bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Original Research: Exploring Black Nurses' Perceptions of Workplace Safety and Personal Health
Authors: Martin Nia M. , Dehom Salem O. , Cuccia Alison F. , Boston-Leary Katie , Taylor Elizabeth Johnston
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to assess the perceptions of nurses who self-identify as Black or African American regarding their workplace health and safety and to explore how these perceptions are associated with their perceived personal health.

Background:

Nurses practicing in unhealthy work environments can experience poorer physical and mental health. Recent civil unrest and ongoing dialogue about structural and systemic racism have prompted calls for greater efforts to understand the workplace perceptions and experiences of ethnic minority nurses, and how these influence nurses' personal well-being. But there is a dearth of relevant evidence concerning these nurses, including Black nurses.

Methods:

This cross-sectional, descriptive study involved analysis of secondary data collected from May 1, 2017, through December 31, 2019, by the American Nurses Association's HealthyNurse Survey (N = 19,131). We employed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses to examine the data for the 1,143 respondents who both self-identified as Black or African American and responded to all items concerning the major variable of personal health.

Results:

Overall, respondents reported a slight tendency to agree or strongly agree that their practice environments were safe. When looking at various factors explaining personal health, the perception of workplace health and safety was found to be a significant contributing factor.

Conclusions:

The study findings suggest that, among Black nurses, perceptions about workplace health and safety are associated with perceived personal health. These findings underscore the importance of fostering healthy work environments.
Survival After Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Based on In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Cannulation Location: An Analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry
Authors: Mazzeffi Michael , Zaaqoq Akram , Curley Jonathan , Buchner Jessica , Wu Isaac , Beller Jared , Teman Nicholas , Glance Laurent
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Explore whether extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) mortality differs by in-hospital cardiac arrest location and whether moving patients for cannulation impacts outcome.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

ECPR hospitals that report data to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

PATIENTS:

Patients having ECPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest between 2020 and 2023 with data in the ELSO registry.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Patient demographics, comorbidities, pre-cardiac arrest conditions, pre-ECPR vasopressor use, cardiac arrest details, ECPR cannulation information, major complications, and in-hospital mortality were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between in-hospital mortality and 1) cardiac arrest location and 2) moving a patient for ECPR cannulation. A total of 2515 patients met enrollment criteria. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for mortality was increased in patients who had a cardiac arrest in the ICU (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.45–2.38; p < 0.001) and in patients who had a cardiac arrest in an acute care bed (aOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.09–2.58; p = 0.02) compared with the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Moving a patient for cannulation had no association with mortality (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.18–2.81; p = 0.62). Advanced patient age was associated with increased mortality. Specifically, patients 60–69 and patients 70 years old or older were more likely to die compared with patients younger than 30 years old (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.17–2.50; p = 0.006 and aOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.49–3.48; p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

ECPR patients who experienced cardiac arrest in the ICU and in acute care hospital beds had increased odds of mortality compared with other locations. Moving patients for ECPR cannulation was not associated with improved outcomes.
Concurrent Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency and Mild Neurotrophic Keratopathy in Graft-Vs-Host Disease
Authors: Yavuz Saricay Leyla , Surico Pier Luigi , Tandias Rachel , Jurkunas Ula V. , Dana Reza
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to delineate the concurrence of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and neurotrophic keratopathy in patients with ocular graft-vs-host disease (oGVHD).

Methods:

Medical records of patients with oGVHD were reviewed. Parameters collected included corneal sensitivity measured by using a noncontact esthesiometer, corneal fluorescein staining score (National Eye Institute grading scale), tear volume (Schirmer I test), and subbasal nerve density and limbal structure assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients (mean age: 60.8 ± 10.4 years) with oGVHD were included; 50% (n = 14) had partial LSCD (P-LSCD), and 32% (n = 9) had complete LSCD (C-LSCD). Patients with C-LSCD showed significantly reduced total nerve density and branch nerve density compared with those with P-LSCD (P < 0.02, P < 0.04) and no LSCD (P < 0.01, P = 0.02). Dendritic cell density was significantly higher in the C-LSCD group compared with the no LSCD group (P < 0.05). Corneal sensitivity was significantly reduced in patients with C-LSCD compared with those with P-LSCD (P = 0.01) and no LSCD (P < 0.02). Patients with C-LCSD had higher corneal fluorescein staining scores than patients with P-LSCD (P < 0.01) and no LSCD (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

This study highlights a significant concurrence of LSCD and neurotrophic keratopathy in patients with oGVHD, underscoring the link between inflammation, neurodegeneration, and loss of stem cell function.
Antiviral Treatment and Risk of Hearing Loss in Asymptomatic and Mild Symptomatic Infants With Congenital Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Villaverde Serena , Pedrero-Tomé Roberto , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Syridou Garyfallia , Karagiannidou Sofia , Lyall Hermione , Payne Helen , Frick Marie Antoinette , Soler-Palacín Pere , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Rodríguez-Molino Paula , Fortuny-Guasch Claudia , Rios-Barnés Maria , Sánchez-Mateos Miguel , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús , Bringué Xavier , Moliner Elisenda , Castells Laura , Muga Oihana , Vives-Oños Isabel , Gkentzi Despoina , Lombardi Giuseppina , Tagarro Alfredo , Colino Elena , Couceiro Jose A. , Rojo Pablo , de Vergas Joaquín , Blázquez-Gamero Daniel ,   on behalf of the cCMVnet Registry Study Group
Published: October 2024

Background:

To assess hearing outcomes at 24 months of age in infants with mild congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, depending on whether they have received antiviral treatment or not.

Methods:

A retrospective study within the European Registry of Children with cCMV was performed. Included children had cCMV diagnosed in utero/in the first 21 days of life, with normal physical examination, alanine aminotransferase <80 U/L and platelets >100,000 cs/mm3 and absence of hearing loss (HL) at birth. Cranial ultrasound (cUS) and/or cranial magnetic resonance imaging was normal or with minor findings (isolated lenticulostriate vasculopathy and/or germinolysis/caudothalamic or subependymal cysts, and/or focal/multifocal white matter involvement). The main outcome was the presence of HL at 24 months of age.

Results:

One hundred ninety-six patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 34.7% received antiviral treatment with valganciclovir/ganciclovir. Children treated had lower gestational age, birth weight and head circumference, and maternal primary infection was less frequent. Among treated children, 21.3% presented minor findings in cUS versus 6.3% in nontreatment group (P = 0.003). Nine patients (4.6%) developed HL at 24 months. Among children with HL, 20% presented minor findings in cUS versus 11.3% in non-HL group (P = NS). HL rate was similar in treated and nontreated groups (4.6% vs. 6.3%; P = 0.6).

Conclusions:

One-third of the children were treated with antivirals and infants with minor neuroimaging findings at birth were more likely to receive antiviral. There were no differences in the prevalence of HL at 2 years of age between treated and not-treated children. Minor neuroimaging findings were not clearly associated with an increased risk of delayed onset HL.
Imaging approach for fungal sinusitis
Authors: Dagher Richard , Calle Susana , Learned Kim O.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

This article provides a comprehensive review of the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of invasive fungal sinusitis with an emphasis on pattern recognition and approach to interpretation.

Recent findings

Fungal sinusitis is categorized into invasive (acute, chronic, and granulomatous) and noninvasive forms (allergic fungal sinusitis and mycetoma). CT is superior for detecting bony erosion and hyperdense fungal elements, while MRI excels in evaluating soft tissue and mucosal involvement. Key radiologic signs such as bone destruction, sinus wall thickening, and ‘black turbinate sign’ aid in early diagnosis, especially in invasive cases. Early imaging signs can be subtle. Early detection is necessary, particularly in immunocompromised patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis, where rapid intervention is critical.

Pattern recognition and adequate interpretation of fungal sinusitis are possible using CT and MRI. Imaging can also help identify complications, aiding with reliable diagnosis and prompt intervention.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Encephalitis and “Starry Sky” Pattern on MRI
Authors: Mikhaiel John P. , Parasram Melvin , Park Jaehan , Cappucci Stefanie , McGuone Declan , Falcone Guido J. , Sheth Kevin N. , Gilmore Emily J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii (R. rickettsii). RMSF presents after a tick bite with fever, rash, and headache but can also cause more serious neurological manifestations. We report a case of RMSF encephalitis presenting with altered sensorium and rapid progression to coma, fever, and petechial rash, and an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain notable for a “starry sky” pattern.

Case Report:

A 61-year-old woman presented with confusion and fever and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Two days later, she became comatose. MRI brain revealed lacunar infarcts in the right centrum semiovale and splenium of the corpus callosum. Lumbar puncture was notable for neutrophilic pleocytosis and elevated protein with negative bacterial and viral cultures. Empiric meningitis therapy was initiated, and she was transferred to our institution. On transfer, she was febrile, comatose, and had a diffuse petechial rash. Repeat MRI brain demonstrated diffuse, innumerable punctate foci of diffusion restriction with susceptibility-weighted signal attenuation throughout cerebral hemispheres in a “starry sky” pattern. Skin biopsy revealed perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates. Serologic RSMF antibody titers were obtained, and doxycycline was initiated for presumed RMSF encephalitis. The family opted to pursue palliative measures, given no clinical improvement. RSMF titers and postmortem PCR from brain tissue were positive for R. rickettsii.

Conclusions:

This case report highlights the clinical presentation of RMSF encephalitis. RMSF encephalitis should be suspected in a patient presenting with encephalopathy, fever, petechial rash, and MRI brain findings of diffuse punctate foci of diffusion restriction and susceptibility-weighted signal attenuation in a “starry-sky” pattern.
C9orf72 Gene-Associated Frontotemporal Dementia Mimicking Autoimmune Pathology
Authors: Hoshina Yoji , Moser Clark , Wright Melissa A. , Sunderman Elizabeth , Livsey Charles T. , Spoth Emily , Clardy Stacey L. , Cliatt Brown Christine J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

The C9orf72 mutation can manifest in diverse clinical ways, including rapid cognitive decline, parkinsonism, or late-life neuropsychiatric symptoms, sometimes mimicking autoimmune encephalitis.

Case Report:

A 64-year-old female presented to the autoimmune neurology clinic with rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) associated with episodes of headache, confusion, auditory hallucinations, and abnormal electroencephalogram. She was treated empirically at an outside hospital for possible autoimmune encephalitis with intravenous methylprednisolone, but there was no improvement, and rapid cognitive decline continued. Family history was notable for RPD with akinetic mutism in her sister, sudden severe depression followed by parkinsonism with progressive dementia in her father in his 60s, and late-life gradually progressive dementia in her mother. Additional testing revealed a low titer positive contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum and elevated CSF 14-3-3 protein. CSF CASPR2 IgG and real-time quaking-induced conversion for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease were negative. Brain MRI showed normal parenchymal volume. Genetic testing was conducted, which identified a heterozygous pathogenic hexanucleotide tandem repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene.

Conclusion:

This case underscores the phenotypic variability of C9orf72 mutation and the importance of a detailed family history exploring young or atypical deaths and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. Genetic etiologies are crucial to consider in those with a family history concerning autosomal dominant inheritance patterns of early-onset dementia, parkinsonism, or late-onset psychiatric disease. Emphasis is placed on considering alternative etiologies early, particularly when there is no response to first-line immunomodulation for suspected autoimmune dementia.
Descriptive Study of GoBabyGo Program Practices and Evaluation Processes
Authors: Ziegler Kelsey , Da Silva Carolyn P. , Mitchell Katy , Baxter Mary F. , Bickley Christina
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe existing GoBabyGo (GBG) programs with physical or occupational therapist (PT or OT) involvement and identify eligibility criteria and evaluation processes of organizations that build modified ride-on cars (MROCs).

Methods:

Forty-four PTs and OTs completed a survey including descriptive information about GBG programs, barriers and facilitators, and functional aspects of the programs such as inclusion and exclusion criteria, outcome measure use, and follow-up practices.

Results:

Findings demonstrated the heterogeneous nature of GBG programs. GBG programs most commonly serve 2 to-5-year-olds with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and chromosomal abnormalities. Outcome measure use and follow-up was minimal, and successful MROC use definitions varied from independent driving to passive use.

Conclusions:

Clinicians can use this information to help improve existing GBG programs and start new chapters as well as make appropriate referrals for clients who may benefit from a MROC.
Assessment of Emphysema on X-ray Equivalent Dose Photon-Counting Detector CT
Authors: Kerber Bjarne , Ensle Falko , Kroschke Jonas , Strappa Cecilia , Larici Anna Rita , Frauenfelder Thomas , Jungblut Lisa
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of visual scoring, low-attenuation volume (LAV), and deep learning methods for estimating emphysema extent in x-ray dose photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT), aiming to explore future dose reduction potentials.

Methods

One hundred one prospectively enrolled patients underwent noncontrast low- and chest x-ray dose CT scans in the same study using PCD-CT. Overall image quality, sharpness, and noise, as well as visual emphysema pattern (no, trace, mild, moderate, confluent, and advanced destructive emphysema; as defined by the Fleischner Society), were independently assessed by 2 experienced radiologists for low- and x-ray dose images, followed by an expert consensus read. In the second step, automated emphysema quantification was performed using an established LAV algorithm with a threshold of −950 HU and a commercially available deep learning model for automated emphysema quantification. Automated estimations of emphysema extent were converted and compared with visual scoring ratings.

Results

X-ray dose scans exhibited a significantly lower computed tomography dose index than low-dose scans (low-dose: 0.66 ± 0.16 mGy, x-ray dose: 0.11 ± 0.03 mGy, P < 0.001). Interreader agreement between low- and x-ray dose for visual emphysema scoring was excellent (κ = 0.83). Visual emphysema scoring consensus showed good agreement between low-dose and x-ray dose scans (κ = 0.70), with significant and strong correlation (Spearman ρ = 0.79). Although trace emphysema was underestimated in x-ray dose scans, there was no significant difference in the detection of higher-grade (mild to advanced destructive) emphysema (P = 0.125) between the 2 scan doses. Although predicted emphysema volumes on x-ray dose scans for the LAV method showed strong and the deep learning model excellent significant correlations with predictions on low-dose scans, both methods significantly overestimated emphysema volumes on lower quality scans (P < 0.001), with the deep learning model being more robust. Further, deep learning emphysema severity estimations showed higher agreement (κ = 0.65) and correlation (Spearman ρ = 0.64) with visual scoring for low-dose scans than LAV predictions (κ = 0.48, Spearman ρ = 0.45).

Conclusions

The severity of emphysema can be reliably estimated using visual scoring on CT scans performed with x-ray equivalent doses on a PCD-CT. A deep learning algorithm demonstrated good agreement and strong correlation with the visual scoring method on low-dose scans. However, both the deep learning and LAV algorithms overestimated emphysema extent on x-ray dose scans. Nonetheless, x-ray equivalent radiation dose scans may revolutionize the detection and monitoring of disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Ventral Hernia Repair With a Hybrid Absorbable-permanent Preperitoneal Mesh
Authors: Goldblatt Matthew I. , Reynolds Matthew , Doerhoff Carl R. , LeBlanc Karl , Leyba Mario , Mallico Eric J. , Linn John G.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

To analyze device safety and clinical outcomes of ventral hernia repair with the GORE SYNECOR Preperitoneal Biomaterial (PRE device), a permanent high-strength mesh with bioabsorbable web scaffold technology.

Materials and Methods:

This multicenter retrospective review analyzed device/procedure endpoints and patient-reported outcomes in patients treated for hernia repair ≥1 year from study enrollment.

Results:

Included in this analysis were 148 patients with a mean age of 56 years; 66.2% met the Ventral Hernia Working Group grade 2 classification. Median hernia size was 30.0 cm2 and 58.8% of patients had an incisional hernia. Repairs were primarily a robotic (53.4%) or open approach (41.9%). All meshes were placed extraperitoneal. Procedure-related adverse events within 30 days occurred in 13 (8.8%) patients and included 7 (4.8%) patients with surgical site infection, 2 (1.4%) with surgical site occurrence (SSO), 4 (2.7%) requiring readmission, and 3 (2.0%) who had reoperation. The rate of SSO events requiring procedural intervention was 2.7% (4 patients) through 30 days and 3.4% (5 patients) at 12 months. The rate of procedure-related surgical site infection remained at 4.8% through 12 months (no further reports after 30 d) and 3.4% for SSO (2 reports after 30 d). There were no site-reported clinically diagnosed hernia recurrences throughout the study. Median patient follow-up including in-person visit, physical examination, reported adverse event, explant, death, and questionnaire response was 28 months (n = 148). Median patient follow-up with patient questionnaire was 36 months (n = 88).

Conclusions:

Use of the PRE device, which incorporates the proven advantages of both an absorbable synthetic mesh and the long-term durability of a permanent macroporous mesh, is safe and effective in complex ventral hernia repairs. When used in the retromuscular space, the combination of these 2 materials had lower wound complications and recurrence rates than either type of material alone.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Lee Minji , Laureys Steven
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

As artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies continue to develop, they are being increasingly used to improve the scientific understanding and clinical care of patients with severe disorders of consciousness following acquired brain damage. We here review recent studies that utilized these techniques to reduce the diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty in disorders of consciousness, and to better characterize patients’ response to novel therapeutic interventions.

Recent findings

Most papers have focused on differentiating between unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state, utilizing artificial intelligence to better analyze functional neuroimaging and electroencephalography data. They often proposed new features using conventional machine learning rather than deep learning algorithms. To better predict the outcome of patients with disorders of consciousness, recovery was most often based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale, and traditional machine learning techniques were used in most cases. Machine learning has also been employed to predict the effects of novel therapeutic interventions (e.g., zolpidem and transcranial direct current stimulation).

Artificial intelligence and machine learning can assist in clinical decision-making, including the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for patients with disorders of consciousness. The performance of these models can be expected to be significantly improved by the use of deep learning techniques.
Impact of Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Clinic on Treatment Package Time During 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Khaja Sobia F , Wilke Christopher T
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Prolongation of treatment package time is strongly associated with inferior oncologic outcomes. We examine the effect of creation of a multidisciplinary head and neck clinic on treatment package times.

STUDY DESIGN:

This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating treatment package time in patients receiving adjuvant radiation through a multidisciplinary clinic compared with standard clinics at a single academic institution between July 31, 2020, and July 31, 2022.

RESULTS:

Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered to 23 patients in multidisciplinary clinic, 68 patients in standard clinic and 17 patients in satellite clinics. Patients seen in multidisciplinary clinic began adjuvant radiation sooner (median 35 vs 41 vs 48 days, p = 0.01) with more compact treatment package times (median 78 vs 84 vs 86 days, p = 0.003). Nine patients (13%) in standard clinics and 4 patients (24%) at the satellite clinics had adjuvant treatment package times exceeding 100 days. No patient seen in multidisciplinary clinic had treatment package times exceeding 100 days.

CONCLUSIONS:

Colocalization of radiation oncology and otolaryngology care in multidisciplinary clinic substantially improved time to postoperative radiotherapy and treatment package times. This is likely due to the identification of patients requiring adjuvant radiation earlier in their clinical presentation which in turn allowed for advanced planning and minimization of delays in initiation of adjuvant radiation.
Bifunctional catalytic activity of anion-doped LaSrCoO
4
for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Nozawa Ittoku , Hagiwara Hidehisa
Published: October 2024

Here, we synthesized Co-based, anion-incorporated‍ ‌R‌u‌d‌d‌l‌e‌s­d‌e‌n‌–‌Popper perovskite electrocatalysts (LaSrCoO

4
−x

X

y

) and compared their catalytic performances in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The ORR mechanism with the newly synthesized F-doped LaSrCoO
4
catalyst was dominated by a four-electron process, and the number of electrons involved in the reaction increased compared with that for LaSrCoO
4
. The OER activity of the hydride-doped LaSrCoO
4
catalyst was the highest among the LaSrCoO
4
system catalysts. Density functional theory calculations revealed that there is a correlation between the Co 3d unoccupied orbital band centre and the OER activity. The addition of anions and substitution of metal sites improved the ORR and OER activities of the catalysts. Our findings confirmed that the addition of heteroatom anions can improve the activity of perovskite-type electrocatalysts, promoting their application in various fields.
Towards an update on the antimicrobial use in Adult Care Units in Brazil: insights from multi-hospital prevalence study
Authors: Machado Luiz Gustavo , Resende Daiane Silva , de Campos Paola Amaral , Ferreira Melina Lorraine , Rossi Iara , Braga Iolanda Alves , Aires Caio Augusto Martins , Freitas Tenório Maria Tereza , Queiroz Lícia Ludendorff , de Almeida Vitelhe Ferreira , Gontijo-Filho Paulo Pinto , Ribas Rosineide Marques
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Efforts to understand the burden of antibiotic use in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil are essential for developing strategies that are effective and appropriate in the context of endemic multidrug-resistant organisms.

Aim. This study aims to determine antimicrobial-prescribing practices among patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) for adults in Brazil.

Methodology. A 1-day point prevalence multicentre survey was conducted in 58 adult ICUs across the five regions of Brazil. The institutions were categorized according to their type and size. Detailed antimicrobial prescription data were prospectively provided to all patients hospitalized on the day of data collection.

Results. A total of 620 patients were included in the study, of whom 63.9% were receiving at least one antimicrobial. Of these, 34.6% were treated for an infection, but only 39.9% of the cases were based on microbiological criteria. Empirical treatment was applied to 72.3% of the patients. Significant differences in antibiotic usage were observed across the different hospitals included in the study. Overall, treatment was most commonly directed towards pneumonia (51.8%) and bloodstream infections (29.6%). Glycopeptides (19.4%) and carbapenems (18.5%) were the most prescribed in teaching hospitals, while in non-teaching hospitals, carbapenems (17.8%) and broad-spectrum cephalosporins (16.8%) were most frequently used.

Conclusion. Our study reveals alarming data on antibiotic use in adult ICUs in Brazil, with high frequencies of severe healthcare-associated infections acquired in these units, where patients are frequently subjected to empirical treatment.
Focal persistence and phylodynamics of Heartland virus in Georgia
Authors: Bellman Stephanie , Shariatzadeh Nima , Ferrell Tyshawn , Long Audrey , Aeschleman Leah , Fausett Ellie , Walsh Tim , Cleary Seana , Roeske Isabella , Ojeda Erick , Schwab Madison , Dakanay Hannah , Telford Sam R , Goethert Heidi K , Vazquez-Prokopec Gonzalo , Piantadosi Anne
Published: October 2024

Heartland virus (HRTV) is an emerging tick-bone virus associated with severe illness in the U.S. There are large gaps in knowledge of HRTV diversity, evolution, and transmission due to a paucity of HRTV-positive samples and genome sequences. We identified a focal site of HRTV- positiveAmblyomma americanumticks in central Georgia and developed a novel multiplex- amplicon sequencing assay to generate full HRTV genome sequences. By screening over 21,000 field-collected ticks from 2021-2023, we identified six positive pools. Five were collected from the site in central Georgia where our group first detected HRTV-positive ticks in 2019, and one from a site in western Georgia approximately 175 km away. The HRTV genome sequences from Georgia were highly related, even across this distance and over five years. Reference HRTV genome sequences from across the U.S. were also geographically clustered. Time-scaled phylogenetic analysis suggested recent spread of HRTV in the U.S., with all available sequences sharing a common ancestor within the last 300 years, and sequences from Georgia sharing a common ancestor within the last 40 years. Our observed spatial clustering of HRTV and the high degree of genetic conservation in our persistent focus suggest the importance of small spatial dynamics in HRTV transmission ecology.

Author Summary

Heartland virus (HRTV) was first discovered in humans in 2009 and has since caused over 60 cases of severe and fatal disease in the United States. HRTV is transmitted by the lone star tick,Amblyomma americanum, across the Southeast, East coast, and Midwest. Little information is known about how this virus circulates and changes across time and space due to a lack of genetic data. Here, we created a new procedure to generate more genetic sequence data for HRTV and collected over 21,000 ticks to screen for HRTV across three years in Georgia. We generated 6 new HRTV sequences and compared them to existing sequences from our group in Georgia, and across the country, finding evidence of regional clustering of HRTV and highly related HRTV across time in Georgia. Our analyses additionally found that this virus was likely introduced to the U.S. in the last 300 years. Our study provides new context and information in understanding the landscape and transmission of HRTV in the U.S.
Virological Characterization of a New Isolated Strain of Andes Virus Involved in the Recent Person-to-Person Transmission Outbreak Reported in Argentina
Authors: Coelho Rocío M. , Kehl Sebastian , Periolo Natalia , Biondo Emiliano , Alonso Daniel O. , Perez Celeste , Do Porto Darío Fernández , Palacios Gustavo , Edelstein Alexis , Bellomo Carla , Martinez Valeria P.
Published: October 2024

On November 2018, a person-to-person transmission outbreak of Andes virus (ANDV) began in the small town of Epuyen, Argentina. The strain involved demonstrated a high capacity for sustained transmission among the human population requiring the implementation of quarantine measures, rigorous contact tracing, isolation of close contacts, and active clinical monitoring to prevent further spread. In this study, we report the isolation of this strain, which we name the ARG-Epuyen after just three passages in cell culture. Complete sequencing revealed only a single amino acid change post-isolation, revealing that it is a non-adapted, wild-type ANDV strain, and its isolation probably represents a critical step toward the development of medical countermeasures against this emerging pathogen. The pathogenicity and transmissibility potential of ARG-Epuyen were evaluated in hamsters, the only animal model for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Additionally, this strain was compared with ARG, an ANDV strain previously isolated from the same geographical area in the Argentinian Patagonia, from a rodent specimen. Our findings revealed high infectiousness and efficient hamster-to-hamster transmission through direct contact experiments, although ARG-Epuyen appeared to be less pathogenic than ARG.
The Food, Activity, Screens, and Teens (FAST) Study; Design and protocol
Authors: Sirard John R. , Sibeko Lindiwe , Pachucki Mark C. , Kitts James A.
Published: October 2024

The Food, Activity, Screens, and Teens (FAST) Study was a school-based prospective cohort study, aiming to identify mechanisms of peer influence on weight-related behaviors (WRBs) among early adolescents. In 2017-18, FAST investigators conducted focus group interviews and field observations of sixth grade students at four ethnoracially diverse urban middle schools, then administered pilot surveys in two of the schools. In Fall 2018, investigators recruited a cohort of sixth graders in the same four schools for a three-year panel study, with four waves per year. Each wave measured height and weight, demographic characteristics, WRBs (physical activity, screen time, and dietary patterns), classes and activities, and social networks among peers. Peer network measures included friendship, social sentiments (liking/disliking), online and face to face interaction, kinship, cohabiting, and shared WRBs. The pandemic school closure in March 2020 interrupted fieldwork after wave 6, and the next five waves employed online and mail surveys while schools operated remotely. In Spring 2022, after schools reopened, investigators followed a subset of students into high school to collect a twelfth wave of data.
Computer-Aided Reading of Chest Radiographs for Pediatric Tuberculosis: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: DuPont Mackenzie , Castro Robert , Kik Sandra V. , Palmer Megan , Seddon James A. , Jaganath Devan
Published: October 2024

Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems for automated reading of chest X-rays (CXRs) have been developed and approved for tuberculosis (TB) triage in adults, but not in children. However, CXR is frequently the only adjunctive tool to clinical assessment for the evaluation of pediatric TB in primary health settings, and children would benefit from CAD models that can detect their unique clinical and radiographic features. The current literature on CAD CXR algorithms for detecting TB and other pulmonary infections in children is limited, but highlights promising models and approaches. To advance CAD for childhood TB, large, diverse, pediatric CXR datasets are required that are linked to standardized clinical and radiographic TB classifications. These datasets could be used to train or fine-tune existing algorithms for TB screening, diagnosis and severity stratification. It is critical to include children in CAD models to increase equity and reduce the global burden of TB disease.
Mitigating nitrous oxide emission by an ultra-fast bioprocess enabling the removal of high concentration N2O
Authors: Maeda Ryota , Sato Mikiko , Minamisawa Kiwamu , Kubota Kengo
Published: October 2024

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is known as a greenhouse gas as well as an ozone-depleting substance. Wastewater treatment process is one of the sources of N2O emission, and the high concentrations of N₂O in off-gas were reported from an anaerobic ammonium oxidation process. This study developed a novel N₂O removal process using a down-flow hanging sponge reactor to remove high concentrations of N₂O. More than 96% removal efficiencies were achieved for up to 300 ppm N₂O with 3 min gas retention time (GRT), and more than 99% removal efficiency was obtained for 2,000 ppm N2O with 18 min GRT. A maximum removal rate of 161 ± 26 mg-N/L-reactor/day was achieved, that was over 10 times faster than the pioneering process. Kinetic analysis indicated that the N₂O dissolution rate is a crucial factor in determining the N₂O removal rate in the reactor. Various N₂O reducers belonging to both clade I and II were detected in reactors, andAzonexuswas thought to play a key role.
Enhancement of Enzymatic Activity by Biomolecular Condensates through pH Buffering
Authors: Stoffel F. , Papp M. , Küffner A. M. , Benítez-Mateos A. , Jacquat R. P. B. , Gil-Garcia M. , Galvanetto N. , Faltova L. , Arosio P.
Published: October 2024

Biomolecular condensates can affect enzymatic reactions by locally changing not only concentrations of molecules but also their environment. Since protein conformations can differ between the dense and dilute phase, phase separation can particularly modulate enzymes characterized by a conformation-dependent activity. Here, we generate enzymatic condensates based on a lipase fromBacillus thermocatenulatus, which exhibits an equilibrium between a closed, inactive state, and an open, active conformation. We show that the activity of the enzyme increases inside the dense phase, leading to an enhancement of the overall reaction rate in the phase-separated system. Moreover, we demonstrate that these condensates can generate a more basic environment compared to the surrounding solution. As a consequence, the phase-separated system maintains a high enzymatic activity even in acidic conditions that would be otherwise less favourable for the lipase. We further show that the formation of two phases with distinct pH values optimizes a cascade reaction involving two enzymes with different optimal pH conditions. Our results demonstrate that biomolecular condensates can also affect the dependence of enzymatic rates on solution pH, thereby expanding the accessible pH interval and enabling network reactions with enzymes that require distinct pH values. These findings have crucial implications in biology and biotechnology for biocatalytic engineering.
A robust synthetic biology toolkit to advance carboxysome study and redesign
Authors: Trettel Daniel S. , Hoang Y , Vecchiarelli Anthony G. , Gonzalez-Esquer Cesar R.
Published: October 2024

Carboxysomes are polyhedral protein organelles that microorganisms use to facilitate carbon dioxide assimilation. They are composed of a modular protein shell which envelops an enzymatic core mainly comprised of physically coupled Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase. While the modular construction principles of carboxysomes make them attractive targets as customizable metabolic platforms, their size and complexity can be a hinderance. In this work, we design and validate a plasmid set – the pXpressome toolkit -in which α-carboxysomes are robustly expressed and remain intact and functional after purification. We tested this toolkit by introducing mutations which influence carboxysome structure and performance. We find that deletion of vertex-capping genes results in formation of larger carboxysomes while deletion of facet forming genes produces smaller particles, suggesting that adjusting the ratio of these proteins can rationally affect morphology. Through a series of fluorescently labeled constructs, we observe this toolkit leads to more uniform expression and better cell health than previously published carboxysome expression systems. Overall, the pXpressome toolkit facilitates the study and redesign of carboxysomes with robust performance and improved phenotype uniformity. The pXpressome toolkit will support efforts to remodel carboxysomes for enhanced carbon fixation or serve as a platform for other nanoencapsulation goals.
Spatial Single-Cell Mapping of Transcriptional Differences Across Genetic Backgrounds in Mouse Brains
Authors: Hemminger Zachary , Sanchez-Tam Gabriela , De Ocampo Haley , Wang Aihui , Underwood Thomas , Xie Fangming , Zhao Qiuying , Song Dongyuan , Li Jingyi Jessica , Dong Hongwei , Wollman Roy
Published: October 2024

Genetic variation can alter brain structure and, consequently, function. Comparative statistical analysis of mouse brains across genetic backgrounds requires spatial, single-cell, atlas-scale data, in replicates—a challenge for current technologies. We introduceAtlas-scaleTranscriptomeLocalization usingAggregateSignatures (ATLAS), a scalable tissue mapping method. ATLAS learns transcriptional signatures from scRNAseq data, encodes themin situwith tens of thousands of oligonucleotide probes, and decodes them to infer cell types and imputed transcriptomes. We validated ATLAS by comparing its cell type inferences with direct MERFISH measurements of marker genes and quantitative comparisons to four other technologies. Using ATLAS, we mapped the central brains of five male and five female C57BL/6J (B6) mice and five male BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) mice, an idiopathic model of autism, collectively profiling over 40 million cells across over 400 coronal sections. Our analysis revealed over 40 significant differences in cell type distributions and identified 16 regional composition changes across male-female and B6-BTBR comparisons. ATLAS thus enables systematic comparative studies, facilitating organ-level structure-function analysis of disease models.
Mutations that prevent phosphorylation of the BMP4 prodomain impair proteolytic maturation of homodimers leading to lethality in mice
Authors: Kim Hyung-seok , Sanchez Mary L. , Silva Joshua , Schubert Heidi L. , Dennis Rebecca , Hill Christopher P. , Christian Jan L.
Published: October 2024

Bone morphogenetic protein4 (BMP4) plays numerous roles during embryogenesis and can signal either alone as a homodimer, or together with BMP7 as a more active heterodimer. BMPs are generated as inactive precursor proteins that dimerize and are cleaved to generate the bioactive ligand and inactive prodomain fragments. In humans, heterozygous mutations within the prodomain of BMP4 are associated with birth defects. We studied the effect of two of these mutations (p.S91C and p.E93G), which disrupt a conserved FAM20C phosphorylation motif, on ligand activity. We compared the activity of ligands generated from BMP4, BMP4S91Cor BMP4E93GinXenopusembryos and found that these mutations reduce the activity of BMP4 homodimers but not BMP4/7 heterodimers. We generatedBmp4S91CandBmp4E93Gknock-in mice and found thatBmp4S91C/S91Cmice die by E11.5 and display reduced BMP activity in multiple tissues including the heart. MostBmp4E93G/E93Gmice die before weaning andBmp4−/E93Gmutants die prenatally with reduced or absent eyes, heart and ventral body wall closure defects. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated fromBmp4S91CandBmp4E93Gembryos show accumulation of BMP4 precursor protein, reduced levels of cleaved BMP ligand and reduced BMP activity relative to MEFs from wild type littermates. BecauseBmp7is not expressed in MEFs, the accumulation of unprocessed BMP4 precursor protein in mice carrying these mutations most likely reflects an inability to cleave BMP4 homodimers, leading to reduced levels of ligand and BMP activity in vivo. Our results suggest that phosphorylation of the BMP4 prodomain is required for proteolytic activation of BMP4 homodimers, but not heterodimers.

Summary Statement

Mutations associated with birth defects in humans that prevent phosphorylation of the BMP4 prodomain preclude proteolytic activation of the precursor protein
Machine learning detects hidden treatment response patterns only in the presence of comprehensive clinical phenotyping
Authors: Auger Stephen D. , Scott Gregory
Published: October 2024

Inferential statistics traditionally used in clinical trials can miss relationships between clinical phenotypes and treatment responses. We simulated a randomised clinical trial to explore how gradient boosting (XGBoost) machine learning (ML) compares with traditional analysis when ‘ground truth’ treatment responsiveness depends on the interaction of multiple phenotypic variables. As expected, traditional analysis detected a significant treatment benefit (outcome measure change from baseline = 4.23; 95% CI 3.64–4.82). However, recommending treatment based upon this evidence would lead to 56.3% of patients failing to respond. In contrast, ML correctly predicted treatment response in 97.8% (95% CI 96.6– 99.1) of patients, with model interrogation showing the critical phenotypic variables and the values determining treatment response had been identified. Importantly, when a single variable was omitted, accuracy dropped to 69.4% (95% CI 65.3–73.4). This proof of principle underscores the significant potential of ML to maximise the insights derived from clinical research studies. However, the effectiveness of ML in this context is highly dependent on the comprehensive capture of phenotypic data.
Transition of dimuonium through foil
Authors: Alizzi Abdaljalel , Uskov Artem , Silagadze Z. K.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a study of the passage of dimuonium through the foil of ordinary matter. First, we provide an overview of how dimuonium is planned to be produced for such a type of experiment and how it is expected to interact with the ordinary atoms—predominantly electromagnetically via the screened Coulomb potential of the atomic nuclei. Then, we describe the transport equations that represent the evolution of dimuonium states during the passage and their solution methods. Finally, for three different foils (beryllium, aluminium, and lead), we present the results of this study. To estimate the impact of uncertainties in the potential of a target atom, we study 15 different approximations of the atomic potential and show that the corresponding atomic-potential-model-dependent error in the yields of the low-lying states of dimuonium is quite small within the framework of the applied Born approximation. The convergence of the results after truncation of the infinite system of transport equations to the finite number of quantum states of dimuonium is also studied, and good convergence for the yields of low-lying states is demonstrated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Numerical simulation for investigating crevice corrosion of carbon steel in neutral/alkaline concrete construction
Authors: Hu Minglei , Dai Kunjie , Zhang Wei , Xu Ke , Shi Jingkun , Fu Xiaoqian , Ji Yucheng , Dong Chaofang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the crevice corrosion behavior of carbon steel in neutral/alkaline environments utilizing a transient multi-physics field model.

Design/methodology/approach

The crevice corrosion of carbon steel with different solution pH and crevice width was modeled, incorporating mass transfer, homogeneous phase and localized electrochemical reactions. The extent of crevice corrosion was evaluated by the geometric deformation of the model mesh. The hydro-chemical state inside the crevice was discussed through the Cl− concentration and potential distribution of the solution.

Findings

Results revealed that the formation of pitting corrosion near the crevice mouth was accelerated in a neutral solution. When pH = 8 and pH = 9, the carbon steel matrix was dissolved and the Cl− content within the solution was significantly reduced due to the higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH−).

Originality/value

The crevice corrosion behavior of carbon steel in neutral/alkaline environments is closely associated with solution pH rather than the crevice width. The inhibition of crevice corrosion in alkaline environments was proved by finite element simulation. These findings provide valuable insights that can be applied in engineering applications to prevent and mitigate crevice corrosion in neutral/alkaline environments.