bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circ‐ZNF236 mediates stem cells from apical papilla differentiation by regulating LGR4‐induced autophagy
Authors: Xiao Ya , Chen Luyao , Xu Yunlong , Yu Ruiyang , Lu Jiamin , Ke Yue , Guo Rong , Gu Tingjie , Yu Haowen , Fang Yuxin , Li Zehan , Yu Jinhua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimHuman stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) are an appealing stem cell source for tissue regeneration engineering. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to exert pivotal regulatory functions in various cell differentiation processes, including osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells. However, few studies have shown the potential mechanism of circRNAs in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. Herein, we identified a novel circRNA, circ‐ZNF236 (hsa_circ_0000857) and found that it was remarkably upregulated during the SCAPs committed differentiation. Thus, in this study, we showed the significance of circ‐ZNF236 in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs and its underlying regulatory mechanisms.MethodologyThe circular structure of circ‐ZNF236 was identified via Sanger sequencing, amplification of convergent and divergent primers. The proliferation of SCAPs was detected by CCK‐8, flow cytometry analysis and EdU incorporation assay. Western blotting, qRT‐PCR, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red staining (ARS) were performed to explore the regulatory effect of circ‐ZNF236/miR‐218‐5p/LGR4 axis in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs in vitro. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, as well as dual‐luciferase reporting assays, revealed that circ‐ZNF236 binds to miR‐218‐5p. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 lentivirus were performed to detect the activation of autophagy.ResultsCirc‐ZNF236 was identified as a highly stable circRNA with a covalent closed loop structure. Circ‐ZNF236 had no detectable influence on cell proliferation but positively regulated SCAPs odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, circ‐ZNF236 was confirmed as a sponge of miR‐218‐5p in SCAPs, while miR‐218‐5p targets LGR4 mRNA at its 3′‐UTR. Subsequent rescue experiments revealed that circ‐ZNF236 regulates odonto/osteogenic differentiation by miR‐218‐5p/LGR4 in SCAPs. Importantly, circ‐ZNF236 activated autophagy, and the activation of autophagy strengthened the committed differentiation capability of SCAPs. Subsequently, in vivo experiments showed that SCAPs overexpressing circ‐ZNF236 promoted bone formation in a rat skull defect model.ConclusionsCirc‐ZNF236 could activate autophagy through increasing LGR4 expression, thus positively regulating SCAPs odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Our findings suggested that circ‐ZNF236 might represent a novel therapeutic target to prompt the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs.
Comparative analysis of mortality in patients admitted with an infection with influenza A/B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, metapneumovirus or SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Boon Hanneke , Meinders Arend‐Jan , van Hannen Erik Jan , Tersmette Matthijs , Schaftenaar Erik 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are recognised as a cause of severe illness and mortality, clinical interest for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections is still limited.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective database study comparing baseline characteristics and 30‐day mortality in a large cohort of adult patients admitted for an overnight stay or longer with an influenza virus (A/B), rhinovirus, hMPV, RSV or SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. For non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses, data were included for the period July 2017–February 2020. For SARS‐CoV‐2, data between March 2020 and March 2022 were included.ResultsCovariate‐adjusted 30‐day mortality following RSV, hMPV or rhinovirus infections was substantial (crude mortality 8–10%) and comparable with mortality following hospitalisation with an influenza A virus infection. Mortality following a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was consistently higher than for any other respiratory virus, at any point in time (crude mortality 14–25%). Odds of mortality for SARS‐CoV‐2 compared with influenza A declined from 4.9 to 1.7 over the course of the pandemic. Patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection had less comorbidity than patients with other respiratory virus infections and were more often male. In this cohort, age was related to mortality following hospitalisation, while an association with comorbidity was not apparent.ConclusionsWith the exception of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections, we find the clinical outcome of common respiratory virus infections requiring hospitalisation more similar than often assumed. The observed mortality from SARS‐CoV‐2 was significantly higher, but the difference with other respiratory viruses became less distinct over time.
Investigating the impact of temporary nurses on permanent nurses' commitment via perceptions of illegitimate tasks: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gahrmann Caroline , Klumb Petra Liselotte 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsTo explore illegitimate tasks as a potential mechanism that links permanent nurses' perceived exposure to temporary nurses to lower levels of affective organizational commitment.DesignA time‐lagged cross‐sectional survey study.MethodsSurvey data from N = 239 permanent nurses in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland were analysed via Structural Equation Models.ResultsThe study revealed a negative relationship between permanent nurses' perceived exposure to temporary nurses and their level of organizational commitment that was mediated by perceptions of unreasonable and unnecessary tasks.ConclusionHealthcare institutions increasingly depend on temporary nurses to fill staffing vacancies. Our data suggest that the deployment of temporary nurses may have adverse effects on permanent nurses' affective organizational commitment via perceptions of illegitimate tasks.ImpactOur quantitative survey study provides a novel, theory‐driven understanding of how perceived exposure to temporary nurses may impact work‐related attitudes of permanent nurses.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareOur findings suggest that the clinical community should limit permanent nurses' exposure to temporary nursing staff to protect their commitment. If this is not possible, we encourage strategies to counteract associated feelings of illegitimacy, for example, by showing appreciation for permanent nurses' willingness to take over responsibility for temporary nurses.Reporting MethodThe study adheres to the STROBE reporting guidelines for cross‐sectional studies.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Long‐term outcomes of cardioneuroablation with and without extra‐cardiac vagal stimulation confirmation in severe cardioinhibitory neurocardiogenic syncope
Authors: Pachon‐M Jose Carlos , Pachon‐M Enrique I. , Pachon Carlos T. C. , Santillana‐P Tomas G. , Lobo Tasso J. , Pachon‐M Juan C. , Higuti Christian , Zerpa‐A Juan C. , Pachon Maria Zelia C. , Ortencio Felipe A. , Osorio Thiago G. , Peixoto Luis A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundCardioneuroablation (CNA) is a novel therapeutic approach for functional bradyarrhythmias, specifically neurocardiogenic syncope or atrial fibrillation, achieved through endocardial radiofrequency catheter ablation of vagal innervation, obviating the need for pacemaker implantation. Originating in the nineties, the first series of CNA procedures was published in 2005. Extra‐cardiac vagal stimulation (ECVS) is employed as a direct method for stepwise denervation control during CNA.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the long‐term follow‐up outcomes of patients with severe cardioinhibitory syncope undergoing CNA with and without denervation confirmation via ECVS.MethodA cohort of 48 patients, predominantly female (56.3%), suffering from recurrent syncope (5.1 ± 2.5 episodes annually) that remained unresponsive to clinical and pharmacological interventions, underwent CNA, divided into two groups: ECVS and NoECVS, consisting of 34 and 14 cases, respectively. ECVS procedures were conducted with and without atrial pacing.ResultsDemographic characteristics, left atrial size, and ejection fraction displayed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Follow‐up duration was comparable, with 29.1 ± 15 months for the ECVS group and 31.9 ± 20 months for the NoECVS group (p = .24). Notably, syncope recurrence was significantly lower in the ECVS group (two cases vs. four cases, Log Rank p = .04). Moreover, the Hazard ratio revealed a fivefold higher risk of syncope recurrence in the NoECVS group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that concluding CNA with denervation confirmation via ECVS yields a higher success rate and a substantially reduced risk of syncope recurrence compared to procedures without ECVS confirmation.
Drugs, delirium, and ethics at the end of life
Authors: Thomas Columba , Alici Yesne , Breitbart William , Bruera Eduardo , Blackler Liz , Sulmasy Daniel P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFor older persons with delirium at the end of life, treatment involves complex trade‐offs and highly value‐sensitive decisions. The principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice establish important parameters but lack the structure necessary to guide clinicians in the optimal management of these patients. We propose a set of ethical rules to guide therapeutics—the canons of therapy—as a toolset to help clinicians deliberate about the competing concerns involved in the management of older patients with delirium at the end of life. These canons are standards of judgment that reflect how many experienced clinicians already intuitively practice, but which are helpful to articulate and apply as basic building blocks for a relatively neglected but emerging ethics of therapy. The canons of therapy most pertinent to the care of patients with delirium at the end of life are as follows: (1) restoration, which counsels that the goal of all treatment is to restore the patient, as much as possible, to homeostatic equilibrium; (2) means‐end proportionality, which holds that every treatment should be well‐fitted to the intended goal or end; (3) discretion, which counsels that an awareness of the limits of medical knowledge and practice should guide all treatment decisions; and (4) parsimony, which maintains that only as much therapeutic force as is necessary should be used to achieve the therapeutic goal. Carefully weighed and applied, these canons of therapy may provide the ethical structure needed to help clinicians optimally navigate complex cases.
Neurobiological mechanisms of electroconvulsive therapy for depression: Insights into hippocampal volumetric increases from clinical and preclinical studies
Authors: Abe Yoshifumi , Erchinger Vera J. , Ousdal Olga Therese , Oltedal Leif , Tanaka Kenji F. , Takamiya Akihiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDepression is a highly prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorder. The hippocampus, which plays a central role in mood regulation and memory, has received considerable attention in depression research. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for severe pharmacotherapy‐resistant depression. Although the working mechanism of ECT remains unclear, recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have consistently reported increased hippocampal volumes following ECT. The clinical implications of these volumetric increases and the specific cellular and molecular significance are not yet fully understood. This narrative review brings together evidence from animal models and human studies to provide a detailed examination of hippocampal volumetric increases following ECT. In particular, our preclinical MRI research using a mouse model is consistent with human findings, demonstrating a marked increase in hippocampal volume following ECT. Notable changes were observed in the ventral hippocampal CA1 region, including dendritic growth and increased synaptic density at excitatory synapses. Interestingly, inhibition of neurogenesis did not affect the ECT‐related hippocampal volumetric increases detected on MRI. However, it remains unclear whether these histological and volumetric changes would be correlated with the clinical effect of ECT. Hence, future research on the relationships between cellular changes, ECT‐related brain volumetric changes, and antidepressant effect could benefit from a bidirectional translational approach that integrates human and animal models. Such translational research may provide important insights into the mechanisms and potential biomarkers associated with ECT‐induced hippocampal volumetric changes, thereby advancing our understanding of ECT for the treatment of depression.image
‘It's very values driven’: A qualitative systematic review of the meaning of compassion according to healthcare professionals
Authors: Marshman Cameron , Allen Jacqui , Ling Debbie , Brand Gabrielle 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo explore the meaning ascribed to the concept of compassion by healthcare professionals.BackgroundCompassion is universally regarded as the foundation of healthcare, a core value of healthcare organisations, and essential to the provision of quality care. Despite increasing research on compassion in healthcare, how healthcare professionals understand compassion remains unclear.DesignA systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted and is reported following PRISMA guidelines.MethodMedline, Emcare, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched to November 2021 for qualitative studies in English that explored healthcare professionals' understandings of compassion. Included studies were appraised for quality before data were extracted and thematically analysed.FindingsSeventeen papers met the inclusion criteria. An overarching theme, ‘It's very values driven’ underpins the four main themes identified: (1) ‘It's about people and working with them’: Compassion as being human, (2) ‘There is this feeling’: Compassion as being present, (3) ‘If I don't understand them, I won't be able to help’: Compassion as understanding, (4) ‘Wanting to help in some way’: Compassion as action.ConclusionsHealthcare professional participants reported compassion as motivated by values and inherent to humanistic healthcare practice. The meanings healthcare professions described were varied and contextual. Qualitative research should further explore healthcare practitioners' experiences of compassion as part of their practice to inform health professions education, policy, and practice.Relevance to Clinical PracticeTo practice with compassion, healthcare professionals require supportive and humanistic organisations that honour each person's humanity and encourage people to be human and compassionate to each other as well as to patients, their families and/or carers.Healthcare professionals need to reflect on what compassion means to them, how it is situated within their unique practice context, and how compassion can enhance clinical practice.No Patient or Public ContributionThis systematic review had no patient or public contribution.
Comparison of force profiles from two musculoskeletal palpation methods: A methodological study
Authors: Pillai Rajath Sasidharan , Kothari Simple Futarmal , Svensson Peter , Castrillon Eduardo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol recommends a 5 s and 1 kg force dynamic palpation around the lateral condylar pole of the temporomandibular joint. However, the accuracy and precision of the generated force are not known.ObjectiveTo assess and compare the force profiles generated from dynamic palpation manually and using a palpometer, based on the forces and time recommendations suggested by the DC/TMD protocol.MethodsNineteen healthy adults applied forces of 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg and 2.0 kg on a calibrated force sensor in a circular motion within target times of 2 s and 5 s. Participants used their right index finger for manual palpation and a calibrated palpometer for device‐assisted palpation. Ten repetitions of each target force at both target times were applied. Time taken to complete each application was recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for analysis of accuracy measured as the relative difference between targeted force and actual force values and precision measured as the coefficient of variation (CV) within the 10 repeated measurements.ResultsAccuracy was significantly lower (better) and precision higher (lower CV) with the palpometer than with manual palpation (p < .001). There were significant differences in accuracy and precision between the different forces but not palpation times. Most participants could not achieve the target times and tended to be faster, irrespective of the palpation method (p > .063).ConclusionA palpometer is a more accurate and precise palpation method for dynamic force assessment compared to manual palpation; however, it remains difficult to standardize the palpation duration.
Substance Use Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment in Urban Settings: Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation With Minoritized Youth
Authors: Fisher Sycarah , Benner Kalea , Huang Hannah , Day Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSubstance use in minoritized youth is associated with negative long‐term health and life outcomes. The present study explores perspectives of school stakeholders at urban minority‐serving schools regarding integration of an evidence‐based intervention, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) into existing school prevention models.MethodsTwenty‐two participants were interviewed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to identify barriers and facilitators to SBIRT implementation. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.ResultsFour major themes related to barriers to SBIRT implementation included: lack of training, unclear role expectations, student confidentiality, and punitive school climates. The 3 major facilitators included: the feasibility of the intervention, its fit within multi‐tiered systems of support, and the districts increasing collaboration with community mental health providers. These major themes along with other minor themes are discussed.Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and EquitySBIRT implementation within low‐income, minority‐serving schools may reduce substance use disparities among minoritized youth, improving health and life outcomes. Recommendations addressed training, school climate, and student engagement, highlighting a collaborative and supportive approach involving all stakeholders.ConclusionsWhile SBIRT implementation has barriers and facilitators, overall, school staff were optimistic about implementation. In light of these findings, additional research should embed SBIRT in these settings.
Unravelling the mystery of endemic versus translocated populations of the endangered Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri)
Authors: Biello Roberto , Ghirotto Silvia , Schmidt Daniel J. , Fuselli Silvia , Roberts David T. , Espinoza Tom , Hughes Jane M. , Bertorelle Giorgio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Australian lungfish is a primitive and endangered representative of the subclass Dipnoi. The distribution of this species is limited to south‐east Queensland, with some populations considered endemic and others possibly descending from translocations in the late nineteenth century shortly after European discovery. Attempts to resolve the historical distribution of this species have met with conflicting results based on descriptive genetic studies. Understanding if all populations are endemic or some are the result of, or influenced by, translocation events, has implications for conservation management. In this work, we analysed the genetic variation at three types of markers (mtDNA genomes, 11 STRs and 5196 nuclear SNPs) using the approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) algorithm to compare several demographic models. We postulated different contributions of Mary River and Burnett River gene pools into the Brisbane River and North Pine River populations, related to documented translocation events. We ran the analysis for each marker type separately, and we also estimated the posterior probabilities of the models combining the markers. Nuclear SNPs have the highest power to correctly identify the true model among the simulated datasets (where the model was known), but different marker types typically provided similar answers. The most supported demographic model able to explain the real dataset implies that an endemic gene pool is still present in the Brisbane and North Pine Rivers and coexists with the gene pools derived from past documented translocation events. These results support the view that ABC modelling can be useful to reconstruct complex historical translocation events with contemporary implications, and will inform ongoing conservation efforts for the endangered and iconic Australian lungfish.
Retinal vascular dynamics: A window for observing an irregular heartbeat. A case report
Authors: Heitmar Rebekka , Kirchhoff Paulus , Blann Andrew , Kotliar Konstantin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to characterize several aspects of retinal vascular dynamics in a patient with arrythmia in order to elicit additional diagnostic information on microvascular dysfunction.MethodsA 68‐year‐old male patient with arrythmia and an age‐ and gender‐matched control subject underwent ocular examination including dynamic retinal vessel assessment with flicker light provocation. Retinal vessel diameters were measured continuously following a standard protocol (IMEDOS Systems, Jena, Germany). The data were evaluated using methods of signal analysis.ResultsRetinal vessel response following flicker provocation as well as local structural and functional behavior of retinal vessels were comparable between both individuals. The arrhythmia case demonstrated irregular arterial and venous heart rate (HR) pulsation with an average frequency of 1 Hz. Moreover, the case showed a higher magnitude and larger periods of low‐frequency retinal vessel oscillations as well as lower periodicity of both HR pulsations and low‐frequency vasomotions.ConclusionsBesides numerical examination of irregular HR pulsations in case of arrhythmia, from the direct noninvasive assessment of retinal vessel dynamics one can derive more detailed information on microvascular function including the whole spectrum of retinal arterial and venous pulsations and vasomotions. This may have implications for health screening not limited to atrial fibrillation.