bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of Three Bemisia tabaci Effectors and Their Effect on Gene Expression in Planta
Authors: van Kleeff Paula J. M. , Mastop Marieke , Sun Pulu , Dangol Sarmina , van Doore Eva , Dekker Henk L. , Kramer Gertjan , Lee Soohyun , Ryu Choong-Min , de Vos Martin , Schuurink Robert C.
Published: December 2023

Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) is a polyphagous agroeconomic pest species complex. Two members of this species complex, Mediterranean (MED) and Middle-East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), have a worldwide distribution and have been shown to manipulate plant defenses through effectors. In this study, we used three different strategies to identify three MEAM1 proteins that can act as effectors. Effector B1 was identified using a bioinformatics-driven effector-mining strategy, whereas effectors S1 and P1 were identified in the saliva of whiteflies collected from artificial diet and in phloem exudate of tomato on which nymphs were feeding, respectively. These three effectors were B. tabaci specific and able to increase whitefly fecundity when transiently expressed in tobacco plants ( Nicotiana tabacum). Moreover, they reduced growth of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci in Nicotiana benthamiana. All three effectors changed gene expression in planta, and B1 and S1 also changed phytohormone levels. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis pinpointed plant–pathogen interaction and photosynthesis as the main enriched pathways for all three effectors. Our data thus show the discovery and validation of three new B. tabaci MEAM1 effectors that increase whitefly fecundity and modulate plant immunity.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Genotypic and Resistance Profile Analysis of Two Oat Crown Rust Differential Sets Urge Coordination and Standardization
Authors: Nguyen Duong T. , Henningsen Eva C. , Lewis David , Mago Rohit , McNeil Meredith , Suchecki Radoslaw , Boden Scott , Sperschneider Jana , Kianian Shahryar F. , Dodds Peter N. , Figueroa Melania
Published: December 2023

Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae is the causal agent of the disease known as crown rust, which represents a bottleneck in oat production worldwide. Characterization of pathogen populations often involves race (pathotype) assignments using differential sets, which are not uniform across countries. This study compared the virulence profiles of 25 P. coronata f. sp. avenae isolates from Australia using two host differential sets, one from Australia and one from the United States. These differential sets were also genotyped using diversity arrays technology sequencing technology. Phenotypic and genotypic discrepancies were detected on 8 out of 29 common lines between the two sets, indicating that pathogen race assignments based on those lines are not comparable. To further investigate molecular markers that could assist in the stacking of rust resistance genes important for Australia, four published Pc91-linked markers were validated across the differential sets and then screened across a collection of 150 oat cultivars. Drover, Aladdin, and Volta were identified as putative carriers of the Pc91 locus. This is the first report to confirm that the cultivar Volta carries Pc91 and demonstrates the value of implementing molecular markers to characterize materials in breeding pools of oat. Overall, our findings highlight the necessity of examining seed stocks using pedigree and molecular markers to ensure seed uniformity and bring robustness to surveillance methodologies.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Stress Pathways Induced by Volatile Anesthetics and Failure of Preconditioning in a Mitochondrial Complex I Mutant
Authors: Olufs Zachariah P. G. , Wassarman David A. , Perouansky Misha
Published: December 2023

Background

Carriers of mutations in the mitochondrial electron transport chain are at increased risk of anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. To investigate the neurotoxicity mechanism and to test preconditioning as a protective strategy, this study used a Drosophila melanogaster model of Leigh syndrome. Model flies carried a mutation in ND23 (ND23

60114
) that encodes a mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I subunit. This study investigated why ND23

60114
mutants become susceptible to lethal, oxygen-modulated neurotoxicity within 24 h of exposure to isoflurane but not sevoflurane.

Methods

This study used transcriptomics and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to identify genes that are differentially expressed in ND23

60114
but not wild-type fly heads at 30 min after exposure to high- versus low-toxicity conditions. This study also subjected ND23

60114
flies to diverse stressors before isoflurane exposure to test whether isoflurane toxicity could be diminished by preconditioning.

Results

The ND23

60114
mutation had a greater effect on isoflurane- than sevoflurane-mediated changes in gene expression. Isoflurane and sevoflurane did not affect expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) genes (Hsp22, Hsp27, and Hsp68) in wild-type flies, but isoflurane substantially increased expression of these genes in ND23

60114
mutant flies. Furthermore, isoflurane and sevoflurane induced expression of oxidative (GstD1 and GstD2) and xenobiotic (Cyp6a8 and Cyp6a14) stress genes to a similar extent in wild-type flies, but the effect of isoflurane was largely reduced in ND23

60114
flies. In addition, activating stress response pathways by pre-exposure to anesthetics, heat shock, hyperoxia, hypoxia, or oxidative stress did not suppress isoflurane-induced toxicity in ND23

60114
mutant flies.

Conclusions

Mutation of a mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I subunit generates differential effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on gene expression that may underlie their differential effects on neurotoxicity. Additionally, the mutation produces resistance to preconditioning by stresses that protect the brain in other contexts. Therefore, complex I activity modifies molecular and physiologic effects of anesthetics in an anesthetic-specific manner.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Skin Tear Management: A Multidisciplinary Education Project
Authors: Ott Carol L. B. , Brinton Christopher D. , Yogaparan Thirumagal , Dayal Taranvir , Vecchio Adrian , Berall Anna
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

To identify the number of skin tears present at the authors’ facility and evaluate a multidisciplinary educational intervention to support treatment of skin tears.

METHODS

The authors determined the prevalence of skin tears from an analysis of a wound audit dataset at Baycrest Health Sciences and compared it with the literature to inform the aims of the educational intervention. They developed an educational module and presented it to physicians and students at separate in-person sessions and to clinical care staff at a virtual session. Participants completed an evaluation survey after the education sessions to assess their knowledge and confidence with skin tear management and obtain their feedback about the session.

RESULTS

The prevalence of skin tears at Baycrest hospital was 5.6%, which was low compared with the values reported in the literature. For the 10 studies reviewed, the median prevalence was 8.8% (range, 3.0%-22.1%). A total of 7 physicians, 12 students, and 7 clinical care staff completed the evaluation survey. All of the physicians (100%), 43% of students, and 57% of clinical care staff could classify an image of a skin tear; 86% of physicians, 33% of students, and 43% of clinical care staff identified the correct skin tear complications; and 71% of physicians, 0% of the students, and 29% of clinical care staff selected the appropriate dressing. Participants reported moderate to considerable increases in knowledge and confidence in skin tear management.

CONCLUSIONS

This method of multidisciplinary teaching on skin tears was well received and useful in enhancing knowledge and confidence in identifying and treating skin tears.
Outcomes of Chronically Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Split-Thickness Skin Grafting for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: McCown Sheldon A. , Walters Elliot T. , Palackic Alen , Franco-Mesa Camila , Bagby Shelby P. , Bonnet Madeline S. , Wolf Steven E.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is commonly used for wound closure in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). In many cases, patients with diabetes present on long-term anticoagulation therapy. The complications associated with anticoagulants can be discouraging to surgeons considering STSG. The goal of this study was to evaluate STSG outcomes in the setting of chronic anticoagulation across a large, multicenter database.

METHODS

The authors queried the TriNetX Network, which provides access to electronic medical records for more than 75 million patients, to search for patients with a history of DFUs treated with STSG. They divided those found into two groups: long-term anticoagulant use prior to grafting and no long-term anticoagulant use. After matching, the researchers evaluated outcomes following STSG after 1 month and 5 years.

RESULTS

The authors identified 722 patients on chronic anticoagulation with DFUs who were treated with STSG; 446 of these patients were matched to 446 patients with no prior anticoagulation. One month following STSG, the anticoagulated group showed no significant increase in death, graft failure, or regrafting. At 5 years, there was no significant increase in mortality, graft failure, regrafting, or lower extremity amputation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic anticoagulation therapy does not lead to increased short- or long-term postoperative complications such as graft failure, regrafting, or increased amputation rates following STSG for wound closure. Negative outcomes following STSG for DFUs in chronically anticoagulated individuals are minimal, and grafting should be performed without hesitation.
Is Post-Operative Splinting Advantageous after Upper Extremity Fracture Surgery? Results from the Arm Splint Pain Improvement Research Experiment (ASPIRE)
Authors: Sgaglione Matthew , Solasz Sara J. , Leucht Philipp , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if short-term immobilization with a rigid long arm plaster elbow splint following surgery of the arm, elbow, or forearm results in superior outcomes compared to a soft dressing with early motion.

METHODS:

Design:

Prospective Randomized Control Trial

Setting:

Academic Medical Center

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients undergoing operative treatment for a mid-diaphysis or distal humerus, elbow, or forearm fracture were consented and randomized according to the study protocol for post-operative application of a rigid elbow splint (10-14 days in a plaster Sugar Tong Splint for forearm fracture or a Long Arm plaster Splint for 10-14 for all others) or soft dressing and allowing immediate free range of elbow and wrist motion (ROM).

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Self-reported pain (visual analog score or VAS), Health-Scale (0-100, 100 denoting excellent health) and physical function (EuroQol 5 Dimension or EQ-5D) surveyed on post-operative days 1-5 and 14 were compared between groups. Patient reported pain score (0-10, 10 denoting highest satisfaction) at week 6, time to fracture union, ultimate DASH score and elbow range of motion (ROM) were also collected for analysis. Incidence of complications were assessed.

RESULTS:

100 patients (38 males to 62 females with a mean age of 55.7 years old) were included. Over the first five days and again at post-op day 14, the splint cohort reported a higher “Health-Scale” from 0-100 than the non-splint group on all study days (p=0.041). There was no difference in reported pain between the two study groups over the same interval (p=0.161 and 0.338 for least and worst pain, respectively) and both groups reported similar rates of treatment satisfaction (p=0.30). Physical function (p=0.67) and rates of wound problems (p= 0.27) were similar. Additionally, the mean time to fracture healing was similar for the splint and control groups (4.6 ± 2.8 vs 4.0 ± 2.2 months, p=0.34). Ultimate elbow range of motion was similar between the study groups (p=0.48, p=0.49, p=0.61, p=0.51 for elbow extension, flexion, pronation, and supination respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Free range of elbow motion without splinting produced similar results compared to elbow immobilization following surgical intervention for a fracture to the humerus, elbow, and forearm. There was no difference in patient-reported pain outcomes, wound problems, or elbow ROM. Immobilized patients reported slightly higher “health scale” ratings than non-splinted patients, however similar rates of satisfaction. Both treatment strategies are acceptable following upper extremity fracture surgery.
A Screw Fixation Technique for Calcaneus Fractures: Simplifying Three-dimensional Thinking and Minimal Invasive Surgery
Authors: Uygur Esat
Published: December 2023

Calcaneus fractures are usually seen in the same pattern of injury, which is characterized by 4 fracture fragments and causes 4 deformities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for the minimal invasive screw fixation method using minimal invasive sinus tarsi incision for calcaneus fractures.

The importance of three-dimensional thinking in understanding fracture patterns is emphasized, with suggestions for utilizing computerized tomography scans. The step-by-step surgical procedure is outlined, including reduction maneuvers, fluoroscopic control, and 4 essential x-ray views for accurate assessment. Therefore, it is aimed to identify the proper screw placements for the typical calcaneus fracture fragments.

The article concludes by summarizing the presented surgical steps, emphasizing the simplicity and reproducibility of the techniques, and emphasizing the crucial role of three-dimensional thinking in managing calcaneus fractures.

Level of Evidence: Level 4, expert opinion.
Effect of Three-Day Atorvastatin Administration on Coagulation Factors in Patients With Prior Venous Thromboembolism and Healthy Subjects: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Stępień Konrad , Żółciński Marek , Ząbczyk Michał , Zalewski Jarosław , Undas Anetta
Published: December 2023

Statins exert antithrombotic effects, which might contribute to reduced risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Rosuvastatin 20 mg/d administered for 4 weeks has been reported to decrease coagulation factors (F) VII, FVIII, and FXI in VTE patients. Moreover, in accordance with recent registry data in non-VTE subjects, statins usage was associated with lower FXI. We investigated whether 3 doses of a statin decrease coagulation factors activity and if such changes can alter fibrin clot properties in VTE patients and healthy subjects. We enrolled 28 consecutive first-ever prior VTE patients after 6 months of anticoagulation and 25 healthy controls well-matched for demographics and lipid profiles (aged 44 [interquartile range 34–51] years) in an interventional nonrandomized study. Before and after 3 doses of atorvastatin 40 mg/d, activity of FVII, FVIII, FIX, and FXI was measured, along with fibrin clot properties, including permeability (Ks) and clot lysis using 3 various assays. After a 3-day statin administration, we observed the decrease of FVII (by 6.2%, P = 0.046) and FXI (by 8.6%, P = 0.044), irrespective of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction (by 24%, P < 0.001), whereas other coagulation factors remained unaltered. Reduction of FVII and FXI activity was inversely correlated with Ks alterations (R = −0.292, P = 0.034 and R = −0.335, P = 0.014, respectively). After adjustment for age, studied group, and fibrinogen level, the reduction of FXI was independently associated with an increase of fibrin clot permeability (B = −0.084, P = 0.027). In conclusion, a 3-day 40 mg atorvastatin administration is sufficient to reduce FVII and FXI activity in our pilot study, which is associated with favorable fibrin clot properties modification.
Intravenous Drug Abuser Treated for Chronic Infected Open Forearm Fracture with Shortening and Primary Wound Closure
Authors: Annasamudram Abhijith , Elhessy Ahmed H. , Eralp Ipek G. , Conway Janet D.
Published: December 2023

Neglected and open forearm fracture wounds accompanied by shortening are complex injuries that are seldom reported in the known literature. We describe a patient with a history of chronic intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) and a neglected forearm wound with radius and ulna fractures with chronic osteomyelitis managed by limb salvage. The patient had a history of IVDA and a neglected forearm wound with fractures in both the radius and ulna, along with chronic osteomyelitis. The approach taken to manage this complex injury involved limb salvage. The case emphasizes the treatment challenges associated with patients who had IVDA and neglected their wounds. Thorough evaluation combining clinical and radiological assessments, followed by appropriate surgical planning and intervention, played a crucial role in restoring the functional status of the limb. Neglected open fracture wounds in the forearm are uncommon and have limited documentation in the existing literature. The described patient’s chronic history of IVDA and the disregarded open forearm osteomyelitis exemplify the severe consequences that can arise from injectable drug abuse in the upper extremity. In such cases, limb preservation and optimization of functional outcomes become paramount. To the best of our knowledge, this is one among the few reported cases of this nature, highlighting the significance of sharing such experiences to enhance medical understanding and inform future treatment approaches.
Heart transplant donation after circulatory death: current status and implications
Authors: Fedson Savitri
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

The use of cardiac transplantation following circulatory death (DCD) has been limited worldwide. Concerns about cardiac function after warm ischemia and the potential for decreased graft function have been important considerations in this hesitancy. In addition, ethical and legal questions about the two widely used organ procurement methods have led to discussions and public education in many countries.

Recent findings

Publication of a US randomized trial of cardiac transplantation following DCD has shown that it is both feasible and has similar short-term outcomes compared with cardiac transplantation following brain death (DBD). These data support those from both Australia and the UK who have largest experience to date.

The adoption of cardiac transplantation following circulatory death has increased overall cardiac transplantation in those transplant centers who have incorporated these donors. Short term outcomes for DCD organ procurement methods are similar to those outcomes using DBD hearts. Continued study and standardization of warm ischemic times will allow for better comparisons of organ procurement techniques and organ optimization. The ethical concerns about procurement methods, in addition to a discussion of procurement costs and feasibility will need to be addressed further in the efforts to expand the organ pool and increase overall cardiac transplantation numbers.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy gene therapy
Authors: Lam Byron L.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

To discuss relevant clinical outcomes, challenges, and future opportunities of gene therapy in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

Recent findings

Results of G11778A LHON Phase 3 randomized clinical trials with unilateral intravitreal rAAV2/2-ND4 allotopic gene therapy show good safety and unexpected bilateral partial improvements of BCVA (best-corrected visual acuity) with mean logMAR BCVA improvements of up to near ∼0.3 logMAR (3 lines) in the treated eyes and ∼0.25 logMAR (2.5 lines) in the sham-treated or placebo-treated fellow eyes. Final mean BCVA levels after gene therapy were in the range of ∼1.3 logMAR (20/400) bilaterally.

Bilateral partial improvement with unilateral LHON gene therapy was unanticipated and may be due to treatment efficacy, natural history, learning effect, and other mediators. The overall efficacy is limited given the final BCVA levels. The sequential progressive visual loss and varied occurrence of spontaneous partial improvement in LHON confound trial results. Future clinical trials with randomization of patients to a group not receiving gene therapy in either eye would help to assess treatment effect. Promising future LHON gene therapy strategies include mitochondrially-targeted-sequence adeno-associated virus (‘MTS-AAV’) for direct delivery of the wild-type mitochondrial DNA into the mitochondria and CRISPR-free, RNA-free mitochondrial base editing systems. Signs of anatomical optic nerve damage and objective retinal ganglion cell dysfunction are evident in the asymptomatic eyes of LHON patients experiencing unilateral visual loss, indicating the therapeutic window is narrowing before onset of visual symptoms. Future treatment strategies utilizing mitochondrial base editing in LHON carriers without optic neuropathy holds the promise of a more advantageous approach to achieve optimal visual outcome by reducing disease penetrance and mitigating retinal ganglion cell loss when optic neuropathy develops.
Dequalinium Chloride for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Eckel Fanny , Farr Alex , Deinsberger Julia , Kernmayer-Farr Karin , Foessleitner Philipp
Published: December 2023

Objective/Purpose

Women at reproductive age frequently experience vulvovaginal infections and vaginitis. The most common etiologies are vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), bacterial vaginosis (BV), desquamative inflammatory vaginitis/aerobic vaginitis, and trichomoniasis. Various treatment options are available for these infections, such as specific antimicrobial or antiseptic agents. Dequalinium chloride (DQC) is a local antiseptic agent with a broad antimicrobial and antifungal spectrum. Multiple studies suggest that DQC is an efficient treatment for vaginal infections; however, it is not widely recommended as a first-line treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of DQC compared with that of standard treatment.

Methods

Our systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and clinicaltrials.org were searched to retrieve relevant reports up to October 2022.

Results

Four randomized controlled studies and 1 observational study were included in this review. Overall, DQC showed noninferiority to the reference treatments for BV and VVC, and to the evaluated treatment options for desquamative inflammatory vaginitis/aerobic vaginitis. For BV and VVC, this could also be confirmed in a meta-analysis including 3 randomized controlled studies. No serious adverse events were reported in any of these studies.

Conclusions

Dequalinium chloride offers a safe, well-tolerated, and efficient treatment option for vulvovaginal infections of different etiologies. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings and allow inclusion of DQC as a first-line treatment into guidelines.
Genetic variation in apolipoprotein A-V in hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Perera Shehan D. , Hegele Robert A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

While biallelic rare APOA5 pathogenic loss-of-function (LOF) variants cause familial chylomicronemia syndrome, heterozygosity for such variants is associated with highly variable triglyceride phenotypes ranging from normal to severe hypertriglyceridemia, often in the same individual at different time points. Here we provide an updated overview of rare APOA5 variants in hypertriglyceridemia.

Recent findings

Currently, most variants in APOA5 that are considered to be pathogenic according to guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics are those resulting in premature termination codons. There are minimal high quality functional data on the impact of most rare APOA5 missense variants; many are considered as variants of unknown or uncertain significance. Furthermore, particular common polymorphisms of APOA5, such as p.Ser19Trp and p.Gly185Cys in Caucasian and Asian populations, respectively, are statistically overrepresented in hypertriglyceridemia cohorts and are sometimes misattributed as being causal for chylomicronemia, when they are merely risk alleles for hypertriglyceridemia.

Both biallelic and monoallelic LOF variants in APOA5 are associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia, although the biochemical phenotype in the monoallelic state is highly variable and is often exacerbated by secondary factors. Currently, with few exceptions, the principal definitive mechanism for APOA5 pathogenicity is through premature truncation. The pathogenic mechanisms of most missense variants in APOA5 remain unclear and require additional functional experiments or family studies.
Oncology for the rhinologist
Authors: Tam Kenric , Dunn Lara A. , Cohen Marc A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding the use of induction chemotherapy for a variety of histopathologies of sinonasal malignancy (SNMs) and to review the potential adverse effects of cytotoxic agents.

Recent findings

Historically, patients with locally advanced SNMs have had relatively poor prognoses and high morbidity from treatment. The available retrospective data suggests that induction chemotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), neuroendocrine carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC), and esthesioneuroblastoma. For SNUC and SSCC, response or nonresponse to induction chemotherapy may prognosticate outcomes and for SNUC specifically, drive selection of definitive therapy. In chemosensitive pathologies, induction chemotherapy appears to improve organ preservation.

Induction chemotherapy may improve functional and oncologic outcomes for patients with SNMs. Because of the rarity of these pathologies, the available data is primarily retrospective. Future randomized, prospective studies should be performed to further optimize and elucidate the role of induction chemotherapy for SNMs.
Extranodal extension in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: need for accurate pretherapeutic staging to select optimum treatment and minimize toxicity
Authors: Bradley Patrick J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

In 2017, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) introduced the inclusion of extracapsular nodal extension (ENE) into the N staging of nonviral head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), while retaining the traditional N classification based on the number and sizes of metastatic nodes. The extent of ENE was further defined as microscopic ENE (ENEmi) and major ENE (ENEma) based on extent of disease beyond the nodal capsule (≤ or > 2 mm). This article reviews the evidence and progress made since these changes were introduced.

Recent findings

The ‘gold standard’ for evaluation ENE is histopathologic examination, the current preferred primary treatment of patients with HNSCC is by radiation-based therapy ± chemotherapy or biotherapy. The current pretreatment staging is by imaging, which needs improved reliability of radiologic rENE assessment with reporting needs to consider both sensitivity and specificity (currently computed tomography images have high-specificity but low-sensitivity). Adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated for patients with ENEma to enhance disease control, whereas for patients with ENEmi, there is a need to assess the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. Evidence that the presence of pENE in HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma is an independent prognostic factor and should be considered for inclusion in future AJCC editions has recently emerged.

There remains a paucity of data on the reliability of imaging in the staging of rENE, more so the for the accurate assessment of ENEmi. Optimistic early results from use of artificial intelligence/deep learning demonstrate progress and may pave the way for better capabilities in tumor staging, treatment outcome prediction, resulting in improved survival outcomes.
Understanding multiple sclerosis and the nurse's role
Authors: Thornton Kendra K. , Cockerell Kimber L. , Spencer Michelle
Published: December 2023

Nurses play a critical role in enhancing care and must know treatments and interventions to provide thorough care for patients with MS.
A look at medication errors
Authors: Miller Nichole
Published: December 2023

With an increase in nurse-to-patient ratios, patient acuity, and high nurse turnover, it's no surprise that thousands of medication errors occur every year.
Reducing Anxiety Among Nurse Leaders Through Virtual Animal-Related Engagement
Authors: Cooper Lise , Kowalski Mildred Ortu , Plantamura Carol M. , Chiu Stephanie
Published: December 2023

This project explored the relationship between virtual animal-related engagement (ARE) and anxiety in nurse leaders. A quality improvement project used a valid and reliable visual analog scale from 0 to 100 for self-reporting of anxiety in nurse leaders. Baseline and intervention group data were collected for 2 weeks at 15 and 5 minutes before the daily leadership huddle. Differences in anxiety levels 5 minutes before the huddle for baseline with the use of the intervention were significant. Within the intervention group, anxiety levels at 15 and 5 minutes were significant. Project outcomes suggest a difference in self-reported anxiety of nurse leaders based on ARE.
Resilience and Ethics in Nursing Education and Practice
Authors: Wright Erin , D'Aoust Rita , Swoboda Sandra M. , Hughes Victoria , Hudson Krysia , Reller Nancy , Rushton Cynda
Published: December 2023

Background:

Nursing faculty and clinicians are leaving the profession due to increased workload and burnout. Evidence-based interventions to build skills in resilience and well-being are encouraged; however, strategies to implement them in nursing curricula and nurse residency programs (NRPs) are not well known.

Purpose:

To understand the current state of resilience, well-being, and ethics content in the curriculum in schools of nursing and NRPs in the state of Maryland as part of a statewide initiative for Renewal, Resilience and Retention of Maryland Nurses (R3).

Methods:

A descriptive survey was distributed to leaders of all Maryland nursing schools and NRP directors.

Results:

Respondents (n = 67) reported minimal resilience, well-being, and ethics content. Teaching modalities included lecture, journaling, mindfulness, and the code of ethics. Barriers included lack of faculty knowledge, low priority, time constraints, and limited resources.

Conclusion:

Resilience, well-being, and ethics content is limited in nursing curricula. Developing educator skills and best practices to foster resilience and ethical practice are needed.
Unveiling the Link Between Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Cognitive Dysfunction in the Almenara Lupus Cohort
Authors: Velarde-Mejía Yelitza , Gamboa-Cárdenas Rocío , Zevallos Francisco , Medina Mariela , Rodriguez-Bellido Zoila , Pastor-Asurza Cesar , Alarcón Graciela S. , Ugarte-Gil Manuel F.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Cognitive dysfunction is a prevalent manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is evidence for the role of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies on its etiopathogenesis. Our objective was to identify the association between aPL antibodies and cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 135 patients evaluated from March 2015 to October 2017 at one center. Cognitive deficit was measured using the NEUROPSI test. Disease activity and damage were ascertained using the SLEDAI-2K (SLE Disease Activity Index 2000) and the SDI (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index), respectively; aPL antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between cognitive dysfunction and aPL antibodies was evaluated using univariable and multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, socioeconomic status, disease duration, SLEDAI-2K, SDI, mean current dose of prednisone, time of exposure to glucocorticoids, and drug use (immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, aspirin, and warfarin).

Results

One hundred thirty-one patients (97.1%) were women; their mean (SD) age was 46.6 (12.5) years; 59 patients (43.7%) had positivity for at least 1 aPL antibody. IgM anticardiolipin (aCL) was positive in 24.5%, IgG in 13.5%, IgM aβ2GP1 in 16.8%, IgG anti-β2 glycoprotein in 24.6%, and the lupus anticoagulant in 5.3%. Ninety patients (66.7%) had some cognitive dysfunction. In the univariable analysis, a significant correlation between the NEUROPSI score and IgM aCL antibodies was found (B = −20.87 [SE, 3.2]; p < 0.001), which remained significant in the multivariable model (B = −13.89 [SE, 3.14]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

IgM aCL antibodies are associated with cognitive dysfunction in patients with SLE. Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact of these findings.
Multiparametric Cardiovascular MRI Assessment of Post-COVID Syndrome in Children in Comparison to Matched Healthy Individuals
Authors: Eckstein Jan , Skeries Valentina , Pöhler Gesa , Babazade Nigar , Kaireit Till , Gutberlet Marcel , Kornemann Norman , Hellms Susanne , Pfeil Alexander , Bucher Andreas Michael , Hansmann Georg , Beerbaum Philipp , Hansen Gesine , Wacker Frank , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Wetzke Martin , Renz Diane Miriam
Published: December 2023

Background

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) can adversely affect the quality of life of patients and their families. In particular, the degree of cardiac impairment in children with PCS is unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify potential cardiac inflammatory sequelae in children with PCS compared with healthy controls.

Methods

This single-center, prospective, intraindividual, observational study assesses cardiac function, global and segment-based strains, and tissue characterization in 29 age- and sex-matched children with PCS and healthy children using a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Cardiac MRI was carried out over 36.4 ± 24.9 weeks post-COVID infection. The study cohort has an average age of 14.0 ± 2.8 years, for which the majority of individuals experience from fatigue, concentration disorders, dyspnea, dizziness, and muscle ache. Children with PSC in contrast to the control group exhibited elevated heart rate (83.7 ± 18.1 beats per minute vs 75.2 ± 11.2 beats per minute, P = 0.019), increased indexed right ventricular end-diastolic volume (95.2 ± 19.2 mlm−2 vs 82.0 ± 21.5 mlm−2, P = 0.018) and end-systolic volume (40.3 ± 7.9 mlm−2 vs 34.8 ± 6.2 mlm−2, P = 0.005), and elevated basal and midventricular T1 and T2 relaxation times (P < 0.001 to P = 0.013). Based on the updated Lake Louise Criteria, myocardial inflammation is present in 20 (69%) children with PCS. No statistically significant difference was observed for global strains.

Conclusions

Cardiac MRI revealed altered right ventricular volumetrics and elevated T1 and T2 mapping values in children with PCS, suggestive for a diffuse myocardial inflammation, which may be useful for the diagnostic workup of PCS in children.
Plants and laboratories: the ascent of sap between physics and vegetal physiology
Authors: Baldassarri Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

The ascent of sap in plants represented a puzzle in early modern studies of nature. Although philosophers, gardeners and naturalists had traditionally explained it as a process of fermentation caused by the Sun, an alternative view emerged in combination with the physical studies of pressure. This latter field of experimentation somehow influenced the study of plants. While the mathematical study of liquids gained momentum, scholars started to apply these rules to vegetal processes, comparing pipes with plant vessels and making plants the objects of their laboratory. In this article, I explore the various ways in which scholars dealt with this phenomenon, following the physics of the equilibrium and motion of liquids, and especially through the two alternative interpretations—one developing in Italy, and one north of the Alps—that characterized the seventeenth-century study of liquids. I focus on Nehemiah Grew's and Marcello Malpighi's different interpretations of the ascent of sap in plants, as they were two major actors in seventeenth-century botanical studies, and how much they drew their interpretations from experiments in the laboratory.
Monarch butterflies memorize the spatial location of a food source
Authors: Konnerth M. Marcel , Foster James J. , el Jundi Basil , Spaethe Johannes , Beetz M. Jerome
Published: December 2023

Spatial memory helps animals to navigate familiar environments. In insects, spatial memory has extensively been studied in central place foragers such as ants and bees. However, if butterflies memorize a spatial location remains unclear. Here, we conducted behavioural experiments to test whether monarch butterflies (
Danaus plexippus
) can remember and retrieve the spatial location of a food source. We placed several visually identical feeders in a flight cage, with only one feeder providing sucrose solution. Across multiple days, individual butterflies predominantly visited the rewarding feeder. Next, we displaced a salient landmark close to the feeders to test which visual cue the butterflies used to relocate the rewarding feeder. While occasional landmark displacements were ignored by the butterflies and did not affect their decisions, systematic displacement of both the landmark and the rewarding feeder demonstrated that the butterflies associated the salient landmark with the feeder's position. Altogether, we show that butterflies consolidate and retrieve spatial memory in the context of foraging.
Effects of environmental translocation and host characteristics on skin microbiomes of sun-basking fish
Authors: Berggren Hanna , Nordahl Oscar , Yıldırım Yeşerin , Larsson Per , Tibblin Petter , Forsman Anders
Published: December 2023

Variation in the composition of skin-associated microbiomes has been attributed to host species, geographical location and habitat, but the role of intraspecific phenotypic variation among host individuals remains elusive. We explored if and how host environment and different phenotypic traits were associated with microbiome composition. We conducted repeated sampling of dorsal and ventral skin microbiomes of carp individuals (
Cyprinus carpio
) before and after translocation from laboratory conditions to a semi-natural environment. Both alpha and beta diversity of skin-associated microbiomes increased substantially within and among individuals following translocation, particularly on dorsal body sites. The variation in microbiome composition among hosts was significantly associated with body site, sun-basking, habitat switch and growth, but not temperature gain while basking, sex, personality nor colour morph. We suggest that the overall increase in the alpha and beta diversity estimates among hosts were induced by individuals expressing greater variation in behaviours and thus exposure to potential colonizers in the pond environment compared with the laboratory. Our results exemplify how biological diversity at one level of organization (phenotypic variation among and within fish host individuals) together with the external environment impacts biological diversity at a higher hierarchical level of organization (richness and composition of fish-associated microbial communities).
Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses reveal metabolic responses to TGEV infection in porcine intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Shuoshuo , Cao Yanan , Xu Chao , Wang Guangzheng , Huang Yanjie , Bao Wenbin , Zhang Shuai
Published: December 2023

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a coronavirus that infects piglets with severe diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and even death, causing huge economic losses to the pig industry. The underlying pathogenesis of TGEV infection and the effects of TGEV infection on host metabolites remain poorly understood. To investigate the critical metabolites and regulatory factors during TGEV infection in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), we performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of TGEV-infected IPEC-J2 cells by LC/MS and RNA-seq techniques. A total of 87 differential metabolites and 489 differentially expressed genes were detected. A series of metabolites and candidate genes from glutathione metabolism and AMPK signalling pathway were examined through combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome. We found glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) is markedly reduced after TGEV infection, and a significant negative correlation between AMPK signalling pathway and TGEV infection. Exogenous addition of the AMPK activator COH-SR4 significantly downregulates stearoyl coenzyme A (SCD1) mRNA and inhibits TGEV replication; while exogenous GSK-690693 significantly promotes TGEV infection by inhibiting AMPK signalling pathway. In summary, our study provides insights into the key metabolites and regulators for TGEV infection from the metabolome and transcriptome perspective, which will offer promising antiviral metabolic and molecular targets and enrich the understanding of the existence of a similar mechanism in the host.
SOCfinder: a genomic tool for identifying social genes in bacteria
Authors: Belcher Laurence J. , Dewar Anna E. , Hao Chunhui , Katz Zohar , Ghoul Melanie , West Stuart A.
Published: December 2023

Bacteria cooperate by working collaboratively to defend their colonies, share nutrients, and resist antibiotics. Nevertheless, our understanding of these remarkable behaviours primarily comes from studying a few well-characterized species. Consequently, there is a significant gap in our understanding of microbial social traits, particularly in natural environments. To address this gap, we can use bioinformatic tools to identify genes that control cooperative or otherwise social traits. Existing tools address this challenge through two approaches. One approach is to identify genes that encode extracellular proteins, which can provide benefits to neighbouring cells. An alternative approach is to predict gene function using annotation tools. However, these tools have several limitations. Not all extracellular proteins are cooperative, and not all cooperative behaviours are controlled by extracellular proteins. Furthermore, existing functional annotation methods frequently miss known cooperative genes. We introduce SOCfinder as a new tool to find bacterial genes that control cooperative or otherwise social traits. SOCfinder combines information from several methods, considering if a gene is likely to [] code for an extracellular protein [], have a cooperative functional annotation, or [] be part of the biosynthesis of a cooperative secondary metabolite. We use data on two extensively-studied species (

P. aeruginosa

and

B. subtilis

) to show that SOCfinder is better at finding known cooperative genes than existing tools. We also use theory from population genetics to identify a signature of kin selection in SOCfinder cooperative genes, which is lacking in genes identified by existing tools. SOCfinder opens up a number of exciting directions for future research, and is available to download from https://github.com/lauriebelch/SOCfinder.
Interbacterial competition mediated by the type VIIb secretion system
Authors: Boardman Eleanor R. , Palmer Tracy , Alcock Felicity
Published: December 2023

Successful occupancy of a given niche requires the colonising bacteria to interact extensively with the biotic and abiotic environment, including other resident microbes. Bacteria have evolved a range of protein secretion machines for this purpose with eleven such systems identified to date. The type VIIb secretion system (T7SSb) is utilised by Bacillota to secrete a range of protein substrates, including antibacterial toxins targeting closely related strains, and the system as a whole has been implicated in a range of activities such as iron acquisition, intercellular signalling, host colonisation and virulence. This review covers the components and secretion mechanism of the T7SSb, the substrates of these systems and their roles in Gram-positive bacteria, with a focus on interbacterial competition.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of FFX Facet Cages Compared to Pedicle Screw Fixation in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Long-Term Study
Authors: Houari Omar , Douanla Arnaud , Ammar Mehdi Ben , Benmekhbi Mustapha , Mortada Jihad , Lungu Gabriel , Magheru Cristian , Voirin Jimmy , Lebedinsky Pablo Ariel , Musacchio Mariano , Bolognini Federico , Srour Robin
Published: December 2023

Objective

The study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of the FFX facet cage versus pedicle screw (PS) fixation in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods

A hybrid retrospective/prospective study design was used. Following a medical records review, subjects meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were consented and enrolled in the prospective arm of the study. CT-scans and dynamic X-rays were performed to assess fusion rates, range of motion and translation. Adverse events during the 2-year post-index procedure were also analyzed. Pre-operative and 2+ year Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) back and leg scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were also obtained.

Results

A total of 112 subjects were enrolled with 56 patients included in the PS and FFX groups. Mean age was 63.1±11.2 and 67.1±10.9 years and the mean number of levels operated was 1.8±0.8 and 2.3±1.0 respectively for the PS and FFX groups. There was no difference between the two groups for the primary composite fusion endpoint assessed (respectively 60.0% vs. 70.9%, p=0.120). There was also no difference in postoperative complications or adverse events during the 2-year follow-up period. A higher percentage of patients in the PS group (10.7%) required reoperation compared to the FFX group (3.6%). While both groups experienced significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores versus pre-operative assessment, there was no difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

The present study documents the long-term safety and efficacy of the FFX device in patients with LSS with a reduction in reoperation rate when compared to PS fixation.
Spatial and Compositional Biomarkers in Tumor Microenvironment Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mi Haoyang , Varadhan Ravi , Cimino-Mathews Ashley M. , Emens Leisha A. , Santa-Maria Cesar A. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: December 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options, which warrants identification of novel therapeutic targets. Deciphering nuances in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may unveil insightful links between anti-tumor immunity and clinical outcomes, yet such connections remain underexplored. Here we employed a dataset derived from imaging mass cytometry of 58 TNBC patient specimens at single-cell resolution and performed in-depth quantifications with a suite of multi-scale computational algorithms. We detected distinct cell distribution patterns among clinical subgroups, potentially stemming from different infiltration related to tumor vasculature and fibroblast heterogeneity. Spatial analysis also identified ten recurrent cellular neighborhoods (CNs) - a collection of local TME characteristics with unique cell components. Coupling of the prevalence of pan-immune and perivasculature immune hotspot CNs, enrichment of inter-CN interactions was associated with improved survival. Using a deep learning model trained on engineered spatial data, we can with high accuracy (mean AUC of 5-fold cross-validation = 0.71) how a separate cohort of patients in the NeoTRIP clinical trial will respond to treatment based on baseline TME features. These data reinforce that the TME architecture is structured in cellular compositions, spatial organizations, vasculature biology, and molecular profiles, and suggest novel imaging-based biomarkers for treatment development in the context of TNBC.