolates exhibited strong biofilm formation and robust extracellular matrix production, features that contribute to their persistence in catheter environments. Acid pH and oxidative stress tolerance results indicated a differential strain response even within the same genus. Additionally, multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in several isolates, especially inK. pneumoniaandE. faecalis, correlating with their biofilm-forming capacities. Co-cultures studies demonstrated synergistic interactions between the co-isolated pair, particularly withBacillusspp. enhancing biofilm formation in static condition. The interaction results indicate the importance of investigating the potential clinical relevance ofBacillusspp., even though they are not traditionally considered human pathogens. These results provide critical insights into the pathogenic mechanisms and survival strategies of several uropathogens in CAUTI, emphasizing the need for targeted therapeutic interventions to prevent recurrent infections and manage antibiotic resistance.

Importance

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a persistent challenge in healthcare due to their association with biofilm-forming bacteria that resist treatments. To investigate the complexity of microbial population of CAUTI, we provide an in-depth analysis of the diverse range of bacterial strains isolates from the devices. This study highlights the role of both well-known pathogens and less traditionally recognized species, such asBacillusspp., in these infections. By revealing that bacterial interactions analyzed here enhance biofilm formation, this research underscores the need to reconsider the clinical importance ofBacillusspp. in polymicrobial settings. This knowledge is critical for designing more effective therapeutic interventions to mitigate biofilm-related complications in medical devices.
Pharmacological characterisation of allosteric modulators at human mGlu5
Authors: Razzak Muhammad Abdur , Tran Kevin , McCague Roisin , Sengmany Kathy , Kos Jackson , Langiu Monica , Li Bohan , Hellyer Shane D , Gregory Karen J.
Published: December 2024

The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) is a Class C G protein-coupled receptor, ubiquitously expressed throughout the CNS. With major roles in cognition, learning and memory, mGlu5dysfunction is linked with numerous neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, presenting a viable therapeutic target. Allosteric modulators bind topographically distinct sites from glutamate and other orthosteric agonists and enhance (positive allosteric modulators, PAMs), inhibit (negative allosteric modulators, NAMs) or do not effect (neutral allosteric ligands, NALs) mGlu5function. While mGlu5modulators have efficacy inin vivorodent models of CNS disorders, none have made it to the clinic. We hypothesise this lack of translatability is arises from preclinical optimisation using on non-human pharmacological data, as functional studies are predominantly performed using rat mGlu5and non-human brain neuronal cultures. Here we assess and quantify the impact of eleven chemically and pharmacologically diverse mGlu5PAMs, NAMs and NALs on human mGlu5activity using radioligand binding, iCa2+mobilisation and IP1accumulation assays. By comparing to published and newly generated data for rat mGlu5we show that while modulator pharmacology is relatively consistent across species, ligand dependent species differences in allosteric modulator affinity, cooperativity and probe dependence are evident. Additionally, we report PAM-dependent effects on orthosteric agonist kinetic profiles at human mGlu5.Together, these data highlight the importance of systematic evaluation of mGlu5allosteric ligand activity at human mGlu5to improve drug design and overcome potential barriers to translatability to clinical settings.
Kasner eons in Lovelock black holes
Authors: Bueno Pablo , Cano Pablo A. , Hennigar Robie A. , Li Ming-Da
Published: December 2024

In the vicinity of spacelike singularities, general relativity predicts that the metric behaves, at each point, as a Kasner space which undergoes a series of “Kasner epochs” and “eras” characterized by certain transition rules. The period during which this process takes place defines a “Kasner eon,” which comes to an end when higher-curvature or quantum effects become relevant. When higher-curvature densities are included in the action, spacetime can undergo transitions into additional Kasner eons. During each eon, the metric behaves locally as a Kasner solution to the higher-curvature density controlling the dynamics. In this paper we identify the presence of Kasner eons in the interior of static and spherically symmetric Lovelock gravity black holes. We determine the conditions under which eons occur and study the Kasner metrics which characterize them, as well as the transitions between them. We show that the null energy condition implies a monotonicity property for the effective Kasner exponent at the end of the Einsteinian eon. We also characterize the Kasner solutions of more general higher-curvature theories of gravity. In particular, we observe that the Einstein gravity condition that the sum of the Kasner exponents adds up to 1, ∑i=1D−1pi=1, admits a universal generalization in the form of a family of Kasner metrics satisfying ∑i=1D−1pi=2n−1 which exists for any order-n higher-curvature density and in general dimensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical Lorentz symmetry breaking in a scale-free theory of gravity
Authors: Lehum A. C. , Nascimento J. R. , Petrov A. Yu. , Porfírio P. J.
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the renormalization of scale-free quadratic gravity coupled to the bumblebee field and its potential for dynamically breaking Lorentz symmetry. We conduct one-loop renormalization of the model and calculate the associated renormalization group functions. Furthermore, we compute the one-loop effective potential for the bumblebee field, demonstrating that it acquires a nontrivial vacuum expectation value (VEV) through radiative corrections—a phenomenon known as the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism. This spontaneous breaking of scale invariance, driven by the nonzero VEV of the bumblebee field, leads to Lorentz symmetry violation. As a result, the nonminimal coupling between the bumblebee and gravitational fields induces a spontaneous generation of an Einstein-Hilbert term via radiative corrections, suggesting a possible link between the Planck scale and Lorentz violation phenomena.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis, structure and biological activity of new picolinohydrazonamide derivatives
Authors: Sukiennik Jarosław , Olczak Andrzej , Gobis Katarzyna , Korona-Głowniak Izabela , Suśniak Katarzyna , Fruziński Andrzej , Szczesio Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

Three new thiosemicarbazide derivatives are described in terms of synthesis, structure and biological activity. N′-(Morpholine-4-carbonothioyl)-4-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)picolinohydrazonamide 2-methyltetrahydrofuran hemisolvate, 2C21H27N7OS·C5H10O, 1, determined at 100 K, has orthorhombic (Pca21) symmetry and exhibits disorder. 4-(4-Phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-N′-(piperidine-1-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide–dimethylformamide–water (1/1/0.285), C22H29N7S·C3H7NO·0.285H2O, 2, determined at 100 K, has monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry. 4-(4-Phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-N′-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide, C21H27N7S, 3, determined at 100 K, has triclinic (P
1) symmetry and exhibits disorder. Compounds 1 and 2 contain solvent molecules in their structure. All three studied compounds adopt the zwitterionic form and were tested for their microbiological activity on a model panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as selected yeasts.
Workplace experiences as push and pull factors – How are perceived office conditions associated with teleworking preferences?
Authors: Haapakangas Annu , Hirvonen Suvi , Airaksinen Jaakko , Tulenheimo-Eklund Elina , Ruohomäki Virpi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The increase in teleworking has highlighted the role of office design in hybrid work. The purpose of this study is to examine employees’ workplace experiences as push and pull factors for working on-site. The study investigated which aspects of perceived office conditions are associated with employees’ preference to increase or decrease teleworking, taking into account other potential predictors of these preferences (i.e. demographic factors, psychosocial factors, employee well-being and work ability).

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four Finnish workplaces in autumn 2022 (n = 923). The offices mostly represented a modern activity-based design. The authors analysed the data using multinomial regression, and adjusted for gender, age and education.

Findings

The workplace experiences were mainly a push factor as, for example, insufficient workspaces for quiet work and spontaneous collaboration and the amount of work and storage space were associated with preferences to increase telework. Only task privacy was both a push and pull factor: better privacy was associated with a preference to decrease telework, and vice versa. The current amount of telework was related to telework preferences, whereas psychosocial factors, employee well-being and work ability were not.

Practical implications

Ensuring satisfactory task privacy and providing adequate workspaces for work requiring concentration appear particularly important in making the office more attractive in hybrid work. Office design should be considered an integral component of organizational models of hybrid work.

Originality/value

The study bridges research on telework and office design. It provides novel evidence on the role of the office in post-pandemic workplaces.
Perspectives of Black female STEM majors: culturally responsive online teaching practices among higher education institutions
Authors: Terrell Shockley Ebony , Ellis Valeisha , Ivy Kelly K.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Culture is important and influential in how students learn STEM. This study aims to examine whether there is a pedagogical nexus between culturally successful teaching practices, i.e. culturally responsive teaching (CRT), online learning management systems (LMS) and STEM pedagogy among Black undergraduate women in STEM during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using descriptive data from a quantitative survey exploring the four domains of the CRT framework: care, communication, curriculum and instruction, this study examines the teaching practices experienced via online learning of 26 Black female STEM majors regarding learning management systems and methods utilized.

Findings

The analytic framework utilized in this study was Gay’s (2000, 2002) framework for CRT. Using data from a purposive sample of Black female STEM majors, researchers examined if students experienced culturally responsive teaching practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team also explored the LMS and the method(s) of instruction.

Originality/value

Because of the limited publications on the culturally successful learning experiences of Black STEM majors in online learning spaces, this work offers the use of CRT as an analytic frame to examine the use of CRT practices with Black female STEM majors.
Re-imagining education in Haiti through a lens of de-coloniality
Authors: Damas Rudolph
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Scholars such as Hebblethwaite (2012) argue that societal elements like the pressure for students to learn French in Haiti are deeply rooted in colonial traditions which were originally intended to hinder long-term development and continue to do so within the country. The purpose of this paper is to widen the scope of Hebblethwaite’s discussion on language and question other social norms within educational institutions, which are having a negative impact on educational attainment. This purpose is accomplished by way of an empirical study of primary school education reform efforts in Haiti through a lens of de-coloniality as defined by Walter Mignolo (2005).

Design/methodology/approach

Given that this is an empirical study on education reform in Haiti, I have conducted this study solely through the analysis of literature and evidence from past work on education reform in Haiti and other countries with similar challenges. The body of the research is separated into two parts, and the first is a critical historical analysis of the context. The second is a comparative analysis of two different case studies on education reform projects that have occurred in Haiti. This will also be followed by a conclusive analysis of similar efforts in communities around the world.

Findings

This study demonstrates that primary school students, teachers and their communities in Haiti respond better to education development projects that place mother-tongue learning, grassroots community participation and culturally relevant pedagogy at the forefront of daily operational planning. These factors would play a key role in setting the foundation for students to be both productive Haitian citizens first and global citizens second. The literature reviewed also demonstrates that historically, education has focused far too heavily on models that work for or originate from the global north and not enough on building an education system tailored to Haiti.

Research limitations/implications

Since barriers such as societal norms need to be addressed through organic grassroots movements, which take time to be effective, reform from this perspective is better suited for the longer term than the shorter term. In the conclusion, this is considered to be a limitation when it comes to identifying short-term solutions to education, especially given that grassroots projects such as Buiga-Sunrise take time to establish winning practices that support self-sufficiency.

Originality/value

Literacy rates in Haiti for the year 2012 were around 48% for adults and 72% for youth (UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2012). Not to mention that only 50% of children attend primary schools and 20% attend secondary schools (UNICEF Haiti, 2011, as cited in Jean-Marie and Sider, 2014). Such low educational attainment shows a need for greater access to education, and as much as the privatisation of schools is a significant barrier, as argued by Sider and Jean Marie, there are other impactful factors that remain to be addressed.