bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Diversity and Conclusion on Employees’ Engagement Scores in The Laboratory
Authors: Abdelmonem M , Wasim H , Abdelmonem M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Employee engagement is one of the most critical elements for the success of any organization. Proper engagement of the employees often leads to the success of an organization, while poor employee engagement often leads to the failure of an organization. Diversity is the presence of differences within an organization, such as differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other number of things. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging and support from the organization.

Methods/Case Report
A retrospective study was performed at a mid-size hospital in California. The overall employee engagement score was recorded twelve months before and after founding a diversity and inclusion council. The diversity and inclusion council consisted of 12 members from all different races and gender, sexual orientations, disabilities, and socioeconomic status includes clinicians, administrators, and employees from all different hospital departments. On top of the 12 councils, nine Employee Resources Groups (ERG) represent minorities and underrepresented groups.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
The employee engagement score for 12 months (January 2019 to December 2019) for fully engaged employees was 29.5%, while the employee engagement score for 12 months (January 2020 to December 2020) for fully engaged employees was 49.3. The diversity and inclusion council was founded at the end of 2019. The data was obtained from the annual employee engagement survey.

Conclusion
There was a significant improvement (59.8%) in employee engagement score after launching the diversity and inclusion council. Diversity and inclusion promote the development and advancement of underrepresented groups in the laboratory through professional development courses and training. It actively creates a productive work environment within the laboratory that is free of harassment and bullying. Diversity and inclusion are vital for the laboratory to improve employee engagement scores, production, employees retentions, and laboratory financial performance.
Meeting clinical needs for and sidestepping supply chain threats to COVID-19 testing through continuous process improvement
Authors: Rice F , Yip T , Bolster LaSalle C , Graf E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
The first human case of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in December of 2019. By late February 2020 evidence of community transmission in the United States was documented and soon it developed into a global pandemic. On March 11, 2020, the Mayo Clinic Arizona’s Microbiology Laboratory introduced a PCR test for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Even as testing demands exponentially increased, the hospital relied on timely results to assist in directing patient care. In order to provide timely results in the face of continuously emerging supply chain threats, we needed to increase our capacity for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing by reducing technologist time and reagent waste, without impacting turnaround time or other quality metrics such as repeat rate.

Methods/Case Report
Technologist time was measured in hands-on time per specimen. Reagent use was defined by the volume of lysis buffer (the primary rate limiting reagent due to supply chain constraints) used per sample. Turnaround time was measured from receipt in lab until result verification and the rerun rate is the percent of specimens with an internal control (IC) failure, an indicator of specimen or process quality. Unnecessary steps were determined using a process map, spaghetti diagram and waste walk. Improvements included simplifying steps, changes to protocols and lab design. Impacts of the improvements were measured for 5 months post-implementation.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
Process improvements reduced technologist time per sample by 30.8 seconds and decreased critical reagent needs by 23.6%. Improvements led to $104,000 in just reagent savings over 5 months. Turnaround time and rerun rates were not negatively impacted.

Conclusion
By creating the leanest possible workflow, we were able to meet the demands for accurate and timely SARS-CoV-2 results. In future workflows, we will continue to implement lean processes and ensure the most efficient use of limited resources.
Performance Comparison of Multiplexed Fluorescent Resonance Emission Transfer Hybridization Probes Across Roche LightCycler® Real-Time PCR Systems for the Detection of Bartonella species
Authors: Berent T , Rothstein T , Buckwalter S , Patel R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Molecular assays for Bartonella species are important in diagnosing infection and expediting patient treatment. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) hybridization probes can be used to detect Bartonella species in blood and fresh/fixed tissue biopsies in RT-PCR instruments. Over time, new technologies and reagents are introduced and existing PCR primers and FRET probes must be re-validated on new platforms. This study aimed to compare the performance of a Bartonella RT-PCR assay using the sunsetting Roche LightCycler® 2.0 (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) and newer LightCycler® 480 RT- PCR instruments.

Methods/Case Report
DNA was extracted from 132 historically positive, whole organism spiked, and historically negative whole blood and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples. Samples were run on the LightCycler® 2.0 using instrument specific LightCycler® FastStart DNA Master HybProbe enzyme and compared to results generated using the LightCycler® 480 and its instrument specific LightCycler® 480 Genotyping Master enzyme.
During optimization, MgCl2 concentrations and thermocycling profiles were adjusted. Accuracy, specificity, inclusivity, and limit of detection studies were performed. Crossing point (Cp), melting temperature (Tm), fluorescent peak and fluorescent background values were compared between the two instruments.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
The agreement in accuracy between the LightCycler® 2.0 and the LightCycler® 480 was 100% for whole blood samples. For historically positive FFPE samples, LightCycler® 2.0 sensitivity and LightCycler® 480 sensitivity were 86% and 100%, respectively. Specificity and inclusivity of the assay were identical between the two instruments. The limit of detection in whole blood was 5-fold lower on the LightCycler® 480 (50 copies/µL) compared to the LightCycler® 2.0 (250 copies/µL). Mean Cp and fluorescent peak intensity values increased by 5.1% and 65-fold, respectively.

Conclusion
The study demonstrates similar performance and improved limit of detection for the Bartonella FRET hybridization probe RT-PCR assay on the LightCycler® 480 compared to the LightCycler® 2.0.
Fatal, Rapidly Progressive EBV-Associated Warm Autoantibody Hemolytic Anemia (WAIHA): A Rare Case Study
Authors: Kanakis C E , Gvozdjan K , Sereseanu L , Rodheim D , DeChristopher P J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Separately WAIHA and Epstein-Barr Virus-infectious mononucleosis (EBV-IM) are well- studied clinical entities. EBV-IM cases are commonly linked with cold autoagglutinins (IgMs with anti-i specificity), but uncommonly associated with WAIHA. More rarely, EBV-IM can be associated with rapidly fatal AIHA. Prompt and appropriate diagnostic Blood Bank testing for WAIHA in EBV-infected patients should include work-ups to prevent missing the possibility of treating complicating WAIHA.

Methods/Case Report
A 24-year-old woman presented to the ED with a month of cough/cold symptoms, night sweats, cervical lymphadenopathy, and imaging showing diffuse thoracic lymphadenopathy. DNA/PCR testing was positive for active EBV infection and a lymph node biopsy was diagnostic for EBV lymphadenitis. Increasing respiratory distress developed, coupled with renal and liver insufficiency, hypotension, and possible DIC, and (suspected septic) shock. On hospital day (HD) 5, altered mental status worsened, cardiac arrest occurred requiring resuscitation and vasopressors, and acidosis trended rapidly higher. The patient rapidly decompensated and she was compassionately extubated, expiring on HD 6.
There were significant laboratory interval changes in the final 20 hours of life. New positive DATs (with anti-IgG and - C3b/d), a pan-reactive warm autoantibody of broad specificity (in plasma & eluate), onset of acute hemolysis (nadir Hgb to 4.6 g/dL with net drop of 4.7 g/dL & LDH 23, 582 U/L), coagulopathy (peak PT 96.6 sec) and evidnece of organ failure. Blood Bank testing, received on HD 5 at 21:45, was resulted in the EMR on HD 6 at 00:30 and the patient expired at 05:15--further illustrating the rapid clinical course presented in this case.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
N/A

Conclusion
This patient died of complications directly associated with acute, immune-mediated intravascular hemolysis leading to high-output cardiac failure and resulting in multi-organ failure. With a relative paucity of published EBV-IM WAIHA associations, the rapidly evolving unexpected hematologic sequelae observed complicated the clinical recognition and treatment of severe WAIHA during the course of treatment for clinically suspected DIC. The rapid progression of this patients’ symptoms and laboratory values did not allow for adequate recognition of WAIHA-related pathogenesis and appropriate interventions.
Development of a COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Curriculum Amongst Students: An Initial Pilot Study
Authors: Jhala A , Petersen J M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Since December 2019, the World Health Organization has documented over 145 million COVID-19 infections with more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Considering this unprecedented pandemic, potential treatments including COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CP) received an emergency use authorization (EUA) for hospitalized patients from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2020. CP is a form of passive immunization in which antibody-rich blood taken from recovered COVID-19 patients is used for transfusion into other patients. CP therapy is a temporary treatment that is meant to help hospitalized COVID-19 patients recover. Although there has been significant interest in CP, the peer-reviewed English literature is sparse on education initiatives on CP and appears absent regarding undergraduates and other students outside the laboratory or blood bank. Therefore, we present a first presentation of a pilot education initiative on CP for students.

Methods/Case Report
Information for the educational presentation was obtained from AABB guidelines, meta- analyses, and published clinical studies. Presented was a broad overview algorithm of when CP may be considered starting with symptomatic patients hospitalized with moderate to severe disease who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, including a brief review of the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. As part of this pilot study, this presentation was given to a group of high school students.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
In this study, 22 high school students were briefly taught about convalescent plasma, including its use as a therapeutic agent to treat COVID-19. Before the presentation, 0 of the 22 students knew how CP was involved in COVID-19 or even what CP was. After the presentation, a survey was taken in order to learn about knowledge retention and after, all were understood CP’s general use in COVID-19. Therefore, this presentation improved knowledge on CP and was well accepted.

Conclusion
Educational initiatives on information related to CP have critical potential to improve the knowledge base of students. This presentation represents a pilot study for additional educational initiatives to improve the knowledge of CP amongst students.
The Impact of Social Media Engagement from a Pathology Department During COVID
Authors: Crowe C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
The events of the past year brought into stark relief the importance and impact of social media and digital communications for pathology departments as managed by an intra-departmental team of communications professionals. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pathology is home to nearly 100 faculty, more than 200 staff members and close to 40 trainees. The department’s internal communications team consists of a director of communications and content coordinator, both full time employees. Prior to the COVID pandemic, the team hosted departmental Twitter and Facebook accounts. During the course of the year, we added Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, as well as a YouTube channel. These vehicles provided multiple platforms for communicating our messages, relating to COVID and promoting regular news and updates broadly, to both internal and external audiences.

Methods/Case Report
We created LinkedIn and Instagram accounts in July 2020, to round out our social media platforms. We use Sprout Social to manage our various accounts.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
For the timeframe of March 2020–2021 our @UABPathology Twitter account had a total of 933 published posts, and 1,022,785 total impressions, for 3,889 followers. Total engagements with the posts were 48,420, with 2,301 post link clicks. For the same timeframe, our nascent @UABPathology Instagram account earned 56,662 impressions, and 3,329 total engagements, for a 5.9% engagement rate. Most experts agree that a good engagement rate is between 1 and 5%.

Conclusion
Our departmental social media accounts generated high impact engagements with an audience primarily in the demographic of our target for trainee and young faculty recruits, ages 25-34, in addition to broadly disseminating our department’s ongoing news and updates during the COVID pandemic. The impact of effectively communicating through social media channels is measurable, and will continue to grow the reputation of the department as a top-tier clinical, research and educational program in the field.
Analysis of the molecular evolution of histone variant H2A.Z using a linker-mediated complex strategy and yeast genetic complementation
Authors: Kitagawa Saho , Kusakabe Masayuki , Takahashi Daisuke , Narimiya Takumi , Nakabayashi Yu , Seki Masayuki , Horigome Chihiro , Harata Masahiko 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
The histone variant H2A.Z is deposited into chromatin by specific machinery and is required for genome functions. Using a linker-mediated complex strategy combined with yeast genetic complementation, we demonstrate evolutionary conservation of H2A.Z together with its chromatin incorporation and functions. This approach is applicable to the evolutionary analyses of proteins that form complexes with interactors.
Effects of the donor factors and freezing protocols on the bovine embryonic lipid profile
Authors: Janati Idrissi Sarah , Le Bourhis Daniel , Lefevre Antoine , Emond Patrick , Le Berre Laurene , Desnoës Olivier , Joly Thierry , Buff Samuel , Freret Sandrine , Schibler Laurent , Salvetti Pascal , Elis Sébastien 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Embryo lipid profile is affected by in vitro culture conditions that lead to an increase in lipids. Efforts have been made to optimize embryo lipid composition as it is associated with their quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the diet supplementation of donor cows (n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), or the slow freezing protocols (ethylene glycol sucrose vs. glycerol-trehalose), or the physiological stage of the donor (nulliparous heifers vs. primiparous lactating cows) may impact the bovine embryo lipid profile. Lipid extracts of 97 embryos were individually analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, highlighting 246 lipids, including 85% being overabundant in cow embryos compared to heifer embryos. Among 105 differential lipids, 72 were overabundant after ethylene glycol sucrose protocol, including a single glycerophosphate PA(32:1) representing 27.3% of the significantly modulated lipids, suggesting that it is degraded when glycerol-trehalose protocol is used. No lipids were different according to the n-3 or n-6 supplementation of the donor cows. In conclusion, the embryonic lipid profile was mainly affected by the physiological stage of the donors and the slow freezing protocols. The overabundance of lipids in lactating cow embryos and the resulting lower quality of these embryos are consistent with the lower pregnancy rate observed in cows compared to heifers. Unlike glycerol-trehalose protocol, ethylene glycol sucrose freezing allowed to preserve glycerophospholipids, potentially improving the slow freezing of in vitro-produced embryos. Further studies are required to modulate embryo quality and freezability by modulating the lipidome and by integrating all stages of embryonic production.
EP.WE.20At a glance: the impact of COVID-19 on Emergency General Surgery
Authors: Aboul-Enein Mohamed , Ishak Peter , Bhambra Maninder , Ricart Pol , Ishak Lisa , Perry Anthony 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aim
This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on emergency general surgery practice, in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom, particularly on referrals, diagnosis, investigations, management pathways, outcomes, patient behaviour and consultant practice.

Methods
Retrospective data collection from two cohorts: 112 patients admitted over one week in pre-COVID period and 90 patients admitted over one week during the COVID period. We used patient questionnaire and a consultant questionnaire to collect data on patient behaviour and consultant practice.

Results
Almost four times and seven times increase in performed X-rays (CXRs)and CT-thorax-abdomen-pelvis (TAPs) respectively. The COVID period saw 6.5% increase in conservative and 6.2% reduction in surgical management, and about 50% decline in length of stay (LoS) in conservatively managed patients. 71% of patients’ decisions to attend hospital were not affected and 78.6% of consultant surgeons preferred to manage patients conservatively during the COVID period.

Conclusion
Overall, there were delayed patients’ presentations to hospital at almost twice, increase in paediatric referrals, a surge in performed scans, and a reduction in hospital stay in patients who were managed conservatively. Patient behaviour to attend hospital was not heavily influenced by COVID, but consultant practice certainly changed towards more conservative choices. Future studies should explore the impact on paediatric referrals and long-term effects on surgical training.
This study's manuscript has been accepted for publication in the Surgical Practice Journal.
EP.WE.31A snapshot audit on the current practice of minimal access surgery in the UK during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Barrow Hannah , Patel Rikesh , Selvasekar Chelliah 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic that poses potential increase in the risk of post-operative complications. Early guidelines placed an embargo on minimal access surgery, aiming to minimise risk to patients and the surgical team through aerolisation of the virus. We aimed to assess the practice of minimal access surgery during the peak of the pandemic and associated surgical outcomes.

Methods
An email link to an online questionnaire was distributed to a variety of surgical specialties via the Royal College of Surgeons COVID group and ALSGBI members. Data collection was carried out over a 4-month period. Data assessed included screening methods, case volume, surgical approach and patient outcomes.

Results
A total of 118 responses from a variety of surgical specialties were collected over 59 units, ranging in grade from Consultant to SHO/Core Trainee.
The volume of minimal access procedures decreased during the pandemic from 94.9% of units to 39.0% (P &lt; 0.001), with a greater percentage opting for an open approach (54.2% vs 39.0%, P &lt; 0.001).
Combining screening methods was a favoured approach, and it was frequently used alongside a designated ‘Clean’ theatre.
A small proportion of patients suffered from post-operative COVID-19 complications (15.3%), but COVID-19 mortality was low.

Conclusions
Whilst the risk of COVID-19 infection was not completely abolished perioperatively throughout the pandemic, it appears to be minimised by use of adequate screening with designated clean areas. It would therefore support guidelines advocating continued use of minimal access surgery during peaks of COVID-19 if prudent peri-operative measures are taken.
EP.WE.84Palliative Care Interventions for Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Davies Henry , Waduud Mohammed , Laloo Ryan , Bennett Michael I , Scott Julian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
Identify and evaluate palliative care interventions used in peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

Background
PVD encompasses conditions with poor outcome and severe suffering, both mentally and physically, yet utilisation and research into palliative care interventions remain sparse.

Methods
A systematic review of all study designs published between January 1991 and January 2020 in which people with PVD received palliative care interventions and at least one patient reported outcome was recorded.

Results
A total of eight studies involving 87037 unique patients met inclusion criteria (four cohort studies and four cross sectional studies). There were no randomised controlled studies; The small number of studies and study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Only two papers recorded patient reported outcomes. Five papers found an association between palliative care and reduction in health care utilisation. Most of the studies reported that palliative care was likely underused. Only two of the studies included non-hospital patients. The methodological quality of the papers ranged from low to moderate.

Conclusions
Despite high mortality and morbidity associated with PVD, evidence of the effectiveness of palliative care in this group of patients is lacking. There are only a handful of papers on palliative care in vascular surgery and the majority are small, methodologically flawed and lack patient reported outcomes. Randomised controlled trials of palliative care interventions in patients with PVD are needed to determine optimal treatment outcomes.