bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression analysis identifies hub genes and pathways distinguishing fatal from survivor outcomes of Ebola virus disease
Authors: Mensah‐Bonsu Melvin , Doss Christopher , Gloster Clay , Muganda Perpetua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Ebola virus poses a severe public health threat, yet understanding factors influencing disease outcomes remains incomplete. Our study aimed to identify critical pathways and hub genes associated with fatal and survivor Ebola disease outcomes. We analyzed differentially expressed hub genes (DEGs) between groups with fatal and survival outcomes, as well as a healthy control group. We conducted additional analysis to determine the functions and pathways associated with these DEGs. We found 13,198 DEGs in the fatal and 12,039 DEGs in the survival group compared to healthy controls, and 1873 DEGs in the acute fatal and survivor groups comparison. Upregulated DEGs in the comparison between the acute fatal and survivor groups were linked to ECM receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, and PI3K‐Akt signaling. Upregulated hub genes identified from the acute fatal and survivor comparison (FGB, C1QA, SERPINF2, PLAT, C9, SERPINE1, F3, VWF) were enriched in complement and coagulation cascades; the downregulated hub genes (IL1B, 1L17RE, XCL1, CXCL6, CCL4, CD8A, CD8B, CD3D) were associated with immune cell processes. Hub genes CCL2 and F2 were unique to fatal outcomes, while CXCL1, HIST1H4F, and IL1A were upregulated hub genes unique to survival outcomes compared to healthy controls. Our results demonstrate for the first time the association of EVD outcomes to specific hub genes and their associated pathways and biological processes. The identified hub genes and pathways could help better elucidate Ebola disease pathogenesis and contribute to the development of targeted interventions and personalized treatment for distinct EVD outcomes.
Looking Back to Advance Equity in Psychiatric Nursing: Strategies for the Classroom and for Practice
Authors: Pfeiffer Katherine , Starks Shaquita , Kumar Aparna , Wofsy Avi , Johnson Kalisha Bonds , Smith Kylie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
With deep historical roots in psychiatry, structural racism persists in psychiatric nursing today. Psychiatric nurses may hold implicit biases and stereotypical beliefs that influence how they perceive, assess, and interact with people from different racial backgrounds, leading to discrimination, poor treatment, and misdiagnosis. To eliminate discrimination in clinical care and diversify the workforce, there is an urgent need to integrate teaching and learning strategies that address influences of racism and racial identity in psychiatric nursing education. This article explores the historical context and proposes antiracist psychiatric nursing teaching and practice interventions to reduce the harms of racism.
A Post-COVID Population-Based Analysis of Mohs Micrographic Surgeon Distribution in the United States
Authors: Olsen Eric C. , Proffer Sydney L. , Donnelly Heidi B. 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND
Policy changes to Mohs micrographic surgery board certification eligibility and population shifts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have significant implications for the accessibility of Mohs micrographic surgeons across the United States.

OBJECTIVE
To examine the geographic distribution of micrographic surgery providers considering recent population trends and assess the impact of certification eligibility changes and population shifts on accessibility.

METHODS AND MATERIALS
Medicare claims data were utilized to identify micrographic surgery providers. Surgeon densities were calculated per 100,000 people by county and state. Population changes were analyzed using US census data.

RESULTS
Practicing micrographic surgeons were concentrated in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Overall, 80.4% of counties lacked micrographic surgery providers, with rural areas being the most underserved. Population changes varied among states.

CONCLUSION
Shifts in micrographic surgery certification requirements, US population distribution, and micrographic surgeon location emphasize challenges in accessibility, especially in rural areas across the United States.
The effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on postmenopausal sleep quality and fatigue: a single-blind randomized controlled study
Authors: Sucu Cansu , Çitil Elif Tuğçe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
This single-blind, randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on sleep quality and fatigue in the postmenopausal period. Progressive muscle relaxation aims to relax the muscles in the body and includes breathing techniques.

Methods
This study was carried out between January 2022 and July 2022 with 63 postmenopausal women who applied to a district state hospital and had poor sleep quality. The women assigned to the experimental group (EG) (n = 31) applied progressive muscle relaxation exercises every day for 8 weeks. In contrast, the women in the control group (CG) (n = 32) continued their routine coping habits related to sleep problems and fatigue in the postmenopausal period. The EG and CG were reevaluated using the Piper Fatigue Scale and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index in the fourth and eighth weeks. The women applied progressive muscle relaxation exercises with a guide prepared by the researchers and the compact disc of the Turkish Psychologists Association. In the data analysis, the independent-samples t test, Fisher's exact test, and χ2 test were used to compare individual, obstetric, and medical characteristics between the groups. The difference between dependent groups at different times was evaluated by repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results
There was an improvement in fatigue symptoms in the progressive muscle relaxation exercises-performing EG at the end of 8 weeks compared with the CG, and fatigue symptoms increased in the CG (P < 0.001). There was a greater improvement in the sleep quality of the progressive muscle relaxation exercises-performing EG at the end of 8 weeks compared with the CG (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
In our study, it was determined that progressive muscle relaxation exercises had an improving effect on sleep quality and fatigue.
Occupational Factors Associated With Burnout Among a Sample of 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicators in Washington State
Authors: Meischke Hendrika , Lu Dave W. , Hatton Karl , Seixas Noah S. , Baker Marissa G. , Monsey Lily 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
This study aimed to investigate occupational factors associated with burnout among a sample of 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators (PSTs).

Methods
An online survey measuring organizational factors (ie, perceived visibility and inclusion in the agency, respectful culture, leadership support, perceived gratitude, and coworker conflict); job characteristics (ie, work-life integration, overtime, salary satisfaction, and job meaningfulness); and burnout, demographic, and call center characteristics was emailed to a sample of PSTs.

Analysis
Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to characterize the sample and investigate relationships among variables.

Results
PSTs (N = 324) completed the survey. Multivariate analysis showed that poor work-life integration and coworker conflict were associated with greater PST burnout, while job meaningfulness and perceptions of greater visibility and inclusion were linked to decreased levels of burnout

Conclusion
Occupational factors were associated with burnout among PSTs.
Assessing the inclusion of women of color in lichen sclerosus treatment studies: a scoping review
Authors: Evans Jessica C. , Ezenwa Ekene A. , Akinshemoyin Vaughn Olushola L. 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is an underrecognized chronic inflammatory skin condition with significant clinical features and potential for malignant transformation. To date, there are no studies comparing the course of this disease in women of color to other racial groups.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to provide a scoping review examining racial demographic data in VLS treatment studies and specifically assessing for the inclusion of women of color.

Methods:
Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a primary literature search was conducted using 4 databases: Ovid Medline(R), Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science from all years to December 2022. We included published studies with adult women diagnosed with VLS and containing a treatment arm using topical corticosteroids. Single case reports, literature reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and reports not available in English were excluded.

Results:
Overall, 1340 nonduplicate studies were assessed for eligibility criteria. In total, 65 publications were included. Only 6 included racial demographic data. Black women made up at most 3.8% of the sample population and Latinx women made up at most 5.7%.

Limitations:
Our review focused on a specific intervention (ie, the use of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of VLS), which may restrict the generalizability of our findings to other interventions. No risk of bias assessment was done due to the scoping nature of the review.

Conclusion:
Women of color are underrepresented in studies of topical corticosteroid use in adult women with VLS. Intentional diversity in recruitment will enable the collection of data that is both more accurate and reflective of a broader spectrum of perspectives and life experiences.
The Use of Synthetic, Nonabsorbable Graft for Middle Fossa Repair in Patients With Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Pilot, Prospective Study
Authors: Wales Rachel , Chakravarty Daragh , Gilmour Ethan , Kontorinis Georgios 
Published: July 2024

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of a nonabsorbable, synthetic graft for the reconstruction of spontaneous middle fossa (sMF) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

Patients
Six adult patients (age ≥16 yr) who had sMF CSF leaks surgically repaired within an 18-month period at a single university hospital using synthetic, nonbiological, nonabsorbable graft (Neuro-Patch) and a retrospective control group of five patients undergoing multilayer MF repair with autologous grafts.

Intervention(s)
MF repair through a combined transmastoid/MF approach using Neuro-Patch or multilayer autologous grafts.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
The incidence of postoperative leak within 6 months postoperatively was the main outcome measure; we also recorded the need for lumbar drain, additional hearing loss, length of inpatient stay, body mass index, previous meningitis, preoperative increased intracranial pressure, and age.

Results
In the Neuro-Patch group, there was no postoperative CSF leak without the need for lumbar drain. We observed no additional hearing loss; patients were monitored for 2 days without any readmissions. Increased intracranial pressure (four of six), previous episodes of meningitis (two of six) or obesity (five of six) did not affect patient outcomes. Demographic and prognostic factors were the same for the control group. However, one patient needed lumbar drain postoperatively because of residual leak; lumbar drain was used in one more case (two of five cases), whereas three of five patients had to stay for longer than 2 days (5 d).

Conclusions
Our pilot study suggests the use of Neuro-Patch via combined transmastoid/MF approach as an effective technique with minimum, if any morbidity; it could be of particular benefit for patients with larger MF dura defects. A larger number of patients are required to strengthen the evidence.
The Implantation and Transmission of Plague Culture by the Five Plague Gods in Shuilu Murals
Authors: YI Bao , ZHOU Qian , SHI Honglei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract:
The Five Plague Immortals (五瘟神) in Shuilu murals in Ming and Qing dynasties is a kind of plague immortal image developed under the pedigree of Taoist immortals. As an important expel disaster immortal system in Shuilu, the modeling of Five plague Immortals shows a combination of human beings and livestocks. This shape, to a large extent, draws on the image of Nuo (儺). which is also an imagination of the host of plague pathogens. In terms of the quantities of immortals, it aligns with the conceptual framework of Wu Xing (五行the five elements), a foundational principle in traditional Chinese medicine. The internal connection of this culture reflects the means of plague preventions and controls in China, as well as the external reflection of plague culture. Through multi-dimensional interpretations with the double proof method, this article dissects the formation, core elements, and cultural characteristics of the beliefs in the Five Plague Immortals reflected in the Shuilu murals, and moves beyond from simplistic visual semantics.
Risk Factors of Acute Pancreatitis in Young Adults
Authors: Park Namyoung , Lee Jae Min , Park Jin Myung , Lee Sang Hyub , Han Kyung-Do , Joo Kwang Ro , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae 
Published: July 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to identify the risk factors for acute pancreatitis (AP) in young adults in their 20s based on data from the nationwide cohort in South Korea.

Materials and Methods
From the 2009 national health examination database of South Korea, a total of 471,098 individuals between the ages of 20 and 29 were analyzed. To identify the newly developed AP, the linked claims database was used.

Results
The incidence rates of AP were 18.8 and 9.8 per 100,000 person-years in male and female participants, respectively. Alcohol consumption and smoking were associated with the heightened risk of AP. The risk of AP development was increased as daily alcohol consumption increased. In addition, ex-smokers and current smokers showed higher AP risk than never smokers. Hypertriglyceridemia and obesity were associated with the increased AP risk as well. Compared with female participants, male participants showed a higher risk of AP in univariate analysis but showed a lower risk of AP in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
In the young adult population, alcohol consumption, smoking, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity were associated with an elevated risk of developing AP. It is important to identify and manage the modifiable AP risk factors in young adults to minimize the socioeconomic burden of AP.
Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Critical Appraisal Tool
Authors: Waldrop Julee Briscoe , Dunlap Jayne Jennings , Reynolds Staci S. 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Optimal quality improvement in health care is based on research and other types of evidence. Critical appraisal of evidence is a fundamental component of evidence-based practice (EBP) and is also needed to evaluate the quality of quality improvement (QI) projects.

Problem:
Currently available EBP or QI critical appraisal tools can be challenging for students learning the critical appraisal process and for practicing clinicians who desire access to a standardized EBPQI approach to inform health care decision-making. The currently available tools are incomplete, too brief, or too complicated for ease of use in education and practice.

Approach:
This article introduces the first combined EBP and QI (EBPQI) critical appraisal tool, which is aligned with the new EBPQI mountain model.

Conclusion:
This newly developed appraisal tool may be used in appraising evidence for an EBPQI initiative and to appraise the quality of disseminated EBPQI.
Does Delivery Format Matter? A Pilot Study Comparing Telehealth Versus Face-to-Face Movement Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Su Wan-Chun , Cleffi Corina , Srinivasan Sudha , Bhat Anjana Narayan 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have motor, social communication, and behavioral challenges. During the pandemic, children lost access to face-to-face (F2F) services and had to revert to telehealth (TH) options. We compared the efficacy, fidelity, acceptability, and feasibility of a general motor (GM) intervention using an F2F or telehealth (TH) format.

Methods:
Fifteen children with ASD participated in an 8-week program involving gross motor games to promote motor and social communication skills. Differences across TH and F2F formats for motor and socially directed verbalization as well as stakeholder feedback on formats were collected.

Results:
Gross motor and socially directed verbalization did not differ between the F2F and TH subgroups, and parents and trainers were satisfied with either format. However, TH interventions were longer, had more technological challenges, and required more parental effort.

Conclusions:
The findings of this study support the use of TH as a comparable and viable substitute for F2F interactions for children with ASD.
Strategic Workforce Analysis: Identifying Skills and Gaps Among Frontline Public Health Workers Amidst Transformation
Authors: Karnik Harshada , Zemmel Danielle J. , Kulik Phoebe K. G. , Power Laura E. , Leider Jonathon P. 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
Recent shifts in public health (PH) include consistent budget cuts, workforce attrition, and loss of vital skills and institutional knowledge followed by heightened pandemic-driven attention, new responsibilities, and renewed funding. This study investigates whether frontline employees working in different types of public health departments have different educational characteristics and whether these characteristics are associated with differentials in skill gaps toward informing targeted interventions to nurture a competitive workforce.

Methods:
Utilizing 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) data, we document variations in educational qualifications, skill gaps, and workforce characteristics among frontline workers in different sizes of health departments and examine attributes associated with skill gaps: level and field of education, years of experience, program areas, and job classifications using a negative binomial model.

Results:
Skill gaps in resource management, systems and strategic thinking, and change management persist across all local health departments (LHDs), but the extent of these gaps is greater in small LHDs. Small LHDs also have few employees with graduate and public health degrees. Additionally, whereas public health degrees were not associated with fewer skill gaps, tenure in public health was, suggesting people learn on the job.

Conclusion:
The results highlight the role regional training centers can play in emphasizing the need for strategic skills and foundational public health concepts, as well as customizing training content by agency size and educational levels to improve accessibility, particularly for small LHDs with resource constraints.
Demographic Trends in Liver Transplant Survivors After 3 Decades of Program Implementation: The Impact of Cohort and Period Effects on Life Expectancy
Authors: Romero-Cristóbal Mario , Díaz-Fontenla Fernando , Fernández-Yunquera Ainhoa , Caballero-Marcos Aranzazu , Conthe Andrés , Velasco Enrique , Pérez-Peña José , López-Baena José-Ángel , Rincón Diego , Bañares Rafael , Salcedo Magdalena 
Published: July 2024

Background.
Demographic analyses may reveal current patterns of change in the outcomes of rapidly developing medical procedures because they incorporate the period perspective.

Methods.
We analyzed the changes in size, age structure, and hospitalizations in the population of liver transplantation (LT) survivors in our center during the last 30 y (n = 1114 patients) and generated projections, including life expectancy (LE), considering cohort and period effects. Life tables were used to project the complete LE (overall 1990–2020 experience), the cohort LE (according to the decade of surgery: 1990–2000, 2000–2010, and 2010–2020), and the period LE (current 2015–2020 experience).

Results.
The population of LT recipients in follow-up continued to experience progressive growth and aging since 1990 (492 patients [41.9% >65 y] in 2020), and the magnitude of these phenomena may double in the next 30 y. However, the number of admissions and days of admission has been decreasing. The complete LE at LT was 12.4 y, whereas the period LE was 15.8 y. The cohort LE (limited to 10 y) was 5.3, 6.3, and 7.3 y for the 1990–2000, 2000–2010, and 2010–2020 cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions.
The target population of our medical care after LT is growing and aging. The prevalence of both of these phenomena is expected to increase in the coming years and is associated with a current improvement in LE. However, the hospitalization burden associated with LT survivors is declining. The period effect should be considered for generating up-to-date information on these current trends, which are crucial when designing health policies for LT survivors.
Cortical Thickness Correlates of Go/No-go and Motor Sequencing in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Suspected Alzheimer Disease Dementia
Authors: Keith Cierra M. , Lindberg Katharine E. , Wilhelmsen Kirk , Mehta Rashi I. , Vieira Ligo Teixeira Camila , Miller Mark , Ward Melanie , Navia R. Osvaldo , McCuddy William T. , Miller Liv , Bryant Kirk , Coleman Michelle , D’Haese Pierre-François , Haut Marc W. 
Published: July 2024

Background:
While the cognitive hallmark of typical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is impaired memory consolidation, increasing evidence suggests that the frontal lobes and associated executive functions are also impacted.

Objective:
We examined two neurobehavioral executive function tasks and associations with cortical thickness in patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), suspected AD dementia, and a healthy control group.

Methods:
First, we compared group performances on a go/no-go (GNG) task and on Luria’s Fist-Edge-Palm (FEP) motor sequencing task. We then examined correlations between neurobehavioral task performance and the thickness of frontal cortical regions, AD signature regions, broader unbiased brain regions, and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).

Results:
Participants with MCI performed worse than healthy controls, but better than participants with suspected AD dementia on both tasks. Both GNG and FEP (to a slightly greater extent) tasks showed diffuse associations with most AD signature regions and multiple additional regions within the temporal, parietal, and occipital cortices. Similarly, both tasks showed significant associations with all other cognitive tasks examined. Of the frontal regions examined, only the middle frontal gyrus and pars opercularis were associated with performance on these tasks. Interactions between the precuneus and transtemporal gyri were most predictive of GNG task performance, while the interaction between superior temporal and lingual gyri was most predictive of FEP task performance.

Conclusion:
This study replicates difficulties with both GNG and FEP tasks in participants with MCI and AD dementia. Both tasks showed widespread associations with the cortical thickness of various brain structures rather than localizing to frontal regions, consistent with the diffuse nature of AD.