bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV-associated kidney disease: the changing spectrum and treatment priorities
Authors: Wearne Nicola , Davidson Bianca 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of reviewThis review examines the impact of HIV on kidney disease, which remains significant despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART). The review is timely due to the shifting epidemiology of kidney disease in people with HIV (PWH), driven by increased ART access, noncommunicable diseases, and region-specific opportunistic infections like tuberculosis.Recent findingsThe literature highlights a decline in HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and a rise in tubulointerstitial diseases and noncommunicable diseases among PWH. Studies from the United States and South Africa report decreased HIVAN prevalence and increased rates of tubulointerstitial diseases linked to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) toxicity and tuberculosis (TB). Immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are also prevalent.SummaryThe findings underscore the need for improved diagnostic tools for opportunistic infections, management of ART-related complications, and strategies to address noncommunicable diseases in PWH. There is a need to centralize care to address all health needs simultaneously. Future research should focus on APOL1-targeted therapies and the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD. Enhanced transplantation outcomes and the development of guidelines for managing DKD in PWH are critical for advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.
Serum creatinine and serum cystatin C as an index of muscle mass in adults
Authors: Liu Celina , Levey Andrew S. , Ballew Shoshana H. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
Serum creatinine reflects both muscle mass and kidney function. Serum cystatin C has recently been recommended as an additional marker for estimating kidney function, and use of both markers together may provide an index of muscle mass. This review aims to describe the biological basis for and recent research examining the relationship of these markers to muscle mass in a range of adult populations and settings.

Recent findings
This review identified 67 studies, 50 of which had direct measures of muscle mass, and almost all found relationships between serum creatinine and cystatin C and muscle mass and related outcomes. Most studies have been performed in older adults, but similar associations were found in general populations as well as in subgroups with cancer, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other morbid conditions. Creatinine to cystatin C ratio was the measure examined the most often, but other measures showed similar associations across studies.

Summary
Measures of serum creatinine and cystatin C together can be an index of muscle mass. They are simple and reliable measures that can be used in clinical practice and research. Further study is needed to determine actionable threshold values for each measure and clinical utility of testing and intervention.
The Effect of Laughter Yoga Applied to Intensive Care Nurses on Their Perceived Stress, Job Motivation, and Mental Well-being
Authors: Yılmaz Ramazan , Çevik Kaya Kıvan 
Published: August 2024

Aim
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of laughter yoga applied to intensive care nurses on perceived stress, job motivation, and mental well-being.

Design
This study was a randomized controlled trial.

Methods
The study was conducted with nurses working at the university hospital's surgical intensive care and anesthesia intensive care units of the third-level intensive care unit in Turkey. Data obtained from 30 participants in the intervention group and 33 participants in the control group were analyzed. The Nurse Introduction Form, Nurse Job Motivation Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were used to collect data. Data obtained from the study were evaluated using the SPSS 22.0 package.

Results
It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the average scores of the pretest/posttest 1/posttest 2 of the Perceived Stress Scale (13.70 ± 3.33 to 14.57 ± 4.57, P > .05; 13.50 ± 3.15 to 13.48 ± 4.59, P > .05; and 13.56 ± 3.15 to 13.15 ± 3.49, P > .05, respectively) and Work Motivation Scale (59.70 ± 7.58 to 59.69 ± 7.98, P > .05; 60.30 ± 8.07 to 58.48 ± 8.94, P > .05; and 60.56 ± 7.86 to 57.93 ± 9.54, P > .05, respectively) for both the intervention and control groups of nurses. A statistically significant difference was found in the average scores of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale pretest/posttest 1/posttest 2 for the intervention group of nurses (50.90 ± 7.60, 51.50 ± 7.80, and 53.70 ± 7.08, respectively; F = 3.330, P = .043). However, the difference was found to be insignificant in pairwise comparisons in the further analysis (a = b = c). It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the average scores of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale pretest/posttest 1/posttest 2 for the control group of nurses (52.21 ± 9.89, 51.93 ± 10.45, and 51.03 ± 9.63, respectively; P > .05).

Conclusions
The application of laughter yoga on intensive care nurses did not result in a significant change in perceived stress levels and work motivation. However, statistically significant differences were observed in the average mental well-being scores among the intervention group.
Early Identification, Intervention, and Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries Using a Nurse-Driven Pressure Injury Prevention Program
Authors: McCray Sharee , Donaldson Amy 
Published: August 2024

Purpose/Objectives
The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce the hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) rate to less than 1.177 per 1000 patient-days, increase staff competency and care in pressure injury prevention best practices through implementation of a nurse-driven pressure injury prevention program, to engage patients in pressure injury prevention through implementation of skin rounds, and improve staff adherence to documentation requirements for pressure injury interventions on an amputee/stroke unit.

Description of the Project/Program
HAPIs can lead to negative patient outcomes including pain, infection, extended hospitalization, and morbidity. Using an evidence-based education strategy, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality pressure ulcer prevention clinical pathway and skin rounds were implemented. Focused education for nursing, staff competency, daily audits, HAPI rates, and documentation compliance were evaluated pre and post intervention.

Outcomes
The HAPI rate reduced from 1.177 to 0.272 per 1000 patient-days. After completion, the unit maintained zero pressure injuries, daily patient care for pressure injuries improved, documentation compliance increased, and staffs’ knowledge and skill set in early identification, intervention, and prevention of pressure injuries heightened.

Conclusion
A nurse-driven pressure injury prevention program was successful in the reduction of the HAPI rate.
Filling Gaps in Practice Leadership
Authors: Negley Kristin D. , Schad Shauna P. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
To create a succession plan for clinical nurse specialist positions across multiple clinical settings.

Description of the Project
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) had multiple clinical nurse specialist position vacancies. However, standard recruitment methods and a collaboration between human resources and nursing managers to expand the applicant pool yielded few applicants. A work group was subsequently commissioned to identify innovative ways to fill the vacant clinical nurse specialist positions. Guiding principles for hiring and implementing the role were developed.

Outcome
During the 4-year project period (2016 through 2019), the time to fill positions decreased from 174 days to 83 days. Nurse managers and clinical nurse specialists reported an increased number of registered nurses seeking information about the profession. Twenty-eight clinical nurse specialist interns, titled clinical resource nurses, were hired, and 14 completed their graduate degree, obtained state licensure, and transitioned to clinical nurse specialist roles. Twelve clinical resource nurses were on schedule to transition to clinical nurse specialist positions, and 2 left their positions.

Conclusion
A succession plan that used clinical nurse specialists to mentor clinical resource nurses to fill gaps in practice priorities while completing graduate education was a successful strategy to fill vacant clinical nurse specialist positions.
Verrucous Carcinoma of the Foot
Authors: Donaldson Elsa K. , Miller Rebecca L.R. , Hayakawa Thomas E.J. , Petropolis Christian J. , Sigurdson Leif , Giuffre Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Verrucous carcinoma (VC) was first described in 1948 by Dr. Ackerman. It is a low-grade cutaneous squamous carcinoma that usually develops in the oral cavity, the anogenital region, and the plantar surface of the foot. Clinically, there is low suspicion for malignancy given the slow growth of VC lesions and their wart-like appearance. Diagnosis can be difficult because of the benign histological appearance with well-differentiated cells and absence of dysplasia. Surgical excision is the only satisfactory form of treatment for plantar VC; however, this becomes difficult given its benign clinical appearance and the pathologic misinterpretation of the lesion as a benign hyperplasia. While there are case reports and retrospective studies of patients with plantar VC in the literature, we present the largest case series of plantar VC within North America, with recurrence despite negative margins.

Methods
We report on all the plantar VC excised between 2014–2023. We report six cases of VC, their treatment, and their outcomes.

Results
Six patients obtained a diagnosis of plantar VC by incisional biopsy. All patients underwent excision of their lesions and had negative margins reported on the final pathology. All patients developed nonhealing wounds at the site of their lesion excision; therefore, biopsies were performed to confirm a recurrence. All patients had a recurrence of VC at the initial site. All patients underwent re-excision of the lesions. Despite negative margins again on final pathology, all patients had a subsequent second recurrence. Ultimately, all patients underwent an amputation as definitive management. Each patient had an average of 3 operations. There were 4 different surgeons and different pathologists reporting their findings.

Conclusions
Our experience with plantar VC suggests that an aggressive approach to surgical management is needed. Furthermore, management is optimized with the combined expertise of an experienced dermatopathologist and surgeon. Despite negative margins and repeated excisions, VC lesions recur and invade local tissues to the extent that only amputation of the involved foot has resulted in cure.
EXERCISE PRECONDITIONING IMPROVES MESENTERIC LYMPHATIC CONTRACTILITY THROUGH MAM IN RATS FOLLOWING HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK
Authors: Zheng Hai-Ning , Zhang Hong , Wang Jing , Jia Gui-Yan , Zhao Zi-Gang , Niu Chun-Yu 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Restoration of mesenteric lymphatic microcirculation is crucial for alleviating severe hemorrhagic shock-induced death. Exercise preconditioning (EP) enhances adaptability and resistance to injury and disease. The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) plays a crucial role in the energy and information exchange between the two organelles. Therefore, we hypothesized that EP ameliorates mesenteric lymphatic contractility through MAM in rats following hemorrhagic shock, aiming to confirm that EP enhances resistance to hemorrhagic shock and further popularizes the idea that exercise is beneficial for health. To test this hypothesis, we observed the effects of EP for 4 weeks on survival time and mesenteric lymphatic contractility in conscious rats following hemorrhagic shock and further explored the effects of MAM agonists and inhibitors. The results showed that EP prolonged the survival time and improved the mesenteric lymphatic contractility and reactivity in vivo and in vitro in rats underwent hemorrhagic shock, ameliorated the MAM ultrastructure in lymphatic smooth muscle cells (LSMCs) and reduced the voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1, a vital protein of MAM) and IP3R1 expressions in mesenteric lymphatic tissue. Importantly, treatment with 2-APB (IP3R1 inhibitor) or VBIT-12 (VDAC1 inhibitor) prolonged the survival time, improved mesenteric lymphatic contractility in vivo, ameliorated the MAM ultrastructure injury, and decreased the IP3R1 or VDAC1 expressions in LSMCs in rats following hemorrhagic shock. In contrast, the administration of drinking water containing CdCl2 (IP3R1 activator) abolished the beneficial effect of EP on hemorrhagic shock. Taken together, the protective effect of EP on lymphatic contractility following hemorrhagic shock was achieved by improving MAM in LSMCs.
OUTCOMES OF PEDIATRIC FLUID-REFRACTORY SEPTIC SHOCK ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT VASOACTIVE STRATEGIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Marchetto Luca , Zanetto Lorenzo , Comoretto Rosanna I. , Padrin Davide , Menon Kusum , Amigoni Angela , Daverio Marco 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Background: Hemodynamic support using vasoactive agents is a mainstay in the management of patients with pediatric fluid-refractory septic shock (FRSS). However, evidence supporting the appropriate choice of vasoactive agent is limited. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of different first-line vasoactive strategies on mortality in pediatric FRSS. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ISRCTN registry were searched up until December 2023. Randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies reporting vasoactive agent-specific outcomes of children with FRSS were included. Mortality was assessed as primary outcome in studies on patients receiving dopamine, epinephrine, or norepinephrine as first-line. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Prevalence ratio (PR) estimates were calculated between two drugs when was available in the same study. Findings: Of the 26,284 identified articles, 13 were included, for a total of 997 children. Twelve studies included 748 patients receiving a single vasoactive agent. Of these, 361 received dopamine, 271 epinephrine, and 116 norepinephrine. Overall pooled mortality for patients receiving a single vasoactive was 12% (95% CI 6%–21%) of which 11% (95% CI 3%–36%) for patients receiving dopamine, 17% (95% CI 6%–37%) for epinephrine, and 7% (95% CI 1%–48%) for norepinephrine. Four first-line dopamine (176 patients) and first-line epinephrine (142 patients): dopamine showed a tendency toward higher mortality (PR 1.38, 95% CI 0.81–2.38) and a significant higher need for mechanical ventilation (PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.22). Interpretation: Among children with FRSS receiving a single vasoactive agent, norepinephrine was associated with the lowest mortality rate. Comparing dopamine and epinephrine, patients receiving epinephrine needed less mechanical ventilation and showed a trend for lower mortality rate. Further research is needed to better delineate the first-line vasoactive agent in this population.
USP9X PROMOTES LPS-INDUCED FIBROBLAST CELL APOPTOSIS, INFLAMMATION, AND OXIDATIVE STRESS BY REGULATION OF TBL1XR1 DEUBIQUITINATION
Authors: Yang Juan , Yao Yingying , Fan Shuo , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Background: Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are involved in the progression of human diseases, including acute pneumonia. In this study, we aimed to explore the functions of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9X-linked (USP9X) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated WI-38 cells. Methods: WI-38 cells were treated with LPS to induce the cellular damage and inflammation. 3-(4, 5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were performed to examine the proliferation of LPS-treated WI-38 cells. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to detect LPS-treated WI-38 cell apoptosis. ELISA kits were utilized to determine the concentrations of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α). Superoxide dismutase activity and reactive oxygen species level were examined with related kits. Ubibrowser (http://ubibrowser.bio-it.cn/ubibrowser/), ubiquitination assay, and co-immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated the interaction between USP9X and transducin β-like 1X related protein 1 (TBL1XR1). qRT-PCR assay and western blot assay were manipulated to determine the expression of USP9X and TBL1XR1. TBL1XR1 and USP9X knockdown experiments were conducted to explore their functions on LPS-induced WI-38 cell injury and inflammation. Results: TBL1XR1 expression was upregulated in LPS-treated WI-38 cells. TBL1XR1 knockdown promoted cell proliferation and repressed apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in LPS-treated WI-38 cells. Moreover, USP9X deubiquitinated TBL1XR1 to regulate TBL1XR1 expression. USP9X knockdown restored the effects of LPS on WI-38 cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, but these effects of USP9X knockdown were further abolished by TBL1XR1 overexpression. In addition, USP9X promoted the NF-κB signaling pathway by the deubiquitination of TBL1XR1. Conclusion: USP9X promoted the apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress of LPS-stimulated WI-38 cells through the deubiquitination of TBL1XR1.
Platelet traits and sepsis risk and prognosis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Song Zhonghai , Li Hua , Zhang Jing , Huang Yaomeng , Gao Shichao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is a critical medical condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection. Platelet abnormalities frequently manifest in sepsis patients, but the causal role of platelets in sepsis remains unclear. This study employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal direction between platelets and sepsis.

Methods
MR analysis was used to investigate the causal effect of four platelet traits - platelet count (PLT), platelet crit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW)- on sepsis risk and prognosis. Additionally, the study explored the reverse causality, assessing the impact of sepsis on these platelet traits. Genetic variants from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) served as instrumental variables to infer causality. Sensitivity analyses and heterogeneity tests were conducted to ensure the validity and robustness of the results.

Results
Genetically predicted decreased PCT (OR = 0.938, p = 0.044) and MPV (OR = 0.410, p = 0.006) were associated with an increased risk of sepsis. In the reverse direction, 28-day sepsis mortality was significantly associated with decreased PLT (OR = 0.986, p = 0.034). No significant causal relationships were observed between sepsis and other platelet traits.

Conclusions
This study suggests a causal association between low PCT and MPV levels and increased risk of sepsis. Additionally, sepsis with a poor prognosis was causally linked to decreased PLT. These findings provide novel evidence for the causal relationship between platelet traits and sepsis.
DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF MICROCIRCULATORY DYSFUNCTION IN SEVERE COVID-19 NOT REQUIRING MECHANICAL VENTILATION: A THREE-ARM COHORT STUDY
Authors: Abrard Stanislas , Coquet Thomas , Riou Jérémie , Rineau Emmanuel , Hersant Jeanne , Vincent Antoine , Cordoval Julien , Jacquet-Lagrèze Matthias , Allaouchiche Bernard , Lukaszewicz Anne-Claire , Henni Samir 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim: To identify and describe microcirculatory dysfunction (MD) in severe COVID-19 cases. Methods: This prospective, cohort study evaluated microvascular function in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure not requiring mechanical ventilation and compared it with that of non–COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU)–matched controls. A validation cohort included healthy, comorbidity-free patients. The primary outcome compared tissue oxygen resaturation slope (rStO2) in COVID-19 patients and non-COVID ICU controls. rStO2 was measured post a 3-min vaso-occlusive test during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). Additionally, microvascular reactivity was assessed using perfusion index (PI) during PORH and laser speckle contrast imaging post iontophoresis with acetylcholine (ACH), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and sublingual microcirculation. Results: Overall, 75 patients (25 per cohort) were included. COVID-19 patients exhibited greater severity than ICU controls, as indicated by their SOFA scores (4.0 [3.0; 4.0] vs. 1.0 [0; 1.0], P < 0.001) and PaO2/FiO2 ratios (113 [82; 150] vs. 443 [348; 533], P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in rStO2 between the groups. COVID-19 patients showed longer time in reaching peak PI (P = 0.025), reduced vasodilation with ACH and SNP (P = 0.010 and P = 0.018, respectively), and increased microvascular density (P = 0.019) compared to non–COVID-19 ICU controls. Conclusion: We observed evidence of MD in COVID-19 patients through various microcirculatory parameters. This study's reproducible multimodal approach facilitates acute MD detection across multiple clinical applications. Limitations included the observational design, limited statistical power, single-time microvascular measurements, varying illness severity among groups, and possible influences of treatments and vaccinations on MD.
Trial registration
: Clinical-Trials.gov (NCT04773899).
Mobile Phone Apps for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Kasoff Madison , Alishahian Leael , Gimoto Justin , Steinhart Adi , Grimes Cara L. , Pape Dominique Malacarne 
Published: August 2024

Importance
Up to 50% of patients report not readily seeking treatment for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The increase in phone applications (apps) for health care information is an opportunity to increase access to care.

Objective
The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate content and function of apps for patients with PFDs.

Study Design
Apps were screened using PFD-related search terms. Included apps were on the Apple store, in English, and targeted patients with PFDs. The primary outcome was app quality based on the APPLICATIONS scoring system (scored 0–16). Secondary outcomes included professional medical involvement, iTunes rating details, the presence of a voiding/bowel diary, tracking of diet, pain/symptoms, exercise, and medication, graphing or social functions, reminders, disease information, and decision support. Data was reported with descriptive statistics (medians (ranges) and n (percentages).

Results
Eight hundred forty apps were identified and 83 were analyzed. The top 3 PFD categories represented were defecatory dysfunction (29), overactive bladder (28), and stress incontinence (27). The median APPLICATIONS score was 7 (3–12). Most apps (78%) were developed without professional medical involvement. Most apps were free, while the remainder ranged from $1.99 to $4.99. No app had all features. Twenty-five apps (30%) included a voiding diary, 33 (40%) had a bowel diary, 27 (33%) included exercise tracking, and 44 (53%) had reminder systems.

Conclusions
Most apps had reasonable, but not high, functionality. Current apps provide varying degrees of overall utility, with limited disease information and decision support. Further collaboration with medical providers in app development would support better integration of clinician and patient needs.