bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family satisfaction with involvement in decision making in the intensive care unit: A scoping review
Authors: Klaas Ntombifikile , Baliki Onalenna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDecision making in the intensive care unit (ICU) is often complex, involving frequent interactions between patients, families, and health care professionals. Family members play an important role as surrogate decision markers because patients admitted in ICU lack decision-making capacity due to their critical state. Lack of regular, timeous, up to date and honest information provided by the ICU healthcare professionals may negatively influence the family members’ decision making ability and overall satisfaction.AimTo identify existing literature that describe family satisfaction with involvement in decision making in the intensive care unit.MethodsA scoping review of literature guided by Arksey and O ‘Malley’s framework was conducted. Literature search was completed using five databases. Primary studies published in English between January 2010 and December 2023 were retrieved and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 152 studies identified during the search, 23 were eligible for inclusion. Most of the studies (n = 19; 83%) focused on family satisfaction with care and decision making and four (n=4; 17%) focused on strategies aimed at enhancing family involvement in decision making. These strategies included: testing the effects of using information booklets, structured attendance of interdisciplinary ward rounds, development and implementation of evidence-based communication algorithm and exploring the culture of interprofessional collaboration. The three themes that emerged from the scoping review were:satisfaction with involvement, communication, and support.ConclusionThe use of structured communication programs as well as regular, timeous and honest information about the patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan and prognosis are vital measures to enhancing family involvement in decision making.
Preoperative COVID-19 Vaccination is Associated with Decreased Perioperative Mortality after Major Vascular Surgery
Authors: Ratner Molly , Garg Karan , Chang Heepeel , Nigalaye Anjali , Medvedosky Steven , Jacobowitz Glenn , Siracuse Jeffrey J , Patel Virendra , Schermerhorn Marc , DiMaggio Charles , Rockman Caron B 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on perioperative outcomes after major vascular surgery.MethodsThis is a multicenter retrospective study of patients who underwent major vascular surgery between December 2021 through August 2023. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 30 days of index operation or prior to hospital discharge. Multivariable models were used to examine the association between vaccination status and the primary outcome.ResultsOf the total 85,424 patients included, 19161 (22.4%) were unvaccinated. Unvaccinated patients were younger compared to vaccinated patients (mean age 68.44 +/− 10.37 years vs 72.11 +/− 9.20 years, p <.001) and less likely to have comorbid conditions, including hypertension (87.2% vs 89.7%, p <.001), congestive heart failure (14.5% vs 15.9%, p <.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (35.7% vs 36.3, p <.001) and renal failure requiring hemodialysis (1.4% vs 1.7%, p = .005). After risk factor adjustment, vaccination was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.62 - 0.81, p <.0001). Stratification by procedure type demonstrated that vaccinated patients had decreased odds of mortality after open AAA (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.42-0.97, p = 0.03), EVAR (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.43-0.83, p 0.002), CAS (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.51-0.88, p = 0.004) and infra-inguinal lower extremity interventions (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.48-0.96, p = 0.03).ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccination is associated with reduced perioperative mortality in patients undergoing vascular surgery. This association is most pronounced for patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair, carotid stenting and infrainguinal bypass.
Factors affecting Cost-Related Medication Non-Adherence among US population with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Gandrakota Nikhila , Ramakrishnan Manju , Sudireddy Kavya , Shah Megha K 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn the US, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability. Cost-related non-adherence (CRMN) can have serious consequences and worsen CVD outcomes. We examined the relationship between CVD risk factors and CRMN among US adults.MethodsCDC’s 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data was used to examine CRMN among adults, categorized into three groups based on reported risk factors. We used chi-square tests, logistic regression to determine factors associated with CRMN.ResultsAmong 49,464 participants, young, unmarried individuals, females, less educated, and participants from South had higher CRMN than older, married individuals, males, and those with higher education residing in the other regions. Current smokers and those with more CVD risk factors also had a higher CRMN than former smokers and never-smokers. Conversely, those aged 65 or older, with high-income, and excellent self-rated health had lower CRMN than younger participants, low-income families, and those with poor self-health. Public insurance and Medicaid participants had lower CRMN than uninsured (OR 0.13, 95% CI, 0.04-0.45, and OR 0.24, 95% CI, 0.15-0.36). Stratified regression analysis by disease status, i.e., diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, revealed participants with high-income had lower odds of CRMN (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.28-0.50; OR 0.39, 95% CI, 0.28-0.58; OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.27-0.51 respectively) than those with lower incomes.ConclusionAdults under 65 with more CVD risk factors are at higher risk of CRMN. Hence, robust prescription drug coverage and targeted interventions are necessary to lower CRMN in those with CVD risk factors.
A novel use of diffusion-weighted whole-body magnetic resonance imaging with background body signal suppression to diagnose infectious aortitis
Authors: Saito Jien , Muto Masahiro , Tada Masafumi , Yokota Isao , Kamiya Shinji , Numata Yukihide , Sasaki Hideki , Hashizume Takuya , Asano Miki , Wakasa Satoru 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression is one of the whole-body magnetic resonance imaging techniques and is effective in diagnosing inflammatory and infectious diseases. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this modality in infectious aortitis, which remains unclear.MethodsThe study participants were 32 patients with suspected infectious aortitis who underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging between September 2020 and November 2022. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the curve of each imaging modality were studied using a diagnosis based on a combination of imaging results, clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests. Decision curve analysis was performed to determine the benefit of adding magnetic resonance imaging to computed tomography.ResultsThe median age was 74 years, and 23 participants were men. Fifteen patients (47%) were diagnosed with infectious aortitis. Positive findings for infectious aortitis were identified in 19, 18, and 14 patients by computed tomography, diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging, and the combination of both modalities, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for correct diagnosis were 93.3%, 70.6%, and 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.69–0.95), respectively for computed tomography, 93.3%, 76.5%, and 0.85% (95% confidence interval 0.73%–0.97), respectively for diffusion-weighted imaging, and 86.7%, 94.1%, and 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.80–0.10), respectively for the combination of both modalities. Decision curve analysis reinforced the clinical benefit of combining the two imaging modalities across all ranges of the probability thresholds.ConclusionsDiffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression is an effective diagnostic tool for infectious aortitis, especially when combined with computed tomography.Clinical PerspectiveInfectious aortitis is a serious disease that is difficult to accurately diagnose. Although PET-CT is associated with high diagnostic performance, limited access to this modality has encouraged the development of an alternative modality. The whole-body MRI with DWIBS is a more available modality, which is commonly used for cancer diagnosis but is also considered effective in diagnosing infectious diseases. The combination of DWIBS and non-contrast CT yielded a sensitivity of 86.7% (95% CI: 59.5–98.3%), a specificity of 94.1% (95% CI: 71.3–99.9%), and an AUC of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80–0.10) for the diagnosis of infectious aortitis. DWIBS can be a useful modality as an alternative to PET-CT.
Socio-Economic Factors Associated with Cancer Stigma among Apparently Healthy Women in Semi-urban Nepal
Authors: Paneru Bandana , Karmacharya Aerona , Makaju Soniya , Kafle Diksha , Poudel Lisasha , Mali Sushmita , Timsina Priyanka , Shrestha Namuna , Timalsena Dinesh , Chaudhary Kalpana , Bhandari Niroj , Rai Prasanna , Shakya Sunila , Spiegelman Donna , Sheth Sangini S , Stangl Anne , Eastment McKenna C. , Shrestha Archana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCancer is the primary cause of death globally, and despite the significant advancements in treatment and survival rates, it is still stigmatized in many parts of the world. However, there is limited public health research on cancer stigma among general population (non-patient) women in Nepal. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of cancer stigma and its associated factors in this group.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 426 healthy women aged 30 – 60 years who were residents of Dhulikhel and Banepa in central Nepal. We measured cancer stigma using the Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS). CASS measures cancer stigma in six subdomains (awkwardness, avoidance, severity, personal responsibility, policy opposition, financial discrimination) on a 6-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to agree strongly) with higher mean stigma scores correlating with higher levels of stigma. We used univariable and multivariable linear regression to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with the CASS score.ResultsOverall, the level of cancer stigma was low (mean total stigma score: 2.6 ± 0.6) but still present among participants. Stigma related to personal responsibility had the highest levels (mean stigma score: 3.9 ± 1.3), followed by severity (mean stigma score: 3.2 ± 1.3) and financial discrimination (mean stigma score: 2.9 ± 1.6). There was a significant association of mean CASS score with older age (the mean difference is stigma score: 0.01 points; 95% CI: 0.01-0.02) and lower education (difference -0.02 points; 95% CI: -0.03, -0.003) after adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, marital status, religion, occupation, and parity.ConclusionWhile overall cancer stigma was low in Nepal, some subdomains were increased in the general population of women in Nepal. Because stigma may impact engagement in cancer screening efforts, programs should aim to counteract stigma, particularly among older and less educated women.
Maternal Factors Promoting Normal Linear Growth of Children from Impoverished Rwandan Households
Authors: Habimana Jean de Dieu , Korukire Noel , Sara Jewett , Matsiko Eric , Umugwaneza Maryse , Rugema Lawrence , Munyanshongore Cyprien 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundLinear growth faltering continues to be a pervasive public health concern, considering its persistent prevalence and repercussions. This study aimed to investigate potential maternal factors promoting normal linear growth among children from impoverished Rwandan households.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 807 mother-child dyads selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. The main outcome variable was height-for-age Z-scores. The main predictors were the mother has income-generating activity, maternal education, maternal depression, household decision-making (HHDM), number of ANC visits, use of family planning method, family planning types, and mode of delivery. The potential confounding variables were child age, both parents working, good handwashing practice, owning a vegetable garden, and the total number of livestock. Univariate analysis was used to establish means, frequencies, and percentages; the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman Rank Correlation tests were used for bivariate analysis and robust linear regression for multivariable analysis.ResultsMaternal factors promoting normal linear growth of children were the presence of the mother’s income-generating activity (ꞵ=0.640 [0.0269−1.253], p-value=0.041), mother’s involvement in household decision-making (ꞵ=0.147 [0.080− 0.214], p-value<0.001), and higher frequency of ANC consultations (ꞵ=0.189 [0.025− 0.354], p-value=0.024). Additionally, a combination of household decision-making with ANC visit numbers predicted an increase in child linear growth (ꞵ=0.032 [0.019− 0.045], p-value<0.001).ConclusionMaternal factors such as maternal income-generating activity, maternal involvement in household decision-making, and increased number of ANC visits were found to promote normal child linear growth and can provide valuable information for shaping interventions and policies aimed at promoting child growth in the Rwandan community.
Computational analysis of SOD1-G93A mouse muscle biomarkers for comprehensive assessment of ALS progression
Authors: Gómez-Gálvez Pedro , Navarro Victoria , Castro Ana M. , Paradas Carmen , Escudero Luis M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTAimsTo identify potential image biomarkers of neuromuscular disease by analysing morphological and network-derived features in skeletal muscle biopsies from a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the SOD1G93Amouse, and wild-type (WT) controls at distinct stages of disease progression.MethodsUsing the NDICIA computational framework, we quantitatively evaluated histological differences between skeletal muscle biopsies from SOD1G93Aand WT mice. The process involved the selection of a subset of features revealing these differences. A subset of discriminative features was selected to characterise these differences, and their temporal dynamics were assessed across disease stages.ResultsOur findings demonstrated that muscle pathology in the mutant model evolves from early alterations in muscle fibre arrangement, detectable at the presymptomatic stage through graph theory features, to the subsequent development of the typical morphological pattern of neurogenic atrophy at more advanced disease stages.ConclusionsOur assay identifies a neurogenic signature in mutant muscle biopsies, even when the disease was phenotypically imperceptible.KEY POINTS-NDICIA analysis detected differences between SOD1G93Aand WT muscles at presymptomatic stage through the analysis of graph theory features.-Our computational tool identified different neurogenic-like traits in the ALS mouse model at all analysed stages of disease progression.-Differences between SOD1G93Aand WT muscle images became more pronounced as the disease advanced.-The integration of UMAP into the upgraded NDICIA framework was validated as a robust alternative to PCA.-Muscle fibre characteristics in SOD1WTclosely resembled those of WT mice.
Individual trajectories for recovery of neocortical activity in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Tewarie Prejaas K.B. , Abeysuriya Romesh , Panda Rajanikant , Nùñez Pablo , Vitello Marie M. , van der Lande Glenn , Gosseries Olivia , Thibaut Aurore , Laureys Steven , Deco Gustavo , Annen Jitka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe evolution from disturbed brain activity to physiological brain rhythms can precede recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Accordingly, intriguing questions arise: What are the pathophysiological factors responsible for disrupted brain rhythms in patients with DoC, and are there potential pathways for individual patients with DoC to return to normal brain rhythms? We addressed these questions at the individual subject level using biophysical simulations based on electroencephalography (EEG). The main findings are that unconscious patients exhibit a loss of excitatory corticothalamic synaptic strength. Synaptic plasticity in this excitatory corticothalamic circuitry fosters physiological brain rhythms in the selection of patients with DoC. The extent to which this occurred was correlated with cerebral glucose uptake. The current findings emphasize the importance of excitatory thalamocortical activity in reestablishing normal brain rhythms after brain injury and show that biophysical modelling of the corticothalamic circuitry could help select patients that might be potentially receptive to treatment and undergo plasticity.
Strategic use of male alternative reproductive tactics in cooperatively breeding banded mongoose groups
Authors: Birch Graham , Nichols Hazel J. , Mwanguhya Francis , Blount Jonathan D. , Cant Michael A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) allow smaller or less competitive individuals to reproduce by avoiding direct fights through sneaky strategies. Within cooperatively breeding groups ARTs are rarely reported, potentially due to difficulties observing male reproductive behaviour in the wild, or reproductive suppression by fellow group members. In societies where all mating opportunities cannot be monopolised by one male, young males could use sneaky tactics as a ‘stepping-stone’ to gain limited reproductive success while they grow in resource holding potential (RHP). Using 20 years of pedigree, weight, group demography, and behavioural data, we investigated the use of sneaky ‘pesterer’ ARTs in wild banded mongooses. Instead of a ‘stepping stone’, pestering tactics were typically a rare back-up used by males displaced from mate guarding tactics by higher RHP rivals. Additionally, pesterers have lower siring success compared to mate guards, despite similar weight loss costs, which may explain why most males settle for reproductive inactivity rather than use pestering tactics. However, pestering allows younger males to gain access to older, higher fecundity females in the group and may even facilitate inbreeding avoidance. Overall, ARTs provide a viable option for reproductive fitness for some males that lose out on reproductive positions in highly male-skewed groups.
The Pannexin-1 N-terminal Helix Gates a Switch between Ion Conductance and Anandamide Transport
Authors: Anderson Connor L. , Weilinger Nicolas L. , Visser Frank , Nielsen Allison C. , Boyce Andrew K.J. , Thompson Roger J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnandamide is an endovanilloid and endocannabinoid with ligand activity at transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channels and cannabinoid receptors, respectively. We have reported that block of Pannexin-1 channels in the CA1 hippocampus can increase concentrations of anandamide and induce presynaptic plasticity. It is not known how an ion channel can contribute to clearance of a lipid-derived signalling molecule. Here, we use electrophysiology and imaging of uptake of fluorescent anandamide to determine the structure-function relationship between the ion conduction and anandamide trasporter activities of pannexin-1. Expression of rat, mouse or human pannexin-1 in HEK cells caused a time dependent increase in anandamide uptake by all three orthologs. However, human pannexin-1 had reduced ion conduction. Low concentrations of anandamide augmented uptake of its fluorescent derivative, whereas higher concentrations competed, suggesting that anadamide may facilitate its own transport. Deletion of the N-terminal helix of pannexin-1 and the channel blocker, probenecid, blocked ion conduction but enhanced anandamide transport. In contrast, mutation of pore facing isoleucine 41 caused a gain of function in ion conduction with loss of anandamide transport. We conclude that the pannexin-1 channel is a dual ion channel / anandamide transporter and that these properties are gated by the channels N-terminal helix and likely linked to its presence or absence within the pore lining region.
Time-resolved oxidative signal convergence across the algae–embryophyte divide
Authors: Rieseberg Tim P. , Dadras Armin , Darienko Tatyana , Post Sina , Herrfurth Cornelia , Fürst-Jansen Janine M. R. , Hohnhorst Nils , Petroll Romy , Rensing Stefan A. , Pröschold Thomas , de Vries Sophie , Irisarri Iker , Feussner Ivo , de Vries Jan 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThe earliest land plants faced a significant challenge in adapting to environmental stressors. Stress on land is unique in its dynamics, entailing swift and drastic changes in light and temperature. While we know that land plants share with their closest streptophyte algal relatives key components of the genetic makeup for dynamic stress responses, their concerted action is little understood. Here, we combined time-course stress profiling using photophysiology, transcriptomics on 2.7 Tbp of data, and metabolite profiling analyses on more than 270 distinct samples, to study stress kinetics across three 600-million-year-divergent streptophytes. Through co-expression analysis and Granger causal inference we predict a gene regulatory network that retraces a web of ancient signal convergence at ethylene signaling components, osmosensors, and chains of major kinases. These kinase hubs already integrated diverse environmental inputs since before the dawn of plants on land.
Reproducible generation of human liver organoids (HLOs) on a pillar plate platformviamicroarray 3D bioprinting
Authors: Shrestha Sunil , Lekkala Vinod Kumar Reddy , Acharya Prabha , Kang Soo-Yeon , Vanga Manav Goud , Lee Moo-Yeal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHuman liver organoids (HLOs) hold significant potential for recapitulating the architecture and function of liver tissues in vivo. However, conventional culture methods of HLOs, forming Matrigel domes in 6-/24-well plates, have technical limitations such as high cost and low throughput in organoid-based assays for predictive assessment of compounds in clinical and pharmacological lab settings. To address these issues, we have developed a unique microarray 3D bioprinting protocol of progenitor cells in biomimetic hydrogels on a pillar plate with sidewalls and slits, coupled with a clear bottom, 384-deep well plate for scale-up production of HLOs. Microarray 3D bioprinting, a droplet-based printing technology, was used to generate a large number of small organoids on the pillar plate for predictive hepatotoxicity assays. Foregut cells, differentiated from human iPSCs, were mixed with Matrigel and then printed on the pillar plate rapidly and uniformly, resulting in coefficient of variation (CV) values in the range of 15 - 18%, without any detrimental effect on cell viability. Despite utilizing 10 – 50-fold smaller cell culture volume compared to their counterparts in Matrigel domes in 6-/24-well plates, HLOs differentiated on the pillar plate exhibited similar morphology and superior function, potentially due to rapid diffusion of nutrients and oxygen at the small scale. Day 25 HLOs were robust and functional on the pillar plate in terms of their viability, albumin secretion, CYP3A4 activity, and drug toxicity testing, all with low CV values. From three independent trials of in situ assessment, the IC50 values calculated for sorafenib and tamoxifen were 6.2 ± 1.6 µM and 25.4 ± 8.3 µM, respectively. Therefore, our unique 3D bioprinting and miniature organoid culture on the pillar plate could be used for scale-up, reproducible generation of HLOs with minimal manual intervention for high-throughput assessment of compound hepatotoxicity.