bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XYLEM CYSTEINE PEPTIDASE 1 and its inhibitor CYSTATIN 6 regulate pattern-triggered immunity by modulating the stability of the NADPH oxidase RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D
Authors: Liu Yang , Gong Tingting , Kong Xiangjiu , Sun Jiaqi , Liu Lijing
Published: October 2023

Plants produce a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after pathogen infection to successfully activate immune responses. During pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), ROS are primarily generated by the NADPH oxidase RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RBOHD). RBOHD is degraded in the resting state to avoid inappropriate ROS production; however, the enzyme mediating RBOHD degradation and how to prevent RBOHD degradation after pathogen infection is unclear. In this study, we identified an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) vacuole-localized papain-like cysteine protease, XYLEM CYSTEINE PEPTIDASE 1 (XCP1), and its inhibitor CYSTATIN 6 (CYS6). Pathogen-associated molecular pattern-induced ROS burst and resistance were enhanced in the xcp1 mutant but were compromised in the cys6 mutant, indicating that XCP1 and CYS6 oppositely regulate PTI responses. Genetic and biochemical analyses revealed that CYS6 interacts with XCP1 and depends on XCP1 to enhance PTI. Further experiments showed that XCP1 interacts with RBOHD and accelerates RBOHD degradation in a vacuole-mediated manner. CYS6 inhibited the protease activity of XCP1 toward RBOHD, which is critical for RBOHD accumulation upon pathogen infection. As CYS6, XCP1, and RBOHD are conserved in all plant species tested, our findings suggest the existence of a conserved strategy to precisely regulate ROS production under different conditions by modulating the stability of RBOHD.
The micro-dynamics of scientific choice: research project motivations among public affairs academics
Authors: Nelson John P
Published: October 2023

Academic researchers’ choices about research projects to pursue are an important mechanism in societal allocation of research effort. It is unclear whether researchers’ criteria for project choice align with those articulated by policy scholars and philosophers. Many potential criteria for project choice are commonly discussed in scholarly and popular literature, but they have been little studied on the individual level. I review and catalog such potential criteria and then empirically explore researcher motivations for project choice through factor analysis of survey data from 409 authors of research articles in major public administration and public policy journals. I find empirical support for personal gain, societal importance, and intellectual interest as research motivations. These motivations do not neatly align with proposed ideal criteria for scientific choice. Thus, such criteria must be translated to speak to researchers’ personal interests to achieve expression in individual scientific choice.
Bringing technology to market: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute SBIR Phase IIB projects
Authors: Nienow Sara , Leonchuk Olena , O’Connor Alan C , Link Albert N
Published: October 2023

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is the fourth largest institute in the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Surprisingly, there is a conspicuous void of policy studies related to the research activities of NHLBI in comparison to NIH or the National Cancer Institute. This paper investigates the likelihood that a business funded through NHLBI’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will commercialize from its Phase IIB translational support. Commercialization is one performance metric that quantifies a policy dimension of the success of the funded SBIR project. Based on an empirical analysis of sixty-one Phase IIB projects, we find that the most significant covariate with the likelihood of commercialization is the growth in human capital within the business since the Phase IIB award.
Role of Rain in the Spore Dispersal of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Grapevine Trunk Diseases
Authors: Ji Tao , Altieri Valeria , Salotti Irene , Li Ming , Rossi Vittorio
Published: October 2023

Grapevine trunk diseases are caused by a complex of fungi that belong to different taxa, which produce different spore types and have different spore dispersal mechanisms. It is commonly accepted that rainfall plays a key role in spore dispersal, but there is conflicting information in the literature on the relationship between rain and spore trapping in aerobiology studies. We conducted a systematic literature review, extracted quantitative data from published papers, and used the pooled data for Bayesian analysis of the effect of rain on spore trapping. We selected 17 papers covering 95 studies and 8,778 trapping periods, concerning a total of 26 fungal taxa causing Botryosphaeria dieback (BD), Esca complex (EC), and Eutypa dieback (ED). Results confirmed the role of rain in the spore dispersal of these fungi but revealed differences among the different fungi. Rain was a good predictor of spore trapping for ED (AUROC = 0.820) and BD (0.766) but not for the ascomycetes involved in EC (0.569) and not for the only basidiomycetes, Fomitiporella viticola, studied as for spore discharge (AUROC not significant). Prediction of spore trapping was more accurate for negative prognosis than for positive prognosis; a rain cutoff of ≥0.2 mm provided an overall accuracy of ≥0.61 for correct prognoses. Spores trapped in rainless periods accounted for only <10% of the total spores. Our analysis had some drawbacks, which were mainly caused by knowledge gaps and limited data availability; these drawbacks are discussed to facilitate further research.
Targeting phospholipid remodeling pathway improves insulin resistance in diabetic mouse models
Authors: Tian Ye , Lu Wei , Shi Ruicheng , McGuffee Reagan , Lee Richard , Ford David A. , Wang Bo
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have revealed that membrane phospholipid composition controlled by lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3) is involved in the development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting Lpcat3 in the treatment of insulin resistance in diabetic mouse models. Lpcat3 expression was suppressed in the whole body by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) injection or in the liver by adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐encoded Cre in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced and genetic ob/ob type 2 diabetic mouse models. Glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Lipid levels in the liver and serum were measured. The expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis was analyzed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Metabolic rates were measured by indirect calorimetry using the Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System (CLAMS). Our data demonstrate that acute knockout of hepatic Lpcat3 by AAV‐Cre improves both hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in HFD‐fed mice. Similarly, whole‐body ablation of Lpcat3 by ASO administration improves obesity and insulin resistance in both HFD‐fed and ob/ob mice. These findings demonstrate that targeting LPCAT3 could be a novel therapy for insulin resistance.
Identification of the novel role of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in mechanotransduction and intraocular pressure regulation
Authors: Wang Ting , Soundararajan Avinash , Rabinowitz Jeffrey , Jaiswal Anant , Osborne Timothy , Pattabiraman Padmanabhan Paranji
Published: October 2023

Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are contractile and mechanosensitive, and they aid in maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. Lipids are attributed to modulating TM contractility, with poor mechanistic understanding. In this study using human TM cells, we identify the mechanosensing role of the transcription factors sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) involved in lipogenesis. By constitutively activating SREBPs and pharmacologically inactivating SREBPs, we have mechanistically deciphered the attributes of SREBPs in regulating the contractile properties of TM. The pharmacological inhibition of SREBPs by fatostatin and molecular inactivation of SREBPs ex vivo and in vivo, respectively, results in significant IOP lowering. As a proof of concept, fatostatin significantly decreased the SREBPs responsive genes and enzymes involved in lipogenic pathways as well as the levels of the phospholipid, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Further, we show that fatostatin mitigated actin polymerization machinery and stabilization, and decreased ECM synthesis and secretion. We thus postulate that lowering lipogenesis in the TM outflow pathway can hold the key to lowering IOP by modifying the TM biomechanics.
Impaired electrical activity of the brain explains the onset of dementia in aging people
Authors: Marchesi Vincent T.
Published: October 2023

Aging brains that share many cognitive deficits with the early stages of Alzheimer's‐type dementias are not caused by toxic protein deposits but by somatic mutations that impair synaptic signaling. These mutant proteins that contribute to neuronal action potentials could be biomarkers of functional defects that offer new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Seek to Understand: Cultural Humility in Undergraduate Nursing Students and Faculty
Authors: Compton-McBride Sheri , Andrews Angela , Reed Amy
Published: October 2023

There exists a critical knowledge deficit in undergraduate nursing students when caring for multiculturally diverse clients. A mixed-methods study was conducted with a sample of undergraduate nursing faculty and students. Foronda’s Cultural Humility Scale was used, along with a survey about cultural experiences in undergraduate nursing education. The study found that to provide opportunities for psychologically safe conversations and simulated cultural encounters, concepts related to cultural humility should be considered when redesigning nursing curricula.
Primary tumor resection improves prognosis of unresectable carcinomas of the transverse colon including flexures with pulmonary metastasis: a cohort study
Authors: Zhao Huixia , Song Guangze , Wang Ruliang , Guan Na , Yun Chao , Yang Jingwen , Ma Jin-Bao , Li Hui , Xiao Wenhua , Peng Liang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Studies of unresectable colorectal cancer pulmonary metastasis (CRPM) have rarely analyzed patient prognosis from the perspective of colonic subsites. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of primary tumor resection (PTR) on the prognosis of patients with unresectable pulmonary metastases of transverse colon cancer pulmonary metastasis (UTCPM), hepatic flexure cancer pulmonary metastasis (UHFPM), and splenic flexure cancer pulmonary metastasis (USFPM).

Methods

Patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2000 and 2018. The Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS). The Kaplan–Meier analyses and log-rank tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of PTR on survival.

Results

This study included 1294 patients: 419 with UHFPM, 636 with UTCPM, and 239 with USFPM. Survival analysis for OS and CSS in the PTR groups, showed that there were no statistical differences in the the UHFPM, UTCPM, and USFPM patients. There were statistical differences in the UHFPM, UTCPM, and USFPM patients for OS and CSS. Three non-PTR subgroups showed significant statistical differences for OS and CSS.

Conclusion

We confirmed the different survival rates of patients with UTCPM, UHFPM, and USFPM and proved for the first time that PTR could provide survival benefits for patients with unresectable CRPM from the perspective of the colonic subsites of the transverse colon, hepatic flexure, and splenic flexure.
Luteal phase stimulation in double ovarian stimulation cycles is not affected by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor genotype: double ovarian stimulation is beneficial independently of the genotype at position 680 of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor
Authors: Hortal Mónica , Lledo Belén , Ortiz Jose A. , Fuentes Ana , García-Ajofrín Cristina , Romero Ruth , Cascales Alba , Bernabeu Andrea , Bernabeu Rafael
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To determine whether follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genotype influences the outcome of ovarian stimulation treatment in luteal phase.

Methods

A total of 299 patients were included in a retrospective study between July 2017 and December 2021. These patients carried out a double stimulation protocol and the variant Asn680Ser (rs6166; c.2039A>G) of FSH receptor was genotyped either as part of the pre-treatment fertility tests or for the current study. Patients undergoing a double stimulation treatment who could not be genotyped were excluded from this analysis.

Results

The results obtained from ovarian stimulation in luteal phase were better than those obtained in conventional follicular phase. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were found in the number of retrieved oocytes (5.47 vs. 4.18), retrieved MII (4.52 vs. 3.29) and fertilised oocytes (3.81 vs. 2.20). Furthermore, these differences remained regardless of the FSH receptor genotype for the 680 position in all groups (P < 0.05). In addition, stimulation in luteal phase lasts longer and requires more gonadotropins than in follicular phase. This is especially noteworthy in patients with Ser/Ser genotype, who required a slightly higher dose of gonadotropins compared to other genotypes in luteal phase, as previously observed in the follicular phase for this genotype. No significant differences in age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, antral follicle count, BMI and type of trigger used in luteal phase were observed among groups of patients with different FSH receptor genotypes.

Conclusion

All patients undergoing IVF seem to benefit from luteal phase ovarian stimulation, regardless of their FSHR genotype.
Anterior Ear Reconstruction with the Posterior Pull-through Flap
Authors: Gatti John E. , Charipova Karina , Sollitto Robert B.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Defects of the central ear after skin cancer removal remain a common problem for the reconstructive surgeon. The experience with a one-stage, postauricular, skin-island flap passed through the cartilage to reconstruct ear defects is reported.

Methods:

Patients with an intact ear helix and an anterior full-thickness defect (cartilage defects included) were reconstructed with a skin-island flap based on posterior subcutaneous tissue deep to the flap base. The flap was passed through a generous aperture created in the ear cartilage. The skin at the base was incised superficially after the flap was passed through the cartilage to create a skin-island and avoid burial of epithelium. The flap periphery and postauricular harvest site were sutured with absorbable chromic sutures.

Results:

Twenty-two patients (six women, 16 men) with ear defects underwent single-stage reconstruction over a 9-year period. The defects reconstructed measured in diameter from 2 cm to 4.5 cm. Six patients required a second skin flap from the preauricular area to close ear canal defects. The pull-through flap added structural support, and prevented ear distortion. No flap necrosis occurred. Venous congestion was common and self-limiting. No epithelial cysts developed.

Conclusions:

A one-stage postauricular skin-island flap can reliably reconstruct anterior ear defects without distorting shape or position of the ear. Care is needed to provide a generous aperture through the ear cartilage to accommodate the flap. Healing proceeds predictably, and minimal complications are associated with this posteriorly-based, pass-through, skin-island flap in ear reconstruction.
Development of Respiratory Tract Organs for ICRP Pediatric Mesh-type Reference Computational Phantoms
Authors: Choi Chansoo , Shin Bangho , Yeom Yeon Soo , Kim Chan Hyeong , Bolch Wesley E. , Jokisch Derek W. , Han Haegin , Lee Choonsik , Chung Beom Sun
Published: October 2023

As part of the activities of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Task Group 103, the present study developed a new set of respiratory tract organs consisting of the extrathoracic, bronchial, bronchiolar, and alveolar-interstitial regions for newborn, 1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-y-old males and females for use in pediatric mesh-type reference computational phantoms. The developed respiratory tract organs, while preserving the original topologies of those of the pediatric voxel-type reference computational phantoms of ICRP Publication 143, have improved anatomy and detailed structure and also include μm-thick target and source regions prescribed in ICRP Publication 66. The dosimetric impact of the developed respiratory tract organs was investigated by calculating the specific absorbed fraction for internal electron exposures, which were then compared with the ICRP Task Group 96 values. The results showed that except for the alveolar-interstitial region as a source region, the pediatric mesh phantoms showed larger specific absorbed fractions than the Task Group 96 values. The maximum difference was a factor of ~3.5 for the extrathoracic-2 basal cell and surface as target and source regions, respectively. These results reflect the differences in the target masses and geometry caused by the anatomical enhancement of the pediatric mesh phantoms. For the alveolar-interstitial region as a source region, the pediatric mesh phantoms showed larger values for low energy ranges and lower values with increasing energies, owing to the differences in the size and shape of the alveolar-interstitial region.
Machine Learning Improves Risk Stratification in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms: An Analysis of the Spanish Group of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Mosquera Orgueira Adrian , Perez Encinas Manuel Mateo , Diaz Varela Nicolas A , Mora Elvira , Díaz-Beyá Marina , Montoro María Julia , Pomares Helena , Ramos Fernando , Tormo Mar , Jerez Andres , Nomdedeu Josep F , De Miguel Sanchez Carlos , Leonor Arenillas , Cárcel Paula , Cedena Romero Maria Teresa , Xicoy Blanca , Rivero Eugenia , del Orbe Barreto Rafael Andres , Diez-Campelo Maria , Benlloch Luis E. , Crucitti Davide , Valcárcel David
Published: October 2023

Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of hematological stem cell disorders characterized by dysplasia, cytopenias, and increased risk of acute leukemia. As prognosis differs widely between patients, and treatment options vary from observation to allogeneic stem cell transplantation, accurate and precise disease risk prognostication is critical for decision making. With this aim, we retrieved registry data from MDS patients from 90 Spanish institutions. A total of 7202 patients were included, which were divided into a training (80%) and a test (20%) set. A machine learning technique (random survival forests) was used to model overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS). The optimal model was based on 8 variables (age, gender, hemoglobin, leukocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil percentage, bone marrow blast, and cytogenetic risk group). This model achieved high accuracy in predicting OS (c-indexes; 0.759 and 0.776) and LFS (c-indexes; 0.812 and 0.845). Importantly, the model was superior to the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) and the age-adjusted IPSS-R. This difference persisted in different age ranges and in all evaluated disease subgroups. Finally, we validated our results in an external cohort, confirming the superiority of the Artificial Intelligence Prognostic Scoring System for MDS (AIPSS-MDS) over the IPSS-R, and achieving a similar performance as the molecular IPSS. In conclusion, the AIPSS-MDS score is a new prognostic model based exclusively on traditional clinical, hematological, and cytogenetic variables. AIPSS-MDS has a high prognostic accuracy in predicting survival in MDS patients, outperforming other well-established risk-scoring systems.
USE OF HAND-HELD OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY DURING RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY SCREENING DEMONSTRATES AN INCREASED OUTER RETINA FROM EARLY POSTMENSTRUAL AGE IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Authors: Anwar Samira , Nath Mintu , Patel Aarti , Tyradellis Straton , Gottlob Irene , Proudlock Frank A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To identify structural markers of active retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in foveal and parafoveal retinal layers using hand-held optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

Hand-held optical coherence tomography images (n = 278) were acquired from a prospective mixed cross-sectional longitudinal observational study of 87 participants (23–36 weeks gestational age; n = 30 with ROP, n = 57 without ROP) between 31 and 44 weeks postmenstrual age excluding treated ROP and features of cystoid macular edema. Six retinal layer thicknesses from the fovea to the parafovea were analyzed at five locations up to 1,000 µm, temporally and nasally.

Results:

The mean outer retinal thickness during active ROP increased at the fovea and parafovea from postmenstrual age 33 weeks to 39 weeks (P < 0.001), whereas the parafoveal inner nuclear layer and retinal nerve fiber layer reduced (P < 0.001). Outer retinal thickness at the fovea from 33 weeks to 39 weeks postmenstrual age was consistently thicker in infants with ROP across all levels of prematurity (gestational age).

Conclusion:

Increased foveal and parafoveal outer retina measured using hand-held optical coherence tomography shows potential as a marker for ROP screening.
IRIS NODULES SECONDARY TO RETAINED PERFLUORO-N-OCTANE IN THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER AFTER MACULA-OFF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR
Authors: Waninger Jessica J. , Ayres Bernadete , Jayasundera Kanishka , Demirci Hakan
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To describe a case of perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) retention, migration into the anterior chamber, and the subsequent formation of iris nodules after the repair of a giant retinal tear.

Methods:

Patient data were collected by a manual chart review. All patient information was deidentified.

Results:

Slit-lamp photographs demonstrate nodules on the iris surface and retained PFO in the anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy shows multifocal hyperreflective signals on the iris surface, corresponding to the retained PFO within the iris.

Conclusion:

Retention and migration of PFO to the anterior chamber after retinal detachment repair can lead to formation of nodules on the surface of the iris.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis with extramammary manifestations: a case report
Authors: Hamsho Suaad , Alaswad Mohammed , Alsmodi Hasan , Sleiay Mouhammed , Hoha Ghofran , Alcheikh Salwa
Published: October 2023

Introduction and Importance:

Granulomatous mastitis is a rare inflammatory disorder of the breast, which can be either idiopathic or due to secondary etiology. This disease affects women of reproductive age. The exact pathophysiology underlying idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) remains unclear, but it is believed to be mediated by immunological processes. Establishing a diagnosis of this condition could be challenging due to the long list of differential diagnoses that it creates.

Case Presentation:

We report a 24-year-old Syrian female presented to the clinic complaining of a 2-week history of fatigue, fever and chills, swelling, and localized pain in her left breast. Physical examination revealed erythema nodosum, episcleritis, and arthralgia in the wrists, ankles, and elbows. An excisional biopsy was done and a microscopic examination of the lesion confirmed granulomatous perilobular mastitis. Symptoms had resolved after the surgical excision and follow-up evaluation showed no signs of recurrence.

Clinical Discussion:

IGM typically presents as an enlarging breast mass that can be mistaken for breast cancer or an abscess. The diagnostic approach should consider the presence of extramammary symptoms such as fever, arthralgia, and fatigue. Treatment options include corticosteroids, surgical excision, or steroid-sparing agents, but relapse rates vary.

Conclusions:

Episcleritis should be considered as a potential extramammary manifestation in cases of IGM. We highlight the importance of recognizing and investigating the potential systemic involvement in patients with IGM. Accurate interpretation of pathological and radiological findings by a multidisciplinary breast team can facilitate the diagnosis and reduce unnecessary interventions.
Adoption and use of immunotherapy in breast cancer management in Africa: barriers and prospect – a narrative review
Authors: Mutiu Alani Jimoh , Olaoye Damilola Quazeem , Adesina Abass Abdus-Salam
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is the world’s most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with 7.8 million women diagnosed with BC in the past 5 years. BC has the highest incidence rate of all cancers in women worldwide (1.67 million), accounting for over 500 000 deaths annually. In Africa, BC accounts for 28% of all cancers and 20% of all cancer deaths in women. The African continent has recorded an alarming increase in incidence, with the highest mortality rate globally. Despite BC being a major health concern in Africa, there is limited access to adequate healthcare services to combat the growing need. Immunotherapy, a promising treatment approach that harnesses the immune system’s power to fight cancer, has shown great potential in BC management. However, in the face of the growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness, the adoption and use of immunotherapy in BC management in Africa remain limited. Hence, this review aimed to explore the barriers and prospects of immunotherapy adoption and use in BC management in Africa. A comprehensive search across various databases and sources using specific keywords related to immunotherapy and BC to achieve the study aim was conducted. The criteria for including data in the study were based on relevance and availability in English, with no publication year restrictions. The collected data underwent narrative analysis, supplemented by information from sources like country reports, newsletters, commentaries, policy briefs, and direct Google searches. By identifying the challenges and opportunities, this review provided insights into how healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders can work together to improve the availability and accessibility of immunotherapy to BC patients in Africa.
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Nurse Practitioner Self-efficacy Scale
Authors: Azama Katie
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

In this study, a psychometric evaluation of the Nurse Practitioner Self-efficacy Scale (NPSES) was conducted.

BACKGROUND

Self-efficacy is an important concept for optimal nurse practitioner (NP) performance and retention. The NPSES may serve as a valuable instrument to support NP practice.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the NPSES responses from 230 NPs. Confirmatory factor analysis, reliability, and t tests were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis revealed acceptable goodness of fit for an 8-factor model (root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.05, comparative fit index = 0.97, Tucker Lewis index = 0.96). Reliability estimates resulted in acceptable internal consistency (coefficient α = 0.94). The t tests comparing more and less experienced NPs resulted in higher scores in more experienced NPs.

CONCLUSION

This validation study showed that the NPSES is a psychometrically-sound instrument to assess NP self-efficacy. The NPSES is a cost-effective and convenient method to measure self-efficacy, a valuable concept for NP practice.
Handoff Tool Improves Transitions from the Operating Room to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gallois Julie B. , Zagory Jessica A. , Barkemeyer Brian , Knecht Michelle , Richard Lauren , Vincent Kathleen , Sciacca David , Maise-Dykes Crystal , Mumphrey Christy
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Standardized handoffs reduce medical errors and prevent adverse events or near misses. This article describes a quality improvement initiative implementing a unique standardized handoff tool and process to transition from the operating room to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a level-four regional center with many inpatients requiring surgical intervention. Before this project, there was no standardized handoff tool or process for postsurgical transitions. The primary aim was to achieve 80% compliance with completing a structured postoperative OR to NICU handoff tool within 12 months of implementation.

Methods:

An interdisciplinary team developed and implemented a standardized NICU postoperative handoff tool and process that requires face-to-face communication, defines team members who should be present, and highlights communication with the family. In addition, the handoff tool compliance and process measures were monitored, evaluated, and audited.

Results:

Although not consistent, we achieved eighty percent compliance with the outcome measures using the handoff tool. We did not sustain 80% of appropriate providers present at handoff. In addition, insufficient data assess overall parental satisfaction with the surgical experience. Although improved, the process measure of immediate postoperative family updates did not reach the targeted goal. However, the balancing measure of staff experience and satisfaction did improve.

Conclusion:

Implementing a standardized handoff tool and process with an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration improves critical patient transitions from the operating room to the NICU.
The Rise of Online Medical Education in Craniofacial Surgery
Authors: Tu Junior Chun-Yu , Chen Gloria , Seo Hyung Joon , Tansipek Bernard , Honda Takayuki , Fayyaz Ghulam Qadir , Chou Pang-Yun , Lo Lun-Jou , Chen Yu-Ray
Published: October 2023

Background

International travel had been radically disrupted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leaving traditional medical conferences on a 2-year hiatus. The International Craniofacial Chang Gung Group (ICC) was thus created to disseminate knowledge related to craniofacial surgery. This study aimed to reveal how webinars fundamentally transformed the traditional format of medical conferences.

Materials and Method

In total, 64 ICC webinars held between December 13, 2020, and May 21, 2023, were documented and reviewed. A questionnaire was designed and sent to ICC members. The questionnaire collected information on attitudes and habits relating to videoconferencing in general before and after the start of COVID-19 and on the ICC webinars specifically. Responses were analyzed to inform our understanding of respondents' experience and satisfaction with the webinars.

Results

The webinars covered a variety of topics related to craniofacial surgery. In total, 64 webinars were included for analysis. The mean number of attendees at each webinar was 86.7. In total, 111 respondents were more satisfied (4.25 ± 0.72 out of 5) with ICC webinars than with other media of online meetings (P < 0.001). In total, 89.2% of respondents were willing to continue attending ICC webinars after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Conclusions

Webinars are an effective format for imparting knowledge, especially in the ICC, and will become key in continuing medical education.
An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Tissue Oximetry Versus Conventional Methods for Postoperative Monitoring of Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Johnson Braden M. , Egan Katie G. , He Jianghua , Lai Eric C. , Butterworth James A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Tissue oximetry monitoring has shown superior outcomes to conventional monitoring methods for autologous breast reconstruction in retrospective studies with consecutive cohorts. A recent study used consecutive cohorts with tissue oximetry as the earlier cohort and found that tissue oximetry was nonsuperior. We hypothesize that improvement in microsurgical outcomes with institutional experience confounds the superiority of tissue oximetry demonstrated in prior studies. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes of tissue oximetry monitoring compared with conventional monitoring.

Methods

Relevant studies were found using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science searches for keywords such as near-infrared spectroscopy or tissue oximetry and microsurgery. Studies included compared tissue oximetry and conventional monitoring in autologous breast reconstruction patients. Studies were excluded if they did not contain a comparison group. Random-effective models were used to analyze early returns to the operating room, the total number of partial or complete flap loss, and late fat necrosis.

Results

Six hundred sixty-nine studies were identified; 3 retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1644 flaps were in the tissue oximetry cohort, and 1387 flaps were in the control cohort. One study contained tissue oximetry as the former cohort; 2 had tissue oximetry as the latter. Neither technique was superior for any measured outcomes. The estimated mean differences between tissue oximetry and conventional monitoring method were early returns, −0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.52 to 0.410; P = 0.82); partial flap loss, −0.04 (95% CI, −0.86 to 0.79; P = 0.93); complete flap loss, −1.29 (95% CI, −3.45 to 0.87; P = 0.24); and late fat necrosis −0.02 (95% CI, −0.42 to, 0.39; P = 0.94).

Conclusions

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of mixed timeline retrospective cohort studies, tissue oximetry does not provide superior patient outcomes and shifts our current understanding of postoperative breast reconstruction monitoring. Prospective studies and randomized trials comparing monitoring methods need to be included in the existing literature.
Replacement of the illegitimate name Pleomorpha daqingensis (Wang et al. 2017) Montero-Calasanz et al. 2023 with the oldest legitimate name Geodermatophilus daqingensis Wang et al. 2017 and proposal to attribute this species to Petropleomorpha daqingensis (Wang et al. 2017) Li 2023 comb. nov.
Authors: Li Meng-Syun
Published: October 2023

The prokaryotic generic name Pleomorpha Montero-Calasanz et al. 2023 should be considered illegitimate for being a later homonym of the insect generic name Pleomorpha Saunders 1847, which contravenes Principle 2 and Rule 51b(5) of the 2022 Prokaryotic Code. The name Pleomorpha daqingensis Montero-Calasanz et al. 2023 is therefore illegitimate, and a proposal of a replacement name must be made. The author herein proposes to replace it with the oldest legitimate name

Geodermatophilus daqingensis

Wang et al. 2017 as requested by Rule 54 and then to attribute this species to the new combination Petropleomorpha daqingensis (Wang et al. 2017) Li 2023 comb. nov.
Comparative genomics of Mycoplasma feriruminatoris, a fast-growing pathogen of wild Caprinae
Authors: Baby Vincent , Ambroset Chloé , Gaurivaud Patrice , Falquet Laurent , Boury Christophe , Guichoux Erwan , Jores Joerg , Lartigue Carole , Tardy Florence , Sirand-Pugnet Pascal
Published: October 2023

Mycoplasma feriruminatoris

is a fast-growing

Mycoplasma

species isolated from wild Caprinae and first described in 2013.

M. feriruminatoris

isolates have been associated with arthritis, kerato conjunctivitis, pneumonia and septicemia, but were also recovered from apparently healthy animals. To better understand what defines this species, we performed a genomic survey on 14 strains collected from free-ranging or zoo-housed animals between 1987 and 2017, mostly in Europe. The average chromosome size of the

M. feriruminatoris

strains was 1,040±0,024 kbp, with 24 % G+C and 852±31 CDS. The core genome and pan-genome of the

M. feriruminatoris

species contained 628 and 1312 protein families, respectively. The

M. feriruminatoris

strains displayed a relatively closed pan-genome, with many features and putative virulence factors shared with species from the

M. mycoides

cluster, including the MIB-MIP Ig cleavage system, a repertoire of DUF285 surface proteins and a complete biosynthetic pathway for galactan.

M. feriruminatoris

genomes were found to be mostly syntenic, although repertoires of mobile genetic elements, including Mycoplasma Integrative and Conjugative Elements, insertion sequences, and a single plasmid varied. Phylogenetic- and gene content analyses confirmed that

M. feriruminatoris

was closer to the

M. mycoides

cluster than to the ruminant species

M. yeatsii

and

M. putrefaciens

. Ancestral genome reconstruction showed that the emergence of the

M. feriruminatoris

species was associated with the gain of 17 gene families, some of which encode defence enzymes and surface proteins, and the loss of 25 others, some of which are involved in sugar transport and metabolism. This comparative study suggests that the

M. mycoides

cluster could be extended to include

M. feriruminatoris

. We also find evidence that the specific organization and structure of the DnaA boxes around the oriC of

M. feriruminatoris

may contribute to drive the remarkable fast growth of this minimal bacterium.
Hepatitis Delta Virus Reporting Requirements in the United States and Territories: A Systematic Review
Authors: Assadi-Rad Milaveh , Acosta Brenda E. , Hesterman Matthew C. , Fallon Braden S. , Hill Rachel L. , Farnsworth Ethan W. , Barbeau Bree , Vilven Dede , Lynch Keisa M. , Weller Melodie L.
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a rare co-infection with hepatitis B virus. Currently, HDV is not a nationally notifiable disease in the United States. Only 55% of states and territories require HDV reporting, and most lack defined case definitions. Standardization of reporting requirements is crucial for monitoring HDV epidemiology.
Fusobacterium nucleatumpresent in the saliva of oral cancer subjects can activate niche defense of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Saikia Partha Jyoti , Pathak Lekhika , Mitra Shirsajit , Baishya Tutumoni , Das Rupam , Akeel Ibrahim S , Pal Bidisha , Das Bikul
Published: October 2023

Oral cancer is a subset of head and neck cancer (HNC), has a high incidence rate in this malignancy group. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are population of the heterogeneous malignant cells present within oral tumor microenvironment. CSCs’ stemness permits them to control several signaling pathways and so play a role in cancer progression and relapse. A number of studies have recently demonstrated the presence of specific oral bacteria populations and their lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the tumor microenvironment. The precise mechanism of action in the initiation, progression, and relapse of oral cancer by the oral bacteria are yet to be determined. We previously reported pathogenic bacterial internalization in CSCs. Based on the findings; we have developed an in-vitro model to investigate how oral microbiota may integrate into the tumor microenvironment’s CSC population and control its activity. Notably, we found that live bacteria and their LPS, mostlyFusobacterium nucleatumisolated from clinical subjects, were capable of invading CSCs in thein-vitroexperimental design setup. Post the host-pathogen interaction; it enabled the activation of a niche modulatory tumor stemness defense (TSD) phenotype in the CSCs. These aggressive CSCs with the TSD phenotype have been found to have a critical role in the progression and relapse of oral cancer.
Clustering of predicted loss-of-function variants in genes linked with monogenic disease can explain incomplete penetrance
Authors: Beaumont Robin N. , Hawkes Gareth , Gunning Adam C. , Wright Caroline F.
Published: October 2023

Predicted loss-of-function variants (pLoFs) are often associated with disease. For genes linked with monogenic diseases, we hypothesised that pLoFs present in apparently unaffected individuals may cluster in LoF-tolerant regions. We compared the distribution of pLoFs in ClinVar versus 454,773 individuals in UK Biobank and clustered the variants using Gaussian mixture models. We found that genes in which haploinsufficiency causes developmental disorders with incomplete penetrance were less likely to have a uniform pLoF distribution than other genes (P<2.2x10-6). In some cases (e.g.,ARID1BandGATA6), pLoF variants in the first quarter of the gene could be rescued by an alternative translation start site and should not be reported as pathogenic. In other cases (e.g.,ODC1), pathogenic pLoFs were clustered only at the end of the gene, consistent with a gain-of-function disease mechanism. Our results support the use of localised constraint metrics when interpreting variants.
The effect of protein levels of ABO on pregnancy related outcomes: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Yuqi , Zheng Haonan , Wang Manqing , Gu Rongrong , Wu Xueyan , Yang Qian , Zhao Huiling , Bi Yufang , Zheng Jie
Published: October 2023

Protein level of Histo-Blood Group ABO System Transferase (ABO) has been reported to be associated with cardiometabolic diseases. But its effect on pregnancy related outcomes was still unclear. Here we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to ascertain the putative causal roles of protein levels of ABO in pregnancy related outcomes. Cis-acting protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) robustly associated with protein level of ABO (P < 5x10-8) were used as instruments to proxy the ABO level (N = 35,559, data from deCODE), with two additional pQTL datasets from Fenland (N = 10,708) and INTERVAL (N = 3,301) used as validation exposures. Ten pregnancy related diseases and complications were selected as outcomes. We observed that a higher protein level of ABO showed a putative causal effect on venous complications and haemorrhoids in pregnancy (OR = 1.207, 95%CI = 1.107-1.316, colocalization probability = 91.3%), which was validated by using pQTLs from Fenland and INTERVAL. The Mendelian randomization results further showed effects of the ABO protein on gestational hypertension (OR = 0.974, 95%CI = 0.953-0.995), despite insignificance after multiple testing correction and little colocalization evidence. Sensitivity analyses, including proteome-wide Mendelian randomization of the cis-acting ABO pQTLs, showed little evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. Correctively, our study prioritised ABO as a putative causal protein for venous complications and haemorrhoids in pregnancy. Future epidemiology and clinical studies are needed to investigate whether ABO can be considered as a drug target to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Safety of SARS-CoV-2 test-to-stay in daycare: a regression discontinuity in time analysis
Authors: Dewald Felix , Steger Gertrud , Fish Irina , Torre-Lage Ivonne , Hellriegel Christina , Milz Esther , Kolb-Bastigkeit Anja , Heger Eva , Fries Mira , Buess Michael , Marizy Niklas , Michaelis Barbara , Suárez Isabelle , Rubio Quintanares Gibran Horemheb , Pirkl Martin , Aigner Annette , Oberste Max , Hellmich Martin , Wong Anabelle , Orduz Juan Camilo , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Dötsch Jörg , Kossow Annelene , Moench Eva-Maria , Quade Gustav , Neumann Udo , Kaiser Rolf , Schranz Madlen , Klein Florian
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Test-to-stay concepts apply serial testing of children in daycare after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 without use of quarantine. This study aims to assess safety of a test-to-stay screening in daycare facilities.

Methods

714 daycare facilities and approximately 50,000 children ≤6 years in Cologne, Germany participated in a SARS-CoV-2 Pool-PCR screening from March 2021 to April 2022. The screening initially comprised post-exposure quarantine and was adapted to a test-to-stay approach during its course. To assess safety of the test-to-stay approach, we explored potential changes in frequencies of infections among children following the adaptation to the test-to-stay approach by applying regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) analyses. To this end, PCR-test data were linked with routinely collected data on reported infections in children and analyzed using ordinary least squares regressions.

Results

219,885 Pool-PCRs and 352,305 Single-PCRs were performed. 6,440 (2.93%) Pool-PCRs tested positive, and 17,208 infections in children were reported. We estimated that during a period of 30 weeks, the test-to-stay concept avoided between 7 and 20 days of quarantine per eligible daycare child. RDiT revealed a 26% reduction (Exp. Coef: 0.74, CI:0.52;1.06) in infection frequency among children and indicated no significant increase attributable to the test-to-stay approach. This result was not sensitive to adjustments for 7-day incidence, season, SARS-CoV-2 variant, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Our analyses provide evidence that suggest safety of the test-to-stay approach compared to traditional quarantine measures. This approach offers a promising option to avoid use of quarantine after exposure to respiratory pathogens in daycare settings.
Mapping the multidimensional geometric landscape of graded phenotypic variation and progression in neurodegenerative syndromes
Authors: Ramanan Siddharth , Akarca Danyal , Henderson Shalom K. , Rouse Matthew A. , Allinson Kieren , Patterson Karalyn , Rowe James B. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: October 2023

Clinical variants of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration display a spectrum of cognitive-behavioural changes varying between individuals and over time. Understanding the landscape of these graded individual-/group-level longitudinal variations is critical for precise phenotyping; however, this remains challenging to model. Addressing this challenge, we leverage the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database to derive a unified geometric framework of graded longitudinal phenotypic variation in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. We included three time-point, cognitive-behavioural and clinical data from 390 typical, atypical and intermediate Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration variants (114 typical Alzheimer’s disease; 107 behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia; 42 motor variants of frontotemporal lobar degeneration; and 103 primary progressive aphasia patients). On this data, we applied advanced data-science approaches to derive low-dimensional geometric spaces capturing core features underpinning clinical progression of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration syndromes. To do so, we first used principal component analysis to derive six axes of graded longitudinal phenotypic variation capturing patient-specific movement along and across these axes. Then, we distilled these axes into a visualisable 2D manifold of longitudinal phenotypic variation using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection. Both geometries together enabled the assimilation and inter-relation of paradigmatic and mixed cases, capturing dynamic individual trajectories, and linking syndromic variability to neuropathology and key clinical end-points such as survival. Through these low-dimensional geometries, we show that (i) specific syndromes (Alzheimer’s disease and primary progressive aphasia) converge over time into a de-differentiated pooled phenotype, while others (frontotemporal dementia variants) diverge to look different from this generic phenotype; (ii) phenotypic diversification is predicted by simultaneous progression along multiple axes, varying in a graded manner between individuals and syndromes; and (iii) movement along specific principal axes predicts survival at 36 months in a syndrome-specific manner and in individual pathological groupings. The resultant mapping of dynamics underlying cognitive-behavioural evolution potentially holds paradigm-changing implications to predicting phenotypic diversification and phenotype-neurobiological mapping in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.