bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Transfer Agents in Bacterial Endosymbionts of Microbial Eukaryotes
Authors: George Emma E , Tashyreva Daria , Kwong Waldan K , Okamoto Noriko , Horák Aleš , Husnik Filip , Lukeš Julius , Keeling Patrick J
Published: June 2022

Gene transfer agents (GTAs) are virus-like structures that package and transfer prokaryotic DNA from donor to recipient prokaryotic cells. Here, we describe widespread GTA gene clusters in the highly reduced genomes of bacterial endosymbionts from microbial eukaryotes (protists). Homologs of the GTA capsid and portal complexes were initially found to be present in several highly reduced alphaproteobacterial endosymbionts of diplonemid protists (Rickettsiales and Rhodospirillales). Evidence of GTA expression was found in polyA-enriched metatranscriptomes of the diplonemid hosts and their endosymbionts, but due to biases in the polyA-enrichment methods, levels of GTA expression could not be determined. Examining the genomes of closely related bacteria revealed that the pattern of retained GTA head/capsid complexes with missing tail components was common across Rickettsiales and Holosporaceae (Rhodospirillales), all obligate symbionts with a wide variety of eukaryotic hosts. A dN/dS analysis of Rickettsiales and Holosporaceae symbionts revealed that purifying selection is likely the main driver of GTA evolution in symbionts, suggesting they remain functional, but the ecological function of GTAs in bacterial symbionts is unknown. In particular, it is unclear how increasing horizontal gene transfer in small, largely clonal endosymbiont populations can explain GTA retention, and, therefore, the structures may have been repurposed in endosymbionts for host interactions. Either way, their widespread retention and conservation in endosymbionts of diverse eukaryotes suggests an important role in symbiosis.
The Use and Abuse of Anti-Suit Injunctions in SEP Litigation: Is There a Way Forward?
Authors: Geradin Damien , Katsifis Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

Cross-border litigation over standard essential patents (SEPs) entered a new phase when the English courts decided in Unwired Planet v Huawei that they have the power to set the terms of a global license within the context of national patent infringement proceedings. Unwired Planet appears to have unleashed a global race to the bottom and a race to the courthouse, with litigants racing to seize their preferred forum to set global rates while trying to prevent their opponents from bringing proceedings elsewhere through ‘anti-suit injunctions’, a type of relief traditionally granted by common law jurisdictions but now increasingly by civil law jurisdictions such as China. Yet this is rarely the end of the matter, with litigants applying for anti-anti-suit injunctions or even anti-anti-anti-suit injunctions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the new realities in SEP litigation post-Unwired Planet, with a focus on the use of anti-suit injunctions and the corresponding turf war between national courts. After discussing the legal test for granting such relief in various legal systems, the paper discusses the worrying proliferation of anti-suit injunctions across major jurisdictions, noting how this trend wastes judicial resources and may undermine international comity. It considers that in the absence of some form of international coordination, a satisfactory solution is unlikely to emerge in the short term. As a first step, it proposes that governments consider establishing ‘best practices’ for SEP licensing dispute resolution, including for jurisdictional issues such as the scope of licenses fashioned by national courts.
Age-related fertility decline: is there a role for elective ovarian tissue cryopreservation?
Authors: Kasaven Lorraine S , Saso Srdjan , Getreu Natalie , O’Neill Helen , Bracewell-Milnes Timothy , Shakir Fevzi , Yazbek Joseph , Thum Meen-Yau , Nicopoullos James , Ben Nagi Jara , Hardiman Paul , Diaz-Garcia Cesar , Jones Benjamin P
Published: June 2022

Age-related fertility decline (ARFD) is a prevalent concern amongst western cultures due to the increasing age of first-time motherhood. Elective oocyte and embryo cryopreservation remain the most established methods of fertility preservation, providing women the opportunity of reproductive autonomy to preserve their fertility and extend their childbearing years to prevent involuntary childlessness. Whilst ovarian cortex cryopreservation has been used to preserve reproductive potential in women for medical reasons, such as in pre- or peripubertal girls undergoing gonadotoxic chemotherapy, it has not yet been considered in the context of ARFD. As artificial reproductive technology (ART) and surgical methods of fertility preservation continue to evolve, it is a judicious time to review current evidence and consider alternative options for women wishing to delay their fertility. This article critically appraises elective oocyte cryopreservation as an option for women who use it to mitigate the risk of ARFD and introduces the prospect of elective ovarian cortex cryopreservation as an alternative.
Duration of Gram-negative antibiotic therapy in patients with pneumonia prior to and after the implementation of MRSA nasal swabs, an antimicrobial stewardship tool
Authors: Troyer Bradley S , Shigle Amanda Jo , Kovacic Scherrer Nicole
Published: June 2022

Background

The implementation of MRSA PCR nasal swabs has been shown to decrease the use of anti-MRSA therapies through faster antibiotic de-escalation in patients with pneumonia. While this benefit has been shown exclusively in Gram-positive therapy, swab results may lead to additional antibiotic de-escalation discussions early on, potentially providing reduced durations or de-escalations of Gram-negative therapy as well.

Objectives

To determine if early de-escalation discussions prompted by MRSA swab results lead to shorter durations of Gram-negative antibiotic therapy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare pneumonia duration of Gram-negative therapy pre- and post-implementation of MRSA nasal swabs. Time to de-escalation, time to conversion to enteral therapy and cost were also compared between the groups.

Results

Data were collected for 240 patients overall, 120 in each group. The median duration of Gram-negative therapy was 154.0 h in the post-implementation group and 176.4 h in the pre-implementation group (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in time to de-escalation (52.7 versus 54.9 h; P = 0.351) or time to transition from IV to enteral therapy (53.0 versus 57.3 h; P = 0.289). The median cost of Gram-negative regimens per patient was less expensive in the post-implementation group ($31.36 versus $45.90; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

MRSA nasal swabs as an antimicrobial stewardship tool were associated with a reduced overall duration of Gram-negative therapy and Gram-negative antibiotic regimen cost. This introduces an additional benefit of MRSA nasal swabs and further incentivizes their use as an antimicrobial stewardship tool.
A Novel Ratio Probe Based on Mixing of Thiocyanuric Acid- Enhanced Silver Nanoclusters with N, S Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Detecting Sodium 2,3-Dimercapto Propanesulfonic Acid
Authors: Long Fei , Zhu Qi , Li Yingping
Published: June 2022

Background

The ratio fluorescent probe (RF-probe) has the characteristics of self-calibration and eliminating the influence of experimental factors (such as probe concentration, excitation intensity stability, and solution environment) in quantitative assays based on the linear relationship between the intensity ratio of two emission peaks and the concentration of analyte, especially in a complex biological matrix.

Objective

High-luminescent Ag nanoclusters (AgNCs) were prepared at room temperature due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE) through the incorporation of trithiocyanuric acid (TA). Subsequently, a new RF-probe based on mixing of AgNCs-TA with nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, S-CQDs) was prepared for sensitively and selectively assaying sodium 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS).

Methods

The fluorescence of N, S-CQDs was quenched in the presence of the AgNCs-TA mainly deriving from the inner filter effect (IFE), and its fluorescence intensities at 440 and 650 nm could recover and drop upon the addition of DMPS (λex = 370 nm).

Results

The RF-probe enables DMPS to be detected by fluorometry with a linear response in the 0.67–30.0 μmol/L concentration range and a 54.7 nmol/L detection limit (at 3σ/slope). At the same time, we also used the labeled recovery method to confirm the reliability of the method. The recoveries were 97.93–106.33%, and the corresponding standard deviations (RSD) were less than 1.87%.

Conclusion

The N, S-CQDs/AgNCs-TA RF-probe can also semi-quantitatively monitor DMPS by naked eyes.

Highlights

The mechanism of fluorescence enhancement of the AgNCs by TA also were investigated by the N, S-CQDs/AgNCs-TA-DMPS system. What’s more, the RF-probe of N, S-CQDs/AgNCs-TA was successfully utilized to monitor DMPS in real samples.
Expansion of the EZSTATSG1 Microsoft Excel Tool for ANSI/ASB Standard 036 Method Validation by the Addition of Weighted Quadratic External Calibration Models Utilizing Five-, Six- or Seven-Point Curves
Authors: Sofalvi Szabolcs , Schueler Harold E , Abonamah Jocelyn V
Published: June 2022

The first generation of this Microsoft (MS) Excel (Redmond, WA, USA) tool for method validation, EZSTATSG1, was designed for methods utilizing only linear calibration curves requiring seven calibration levels, and quadratic calibration models were not supported. This significantly improved version, EZSTATSG2, includes all of the features of the original template such as weighted linear calibration models, bias and precision data, dilution integrity and ion suppression. New features in this version include flexible five-, six- or seven-point calibration curves; six weighted quadratic calibration models; standardized residuals by use of frequency plots overlaid with the normal distribution function along with five-number summary data and processed sample stability. The implementation of Visual Basic for Applications in Excel UserForms prevents accidental alteration of existing formulas and also ensures that pertinent cells are relocked every time a file is reopened. The quadratic models feature the 95% confidence intervals for checking the significance of the second-order term and are fully characterized by providing the equations for the axis of symmetry, directrix and coordinates for vertex and focus. Example data of α-hydroxymidazolam demonstrate that the quadratic calibration curves fit the data more adequately than the linear models for this method. This second-generation tool summarizes all of the validation parameters of a method for both linear and quadratic calibration models. Models with the lower average sum of relative errors and higher R2 values are color-coded green, indicating the likelihood of a better fitting model. Like the EZSTATSG1, the redesigned EZSTATSG2.xltm MS Excel self-actuating validation tool and a completed PDF example are available to the scientific community for download as supplementary data. Updates to the template can be found at www.EZSTATS4validation.com.
Cannabinoid Stability in Postmortem Brain Samples Stored at Different Temperatures
Authors: Santunione Anna L , Palazzoli Federica , Verri Patrizia , Vandelli Daniele , Chiapelli Francesca , Silingardi Enrico
Published: June 2022

Drug stability is an important concern of forensic toxicological testing, particularly postmortem (PM) samples that may be stored for an extensive period of time before analysis. In PM toxicology, the complex assessment of analyte stability in biological matrices can profoundly impact the interpretation of toxicological results and the outcome of forensic casework. The aim of this work is to assess the stability of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9-THC (THCCOOH) and 11-nor-∆9-THC-9-carboxylic acid glucuronide (THCCOOH-glucuronide) in brain stored at three different temperatures (4°C, −20°C and −70°C) up to over 12 months (390 days) in order to establish the best storage condition for preventing potential drug degradation during the storage period. Brain is suitable and useful for xenobiotic concentrations and is a valuable specimen in the interpretation of PM toxicological results. In our study, pooled brain specimens were spiked at low and high concentrations to evaluate the change in concentration over time. Stable compounds were quantified within ±20% of the target concentration (the mean concentration resulting from the initial analysis). According to stability criteria, our preliminary findings revealed that all the cannabinoids studied are stable in frozen brain samples (−20°C and −70°C) for over 12 months: all the analytes’ concentrations remained unaffected during storage over time, with the analytical variation staying within ±20%. On the contrary, under refrigeration conditions (4°C), 11-OH-THC, THCCOOH and THCCOOH-glucuronide were instable. Authentic brain samples, collected from eight cases during the autopsy, were analyzed, and the stability was evaluated. This study provided new data on cannabinoid stability in brain. The stability of the brain samples, both in spiked samples and in authentic caseworks, highlights the importance of the brain as a valid testing matrix when retesting is required after a long period of time or when laboratories are faced with backlog.
Treatment Description
Authors: Miller Ivan W. , Gaudiano Brandon A. , Weinstock Lauren M.
Published: June 2022

This chapter explores the treatment description in line with CLASP. It lists the general principles of working with suicidal patients, such as saying the word “suicide” without flinching, giving space and time, stressing a team approach, and being attentive and calm. CLASP involves a relatively unique combination of case management and individual and family-based therapeutic strategies. Additionally, the main roles of a CLASP treatment advisor are monitoring, facilitating problem solving, care management, and specific psychotherapeutic strategies. Moreover, a CLASP advisor is more proactive than typical clinicians as they initiate telephone calls with patients and their respective significant others. The chapter also includes the outline and design of the CLASP treatment by referencing intervention targets and strategies.
The Neurobiology of Trauma-Related Disorders
Authors: Brand Bethany L. , Schielke Hugo J. , Schiavone Francesca , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: June 2022

This chapter summarizes the common neurobiological pathways underpinning the wide range of symptoms seen in trauma-related disorders and provides helpful language for psychoeducation that can instill hope in the brain’s capacity to heal. This chapter reviews the triune brain model and highlights the role of more primitive brain areas in carrying out automatic defensive responses to threat, as conceptualized in the defense cascade model. Particular attention is given to dissociative responses, including freezing and collapsing/playing dead. The authors highlight crucial brain areas such as the periaqueductal gray matter, which enacts these defenses in the body. The authors also discuss how sensory processing abnormalities in areas such as the vestibular system, the cerebellum, and the temporal lobe can explain psychotic-like and dissociative symptoms, which are frequently misinterpreted as psychosis or malingering. Finally, the chapter reviews intrinsic connectivity networks and difficulties with higher-order cognitive functions.
Getting and Feeling Safer, Part 2
Authors: Schielke Hugo J. , Brand Bethany L. , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: June 2022

This module builds on all you’ve already done as part of this program and focuses on learning more ways to help yourself recognize, interrupt, and reduce things that get in the way of getting and feeling safer. Toward these ends, this module will help you learn about your “window of tolerance” and how to calm your alarm system. You will practice getting and feeling safer by staying within and slowly expanding your window of tolerance. It will also help you practice having safer experiences, doing things that help calm your alarm system, and reducing behaviors that get in the way of getting and feeling safer. You will also learn about reducing your exposure to unhealthy and retraumatizing experiences and ways to help yourself when your risk of doing unhealthy or unsafe things is increasing.
Defining the Problem
Authors: Zinsser Katherine M.
Published: June 2022

The expulsion of young children from early education settings can be seen as an extension of national trends in elementary and secondary schools tracing back over 50 years. However, research into early childhood discipline has been hampered by inadequate and uncoordinated data. This chapter traces the short history of early childhood expulsion research and provides estimates of the number of children affected at each time point. Estimates are difficult to come by, in part because of how inconsistently expulsion is defined. This chapter outlines a broad definition that encompasses the multiple ways in which children can be formally and informally pushed out or excluded from care. Finally, the chapter concludes with an examination of which children are most often excluded and sets the stage to discuss why significant disparities exist and persist.
The “How” of Exclusion
Authors: Zinsser Katherine M.
Published: June 2022

Every time Noel was expelled or pushed out, the process looked a little different. Sometimes the program tried to work with his mom to find a solution or have him evaluated, and sometimes he was just told not to come back. Programs vary widely in how they approach exclusions. For some, it is an efficient business decision, made without the family. For others, it is the end of a protracted process. Understanding variations in and similarities across these processes may be an essential step toward devising policies and interventions to curtail exclusion. This chapter presents findings from two qualitative studies, one with teachers and another with administrators, and outlines the parallel processes and decisions that lead to a child’s expulsion.
Promising Pathways Forward
Authors: Zinsser Katherine M.
Published: June 2022

This chapter describes several approaches to mitigating the expulsion, highlighting family-, classroom-, program-, and state-level interventions. Therapeutic interventions and child social-emotional learning curricula are examined as stop-gap efforts that still situate the problem within a child. The Pyramid Model and infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) are examined as interventions at the setting level—attempting to alter adults’ perceptions of and responses to children’s behavior through training, coaching, and reflection. Finally, the statewide BehaviorHelp program in Arkansas exemplifies a systems-level prevention and intervention approach to ensure that early childhood programs have easy and efficient access to the supports they need to retain children. The presentation of each promising solution includes a review of the evidence and a critique of its capacity to reduce racial disparities in who is expelled.
The Self-Healing Mind
Authors: McVeigh Brian J.
Published: June 2022

Evolutionary psychology/psychiatry teaches us about why some mental illnesses developed. However, Brian J. McVeigh argues that much more recent changes in mentality hold lessons about improving our mental well-being. Indeed, by around 1000 bce, population expansion and social complexity had forced people to learn conscious interiority, a package of capabilities that culturally upgraded mentality. The functions/features of conscious interiority (FOCI) are instances of adaptive meta-framing: abstracting, metaphorizing, reframing, and transcending one’s circumstances. Adopting a common factors and positive psychology perspective, McVeigh enumerates FOCI—“active ingredients”—of the self-healing mind: mental space (introspectable stage for manipulating mental images); introception (employing semi-hallucinatory quasi-perceptions to “see” different perspectives); self-observing and observed (increasing role/perspective-taking); self-narratization (intensifying retrospection/prospection capabilities); excerption (editing mental contents for higher-order conceptualization); consilience (fitting conceptions together more effectively to bolster abstraction); concentration (peripheralizing unrelated mental material); suppression (deleting distracting and distressing thoughts); self-authorization (a sense of who or what one’s legitimizes one’s decision and behavior); self-autonomy (bolstering self-direction and self-confidence); self-individuation (highlighting personal strengths); self-reflexivity (cultivating insight, self-objectivity, and self-corrective abilities). FOCI underlie the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic techniques. Though the psyche’s recuperative properties correct distorted cognition and provide remarkable adaptive abilities, FOCI sometimes spiral out of control, resulting in runaway consciousness and certain mental disorders. Also addressed, then, is how snowballing FOCI become maladaptive processes in need of restraint. The benefits of temporarily suspending FOCI (hypnosis) and regulating them (meditation) are also explored. This work will appeal to practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in how therapeutically directed consciousness repairs the mind.
PUMILIO competes with AUF1 to control DICER1 RNA levels and miRNA processing
Authors: Rajasekaran Swetha , Khan Eshan , Ching Samuel R , Khan Misbah , Siddiqui Jalal K , Gradia Daniela F , Lin Chenyu , Bouley Stephanie J , Mercadante Dayna L , Manning Amity L , Gerber André P , Walker James A , Miles Wayne O
Published: June 2022

DICER1 syndrome is a cancer pre-disposition disorder caused by mutations that disrupt the function of DICER1 in miRNA processing. Studying the molecular, cellular and oncogenic effects of these mutations can reveal novel mechanisms that control cell homeostasis and tumor biology. Here, we conduct the first analysis of pathogenic DICER1 syndrome allele from the DICER1 3′UTR. We find that the DICER1 syndrome allele, rs1252940486, abolishes interaction with the PUMILIO RNA binding protein with the DICER1 3′UTR, resulting in the degradation of the DICER1 mRNA by AUF1. This single mutational event leads to diminished DICER1 mRNA and protein levels, and widespread reprogramming of miRNA networks. The in-depth characterization of the rs1252940486 DICER1 allele, reveals important post-transcriptional regulatory events that control DICER1 levels.
Host cell RecA activates a mobile element-encoded mutagenic DNA polymerase
Authors: Ojha Debika , Jaszczur Malgorzata M , Sikand Adhirath , McDonald John P , Robinson Andrew , van Oijen Antoine M , Mak Chi H , Pinaud Fabien , Cox Michael M , Woodgate Roger , Goodman Myron F
Published: June 2022

Homologs of the mutagenic Escherichia coli DNA polymerase V (pol V) are encoded by numerous pathogens and mobile elements. We have used Rum pol (RumA′2B), from the integrative conjugative element (ICE), R391, as a model mobile element-encoded polymerase (MEPol). The highly mutagenic Rum pol is transferred horizontally into a variety of recipient cells, including many pathogens. Moving between species, it is unclear if Rum pol can function on its own or requires activation by host factors. Here, we show that Rum pol biochemical activity requires the formation of a physical mutasomal complex, Rum Mut, containing RumA′2B-RecA-ATP, with RecA being donated by each recipient bacteria. For R391, Rum Mut specific activities in vitro and mutagenesis rates in vivo depend on the phylogenetic distance of host-cell RecA from E. coli RecA. Rum pol is a highly conserved and effective mobile catalyst of rapid evolution, with the potential to generate a broad mutational landscape that could serve to ensure bacterial adaptation in antibiotic-rich environments leading to the establishment of antibiotic resistance.
G-quadruplex structure of the C. elegans telomeric repeat: a two tetrads basket type conformation stabilized by a non-canonical C–T base-pair
Authors: Marquevielle Julien , De Rache Aurore , Vialet Brune , Morvan Estelle , Mergny Jean-Louis , Amrane Samir
Published: June 2022

The Caenorhabditis elegans model has greatly contributed to the understanding of the role of G-quadruplexes in genomic instability. The GGCTTA repeats of the C. elegans telomeres resemble the GGGTTA repeats of the human telomeres. However, the comparison of telomeric sequences (Homo sapiens, Tetrahymena, Oxytricha, Bombyx mori and Giardia) revealed that small changes in these repeats can drastically change the topology of the folded G-quadruplex. In the present work we determined the structure adopted by the C. elegans telomeric sequence d[GG(CTTAGG)3]. The investigated C. elegans telomeric sequence is shown to fold into an intramolecular two G-tetrads basket type G-quadruplex structure that includes a C–T base pair in the diagonal loop. This work sheds light on the telomeric structure of the widely used C. elegans animal model.
H3K36me2 methyltransferase NSD2 orchestrates epigenetic reprogramming during spermatogenesis
Authors: Li Zhiming , Zhang Xinzong , Xie Shiming , Liu Xingping , Fei Caifeng , Huang Xunbin , Tang Yunge , Zhou Li-quan
Published: June 2022

Spermatogenesis is precisely controlled by sophisticated gene expression programs and is driven by epigenetic reprogramming, including histone modification alterations and histone-to-protamine transition. Nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 2 (Nsd2) is the predominant histone methyltransferase catalyzing H3K36me2 and its role in male germ cell development remains elusive. Here, we report that NSD2 protein is abundant in spermatogenic cells. Conditional loss of Nsd2 in postnatal germ cells impaired fertility owing to apoptosis of spermatocytes and aberrant spermiogenesis. Nsd2 deficiency results in dysregulation of thousands of genes and remarkable reduction of both H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 in spermatogenic cells, with H3K36me2 occupancy correlating positively with expression of germline genes. Nsd2 deficiency leads to H4K16ac elevation in spermatogenic cells, probably through interaction between NSD2 and PSMA8, which regulates acetylated histone degradation. We further reveal that Nsd2 deficiency impairs EP300-induced H4K5/8ac, recognized by BRDT to mediate the eviction of histones. Accordingly, histones are largely retained in Nsd2-deficient spermatozoa. In addition, Nsd2 deficiency enhances expression of protamine genes, leading to increased protamine proteins in Nsd2-deficient spermatozoa. Our findings thus reveal a previously unappreciated role of the Nsd2-dependent chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis and provide clues to the molecular mechanisms in epigenetic abnormalities impacting male reproductive health.
The Normativity of Law: Has the Dispositional Model Solved our Problem?
Authors: Vassiliou Andreas
Published: June 2022

In Legal Directives and Practical Reasons, Noam Gur has presented a novel account, called the dispositional model, to explain how law bears on our normative practical reasons. Gur holds that his model is superior to the current models, namely the standard weighing model and Joseph Raz’s exclusionary model. Although his work provides useful insights into the practical impact of law, I argue that: (i) his challenge against the exclusionary model is valid only insofar as one accepts Raz’s normal justification thesis and dependence thesis; (ii) his argument against the weighing model misses its target, because it attacks the model as a decision-making method, not as an account of practical reason; and (iii) his dispositional model solely constitutes a decision-making strategy and does not offer a third alternative answer to the question of how law affects our normative practical reasons. Hence, the dispositional model is not a competitor to the weighing and the exclusionary model, and the problem of accounting for the normativity of law remains.
A myosin XI adaptor, TAPE, is essential for pollen tube elongation in rice
Authors: Hong Woo-Jong , Kim Eui-Jung , Yoon Jinmi , Silva Jeniffer , Moon Sunok , Min Cheol Woo , Cho Lae-Hyeon , Kim Sun Tae , Park Soon Ki , Kim Yu-Jin , Jung Ki-Hong
Published: June 2022

Pollen tube (PT) elongation is important for double fertilization in angiosperms and affects the seed-setting rate and, therefore, crop productivity. Compared to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.), information on PT elongation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is limited by the difficulty in obtaining homozygous mutants. In a screen of T-DNA insertional mutants, we identified a mutant in the Tethering protein of actomyosin transport in pollen tube elongation (TAPE) gene with an unusual segregation ratio by genotyping analysis. A CRISPR/Cas9 knockout mutant of TAPE that produced a short PT was sterile, and TAPE was expressed specifically in pollen grains. TAPE is a homolog of a myosin XI adaptor in Arabidopsis with three tetratricopeptide repeat and Phox and Bem1 protein domains. TAPE showed latrunculin B-sensitive, actin-dependent localization to the endoplasmic reticulum. Yeast two-hybrid screening and transcriptome analysis revealed that TAPE interacted with pollen-specific LIM protein 2b and elongation factor 1-alpha. Loss of TAPE affected transcription of 1,259 genes, especially genes related to cell organization, which were downregulated. In summary, TAPE encodes a myosin XI adaptor essential for rice PT elongation.
Dance for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hickman Benjamin , Pourkazemi Fereshteh , Pebdani Roxanna N , Hiller Claire E , Fong Yan Alycia
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Globally, 20–25% of people will experience chronic pain in their lifetimes. Dance is a physical activity with psychosocial benefits that might positively impact pain. This review aimed to investigate the effect of dance interventions on the experience of pain by quantitative measures and qualitative themes.

Methods

Seven major databases were searched from inception to January 2021. Two independent reviewers screened articles at each stage. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if the dance interventions lasted more than 6 weeks, participants reported pain of duration longer than 3 months, and pain was an outcome of the study. All articles were critically appraised with appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and data were collated through the use of results-based convergent synthesis.

Results

From 23,628 articles, 34 full papers were included, with a total of 1,254 participants (75.2% female). Studies predominantly investigated individuals with fibromyalgia (26%) and generalized chronic pain (14%), with aerobic dance (20.7%) and Biodanza (20.7%) being the most common dance genres investigated. Overall, 74% of studies noted either reduced pain through quantitative pain measures or qualitative themes of improved pain experience (88% for chronic primary pain and 80% for chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain).

Discussion

There were positive effects of dance on chronic primary and secondary musculoskeletal pain across diverse populations. A variety of study designs and interventions noted improved pain measures and themes around pain coping and acceptance, with all dance therapies showing improvements, particularly when performed for 60–150 minutes’ duration weekly. Dance should be considered as an effective adjunct in the management of chronic pain.
Prognostic Factors for Quality of Life After Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Pain—A Systematic Review
Authors: Liechti Seraina , Tseli Elena , Taeymans Jan , Grooten Wilhelmus
Published: June 2022

Background

Health-related quality of life (hrQoL) is a core outcome in evaluating interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation (IPR). This systematic review aimed to identify prognostic factors for hrQoL at least six months after IPR in chronic pain patients.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL until September 2020. Included were prognostic studies on the outcome hrQoL in adults aged 18 to 67 years with chronic pain (excluding malignancies, systemic-, inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases) who had undergone IPR. Studies were assessed with The Quality in Prognostic Studies-tool. Potential prognostic factors at baseline for the domains pain, psychological and physical functioning were qualitatively synthesized for hrQoL. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the level of evidence.

Results

Fourteen studies on 6,668 participants (mean age 37.4–52.8 y), with musculoskeletal pain/fibromyalgia and a pain duration ranging between 13.1 and 177.4 months were considered eligible. With a very low certainty of evidence, pain intensity, emotional distress, and physical functioning at baseline were inconsistent for prediction of hrQoL and pain duration was not predictive. With low certainty of evidence, fewer pain sites, lower levels of negative cognitive behavioral factors, and higher levels of positive cognitive behavioral factors predicted a better outcome.

Conclusions

The overall certainty of evidence was low to very low, making it difficult to reach definitive conclusions at present. Future studies with a predefined core set of predictors investigating hrQoL in patients with chronic pain after IPR are needed.
Natural Language Processing and Psychosis: On the Need for Comprehensive Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Cohen Alex S , Rodriguez Zachary , Warren Kiara K , Cowan Tovah , Masucci Michael D , Edvard Granrud Ole , Holmlund Terje B , Chandler Chelsea , Foltz Peter W , Strauss Gregory P
Published: June 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Despite decades of “proof of concept” findings supporting the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in psychosis research, clinical implementation has been slow. One obstacle reflects the lack of comprehensive psychometric evaluation of these measures. There is overwhelming evidence that criterion and content validity can be achieved for many purposes, particularly using machine learning procedures. However, there has been very little evaluation of test-retest reliability, divergent validity (sufficient to address concerns of a “generalized deficit”), and potential biases from demographics and other individual differences.

Study Design

This article highlights these concerns in development of an NLP measure for tracking clinically rated paranoia from video “selfies” recorded from smartphone devices. Patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were recruited and tracked over a week-long epoch. A small NLP-based feature set from 499 language samples were modeled on clinically rated paranoia using regularized regression.

Study Results

While test–retest reliability was high, criterion, and convergent/divergent validity were only achieved when considering moderating variables, notably whether a patient was away from home, around strangers, or alone at the time of the recording. Moreover, there were systematic racial and sex biases in the model, in part, reflecting whether patients submitted videos when they were away from home, around strangers, or alone.

Conclusions

Advancing NLP measures for psychosis will require deliberate consideration of test-retest reliability, divergent validity, systematic biases and the potential role of moderators. In our example, a comprehensive psychometric evaluation revealed clear strengths and weaknesses that can be systematically addressed in future research.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Children with Liver Dysfunction/Failure
Authors: Botan Edin , Durak Ayşen , Gün Emrah , Gurbanov Anar , Balaban Burak , Kahveci Fevzi , Özen Hasan , Uçmak Hacer , Aycan Fulden , Kendirli Tanıl
Published: June 2022

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is an option but citrate accumulation is risk and it is a giving up cause for this situation. This retrospective study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between May 2019 and April 2021. We investigated 47 patients with liver failure (LF) in our PICU, and RCA during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was applied to 10 (21.3%) of them. Half of them were male (n: 5/10), their mean age was 104.7 ± 66.20 months. Nine of them needed vasoactive support during follow-up. The most common indication for CRRT was hepatorenal syndrome (40%). There was no significant difference between liver transaminases and liver function tests before and after CRRT (p > 0.05). In terms of citrate toxicity of the patients, there was no significant difference between total calcium/ionized calcium, lactate level, pH and bicarbonate values before and after CRRT (p > 0.05). The mean total CRRT time was 110.2 ± 118.2 h, and the mean circuit lifespan was 43.8 ± 48.7 h; the mean number of circuits was 2.7 ± 2.4. Total Ca/ionized Ca >2.5 was a clinically relevant endpoint, but no patient interrupted dialysis for this cause. There was no complication about RCA. This study did not observe any adverse effects on acid–base status, transaminases, an increase in bilirubin during RCA–CRRT treatment in pediatric patients with LF. Total calcium/ionized calcium ratio, serum lactate level and prothrombin time level should be closely monitored daily in terms of citrate accumulation in this patient group.
New Approved Use for Keytruda
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: June 2022

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is now approved as a single agent to treat advanced endometrial carcinoma that is microsatellite instability–high or mismatch repair deficient in those whose disease has progressed following prior systemic therapy in any setting and who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Collaborative Nurse–Engineer Product Innovation
Authors: Giuliano Karen K. , Landsman Kelly
Published: June 2022

This is the second article in a series on nurse innovators, which focuses whenever possible on nurse–engineer partnerships and outlines working, replicable models of collaboration between the two disciplines. In this installment, we profile Lindsey Roddy, a nurse, and Kyle Jansson, an engineer—partners who collaborated on an innovative medical device called SecureMove-TLC, designed to improve caregiver workflow, reduce health care costs associated with line dislodgment, and promote safety for both patients and caregivers.
HPV-Associated Cancer Trends Since Vaccine Initiation
Authors: Todd Betsy
Published: June 2022

Decreasing cervical cancer rates may be associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine use.

It may be too early to evaluate the association between HPV vaccine use and trends in oropharyngeal cancer in men.
Interventions Led by General Practice RNs Can Significantly Reduce Blood Pressure
Authors: Todd Betsy
Published: June 2022

Interventions led by general practice RNs can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension.
Pupillometry in neurocritical care
Authors: Giamarino Kathryn , Reynolds Staci S.
Published: June 2022

Though pupillometer use is becoming more widespread, there is a lack of evidence on its use by nurses in the neurosurgical ICU. This article explores the use of the pupillometer among neurocritical care nurses to better understand their experience and the device's clinical utility.
Polidocanol: A Review of Off-Label Dermatologic Uses
Authors: Nguyen Quoc-Bao D. , Stender Carly , Bur Delfina , Silapunt Sirunya
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Polidocanol is an FDA-approved treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein system, but numerous other off-label dermatological applications have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the various off-label dermatological clinical uses of polidocanol, as well as efficacy and adverse effects.

METHODS

The review of studies searchable on PubMed from 2004 to 2021 describing clinical uses of polidocanol to determine efficacy and adverse effects associated with various dermatologic applications.

RESULTS

Polidocanol has shown efficacy in the treatment of mucocele of minor salivary gland, hemangioma, upper extremity veins, reticular veins of the chest, facial veins, pyogenic granuloma, lymphangioma circumscriptum, digital mucous cyst, mixed skin ulcers, cutaneous focal mucinosis, seromas, glomuvenous malformations, acne cysts, lymphocele, and dissecting cellulitis. Commonly reported side effects include pain, erythema, swelling, ecchymosis, and ulceration. Most sources were case reports and small prospective studies, as such the strength of data supporting many uses is limited by small sample sizes and lack of controls.

CONCLUSION

Although polidocanol is currently only FDA approved for incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein system, the use of polidocanol has been selected for a variety of off-label clinical applications.
National Trends in Venous Thromboembolism in the Adult Craniofacial Trauma Population
Authors: Lewin Grant M. , Gelfond Allison L. , Crumm Erin G. , Patel Parit A.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a major complication in plastic surgery; however, there is a paucity of evidence about the incidence of VTE in the craniofacial subpopulation. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for VTE in the adult craniofacial trauma population.

Methods:

This retrospective review identified patients from the 2016 and 2017 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample with a diagnosis for an initial encounter of a facial fracture. International Classification of Disease codes identified patients with DVT or PE. Groups were identified: adult craniofacial patients with and without a VTE diagnosis. The groups were analyzed to determine risk factors for developing a VTE during inpatient admissions.

Results:

A total of 203,240 patients were identified based on a diagnosis for an initial encounter of a facial fracture. Among those, 3350 (1.65%) were diagnosed with a DVT and 1455 (0.72%) with a PE. Risk factors for VTE were male sex (P = 0.011), longer hospital stay (P = 0.000), and higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (P = 0.000). Additionally, PE was an independent predictor of mortality [odds ratio (OR), 2.129] but DVT was not (OR, 1.148). Cranial and frontal fractures were independently associated with an increase in DVT (OR, 2.481) and PE (OR, 1.489).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that craniofacial trauma patients are at risk for VTE and should be risk-stratified for chemoprophylaxis therapy. Further studies in thromboembolism prophylaxis for facial fractures are warranted as the data are limited.
Serrated Polyposis Syndrome in a Young Adolescent Patient
Authors: Fox Victor L. , Spofford Inbar S. , Crompton Brian D. , Yurgelun Mathew B. , Lillehei Craig W. , Goldsmith Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2022

Serrated polyps are pathological neoplastic lesions in the colon with subtle gross morphology leading to underreporting during colonoscopy. While detection rates are increasing in average-risk adult screening colonoscopy, the rate of detection during pediatric colonoscopy is unknown. Serrated polyposis syndrome is characterized by the presence of multiple serrated polyps in the colon and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Cancer prevention relies on early recognition, endoscopic clearance of all polyps > 5 mm, and continued interval surveillance or prophylactic colectomy. We report the diagnosis and management of serrated polyposis syndrome in a young adolescent patient and highlight the subtle features of serrated polyps that may go unrecognized leading to underreporting in childhood.
Implementation of SEEK in a Children’s Advocacy Center: A Process Improvement Initiative
Authors: Letson Megan M. , Brink Farah W. , Daniels Alicia , Thompson Sandra , Wolf Kathryn G. , Michaels Nichole L.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Risk factors for child maltreatment are well-described, but clinicians may overlook these risk factors. The Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) model is an evidence-based approach to identifying psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment. This article describes a quality improvement initiative to implement the SEEK model in a unique pediatric setting, a Children’s Advocacy Center.

Methods:

The objectives were to (1) describe the identification of psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment by implementing the SEEK screening tool with each new family, (2) achieve and sustain a SEEK completion rate of greater than 85%, and (3) achieve and sustain a SEEK follow-up compliance rate of greater than 75%. Structured quality improvement methods, including several plan-do-study-act cycles, were used to implement interventions.

Results:

The percentage of caregivers who completed the SEEK questionnaire increased from a baseline of 76% to 86%, which was sustained for more than 2 years, resulting in a better understanding and support of families’ needs. Caregivers completed 3,606 SEEK Parent Questionnaire-R. Mental health concerns and food insecurity were among the most commonly endorsed items. Follow-up compliance increased from 47% to 90%, a level that has been maintained.

Conclusions:

While Children’s Advocacy Centers evaluate children with suspected abuse, identifying current stressors in the home and linking families with resources to address their immediate psychosocial concerns can improve short- and long-term outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating consistent screening for psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment in this busy environment.
Sustaining Improvements in CLABSI Reduction in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gauntt Jennifer , Brandt Sarah , Dolan Kevin , Manley Jaime , Tyner Roxann , Beauseau Wendi , Simsic Janet M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are preventable events that increase morbidity and mortality. The objective of this quality project was to reduce the incidence of CLABSIs in a pediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit.

Methods:

Institutional review of an unacceptably high rate of CLABSIs led to the implementation of 4 new interventions. These interventions included: the use of sequential cleaning between line accesses, Kamishibai card audits, central line utilization and entry audits, and proctored simulation of line access.

Results:

There was a reduction in CLABSI rate from 1.52 per 1,000 central line days in 2018 to 0.37 per 1,000 central line days in 2020 and 0.32 in 2021. Additionally, central line days per 100 patient days decreased from 77 to 70 days over the study period. The cardiothoracic intensive care unit went 389 days without a CLABSI from October 2020 to November 2021.

Conclusions:

Implementation of multiple interventions led to a successful reduction in the incidence of CLABSIs in our unit, with a sustained reduction over 1 year.