bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNCOVERing the extended strong lensing structures of Abell 2744 with the deepest JWST imaging
Authors: Furtak Lukas J , Zitrin Adi , Weaver John R , Atek Hakim , Bezanson Rachel , Labbé Ivo , Whitaker Katherine E , Leja Joel , Price Sedona H , Brammer Gabriel B , Wang Bingjie , Marchesini Danilo , Pan Richard , Dayal Pratika , van Dokkum Pieter , Feldmann Robert , Fujimoto Seiji , Franx Marijn , Khullar Gourav , Nelson Erica J , Mowla Lamiya A
Published: May 2023

We present a new parametric lens model for the massive galaxy cluster Abell 2744 based on new ultra-deep JWST imaging taken in the framework of the UNCOVER program. These observations constitute the deepest JWST images of a lensing cluster to date, adding to existing deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images and the recent JWST Early Release Science and Director’s Discretionary Time data taken for this field. The wide field of view of UNCOVER (∼45 arcmin2) extends beyond the cluster’s well-studied central core and reveals a spectacular wealth of prominent lensed features around two massive cluster sub-structures in the north and north-west, where no multiple images were previously known. We identify 75 new multiple images and candidates of 17 sources, 43 of which allow us, for the first time, to constrain the lensing properties and total mass distribution around these extended cluster structures using strong lensing (SL). Our model yields an effective Einstein radius of θE, main = 23.2 ± 2.3 arcsec for the main cluster core (for zs = 2), enclosing a mass of M(< θE, main) = (7.7 ± 1.1) × 1013 M⊙, and θE, NW = 13.1 ± 1.3 arcsec for the newly discovered north-western SL structure enclosing M(< θE, NW) = (2.2 ± 0.3) × 1013 M⊙. The northern clump is somewhat less massive with θE, N = 7.4 ± 0.7 arcsec enclosing M(< θE, N) = (0.8 ± 0.1) × 1013 M⊙. We find the northern sub-structures of Abell 2744 to broadly agree with the findings from weak lensing analyses and align with the filamentary structure found by these previous studies. Our model in particular reveals a large area of high magnification values between the various cluster structures, which will be paramount for lensed galaxy studies in the UNCOVER field. The model is made publicly available to accompany the first UNCOVER data release.
Multidimensional profiling reveals GATA1-modulated stage-specific chromatin states and functional associations during human erythropoiesis
Authors: Li Dong , Zhao Xin-Ying , Zhou Shuo , Hu Qi , Wu Fan , Lee Hsiang-Ying
Published: May 2023

Mammalian erythroid development can be divided into three stages: hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC), erythroid progenitor (Ery-Pro), and erythroid precursor (Ery-Pre). However, the mechanisms by which the 3D genome changes to establish the stage-specific transcription programs that are critical for erythropoiesis remain unclear. Here, we analyze the chromatin landscape at multiple levels in defined populations from primary human erythroid culture. While compartments and topologically associating domains remain largely unchanged, ∼50% of H3K27Ac-marked enhancers are dynamic in HSPC versus Ery-Pre. The enhancer anchors of enhancer–promoter loops are enriched for occupancy of respective stage-specific transcription factors (TFs), indicating these TFs orchestrate the enhancer connectome rewiring. The master TF of erythropoiesis, GATA1, is found to occupy most erythroid gene promoters at the Ery-Pro stage, and mediate conspicuous local rewiring through acquiring binding at the distal regions in Ery-Pre, promoting productive erythroid transcription output. Knocking out GATA1 binding sites precisely abrogates local rewiring and corresponding gene expression. Interestingly, knocking down GATA1 can transiently revert the cell state to an earlier stage and prolong the window of progenitor state. This study reveals mechanistic insights underlying chromatin rearrangements during development by integrating multidimensional chromatin landscape analyses to associate with transcription output and cellular states.
Phosphorylation status of MUS81 is a modifier of Olaparib sensitivity in BRCA2-deficient cells
Authors: Blandino Francesca , Malacaria Eva , Figlioli Carolina , Noto Alessandro , Pugliese Giusj Monia , Franchitto Annapaola , Pichierri Pietro
Published: May 2023

The MUS81 complex is crucial for preserving genome stability through resolution of branched DNA intermediates in mitosis and also for the processing of deprotected replication forks in BRCA2-deficient cells. Because of the existence of two different MUS81 complexes in mammalian cells that act in M- or S-phase, whether and how the PARPi sensitivity of BRCA2-deficient cells is affected by loss of MUS81 function is unclear. Here, using a mutant of MUS81 that impairs its function in M-phase, we show that viability of BRCA2-deficient cells but not their PARPi sensitivity requires a fully-functional MUS81 complex in mitosis. In contrast, expression of a constitutively-active MUS81 is sufficient to confer PARPi resistance. From a mechanistic point of view, our data indicate that deregulated action of the mitotic active form of MUS81 in S-phase leads to the cleavage of stalled replication forks before their reversal, bypassing fork deprotection, and engaging a Polθ-dependent DSBs repair. Collectively, our findings describe a novel mechanism leading to PARPi resistance that involves unscheduled MUS81-dependent cleavage of intact, unreversed replication forks. Since this cleavage occurs mimicking the phosphorylated status of S87 of MUS81, our data suggest that hyperphosphorylation of this residue in S-phase might represent a novel biomarker to identify resistance to PARPi.
Active in vivo translocation of the Methanosarcina mazei Gö1 Casposon
Authors: Gehlert Finn O , Nickel Lisa , Vakirlis Nikolaos , Hammerschmidt Katrin , Vargas Gebauer Herman I , Kießling Claudia , Kupczok Anne , Schmitz Ruth A
Published: May 2023

Casposons are transposable elements containing the CRISPR associated gene Cas1solo. Identified in many archaeal genomes, casposons are discussed as the origin of CRISPR-Cas systems due to their proposed Cas1solo-dependent translocation. However, apart from bioinformatic approaches and the demonstration of Cas1solo integrase and endonuclease activity in vitro, casposon transposition has not yet been shown in vivo. Here, we report on active casposon translocations in Methanosarcina mazei Gö1 using two independent experimental approaches. First, mini-casposons, consisting of a R6Kγ origin and two antibiotic resistance cassettes, flanked by target site duplications (TSDs) and terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), were generated, and shown to actively translocate from a suicide plasmid and integrate into the chromosomal MetMaz-C1 TSD IS1a. Second, casposon excision activity was confirmed in a long-term evolution experiment using a Cas1solo overexpression strain in comparison to an empty vector control under four different treatments (native, high temperature, high salt, mitomycin C) to study stress-induced translocation. Analysis of genomic DNA using a nested qPCR approach provided clear evidence of casposon activity in single cells and revealed significantly different casposon excision frequencies between treatments and strains. Our results, providing the first experimental evidence for in vivo casposon activity are summarized in a modified hypothetical translocation model.
Coronary Artery Disease in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Without Detectable Viral Replication
Authors: Knudsen Andreas D , Fuchs Andreas , Benfield Thomas , Gerstoft Jan , Køber Lars , Trøseid Marius , Kofoed Klaus F , Nielsen Susanne D
Published: May 2023

Background

We aimed to determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) and investigate whether inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6, IL-1β, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), were associated with CAD.

Methods

From the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study, we included virologically suppressed PWH who underwent coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography. Any atherosclerosis was defined as >0% stenosis, and obstructive CAD as ≥50% stenosis.

Results

Among 669 participants (mean age [standard deviation], 51 [11] years; 89% male), 300 (45%) had atherosclerosis, and 119 (18%) had obstructive CAD. The following risk factors were associated with any atherosclerosis and with obstructive CAD: age, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, time with HIV, and current protease inhibitor use. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and hsCRP levels >2 mg/L were associated with any atherosclerosis and with obstructive CAD in univariable analyses but not after adjustment for traditional risk factors. IL-1β was not associated with CAD.

Conclusions

In a large population of PWH without viral replication, almost half had angiographically verified atherosclerosis. High concentrations of IL-6 and hsCRP were associated with CAD in univariable analyses, but adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors attenuated the association, suggesting that inflammation may mediate the association between traditional risk factors and CAD.
Constitutional Adjudication in the European Legal Space
Authors: von Bogdandy Armin , Grabenwarter Christoph , Huber Peter M
Published: May 2023

This chapter highlights the characteristics, challenges, and perspectives of constitutional adjudication in Europe. It is the concluding chapter to the two respective volumes of the Max Planck Handbooks. Though there are many different institutionalizations and trajectories, all the relevant courts increasingly share features for their involvement in and their responsibility for the European legal space. The positive foundation of this common responsibility are the values established in Article 2 TEU. This responsibility is, however, being subjected to a severe test today; indeed the main challenge these courts face today is authoritarianism. To combat this rise of authoritarianism, this chapter argues, they must form a more perfect union.
Buyers’ Sourcing Strategies and Suppliers’ Markups in Bangladeshi Garments
Authors: Cajal-Grossi Julia , Macchiavello Rocco , Noguera Guillermo
Published: May 2023

We study differences in markups earned by Bangladeshi garment exporters across buyers with different sourcing strategies and make three contributions. First, we distinguish buyers with a relational versus a spot sourcing strategy and show that a buyer’s sourcing strategy is correlated across products and origins. Buyer fixed effects explain most of the variation in sourcing strategies, suggesting that these depend on organizational capabilities. Second, we use novel data that match quantities and prices of the two main variable inputs in the production of garments (fabric and labor on sewing lines) to specific export orders. We derive conditions under which these data allow measurement of within exporter-product-time differences in markups across orders produced for different buyers. Third, we show that exporters earn higher markups on otherwise identical orders produced for relational, as opposed to spot, buyers. A sourcing model with imperfect contract enforcement, idiosyncratic shocks to exporters, and buyers that adopt different sourcing strategies trading off higher prices and reliable supply rationalizes this and other observed facts in the industry. We discuss alternative explanations and policy implications.
DAS28-γGT for the prediction of major cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the ESPOIR cohort
Authors: Dupont Anne , Constantin Arnaud , Soubrier Martin , Rincheval Nathalie , Avouac Jérôme
Published: May 2023

Objective

To validate the predictive value of the DAS28 γ-glutamyl transferase (DAS28-γGT) for the occurrence of major cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE) in the ‘Etude et Suivi des Polyarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes’ ESPOIR cohort.

Methods

Analysis of 13-year outcome from the ESPOIR cohort. RA patients with missing data for baseline γGT activity and those not followed-up to 1 year were excluded. Baseline DAS28-γGT was calculated using the following formula: 0.56*√TJ-28 + 0.28 * √SJ-28 + 2*ln(γGT) + 0.014 * GH. Our primary outcome was the merit of the DAS28-γGT in predicting the occurrence of MACE.

Results

Among the 696 patients [536 women, mean (s.d.) age of 49 (12) years], 34 MACE were recorded, with a mean time to event of 71 (44) months. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that a DAS28-γGT >9.4 had the best sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of MACE during the observation period. DAS28-γGT >9.4 was predictive of the occurrence of MACE, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.11 (95% CI 1.41, 5.43). Multivariate Cox analyses confirmed higher DAS28-γGT (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.05, 5.64) together with age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.07) and diabetes mellitus (HR 4.12, 95% CI 1.55, 10.95) as independent predictors of MACE. There was a dose effect of the DAS28-γGT for MACE-risk prediction, which was in line with the application of the Framingham risk score.

Conclusion

The DAS28-γGT was identified in this large prospective cohort as an independent predictor of MACE in patients with RA. The DAS28-γGT is a simple and useful tool to evaluate CV risk in routine and warn the clinician about the CV risk burden in patients with RA.
Surveillance within the Law: A Critique of the Legal Framework for Surveillance of Digital Communications by Law Enforcement Authorities in Botswana
Authors: Balule Badala Tachilisa , Dambe Baboki Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Surveillance of digital communications invokes both commendation and criticism. Whereas it may serve justifiable and legitimate purposes, it is also susceptible to abuse if it is undertaken in the absence of adequate safeguards. In 2022, Botswana enacted the Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Controlled Investigations) Act. The Act is intended to regulate the surveillance of digital communications for law enforcement purposes. This article assesses whether the Act provides adequate procedural safeguards to protect against undue infringement of fundamental rights, particularly, the right to privacy. In this regard, the article examines how the constitutionally entrenched right to privacy has been interpreted and applied by the courts in Botswana. Consequently, the article interrogates whether the surveillance of digital communications under the auspices of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Controlled Investigations) Act falls within the parameters of justifiable inroads into the right to privacy. The analysis of the Act is undertaken drawing inspiration from international jurisprudence on how to balance the necessity for surveillance with respect for fundamental rights.
Inferring Historical Introgression with Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Zhu Qingjie , Shao Yi , Jiang Yanchen , Ouyang Yidan , Zhang Li , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2023

Resolving phylogenetic relationships among taxa remains a challenge in the era of big data due to the presence of genetic admixture in a wide range of organisms. Rapidly developing sequencing technologies and statistical tests enable evolutionary relationships to be disentangled at a genome-wide level, yet many of these tests are computationally intensive and rely on phased genotypes, large sample sizes, restricted phylogenetic topologies, or hypothesis testing. To overcome these difficulties, we developed a deep learning-based approach, named ERICA, for inferring genome-wide evolutionary relationships and local introgressed regions from sequence data. ERICA accepts sequence alignments of both population genomic data and multiple genome assemblies, and efficiently identifies discordant genealogy patterns and exchanged regions across genomes when compared with other methods. We further tested ERICA using real population genomic data from Heliconius butterflies that have undergone adaptive radiation and frequent hybridization. Finally, we applied ERICA to characterize hybridization and introgression in wild and cultivated rice, revealing the important role of introgression in rice domestication and adaptation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ERICA provides an effective method for teasing apart evolutionary relationships using whole genome data, which can ultimately facilitate evolutionary studies on hybridization and introgression.
Beauty Borne out of Chaos: Molding a Surgical Subspecialty Through the World Wars
Authors: Bharani Tina , Yeo Charles J.
Published: May 2023

The chaos during the Great Wars provided the impetus for the genesis of modern plastic surgery. Collectively, the World Wars caused disfiguring injuries to thousands of American soldiers, which challenged their acceptance into society. The Wars, however, propelled 2 leaders in the field of plastic surgery—Vilray P. Blair and James Barrett Brown. These two American pioneers used their surgical acumen and artistic skills to heal the wounds of the soldiers. During World War I, the wounds of injured soldiers were often poorly managed by inadequately trained surgeons and dentists. Upon return to the United States, these soldiers underwent specialized treatment under Blair’s supervision. During World War II, James Barrett Brown, a disciple of Blair, was appointed as a consultant in the war. He spearheaded the establishment of several plastic surgery centers in Europe. Upon his return from the War, he led the plastic surgery service at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, PA, where thousands of soldiers were sent after their initial operations in the war zones. Care of war wounds served as an impetus for the development of new techniques in reconstructive and plastic surgery. These techniques included a delayed transfer of long pedicled flaps and split-thickness skin grafts. Through our archival research at the Bernard Becker Medical Library at Washington University in St. Louis, we provide evidence for how reconstructive surgical approaches were advanced during the Great Wars and helped restore some form of normalcy to the lives of the injured soldiers.
Community-Level Social Vulnerability and Patterns of Adolescent Injury
Authors: Kwon Eustina G. , Herrera-Escobar Juan P. , Bulger Eileen M. , Rice-Townsend Samuel E. , Nehra Deepika
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To describe adolescent injuries by the community-level social vulnerability, focusing on injuries related to interpersonal violence.

Background:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s social vulnerability index (SVI) is a tool used to characterize community-level vulnerability.

Methods:

Injured adolescent trauma patients (13–17 years old) cared for at a large Level I trauma center over a 10-year period were identified. Injuries were classified by intent as either intentional or unintentional. Census tract level SVI was calculated by composite score and for 4 subindex scores (socioeconomic, household composition/disability, minority/language, housing type/transportation). Patients were stratified by SVI quartile with the lowest quartile designated as low-, the middle two quartiles as average-, and the highest quartile as high vulnerability. The primary outcome was odds of intentional injury. Demographic and injury characteristics were compared by SVI and intent. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds of intentional injury associated with SVI.

Results:

A total of 1993 injured adolescent patients (1676 unintentional and 317 intentional) were included. The composite SVI was higher in the intentional injury cohort (mean, SD: 66.7, 27.8 vs. 50.5, 30.2; P < 0.001) as was each subindex SVI. The high SVI cohort comprised 31% of the study population, 49% of intentional injuries, and 51% of deaths. The high SVI cohort had significantly increased unadjusted (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 3.0–6.6) and adjusted (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–2.8) odds of intentional injury.

Conclusions:

Adolescents living in the highest SVI areas experience significantly higher odds of intentional injury. SVI and SVI subindex details may provide direction for community-level interventions to decrease the impact of violent injury among adolescents.
An Overview of Current Methods for Real-world Applications to Generalize or Transport Clinical Trial Findings to Target Populations of Interest
Authors: Ling Albee Y. , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Carita Paulo , Chandross Karen J. , Lucats Laurence , Meng Zhaoling , Sebastien Bernard , Kapphahn Kris , Desai Manisha
Published: May 2023

It has been well established that randomized clinical trials have poor external validity, resulting in findings that may not apply to relevant—or target—populations. When the trial is sampled from the target population, generalizability methods have been proposed to address the applicability of trial findings to target populations. When the trial sample and target populations are distinct, transportability methods may be applied for this purpose. However, generalizability and transportability studies present challenges, particularly around the strength of their conclusions. We review and summarize state-of-the-art methods for translating trial findings to target populations. We additionally provide a novel step-by-step guide to address these challenges, illustrating principles through a published case study. When conducted with rigor, generalizability and transportability studies can play an integral role in regulatory decisions by providing key real-world evidence.
Misclassification Bias in the Assessment of Gene-by-Environment Interactions
Authors: Weisskopf Marc G. , Leung Michael
Published: May 2023

Background:

Misclassification bias is a common concern in epidemiologic studies. Despite strong bias on main effects, gene–environment interactions have been shown to be biased towards the null under gene–environment independence. In the context of a recent article examining the interaction between nerve agent exposure and paraoxonase-1 gene on Gulf War Illness, we aimed to assess the impact of recall bias—a common misclassfication bias—on the identification of gene–environment interactions when the independence assumption is violated.

Methods:

We derive equations to quantify the bias of the interaction, and numerically illustrate these results by simulating a case–control study of 1000 cases and 1000 controls. Simulation input parameters included exposure prevalence, strength of gene–environment dependence, strength of the main effect, exposure specificity among cases, and strength of the gene–environment interaction.

Results:

We show that, even if gene–environment independence is violated, we can bound possible gene–environment interactions by knowing the strength and direction of the gene–environment dependence (

) and the observed gene–environment interaction (

)—thus often still allowing for the identification of such interactions. Depending on whether

is larger or smaller than the inverse of

,

is a lower (if

) or upper (if

) bound for the true interaction. In addition, the bias magnitude is somewhat predictable by examining other characteristics such as exposure prevalence, the strength of the exposure main effect, and directions of the recall bias and gene–environment dependence.

Conclusions:

Even if gene–environment dependence exists, we may still be able to identify gene–environment interactions even when misclassification bias is present.
Propeller posterior tibial artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the medial malleolar defect: A case report
Authors: Chiang Liang-Jui , Shieh Shyh-Jou
Published: May 2023

Traumatic injury to the distal third of the lower leg remains challenging and often requires free tissue transfer. Reconstructive options for lower leg soft-tissue defects require comprehensive evaluation. A 20-year-old man presented with a medial malleolar soft-tissue defect with exposure of the great saphenous vein, distal tibia, and ankle joint after a traffic accident. Negative pressure wound therapy provided only partial coverage of the exposed tissue. The defect was reconstructed using a local fasciocutaneous propeller flap based on a septocutaneous perforator from the posterior tibial artery. At 1-year follow-up, the patient resumed normal daily activities without functional deficits. We review the options of reconstructing the distal third of the lower leg and surgical pearls of propeller flaps. Propeller flaps provide adequate tissue-like and pliable soft tissue coverage with a short operation time. It can be a useful technique for the reconstruction of distal third lower-leg defects.
Delayed Lithium Reintoxication in a Case of Severe Multidrug Intoxication: A Case Study
Authors: Liang Jiayi , van den Bout Christiaan J. , Bosch Tessa M. , Mitrov-Winkelmolen Lieke
Published: May 2023

The authors present a case of severe multidrug intoxication following massive ingestion of lithium, nortriptyline, aripiprazole, lorazepam, and temazepam. After initial treatment, serum lithium levels decreased significantly. However, 28 hours post ingestion, recurrent elevated lithium levels were observed, and serum lithium level increased 0.71 mmol/L in 12 hours. The intensivist consulted a hospital pharmacist about this. After administering clearance-inducing therapy using continuous venovenous hemodialysis, the lithium level was reduced to a long-lasting nontoxic level. The occurrence of secondary elevation in lithium levels exceeding the toxic limit in cases of massive ingestion of lithium tablets, whether in combination with anticholinergic drugs, should be anticipated. Close monitoring and prompt initiation of clearance-inducing therapy can improve clinical outcomes.
Patients’ views on HCC biospecimen research: Understanding the role of race and culture through interviews
Authors: Jones Patricia D. , Schooley Ryan C. , Hon Sophia , Castañeda Stephanie M. , McCauley Jacob L. , Lee Debbiesiu L.
Published: May 2023

Background:

HCC is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality; there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in HCC risk and survival. Our knowledge regarding whether molecular and genetic factors contribute to these observed differences is limited by scarcity of biospecimens, which are especially scarce in minority populations. Because biospecimens are not needed for HCC diagnosis or treatment, patients are less likely to provide biospecimens solely for research purposes.

Methods:

We identified participants, n = 32, from an ongoing prospective cohort study. Using semi-structured interviews, we examined perceptions of providing biospecimens for research to identify factors that motivate and hinder their willingness to donate.

Results:

Directed content analysis resulted in 6 themes, including reported experiences of (1) support or suspicion in donating biospecimens; (2) desire to help others or themselves; (3) inconvenience, discomfort, and concerns about privacy or recovery as hindrances to donating; (4) recommendations for health care researchers; (5) preferences for biospecimen donation; and (6) the influence of race, culture, and religion in donating biospecimens. Patients reported being least willing to donate specimens that required more invasive procedures and recovery, namely, liver tissue. Patients reported being more likely to donate if the data collection was convenient, resulted from discarded tissue, or was instituted as part of a broad opt-in consent approach, with assurances as to confidentiality and prosocial benefit. Participants expressed mixed views about whether race and culture influence people’s willingness to donate biospecimens.

Conclusions:

Specific recommendations to increase the likelihood of donation include providing patients with educational materials addressing the benefits of donation and the concerns about confidentiality and data usage, making donation convenient, and adopting a broad consent bio-banking policy.
Professional Nursing Practice Environment and Work Engagement: The Mediating Roles of Self-Efficacy and Achievement Motivation
Authors: DAN Xin , HUANG Yan , REN Jian-Hua , TIAN Ya-Lin , HE Ya-Lin
Published: May 2023

Background

The shortage of nurses is a global problem. Increasing the level of work engagement is known to effectively reduce turnover rate among nursing staff. Strategies to improve work engagement based on the job demands–resources model may effectively improve nurses' job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover.

Purpose

A job demands–resources model was used in this study to test the hypothesis that work engagement is affected by both external resources (professional nursing practice environment) and internal resources (self-efficacy and achievement motivation). In addition, the mediating role of self-efficacy and achievement motivation in the relationship between professional nursing practice environment and work engagement was also verified.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey employing a convenience sampling design was implemented. Five hundred fifteen registered nurses were recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, China, from January to June 2020. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Achievement Motive Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to measure the four variables.

Results

The results of the structural equation model showed that the degree of fit for each index model was good, indicating that all of the three variables, including professional nursing practice environment, self-efficacy, and achievement motivation, directly affected work engagement. In addition, the variable professional nursing practice environment was found to indirectly influence work engagement through the partial mediation of self-efficacy and achievement motivation.

Conclusions

The results may be used to guide health policymakers and nurse managers attempting to enhance the work engagement of nurses by providing a supportive working environment, improving the welfare mechanism, formulating a talent training plan, and fostering appropriate empowerment to improve the working environment, self-efficacy, and motivation in nurses.
Redo hepatic artery reconstruction for thrombosis without retransplantation in 1355 adult living donor liver transplantations
Authors: Hong Su young , Yi Nam-Joon , Hong Kwangpyo , Han Eui Soo , Suh Sanggyun , Lee Jeong-Moo , Hong Suk Kyun , Choi YoungRok , Jin Ung Sik , Chang Hak , Lee Kwang-Woong , Suh Kyung-Suk , Minn Kyung Won
Published: May 2023

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation is associated with a marked increase in morbidity, leading to graft and patient loss. We evaluated the outcomes of adult living donor liver transplantation patients with HAT under an aggressive surgical intervention. A total of 1355 recipients underwent adult living donor liver transplantation at the Seoul National University Hospital. Surgical redo reconstruction for HAT was performed in all cases except in those with graft hepatic artery injury and late detection of HAT. Postoperative HAT developed in 33 cases (2.4%) at a median time of 3.5 days. Thirty patients (90.9%) underwent redo-arterial reconstruction. The survival rates in patients with HAT were similar to the rates in those without HAT (72.7% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.115). Although graft survival rates were lower in patients with HAT (84.8%) than in those without HAT (98.0%) (p < 0.001), the graft survival rate was comparable (92.0% vs. 98.0%, p = 0.124) in the 25 patients with successful revascularization. Biliary complication rates were higher in patients with HAT (54.5%) than in those without HAT (32.0%) (p = 0.008). In conclusion, the successful redo reconstruction under careful selection criteria saved the graft without retransplantation in 96.0% of the cases. Surgical revascularization should be preferentially considered for the management of HAT in adult living donor liver transplantation.
A contemporary approach to the musculoskeletal problems associated with hemophilia
Authors: Martín Fuentes Angel , Salas Gaude María Elena
Published: May 2023

It is essential that joint bleeds be treated in a hematologically and orthopedically optimal manner so as to arrest the bleeding as soon as possible and prevent potentially irreversible joint damage from setting in. The main goal of rehabilitation in the context of hemophilia is above all prevention and treatment of the consequences of musculoskeletal bleeding. Rehabilitation of acute joint bleeding episodes, that is, hemarthrosis, is based on three fundamental pillars: arthrocentesis, PRICE measures, and rehabilitation protocols.
Nutrition and Intestinal Rehabilitation of Children With Short Bowel Syndrome: A Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Part 1: From Intestinal Resection to Home Discharge
Authors: Norsa Lorenzo , Goulet Olivier , Alberti Daniele , DeKooning Barbara , Domellöf Magnus , Haiden Nadja , Hill Susan , Indrio Flavia , Kӧglmeier Jutta , Lapillonne Alexandre , Luque Veronica , Moltu Sissel J. , Saenz De Pipaon Miguel , Savino Francesco , Verduci Elvira , Bronsky Jiri
Published: May 2023

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure (IF) in children. The mainstay of treatment for IF is parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this position paper is to review the available evidence on managing SBS and to provide practical guidance to clinicians dealing with this condition. All members of the Nutrition Committee of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) contributed to this position paper. Some renowned experts in the field joined the team to guide with their experience. A systematic literature search was performed from 2005 to May 2021 using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. In the absence of evidence, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. Literature on SBS mainly consists of retrospective single-center experience, thus most of the current papers and recommendations are based on expert opinion. All recommendations were voted on by the expert panel and reached >90% agreement. The first part of this position paper focuses on the physiological mechanism of intestinal adaptation after surgical resection. It subsequently provides some clinical practice recommendations for the primary management of children with SBS from surgical resection until discharged home on PN.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Mycoplasma genitalium Infection in At-risk Female Adolescents in Bronx County, New York
Authors: Menezes Melissa E. , Silver Ellen J. , Goldstein D. Yitzchak , Collins-Ogle Michelle D. , Fox Amy S. , Coupey Susan M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium infection can adversely affect female reproductive health, but data are limited about prevalence and characteristics of the infection in female adolescents. We employed a sensitive assay to detect M.genitalium infection and we describe its characteristics in a clinical sample of females aged <21 years.

Methods

We recruited females aged 13-20 years in children’s hospital clinics whose clinicians were testing for chlamydia/gonorrhea. Participants completed a questionnaire providing demographics, sexual history, and current symptoms. Urine/endocervical samples were tested for chlamydia/gonorrhea and partitioned for M.genitalium testing using Aptima M.genitalium assay. We reviewed records for the clinic visit to document examination, diagnosis, and results of STI testing. We compared prevalence of M.genitalium infection by demographics, sexual history, symptoms, and signs.

Results

Of 153 participants mean age 18.07 ± 1.68 years, 58% self-identified as Hispanic, 27% Black, 64% straight/heterosexual, 27% bisexual, 1% gay/lesbian, 29% reported a prior STI diagnosis. Prevalence of M.genitalium was 11.1% (17/153), 13/17 were asymptomatic, 2/17 had PID, 3/17 co-infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Prevalence of chlamydia was 6.6%, and of gonorrhea 2.6%. A logistic regression model indicated independent associations of bisexual orientation vs all other orientations (aOR = 4.80; 95%CI = 1.38-16-67), self-reported prior STI (aOR = 3.83; 95%CI = 1.10-13.37) and self-reported prior PID (aOR = 9.12; 95%CI = 1.02-81.72) with higher odds of M.genitalium infection.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that in at-risk female populations aged <21 years, M.genitalium is a prevalent STI and symptomatic adolescents may warrant testing and treatment. Further study of harms and benefits of testing asymptomatic bisexual female adolescents or those with prior STI/PID is needed.
Polygenic risk associations with clinical characteristics and recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: Riesmeijer Sophie A. , Nolte Ilja M. , Olde Loohuis Loes M. , Reus Lianne M. , Boltz Toni , Ng Michael , Furniss Dominic , Werker Paul M.N. , Ophoff Roel A.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a common complex trait, with varying severity and incompletely understood etiology. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified risk loci. Here, we examine whether genetic risk profiles of DD in patients are associated with clinical variation and disease severity as well as with patient genetic risk profiles of genetically correlated traits, including body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and endophenotypes fasting glucose (FG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Methods:

We used a well-characterized cohort of 1,461 DD patients with available phenotypic and genetic data. Phenotype data include age of onset, recurrence, and family history of disease. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of DD, BMI, TG, HDL, T2D, FG, and HbA1c using various significance thresholds were calculated with PRSice using the most recent GWAS summary statistics. Control data from LifeLines were used to determine p-value cut-offs for PRSs generation explaining most variance.

Results:

The PRS for DD was significantly associated with a positive family history for DD, age of onset, disease onset before the age of 50, and recurrence. We also found a significant negative correlation between the PRSs for DD and BMI.

Conclusions:

While GWAS studies of DD are designed to identify genetic risk factors distinguishing case/control status, we show that the genetic risk profile for DD also explains part of its clinical variation and disease severity. The PRS may therefore aid in accurate prognostication, choosing initial treatment and in personalized medicine in future.
Changes in HIV Prevention and Sexual Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Pyra Maria , Kline J. , Taylor O. , Rusie L. , Schafer T. , Motley D. , Johnson A. K.
Published: May 2023

Background:

STI and HIV services and infection rates were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, because of changes in access to health care and individual behavior. Understanding how individuals made decisions around prevention and sexual activities during different phases of the pandemic is useful to addressing the rising rates of STIs and HIV.

Setting:

Federally-qualified health center focused on sexual and gender minority health, Chicago IL, 2021.

Methods:

Patients with a history of PrEP use who were contacted by the PrEP retention team as part of standard care were invited to complete an online survey. A subset of survey participants were then contacted to complete one-on-one interviews. Participants were asked about two distinct periods: November 2020 to January 2021 and February to June 2021.

Results:

From the 356 survey participants (mostly young, insured, and experienced with PrEP), more than half maintained their number of sex partners during the early pandemic and most also maintained PrEP use; during the later pandemic; most reported more or the same number of sex partners and almost all maintained PrEP use. From interviews, we identified diverse and changing experiences regarding sexual practices throughout the pandemic; whereas many participants changed PrEP use in accordance with sexual practices, many others maintained PrEP use as a habit. COVID-19 prevention was also a factor in sexual activities, particularly prevaccination.

Conclusion:

Many PrEP users try to align their HIV prevention with their sexual exposures and establish PrEP as a long-term habit. Removing financial and access barriers is important to improve PrEP use and STI testing.
Cavendish on life
Authors: Georgescu Laura
Published: May 2023

This paper argues that Margaret Cavendish is a metaphysical deflationist about life. That is, it claims that, in Cavendish's mature philosophy, life is no metaphysical kind. From this it also follows that claims about matter being alive play no role in Cavendish's (natural) philosophy. On my reading, living is identical with (natural) being, Cavendish has no problem of life, and the label of vitalism is explanatorily vacuous as applied to her philosophy.
Walk the plank! Using mobile electroencephalography to investigate emotional lateralization of immersive fear in virtual reality
Authors: El Basbasse Yasmin , Packheiser Julian , Peterburs Jutta , Maymon Christopher , Güntürkün Onur , Grimshaw Gina , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Most studies on emotion processing induce emotions through images or films. However, this method lacks ecological validity, limiting generalization to real-life emotion processing. More realistic paradigms using virtual reality (VR) may be better suited to investigate authentic emotional states and their neuronal correlates. This pre-registered study examines the neuronal underpinnings of naturalistic fear, measured using mobile electroencephalography (EEG). Seventy-five healthy participants walked across a virtual plank which extended from the side of a skyscraper—either 80 storeys up (the negative condition) or at street level (the neutral condition). Subjective ratings showed that the negative condition induced feelings of fear. Following the VR experience, participants passively viewed negative and neutral images from the international affective picture system (IAPS) outside of VR. We compared frontal alpha asymmetry between the plank and IAPS task and across valence of the conditions. Asymmetry indices in the plank task revealed greater right-hemispheric lateralization during the negative VR condition, relative to the neutral VR condition and to IAPS viewing. Within the IAPS task, no significant asymmetries were detected. In summary, our findings indicate that immersive technologies such as VR can advance emotion research by providing more ecologically valid ways to induce emotion.
Development and Validation of a Short Form of Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire
Authors: Sun Shuyu , Liu Hongzhi , Guo Zheng , Guan Qihua , Wang Yinghao , Wang Jie , Qi Yan , Yan Yuxiang , Wang Youxin , Wen Jun , Hou Haifeng
Published: May 2023

Background

Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a reversible borderline condition between optimal health and diseases. Although the definition of SHS is widely understood, the questionnaires of SHS are needed to be further developed, by which individual with SHS can be identified from a variety of population in the context of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM). This study aimed to develop a short form of suboptimal health status questionnaire (SHSQ-SF) by reference to suboptimal health status questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25).

Methods

A total of 6,183 participants enrolled from southern China were included in a training set, while 4,113 from northern China were included in an external validation set. SHSQ-SF included nine key items from SHSQ-25, a questionnaire that has been applied in Caucasians, Asians, and Africans. Item analysis, reliability and validity tests were carried out to validate SHSQ-SF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the optimal cutoff value for diagnosis of SHS.

Results

In the training dataset, the Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.902, and the split-half reliability was 0.863. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) statistic was 0.880, and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2= 32,929.680,P<0.05). Both Kaiser’s criteria (eigenvalues >1) and scree plot revealed one factor which explained 57.008% of the total variance. Standardized factor loadings of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indices were between 0.59 to 0.74, with χ2/dƒ= 4.972, (GFI) = 0.996, CFI = 0.996, RFI = 0.989 and RMSEA = 0.031. The area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.985 (95%CI: 0.983 – 0.988) in training dataset, by which the cutoff value (≥ 11) was identified for diagnosis of SHS. In the external validation dataset, this questionnaire showed good discriminatory power (AUC = 0.975, 95%CI: 0.971 – 0.979), with a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 87.4%.

Conclusions

We developed a short form of SHS questionnaire, which has good reliability and validity in measurement of SHS in Chinese residents. From the perspective of PPPM/3PM, SHSQ-SF is recommended to be used for quickly screening individuals with SHS from a large-scale population.
Simplifying and personalising health information with mobile apps: translating complex models into understandable visuals
Authors: Waaler Per Niklas , Bongo Lars Ailo , Rolandsen Christina , Lorem Geir F.
Published: May 2023

Background

If patients could utilise scientific research about modifiable risk factors there is a potential to prevent disease and promote health. Mobile applications can automatically adjust what and how information is presented based on a user’s profile, creating opportunities for conveying scientific health information in a simpler and more intuitive way. We aimed to demonstrate this principle by developing a complex statistical model of the relationship between self-rated-health (SRH) and lifestyle-related factors, and designing an app that utilises user data to translate the statistical model into a user-centred visualisation that is easy to understand.

Methods

Using data from the 6th (n=12 981, 53.4% women and 46.6% men) and 7th (n=21 083, 52.5% women and 47.5% men) iteration of the Tromsø population survey, we modelled the association between SRH on a 4-point scale and self-reported intensity and frequency of physical activity, BMI, mental health symptoms (HSCL-10), smoking, support from friends, and diabetes (HbA1c≥6.5%) using a mixed-effects linear-regression model (SRH was treated as a continuous variable) adjusted for socio-economic factors and comorbidity. The app registers relevant user information, and inputs the information into the SRH-model to translate present status into suggestions for lifestyle changes with estimated health effects.

Results

SRH was strongly related to modifiable health factors. The strongest modifiable predictors of SRH were HSCL-10 and physical activity levels. In the fully adjusted model, on a scale ranging from 1 to 4, a 10-HSCL index≥3 was associated with a reduction in SRH of 0.948 (CI: 0.89, 1.00), and vigorous physical activity (exercising to exhaustion ≥4 days/week vs sedentary) was associated with an SRH increase of 0.643 (0.56-0.73). Physical activity intensity and frequency interacted positively in their effect on SRH, with large PA-volume (frequency ⨯ intensity) being particularly predictive of high SRH.

Conclusions

Apps that adjust the presentation of information based on the user’s profile can simplify and potentially improve communication of research-based scientific models, and could play an important role in making health research more accessible to the general public. Such technology could improve health education if implemented in websites or mobile apps that focus on improving health behaviours.