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We expressed human delayed rectifier [K.sup.+] cardiac current ([I.sub.Ks]) channels in the murine heart, which lacks native [I.sub.Ks], to determine their electrophysiological role. Mice expressing human [I.sub.Ks] channels were anesthetized, and an electrocardiogram and monophasic action potentials (MAP) recorded from the left ventricle. Sinus rate was not different between wild-type mice (WT) and transgenic mice (TG). Infusion of isoproterenol accelerated WT heart rate but not TG. Lack of TG sinus rate responsiveness may have resulted from accumulated outward current in [I.sub.Ks] channels in sinus node. Ventricular MAP duration of TG mice to 50% repolarization (AP[D.sub.50]) during ventricular pacing was shorter than WT, likely resulting from outward current through [I.sub.Ks] channels. TG AP[D.sub.50] showed enhanced responsiveness (shortening) to isoproterenol compared with WT. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were initiated in TG mice by programmed stimulation but not in WT and were accelerated by isoproterenol. [I.sub.Ks] channels impart [beta]-adrenergic sensitivity to the ventricles and may be responsible for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. arrhythmia; [beta]-adrenergic; repolarization; heart rate; delayed rectifier [K.sup.+] cardiac current

Perceptions of the news most often lack critical awareness and are steered by technology away from a more self-reflective consciousness. Is technology the problem or has it exacerbated a general human tendency to seek out ideas that reinforce what we already believe? This analysis uses media ecology theories and recent cognitive, media and political science research to better understand why it is so hard to foster a collective dialogue despite the development of sophisticated communication technology. Most journalism is not effective in bridging the increasing polarization of the news and information environment, in part because most audiences are not challenged to question their existing beliefs in a safe, accessible and understandable way; instead, they use facts to confirm their already existing values and knowledge. Viewing news as an ecology, which is integral to this argument, places responsibility for the quality of news with consumers as well as producers (journalists) and recognizes that both are capable of manipulation. In addition to developing new forms of news, the author calls for a closer look at the perceptual processing of news and information and a more self-reflective, integral style of both the consumption and production of news - a true ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We expressed human delayed rectifier Ka[sup +] cardiac current (I[sub Ks]) channels in the murine heart, which lacks native I[sub Ks], to determine their electrophysiological role. Mice expressing human I[sub Ks] channels were anesthetized, and an electrocardiogram and monophasic action potentials (MAP) recorded from the left ventricle. Sinus rate was not different between wildtype mice (WT) and transgenic mice (TG). Infusion of isoproterenol accelerated WT heart rate but not TG. Lack of TG sinus rate responsiveness may have resulted from accumulated outward current in I[sub Ks] channels in sinus node. Ventricular MAP duration of TG mice to 50% repolarization (APD[sub 50]) during ventricular pacing was shorter than WT, likely resulting from outward current through I[sub Ks] channels. TG APD[sub 50] showed enhanced responsiveness (shortening) to isoproterenol compared with WT. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were initiated in TG mice by programmed stimulation but not in WT and were accelerated by isoproterenol, I[sub Ks] channels impart β-adrenergic sensitivity to the ventricles and may be responsible for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The utilization of physician associates (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) within the United States healthcare system has increased substantially since their inception in the 1960s. While many PAs and NPs are educated and work within specialty areas in their clinical practice, the federal government does not identify PAs and NPs by specialty in its workforce projections. Methods We obtained data from publicly available sources as well as professional organizations. Employment status, specialty, and location information for NPs and PAs were drawn from association census surveys. Results Outpatient or ambulatory care employment sites employ 46.6% of NPs and 55.3% of PAs, while almost a quarter of each group (22.1% and 23.9%, respectively) work in general and surgical hospitals. About 9% of providers who are PAs and NPs are employed in Federally Qualified Health Centers, many of which are in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). The number of PAs and NPs working in HPSAs has significantly increased from 72,000 PAs and NPs in 2011 to 110,000 in 2023. There has been no growth of physicians in HPSAs during this same time. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) does not identify NPs and PAs by their specialty practice area so the extent to which they provide care in specialty areas is unknown based on HRSA data. Conclusion It is essential to provide detailed information inclusive of PAs and NPs as well as physicians in planning for healthcare workforce needs. The accurate projection of potential healthcare provider shortages requires knowledge of each type of provider along with their role and specialization to determine gaps in healthcare service delivery., Competing Interests: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Hooker et al.)

We expressed human delayed rectifier K(+) cardiac current (I(Ks)) channels in the murine heart, which lacks native I(Ks), to determine their electrophysiological role. Mice expressing human I(Ks) channels were anesthetized, and an electrocardiogram and monophasic action potentials (MAP) recorded from the left ventricle. Sinus rate was not different between wild-type mice (WT) and transgenic mice (TG). Infusion of isoproterenol accelerated WT heart rate but not TG. Lack of TG sinus rate responsiveness may have resulted from accumulated outward current in I(Ks) channels in sinus node. Ventricular MAP duration of TG mice to 50% repolarization (APD(50)) during ventricular pacing was shorter than WT, likely resulting from outward current through I(Ks) channels. TG APD(50) showed enhanced responsiveness (shortening) to isoproterenol compared with WT. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were initiated in TG mice by programmed stimulation but not in WT and were accelerated by isoproterenol. I(Ks) channels impart beta-adrenergic sensitivity to the ventricles and may be responsible for ventricular tachyarrhythmias.