bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing maternity healthcare workers' wellbeing using Insider Participatory Action Research
Authors: Wood Claire Margaret , Chambers Mary , Marshall Jayne E 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Good healthcare worker (HCW) wellbeing positively impacts service user outcomes, yet the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) is suffering workforce burnout and retention issues. While urgently needing evidence-based wellbeing strategies, participatory interventions using positive psychology have been under-investigated. We aimed to develop a caring, collegial NHS labour ward environment wherein maternity HCWs created paths to enhancing individual and collective workplace wellbeing.Methods A social constructionist, pragmatic approach was adopted, applying positive psychology within Insider Participatory Action Research (IPAR). All clinical and non-clinical HCWs on a consultant-led labour ward in the East Midlands, England, UK were invited to identify current sources of workplace wellbeing on which to collectively construct future ways of working. Qualitative data from several methods (below) were inductively thematically analysed.Results Between October 2018 and July 2020, data derived from 83 paper and 13 online questionnaires; 59 interviews; 16 comments on data displays; three emails; three action groups; and six peer participant reviewers. Three themes represented sources of workplace wellbeing: emotional, professional, and physical nourishment. Culture shifted to be more compassionate and inclusive, and morale, positivity, and atmosphere improved. Ways of working changed: colleagues more proactively cared for each other; worked well together in teams; expressed thanks and feedback; and instigated interventions for colleagues’ and women’s welfare. Participants proposed that IPAR activities prompted change including: the researcher being considered an accessible colleague wellbeing resource; raised awareness of the importance of HCW wellbeing; and strengthened HCW relationships. The HEARS wellbeing intervention model (HCW driven; Everyone involved; Ask what makes a person feel good at work; Responses displayed; Steps taken) was developed to frame processes by which HCW participation catalysed impact towards workplace wellbeing.Conclusions This is the first study to use IPAR towards enhancing HCW wellbeing. Colleagues from diverse occupational groups improved individual and collective wellbeing through self-determined action. The use of participatory methodology and positive psychology encouraged a more compassionate and inclusive culture. Subject to implementation research evaluating these strategies’ impact in different settings, we propose the HEARS wellbeing intervention model and workplace-based Colleague Support Volunteers as actions towards wellbeing and retention in healthcare organisations.
Antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes profiles and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Yan Xia , Yang Mei , Ayala James Edward , Li Lin , Zhou Yang , Hou Rong , Liu Songrui , Li Yunli , Yue Chanjuan , Zhang Dongsheng , Su Xiaoyan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) increases the difficulty of clinical treatmen of giant pandas. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility, ARGs, MGEs, virulence genes, and molecular epidemiology of CRKP strains isolated from giant pandas. 187 nonduplicated Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolates were collected from fresh feces of captive giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Then CRKP were isolated and identified through carbapenase Carba NP assay. Subsequently, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance genes of CRKP isolates were studied by disk diffusion (K-B) and HT-qPCR, respectively. Then the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and virulence gene of CRKP isolates were analyzed both by PCR. In addition, molecular epidemiology was analyzed among the CRKP strains using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST).
Results: 8 strains of CRKP (4.5%) were isolated and identified among the 187 KP strains, and seven of eight CRKP strains both exhibited resistance to imipenem, while one strain showed resistance to meropenem, and one demonstrated multiple resistance; 8 CRKP strains carried a large amount of ARGs, among which ampC/blaDHA,blaSHV-01, blaSHV-02, tetB-01, tetB-02, tetC-01, and tetC-02 were the most abundant. MGEs analysis revealed the presence of intI1 in all strains, while the detection rates of other MGEs varied, and strain 24 exhibited the highest diversity of MGE species. Seven virulence genes, including wabG, uge, ycf, entB, kpn, alls, and wcaG, showed positive results with different proportions across the strains. In addition, PFGE patterns indicated a high level of genetic diversity among the CRKP strains. MLST analysis classified the strains into different sequence types (STs).
Conclusions: This study highlighted the diversity of CRKP strains isolated from giant pandas, which exhibited varying levels of antibiotic resistance along with multiple ARGs, MGEs and virulence genes present. These findings emphasized the importance of monitoring and researching antibiotic resistance within wildlife populations to protect the health status of these endangered animals.
Falls and subsequent cognitive function in older adults in England and the USA, 2010–2020: a population-based, cross-nationally harmonized, longitudinal study
Authors: Kou Wenkai , Shi Sailong , Huang Jing , Xie Yuheng , Qiu Peiyuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
The understanding of the long-term cognitive consequences of falls remains insufficient. Our research aims to explore the association between falls and domain-specific cognitive decline, utilizing nationally representative aging cohorts.
METHODS
We studied 13,652 individuals from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Linear mixed-effects models estimated associations between falls and domain-specific cognitive decline (z-standardized) and rates of cognitive change.
RESULTS
Individuals with a single fall (pooled β = -0.007; 95% CI, -0.013 to -0.002; P = 0.006) and those with multiple falls (pooled β = -0.021; 95% CI, -0.026 to -0.016; P < 0.001) experienced a faster decline in global cognitive z scores compared to no history of falls. Similar patterns were observed across memory, executive, and orientation functions.
DISCUSSION
In this combined cohort study, including samples from ELSA and HRS, we discerned a marked association between the falls and domain-specific cognitive decline.
Comparative analysis of cestode and human NPC1: evolutive and structural insights for ezetimibe repurposing for the treatment of visceral cestodiases
Authors: Ferreira Henrique Bunselmeyer , Corá Renato Kulakowski , Paludo Gabriela Prado , Paes Jéssica Andrade 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Visceral cestodiases, like cysticercoses and echinococcoses, are caused by cystic larvae from parasites of the Cestoda class and are among the most common human helminthiases. Current therapeutic approaches these diseases are complex and present limitations and risks. Then, new safer and more effective treatments are urgently needed. The Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) protein is a cholesterol transporter that is the solely responsible for cholesterol uptake in cestodes. Considering that human NPC1L1 is a known target of ezetimibe, used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, it has the potential for repurposing for the treatment of visceral cestodiases. Here, phylogenetic, selective pressure and structural analyses were carried out to assess NPC1 evolutive and structural conservation, especially between cestode and human orthologs. Two NPC1 orthologs were identified in cestode species (NPC1A and NPC1B), which likely underwent functional divergence, leading to the loss of cholesterol transport capacity in NPC1A. Comparative interaction analyses of ezetimibe with human NPC1L1 and cestode NPC1B pointed out to similarities that consolidate the idea of cestode NPC1B as a target for the repurposing of ezetimibe as a drug for the treatment of visceral cestodiases.
Symptom cluster profiles predict all-cause mortality among older adults with heart failure
Authors: Wang Zequan , Walsh Stephen , Jeon Sangchoon , Conley Samantha , Chyun Deborah , Redeker Nancy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Heart failure (HF) has a high mortality risk in older adults. Individual symptoms as predictors of mortality in HF patients; however, symptoms often manifest in clusters, which may be more predictive of future risks than isolated symptoms. However, research on symptom clusters in older adults who have HF is limited. To explore the extent to which symptom cluster profiles predict all-cause mortality among older adults with HF, while adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.
Methods
A secondary study was conducted using the data from the Health and Retirement Study. We measured six symptoms (fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, swelling, depressive symptoms, and dizziness), and used latent class analysis to identify baseline symptom cluster profile. We performed survival analysis for time to death with Kaplan Meier survival analyses and Cox Proportional Hazard models.
Results
The sample included 684 participants (mean age = 74.9 (SD = 10.0) years) who demonstrated three symptom cluster profiles (high-burden, low-burden, and cardiopulmonary-depressive). The estimated median time-to-death was 71 (95% CI= [64, 79]) months. Participants in the high symptom burden and respiratory-depressive distress profiles had adjusted hazard ratios of 1.48 (95% CI = 1.15, 1.94) and 1.44 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.80) for time to death compared to those in the low burden profile.
Conclusion
Symptom profiles can assist in identifying older adults with HF who are at risk for earlier mortality. Further research is needed to determine whether alleviating these symptom clusters decreases the risk of mortality.
Visual Perception and Overlay Welding Motion Planning for the Cross-section of Bulkhead in Steam Turbine
Authors: Cheng Hongtai , Guan Xiao han , Bi Mingching 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the integration of overlay welding and 3D printing technology, the possibilities of automatic cross-section repair have expanded significantly. However, there are still several challenges in perception and planning, such as uncertain and various geometric features (grooves, inner holes, and obstacles); particular welding process character, and molten pool fluidity. Conventional motion planning methods are inadequate to meet the complex requirements of the cross-section repair task. To address these challenges, this paper focuses on the visual perception and motion planning problem.Firstly, a Scan-Locate-Split-Merge (SLSM) workflow is proposed to deal with the perception problem.Based on the fact that the cross-section is a plane and all the geometric features are close to it, the cross-section plane can be identified from the point cloud and act as an anchor. Then all the geometric features can be clustered and classified according to their dimension and location. After merging these features, the task parameters such as plane boundary and groove radius and length can be extracted. Secondly, a hybrid overlay weld path planning method is proposed to deal with the planning problem. In order to eliminate the risk of overflow, an offset path is included in each layer; In order to improve the coverage rate, reciprocating paths is used in each layer. Furthermore, a special weld path connect pattern is proposed to reduce defects. The efficacy and reliability of the proposed method are validated through simulation analysis and physical experiments. The results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an overall coverage rate of over 95% on the target surface. The repaired cross-section surface meets the flatness requirements.
Single-nucleus multi-omic profiling of polyploid heart nuclei identifies fusion-derived cardiomyocytes in the human heart.
Authors: Choudhury Sangita , Sivankutty Indu , Jung Youngsook , Huang August , Araten Sarah , Kenny Connor , An Zheming , Doan Ryan , Foijer Floris , Matsu Erica , Rosen Ila , Marciano Jack , Jain Asish , Sun Liang , Hilal Nazia , Lee Eunjung , Walsh Christopher , Chen Ming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms of polyploidization in cardiomyocytes is crucial for advancing strategies to stimulate myocardial regeneration. Although endoreplication has long been considered the primary source of polyploid human cardiomyocytes, recent animal work suggests the potential for cardiomyocyte fusion. Moreover, the effects of polyploidization on the genomic-transcriptomic repertoire of human cardiomyocytes have not been studied previously. We applied single-nuclei whole genome sequencing, single nuclei RNA sequencing, and multiome ATAC + gene expression (from the same nuclei) techniques to nuclei isolated from 11 healthy hearts. Utilizing post-zygotic non-inherited somatic mutations occurring during development as “endogenous barcodes,” to reconstruct lineage relationships of polyploid cardiomyocytes. Of 482 cardiomyocytes from multiple healthy donor hearts 75.7% can be sorted into several developmental clades marked by one or more somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). At least ~10% of tetraploid cardiomyocytes contain cells from distinct clades, indicating fusion of lineally distinct cells, whereas 60% of higher-ploidy cardiomyocytes contain fused cells from distinct clades. Combined snRNA-seq and snATAC-seq revealed transcriptome and chromatin landscapes of polyploid cardiomyocytes distinct from diploid cardiomyocytes, and show some higher-ploidy cardiomyocytes with transcriptional signatures suggesting fusion between cardiomyocytes and endothelial and fibroblast cells. These observations provide the first evidence for cell and nuclear fusion of human cardiomyocytes, raising the possibility that cell fusion may contribute to developing or maintaining polyploid cardiomyocytes in the human heart.
Organohydrogels with Adaptive Surface Wettability Enabled by Polyacrylamide/Polysiloxane Emulsion-based Heteronetworks
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Yu Peng , Li Xinjin , Lin Huijuan , Song Shasha , Zhao Zengdian , Dong Yunhui , Li Xiangye 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hydrogel-based softmaterials have attracted significant attentions in various fields due to their high water content, good biocompatibility and variable mechanical strength. However, due to the hydrophilic properties of hydrogel networks, most of the hydrogel-based soft materials are easy to swell in water and have monotonous surface wettability. Here, taking advantage of the intrinsic hydrophobicity of siloxane, novel heteronetwork organohydrogels were synthesized by covalently integrating reactive siloxane monomers into the hydrophilic hydrogel networks through emulsion polymerization. The surface of the heteronetwork organohydrogels exhibited adaptive wettability owing to the rearrangement of the surface chemistry induced by different solvent condition. Moreover, the heterogeneous networks endowed organohydrogels with excellent antiswelling abilities in water or oil (n-heptanes). The potential application of the prepared organohydrogels in the field of oil/water separation was also preliminarily explored. The idea and method of integrating polysiloxane into hydrogels in this study might provide a new insight to develop high-performance polysilxane-based heteronetwork gel materials.
Protein-free media for cardiac differentiation of hPSCs in 2000 mL suspension culture
Authors: Kriedemann Nils , Manstein Felix , Hernandez-Bautista Carlos , Ullmann Kevin , Triebert Wiebke , Franke Annika , Mertens Mira , Stein Inês Carvalheira Arnaut Pombeiro , Leffler Andreas , Witte Merlin , Askurava Tamari , Fricke Veronika , Gruh Ina , Piep Birgit , Kowalski Kathrin , Theresia Kraft , Zweigerdt Robert 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Commonly used media for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) contain high concentrations of proteins, in particular albumin, which is prone to quality variations and presents a substantial cost factor, hampering the clinical translation of in vitro-generated cardiomyocytes for heart repair. To overcome these limitations, we have developed chemically defined entirely protein-free media based on RPMI, supplemented with L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-2P) and either the non-ionic surfactant Pluronic F-68 or a specific polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
Methods & Results Both media compositions enable the efficient, directed differentiation of embryonic and induced hPSCs, matching the cell yields and cardiomyocyte purity ranging from 85-99 % achieved with the widely used protein-based CDM3 medium. The protein-free differentiation approach was readily up-scaled to a 2000 mL process scale in a fully controlled stirred tank bioreactor in suspension culture, producing >1.3×109 cardiomyocytes in a single process run. Transcriptome analysis, flow cytometry, electrophysiology, and contractile force measurements revealed that the mass-produced cardiomyocytes differentiated in protein-free medium exhibit the expected ventricular-like properties equivalent to the well-established characteristics of CDM3-control cells.
Conclusions This study promotes the robustness and upscaling of the cardiomyogenic differentiation process, substantially reduces media costs, and provides an important step toward the clinical translation of hPSC-CMs for heart regeneration.
Thelaziasis callipaeda infection in an urban woman in Beijing ： a case report and literature review
Authors: Tan Shumei , Li Fanshu , Zhang Youzhuo , Liu Ziyuan , Li Xuemin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Thelaziasis is a zoonotic disease mainly caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae, Thelazia), which can cause mild to severe signs and lesions, such as foreign body sensation, itching, tearing, eye pain, conjunctival bleeding, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and even blindness. Besides, thelaziasis is mainly prevalent in areas with poor economic and health conditions and a large number of local domestic or wild animals infected, especially in summer and autumn.
Case presentation:
A 41-year-old office lady presented to the hospital and reported itching in her right eye for one month in Beijing. This patient had a history of seasonal allergy and owned a cat and once found cat fur on her contact lens before the itching onset. Four worms were observed in the superior conjunctival sac of her right eye. The worms were removed and identified as Thelazia callipaeda. The symptoms resolved after the removal of the worms. Then, The patient received gatifloxacin ointment for one week. There were no recurrences at the 2-month follow-up.
conclusions:
We report a case of human thelaziasis in Beijing. Then, we provide an overview of and perspectives on human thelaziasis in China by mining publicly available databases for the period from 2014 to 2023. Though most previous cases were from rural areas with poor sanitation, doctors should be aware of the possibility of this disease in the city. In our report, several clinical signs were discussed as indications for the diagnosis, which may lead to faster identification of thelaziasis and earlier treatment initiation.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute Cardiology and Neurology services in a secondary peripheral hospital
Authors: Bernstine Tomer , Spitzer Sivan , Pleban Ron , Ron Aviva , Armon-Omer Ayelet , Kains Isabelle , Hamudi Jihad , Shahien Radi , Edelstein Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical services in peripheral hospitals is not fully described. We compared the impact of COVID-19 on Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management and outcome in an Israeli peripheral hospital. We included 1029 CVA and 497 STEMI patients. Those who arrived during (15/3/2020-15/4/2022) and before (1/1/2018-14/3/2020) the pandemic were demographically comparable. During the pandemic, median time for CVA patients from arrival to imaging was longer (23 vs. 19 minutes, p = 0.001); timing from arrival to tissue Plasminogen Activator administration was similar (49 vs. 45 min, p = 0.61); transfer to another hospital was more common (20.3% vs. 14.4% p = 0.01) and median length of stay (LOS) was shorter (3 vs. 4 days, p < 0.05). Among STEMI patients, median time from arrival to intervention intra- pandemic was shorter (45 vs. 50 minutes p = 0.02); Mean LOS shorter (3.86 vs. 4.48 p = 0.01), and unplanned re-admission less frequent (7.8% vs. 14.6% p = 0.01). Mortality didn’t significantly change. Our data shows no major negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CVA outcomes, and possibly improved care for STEMI patients. Follow-up qualitative studies with neurology and cardiology staff will inform how quality of care was maintained during the crises.
Decline in daily maximum wind speed over the Tibetan Plateau during 1973-2020: An examination of likely causes
Authors: MA Yaoyao , Shi Peijun , Azorin-Molina Cesar , Minola Lorenzo , Guijarro Jose A. , Ma Heng , Wang Yiwen , Zhang Gangfeng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Strong winds have evident impacts on the environment and the society. It can affect the dispersion of air pollutants, land erosion, damage buildings, representing a severe hazard to people and properties. However, the changes and variabilities of extreme winds are still largely unknown, especially in global high-elevation regions, e.g., the Tibetan Plateau. This study analyses for the first-time changes in extreme wind speed over the Tibetan Plateau using homogenized near-surface daily maximum wind speed observations for 1973–2020. Results show that the daily maximum wind speed has significantly decreased in most stations during 1973–2020, with the largest decline in magnitude observed in spring. The frequency of daily maximum wind speed exceeding the 95% percentile shows a similar slowdown pattern. The detected decline is linked to large-scale atmospheric circulation, particular to changes in the patterns of westerly and monsoon, which explain 35%~57% of daily maximum wind speed anomaly variations. Furthermore, this study reveals that changes in (a) geostrophic wind, (b) vertical wind shear, and (c) Tibetan Plateau low vortex also contributes to the observed decreasing trends of daily maximum wind speed.