bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential Primary Health Care Skills
Authors: Ziegler Erin , Dickson Kaitlin , Silva Amina , Pirani Sarah , Tyerman Jane , Luctkar-Flude Marian 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Practice-based learning is essential in nurse practitioner (NP) education to ensure public safety and prepare students for independent practice. However, lack of clinical placement opportunities results in variability in clinical experience, necessitating educational innovation.

Purpose:
To evaluate the usability, engagement, and impact of the Essential Skills for Nurse Practitioners virtual simulations (VS).

Methods:
Four VS covering concussion management, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), memory concerns in older adults, and prescribing medical cannabis were evaluated across 3 Canadian universities using self-assessment competency rubrics and the Classroom Instructional Support Perception (CRiSP) scale.

Results:
Competencies improved significantly across all VS, with highest improvement in concussion management. CRiSP results indicated high usability and engagement with all VS, underscoring their effectiveness.

Conclusions:
Findings indicate VS can enhance students’ readiness to manage complex clinical situations and help address clinical placement shortages.
Latent Profile Analysis of Fatigue Subtypes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kuo Hsuan-Ju , Huang Ya-Ching , Benner Aprile D. , García Alexandra A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) commonly report a higher fatigue intensity than the general population. However, effective fatigue management is lacking because little is known about other fatigue characteristics, including timing, distress, and quality, as well as the potential fatigue subtypes experienced in people with T2DM.

Objective
To describe fatigue intensity, timing, distress, and quality, and identify fatigue subtypes in people with T2DM.

Methods
This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a sample of 150 participants with T2DM recruited from two diabetes outpatient clinics in Taiwan. Fatigue intensity, timing, and distress were measured using the Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Fatigue quality was measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Fatigue subtypes were identified using a latent profile analysis.

Results
Participants reported a mild fatigue intensity, experiencing fatigue for about 22% of the day with worse fatigue in the afternoon and evening and having mild disturbances. Three fatigue subtypes were identified. The “high/persistent fatigue with mild distress” subtype was characterized by high fatigue intensity and duration with severe general, physical, and mental fatigue that mildly interfered with functioning. The “moderate/frequent fatigue with minimal distress” group showed moderate levels of fatigue intensity and duration levels with intermediate of general, physical, and mental fatigue and minimal fatigue disturbances. The “no fatigue and distress” subtype was characterized by overall low fatigue scores.

Discussion
We identified fatigue characteristics and subtypes in people with T2DM, providing insights into better fatigue management. People with T2DM reported having mild but persistent fatigue. The latent profile analysis revealed that fatigue is likely composed of a mixture of physical and mental components. Nurses should assess both the physical and mental aspects of fatigue while addressing features of the fatigue characteristics in tailored management strategies to alleviate all aspects of fatigue in people with T2DM.
Validation of the Dutch version of the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-C in patients with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment
Authors: Braam Cheyenne I. W. , Kolsteren Evie E. M. , Poort Hanneke , Hillen Marij A. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Prins Judith B. , Kwakkenbos Linda , Custers José A. E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
An emerging group of patients with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment lives long term with ongoing uncertainty, but no valid measure of uncertainty was available for this group. Our aims were to translate the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community (MUIS-C) into the Dutch language and evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment.

Methods:
Patients (N = 111) with diverse advanced cancer diagnoses and treatments (53% male, mean age 66 years) completed the MUIS-C, which was translated into the Dutch language using a forward-backward translation procedure. Floor and ceiling effects, structural validity, internal consistency, and construct validity were evaluated.

Results:
No floor and ceiling effects for the MUIS-C were found. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors (lack of clarity, unpredictability). Internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach's α = 0.82). All a priori hypotheses regarding convergent and divergent validity were confirmed and supported construct validity.

Conclusions:
Results suggest that the Dutch MUIS-C is a valid and reliable measure for assessing illness uncertainty in patients with advanced cancer and support its use in future studies among patients with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment.
Unearthing the Unexpected
Authors: Ghandili Mehrnoosh , Giffen Mark A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The ossa cordis (OC), or cardiac bone, is a bony structure within the cardiac skeleton of mammals, believed to maintain heart shape during systole and enhance contraction efficiency. Found in large mammals, especially ruminants, and has recently been described in chimpanzees; however, OC has not previously been described in humans. Herein, we present an incidental finding of OC in the heart of a 39-year-old man who suffered a stab wound to chest. A thorough postmortem examination revealed a 0.8 × 0.6 × 0.4-cm, well-defined, boomerang-shaped, bony structure embedded in atrioventricular node location in the right atrium within the triangle of Koch. The heart showed cardiomegaly and moderate atherosclerosis in the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries but was otherwise normal, without fibrosis, valvular abnormalities, or degenerative changes. Histological analysis revealed mature bone with trilineage hematopoietic elements. This finding highlights anatomical similarities between human hearts and other species, raising questions about whether OC in humans and primates is linked solely to degenerative cardiac disorders or represents a normal aspect of mammalian heart development and aging. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an OC in a human.
Delayed Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Minor Trauma in a Post-facelift Patient
Authors: Kang Daihun 
Published: January 2025

A 37-year-old woman with a history of facelift surgery presented with a painless temporal mass after surfboard trauma. Physical examination revealed a 1 cm pulsatile mass, and ultrasound confirmed a superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm. Surgical excision was complicated by adhesions from previous facial surgery and steroid injections. Histopathology showed vessel wall disruption and fibrosis consistent with pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights the potential risk of vascular complications in patients with prior aesthetic procedures, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of persistent swelling in this population. Surgeons should exercise caution during temporal region procedures and maintain vigilance for delayed vascular complications in previously operated areas.
Management of adhesive small bowel obstruction during pregnancy in the United States
Authors: Ashbrook Matthew J. , Cheng Vincent , Longo Emma , Kohrman Nathan , Matsuo Koji , Martin Matthew J. , Inaba Kenji , Matsushima Kazuhide 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND
Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a rare, nonobstetrical abdominal emergency. Optimal management of ASBO during pregnancy remains unknown. This study analyzes management trends and outcomes of pregnant patients with ASBO in the United States.

METHODS
The National Inpatient Sample was queried for pregnant women diagnosed with ASBO from January 2003 to September 2015. Patients were grouped into three management strategies: nonoperative management (NOM), immediate operation (from admission to hospital day 1), or delayed operation (after hospital day 1). Multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between management strategies and maternal or perinatal complications. The impact of delayed operation on patient outcomes was also assessed.

RESULTS
A total of 4,266 pregnant patients with ASBO were identified: 1,974 (46.3%) were managed nonoperatively, 1,177 (27.6%) underwent immediate operation, and 1,115 (26.1%) underwent delayed operation. The rate of NOM did not significantly change over the study period. Compared with NOM, immediate operation was not associated with increased complication rates, whereas delayed operation was associated with higher rates of maternal septic shock (odds ratio [OR], 5.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–29.21; p = 0.04) and preterm labor, delivery, or abortion (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.56–3.72; p < 0.001). In analysis of patients who underwent surgery, each day of delay in operation was associated with a 14% higher chance of preterm labor, delivery, or abortion (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08–1.21; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION
Pregnant patients presenting with ASBO were often managed operatively. Delay to operation was associated with increased odd of maternal and perinatal complications. Surgeons should be involved early in determining the optimal management for ASBO.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
Rolling horizon coverage control with collaborative autonomous agents
Authors: Papaioannou Savvas , Kolios Panayiotis , Theocharides Theocharis , Panayiotou Christos G. , Polycarpou Marios M. 
Published: January 2025

This work proposes a coverage controller that enables an aerial team of distributed autonomous agents to collaboratively generate non-myopic coverage plans over a rolling finite horizon, aiming to cover specific points on the surface area of a three-dimensional object of interest. The collaborative coverage problem, formulated as a distributed model predictive control problem, optimizes the agents’ motion and camera control inputs, while considering inter-agent constraints aiming at reducing work redundancy. The proposed coverage controller integrates constraints based on light-path propagation techniques to predict the parts of the object’s surface that are visible with regard to the agents’ future anticipated states. This work also demonstrates how complex, non-linear visibility assessment constraints can be converted into logical expressions that are embedded as binary constraints into a mixed-integer optimization framework. The proposed approach has been demonstrated through simulations and practical applications for inspecting buildings with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The road forward with swarm systems’.
<xhtml:span xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en">Effect of Antibiotic Administration on&#160;Blastocystis&#160;Persistence and Gut Microbiome-Metabolome Dynamics in an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Longitudinal Case Study
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Authors: Newton Jamie M. , Edwards William JS , Thompson Gary S. , Gentekaki Eleni , Tsaousis Anastasios D. 
Published: January 2025

Background: Blastocystis, the most prevalent microbial eukaryote in humans, has a global distribution. Studies have linked its presence with distinct gut microbiome and metabolome profiles compared to those where the organism is absent. However, the interplay of antibiotics administration, Blastocystis and the surrounding gut microbiome remains understudied. This case study aimed to explore antibiotic consumption and the presence of Blastocystis with subsequent changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome of an individual diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Methods: Stool samples from an IBS patient, collected at 12 time points, were tested for Blastocystis presence using RT-PCR targeting the SSUrRNA gene, followed by sequencing of positive samples. Illumina sequencing determined the gut microbiome composition, while one-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy was used to analyse the metabolome composition. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify relationships between antibiotic consumption, bacterial diversity, metabolome composition, and Blastocystis presence.
Results: Antibiotics significantly impacted the gut microbiome, with diversity declining early in the antibiotic course, then recovering later and post-course. Blastocystis was detected early, late, and post-course but was not detectable mid-course, coinciding with the decline in bacterial diversity. Significant differences were observed between Blastocystis-positive and Blastocystis-negative samples with bacterial composition significantly changing between samples collected before, early, and after the antibiotic course compared to those collected mid-course. Metabolite groups, including short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, and succinate, exhibited changes throughout the antibiotic course, indicating that gut metabolite composition is affected by antibiotic consumption.

Discussion/Conclusion: While antibiotics did not significantly impact Blastocystis colonisation, they did cause a mid-course decline in microbial diversity and Blastocystis presence. The study also revealed significant alterations in important metabolites such as SCFAs and amino acids throughout the antibiotic course, with an altered metabolome observed post-course. This case study underscores the complex interactions between antibiotics, gut microbiota, and metabolites, highlighting the resilience of Blastocystis in the gut ecosystem.
“Continuous Neural Correlates of Imbalanced Reinforcement Learning in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Healthy Individuals”
Authors: Sakai Yuki , Sakai Yutaka , Abe Yoshinari , Narumoto Jin , Tanaka Saori C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by imbalanced reinforcement learning. This study investigated neural correlates of this imbalance by examining resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fMRI) in non-medicated OCD patients and healthy controls (HCs) exhibiting varying degrees of memory trace imbalance.MethodsWe employed network-based statistics (NBS), suitable for identifying network-level alterations of rs-fMRI data from 49 OCD patients and 53 HCs (Core Discovery Dataset: Core-DS) to identify a significant network. We validated this network in an independent dataset of 10 OCD patients and 18 HCs (Independent Validation Dataset: IndV-DS). Additionally, we compared functional connectivity in the identified network between subgroups of HCs with imbalanced (OCD-like) and balanced learning profiles (Extension Dataset: Ext-DS; n=10 each).ResultsNBS identified an ‘OCD network’ with increased connectivity in OCD patients (padjusted= 0.022), comprising regions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), parietal cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and hippocampal formation. This network’s increased connectivity in OCD patients was replicated in IndV-DS (p = 0.0027). Importantly, imbalanced HCs showed a significant increase in functional connectivity, particularly between the DLPFC and presubiculum, in the identified ‘OCD network’, compared to balanced HCs (p = 0.0051, padjusted= 0.066).ConclusionIncreased functional connectivity in the ‘OCD network,’ especially between the DLPFC and presubiculum, is present in both OCD patients and a subgroup of HCs with learning imbalances. These findings provide evidence for a continuous neural basis of imbalanced reinforcement learning, suggesting a continuum of traits associated with OCD between patients and “healthy” individuals.
Cleavage of MALAT1 RNA by 14-nt sgRNA-guided tRNase ZL
Authors: Takahashi Masayuki , Nashimoto Masayuki 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe have been developing a gene suppression technology, tRNase ZL-utilizing efficacious (TRUE) gene silencing, in which artificially designed small guide RNA (sgRNA) guides tRNase ZLto cleave cellular target RNA. In this study, we examined 14-nt linear-type sgRNAs, which are fully 2′-O-methylated and have full phosphorothioate linkages, for their ability to suppress a level of a nuclear-localized long non-coding RNA, Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1). The MALAT1 RNA is implied to be involved in stress responses and diseases including cancers. Specifically, we designed six 14-nt linear-type sgRNAs, sgRM1−sgRM6 that target the human MALAT1 RNA. sgRM1, sgRM2 and sgRM6 suppressed the MALAT1 RNA level, while the other sgRNAs showed little effect. In order to demonstrate that the suppression effect of sgRM1, sgRM2 and sgRM6 on the MALAT1 RNA level is caused by TRUE gene silencing, we performedin vitrotRNase ZLcleavage assay, microscopic analysis for nuclear existence of sgRNA, and tRNase ZLknockdown experiment. For thein vitrotRNase ZLcleavage assay, three 30-nt MALAT1 RNA fragments, TM1, TM2 and TM6 were prepared, which were RNA targets for sgRM1, sgRM2 and sgRM6, respectively. All of the sgRNAs guided recombinant tRNase ZLin vitroto cleave their own targets, although the cleavage efficiency changed depending on target/sgRNA pairs. By fluorescence microscopy, a 14-nt 5′-Alexa568-labeled sgRNA released from liposome was observed to be distributed ubiquitously in A549 cells with higher density in the nucleus, where both the target MALAT1 RNA and tRNase ZLexist. Knockdown of tRNase ZLby siRNA attenuated the suppression effect of sgRM1, sgRM2 and sgRM6 on the MALAT1 RNA level. We also demonstrated that the effective sgRNAs sgRM1, sgRM2 and sgRM6 reduce A549 cell viability.
Decoding Phenotypic Variability in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Zebrafish as a Model for Molecular and Ultrastructural Insights
Authors: Debaenst Sophie , Sahd Lauren , Debaene Caitlin , Jarayseh Tamara , De Saffel Hanna , Bek Jan Willem , Steyaert Wouter , Van Haver Delphi , Dufour Sara , Impens Francis , Coucke Paul , De Clercq Adelbert , Willaert Andy 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPhenotypic variability is common in human diseases, even when the same genes are affected. In this study, three zebrafish models of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) with dominant glycine substitutions in type I collagen genes (col1a1amh13/+,col1a1adc124/+, andcol1a2mh15/+) were characterized for phenotypic severity and variability, using a newly developed standardized scoring system. Comprehensive analyses of the vertebral columns in these models revealed histological and ultrastructural differences that corresponded with phenotypic severity. Increasing skeletal severity correlated with a higher incidence of skeletal deformities and abnormalities. This, in turn, was associated with thinner bones and increased disorganization of collagen fibrils, fiber accumulation and mineralization, elastin deposits, and increased cell proliferation in the notochord and intervertebral ligament (IVL). Additionally, osteoblast function and bone regenerative capacity were increasingly compromised. These characteristics, combined with genetic information, have the potential to predict the severity of phenotypic outcomes in dominant forms of OI, caused by mutations in type I collagen. A remarkable intra-familial phenotypic variability in thecol1a2mh15/+mutant holds potential for future approaches that could help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of this variability and the identification of modifier genes. Finally, through proteomics analysis three potential protein biomarkers (HSP47, Col8a1, and Bcan) were identified, that could serve as indicators of disease severity. These biomarkers not only have diagnostic value, but will allow stratification by OI type, have predictive value towards progression of the clinical presentation and will play a role in treatment guidance. Validation in human tissue samples will further reveal their clinical relevance.Significance StatementPhenotypic variability in human diseases, such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), remains poorly understood. Using zebrafish models with dominant glycine substitutions in type I collagen, this study links genetic mutations to phenotypic severity through standardized scoring and detailed ultrastructural and molecular analyses. Key findings include skeletal abnormalities, compromised osteoblast function, and intra-familial phenotypic variability, suggesting the role of modifier genes. Proteomics identified three potential biomarkers (HSP47, Col8a1, and Bcan) with diagnostic and prognostic value. These results provide critical insights into genotype-phenotype correlations, offering a foundation for personalized approaches to diagnosis, stratification, and treatment of OI and related disorders.
Conformational and Functional Regulation of SET by Legumain Cleavage
Authors: Horak Carina , Wieland Alexander C. , Klaushofer Rupert , Briza Peter , Brandstetter Hans , Dall Elfriede 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe cysteine protease legumain typically localizes to the endolysosomal system, where it is an important player in the immune system. However, in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), legumain has been shown to be translocated to the cytosol, where it cleaves SET, synonymously termed TAF-1 or I2PP2A, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A. SET is primarily found in the nucleus, where it regulates gene transcription, cell cycle progression, and histone acetylation, but can also translocate to the cytoplasm where it regulates cell migration and is implicated in neuronal apoptosis in AD. In this study, we demonstrate that legumain cleaves SET at two major sites: Asn16 at the N-terminal end and Asn175 at the earmuff domain. Contrary to previous findings, our biochemical and crystallographic experiments reveal that the corresponding N- and C-terminal cleavage products remain bound in a stable complex, rather than dissociating. Additionally, we show that the C-terminal acidic stretch of SET is essential for its binding to histone 1, and that cleavage impairs this interaction. Finally, we demonstrate that SET positively modulates PP2A activity. This effect is however abolished upon cleavage by legumain.
Molecular mechanisms of plastic biodegradation by the fungusClonostachys rosea
Authors: Gambarini Victor , Pavlov Nikolai , Young Paul , Dawes Stephanie , Auffret Arnaud , Kingsbury Joanne M. , Donaldson Lloyd A. , Smith Dawn A. , Weaver Louise , Pantos Olga , Handley Kim M. , Lear Gavin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMicrobial degradation provides an avenue for the remediation of select plastic polymers contributing to the urgent environmental problem of global plastic pollution. We demonstrate the degradation of polycaprolactone (PCL) byClonostachys roseaand elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. We constructed the genome of this fungal strain and monitored changes in gene expression when exposed to PCL. Twelve genes linked to PCL degradation were found in the genome ofC. rosea, and some of them were upregulated in the presence of the plastic, including genes coding for two cutinases. We heterologously expressed the enzymes coded by both genes and confirmed their activity against PCL polymers. We also demonstrate that one of the enzymes was active against polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers. Glucose inhibited the expression of both genes, completely halting the plastic biodegradation process, possibly serving as a preferred and readily metabolisable carbon source compared with PCL. We confirm the presence of key metabolic pathways linked to PCL degradation inC. rosea, including fatty acid degradation, providing further evidence of the mechanisms central to plastic biodegradation.