bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating and Enhancing Nursing Caregiver Well-being Using a Systematic Approach
Authors: Galuska Lee , Phillips Jessica M. , Anderson Kelley , Meyer Ana-Liezl , Lor Kannitha , Mahnovski Susan , Miller Pamela S.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to evaluate nursing caregiver well-being and identify interventions for improving well-being and practice environments.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare worker well-being and burnout command increasing attention in the wake of the pandemic. Experts recommend utilization of validated measurements to assess burnout, well-being, and contributing factors.

METHODS

Using a descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design, an online survey, which included the Professional Quality of Life-5, Meaning and Joy in Work Questionnaire, and open-ended questions, was administered to nurses and unlicensed assistive caregivers in an academic health system.

RESULTS

Caregivers reported moderate compassion satisfaction, low burnout and compassion fatigue, and low-moderate levels of meaning and joy in work. Overall and subscale scores varied primarily based on age, experience, and role. Top causes of stress and recommendations for improvement were identified.

CONCLUSION

The levels of meaning and joy in work among nursing caregivers continue to be of concern for organizational leaders. The engagement of nurses and other caregiver team members in a systematic mixed-methods approach, including using validated tools to evaluate caregiver well-being, can lead to meaningful, data-driven action planning to promote well-being and increase the meaning and joy of the work they perform.
The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Psychological Variables in Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Kirpinar Mehmet Murat , Demirel Omer Faruk
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Depressive symptoms are common in schizophrenia and can be seen at any stage of the disease. Although various models have been proposed to explain the development of depression in schizophrenia, studies investigating related psychological factors are scarce and the studies that have been done usually focus on only a small number of possible factors.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to investigate the predictability of some psychological factors on depression in patients with schizophrenia. For this purpose, patients with high and low depression scores were compared.

Methods:

Two groups of individuals with schizophrenia, with (n=29) and without (n=31) depression, as determined by scores on the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia, were compared using a sociodemographic data form, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Rotter Internal-External Locus 2024 of Control Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Stress Coping Styles Scale.

Results:

No differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, social support scores, and coping styles. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups on the PANSS positive, negative, and general psychopathology subscales, in PANSS total scores, in anxiety scores, and in locus of control scores.

Conclusions:

This study showed that high levels of negative, positive, and general psychopathological symptoms, external locus of control, and high anxiety scores may be predictive of depression in individuals with schizophrenia. Studies that examine psychological factors in larger patient groups may provide the opportunity to detect and target these factors earlier in the course of schizophrenia, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.
Characterization of Psychiatric Inpatients: The Role of Gender Differences in Clinical and Pharmacological Patterns
Authors: Berardelli Isabella , Aguglia Andrea , Amerio Andrea , Sarubbi Salvatore , Rogante Elena , Trocchia Maria A. , Zelletta Davide , Longhini Ludovica , Erbuto Denise , Pastorino Fabrizio , Lamis Dorian A. , Innamorati Marco , Serafini Gianluca , Pompili Maurizio
Published: January 2024

Background:

Severe mental disorders that require hospitalization are disabling conditions that contribute to the burden of mental diseases. They pose increased clinical challenges and highlight the need to thoroughly explore variables emerging from daily clinical practice. In this study, we assessed to what extent gender differences may characterize a large population of psychiatric inpatients.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2 Italian teaching medical centers, which included 2358 patients who were consecutively admitted to the psychiatric emergency units. We explored and characterized gender differences for variables such as prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis, presence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, age at onset of psychiatric illness, presence of substance or alcohol abuse, length of stay, number of hospitalizations, presence of involuntary admission, type of discharge from the hospital, and pharmacological treatment at discharge.

Results:

Female patients were primarily diagnosed with bipolar disorder or personality disorders. Female patients had a significantly higher prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts (23.1% vs. 16.5%, P<0.001) and a longer length of hospitalization (11.43±10.73 d vs. 10.52±10.37 d, t=–2.099, gl=2356, P=0.036) compared with male patients. Male patients had more involuntary admissions (25.1% vs. 19.7%, χ2=9.616, gl=1, P=0.002), more use of illicit substances (34.1% vs. 20.9%, χ2=51.084, gl=1, P<0.001), and higher rates of alcohol abuse (21.3% vs. 14.7%, χ2=17.182, gl=1, P<0.001) compared with female patients. Finally, antidepressants and lithium were prescribed more frequently to the female patients, whereas other mood stabilizers were more often prescribed to the male patients.

Conclusions:

Our real-world results highlighted gender differences among patients with severe mental disorders admitted to psychiatric units, and suggest further investigations that may help in understanding trajectories accompanying disabling clinical conditions.
Dying to Quit: Understanding the Burden of Tobacco in Psychiatric Patients—A Clinical Review
Authors: SPRENGER STEVEN , ANDERSON J. SCOTT
Published: January 2024

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and remains a critical public health challenge. The burden of disease caused by smoking is disproportionately borne by persons living with mental illness. Public health efforts to address smoking have not historically translated to a significant reduction in smoking prevalence among patients with mental illness. Smoking is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality among psychiatric patients who smoke at 1.7 to 3.3 times the rate of the general population. Among those with serious mental illness, tobacco-related illness accounts for half of all deaths. Nicotine dependence also interferes with treatment and worsens many psychiatric symptoms. Interventions are underutilized due to persistent misunderstandings regarding tobacco cessation for patients who are mentally ill. Addressing these misunderstandings is crucial in targeting the disparate rates of smoking in this population. Therefore, it is incumbent on psychiatrists to address the outsized effect that smoking has on patients with mental illness.
Different effects of the companion antiretroviral drugs on dolutegravir trough concentrations
Authors: Cattaneo Dario , Pagano Simone , Colombo Martina Laura , Giacomelli Andrea , Gori Andrea , Gervasoni Cristina
Published: January 2024

Background:

Dolutegravir is widely used in different dual and triple antiretroviral regimens. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of the companion antiretroviral drug(s) on dolutegravir plasma trough concentrations in persons with HIV, with a focus on dual regimens.

Methods:

Dolutegravir concentrations collected from October 2015 to March 2023 (n = 900) were stratified according to the main antiretroviral classes (NRTIs, NNRTIs, protease inhibitors) and according to single drugs. Dolutegravir concentrations measured in persons with HIV concomitantly treated with lamivudine were considered as the reference group.

Results:

Dolutegravir trough concentrations were significantly higher in persons with HIV given protease inhibitors compared with the reference [1886 (1036–2940) versus 1575 (1026–2226) ng/ml;P = 0.004]. The highest dolutegravir concentrations were measured in persons with HIV concomitantly treated with unboosted atazanavir [2908 (2130–4135) ng/ml]. Conversely, co-administration of darunavir/ritonavir resulted in significantly lower dolutegravir exposure [909 (496–1397) ng/ml;P = 0.002 versus reference]. Among NNRTIs, the higher dolutegravir concentrations were measured in presence of rilpivirine [2252 (1489–2686);P < 0.001 versus reference].

Conclusion:

Dolutegravir trough concentrations are differently affected by individual antiretroviral drugs, with some drug combinations (i.e. dolutegravir/darunavir/cobicistat, or dolutegravir/rilpivirine) providing significantly higher than expected dolutegravir exposure. Such combinations might be advantageous when there are concerns about dolutegravir plasma exposure or resistance.
HIV-1 gp120 amplifies astrocyte elevated gene-1 activity to compromise the integrity of the outer blood–retinal barrier
Authors: Jiang Jing , Wang Luoziyi , Li Qingjian , Wang Yucen , Wang Zhiliang
Published: January 2024

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the functions and mechanistic pathways of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) in the disruption of the blood–retinal barrier (BRB) caused by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120.

Design:

We utilized ARPE-19 cells challenged with gp120 as our model system.

Methods:

Several analytical techniques were employed to decipher the intricate interactions at play. These included PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays for the molecular characterization, and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements to evaluate barrier integrity.

Results:

We observed that AEG-1 expression was elevated, whereas the expression levels of tight junction proteins ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin5 were downregulated in gp120-challenged cells. TEER measurements corroborated these findings, indicating barrier dysfunction. Additional mechanistic studies revealed that the activation of NFκB and MMP2/9 pathways mediated the AEG-1-induced barrier destabilization. Through the use of lentiviral vectors, we engineered cell lines with modulated AEG-1 expression levels. Silencing AEG-1 alleviated gp120-induced downregulation of tight junction proteins and barrier impairment while concurrently inhibiting the NFκB and MMP2/9 pathways. Conversely, overexpression of AEG-1 exacerbated these pathological changes, further compromising the integrity of the BRB.

Conclusion:

Gp120 upregulates the expression of AEG-1 and activates the NFκB and MMP2/9 pathways. This in turn leads to the downregulation of tight junction proteins, resulting in the disruption of barrier function.
Biomechanical Property and Biocompatibility of a New Silicone Rubber Nasal Retainer (Nostriloo)
Authors: Bangun Kristaninta , Wicaksono Dwi , Kreshanti Prasetyanugraheni , Syarif Akhmad N. , Whulanza Yudan , Menna Clara
Published: January 2024

Nasal retainers have been utilized to maintain the position of the nose after primary rhinoplasty in cleft lip patients. However, commercial nasal retainers made from silicone are quite expensive. To address this issue, the authors designed an alternative nasal retainer that is affordable, safe, and has similar biomechanical and biocompatibility properties to other commercial nasal retainers. Three types of nasal retainers were tested: our own (Nostriloo), a commercial nasal retainer from Turkey, and another one from Taiwan. There were 3 samples on each group, with a total sample of 9 retainers. Each sample was tested for biomechanical property and biocompatibility. Elasticity modulus, tensile strength, and direct and indirect toxicity were analyzed. Nostriloo had the least durable tensile strength but showed similar elastic modulus (2.76 ± 0.41 MPa) compared with human lower lateral cartilage (2.09 ± 0.81 MPa). On the basis of direct and indirect toxicity tests, Nostriloo is considered nontoxic. Nostriloo can be utilized for small-scale production and use. Further experiment is needed to produce higher-quality nasal retainers.
Ergonomics in Craniofacial Surgery: Can We Do Better? A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Jaszkul Katrina M. , AlGhanim Khalifa , Fan Stacy , Diaz-Abele Julian
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Many plastic surgeons experience musculoskeletal strain and injury from poor ergonomics during surgery. This is associated with reduced performance, shortened careers, and decreased quality of life. This study compared the ergonomics of the conventional operating table headrest and the Mayfield headrest in craniofacial surgery.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing craniofacial operations between November 20, 2022 and April 26, 2023, within a single craniofacial surgeon’s practice. The authors obtained data on the total duration of the operation and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores for the primary surgeon and assistant.

Results:

Four operations (mean: 147 ± 60.9 min) were included in the regular headrest group, and 8 in the Mayfield headrest group (mean: 61±53.4 min). Four hundred fifty-five regular headrest time points and 851 Mayfield time points were recorded. Eight hundred thirty-five regular headrest time points and 538 Mayfield time points were recorded. The mean REBA score for the regular headrest was 5.79 ± 1.9, which was higher than the Mayfield (5.01 ± 2.0; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed the mean REBA score for the primary surgeon (5.89 ± 2.0) was higher than the assist (5.48 ± 1.6) in the regular headrest group (P < 0.0001), whereas the converse was true for the Mayfield headrest (primary surgeon: 4.67 ± 1.8, assist: 5.65 ± 2.15, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Ergonomic scores were better using the Mayfield headrest than the regular headrest. The primary surgeon scored better with the Mayfield headrest, whereas the assists had better scores with the regular headrest.
Nasal Tip Vascularization and Its Application for Columellar Reconstruction
Authors: Rossell-Perry Percy
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Many studies have been published about the vascular anatomy of the nose and its utility for nasal reconstruction. Anatomic variations of the main arteries and their perforators are well described in the literature. A nasal tip perforator, not well described in the published studies, is analyzed in the present study and its utility for columellar reconstruction. This paper presents an anatomic study of the nasal tip artery and its clinical applications for columellar repair.

Methods:

This study investigated the nasal tip perforator artery during nasal tip flap surgery for columellar repair in patients with sequels after nasal continuous positive airway pressure use. A descriptive anatomic study was conducted using intraoperative vascular dissection of patients operated on for nasal columellar defects by the author between 2013 and 2018. An observational study of a group of patients operated on for columellar repair using the axial nasal tip flap is presented here.

Results:

The nasal tip artery was found in all the intraoperative dissections. Location and trajectory are described. Observed columellar length and width in operated patients have been nonstatistical and significantly different than controls in this study.

Conclusions:

The presence and trajectory of the nasal tip artery have been consistent in all the studied cases. The nasal tip flap based on this perforator has been a useful method for columellar repair in the studied group of patients. The presence of this vessel may augment blood supply to the nasal tip skin. By confirming the preservation of this artery, the surgeon may elevate the nasal tip flap safely.
Extensive Temporomandibular Joint Herniation Into the External Auditory Canal
Authors: Mokhatrish Mohammad , Cho Sung Il
Published: January 2024

Spontaneous herniation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) into the external auditory canal (EAC) is a rare occurrence. Typically, TMJ herniations are small and involve a focal defect in the EAC. In this report, we present an unusual case of extensive TMJ herniation measuring 17 mm, originating from a bony defect in the EAC. The patient underwent a successful treatment, which involved the surgical excision of the herniated mass and the subsequent reconstruction of the EAC using conchal cartilage. In this article, we will discuss the surgical techniques employed for repairing TMJ herniation in the EAC.
Damage-control orthopedics or early total care: What you need to know
Authors: Stevens Nicole M. , Tejwani Nirmal C.
Published: January 2024

Patients with multisystem injuries are defined as multiply injured patients and may need multiple surgical procedures from more than one specialty. The importance of evaluating and understanding the resuscitation status of a multiple-injury patient is critical. Orthopedic strategies when caring for these patients include temporary stabilization or definitive early fixation of fractures while preventing further insult to other organ systems. This article will define multiple injuries and discuss specific markers used in assessing patients' hemodynamic and resuscitation status. The decision to use damage-control orthopedics or early total care for treatment of the patient are based on these factors, and an algorithm is presented to guide treatment. We will also discuss principles of external fixation and the management of pelvic trauma in a multiple-injury patient.
Optic Disc Hypoplasia Assessment in PAX6-Related Aniridia
Authors: Dentel Alexandre , Madani Mohammed B. , Robert Matthieu P. , Valleix Sophie , Brémond-Gignac Dominique , Daruich Alejandra
Published: January 2024

Background:

This study aims to characterize optic disc hypoplasia in congenital aniridia using ultra-wide-field imaging (UWFI) and nonmydriatic retinal photography (NMRP). We also investigated the relation between optic disc hypoplasia and foveal hypoplasia.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series of patients diagnosed with PAX6-related aniridia in a National Referral Center, who underwent UWFI, NMRP, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The disc diameter (DD) and the disc-to-fovea distance (DF) were measured. The DD:DF ratio was used to assess the relative size of the optic disc. The analyses were carried with respect to paired age- and sex-matched healthy controls. SD-OCT was used for foveal hypoplasia grading (from 1 to 4) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis.

Results:

Mean manual DD:DF ratio was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.31–0.35) in aniridia patients versus 0.37 (95% CI: 0.36–0.39) in control patients (n = 20, P = 0.005) measured on NMRP and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.30–0.35) in aniridia patients versus 0.37 (95% CI: 0.37–0.39) in control patients (n = 26, P < 0.0001) when assessed on UWFI. Mean semiautomated DD:DF ratio measured on UWFI in aniridia patients was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.29–0.33) versus 0.37 (95% CI: 0.36–0.38) in control patients (P < 0.0001). Also, a negative correlation was found significant between the grade of foveal hypoplasia and the mean semiautomated DD:DF ratio (r = −0.52, 95% CI: −0.76 to −0.15, P = 0.0067). Finally, a significant negative correlation was found between the peripapillary temporal RNFL thickness and the grade of foveal hypoplasia (P = 0.0034).

Conclusions:

The DD:DF ratio is significantly reduced in PAX6-related aniridia patients and correlates with the severity of foveal hypoplasia. This ratio is a valuable tool for optic disc hypoplasia assessment in congenital aniridia, especially when provided semiautomatically by UWFI.
Dementia care and prevention in community settings: a built environment framework for cognitive health promotion
Authors: Gan Daniel R.Y. , Mann Jim , Chaudhury Habib
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

Most people with dementia live in the community. As lifespan increases, one in three persons aged 85+ are expected to live with dementia. We conduct a systematic search to identify frameworks for dementia care and prevention in community settings. This is important to ensure quality of life for people living with cognitive decline (PLCD).

Recent findings

61 frameworks are synthesized into the dementia care and prevention in community (DCPC) framework. It highlights three levels of provision: built environment and policy supports, access and innovation, and inclusion across stages of decline. Domains of intervention include: basic needs; built environment health and accessibility; service access and use; community health infrastructure; community engagement; mental health and wellbeing; technology; end-of-life care; cultural considerations; policy, education, and resources. Personhood is not adequately represented in current built environment frameworks. This is supplemented with 14 articles on lived experiences at home and social practices that contribute to PLCD's social identity and psychological safety.

Policy makers, health and built environment professionals must work together to promote “personhood in community” with PLCD. Clinicians and community staff may focus on inclusion, social identity and a sense of at-homeness as attainable outcomes despite diagnosis.
Recent advances in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders: a focus on older adults and sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Paddick Stella-Maria , Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

We reviewed recent literature on prevalence and interventional approaches for cognitive impairment in the context of HIV infection alongside current controversies and challenges around its nomenclature, screening, and diagnosis.

Recent findings

Prevalence estimates for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) indicate that HAND remains highly prevalent despite combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) widely used. The available data are heterogeneous, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where recent reviews indicate substantial heterogeneity, wide prevalence estimates and lack of data from the majority SSA countries, despite them currently experiencing the greatest burden worldwide of both HIV and HAND.

Several alternative approaches to diagnosis and classification of cognitive impairment in HIV have been published, taking into account changing clinical phenotypes.

Cognitive impairment remains a significant challenge in the care of people living with HIV despite advances in treatment. Ongoing controversies exist around nomenclature and classification, screening measures, and the phenotype and aetiology of observed impairments. Two current areas of research priority and focus include understanding current phenotypes of individuals living and ageing with treated HIV and differing levels of risk for HAND in these phenotypes, alongside the effects of commonly occurring comorbidities.

The current evidence base for interventional approaches is limited, but growing. The most promising avenues appear to be multidisciplinary. These are currently focussed on high income settings rather than SSA where the majority of people living with HIV, and affected by cognitive impairment in the context of HIV, currently reside.
Recent advances in understanding of sleep disorders and disturbances for dementia risk and prevention
Authors: Lam Aaron , Kong Shawn , Naismith Sharon L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

To synthesise the recent work examining the relationship between sleep disturbances and dementia, emphasising studies involving individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) and/or those investigating AD biomarkers. Additionally, we provide an update on recent interventions targeting sleep-related issues in older adults with MCI or AD.

Recent findings

Various studies have examined obstructive sleep apnoea, sleep duration, and circadian alterations in relation to Alzheimer's pathology and dementia risk, with an emerging body of evidence suggesting that cardiovascular disease, hypertension, glymphatic function, and inflammation might serve as plausible pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to dementia during critical brain periods. Conversely, recent studies investigating insomnia have produced disparate results. Regarding intervention studies, the scarcity of prospective randomised control trials poses a challenge in establishing the benefits of addressing sleep disorders and disturbances.

Recent work examining the pathophysiological links between sleep and dementia is strongest for obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep duration, while findings in insomnia studies exhibit inconsistency, possibly due to varied associations with dementia among different insomnia subtypes. It is apparent that more longitudinal studies examining the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are necessary, alongside more rigorous clinical trials. Although some trials are underway in this field, there is still scarcity in trials examining interventions for circadian disturbances.
Advancements in the phenomenology, assessment, and treatment of Tourette syndrome
Authors: Ramsey Kesley A. , McGuire Joseph F.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorders, collectively referred to as TS, are relatively common childhood onset neuropsychiatric conditions associated with functional impairment and distress. Over the past several years, clinical research has contributed to the advancement of the field's understanding of mechanisms and clinical correlates of TS. This progress has led to the development of key assessment tools and the implementation of novel interventions for individuals with TS.

Recent findings

This article provides a review of innovative TS research focusing on four key themes: investigation of clinical phenomenology of TS; validation of assessment tools for TS; dissemination of current evidence-based treatments for TS; and exploration of new intervention programs.

Cumulatively, this growing body of work presents considerable progress and provides a path forward to improve the assessment and treatment of TS.
Formation of prokaryote names from personal names: a review of current practice and a proposal to emend Appendix 9 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
Authors: Pallen Mark J.
Published: January 2024

The practice of naming elements from the natural world after notable individuals stretches back to ancient times. This practice of creating eponyms—terms derived from personal names—has been carried forward into prokaryotic nomenclature, where the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) sets guidelines for creating scientific names from personal names. However, these guidelines can be seen as culturally biased, disjointed and, on occasion, misguided. Here, with the goal of modernizing these recommendations to render them more user-friendly, coherent and inclusive, I review current practice in the light of precedents and key linguistic and cultural principles, while questioning the applicability of the first-name/last-name paradigm for many cultural traditions. Procedural challenges include romanization of the personal name (including handling of diacritics), creation of a short and agreeable latinized stem, assignment of the stem to a declension and addition of suffixes or compound word components to create genus names or species epithets, customizing the approach for names and stems that end in a vowel. I review the pros and cons of stem augmentation, which involves addition of an extra ‘i’ to the original stem. Next, I formulate a coherent workflow, which I incorporate into a Python script to enable computer-based automation of name creation. Rather than following the ICNP in limiting discussion to a few dozen mainly European names, I examine how these principles work out when applied to the tens of thousands of last names under which scientists publish in the PubMed database, focusing on edge cases where conventional approaches fail, particularly very short and very long names. Drawing on these explorations and analyses, I propose emendations to the advice currently presented in the ICNP to usher in a modern, consistent, pragmatic and globally inclusive approach to the creation of prokaryotic eponyms.
Population genomic analyses reveal high diversity, recombination and nosocomial transmission among Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata) isolates causing invasive infections
Authors: Wang Yue , Xu Jianping , Ben Abid Fatma , Salah Husam , Sundararaju Sathyavathi , Al Ismail Khalil , Wang Kun , Sara Matthew Lisa , Taj-Aldeen Saad , Ibrahim Emad B. , Tang Patrick , Perez-Lopez Andres , Tsui Clement K. M.
Published: January 2024

Candida glabrata is a commensal yeast of the gastrointestinal tract and skin of humans. However, it causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, and is the second most common Candida pathogen causing bloodstream infections. Although there are many studies on the epidemiology of C. glabrata infections, the fine- and large-scale geographical nature of C. glabrata remain incompletely understood. Here we investigated both the fine- and large-scale population structure of C. glabrata through genome sequencing of 80 clinical isolates obtained from six tertiary hospitals in Qatar and by comparing with global collections. Our fine-scale analyses revealed high genetic diversity within the Qatari population of C. glabrata and identified signatures of recombination, inbreeding and clonal expansion within and between hospitals, including evidence for nosocomial transmission among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In addition to signatures of recombination at the population level, both MATa and MATα alleles were detected in most hospitals, indicating the potential for sexual reproduction in clinical environments. Comparisons with global samples showed that the Qatari C. glabrata population was very similar to those from other parts of the world, consistent with the significant role of recent anthropogenic activities in shaping its population structure. Genome-wide association studies identified both known and novel genomic variants associated with reduced susceptibilities to fluconazole, 5-flucytosine and echinocandins. Together, our genomic analyses revealed the diversity, transmission patterns and antifungal drug resistance mechanisms of C. glabrata in Qatar as well as the relationships between Qatari isolates and those from other parts of the world.
Pre-event psychiatric states predict trajectories of stress symptoms in Japan
Authors: Nakai Fumiya , Oka Taiki , Kobayashi Nao , Tanichi Masaaki , Murakami Misa , Hamamura Toshitaka , Honjo Masaru , Miyake Yuka , Ide Kentaro , Cortese Aurelio , Nagamine Masanori , Kubo Takatomi , Chiba Toshinori
Published: January 2024

Recent time-dependent analyses of stress-related disorders have identified heterogeneity of trajectories and their modifying factors. While psychiatric patients are vulnerable to stress events, it is unclear how psychiatric conditions modulate subsequent stress symptoms. Using a longitudinal online survey from pre- to post-COVID-19 pandemic (n = 3815) and a latent growth mixture model, we identified four trajectories of stress symptoms: resilient, chronic, mild chronic, and early response. Though depression/anxiety was identified as a specific risk factor for the early-response trajectory, general psychiatric burden and social withdrawal were identified as common risk/protective factors. Further, we estimated pre-pandemic latent stress symptoms to determine the predictability of the stress symptoms. The chronic group showed significantly higher latent stress symptoms scores than the mild-chronic/early-response groups, both of which were significantly higher than the resilient group. These results suggest that prior psychiatric conditions may be considered for the prevention and treatment of maladaptive stress responses.
A scaleable inducible knockout system for studying essential gene function in the malaria parasite
Authors: Ramaprasad Abhinay , Blackman Michael J
Published: January 2024

The malaria parasite needs nearly half of its genes to propagate normally within red blood cells. Inducible ways to interfere with gene expression like the DiCre-lox system is necessary to study the function of these essential genes. However, the existing DiCre-lox strategy is not well-suited to be deployed at scale to study several genes simultaneously. To overcome this, we have developed SHIFTiKO (frameshift-based trackable inducible knockout), a novel scaleable strategy that uses short, easy-to-construct, barcoded repair templates to insertloxPsites around short regions in the target genes. Induced DiCre-mediated excision of the flanked region causes a frameshift mutation resulting in genetic ablation of gene function. Dual DNA barcodes inserted into each mutant enables verification of successful modification and induced excision at each locus and collective phenotyping of the mutants, not only across multiple replication cycles to assess growth fitness but also within a single cycle to identify the specific phenotypic impairment they exhibit. As a proof of concept, we have applied SHIFTiKO to screen the functions of malarial rhomboid proteases, successfully identifying their blood stage-specific essentiality. SHIFTiKO, thus offers a powerful platform to conduct inducible phenotypic screens to study essential gene function at scale in the malaria parasite.
A Multicenter Evaluation of the Impact of Therapies on Deep Learning-based Electrocardiographic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Markers
Authors: Dhingra Lovedeep S , Sangha Veer , Aminorroaya Arya , Bryde Robyn , Gaballa Andrew , Ali Adel H , Mehra Nandini , Krumholz Harlan M. , Sen Sounok , Kramer Christopher M , Martinez Matthew W , Desai Milind Y , Oikonomou Evangelos K , Khera Rohan
Published: January 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence-enhanced electrocardiography (AI-ECG) can identify hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) on 12-lead ECGs and offers a novel way to monitor treatment response. While the surgical or percutaneous reduction of the interventricular septum (SRT) represented initial HCM therapies, mavacamten offers an oral alternative.

Objective

To evaluate biological response to SRT and mavacamten.

Methods

We applied an AI-ECG model for HCM detection to ECG images from patients who underwent SRT across three sites: Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF), and Atlantic Health System (AHS); and to ECG images from patients receiving mavacamten at YNHHS.

Results

A total of 70 patients underwent SRT at YNHHS, 100 at CCF, and 145 at AHS. At YNHHS, there was no significant change in the AI-ECG HCM score before versus after SRT (pre-SRT: median 0.55 [IQR 0.24–0.77] vs post-SRT: 0.59 [0.40–0.75]). The AI-ECG HCM scores also did not improve post SRT at CCF (0.61 [0.32–0.79] vs 0.69 [0.52–0.79]) and AHS (0.52 [0.35–0.69] vs 0.61 [0.49–0.70]). Among 36 YNHHS patients on mavacamten therapy, the median AI-ECG score before starting mavacamten was 0.41 (0.22–0.77), which decreased significantly to 0.28 (0.11–0.50,p<0.001 by Wilcoxon signed-rank test) at the end of a median follow-up period of 237 days.

Conclusions

The lack of improvement in AI-based HCM score with SRT, in contrast to a significant decrease with mavacamten, suggests the potential role of AI-ECG for serial monitoring of pathophysiological improvement in HCM at the point-of-care using ECG images.
Comparison and Evaluation of Neutralization of Clinically Frequently Used Antimicrobial Agents Using Three Different Culture Media in Simulated Blood Cultures
Authors: Hang Yaping , Xiong Jianqiu , Hu Longhua , Chen Yanhui , Zou Shan , Fang Xueyao , Xiao Yanping , Cao Xingwei , Lou Hong , Li Xiuzhen , Liu Yanhua , Zhong Qiaoshi
Published: January 2024

The performance of BACT/ALERT FA/FN Plu (France) blood culture containing a novel resin, DL (China) blood culture containing common resin, and adsorbent-free Thermo (USA) blood culture relying on dilution for antimicrobial neutralization at %peak serum concentration was evaluated by measuring the recovery of organisms and time to detection (TTD) in nine simulated microorganism-antimicrobial combination blood cultures.There was a significant difference in recovery rates between the aerobic media: 35/40 (87.5%) for BACT/ALERT media, 15/35 (42.9%) for DL media, and 5/40 (12.5%) for Thermo media; whereas, there was no statistical difference in TTD between FA Plus media and DL aerobic media. The recovery rates of the anaerobic media were 32/35 (91.4%) for BACT/ALERT media, 1/35 (2.9%) for DL media, and 5/35 (14.3%) for Thermo media, with significant differences only between BACT/ALERT FN Plus media and the others. Among the seven main antimicrobial categories, only BACT/ALERT FA/FN Plus culture media showed high recovery of microorganisms, except for carbapenems. The DL culture media exhibited a relatively high recovery rate of piperacillin/tazobactam, levofloxacin, and gentamicin only in aerobic media, and Thermo media only displayed the recovery of gentamicin.BACT/ALERT FA/FN Plus culture media with novel resin showed absolute advantages over DL and Thermo culture media and, thus, can be selectively applied clinically with prior use of antimicrobials before pathogen detection. DL culture media containing common resin outperformed adsorbent-free dilution-based Thermo culture media, which can be a backup option. We should focus on improving the neutralization of carbapenems with low efficiency in all three media.
Impaired skeletal muscle regeneration induced by Cre recombinase activation in skeletal muscle stem cells
Authors: Kneppers Anita , Saugues Audrey , Dabadie Carole , Larbi Sabrina Ben , Mounier Rémi
Published: January 2024

The value of the Cre-lox system in biology is well-recognized, which is reflected by its widespread use to assess the role of a gene in a specific tissue or cell-type. Not in the least, Cre recombinase expressed under the Pax7 promotor has been invaluable for the study of skeletal muscle stem cell (MuSC) biology. In this study, we aimed to systematically assess the effects of the genetic makeup of Pax7Cre mice and Tamoxifen (Tx) treatment on skeletal muscle regeneration. We demonstrate that Tx treatmentper sedoes not affect skeletal muscle regeneration at 14 days post injury (d.p.i.) induced by cardiotoxin, but specifically worsened regeneration in two Pax7CreERT2lines. Pax7 heterozygosity in Pax7CreERT2(FAN)mice resulted in a lower body mass andTibialis Anterior(TA) mass, a higher number of fiberspersection, and a lower number of Pax7+cells than in Pax7CreERT2(GAKA)mice, but Tx treatment did not worsen these effects caused by Pax7 haploinsufficiency.In vitro, proliferation of Pax7CreERT2(FAN)MuSCs was impaired after 4-Hydrotamoxifen (4-OHT) treatment, while cell survival and differentiation remained unaffected. Together with a lower number of nucleiperfiber after Tx treatment in Pax7CreERT2(FAN)and male Pax7CreERT2(GAKA)mice, this may suggest an impaired MuSC pool expansion upon Cre activation. Yet, thein vivoMuSC pool was maintained in Pax7Cre mice at 14 d.p.i. Overall, our results directly show that Cre recombinase activity has an off-target effect on MuSCs, which warrants the use of Tx-treated Pax7CreERT2mice as experimental controls in future studies, and demand caution in interpreting data using other controls in previous studies.
A new protocol for multispecies bacterial infections in zebrafish and their monitoring through automated image analysis
Authors: Schmitz Désirée A. , Wechsler Tobias , Li Hongwei Bran , Menze Bjoern H. , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: January 2024

The zebrafishDanio reriohas become a popular model host to explore disease pathology caused by infectious agents. A main advantage is its transparency at an early age, which enables live imaging of infection dynamics. While multispecies infections are common in patients, the zebrafish model is rarely used to study them, although the model would be ideal for investigating pathogen-pathogen and pathogen-host interactions. This may be due to the absence of an established multispecies infection protocol for a defined organ and the lack of suitable image analysis pipelines for automated image processing. To address these issues, we developed a protocol for establishing and tracking single and multispecies bacterial infections in the inner ear structure (otic vesicle) of the zebrafish by imaging. Subsequently, we generated an image analysis pipeline that involved deep learning for the automated segmentation of the otic vesicle, and scripts for quantifying pathogen frequencies through fluorescence intensity measures. We usedPseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, andKlebsiella pneumoniae, three of the difficult-to-treat ESKAPE pathogens, to show that our infection protocol and image analysis pipeline work both for single pathogens and pairwise pathogen combinations. Thus, our protocols provide a comprehensive toolbox for studying single and multispecies infections in real-time in zebrafish.
Statistically equivalent models with different causal structures: An example from physics identity
Authors: Li Yangqiuting , Singh Chandralekha
Published: January 2024

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical method widely used in educational research to investigate relationships between variables. SEM models are typically constructed based on theoretical foundations and assessed through fit indices. However, a well-fitting SEM model alone is not sufficient to verify the causal inferences underlying the proposed model, as there are statistically equivalent models with distinct causal structures that equally well fit the data. Therefore, it is crucial for researchers using SEM to consider statistically equivalent models and to clarify why the proposed model is more accurate than the equivalent ones. However, many SEM studies did not explicitly address this important step, and no prior study in physics education research has delved into potential methods for distinguishing statistically equivalent models with differing causal structures. In this study, we use a physics identity model as an example to discuss the importance of considering statistically equivalent models and how other data can help to distinguish them. Previous research has identified three dimensions of physics identity: perceived recognition, self-efficacy, and interest. However, the relationships between these dimensions have not been thoroughly understood. In this paper, we specify a model with perceived recognition predicting self-efficacy and interest, which is inspired by individual interviews with students in physics courses to make physics learning environments equitable and inclusive. We test our model with fit indices and discuss its statistically equivalent models with different causal inferences among perceived recognition, self-efficacy, and interest. We then discuss potential experiments that could further empirically test the causal inferences underlying the models, aiding the refinement to a more accurate causal model for guiding educational improvements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing the performance of quantum reservoir computing and solving the time-complexity problem by artificial memory restriction
Authors: Čindrak Saud , Donvil Brecht , Lüdge Kathy , Jaurigue Lina
Published: January 2024

We propose a scheme that can enhance the performance and reduce the computational cost of quantum reservoir computing. Quantum reservoir computing is a computing approach which aims at utilizing the complexity and high dimensionality of small quantum systems, together with the fast trainability of reservoir computing, in order to solve complex tasks. The suitability of quantum reservoir computing for solving temporal tasks is hindered by the collapse of the quantum system when measurements are made. This leads to the erasure of the memory of the reservoir. Hence, for every output, the entire input signal is needed to reinitialize the reservoir, leading to quadratic time complexity. Another critical issue for the hardware implementation of quantum reservoir computing is the need for an experimentally accessible means of tuning the nonlinearity of the quantum reservoir. We present an approach which addresses both of these issues. We propose artificially restricting the memory of the quantum reservoir by only using a small number inputs to reinitialize the reservoir after measurements are performed. This strongly influences the nonlinearity of the reservoir response due to the influence of the initial reservoir state, while also substantially reducing the number of quantum operations needed to perform time-series prediction tasks due to the linear rather than quadratic time complexity. The reinitialization length therefore provides an experimental accessible means of tuning the nonlinearity of the response of the reservoir, which can lead to significant task-specific performance improvement. We numerically study the linear and quadratic algorithms for a fully connected transverse Ising model and a quantum processor model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Polarization and CEP dependence of the transverse phase space in laser driven accelerators
Authors: Seidel A. , Lei B. , Zepter C. , Kaluza M. C. , Sävert A. , Zepf M. , Seipt D.
Published: January 2024

We present experimental results which show a laser polarization-dependent contribution to electron beam pointing jitter in laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs). We develop a theoretical model for the polarization dependence in terms of the transverse dynamics of trapped electrons, resonantly driven by bubble centroid oscillations. The latter are generated by the carrier wave phase evolution at the self-steepened laser pulse front. In the model, the polarization-dependent jitter originates from shot-to-shot fluctuations of the laser carrier envelope phase (CEP). The model is verified by particle-in-cell simulations and suggests that CEP stabilization of the driving lasers might be necessary to achieve ultimate electron pointing stability in LWFAs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bifurcation and hysteresis in a nonlinear transport model on network motifs
Authors: Koike Hajime , Takayasu Hideki , Takayasu Misako
Published: January 2024

Nonlinear transport has been observed in many real systems, such as international trade, business transactions, human movement, and urban traffic. To understand the fundamental properties of transport in such systems, several models have been proposed in the past few years. These models exhibit complex behavior due to the interplay between nonlinearity and the underlying network topology. We studied a transport equation on three-body network motifs both numerically and analytically, and we found bifurcation on two motifs and hysteresis of a model on one motif. These three motifs show different bifurcation points. The first two motifs have a branching node, i.e., a node with outdegree 2, and the third motif is a fully connected bidirectional triangle. In particular, the hysteresis on the bidirectional triangle is not predictable from the linear stability analysis on the uniform stationary solution. The analysis based on the self-consistency equation of the parameter u [see Eq. (6) for the precise definition] measuring the ratio between sizes on two nodes reveals the following: The bifurcation on the first two motifs is due to supercritical pitchfork bifurcation. The difference between these two motifs comes from the existence of bidirectional edges. The hysteresis on the third motif is due to the combination of the saddle-node and transcritical bifurcation. Our results imply that the nonlinear transport model exhibits nontrivial behavior even in minimal settings and that the bifurcation on large-scale networks becomes far more complex and unpredictable from the underlying network structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024