bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of ICU nurses’ competency towards delirium among critically ill patients
Authors: Hebeshy Mona Ibrahim , Gaballah Samia Hussieny , Ibrahim Noha Mohammed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
ICU nurses play a critical role in managing delirium in critically ill patients, yet their competency in this area remains under-explored.

Aim
To assess ICU nurses’ competency including their knowledge, practice, and attitudes toward delirium among critically ill patients.

Methods
A correlational descriptive study was conducted with 67 nurses in the medical intensive care unit at Suez Canal University Hospitals. Data was collected using an online survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation.

Results
Nurses showed a moderate knowledge level (M = 8.55), a low practice level (M = 6.62), and positive attitudes (M = 21.65) toward ICU delirium. ANOVA results indicated significant differences in practice scores based on educational level, F (2, 64) = 3.361, p = .041, and in knowledge scores based on ICU experience, F(3, 63) = 6.455, p < .001. Nurses with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees had higher practice scores than those with diplomas or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. There were no significant differences in knowledge and attitude scores based on educational level or age. Gender differences were minimal, with male nurses slightly outperforming female nurses. Correlation analysis showed positive relationships between age, education, ICU experience, and ICU nurses’ levels of knowledge and practice.

Conclusion
ICU nurses demonstrate a knowledge-practice gap in delirium management. Targeted educational interventions, mentorship programs, and a focus on practical skills are essential to enhance delirium care.

Relevance to clinical practice
These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive delirium education and training programs for ICU nurses. By improving nurses’ knowledge and practice, healthcare organizations can significantly enhance the early detection, prevention, and management of delirium, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced length of stay in the ICU.
Health knowledge after stroke in Switzerland: a survey among health professionals on current practice and suggestions for the implementation of a technology-based educational program for stroke survivors
Authors: Devittori Giada , Peduzzi Mosè , Dinacci Daria , Rossi Paolo , Petrillo Claudio , Gassert Roger , Lambercy Olivier 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
It is estimated that 1 in 4 stroke survivors will experience a second stroke. Educating patients about risk factors for stroke and a generally healthier lifestyle may help prevent recurrent strokes, which are a burden on society and the healthcare system. The goals of this paper were to investigate the estimated level of knowledge of stroke patients regarding their disease, the methods of information commonly used in clinical practice, the topics that should be included in an educational program aimed at improving health knowledge among stroke survivors, and how such a program could be delivered with the help of technology-based education (i.e., information delivered by digital platforms such as smartphones or rehabilitation technologies).

Methods
We performed a survey among health professionals working with stroke patients in Switzerland.

Results
161 health professionals of different backgrounds took part in the survey, and 94 completed it. According to the results, only 33% of healthcare professionals thought that patients were well informed about stroke one month after stroke onset. These findings suggest that there is room for improvement in how stroke patients are educated about stroke, risk factors, and prevention. Additionally, it was highlighted that technology is not commonly used in clinical practice to support patients’ education, although this is an acceptable method for healthcare professionals. The results also helped to identify key topics to be included in an educational program and recommendations for implementing such a program in rehabilitation technologies.

Conclusions
This work allowed gaining more insight into healthcare professionals’ opinions on the potential of technology-based education and key aspects to consider when implementing it to support health and prevention knowledge after stroke.
Can switching from cigarettes to heated tobacco products reduce consequences of pulmonary infection?
Authors: Bhat Tariq A. , Kalathil Suresh G. , Leigh Noel J. , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Thanavala Yasmin M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Rationale
While tobacco industry data suggests that switching from combustible cigarettes to heated tobacco products (HTPs), like IQOS, may reduce the users’ exposure to respiratory toxicants, it is not known if using HTPs impacts the outcomes of acute respiratory infections.

Objectives
Does switching from cigarettes to HTPs improve responses to pulmonary infection.

Methods
We conducted experiments in which 3 groups of mice were pre-exposed to cigarette smoke for 8 weeks, followed by 8-week exposure to (1) HTPs (tobacco product switching), (2) air (smoking cessation), or (3) continued exposure to cigarette smoke. Pulmonary bacterial clearance and surrogate markers of lung damage were assessed as study outcomes.

Main results
Significantly compromised clearance of bacteria from the lungs post-acute challenge occurred in both the switching group and in mice continuously exposed to cigarette smoke. Bacterial clearance, inflammatory T-cell infiltration into the lungs, and albumin leak improved at 12 h post-acute challenge in the switching group compared to mice continuously exposed to cigarette smoke. Bacterial clearance, total lung immune-cell infiltration, inflammatory T-cell infiltration into the lungs, the content of total proteins in the BAL, and albumin leak measured post-acute challenge were compromised in the switching group compared to mice in the cessation group. Switching from cigarettes to HTPs did not improve lung myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase levels (markers for lung inflammation and damage), which, however, were significantly reduced in the cessation group.

Conclusions
This study reveals only a modest improvement in respiratory infection outcomes after switching exposure from cigarettes to HTPs and significantly compromised outcomes compared to a complete cessation of exposure to all tobacco products.
Multi-modal characterisation of early-stage, subclinical cardiac deterioration in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bertrand Ambre , Lewis Andrew , Camps Julia , Grau Vicente , Rodriguez Blanca 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and cardiac arrhythmias. Precursors of these complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, remain incompletely understood and underdiagnosed. Detection of early signs of cardiac deterioration in T2DM patients is critical for prevention. Our goal is to quantify T2DM-driven abnormalities in ECG and cardiac imaging biomarkers leading to cardiovascular disease.

Methods
We quantified ECG and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in two matched cohorts of 1781 UK Biobank participants, with and without T2DM, and no diagnosed cardiovascular disease at the time of assessment. We performed a pair-matched cross-sectional study to compare cardiac biomarkers in both cohorts, and examined the association between T2DM and these biomarkers. We built multivariate multiple linear regression models sequentially adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates.

Results
Participants with T2DM had a higher resting heart rate (66 vs. 61 beats per minute, p < 0.001), longer QTc interval (424 vs. 420ms, p < 0.001), reduced T wave amplitude (0.33 vs. 0.37mV, p < 0.001), lower stroke volume (72 vs. 78ml, p < 0.001) and thicker left ventricular wall (6.1 vs. 5.9mm, p < 0.001) despite a decreased Sokolow-Lyon index (19.1 vs. 20.2mm, p < 0.001). T2DM was independently associated with higher heart rate (beta = 3.11, 95% CI = [2.11,4.10], p < 0.001), lower stroke volume (beta = −4.11, 95% CI = [−6.03, −2.19], p < 0.001) and higher left ventricular wall thickness (beta = 0.133, 95% CI = [0.081,0.186], p < 0.001). Trends were consistent in subgroups of different sex, age and body mass index. Fewer significant differences were observed in participants of non-white ethnic background. QRS duration and Sokolow-Lyon index showed a positive association with the development of cardiovascular disease in cohorts with and without T2DM, respectively. A higher left ventricular mass and wall thickness were associated with cardiovascular outcomes in both groups.

Conclusion
T2DM prior to cardiovascular disease was linked with a higher heart rate, QTc prolongation, T wave amplitude reduction, as well as lower stroke volume and increased left ventricular wall thickness. Increased QRS duration and left ventricular wall thickness and mass were most strongly associated with future cardiovascular disease. Although subclinical, these changes may indicate the presence of autonomic dysfunction and diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Graphical Abstract
Stem cell treatment for regeneration of the rotator cuff: study protocol for a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial (Lipo-cuff)
Authors: Cartuliares Mariana Bichuette , Hejbøl Eva Kildall , Schrøder Henrik Daa , Pedersen Andreas Kristian , Frich Lars Henrik 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Rotator cuff tears (RCT) are a common musculoskeletal condition, especially in the aging population. The prevalence of rotator cuff tears varies based on factors like age, occupation, and activity level. In the general population, the prevalence of rotator cuff tears is estimated to be around 20 to 25%. Rotator cuff tears (RCT) have an impact in patients’ pain level, shoulder function, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. Primary tendon surgery is in mostly cases necessary. This study aimed to examine if treatment of rotator cuff lesions with implantation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue can improve patients’ reported pain and function compared to conventional surgery.

Methods
The study is a prospective superiority parallel-group single-center randomized controlled trial including 30 patients between 40 and 69 years of age in Denmark. Patients will be allocated 1:1 ratio to reconstruction of the supraspinatus tendon with an injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue into the related muscle (stem cell treatment) or the standard of care (SOC), which is conventional surgery. Patients, project assistants, physicians, and outcome adjudicators are not blinded to randomization due to practical constraints. The radiologist and the statistician performing the analysis will be blinded. The primary outcome will be the Oxford shoulder score at 12 months post-surgery.

Discussion
This study will assess whether adding micro-fragmented adipose tissue therapy to conventional rotator cuff tear treatment can enhance recovery, accelerate return to daily activities, and improve functional outcomes. The research will also determine if this minimally invasive procedure could be standardized for routine patient care.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06505135. Registered on July 10, 2024.
Multiple bloodmeals enhance dissemination of arboviruses in three medically relevant mosquito genera
Authors: Ferdous Zannatul , Dieme Constentin , Sproch Hannah , Kramer Laura D. , Ciota Alexander T. , Brackney Doug E. , Armstrong Philip M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Mosquitoes in nature may acquire multiple bloodmeals (BMs) over the course of their lifetime; however, incorporation of frequent feeding behavior in laboratory vector competence studies is rarely done. We have previously shown that acquisition of a second non-infectious BM can enhance early dissemination of Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus, and chikungunya virus in Aedes aegypti and ZIKV in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, yet it is unknown if other taxonomically-diverse virus-vector pairings show a similar trend under a sequential feeding regimen.

Methods
To test this, we evaluated the impact of a second noninfectious BM on the vector competence of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles quadrimaculatus for Mayaro virus, Culex quinquefasciatus for West Nile virus, Aedes triseriatus for La Crosse virus, and Aedes aegypti for Oropouche virus (OROV). Female mosquitoes were fed BMs containing these viruses and half of them were given a second noninfectious BM at 3 or 4-days post infection. Mosquitoes were harvested at various time points and assayed for virus infection in bodies and disseminated infection in legs by performing reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays.

Results
We found that a second noninfectious BM had no impact on midgut infection rates but increased virus dissemination for all but one of the virus-vector pairings- Ae. aegypti and OROV. Unlike the other arboviruses under consideration, which are strictly mosquito-borne, biting midges (Culicoides spp.) serve as the main vector of OROV and this virus rarely disseminated to the mosquito leg tissue in our study.

Conclusions
Taken together, our findings show that sequential blood feeding enhances virus dissemination across diverse arbovirus-vector pairings, representing three mosquito genera and virus families, but a second BM was insufficient to overcome a strong midgut virus escape barrier in a nonnatural virus–vector pairing.

Graphical Abstract
Accelerating de novo SINE annotation in plant and animal genomes
Authors: Liao Herui , Sun Yanni , Ou Shujun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGenome annotation is an important but challenging task. Accurate identification of short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) is particularly difficult due to their lack of highly conserved sequences. AnnoSINE is state-of-the-art software for annotating SINEs in plant genomes, but it is computationally inefficient for large genomes. Moreover, its applicability to animals is limited due to the absence of animal pHMMs in its HMM library. Therefore, we propose AnnoSINE_v2, which extends accurate SINE annotation for animal genomes with greatly optimized computational efficiency. Our results show that AnnoSINE_v2’s annotation of SINEs has over 20% higher F1-score compared to the existing tools on animal genomes and enables the processing of complicated genomes, like human and zebrafish, which were beyond the capabilities of AnnoSINE_v1. AnnoSINE_v2 is freely available on Conda and GitHub: https://github.com/liaoherui/AnnoSINE_v2.
Association of hyperactivated transposon expression with exacerbated immune activation in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang Frank Qingyun , Dang Xiao , Su Huidong , Lei Yao , She Chun Hing , Zhang Caicai , Chen Xinxin , Yang Xingtian , Yang Jing , Feng Hong , Yang Wanling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder, and transposable elements (TEs) have been hypothesized to play a significant role in its development. However, limited research has explored this connection. Our study aimed to examine the relationship between TE expression and SLE pathogenesis.

Methods
We analyzed whole blood RNA-seq datasets from 198 SLE patients and 84 healthy controls. The REdiscoverTE pipeline was employed to quantify TE and other gene expressions, identifying differentially expressed TEs. A TE score was calculated to measure overall TE expression for each sample. Gene ontology and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted to explore the functional implications of TE upregulation. Independent datasets were utilized to replicate the results and investigate cell type-specific TE expression.

Results
Our analysis identified two distinct patient groups: one with high TE expression and another with TE expression comparable to controls. Patients with high TE expression exhibited upregulation of pathways involving nucleic acid sensors, and TE expression was strongly correlated with interferon (IFN) signatures. Furthermore, these patients displayed deregulated cell composition, including increased neutrophils and decreased regulatory T cells. Neutrophils were suggested as the primary source of TE expression, contributing to IFN production.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that TE expression may serve as a crucial mediator in maintaining the activation of interferon pathways, acting as an endogenous source of nucleic acid stimulators in SLE patients.
Maternal weight status at conception predicts offspring body fat at age 11 years: population data from the Japan Kids Body Composition Study using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Kouda Katsuyasu , Ohara Kumiko , Nakamura Harunobu , Fujita Yuki , Iki Masayuki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Maternal preconception overweight status has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of overweight offspring. However, there are no published population-based studies on the association between maternal preconception weight and offspring body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The present population-based retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the association between maternal weight at conception and offspring body fat measured by DXA.

Methods
The source population consisted of 5th-grade students (1244 students aged 11 years) registered at 8 municipal elementary schools in Kitakata, Fukuroi, Hamamatsu, and Himeji in Japan. The present analyses included 964 participants who provided complete information. Maternal body mass index (BMI) at conception was calculated using records in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (MCHH). Offspring body fat at age 11 years was measured with the same QDR-4500A DXA instrument in a mobile test room that was brought to each school. With regard to the prediction of excess fat in offspring, the area under the curve (AUC) calculated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of maternal BMI at conception.

Results
Adjusted odds ratios for excess body fat in offspring of the overweight mother group (odds ratios, 4.93 to 15.32) were significantly higher than those in the non-overweight mother group. For the prediction of excess offspring fat, AUCs and 95% confidence intervals for maternal BMI at conception were greater than 0.5.

Conclusion
Maternal overweight status at conception might be a risk factor for excess body fat in offspring. Maternal BMI values calculated using MCHH data have the potential to distinguish between the presence and absence of excess fat in the next generation.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of incarcerated pregnant people
Authors: Marsh L. Noël , Kramer Camille , Shlafer Rebecca J. , Sufrin Carolyn B. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted incarcerated populations, yet few studies have investigated the specific effects on incarcerated pregnant people. This study compares pregnant people’s experiences of pregnancy and parenting in prison before and during the pandemic in order to explore the impacts of COVID-19 on this population.

Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with pregnant people at a state prison as part of a larger study on pregnant people’s experiences during incarceration. Interviews explored participants’ experiences and decision-making related to pregnancy and parenting while incarcerated. This secondary analysis compared interviews conducted between June 2019 and March 2020 (pre-COVID-19) to interviews conducted between June and November 2020 (during COVID-19). Interviews conducted during the pandemic included questions about the impact of COVID-19 on participants’ experiences. Brief three and six-month follow-up interviews were conducted when possible.

Results
COVID-19 introduced new stressors and exacerbated preexisting stressors around participants’ reproductive and parenting experiences. Three major themes emerged: 1) incarceration causes mental, emotional, and physical distress during pregnancy and parenting; 2) COVID-19 worsened conditions of incarceration, contributing to participants’ distress; and 3) the introduction of quarantine protocols during the pandemic felt uniquely punitive for pregnant and postpartum people.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized as a major crisis and primary threat to public health, particularly for incarcerated individuals. Yet just as COVID-19 exacerbated preexisting disparities for marginalized, non-incarcerated communities, incarcerated pregnant people similarly described a “worsening” of already-intolerable conditions. The indiscriminate application of quarantine protocols for pregnant people reflects broader carceral logics of control that do not account for the wellbeing of pregnant and postpartum people and their infants, as evidenced by current practices of infant separation, a lack of support, and physically taxing living conditions.
Adolescent boys’ experiences of stress – a focus group study
Authors: Schmidt Manuela , Hansson Erika 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The number of adolescents reporting that they are stressed has more than doubled among both boys and girls. Most focus is given to girls because they typically not only report higher levels of stress but also feel stressed more frequently than boys do. However, studies have confirmed that boys’ experience of stressors is the same, implying that genders are equally prone to experiencing stress. Although male and female adolescents appear to experience stress in a similar way, how they cope with these stressors might differ. This study focused on boys’ experiences of stress and how they cope with it.

Method
Eight focus groups were conducted with 39 adolescent boys aged 12–19 years enrolled in four schools in southern Sweden. The data was analysed inductively with conventional content analysis.

Results
The analysis resulted in three categories: Stress perception – time as a key factor, Identifying stressors and levels of stress, and Silent struggles and distractions. The boys had experienced considerable stress in their lives, despite their limited understanding of the concept. Their coping skills focused on engaging in sports or distracting themselves from stressors while relying less on social support from peers, school staff, or family.

Conclusions
Adolescent boys might need assistance in identifying stress and clearly voicing their specific concerns. They should also be provided with spaces that are free from stigmatization and judgement. Parents, teachers, and school nurses should be equipped with the appropriate tools and education on how to discuss stress and mental health in general with adolescent boys to prevent possible negative long-term consequences for both their physical and mental health.