Tag: pubmed

Br Poult Sci. 2026 Jun 29:1-10. doi: 10.1080/00071668.2026.2686308. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

1. The primary aim of this study was to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of Ethiopian indigenous chickens and to estimate the economic weights of key performance traits. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to smallholder poultry farmers and subsequently analysed using R statistical software.2. Data were analysed using a bio-economic model integrating biological performance parameters with economic parameters to assess the profitability and efficiency of production systems. It was applied to a standardised flock of 100 indigenous chickens (IC) to evaluate economic performance across systems for egg number (EN), body weight (BW), age at first egg (AFE) and survival rate (SV).3. The study revealed that production in Shambu and Fincha districts was predominantly based on a free-range production system (FRS), whereas production in Shagar City was mainly a semi-intensive system (SIS). The FRS generated a total income of US$1,687.28, while the SIS produced a significantly higher return of US$9,082.85. In both production systems, feed costs accounted for the largest share of production expenses, 61.21% (US$2,709.41) in FRS and 62.94% (US$18,346.63) in SIS followed by fixed costs, which represented 24.04% (US$1,064.28) and 24.27% (US$1,632.88), respectively.4. The major sources of income in both systems were the sale of surplus grower females and cockerels. Specifically, revenues for FRS and SIS were US$46.15 and US$162.80 from eggs; US$2,254.63 and US$3,044.84 from surplus females; US$3,529.42 and US$5,348.27 from surplus cockerels; and US$226.54 and US$236.04 from culled breeding stock, respectively. Under SIS, a 1% improvement in performance through selection and management would increase profits by 6.35 from EN, 54.75 from BW, 20.67 from AFE and 145.42 US$.5. The results suggested that meat-oriented production from indigenous chickens generates higher economic returns than egg production under the two systems. However, economic weights derived from marginal profit and genetic variance, integrating both market values and biological performance indicators, assigned the highest priority to EN (36.46), followed by BW (34.37), AFE (23.91) and SV (5.26).

PMID:42372246 | DOI:10.1080/00071668.2026.2686308

JCO Oncol Pract. 2026 Jun 29:OP2600031. doi: 10.1200/OP-26-00031. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Febrile pediatric oncology patients with central lines are at high risk of sepsis. However, emerging evidence fails to support the historic 1-hour window for antibiotic administration in well-appearing patients, suggesting that providers may have more time to tailor antibiotic therapy in these patients. Before this quality improvement project, 92% of febrile oncology patients without severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] ≥500) in our pediatric emergency department (ED) received empiric intravenous cefepime. The aim of this study was to decrease this percentage to 60% by June 30, 2025.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary team implemented interventions using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, including clinical pathways and order set updates, tips for communicating with families, and a risk stratification tool. The outcome measure was the percentage of febrile oncology patients without severe neutropenia who received cefepime. Process measures included order set use, percentage of antibiotics ordered before ANC results were obtained, and the time to ANC result. Balancing measures included readmission of patients within 7 days, admission to the intensive care unit within 24 hours of ED discharge, and percentage of patients with antibiotics administered >3 hours after arrival.

RESULTS: There was an average of 7.9/month febrile oncology patients without severe neutropenia. Following the first PDSA cycle, cefepime use in patients without severe neutropenia decreased from 92% to 26.8%. Patients with antibiotics administered before ANC reporting decreased from 90% to 35.2%. Patients with IV antibiotics administered >3 hours from arrival increased from 2.3% to 29%. Remaining balancing measures did not statistically change.

CONCLUSION: Implementation of a new clinical pathway with order sets, adoption of a risk stratification tool, and patient and family involvement safely improved antibiotic stewardship for febrile oncology patients.

PMID:42372214 | DOI:10.1200/OP-26-00031

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2026 Jun 29:10499091261462816. doi: 10.1177/10499091261462816. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hospice has become an important component of End-of-life care in the United States. The use of hospice, however, remains subject to many forces, including the patient, providers, families and cultural beliefs. One consequence of these forces is significant variability of survival of patients in hospice. In a recent study, the authors reported a median survival of approximately 24 days after enrollment. However, a significant minority of patients survive for more than 180 days (the target set by CMS for the Medicare hospice benefit). We examine the factors contributing to the variability of hospice patient survival, including demographics, diagnoses, care setting, and patient drug prescriptions. We apply Cox proportional hazards models to assess the effect of covariates on time-to-event (in this case death in hospice). A high hazard ratio is associated with a shorter life expectancy. In addition to these factors we evaluated medication exposure variables. Medications are strongly associated with the mortality hazard: analgesic use is associated with a nearly three-fold higher hazard (HR = 2.977), and anxiolytic use with a roughly two-fold higher hazard (HR = 1.910) when compared with the group without any anxiolytic use. We provide a detailed understanding of medication use near the end of life that serve as an indicator that medication trajectories can serve as an additional indicator of symptom burden and individualized care planning.

PMID:42372182 | DOI:10.1177/10499091261462816

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026 Jul 7;123(27):e2606412123. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2606412123. Epub 2026 Jun 29.

ABSTRACT

Architected materials derive functionality from geometry, yet conventional unit cell-based design limits functional heterogeneity, geometric adaptability, and robustness to defects. Inspired by natural morphogenesis, we introduce RDGenCAD, a morphogenetic design framework that translates programmable growth rules into reaction-diffusion dynamics to generate self-organized, CAD-ready architectures. A database of 120,000 morphogenetic structures reveals statistically deterministic and continuous tunability of elastic properties across auxetic and conventional regimes, despite pronounced geometric irregularity. These architectures further exhibit emergent flaw insensitivity and crack deflection through stress compartmentalization, leading to synergistic gains in strength and toughness relative to regular lattices. By shifting architected material design from unit-cell tessellation to programmable morphogenetic growth, this work establishes self-organization as a generative principle for designing materials that are irregular yet predictable, heterogeneous yet “coherent,” and directly manufacturable.

PMID:42372167 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2606412123

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026 Jul 7;123(27):e2601775123. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2601775123. Epub 2026 Jun 29.

ABSTRACT

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is specialized for the high-throughput synthesis of short RNAs, a capability linked to its unique TFIIE- and TFIIF-like subcomplexes that are stably associated through different stages of transcription. To date, the role of a winged helix domain (WH2) of Rpc34 subunit in the TFIIE-like subcomplex during elongation has remained a conundrum because its density is consistently absent in cryo-EM structures of Pol III elongation complexes (ECs), suggesting its high conformational mobility. In this study, we employed single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and nano-positioning triangulation to characterize the dynamics and determine the position of the Rpc34-WH2 domain within transcription-competent but nontranslocating Pol III ECs. To achieve the required site-specific labeling, we developed a chemical biology framework that utilizes azido-carrying unnatural amino acid incorporation and a thiol-capping strategy to eliminate off-target alkyne-thiol cross-reactivity. With the acceptor at Rpc34-WH2 and the donor at a defined position on the DNA template as the reference point, our smFRET results reveal that Rpc34-WH2 dynamically transitions among three discrete states, corresponding to preferred positional sites in downstream, middle, and upstream regions across the DNA-binding cleft. One of these sites coincides with Rpc34-WH2’s position in the preinitiation complex, indicating positional similarity across transcriptional states. Together with prior Pol I and Pol II studies, these findings establish Rpc34-WH2 as a mobile regulatory element that engages the Pol III EC through transient, weak interactions. Additionally, the bio-orthogonal labeling strategy presented here provides a robust, generalizable route for smFRET studies of large, multisubunit protein assemblies.

PMID:42372135 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2601775123

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026 Jul 7;123(27):e2524283123. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2524283123. Epub 2026 Jun 29.

ABSTRACT

Estimating the number of insect species on Earth is a daunting challenge. The current consensus estimate-about six million species-is likely far too low, as we will show. Our estimate of the global number of insect species rests on a sample of more than 1,600,000 DNA-barcoded insect specimens representing 53,945 species from 15 “core” Malaise traps deployed in dry forest, cloud forest, and rainforest ecosystems of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in Costa Rica. Even this massive sample fails to reveal the full extent of ACG insect species richness. To estimate total ACG insect richness, we adjust the observed count of insect species by an “undersampling ratio,” computed for a hyperdiverse subfamily of parasitoid wasps (Braconidae: Microgastrinae). The ratio compares microgastrine richness from the core Malaise traps to a lower-bound estimate of true microgastrine richness-including undetected species-based on 21,669 specimens from three sources: the 15 core Malaise traps, 15 “peripheral” Malaise traps spanning all three ecosystems, and 11,373 DNA-barcoded specimens reared from some 1,500 species of microgastrine-parasitized caterpillars (Lepidoptera). To estimate global insect richness, we apply Earth/ACG ratios for tree species and several animal taxa to upscale our estimate of ACG insect richness (nearly 333,000 species). Adopting conservative assumptions, we reach an estimate of 14 to 20 million insect species on Earth, depending on the upscaling group-two to three times the current consensus estimates. Upscaling instead from a point estimate of ACG richness with a wide CI, global estimates reach nearly 30 million species.

PMID:42372133 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2524283123

Adv Neonatal Care. 2026 Jun 29. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001369. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Developmentally supportive care (DSC) for preterm infants is essential for promoting optimal growth and neurodevelopment in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, successful implementation of DSC depends not only on institutional systems but also on individual nurse attributes.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the influence of self-leadership, emotional intelligence (EI), and nursing professionalism on DSC competency among NICU nurses.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 130 NICU nurses from 8 hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected using validated instruments measuring self-leadership, EI, nursing professionalism, and DSC competency. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS: The mean DSC competency score was 2.83 of 4, with “professional development” scoring the lowest among its subdomains. DSC competency levels were higher among nurses who were married, had children, had longer clinical experience, were assigned more than 4 patients, and reported higher monthly income. EI (β = 0.41, P < .001), nursing professionalism (β = 0.28, P < .001), more than 10 years of total clinical experience (β = 0.27, P = .011), and self-leadership (β = 0.25, P = .003) were identified as significant predictors of DSC competency, explaining 69% of the variance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Findings suggest that psychosocial attributes-particularly EI-are critical enablers of developmental care. Interventions aimed at fostering EI, nursing professionalism, and self-leadership may provide a useful framework for future research examining strategies to support DSC competency in NICU settings.

PMID:42372121 | DOI:10.1097/ANC.0000000000001369

Am Surg. 2026 Jun 29:31348261465403. doi: 10.1177/00031348261465403. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundIt is difficult to predict which patients will have longer postoperative hospital stays after rectal cancer surgery. We aimed to determine the predictors of a long hospital stay following abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis of patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma in the National Cancer Database between 2015 and 2019 with clinical stage I-IV cancers who underwent APR. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of a long hospital stay. A statistical calculator was created to predict the in-hospital length of stay.Results7470 patients (63.2% males; mean age: 62.3 years) were included. Median hospital stay was 6 (IQR: 4-8) days. Black patients stayed nearly two days longer compared to other patients (1.9; 95% CI: 1.33-2.49, P < 0.001). Patients with a Charlson Deyo Score of 3 also had a longer length of stay (1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-2.91, P < .001). Robotic surgery was associated with shorter hospital stays (-0.7 days, 95% CI – 1.1, -0.4, P < .001), while conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery was associated with a longer hospital stay (1.1 days, 95% CI: 0.55-1.68, P < .001).ConclusionOlder age, black race, male sex, and severe comorbidities were associated with longer hospital stays, while minimally invasive surgery was associated with decreased length of stay.

PMID:42372118 | DOI:10.1177/00031348261465403

Cranio. 2026 Jun 29:1-14. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2026.2693138. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Predoctoral dental education in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) remains inconsistent and highly variable despite CODA’s mandate. This study examined how different TMD educational models (based on orofacial pain [OFP] postgraduate program affiliation, presence of OFP faculty offering TMD patient exposure, or absence of OFP faculty and clinical exposure) influence student confidence and perceived challenges.

METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to third- and fourth-year students at U.S. CODA-accredited dental schools through the Hispanic Student Dental Association and American Student Dental Association. Students rated confidence in TMD-related skills (1-5 scale, 5=”most confident”) and identified educational challenges. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses across four educational models.

RESULTS: Among 136 respondents, overall confidence was low-to-moderate (2.4 ± 0.8), with only 26.3% reaching a sufficient threshold (≥3). Confidence was highest for screening and lowest for advanced procedures. Educational model type showed no significant effect on overall confidence (p = .099), whereas prior TMD patient exposure was associated with higher confidence (2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, p < .001; r = .384, p < .001). Common challenges included limited patient availability (61.8%), insufficient faculty expertise (42.3%), and poor interdisciplinary integration (46.3%). Students without OFP faculty and clinical exposure reported significantly greater clinical challenges (p < .001).

CONCLUSION: Lack of clinical exposure to TMD patients is strongly associated with low student confidence. Faculty calibration and integration of TMD screening and management into routine care are critical to improving competence and confidence in dental training.

PMID:42372117 | DOI:10.1080/08869634.2026.2693138

J Int Med Res. 2026 Jun;54(6):3000605261461956. doi: 10.1177/03000605261461956. Epub 2026 Jun 29.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of intraperitoneal injection as an alternative to the technically challenging intravenous route for contrast agent administration in murine brain magnetic resonance imaging by comparing their enhancement effects. Specifically, it sought to determine the optimal injection dose and imaging time window for administration of gadobutrol, a macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent, in orthotopic glioblastoma models.MethodsThis study used an orthotopic glioblastoma model established in BALB/c nude mice (n = 24) by intracranial implantation of LN229 cells. Mice were randomized to receive gadobutrol at doses of 1 or 2 mmol/kg via both intravenous and intraperitoneal routes on separate days. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed at multiple post-injection time points. The resulting images were evaluated qualitatively by blinded neuroradiologists and quantitatively by measuring signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio, with statistical comparisons made between injection methods and dosage groups.ResultsImage quality assessments revealed no significant differences in signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, or enhancement metrics between the intravenous and intraperitoneal routes. Peak enhancement occurred at 7 min following intravenous injection and 30 min following intraperitoneal injection.ConclusionsIntraperitoneal injection is a viable alternative, with scanning at 30 min recommended for optimal contrast enhancement.

PMID:42372112 | DOI:10.1177/03000605261461956