bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting and optimizing GCaMP8f for use in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Liu Jun , Bonnard Elsa , Scholz Monika
Published: July 2024

Improved genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are essential for capturing intracellular dynamics of both muscle and neurons. A novel set of GECIs with ultrafast kinetics and high sensitivity was recently reported by Zhang et al. (2023). While these indicators, called jGCaMP8, were demonstrated to work in Drosophila and mice, data for Caenorhabditis elegans were not reported. Here, we present an optimized construct for C. elegans and use this to generate several strains expressing GCaMP8f (fast variant of the indicator). Utilizing the myo-2 promoter, we compare pharyngeal muscle activity measured with GCaMP7f and GCaMP8f and find that GCaMP8f is brighter upon binding to calcium, shows faster kinetics, and is not disruptive to the intrinsic contraction dynamics of the pharynx. Additionally, we validate its application for detecting neuronal activity in touch receptor neurons which reveals robust calcium transients even at small stimulus amplitudes. As such, we establish GCaMP8f as a potent tool for C. elegans research which is capable of extracting fast calcium dynamics at very low magnifications across multiple cell types.
A Bargaining Theory of Criminal War
Authors: Daly Sarah Zukerman , Barham Elena
Published: July 2024

Criminal war is a leading cause of death around the world. We argue for the inclusion of this topic in security studies and adapt a bargaining framework to shed light on why criminal groups fight or agree to peace. We propose that shocks to relative coercive capacity cause criminal war. This escalation in violent conflict proves more likely when criminal groups face greater difficulty negotiating: when they are more factionalized, less rooted in their territory, and in strategic rivalry with a greater number of rivals. Our empirical strategy leverages a critical, policy-relevant shock to access to weapons following an arms control repeal, and novel city block-level, monthly data on criminal organization traits, turf, and violence over ten years to understand how changes in coercive inputs upset the existing balance of power among criminal groups and shaped patterns of war and truce.
Impact of chromosomally encoded resistance mechanisms and transferable β-lactamases on the activity of cefiderocol and innovative β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: González-Pinto Lucía , Alonso-García Isaac , Blanco-Martín Tania , Camacho-Zamora Pablo , Fraile-Ribot Pablo Arturo , Outeda-García Michelle , Lasarte-Monterrubio Cristina , Guijarro-Sánchez Paula , Maceiras Romina , Moya Bartolome , Juan Carlos , Vázquez-Ucha Juan Carlos , Beceiro Alejandro , Oliver Antonio , Bou Germán , Arca-Suárez Jorge
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We aimed to compare the stability of the newly developed β-lactams (cefiderocol) and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, aztreonam/avibactam, cefepime/taniborbactam, cefepime/zidebactam, imipenem/relebactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, meropenem/nacubactam and meropenem/xeruborbactam) against the most clinically relevant mechanisms of mutational and transferable β-lactam resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods

We screened a collection of 61 P. aeruginosa PAO1 derivatives. Eighteen isolates displayed the most relevant mechanisms of mutational resistance to β-lactams. The other 43 constructs expressed transferable β-lactamases from genes cloned in pUCP-24. MICs were determined by reference broth microdilution.

Results

Cefiderocol and imipenem/relebactam exhibited excellent in vitro activity against all of the mutational resistance mechanisms studied. Aztreonam/avibactam, cefepime/taniborbactam, cefepime/zidebactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, meropenem/nacubactam and meropenem/xeruborbactam proved to be more vulnerable to mutational events, especially to overexpression of efflux operons. The agents exhibiting the widest spectrum of activity against transferable β-lactamases were aztreonam/avibactam and cefepime/zidebactam, followed by cefepime/taniborbactam, cefiderocol, meropenem/xeruborbactam and meropenem/nacubactam. However, some MBLs, particularly NDM enzymes, may affect their activity. Combined production of certain enzymes (e.g. NDM-1) with increased MexAB-OprM-mediated efflux and OprD deficiency results in resistance to almost all agents tested, including last options such as aztreonam/avibactam and cefiderocol.

Conclusions

Cefiderocol and new β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations show promising and complementary in vitro activity against mutational and transferable P. aeruginosa β-lactam resistance. However, the combined effects of efflux pumps, OprD deficiency and efficient β-lactamases could still result in the loss of all therapeutic options. Resistance surveillance, judicious use of new agents and continued drug development efforts are encouraged.
Heterogeneous genomic architecture of skeletal armour traits in sticklebacks
Authors: Yi Xueling , Kemppainen Petri , Reid Kerry , Chen Ying , Rastas Pasi , Fraimout Antoine , Merilä Juha
Published: July 2024

Whether populations adapt to similar selection pressures using the same underlying genetic variants depends on population history and the distribution of standing genetic variation at the metapopulation level. Studies of sticklebacks provide a case in point: when colonizing and adapting to freshwater habitats, three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) with high gene flow tend to fix the same adaptive alleles in the same major loci, whereas nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) with limited gene flow tend to utilize a more heterogeneous set of loci. In accordance with this, we report results of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses using a backcross design showing that lateral plate number variation in the western European nine-spined sticklebacks mapped to 3 moderate-effect QTL, contrary to the major-effect QTL in three-spined sticklebacks and different from the 4 QTL previously identified in the eastern European nine-spined sticklebacks. Furthermore, several QTL were identified associated with variation in lateral plate size, and 3 moderate-effect QTL with body size. Together, these findings indicate more heterogenous and polygenic genetic underpinnings of skeletal armour variation in nine-spined than three-spined sticklebacks, indicating limited genetic parallelism underlying armour trait evolution in the family Gasterostidae.
In their own words: advice from parents of children with cancer
Authors: Davies Jenny , O’Connor Moira , Halkett Georgia K B , Kelada Lauren , Gottardo Nicholas G
Published: July 2024

Background

Approximately 770 children are diagnosed with cancer in Australia every year. Research has explored their experiences and developed recommendations for improving support provided to families. These have included the provision of psychology services, improved communication between healthcare professionals and parents, and increased information for families.

Methodology

In our hermeneutic phenomenological study, 44 participants (21 fathers and 23 mothers), with ages ranging from 28 to 51 years (M = 37 years, SD = 5.6 years) were interviewed. Interviews ranged from 45 to 150 min (M = 65 min, SD = 18 min) duration.

Findings

Thematic analysis of the data generated seven themes. Take it second by second; Find some normality; Take care of yourself; You need to talk to someone; Just take all the help; Speaking up for your child; and Take care of the siblings.

Conclusion

The results of our study provide firsthand advice from parents. The overwhelming theme that emerged is that while many parents revealed that they had not asked for or received support, in hindsight they unanimously reflected that they wished they had sought out services. The strength of this study is that parents are more likely to accept the advice of other parents with a shared lived experience. The results of our study can be used to develop resources that could be provided to parents. These resources would emphasize that the recommendations come from parents who have traveled the same path and have learnt from hindsight and experience.
Predictors of fatal officer-involved shootings from eight municipal police agencies in the USA (2015–22)
Authors: Perez Nicholas M , Lauritsen James
Published: July 2024

In the USA, fatal officer-involved shootings (OIS) persist as a topic of nationwide concern. Still, due to a lack of reliable, public OIS data, research examining the predictors of these incidents is limited. The current project utilizes OIS data submitted to the Police Data Initiative (PDI) from eight large, municipal police agencies in the USA to assess trends and characteristics of OIS (fatal and nonfatal) occurring between 2015 and 2022. Using a logistic regression model, this analysis explores officer characteristics, civilian characteristics, and situational characteristics as predictors of the lethality of OIS incidents within these eight US jurisdictions. Results suggest three characteristics were significant predictors of fatal OIS, including the number of officers involved in the OIS, the officer’s years of experience, and the civilian’s age. Based on these findings, evidence-based strategies for fatal OIS prevention, critical incident response, and OIS data availability are discussed and future directions for research are explored.
Exploring the interplay between social distancing, innovation adoption, and privacy concerns amid the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Kim Keungoui , Maliphol Sira , Shim Dongnyok , Lee Changjun
Published: July 2024

Using the case of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a natural experiment, this study discusses how innovation policy should be designed in times of crisis when public interest and privacy concerns collide. For this purpose, the causal relationship between social distancing enforcement and innovation adoption in consideration of privacy concerns is explored by using national-level survey data. Our key findings from econometric analysis are as follows: first, the implementation of social distancing policies leads to an increase in the adoption of wearable devices. Second, the strengthening of social distancing has caused a decrease in individual privacy concerns. Finally, a decrease in individual privacy concerns leads to an increase in wearable device adoption. Social distancing during the COVID-19 not only accelerated innovation adoption but also led a decrease in privacy concerns. Our results suggest that government should play a role in safe guarding public privacy when individuals may let their guard down during times of crises.
Infections following rattlesnake envenomation and use of antibiotics
Authors: Klotz Stephen A , Smelski Geoffrey T , Watkins Sarah A , Shirazi F Mazda
Published: July 2024

Background

There are 7000–8000 venomous snake bites annually in the USA. Antibiotics are commonly administered to bite victims because infection is difficult to differentiate from local tissue injury following envenomation.

Methods

The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) in Tucson oversees antivenom administration for 14 Arizona counties. Records (1999–2021) were searched for antibiotic use and confirmed infections after a rattlesnake bite.

Results

There were 4160 calls to APDIC regarding rattlesnakes. After excluding bites to animals, ‘dry bites’, prisoners and records with missing data, 2059 records were evaluated. Systemic antibiotics were administered to 206 patients (10% of bite victims). Twenty patients (0.97%) had confirmed infections, including cellulitis (n=10), fasciitis (n=4), abscess (n=3) and osteomyelitis (n=3). Five of the victims had positive blood cultures. The presence of tissue necrosis, leukocytosis, fever and elevated fibrinogen levels did not discriminate between toxic effects of venom and infection.

Conclusions

Confirmed infections following a rattlesnake bite are uncommon (0.97% of bites). Physicians should refrain from prescribing antibiotics, as they are not justified for most rattlesnake bite victims and the variety of pathogens encountered precludes use of any single effective antibiotic.
Controversies in Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nayak Tanvi , Lohrmann Graham , Passman Rod
Published: July 2024

Early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) plays an important role in decreasing adverse cardiovascular outcomes. It is estimated, however, that one-third of those with AF are asymptomatic and may experience the adverse effects of the arrhythmia prior to being detected clinically. In the past, AF was diagnosed on 12-lead electrocardiogram or medically prescribed external monitors. The development of device-monitoring technologies capable of recording AF or AF-surrogates such as atrial high-rate episodes on cardiovascular implantable electronic devices or photoplethysmography/electrocardiogram on consumer-grade wearable devices, has resulted in increased recognition of device-detected, subclinical, AF. Recent studies reveal information about the stroke risk associated with these subclinical events and the response to anticoagulation and raise important questions about the use of both medical and direct-to-consumer AF detection devices for screening purposes. In addition to screening and detection of AF, emerging studies are also being conducted on different strategies for maintenance of sinus rhythm and stroke prevention including catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion. This review aims to highlight recent developments and future studies in these areas.
Critical Care Nurses’ Perspectives of Caring for Patients With Cancer
Authors: Mitchell Elizabeth , Azulay Chertok Ilana R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Critical care nurses are expected to work with patients who present with a wide range of health problems, but may lack sufficient education, skill development, and resources needed for providing psychosocial cancer care.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of nononcologic critical care nurses’ experience working with patients and their families affected by cancer.

Method

A phenomenological qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 15 nononcologic critical care nurses. Colaizzi’s 7-step methodology was followed for data analysis and interpretation of findings. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, the narrative data were analyzed and coded, and themes were identified that were confirmed by participants.

Results

Four themes emerged from the nurses’ narratives: lack of professional preparation refers to the perceived lack of education, skill development, and resources; collaboration and teamwork pertain to the importance of communication and moral support; being present expresses their perceived role in providing compassionate care; and nurtured empathy reflects the impact of cancer care on the nurses.

Discussion

The narratives provide insight into the experience and perceptions of the nononcologic critical care nurses caring for patients with cancer. Information from the themes and narratives can be used to inform the development of knowledge and skills for nononcologic nurses who provide care to patients with cancer.
Prevalence of Impostor Phenomenon Among Final-Semester Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Lindsay Julie , Cropley Stacey , Ramirez Eliamar
Published: July 2024

Background

Impostor phenomenon (IP) is characterized as an internal sense of intellectual fraudulence and the inability to internalize success. It was identified by Clance and Imes in 1978 in a study with high-achieving women and has since been found among other professionals. Studies regarding IP are limited in nursing and among nursing students.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of IP among senior baccalaureate nursing (BSN) students at a public central Texas university immediately prior to graduation.

Methods

Senior BSN students were given an anonymous survey utilizing the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale.

Results

Of the 86 senior BSN students, 82.5% completed the anonymous survey. Among students, 45.1% experienced moderate IP, 46.5% experienced frequent IP, and 8.5% experienced intense IP.

Conclusions

The incidence of IP was higher than expected. This study has implications for the future of nursing, including academic retention and postgraduation performance.
Lessons Learned From Ventilated and Proned Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Hlebichuk Jeanne , Buck Elissa , Brooker Angeline L. , Mackenzie Julie K. , Cleary Meagan Bayless , Singh Maharaj , Hook Mary
Published: July 2024

Background

Many patients critically ill with COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) necessitating mechanical ventilation and proning. Although proning is lifesaving, it has been linked to the occurrence of facial pressure injuries (PIs).

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence and use of prevention strategies and identify predictors of facial PIs in patients who received ventilator and proning treatments in COVID-designated intensive care units at 2 large quaternary medical centers in the Midwest.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from an electronic health record between October 2020 and February 2022. Demographics, clinical and care variables, and PI outcomes were analyzed to identify predictors of PI using logistic and Cox regression.

Results

The cohort (N = 150) included patients from 2 units, unit a (n = 97) and unit b (n = 53) with a mean age of 60 years, with 68% identifying as male. Patients were vented for an average of 18 (SD, 16.2) days and proned for an average of 3 (SD, 2.5) days. Many (71%) died. Over half (56%) developed facial PI with a proning-exposure–adjusted incidence rate of 18.5%. Patients with PI were significantly different in several factors. Logistic regression showed predictors of PIs were duration of mechanical ventilation (in days; P = .02) and head turned (P = .01). Cox regression also identified head turn as predictive (P < .01), with Black/African American race as protective (P = .03)

Discussion

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 receiving ventilator and proning therapy developed facial PIs despite the use of recommended prevention practices. Further research on effective PI prevention strategies is needed.
Nursing Interventions and Intracranial Pressure Change in Pediatric Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mielcarek Jessica , Thompson Julie A. , Appavu Brian , Adelson P. David , Reuter-Rice Karin
Published: July 2024

Background

Nursing interventions in the care of pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a direct effect on intracranial pressure (ICP), yet they have been largely underexplored. Early evidence is therefore needed to describe these relationships and to determine intervention that promotes neuroprotection and recovery.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine nursing interventions within the first 72 hours of pediatric severe TBI and their effects on ICP.

Method

This is a retrospective review of pediatric patients admitted for severe TBI using a quasi-experimental approach to assess nursing interventions and their association with the patients' ICP values prior to and after each intervention.

Results

Of the 56 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 3392 intervention events (range, 31-138 events per patient) were reported. Paired t tests conducted for each intervention type found a statistically significant relationship with suctioning and percent change in ICP values (P = .045). All other interventions showed no significant differences.

Discussion

Standard nursing interventions, specifically suctioning, in pediatric severe TBI may affect ICP and therefore neuroprotection. Further work is needed to better understand the role and timing of nursing interventions and their influence on cerebral hemodynamics so that future TBI guidelines consider nursing care and their impact on brain injury recovery.
Efficacy of a Standardized Process in Optimizing Appropriate Use of Progressive Care Unit Beds in a Tertiary Care Facility
Authors: Stempek Susan B. , Rosenblatt Michael S. , Repenning Nelson , Sterman John , Morrissette Janice R. , Flanagan Susan E. , Sallese Lindsey , Lei Yuxiu , Liesching Timothy N.
Published: July 2024

Background

Poor patient progression from the progressive care unit (PCU) beds has been recognized as a bottleneck, limiting the hospital's ability to optimize capacity for the sickest patients. Improving nurse management on PCU admission and discharge criteria could avoid PCU bottlenecks.

Local Problem

Our institution lacked a standard process to identify clinically appropriate patients ready for transfer out of the PCU, causing delays in vacating PCU beds.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if creating a standard process to empower bedside nurses and unit nursing leaders to push readiness information to the provider team improves the appropriateness of PCU stay and transfers patients out of the PCU earlier.

Methods

The most common causes of delayed transfer out of the PCU were discussed among stakeholders. A process was designed to empower the bedside nurses to partner with a physician leader to send information to the provider team requesting evaluation of the patient's readiness to leave the unit. The improvement of meeting the criteria for PCU was evaluated by comparing 60 patients prior to the intervention phase with 139 patients during the intervention.

Results

The primary outcome, percentage of patients meeting PCU criteria, was 53% during the audit phase and 68% during the intervention phase (P = .05). The PCU transfer time was pushed 1 hour earlier in the day.

Conclusions

The standard process of empowering bedside nurses to partner with physician leaders to push readiness for transferring patients out of the PCU resulted in a significant improvement in the percentage of patients meeting PCU criteria and earlier discharge of appropriate patients.
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Measurement in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest as a Predictor of Return of Spontaneous Circulation
Authors: Bruni Andrea , Fagorzi Alessandro , Mirri Stefania , Machetti Marta , Trapassi Stefano , Rosati Moris , D'Ambrosio Francesco , Laprocina Matteo , Righi Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide is out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have improved survival. The main goal of CPR is to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), which is assessed by looking for a pulse, analyzing the heart rhythm, and assessing carbon dioxide levels. The use of cartography during CPR to confirm the correct position of the endotracheal tube during intubation or to assess the effectiveness of chest compressions has increased significantly in the last years. The aim of this review was to identify correlations between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and the likelihood of ROSC in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from September to November 2022. Keywords combined with the Boolean operators (AND/OR) were used in both free text and Medical Subject Headings. Studies on adult patients published between 01/01/2016 and 28/09/2022 were searched, with no geographical restrictions.

Results

At the end of the selection process, 14 studies were included that investigated capnography in out-of-hospital CPR and reported at least 1 outcome between end-tidal carbon dioxide and ROSC or survival.

Discussion

Capnography is an advantageous tool due to its noninvasive characteristics, ease of use, and immediacy of data. In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the use of the end-tidal carbon dioxide appears to be an appropriate complementary tool to support clinical decisions, such as correct positioning of the endotracheal tube, optimizing ventilation in CPR, and as a predictor of ROSC.
Effect of digital cataract workflow on time and resource efficiencies in cataract surgery: time and motion study
Authors: Shetty Naren , Saxena Aishwarya , Singh Vivek M. , Fernandes Merle , Garg Prashant , Venkiteshwar Manoj
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To compare time and resource saving with integration of digital cataract workflow to the existing workflow in high-volume cataract surgery clinics.

Setting:

L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India (site 1), and Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, India (site 2).

Design:

Prospective, time and motion.

Methods:

The total time to complete each step (preoperative measurements, surgical planning, and surgical procedures) of the cataract workflow, number of data fields entered, and support staff required for both workflows were recorded. All study measurements were determined first for existing electronic medical record (EMR) cataract workflow followed by digital workflow (integrated data management system with data reviewer, surgical planner, and data transfer to operating room) at both sites.

Results:

A total of 85 (site 1, 44; site 2, 41) cataract workflows were analyzed. The integration of digital workflow into the site's existing EMR workflow reduced the mean time for preoperative measurements by 25.3% (P = .006), surgical planning by 55.1% (P = .008), and surgical procedures by 22.6% (P = .002). The mean ± SD overall time for the surgery was significantly shorter in the digital group (887.3 ± 103.3 vs 1271.3 ± 300.7 seconds; P < .0001). For both sites, the number of data fields recorded and number of support staff needed were significantly lesser for the digital workflow (P < .0001, for both).

Conclusions:

Integration of digital workflow significantly reduced the overall cataract surgery time, variability of overall time, number of data fields recorded, and resource utilization. Complete digitalization has important implications for improving the efficiency and standardization of cataract surgery workflow.
A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Barriers and Facilitators of Breastfeeding in Women on Opioid Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Doerzbacher Margaret , Sperlich Mickey , Hequembourg Amy , Chang Yu-Ping
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To understand how barriers and facilitators interact over time to support or disrupt breastfeeding among women on opioid maintenance therapy for opioid use disorder.

Background:

Breastfeeding has additional benefits for newborns with prenatal opioid exposure. Up to 80% of women on opioid maintenance therapy plan to breastfeed, but many do not beyond the first 7 to 10 days.

Methods:

A qualitative, longitudinal design was used. Semi-structured interviews occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy and again between 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Breastfeeding in a Life Course Context model as a framework. The design and methods were informed by a post-positivist, critical realist perspective.

Results:

Thirteen participants were enrolled, and 19 interviews were completed. Five themes were identified. It Will Work Out was the primary theme that describes participants’ sense of self-efficacy, stemming from their experiences of managing addiction recovery. Women considered breastfeeding to support their own health and that of their newborn while in recovery, summarized by Being Healthy. Making the choice to breastfeed, represented by Weighing the Options, was influenced by their perinatal health care providers. During the Sensitive Period, challenges could overwhelm their self-efficacy. Of 9 women, 4 were still breastfeeding when interviewed postpartum, exemplified by Moving On.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice:

Participants’ self-efficacy and motivation to be healthy played a significant role in managing breastfeeding challenges over time. Nursing interventions must empower women’s self-efficacy to help them achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp: a review of an underdiagnosed entity
Authors: Hwang Jonathan C. , Beatty Colleen J. , Khobzei Kuzma , Kazlouskaya Viktoryia
Published: July 2024

Background:

It is hypothesized that scalp allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in women is commonly mistaken for other disorders due to overlapping symptoms and unique clinical presentations.

Objective:

This study reviews the potential underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of scalp ACD and explores ways to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods:

This study conducted an extensive literature review to identify diagnostic challenges, common misdiagnoses, and diagnostic approaches for scalp ACD, focusing on standard versus targeted patch testing techniques.

Results:

Scalp ACD, often misdiagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis due to similar symptoms, has atypical presentations such as hair thinning, hair loss, and erythematous lesions affecting neighboring regions. Trichoscopy can help distinguish scalp ACD, identifying its patchy distribution of thin white scales, in contrast to the yellow scaling of seborrheic dermatitis. Standardized patch testing further contributes to diagnostic errors, with a study reporting 83% of patients who tested negative with standardized patch tests were positive when using their personal products. Individualized patch testing is more effective in identifying causative allergens and accurately diagnosing scalp ACD.

Limitations:

It is a retrospective review.

Conclusion:

Several factors contribute to scalp ACD’s misdiagnosis for conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. The significant discrepancy in ACD detection rates between personalized and standardized patch tests in women emphasizes the importance of using patient-specific products in diagnostic testing. Incorporating scalp ACD more readily into one’s differential, employing individualized patch testing with trichoscopy, and accounting for neighboring symptomatic areas are all crucial elements in improving diagnostic accuracy for scalp ACD in women.
Early living donor liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis: Status in the era of increasing demand, unmet needs, and future considerations
Authors: Kulkarni Anand V. , Wall Anji , Reddy K. Rajender , Bittermann Therese
Published: July 2024

Hazardous alcohol consumption is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is an acute and serious presentation of alcohol-associated liver disease that is associated with high short-term mortality. Medical management remains limited to corticosteroid therapy and intensive nutrition but improves survival in <50% of individuals. Liver transplantation (LT) is increasingly recognized as a treatment option for many patients with AH and may lead to greater survival benefits than medical management alone. The rate of waitlistings and LTs for AH has doubled in recent years, especially in the United States. Several studies from the West have reported early LT for AH to be successful, where deceased donor LT is the norm. The challenges of LT in living donor centers, particularly for those with AH, are unique and have previously not been discussed in depth. In this review, we aim to discuss the challenges unique to LDLT with respect to candidate and donor selection, ethical considerations, disparities in LDLT, post-LT alcohol relapse, and measures to prevent them while also addressing the definitions and outcomes of early-living donor liver LT for AH.
Exploring Patterns of Verb Type Use During Conversation by Adults With and Without Chronic Aphasia
Authors: Akers Christa M. , Boyle Mary , Ghanim Iyad , Elman Roberta J.
Published: July 2024

Previous studies have used semantic verb categories to compare how speakers with and without aphasia use verb types during narrative monologue discourse tasks. In this study, we explore the types of verbs used by speakers with and without aphasia during conversation. Using previously collected conversational discourse samples produced by 23 adults with chronic aphasia and their familiar partners, we classified verb types by semantic category. Semantic verb type use did not differ by aphasia type (fluent vs. nonfluent) when controlling for severity. Distribution across verb types was similar for participants with and without aphasia. Conversation partners produced significantly more mental, verbal, and behavioral verbs than speakers with aphasia but there was not a significant difference in the use of material or relational verbs. Participants with and without aphasia rely on material and relational verbs to construct conversational discourse. Determining if a speaker with aphasia uses a variety of semantic verb types may be useful when setting conversation-based goals for dyads living with aphasia and suggestions for clinical practice are provided.
“I’m A Magical Helping Guy”, Using Systemic Functional Linguistics to Examine Identity in a Virtual Table-Top Role-Playing Game After Brain Injury
Authors: Krautkremer Claudia , Keegan Louise C. , Groenewold Rimke , Spencer Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

This work aims to examine the identities communicated prior to and during a role-playing game (RPG) for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Appraisal, an analysis tool of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), that allows one to examine the interpersonal metafunction, was applied to interview and RPG group treatment conversations. This allowed for the investigation of the evaluative language of five individuals with ABI. The analysis revealed that individuals were capable of using various resources of appraisal to communicate their identities and did so differently across contexts. SFL, specifically the analysis of appraisal, is a useful resource for examining the communication and negotiation of identity after ABI. This has implications for interventions that support and facilitate positive identity negotiation and thus, enhanced rehabilitation outcomes.
First record ofVenturia canescensGRAVENHORST, 1829 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae) from Tunisia
Authors: Zeiri Asma
Published: July 2024

Background

Venturia canescensGravenhorst 1829 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae), a solitary koinobiont endoparasitoid, lives on larvae of various Lepidopteran hosts belonging to the families of Pyralidae, Noctuidae, Tortricidae, Gelechiidae, Tineidae and Yponomeutidae of Lepidoptera (typically Pyralidae). It was frequently reported on the carob mothEctomyeloisceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). TheE. ceratoniaeis an insect pest that causes damage to various crops and fruit trees throughout the world. It was recorded on dates(Phoenix dactylifera), pomegranates (Punica granatum), almonds (Prunus dulcis) and pistachio nut (Pistacia vera), affecting the fruit quality. In Tunisia, this pest was recorded on pomegranate by many authors.

Results

The parasitoidV. canescens, is accidently recorded from Tunisia within the collection of parasitoids of the almond bark beetleScolytus amygdali(Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in the orchard of the Professional Training Center of Agriculture, Jammel, Monastir, Tunisia (35°37′60′′ N:10°46′0′′E) rich of fruit trees. The identification ofV. canescenswas carried out using key for females of the genus Venturia to Western Palaearctic species and the specimen is reported as a first record in Tunisia. No male was collected, the host is unknown.

Conclusions

This species is widely distributed in the Palaearctic region. As far as we know this is a first record for the country.
Single cell autofluorescence imaging reveals immediate metabolic shifts of neutrophils with activation across biological systems
Authors: Datta Rupsa , Miskolci Veronika , Gallego-López Gina M. , Britt Emily , Gillette Amani , Kralovec Aleksandr , Giese Morgan A. , Qian Tongcheng , Votava James , Fan Jing , Huttenlocher Anna , Skala Melissa
Published: July 2024

Neutrophils, the most abundant leukocytes in human peripheral circulation, are crucial for the innate immune response. They are typically quiescent but rapidly activate in response to infection and inflammation, performing diverse functions such as oxidative burst, phagocytosis, and NETosis, which require significant metabolic adaptation. Deeper insights into such metabolic changes will help identify regulation of neutrophil functions in health and diseases. Due to their short lifespan and associated technical challenges, the metabolic processes of neutrophils are not completely understood. This study uses optical metabolic imaging (OMI), which entails optical redox ratio and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of intrinsic metabolic coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD to assess the metabolic state of single neutrophils. Primary human neutrophils were imagedin vitrounder a variety of activation conditions and metabolic pathway inhibitors, while metabolic and functional changes were confirmed with mass spectrometry, oxidative burst, and NETosis measurements. Our findings show that neutrophils undergo rapid metabolic remodeling to a reduced redox state indicated by changes in NAD(P)H lifetime and optical redox ratio, with a shift to an oxidized redox state during activation. Additionally, single cell OMI analysis reveals a heterogeneous metabolic response across neutrophils and human donors to live pathogen infection (Pseudomonas aeruginosaandToxoplasma gondii). Finally, consistent OMI changes with activation were confirmed betweenin vitrohuman andin vivozebrafish larvae neutrophils. This study demonstrates the potential of OMI as a versatile tool for studying neutrophil metabolism and underscores its use across different biological systems, offering insights into neutrophil metabolic activity and function at a single cell level.
The prion-like protein Doppel: A soluble biomarker steering ovarian cancer’s peritoneal to circulatory dissemination
Authors: Azam Zulfikar , Zhang Xiaojun , Wahab Riajul , Hasan Md Mahedi , Kang Bowon , Hassan Md Mynul , Karim Mazharul , Choi Jeong Uk , Rana Muhit , Zhang Jiya-Ying , Roy Sourav , Byun Youngro , Kim In-San , Song Jae Yun , Alam Farzana , Toy Eugene P. , Reddy Sireesha Y. , Al-Hilal Taslim A.
Published: July 2024

Detecting ovarian cancer (OC) early using existing biomarkers, e.g., cancer antigen 125 (CA125), is challenging due to its ubiquitous expression in many tissues. Doppel, a prion-like protein, expresses in male reproductive organ but absent in female reproductive systems and healthy tissues, but plays an important role in neoangiogenesis. Here, we have shown two platforms, soluble Doppel in sera/ascites and Doppel expressed circulating tumor cells (Dpl+CTC) in the whole blood, to detect subsets of epithelial OC (EOC). Increased level of Doppel in the sera of OC patients, in three different cohorts, confirm Doppel as OC specific biomarker. Serum Doppel level distinguishes EOC subtypes and early stages HGSOCs from non-cancerous conditions with high sensitivity and specificity. Stratifying the EOCs based on Doppel level, we categorized them into Doppel-high (Dplhi) and Doppel-low (Dpllow) groups. Using ascites-derived organoids and single cell sequencing of whole ascites of Dplhiand Dpllowpatients, we identify that Doppel induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment, respectively. Doppel levels in the sera/ascites correlate with the changes ofDpl+CTC number in whole blood, highlighting the association of Doppel-induced EMT with CTC dissemination in circulation. Thus, Doppel-based detection of EOC subtypes could be a promising platform as clinical biomarker and link Doppel-axis with OC dissemination.
Dual site proteomic analyses reveal potential drug targets for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Oldnall Christopher Aldous , Ng-Kee-Kwong Julian , Wills Jimi , Richmond Anne , Regan Tim , Clohisey Hendry Sara , Campbell Archie , Baillie John Kenneth , von Kriegsheim Alex , Haley Chris , Khamseh Ava , Beentjes Sjoerd Viktor , Bretherick Andrew D.
Published: July 2024

Background: While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) hold great promise for unravelling disease pathophysiology, the translation of disease-associated genetic loci into clinically actionable information remains a challenge. Mendelian randomisation (MR), using expressed proteins as exposures and disease as an outcome, stands as a powerful analytical approach for leveraging GWAS data to identify potential drug-targets--at scale--in a data-driven manner. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health burden worldwide, and therefore is an important outcome for which to establish and prioritise potential therapeutic targets. Methods: In this study, we utilised generalised summary-data-based MR (GSMR) with novel mass-spectrometry-based isoform-specific protein groups measured from peripheral-blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) obtained from Generation Scotland and antibody-based plasma protein measures from UK Biobank as exposures, and two CVD and three CVD-related risk-factors from UK Biobank as outcomes. Further, we used colocalisation to assess support for a shared causal variant between the proteins and the disease outcomes providing further evidence supporting a causal link. Results: We evaluate expression of 5,114 isoform-specific protein groups in PBMCs from 862 individuals. GSMR analysis, using this data, found 16 putative causal proteins across three of the CVD/CVD-related risk-factors with seven supported by colocalisation analysis. Within the plasma GSMR analysis, 761 putative causal proteins were identified, of which 145 were supported by colocalisation. In addition, we go on to examine enrichment amongst the results and find enrichment of pathways which relate to cholesterol metabolism and platelet function. There was an overlap of three proteins between significant GSMR results in PBMCs and plasma, with two proteins (COMT and SWAP70) identifying opposite directions of effect of the relevant outcome, and one identifying a concordant direction of effect (HLA-DRA). Discussion: This study identifies a number of proteins and pathways that may be involved in CVD pathogenesis. It also demonstrates the importance of the location of protein measurement and the methods by which it is quantified. Our research contributes to ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype.
User-friendly exploration of epigenomic data in single cells using sincei
Authors: Bhardwaj Vivek , Mourragui Soufiane
Published: July 2024

Emerging single-cell sequencing protocols allow researchers to study multiple layers of epigenetic regulation while resolving tissue heterogeneity. However, despite the rising popularity of such single-cell epigenomics assays, the lack of easy-to-use computational tools that allow flexible quality control and data exploration hinders their broad adoption. We introduce the Single-Cell Informatics (sincei) toolkit. sincei provides an easy-to-use, command-line interface for the exploration of data from a wide range of single-cell (epi)genomics protocols directly from aligned reads stored in .bam files. sincei can be installed via bioconda and the documentation is available athttps://sincei.readthedocs.io.
Deep learning-based detector of invasive alien frogs,Polypedates leucomystax and Rhinella marina, on an island at invasion front
Authors: Kimura Kaede , Fukuyama Ibuki , Fukuyama Kinji
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning-based detector for Southeast Asian treefrog (Polypedates leucomystax) and cane toad (Rhinella marina) on Iriomote Island, a Natural World Heritage Site located 30 km from established populations of these alien species on the nearby Ishigaki Island. Although a deep learning model typically requires local training data to be most accurate, the alien frogs have been eradicated from Iriomote Island, making such data unavailable. To address the data gap, we first trained the BirdNET model with acoustic data collected on Ishigaki Island, where these species were common, as well as native frog calls from Iriomote Island. Next, we evaluated model performance using (1) wild sounds on Ishigaki Island, and (2) sounds obtained by playing back the calls of the alien species on Iriomote Island. Model precision and recall for wild sounds were both 0.987 forP. leucomystaxand 1 forR. marina. For playback sounds, model recall values decreased (0.629 forP. leucomystaxand 0.906 forR. marina), while precisions remained nearly identical (1 for bothP. leucomystaxandR. marina). Despite the lower recall particularly forP. leucomystax, playback survey dates were mostly identifiable from the high number of detections. These results suggest that data from Ishigaki Island enabled training a model with adequate, though not complete, generalization across invasion front.
Determining mesoscale chromatin structure parameters from spatially correlated cleavage data using a coarse-grained oligonucleosome model
Authors: Clerkin Ariana Brenner , Pagane Nicole , West Devany W. , Spakowitz Andrew J. , Risca Viviana I.
Published: July 2024

The three-dimensional structure of chromatin has emerged as an important feature of eukaryotic gene regulation. Recent technological advances in DNA sequencing-based assays have revealed locus- and chromatin state-specific structural patterns at the length scale of a few nucleosomes (∼1 kb). However, interpreting these data sets remains challenging. Radiation-induced correlated cleavage of chromatin (RICC-seq) is one such chromatin structure assay that maps DNA-DNA-contacts at base pair resolution by sequencing single-stranded DNA fragments released from irradiated cells. Here, we develop a flexible modeling and simulation framework to enable the interpretation of RICC-seq data in terms of oligonucleosome structure ensembles. Nucleosomes are modeled as rigid bodies with excluded volume and adjustable DNA wrapping, connected by linker DNA modeled as a worm-like chain. We validate the model’s parameters against cryo-electron microscopy and sedimentation data. Our results show that RICC-seq is sensitive to nucleosome spacing, nucleosomal DNA wrapping, and the strength of inter-nucleosome interactions. We show that nucleosome repeat lengths consistent with orthogonal assays can be extracted from experimental RICC-seq data using a 1D convolutional neural net trained on RICC-seq signal predicted from simulated ensembles. We thus provide a suite of analysis tools that add quantitative structural interpretability to RICC-seq experiments.
In silico screening by AlphaFold2 program revealed the potential binding partners of nuage-localizing proteins and piRNA-related proteins
Authors: Shinichi Kawaguchi , Xin Xu , Takashi Soga , Kenta Yamaguchi , Ryuuya Kawasaki , Ryota Shimouchi , Susumu Date , Toshie Kai
Published: July 2024

Protein-protein interactions are the fundamental features for understanding the molecular functions and regulations of proteins. Despite extensive databases, many interactions remain uncharacterized due to the intensive labor required for experimental validation. In this study, we utilized the AlphaFold2 program to predict interactions among proteins localized in the nuage, a germline-specific non-membrane organelle critical for piRNA biogenesis and RNA regulation. We screened 20 types of nuage proteins for 1:1 interactions and predicted dimer structures. Among those, five pairs represented novel interaction candidates. Three pairs, including Spn-E_Squ, were validated through co-immunoprecipitation in cultured cells and confirmed the interactions. Disruption of the salt bridges at the Spn-E_Squ interface verified their functional importance, underscoring the predictive model’s accuracy. Our analysis was extended to include interactions between three representative nuage components, Vas, Squ, and Tej, and approximately 430 oogenesis-related proteins. Following this extended analysis, co-immunoprecipitation in S2 cells verified interactions for three pairs: Mei-W68_Squ, CSN3_Squ, and Pka-C1_Tej. Furthermore, the majority ofDrosophilaproteins, ∼12,000, were screened for the interaction with Piwi protein, a central player in the piRNA pathway. Approximately 1.5% of the pairs, totaling 164 pairs, with a score above 0.6, were identified as potential binding partners. This in silico approach not only efficiently identifies potential interaction partners but also significantly reduces the gap by facilitating the integration of bioinformatics and experimental biology.