Digital physical activity intervention via the Kidney BEAM platform in patients with polycystic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In people living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), physical inactivity may contribute to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To date, no research has elucidated the impact of a PKD-specific physical activity programme on HRQoL and physical health. This substudy of the Kidney BEAM Trial evaluated the impact of a PKD-specific 12-week educational and physical activity digital health intervention for people living with PKD.

Leveraging Agents of Change to Improve the Use of an Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring System.

Objective: We evaluated the effectiveness of an "agents of change" intervention in enhancing hand hygiene compliance (HHC) with an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system (EHHMS), and improving perceptions of the EHHMS among healthcare workers.

Intervention: Two intervention units and one control unit were selected. Thirteen agents received training, then worked independently on the intervention units to improve their colleagues' perceptions and behaviors toward the EHHMS.

In-cell structure and snapshots of copia retrotransposons in intact tissue by cryo-ET.

Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons belong to the transposable elements (TEs), autonomously replicating genetic elements that integrate into the host's genome. Among animals, Drosophila melanogaster serves as an important model organism for TE research and contains several LTR retrotransposons, including the Ty1-copia family, which is evolutionarily related to retroviruses and forms virus-like particles (VLPs). In this study, we use cryo-focused ion beam (FIB) milling and lift-out approaches to visualize copia VLPs in ovarian cells and intact egg chambers, resolving the in situ copia capsid structure to 7.

Field evaluation of the Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan Rapid Diagnostic Test: Causes of Microscopy Discordance and Performance in Uganda.

Background: Histidine Rich Protein 2 (HRP2)/pan-Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) combination Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) may address the shortcomings of RDTs that detect HRP2 alone. However, the relative contribution of the possible causes of discordant results (RDT-negative and microscopy-positive) and performance in field settings are poorly quantified.

Methods: This study utilized samples from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 32 districts at 64 sites across Uganda between November 2021 and March 2023 that enrolled 6354 febrile participants ≥ two years of age.

The conserved HIV-1 spacer peptide 2 triggers matrix lattice maturation.

The virus particles of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are released in an immature, non-infectious form. Proteolytic cleavage of the main structural polyprotein Gag into functional domains induces rearrangement into mature, infectious virions. In immature virus particles, the Gag membrane-binding domain, MA, forms a hexameric protein lattice that undergoes structural transition, following cleavage, into a distinct, mature MA lattice.

Performance of Molecular Inversion Probe DR23K and Paragon MAD4HatTeR Amplicon Sequencing Panels for Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Mutations Associated with Antimalarial Drug Resistance.

Background: Molecular surveillance of drug-resistant is crucial for malaria control in endemic regions. Two targeted-resequencing tools, the Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) drug resistance panel DR23K and the Multiplexed Amplicons for Drugs, Diagnostics, Diversity, and Differentiation using High-Throughput Targeted Resequencing (MADHatTeR) panel, are widely used to detect resistance genotypes. However, comparisons of their performance for genotyping drug resistance polymorphisms in malaria parasites and their comparative utility for other use cases is lacking.

Glucokinase activity controls peripherally located subpopulations of β-cells that lead islet Ca oscillations.

Oscillations in insulin secretion, driven by islet Ca waves, are crucial for glycemic control. Prior studies, performed with single-plane imaging, suggest that subpopulations of electrically coupled β-cells have privileged roles in leading and coordinating the propagation of Ca waves. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) light-sheet imaging to analyze the location and Ca activity of single β-cells within the entire islet at >2 Hz.

Anti-Ebola virus mAb 3A6 protects highly viremic animals from fatal outcome via binding GP in a position elevated from the virion membrane.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP) are the standard of care for Ebola virus disease (EVD). Anti-GP mAbs targeting the stalk and membrane proximal external region (MPER) potently neutralize EBOV in vitro and are protective in a mouse model of EVD. However, their neutralization mechanism is poorly understood because they target a GP epitope that has evaded structural characterization.

Using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score to predict length of stay across all adult ages.

Background: Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) has recently been used to predict adverse health outcomes including length of stay (LOS) in hospital. LOS is an important indicator for patient quality of care, the measurement of hospital performance, efficiency and costs. Tools to predict LOS may enable earlier interventions in those identified at higher risk of a long stay.

Healthcare staff perceptions of an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system within a large university system.

Objective: The acceptability of an electronic HH monitoring system (EHHMS) was evaluated among hospital staff members.

Design: An electronic HH monitoring system was implemented in June 2020 at a large, academic medical center. An interdisciplinary team developed a cross-sectional survey to gather staff perceptions of the EHHMS.

A Robust and Sensitive New Peak Detection and Identification Method for Mass Spectrometry-Based Differential Analysis in Biologics Characterization.

New peak detection (NPD) is a significant component of the multiattribute method (MAM) for MS use to facilitate the detection of quality attributes exhibiting abnormal ratio changes, vanishing attributes, or newly emerging attributes. However, challenges remain to get a balanced sensitivity and minimize false positives in NPD. In this study, we have developed a robust NPD and identification method to enhance sensitivity 10-fold (0.

Management of Spontaneous Epidural Hematoma in the Setting of Vaso-occlusive Crisis Among Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Series and Scoping Literature Review.

Spontaneous epidural hematoma (EDH) is a rare sickle cell disease (SCD) complication. We report 3 pediatric cases with SCD and spontaneous EDH and 1 with subgaleal hematomas in the setting of vaso-occlusive crises and elaborate on their presentation and management. Through a scoping review, we identified 71 additional cases reported from 1970 to 2024 and highlighted notable features.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: A serial cross-sectional study.

Background: Understanding COVID-19's impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status.

Methods: Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave).

Exploring How the Kidney BEAM Physical Activity Digital Health Intervention Improved Mental Health-Related Quality of Life for People Living With Kidney Disease.

Introduction: The Kidney BEAM randomized controlled trial reported clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical function (sit-to-stand-60, but not the physical component of HRQoL) and patient activation after a 12-week physical activity digital health intervention (DHI). This study explores factors that contributed to the effectiveness of Kidney BEAM through mixed methods analyses.

Methods: Quantitative data analysis was obtained from the recently published primary manuscript.

Real-world clinical outcomes and economic burden of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a systematic review.

Aims: This systematic review summarizes real-world clinical outcomes and economic burden of first-line FOLFIRINOX (FFX)/modified FFX (mFFX) and nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (GnP) in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the US.

Methods: Embase and MEDLINE were searched for materials published since 2014; citations were reviewed in a two-step process. Included studies were qualitatively synthesized.

Transcriptional delineation of polysaccharide utilization loci in the human gut commensal DSM18205 and co-culture with exemplar species on dietary plant glycans.

Unlabelled: There is growing interest in members of the genus (family ) as members of a well-balanced human gut microbiota (HGM). are particularly associated with the consumption of a diet rich in plant polysaccharides comprising dietary fiber. However, understanding of the molecular basis of complex carbohydrate utilization in species is currently incomplete.

Resolving Spatiotemporal Electrical Signaling Within the Islet via CMOS Microelectrode Arrays.

Unlabelled: Glucose-stimulated β-cells exhibit synchronized calcium dynamics across the islet that recruit β-cells to enhance insulin secretion. Compared with calcium dynamics, the formation and cell-to-cell propagation of electrical signals within the islet are poorly characterized. To determine factors that influence the propagation of electrical activity across the islet underlying calcium oscillations and β-cell synchronization, we used high-resolution complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor multielectrode arrays (CMOS-MEA) to measure voltage changes associated with the membrane potential of individual cells within intact C57BL6 mouse islets.

The conserved HIV-1 spacer peptide 2 triggers matrix lattice maturation.

HIV-1 particles are released in an immature, non-infectious form. Proteolytic cleavage of the main structural polyprotein Gag into functional domains induces rearrangement into mature, infectious virions. In immature virus particles, the Gag membrane binding domain, MA, forms a hexameric protein lattice that undergoes structural transition upon cleavage into a distinct, mature MA lattice.

A physical model for M1-mediated influenza A virus assembly.

Influenza A virus particles assemble at the plasma membrane of infected cells. During assembly all components of the virus come together in a coordinated manner to deform the membrane into a protrusion eventually forming a new, membrane-enveloped virus. Here, we integrate recent molecular insights of this process, particularly concerning the structure of the matrix protein 1 (M1), within a theoretical framework describing the mechanics of virus assembly.

Virion morphology and on-virus spike protein structures of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased fitness has been accompanied by structural changes in the spike (S) proteins, which are the major target for the adaptive immune response. Single-particle cryo-EM analysis of soluble S protein from SARS-CoV-2 variants has revealed this structural adaptation at high resolution. The analysis of S trimers in situ on intact virions has the potential to provide more functionally relevant insights into S structure and virion morphology.

Kidney Beam-A Cost-Effective Digital Intervention to Improve Mental Health.

Introduction: There is inequity in the provision of physical rehabilitation services for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Kidney BEAM trial evaluated the clinical value and cost effectiveness of a physical activity digital health intervention (DHI) in CKD.

Methods: In a single-blind, 11 center, randomized controlled trial, 340 adult participants with CKD were randomly assigned to either the Kidney BEAM physical activity DHI or a waitlist control.

Prevent Acute Chest Syndrome checklist (PACScheck): A quality improvement initiative to reduce acute chest syndrome.

Background: Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). The Prevent Acute Chest Syndrome checklist (PACScheck) was created to drive appropriate ordering of opioids, incentive spirometry (IS), intravenous fluids (IVF), evaluation of oxygen desaturation, and bronchodilator use.

Objectives: Decrease the development of ACS by 5% in a hospitalized pediatric SCD population.

Retrospective quality review of Department of Transportation (DOT) commercial drivers medical examination forms.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of completion among both drivers and medical examiners in filling out Commercial Driver's (CD) Medical Examination Report Forms.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study of abstracted data from the year 2019. CD Medical Examination Report Forms, collected from a single nationally-based employer and initially reviewed by corporate medical directors, were evaluated by the study team for completeness of documentation provided by both drivers and medical examiners (MEs).