bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of alcohol‐based hand sanitiser and hand washing with soap and water on bacterial skin microbiota composition
Authors: Vindenes Hilde Kristin , Drengenes Christine , Amin Hesham , Bertelsen Randi Jacobsen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of alcohol‐based hand sanitiser (ABHS) and hand washing with soap and water increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the immediate impact (<1 h) of hand hygiene measures on sampling and profiling of the bacterial skin microbiota.MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from the dorsal hand and inner elbow from five volunteers before and after application of ABHS and before and after washing hands with soap and water. Bacterial composition was determined by MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.ResultsBacterial composition on the hands was similar before and after application of hand sanitiser, with Streptococcus spp. (19.3%–18.4%), Propionibacterium spp. (11.7%–11.9%), Corynebacterium spp. (11.2%–11.3%) and Staphylococcus spp. (7.8%–7.4%) as the most prevalent genera. The relative abundance of bacteria changed after hand washing with soap and water for Streptococcus spp. (15.7%–9.2%), Propionibacterium spp. (12.1%–8.3%), Staphylococcus spp. (8.2%–5.2%) and Lactobacillus spp. (7.1%–2.9%). For alpha diversity, the number of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) on the hand was lower after washing with soap and water: mean: 94.6 (SD: 12.3) versus before: 165.5 (SD: 12.7), p = 0.003. The ASV richness did not differ before and after hand sanitiser application (p = 0.2 for both hand and inner elbow). The Faith PD index was lower after washing with soap and water: mean: 6.6 (SD: 0.41) compared to before (9.5 [SD: 0.52]), p = 0.002, but no change was seen for application of hand sanitiser on hand (p = 0.3) or elbow (p = 0.5).ConclusionsSkin microbiome diversity did not differ before and after hand sanitiser application but was lower after washing with soap and water, perhaps due to the mechanical removal of bacteria during hand washing. Both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria were affected, with the largest impact on the Gram‐negative bacteria.
Modulated Fibrosis and Mechanosensing of Fibroblasts by SB525334 in Pediatric Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Ali Akbari Ghavimi Soheila , Aronson Matthew R. , Ghaderi Daniel D. , Friedman Ryan M. , Patel Neil , Giordano Terri , Borek Ryan C. , Devine Conor M. , Han Lin , Jacobs Ian N. , Gottardi Riccardo 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveSubglottic stenosis (SGS) may result from prolonged intubation where fibrotic scar tissue narrows the airway. The scar forms by differentiated myofibroblasts secreting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM). TGF‐β1 is widely accepted as a regulator of fibrosis; however, it is unclear how biomechanical pathways co‐regulate fibrosis. Therefore, we phenotyped fibroblasts from pediatric patients with SGS to explore how key signaling pathways, TGF‐β and Hippo, impact scarring and assess the impact of inhibiting these pathways with potential therapeutic small molecules SB525334 and DRD1 agonist dihydrexidine hydrochloride (DHX).MethodsLaryngeal fibroblasts isolated from subglottic as well as distal control biopsies of patients with evolving and maturing subglottic stenosis were assessed by α‐smooth muscle actin immunostaining and gene expression for α‐SMA, FN, HGF, and CTGF markers. TGF‐β and Hippo signaling pathways were modulated during TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis using the inhibitor SB525334 or DHX and analyzed by RT‐qPCR for differential gene expression and atomic force microscopy for ECM stiffness.ResultsSGS fibroblasts exhibited higher α‐SMA staining and greater inflammatory cytokine and fibrotic marker expression upon TGF‐β1 stimulation (p < 0.05). SB525334 restored levels to baseline by reducing SMAD2/3 nuclear translocation (p < 0.0001) and pro‐fibrotic gene expression (p < 0.05). ECM stiffness of stenotic fibroblasts was greater than healthy fibroblasts and was restored to baseline by Hippo pathway modulation using SB525334 and DHX (p < 0.01).ConclusionWe demonstrate that distinct fibroblast phenotypes from diseased and healthy regions of pediatric SGS patients respond differently to TGF‐β1 stimulation, and SB525334 has the superior potential for subglottic stenosis treatment by simultaneously modulating TGF‐β and Hippo signaling pathways.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:287–296, 2024
Voice Improvement After Essential Tremor Treatment via Focused Ultrasound and Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Larner Peter , Jonas Rachel , Gutierrez Claudia N. , McGarey Patrick , Lott Joanna , Moosa Shayan , Elias W. Jeffrey , Daniero James 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to determine whether two neurosurgical procedures, deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS), to treat essential tremor (ET) of the upper limb also reduce vocal tremor (VT) in patients with comorbid dysphonia.MethodsTwelve patients with ET and concomitant VT scheduled for neurosurgical intervention (FUS or DBS) or returning for follow‐up after DBS implantation were assessed. FUS patients were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention and DBS patients were assessed with the electrodes turned on and off post‐implantation. Three voice recordings of a sustained /a/ were obtained for each participant condition. Percent fundamental frequency variability (FFV) was calculated for each recorded sustained vowel. Additionally, blinded expert perceptual VT rating (VTR) was performed to assess subjective changes in tremors.ResultsOf the 12 patients, seven underwent unilateral FUS, and five underwent bilateral DBS. Mean FFV without neurosurgical intervention was 18.3%, SD = 7.8 and with neurosurgical intervention was 6.3%, SD = 3.0 (t (70) =8.7, p < 0.001). Mean FFV decreased in the FUS cohort from 22.0%, SD = 7.1 pre‐ablation to 6.7%, SD = 2.4 post‐ablation (t (40) = 7.7, p < 0.001). Mean FFV also decreased in the DBS cohort from 15.7%, SD = 7.0 to 6.0%, SD = 3.3 when stimulation was turned on (t (28)=5.7 p < 0.001). In the FUS group, mean VTR decreased from 4.0 to 1.4 post‐ablation (Z = 7.8, p < 0.001). In the DBS group, mean VTR decreased from 3.3 to 2.1 with stimulation (Z = 4.1, p < 0.001).ConclusionNeurosurgical interventions for ET (bilateral DBS and unilateral FUS) demonstrate acoustic and perceptual benefits for VT.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:367–373, 2024
Contrasting trends in water quality between adjacent ocean‐ and river‐dominated estuaries: Evidence for marsh porewaters as a source of nutrient enrichment?
Authors: Dunn Robert P. , Krask Julie L. , Pinckney James L. , Smith Erik M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDegradation of estuarine water quality during the Anthropocene has largely resulted from discharges of nutrients leading to eutrophication. Recently, upstream management practices have led to comparatively reduced nutrient input into estuaries. Concurrently, climate cycles and impacts associated with anthropogenic climate warming can affect the long‐term conditions observed within estuaries. Using long‐term monitoring data from adjacent southeastern U.S. estuaries, we show that decadal‐scale trends in nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton standing stock differ between the two connected systems. These contrasting trends appear to result from differences in oceanic influence, the extent of adjacent vegetated marsh, watershed size, and upstream degradation. In the minimally impacted, ocean‐dominated North Inlet estuary, we document increasing ammonium and chlorophyll a (Chl a), while in the adjacent, river‐dominated Winyah Bay, ammonium, and Chl a concentrations are more variable but do not appear to have increased over the same time period. Surprisingly, total nitrogen exhibits the opposite pattern: temporal stability in North Inlet but increasing in Winyah Bay. We hypothesize that sea level rise associated with climate change has driven a complex set of interactions between salt marsh porewaters and tidal pumping, leading to the spillover of nutrients from salt marshes into tidal creeks in North Inlet. In Winyah Bay, this mechanism is less evident as a driver of ammonium concentrations, likely due to the outsized effect of watershed nutrient input and the narrow fringing marsh platform. The degree to which this mechanism operates in other estuaries, which vary in tidal range, the extent of vegetated marsh, watershed size, and degree of anthropogenic degradation warrants further study.
Dosimetric characterization of a rotating anode x‐ray tube for FLASH radiotherapy research
Authors: Miles Devin , Sforza Daniel , Wong John , Rezaee Mohammad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurposeMost current research toward ultra‐high dose rate (FLASH) radiation is conducted with advanced proton and electron accelerators, which are of limited accessibility to basic laboratory research. An economical alternative to charged particle accelerators is to employ high‐capacity rotating anode x‐ray tubes to produce kilovoltage x‐rays at FLASH dose rates at short source‐to‐surface distances (SSD). This work describes a comprehensive dosimetric evaluation of a rotating anode x‐ray tube for potential application in laboratory FLASH study.Methods and materialsA commercially available high‐capacity fluoroscopy x‐ray tube with 75 kW input power was implemented as a potential FLASH irradiator. Radiochromic EBT3 film and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to investigate the effects of SSD and field size on dose rates and depth‐dose characteristics in kV‐compatible solid water phantoms. Custom 3D printed accessories were developed to enable reproducible phantom setup at very short SSD. Open and collimated radiation fields were assessed.ResultsDespite the lower x‐ray energy and short SSD used, FLASH dose rates above 40 Gy/s were achieved for targets up to 10‐mm depth in solid water. Maximum surface dose rates of 96 Gy/s were measured in the open field at 47 mm SSD. A non‐uniform high‐to‐low dose gradient was observed in the planar dose distribution, characteristic of anode heel effects. With added collimation, beams up to 10‐mm diameter with reasonable uniformity can be produced. Typical 80%–20% penumbra in the collimated x‐ray FLASH beams were less than 1 mm at 5‐mm depth in phantom. Ramp‐up times at the maximum input current were less than 1 ms.ConclusionOur dosimetric characterization demonstrates that rotating anode x‐ray tube technology is capable of producing radiation beams in support of preclinical FLASH radiobiology research.
Characterization of renal fibrosis in rats with chronic kidney disease by in vivo tomoelastography
Authors: Krehl Karolina , Hahndorf Julia , Stolzenburg Nicola , Taupitz Matthias , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf , Schnorr Jörg , Guo Jing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by structural changes, such as tubular atrophy, renal fibrosis, and glomerulosclerosis, all of which affect the viscoelastic properties of biological tissues. However, detection of renal viscoelasticity changes because diagnostic markers by in vivo elastography lack histopathological validation through animal models.Therefore, we investigated in vivo multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp‐MRI), including multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography‐based tomoelastography, in the kidneys of 10 rats with adenine‐induced CKD and eight healthy controls. Kidney volume (in mm3), water diffusivity (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] in mm2/s), shear wave speed (SWS; in m/s; related to stiffness), and wave penetration rate (PR; in m/s; related to inverse viscosity) were quantified by mp‐MRI and correlated with histopathologically determined renal fibrosis (collagen area fraction [CAF]; in %). Kidney volume (40% ± 29%, p = 0.009), SWS (11% ± 12%, p = 0.016), and PR (20% ± 15%, p = 0.004) were significantly increased in CKD, which was accompanied by ADC (−24% ± 27%, p = 0.02). SWS, PR, and ADC were correlated with CAF with R = 0.63, 0.75, and −0.5 (all p < 0.05), respectively. In the CKD rats, histopathology showed tubule dilation due to adenine crystal deposition. Collectively, our results suggest that collagen accumulation during CKD progression transforms soft‐compliant renal tissue into a more rigid‐solid state with reduced water mobility. We hypothesized that tubule dilation—a specific feature of our model—might lead to higher intraluminal pressure, which could also contribute to elevated renal stiffness. Tomoelastography is a promising tool for noninvasively assessing disease progression, detecting biomechanical properties that are sensitive to different pathologic features of CKD.
Registered Nurses' and nursing students' perspectives on moral distress and its effects: A mixed‐methods systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Watts Tessa , Sydor Anna , Whybrow Dean , Temeng Eunice , Hewitt Rachael , Pattinson Rachael , Bundy Christine , Kyle Richard G. , Jones Bethan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimTo examine Registered Nurses (RNs') and nursing students' perspectives on factors contributing to moral distress and the effects on their health, well‐being and professional and career intentions.DesignJoanna Briggs Institute mixed‐methods systematic review and thematic synthesis. Registered in Prospero (Redacted).MethodsFive databases were searched on 5 May 2021 for studies published in English since January 2010. Methodological quality assessment was conducted in parallel with data extraction.ResultsSearches yielded 2343 hits. Seventy‐seven articles were included. Most were correlational design and used convenience sampling. Studies were mainly from North America and Asia and situated in intensive and critical care settings. There were common, consistent sources of moral distress across continents, specialities and settings. Factors related to perceived inability or failure to enact moral agency and responsibility in moral events at individual, team and structural levels generated distress. Moral distress had a negative effect on RNs health and psychological well‐being.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution to this systematic review.
Physiological responses and behavioural organization of very low birth weight infants during swaddled versus traditional weighing
Authors: Vicente‐Perez Silvia , Robleda Gemma , Gich Ignasi , Nolla Tania , Ponce‐Taylor Jaume , Verd Sergio , Ginovart Gemma 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimDespite the consequences of neonatal distress and agitation, preterm infants undergo stress owing to weighing procedures. The objective of this study was to enable very low birth weight infants to maintain adequate self‐regulation during weighing.DesignThis prospective crossover study utilizes a within‐subjects design, where intervention days were compared to control days.MethodInfants were exposed to both swaddled and unswaddled weighing in an intensive care nursery setting. Nineteen very low birth weight infants were weighed on two consecutive days. Variables of heart rate, respiratory rate and ALPS‐Neo score were recorded.ResultsStress score decreased significantly from 1.65 (pre‐weight) to 0.23 (weight measurement) in swaddled‐intervention periods; conversely, it increased significantly from 1.26 (pre‐weight) to 4.97 (weight measurement) in control periods. During weight measurement, heart and respiratory rate were significantly lower for swaddled‐intervention days when compared to control days. Given the significant impact of swaddled weighing in reducing stress, this method can be used as an appropriate weighing procedure in intensive care. This research has no patient or public contribution.
Refining and psychometric evaluation of the falling risk assessment tool in ophthalmology inpatients
Authors: Li Muling , Li Chunmei , Huang Qinghui , Zhou Hongzhen , Xie Ling , Chen Fangni , Lin Shaoqin , Yang Juan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to refine the Falling Risk Assessment Tool in Ophthalmology Inpatients (FRAT) and assess its psychometric properties.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsA convenience sample of 730 patients in the ophthalmology department was recruited in a level A tertiary hospital in Guangdong Province from July 2021 to January 2022. Data were analysed using item analysis, interrater reliability, content validation, internal consistency reliability and exploratory factor analysis.ResultsFive factors were extracted, accounting for 63.039% of the variance. The interrater reliability of the tool was 0.97. Cronbach's α was 0.658. The I‐CVI was 0.75–1.00, the S‐CVI/UA was 0.95 and the adjusted mean values of Kappa for indicators ranged from 0.72 to 1.00, as evaluated by the expert group. The FRAT showed satisfactory reliability and validity, and can be used to measure the fall risk assessment in ophthalmology inpatients.Patient or Public ContributionAfter explaining the purpose, the patients received our fall risk assessment and answered the corresponding questionnaire questions.
Investigation on mechanical, gas barrier, and biodegradation properties of graphene oxide reinforced bovine trimmings derived collagen biocomposite
Authors: Paul Adhir Chandra , Uddin Md. Elias , Layek Rama Kanta , Saha Tomas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNow‐a‐days, let out a huge number of bovine trimmings based solid waste from tanneries has caused significant environmental concerns. To overcome this problem, this study emphasizes on bovine trimmings derived collagen based high‐performance composite with graphene oxide (Col‐GO) by using solvent evaporation method. The Col‐GO composite film formation was governed by plasticization with glycerol, crosslinking reaction of collagen chain; and H‐bonding interaction between GO and collagen functional groups. The Col‐GO composite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. FTIR and TGA results indicate that interfacial H‐bonding interaction between GO with collagen, and thermal stability of Col‐GO composites film. Contact angle results indicate that hydrophobicity of Col‐GO films was significantly enhanced compared to pure collagen film. The SEM analysis results indicate the homogeneous integration of GO in the Col‐GO composite film. The composite film exhibits improvement in tensile strength and Young's modulus (YM) by 45% and 33% respectively. The water and gas barrier properties of the composite film improved by 47.4%, 66.57%, and 87.34%, respectively compared to pure collagen film. The Col‐GO composite film showed excellent biodegradation in the soil burial test, degrading 79.47% in 42 days. The potential of the biodegraded Col‐GO composite sample as a biofertilizer has been investigated by cultivating Spinacia oleracea seeds. The Col‐GO composite film might be a very promising bio‐compostable flexible and sustainable packaging film alternative to plastic packaging made from oil.
Preparation of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐grafted chitosan‐montmorillonite superabsorbent nanocomposite for adsorption of bovine serum albumin
Authors: Öztürk Simge , Demir Nalan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we examined adsorption process of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on [p(HEMA)‐g‐CTS]/MMT ([poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐graft‐chitosan]/montmorillonite) superabsorbent nanocomposite. [p(HEMA)‐g‐CTS]/MMT superabsorbent nanocomposite was synthesized via free radical polymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques, and also swelling test have been utilized for the structural characterization of the synthesized [p(HEMA)‐g‐CTS]/MMT superabsorbent nanocomposite. The influence of numerious adsorption parameters (initial BSA concentration, contact time, pH, sorbent amount, temperature, and ionic strength) on adsorption process were evaluated. Adsorption results showed that the superabsorbent nanocomposite had high affinity to BSA, and maximum adsorption capacity of [p(HEMA)‐g‐CTS]/MMT superabsorbent nanocomposite is 75.8 mg/g. The BSA adsorption results showed that the adsorption kinetics parameters was found to be suitable for the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic adsorption model and the equilibrium BSA adsorption data were explicated according to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model.
Return visit rates after an emergency department discharge for children with sickle cell pain episodes
Authors: Coleman Keli D. , McKinley Kenneth , Ellison Angela M. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Hariharan Selena , Topoz Irina , Wurtz Morgan , Nielsen Blake , Cook Lawrence J. , Morris Claudia R. , Brandow Amanda M. , Campbell Andrew D. , Liem Robert I. , Nuss Rachelle , Quinn Charles T. , Thompson Alexis A. , Villella Anthony , King Allison A. , Baumann Ana , Frankenberger Warren , Brousseau David C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigh return visit rates after hospitalization for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) have been previously established. Due to a lack of multicenter emergency department (ED) return visit rate data, the return visit rate following ED discharge for pediatric SCD pain treatment is currently unknown.ProcedureA seven‐site retrospective cohort study of discharged ED visits for pain by children with SCD was conducted using the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Registry. Visits between January 2017 and November 2021 were identified using previously validated criteria. The primary outcome was the 14‐day return visit rate, with 3‐ and 7‐day rates also calculated. Modified Poisson regression was used to analyze associations for age, sex, initial hospitalization rate, and a visit during the COVID‐19 pandemic with return visit rates.ResultsOf 2548 eligible ED visits, approximately 52% were patients less than 12 years old, 50% were female, and over 95% were non‐Hispanic Black. The overall 14‐day return visit rate was 29.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.4%–30.9%; site range 22.7%–31.7%); the 7‐ and 3‐day return visit rates were 23.0% (95% CI: 21.3%–24.6%) and 16.7% (95% CI: 15.3%–18.2%), respectively. Younger children had slightly lower 14‐day return visit rates (27.3% vs. 31.1%); there were no associations for site hospitalization rate, sex, and a visit occurring during the pandemic with 14‐day returns.ConclusionNearly 30% of ED discharged visits after SCD pain treatment had a return visit within 14 days. Increased efforts are needed to identify causes for high ED return visit rates and ensure optimal ED and post‐ED care.